Justice Agbo, Ranking Judge, Court of Appeal, Dies

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July 6, 2023

By Charles Igbo

He served his country with passion and dedication. A very senior Judge of the Court of Appeal, Nigeria’s second highest Court, he was a brilliant non- controversial Judge.

He was billed to retire on October 21, 2023. On that day, he was set to be celebrated and seen off the Bench to enjoy a more quiet life in retirement.

But the Honourable Justice Raphael Agbo did not wait.

On Monday, July 3, 2023, he quietly exited mother-earth. He passed on, and left broken-hearted, his family, colleagues and friends who had been preparing to celebrate his glorious exit from the Bench on October 21.

A native of Enugu State, he was called to the Bar in 1978. After a successful practice on the Bar, he joined the Bench.

The Honourable Justice Agbo was elevated to the Court of Appeal in 2005.

Among other honours he garnered in his distinguished career, the immediate past Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, just before he left office on May 29, 2023, named the Enugu State Multi- Door Court House after him.

WAEF Commends Senegalese President For Declining Third Term

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The Source

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July 5, 2023

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The West Africa Elders Forum (WAEF) has commended the President of Senegal, Macky Sall, for declining to run for a third in the 2024 presidential election, a decision the organization describes as sacrificial, taken in the best interest of the nation.

Convener of the Forum and former President of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in a letter addressed to Macky Sall on behalf of the Forum referred to the President’s action as a display of exemplary leadership, a gesture worthy of emulation by other leaders.

The Forum noted that the President’s decision would help promote peace and unity in Senegal and deepen democracy in West Africa. WAEF also applauded the leader for spearheading far-reaching constitutional reforms aimed at improving governance in the country.

Jonathan stated that as a Forum of past leaders, they are proud of Sall’s achievements and will be glad to welcome him as a member of the group at the end of his tenure and will work with him towards attaining sustainable democracy, peace and progress in the sub-region.

Below are the details of the letter :

“On behalf of the West Africa Elders Forum, I commend you for your display of statesmanship and patriotism by opting not to run in the forthcoming Senegal’s 2024 presidential election, a decision you have freely taken as a personal sacrifice in the interest of peace, unity and progress of your dear country.

“Your action is a display of exemplary leadership and attests to your commitment to the process of deepening democracy in our region. This is a courageous gesture, one that is worthy of commendation and emulation by political actors and leaders in different spheres.

“I recall that as President, you had spearheaded far-reaching constitutional amendments to improve governance in Senegal, including the review of presidential tenure from seven to five years, a development that reduced your own tenure by two years.

“This is a demonstration of sacrificial leadership and, as a forum of former Presidents in our sub- region, we salute your courage and sense of patriotism by placing the interest of your national above personal interest.

“As we look forward to the successful completion of your tenure next year, let me state that the Forum is proud of your achievements and will be more than glad to welcome you as a member and work with you towards achieving our goals for sustainable democracy, peace and progress in our sub-region.

“Please, Excellency, accept the assurances of my highest regard, as always.”

Wealth Dickson Ominabo

Communications Officer, Goodluck Jonathan Foundation

(For WAEF Secretariat)

CAN Leader Calls For Security in Churches

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James Orji

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July 5, 2023

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President, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Daniel Okoh, has condemned the killing of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG pastor by gunmen.

The Pastor, Kayode Oluwakemi was killed last week by the hoodlums, who are now at large in Abule-Ori, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Reacting to the cold-blooded murder of the Man of God, Okoh urged the federal government to provide security in worship centres across the country, adding that attack on churches by terrorists are becoming too frequent.

He said the matter should be thoroughly investigated with a view to bringing the killers to justice.

According to the Bishop; “We mourn the loss of the pastor and condemn the kidnapping of worshippers who were simply exercising their religious freedom to worship.

“We urge the various security agencies to increase vigilance on places of worship during religious gatherings and provide adequate security measures for worshippers.

“CAN urges citizens not to be discouraged by the recent losses but to continue to look up to God for help. Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families and churches.”

Peter Obi’s LP Membership Already Settled By Court of Appeal, Says Obi-Datti Media Office

By

The Source

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July 5, 2023

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The ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday closed their case in the ongoing hearing of the Petition filed by the Labour Party, Candidate, Peter Obi.

Among the documents submitted to the court is a register purported to be indicating that Obi is not a member of the Labour Party as stipulated by the Electoral guidelines.

But apparently unknown to them or they were feigning ignorance that the matter was long settled by the Court of Appeal in a Judgement delivered on Wednesday the 8th of February, 2023 by a team of three Justices led by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem, Justice Ugochukwu Anthony Ogakwu, and Danlami Zama Senchi, in the case between the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Labour Party and Peter Gregory Obi.

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja then dismissed the appeal by the APM, seeking to disqualify Peter Obi, from being the Presidential Candidate of the February 25 general election.

In the appeal marked: CA/ABJ/CV/1414/2022, the Movement had approached the court, contending that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, ought not to have recognized Peter Obi as a valid candidate for the presidential poll.

APM said this was in consideration of the time Obi defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the LP. The party argued that the period of Obi’s defection for the purpose of contesting the presidential election violated sections 77(2) and (3) of the Electoral Act, 2022.

They also adduced that before Obi’s defection, the LP already sent a list of its registered members to the INEC. They then claimed that Obi lacked the right to be recognized as the LP flagbearer because his name was not on the list of the party members that were submitted to INEC.

APM had urged the court to set aside the Federal High Court judgment which dismissed the suit it filed to challenge Obi’s candidacy on the same matter.

But In a unanimous decision by the three-member panel of Justices, the appellate court said there was no merit in the appeal filed by APM.

The Justices affirmed the decision of the Abuja High Court that had earlier dismissed the case saying that “the lower Court cannot be faulted, the appeal is devoid of merit, the same fails and it is deserving of dismissal”

Obi-Datti Media office wishes therefore to draw the attention of the public to this case and disregard the empty evidence and propaganda of the APC and its candidate in the highly contentious February 25 Presidential election.

LAWMA To Begin Sealing Of Properties Over Non Compliance In Purchasing Waste Bin

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Akinwale Kasali

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July 5, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, has announced its intention to seal homes without waste bins on Lagos Island and Mainland, beginning from 7th July 2023.

This is coming after an earlier issuance of abatement notices to those areas two months ago which urged property owners and residents to procure adequate waste bins for their homes.

LAWMA’s Executive Director, Finance, Kunle Adebiyi, gave the hint in a statement, adding that sufficient notice had been given to tenements to procure the standard waste bins.

He said, “It is crucial for residents to cultivate proper environmental habits and support the efforts of the Authority to establish a cleaner and more livable environment. By taking action against violations and ensuring compliance, we can create a sustainable environment, and help build a city of our dream”.

Adebiyi added that the notice of intention to seal would serve as a final warning to residents who were yet to procure the bins and maintain proper waste management practices, adding that the enforcement action was aimed at encouraging responsible environmental behavior and to reduce pollution in the city.

“LAWMA’s Enforcement Team will target areas on Lagos Mainland and Island, where violations have been observed. The team will carry out thorough inspections to identify individuals, households, or businesses, that have consistently neglected waste management guidelines. Those found in violation will receive an intention to seal notice, outlining the specific actions required to rectify the situation and avoid further penalties. The exercise will be in phases, this is the phase one, and we will visit other areas in the state to ensure full compliance”, he stated.

He urged residents to take responsibility for maintaining a clean and healthy environment for all, noting that, by adhering to waste management regulations, residents could contribute to the overall cleanliness and sustainability of the environment.

“By adhering to government’s directive for tenements to procure standard covered bins, would ensure that our wastes are properly containerised. This will help save the environment from indiscriminate waste disposal and other hazardous consequences, such as flooding and outbreak of diseases”, he noted.

He further said that LAWMA had been actively working towards improving waste management in Lagos, implementing various initiatives such as waste sorting campaigns, recycling programs, and public awareness campaigns, with the aim of instilling a culture of responsible waste disposal, to minimise the adverse impact of waste on the environment.

Adebiyi appealed to residents to join hands with the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to establish a cleaner and healthier environment, by shunning indiscriminate waste disposal and taking advantage of the waste management services provided by PSP operators.

Kano: Gov Yusuf Reads Riot Act To Commissioners

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James Orji

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July 5, 2023

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Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano state, has ordered the newly appointed commissioners in the state to either perform or be shown out of his cabinet.

The governor told the commissioners that they have only six months to perform.

Since he came to office on May 29, 2023, the state helmsman has indicated, through his actions that he’s prepared to do things the usual way.

For instance, the governor has embarked on demolition exercise of structures wrongly built in strategic areas of the state, he has also seized properties allegedly cornered by his predecessor, Abdullahi Ganduje, thus setting up a confrontation with the immediate past governor.

Governor Yusuf has now shifted his attention to his newly appointed commissioners, warning them to perform or be thrown out of his government.

The warning comes on the heels of his assurance to the people of the state that their lives will change for better under his government.

He stated during the first executive council meeting with the commissioners that he will personally monitor them to assess their performance in their various ministries.

The governor’s directive was contained in a statement by his

his spokesperson, Hisham Habib.

According to the statement: “Governor Yusuf told the commissioners that their appointments were based on merit, professionalism, previous performances and competency and urged them to be committed to their duties.

“Let me urge you all to sustain the tempo of loyalty, dedication, commitment to duty and be honest in the discharge of your duties, be honest, accountable, and mindful of the confidence repose in us by the good people on us.

“I am reminding you that your appointment is on probation of six months period after which a monitoring and evaluation team under my headship will be monitoring the performances of the ministry’s and those who performed well will be appreciated and those who under performed will be pulled out.

“The governor tasked the commissioners to work as one family for the people of Kano believing that they are the best team to salvage the state from the mismanagement by the immediate past administration and deliver the dividends of democracy in the nooks and crannies of l there state,” the statement said.

Ekiti: Govt Bans ‘Kiss A Thorn Contest,’ Says Event Against State Values

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Ayodele Oni

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July 5, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Government has warned the organizers of the proposed Kiss-a-Thon contest to perish the thought as the state cannot condone such immoral act, which is against the values of the state.

A statement from the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism, in Ekiti State on Wednesday, addressed to hoteliers, said the planned event is not only absurd, unhealthy and immoral but capable of denigrating the image Ekiti.

The statement explained that the programme is antithetical to the image and values of the people of Ekiti .

The event meant to set a Guinness World Record, is to hold in one of the hospitality outlets in the State.

The Ministry therefore called on members of Ekiti State Hoteliers’ Association, to effectively monitor their outlets against being used negatively to cause embarrassment to the government and people of Ekiti State.

The statement added that “The attention of the State Government has been drawn to a planned hosting of “Kiss-a- thon” in Ekiti State.

“According to information at the disposal of this Ministry, kiss-a-thon, a 3- day kissing marathon event, has been scheduled to hold on 7th of July, 2023 at one of the hospitality outlets in the State.

“This event is said to be planned towards setting a Guinness World Record.

“Kiss-a-thon” as an event is not only absurd, unhealthy, immoral and capable of denigrating the image of the state, it is a programme that runs counter to the values of the people of the state and therefore capable of plunging our Youths morally backward.

“In view of the foregoing, the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism hereby prohibits the hosting of such event or any other events like it in any facility that wishes to continue to operate lawfully in Ekiti State.

“Sequel to the above, you are hereby requested to convey the content of this Notice to the members of Ekiti State Hoteliers’ Association to effectively monitor their outlets against being used negatively to cause embarrassment to the Government and People of Ekiti State.”

Keep Off, Your Reconciliatory Move May Divide Afenifere, Pa Adebanjo Warns Gov Makinde

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Ayodele Oni

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July 5, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

There seems to be no end to cold war among prominent leaders of the pan Yoruba socio cultural group, Afenifere, as attempt by Governor Seyi Makinde to broker peace has been rejected by one of the Leaders, Pa Ayo Adebanjo.

He has cautioned Governor Makinde of Oyo State against interfering in the leadership issues of the group

Adebanjo stated this while addressing reporters in Ibadan.

Governor Seyi Makinde had on Tuesday announced that moves are in top gear to reconcile the National Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, and his predecessor, Pa Reuben Fasoranti.

The governor, who attended the meeting, on Tuesday, told journalists, after the closed-door engagement, that the meeting centred around reconciling the two Afenifere leaders.

Governor Makinde said: “We’re all aware of the issues between our two leaders, and leaders of Afenifere, Baba Ayo Adebanjo and Pa Reuben Fasoranti.

“Partisan issues and elections have come and gone and now we’re talking about the unity of the Yoruba race.

“And these frontline leaders of Afenifere, thought it fit to come together and start the process of seeking unity in Yorubaland.

“Starting with our two leaders to make sure that they come together and we know that once they come together we will also have the desired unity in Yorubaland.

“And if you put it in proper perspective, whenever Yorubaland is united, Nigeria is united and whenever you have issues and challenges in Yorubaland, it usually spirals into other parts of Nigeria so, this is to demonstrate my support for the steps that are being taken and also to let them know that I’m committed to unity in Yorubaland.”

Adebanjo, however, cautioned the governor against any attempt to split the group, saying he has no issue with his predecessor.

He said, “What Governor Makinde does not know about, he should not interfere. I have no dispute with Baba Fasoranti. He should not be one of those who want to split Afenifere, and that is not what I stand for.”

President Tinubu To Declare Open Ondo Investment Summit

By

Ayodele Oni

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July 5, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

In its commitment to make Ondo State an industrial hub of Nigeria, the State Government has announced another round of Investment Summit.

Tagged ‘Develop Ondo 2.0’, the event is scheduled to take place from July 24th to 26th, 2023 in Akure and it is expected to be declared open by President Bola Tinubu, while Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu will be the chief host.

With the theme; “Developing Possibilities,” the summit aims to showcase the diverse economic potential of Ondo State, highlighting its strategic location, natural resources, robust infrastructure, and investment-friendly policies.

The event is expected to serve as a platform for local and international investors, policymakers, thought leaders, and industry experts to engage in dialogue, forge partnerships, and identify avenues for sustainable development.

“This landmark event will bring together key stakeholders from across the globe to explore and harness the vast investment opportunities offered by one of Nigeria’s most promising state.”

Ondo State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, who also doubles as the Chairman of Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the summit said in Akure, that the summit will feature an array of high-level discussions, interactive sessions, exhibitions, and networking opportunities.

“The summit promises to be a catalyst for transformative investment in our great state.

“We invite domestic and international investors to join us in exploring the vast untapped potential of our state and become part of our journey towards sustainable economic growth and development.

“Attendees can expect insightful keynote addresses, panel discussions, and industry-specific forums led by renowned experts and seasoned investors.

“Additionally, the summit will host an investment marketplace, where exhibitors can showcase their projects, products, and services to a diverse audience.

“The summit will also shed light on Ondo State’s commitment to infrastructure development, human capital empowerment, and sustainable practices.

“By fostering an enabling environment, the government aims to attract investments that will create job opportunities, promote technology transfer, and drive inclusive growth.

“With its picturesque landscapes, cultural heritage, and hospitality, Ondo State is also positioning itself as a vibrant tourist destination.

“Ondo State, located in the southwestern part of Nigeria, has gained significant traction as an emerging economic powerhouse, thanks to its favorable business climate and abundant resources.

‘With a rich portfolio spanning agriculture, solid minerals, tourism, manufacturing, technology, and renewable energy, the state has become a haven for innovative investment opportunities.”

Fmr Senate President Saraki Rejects Offer Of Becoming PDP National Chairman

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Ayodele Oni

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July 5, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

A chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) Osaro Onaiwu, has clarified the stand of the former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, on becoming the National Chairman of the party.

This is coming on the heels of the rumour that the former Senate President may be drafted to take up the mantle of leadership of the PDP in what political analysts termed “these confusing times in the party.”

Onaiwu declared that Saraki may not be interested in that office for now.

Quest for Saraki to take over the position followed the nremoval of Dr Iyorcha Ayu by aMakurdi High Court, which accused him of not meeting some of his obligations as a member of the PDP.

But in a statement on Wednesday, Onaiwu, a former Director General of the Saraki Campaign Organisation and former Director General of the Nigerian Governors Forum, (NGF), said Saraki was grateful for the love shown him by PDP faithful across the country, who are clamoring that he should help return the party to its former leadership role in the country.

Part of the statement reads, “Dr. Saraki for now, is more interested in the stability and peace of the country. He is also busy attending to family matters with an aged mother to look after.

“The former Kwara State Governor, has been playing in the background and has been holding the party together since after the general elections earlier in the year.

“There are other former presidential aspirants that can become chairman. I can tell you on good authority that the issue is not an option for Saraki.

“Dr. Saraki is a utility player who has been holding the party together through several interventions. We believe he can still be playing deep in the party’s affairs without being the Chairman.”