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Edo PDP Tackles Gov Obaseki On Successor

By
Ayodele Oni
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Godwin Obaseki

By Ayodele Oni

The Edo State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has reminded Governor Godwin Obaseki that only a Chief Judge of a State is constitutionally empowered to swear-in a new Governor.

Obaseki had on Friday, said he had no successor in mind, but planned on finishing strong and swearing-in his successor on Nov 11, 2024.

Reacting through a statement signed by the state publicity secretary of the PDP, Vasco Ogie,  the pointed out that it is the Chief Judge that has the constitutional duty to swear in who will succeed him.

The statement read, “The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party wishes to inform the general public and teeming supporters that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has published its timetable for the conduct of the Governorship election in Edo State in 2024.

“We call on all our intending aspirants to take note of the timelines of activities.

“On Friday 29th September 2023, the Governor of Edo State, HE Godwin Obaseki addressed journalists and expressed his desire to “finish strong” and swear in a successor on November 11th 2024.

“We politely disagree here and make bold to state that it is the Chief Judge that has the constitutional duty to swear in who will succeed him.

“Party loyalists, who have stood by the Party all these years. Our nominee will be a candidate acceptable to all Edo people. The guidelines of the Party will be strictly adhered to in nominating the candidate.

“While we await the publication of the guidelines for activities from the National Working Committee, we assure all our party faithful that we shall conduct a free and fair process to pick a candidate in February 2024.”

Suspected Kidnappers Abduct 25 Church Choir Members In Ondo

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

No fewer than 25 choir members of the Christ Apostolic Church, (CAC), Oke Igan, Akure , Ondo state capital, have been abducted.

The latest incident in the state, which has caused anxiety and fear among relations of victims,  happened Friday afternoon along Owo/Benin highway in Ose Local Government.

The choir members, travelling in a church bus were said to be on their way to Ifon to join a member of the church for a burial ceremony.

It was gathered that the victims were kidnapped around 3pm on Friday while traveling to Ifon in Ose local government area for a burial ceremony of a parent of one of them.

The vehicle conveying the kidnapped choir members was seen abandoned on roadside, after those inside were taken into the bush.

A woman, that has relations among the victims, lamented that two of his family members were among the kidnapped church members going for a programme in Ose council area.

The Owo-Ifon-Benin road which is notorious for kidnapping and armed robbery is currently in deplorable condition.

The spokesperson of the state police command, Funmilayo Odunlami – Omisanya, confirmed the incident with a promise that necessary steps gave been taken to rescue the victims.

“Yesterday afternoon, the police was informed that a church Bus with the Inscription CAC was abandoned around Elegbeka area and there are suspicions  that the passengers in the vehicle  were kidnapped .

“The Police Anti kidnapping squad and other tactical teams have been deployed to the area to rescue the victims and arrest all involved in the crime.”

Group Berates  NLC, TUC Over Insistence on Indefinite Strike Action, Says Move Highly Unpatriotic

By
Akinwale Kasali
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NLC Protest

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the move by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, to embark on an indefinite strike starting from October 3, 2023, a Group has described the move as destabilizing to the  economy of the State.

A Group under the aegis of Civil Society Situation Room On Good Governance In Nigeria, CSSRGGN, has stated that the insistence of organised labour to embark on an indefinite strike action is a clog in the wheel for the prosperity and growth of the Nation’s economy.

The move which has generated widespread criticism, with the latest coming from the CSSRGGN, saw the CSO Group condemning

the move by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) as highly unpatriotic and aimed to destabilise the country.

Speaking at a press conference  in Abuja, Dr. Thomas Uzah, National President/Convener of the Group said the organised labour is bent on bringing the Government down through street protests.

Uzah said the NLC and TUC’s obsession with mass action over dialogue despite calls from different quarters clearly shows that there is a hidden agenda.

“We hope that the leaders of organized labour fully appreciate the crimes they are committing with the sets of directives they have issued and that they also understand that they will invariably lose control of the mayhem they are trying to unleash on the country,” he added.

“We are, therefore, calling on Nigerians and the rest of the world to note that the NLC and TUC are preparing the citizenry for war, they are preparing the country for final implosion. We further ask the discerning to note that the opposition and their foreign collaborators are bankrolling NLC and TUC to bring the government down.

“We hereby issue another advisory that the opposition, NLC, and TUC have perfected plans to grow their street protests and rallies into full-blown war by stagging or orchestrating attacks on protesters by fake security operatives so that they can accuse the government of being heavy-handed and attempt to delegitimize the government before the international community of being repressive.

“We are worried about how this dangerous plot will play out given the other security challenges that the country is already battling with. There is the obvious danger of how this could worsen banditry, kidnap for ransom, and separatist elements that have in the past used mass protests as an opportunity to plant new cells in areas where they do not hitherto exist.

“The Civil Society Situation Room on Good Governance In Nigeria therefore urges security agencies to take proactive steps to prevent the catastrophe that NLC and TUC have plotted for the country.

“We renew our appeal to the Federal Government to look beyond the NLC and TUC. The government should increase and accelerate the implementation of its palliative measures for Nigerians.”

Obi Blames Insecurity In South East On Disunity

By
Ayodele Oni
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Peter Obi

By Ayodele Oni

Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, (LP), in the 2023 General Elections, Peter Obi, has said only a united front could address the security crisis ravaging the South-east region.

In a message he delivered during the Southeast Summit on Economy and Security, in Owerri, the Imo State Capital, Obi charged leaders of the region to lead by example by being united.

The former Anambra State Governor pointed out that people of the Southeast, who are predominantly businessmen, have gradually lost their sources of income due to criminal activities perpetrated by hoodlums in the zone.

The LP Presidential Candidate, whose message was aired at the Summit, urged the Leaders of the South-east to come together and speak up on ways to end the embarrassing insecurity in the region.

“This Summit, which is focusing mainly on security and its economic impact on the South-east, has come at the most auspicious time.

“It’s very necessary that as a people we come together, and put our heads together to find a lasting solution to this problem of insecurity in our homeland.

“Our mainstay as a people is business, no business and indeed any other economic activity would thrive amid insecurity.

“If we put our minds to it and work in unity and mutual trust, we will find a way out of this problem that is alien to us.

“Let me, therefore, commend Your Excellencies, the Governors of the Southeast for initiating the idea of the summit and working together to make this a reality.

“Let me urge everyone at this Summit and those of us who are unable to attend in person to speak up, contribute ideas, and be part of the initiatives or actions that would be agreed upon at this summit to bring an end to the problem of insecurity in our region.

“May God  guide us, grant us the wisdom, strength, and courage to take the necessary steps to end insecurity in our homeland so that we can continue to work with our God-given talent and energy to restore peace, tranquility in the South-east and indeed our dear country Nigeria.”

IPOB Bars Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Anniversary Celebration In South East, Warns Governors

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

THE Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB), has expressed the view that South East is not part of Nigeria and hence no celebration of independence anniversary in the region.

A statement on Friday, by IPOB’s Spokesman, Emma Powerful warned Governors of the region and other political leaders to shun the exercise, saying no “Nigerian flag will be hoisted in the zone” on October 1.

“As Nigeria’s government plans to celebrate her flag Independence from Britain, we advise Eastern Region Governors and Political leaders to shun the October 1st Independence celebration in our region.

“Moreso, we advise Biafrans not to attend any Independence celebration anywhere within Biafra territory or outside of it.

“Anyone seen celebrating the Nigeria flag Independence in Biafraland will regret his or her life.

“Hence, IPOB has banned the Independence Day celebration and flying of Nigeria flags in any part of Biafraland on October 1st, 2023.

“The global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), ably led by the Supreme leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu hereby call on Biafrans both home and in diaspora to shun participation in the Nigeria Independence Day Celebration on 1st October 2023.

“Every sensible Biafra citizen must understand that Nigeria detests Biafrans, particularly Ndigbo. Nigeria has rejected all our efforts to be treated as equal citizens.

“Nigeria has marginalized Biafrans politically and economically. Since Nigeria has rejected us, we have also rejected Nigeria and her celebrations.

“The Nigeria Government and Nigerian citizens have time after time demonstrated that we are not part of them; and therefore, we must do everything possible to liberate ourselves from the bondage of Nigeria.

“Even a fool would have come to the realization that Nigeria is not for Ndigbo and Biafrans after the shenanigan that they called the 2023 elections.

“After 63 years of flag independence of Nigeria from Britain, there is nothing to show for it. Ordinary electricity, security, or good roads Nigeria can’t provide for her citizens.

“As little as conducting free and fair elections has been impossible in the most fantastically corrupt nation in the world called Nigeria. Every institution in Nigeria has been polluted and corrupted by bribery and stealing.

“Other smaller African nations can boast of providing a safe, secure, and productive country for their citizens, but Nigeria keeps going from bad to worse. Nigeria is a destiny destroyer for all nations inside it and every citizen therein.

“Anyone seen celebrating the Nigeria flag independence in Biafraland will regret his or her life. Once again, we maintain that there will not be any celebration of Nigeria’s flag Independence in our Local Government Councils and states.

“No school principal or head should not mobilize Biafran children to celebrate the evil Nigeria Independence on October 1st, or they will have themselves to blame.

“Every Biafran is expected to stay at home and refresh him or herself or go about their daily business on October 1st, 2023. No Nigeria flags are allowed to fly in Biafra territory.

“If you want to go to the market or business on October 1st, you are free to go without molestation as long as it has nothing to do with the Nigeria Independence celebration.

“IPOB is a child of necessity for the birth of Biafra, and nothing will stop us from pursuing Biafra Independence via a referendum and diplomatic engagements.”

FG Considers Last Minute Effort To Stop Nationwide Strike

By
Ayodele Oni
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NLC Protest

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government is making last minutes efforts to abort the planned nationwide indefinite strike by the organized labour, due to commence on Tuesday.

Already, the Federal Government on Friday invited the leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) to an emergency meeting.

The Unions had announced that workers would proceed on indefinite strike over the government’s failure to provide palliatives to cushion the effect of the removal of subsidy on petrol.

Among other things, the NLC and the TUC are asking for wage awards, implementation of palliatives, tax exemptions and allowances to public sector workers and a review of the minimum wage.

The meeting is scheduled to be held later Friday evening at Aso Villa, Conference Room of the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President.

Report revealed that  the Federal Government had earlier fixed the meeting for 12 noon on Friday but had shifted the meeting to evening to enable organized labour to reach out to their leaders outside Abuja.

According to sources, the NLC and its TUC counterpart received the government’s invitation Friday morning through the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

It is not immediately known whether the leadership of NLC and TUC will honour the invitation.

Reconnection Of Ekiti Communities To National Grid Boost For Business Growth – Gov Oyebanji

By
Ayodele Oni
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Biodun Oyebanji

By Ayodele Oni

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has restated that reconnection of some communities back to national grid by his administration, was intended to improve power supply for the growth of the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMSEs).

The governor also stressed the need for a genuine and functional local government system in the country, as a panacea to alarming poverty and crime rates.

Oyebanji spoke at Omuo, Ekiti East Local Government Area, on Friday, while commissioning projects built by the Chairman of the Council, Samuel Ojo.

Some of the projects include renovation of  Comprehensive Health Centres, a Customary Court, Modern Market, solar-powered borehole for the  staff of Ekiti East Local Government, construction of bridge, and distribution of palliatives like rice, cooking gas cylinder, cooking stoves, knapsack spraying machine, cash gifts to the elderly, among others.

Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Monisade Afuye, described an efficient council administration, as a weapon to create wealth, ensure equitable distribution of public utilities and veritable platform to activate economic activities for better income earnings.

Addressing the residents, who experienced power outage for 15 unbroken years and now on the verge of being reconnected  through the state government, Oyebanji said the power restoration will lift many out of poverty.

“We are happy that Mr Governor has fulfilled this promise because it will help to propel the growth of Small businesses, boost their incomes, increase their productivity and lift them out of poverty, when it takes off soon. That is the vision behind the rural power policy of this government .

“I am quite convinced that the restoration of power will help in activating business activities in Ekiti East Local government.

“Those small businesses that have become moribund  or comatose will be energized back to life to liberate the people from wanton poverty and joblessness.”

Commenting on the rural projects executed by the Chairman, Oyebanji averred that they were well thought-out and  people-centric, saying they will make tremendous positive impacts in the lives of the citizens.

“I am elated for the landmark achievements and contributions being made by our Local Governments and  Local Council Development Areas under the leadership of Governor Oyebanji.

“The development of local economy is a good ingredient to combat poverty and reduce the incidences of criminalities as well as rural-urban drift in our society.

“The ultra modern Community Health Centre will contribute to the fight against maternal mortality, child mortality and help in increasing the life expectancy of our people.

“It is a fact that nearness to a functional health centre, is a potent weapon  to improve the welfare of the masses and help in prevention of untimely death.

“The Ultra Modern Market and other projects initiated by the management of this council will help in boosting local economy, brings increased contributions to the Growth Domestic Product(GDP) and create a platform for  the marketing of all our agricultural products.”

The council boss, Ojo, applauded Governor Oyebanji for taking step to restore electricity to the community after over a decade of darkness, assuring that with that lofty action, economic activities will begin to boom and soar in the area.

Ojo stated that the encouragement he has been getting from the state was the driving force for him, particularly the provision of adequate funds for all the councils to execute projects in line with the six-point policy thrust of Oyebanji’s government.

Tinubu’s Desperacy Over Academic Record Spurious – PDP

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP)has described as “Inconsistent with  President Tinubu’s Academic Assertions”, pleas by his Lawyers that his academic details at Chicago State University should not be made available to Atiku Abubakar in the ongoing case in the United States.

The PDP, in a statement on Friday, pointed out that the All Progressives Congress (APC) should come clean on the desperation in the United States to conceal certain vital details regarding the academic records of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Chicago State University (CSU) from the public.

The statement, signed by Debo Ologunagba, PDP spokesman, states that the Application by the lawyers urging the US District Court of Illinois not to release the said academic details are in direct conflict with the public declarations by President Tinubu that his academic records are impeccable.

The PDP recalled that President Tinubu, had in a public function, openly asserted to Nigerians that “I was one of those most recruited graduates of my university, multiple honours, First Class Degree and I have the reference point”

“In view of the above assertion, the PDP therefore holds that the plea by the lawyers that the details of his academic record should not be released is a great disservice to President Tinubu in particular and Nigeria in general.

“This desperation to conceal vital information is consistent with APC’s penchant for trickery and underhand dealings in their transactions with Nigerians which has heightened under the Abdullahi Ganduje leadership.

“By appointing Dr. Ganduje as its National Chairman, despite the malodorous corruption and bribery allegations against him in the public domain, the APC further confirms itself as not only being a cesspit of corruption, but also as irredeemably given to concealment and condonement of depravity, sleaze and mendacious acts.

“Moreover, it is curious that the APC has remained silent on allegations and public apprehension of sabotage in the Monday, September 25, 2023 fire outbreak at the Supreme Court, which is suspected to have been an arsonist attack with the intent to cripple and frustrate the Supreme Court in the handling of the Presidential Election Appeals pending before it.

“The APC must in the least acknowledge the desirability and moral duty placed on it to encourage, insist and ensure that it is transparent with Nigerians and indeed the world. Failure to discharge this duty to Nigerians is condemnable.

“The litany of probes, inquiries and investigations which were instituted on various matter without reports under the APC since 2015 validates the above.

“It is clear that the APC is a major threat to our Nation’s Democracy. The PDP calls on all men of goodwill across our country and beyond to stand firm in the defense of Democracy, Transparency and the Rule of Law in Nigeria, especially at this critical time.”

CSOs Demand Return Of Former Delta Governor Ibori Looted Fund To Nigeria

By
Ayodele Oni
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James Onanefe Ibori

By Ayodele Oni

Some Nigeria and foreign based Civil Societies Groups have flayed the continued delay by the British Government to return to Nigeria funds seized from former Delta state Governor, James Ibori.

The groups, which include Transparency International and Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, urged the British government to return the  funds confiscated from the former Governor for development of the state.

The groups noted that the money should be transferred in a transparent way so ordinary Nigerians can benefit from it.

Ibori pleaded guilty in a London court in 2012 to 10 counts of fraud and money laundering and was handed a 13-year jail sentence, of which he served about half before going home.

In July, a judge ordered the confiscation of 101.5 million pounds ($123.9 million) from him, one of the biggest orders under Britain’s Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 since it came into force.

Speaking via a letter, the coalition of close to 50 NGOs told Britain’s home and foreign affairs ministers that the delayed confiscation process has undermined the strong anti-corruption message sent by Ibori’s conviction over a decade ago.

“The years of disruption and delay in recovering and returning these stolen assets means this message has so far rung hollow for the Nigerian people,” said the letter, made public by one of its signatories, Spotlight on Corruption.

The NGOs, said funds confiscated from him should go to projects benefiting tol the people of Delta State and implementation should be subject to civil society monitoring.

The Igbo Have Lost Focus – Okonjo-Iweala

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

“The Igbo have  lost focus. We have lost sight of our biggest community assets. We are fragmented as a people. We don’t support each other. Instead, we attack and undermine each other”

The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, has canvassed for team work and unity among the Igbo as panacea for development.

The Nigeria’s former Finance Minister pointed out that Igbo are divided because of the economic and security challenges facing the South East.

Okonjo Iweala stated this in her virtual address delivered at the Economic and Security Summit held in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

The WTO DG said the people of the South-east don’t support each other instead, they attack and undermine each other, adding that the Igbos have lost focus and sight of the biggest community assets.

Okonjo Iweala, however, advised Ndigbo to shun self-centredness and embrace teamwork to drive the zone’s economic growth.

”We have lost focus. We have lost sight of our biggest community assets. We are fragmented as a people.  We don’t support each other instead, we attack and undermine each other.

“We are too individualistic. An individual can be good but better when we come together with others as a body.

“I am sure you want me to mention the gaps in infrastructure. I don’t think it is our biggest challenge. Our biggest challenge in the Southeast is ourselves.  We have often been our worst enemies. We have allowed ourselves to be divided.”

Speaking further, Okonjo-Iweala stated that there was a bright side to the challenges of the Southeast.

She said: “If the problem is us, it means the solution also lies in our hands. To do this, we must exercise joint leadership, and that is why it is important that you are taking the Summit step now.

“Another big challenge is security; this partly arose from our fragmentation. Insecurity in our region is sending wrong signals about whether one can invest in the Southeast.”

The former minister also commended the governors for partnering with the Federal Government in its efforts to overcome insecurity in the Southeast.

“The lesson for us is clear, you cannot have development without security, and you cannot have security without development and above all, we need good governance.

“To take this region forward, the security problem needs to be solved. The Federal Government obviously has an important role to play, but there is much to be done at the state level, and that is why I commend your leadership.”

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