Navy Debunks Story Against Former Naval Chief; Video of Army Celebrating Appointment of New Ghief Fake

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June 22, 2023

By Gideon Njoku

The Nigerian Navy has dismissed the story that its immediate past Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral AZ Gambo, refused to hand over to the new Chief, Rear Admiral EI Ogalla.

In same vein, the trending video purportedly of officers and men of the Nigerian Army celebrating the appointment of their new Chief, Major General TA Lagbaja, to the extent of carrying him up and dancing round, has been found to be fake. It is confirmed to be a video of Major General Aliyu who, many months ago, was celebrated by his troops after a feat. Noted a retired General: “Absolutely no!! Not possible for the Army, Navy or Air Force.” to celebrate the appointment of a new Chief in that manner.

In a statement titled: Nigerian Navy Debunks Allegation By Some Online Media Of The Outgoing Chief Of Naval Staff’s Refusal To Hand Over issued by Commodore AO Ayo-Vaughan, Navy’s Director of Information, the Navy stated:

“The attention of the Naval Headquarters has been drawn to a malicious publication by some online media such as Peoples Gazette, opr.news, hallmark news and others alleging the refusal of the outgoing Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral AZ Gambo, CFR, to hand over to the incoming Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral EI Ogalla. The media reports are totally lies, misleading and capable of spreading falsehood to unsuspecting members of the public. It is, therefore, necessary to put the records straight.

“Suffice to say that handing and taking over ceremony in the Nigerian Navy from inception is procedural. Upon the announcement of the change of the “Watch on deck”, the outgoing CNS, is expected to give a detailed brief to the incoming CNS, tour key Naval facilities, and perform the ceremonial lowering of ensign.

Accordingly, the programme of events leading to the formal handing over and taking over ceremony has kicked off to culminate at a public ceremony on Friday 23rd June 2023, in line with age long Naval tradition.

“Instructively, it is pertinent to mention that sister Services are also due to hand over as they have set aside specific dates for their handing over and taking over ceremonies.

“Members of the public are, therefore, advised to discountenance the malicious publication and erroneous information as a figment of the reporter’s imagination.”

President Bola Tinubu had on Monday retired the Service Chiefs as well as the National Security Adviser and the Inspector General of Police and replaced them immediately with new appointees.

“We Either Get Rid Of Fuel Subsidy Or It Gets Rid Of Nigeria” – Shettima; Says Nigeria Mulling Bi-National Commission With UK

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Ayodele Oni

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June 21, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Nigeria is contemplating a Bi-national Commission with United Kingdom as part of measures to boost business relation between the two countries.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who made the submission, also called for stronger relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom (UK) given the long standing historical antecedents, business activities and shared interests between the two countries.

He was speaking on Wednesday in Abuja during a courtesy visit to his office by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Montgomery.

The Vice President lauded the long standing assistance and support of the UK government to Nigeria and expressed hope for a more robust business relations.

According to him “I will urge you to facilitate the setting up of the Nigeria-UK Binational Commission; that Bi-national Commission can be the driver for accelerating enhance business relationship between our two countries.

“We need to ramp up the trade between our two nations taking into cognizance our proximity.

“There is no nation that we are close to than the UK and our trade represent less than five per cent of the volume of our import and export.”

“Most definitely, we are going to create an enabling environment for businesses to flourish in this country.”

Shettima underscored the need for economic reforms in order to position the country’s economy for growth especially the removal of fuel subsidy.

“This is just the beginning because it was fait accompli to withdraw the fuel subsidy.

“We either get rid of the fuel subsidy or the fuel subsidy get rid of the Nigerian nation. In 2012, we spent $10bn on fuel subsidy alone.

“Last month, we were purportedly consuming 67 million litres per day, but after the removal of the subsidy, it dropped to 41 million bpd, nearly 40% off.

“So the whole subsidy regime was opaque, ridden with a lot of inconsistency.”

Uzodimma: “We Must Recognise The Role Of Hydrography In Maritime Safety, Others”

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The Source

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June 21, 2023

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Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has said that the role of Hydrography in Maritime safety, environmental preservation and effective management of the oceans cannot be overemphasized.

He spoke on Wednesday in his remarks on the occasion of the World Hydrography Day at the NAF Conference Centre Abuja.

“As we mark this momentous occasion, let us recognize the critical role hydrography plays in promoting maritime safety, environmental preservation and the efficient management of our ocean resources,”Uzodimma said.

“Through accurate charting, soundings and mapping of the seabed, we enable safer navigation, secure trade routes and protect our marine ecosystems,” he added.

This year’s event was marked with a theme: Hydrography: Underpinning the Digital twin of the Ocean.”

Governor Uzodimma commended the organisers of the event and their choice of theme, which he reasoned brought to the fore “the invaluable significance of hydrography in ensuring safe and sustainable marine activities across the globe.”

He reminded the audience that the event was coming “barely one month after the then Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, flagged off the hydrographic survey for the dredging of Oguta Lake and Orashi River, which marked the commencement of the State Government’s partnership with the Federal Government, the Nigerian Navy and the private sectors for the proposed Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone along the coastlines of Imo State.”

His words: “I extended my heartfelt appreciation to the Nigerian Navy, all hydrographers, scientists and professionals who tirelessly work to enhance our understanding of the world’s oceans and waterways. Your expertise and dedication are instrumental in ensuring the smooth functioning of global maritime trade and safeguarding our marine environment.

“Let us use this World Hydrography Day as a platform to foster international cooperation, knowledge sharing and technological advancements in the field of hydrography. Together, we can navigate towards a safer and more sustainable future for our oceans.”

Fake New Salary Structure In Circulation – Oyo Govt

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Ayodele Oni

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June 21, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Oyo state government has reacted to media report that it has approved new salary structure for workers.

The report, which has gone viral states that “wage raise for public employees was announced yesterday by Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, who is disturb about the nation’s soaring inflation and growing cost of living.

“The Executive governor of Oyo State Government increased the pay of its civil sector employees by more than 20%.

“According to current estimates, employee in Oyo State Government public service can expect to make between ₦58,200 and ₦77,045 per month (Grade Level 1) after taxes but excluding allowances.

But a government statement on Wednesday, signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Suleiman Olanrewaju disowned the report saying “It has come to the knowledge of Oyo State Government that a fake new salary structure is being circulated on the social media.

“Although the government is working on reviewing the current salary structure, the committee set up for that purpose has yet to turn in its report.

“Therefore, the salary structure being circulated could not have emanated from the state government.

It should thus be disregarded in its entirety.

“Recall that sequel to the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), the state government set up a committee comprising leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC) as well as some government officials to come up with a new salary structure that would reflect the new realities in the country.

“The committee was given eight weeks to report back to the state government.

“As a way of cushioning the effect of subsidy removal on Oyo State residents as a whole, the governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, directed the deployment of more Omituntun buses to ease the transportation worries of the citizens.

“He also directed that there should be no increase in the fare paid on these buses, while school children and senior citizens are to pay half-price.

“The State government is still considering further ways of easing the burdens.”

Polaris Bank: Experts Tip Journalists on Reportage In A Depressed Economy

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James Orji

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June 21, 2023

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Seasoned journalist has given tips to practicing media professionals on how best to report in a depressed economy at the just-concluded media seminar organized by Polaris Bank Limited, Nigeria’s leading digital retail Bank.

Speaking at the seminar, Dr. Akintola Olaniyan, a former deputy editor with the Punch told the participants to adhere to the core news value of objectivity, proximity, balance, and reflection of social, cultural, and moral ethics in their reports of the Nigerian economy which is presently depressed owing to rising debt profile, two economic recessions in the last eight years despite the country’s huge potential for growth and rapid development.

He urged them to avoid subjectivity, biases, and prejudices in the way issues are presented to their audiences and stressed the importance of staying contextually up to date with the responsibilities and obligations that come with being a reporter in a specific area of specialization.

He also advocated for a revamp of journalism curricula to incorporate training on investigative journalism, emerging trends in digital media and data analysis as well as continuous on-the-job training for reporters and media practitioners. In addition to incentives such as payment of living wages and insurance policies, were essential for ensuring the protection and well-being of journalists in the country.

While highlighting the challenges faced by journalists, the former editor identified ownership structure, peer pressure, self-regulation, limited budgets, inadequate remuneration, lack of insurance coverage, ethno-religious considerations, changing media culture and lack of capacity as significant environmental factors affecting the profession.

Dr. Olaniyan further explained that economic, political, technological and cultural factors play a vital role in shaping news.

The veteran journalist, while lamenting the current bad state of the national economy, expressed sadness at the rising debt portfolio approximated to be N77 trillion and cost of debt servicing while recalling the concern that of Nigeria slipping into two periods of recession in eight years – 2016 and 2020 – despite country’s huge potential for growth and rapid development.

Citing OPEC and NEITI data, he said “Nigeria boasts nearly 40 billion barrels in crude reserves, ranking 11th out of 20 countries. Additionally, gas and oil contribute 65-83% of the country’s total export revenue, with a crude oil production capacity of 2.5 million barrels per day. However, Nigeria currently produces 1.8 million barrels per day, making it Africa’s largest oil producer and the 13th largest in the world.”

“Despite these economic potentials, Nigeria has been identified as the 14th most failed state in the world in 2011, climbing 40 places in the Fund for Peace ‘Fragile State Index’ between 2005 and 2011. Nigeria now finds itself grouped with countries such as Somalia, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Afghanistan”, he lamented.

Comparing Nigeria to South Africa on various indicators, including poverty headcount ratio, life expectancy and population growth rate, Dr. Olaniyan highlighted the disparities between the two countries.

According to the experienced journalist and researcher, “Nigeria exhibited a poverty headcount ratio of 30.9 percent, while South Africa’s stood at 20.5 percent, with a life expectancy of 53 years as against 65 years for South Africa, population growth rate of 2.4 percent as of 2021 for Nigeria while South Africa is 1.0 percent, among others.”

Also speaking at the session, the CEO of Edgeforth, a technology firm, Sheriff Adekoya advised journalists to always have a direction, stating that readers these days are now critical about certain brands, traits and values and that media houses should have a unique identity and selling points that will enhance their brand believability.

Earlier in his welcome address, Polaris Bank’s Group Head, Brand Management and Corporate Communications Nduneche Ezurike, said the annual capacity development program was in sync with the Bank’s conviction that regular training and learning is a critical factor in sustainability strategy for enhancing qualitative service delivery.

He noted that through the sessions, media professionals would be equipped with current tools and knowledge to excel in their field especially in the era of digitalization that is rapidly impacting every aspect of life, including journalism.

Polaris Bank was adjudged Digital Bank of the Year in 2021 and 2022 in BusinessDay’s Banks And Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards. It also emerged as the best MSME Bank because of its ability to use technology to enable bottom-up support to the MSME sector.

Ondo Varsity Unions Protest As Governing Council Sacks 35 Workers

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Ayodele Oni

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June 21, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Academic and administrative duties were grounded on Wednesday as workers of the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa , Ondo state, embarked on protest blocking the entrance of the institution.

The workers who are protesting over the sack of 35 of their colleagues laid siege at front of the school gate, thus preventing coming in and going out.

Some of the protesting workers, explained that the sacked colleagues were duly employed, issued appointment letters, did all documentations and had worked in the school for over six months before the university council chairman, Professor Adesomoju ordered their dismissal on Tuesday.

The Joint Action Committee of Industrial Unions of the university in a statement said “We woke to a shocking news that over twenty two members of staff have been sacked as a result of the University Governing Council meeting held yesterday, 20th of June,2023.

“It is trite to say that when this news had earlier filtered, it was debunked by University management/ Council until yesterday.

‘We therefore reiterate that the basis for justification of these mass sack by the Council is not tenable and will neither be tolerated nor accepted.”

The statement, signed by the committee’s chairman, Dayo Temola, maintained that “The Unions of SSANU,NASU AND NAAT hereby reject this mass sack and demand the followings:

“That the mass sack been reversed with immediate effect. The Ondo State Government should as a matter of urgency set up a visitation panel in line with with the University laws.”

Nigerian Girl, Ifeoma, Stands Tall In China

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Adesina Soyooye

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June 21, 2023

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By Adesina Soyooye

A Nigerian student, Ifeoma Amuche, shone like a million stars in China when she graduated at the South West University, China, earning a BSc in Chinese Language and Literature.

She graduated as one of the best students. And was chosen as a representative of International Students in the University to make a speech on their behalf. She made the speech in Chinese language.

Miss Amuche was a student of Federal Polytechnic Oko. She studied Library and Information Science. She was, also, a student of Confucious Institute Oko.

Her Chinese Name is 陈悦, she is a Native of Eziabo Village of Oko Community in Orumba North LGA, Anambra State.

In The Absence Of Gov Akeredolu

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Ayodele Oni

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June 21, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

After much noise and media hype about his whereabout, Ondo state Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu finally wrote to the state House of Assembly, informing the legislature about his ill health and resolve to seek medical attention outside the country.

The request for medical leave was transmitted to the newly inaugurated legislature, which members were sitting for the second time.

The State legislature, through the Speaker, Olamide Oladiji, in a statement explained that the Governor had embarked on a 21-day leave for medical treatment abroad starting from 7th of June, 2023 to 6th July,2023.

According to the letter, the leave, which commenced on 7th of June, extends to 6th July, 2023 due to the Public Holidays on June 12(Democracy Day) and Eid el Kabir(28th and 29th,June,2023).

He explained that the Governor, who had directed his Deputy, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, to act as the Governor while away, has assured of his resumption on the 6th of July, 2023. The Speaker had earlier described the Governor as a lover of peace and an apostle of rule of law. He later, wished him speedy recovery and joyful vacation.

The letter, seems to have now given life to some of the Governor’s Aides that had been too quiet to talk on the Governor’s state of health. From the Commissioner for Information to the Chief Press Secretary, Special Assistants that were vocal while Akeredolu was on seat, they all went dumb, despite enquiries by the media and other stakeholders.

Worried by the long silence, opposition party, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) was unrelenting, insisting that the people of Ondo state deserve to know what has befallen their governor.

The statement, signed by the Chairman, Stephen Adewale, states that “Ondo State and its friends must speak out on the increased level of uncertainty that hovered around the governance of our dear Sunshine State before it is too late.

“What began as a candlelight blaze is quickly snowballing into a sizable forest fire. And if we do not act quickly, history will not be kind to all of us who knew the incredible power of voice but chose silence.

The opposition party, in one of its statements wrote “The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ondo State understands Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s health condition, for which we have been praying for a speedy recovery. However, the state should not and cannot be left without a constitutional head in an acting capacity while he is away attending to his health.

“As we write this, our dear Governor has refused to hand over to his deputy in an acting capacity while his whereabouts remain unknown. In the past seven days, President Tinubu has met with the APC Governors’ Forum twice. During each of those meetings, matters of national importance were discussed.

“Nearly all the Governors were in attendance, and those who could not make it had their deputies fill in for them. The only state that was conspicuously missing in terms of representation at the two meetings is our dear Ondo state.

After the Governor’s letter to the Assembly, his wife, Betty was first to speak, after she had posted a video in which the husband was dancing to Aiyefele’s music to dissuade the mind of the people about his state of health.

The Commissioner for information followed with a statement that the Governor’s absence has not slowed down day to day running of government as functions were delegated to officials.

The State Commissioner for Information, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju in a statement stated that “The attention of Ondo State Government has been drawn to a skewed report in an online newspaper, on the purported split in the Cabinet of the Ondo State Government.

“This malicious report toes the same insidious path of perfidy already trodden by certain purveyors of speculatory hagiography designed to mislead unsuspecting members of the public. Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, is not incapacitated. The finality with which the report concluded on his state of health is most unfortunate.

“Another online medium had peddled the wicked lie on the demise of the Governor in Germany, when he was resting in Ibadan. The Cabinet cannot be “disunited” when directives emanate from the office of the Governor.

“There is no ambiguity in that respect. Members of the public are enjoined to disregard the wicked rumour of incapacitation. We reiterate that the Governor has been discharging the functions of his office effectively. Governance requires collectivity.

No doubt, events in the State have slowed down as a result of Mr Governor’s absence. The State is rarely in the News again, except report of abduction of an Islamic Cleric, inauguration of the Assembly and strike by workers of the state owned polytechnic, Owo over unpaid 13 months salaries.

Aside his statement on the day of inauguration of Bola Tinubu as President, Aketi, as he is fondly called, has not been heard taking position on national issues. Just few days ago, there was an attempt to play up the planned celebration of 70th birthday of his wife. This is coming after his son, Babajide, an appointee in Government was seen in Abuja with President Tinubu.

New Service Chiefs: Massive Celebrations At Army, Police Headquarters

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The Source

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June 21, 2023

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By Gideon Njoku

The retirement of Service Chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police by President Bola Tinubu has gone down well with the Officers and men of the Army and Police.

They reacted to the appointments of their new bosses with drums, cymbals, flutes and dances.

At both the Army and Police Headquarters, Abuja, there was massive celebration.

At the Force Headquarters, the celebration started on Monday as soon as the former IGP Usman Alkali Baba was retired and DIG Kayode Egbetokun announced as his successor. They danced no end.

And on Tuesday, after his decoration as IGP by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Force Headquarters went wild with joy. As his convoy drove in, officers and men took over. The premises erupted with joy. They welcomed him with more wild celebrations than the day of the announcement. He was ushered in, along with his wife, with dances. Kizz Daniel’s ‘Buga’ and religious songs were popular choices. The celebration was unprecedented.

What happened at the Army Headquarters was even more dramatic. It was, also, unprecedented. They lifted the new Chief of Army Staff, Major General T.A. Lagbaja, up and danced around with him.

President Tinubu on Monday, June 19, 2023, retired the National Security Adviser, NSA, the IGP, Service Chiefs, the Comptroller General of Customs and appointed new ones.

Tinubu Did Not Discuss EFCC Appointment With Me-Odumosu

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James Orji

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June 21, 2023

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not appointed me as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Hakeem Odumosu, a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG has said.

Odumosu made the clarifications following reports, on Tuesday, to the effect that he has been appointed as replacement for Abdul Rasheed Bawa, who was suspended recently by the president.

Such reports should be totally disregarded as fake, the retired police officer said in a statement on Wednesday, noting that President Tinubu did not discuss the matter with him before he traveled to France on Tuesday.

The statement said, “Good Morning, everyone, I have been inundated with so many calls and messages between yesterday and today on a purported “EFCC Appointment”. I just want to use this opportunity to debunk this information and say it’s totally untrue.

“This information must have emanated from mischief makers and should be totally disregarded.”

Following the rumoured appointment of Odumosu yesterday, not a few Nigerians criticized it on the basis that the president’s action will further embolden his critics who insist that his recent appointments favoured a section of the country.

The president has already appointed Kayode Egbetokun as the Acting Inspector General of Police, IGP, among other high profile appointments he made from the south west, picking somebody from the zone as EFCC Chairman is likely to send a wrong signal to other parts of the country, those closely watching his Presidency stated.