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Hope: Supremely Legitimised Again

By
The Source
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Onwuasoanya FCC Jones

By Onwuasoanya FCC Jones

Yesterday,(Tuesday) a final nail was drilled down the coffin of the last vestige of judicial distraction on the legitimacy of His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma as the duly elected and legitimately affirmed governor of Imo State, when the Nigerian Supreme Court took Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome to the cleaners for deceiving his clients, by bringing a matter, that is both statue barred and ridiculously vexatious to the Supreme Court, apparently to waste the time of the court.

Before yesterday, Governor Hope Uzodimma has had to contend with numerous other challenges to his legitimacy as the governor of Imo State, and on each occasion he has come out victorious, dusting his opponents and their supporters. These series of judicial and political distractions are enough to excuse poor performance in his first term as governor, but it is creditable to posit that the distinguished power player and indubitably benevolent leader, has not only refused to be distracted, but has performed creditably, to contend with Dee Sam Mbakwe of blessed memory, as one of the best governors Imo State has had since its creation. There will be enough time to discuss this, subsequently.

His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, even though he wasn’t a party to the case decided yesterday by the Supreme Court, is the biggest victor in this matter, because it brings a final closure to any argument or confusion about the legitimacy of his governorship in the first term, while he prepares to, in the next 40 days or thereabouts, to renew his oath of office as the overwhelmingly reelected governor of Imo State.

The Justices of the Supreme Court did not just throw away the case because it was statute-barred or on any other technical grounds, but also reaffirmed that the verdict of the apex court on the 14th of January, 2020 was not in error, but correctly given and in tune with justice. Given that this reaffirmation of Governor Uzodimma’s victory in the 2019 election is coming under a different CJN and under a completely different panel of Supreme Court panel, it clears every doubt about its incorruptibility and fairness, except for those who want to remain stuck in malicious envy and denial, this judgement affirms that Governor Uzodimma is the man elected by majority of Imo voters in the 2019 governorship election and variously affirmed by the judiciary.

The essence of the judiciary is to intercede and correct acts of injustice, whether assumed or real. Governor Uzodimma equipped with relevant evidence, approached the courts in 2019 seeking to be declared governor with INEC authorised results from different polling units, but which, as was confirmed by the supreme court, unlawfully excluded from the final compilation of the result of that election. While it was expected that everyone would align to the judgement of the Supreme Court after it was delivered and either work with the governor or channel their efforts towards winning the next election, the governor had the unusual experience of being litigated against, up till one month to the end of his tenure.

While I would have preferred and even advised that this matter was withdrawn before this time, as it obviously had no path to succeeding and was more or less an unnecessary distraction, I am happy that it has been brought to a logical end, and opens an opportunity for everyone, to focus energy and resources on what truly matters, it also makes an eediot of anyone who tries to question the legitimacy of the governor or ever make mention that he was unelected by Imo people. Those who seek to be in opposition, going forward, must play it, more responsibly, forthwith.

The governor will be going into his second term with less distractions and assuredly, with better performance. Because, if he could execute the signature projects and achieve some laudable reforms he achieved in his first term with all the distractions he had to contend with, then, Imolites can be sure that the next four years will be the best we have had since the creation of Imo State in 1976.

IMO HAS WON!

Onwuasoanya is an accomplished analyst and commentator on current issues

DSS: COPIN Calls For Jackson Ude’s Arrest

By
James Orji
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Yusuf Magaji Bichi - DSS DG

Jackson Ude’s allegation of fraud against Yusuf Magaji Bichi, the Director General of the Department of State Services, DSS, is false, says the Coalition for Peace in Nigeria, COPIN.

Ude, a controversial blogger had published a report alleging that the DSS boss siphoned subsidy funds allocated to the staff of the agency by the federal government.

The spokesman for the DSS has denied the allegation in a statement made available to the media.

The Civil society group made this known in a statement on Wednesday, saying its investigations proved that Ude lied against the DSS boss.

The group called on security agencies in the country to invite Ude for questioning, to substantiate his claim, failure to do so, COPIN stated he must be prosecuted “to serve as deterrence to mess-of-pottage activists.”

The statement signed in Abuja by COPIN National Coordinator, Pharmacist Emeka Akwuobi, said Bichi has been on its radar since his appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018, stressing that nothing incriminating has been found against him.

According to COPIN, “Our regular evaluation reports of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in relation to performance have continued to put the Department of State Services (DSS) at the top of the radar.

“In his latest outing, our team found that Jackson Ude accused DG Bichi of alleged looting of grants meant for staff of the service.

“Upon seeing his post on X, we commissioned our crack team to unravel the truth or otherwise of the allegation of impropriety against the leadership of the foremost domestic intelligence agency.

“Our findings will shock members of the public: no subsidy grants, in whatever description, have been released for personnel of the Department of State Services.

“The question we pose to Use and his paymasters is: can you loot what you do not have?

“Nigerians should, please, identify and shame the likes of Ude, who seek to pull down hard-working and patriotic leaders whose only disposition is to make Nigeria greater than she is currently.

“We, therefore, call on relevant security agencies to, as a matter of national security, invite Ude to substantiate his allegation against DG Bichi, failure of which he should be prosecuted, to serve as deterrence to mess-of-pottage activists.”

Kaduna Bombing Error: Obi Mourns, Urges More Diligence From Troops

By
The Source
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Peter Obi

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25, 2023 General election, Peter Obi, has reacted to the mistaken Army bombing of Tudun Biri village in Igabi local government area of Kaduna state describing it as most unfortunate.

Obi advised the military authorities to always apply extreme caution and professionalism while defending the country to avoid any situation that will lead to the loss of lives of innocent citizens.

Obi said in his X handle that such an accident is painful and that no nation would desire it even in a war situation.

“I read with sadness, the devastating reports of the accidental bombing of Tudun Biri Village in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, by a Nigerian Army craft that mistook the villagers for terrorists.

“The lethal incident left death tolls reported to have risen to 80 persons, with several others injured.

“While our military continues to fight impressively against insecurity in many parts of the country, they must exercise utmost caution and professionalism to avoid this kind of embarrassment to both the military and the country.

The LP standard bearer advised that “Any incident that leads to harm or loss of lives of the innocent people they are meant to protect should be avoided.

He noted that “Even though the mishap is one too many, the security agencies should work with reliable human intelligence report on the ground before any offensive attack to avoid innocent casualties as has been reported in this case.

“Fatal mistakes like this leave indelible trauma on the families who have lost their loved ones to this ugly and unfortunate mishap.

He commiserated with families that lost their loved ones. And to the dead, I pray God Almighty to forgive their sins and grant them eternal rest, and quick healing to the injured.  And prayed that such a mistake lead to a sorrowful outcome, as this, never happen again in our country.

“Regrettably, the problem of insecurity in our nation has persisted for so long that we are now paying such unintended human costs as collateral damage.-PO

Imo: Who’s PDP Chairman?

By
James Orji
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Barely 24 hours after the state’s Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chairman Charles Ugwu was suspended by a group in the party, another group within the party has maintained that he remained the chairman.

On Tuesday, the state PDP Secretary, Njaka Duruiheoma announced the suspension of Ugwu, a former Minister of Commerce and Industry from his position.

According to a statement signed by the PDP scribe, the minister was suspended for alleged misconduct.

The statement further stated that the Zonal Chairman of the party for the Okigwe zone, Chidi Dike, has been appointed in his place as the Acting state Chairman.

However in another group in the party led by its Legal Adviser, Kissinger Ikoku said Ugwu remains the chairman of the PDP in the state, he urged the public to ignore his purported removal, saying the embattled chairman still enjoys the support of majority of members in the State Working Committee, SWC), and State Executive Committee, SEC.

According to a statement made available to the media on Wednesday, the Legal Adviser said some elements in the party were out to destroy it, he appealed to members of the party in the state to remain steadfast.

Ikoku described the “resolution” passed by some members of the PDP executive in the state removing the chairman as a nullity.

He cited ‘article 47 (3) of the Constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as amended, to support his position.

The Legal Adviser condemned what he described as “an unlawful attempt to undermine the democratic processes within the PDP structure,” in the state.

PDP Alleges Cabal Running Governor Akeredolu’s Government, Looting Public Funds

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Following the vote of no confidence on Governor Rotimi Akeredolu by Ondo Stakeholders over his ill health, and the call for his Deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa to take over the saddle in the State, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has alleged that the State has been grounded economically by a cabal which has hijacked the Government from the ailing Governor.

The PDP said that as the constitution stated, Governor Akeredolu ought to have transmitted power to his Deputy as the Governor over his ill-health which has lasted several months.

The opposition Party is demanding that Governor Akeredolu, with immediate effect, transmit power to Aiyedatiwa to save the state from the abyss.

The Chairman of the PDP, Ondo State Chapter, Fatai Adams, alleged that people, within and outside, Government are taking advantage of Akeredolu’s prolonged absence and  stealing government resources.

However, the claim by Adams has been debunked by the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chairman in the State, Ade Adetimihin, who rubbished the PDP and challenged the opposition to mention the name of members of the cabal.

Lamenting that the State has been in comatose and stand still since the health of Governor Akeredolu  deteriorated, the PDP in a statement said, “ We are deeply concerned about the ruinous cost the health challenge of the governor has bestowed upon the State. The most obvious is the emergence of a cabal, largely informal, that has seized every initiative, mindlessly driving our state into penury.

“As we speak, there is no clear leader of government business; the Governor remains on his sickbed, the Deputy Governor is still battling for his political survival, irrespective of President Bola Tinubu’s much-proclaimed intervention, and our state continues to wander in darkness. Most disturbing, however, is that our finances are suffering as hard-earned resources of the State are being pilfered by interest groups within and outside government, this is to the detriment of our development and wellbeing.”

The PDP further reiterated its call for the transmission of power to Aiyedatiwa, and cited the late former President Umar Yar’Adua who transmitted power to his Vice, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, so he could concentrate on taking care of his health. Akeredolu was urged to a cue from this and do the needful.

“Much as we know, our governor is sick or at best recuperating, thus he remains missing in action and our State deserves every attention. This is why the Constitution made provisions for a period like this.

“We wish to remind Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of his admonition to (the late) President Umaru Yar‘Adua when he was ill. He (Akeredolu) said and we quote, ‘No matter how much you love your country, it should not be at the detriment of your health. It is not your party or your wife that will determine whether you are capable of handling state matters; it is only your doctors.’

“It is now crystal clear that Akeredolu’s doctors have since instructed him to stay away from his office and state, this certainly underscores the fact that he is currently not fit to handle state matters. We urge Mr Governor to please use his then advice to the late President Yar’Adua and again transmit power to the deputy governor in the interest of our dear state.”

The APC has however labeled the PDP as a drowning party, adding that the allegation was baseless.

Adetimehin said, “Adams is my friend but it is always painful to be in the opposition. I could understand his feeling, that is why he is talking for talking sake. Who is the cabal? He should be bold enough to mention them if he knows what he is saying or give evidence. It is mischievous to say the absence of Akeredolu has grounded the state, that a cabal has taken over. I want to tell you that there is no cabal anywhere.

“Their party is drowning and many of their members have openly decamped to the APC; so he is just talking to be noticed, seeking attention that is not there.”

“I Am Only Person To Speak Whether My Signature Is Forged Or Not” – Ondo Gov Akeredolu

By
Ayodele Oni
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Rotimi Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has taken a position over media reports that some of his aides have been forging his signature on some documents.

Akeredolu insisted that he is the only person that can say whether his signature was forged or not.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kayode Ajulo, had, in a TV programme claimed that some officials of the Ondo State government are signing documents in the name of Governor Oluwarotimi  Akeredolu.

He noted that the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, cannot take over from Akeredolu because power has not been transferred to him constitutionally. This, he said, has paved the way for cabals to hijack governance in the State.

But in a reaction, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Richard Olatunde, described the accusation of forging the governor’s signature as “utterly preposterous and ludicrous, stemming solely from the figment of their imagination.

“This accusation of forging Mr. Governor’s signature is utterly preposterous and ludicrous, stemming solely from the figment of their imagination. I want to assure you that no one is forging Mr. Governor’s signature.

“The circulated content on social media, which some people are relying on as evidence, is laughable. If they genuinely believe there is a disparity, they should present a legitimate document to support their claims.

“We are more than willing to thoroughly investigate the matter and prosecute anyone found culpable. The main issue here is that we cannot entertain baseless speculations and unfounded claims.

“A group of individuals somewhere has assembled two signatures, yet they cannot even determine which one belongs to the governor.

“They refuse to disclose the documents that were allegedly signed or provide any information regarding the dates. The individuals behind these fabricated signatures are the real culprits engaging in criminal activities.

“It is disheartening to see a supposed legal practitioner making such statements on national television.

“How did they arrive at the conclusion of forgery? Where is the document that supposedly contained the forged signature? Why are they not revealing the beneficiary of this document?

“By concealing such a document and engaging in unnecessary media theatrics, they are doing a great disservice to the state and the people.

“The truth of the matter is that only Governor Akeredolu can claim that his signature has been forged. I have personally spoken to the Governor, and he has asked me to emphatically refute this claim. The signature of Mr. Governor is not forged. Please disregard these crisis entrepreneurs. Their real gains are in crisis not peace.”

UNICAL Suspends Action On Fees Increment

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Following students’ uproar which greeted the hike in fees at the University of Calabar, (UNICAL), the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi, has directed that the new fees  be put on hold until further notice.

The directive was contained in a statement issued by the UNICAL Registrar, Gabriel Egbe, a copy of which was made available to newsmen.

The management of the institution had approved an adjustment in school fees after its emergency meeting last week.

The students reacted to the development on Monday as they embarked on a protest that brought academic and official activities at the university to a halt.

In the statement, Egbe disclosed that the directive to put the new charges on hold was in reaction to the protest.

The statement read in part: “The management of this institution is a listening administration.

“We want to assure the students as critical stakeholders that appropriate arrangements have been put in place through constructive engagements with the students to resolve the matter.

“The management, however, commends the students for the mature, reasonable, and civilized manner exhibited towards resolving the matter.”

With the increment, freshers, returning students, and final-year students for non-science courses were to pay N111,000, N91,500, and N114,000, respectively.

They were also to pay N36,500, N21,500, and N21,500 respectively as third-party dues.

Similarly, the fees for science courses were increased to N155,000, N125,000, and N148,000 for freshers, returning students, and final-year students, respectively.

They were also to pay N38,500, N21,500, and N21,500, respectively, as third-party dues.

Before the increment, tuition fees for an average student, depending on the department, was N64,050 for freshers, N52,050, for final year, and N49,500 for returning students.

President Tinubu, Atiku Urge Investigation Into Bombing Of Kaduna Village

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar have demanded full scale investigation into the bombing of a village in Kaduna State by the Nigeria Army.

They sympathized with the families of victims, the people and government of Kaduna State over the bombing incident in a village at Tundun Biri in Igabi Local Government Area of the state.

President Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngalele described the incident as very unfortunate, disturbing, and painful, expressing indignation and grief over the tragic loss of Nigerian lives.

The President directed a thorough and full-fledged investigation into the incident and called for calm while the authorities look diligently into the mishap.

Tinubu also called for swift and comprehensive medical attention for surviving victims while praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased.

The Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, in his X handle, expressed his grief over the incident and urged for more caution on the part of security agents while on operation.

Atiku wrote: “I am grieved by the news of the drone airstrike that killed dozens of people and left scores of others with various degrees of injury in the Tudun Biri community in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

“Ironically, the victims of this unfortunate incident were celebrating the Maulud anniversary. The incidence of miscalculated air strikes is assuming a worrisome dimension in the country.

“We need to develop counter insurgency strategies that will insulate the civilian population from tragic incidents of this nature.

“I call on the authorities to launch a thorough investigation into this tragedy to avert future occurrences.

“Meanwhile, no resource should be spared in medical attention to the injured and assistance to the families of the dead. I pray that the Almighty Allah comforts the bereaved families and grants the dead eternal peace.”

NAPTIP Warns Youths Against Falling Prey To Human Traffickers Posing As Helpers

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

Fatima Waziri-Azi, Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, has advised desperate youths to be wary of Human Traffickers who pose as Helpers to perpetrate the dastardly act of human trafficking.

This is as human traffickers continue to lure unsuspecting youths, disguising to providing succor for them, hereby trafficking them for their own selfish interest.

Waziri-Adi made this disclosure while addressing management and students of Government Day Secondary School, Dutsen Alhaji, Abuja, in commemoration of the 16 Days Activism Against Gender Based Violence and the setting up of the agency’s Ant-Trafficking in Persons Vanguard in partnership with Ford Foundation.

The DG notes that the primary objective of the Vanguard is to provide a platform for students to be educated and enlighten on issues related to human trafficking and violence against persons.

NAPTIP’s Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, in a Communique  highlighted ongoing effort to inaugurate more vanguards in schools emphasizing the responsibility of students as advocates against the crime of trafficking in persons, recognizing the red flags.

“This is why since last year, we have been inaugurating Vanguards in secondary schools, a platform for you to sensitize yourselves and sensitize others using the whole of school and whole of family approach.

“So far, we have inaugurated 203 Vanguards across the country comprising federal government unity schools, military schools, faith based schools and Abuja school for the deaf,” she adds.

Appreciating the efforts of the anti-trafficking agency Principal of the school, Emmanuel Ayodeji, expressed commitment to supporting NAPTIP realise it’s mandate.

PDP Urges Ondo Govt. To Make Public Audited Account

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Oluwarotimi Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has demanded for an audited account of the State since Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu illness started.

The Party, also, advised that President Bola Tinubu’s peace deal be jettisoned and Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa as Acting Governor.

PDP Chairman in the State, Fatai Adams, canvassed for these in Akure on Tuesday, while addressing Journalists on State of Affairs in the State.

The chairman pointed out that “Ondo, is currently and needlessly beleaguered through a criminal interplay of selfish determinism by cliques within government circles, and the Governor’s family overbearing interplay in government business, this we believe is very unpatriotic.

“As we speak, there is no clear leader of Government business, the Governor remains on his sick bed, the Deputy Governor is still battling for his political survival, irrespective of President Bola Tinubu’s much proclaimed intervention and our State continue to wander in darkness.

“Most disturbing however is that our finances are suffering as hard earned resources of the State are being pilfered by interest groups within and outside government, this is to the detriment of our development and wellbeing.

“We feel duty bound to say that the resources and finances of Ondo State is our commonwealth, therefore concerned and totally interested in its management.

“For the past years that Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has been Governor, not once has any financial update been given to the citizenry.

“Curious and inexplicable expenditure has been the order of the day, therefore we demand for a balance sheet on the finances of our State, this we do because when our Party was in government, due regards was given to giving an account update every month, or at the end of every financial year by the Agagu and Mimiko administrations.

“The issue of the palliative fund totaling N7billion is of absolute concern and interest to the people of Ondo State, who readily declare that no palliative came their way and therefore seeking answers to the administration of the fund.

“Government is hereby invited to render an account of how this money is spent immediately or cause actions to be taken to unravel the many debauchery that was perpetrated in the name of palliatives in our State.

“The Peoples Democratic Party in Ondo State, is more committed to discharging its responsibility to the people and will take cogent actions to expose the many underhand actions devised to fleece the State of its money, assets and resources.

“In a short while, we will prepare and release to the public a compendium of illegal and illicit actions taken by functionaries of Government, to compromise our financial health, assets requisitioned illegally and sundry unpatriotic actions geared towards compromising the wellness of our future.

“We continue to wish Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu well in his quest to get back to full fitness, however the collective wellbeing of our State and its people is most paramount.

“The business of administering the State is no tea party or picnic, this demands every attention that can be mustered.

“Much as we know, our Governor is sick or at best recuperating, thus he remains missing in action and our State deserve every attention, this is why the Constitution made provisions for a period like this.

“It is not your Party or your wife that will determine whether you are capable of handling state matters; it is only your doctors.”

“It is now crystal clear that Akeredolu’s doctors have since instructed him to stay away from his office and state, this certainly underscores the fact that he is currently not fit to handle State matters.

“We urge Mr Governor to please use his then advise to the late President Yar’Adua and again transmit power to the Deputy Governor in the interest of our dear State.

“We have heard stories of how Babajide, rides the Governor’s official convoy to visit his friends, that is ludicrous and an errant abuse of power and privileges. The mass of Ondo State people abhor, detest, disapprove and reject such actions.”

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