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Yuletide: Uzodimma Orders Renovation Of Roads, Streets In Owerri Metropolis

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma

Ahead of this year’s Christmas and New Year festivities, Governor Hope Uzodimma has directed immediate resurfacing of roads and streets in the Owerri capital territory to ensure that movements in the affected areas are without hitches for motorists.

Consequently, massive rehabilitation work  across the State capital has commenced within the city, with the Ministry of Works leading the charge.

Governor Uzodimma is poised to ensure that as a first step, the repair works touch all strategic parts of the State capital, including the major entry and exit routes.

Thereafter, attention will also shift to the local government areas for the grading of most of the rural roads that got so bad as a result of the rainy season.

Governor Uzodimma’s administration makes it a point of duty to put the roads in order as a way of making movement for road users in Imo State seamless during yuletide season, resurfacing the asphalted roads and streets as well as grading the rural ones.

Repairing the roads has always been one of the numerous Christmas and New Year gifts the Governor gives to the people for which they remain grateful to his administration.

ACAMB: Proshare Boss Harps On Positive Reportage Of Banking Sector

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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By Sandra Ukele
Proshare Nigeria Founder, Olufemi Awoyemi has called on media practitioners to design and operate a functional business model for sustainability.
He said the media play a crucial role in shaping public opinions on banking policies.
 Awoyemi made this call at a parley organised by the Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks, ACAMB, held recently in Lagos.
He also urged Corporate and Marketing Communication Professionals working in Deposit Money Banks, DMBs, in Nigeria to refocus core regulatory governance guidelines and aggregate their leverage to deliver on their reputational risk management mandate.
Speaking on the theme “Reporting the Nigerian Financial Sector in a Dynamic World: What Role for the Journalist?”, Awoyemi stated that journalists must realize that it is a new world and therefore should retool, reskill, and retrain to broaden their understanding, impact and value.
According to him, a journalist’s mind may naturally be sceptical, but that does not mean it should be biased towards bad outcomes. “If the balance of facts suggests that the result of a policy or event is positive, so be it; the journalist is not a hangman but an observer and writer. He or she provides society with a dynamic ‘journal’ of unfolding events,” he said.
Awoyemi emphasized that the role of a financial reporter in a rapidly changing world is to; gather information and gain understanding; develop context and perspective; apply analytical /numerical tools as interpretative aides; engage constructively with stakeholders; and provide unbiased fact-based narratives.
“It is an avenue for thorough discussions, establishment of guidelines and the need for a thorough review of policies and processes,” he said.
He further stated that of all the sectors in the economy, the financial service sector is the best example of progress in Nigeria, stressing that banks have invested more in research, strategic planning and testing new ideas.“The Nigerian banking sector is a recognised global leader for its  innovation, high level performance, apex infrastructure system and the best in terms of settlement system”, he said.
He enjoined Journalists to ensure that their report is geared towards moving the banking system forward and not bring it down. “This is not about telling you what to do or not, but that a balance must be achieved”, he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, ACAMB President, Rasheed Bolarinwa stated that one of the greatest challenges  faced as brand custodians working with DMBs in Nigeria is the threat posed by adversarial Bloggers and few media  outlets who deliberately sponsor reports which portray brands in bad light.
The rise of online and social media continues to escalate the spread of negative stories and magnifies customer complaints, further driving negative sentiments about brands, he explained, adding that the disturbing trend has been further affirmed by KPMG Customer Satisfaction Survey of 2021.
Bolarinwa said ACAMB will continue to facilitate interactive session with media practitioners to facilitate understanding, he however pointed out the danger of negative reporting, fake news for both the banking sector and the media industry.
He opined that the banking industry deserves a better media understanding hinging his call on the fact that, “ a sector that has and continues to be the biggest spender on Nigeria media across all spectrum deserve fair reporting”.

Army Chief Says Fatal Bombing Of Kaduna Village Unintentional, Assures Future Caution

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Grieving Tudun Biri Community in Kaduna State  continued to receive consoling messages and visits.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, has just paid a condolence visit to the  community in  Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The villagers who had gathered to observe a religious rite, were hit by a devastating bomb which was inadvertently dropped on them by an Army fighter jet which mistook them as terrorists.

According to reports, over 80 people were killed while about 50 were injured.

The Army Chief arrived the community in the early hours of Tuesday, accompanied by Principal Staff Officers from the Army Headquarters and the General Officer Commanding 1 Division. They met with the Dangaladima Zazau, the District Head of Rigasa, Architect Aminu Idris, other leaders and members of the Community.

Army Spokesman, Brigadier- General Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement, stated that the COAS in an emotion-laden speech expressed regrets on the unfortunate mishap, describing it as a very disheartening occurrence.

General Lagbaja noted that in the recent past, the general area of Tudun Biri and adjoining villages were infested with armed bandits, who terrorized the communities, until troops of the Nigerian Army started conducting operations to sanitize the area and make it habitable.

He pointed out that the troops were carrying out aeriel patrols when they observed a group of people and wrongly analyzed and misinterpreted their pattern of activities to be similar to that of the bandits, before the drone strike.

The COAS stated that he was in Tudun Biri to personally witness the site of the mishap and to convey sincere regrets and  unreserved apologies on behalf of the Nigerian Army to the District Head and people of the community, as well as the  Government and entire people of Kaduna State.

He disclosed that he has ordered a thorough inquiry into the incident to ascertain and identify areas of deficiency that led to the inadvertent disaster.

The Army Chief added that the findings and overarching outcome of the investigation will guide the Nigerian Army in meticulously and professionally seeking and applying lasting solutions to identified lapses and deficiencies in both the human and Artificial Intelligence variables that will forestall future recurrence.

General Lagbaja also commiserated with the Chairman Jamaa’ atu Nasru Islam, Kaduna State Prof Shafiu Abdullahi and other clerics.

The Chief of Army Staff equally visited affected victims at the Barua Dikko Teaching Hospital Anguwan  Rimi, Kaduna, where he expressed concern for the speedy recuperation of the hospitalized persons and made an immediate donation of several provisions for their upkeep.

The District Head of Rigasa, Architect Aminu Idris, in his remarks said despite the enormity of the incident, the Nigerian Army showed integrity in accepting responsibility for the drone strike and urged its leadership to intervene in bringing succour to  hospitalized victims and the community for their losses.

The District Head maintained that the Community is a mixed Community of both Muslims and Christians and that the victims are of both faith, contrary to earlier insinuation that the Community is solely Muslim.

2019: Again, Supreme Court Affirms Uzodinma As Duly Elected Imo Governor, Fines PDP’s Counsel Heavily For Wasting Its Time

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Hope Uzodimma and Emeka Ihedioha

By Akinwale Kasali

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma’s winning string continued Tuesday at the   Supreme Court when the Court chided the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its Governorship Candidate in the 2019 Governorship Election, The Rt. Honourable Emeka Ihedioha, for seeking  to remove the Governor from office. The Supreme Court dismissed their suit which sought to remove the Governor from office and declare Ihedioha as the duly elected Governor.

Ihedioha was, in 2019, declared the Governor of Imo State after the Governorship Election by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.  He was duly sworn-in as Governor. But his tenure in office lasted for only eight months when the Supreme Court sacked him from office on January 15, and declared Uzodinma as the duly elected Governor.

Four years after his sudden removal from office, Ihedioha and the PDP continued their legal battle to reclaim the Governorship seat.

But on Tuesday December 5, 2023, an obviously upset Supreme Court, before which the case had come for the third time, showed its anger. It not only dismissed the case as frivolous, and so, a waste of its time, it fined the appellants’ Counsel, Dr Mike Ozekhome, SAN, a whopping N40 million for bringing such a case before the Court.

Ihedioha had prayed  the court to give a consequential order to INEC to  issue a Certificate of Return to him as the validly elected governor of Imo state in the 2019 election.

In the  judgment delivered by Justice Tijjani Abubakar, the Court said that the application lacked merit, and was frivolous and vexatious.

Justice Abubakar stressed that the Court lacked the jurisdiction to determine the matter, adding that the 60 days stipulated to hear the election matter had since elapsed.

Uzodinma’s forst term as Governor, in the 2019 election would end on January 14, 2024. But he has since, decisively, won a reelection for a second term in office by a landslide. He won in all the 27 Local Government Areas in the State, and left his opponents empty handed.

He will, therefore, be sworn- in for a second term in January, 2024.

CBN: Who Wants Emefiele Dead? US Group Protests His Detention

By
James Orji
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A United States, US-based group the Conference of Nigerian Intellectuals, CNI, says the manner the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele is being handled suggests that ‘someone wants him dead’.

The President of CNI, Dr. Philips Idris, made this known in a statement on Monday, accusing the Economics and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, of treating the former CBN governor as a common criminal.

Emefiele is being prosecuted in court by the anti-graft commission for an alleged N1.2 billion procurement fraud.

He was recently granted N300 million bail by Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court Abuja but has failed to meet the bail conditions.

CNI however decried the treatment of Emefiele, stressing that his rights have been violated.

Idris, the group president said in the statement:  “We have watched with concern and indeed, consternation, the relentless persecution of Mr Godwin Emefiele. Emefiele is currently being sequestered and shackled like a common criminal in Nigeria.

“Several court orders had been secured for his release but they were serially and flagrantly disobeyed by the EFCC and the DSS. Judging by the ferocity with which Emefiele is being pursued, it seems someone wants him dead.

“His traducers are willing to break any law of the land and are dehumanized to punish him for carrying out his statutory duties during his time as governor of CBN.

“He has been denied his freedom and basic rights against both the domestic and international human rights laws. Article 9 of the United Nations Human Rights states that ‘No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.

“As concerned citizens in the diaspora, we have decided to draw the attention of the international community to the new reign of terror back home. Our dear country seems to be heading back to dictatorship.

“We are by this statement urging the Nigerian government to do the right thing which is to free Emefiele. We are also warning the EFCC not to erode the confidence of the international community in doing business with us as a nation by violating the fundamental rights of perceived opponents of the Asiwaju Administration.

“Should this plea fall on deaf ears, we will be staging a peaceful protest in the USA and another by our sister organisation in London on Monday (next week)” the group stated.

Emefiele was suspended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 9, he later replaced him with Yemi Cardoso.

NLC Vows To Fight For Workers Despite Attack On Its President

By
James Orji
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Joe Ajaero

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, says the recent attack on its leaders will not deter it from getting a better bargain for its members.

On November 1, NLC President Joe Ajaero was physically attacked in Imo state. The union blamed the state government for the attack.

The Governor Hope Uzodinma administration has denied complicity, even though the issue has now been resolved after the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu said those involved in the act had been arrested.

Ajaero who spoke on Monday in Abuja, at the opening session of the NLC 2023 Harmattan School with the theme: “Building Workers’ Skills for Policy Engagement”, said the union will not be cowed in the face of adversity.

He was represented at the occasion by the Deputy President, Benjamin Anthony,

The NLC president spoke as the union is bracing up to negotiate the new minimum wage with the federal government.

He said last month that the union would demand N100,000 as a minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

Speaking yesterday the NLC leader said it is determined to achieve a better living wage and better living conditions for Nigerian workers, stressing that the removal of fuel subsidy has worsened the economic conditions of many Nigerians.

He said, “In the face of adversity and brutality encountered while advocating for the rights of workers to earn their legitimate income and benefits, our resolve remains unwavering.

“We are motivated to continue our efforts towards achieving decent work and improving working conditions in the formal and informal sectors of the economy.

“The recent assault on workers and their leaders in Imo State poses a grave threat to freedom of association and collective bargaining as enshrined in Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended and the ILO Conventions 87 and 98 on Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining, and should unequivocally be condemned by all people of goodwill.

“The only thing that can assuage our pains is for the Imo State Government to address all labour issues and return the so-called ‘ghost workers’ to their jobs, pay all outstanding salaries and pensions and call back all victimised workers to their jobs.

“It has become very necessary for governments at all levels to recognise that life and living conditions are exceedingly difficult, especially for working people in both the formal and informal sectors of the economy.

“The removal of subsidy on petroleum products has further exacerbated the challenges faced by working people, unleashing severe pain and contributing to galloping inflation and increasing inequality and poverty.

“We must reckon that a well-motivated and well-remunerated workforce has a positive impact on productivity and national development.”

Terrorism: FG Frees 896 Boko Haram Suspects, Over 360 Convicted

By
James Orji
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Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, AGF, has revealed that over 360 Boko Haram terrorists have been convicted so far.

The AGF spoke amidst concerns that the Nigerian state has failed to secure convictions of members of the terror group who have killed and maimed many Nigerians, following their capture by security forces.

Some analysts who spoke on the issue said the captured terrorists must be punished for perpetrating the atrocities by convicting them of their crimes.

This is likely to serve as deterrence to others, according to them.

Speaking on Monday in Niger state, Fagbemi said the Federal Government has secured a total of 366 convictions in the trial of Boko Haram terrorists that was conducted in 2017.

The AGF who spoke at the commencement of the fourth phase of the trial of arrested Boko haram terrorists, said 896 terror suspects were discharged for lack of evidence while 61 other cases were subsequently adjourned for further hearing.

He warned that the trial must not be mismanaged to avoid severe consequence for the country.

According to him,  “It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to this special event marking the resumption of the prosecution of terrorism suspects. This day is special for many reasons. First, the day marks yet another step forward in the journey of ensuring the security and safety of Nigeria and Nigerians, a duty that is of utmost importance to all of us gathered here, as it is the primary duty of the government to ensure the security and welfare of its citizens.

“I must acknowledge the fact that we have come a long way in this initiative. The first phase of the Kainji Prosecution Project commenced in October 2017 with remarkable achievements where we recorded a total of 366 convictions, 896 others were discharged for want of sufficient evidence and 61 other cases adjourned for further hearing.

“There have been three phases of the exercise so far, spanning between October 2017 and July 2018. I must, at this point, challenge all stakeholders to ensure that the momentum is sustained, seeing how important this assignment is to the well-being of our beloved country and her people.

“Terrorism has cost us a lot as a nation. From the communities directly affected, to the staggering losses in human and material resources, displacements, political and economic instability, and the general atmosphere of fear it has created, all point to how crucial this exercise is to our progress and prosperity as a nation.

“Conversely, if the process is mismanaged and, as a result, the insecurity situation is allowed to fester, it may lead to existential crises in the very long run. I, therefore, pledge my total support to the cause as I urge the stakeholders once again to continue in a good job.”

Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, convicted four Boko Haram financiers.

According to a statement by Kamarudeen Ogundele, the Special Assistant to the AGF on Communication and Publicity, the convicted felons are Modu Aisami, Zana Zarama, Umar Mohammed, and Bunu Kame.

2024 Budget: Obi Decries  ₦20.5b Proposal for  VP’s House, Says It’s Not A Priority

By
The Source
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Peter Obi

The Labour Party Presidential flag bearer in the February 25, 2023 Presidential Election, Peter Obi, has again lamented the quantum of waste going on in the APC administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Obi who had just chastised the regime for the large size of over 1400 delegates it took to COP28 as wasteful, again lampooned the administration for proposing over ₦20b for the renovation and building of a new office space for the Vice President.

The LP standard bearer said he is still studying the ₦27.5 trillion budget presented to the National Assembly last week, but could not wait to wonder at the level of waste on nonessential things when the people are suffering and dropping into multi-dimensional poverty in droves.

Reacting in his X handle on Monday Obi said “Even as I am still studying the 2024 fiscal budget as presented to the National Assembly last week, I cannot wait as am compelled to ask what is exactly wrong with us as a country.

‘I ask this question because it is hard for me to understand some of the recent happenings in our nation, in these critical times.

‘The recent news about a budget provision of ₦15 billion for the construction of a new residence for the Vice President is both shocking and disheartening, considering the many important challenges facing our nation.

Obi recalled that “Just recently in the Supplementary Budget, the sum of ₦2.5 billion was included for the renovation of the Vice President’s residence in Abuja, which means that he already has a residence. Again, during the budget presentation, I heard the sum of ₦3 billion was allocated for the renovation of the Vice President’s residence in Lagos. If we total all these sums, we would have budgeted the sum of N20.5 billion for the housing of the Vice President at this critical time when we are not just the world’s poverty capital, but more people falling into poverty, with so many Nigerians not knowing where their next meal will come from”

“Our health facilities have collapsed, and unemployment is skyrocketing. I am convinced that 99.9% of Nigerians can only dream of living in the current residence of the Vice President.

The LP standard bearer also noted that ‘ Several people employed in the universities are not being paid. Just to give an example, the salary of a professor in a Nigerian university is about ₦400,000, which without removing tax is about ₦5 million a year. What we have budgeted for the housing of the Vice President who is already luxuriously housed is, therefore, the annual salary of about 3000 professors!

“This is the finance needed to develop the much-needed human capital.

“The budget of N5 billion for student loans, which is yet to be disbursed is only a tiny percentage of the cost of the Vice President’s new home.

According to the former Anambra state Governor, “We are projecting to use four times the amount for educating ALL Nigerian indigent students to house the Vice President, and we are being told  there is nothing wrong with us”

“I am sure the major teaching hospitals in Nsukka, Lagos, Ibadan, and Zaria did not receive this much capital vote in the budget this year.

“We have had leaders that were exemplary in the past. Most Nigerians may not know that the popular 1004 flats in Lagos, was land allocated for the building of a Presidential Mansion for the then Head of State, General Murtala Mohammed but he  “sternly turned down the offer and instructed that the land should be used to build blocks of flats for civil servants. That is the kind of sacrificial leadership worth emulating.

“Our leaders must therefore stop the recklessness and insensitivity to the plight of the masses. We need leaders who show compassion and are willing to sacrifice for common progress and development. Such compassionate and frugal leaders are critical in our journey to the New Nigeria”

Nobody Can Intimidate, Harass Me – Edo Deputy Governor, Shaibu

By
Ayodele Oni
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Philip Shuaibu - Edo Deputy Governor

By Ayodele Oni

Edo State Deputy Gcovernor,  Philip Shaibu, has said the University of Jos (UNIJOS), positively impacted its alumni with the spirit of boldness and courage to face life challenges.

The Deputy Governor made the assertion at the reunion dinner of UNIJOS, which held in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Shaibu has been having a battle with Governor Godwin Obaseki over his governorship ambition, which he unveiled last week.

Shaibu reeled out his achievements as a former student and alumnus of the University  in several areas of his professional and political endeavours.

According to him: “the University of Jos gave us courage and the spirit of boldness. Anywhere we are, we  are always courageous and bold to speak to power.

“Once upon a time as a student, I was speaking truth to power at the highest level. I spoke to Abacha and he listened. I spoke to Obasanjo, he listened and the 789 rusticated students from various higher institutions were reabsorbed.

“Obasanjo equally suspended autonomy on the nation’s public universities and increased National Youth Service Corps(NYSC) allowances from N3,000 to N7,500, as at that time.

“I am used to intimidations and I derive carbohydrate from it which sustains my courage and boldness.

“Let me now formally notify you as my first constituency that, I have declared my intention to run for the Office of Governor of Edo State in 2024. I need your prayers and support which are very important. I will be  hosting  you next year.”

The group, while reacting to the gesture, thanked the Deputy Governor for his courage and determination to throw his hat into the ring. They described his aspiration as a divine project that requires continuous support.

The end of year luncheon was put together by UNIJOS Alumni Association, Edo State chapter, to interact with members, that have distinguished themselves professionally and made significant contributions to nation building.

Ondo: Alleged Forgery Of Gov Akeredolu’s Signature Under Investigation – SAN

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Kayode Ajulo, has accused some Cabinet members in the Government of Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, of being the brain behind alleged forgery of the Governor’s signature.

The State Commissioner for information, Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, had, last week dismissed the rumour that the Governor’s signature was being forged on some documents, and insisted that Akeredolu still personally goes through them before appending his signature.

But Ajulo, an indigene of the State insisted that “I have it on good authority as a lawyer. Some of the Commissioners, about five of them, sent memos to the Governor, and they all returned with approval.

“Going through the approval compared to what the Governor had approved when he was hale (sic) and hearty, there are notable disparities in them.

“The Police and Administration of Justice Act has made it clear that there can be private investigators into the issue as such, and they have been contacted, but their results after the investigation are so damning.

“The purported signature is not from the Governor. It is so apparent.” He also alleged that the cabals were signing documents on behalf of the ailing Governor.

Ajulo made the allegation when he appeared on Arise Television’s Morning Show programme on Monday.

He pointed out that it was not possible for the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa to take over from the Governor since power has not been transferred to him constitutionally.

This, he said, has given the cabals the opportunity to hijack State Governance.

The lawyer maintained that the doctrine of necessity, which allowed the deputy governor to take over the reign of power till the governor resumes should be activated.

Ajulo noted that there is a presumption that the Governor is incapacitated, adding that the only way to counter that is to present him (Akeredolu).

“Why are some people sitting on the provisional constitutions? It is obvious that some people are holding the State by the jugular and using the present situation to loot the State’s wealth.

“DSS recently has been going around. Other security agencies should embrace the same. Questions bordering on the missing N7.5 billion in the State should be asked, and who gave the approval should not be left out.

“The Governor owes it a duty to speak with his people if he can since his health status is being funded with the same taxpayers’ money, or he should do the necessary constitutional duties, which is to delegate power to his Deputy.

“His Deputy was selected by him and possibly his party members before he ran for office. I don’t think he would have selected someone he had no trust in.”

President Bola Tinubu last week waded into the political crisis rocking the state, and asked the opposing factions to embrace peace and maintain the status quo.

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