Edwin Clark Too Old To Drag To Court, Not Abreast Of Development In Delta State – Ex Commissioner

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June 17, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Elder statesman and Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clarke has come under criticism for his remarks on the immediate past administration in Delta State.

In a statement, Chief Clark had accused former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of diverting state fund to oil his Vice Presidential ambition.

But a former Commissioner in the State, Charles Aniagwu, in response, said the elder statesman progressed in error in his comment on the immediate past administration.

The former Commissioner, who served under Okowa, in a statement, stated that the statement fell below the Chief Clark’s personality.

The Commissioner’s statement was a direct attack on Clark over his strong criticism of Okowa, his administration and his political choices in the 2023 general election, where he was the Vice Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP).

Aniagwu said: “In the case of the Delta State elderstatesman, he progressed in error, and I wouldn’t know whether that means lying.

“The issues he put forth are not original to him. In the course of the election, he had his own candidate in the state election and we defeated that candidate. Perhaps the anger of his candidate losing is still possibly part of what is pulling his position.

“So, we plead with the elder-statesman, the respect we have for him, we will not be in a hurry to withdraw it. If not for his age, I can bet you that my principal (Okowa) would have been in a position to proceed to court.

“But when you drag a 96 year old man to court in Africa where there is a lot of sentiment, the public will turn and say why are you fighting an old man.

“But we plead with him to leave those persons who are giving him those stories which are at variance with reality. The development in Delta is what we are very, very proud of. It is not about what I am saying on TV.

“You can come to Delta and see and you will wonder how Governor Okowa was able to put all these projects on ground. Anytime, any day we will be ready to face anybody and we will show you projects, point by point.

“Whether it is the State Secretariat which is number one in the country or whether it is the different bridges or the Technical Colleges which we have built. We are the only State in this country that established three Universities in one fell swoop and not only that we built three Universities, we are funding them.

“We are the only state in this country where every other University in this country were on strike ours never went that way.”

How Ayinde Retains Position As Sanwo Olu’s Chief Of Staff

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Akinwale Kasali

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June 17, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Many thought the handwriting was boldly written on the wall that he would be replaced as the Chief Of Staff to Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Tokunbo Wahab had been tipped to replace Ayinde in the influential position.

Wahab, a Socialite and friend of the Media had deployed the strategy of the the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, now Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, by bamboozling the Governor with a status conferral through the Media, who had been addressing him as the incoming CoS to the Governor.

Political analysts and stalwarts of the All Progressives Congress, APC, had concluded that Wahab will be the one.

But the intervention of President Tinubu, allegedly, changed the dynamics.

Insider sources at the Presidential Villa revealed that President Tinubu put a call through to Governor Sanwo Olu and asked him to reappoint Ayinde who had played a pivotal role in the successful re-election of the Governor.

He was the Director General of the Governor Sanwo Olu Re-Election Campaign Organisation, and made sure that the defeat suffered by the APC at the February 25th Presidential Election didn’t reoccur in the Governorship Election. His Principal recorded a landslide victory over his top rival, Labour Party, LP, Governorship Candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour.

It was gathered that President Tinubu told Governor Sanwo Olu to rescind his decision of dropping Ayinde for Wahab, noting that if he had been using people and dumping them, he wouldn’t become the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as his political structure has, over the years remained formidable.

Ayinde was said to have lost hope and had gone to Abuja to seek for an appointment at the Federal Level before President Tinubu ordered his reappointment.

Less than three hours after the order from the President, Governor Sanwo Olu announced Ayinde’s reappointment on Thursday 8th, June 2023.

Following his reappointment, Ayinde was officially sworn in on Friday, 16th June, 2023.

Ayinde’s re-appointment came following a four-year tenure which was characterised by impeccable administration and coordination of both the State government and party affairs which drew commendation from various stakeholders, party leaders and political analysts in the state.

He was also said to have displayed uncommon loyalty, diligence and dedication to the Governor and his THEMES Agenda.

In a reaction after the swearing in ceremony, an elated Ayinde said his second term in office means continued dedication, loyalty and diligence to his Principal and state duty.

“My unalloyed gratitude goes to Mr Governor, party faithfuls and Lagosians in general for believing in this administration. I am rededicating myself for more work to the upliftment of our dear state.

“For me, this second term offers a fresh opportunity for continued loyalty to Mr Governor; also for continued dedication and diligence in delivering my tasks as assigned by Mr Babajide Sanwo-olu, our amiable Governor.”

OPINION: ‘Ibute Ike’ Syndrome Among Our Youths

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James Orji

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June 17, 2023

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By Uche Nworah

These youngsters are now on another level. What won’t they do to ‘bute ike’. Now eggs are being broken on their heads and blood sprinkled on them by Ezemmuo (hopefully not human blood).

It has not occurred to the boys that allowed themselves to be filmed in the viral video where I munched these pictures from, that even Ezemmuo himself that wants to ‘bunye ha ike’ has not ‘bute ike’ himself. His surroundings would have told a different story if he has. What a pity!

Society as a whole should stand up against these digital ‘dibias’ that are leading young people astray. It appears that the generation falling prey to such ‘ogwu ego’ practices don’t believe in the virtues of hardwork, patience, perseverance, God’s grace and the importance of maintaining a good family name. When we were growing up, our parents, neighbours and relatives always hammered into our heads that we should always remember the sons of whom we are. ‘Biko imechuna ezi na uno gi iru’ (Do not disgrace and dishonour your family), they said at every opportunity.

Social media is not helping matters. The so-called digital ‘dibias’ who go by different names are social media savvy. They are using tech tools to market and promote their ‘dibia’ services. Distance is no longer a barrier, even people living abroad now send money across and are represented by friends and family members where ‘awele’, ‘ibobo’, ‘obala ola’ and such other named native money, power, longevity and success ‘ite ogwu’ are being prepared.

Never before have we seen in recent history the urge and recourse to diabolical means by young people to get rich. Anambra state, my darling state, appears to be the headquarters of such get-rich-quick service providers. Some disguise as Pastors.

Clearly one can see that the way this is going, if left unchecked, the wider society will be affected too. The consequences can only be imagined. The police have reported large scale idol worshipping, drinking of human blood and eating of human flesh by kidnappers busted in their various dens and camps. They also report of thriving black market sales of human parts and organs by the kidnappers to ritualists. Some kidnap victims have also been beheaded. Many will recall the gruesome beheading of Hon. Okechukwu Okoye in 2022, a member of Anambra State House of Assembly representing Aguata Constituency 2 at the time.

The government has to act, and fast!

Capital Market: Investors Suffer N105bn Loss

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James Orji

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June 17, 2023

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Investors in Nigeria’s capital market suffered a whopping loss of more than N105 billion at the end of close of market on Friday.

The loss, according to Futureview, a financial service firm may not be unconnected with profit-taking activities from prominent stocks which led to decline in the market, even though the market experience a bullish start at the beginning of the week.

The benchmark index closed at 59,000.96 points, representing a decrease of 33 basis points compared to Thursday’s closing of 59,195.21 points.

Prominent stocks that experienced decline include DANGSUGAR by 4.17 percent, GTCO by 3.92 percent, STANBIC by 3.70 percent, ZENITHBANK by 3.28 percent, and WAPCO by 1.91 percent.

These bellwether stocks contributed to the negative performance of the day, the firm said.

As a result, the Year to Date, YTD, return experienced a decrease, falling to 15.12 percent . Additionally, the market capitalization saw a decline of 0.33 percent, settling at N32.13 trillion. This decrease in market capitalization led to a drop in investor fortune by N105.77 billion.

Market activity decreased as volume and value traded declined by 46.81 percent and 57.61 percent to 622.42 million units and N6.51 billion respectively.

Market breadth; investor sentiment decreased to 0.85x from 0.90x in the prior session as 28 stocks appreciated, 33 stocks depreciated while 60 stocks closed flat.

Meanwhile, the Naira demonstrated a notable appreciation of 5.58 percent against the US Dollar at the Investors and Exporters, I&E, Window,closing at N663.04/USD, while the exchange rate at the Central Bank of Nigeria’s, CBN, Secondary Market Intervention Sales, SMIS, window remained steady at N640.00/USD.

Eze Anaba Elected NGE’s President

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The Source

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June 17, 2023

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By Charles Igbo

The cerebral Editor of Vanguard Newspapers, Eze Anaba, has been elected the new President of the Nigeria Guild of Editors, NGE.

Anaba won by a landslide at the election held in Owerri, Imo State Capital, on Friday, June 16, 2023, during the NGE’s Bienniel Convention.

The Convention was declared open by the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma.

NGE’s Bienniel Convention is the largest congregation of Publishers and Editors in Nigeria.

In the very keenly contested Presidential election, Anaba polled a total of 250 votes to defeat his opponent, Bolaji Adebiyi, a former Editor of ThisDay Newspapers. Adebiyi polled 81 votes.

Anaba comes into the high profile office of the NGE President well prepared having garnered solid experiences in Media management, with robust contacts both in the private and public sectors to boot.

He was, at various times, Deputy Editor, Saturday Editor, Senior Deputy News Editor, and the Law and Human Rights Editor, all in Vanguard Newspapers.

Very widely travelled, Anaba holds a Masters Degree in Communication from the Leicester University, United Kingdom.

Allow Emefiele’s Family, Legal Team, Access To Him, Court Orders

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The Source

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June 16, 2023

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Godwin Emefiele, CBN Governor — Godwin Emefiele

By Gideon Njoku

A Federal Capital Territory High Court has ordered the Department of State Services, DSS, to grant the family and Legal Team of suspended and detained Governor of the Central Bank, Godwin Emefiele, access to him.

The Honorable Justice Hamza Muazu gave the order on Friday following an application by Counsel to the embattled Emefiele, J.B. Dauda, SAN.

Emefiele was arrested on Saturday, June 10, 2023, by Operatives of the DSS, 24 hours after he was suspended from office by President Bola Tinubu.

However, since his arrest and detention, according to Dauda, his legal team and family have been denied access to him. Dauda alleged that all his applications to the DSS to allow him access to his Client remained unresponded to.

In his ruling, Justice Muazu ordered the DSS to grant both Emefiele’s Legal Team and family unrestricted access to him as it is his constitutional right.

Dog Mauls Owner to Death

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The Source

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June 16, 2023

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By Chidi Levi

Imagine buying and breeding your death! That was exactly what happened to a Cameroonian, Simon Ngonja, an executive staff in the office of that country’s Prime Minister.

Ngonja died in Yaounde, the Cameroonian capital, from the fatal injuries he sustained after his German Shepherd pounced on him and mauled him.

According to Beller Powers, a Cameroonian blogger who broke the sordid news, “Simon Ngonja died this morning after being fatally attacked by his own “German Shepherd” breed dog.

“Returning from a trip last Sunday night, he was attacked by his dog after opening the gate of his house. He fought fiercely with the animal to the point where it was a soldier who decided to kill the dog with a rifle bullet. “Taken to the hospital with a lot of bleeding, the wounds were finally fatal to him.

“He was an executive in the services of the Prime Minister in Yaoundé”

Asari Dokubo Says Military Responsible For Oil Theft, Pledges Loyalty To President Tinubu

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Akinwale Kasali

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June 16, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Former Niger Delta Militant and agitator, Mujaheed Asari Dokubo, has labeled the Nigeria Army and Navy thieves responsible for the continued Oil Theft in the nation.

He further alleged that the bulk cases of oil theft recorded over the years could be traced to the Army and Navy.

After a closed door meeting with President Bola Tinubu, Dokubo, while briefing the media said: “The Military is at the centre of oil theft and we have to make this very clear to the Nigerian public that 99 per cent of oil theft can be traced to the Nigerian military, the Army and the Navy especially”.

Pledging his support and loyalty to the current administration, Dokubo said that he would partner with the President Tinubu Government to bring oil theft to ‘zero’, stressing that the Tinubu-led administration would “fish out” the culpable elements in the military.

He added that Oil theft and security framed his nearly two-hour discussion with the President, and added that there would be zero oil theft in the Niger Delta Region, as they are ready to back this current administration.

He said, “Myself and my brothers have assured the President that there will be zero oil theft and vandalization in the Niger Delta.

“We’re going to walk with the NPPCL and the IOCs to make sure that oil tapped is brought to zero.”

As regards insecurity in the nation, he faulted the narrative that the military is under-equipped to take on terrorism, banditry and militancy head-on, describing it as “blackmail.”

For Dokubo: “The blackmail of the Nigerian State by the Nigerian military is shameful. They said they do not have enough armament and people listen to these false narratives. So this blackmail must end. They have enough resources to fight.”

He argued that the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, would not ease the tensions in the South-East. Rather, it would fuel impunity.

“During #EndSARS, Nnamdi Kanu was walking free. What did he do? He poured petrol on the flames of #EndSars. Now, he has been caught. What of the people who have died? This is a criminal. He should face the law.

“Releasing Nnamdi Kanu is rewarding criminality and rewarding gruesome murder of innocent people. He should face the law for the actions and instigations he has carried out.”

Mba, Ciroma, Now DIGs, As PSC Releases New Promotions

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Ayodele Oni

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June 16, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

The Police Service Commission has approved the appointment of Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs) Frank Mba and Bala Ciroma as Deputy Inspectors General of Police, (DIG).

Mba’s elevation to the rank of DIG is coming barely after three months of his promotion to AIG.

DIG Ciroma will replace Ali Janga who has retired from Service and had represented the North East geo-political zone in the Police Management team.

A statement on Friday, signed by Ikechukwu Ani, the Head, Press and Public Relations, stated that DIG Ciroma, the most senior Officer from the zone will henceforth represent the zone.

DIG Mba will represent the South East zone and replace retired John Amadi who, before his retirement, represented the zone.

The statement added that the Commission also approved the promotion of 14 Commissioners of Police to the next rank of Assistant Inspectors General of Police and 22 Deputy Commissioners of Police to the substantive rank of Commissioners.

“These decisions were highpoints of the 21st Plenary Meeting of the Commission presided over by its Chairman, Dr. Solomon Arase, CFR, retired Inspector General of Police and attended by all the Members of the Commission including the Permanent Secretary/ Secretary to the Commission, Dr. (Mrs) Ifeoma Adaora Anyanwu takun.

“The new AIGs are CP Abubakar Lawal; CP Alhassan Aminu; CP Abdul Umar; CP Shettima Zannah; CP Ebong Eyibio Ebong; CP Adepoju Ayiinde Ilori and CP Okon Okon Effiong.

“Others are; CP Echeng Eworo Echeng; CP Susan Ukpanukiema Horsfall; CP Bankole Lanre Sikiru; CP Oladimeji Yomi Olarewaju; CP Sani Gwarzo and CP Odama Paul Ojeka.

The 22 Deputy Commissioners of Police promoted to the rank of Commissioners are; DCP Abibo Deinma Reuben; DCP Thomas Abraham Nabhoni; DCP Wakil Abdul Salamai; DCP Enyinnaya Inonachi; DCP Ronke Nurat Okunade; DCP Adekunle Ismail Olusokan; DCP Hassan Abdu Yabnet; DCP Festus Chinedu Oko; DCP Aminu Baba Raji; DCP Omolara Ibidun Oluntola; DCP Akoh Benedict Gabriel; DCP Alamutu Abiodun Mustapha; DCP Bafda Magaji Jahun, DCP Ahmadu Tijani Abdullahi; and DCP Mohamned Mu’azu; Others are, DCP Bretet Emmanuel Simon; DCP Ihebom M Chukuma; DCP Shettima Mohamned Qurtu; DCP Olatokunbo Maxwell Olabisi; DCP Yusuf Mohammed Lawal; DCP Monica Leo and DCP Abaniwonda Surajudeen Olufemi.”

Why Nigerian Universities Are Not Performing – University Administrator

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Ayodele Oni

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June 16, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

A University Administrator has advised Government to fund tertiary education adequately and deploy adequate technology to ensure performance.

Dr. Olu Awosusi, a former Registrar of Ekiti State University, (EKSU) was delivering a registry lecture at the Adekunle Ajasin University, AkungbaAkoko, (AAUA) also called for a deliberate and concerted effort by managers of tertiary institutions in Nigeria to deploy relevant technology if the institutions must perform optimally and gain global relevance.

Dr. Awosusi, declared that “One of the reasons our universities are not performing at optimal level has been the failure to deploy appropriate technology.

“If a university is not a world-class institution, it is difficult for its Registry or any other of its units to exude world-class attributes. Technology is, no doubt, a prerequisite for effective and efficient delivery of services.”

He also recommended for Nigerian universities adoption and acquisition of Electronic Document Management System, (EDMS), to facilitate digitization of their operations, while relevant experts and personnel should be engaged.

The Guest Lecturer, who berated poor funding of higher institutions in the country, called on proprietors, especially state governors, to inject more funds to the state-owned institutions.

According to him, “He who created the pipe must pay the piper handsomely and provide additional funds for the maintenance of the musical instrument.”

The Special Guest of Honour and Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, in his Goodwill Message, congratulated the Registrar, Mr. Olugenga Arajulu, for pioneering Registry Annual Lecture in the University.

Dr. Abayomi, who was represented by a member of the Governing Council, Arch. Tosho Ale, said the Council recently had a tour of the University to assess its needs and would expand its work to cover the areas where needs were identified.

The Vice Chancellor of AAUA, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, reiterated the commitment of his administration to regular training of staff of the institution for optimal service delivery.

Prof. Ige declared open the maiden edition of the Registry Annual Lecture of the University, entitled, “Efficiency in University Registry Functions: The Imperative E-Governance and Electronic Documents Management System.”

Prof Ige said, “Manpower development remains one of this administration’s cardinal attentions in our journey to building a 21st Century compliant administrative workforce.

“There is no gainsaying the Registry is the engine room of university administration and governance.

“Advancements in technology and science brings us closer to digitization and robotization of several aspects of office work and human endeavours.

“This, increasingly imposes on every worker to adapt to these constantly changing terrains of technological breakthroughs, and it means that the Registry staff that would fit into the environment of a 21st Century University must be adept at using technology to achieve set objectives.”