Niger Coup: Catholic Leaders Warn Against Invasion Ahead ECOWAS Meeting Today

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August 10, 2023

Catholic bishops in West Africa, have warned the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS to step down its plan to use force against the military junta in Niger Republic.

The bishops under the aegis of reunion of Episcopal Conferences of West Africa, RECOWA, said any attempt to use military force for the reinstatement of President Muhammad Bazoum who was deposed three weeks ago in a coup led by Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani, will lead to the Libya experience.

Following the removal of Libya’s strongman Muammar Gaddafi from power in 2011, the country has been destabilised by warlords who now reign supreme in the war-torn country.

The bishops’ warning comes ahead of the meeting of ECOWAS heads of state in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital today.

The meeting is also coming after diplomatic efforts to restore Bazoum to power seems not to be working.

On Wednesday, a former Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi met Gen. Tchiani in a bid to resolve the political standoff.

Sanusi visit comes a few days after an ECOWAS delegation led by a former Nigeria’s head of state, Gen Abdusalami Abubakar and Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar met the coupists in Niamey.

As tension continues to rise, the 15-nation regional bloc is expected to take a fresh decision about the coup a few days after it warned that all options are on the table including the use of force to resolve the political impasse.

Reacting to the unconstitutional removal of President Bazoum, RECOWA, said the proposed military intervention in Niger will scatter the security situation in the sub-region.

The bishops made this known in a two-page letter to the President of ECOWAS, Heads of State of ECOWAS, and the Transitional Authorities in Niger, dated August 7, 2023.

They warned the ECOWAS leaders to learn from what happened in Libya in 2011 following the removal of Gadaffi.

The letter was Signed by RECOWA President and Bishop of Agboville, Most Rev. Alexis Touabli Youlo.

The Catholic Bishops said diplomatic solutions to the political crisis must be explored to bring all the parties to negotiation.

The Catholic leaders said they are deeply worried “Faced with the events currently unfolding in the sub-region, the lives of the people of West Africa are at stake.”

The statement further read, “Keeping as our central vision the integrity of the people and emphasising respect for human dignity and a high sense of accountability to mankind, history, and God the Creator, we affirm that nothing can justify the creation or facilitation of an environment that is destructive to our people.

“We, your pastors, are convinced, and the history of people teaches us that violence does not solve any problem, not even the one that triggered it. We affirm that any military intervention in Niger at this time would contemplate the situation of the people of Niger and the sub-region more than it would provide solutions.

“Terrorism already has a macabre toll of widows, orphans, displaced persons, the hungry, the maimed, and so on. People are not expecting the regional, African, and other institutions to add to this toll,” the Catholic bishops of West Africa said.

“We cannot remain silent in the face of such situations and must learn lessons to ensure that such events do not happen again, particularly with Niger as a potential epicenter of a similar crisis. As a Bishops’ conference, our mission is intimately linked to the promotion of reconciliation and peace.

“We firmly believe that every human being is called to live in peace and to be a peacemaker in accordance with the teachings of the Bible and those of the holy books of other religious confessions, which exhort us to work for reconciliation and brotherhood between all peoples.”

“Peace is a precious gift that we must cultivate and preserve together. It is like a common mat that we must weave together with each person contributing to his or her thread,” the bishops said.

Abia: Ekwunife, DG SEGF, Visits Gov Otti; Applauds South-east Govs On Security

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James Orji

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August 10, 2023

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Senator Uche Ekwunife, Ph.D, CON, has paid a familiarization visit to the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti at his country home, Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Forum in her position as the Director General of Southeast Governors Forum.

The visit, which was in line with the Director General’s outlined agenda to ensure the smooth running of her office, had the Senator interact and solicit the support and cooperation of the Governor.

Speaking to journalsts, Ekwunife, who expressed delight at the warm welcome she received, commended Governor Otti for setting the ball rolling by delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of the state within a short time. She pledged to justify the confidence reposed in her by the forum by working together with the Governors to build a partnership that will drive economic development in the region.

The Senator described Abia as a commercial centre which is fertile for investors from across the globe, and urged the Governors to collaborate on Inter-state roads and rail networks, so as to connect the Southeast commercially and build a viable economic bloc.

On the issue of insecurity, Ekwunife applauded the Governors of the Southeast for coming together to confront the hydra-headed monster head on, adding that more awareness and local support of the citizens are needed to permanently end the insecurity challenge in the region. While noting that the Southeast is vital for the economic stability of the country, the Senator called for synergy between the Governors, traditional rulers and local vigilante in various communities to fight the “unconventional war”.

“Without security of lives and property, the economy cannot thrive because no investor will have confidence to invest in an unsecured zone, and I must commend the Southeast Governors for coming together to tackle it as a common challenge”, the DG remarked.

Earlier, Governor Otti spoke highly of the choice of Ekwunife as the DG of the forum and pledged the support of the Government and people of Abia State for the DG

Floating Dock: NIMASA Hands Over Site to Technical Partners

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James Orji

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August 10, 2023

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The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA has handed over the leased site at the Continental Shipyard Limited, CSL, of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, to the technical partners, Melsmore.

The technical partners are to liaise with NPA in finalising site management, which includes risk assessment in preparation to move the Modular floating Dock to the Continental Shipyard for the commencement of full operations.

NIMASA and the technical partners also agreed to invite manufacturers of the Floating Dock, Damen Shipyard to join in recommissioning the Dockyard, while site preparations are ongoing. This is to ensure the Floating Dock is deployed in the shortest possible time.

While addressing officials of Melsmore, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, OFR, emphasised the need for them to review the action plan in the light of realities on ground with detailed deliverables, and key performance indicators with clearly stated timelines.

“Nigerians eagerly await the deployment of the Modular Floating Dock. This is a national asset, which has potentials to boost maritime trade, create jobs, develop skills, by providing training avenues to various maritime training institutions in Nigeria, while also attracting foreign investment and preventing capital flight, thereby generating revenue. We hope to have students from the Maritime Academy of Nigeria and the Maritime University Okerenkoko amongst other maritime institutions come for practical time”, the DG said.

In his remarks, the Managing Director, Melsmore, Mr. Danny Fuchs thanked the Management of the Agency for the opportunity to work on such important project, and gave the assurance that the company is prepared to handle the movement of the floating dock from the naval dockyard to the Continental Shipyard Limited, CSL.

It may be recalled that the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) recently leased designated areas at the Continental Shipyard for the operations of the Modular Floating Dock. The areas include; the dolphin jetty, waterfront of the jetty adjourning the slipway, an administrative block, a construction, welding and mechanical workshop and a civil maintenance workshop, among others.

The project will be run on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

Chief Of Naval Staff Visits Uzodimma, Promises Additional Manpower, Logistics For Imo

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The Source

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August 10, 2023

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Poised to deal with insecurity in the country, the Nigerian Navy has promised to deploy additional manpower and logistics to Imo State in particular, with a view to dealing with known flash points that constitute security challenge in the area, particularly on the blue sea routes.

The assurance was given by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla who paid a courtesy visit to Governor Hope Uzodimma with key members of his Command at the New Exco Chambers, Government House, Owerri on Wednesday.

Vice Admiral Ogalla spoke as Governor Uzodimma assured him of the preparedness of Imo State under his watch and the South East Governors which he serves as their Chairman, to do everything possible to support the Navy and other security agencies to discharge their constitutional responsibility and mandate in the interest of the people.

Governor Uzodimma expressed gratitude to God and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on behalf of the Government and people of Imo State and the South East, over the appointment of the Chief of Naval Staff, noting that Ogalla’s appointment was the second time in the history of Nigeria that an Igbo man will be occupying the position of Chief of Naval Staff.

He thanked President Tinubu for starting in earnest to implement his campaign promises to all zones of the country and at the same time, working hard to reposition the economy to compete with that of other Nations globally.

The Governor described Vice Admiral Ogalla is “an all-round professional who has paid his dues in the Naval profession” and thanked him for the kind words he used to qualify the efforts his government has made in the course of reconstructing, rehabilitating and recovering Imo State.

Governor Uzodimma reminded Ogalla that “Imo people are hardworking business men and women who only need peace and security as an encouragement to go about their normal businesses.”

He described his visit as “another assurance and hope that the security situation in Imo State will be further improved and strengthened” and reassured the Chief of Naval Staff that “on the issue of logistics and improved manpower the State will always be partners in progress.”

Governor Uzodimma reassured Ogalla that the government and people of Imo State will not take for granted that he is from the South East of Nigeria, reiterating that all that is required for him to succeed in his office will be readily made available.

He counselled him to “work hard to be remembered in National history as a role model and an Officer who came, saw and conquered.”

The Governor rounded off by reassuring the Naval Chief, on behalf of Imo people, the entire Igbo and in his capacity as the Chairman of Progressives Governor’s Forum and Chairman of Governors of South East Forum, of the total support he needs as the Chief of Naval Staff and head of the Nigerian Navy.

Earlier in his remarks, Ogalla promised to redouble manpower and logistics in Imo State and thanked the Governor for accepting to receive them in a very short notice.

“It is a testimony of the cordial relationship between the State and the Navy in Imo State,” he said, adding that “the visit will further cement our working relationship with the Government and people of Imo State.”

He acknowledged that Imo State has been strategic in the support of the Navy in achieving her maritime security objectives, noting that part of the reason for the visit was to inform the Governor that the hydrographic survey of Oguta Lake to Orashi River to the Atlantic Ocean is ready for presentation to the Governor “and with this achieved the project will then move to another level.”

Ogalla who sincerely thanked the Governor for all his assistance to the Navy and for connecting the Naval Base in Imo State to the National grid, however requested for more Patrol Vans to enable them cover more areas along the maritime coast.

Additionally, he thanked the Governor for his interventions in the construction of internal roads at the Naval School of Logistics at Owerrinta.

Also, he informed the Governor of Navy’s plans to develop Housing Scheme for their retiring officers in Imo State and requested the support of the people to succeed by availing them of vital information that will enable them maximize their performances.

He assured that to reciprocate the gesture of the State, “the criminal elements in Imo State, especially along the maritime routes, will be gotten rid of.”

The Chief of Naval Staff was accompanied on the visit by mostly Principle Officers of the Navy, the Commander 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze and the Deputy Commissioner of Police Imo State.

The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prof Placid Njoku, the Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon Chike Olemgbe, the Secretary to Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmos Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie, Commissioners, other top government officials and the Chairman of Imo State Elders Council, HRH Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, joined the Governor in receiving the Chief of Naval Staff.

Youth Group Lambast JMF, Cautions It Against Fanning Ember Of Hatred, Religious Bigotry

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Akinwale Kasali

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August 9, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

A Youth Organization under the aegis of Joint Youth For Progressive Alliance, JYPA, an umbrella Body of over 25 Youth Groups across the Country has cautioned the Joint Muslims Forum, JMF, an umbrella Body of over 30 Muslim Groups that includes; Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, Sheikh AbdulRahman Adangba and 27 others to stop fanning the ember of hatred and religious bigotry in Lagos State, the commercial hub of the country.

The Group said it was necessary to call the JMF to order over its alleged one- sidedness of the Commissioners-list submitted by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo Olu to the Lagos State House of Assembly.

In a Press Release made available to newsmen signed by the President of the Group, Muyideen Olayinka and its Executive Secretary, Michael Akinwale, the Group said it frowns at the International Press Conference held by the JMF last week where it alleged that the Muslim Community rejected the Commissioners list. The Community complained that the list has eight Muslims as against 31 Christians on the list of 39 men and women. It said the list shows oppression, pathological hatred, callousness, Insensitivity, and unfairness.

JYPA said the complaint shows that the JMF lacks a sense of history and plotting to cause unnecessary crisis across religious lines which will plunge the State into crisis.

It stated that when the All Progressives Congress, APC, gave Nigerians a Muslim-Muslim Presidential Ticket, the Christians embraced it which metamorphosed in the success of the Party which ushered in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President, Kashim Shettima into office. The Group queried JMF if it would have accepted it had APC flown a Christian-Christian ticket ?

The Group added that at the Lagos State House of Assembly, there are 24 Muslim Lawmakers as against the Christians, who have 14 Members, and at no time have they complained of marginalization.

“It is just so pathetic that this is coming at a time when we believe that the growth, development and progression of the State should be our priority In attaining the Mega City of our dreams, so religious fanatics and charlatans will come up and be fanning the ember of hatred and discord across religious line.

“Will these set of unscrupulous and backward thinking people accept Christian/ Christian tickets in Lagos? If a discreet investigation is conducted, you will find out that these elements behind this subversive write up are not true Lagosians, they are just here to cause chaos and they flee to their State which is not as prosperous as the center of excellence”.

The Group furthermore stressed that in its investigation at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Lagos State, the Muslims are the one benefiting immensely in terms of pilgrimage to the Holy Land in Saudi Arabia.

It added that it was shocking to know that the Christians were not getting one-third of the budget of what the Muslims get for Pilgrimage every year.

“It May interest the JMF that Governor Sanwo Olu’s Personal Assistant and Personal Driver are Muslims, and he allows them to observe their Prayers as at when due. It is however disturbing that this insensitive Group called JMF will come up with such accusations and just want to create unnecessary issues when the need does not arise”.

The Group pleaded with Lagosians to reject and neglect the JMF as they are just a clog in the wheel of advancement, growth and prosperity of the State.

“This JMF means no well for the State. The Peace, development, prosperity, growth and advancement of the State should be the priority of all, rather, some set of unscrupulous elements who hide under religious line to cause unrest, chaos and hatred among the people for their own selfish interest should not be accepted and tolerated, rather, they should disgraced and silenced.

“What positive impact has the JMF made in the growth and development of the State? These are questions begging for answers. They just believe in inciting people negatively to actualized their selfish desire. We say NO to charlatans and haters of peace and prosperity of Lagos State”, the Group said.

Timi Frank Challenges President Tinubu To Release His Chicago Varsity Credentials

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Akinwale Kasali

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August 9, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Timi Frank, a Social Commentator, Activist and Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to allow the Chicago State University release his academic records to a Court in Nigeria if he has has nothing to hide.

Frank has, also, challenged the American Government and its institutions to cause Tinubu’s certificates in Chicago State university to be released to a Court in Nigeria in the spirit of reciprocity and freedom of information obtainable in that country.

He made this call in a statement in Abuja, the nation’s Capital, insisting that Tinubu, as a public servant ought not to seek to stop his academic records from being made public in a law Court.

It would be recalled that Tinubu had filed a motion seeking to prevent a United States Federal Court from releasing his university academic records to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as requested by the latter.

He lamented that the United States is playing double standards where actions and requests that are taken seriously in their country becomes the reverse when it concerns an African country like Nigeria.

He said: “Barely two days after former Vice President ans Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democracy Party (PDP) approached the State District Court for the Northern District of Illinois subpoenaed the Chicago State University to release the records of Tinubu, it is rather shocking that the President has countered the request by filling a counter motion to restrain the Court from releasing his academic records to the petitioner.

“What seems to be more worrisome is the idea that a sitting President who had sworn to uphold the integrity and sanctity of the Presidential office, would attempt to muzzle an independent judiciary of the United States through acts of coercion or frivolous motions unknown to the Justice department.

“However, it is noteworthy to reiterate that the Justice system of the United States isn’t one that is amenable to coercion, intimidation, subjugation or any other form of compromise as demonstrated clearly from recent events concerning the former President of the US (Donald Trump) who is being made to answer various charges concerning his conduct while in office.

“What are you hiding in the Chicago University? If you are proud of your credentials, tell the University you claimed to have attended to release your academic information to Nigeria as requested by Atiku.

“This is simply the right thing to do because when a subpoena has been issued, it’s meant to be honoured anywhere.

“For anybody who wants to lead Nigeria, you should be able to surrender yourself to Nigerians for scrutiny as that is the minimum standard expected and I’m aware Alh. Atiku is not doing anything extraordinary against the law.

“This is the very reason we believe the US court must throw out your (Tinubu’s) appeal and give your academic information to Nigeria.”

He added: “The US must not be seen to protect any high profile Nigerian or any Nigerian that is holding public office. That is their duty, to do the right thing the same way they are doing the right thing in America.

“Today, the world and everybody is watching how Trump is being treated and investigated from one court to another.

“Trump’s information is being released by the CIA and the FBI in America for people to see what he has done.

“So if they can do that in America to Trump who is a former president, then why is the United States today aiding and abetting criminality in Nigeria by refusing to release unclassified documents pertmitted by its freedom of information law? Whatever is good for America must also good for Nigeria.”

According to him, “it is because of acts of complacency and deliberate connivance with individuals who have run fowl of the system and taken advantage of compromised individuals that Nigeria and indeed majority Africa countries are turning to China and Russia who are believed to be strict and non-compromising.

“The United States is playing politics with the destiny of Nigeria because of their interest, but if they are not careful they will do untold damage to their image in Africa.

“The United States is losing its credibility in Nigeria and in Africa because of issues like this because when it has to do with Africans, they will know something is wrong, but because of their personal interests, they will underplay it the way it cannot be done in their own country,

“Is it not too much for Nigeria to demand from the authorities of the United States that we

need the academic credentials of our president that they know is illegally occupying the office? This is the same man that has been fingered in several criminal cases in America.

“In America, can you do this to your taxpayers? When taxpayers in America demand for any information, including that of a sitting president, it will be provided because they know that a public officer in America, is answerable to the citizens.

“But why are they promoting and supporting public office holders in Nigeria like the incumbent president who’s unwilling to be answerable to the Nigerian people as if the interest of Tinubu is greater than the interest of Nigerian people?”

“Therefore, the argument in his motion that the records should not be released because they fall under a 1974 privacy law for American students has shown clearly that there’s more to the identity of the individual who’s currently the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all must be done by the US in ensuring that the real identity of the President is revealed with the demand for his academic credentials whilst in Illinois.

We hold the US in good faith and will expect that everything concerning this matter is finally put to rest when the University is finally subpoenaed. We’re glad that a Federal judge has been assigned to the case, and we expect a full dispensation of justice under the US Justice system in this regard.

“The World Has Accepted Tinubu As President, Stop Threatening Me Over Visit” – Okonjo-Iweala”

By

The Source

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August 9, 2023

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Director General of the World Trade Organization, (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala has said that Nigerians are making abusive calls to her after her visit to President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday.

The WTO boss, a former Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, had met President Tinubu in Aso Rock on Tuesday with details of the meeting still sketchy.

In a post, Okonjo- Iweala wrote: “I keep receiving toxic calls and messages regarding my meeting with the President yesterday.

“I keep receiving toxic calls and messages regarding my meeting with the President yesterday, and from those I hold in very high esteem.

“Honestly, I am shocked at the contents of the messages and tone of the callers. Has Nigeria sank this low?

“A visit I made for the good of our dear nation is what they are using to threaten my life and family! You don’t recognize someone as your President yet begging him to save you from the hands of killers in your region.

“I am bringing investors to Nigeria using the President’s commendable policies as a bait. Is that too difficult to understand?

“President Tinubu’s reforms might be harsh now but they would birth a new and prosperous nation. I have lost count of Presidents, respected Institutions and investors that have called to congratulate me on Nigeria eventually having a focused leader since the reforms were rolled out.

“At least, six multi-national manufacturing giants are coming with me by December later this year to see how their firms can have factories here.

“It’s all part of my contributions to the progress of Nigeria. I am not a politician. I only desire the best for my dear country.

“It informed my visit to President Tinubu. The world has accepted him as our President, like it or not. May God heal us.”

Oyo, Brazil To Collaborate On Black Heritage Day

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Ayodele Oni

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August 9, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

The Oyo State Government has concluded arrangements to jointly host the black heritage day with the Brazilian custodian of culture, Oba Awurela, Sangokunle Alayande.

Black Heritage Day is marked annually by the Brazilians to commemorate Brazil’s freedom from the Europeans.

The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, disclosed this while receiving Oba Awurela in his office.

According to him, the Oyo state government is ready to parley with Brazil on promotion of culture and tourism.

Olatunbosun lauded Oba Awurela for his plans to expand the frontiers of tourism in Oyo State, using culture as a tool, which will, in turn, boost revenue in the State.

The Commissioner shed light on the mapped-out strategies to drive tourism in the state, through cultural heritage.

He called for further international investment and cooperation to harness the state’s tourism potential.

Oba Awurela, a paternal descendant of Awe in Oyo, said he was in the state to propagate the image of his household and further build cultural ties between Oyo State and Brazil.

The monarch sought collaboration of the Oyo State Government in the celebration of Brazilian Black Heritage Day, otherwise known as ‘Searchie November’ which is a yearly celebration to commemorate Brazil’s freedom from the Europeans.

Speaking further on the existing cultural integration, Oba Awurela said Brazil and all Diasporans in South America have an Academy that integrates religion and cultural heritage.

He spoke on the plan to create the Oyo Empire in Brazil, which will be known as ‘Oyotedo’.

Subsidy: Ekiti Gives N5,000 Per Vulnerable Person Monthly, Approves Outstanding Workers Entitlements

By

Ayodele Oni

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August 9, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Government has announced some interventions to cushion the biting effect of subsidy withdrawal on petrol.

Under the intervention, the State Government will now pay some entitlements owed State and Local Government Workers over the years.

Also in the approved entitlements, a paltry sum of N5,000 was approved for some 10,000 persons regarded as vulnerables.

The mode of determining beneficiaries tagged vulnerables is yet to be made public.

A statement on Wednesday, states that “the following urgent economic interventions to cushion the effect of the Subsidy removal by the Federal Government have been approved by the state government.

“This intervention was approved by Mr. Governor, Biodun Oyebanji in tandem with his shared prosperity promise to the people of Ekiti State.

The interventions includes:

“Payment of one year’s leave bonus for State and Local Government workers.Payment of one month’s pension arrears for State and Local Government pensioners.

“Implementation of consequential adjustment for workers on GL. 14 to GL. 17 for State and Local Government workers. Implementation of 90% CONHESS and 100% Hazard Allowance for health workers at the Local Governments.

“Implementation of salary parity for clinical staff of the Hospitals’ Management Board. Implementation of financial benefits of 2020 and 2021promotions for State and Local Government workers.

“Immediate payment of one month subvention arrears to tertiary institution. Provision of free shuttle buses for workers and students to ease transportation to/from work and school respectively.

“In addition to the already mentioned interventions, Mr. Governor has also approved additional interventions designed to directly impact our poorest and most vulnerable residents.

These are:

“Payment of N5,000 as a conditional cash transfer to 10,000 households from August till December 2023, with emphasis on our aged people.

“Inclusion of 10,000 persons in the Ulera Wa health insurance programme. A food distribution programme that will commence this month.

“The distribution of inputs to farmers as well as financial support to small businesses and our informal sector.”

Justice Odili Threatens Ude With Suit, Lodges Criminal Complaint Over Allegation Of ‘Negotiating’ For Tinubu With Presidential Tribunal

By

Adesina Soyooye

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August 9, 2023

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By Adesina Soyooye

Jackson Ude, a Journalist, could be in serious trouble over the allegations he made against the Honourable Justice Mary Peter-Odili, a retired Supreme Court Judge, a retired Supreme Court Judge.

Ude had, shockingly, alleged that Odili is in Abuja where she is “currently negotiating a pathway for Bola Tinubu” and that “she meets regularly with Appeal and Supreme courts.”

Jackson wrote that Justice Odili is in Abuja negotiating with the Presidential Tribunal and Supreme Court (when the case gets to the highest Court), on behalf of President Tinubu.

But an angry Justice Odili who is, also, the Chairman of the Body of Benchers has dismissed the allegation as false, fake and deliberately meant to defame and malign her. She has, therefore, in a statement signed by her Media Assistant, Felix Enebeli, demanded an immediate retraction of the story and a public apology by Jackson. She has, also, briefed her Lawyers to take up the allegation against her by Jackson. Odili has

Following is the full text of the Justice Odili’s statement issued on Wednesday, August 9, 2023

“PRESS STATEMENT ISSUED ON BEHALF OF HON. JUSTICE (MRS) MARY PETER-ODILI REFUTING A PUBLICATION MADE BY ONE JACKSON UDE IN THE SOCIAL MEDIA TITLED “MARY ODILI WORKING FOR TINUBU WITH THE PEPT

“Our attention has been drawn to a publication circulating in the social media against the person of the retired Justice Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili, wherein the author, one Jackson Ude, falsely and maliciously alleged inter alia, that the revered jurist is “currently negotiating a pathway for Bola Tinubu” and that “she meets regularly with Appeal and Supreme courts” in that regard.

“While the defamation arising from the false allegation has been referred to the lawyers of her lordship to deal with in accordance with the law, we consider it appropriate, particularly for the sake of the public, to issue this unequivocal denial of the false allegation. We deny every allegation contained in the publication and state that the publication is false, malicious, mischievous and a deliberate attempt at smearing the integrity and solid reputation of her lordship. We say nothing of the fact that the publication has the potential of inciting the public against her Lordship on an issue of grave national importance.

“For the records, Her Lordship is neither a Judicial Consultant to anyone, nor is she in any way connected with, or involved in any of the presidential election petitions or any other election petition whatsoever. The public is hereby urged to disbelieve, disregard and ignore this false publication.

“Lawyers acting for Hon. Justice Mary Peter-Odili have been instructed to demand retraction and public apology from the publisher, Jackson Ude, failing which redress will be sought in a court of law.

“Meanwhile, a criminal complaint has been lodged with the police. In addition, lawyers acting for Justice Mary Peter-Odili have addressed petitions to the State Security Service, the Nigeria Police and Interpol calling for immediate investigation of this grave but false and malicious allegation aimed at inciting the public against Hon. Justice Mary Peter-Odili (Rtd)

Signed
Chief Felix Enebeli, Media Assistant to Hon. Justice Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili (Rtd).”