Kema Chikwe Dumps PDP, Quits Partisan Politics, Endorses Uzodinma For Second Term In Office

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July 22, 2023

By Gideon Njoku

The Governorship aspiration of Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the Imo State Governorship flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was on Friday, dealt another devastating blow. And so has the PDP in the State. Dr Mrs Kema Chikwe, by any standard, one of the most powerful and successful female politicians in Nigeria has dumped them.

In the past few weeks, the Imo Chapter of the PDP has had an unparalleled run with a number of its high profile members, dumping it for the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC and Governor Hope Uzodinma.

Aside from its most high profile member and former Governor of the State, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, who has given the Party in the State some space since his sudden withdrawal from the Governorship race, the Party, in one fell swoop, a couple of weeks ago, lost seven members of its State Working Committee, SWC, including the State Secretary, State Publicity Secretary, Women Leader, Youth Leader, a State Deputy Chairman, to the APC. They declared that one of their reasons for leaving was to support the “good works of the Governor in the State.”

Since then, a number of other leaders, including a popular former House of Representatives Member, Jerry Alagboso, have followed the same path.

On Friday, July 20, it was the turn of Dr Chikwe. Until now, a staunch PDP member, Dr Chikwe was Minister for Aviation during the President Olusegun Obasanjo Government, later Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ireland, later, Chairman, JAMB, later, PDP National Women Leader, BOT member, etc. All, in addition to being a very strong pillar of the Party in the State.

Chikwe began to lose interest in the party some months ago. She was one of those who criticized the running of the Party in the State, and, alongside others, protested to the National Leadership of the Party.

A strong ally of Ihedioha, the two of them unexpectedly parted ways over the affairs of the Party in the State. She became more inclined towards the National Secretary of the Party, Anyanwu, who picked the Party’s Governorship ticket as a sole candidate after Ihedioha withdrew.

But since then, Chikwe’s attitude towards the Party in the State has been very lukewarm. Not a few people put it down to the insults publicly hauled at her, without any respect for her age and status, by those described by some people as overzealous PDP members over her criticism of the SWC. Not even the fact that Anyanwu is the Governorship flag bearer could draw her out from her shell.

On Wednesday, she took the bull by the horn. At the 6th Anniversary of the Women Leadership Institute, her baby, in Abuja, attended by a number of Imo leaders and stakeholders, Dr Chikwe told a brief story of her foray into politics. Then she threw in the shocker. She announced that she was done with partisan politics. She quit.

The high point of her speech, however, was her public endorsement of Governor Hope Uzodinma for a second term in office. This has left Anyanwu at crossroads, murmured somebody in the audience.

By doing so, Chikwe simply followed in the footsteps of many other individuals, associations and communities, recently, endorsing Uzodinma for a second term in office. While the PDP is embroiled in a self-inflicted crisis, and the Labour Party still battling with a “rogue” claimant to the ticket, Uzodinma has been harvesting goodwill and support from left, right and centre.

The Imo State Governorship election will be held on 11th November, 2023. Said a PDP stalwart who pleaded anonymity, “It will be a no-contest. The soul of PDP has moved on. PDP lost it when Ihedioha withdrew from the race.” However, time will tell.

Anarchy Threat: Obi Replies Tinubu, Explains Where Anarchy Reigns Supreme

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The Source

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July 21, 2023

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The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25, 2023, election and first petitioner in the ongoing case at the Presidential Election Petition Court, PEPC, Peter Obi, has given a principled response to the threat of anarchy from the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the 2nd and 3rd Respondents in the petition, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kashim Shettima that if the Court interprets the Electoral Act section 134 against them it might lead to breakdown of law and order.

Recall that Tinubu’s legal team, led by Wole Olanipekun, had in their final address to the Court threatened that, “Any other interpretation different from theirs will lead to absurdity, chaos, anarchy and alteration of the very intention of the legislature.”

But Peter Obi’s lawyers led by Dr Livy Uzoukwu and Onyechi Ikpeazu disagreed saying instead that what will lead to anarchy is where the rule of law is trampled upon or truncated, that in such situations anarchy reigns supreme!

According to Obi, “A sentence in the 2nd-3rd Respondents’ address alarmed the Petitioners and millions of Nigerians. The 2nd-3rd Respondents went too low and abandoned discretion when they claimed as follows: “Our submission is that the Petitioners are inviting anarchy by their ventilation of this issue of non-transmission of results electronically, by INEC.”

Obi’s legal team noted that they found Tinubu’s outburst as “a cheap, misguided, and destructive blackmail clearly intended to target the country’s judicialism and constitutionalism. It also aims at cannibalizing our democracy”

The legal team also noted that the careless and absurd statements of the 2nd and 3rd Respondents intend to raise the issue of insecurity if the Petitioners were to emulate the bad example of the 2nd-3rd Respondents but remarked that such will never happen because of the petitioner’s discipline and peaceful disposition and believe in the rule of law.

Still underscoring the pointlessness and the supererogatory of the Respondent’s threat, OBI’S legal team wondered “When has it become offensive for Petitioners to canvass a ground prescribed for the challenge of an election in section 134(1)(b) of the Electoral Act 2022?

The legal eggheads attributed the needless flare-up and effusion of the Respondents to desperation taken too far which can be extremely dangerous.

“Let the 2nd-3rd Respondents know that where the rule of law is trampled upon or truncated, anarchy reigns supreme!”

“Tinubu Has ‘Lagonised’ Presidency” – South-West Group; Warns Of Anarchy In The Zone

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Adesina Soyooye

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July 21, 2023

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By Adesina Soyooye

An All Progressives Congress, APC, Group in the South-west, has accused President Bola Tinubu of appropriating the Presidency to Lagos.

The Group, South-West APC Support Group, SASG, expressed shock at the appointments made so far by the President, insisting that most of them were from members of the Party in Lagos, to an, almost, total snub of members from other States in the South-west. The Group has, therefore, warned of the dangers inherent in “Lagonising” the Presidency, by giving APC chieftains in Lagos an undeserved sense of entitlement.

In a statement, the National Coordinator of the group, Otunba Tunde Filani, alleged that APC chieftains in Lagos whom he identified as “Lagos boys” have cornered most appointments from the Tinubu Government.

In the statement entitled, “Dangers of ‘Lagosizing’ Southwest”, Group noted that out of 20 aides recently appointed by Tinubu, 13 of them are Lagos-based.

For the records, Filani noted the contributions of other States in the zone to Tinubu’s success, and pointed out that Tinubu lost Lagos in the presidential election but won in Ondo, Ekiti and Oyo states which are getting nothing, so far.

Said the statement: “We have observed, with utmost dismay, the ongoing unpleasant development at the presidency whereby most appointments are being filled with ‘Lagos boys’.

“We the Southwest APC Support groups are constrained to say that this trend, if not checked, might make the Southwest the first boiling point of the Tinubu administration.

“We hereby wish to call the attention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to this ugly development and to state that a situation whereby politicians from Lagos State are seen to be the ones taking all the benefits that accrue to the entire Southwest is totally unacceptable to other States in the region as Lagos is not the only State in Southwest.

“A cursory look at the appointments made so far under this administration showed that majority of the people around Mr President are all Lagos politicians. While they may not all be indigenes of Lagos, but these are politicians based in Lagos, who have played all their politics in Lagos, lived in Lagos, and as a matter of fact made Lagos their immediate constituency.

“Looking at the appointments of 20 aides that was recently made by Mr President, we can categorically count on our fingers about 13 of them who are Lagos based.

“The arrival of former Lagos Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode into the fray as one of the ministerial hopefuls is another fact in this direction.

“Another scenario is that if you look at Tinubu’s first trip to France as President, those who accompanied him on that journey are those from Lagos despite the fact that most of them are without official portfolio or capacity.

“This is uncalled for. This administration shouldn’t be made an all-lagos affair. It doesn’t project Mr President well as a nationalist and a pan-Nigerian leader.

“Recently, the President constituted a committee that will constitute boards of Ministries Departments and Agencies, MDAs, and went ahead to make his Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the chairman while the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume was made the Secretary. This is wrong. Going by hierarchy and order of protocol, Akume’s position supercedes that of chief of staff. Gbaja is only an aide to president Tinubu while Akume is the SGF. The president should do the reverse, Gbaja should be the secretary, then a representative of the party should be part of the committee because the party knows who worked for the president during the election. Putting Gbajabiamilla as Chairman of that Committee is to further take care of ‘Lagos boys’. If care is not taken, you will see ‘Lagos boys’ having most of the Board appointments.

“It shouldn’t be like that. Similar things might happen with the appointment of heads of MDAs.”

Filani appealed to President Tinubu “to ensure that other states in the south west zone are given a sense of belonging in his administration.

“Mr President should stand his ground and not allow himself to be misled under any unwarranted pressure. He should be a president for all.

“His appointments should spread out to other States in the Southwest because if not, it will be as if Lagos State is the only State in the entire region.

“Even if we are to look at it on the strength of performance at the 2023 general elections, Lagos didn’t lived up to its billing as Mr President lost the State to opposition party. If we were to rely on Lagos State alone for that election, the president would have failed going by the results declared.

“We know the role other States in Southwest particularly Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo played in the last election. These states gave the president the best results in the Southwest in the last election.

“Politicians from Lagos should stop The unwarranted sense of entitlement to this administration as they contributed nothing to the success of Mr. president and cease from giving him unnecessary pressure.

“We want to state that we are not comfortable with this trend, and things need to change. If the president fails to correct this anomaly, the narrative might change come next election.

“This government shouldn’t be seen as Government of Lagos State and Lagos alone shouldn’t take all the benefits that are meant for the Southwest otherwise other parts of Southwest will leave Lagos next time to play the politics alone to see if they have the strength to do it.

“We made this observation in the interest of unity in the Southwest and the best interest of Nigeria at large.”

Group Slams CUPP, Labels It A Toothless Bulldog Over Call For Kyari’s Removal As NNPCL Group CEO

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Akinwale Kasali

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July 21, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Nigeria’s Foremost Civil Society Group under the aegis of Network for Transparency and Good Governance, NTGG, has blasted the Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP, for trying to play politics with the emotions of Nigerians by playing to the gallery over the recent fuel subsidy removal which has led to an astronomical hike in the pump price of petrol.

The Group labeled CUPP a political opposition group allegedly led by disgruntled members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. It stated that CUPP had alleged that the fuel subsidy removal was a scam to cage Nigerians for which it called for the immediate removal of Mele Kyari, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL.

Berating CUPP on the call for the sack of Kyari, NTGG, in a statement co-signed by its National Coordinator, Friday Imoni and National Secretary, Gana Alkali, said that ordinarily, it would have ignored “CUPP-PDP” for advertising “their lack of vision and empathy for Nigerians in these trying times which they brought upon the nation, but because of innocent Nigerians who may not be fully abreast with the current situation of things, it decided to respond.”

The statement reads: “We read with dismay a spurious, sickening and nefarious statement credited to the failed and disgruntled Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) led and sponsored by members of the troubled and corrupt-ridden Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), calling for the removal of Mr. Mele Kyari, the group chief executive officer, GCEO, of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) over the recent subsidy removal

“It’s a statement of fact that CUPP has the unenviable mandate to try to intimidate and blackmail important state institutions such as the NNPCL, INEC, the judiciary, and security agencies, on behalf of PDP with the hope of gaining political advantage having been rejected by the majority of the people.

“As the current administration tackles our national challenges and at this period, we all should focus on issues of nation building, but the best PDP and its acolytes are offering is a distraction.

“Fuel subsidy removal in Nigeria is an economic necessity, as the subsidy funds could lead to major development gains. With the proper structure, such as building good infrastructure and a conducive environment for investors, removing subsidies is a blessing the economy needs right now.

“For instance, the amount paid out on subsidies from 2005 to 2021 is equivalent to the entire budget for health, education, agriculture, and defence in the last five years. The sum also equals the capital expenditure for 10 years between 2011 and 2020. The removal of subsidy will free allocations which can be channeled to the provision of infrastructure like roads, education, health service, power, security, creation of jobs, development of the downstream sector, improve our GDP growth, clamp down on product theft, pipeline vandalism, environmental pollution, foreign exchange shortages and provision of basic benefits for Nigerians.

“It’s however laughable that the personal interests and frustrations of the promoters of CUPP have beclouded their reasoning.

“The recent fuel pump price adjustment from N537 to N617 per litre was as a result of forces being determined by foreign exchange fluctuations induced by international market forces. The government is, however, working to mitigate the hardship occasioned by the increment in the fuel pump price.

While calling for the continued support and appealing to Nigerians for the temporary pains of the initiative, the group said: “Instead of the PDP and their minions to join hands with the current administration to salvage the economy, they have, in the name of opposition, continued to distract the government and Nigerians with their post-election delusions, salacious fictions, conjured rifts in government circle, and their spurious allegations against the NNPCL and its management.

“It’s worthy of note that NNPCL under the leadership of Mr. Kyari has witnessed massive transformation all around. The NNPCL chief has worked tirelessly to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

“The oil giant has moved to a profit-making corporation owing to its culture of accountability, transparency, and innovation.

“Maybe we should remind CUPP that Kyari was a vocal advocate for the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), a comprehensive reform package aimed at overhauling the industry’s regulatory framework and promoting investment and growth.

“Today, the NNPC has become a world-class institution capable of competing with the best and brightest in the global energy industry.

“While the CUPP-PDP wallows in its obscene conducts, Nigeria under the President Bola Tinubu-led APC administration will continue to strife to lead the country to economic boom once again”.

Gani Adams To President Tinubu: “Retrace Your Steps And Save The Country”

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Akinwale Kasali

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July 21, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Gani Adams, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, has slammed the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Government over its insensitivity to the plight of the masses over the hike in the price of petrol.

The Yoruba Generalissimo said he is perturbed by the current economic hardship in the country triggered by the removal of fuel subsidy and the failure of President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, APC, government lackadaisical attitude towards the present situation of the country.

In a statement by his Special Assistant On Media, Kehinde Aderemi, Adams explained that it is unfortunate that Nigerians are experiencing this hardship from a president who hails from the south-west.

He noted that the situation is becoming unbearable adding that there is no country in the world where citizens are groaning in pain over an “insensitive” increase in the prices of fuel.

“We knew how much we bought fuel before now. Nigeria is yet to survive the subsidy removal that led to the sudden increase in the price of fuel from N187 to N500 per litre before it was jerked up to N617 per litre within two months. It is painful. No sensitive government would be happy when its citizens were suffering.

He stressed that “It is imperative for me to speak up, especially with what we are experiencing now in the country. It is unfortunate; this is not what we expect from a President who is coming from the southwest region of the country.

“A father must work on the best way to solve the problem of the children.”

Adams stressed that all over the world, many things such as power, health, food, and other necessities of life are being subsidised.

“However, petrol, being the main commodity that moves the economy, and now the same product is being sold for N617 per litre. It is unbearable.”

He called on the President “to retrace his steps in order to save the country from this hardship.”

Continental Insecurity: President Tinubu Calls For Collaborative Efforts, Change Of Tactics

By

Ayodele Oni

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July 21, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has observed that the battle confronting Nigeria and the neighbouring countries in the Lake Chad region is not a conventional one, hence the need to display courage in reforming their military doctrine and, practices.

The President, who spoke in Kaduna on Friday, noted that the change in tactics becomes necessary because countries in the region are battling a ‘mobile and elusive irregular force’ that disregards established rules of warfare.

A statement by Dele Alake, Presidential Spokesman, stated that Tinubu was Speaking at the graduation ceremony of Senior Course 45 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, the President pointed out that the adversaries facing countries in the sub-region are not conventional armies engaging in traditional battlefield warfare.

The Nigerian leader, who encouraged African countries to work together against common threats, acknowledged the multinational efforts of Nigeria, Cameroon, the Niger Republic, and Chad to bring peace to the Lake Chad region.

He reinforced his message that the collaboration should serve as a commendable example to be emulated and improved on wherever necessary.

”We must also be brave enough to reform military doctrine and practice. We do not face a conventional army on the traditional field of battle.

“No, we contend against mobile, elusive irregular forces that disdain the normal rules of warfare.

”We must adjust accordingly to subdue the menace. This shall require a change in mindset, in strategy, in tactics in equipment and in gear.”

The President also used the occasion to spell out his National Security Objective, saying it would focus on ensuring security, justice, and democratic prosperity through state power.

While acknowledging the commitment of the immediate-past government in enhancing the combat readiness of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the President pledged to ‘pick up the pace’, by providing the necessary support to the military.

”As Commander-in-Chief, I have given myself the following charge: to deploy the entire machinery of state power to ensure security of our people and property in a just and democratic society.

”Under my predecessor, the Armed Forces worked tirelessly toward necessary reforms to enhance combat effectiveness and operational capability. We must now pick up the pace.”

President Tinubu described the role of the armed forces in combatting Africa’s greatest challenge of violence and exploitation as crucial, urging them to defend the continent from geopolitical changes and resource competition.

”We live in a moment of flux. Geopolitical change is afoot. Old alliances and assumptions are being tested as new ones are being shaped. Trade and global economic activity are fast, yet fragile and easily disrupted by war, weather or pandemic.

”Underlying it all is the often unspoken but urgent competition for precious resources. Water, food, gold, oil and other items have all been placed in contest.

”In too many instances, the contest turns violent. Areas that should blossom into economic prosperity and hope become factories of pillage and oppression.

”In Africa, this condition is perhaps our greatest challenge and harshest injustice.

”Your role combating this grave evil is crucial. For we call on you to defend not only our land and resources but our people and their democratic existence. Your training was sculpted to fit the imperatives of our times.”

Commending the 291 graduating officers graduates from Nigeria’s Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as students from Asia and sister Africa nations, the President underscored the importance of the college and its contributions to professionalism and defense of national interests.

Addressing the graduating students from Asia and Africa, the President said their presence in Nigeria is a testimony that national security is not solely achieved through muscle and might, but also in building friendships and alliances based on cooperation, justice, good governance and mutual respect.

”Notwithstanding the demands of your training, I hope you have enjoyed our customary Nigerian friendliness as well because Nigeria is one of the most hospitable countries you can find. We have opened our arms like friends and brothers to you.

”To the graduating students from Nigeria’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies, you have warranted the confidence of your respective organizations.

”The knowledge gained here will prove invaluable in our mission to harmonize all aspects of government policy and programs toward the twin goals of national security and national prosperity.”

The President also commended the College’s efforts in curricula improvement and facility upgrade, encouraging the graduates to stand brave and unwavering in their constitutional responsibilities as defenders of the nation.

”I leave you with a charge much like the one I gave myself. Your nation has invested much in your training.

”Much faith has been placed upon your broad shoulders. Our collective safety rests in your hands.

”Your graduation today is a call to greater duty for the nation you love. May you stand brave and unwavering in the discharge of your constitutional responsibilities and may you always do honour to the sterling name of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College.”

Ondo Gov Akeredolu Marks 67th Birthday, Wife, Betty, Clocks 70

By

Ayodele Oni

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July 21, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

As his wife Betty, marked her 70th birthday on Thursday, Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, celebrated his 67th birthday on Friday.

Though, currently on medical leave, the Governor marked the day with a post on his verified Facebook page where he wrote “Which of the Favours of the Lord can I deny? Chapter 67.” To God be the Laud, Honour and Glory!!!

State owned and social media have been awash with messages from political associates, groups, families and friends to celebrate with the Ondo state first couple.

Special prayers and worship service was held to celebrate the 67th birthday of Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

The special service was held at the Chapel of Grace, Government House, Alagbaka, Akure.

Speaker of the State House of Assembly. Olamide Oladiji, and the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu led lawmakers and members of the State Executive Council to attend the service.

The Acting Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in a message wrote “Seun and I take this opportunity to congratulate my dear Principal, Leader and Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, on his 67th birthday today.

“Arakunrin, you are a visionary and a true inspiration to me and all of us who follow your footsteps in service and leadership.

“Even in the face of daunting challenges, you have remained steadfast in your commitment to good governance and wellbeing of our people.

“You are a strong, confident leader and politician who is so devoted, dedicated, and puts in so much selfless efforts that deserve at least one day to sit back and revel in all of your accomplishments and imprints on our dear State and country, and your birthday is the perfect day for doing just that.

“Your headstrong approach and passion to achieve what you set out to do are so remarkable and truly inspirational.

“You have continued to guide us all in the right direction and we must thank you for being such a wonderful and exemplary leader and everything you have done for our land.

“I am so proud and so lucky to have you as my leader! We pray God continue to grant you good health with greater honour and peace!”

In one of the messages to the First Lady, Gbenga Edema, NDDC Commissioner representing the State said, “I am thrilled to send my warmest congratulations on your 70th birthday!

“As the wife of our dear Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, Governor of Ondo State, you have shown remarkable strength, grace, elegance, and resilience in your role as the First Lady, which confirms you as a woman of substance.

“You have no doubt inspired many with your unwavering dedication to your family, community, Ondo State, and country.

“With the milestones recorded, you have achieved so much and touched the lives of countless people, particularly with your great initiative, BEMORE, with which many young girls have rediscovered themselves and are doing wonders not only in Nigeria but across the world.

“Your unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others is truly remarkable, and your contributions have had a profound impact on society.

“This you have done through BRECAN and FOWOSO, which have continued to be referenced beyond the shores of the country.

“As a role model for women everywhere, you have shown that with hard work, dedication, and perseverance, anything is possible.

“On this special occasion, I wish you an abundance of joy, love, and happiness. May your birthday be filled with the warmth of family, the love of friends, and the gratitude of those whose lives you have touched. May you continue to inspire others for many years to come.

“Once again, congratulations on this milestone birthday, and I wish you all the very best for the future.”

Umunnakwe Is A Chronic Liar – Obi’s Aide

By

The Source

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July 21, 2023

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Mr. Valentine Obienyem, the Media Adviser to the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has described Chief Jude Umunnakwe as a chronic liar. Obienyem was reacting to the press release by the group Ununnakwe leads, which he calls “Soludo Solution Movement (SSM)” saying that not even one out of the many roads built by Mr. Peter Obi is still standing.

Obienyem’s reaction was contained in a press release made available to the press, where he recalled that it is, almost, 10 years since Obi left government, and wondered what informed Umunnakwe’s failure to refer to those roads built even recently in his assessment, while insisting that most of the roads Obi built are still intact, except those that the people that came after him failed to maintain as is done in other parts of the world.

Obienyem, being aware that maintenance is a critical part of road culture, charged Jude to investigate what happened to the Anambra State Road Maintenance Agency Obi set up with full component of road maintenance equipment.

Obienyem went on to name some of the roads Obi constructed and challenged Umunnakwe to visit them and confirm. The roads: Oba- Nnewi Teaching Hospital Road; Onitsha Bridge head to Umunya; Zik’s Avenue, Awka; Nnobi-Nnewi Road; Adazi-Nnukwu -Obeledu-Neni; Akwaeze-Oraeri Igbo Ukwu Road; Awgwu-Amaokpala Road with Odor Bridge; Aguluezechukwu-Ogboji- Ajalli road; Ekwulobia- Nkpologwu-Akpo-Achina-Umuchu Road; Over 30 roads in other parts of Onitsha; Over 25 roads within the GRA, Onitsha; Over 20 stone based roads within Habour Industrial Estate Onitsha; Old Nkpor-Amawbia Road; Awkuzu-Igbarian Road passing through the university; Owerre-Ezukalla-Umuchukwu Road; Ugwuoba-Obosi Road, 33 junction -Nwafor Orizu College of Education Road, Lilu Road, Nkwele Ezunaka by pass, Roads within Nnewi town; Roads within the Awka GRA, and many more.

Obienyem who frowned at the antics of jobless youths founding organizations that only exist on paper to make noise, such as the one under which Mr. Umunnakwe spoke, advised people like him to look for a better thing that would edify them and humanity to do.

In Obienyem’s words: “Jude Umunnakwe has become notorious for such. When Obi was in Government, he wanted to form one, but we warned him not to as such was not agreeable to Obi’s nature. We are aware that under Obiano he did the same. Today he has found one ostensibly to support Soludo, but actually to use it to make money from people and to lobby for appointment. We are not against the type of life he has chosen to live, we are, however, against taking people’s name in vain.”

FIFA Women World Cup: 10-Man Gallant Super Falcons Salvage Draw Against Canada

By

Akinwale Kasali

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July 21, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

A brilliant 48-Minutes Penalty Save by Super Falcons Goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie propelled the Nigerian side to a goalless draw against highly rated Olympic Champions, Canada, at the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women World Cup.

The Super Falcons proved bookmakers wrong by salvaging a hard earned draw against Canada who dominated the match, and created several chances, but the resilient defense of the nine-time African Women Champions denied the Canadians the much needed goal.

Coach Randy Waldrum started the game with Chiamaka Nnadozie in goal, Ashleigh Plumptre, Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie and Blessing Demehin in the heart of the defense.

Blessing Ucheibe, Deborah Abiodun, Toni Payne and Francesca Ordega were in the midfield with Asisat Oshoala and Ifeoma Onumonu leading the attack.

Onumonu forced a brilliant save from the Canadian Goalkeeper in the first half, while Oshoala couldn’t convert a half chance from an acute angle.

The introduction of Uchenna Kanu added bite to the Super Falcons attack but this never metamorphosed into anything meaningful.

Petite Midfielder, Deborah Abiodun who is making her Senior World Debut was red carded for a reckless foul on Canadian, Ashley Lawrence reducing the Super Falcons to 10 Men, however leading to pressure on the Nigerian defense.

The perseverance and coordination of the Nigerian team paid off as they salvage a draw in their opening match.

A Soccer enthusiast, Korede Emmanuel said that the Ladies performed brilliantly well beyond his expectations putting into consideration the hullabaloo that played out between Coach Waldrum and the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, leadership over unpaid bonuses and arrears.

He is optimistic that the Super Falcons could spring up a surprise against host, Australia in their second Group match with Halimatu Ayinde and Rasheedat Ajibade returning to the team after observing their one match following the red cards they got at the African Women Championship in Morocco.

The Super Falcons will face Australia on July 27th, 2023.

Honeywell’s N72.2bn Judgement Claim Exercise in Futility – Ecobank

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

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July 21, 2023

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Ecobank Nigeria Limited has lodged an appeal against the ruling of the Federal High Court, Lagos, delivered by Hon. Justice M. Liman, in the N72 billion lawsuit brought against the bank by Honeywell Flour Mills Plc.

A spokesperson for Ecobank asserted that the judgement claim is an exercise in futility as the bank would diligently pursue the appeal with the aim of overturning the judgment of the Federal High Court. Additionally, Ecobank remains committed to recovering the debts owed by Honeywell, emphasizing that the return of depositors’ funds is crucial for ensuring the continued support and growth of local businesses by the bank.

In its Notice of Appeal dated 19th July 2023, filed on the same date, Ecobank seeks to overturn the judgment delivered on 18th July 2023. The bank is also seeking an Order from the Court of Appeal to uphold its Notice of Preliminary Objection, challenging the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to preside over the matter. Alternatively, Ecobank requests the Court of Appeal to dismiss Honeywell’s claim at the lower court, asserting that the evidence presented did not support the claim.

Alongside the Notice of Appeal, Ecobank filed a Motion on Notice to stay the execution of the lower court’s judgment and to prevent Honeywell or any party acting on their behalf from taking advantage of the ruling pending the appeal hearing. The bank also seeks to restrain the Deputy Sheriff of the Federal High Court, bailiffs, and any other involved parties from enforcing the judgment.

The Bank filed several grounds of appeal, including, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to adjudicate on the matter seeing that the court lacked the power to entertain a claim for damages based on an undertaking made by the Bank despite the judgment of the Supreme Court, which confirmed Honeywell’s indebtedness to Ecobank and directed Honeywell to settle its obligations. Ecobank maintains that this judgment by the Supreme Court nullifies the foundation of Honeywell’s current suit.

In its third Ground of Appeal, Ecobank contends that the judgment was delivered outside the constitutionally prescribed period of 90 days, resulting in a miscarriage of justice against the bank. The trial concluded on 9th March 2021, and written addresses were adopted on 16th March 2022, while the judgment was delivered on 18th July 2023, more than two years after the trial’s conclusion. Ecobank argues that the prolonged delay affected the court’s impression of the trial, leading to a judgment that does not align with the weight of evidence presented.