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Group Accuses Gov Obaseki Of Withholding Monthly Allocation To Benin Palace Council

June 16, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

The disagreement between Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki and the Oba of Benin over the custody of some artefacts returned by some foreign countries has led to the withholding of monthly statutory allocation to the Monarch.

A Benin Group claimed on Thursday that on Governor Obaseki’s order, the statutory allocation to Benin Traditional Council has not been released since about four months.

The Group, Edo National Voice, noted: “It could be recalled that three weeks ago, we deemed it necessary to call on Governor Godwin Obaseki to release the Benin Traditional Council(BTC) three months statutory allocations he intentionally withheld which reason is not unconnected with his inability to take custody of our returned stolen artefacts having been gazetted by the Federal Government(FG).”

The statement, signed by Iyamu Osaro, President, and Osaghae Collins, Secretary General, added that “Most worrisome is that no action has been taken by Governor Obaseki even when those close to him have been appealing to us to sheath our sword for amicable resolution of the aforementioned issue.

“Thus, with another month setting in, the Benin Traditional Council’s(BTC) monthly statutory allocations he intentionally withheld is now spanning four months and this action of Governor Obaseki doesn’t suggest that he is a Benin man or son of the soil.

“It is often said that when a purpose of an issue is not defined, abuse becomes inevitable which is likened to the action of Governor Obaseki as it relates to the seizure of four months Benin Traditional Council statutory allocations.

“As the voice of Edo people, we are appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call Governor Obaseki to order to immediately release the four months Benin Traditional Council(BTC) statutory allocations he deliberately withheld to prevent the unexpected protest from Edo people.”

Signed: Iyamu Osaro Culture
President

Osaghae Amadin Collins
Secretary General

OPINION: Nigeria Air: Why We Must Avoid Throwing Away The Baby With Bathwater

James Orji

June 16, 2023

By Udeme Akpan

Nigerians love football. And that is undoubtedly evident in the torrents of emotions and sentiments the beautiful Game of football elicits in the people. Apart from the thrills, frills, palpable tension and pure bliss associated with competitive football games, whether by national teams (foreign or local), or those by European elite league clubs, Nigerians have always shown fanatical interest, going by the hilarious banters and exhilarating analyses that make football to appear to be more than a game but an enthralling love affair to Nigerians.

That’s why many have opined that the fascinating game of football is a seeming unifying factor in Nigeria, that breaks every existing barriers of social, ethnic, religious and political dichotomies in the nation.

Apart from football, some recent developments in the nation have also apparently thrown up other factors and sentiments that are increasingly bringing Nigerians a unifying voice: First is the growing awareness and expectations in a democracy that questions the quality of governance and also for demand for democratic accountability.

The second is the palpable anger, frustration and disillusionment in the land, as a result of obvious distrust of government that hinges on dissatisfaction with the integrity and commitment of successive governments’ service delivery, which have continued to bruise the sensibility of the people. This could significantly be referenced by the #EndSARS crisis that engulfed the nation with multidimensional expressions across the Nigeria in 2020.

Such unifying sentiments, understandably, is what is playing out with the controversy surrounding the recent unveiling of the national carrier, Nigeria Air, in May 2023 as part of the last official activities of former Aviation Minister Senator Hadi Sirika.

The controversy ignited a national outrage, justifiably because of the conflicting and sometimes, sensational information and opinions expressed from within and outside the Aviation industry.

For instance, many people have questioned the integrity of the process leading to the setting up of the airline and expressed concerns over whether Nigeria would get commensurate value in the investment in terms of desired improvement of service delivery to the people as against the current less -than -satisfactory services by existing airlines; and also in terms of favourable return on investment, given the huge resources being channelled to the enterprise by the core investors. Senator Sirika had said that the federal government will only retain 5% shares in Nigeria Air.

While some interests, such as the former House of Reps Committee Chairman on Aviation, Honourable Pharmacist Nnolim Nnaji have dismissed the whole arrangement as fraud, others such as the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), claimed that Nigeria Air, because of its arrangements with the preferred technical partner, Ethiopian Airlines, would stifle the existing local airlines.

Even the Chairman of Air Peace, a prominent member of the AON, Allen Onyema, had also queried the transparency of the shareholding and had gone further to call on President Bola Tinubu to disband Nigeria Air calling it a charade.

But former Aviation Minister Sirika had argued that the setting up of Nigeria Air was to improve aviation services in Nigeria, by offering premium service delivery that would engender healthy competition in the interest of aviation customers in Nigeria, riding on the tested and trusted capacity and capabilities associated with the technical partners, Ethiopian Airlines. He had also in an interview on Arise TV, alleged that the former Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation, Nnolim Nnaji, may have taken that route of calling Nigeria Air a fraud, because he was denied 5% equity of the airline, which he requested through the back door.

Senator Sirika had also revealed that despite the various huge amounts of money being bandied about as money spent on Nigeria Air, only the sum of N3BN was released to the ministry and that at the time he left office last month, the money had not been totally expended.

Close observation has shown that one fact that runs in all the diverse perspectives on this Nigeria Air situation is that, Nigerians , irrespective of their current divided perceptions, are united in the opinion that the nation needs a reliable national carrier that would bring succour to air travellers.

The question then is, are there information gaps that gave room to the current negative sentiments against Nigeria Air? Yes, in my opinion. Are there some grey areas in the process or execution of the agenda that could benefit from improved corporate governance and purposeful rejigging? Absolutely possible, I must say. And that improvement with a few corrections, here and there, ought to be the objective of every well-meaning Nigerian and not the self-serving demand to disband the airline, by a few people with vested interest.

We mustn’t and shouldn’t throw away the proverbial baby with the dirty bath water because of the interest of a few, which a development civil society group the Generation Next Collective (GNC), in their recent statement had said was only motivated by “Profiteering tendencies and dark conspiracies that do not put to account, the interest of the people or the collective prosperity of the nation.”

The GNC had added that other operators shouldn’t fret about competition with Nigeria Air, adding that “Nigeria Air should be given the chance to either prove us wrong or right, rather than the inexplicable attempt to kill it with misleading narratives. Competition is the tonic for good service delivery. And we should encourage that for the good of the people.”

It is therefore imperative that Nigeria Air should be protected and strengthened to meet the core objective of setting it up as referenced earlier, to serve the interest of Nigerians and other passengers alike. It will also be a source of pride to all Nigerians as the national carriers as it is applicable to other great nations all over the world, to their respective citizens.

With the proven capacity of its technical partners, Ethiopian Airlines, Nigeria Air would most likely offer Nigerians and other passengers a cheaper and more reliable flight alternative.

Beyond that, with the setting up of Nigeria Air, Nigeria will also be able to fully utilize the Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASA) it signed with other countries. And it is important that those calling for the disbandment of the airline on account of its business relationship with the Ethiopian Airlines and other sentiments, should also be reminded of the implications of such, given the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (ACFCTA), which Nigeria is signatory to.

It is my view that at the end of the day Nigeria Air will be a win-win situation for all.

*Akpan, a public servant, wrote from Uyo

Ribadu: Controversy Trails Appointment As Security Adviser

James Orji

June 16, 2023

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ended the weeklong speculations over the role he intended Nuhu Ribadu, a former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to play in his government by appointing him as Security Adviser.

Ribadu’s name was among the Special Advisers appointed by the president on Thursday, according to a statement signed by Abiodun Oladunjoye, the State House Director of Information yesterday.

He was appointed alongside Dele Alake, Wale Edun, Yau Darazo (Olu Verheijen, Zacchaeus Adedeji, John Uwajumogu, and Dr Salma Anas.

The appointment of the former anti-graft agency boss followed days of debate among not a few Nigerians, on whether he would be appointed the National Security Adviser, to replace Gen. Babagan Mungonu (rtd.)

President Tinubu has even stirred up more controversy by appointing Ribabu as Security Adviser, as many are in doubt of his actual role, considering that the president has yet to appoint a National Security Adviser, NSA.

The question being asked in security circles is whether the president intends to make Ribadu function as NSA.

The third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution provides for the National Security Council, NSC, to be headed by the president, other members include the vice president, Ministers of Foreign and Internal Affairs, National Security Adviser, NSA, Inspector General of Police, IGP, Chief of Defence Staff, amongst others.

Going by the above, the president, according to constitutional experts has three options; to appoint a substantive NSA, designate Ribadu to the role, or make the two offices function with their roles clearly defined to prevent conflict.

According to Mike Ejiofor, a former Director of the Department of State Services, DSS, the Presidency still needs to make clarifications on the appointment of Ribadu in order to prevent conflict in the nation’s security apparatus.

On his part, Soni Osa-Irabor, a security expert asserts that the presidency must clearly define the role of Ribadu in his position as a Special Adviser to the President on Security, and the NSA in case the president still has the intention of appointing somebody to the latter.

Their admonitions come amidst suggestions that the presidency is also being cautious about the appointment of Ribadu, considering the initial dust raised in the country after reports, a few days ago, that President Tinubu was planning to appoint the former anti-graft tsar as NSA.

Those familiar with security in the country had said that President Tinubu will be breaking away from tradition by appointing Ribadu NSA, considering that appointees into that position since 1999 when the country returned to participatory democracy were all former military Generals.

Those in this school of thought insist that there’s a serious conflict waiting to happen in the nation’s security sector if Ribadu, a former police officer becomes the NSA, as he will be expected to co-ordinate Service Chiefs, military Generals who are likely to undermine him because of his background as para-military officer.

“It’s really a tough decision the president has to make at this point considering that Security is part of his major agenda. The NSA is a very serious position that cannot be politicised, noting also the current security situation in the country,” a security expert who craved anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue said on Friday.

EFCC: I Have No Plan To Leave Nigeria, Says Malami

James Orji

June 16, 2023

Abubakar Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, has dismissed the suggestion that he’s on the run, trying to escape prosecution.

The former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, has urged those making such suggestions to bury the thought.

Not a few Nigerians have demanded the arrest and prosecution of the former number-one law officer in the country, for allegedly abusing his office, particularly, following the suspension and arrest of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Abudulrasheed Bawa, by the federal government.

Bawa was suspended on Wednesday by President Bola Tinubu and was later arrested for interrogation by the Department of State Services, DSS.

He’s facing allegations bordering on corruption and abuse of office, which Malami is believed to be privy to as AGF.

For instance, the EFCC is said to have shielded some government officials from prosecution on the order of Malami, who has also been accused of soiling his hands while in office.

A case in mind, those familiar with the issue said, is the alleged loss of over $2.4 billion in revenue from the illegal sale of 48 million barrels of crude oil export in 2015, for which close sources in EFCC said the former minister has now been invited to shed lights on.

Responding Malami told Daily Trust on Thursday that he will make himself available for interrogation anytime, adding that he has not fled the country.

There is no such plan to flee the country anytime, the former minister said.

According to him, “I have not been invited by the EFCC or any other anti-corruption agency in Nigeria. I’m available in Nigeria and attending a wedding Fatiha slated for 2.30 at Sheikh Isiyaka Rabi’u Mosque, Kano, tomorrow (today).

“I have no plan of leaving Nigeria and I will gladly honour any invitation extended to me by any agency of government. I’m a true Nigerian and I believe in the Nigerian project.

“I will make myself available to Nigeria and its institutions on demand.”

As the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Malami was believed to have scuttled some high-profile corruption cases against high-profile government officials, capitalizing on his closeness to former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Not a few Nigerians insist that he should answer for such alleged disservice to the country if he’s found guilty.

Uzodimma: My Second Term Focus Is On Industrialisation, Infrastructural Consolidation

The Source

June 15, 2023

Imo people and their residents have not seen the best of their Governor yet as Senator Hope Uzodimma has given a hint on what they should expect in his second term in office as he gets re-elected come November this year.

The Governor said it is his desire to have the State industrialised by way of engaging private bodies and investors that will take advantage of the Public Private Partnership arrangements already yielding results in Imo in some areas.

In three years and half of being in office, despite mounting challenges, Governor Uzodimma has turned Imo State around to the joy of the people and the surprise of his political opponents.

Everyday, there are prayers from individuals and groups within and outside the State for Governor Uzodimma to get re-elected so that he can consolidate on his people oriented programmes and projects in Imo.

While fielding questions from Seun Okinbaloye of the Channels Television on the programme, Politics Today, the Governor did not mince words in highlighting how he pulled Imo State out of the cemetery and today, the story is different.

Asked what the people should expect if he wins his reelection for a second term the Governor enthusiastically said industrialisation of the State and consolidation of infrastructure are key.

His words: “As I seek re-election for a second term, my focus shall be on the industrialization of the State by engaging more private bodies and investors through Public Private Partnership (PPP) while consolidating on the infrastructural development of the State and sustenance of the peace and tranquillity we have restored.”

The Governor also spoke on other matters that left no one in doubt he is abreast of his mission in Imo State.

Hear him: “Imo State is a work in progress and do not be deceived, it is not possible that within a four-year tenure, the State can be emancipated from the level of decay it was submerged into prior to my assumption of office considering the various interjections my administration encountered.

“For the past three and half years, my administration has embarked on tangible and intangible projects in salvaging the State from the deplorable condition it was. The reconstruction of major economic roads in the State has given a facelift to commercial activities across the State, thereby giving rise not just to State IGR but also, to personal income of Ndi Imo and residents.

“The reduction in travel time from Owerri to Orlu and Owerri to Okigwe has led to a reduction in transportation cost along these routes and we aim to achieve the same after the reconstruction of Owerri-Mbaise-Obowo-Umuahia road. Our road revolution is not limited to Federal roads as we have restored the State capital to its glory while rebuilding many other rural roads.

“Our Industrial Policy Framework which is in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organizations (UNIDO) was formulated to consolidate Government’s efforts in the industrialization of the State. The private sector is armed with great potentials for economic growth and we are leveraging on this to grow our GDP.

“Thanks to the enabling environment which we have provided for businesses and governance, while we anticipate a thriving economy through these partnerships, the support of “Ndi Imo nile” and residents is highly sought after for the success of my projections.”

President Tinubu Inaugurates National Economic Council, Seeks Governors’ Support

Ayodele Oni

June 15, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu, has sought support from State Governors saying the task of turning around Nigeria’s economy from the age-long status of “potential to pragmatic’’ has commenced with the removal of fuel subsidy and unification of exchange rates.

Director, Information, State House, Abiodun Oladujoye, in a statement said the President spoke, while inaugurating the National Economic Council (NEC), an advisory body comprising the 36 state Governors, CBN Governor, and other stakeholders, on Thursday in Abuja.

According to the statement, Tinubu listed eight priority areas for urgent attention and called for collective frameworks that will stimulate a buoyant economy that meets the needs of the poor and vulnerable.

The President assured the governors that the administration would address the issues that devalue the lives of Nigerians, with a focus on security, economy, jobs, agriculture, infrastructure, monetary policy, and fuel subsidy.

“It is worthy of note that the monthly meeting of NEC chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima has remained officially the economic platform for robust dialogue among the federal government, the 36 state governors, the CBN, and other key stakeholders.

“In my inaugural speech of May 29th, 2023, I expressed this administration’s commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians in a manner that not just reflects our humanity, but encourages compassion towards one another and duly rewards our collective efforts to resolve the social ills that seek to divide us.

“I also listed the principles that will guide our administration and it is as follows: to govern according to the constitution and ensure the rule of law; to defend the nation from terror and all forms of criminality; to promote economic growth.

“Development through job creation, food security and putting an end to poverty; to prominently feature women and youths in all our activities; to take proactive steps such as championing a credit culture and; to discourage corruption, while strengthening the effectiveness and efficiency of various anti-corruption agencies.”

President Tinubu noted that policies and programmes of the government will be driven by compassion for the less privileged, and for more inclusivity, women and youths will be involved in the design and implementation of issues that impact their lives.

“It is evident that the task of growing our economy is enormous but you and I asked for it. We campaigned for it, we even danced for it, we begged for it, so we have no reason to complain.

“We must harness the growth potential of Nigeria and bring about serious development that will take us from ‘a potential nation’ to a pragmatic economic development in a rapid manner.”

President Tinubu urged NEC to stimulate ideas, through robust discussions, that will improve the livelihood of Nigerians, while highlighting the exigency for interventions on poverty.

“Members of this country are behind us, they want reform and they want it quick to impact their lives.”

Rallying the governors for national development, President Tinubu said, “Collaboration is not a crime, please let’s do it.’’

The President noted that the three tiers of government will need to be involved in economic development, including the Local Government Councils, in order to ensure inclusiveness, collectivity, and ownership of policies and programmes.

“The National Economic Council was established by the provision of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

“As one of the key bodies of the Federal Government, NEC has the mandate to advise the President on the economic affairs of the federation on appropriate measures for coordination of economic plans and programmes of the government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.”

The President emphasized that significant steps has been taken by ending the fuel subsidy and unifying the foreign exchange rate.

“This government will continue to transform the fortunes of our nation and bring about unprecedented development through good governance.

“We are committed to sustainable initiatives and programmes that will stimulate the rejuvenation of the economy without causing inflation.

“The plans and ideas we have presented, underscore our confidence and ability to meet the challenges of the day and pave the way for a better future.

How Veteran Actor, Don Brymo Died

Akinwale Kasali

June 15, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

Veteran Actor, Don Brymo Uchegbu has been confirmed dead by the Actors Guild of Nigeria.

The 56-Year old was said to have died in his sleep late Wednesday night to the surprise of many of his colleagues who had said he was meant to be on location the next day for a movie shoot.

Uchegbu’s death was broken by his colleague, Mayor Ofoegbu on his Facebook page Thursday, June 15th, 2023.

He wrote; “Plan for tomorrow but live for today. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.”

“I wrote those lines on my WhatsApp status yesterday evening. My man, my 5 & 6, Don Brymo Uchegbu, passed away in his sleep.”

“I received the shocking news this morning and had to verify from his family. Chai Don Brymo my manchi. It’s hard to say goodbye. Nnukwu nwa na Enugu ukwu.”

Uchegbu’s death is coming at a time the Make Believe Industry just lost Afeez Agoro Oladimiji who passed on Thursday.

Popular Nollywood Actor, Afeez Agoro, Is Dead

Akinwale Kasali

June 15, 2023

The Nollywood industry has once again been thrown into mourning following the passing of Afeez Agoro Oladimiji, popular as Agoro, and regarded as one of the tallest men in the world.

The 48-Year Old Agoro who was 7ft 4in tall had been bedridden for a while before succumbing to death.

It was learnt that Agoro was rushed to the hospital Wednesday after he developed some complications.

It would be recalled that the late Actor had solicited for N5 Million for treatment during one of his shows called ‘I am Agoro’ which aired exclusively on Linda Ikeji TV in May 2023.

He solicited N5m for his chronic hip arthritis treatment, which would see his ball and socket joints replaced.

His intimidating height was an asset that saw him feature in some movies, and attracted stares wherever he went.

Segun Adesanya, the Chairman of the Community Development Association where he lived confirmed his demise.

His colleagues in the industry have paid tributes to him, and prayed for the repose of his soul.

Guinness World Record Dismisses Chef Dammy’s 120 Hours Cook-A-Thon, Says No Application Received

Akinwale Kasali

June 15, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

After 120-hours of energy, stress, sleepless nights and cooking, the Guinness World Record has dismissed receiving any application from the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti in Ekiti State undergraduate, Damilola Faparusi popularly known as Chef Dammy.

Chef Dammy had trended on social media after she embarked on a 120-hour cooking marathon, attempting to break the record of Nigerian chef Hilda Baci, who currently holds the world record for the longest cooking time of 93 Hours by an individual.

Her decision to challenge Hilda Baci’s record generated mixed feelings and ignited a widespread debate on social media, as many had said that she could have allowed Baci enjoy the limelight and savour the moment before another Nigerian embark on the feat.

It would be recalled that on Wednesday morning, June 14, Chef Dammy reached her target of 120 hours, leaving many wondering if Guinness World Records would approve her feat.

A Press Inquiry was however sent to Guinness World Record through Legit.ng.

Shattering the dream of Chef Dammy, the Guinness World Record Organization stated that the chef did not seek their approval before beginning the cook-a-thon, as there are procedures and rules that would have been sent to her to follow.

“We have not received an application for this attempt. Applications can be made via the Guinness World Records website for our records management team to review.

“Once an application is accepted, the record claimant receives a set of detailed guidelines specific to that record category that must be adhered to.

“This also details a list of evidence that must be submitted for our team to verify the record. Guinness World Records maintains a rigorous review process to uphold the integrity of each Guinness World Records title,” Legit.ng quoted the organization as stating.

Anti Corruption Group Applauds Tinubu Over Emefiele, Bawa, Urges Him To Stretch War To Malami, Sirika, Farouk, Others

Akinwale Kasali

June 15, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

An Anti-Corruption Group, Niger Delta Youth Congress, (NDYC), a leading coalition of anti-corruption crusade groups has showered praises on President Bola Tinubu over his decisive action in suspending the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele, and the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa.

The Group stated that it is a move in the right direction.

It, however, urged President Tinubu to include prominent figures such as the immediate past Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Saadiyya Umar Farouk, and other top officials in former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration who were, allegedly, involved in corrupt practices.

In a statement signed by the National Coordinator of the NDYC, Israel Uwejeyan, on behalf of the over 107-member Coalition of Anti-corruption crusade groups, the Coalition noted that the “bold step showcases the President’s unwavering commitment to tackling corruption and upholding the principles of good governance.”

The groups said they recognize that “the decision to suspend the CBN Governor and EFCC Chairman was made in the best interest of our nation and its citizens. It signifies a significant stride towards ensuring accountability, transparency, and the restoration of public trust in key institutions.

“We urge President Tinubu to ensure that the investigations into the alleged misconduct are conducted with the utmost thoroughness and impartiality. It is of paramount importance that due process is followed, and justice is served.

“This will not only set a strong precedent but also demonstrate the President’s dedication to establishing a fair and just society.

“Furthermore, we want to emphasize the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of the EFCC as a whole. Corruption has deeply permeated the system, compromising its effectiveness in combating economic crimes.

“We urge President Tinubu to seize this opportunity to initiate wide-ranging reforms within the EFCC, strengthen its internal mechanisms, and equip it with the necessary resources to carry out its mandate effectively.

“In light of these recent developments, we respectfully request that the President extends the scope of investigations to include prominent figures such as the immediate past Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Malami, the Minister of Aviation, Mr. Sirika, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Saadiyya Umar Farouk, and various other officials allegedly involved in corrupt practices within President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

“We implore President Tinubu not to relent or be deterred in his fight against corruption. Corruption has been a major impediment to our country’s progress, hindering economic growth, exacerbating social inequality, and eroding public trust.

“By taking decisive action against corrupt practices, the President demonstrates his firm commitment to advancing Nigeria and ensuring a brighter future for all its citizens.

“Lastly, we strongly pledge our unflinching support to President Tinubu in his quest to rid our nation of corruption. We stand ready to collaborate with the government in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance.

“Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice prevails, where opportunities abound, and where the rule of law reigns supreme”, the groups said.

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