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Senator Nnamani Loses Wife

May 8, 2023

By Charles Igbo

A former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani, has lost his wife.

Nnamani’s wife, Lady (Mrs) Jane Nnamani, died on Friday, 5th May, 2023, in Enugu.

She had, allegedly been poor in health for sometime, but passed on when least expected, after what was thought would be a minor surgery.

A business woman and philanthropist of note, Lady Nnamani was a Doctorate Student of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, where she was, also, a Council Member.

Even though her devastated family was yet to announce her passing at the time of filing this report, sympathizers are already trooping to the home of the Nnamanis in Enugu.

She was a mother of four.

PDP Warns Against Intimidation, Harrassment of Nigerians, Says Uphold The Will Of The People; Slams INEC

The Source

May 8, 2023

Bola Tinubu-Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar

By Gideon Njoku

The Peoples Democratic Party has warned against what it described as the Intimidation and harassment of Nigerians, especially Youths and eminent Nigerians, for protesting the plan to install a Government the Party says does not enjoy the will of the people.

At a Press Conference on Sunday, May 7, addressed by the National Publicity Secretary of the Party, Debo Ologunagba, the Party said there are “Public anxieties over alleged plots by the APC to Influence the outcome of the petitions before the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.”

The PDP said it invited Media to “alert Nigerians and the International Community of the shocking revelations, reports and allegations of plots by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to influence the outcome of the Presidential election Petition currently pending before the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.”

The PDP said it deplores and, also, alerts of “recent intimidation, harassment, threats and vicious attacks by APC leaders against Nigerian youths and eminent Nigerian personalities for speaking out against APC’s planned moves to install a government that does not enjoy the mandate of majority of Nigerians as expressed at the Polling Units.”

Noted the Party: “The alleged planned onslaught by APC leaders on eminent Nigerians and our democratic institutions, including the Judiciary, stems from APC’s apprehensions given the weight of evidence against it as well as the continuing refusal by majority of Nigerians to accept the outcome of the flawed Presidential election.”

It alleged that there are “apprehensions in the public space, having regards to the reputation of certain individuals within the highest level of the APC who have demonstrated capacity and proclivity to compromise democratic institutions in our country.”

The Party accused the President- elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of trying to patronise the Judiciary during his recent visit to Rivers State.

Tinubu went to Porthacourt on a two-day visit on the invitation of the State Governor, Nyesom Wike, to commission a fly over and a modern Magistrate Court. But the PDP accused the President-elect of using the opportunity to try to corrupt and patronise the Judiciary.

The Party noted: “It would be recalled that on Friday, May 5, 2023, our Party raised alarm over the massively condemned comments by the APC Presidential Candidate, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the commissioning of some judiciary projects in Port-Harcourt Rivers State, wherein he attempted to corrupt, cultivate and patronize the Judiciary.”

Tinubu, the PDP pointed out, is not alone in the attempt to corrupt the Judiciary. It said:

“More alarming are allegations in the public space of attempts by certain APC leaders to compromise the judiciary with heavy financial inducement and to orchestrate trumped-up allegations of impropriety against judicial officers.”

The PDP, therefore, called “on the APC and its leaders to immediately come clean and publicly address Nigerians and the world on these disturbing allegations and revelations which are already in the public domain.”

It described as provocative, the accusation of treasonable felony against some Nigerians for speaking out against the outcome of the February 25, Presidential Election.

Recently, in the US, the Minister for Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, had accused the Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, of treasonable felony for not recognising the outcome of the Presidential Election.

The PDP remarked: “Further to this is the provocative resort by the APC and its leaders to threaten Nigerians with treason for speaking out against the manipulations of our democratic processes by the APC.

“For emphasis, majority of Nigerians are insisting on the review of the February 25, 2023 Presidential election because it was marred by wide-spread manipulations, open alteration of genuine election results from the Polling Units, allocation of fictitious figures to the APC and brazen violation of the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022 as well as INEC Manual and Guidelines by INEC itself in its declaration of a winner of the election.”

The Party, also, accused the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, of complicity in the in the alleged corruption of the Presidential Election.

“The bizarre response by INEC, which is an umpire that ought to be independent, to the Petition of the PDP and our Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, requesting for the dismissal of our Petition, is further evidence of the complicity, corruption and compromise of INEC by the APC.

It is instructive for INEC and the APC to note that the tribunal hearing is part of the electoral process. The APC and INEC are therefore advised to halt further steps to hinder the ability of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal to dispense justice in the matter in accordance with the law.”

What to do? The Party urged the Judiciary to ignore the alleged antics of the APC to influence it.

“The PDP, therefore, restates its call on the Judiciary to resist and insulate itself from the alleged and reported antics of the APC in the discharge of its Constitutional duties as independent and impartial arbiter in the pending Petition before the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.

“It is imperative to state that the reckless violation by INEC of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, INEC Guidelines and Manual in the 2023 Presidential election portend grave consequences to our democracy and political stability as a country.

The only way to guarantee peace, unity and stability of our nation is to uphold the Will of the people as expressed at the Polling Units in the February 25, 2023 Presidential election and the PDP is confident in the ability of the Judiciary to discharge its Constitutional duties in this regard independently”, it stated.

Obi visits Soyinka; Both Discuss State Of The Nation

The Source

May 8, 2023

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Sunday paid special visit to Nigeria’s literary giant and Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka.

In a tweet, Obi described the visit as enriching as he had a useful discussion with him.

“Today I visited one of Nigeria’s most revered figures and an international literary icon Prof Wole Soyinka.

“Prof Soyinka has been my father whom I hold in very esteem for what he has achieved and stands for in the struggle for a better Nigeria.

“His reputation as a fighter for justice and equity in our society has been legendary and we will NEVER ignore them.

“I had a very useful and enriching discussion about his aspirations for a better and greater Nigeria, and he shared a lot with me about his dream for a greater, and more inclusive Nigeria.

“I reminded the Nobel Laureate of the huge price he paid just before the outbreak of civil war, fighting for the cause of the Igbo.

“I cherish this Sunday visit which was intended to erase the needless misconceptions about the relationship between the great icon and the obidient family.”

Succour As PSC Approves Payment Of Salary To Police Recruits Since 2021

Ayodele Oni

May 7, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Those unemployed recruited into the Nigeria Police Force in 2021 and 2022 can now grave a sigh of relieve as the Police Service Commission (PSC) approved salary payments for those of them that passed out of the Police Colleges and have been in formal work in different Police Commands and formations since the past six months without salary.

These category of police recruits have protested and staged open demonstration to demand for payment of their entitlements.

Delay in their payment, it was gathered was as a result of unending conflict between the PSC and the Nigeria Police as the commission said it was not aware of their engagement.

PSC Chairman Dr. Solomon Arase, said the Commission’s decision was reached in the interest of national security anchored on the need to amicably resolve the lingering issues of recruitment between the Commission and the Nigeria Police Force which have occasioned untold hardship on the Police Constables.

He said the Commission’s prompt response also followed outcry and appeals from Nigerians that the 2021/2022 Police recruits, who are yet to be enrolled into the Federal Government’s Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, IPPIS, and who had not received salaries, six months after they passed out from the Police Colleges and duly posted to Police Commands and formations for active Police work, are not made victims of the face off between the Commission and the Nigeria Police.

A statement on Sunday by the PSC Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani stated “The Commission’s approval for the enrollment of 1007 recruited personnel into the Nigeria Police Force in the recruitment exercise of 2021/2022 into the IPPIS payment platform for the purposes of salaries and other emoluments has been conveyed to the Accountant General of the Federation.

“In the letter signed by Dr. (Mrs) Ifeoma A. Anyanwutaku, Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Commission and dated, 5th May 2023, the Commission requested for “prompt and favourable response in activating and emplacing the necessary processes and procedures at ensuring that these Police Officers are immediately captured on the required payment platform and paid accordingly.”

“The Commission’s Chairman, Dr. Solomon Arase, CFR, former Inspector General of Police, feels a sense of discomfiture over newspaper reports that the Officers had since resorted to alms begging and other untidy acts to sustain themselves and had moved immediately to resolve all pending and envisaged issues surrounding the matter.”

Arase had announced at a Stakeholders meeting with Civil Society Organizations that the face off between the Commission and the Nigeria Police Force will soon be over to the benefit of both parties and the greater interest.

Kenya Reaches Out To Nigeria’s President Elect, Seeks Areas Of Cooperation

Ayodele Oni

May 7, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Kenyan President, Dr Williams Ruto, has sent a special envoy to discuss areas of mutual interest between Nigeria and Kenya with the president-elect, Bola Tinubu, ahead of 29 May inauguration.

A statement on Sunday from the office of the president elect, signed by Abdul Aziz Abdulaziz, stated that Ruto, in a letter he personally signed, congratulated Tinubu on his victory at the polls and extended his hand of fellowship to the incoming Nigerian leader.

The letter was delivered by the Kenyan president’s envoy, who is also Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service of Kenya, Mr. Felix K. Koskei, during an audience with the president-elect at the weekend in Lagos.

“On behalf of the Government and People of the Republic of Kenya, and on my own behalf, I convey greetings and congratulations to you on your victory, and to the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for their fortitude and maturity in ensuring the successful conduct of the 2023 general elections.

“I wish to applaud the close friendship which exists between our two countries. Kenya and Nigeria share values and aspirations in various sectors including political, socio-economic, cultural, diplomatic exchange and indeed hold commonality of views on many continental and international issues.”

The Kenyan leader offered to work with Tinubu to consolidate the longstanding relationship between his country and Nigeria.

“I look forward to working with you to champion the cause of our continent, and to strengthen further the historical bonds and friendship that happily exist between our two countries and the people.”

Koskei told Tinubu that the desire of Ruto was to partner the incoming Nigerian leader in “bringing Africa together and strengthen the continent through cooperation and sharing of experiences.”

In his response, President-elect Tinubu expressed his desire to work with the Kenyan president and other African leaders to champion issues of mutual interest.

“I intend to maintain that long, cordial relationship between our two countries and continue to pursue the aspiration of our forefathers towards building a stronger and more economically stable Africa.”

Tinubu pledged to work with Kenya in the areas of economic growth, development and tackling insecurity in line with his agenda for the Nigerian people.

“If we exchange ideas and inter-relate, it will help our continent. Economic opportunities would be explored for Africa’s growth and security.”

The president-elect promised to pay a visit to the East African country at a later time to further explore areas of common interest for the benefit of the two countries and the continent.

Akpabio Not Our Candidate For Senate Presidency – ACF

Ayodele Oni

May 7, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Opposition to emergence of Senator Godswill Akpabio as President of the tenth senate is mounting as the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) said he is not a candidate of the Forum.

A Coalition of Northern Groups had earlier endorsed Akpabio for the Senate top job.

A member of the ACF, Alhaji Musa Saidu in a statement in Abuja on Sunday made the clarification.

Saidu, also the leader of the Arewa Community in Southern, Nigeria said that endorsing Akpabio for the Senate Presidency would spell doom for Northern Nigeria.

“We hereby dissociate ourselves from the endorsement of Sen. Godswill Akpabio for the Senate Presidency by a coalition of Northern groups.

“The Coalition is not speaking for the North, it is just speaking for itself.

“No true Northern group will want to endorse Akpabio for a sensitive position like that of Senate President because he is not friendly with the North.

“We are the people who know Akpabio, because we are resident in the South, we know those who are friendly with the Northern people and Akpabio is actually not one of them.

“I want to condemn the endorsement in its entity because it was done out of ignorance.

“It is also possible that the groups were given some inducement to endorse Akpabio.

“I want to say that the Northern people are not beggars that will be endorsing people who are not friendly with them because of inducement.

“Why should the All Progressives Congress (APC) be bent on zoning the 10th Senate Presidency to the South, when we have competence hands in the the North.

“The North-West gave the APC the largest votes in the Feb. 25 presidential election, why not consider somebody from the zone.

“I think it’s time for the party to reward the zone for the massive votes rather than start looking for somebody from the South as Senate President.”

The Nigerian Woman Who Carried King Charles III’s Golden Orb At Coronation

The Source

May 7, 2023

By Charles Igbo

Elizabeth Nneka Anionwu defeated abandonment, abuse by a racist step father when her Nigerian father was nowhere, deprivation in a Care-home, and became a roaring success – Professor, Dame, CBE

The millions of people, worldwide, who watched as she shone like a million stars at the historic Coronation of King Charles III on 6th May, 2023, hardly know her story.

All they saw was a woman, so privileged in life that she was chosen to carry the King’s Gold Orb, and represented the NHS.

But not true. That privilege was a product of the “never-say-die” attitude of a strong woman.

She had a very difficult upbringing. Life was tough for her. Even though she was born into a privileged home, fate deprived her of that privilege, and the comfort, and the joy, and the love of family, especially, of her parents.

The story of Dame Elizabeth Nneka Anionwu is inspiring. It is a story of despair, abandonment, humiliation, and finally, a roaring success.

Her father, Lawrence Anionwu, who she, finally, met as an adult, was not there for her, growing up in London, according to those who know her family. She grew up in a non conducive environment.

His father was Nigeria’s first Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He was, also Nigeria’s first Ambassador to Italy.

Her mother was Irish, who later married her fellow “white”. So, young Elizabeth suffered the humiliation of not being loved by her step father because of her colour. He abused her.

Elizabeth was placed in a care home. She overcame, and became a roaring success.

She acquired education, and became a Professor of Nursing! Today, she is an Emeritus Professor of Nursing. She is, also, a Dame. And a CBE. She defeated abuse, humiliation, rejection, and racism.

Inspite of being deprived of her Nigerian father’s love, inspite of not growing up in the company of her Nigerian father, inspite of not growing up in Nigeria, the Professor, Dame, CBE, is proudly Nigerian. And flaunted it at the Coronation of King Charles III on Saturday.

She was nominated to carry the King’s Gold Orb, and represented the NHS. For the historic ceremony, she proudly “decked out” in her Nigerian attire – A long skirt and blouse, and a head tie to match. She is proudly Nigerian. And an inspiration to young women.

Bishop Condemns Attacks On The Igbo, Says Intimidation Must Stop

Ayodele Oni

May 7, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Umuahia Diocese, has flayed incessant attacks on the assets of Ndigbo in other parts of the country in the presence of law enforcement agents.

This was contained in the communiqué released after the annual Synod of the Diocese.

The Synod noted that “The suppression, intimidation, harassment of Ndi Igbo has gotten to its peak. How can markets and properties be burnt down in broad day light without anybody being arrested?

“How can hoodlums parade openly across Lagos, Abuja and other cities, going after people for voting a candidate of their choice, even to the extent of intimidating people against voting for a particular candidate during the just concluded general elections?

“This is madness and arrant nonsense. It is very worrisome by the open and fearless threats of violence at some quarters in times like this and the helpless stand of those who should maintain peace and order in the society. Most worrisome is using state security outfit for the violation of our constitution.

In the state of nation address by the Bishop of the Diocese, His Lordship, the Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Ibeabuchi, the synod expressed sadness that the Igbo have become endangered species among other tribes in Nigeria.

“How long will this continue? They are killing us and at the same time, we are helping them to kill ourselves. We must say no to this ugly development.

“We call on our elites and political leaders including, religious leaders to immediately commence bridge-building among Igbos and Igbos and between the Igbo and the rest of the country, Bishop Ibeabuchi queried.

The Synod also reviewed underdevelopment in the south east, noting, “The South Eastern part of Nigeria can be the Japan of Africa if given the right attention. Unfortunately, our people prefer the development of other regions rather than the East.

“We call on all well-meaning sons and daughters of the South East to look homeward. We can do it. The insult and intimidations are getting out of hands. Please, come home and let us re-build the economy of the South East to the glory of God”.

The Synod called for immediate release of the Leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention, stating, “Clearly, the present administration of President Mohammadu Buhari carefully excluded this Region from the affairs of the nation and at the same time forcing everyone to remain silent. We want to advise the Federal Government to kindly release our son, especially, now that he is in dare need of medical attention”.

The urged the Federal Government to critically look into the petroleum subsidy removal cankerworm and make the right decision for the entire country, advising that measures must be put in place urgently in order to alleviate the suffering and hardship on Nigerians, adding “Petroleum products must be made available for citizens.”

The Synod vehemently condemned calls for interim administration in Nigeria as “the worst democracy is better than the best Military Government”.

It also condemned Security Agencies for their “Attempt to blow issues out of proportion in order to defend the Government in power or to silence the opposition is grossly unacceptable.”

OPINION: Quality Leadership – Doguwa’s Startling Example

The Source

May 7, 2023

By Ikeddy Isiguzo

Once we consigned logic to the garbage can it followed that Nigeria would keep startling the world with her leadership choices. Alhaji Alhassan Ado Doguwa of Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency, Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, is proof if you needed one.

He has our attention not for any sterling legislative performance. It is not his fault that we refused to pay attention when he served us notice in 2019 as he was being sworn in for his fourth term – he turned up with his four wives and 27 children. More was on the way, he assured.

The number has crawled to four wives and 28 children.

Many thought he would have done more in four years to match the family record. Doguwa told us his father had 40 children and was productive into his 80s.

Age is on his side. He is only 57, and over two scores short of his father’s age. He needs only 12 more children to equal his father’s record, on his way to a new family mark.

We should rightly expect more from Doguwa though we were clueless that his conjugal prowess and the resultant numbers were political tools. Last year he boasted that the APC presidential candidate Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Jagaban Borgu would have the votes of his household. It could not have been 33 votes unless you are suggesting that Doguwa promotes under-aged voting. Allegations against him are different.

He is on trial for allegedly killing 16 people during the run up to his newest tenure in the House of Representatives. His retort is no less complicated. “I have never killed a fly let alone kill 16 people as alleged by the opposition party”.

A man so kind to Kano’s disturbing flies cannot kill human beings, that is his logic. Would a man with 28 children be short of helping hands to kill flies?

Let it not be that he is alleging that those of us who kill flies with reckless abandon are prospective murder suspects. He should not, after all we are not his colleagues in the House of Representatives.

Doguwa hangs his best point about his leadership qualities on management of his family. Four wives, no divorce, and 28 children, who have tasked his temperament to no adverse consequences. No mean feat no matter what else you may not like about him.

We should know that he is the best candidate for the position. Which contenders posses these qualities? If there are, why are they in hiding.

Serial monogamists, divorcees, singles, those unskilled in managing four wives and the 28 benchmark of children should leave the race for Doguwa. Call his stance ridiculous at your own risk.

He may not be a Senator but he is distinguished and has created a distinct advantage for himself in the race.

Doguwa, also called Alhassan Ado Garba, got to the House of Representatives in 1992, supporting Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwakwanso to be Deputy Speaker.

In 2000 he was appointed Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor on Environment and later Special Adviser on Governmental Affairs, and Political Party Affairs to Senate Presidents Chief Adolphus Wabara and Senator Ken Nnamani.

He returned to the House of Representatives in 2007 with re-elections in 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023. His blooming relationship with Femi Gbajabiamila who he succeeded as Chief Whip crashed when Gbajabiamila lost the contest for Speaker to Yakubu Dogara.

Gbajabiamila expected that Doguwa would hand him back the Chief Whip position. Doguwa refused.

Entitlement is part of his credentials including claims that he stepped down in 2019 for Gbajabiamila to be Speaker, and the succession sequence from Chief Whip to Speaker, favours him.

Why would Doguwa pitch his family size ahead of his detailed experience, ranking, and his acceptable to his colleagues? Does he even remember that selling himself as a great, loyal party man was more important than his conjugal prowess?

Doguwa graduated with a first class in Mass Communication from Bayero University, Kano. He would not project these quality and there could be explanations.

We tend to appreciate visible “qualities” more. Anyone who can get a family that size into a photo frame deserves commendation for organisation. Please go back in time to how trying family photo sessions used to be. These were families no where close to Doguwa’s size.

Only a genius would muster names for 28 children. I assume he remembers each of his children by name. And he can recognise them down to their mothers and their number in the flourishing family tree.

Does he use a family WhatsApp group to call family meetings. His expenditure on air time and data could run some immodest families for a year or more.

How many buses do they need to travel? If they are to fly, few airlines would not run out of seats for them. Being a man of means, he may just charter an aircraft with adequate seats for the family.

Have you pondered the logistics to deliver foods, drinks, cooking equipment, utensils, clothing, furniture, bedding, schooling, medical care, financial dispensations? Nobody should forget housing.

Meal times would come with their own challenges. Imagine, no matter how fleetingly, the array of staff deployed to get meals ready. Doguwa is a great employer of labour. Again, he decides not to brag about such miniscule achievement.

Would Doguwa’s unique, family-centred experience not translate to frothy legislative leadership?

There are more concerns. How would Nigeria provide for a four-wife, 28 children and counting family?

Doguwa would have privileges that include medical trips abroad for him and family. The Constitution cannot anticipate everything. We should note that any attempt to disqualify Doguwa on basis of his beloved family would be discriminatory, and unconstitutional.

It is obvious that Doguwa’s family pedigree drains him. He has no cares or worries about families around him that cannot live their simple lives because of insecurity and the consequences of leaderships reckoning their achievements the way Doguwa does.

We, however, have to praise Doguwa’s candour. He parades his family achievements and approximates his successes to the skill sets he would need to lead the 360-member House of diverse tendencies, stand as Nigeria’s number four citizen who under certain circumstances could be the President.

Doguwa is a study on things of importance to some of our leaders. The surprise would be if his colleagues do not elect him the Speaker.

Isiguzo is a major commentator on minor issues

House Of Reps: Ogene Emerges Labour Party Caucus Leader

James Orji

May 7, 2023

…Says Labour Party Has Not Endorsed Any Speakership Aspirant

The 35-member Labour Party caucus in the 10th Assembly of the House of Representatives has elected Afam Victor Ogene as its Leader.

Ogene, a ranking member from the 7th Assembly, emerged as the Labour Party leader with 21 votes, after a keenly contested election yesterday in Abuja.

Although 34 Members-Elect of the Party were present at the voting session, only 31 of them took part in the exercise, with the trio of Honourables Oke-Joe Onuakalusi, Obi Aguocha and Professor Lilian Oby Irogbu abstaining, being persons who conducted the exercise.

Speaking after the exercise, conducted under a convivial atmosphere, the duo of George Ozodinobi and Dennis Agbo, who contested the position, lauded the choice of Hon. Ogene.

Describing Ogene as a team player who is vast in the politics of the House of Representatives, Agbo opined that “with .Ogene as our Caucus Leader, Labour Party is sure to hold it’s own in the 10th Assembly.”

In an acceptance speech soon after he was presented to the Party’s Leader and Presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, and the party’s National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, Hon. Ogene assured that in all undertakings of the Members-Elect, the well-being of the Nigerian people would be uppermost.

“May I use this opportunity to reiterate that the Labour Party caucus, House of Representatives, has not endorsed any Speakership aspirant.

“In fact, anyone desirous of our votes on the day of inauguration must first convince us, as a bloc, of what his plans and programmes for the Nigerian people are. While we may have individual preferences, I can assure that at the end of the day, the Labour Party shall stand as one, indivisible entity to take a common and progressive stand,” Ogene said.

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