Obi Restates Objectives And Characters Of The Obidient Movement

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March 29, 2023

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party and the leader of the Obedient Movement In Nigeria and diaspora, Mr. Peter Obi has warned that any attempt to ascribe, religious, ethnic, and other parochial interests to the movement will fail.

Obi in a series of tweets on Wednesday said that there is no looking back on the Movement’s goal of taking back Nigeria because the time is now.

“In the life of every nation, there is a turning point. For Nigeria, that time is now; a time to save Nigeria, save our democracy, and give the Nigerian youths hope. The OBIdient Movement has been the arrowhead in the take-back Nigeria mission.

The former Anambra state Governor said his role in the Movement is just to provide leadership and direction, “My role in the Movement is that of a Focal Point. As I’ve always stressed, Nigeria remains a secular state. As such, the movement is not about my tribe or my religion, and it is not an Igbo agenda or in any way, to Christianize Nigeria”

“My aspiration is for a new Nigeria, where the children of a nobody will become somebody. A nation anchored on national interests, and not sectional interests; where the entire youths from the six geopolitical zones will have a sense of belonging in the affairs of their country.

He said that his ambition is to lead a united and indivisible Nigeria and warned against ascribing ethnic or religious coloration to the OBIdient Movement.

Obi drew the attention of Nigerians to what is happening in Scotland where “A 37-year-old, Humza Yousaf is set to become Scotland’s first minister, having won the keenly contested SNP’s leadership contest. Born to Pakistani parents, who emigrated to Scotland in the 60s, Yousaf is from the ethnic minority and a Muslim.

“I have always maintained that Nigerians must rise above ethnicity, religion, and sectarian politics in matters of governance; and that the leadership selection process must be strictly based on Character, Competence, Capacity, and Compassion, only then, shall our democracy flourish, and our society progress. Contextually, the Scottish reality is instructive and presents us with some lessons learned and missed opportunities”

Earlier, the leadership of the Labour Party (LP) held an interactive strategy session with Senate-elect and House of Representative-elect members, a session Obi said was to discuss leadership and working modalities for the incoming legislators and which he noted was very constructive.

The LP standard bearer who also on Tuesday attended the 16th Ayiam Osigwe Lecture in Lagos chaired by Chief Emeka Anyaoku where the Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, was the guest speaker, strongly maintained that democratic and economic development hinges on credible polls, education, rule of Law.

Obi finally enjoined Nigerians, to strive for a leadership imbued with Character, Competence, Capacity, Credibility, and Commitment.

LP Slashes Imo State Gubernatorial Form Fee From N25m To N15m

By

The Source

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March 29, 2023

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The Obidient Movement operating under the Labour Party platform continues to show its unique characteristic as a populist reformist political organization.

The party had pegged its gubernatorial fee for the forthcoming Imo State Governorship election to twenty-five million naira for the aspirant’s form.

But in a median meeting, the party leadership had with their elected National Assembly legislators in Abuja on Tuesday, it was agreed that they slash the amount further down to fifteen million only.

The National Chairman of the party Barrister Julius Abure said the downward review is in response to the wishes of their members and to also show that LP is a listening party and obedient to the wishes of its members.

“We are here to serve them and to do their wish he said as he announced the new amount of N15m

The Presidential flag bearer and the leader of the party, Peter Obi is known for his brand of politics that plays down on the influence of money in our politics Rather than wealth and fame Obi wants competence, character, and capacity to be the driving force of our politics.

Obi is on record to have reiterated that “if we want to take back our country we must not alienate critical segments like youths and women who are vulnerable when you put money up in the ceiling”

Banker In EFCC Custody For Stealing N23m

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James Orji

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March 29, 2023

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Olusegun Raphael, a former staff of the First City Monument Bank, FCMB, has been remanded in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for allegedly diverting some funds belonging to a customer of the bank.

The former banker is currently being tried by the anti graft agency for allegedly stealing over N25 million from the said customer, according to a statement signed by Wilson Uwajaren, the Commission’s spokesperson.

Justice P. I. Ajoku of the Federal High court, Port Harcourt, Rivers state, on Monday ordered the accused to be remanded in the EFCC custody after he pleaded not guilty to the allegation of theft.
He was arraigned on six counts bordering on stealing and currency counterfeiting to the tune of twenty-three million, five hundred thousand naira, according to the EFCC charge sheet.

Zenith Bank Impresses With N945.5 bn Earnings In 2022

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James Orji

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March 29, 2023

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Zenith Bank Plc has announced its audited results for the year ending December 31, 2022, achieving an impressive double-digit growth of 24 percent in gross earnings from NGN765.6 billion reported in the previous year to NGN945.5 billion in 2022. This is despite the persistent challenging macroeconomic environment and headwinds.

According to the audited financial results for the 2022 financial year presented to the Nigerian Exchange, NGX, the double-digit growth in gross earnings was driven by a 26 percent year-on-year, YoY, growth in interest income from NGN427.6 billion to N540.2 billion and a 23 percent year-on-year, YoY, growth in non-interest income from NGN309 billion to NGN381 billion. Profit before tax also grew by two percent from NGN280.4 billion to NGN284.7 billion in the current year. The increase in profit before tax was due to the significant growth in all the income lines.

Impairments grew by 107 percent from NGN59.9 billion to NGN124.2 billion, while interest expense grew 63 percent YoY from N106.8 billion to N173.5 billion, respectively. The impairment growth, which also resulted in an increase in the cost of risk (from 1.9 percent in 2021 to 3.3 percent in the current year), was due to the impact of Ghana’s sovereign debt restructuring programme. The growth in interest expense increased the cost of funds from 1.5 percent in 2021 to 1.9 percent in 2022 due to hikes in interest rates globally.

Customer deposits increased by 39 percent, growing from NGN6.47 trillion in the previous year to NGN8.98 trillion in the current year. The growth in customer deposits came from all products and deposit segments (corporate and retail), thus consolidating the bank’s market leadership and indicating customers’ trust.

The continued elevated yield environment positively impacted the bank’s Net-Interest-Margin (NIM), which grew from 6.7 percent to 7.2 percent due to an effective repricing of interest-bearing assets. Operating expenses grew by 17 percent YoY, but growth remains below the inflation rate. Total assets increased by 30 percent, growing from NGN9.45 trillion in 2021 to NGN12.29 trillion, mainly driven by growth in customer deposits.

With the steady and continued recovery in economic activities, the Group prudently grew its gross loans by 20 percent, from NGN3.5 trillion in 2021 to NGN4.1 trillion in 2022, which increased the Non-Performing Loan, NPL, ratio modestly from 4.2 pefcent to 4.3 percent YoY. The capital adequacy ratio decreased from 21 percent to 19 percent, while the liquidity ratio improved from 71.2 percent to 75 percent Both prudential ratios are well above regulatory thresholds.

In 2023, the Group intends to expand its frontiers as it also reorganises into a holding company structure, adding new verticals to its businesses and growing in all its chosen markets, both locally and internationally.

As a testament to its commitment to shareholders, the bank has announced a proposed final dividend payout of N2.90 per share, bringing the total dividend to N3.20 per share.

In recognition of its track record of excellent performances, Zenith Bank was recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital, for the 13th consecutive year, in the 2022 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking published by The Banker Magazine; Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards 2020 and 2022; Best Bank in Nigeria, for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria 2021 and 2022 in the World Finance Banking Awards; Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards 2022; Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa, for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022, by the Ethical Boardroom; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation In Retail Banking, Nigeria in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards.

Also, the bank emerged as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands 2020 and 2021, and Retail Bank of the year, for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022, at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions, BAFI, Awards.

Similarly, Zenith Bank was named as Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020, Most Innovative Bank of the Year 2019 by Tribune Newspaper, Bank of the Year 2020 by Independent Newspaper, Bank of the Year 2021 by Champion Newspaper, Bank of the Year 2022 by New Telegraph Newspaper, and Most Responsible Organisation in Africa 2021 by SERAS Awards.

NIMASA, MWUN Commit To Peaceful Maritime Sector

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James Orji

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March 29, 2023

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The Management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, have restated their commitment to continuous stakeholder’s engagement as an effective tool to maintain the peace which the nation’s maritime sector have enjoyed in recent years.

NIMASA Director General Dr Bashir Jamoh OFR, and the President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju both made the assertion in Lagos at a ceremony by NIMASA to hand over vehicles to the Union as part of the Agency’s Corporate Social Responsibility. The vehicles are a 16-seater bus and one Hilux.

Dr. Bashir Jamoh applauded the union for adopting dialogue in ensuring and maintaining peace in the maritime sector, which he said has aided the peace and industrial harmony witnessed in the sector leading to the successes recorded.

In his words “In the past few years, the maritime industry has experienced relative peace and harmony, which has been made possible through the instrumentality of the leadership of MWUN. NIMASA is committed to ensuring the union is equipped with adequate facilities needed to perform their duties judiciously”.

He also charged the Union to continue to support the policies and instruments of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), towards ensuring a better welfare and decent work for the seafarers.

“We acknowledge that you have done so much in championing the cause for better wages for Dockworkers, Seafarers and other labour components in the maritime sector. We urge you to continue your stakeholders’ engagement in achieving implementation of international labour laws to achieve better welfare in consonance with international best practices for workers in the maritime sector”.

Furthermore, the DG assured that the Agency would complete the renovation of the headquarters of the Union in order to give them a befitting habitation.

On his part, the MWUN P-G, Comrade Adeyanju expressed the gratitude of the union to the Management of NIMASA, and assured that they will continue to work closely with the various stakeholders in the sector to ensure continuous progress. He also urged Terminal Operators, Government Agencies and other major maritime players to emulate NIMASA in the discharge of their CSR Projects.

The MWUN President General who is also the National Vice President of the Nigerian Labour Congress commended the leadership of NIMASA under Dr Jamoh urging the Federal Government to consider a second tenure based on performance.

“We will continue to play the role of stabilizing the sector. The era of confrontation in the maritime sector is gone, as we have embraced dialogue, which has ensured sustained peace and harmony. The leadership of NIMASA under Bashir Jamoh has excelled in staff welfare, regular staff promotion, and attending to the needs of stakeholders. Based on performance, Jamoh deserves a second term in office; his achievements speak volume. You made dialogue a way of life here at NIMASA and resolving labour related issues have been seamless under your leadership. We have had good DG’s in the past, but Jamoh is exceptional. We have been watching you and we know you have the track record of fulfilling your promises; we charge you to continue as the union will continue to support the humanitarian policies of your Management”, Adeyanju said.

Professor Nnenna Oti, VC FUTO, Gets Heroic Welcome From Her Students

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The Source

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March 29, 2023

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By Charles Igbo

For Professor Nnenna Oti, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, it was a surprise joyful welcome from her Students after her brilliant performance in Abia State.

Professor Oti was the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Returning Officer to Abia State in the just concluded Governorship Election.

While a number of her colleagues have curses being hauled at them for their alleged poor and unbecoming performances in the States they were posted to, Professor Oti is being celebrated, nationwide, by appreciative Nigerians.

For standing firm in her beliefs, for not compromising, for not caving in to pressures to corrupt the outcome of the elections, Oti has become Nigeria’s Poster Girl.

When the pressure was much, she let it be known that “the Mother in me, and the Pastor in me” will not allow her do the wrong thing. She remembered the youths and the sufferings they are going true, and said, she wanted a better future for Nigeria’s children.

For her uncompromising stand, Nigerians are full of appreciation. One business man from Abia, in appreciation, gifted her with a very expensive car. Another, an FBI Consultant, reportedly gave her the sum of N100 million. But the icing on the cake was the reception given to her, on Monday, by FUTO Students.

As her car drove into the University Campus after her National duties at Abia, the students laid an ambush for her. In their hundreds, they welcomed her with drums, cymbals, dances and songs and jubilation. She has made them proud by keeping her integrity, her credibility in tact. By doing so, she projected FUTO as a University that is disciplined, a University which Vice Chancellor lives by example.

As she watched them, she stepped down from the car, and joined her excited students in the long walk to her office, where they celebrated some more.

Fani-Kayode To UK Envoy: “You Should Be Serving Food On British Airways Flights; Asks UK To Recall Him From Nigeria

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Adesina Soyooye

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March 29, 2023

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By Adesina Soyooye

An All Progressives Congress, APC, Chieftain, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has asked the British Government to recall its Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ben Llewellyn-Jones

In a very strongly-worded tweet on Monday, Fani-Kayode alleged that the Deputy High Commissioner was interfering in the internal affairs of Nigeria.

Trouble started when Llewellyn-Jones said some Nigerian politicians would be punished by denying them into the UK because of the inciting hate speeches/comments they made during Nigeria’s just concluded General Elections. He cited, as an example, the utterances made by Fani-Kayode, thus giving out that it is not likely he would be allowed to enter Britain.

In his first response on Monday, Fani-Kayode said he didn’t care, and that 63 years after Nigeria’s independence from Britain, the Deputy High Commissioner had no right or business, telling him what to say in his country, Nigeria.

But on Tuesday, Fani-Kayode went full blast, with personal attacks, and asked the British Government to recall its Deputy High Commissioner in Nigeria, and deploy him to British Airways to serve food and drinks to passengers. He, also, among other things, dismissed the diplomat as “incompetent” and “a bull in a China shop.”

Following is the full text of Fani-Kayode’s tweet.

“I call on the British Govt. to recall @benllewellynjo1, the Dep. British High Commissioner, from our country for interfering in our internal affairs and attempting to involve himself in our politics. Like a bull in a China shop, he is bullish, uncouth, dangerousiy incompetent and painfully inconsiderate.

“He is better suited to work as an air host/hostess on British Airways, serving drinks and food to the passengers in the economy class of the long haul London/New York trans-Atlantic flight route, than working for the British High Commission in Nigeria.

“It is a sign of great disrespect to our country that a so-called diplomat that is as shallow, dim-witted, intellectually-stunted, partisan, unprofessional, partial, arrogant, forward, disrespectful and limited in his knowledge base as this can be sent here to represent the UK.

“We deserve far better.

“I am still waiting for evidence of my so-called “hate speech” against the Igbo from him. I guess in his little globalist mind saying that Lagos belongs to the Yoruba and is not “no man’s land” is hate speech.I guess to him saying that those those that come from outside the South West to live in Lagos ought to respect the Yoruba is hate speech.

“Again I guess that to him saying Enugu belongs to the Igbo and is not a “no man’s land” is also hate speech or that non-Igbos that choose to live in Enugu should respect the Igbos that have hosted them is hate speech.

“Yet again I guess that to him saying that Kano belongs to the Hausa-Fulani and is not a “no man’s land” is hate speech or that non-Hausa Fulani’s that live in Kano should respect the Hausa Fulani’s that have hosted them is hate speech.

“Permit me hop across to Ben’s own UK to drive home the point. I guess in his little globalist world Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast (the capitals of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland respectively) are no longer Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish cities and territories but are now “no man’s land” even in the era of devolution where each of those three ethnic nationalities take immense pride in their growing independence from the English and in their cultural and historical values and roots.

“I guess saying that Edinburgh belongs to the Scots and is not “no man’s land” is hate speech to the likes of Ben. It is also hate speech to him to say that non-Scots that have chosen to live in Edinburgh should respect the Scots that have hosted them.

“Same goes for Cardiff and Belfast. If you say that either belongs to the Welsh or the Irish respectively and that they are not “no man’s land” Ben will describe it as hate speech and if you say that the people of each must be respected by those from the outside that have chosen to stay there, he will again call it hate speech.

“What type of man is this little Englander who sees hate in everyone and everything ? What an inelegant and priceless fool he is.Forgive me for describing him as being one step removed from the village idiot.

“Someone please tell him that there is absolutely nothing wrong with being an ethnic nationalist and seeking to preserve your identity, land, culture, values and ways as a people whilst at the same time opening your doors to others from your nation and welcoming them with open arms.

“There is a great difference between peaceful co-existence based on love and mutual respect for your fellow compatriots and a total and complete capitulation and rejection of who we are and where we are coming from as a people.We espouse the former and reject the latter.

“Being a proud Nigerian does not mean I have to turn my back on the fact that I am also a proud Yoruba man. They are not mutually exclusive. The two can go together and we take pride in both.The same goes for my fellow Nigerians who happen to be Hausa, Fulani, Igbo, Ijaw, Tiv, Itsekiri, Bini, Efik, Kanuri, Shuwa Arab or anything else.

“We are ALL first and foremost Nigerians but we all came from somewhere that existed for thousands of years long before Nigeria was established.

“Would someone please try and explain all this to this poor, lost, ignorant little soul called Ben? He needs to know before he makes any more embarrassing blunders about our people and country and before he attempts to lecture us or involve himself and in our politics again.Next time we will be ready for him.”

“Peter Obi Won Nigeria’s Presidential Election”, Afenifere Insists

By

The Source

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March 29, 2023

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By Gideon Njoku

Appreciates International Community In a Communiqué it issued after its monthly meeting, the apex Yoruba Socio-cultural Organisation, Afenifere, said that the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, won Nigeria’s Presidential Election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared the Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu the winner, and so President-elect in the election held on 25th February 2023.

Even though the three frontline Candidates, Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Obi, all won the same number of States – 12 each – Tinubu was declared winner based on the number of votes he garnered.

But Afenifere differs. It insists that Obi won the contest. The Organisation reiterated that: “The results of the lawful votes at the Presidential Election available to the Afenifere through credible sources, confirm that Peter Obi, the Presidential of the Labour Party, won the said election and we, thus, support his decision challenging the contrary declaration by the INEC.”

Afenifere agreed that the election was froth by violence and unprecedented malpractices. It said it condemns “in strongest terms, the campaigns of calumny and acts of ethnic violence deployed by some politicians and their hired criminal gangs in several parts of the Federation during the Gubernatorial Election, particularly, Lagos State where the election was made to appear like an inter-ethnic war between the Yoruba and Igbo which greatly led to voters’ suppression and other forms of deliberate disenfranchisement through brigandage.”

The Organisation expressed its “belief in the Judiciary as an integral part of the democratic process and expect that it will prove itself in the election litigations now pending before it without fear or favour and in accordance with the judicial oaths of its members, in covenant with the Nigerian people.”

Afenifere, also, appreciated what it described as “the genuine and renewed interests of the International Community in the security and democratic health of Nigeria and urged that, as a prominent member of the Global Community, the affairs of Nigeria should continue to be of concern to the world.”

The Communique was signed by Afenifere Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Secretary General, Chief Sola Ebiseni.

Afenifere Absolves Iwuanyanwu From Verbal Attack On Yoruba; Says Criminal Gangs To Blame

By

Akinwale Kasali

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March 29, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

■Sacks two officers over Iwuanyanwu.

■Full text of Communique.

The apex Yoruba Socio/Cultural Organisation, Afenifere, has deplored the attack on Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Chairman of the Elders’ Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

Iwuanyanwu has been under attack by a number of the Yoruba, over a fake comment creditated to him. He was falsely quoted to have called the Yoruba “Political rascals” who the Igbo would “deal with” during a speech he made in Awka at the First Anniversary of Professor Charles Soludo as the Governor of Anambra State, following the physical attack on a number of the Igbo in Lagos during the General Elections.

The misinformation caused tension between the two ethnic groups, and climaxed when a statement creditated to Afenifere condemned Iwuanyanwu and the Igbo.

And, for being present at the function and saying and/or doing nothing to confront Iwuanyanwu, Femi Fani-Kayode, in a tweet, doubted the paternity of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

But in a communique after its meeting on Tuesday, 28th March at Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State, presided over by its Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Afenifere denied issuing any statement in condemnation of Iwuanyanwu, and attributed it to the handiwork of impostors.

It distanced Iwuanyanwu from the said offensive statement and said that after watching the video of the event, it was clear to them that Iwuanyanwu made no such statement.

On the contrary, Afenifere noted that Iwuanyanwu clearly said that the two ethnic groups are one and that there is no war between them.

The Communique said: Afenifere “received a message creditated to Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu in a viral video alleging indictment of the Yoruba as Political Rascals on account of ethnic violence deployed by politicians of the ruling party in Lagos State. On the analysis of the video and information at the disposal of Afenifere by people at the Anambra State gathering, we are convinced that Chief Iwuanyanwu rightly asserted that the Yoruba and Igbo were not at war and truly condemned the shenanigans of some political rascals.”

Afenifere said it, therfore, issued no statement against Chief Iwuanyanwu and distanced itself from any such statement.

According to it, Afenifere “observed the uncouth activities and unauthorised statements in its name, and to the constant denigration of the organisation by Jare Ajayi, the National Publicity Secretary, and Abagun Kole Omololu, the National Organising Secretary. After due consideration of the unending embarrassing conduct of the two officers, the Meeting resolved that they be, and are hereby removed immediately from their respective offices and their membership be suspended sine die pending further decisions after their appearance before and recommendations by the Disciplinary Committee.”

Following is the full text of the Communique signed by Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Secretary General, Chief Sola Ebiseni.

BEING THE COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE MONTHLY GENERAL MEETING OF THE AFENIFERE HELD AT THE RESIDENCE OF OUR LEADER, CHIEF AYO ADEBANJO AT ISANYA OGBO OGUN STATE ON TUESDAY 28TH DAY OF MARCH 2023.

1. 000 PREAMBLE●

“1.02 The Afenifere held its regular monthly General Meeting today, 28th day of March 2023, at the residence of our Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo at Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State.

“1.03 After intensive deliberations on the state of the Nigerian Federation, the Meeting which was presided over by our Leader aforesaid and attended by delegates from the member states of our Organisation observed and Resolved as follows:

2.00 RESOLUTIONS

“2.01 That Afenifere reiterates our position that the Presidential election held on the 25th of February 2023 was characterised by all forms of primitive manipulations and noncompliance with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act 2022 and the Guidelines and Regulations made pursuant thereto with concomitant legislative force.

“2.02 Reiterates that “the results of the lawful votes at the Presidential election available to the Afenifere through credible sources confirm that Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, won the said election and we, thus, support his decision challenging the contrary declaration by the INEC.

“2.03 Re-assert that for equity, fairness, national cohesion and peaceful corporate existence, the next President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be person of its southern part and specifically the South-East.

“2.04 Condemns in the strongest terms, the campaigns of calumny and acts of ethnic violence deployed by some politicians and their hired criminal gangs in several parts of the federation during the gubernatorial election, particularly, Lagos State where the election was made to appear like an inter-ethnic war between the Yoruba and Igbo which greatly led to voters’ suppression and other forms of deliberate disenfranchisement through brigandage.

“2.05 Received a message credited to Chief Emmanuel Iwunayanwu in a viral video alleging indictment of the Yoruba as political rascals on account of ethnic violence deployed by politicians of the ruling party in Lagos State. On the analysis of the video and information at the disposal of Afenifere by people at the Anambra State gathering, we are convinced that Chief Iwunayanwu rightly asserted that the Yoruba and Igbo were not at war and truly condemned the shenanigans of some political rascals.

“2.06. Flowing from the above, Afenifere state that it never issued any statement and dissociate the Organisation from any such statement against Chief Iwunayanwu.

“2.07 Observed the uncouth activities and unauthorised statements in its name and to the constant denigration of the organisation, by Jare Ajayi, the National Publicity Secretary and Abagun Kole Omololu the National Organising Secretary. After due consideration of the unending embarrassing conduct of the two officers, the Meeting resolved that they be and are hereby removed immediately from their respective offices and their membership be suspended sine die pending further decisions after their appearance before and recommendations by the Disciplinary Committee.

“2.08 Restates our position that in accordance with the hallowed Yoruba culture of civilised conduct, Afenifere assure all persons resident in Yorubaland, indigenes and non-indegenes, of protection in the conduct of their lawful duties and thus warn all threats mongers and merchants of violence to desist therefrom.

“2.09 Expresses our belief in the judiciary as an integral part of the democratic process and expect that it proves itself in the election litigations now pending before it without fear or favour and in accordance with the judicial oaths of its members, in covenant with the Nigerian people.

“2.1 0 Calls on the President and Government of Nigeria to restore the patriotic confidence and hope of the Nigerian people in the continued corporate existence of the federation which will guaranty their safety throughout Nigeria.

“2.11 Appreciates the genuine and renewed interests of the international community in the security and democratic health of Nigeria and urge that as a prominent member of the global community, the affairs of Nigeria should continue to be of concern to the world.

“Dated and issued at Isanya Ogbo, this 28th day of March 2023.”

NANS Threatens Showdown As Ekiti Varsity Increases New Intake Fees

By

Ayodele Oni

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March 29, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS) has flayed what it described as unjustifiable increase of tuition fee being paid by the newly admitted students in Ekiti State University, (EKSU), Ado Ekiti.

A statement on Tuesday, which was signed by Salawudeen Alade, National Director of Travels and Exchange, stated that education is a right, not a privilege and should not be commercialized.

The apex Students Association body in Nigeria, described the action as an unjustifiable decision of the management under the leadership of Prof Edward Olanipekun.

According to the statement, the tuition fee being paid by the newly admitted students has been increased by over N100,000 and gave the management 72hours ultimatum to reverse the decision.

The statement reads: “This ill-development coming at a time the country is in economic hardship is totally unacceptable as the management and other concerned stakeholders are not being considerate of the austerity and difficulties the Students and their sponsors are subjected to.

“The concerned Stakeholders should be well informed that National Association of Nigerian Students National Headquarters is a responsible and responsive association and we won’t fold our arms and allow this injustice to go.

“Hence, the leadership of the Association has unanimously agreed to relocate the Secretariat of the National Association Of Nigerian Students National Headquarters to Ekiti State University at the expiration of the 72 hours ultimatum issued by the association.

“While appealing to the Governor for his quick intervention, we would love to remind his Excellency of all the promises he made to Nigerian Students during the electioneering period and as a matter of importance, he was once a staff of Ekiti State University.