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Violence Not An Option – Obi; ‘Better And Happier Years Await All Of Us’, He Assures

By
The Source
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Peter Obi

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has given some encouraging and stimulating words to Nigerians who are going through very traumatizing pains since the General Election. He assured them that with hope in the God of justice, better and happier years await all.

Obi in a series of tweets Wednesday night in reaction to the show of shame that went on in the rerun election in Adamawa State last weekend, noted that the intention of all these electoral brigandage is to provoke the people to violence. But he advised: “it’s not the best option for those who believe in the rule of law with faith in God.

“We were provoked during the elections, but we showed restraint, patriotism, and wisdom because we were voting for a greater Nigeria and not for the destruction of Nigeria. They deployed agents who killed and maimed many, including innocent women, but we kept our cool”

While assuring the people that he is on this journey of rescuing Nigeria together with them, Obi noted that the recent events in our country, including political developments in Adamawa State, underline the importance of adhering to the rule of law.

“As a patriotic Nigerian, who has served this country diligently, I remain committed to serving the Nigerian people and achieving a greater Nigeria in which everyone will be a beneficiary of our God-given wealth of abundant human and natural resources.

In appreciating the huge potential in our land,  the LP standard bearer noted that “Nigeria is a truly blessed and potentially great nation. With the Almighty God on our side, Nigeria’s greatness will soon manifest fully, thus ensuring that she is well-respected globally. In view of this, l ask all well-meaning Nigerians to commit their heart to prayers for a better and greater Nigeria.

“It bears reiterating as I did on Tuesday at the National Executive Council Meeting of the Labour Party held in Asaba, that the millions of Nigerians who voted for Datti and I did not just cast their votes, but they invested their hope in us for a new Nigeria, So we must stay the course.

The former Anambra State Governor recalls  President Muhammadu Buhari’s admonishing to  Nigerian youths when he signed the ‘Not Too Young to Run Act’ into law, that they should have faith in Nigeria and prepare for leadership roles,  and said he agreed with the  President that we have enough vibrant and intelligent Nigerian youths ready to propel Nigeria to greatness, and it is my desire and commitment to empowering Nigerian youths to leadership.

“Even in the face of provocations”, Obi appealed to the youths for calm, “We must do our utmost to be calm even under provocation; we must also not allow those bent on using any pretext to plunge our country into chaos and leave our youths without a future to succeed”

Finally, the LP flag bearer declared, “I plead to every Nigerian to keep the faith and hope in Nigeria alive. We are on this journey together, and better and happier years await all of us. God bless the good people of Nigeria and the Federal Republic of Nigeria”

As Ekiti Awaits New Set Of Political Appointees

By
Ayodele Oni
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Biodun Oyebanji

By Ayodele Oni

There is anxiety and great expectations as Ekiti state Governor, Biodun Oyebanji is set to fill not less than 1000 political positions in the state.

Since his inauguration in October 2022, the Governor has been operating with few political office holders including Secretary to State Government, two Commissioners, Special Advisers and some Special Assistants.

Now that the Supreme Court has validated his election, the Governor has been working to ensure that the available political offices are filled.

With the issue of Chief of Staff still unresolved, a Committee is already in place to scrutinize prospective appointees.

At the inauguration of the committee, made up of prominent and leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC), Oyebanji spelt out criteria for inclusion into the government to members.

Already, members of the committee has been touring local governments areas in the state with a view to meet with members of the ruling party and know areas of their interest.

However, it is glaringly evident that no matter the recommendations of the appointment committee, interest of certain figures in the party remains the determining factor of who becomes what in the present dispensation.

Governor Oyebanji has set the record of his administration rolling with human friendly programmes being put on place to make the people feel the impact of government.

He has also been visiting prominent indigenes of the state, no matter their political leaning, and soliciting their support to develop the state.

In a bid to foster economic growth and development in the state, the Governor has also been meeting the big names in industry with the latest being a strategic meeting with Dr. Patrick Adeel, the GMD of PAS41, U.S.A, alongside, the Chief Economic Adviser, Senator Olubunmi Adetumbi in Ado Ekiti.

According to Oyebanji after the parkey, “We had productive discussions on potential areas of collaboration and investment opportunities in our dear State.

“I am confident that partnerships such as this will bring about the necessary development that we seek for our beloved Ekiti State.

Before his assumption of office, specifically, on the 26th of April 2022, Governor Oyebanji made a presentation of his manifesto to the people of Ekiti State.

In his presentation, he highlighted his vision and roadmap for a more prosperous Ekiti.

Since taking office on October 16th, Governor Oyebanji’s commitment to keeping Ekiti working has been evident in just six months of his administration, and his achievements have been lauded by the people.

APC Crisis: Twice In One Month V/Chair Demands Adamu’s Probe

By
James Orji
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Iyiola Omisore and Abdullahi Adamu

Salihu Lukman, the All Progressives Congress, APC National Vice Chairman Northwest has given his boss and National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu one week to explain the financial status of the party’s failure which he will go to court.

The APC Northwest National Vice Chairman gave the threat in a letter he wrote to Adamu, the second in one month having written a similar letter on April 5 demanding the resignation of the chairman and the party’s National Secretary, Iyiola Omisore for alleged mismanagement of funds belonging to the party.

Lukman had in the last letter particularly accused Omisore of mismanaging funds allocated to Osun state chapter during the governorship election last year which the party lost.

From all indications, Lukman seemed to have been angered more over the refusal of the party to take action concerning the damning financial allegation against the party’s National Chairman and has now threatened to take his grievances to court if nothing is done within one week.

In his open letter to Adamu, titled ‘Restoring Constitutional Order in APC, Not Negotiable’, Lukman said his aim is to galvanise other like minds in the party to call Adamu to account, adding that the leadership of the party must call a NEC meeting within the period to thrash out the alleged financial impropriety against the National Chairman.

According to him, “I make this an open letter because it is about campaigning to return the APC to its foundation, which requires that we mobilize all like-minded party leaders and members in this crusade to restore constitutional order in the APC.

“Therefore, by this open letter, I am serving you notice of one week from today, being Wednesday, April 19, 2023, to take all the appropriate steps required to convene a NEC meeting before May 29, 2023, wherein all the issues bordering on the management of smooth transition between the outgoing government of President Buhari and the incoming government of President Asiwaju Tinubu can be considered.

“If by the end of this one-week notice, no action is taken to convene a NEC meeting as the first step to restore constitutional order in APC, I will not hesitate to take further actions, including approaching our courts to enforce compliance with the provisions of our party’s constitution under your leadership”.

In his earlier letter, Salihu had demanded from the party to convene a NEC meeting before May 29, 2023, submit the audited account of the party’s expenses for 2022, and set up a committee to investigate cases of anti-party activities by some leaders and members of the party during the 2023 general elections.

Onyeali-Ikpe, Olusanya Make Africa’s Top 10 Women CEOs

By
James Orji
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The third annual Africa.com Definitive List of Women Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) was revealed on April 19.

Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director/CEO, Fidelity Bank Plc and Miriam Chidiebele Olusanya, Managing Director, Guaranty Trust Holding Company made the top 10 list. Both companies are listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited, NGX.

The list is unique in that it is based on data-driven research. Sponsored by Standard Bank Group, it represents one of the first analyses of the performance of publicly listed companies in Africa conducted through a gender lens.

This year’s list of 93 women represents 17 countries who have qualified based on either large-scale revenue or large-scale market capitalisation.

BusinessDay check shows the list includes 40 women from South Africa, 12 from Nigeria, and 6 from Egypt, Ghana and Kenya respectively.

Africa.com analysed 2,020 companies listed on the 24 African stock exchanges. Of the 2,020 companies, Africa.com screened for those companies with revenue of $100 million or more, or a market cap of $150 million or more, which yielded a list of 787 companies.

The public websites of all 787 companies were examined to identify female C-suite executives. The team then researched each woman to determine those who have a title of chief executive officer or managing director or president AND conducted a review to confirm that these executives have bottom line, profit and loss responsibility for the companies. This resulted in 40 women CEOs on group 1.

The methodology for group 2 is identical to the methodology for Group 1, except that the entities evaluated were the divisions of the 787 companies, such that the divisions themselves have standalone revenue of $100 million or more.

The women running these divisions must have a title that clearly demonstrates that they are the chief executive with profit and loss responsibility for the division. This analysis yielded 28 women division heads.

Group 3 started with an analysis of global corporations with revenue over $10 billion who have operations in one or more countries on the African continent.

The regional heads of these companies were analysed to identify women executives for an Africa region or an African country, with profit and loss responsibility for the country or region. This analysis yielded 25 women. Women in this group are ranked by prioritizing those who run the Africa region ahead of those who run a single African country.

The three groups make up the final Definitive List of 93 women listed below. The 40 women from Group I are: Natascha Viljoen, CEO, Anglo American Plc, a company listed on Johannesburg Stock Exchange; Nompumelelo Zikalala, CEO, Kumba Iron Ore Ltd, also listed on Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Others are: Mpumi Madisa, CEO, Bidvest Group, a Johannesburg Stock Exchange listed company;
Bertina Engelbrecht, CEO, Clicks Group Ltd, also listed on Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

Also on the top 10 list include Nombasa Tsengwa, CEO, Exxaro Resources, listed on the
Johannesburg Stock Exchange; Albertinah Kekana, CEO, Royal Bafokeng Holdings, listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange; Jane Karuku, Group Managing Director & CEO, East African Breweries, listed on Nairobi Stock Exchange; Ntombi Felicia Msiza, CEO, Raubex Group Ltd, listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

Africa.com is a media holding company with an extensive array of platforms that reach a global audience interested in African content and community.

Malami, Ahmed Face Arrest Over $200m Paid To Whistleblowers

By
James Orji
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The House of Reps says the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami faces arrest over a $200 million paid to whistleblowers.

The only remedy for the minister and his counterpart, the Minister of Finance Zainab Ahmed, the lawmakers said is to appear before the House Adhoc Committee investigating the issue, to shed lights on how the whistleblower was paid without recourse to the National Assembly in flagrance of the law.

According to the chairman of the committee, Mark Gbillah, Malami gave the approval to pay whistleblowers after assisting the government in the recovery of fund for the federal government.

But Gbilah said the amount recovered is not known to the House for it to be able to appropriate it as provided by the constitution, adding that whatever must be paid to whistle blowers who assisted in the recovery of such funds must have statutory approval form NASS.

To compound the problem, the chairman of the committee said, the two ministers have refused to appear before the House despite inviting them.

The House said it has no option than to extend another invitation to them following which they will order for their arrest if they fail to appear before the committee.

“We have not been getting any form of cooperation from the Ministry of Finance and Attorney General’s office regarding this investigation despite a series of correspondents sent to them on this matter that we are investigating. We’ve seen documentation from the Accountant General’s office, where the minister of finance approved the payment of a substantially significant amount of money to so-called whistle-blowers where details of monies recovered were not provided,” Gbilah said on Wednesday.

“We’ve heard media reports by the federal government indicating that millions of dollars were recovered through whistle-blower revelations on behalf of the country. But we as a parliament have not seen where those monies were routed through the constitutional appropriation process before they were expended. The constitution is very clear about the receipt and expenditure of Nigeria’s money.

“We’ve looked at the functions of the Attorney General’s office and we’ve not seen any statutory powers provided for the Attorney General by the constitution to determine how Nigeria’s money should be spent.

“There was an incident about a whistleblower who made a formal report to Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) about $200m paid into two companies accounts Biz Plus, and GSCL allegedly for consultancy services, which allegedly were approved, they said by the Attorney General’s office on the approval of Mr President.

“We need the Honourable Minister of Finance, and the Attorney General of the Federation to appear before this House to provide clarity on the inflows that have come in from whistleblowers’ recoveries, and about these monies that were recovered, and the CBN is required to provide information that has been provided by these whistleblowers about substantial amounts of monies that were paid supposedly and allegedly for consultancy services when there’s no record of any agreement entered into by those companies regarding any services.

“These are very weighty allegations and as a responsible House, we owe everybody fair hearing and a benefit of doubt, and this is what we’ve been seeking to accord those who have been mentioned in these allegations.

“But we find it un-actionable that the Honourable Minister of Finance and the Attorney General of Federation have not bothered to respond to any of the correspondence from the committee and this in our opinion shows a lack of regard not only to the Institution of House, but that of the National Assembly as a whole,” he said.

How 21-yr Old Scammed German Lover Of $2m

By
James Orji
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Lagos Police Commissioner Sylvester-Abiodun-Alabi

A 21-year old Nigerian graduate Cynthia Atuonah has been arrested by the Police Special Fraud Unit, PSFU in Lagos for duping her German ‘lover’ of $2 million.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, the lady, a graduate of Economics from one of the nation’s universities presented to be in a romantic relationship with the foreigner who was deceived to lodge the sum in her account.

The sum is more than N1 billion at the current exchange rate of the dollar to naira.

Speaking on scam on Wednesday, Eyitayo Johnson, spokesperson of the PSFU, Atuanah lured the victim on Instagram after claiming to be a model and owner of The-Chi-Place’’.

Johnson said “The suspect, a 2019 graduate of Economics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, lured the 50-year-old victim on Instagram by feigning romantic intentions toward him, thereby gaining the victim’s trust and goodwill.

“She promised to marry the victim; invited him to Nigeria for visits on several occasions and convinced him to emigrate to Nigeria so they could live together as husband and wife.

“In a ploy to dispel suspicion, the victim was made to meet with Atuonah’s parents at Ikot-Abasi, Akwa Ibom, where he received their blessings to marry the suspect.

“The suspect persuaded the victim to return to Germany to sell his house in Stuttgart and forward the proceeds of sale together with his pensions and life savings to her domiciliary account at Fidelity Bank plc.

“The purpose of the money was to buy a house in Nigeria where they will both live as husband and wife as well as to establish a joint business outfit as indicated in the bank transfer narration.”

During investigation conducted by the police it was discovered that the suspect used part of the proceed of the scam to acquire choice property in Lekki, a high brow area in Lagos, she also spent part of it to take care of the hospital bill of his sick father as well as supporting her mother’s business.

Operatives of PSFU said they are still investigating whether she used the proceeds of the crime to acquire other things.

NNPC Chair: Buhari, Ararume Battle Continues

By
James Orji
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Ifeanyi Araraume

For Senator Ifeanyi Ararume it’s not yet Uhuru in his quest to be reinstated as the chairman Board of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPL.

Barely 24 hours after his reinstatement by a federal high court in Abuja, the federal government says it will challenge the ruling.

In his ruling on the matter on Tuesday, the court presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo said the former senator was illegally removed from office.

He was also awarded N5 billion as damages.

But on Wednesday, the Presidency in indicated its readiness to challenge the ruling.

According to a state by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity the judgment did not sit well with the federal government, and will be challenged at the Court of Appeal.

Adesina said the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami will has been directed by the president to challenge the judgment as soon as he received a true certified copy.

Meanwhile, a northern group, The Coalition of Arewa Civil Society Groups has criticized the judgment reinstating Ararume, saying it’s an attempt by the court to usurp the powers of the executive arm of government.

The Arewa group made its position on the issue known in a statement on Wednesday, signed by its publicity secretary, Mallam Sanni Mohammed.

Thee coalition said President Buhari acted within his powers to hire and fire Senator Ararume based on the Petroleum Industry Governance Act.

The statement read: “The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) is unambiguous as Section 14 is clear on the president’s power to suspend or remove members of the NNPCL board and the conditions that could result in such removal or suspension. President Buhari as the Minister of Petroleum heads the industry with a wide range of powers to formulate, monitor, and administer government policies. Indeed, those who call Buhari’s sacking of Ararume illegal should read in-between the lines.”

The coalition urged the nation to grow past petty sentiments and avoid using the judiciary to cause chaos, setting the country backward by damaging its image before the eyes of the international community.

“The essence of any judicial intervention is to ensure orderliness and good conduct in government’s affairs.

“When a judicial pronouncement seeks to usurp the powers of another branch of government, it is a recipe for anarchy and breakdown of the rule of law.

“It is in this regard that we in the Coalition of Arewa Civil Society groups note with great displeasure and consider as an aberration the judgement by the Federal High Court in Abuja, restoring Senator Ifeanyi Ararume as non-Executive Chairman of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

“The Coalition views as usurpation of the duties of the Office of the President and an affront on the powers of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“For a start, the 1999 Constitution provides that “5(1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the executive powers of the Federation — (a) shall be vested in the President and may, subject as aforesaid and to the provisions of any law made by the National Assembly, be exercised by him either directly or through the Vice-President and Ministers of the Government of the Federation or officers in the Public Service of the Federation.”

“Also, the cabinet and the larger administrative team, except where specifically established by the constitution, hold their appointments at the pleasure of Mr. President,” the statement said.

Adamawa: Tinubu Weighs-in, Calls For Police Investigation; Buhari Mum

By
The Source
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Gideon Njoku

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, President-elect, has urged the Police to institute a full investigation into the Adamawa Governorship Supplementary Poll which winner was announced on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.

The supplementary poll was held on Saturday, 15 April between incumbent Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and  Aishatu Dahiru Binani of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

But the outcome was marred, almost, by the confusion caused by the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Hudu Yunisa Ari, who announced Binani as Governor-elect while collation of votes was still on-going, with Fintiri in a comfortable lead.

INEC Headquarters quickly contained the embarrassment by cancelling Binani’s declaration as winner, and dismissed it as null, void and of no consequence.

It, also, invited both Ari and the INEC Returning Officer, Professor Mohammed Mele, whose job Ari usurped and announced the result, to Abuja, after it suspended Ari from office on Monday.

Professor Mele, in the authentic result on Tuesday, declared Fintiri Governor-elect, while INEC invited the Police to arrest Ari.

Reacting to the embarrassing incident, Tinubu, in a statement he personally signed, urged the Police to institute a thorough investigation into the debacle.

He said, “With the conclusion of the 2023 elections, I now welcome all of us who have been elected to brace up to serve our people with diligence and dedication and to join hands with me as your President-elect in the pursuit of our agenda to renew the hopes of our people in a better, stronger, more secure, economically vibrant and prosperous Nigeria.

“I congratulate the winners of the Supplementary Governorship elections held in Kebbi and Adamawa States on Saturday, April 15, 2023.

“I also rejoice with those elected into the Senate, House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly during the last round of elections in states where such took place.

“These victorious men and women have earned the trust of their people and I call on them to rededicate themselves to the service of their respective constituents.

“The supplementary polls have now brought the 2023 elections to a final, fitting conclusion.

“I observed, with satisfaction, the largely peaceful atmosphere that pervaded the supplementary election on Saturday. It was a further testimony that our citizens have accepted democratic norms and have unalloyed faith in the electoral process.”

Commenting on Adamawa, the President-elect said:

“I note the matter of Adamawa Supplementary Governorship Election and I urge police authorities to fully investigate all that transpired in the election given the attendant controversy.

“In every democratic contest there has to be one winner. I call on those aggrieved to pursue legitimate means of addressing their grievances.”

President Muhammadu Buhari is yet to comment on the Adamawa incident, but not a few Nigerians have urged for the prosecution of Ari.

US CDC Hosts Meeting To Review HIV Program Progress

By
The Source
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Mary Boyd -CDC

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) hosted federal and state ministries of health, Government of Nigeria health agency leadership, and HIV program implementing partners for a two-day meeting to review President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program performance over the last six months and plan for government-led program sustainability going forward. The meeting was a follow up to an event last October where the group developed a roadmap for HIV programs in US CDC-supported states to help Nigeria reach epidemic control.

In her opening remarks, US CDC Country Director Mary Boyd commended states and partners for their work over the last six months and highlighted recent US CDC-supported activities like the Nigeria Sustainability and HIV Impact Program. She reiterated US CDC’s commitment to working with the Government of Nigeria, states, partners, and communities to increase the number of people with HIV who know their status and receive life-saving treatment.

The meeting served as a review of accomplishments, challenges, and best practices from the last six months. It also focused on aligning national and state program activities with each other and the strategic pillars of PEPFAR’s new five-year strategy to ensure long-term program sustainability.

In a presentation given by the National AIDS and STDs Control Programme, the importance of strengthened collaboration between national, state levels, and local levels, as well and with key partners, was emphasized. Also highlighted was the recently issued government-to-government award which directly reengaged government institutions to strengthen national and state HIV program ownership.

A third program performance review and planning meeting will be held in six months to ensure Nigeria stays on track to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat.

12,000 Applicants Scramble For Teaching Job In Ekiti

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ondo Students

By Ayodele Oni

Over 12,00 applicants who applied for teaching job in Ekiti state have been pruned down to 1,300 candidates.

The applicants had earlier sat for the recruitment examination aptitude test for teachers in public primary schools in Ekiti State after which those of them that scaled the first hurdle were invited for second round of interview.

The Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof. Femi Akinwumi who disclosed this in Ado Ekiti during the interview/documentation process for successful candidates, said only applicants that scored 45 percent and above in the qualifying examination were shortlisted.

He added that the focus was to fill existing vacancies for teachers in the state’s public primary schools, insisting that there was no room for compromise in conducting the exercise to meet global best practices.

According to him, special consideration was accorded to people living with disabilities among the candidates, as well as candidates from communities with hard-to-staff schools, saying that the move would address the difficulty in providing staff for schools in difficult terrains and remote locations.

The SUBEB boss pointed out further that a bulk of the successful candidates in the ongoing exercise would be posted to rural communities to ensure the provision of qualified personnel in all schools across the state.

Expressing appreciation to Governor Biodun Oyebanji for approving the Board’s proposal for the recruitment of qualified personnel into the Basic Education sector in the state, he assured that the exercise would be fair and just.

Akinwumi also solicited the continued support of the people on the recruitment exercise, urging those that were not invited to the interview not to be discouraged as the exercise would be a continuous process.

“The present administration in the State understands the plight of the unemployed graduates and will continue to do everything within its powers to reduce the number of people in the labour market.”

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