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FG Warns Obi, Baba-Ahmed Against Treason

By
James Orji
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Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, has been warned sternly by the federal government to stop inciting Nigerian to violence.

The federal government also issued the same warning to the Vice presidential candidate of the party, Datti Baba-Ahmed, for allegedly inciting their followers to reject the result of the February 25 presidential election.

Baba-Ahmed has been roundly condemned by not a few Nigerians after he charged President Muhammadu Buhari and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN to ensure that Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the winner of the election is not sworn in as the next president.

The incumbent steps down on May 29, and Tinubu is expected to succeed him as president and commander in chief.

But the LP Vice Presidential candidate said the former Lagos governor has failed to meet the constitutional requirement to be sworn in as president.

According to him, “Section 134 stipulates who should be declared and issued a certificate of return. It is only that candidate that has scored the highest number of votes and at least 25 percent each in at least two-thirds of the states of the federation and the FCT.

“Now, it is very clear that Tinubu does not have 25 percent in the FCT, we denied him. We got 61 percent. Atiku does not have 25 percent in the FCT. We denied both of them.

“By clear and unambiguous provisions of the Nigerian constitution, which must not be breached, Tinubu has not satisfied the requirement to be declared President-elect. Accordingly, there is no President-elect for Nigeria now. Because the declared one violates the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and I know what I’m saying.

“Swearing in a ticket that has not met the constitutional requirement is ending democracy. That is indeed the correct interpretation. You cannot swear in people who have not met the constitutional requirement. if you do it, you have done something unlawful and unconstitutional.

“Mr President, do not hold that inauguration. CJN, your lordship, do not participate in unconstitutionality. It is extreme and I’m saying it. It was more extreme for Yakubu to issue that certificate. It was reckless.”

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, the News Agency of Nigeria, NANAs said issued the warning  in Washington DC during his official engagements with international media organisations.

Mohammed said it is wrong for the duo to be trying to hold the nation to ransom because they failed to win the election.

He said Obi and Datti-Ahmed have so far not behaved as true democrats in the manner they are going about their grievances.

The minister said, “Obi and his Vice, Datti Ahmed, cannot be threatening Nigerians that if the President-elect, Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is sworn in on May 29, it will be the end of democracy in Nigeria.

“This is treason. You cannot be inviting insurrection, and this is what they are doing.

“Obi’s statement is that of a desperate person, he is not the democrat that he claimed to be. A democrat should not believe in democracy only when he wins the election.”

NIMASA: Ex-DG Forfeits N725m, Multi-Million Naira Properties To FG

By
James Orji
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Patrick Akpobolokemi, former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, has forfeited choice properties belonging to him in Banana Island and Ikoyi to the federal government.

The former NIMASA boss also forfeited over N725 million to the government, being proceeds allegedly diverted from the agency.

The order for the forfeiture was given on Monday by a federal high court in Lagos which said the Akpobolokemi illegally diverted the funds used in acquiring the said properties from the top maritime agency while he presided over its affairs.

According to Justice Tijjani Ringim who gave the ruling, in a matter brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  the affected properties include Plot J 37A 218 Close, 2nd Avenue, Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos,

The judge granted the order following a motion ex parte filed and argued by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission counsel, Bilkisu Buhari.

“I have listened to the submission of counsel and perused the affidavit in support of the application together with exhibits.

“I find merit in this statutory application and same is granted as prayed,” the judge said after the anti-graft agency has successfully argued the case.

The EFCC however urged anyone with genuine reasons on why the properties should not be forfeited to show cause within 14 days after which they automatically become that of the federal government.

Akpobolokemi has been in and out of court on alleged embezzlement and corruption following the termination of his appointment in July 2015 by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Uzodimma Commiserates With Kalu Over Wife’s Death

By
The Source
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Orji Uzor Kalu and his Wife

The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has commiserated with the former Governor of Abia State and Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, over the sudden death of his dear wife, Her Excellency, Mrs. Ifeoma Ada Kalu, describing the loss as huge.

Mrs, Kalu, according to her husband, died in the United States of America.

In a statement by Oguwike Nwachuku, Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser to the Governor, Senator Uzodinma received the news of Mrs Kalu’s passing at 61 with deep shock and sadness, regretting that the family, friends, Abia State and the society at large have lost a warm, kind-hearted, God- loving and God-fearing woman and mother.

The Governor recalled that as First Lady of Abia State, the deceased did a lot in the service of the downtrodden, the women, the children, the physically-challenged and generally, humanity and God.

The Governor, therefore, urged Senator Kalu and his family to be consoled by the fact that the deceased positively impacted the society while alive and that her good works will forever speak for her.

On behalf of his family, the Government and people of Imo State, Governor Uzodinma prayed for God’s grace of fortitude upon the Kalus and upon all those the deceased has left behind to mourn her passing, to bear the huge loss.

More importantly, Governor Uzodinma  advised them to continue to pray for the repose of her soul, with the assurance that she is already resting peacefully in the bosom of the Lord.

Controversial Singer, Portable Sentenced To  Imprisonment, Granted Bail

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Portable in Court

By Akinwale Kasali

Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has been granted bail, but has been sentenced to 72 hours imprisonment at the Illaro Correctional Center, Illaro, Ogun State by Chief Magistrate, Aina Soneye.

The Chief Magistrate had ordered that Portable should be remanded at Illaro Correctional Center for three Days pending when he will perfect his bail release condition.

The bail condition is for him to pay the Sum of N300,000 with Sureties in like sum.

He is facing charges bothering on assault, stealing and resisting arrest filed against him by the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Frank Mba.

The case which was adjourned till 26th April, 2023 for commencement of trial admitted defendant to bail.

APC Expels Deputy Senate President, Omo-Agege

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Still trying to put behind his defeat at the just concluded governorship election in Delta state, Deputy senate president, Ovie Omo-Agege got another shock as his Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in announced his expulsion.

A letter which announced his expulsion by the Delta State branch reads, “The State Executive Committee of All Progressive Congress Delta State in a meeting held on the 31st March 2023 at the State Secretariat, Asaba, after due deliberation of the Notice of Resolution of Expulsion of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege as a member of the party by the executive committee of the Orogun ward and Ughelli North local government chapter dated 20th March 2023.

“And in accordance with the provision of Article 21.2 (1)(II)(VII) 21.3 and 21.5(g) of the constitution 2022 (as amended), we unanimously resolved and adopted the expulsion of Senator Ovie Omo Agege as a member of the party.

“Consequently, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege hereby stands expelled as a member of the party with immediate effect for various offences committed and acts of anti-party activities and gross misconduct that has brought shame and ridicule to the image of the party in the state which affected the party in the just concluded elections.”

The expulsion letter was signed by the Chairman, Ulebor Isaac, on behalf of the State Executive Committee of the Delta APC and Secretary, Inana Michael, and 23 others.

Omo-Agege had lost the Delta State governorship election to the Governor-elect, a candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) Sheriff Oborevwori.

Omo-Agege polled 240,229 votes, while the winner, Oborevwori, scored 360,234 votes.

Orji Kalu Loses Wife, Ifeoma

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Orji Uzor Kalu and his Wife

By Adesina Soyooye

Senate Chief Whip, and  a two-term former Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu, has lost his first wife, Ifeoma.

Ifeoma was the First Lady of Abia State for the period her husband was Abia State Governor. She was, also, the mother of Kalu’s first lovely and brilliant children.

Senator Kalu, who announced her passing in a post  on Monday described the 61 year old as a woman of virtue. A  memorial is scheduled in honour in the United States of America.

Senator Kalu’s announcement, signed personally by him reads:

“With a heavy heart and pain, we announce the passing on to eternal glory of Mrs Ifeoma Ada Kalu, aged 61.

“She was a woman of virtue and was committed to the service of God and humanity.

“A memorial service is scheduled to hold in her honour in the United States of America, (USA)

“Please, remember her and loved ones in prayers at this difficult period.

“May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.”

Even though the announcement did not say where she died or cause of death, she was believed to have lived in the USA for some years, where she,   intermittently battled an undisclosed illness.

Kalu’s second wife is Ifunanya.

Governor El-Rufai Imposes 24-Hour Curfew In Chikun LGA Over Gang Violence

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Nasir El-Rufai  of Kaduna State has declared a 24-hour curfew in Sabon Garin Nassarawa – Tirkaniya, Chikun Local Government Area in the State with immediate efect following the killing of two persons in an incident of urban gang violence.

Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs in the State said that the decision was reached following a breakdown of law and order which led to the killings.

He said: “The Kaduna state government hereby announces the immediate imposition of 24-hour curfew on Sabon Garin Nassarawa-Tirkaniya area of Chikun LGA.

“This decision was reached following a breakdown of law and order which led to the killing of two citizens in an incident of urban gang violence.

“Security agencies have been directed to enforce the curfew in the said location, to restore order as investigations proceed. Citizens are therefore urged to strictly observe the curfew in this location, which takes effect immediately.

“Further updates will be communicated accordingly.”

Factional Ohanaeze Ndigbo Condemns Interim Government, Says On May 29 Igbo Stand

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

A faction of the Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has clearly come out to say that any form of Interim Government will not be in the interest of the Igbo.

The organization faulted the recent call for an Interim Government, saying it is satanic and unconstitutional.

Secretary-General of the  Igbo group, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, who said this in an interview with the media on Monday, urged the Department of State Services (DSS) to arrest those behind the clamour for an interim government.

According to him, the group having decided to support the President-elect, Bola Tinubu and his inauguration, will never be part of any evil agenda that will destabilize the country.

“Ndigbo will never be part of any interim government; the DSS should arrest those behind the scene plotting to have an interim government.

“Ohanaeze challenges the DSS to arrest those who are the proponent of the interim government to ensure that unpatriotic elements of doom do not derail our democracy with the evil intent to stall the smooth transition of power from Buhari to Tinubu.

“Ndigbo will not recognize any interim government or be part of any evil scheme and clamour for an interim government.

“The clamour for an interim government is unconstitutional, satanic, and demonic; those behind the call are trying to plunge the country into an unavoidable crisis and make Ndigbo a scapegoat, as witnessed in 1993.

“Ndigbo will participate in all inauguration and swearing-in ceremony of the President-elect, Bola Tinubu. We caution those working behind the scene for an illegitimate government to use the court to express their grievances.

“We are happy that Atiku and Peter Obi have exploited the legal options in order to recover their legal mandate. We will not allow unpatriotic mortals to truncate the hard-earned democracy in Nigeria.

“Ndigbo condemns both in words and letters the call for the establishment of an interim government and insists that the President-elect should be sworn in by May 29, 2023.”

Describing Igbos as endangered species, Isiguzoro said they would not allow themselves to be used as sacrificial lamb.

He noted that those plotting interim government have set the stage by the systemic burning of Igbo properties.

“Ndigbos are endangered species in Nigeria, and never again will Igbos be used as a sacrificial lamb as they were used in 1993 during the Abiola saga, where a lot of Igbos were killed, bullied, and maimed.

“The proponents of the interim government are already setting the stage with the systematic burning of Igbo-populated markets in Lagos, the home of the president-elect. Also, a market was burnt in Borno, the home of the Vice President-elect.

“These are capsules that can never stand the order of the day. Igbos are wiser and more sophisticated now than they were in 1993.

“We will continue to support the president-elect and ask him to commence the healing process from the South-East.”

Breaking:  Singer, Portable Granted Bail

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Portable in Court

By Akinwale Kasali

Controversial Singer, Habeeb Okikiola, with the moniker, Portable, has been granted bail by a High Court in Ifo, Ogun State.

Portable was arrested last Friday by Officers from Ogun State Police Command in Eleweran, Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, had said the controversial singer would face more than six charges in court.

It was, however  gathered that Portable was granted bail in the sum of N300,000 and to provide two sureties with landed properties within the court vicinity.

Details Later….

Ecobank, LCCI Collaborate To Provide Funds For Exporters

By
James Orji
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0

Ecobank Nigeria says it’s partnering with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, to provide opportunities for exporters in the country. In their bid to promote export, the commercial bank and LCCI said they are educating exports on available finance as well as regulatory frameworks regulating the business.

The bank made this known during a seminar organised by LCCI in conjuction with the pan- African financial institution.

Kola Adeleke, Executive Director, Commercial Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, who spoke at seminar disclosed that the bank will provide funds for exporters who want to expand their businesses globally, addding that the aim is to assist serious exporters to meet their obligations to their partners.

Adeleke said, “Export finance can help businesses bridge the funding gap that often occurs between production and payment, enabling them to take on larger orders and enter new markets. It is also crucial in managing risks associated with exporting, such as foreign exchange rate fluctuations, non-payment by overseas customers and political risks.

“Our unique positioning in 33 African countries enables us to leverage our extensive network to reduce the number of financial partners and relationships in executing trade. We own the switch connecting countries where we operate across Africa.

“This centralized switch enables easy integration. We possess knowledge of the local markets in which we operate resulting in unparallel financial advisory. We offer real-time settlement across Africa and our customers enjoy instant transfers across 33 African countries. Ecobank has a reputation for developing innovative products as the bank has won us several international, regional, and local awards and we aspire to be the gateway to pan-African payments and trade.”

Also speaking, LCCI president Dr Olawale Cole stated that the major problem facing export businesses in the country is scarcity of funds.

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