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Four Banks Get Freezing Order On Oyo Govt Funds

By
James Orji
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0

Four commercial banks have been summoned by a federal high court in Abuja over an ongoing garnishe proceeding against the Oyo State government.

The court  in its ruling also attached funds belonging to the state government and its agenceis in the four deposit money banks.

The banks are Zenith Bank, First Bank, UBA and Wema Bank.

The order was issued following the refusal of the Governor Seyi Makinde- led government to carry out a Supreme Court order to pay former local government chairmen in the state, who were sacked by the state government after the incumbent came to office in 1999.

The sacked council officials had dragged the state government to court for wrongful removal, demanding also that they be paid for the period of their tenure as chairmen.

On May 27, 2021, the apex court ruled that the former council chairmen be paid their withheld emoluments to the tune of N3,334,889, 425.60.

So far, the state government has not carried out the judgement, prompting the former chairmen to go to court to demand that a garnishe order be issued on the state government accounts.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Justice A. O. Ebong issued the order while ruling on a motion ex-parte for garnishee order filed by the former council officials.

The ruling, the agency report said is on the motion marked: FCT/HC/BW/M/238/2023, and delivered by Justice Ebong on March 2 and a certified true copy, CTC seen last weekend.

Justice Ebong said “A garnishee order nisi is hereby granted to attach the judgment debtors’ accounts with garnishees Nos. 1 to 4 in the motion ex-parte, for the purpose of settling the judgment debt outstanding in the sum of N3,374,889,425.60 as awarded by the Supreme Court and conceded by the judgment debtors in Exhibit 11 attached to the applicant’s motion.

“The garnishees (1st to 4th) shall file affidavits and attend court on the next adjourned date to show cause why the order nisi should not be made absolute.

“A copy of this order nisi shall be served on the judgment debtors as required by law. This matter is hereby adjourned to the 4/4/2023 for continuation.”

It was gathered that the judgment creditors have since effected service of copies of the order on the judgment debtors as ordered by the court.
According to NAN. listed as judgment debtors with the Oyo State Governor is the state’s Attorney General, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Accountant General, the House of Assembly, it’s Speaker and the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission, OYSIEC.

Visa Ban:Fani-Kayode Attacks UK Envoy; 10 Nigerians Make List

By
James Orji
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Femi Fani-Kayode

Femi Fani-Kayode has added the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ben Llewellyn-Jones to the list of those that have suffered from his verbal assault.

As one of the spokesmen of the ruling All ProgressivesCongress, APC, in the just concluded presidential election, Fani-Kayode, a former minister of Aviation has not spared those he considered to be enemies of the party.

He has also made comments capable of disrupting peace in the country, those watching his trajectory during the campaign said.

In January, the former Minister caused tension after he accused Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president, and People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in the February 25 presidential election of planning a coup detat with the military.

The British envoy had during an interview with a radio station condemned Fani-Kayode for making such a comment capable of raising tension in the country.

The United Kingdom, UK, government had issued a visa ban threat against those that had made comments capable of throwing the country into crisis. Already, the Rishi Sunak-government said the names of no fewer than 10 Nigerians have been compiled for sanctions for various election related violence.

Since the British government said the list of the offenders will not be made public, It’s not clear whether the former minister is among those that will be ban from entering the UK.

But, this seems not to worry Fani-Kayode, who why responding to the UK envoy comment told him to steer clear of Nigeria’s politics.

He accused the British diplomat of supporting a particular candidate during the pesidential election, who eventually failed to win.

I am not afraid of the British government , the former minister said in defiance, warning Llewellyn-Jones to stop interfering with Nigeria’s domestic affairs.

Reacting to this in a statement, Fani-Kayode said, “I would advise this Ben, who I am told is the Deputy High Commissioner of the UK to Nigeria, to keep his dirty nose out of our internal affairs. Nigeria stopped being a British colony 63 years ago and we need no lessons from him on how to run our affairs or conduct our politics.

“I know that his preferred candidate did not win the presidential election but that does not mean he should cross the line and take liberties with us here. I wonder who the hell he thinks he is? I am not one of those Nigerians that bows, shakes, shivers and trembles before the British or indeed any other foreigner.

“And unlike most I do not need any validation or endorsement from him or his ilk and neither can I be intimidated by his veiled threat of a visa ban. Frankly I could not care less.

“I would however take this opportunity to assure him that regardless of his views and desire to compel us to accept their godless so-called “humanist” and “libertarian” values and introduce evil practices and policies such as same-sex marriage in our country this will never be the case.

“My aversion for sod*mites remains as constant as the northern star and whether he likes it or not we will never allow a sod*mite to be our President. Neither will we accept lessons in decency, etiquette, what to say or how to speak from a fading British civil servant and a man that represents a nation that has committed more atrocities than perhaps any other in the history of humanity.

“I advise this little Englander to respect himself and remain a silent observer when it comes to the politics of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. As a nation we are not a poodle of the British and we came of age 63 years ago.

“He should be more concerned about the shrinking fortunes of a once “Great Britain” and the systemic racism, inherent injustice and insufferable arrogance that is entrenched in the British establishment and society than in the intra party politics of Nigeria.

“He should also be more concerned with the efforts of his nation to bring us one step closer to WW3 given the unfolding events in Ukraine.”

Meanwhile, Abubakar, the  PDP presidential candidate has in his reaction to the British diplomat comment, urges the Department of State Services, DSS, to arrest the former minister.

Commending the UK for calling Fani-Kayode  to order  Abubakar, said the APC spokesperson  is trying to set the country on fire.

Zenith Bank CEO, Onyeagwu Bags UNN’s Doctoral Degree

By
James Orji
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0

The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, was on Saturday, March 25, 2023, conferred with a Doctorate Degree in Business Administration by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The award, which is in recognition of his immense achievements as Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank as well as his contributions to the growth of the financial services sector in Nigeria and across the African continent, was conferred on him during the 50th convocation ceremony of the University.

Speaking during the conferment ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Prof. Charles Igwe, congratulated Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu for distinguishing himself in his career and for his service to humanity, which made him worthy to receive the prestigious Doctorate Degree from Nigeria’s first indigenous University.

In his acceptance speech, Onyeagwu expressed his gratitude to the University of Nigeria for finding him a worthy recipient of the Doctorate Degree in Business Administration of one of the leading universities in Nigeria, considering the very rigorous process of selection of awardees by the institution. In his words, “for me to have been considered and to have passed through the meticulous selection process makes it the more dignifying because I have no connection with the University.”

Noting that the award represents a validation of the outstanding corporate governance, ethical leadership, and overall outstanding performance that Zenith Bank is recording, Dr. Onyeagwu dedicated the award to the board and management of Zenith, especially the Founder and Chairman, Dr. Jim Ovia, CFR, who has remained a mentor, a leader and a source of inspiration to everyone at the Bank and beyond; the staff, for being the shoulder and proverbial base of the pyramid upon which his achievements and success as CEO of the leading financial institution in Nigeria rests; the Bank’s customers for their unflinching loyalty to the brand; and to his family for their unceasing love and support.

Presenting the citation of  Onyeagwu to the assemblage at the 50th Convocation Ceremony for the conferment of the Doctorate Degree in Business Administration, the orator of the University of Nigeria, Dr. Ikenna Onwuegbuna noted that Onyeagwu is an alumnus of Auchi Polytechnic, the University of Oxford, England and Salford Business School, University of Salford, Manchester, United Kingdom, Delta State University, Abraka. Also, he is an alumnus of Wharton Business School of the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia Business School of Columbia University, and the Harvard Business School of Harvard University in the United States.

Onyeagwu is a Fellow, FCA, of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management, NIM, The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, the Institute of Credit Administrators, ICA, and Senior Associate Member, Risk Management Institute of Nigeria, RIMAN.

Onyeagwu is the Chairman of the Body of Banks’ Chief Executive Officers, Nigeria and Chairman of Zenith Pensions Custodian Limited and Zenith Nominees Limited. He is also on the Board of Zenith Ban, UK, Limited, FMDQ Holdings Plc and Lagos State Security Trust Fun, LSSTF. Ebenezer Onyeagwu is a member of the International Monetary Conference, IMC, the Wall Street Journal CEO Council, member of the African Trade Gateway Advisory Council of the Africa Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), and member of the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN. He also served on the board of Zenith Bank Ghana Limited, Zenith General Insurance, Zenith Securities Limited, Zenith Assets Management Company, Zenith Medicare Limited, and Africa Finance Corporation, AFC.

Dr. Onyeagwu’s track record of excellence has also seen him win several individual awards, including being named Bank CEO of the Year (2019) by Champion Newspaper, Bank CEO of the Year (2020, 2021 & 2022) by BusinessDay Newspaper, CEO of the Year (2020 and 2021) – SERAS Awards, and CEO of the Year (2022) – Leadership Newspaper.

Other recipients of Doctorate Degrees at the 50th convocation ceremony include former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, who was conferred with the Doctor of Public Administration, and the Chairman of Hobark International Limited, Dr. Obiora Fubara, who received the Doctor of Business Administration.

Reno Omokri Apologises To Obi, Walks Back On Rigging Allegation Against The LP Presidential Candidate

By
The Source
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0
Reno and Peter Obi

By Charles Igbo

A socio/political critic, politician, staunch supporter of the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and an unrepentant critic of Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Reno Omokri, has, for the first time in many months, regretted his strong criticisms of, and allegations against Obi.

All through the period of the Campaigns for the Presidency, and the months running to it, Omokri took the hacking down of Obi, criticising him in very strong language, and finding fault in everything, anything Obi did, as a 24/7 job.

His latest attack against Obi was accusing him of rigging the 25th February Presidential Election. He cited Anambra State, where Obi scored 97% of the votes cast, as an example of Obi’s rigging, insisting it was not possible for him to have that much votes.

But now, Omokri has walked back on his rigging allegation against Obi and apologised to him.

What made Omokri apologise was what happened at an event in Awka, capital of Anambra State, which Obi attended, a couple of days ago. It was the celebration of the first year in office of the State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo.

Given that Soludo is also a strong attacker of Obi in his quest for the office of the President, not many people expected the LP Presidential  Candidate to attend. But he did, and literally brought the roof down with his appearance.

In the words of Omokri, the applause that greeted Obi as he walked into the venue of the celebration was like thunder. Obi’s appearance, for minutes on end, halted  proceedings.

As he watched the unfolding scene before him, a humbled Omokri quickly recorded a voice-video where he apologised to Obi, and posted it on social media platforms.

His words:

“I have said that Bola Tinubu  rigged the February 25, 2023, Presidential Elections. But, I have, also, said that Peter Obi actually  did some rigging, himself, because if you look at the figures he posted from Anambra State, getting, almost, 97 per cent of the votes, I felt that may be there were some shenanigans going on.

“And, then, he went on in an interview and responded to me. And, he said he was surprised he didn’t get 100 per cent in Anambra because he is so popular.

“But, you know, I took that with a pinch of salt. But today, I watched an event. I think the one year event of the incumbent Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, and Peter Obi just walked into the room and the applause was like thunder. I mean it was like thunder.

“So, I can see, for obviously, he is more popular than the incumbent Governor.

“Yeah. So, maybe, I might want to walk back on what I said because I can see that it was possible for him to get that 97 per cent of the votes without rigging.

“Because what I saw was organic love because everybody knows that Peter Obi no de give shi-shi. If you are from Nigeria, you will understand what that means. You know what that means.

“I mean he is thrifty. Let me not say stingy. He is very thrifty.

“So, I take back those words because it was possible that Peter Obi could have gotten 97 per cent without rigging.

“I do apologise.You know, I made that statement,  honestly, thinking it wouldn’t have been possible. But from what I have just seen, I think it was possible.”

Obi did the unprecedented by, winning 12 States, including Abuja and Lagos.

Both Atiku and President-elect, Tinubu, also won 12 States each. But, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, which declared Tinubu winner, he got more votes than Obi and Atiku.

However, both men and their Political Parties, very strongly, insist INEC was wrong, and have filed suits, separately, to challenge the declaration of Tinubu as President-elect.

Pan Yoruba Group Urges Akintoye To Suspend Relationship With Igbo Groups Over IPOB, Iwuayanwu

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Professor Banji Akintoye

By Akinwale Kasali

A Pan Yoruba Group, All Yoruba Democratic Movements, AYDM, has  condemned Emmanuel Iwuayanwu, for labeling the Yoruba ‘Rascals’.

The Group said Iwuayanwu’s statement is genocidal and further authenticates the widespread reports that the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB plans to attack Lagos.

The group said the IPOB hate project has been extended abroad where Yoruba professionals like Adeniran Ariyo, a world renowned cardiologist has been singled out for attack by IPOB members.

AYDM called on the Lagos State Government and all South West Governments to set up an extensive Intelligence Corp to fish out IPOB terrorists, their collaborators including drug barons and manufactures of fake drugs who provide illicit funds for the terrorist group.

It stated that  IPOB is a Nazist organisation, and the Yoruba have the historical role to protect territories from Lagos to Jebba, to Akoko Edo and to Itsekiri territories in Delta State.

But Ohanaeze Nd’Igbo in a statement distanced Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who is the Chairman of  the Ohanaeze Council of Elders from the allegation that he called the Yoruba rascals or that the Igbo would deal with them. Ohanaeze Insisted the allegation is a lie from the pit of hell and said  those he called political rascals, in his speech in Awka at the one year anniversary celebration of Governor Soludo of Anambra State, were those who physically attacked the Igbo in Lagos during the General Elections. Iwuanyanwu, the statement said, instead, called for unity between the two ethnic groups, and said the Yoruba and Igbo “are not at war.”

IPOB has also denied it had any plan to attack Lagos or any other Yoruba State.

But in a Statement by its Secretary General,  Popoola Ajayi, AYDM stated that, “The Yoruba are clearly not the aggressors. IPOB, Chief Iwuanyanwu and their supporters are the aggressors. We promise them that  from Yoruba people there would be proportional response to any attacks on Yorubaland or any Yoruba individual since this seems to be the new project of IPOB, Iwuanyanwu and their collaborators”.

It, however urged the Igbo to go about their businesses without fear. The statement said: “We urge Igbo in Yorubaland to go about their businesses. If Lagos or any part of Yorubaland is eventually attacked by IPOB, the Igbo Nation should know who to hold responsible for the consequences.

“During the #ENDSARs protests, Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB leader specifically asked IPOB to attack Yoruba barracks and even kill Yoruba State Governors. The statements by Iwuanyanwu and IPOB is in furtherance of Nazism being extended to Yorubaland.

“We draw the attention of the Local and International community to the genocide plat by IPOB and its supporters including Iwuanyanwu. While we recognise that there are moderate Igbo who do not share the genocidal plot of IPOB, we are mindful of the fact that IPOB is a dominant organisation in the South East which rules the area with fear and bullying but lacking wisdom nor knowledge.

“IPOB is armed and has been involved in mindless killings of innocent people in the South East. It makes sense to be alert when such an irresponsible and callous organisation makes such a threat.”

AYDM said the positions of Iwuanyanwu and IPOB are the same and have  shown clearly that Yoruba people who innocently drum support for alliance with the South East are doing so in vain.

‘‘The Yoruba leadership has always bent backwards to work with the South East but at each point, we have ended up regretting, The latest being the support given to Afenifere to Mr Peter Obi who up till now has not even spoken to thank the group nor show solidarily to Lagos people who voted for his party, the Labour Party. In his parochial mindset, he would attributes his victory in Lagos to his people. Little wonder he visited only Ladipo spareparts market after the Presidential election.

“You cannot behead yourself to satisfy the thirst of a people whose primordial aim is to live and witness your peril”, the group said

“We are aware that some Yoruba people are already being killed by IPOB in the South East. One of them was an Immigration officer who was shot dead by IPOB in Anambra State two weeks ago on account of his ethnic origin”, the statement signed by AYDM Secretary General said.

CNPP Urges Buhari, Security Agencies To Investigate CJN’s London Trip To Save Nigerian Judiciary

By
The Source
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0
Chief Willy Ezugwu

Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari and all relevant security agencies to immediately investigate and make public their findings on the rumoured visit of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Olukayode Ariwoola to the United Kingdom for medical reasons and the allegation that it was in disguise to meet with President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu in London.

The CNPP, in a statement signed by its Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, said this has become necessary to preserve the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola was reported to have been sighted in London, United Kingdom, “pretending: to be a physically-challenged old man, for a secret meeting with the President-elect.

According to the Peoples Gazette, an online news medium, Supreme Court sources said Ariwoola’s disguising was a clandestine preparation for a meeting with Tinubu.

The CNPP noted that despite the denials of the plans to hold such meetings by the two personalities, “the integrity of both the chief judicial personality in Nigeria and that of the President-Elect have been called to question, especially in view of the widespread criticisms of the Supreme Court of Nigeria’s rulings on political matters since the 2023 general elections.

“The Supreme Court under the current leadership has given several verdicts on political litigations in recent times which put the integrity of the apex court to question before this very damaging report by an online news portal on the alleged planned meeting between the CJN and the President-elect in London.

“Allowing the matter to slide without a public inquiry will be a recipe for breach of national security in the event that the Supreme Court rulings fail to favour some parties in election litigations currently before various election petition tribunals, especially the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal under the direct jurisdiction of the CJN.

“The CNPP therefore calls on President Muhammadu Buhari, Security Agencies, and all relevant stakeholders to institute open investigation into the reported planned meeting between CJN Ariwoola and President-elect Tinubu to lay to rest the controversy in the interest of justice and national security.

“This is imperative as the level of distrust, religious and tribal colourations permeating topics among supporters of different political camps in the country, especially now that the most damaging allegation on the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary became a media affair, should be taken very seriously to avoid a national catastrophy.

“It is also of national importance to ensure that the matter is openly investigated and the report made public as most Nigerian politicians and citizens who are aggrieved by the outcome of the 2023 general elections as conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may resort to self-help in the event of perceived biases in the judicial pronouncements on the outcome by the tribunals.

“The CNPP then urges politicians to caution their supporters on the use of ethnicity and religion as campaign tools. Ethnic profiling is dangerous to peace and unity of the country and must be stopped.

“We therefore call on security agencies to ensure that all persons who were involved in inciting comments before, during, and after the 2023 general elections are prosecuted to serve as deterrence to others, otherwise the individuals and groups will remain bad examples and reference cases in the near future”, the CNPP warned.

Jonathan Mourns General Diya

By
The Source
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0

A former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has expressed sadness over the death of former Chief of General Staff, Lt-General Donaldson Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya (retd), describing him as a committed patriot and courageous soldier.

In a condolence message to the family, Dr. Jonathan noted that Diya served the country diligently and fought for the unity of Nigeria, adding that he showed bravery and brilliance as a military leader.

The former President further described Gen. Diya, who served as Chief of General Staff and Vice Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council under the Abacha regime, as a kindhearted and disciplined officer, well-known for his loyalty to the country and love of fellow citizens.
Dr. Jonathan recalled that “Diya devoted so much of his energy towards uniting Nigeria and showed exceptional brilliance while holding different command positions in the nation’s military leadership.”

“He will be remembered for his efforts towards promoting peace and commitment to the progress and development of our nation.”

President Buhari, FEC Mourn Gen Oladipo Diya

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Oladipo Diya

By Ayodele Oni

President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Executive Council, (FEC) have expressed grief over the death on Sunday of Lt. General Oladipo Diya, who served as Chief of General Staff from 1993 to 1997 and Vice Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council, (PRC) in 1994.

The President in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, paid tribute “to General Diya’s bold and courageous career in the Nigerian military and dedicated service to the country as General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, Commandant, National War College (1991–1993), Chief of Defence Staff and Military Governor of Ogun State from January 1984 to August 1985.”

President Buhari recalled that Diya was known for his brilliance, exceptional organizational skills and discipline, and he displayed these virtues in the important roles he held in office as a military officer.

He saluted the former Chief of General Staff for his love, belief and loyalty to the country he cherished so much and fought gallantly on the frontlines to defend her unity.

On behalf of the Federal Government, the President extends heartfelt condolences to Diya’s family, friends and colleagues.

President Buhari prayed that General Diya’s soul finds rest with his Creator, and that his contributions to the nation will never be forgotten.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, on behalf of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), says it has recieved with shock the death of the former Chief of General Staff, Lt. General Oladipo Diya (rtd), which sad event occurred today, Sunday, 26th March, 2023 .

SGF described General Diya as a seasoned military officer with admirable administrative capabilities in his various functions as the Military Governor of Ogun State , Chief of Defence Staff, and the Chief of General Staff from 1993 to 1997.

FEC condoles with the government and people of Ogun State, his family and friends, and prays to God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest.

PDP National Chairman, Iyorcha Ayu, Suspended By Ward Exco For, Alleged, Anti Party Activities

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Kashi Philip- PDP Ward Chairman of Igyorov Council Ward in Benue State

By Ayodele Oni

Still trying to find its feet after the inglorious defeat at the last month presidential poll, the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) has announced the suspension of its national chairman, Dr Iyorcha Ayu.

The suspension of Dr. Ayu was effected by the Ward Executive of the party in Igyorov Ward of Gboko Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue state.

Addressing the media Sunday, on behalf of Kashi Philip, the Ward Chairman, the Ward Secretary Mr. Vangeryina Dooyum explained that Dr. Ayu was suspended by the Executive for alleged anti party activities.

Reading from a text signed by 12 out of the 17 member Ward Executive, the Secretary stated that the decision to suspend the National Chairman was reached after the leadership reviewed his conduct at the end of the just concluded general elections.

Flanked by the Chairman and other members, the Secretary said, “we observed with utmost dismay that, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu who is the National Chairman of the PDP worked against the success of the party in Igyorov Council Ward.

“It is on record that, he has also failed to pay his Annual Subscription Fees as provided under Section 8 (9) of the constitution of the PDP 2017 (As Amended).

“Further investigation also revealed that, he did not vote during the Governorship and State Assembly Elections held on  March 18, 2023.

“It was also discovered that, most of his closest allies worked for the opposition party, the All Progressive Congress, (APC), and hence, the abysmal performance of the PDP in Igyorov Ward.

“In view of the foregoing, we hereby pass a Vote of No Confidence on Dr. Iyorchia Ayu and suspend him as a member of our party with immediate effect. The suspension takes effect from March 24, 2023.”

Ayu’s suspension is coming fee days after the national executive committee of the party announced the suspension of some of top brass of the party including former Ekiti state Governor, Ayodele Fayose and former senate president.

Diya’s Death Shocking, Regrettable, Says Uzodimma

By
The Source
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0
Diya and Hope

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has said that the passing of the former Chief of General Staff of Nigeria during the military leadership of late General Sani Abacha, Lt Gen Donaldson Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya (rtd), is both shocking and regrettable.

Diya, according to a statement from the family by Barr. Oyesinmola Diya, died in the wee hours of Sunday, March 26, 2023.

Diya would have been 79 years old on April 3.

Governor Uzodimma said that with Diya’s death, Nigeria has lost, yet, another professional soldier, whose experience garnered over many years, services and advice, are badly needed in the country today.

A statement by Oguwike Nwachuku, Uzodimma’s Chief Press Secretary/ Media Adviser, said the Governor commiserated, not just the Diya family and his Odogbolu community in Ogun State where he impacted lives so much, but also the government and people of Ogun State, the Nigerian military and the federal government, over the loss.

The Governor who said the good works of Diya are there for all to see prayed God to grant his soul a peaceful repose and to those he left behind to mourn his passing, the fortitude to bear the huge loss.

Between 1993 and 1997, Diya held critical positions in the then Military Government of Abacha such as Chief of Defence Staff and later, Chief of General Staff, an equivalent of the civilian Vice President and Second in Command to Abacha.

Prior to Abacha’s death, Diya was one of the few senior military officers under the junta’s regime undergoing trial for alleged treasonable felony and coup plot to unseat Abacha in 1997. He escaped being shot by sheer providence following Abacha’s sudden death.

From January 1984 to August 1985, Diya was also Military Administrator of Ogun State.

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