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Commuters Stranded As Commercial Bus Drivers Begin Seven-Day Strike

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Commuters Standed in Lagos

By Akinwale Kasali

The seven-day strike by Commercial Bus Drivers which began Monday is having a toll on commuters. They are stranded at various Bus stops and Parks, unable to get to their various destinations and work places.

The few available Commercials

Buses and Private Car owners using their vehicles for commercial purposes have hiked the fare by 100 per cent.

For instance, from Iyana Ipaja to Ikeja which was N300 increased to N500, while Iyana Ipaja to Oshodi that waa usually N300 increased to N700.

Iyana Ipaja to Yaba that was usually pegged at N400 was increased to N1000, making Commuters to resign to fate. Some were forced to go back home, some waited patiently for Buses that could be cheaper than the others.

At Ojodu Berger area of the State, Commuters were stranded at the Bus Stops with no commercial Buses in sight.

The commercial bus drivers under the aegis of the Joint Drivers Welfare Association of Nigeria, JDWAN,  commenced a seven-day boycott of Lagos roads following its failure to reach an agreement with the State Government.

The group, in a statement by its lawyer, Ayo Ademiluyi, said it had been subjected to indiscriminate extortion and violent harassment by the Management of Parks and Garages in the State.

The statement reads in part:

“As commercial drivers in Lagos State under the aegis of JDWAN, we are left with no choice than to embark on seven days of protest and boycott of services over multiple and excessive extortions by the management of parks and garages in the state.

“We have notified members of the public and the Lagos State Government over multiple and excessive extortions by the motor parks and garages management.

“The cost of transportation affects the cost of goods and services and consequently the cost of living, which has spiralled astronomically in Lagos State as a result of the effect of motor parks excessive and illegal ticketing and tolling at almost every bus stop.”

The group alleged that its members lost half of their income to motor park ticketing, stating that they get arrested whenever they refuse to pay for the tickets.

The group said: “No to charging drivers three passengers money after loading in parks or garages; we kick against paying motor park thugs at every bus stop; harassment of law enforcement agencies & intimidation with guns, cutlasses, broken bottles by LASTMA, task force and RRS must end immediately; we demand that the Lagos State Government should provide official bus stops in each community to avoid incessant arrests and stress for commuters who complain of having to trek several kilometres back to their bus stops.”

2023: Obi To Release Manifesto Today

By
James Orji
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Peter Obi visits Benue Flood Victims

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP will release his party’s manifesto today, according to his campaign spokesman Doyin Okupe.

Okupe spoke as pressure mounted on the LP candidate to release his policy documents to Nigerians. ahead the election next year.

As one of the frontline presidential candidates in the 2023 election, not a few insist that Obi must publish his manifesto detailing his plans for the country before the election coming up next year.

Obi is among the three presidential candidates that have been predicted to win the election. The two other candidates are Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Both Atiku and Tinubu have released their party manifestoes a few days ago.

The LP spokesman said the document tagged “The Pact with Nigeria,” is now ready to be released to the public and media on Wednesday.

“Tomorrow the 31st of Oct, the Presidential campaign organisation of the LP will release to the media& the public “The Pact with Nigeria” the document that chronicles the 7 Governance Priorities of the Obi- Baba Ahmed administration which will usher in our dream for a new Nigeria,” Okupe said in a tweet.

The LP presidential candidate had earlier said that his manifesto was almost ready and will be made available to the public.

He hinted that his policy document would focus on the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, SDGs, such as economic development and security.

“Our manifesto is anchored on the Sustainable Development Goals and that the key issues are security, unifying the country, ensuring our cohesion comes down to law and order, fighting corruption, making the country productive and creating jobs among others,” he stated earlier this month.

Terror Alert: Buhari Holds Emergency Meeting With Top Security Chiefs

By
James Orji
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Amidst the security challenges across the country President Muhammadu Buhari has summoned an emergency security meeting with security chiefs in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Top on the agenda of the high-level meeting, the second in less than a month, the magazine learned, will be the government’s readiness to respond to the recent security threat to the nation’s capital, Abuja, by terrorists.

Those expected at the meeting include the Chief of Defence Staff, the three service chiefs, Inspector-General of Police, Director-General of Department of State Service, Director of Military Intelligence, among other top military and security chiefs.

Others expected to attend the meeting include the Minister of Defense and the National Security Adviser, Major Gen. Babagana Mungonu (rtd).

The meeting is coming on the back of the kidnap of a former deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Adigun Agbaje along the Lagos Ibadan expressway at the weekend.

Similarly, five state governors in the south east also held a meeting in Enugu to draw attention to the heightened insecurity in the region.

Garba Shehu, Senior Secial Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity said on Sunday that the president has canceled all other events earlier scheduled for today in order to meet with his security top brass in the country as commander-in-chief.

’The President, who was initially scheduled to commission the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure new Technology and Innovation Complex, will receive briefs from the security chiefs, and interject on areas that need more attention,” Shehu said in a statement yesterday.

The United States had last week alerted the country on the plan by Boko haram and ISWAP to attack the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. The US had since evacuated its embassy staff in Abuja, apart from issuing an advisory for its citizens to leave the country, ahead of the planned terrorist attack.

But in response, the federal government has assured Nigerians in Abuja to go about their duties, and that it’s doing everything on its part to provide security.

The president’s meeting with top security chiefs in the country, the magazine learned, is one of the efforts being taken by the government to assure Nigerians that the country is safe.

Speaking on the steps being taken by security agencies to provide security in the nation’s capital, the FCT Police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Babaji Sunday has been meeting with residents and other stakeholders with a view to averting any terrorist attack.

She said this is being done in order to assure the residents and to encourage people to volunteer information in case they notice any strange activities around them, adding that the meeting is not meant to cause apprehension in the FCT.

According to Adeh, “this is a routine, and it was not borne out of the reported imminent terror attack alert making the rounds.

“Our duty is to secure the FCT, the people, and their properties, and we have been doing that even before now, and we’ve intensified our operation since the alert.

“The CP had met with hotel and high-rise building owners to ensure the installation of CCTV cameras on their premises for security reasons. He had met with estate owners not to allow hotels in the estates which are residential areas. We also relate with public transportation workers’ unions to ensure they know their drivers and workers. He has met with garden owners too, all to ensure security and safety.”

Speaking on the US alert last week, the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed assured Nigerians that the federal government will provide security and safety across the country.

“I can assure all that our military and other security agencies have continued to do everything possible to secure and protect Nigerians and foreigners living in Nigeria.

“Terrorists have been hard hit and put on the run. Bandits have been decimated and scattered. Our country is safer today than at any time in recent times, thanks to the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform,” Mohammed said.

South-east Governors Seek Political Solution To Kanu’s Trial; Sets Up Joint Security Patrol on Highways

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

The Governors of the South Eastern States of the country, on Sunday, restated their position on the ongoing trial of their kinsman, Nnmadi Kanu,  leader of the  Indigenous People’s of Biafra (IPOB), for a political solution as the way out.

Rising from their meeting in Enugu, the Governors said they were monitoring the situation.

“South-east Governors are watching with keen interest, the developments with respect to the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu viz-a-viz the Court rulings. However, we believe that a political solution is still possible in this circumstance.”

They called on the Federal Government to provide adequate security in the zone ahead of next year’s general elections.

They lamented the increasing wave of insecurity within states in the zone and agreed to set up a 24-hour Joint Patrol in all major highways within the South East, especially during the Christmas season.

In the communique issued at the end of the meeting, the Governors also dismissed media reports that they’re responsible for the creation of ESN, stressing that they only created Ebubeagu and Forest Guards.

Ebonyi State Governor and Chairman of Southeast Governors’ Forum, David Umahi, who read the communique, decried the state of insecurity in the region lamenting that “Our economic activities have come to a halt while kidnapping and wanton killing have become the order of the day.

“South-east Governors call on the Federal Government to come to our aid in providing security in the Zone bearing in mind that elections are around the corner.

“Meanwhile, South-east Governors have agreed to set up a 24-hour Joint Patrol in all major highways within the South East, especially during the Christmas season.”

The Governors commended the States and the Federal Government on “efforts to alleviate the sufferings of the victims of the recent flood menace in the Country. We hope, however, that long term solution is desirable.”

“South-east Governors have decided to put funds together to further assist the victims of flooding in our five States in the South East.

“We, also plead with the Federal Government to please initiate action in the dredging of rivers in the South East, to ameliorate the destruction of houses, farmlands and properties.

“We request the Federal Government to come to the aid of the victims in terms of rehabilitation of the internally displaced persons.”

The forum “congratulated and welcomed His Excellency, the Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Prof. Charles Soludo, who was represented by His Deputy, His Excellency, Dr. Onyekachukwu G. Ibezim.

The Governors were however, silent on the 2023 Presidential election especially, the issue of Peter Obi, candidate of Labour Party, (LP) who is one of the leading presidential candidates from the zone.

Also present at the meeting were; Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State and Imo state, Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma who was represented by his deputy; Prof. Placid Njoku.

Nigeria Agog, As  Flamingoes Breaks Record,  Makes History

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Flamingoes

By Akinwale Kasali

Nigeria’s Under-17 Female Football team, Flamingoes, has made Nigeria proud. In making the country proud, the girls broke the record and made history

At the PYT Davil Stadium in Goa, India  Flamingoes  defeated Germany 3-2 on Penalties after a 3-3 draw at the end of 90 minutes.

The victory gave the team the Bronze medal. But to Nigeria and Africa, the Bronze is like Gold. It is the first time any African country would get to that stage. On their way to this stage, the Nigerian girls upstaged a number of Football powerhouses, including, USA!

The Coach Bankole Olowookere Girls, surprisingly, took the lead courtesy of Opeyemi Ajakaye, top scorer in the African qualifier who ended her goal drought with a brilliant opener for the Flamingos in the 20th minute, before Amina Bello doubled the lead with a brilliant header just three minutes into the second half.

Few minutes later,  Edidiong Etim, who came on for Chidera Okenwa in the 59th minute, made it three goals for Nigeria.

At this point, the Flamingoes were confident of victory before the Germans proved their mettle as no pushovers. They pulled one back through Jella Viet’s effort in the 73rd minute and scored the second in the 88th minute through Platiner Paulina, before Loreen Bender equalised for the European champions in the 92nd minute to drag the match into the lottery of penalties.

During the spot kicks, Blessing Sunday, Etim and Ajakaye, all scored from the spot for Flamingos but defender Tumininu Adeshina’s miss did not matter as Pauliner Bartz fluffed the crucial kick for Germany.

The Flamingoes finished the tournament on a high note winning the Bronze medal, hereby achieving a feat that no African country has ever achieved.

They made history with this feat, giving the nation its first medal at any FIFA Women tournament.

Spain defeated Colombia in the final 1-0 to record a back-to-back triumph at the Under-17 Female World Cup, retaining the trophy it won in 2018 in New Zealand.

“I Asked Buhari To Nominate My Running Mate, He Refused” – Tinubu

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
Tinubu and Buhari

By Adesina Soyooye

Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, told a cross section of the Yoruba that President Muhammadu Buhari rejected to nominate a running mate for him, Tinubu.

Asiwaju Tinubu spoke in Akure on Sunday, at the residence of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, where he met with  members of the apex Yoruba socio-political Group, Afenifere. He presented his agenda to them, and was endorsed.

Explaining to them how much confidence Buhari has in him, and how much backing the President and the North have given him, the Presidential candidate said: “Northern APC Governors resolved that the Presidency must go to the South, especially, the South-west. Governors Nasir El-Rufai, Abdullahi Ganduje and others supported me to the end. The battle was tough, and at a point, I was in doubt. There were many rumours, and I became confused of what to believe.

He said he enjoys, fully,  the support of the President, and disclosed that Buhari has assured him of victory in 2023.

Tinubu; “President Buhari told me I promoted his name the way I won the Primary election because the process was clean and transparent and nobody can accuse him of manipulating the process. President Buhari said I gave him credibility and I deserved to be President.

“When I asked him to nominate the VP candidate for me, he said I should pick whoever I wanted, and it is the reason I chose a competent man in Kashim Shettima who never lost any election and protected Christians in time of trouble in his State.”

The choice of Shettima, a fellow Muslim, by Tinubu, has polarised both the APC and religious bodies.

PDP’s Governor Makinde Endorses Tinubu For President

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Governor Seyi Makinde with Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Adesina Soyooye

Oyo  State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has endorsed the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Party, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Makinde is a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governor.

The Governor endorsed Tinubu in Akure, Ondo State, on Sunday, when the APC Candidate met with the apex Yoruba socio-political Group, Afenifere. The meeting was held at the residence of Chief Reuben Fasoranti.

Fasoranti was the leader of Afenifere, but voluntarily, months ago,  handed over to Chief Ayo Adebanjo, allegedly due to old age. Fasoranti is a nonagererian. Incidentally, nether Adebanjo nor the Secretary, Chief Sola Ebiseni, was present at the meeting where Tinubu presented his agenda to the Yoruba. Adebanjo and his faction of Afenifere support Peter Obi of the Labour Party, according to them, for justice and equity.

The attendance at the meeting cut across political parties. Attendees endorsed  Tinubu who assured them that he he would bring the trophy home. Fasoranti who  prayed for him, also told Tinubu that he would win.

Makinde was represented by his Deputy,  Chief Bayo Lawal who assured the meeting that his Governor, Makinde, would abide by the decision of the meeting on Yoruba matters.

Said Lawal: “Baba invited him (Makinde), but he could not reject the call of Baba.

Second, it is a Yoruba matter that is being discussed. In Yorubaland, if you are doing things without inviting Oyo, it is not complete. He (Governor) doesn’t joke with Yoruba matter even though we are not united by the Party, but Region united us, and everything discussed on Yoruba, he (Makinde) would support. If he had not supported Amotekun project, it would not have succeeded.”

Makinde is one of the five  PDP Governors led by Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, who are at loggerheads with the National Chairman of the Party, Dr Iyorchia Ayu. They want Ayu to give way to a Southerner because the Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, is from the North. They have, since  Wike’s loss to Atiku and Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, distanced themselves from all the activities of the PDP.

Makinde joins Wike and Ortom, who, in the past few days, have hinted they are not likely to support Atiku’s Presidential ambition in 2023.

Yoruba Leaders Who Received Tinubu In Akure

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Akure

By Ayodele Oni

Dignitaries present during the visit, by the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Bola  Tinubu, to the leadership of Afenifere, in Akure on Sunday cut across political divide.

During the visit, Tinubu declared that he is well prepared to win the 2023 general election, noting that anybody that will defeat him shall sweat.

Speaking after he presented his manifesto to the national leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti,  Tinubu stated that  support for his ambition is massive and cut across all parts of the country.

According to the APC Presidential Candidate, the action plan tagged “Renewed Hope” is progressing as many governors and leaders in the north are giving his ambition massive support.

Two of the Afenifere leaders, Chief Sehinde Arogbofa urged Tinubu to address issue of insecurity and restructuring with all seriousness, while Chief Olu Falae charged Tinubu to look into falling value of naira and economic hardship when he emerges the President.

Also speaking, the Oyo state governor, Mr Seyi Makinde represented by his deputy, Adebayo Lawal promised to follow the path of Yoruba leaders to ensure the emergence of Tinubu as President.

Others who were at the event included governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state represented by his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; new Ekiti state governor, Mr Abiodun Oyebanji, who drummed support for the aspiration of Tinubu.

Among leaders who witnessed the event  in Akure were Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Chief Bisi Akande; Professor Isaac  Adewole, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and retired General Olu Bajowa,

Others are  former Chief of Army Staff, General Alani Akinrinade; Ambassador Sola Iji; APC National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore; APC National Vice Chairman (South West), Isaacs Kekemeke; Ondo State APC Chairman, Ade Adetimehin; Dr Kunle Olajide, ace journalist, Dare Babarinsa; Chief Pius Akinyelure; former Ondo State House of Assembly Speaker, Dr Bakkita Bello and Chief Olusola Oke, SAN.

Anglican Church Commends Uzodimma For Massive Road

By
The Source
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Governor Hope Uzodimm

It was commendation galore for Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and his government, Sunday, as the Diocese of Isi-Mbano Anglican Communion rounded off its 2nd Session of the 10th Synod.

The entire congregation, led by the Bishop of Isi-Mbano Anglican Diocese, The Rt. Rev Godson Ukanwa, could not hide their feelings over the first phase of the newly reconstructed Owerri-Okigwe road that has made life more meaningful for the people residing on that corridor when Governor Uzodimma was introduced at the St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Amaraku, venue of the Synod.

“We cannot thank you enough for this road and your intervention on other roads in Imo State. God will bless you and support you,” the Bishop said.

The Theme of the Synod which was also the kernel of the day’s Sermon was: From Trials to Triumph (The Test of Genuineness and Strength of True Faith) and drawn from the Book of James 1:2-4.

Addressing the congregation at the end of the Church Service, the Governor thanked God for keeping everybody alive to witness the day’s event and assured the people that by “God’s grace and with the relative peace now experienced in Imo State the government will do more in infrastructure and human capital development.”

He said Imo State situation fitted the theme of the Synod and the sermon, and acknowledged that “despite the struggles, violence, jail breaks and kidnappings, killing of innocent citizens and burning of individuals and public property and institutions, God intervened and the trials of Imo people are now their triumph.”

Governor Uzodimma who said the people are the reason why government exists noted that “an occasion such as the Synod helps to bring government nearer to the Church,” adding that “as a Christian it is our heart that God looks at and not our Church.”

He reiterated that the government and the Church are partners.  “Government is to complement what the Church is doing and government will continue to support the Church as God is responsible for everything we do in life and as the Psalmist puts it, what we owe God is to trust and obey.”

He also poured encomium on Bishop Ukanwa for being unique in the ways he goes about God’s work and other activities and used the opportunity to announce a N10 million donation in support of God’s work in the Diocese.

Governor Uzodinma further commended the Diocese for finding some women worthy of honour,  including the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs. Rubby Emele and the Senior Special Assistant on Urban Beautification, Mrs Izuchi Duru.

The Governor also commended the visiting preacher, The Rt. Revd. Foreman Nedison who is also the Bishop of Jalingo Anglican Diocese for his message that was impactful and prayed God to grant the congregation the grace to learn from the sermon.

Earlier in his sermon,  Bishop Nedison had charged all Christians to anchor their faith on the belief that their trails will always turn into triumph.

But he warned the congregation that for them to achieve the above, they must have to look unto God for everything, including their security.

Also, he said, “Christians must maintain Godly character, they have to maintain the joy of the Lord and never allow the enemy to take away their joy.”

Bishop Nedison thanked the Diocese of Isi-Mbano for the opportunity of allowing him to be the guest preacher at the Synod.

In welcoming the Governor and his entourage as well as other members of the congregation, Bishop Ukanwa did not just appreciate the Governor for his love for the Diocese but acknowledged the infrastructural development in Okigwe zone under the able leadership  of Governor Uzodimma.

He also thanked his brother Bishop for the powerful message from the pulpit and said “the Diocese did not make mistake bringing him all the way from Jalingo.”

Highlights of the Synod Service were the raising of funds for the development of the Diocese and the presentation of awards to some distinguished members of the Diocese.

Those who accompanied the Governor to the Synod Service were the Speaker Imo State House of Assembly,  Rt. Hon. Anthony Emeka Nduka, the Deputy Speaker,  Rt. Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu, other House Members, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, Hon. Commissioners, members of the Expanded Exco, top government functionaries, political appointees, traditional rulers and business moguls.

“Ayu Is Corrupt, Shouldn’t Be Talking” – Wike; Dares The PDP National Chairman On Ortom

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
Nyesom Wike and Iyorcha Ayu

By Adesina Soyooye

For about the third time, Nyesom Wike, Rivers State Governor, has dismissed the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, as corrupt and lacking in credibility.

Wike is a PDP Governor.

He said this on Sunday when he reacted to Ayu’s pronouncement on Friday that he has the capacity to stop the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, from contesting for a Senate seat in the 2023 General elections.

Ortom, a second term Governor, is seeking for a Senate seat in 2023. He is one of the four PDP Governors, led by Wike, vehemently opposed to Ayu’s leadership of the Party. They demand that Ayu steps down for a Southerner  since the Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, is also from the North. Ayu is from Benue State, while Atiku is from Adamawa.

Their disagreement with the Party began when Wike lost the Presidential ticket to Atiku, and also lost the Vice Presidential ticket to Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa. Since then, they have excluded themselves from the activities of the Party, including the Presidential Campaign activities.

Wike and Ortom had, a few days ago, more than hinted they would not work for Atiku’s victory at the polls.

Responding to Ayu’s claim of being in a position to stop Ortom from contesting, Wike dared Ayu, and called him a man without credibility.

While briefing newsmen at his private residence, Wike said: ” I dare the National Chairman to stop any contestant if he has what it takes. It is in this country where you say a man is very corrupt and he is trying to talk.”

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