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APC Calls For The Impeachment Of Governor Ortom Over Local Government Funds

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

The All Progressives Congress, APC, has called for the impeachment of Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, over alleged high handedness, illegal and unlawful maladministration of the Local Government Councils of the State.

At a Press Conference held at the APC Secretariat in Makurdi, Benue State capital, Friday, August 19, 2022, the APC said It has become necessary  to intimate the general public about the nefarious deeds of  Governor  Ortom regarding the day to day running of the Local Government Councils in the State.

In a statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary,  Daniel Ihomun, APC alleged that Governor Ortom is presently mismanaging the Local Government Councils and has adopted measures aimed at totally annihilating the Local Government system in Benue State.

APC, the opposition Party in the State said that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, places a duty on the Governor of a State to ensure that the system of Local Government continues unhindered, but the Governor has resorted in destroying the survival of the Local Government Councils.

“It is the duty of the Governor of a State to ensure the uninterrupted existence and survival of Local Government Councils democratically, rather than being responsible for destroying them. Local Governments are creations of the Constitution. However, it is rather unfortunate that, Samuel Ortom’s administration is not aware of this fact.

“Local Governments in Nigeria derive their survival and legality from the provisions of section 7 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which provides that;

“The system of local government by democratically elected local government councils is under this Constitution guaranteed; and accordingly, the Government of every State shall, subject to section 8 of this Constitution, ensure their existence under a Law which provides for the establishment, structure, composition, finance and functions of such councils”.

“The law is therefore trite that, it is the duty of State Governments to ensure the smooth running of Local Governments in their various States. This responsibility includes the conduct of free and fair elections, to elect both the Local Government Executive and Legislative arms. Not just that, it is the responsibility of the State Government to ensure that, the elected officials are duly inaugurated to enable them carry out their duties accordingly.

“The legal status of a Local Government as an important tier of government has been recognized in the Constitution of Nigeria , the Constitution makes it is mandatory for the State Government to ensure the survival of Local Governments by conducting periodic free and fair elections of the local government officials.  It is also the duty of the State Government to ensure that, the elected local government officials are duly sworn into office”.

The APC said it is sad and disheartening that Governor Ortom’s undying desire to mismanage Local Governments in Benue State, and run them as his private ventures has made him to disregard every provision of the Constitution on Local Government administration.

“Firstly, Ortom has failed to conduct democratically free and fair elections as required by Section 7 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). Although, there are certain persons, parading themselves as Local Government chairmen in the various Local Government Areas in Benue State, in actual fact no elections held. The PDP government dubiously handpicked loyalists of the Governor and announced them elected. This singular act is  unconstitutional and illegal

“Most questionable is the fact that, even although, Governor Ortom has inaugurated his so-called Local Government chairmen, he has failed to direct his chairmen to swear-in their deputies as well as the Councilors representing the various Council Wards in the various Local Governments in Benue State. What Ortom aims to achieve from this dubious tactic is clear for everyone to see; The absence of the Councilors comprising the legislative arm of the Local Government will make it easier for members of the Ortom’s admin to embezzle funds meant for the running of those Local Governments and  divert same into their personal  pockets.

“The primary role of the Legislature in every tier of government, be it at the Federal, State or Local Government level is to ensure checks and balances, especially when it comes to the financial expenditure of the executive arm. Therefore, the importance of the Legislative arm of a Local Government cannot be overemphasized. The Councilors have a duty of supervising the discharge of the functions of their Local Government chairmen, succinctly provided for, under the Fourth Schedule to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“It is also the duty of the Councilors to approve budget before money is expended on any project in the Local Government. Currently in Benue State, there exists Local Government chairmen with no Councilors in the Legislative arms. However, these chairmen have been working and spending money on a daily basis for several months, without any corresponding legislative arm of Government in office, approving same. This has rather turned the chairmen into Sole Administrators, contrary to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

“It has become a matter of public concern that, the State Government has a dubious agenda, targeted at killing the Local Government system in Benue State. The Governor’s desire to become the richest man in the world, has pushed him to install in office, stooges as chairmen into the 23 Local Governments in the State, so as to achieve his unquenchable agenda of plundering all the resources meant for the people and to invest into private and personal projects, and to build castles for himself, his children and for generations yet unborn. This  rather devilish agenda has become more suspicious, due to his outright instructions to his Local Government Chairmen not to inaugurate the legislative arms in their various Local Government Councils”.

The APC insists that Governor  Ortom is aiding corruption. It also alleged that under his watch, huge sums of money have escaped the State’s coffers, unaccounted for.

“The Governor cares less about the people , to say the least. He has been standing against the people development by misappropriating monies meant for the growth and development of the various Local Governments in the State. Those at the receiving end of Governor ortom’s maladministration, mismanagement and acts of rascality concerning Local Government resources are the common people, who have been thrown into poverty and unbearable hardship. Local Governments are supposed to be the tier of Government with the closest ties and meaningful impact on the people. However, in Benue State, Governor Ortom has stood firm and in the most despicable manner, in ensuring that the people do not benefit anything from their various Local Government Councils.

“From the foregoing, we submit that, Governor Ortom’s acts of maladministration in piloting the affairs of Local Governments in Benue State, coupled with his illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional overlapping interference into the smooth running of the said Local Government Councils is unforgivable.

“Ortom must be impeached, so as to save the Local Government administrations in the State from being driven into total and comprehensive extinction. Ortom is the problem and must therefore vacate office in line with the Latin Maxim, “CESSANTE CAUSA, CESSAT EFFECTUS” meaning, “The cause ceasing, the effect ceases”. We therefore, call upon the Benue State House of Assembly, to forthwith and without more, initiate impeachment proceedings against Governor Samuel Ortom. When Ortom is ruthlessly shown the exit door out of Government House, only then would sanity return to Benue”, the statement reads.

GTCO: Agbaje Promises More Support For Autism Patients

By
James Orji
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0

For 20 years, Guarantee Trust Bank has provided opportunities for autism patients who had initially lost hope, the Group Managing Director/ chief executive officer of Guarantee Trust Company, GTCO Segun Agbaje has said. He spoke ahead of the 12th edition of the annual GTCO Autism Conference themed coming up next week.

This year’s conference tagged “Creating a Community of Awe-Tism Advocates” will hold on Monday and Tuesday, August 29th and 30th, 2022, at MUSON Center, Onikan, Lagos, the financial behemoth has said.

“The 2-day conference will bring together some of the world’s leading experts on Autism to share with us, amongst other insights, how we can best support children and adults living with Autism in our communities. You can also request a one-on-one consultation with our medical experts if your child or ward is facing a developmental challenge. Specialists are available from Tue 23rd to Sat 27th August 2022,” the bank stated.

Speaking on the conference Agbaje said the company has already done much and will still do more in ensuring that autism patients live a normal life and ‘reach their full potential”.

According to the chief executive “While much has been done over the years to increase the social consciousness around Autism and to improve the available support systems for managing developmental disorders, we strongly believe that we can do more individually and collectively to create and uphold a culture of inclusion towards people with ASD to enable them to reach their full potential.

“The Orange Ribbon initiative was created to support children and adults with developmental disabilities with a focus on those with autism spectrum disorders.

“Now in its 2nd decade, the annual Autism Conference has over the years created a community of people with a shared commitment to create better outcomes for those who find themselves in the margins of society simply because they are different from the rest.”

The annual Autism Conference has gained wider support for bringing together global leading Autism experts. This year’s conference has received support from the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu; Autism Compassion Africa, Ghana; The Color of Autism Foundation, USA; Meharry Medical College, USA, and Behaviorprise Consulting Inc., Canada.

There will also be keynote addresses from world renowned Autism experts who will address the conference virtually or in person, the bank said.

ASUU: Kogi Gov Slams FG, Says Buhari Ministers Failed

By
James Orji
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Yahaya Bello
Yahaya Bello

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state has attacked the federal government for spending trillions of naira to manage the covid 19 pandemic.

The governor who maintained his position that he doesn’t believe in the existence of the coronavirus pandemic noted that such a humungous amount should have been used to settle the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU whose members are currently on strike across the country.

The university lecturers have been on strike since February, and have vowed never to return to classrooms until their demands have been met.

On Wednesday, the Minister of Education Adamu Adamu somehow shocked the country and lovers of education after he said the federal government has decided not to pay the striking lecturers for the period they are on strike.

The minister said “all contentious issues between the government and ASUU have been settled except the quest for members’ salaries for the period of strike be paid, a demand that Buhari has flatly rejected.

“On the contrary, unions in tertiary institutions in the country, especially ASUU, have been engaged in recurring and avoidable strikes that have crippled the university system.

“This is in spite of the huge investments of over N2.5 trillion in tertiary institutions in the last 10 years from TETFund alone. Common knowledge as it were, many Nigerians may not know that the Federal Government is paying the salaries of every staff in its tertiary institutions, academic and non-academic staff, while these institutions are also in full control of their IGR.”

The minister said President Muhammadu Buhari has directed that the lecturers not to be paid arrears of salary for six months.

Those watching the stalemate said the ASUU problem is far from being over.

Speaking Governor Bello said government negotiators with ASUU has failed, adding that ‘trillions’ spent on nose masks and hand sanitisers should have been invested in the education sector.

He said the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, NGF has waded into the matter with a view to resolving it.

Bello said “The trillions spent buying nose masks and hand sanitisers… a lot could have solved this ASUU issue, but that’s that.

“I don’t think they [ministers] are representing Mr President well. This is a man that cares so much about education, and even children during that lockdown were being fed at home.

“Those who Mr President entrusted to handle this protracted issue are not doing justice to it.”

“The NGF has been making every effort to ensure that on behalf of all the governors, we discuss with ASUU and all those that are involved, we are making such efforts.”

Meanwhile, parents and students have continued to appeal to the federal government to come to an agreement on all contentious issues so that the striking lecturers could return to work in order for academic activities to return to the nation’s ivory towers.

2023: PFN Gives Reasons Why Muslim-Muslim Ticket Is Dangerous For Nigeria’s Democracy

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

Since the decision of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to field  Muslim-Muslim Candidates – Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Running Mate, Kashim Shettima  for the Presidential Election, there have been mixed feelings, condemnation and brickbats from different quarters, especially, from  the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN.

Giving reasons for the inappropriate fielding of a Muslim-Muslim Ticket, the General Secretary, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Cosmos Ilechukwu,  said same-faith ticket, either Christian-Christian or Muslim-Muslim, will not augur well for the unity and future of Nigeria.

Ilechukwu made the position of the group known at a press conference on the state of the nation, held at the PFN National Secretariat in Lagos on Thursday.

He said the decision by some political parties to go by the same faith ticket would  further jeopardise the future of the nation, hence a framework had been prepared by the Christian Association of Nigeria as a guide for Christians.

The Group made a a four key point embedded in a flier which capture  what Christian voters should consider before voting.

The areas are character, competence, capacity and policies of the candidate or party.

The statement reads:“The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria reaffirms its position that the same-faith ticket can, in no way, be justified, as it is not in the interest of Nigeria, as it further jeopardises the prospects of peaceful coexistence and building of a united nation.

“PFN has never been in the business of endorsing candidates and will not be doing so in the 2023 elections. However, it will continue to mobilise the church to ensure full participation in the political process by all Christians.”

He encouraged all Christian  members to vote in line with what is best for Nigeria and the Church at all levels, with the framework prepared by the Christian Association of Nigeria as a guide.

“The Fellowship will continue to be open-minded and broad-minded, leaving the door of engagement with all political parties open, so that all the issues that are holding back the development and unity of Nigeria can be comprehensively addressed.”

NBC Axes AIT, Ray Power, Silverbird, Others

By
Uche Mbah
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0

By Uche Mbah

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)  has wielded the big stick as it has revoked the broadcast licences of Silverbird TV, AIT, Raypower FM, and Rhythm FM amongst others.

This, according to the Commission, is over their failure to renew their broadcast licences amounting to N2.66 billion.

The closure is meant to take effect after twenty four hours.

In a statement, the Commission said these broadcast organisations, which list was published among stations yet to renew their licences, ignored the window of waiver that was expected to put them in the clear.

“Three months after the publication, some licensees are yet to pay their outstanding debts, in contravention of the National Broadcasting Commission Act CAP N11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, particularly section 10(a) of the third schedule of the Act,” the statement said.

“Therefore, after due consideration, NBC hereby announces the revocation of the licenses of the…stations and gives them 24 hours to shut down their operations. Our offices nationwide are hereby directed to collaborate with security agencies to ensure immediate compliance.”

As at the time of filling this report, the stations were still broadcasting.

Finally, Ekiti  Students Get Their Results As Govt Pays N300m To WAEC

By
Ayodele Oni
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Students in Examination Hall

By Ayodele Oni

There are indications that Ekiti State Government has finally offset fees of students that sat for the May/June West African Examination.

Results of the examination were released about three weeks ago. But that of Ekiti and other defaulting States were withheld.

Affected students and their parents had pleaded with the State Government to do the needful to enable them access results of the examination.

It was gathered that the State Ministry of Education, early in the week, paid over N300 million to the West African Examinations Council, (WAEC) as balance of outstanding fees.

Sources from the State Ministry of Education disclosed that the amount covers fees for over 16,000 students in public schools who sat for the final examination.

It was further learnt that worried by inability of students to access their results, and complaints by parents, Governor Kayode Fayemi directed the Ministry of Education to forward to him evidence of payment to the examination body.

Ekiti State Commissioner for Information and Values Orientation, Mr Akinbowale Omole had earlier described as untrue a purported rumor trending on social media that the failure of Ekiti State Government to pay WAEC fee was responsible for the delay in accessing the results of the examination by students.

Mr Omole noted that such was a lie from the pit of hell and it should be disregarded by members of the public.

He said the little delay experienced by the students was as a result of poor internet service on the website of the examination body and not the inability of government to pay WAEC fee as been speculated.

The Commissioner advised the opposition parties not to always play politics with every issue, saying that there are better things to be done than being petty.

“Issues that are of serious concern to the people of the state should not be politicized . If issues are Political, fine, it can be given political touch and not the ones that are of great concern to the people.”

Mr Omole appealed to members of the public to always get news from credible sources rather than platforms where the news  could plunge the society into confusion and  crisis.

Also reacting , the president, All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, ANCOPPS,  Mr Victor Amele said that the students have been accessing the results of the examination stating that any delay being experienced in some quarters can be attributed to network issues.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State through its Publicity Secretary Mr Raphael Adeyanju and a former Governor’s aide, Mr Lere Olayinka had recently taken to social media alleging that the inability of the state government to pay WAEC fees of the students was responsible for the delay experienced in their results.

Criminals Now Pose As Commercial Vehicles Operators In Osun, Govt Warns Resident

By
Ayodele Oni
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Adegboyega Oyetola

By Ayodele Oni

Few days after Amotekun Security Network in Ondo State intercepted trailers- load of suspected migrants from Northern parts of the country to the South West, Osun State Government has called on residents to be more vigilant warning that intelligence received indicated that criminals have arrived the State pretending to be minibus and Okada drivers.

A statement issued by the State Information Commissioner, Funke Egbemode, however revealed that the Government was taking necessary steps to arrest suspected persons.

Egbemode said, ”The Government, through intelligence report, is aware of the infiltration of the ranks of commercial transport operators in the state by some criminal elements who are now attempting to harm unsuspecting citizens using motorcycles and mini-buses (korope) especially.

“The video of a young lady making the rounds who was fortunate to escape the plot confirms the report.

“We are, therefore, calling on residents of the State to be more security-conscious as they move around the State, and especially avoid motorcycles, mini-buses or buses without registration numbers.

“Citizens are also advised to report, through the state’s emergency line, all suspicious movements or presence around their communities or places of residence.

“The various transport associations are also directed to dispatch their enforcement teams towards ensuring the strict adherence to the safety guidelines and rules laid down by the Ministry of Works and Transport.

“Specifically, the National Union of Road Transport Workers is charged not to allow any of its members to be used for nefarious activities that threaten the security of the state.

“The security formations of the State have been fully briefed on this new development, and appropriate actions are being taken to ensure that these unscrupulous elements do not disrupt the peace of the State.

“The Government of Mr Adegboyega Oyetola will continue to do everything possible to protect citizens of the state from actual and potential threats.”

“Wike Boasts: You Cannot Ignore Rivers State; Says Other Parties in Rivers State Have Collapsed Into PDP

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Nyesom Wike

By Akinwale Kasali

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike may have scores to settle with top echelons in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, at the National level, but he remains firm, optimistic and assured that the Party will soar higher at the 2023 Elections in the State.

This is as a result of the massive defection of strong politicians and their supporters in the State who have renounced membership of their political parties in droves and joined the PDP.

Wike said that the defection- tsunami came into being following the ongoing infrastructural development by his administration and the belief that PDP is a better party to associate with.

The Governor who has been at loggerheads with PDP Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar and major stakeholders in the Party following his failure to clinch the Vice Presidential ticket made this assertions at the flag-off of the 11th Flyover Project at the Rumuola-Ikwerre Road-Rumuokwuta Roundabout in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State Commissioned by former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke on Thursday 18th, August, 2022.

The Rivers State Governor explained that the ongoing collapse of the membership strength of other political parties in the State is definitely an electoral advantage for the PDP.

“We have collapsed every other party. Every day people from All Progressives Congress (APC) are joining our party. We are here doing that and some people are in Abuja; ask them how many persons have they brought to the party.

“It’s not to say I’m supporting our candidate. How many people have you brought to help your candidate. We are here everyday bringing people to join our party and you are there following your candidate from Abuja to Adamawa. Is it there you’ll win the votes? Come back home.”

He stressed that Rivers State is too strategic politically to be ignored by any serious minded politician who wants to win election.

He stated the futility of the claims by those who professed that they know the PDP presidential candidate, yet they are not at home where votes can be mobilised to secure electoral victory.

“This Local Government alone, Obio Akpor, where I come from, we registered not less than 600 thousand voters. This local government beats two States in their electoral strength.

“So, we are not a state that you can take for granted, not to talk about the Local Government where I come from.

“I believe that they must know us here because we have what it takes to deliver. They must come and know us. I’m not going to find anybody. You must come here. You can’t take 600 and something thousand votes away from my local government. You can’t take 3.2million votes from my State just like that.”

He emphasised that the days are gone when supporters and electorate offer their votes and do nothing in return.

“If we were father Christmas before, we won’t be father Christmas again? You must tell me what is there for me if I should vote. So, nobody should bother himself. At the appropriate time we will talk to our people and our people will understand.

“If you say we don’t exist, we will tell you that you don’t exits. I am not a son to anybody. I am a son of Rivers State. I am working to attract what will benefit Rivers State.”

He noted that the 12 flyovers, in the next three years, would be more appreciated because they will sufficiently address traffic related problems, as everything as been out in place including funds made available so that every project started by his administration is not abandoned but completed.

“As at yesterday (Wednesday), I have released the money for the compensation of every property that will be affected here.

“We have paid for the relocation of the electric poles and property from Mgbuoba to Ozuoba. We have paid for the relocation of electric poles and property on Azikwe-Iloabuchi Road. So, the total compensation we have paid is N4.3b.

Governor Wike noted that Julius Berger Nigeria PLC has started, in July, the deduction of N2b from the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) account of the State, and would do so for the next 10 months, to execute the 11th and 12th flyovers.

He also explained that 80% of the contract sum has been paid to Julius Berger Nigeria PLC for the Azikwe-Iloabuchi Road construction.

While emphasizing that his administration is determined to complete the Andoni section of the Ogoni-Opobo-Andoni Unity road and has charged the contractor to expedite work.

“Andoni must get road before I go there to campaign. I have told the contractor, Opobo has gotten road, Andoni people must drive by road before the administration ends.

“The Trans-Kalabari road, we have paid 100%, that is over N13b we have paid and I believe by the grace of God, by this September, the first phase of Trans-Kalabari road will be completed.

“The one of Bori to Kono that CCECC is doing, which we have paid over N14b and finished paying.”

Duke, while Performing the flag-off, said the leadership capacity demonstrated by governor Wike assures that there is hope for Nigeria.

He commended Governor Wike for executing projects, particularly the flyovers that have made Port Harcourt livable city.

He also noted the medical succour the Dr. Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiologist Disease Diagnostic Centre would offer cancer patients, because of the terminal nature of the disease.

Providing a description of the project, Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Dr. Dakorinama George-Kelly said the 11th flyover is 1007.5 meters long, stretching from the Ebony junction on Rumola road to the Seventh Day Adventist church on Ikwerre road.

Imo: Uzodinma Warns: “We Know Those To Hold If Anything Happens To Any Monarch In Mbaise”

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma - Chieftiancy

By Charles Igbo

Following the controversy which dogged the annual Iri ji Mbaise, Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma has given notice that he knows those to hold responsible if anything happens to Mbaise Monarchs or any of his appointees from Mbaise.

The 2022 Iri ji (New Yam Festival) was not only mired in controversy, but it was highly politicicised. It could easily pass as a battle between the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the State, and the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. More specifically, it was a battle between Uzodinma, and the man who he succeeded in office, the Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha.

Ever since the Supreme Court removed Ihedioha from office, January 2020, in

favour of Uzodinma, the politics of hatred, the propaganda and the tension in the State have been unprecedented.

These were on display at this year’s Iri ji Mbaise. Ihedioha is from Mbaise.

The festival had been fixed against Monday, August 15, 2022. But the State Government and a number of Stakeholders had advised otherwise, considering the usual enforced sit-at-home order. They did not want hoodlums to take advantage of the situation, they said, to cause mayhem in the State, especially, as Uzodinma was billed to be given a Chieftaincy title by all the Traditional Rulers in Mbaise – Enyioma of Mbaise. The ceremony was shifted to Tuesday.

But Ihedioha and a section of the people differed. They advised people to stay in their homes and/ or communities to celebrate it. With his friends and well-wishers, Ihedioha celebrated at his Mbutu home.

Yet, it didn’t take the shine off the Tuesday event where the Governor was the Special Guest, and was conferred with a Chieftaincy title.

But there are fears that the Traditional Rulers who dared attend the Tuesday event and conferred the Governor with the Chieftaincy title could be at risk of physical attacks and/or worse. The Governor seems aware of it.

So, while addressing the people, he said: “Let me sound a note of warning. If anything happens to any Traditional Ruler, Political appointee or organisers of this event from Mbaise, we know those to hold responsible.”

According to a statement signed by his Media Adviser/ Chief Press Secretary, Oguwike Nwachuku, the Governor was given the Chieftaincy title by  ranking Traditional Rulers from the area in appreciation of his good relationship with the people of Mbaise.

The honour, he said, was the climax of the 2022 Iriji-Mbaise national cultural festival which held at Itu Central School Field in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local government area on August 16, 2022.

In his remarks after all the pomp and pageantry associated with the festival such as the inspection of Yam Barn, the opening of yam dish and cutting of yam, Governor Uzodinma told the mammoth crowd of Mbaise sons and daughters who turned up for the occasion, that the development of Mbaise is top on his agenda.

”We cannot develop any other part of Imo State without developing  Mbaise nation.”

The Governor gave the assurance that the development which has eluded the area for decades will be brought to them by his administration before other parts of the State.

Governor Uzodinma who described Mbaise people as highly intellectual, educated and as pacesetters, emphasised that as far as he is concerned “civilization started in Mbaise land.”

The Governor said though he was invited as Special Guest of Honour to come and show solidarity with the people over the Iriji festival, his instincts tells him that he is part of Mbaise Nation because of his past history with the people.

“This is home-coming for me. So it is erronous for me to be regarded as a Guest. Rather, I am a co-host at this Iriji-Mbaise occasion organized by a people who are my own.”

Governor Uzodinma assured that “despite the threats and animosity from some quarters, nobody will succeed in creating enmity between me and my people because of selfish and personal interest.”

He thanked the organisers for working hard to keep fate with a festival that has become synonymous with the Mbaise Nation.

Hope Uzodimma - Chieftiancy
Hope Uzodimma

The Governor appreciated the honour done him by the Traditional Rulers who conferred the Enyioma Mbaise Chieftaincy title on him, despite the threat issued to them not to do so or face serious consequences.

Governor Uzodinma assured both the Royal Fathers and the organisers of the event that no harm would happen to them as Government will ensure that no such thing happens.

“Let me sound a note of warning. If anything happens to any traditional ruler, political appointee or organisers of this event from Mbaise, we know those to hold responsible.”

He promised to deal the issue of bad roads as demanded by the organisers of the festival and Mbaise leaders.

“You will be living witnesses to my reassurance that development will come to Mbaise Nation under my watch. Take it from me that my government will leave Mbaise Nation better than we met it. There can be no development in Imo without first developing Mbaise Nation.”

In his welcome speech, President General, Olu Oha Mbaise, Chief Perry Opara thanked Governor Uzodimma and other dignatories for finding time to be part of the festival despite their busy schedule.

He lauded the Governor’s development strides in Mbaise in particular and Imo State in general, reminding him that Mbaise Nation will forever remain grateful for the flag-off of the Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia.

Chief Opara, however, told the Governor that Mbaise Nation deserves good roads like yesterday and that his name will be etched in the psyche of the people if he does that.

In his remarks as Chairman of the occasion, Chief Paul Obasi (Paul and Paul), applauded the Governor for his numerous achievements touching on

the different political zones of Imo State, particularly the recent flag-off of the Owerri- Mbaise -Umuahia road among other projects and pledged the continuous support of Mbaise Nation to his administration.

He also emphasised the importance of  good roads in Mbaise.

The event attracted the high and mighty  from Mbaise and other parts of Imo State to Itu in Ezinihitte, the host local government area for this year’s Iriji-Mbaise festival.

Those in attendance include the Deputy Governor, Prof Placid Njoku, Secretary to Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmas Iwu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 9, Umuahia, Isaac Akinmoyode, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. C O C Akaolisa and all the members of the Imo State Expanded Executive Council.

Also present were the Eze Imo, HRH, Eze Dr E C.Okeke, His Owerri zone Chairman, HRH, Eze Akujiobi, among numerous other monarchs from Imo State.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidates for Okigwe, Orlu and Owerri: Mr. Patrick Ndubueze, Osita Izunaso and Alex Mbata respectively, as well as other candidates for elective political offices from Imo State were also in attendance.

Foremost businessmen, Chief Tony Chukwu, Chief Henry Amadi, Chief Charles Amadi to name but a few as, well as current and former APC leaders like Chief Marcellinus Nlemigbo also graced the occasion.

Ondo Police Nab Abductors Of Ikare Akoko Monarch, Recovers Gun, Ammunitions

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
The Abductors of Ikare Akoko Mornach

By Akinwale Kasali

Abductors of High Chief Mukaila Bello of Ikare Akoko Kingdom in Ondo State, have been nabbed by the  Ondo State Police Command.

The abductors, Ilyasu Lawal, 27; Mohammadu Sidi, 26; Garuba Bature, 36; Abubakar Dangy, 20, and Mohammed Mosere, 25, were paraded alongside 26 others persons allegedly involved in various criminal activities in the state.

The suspects were allegedly involved in robbery, kidnapping and murder, among others.

Parading the suspects at the Police Command Headquarters,  Alagbaka, Akure, the State Commissioner of Police, Oyeyemi Oyediran, said the suspects were arrested in different parts of the State.

According to him, the suspects included the abductors of a Traditional Ruler in Ikare Akoko, High Chief Mukaila Bello, who was kidnapped along with three others.

Oyediran said, “On August 4, 2022, around 6.30pm, based on the information received that a gang of kidnappers, numbering about seven, attacked a Toyota Corolla with number plate KAK 818 AE, at Ago-Yeye, along Ikare/Owo Road and four others were kidnapped and held hostage for three days in the bush.

“Upon the receipt of the complaint, men of the anti-kidnapping squad, in synergy with the Oyo State Police Command, swung into action, which led to the arrest of Ilyasu Lawal, 27; Mohammadu Sidi, 26; Garuba Bature, 36; Abubakar Dangy, 20, and Mohammed Mosere, 25.”

He stated that three guns, five live cartridges, two face masks and two jack knives, were recovered from them, while the suspects confessed to the crime.

The Commissioner added that his men also arrested a suspect, Babatunde Adeoye, aka Para, believed to be a political party supporter, for allegedly shooting four people at a supermarket.

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