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Anthony Joshua’s Boxing Career In Trouble As He Is Beaten Again; Usman Loses Title Fight To  Edwards

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Anthony Joshua and Oleksander Usyk

By Akinwale Kasali

The hope of Nigeria-British pugilist, Anthony Joshua of regaining Heavyweight Titles lost to Oleksandr Usyk in an earlier fight suffered a major setback, as the Ukrainian out-punched the Ijebu, Ogun State -born, to defeat him for the second time. The title fight was held  in Saudi Arabia.

Also, Nigeria’s undisputed UFC Champion, Kamaru Usman was also defeated by British Fighter, Leon Edwards, to become the second ever British UFC Champion at the Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, USA early this morning. It was by a technical knock-out.

A fuming Joshua lost on a split decision.

Joshua threw two of Usyk’s belts on the floor at the end of the fight following the result and headed for his changing room before storming back to the ring to shake Usyk’s hand.

He then picked up the microphone and went on an expletive-filled rant, discussing the fight, his career,  and  the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

Joshua’s emotions were clearly running high following the loss after twelve rounds of great boxing.

“If you knew my story you would understand the passion. I ain’t no amateur boxer from five years old that was an elite prospect from youth.

“I was going to jail, I got bail and I started training my arse off, I wanted to be able to fight.

“I’m stealing this Usyk I’m sorry, but it’s because of the passion we put into this. This guy to beat me tonight, maybe I could have done better, but it shows the level of hard work I put in so please give him a round of applause as our heavyweight champion of the world.’

Joshua pushed Usyk all the way and produced a more impressive performance in his first fight at Tottenham Hotspur stadium last year but couldn’t find a way past his Ukrainian counterpart.

The former champion insisted he was a ‘new breed of heavyweight’ in the aftermath of defeat as he labelled Usyk as a ‘phenomenal talent’.

“I’m not a 12 round fighter, look at me, I’m a new breed of heavyweights, Mike Tyson, Sonny Liston, Jack Dempsey, ‘you don’t throw combinations like Rocky Marciano’, I’m 18 stone, I’m heavy, it’s hard work.

“This guy here is a phenomenal talent, we’re going to cheer for him three times.”

Seven years ago, Usman outpointed Edwards as part of what became a 19-fight win streak for the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’, earning him the title of UFC’s pound-for-pound king.

Edwards also came into this  fight on an undefeated streak, winning nine bouts in a row, while patiently waiting for his first title shot.

The Jamaican-born Briton avenged his loss to Usman in 2015, leaving Utah as welterweight champion after landing a vicious kick that sent Usman sprawling to the canvas with just seconds left of their five-bout clash.

The fight started with both fighters throwing caution to the wind and a confident Usman landing solid blows on Edwards’ face and sides. The Brit countered and locked Usman down getting his own clean hits in.

In the subsequent rounds, Usman kept his feet on the ground as an ankle injury hampered his movement, but he was still able to land some solid punches on Edwards.

The fight wasn’t close as the fourth round ended with Usman winning 3-1 and only needed to avoid a knockout to retain his title and match MMA Greatest of All Time Anderson Silva with six successive title defences.

However, in round five, the unlikely happened as the Brit feinted and tricked Usman, using the opening to land a solid left kick on Usman’s head, which sent the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ to an early rest.

On becoming the new UFC welterweight champion, Edwards said, “I feel great. They all said I couldn’t do it, they all said I couldn’t do it. Look at me now.

“It doesn’t matter. From the trenches. I’m built like this. I go until the final bell. Pound-for-pound, head shot, dead.

“I told you we could win a belt from the UK, now look at me. There is no pound-for-pound, the belt belongs to nobody.

“I told you, mum, I’d change our lives. World champion, world champion, look at me now. I was born in Jamaica with nothing. I lived in a wood shack with a zinc roof.”

Ondo: Deji, Iralepo Clash Over Traditional Festival, Issue Contradictory Directives

By
Ayodele Oni
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Oba Oluwadare Ogunlade - Deji of Akure

By Ayodele Oni

The unhealthy rivalry between the Deji of Akure, Oba Oluwadare Ogunlade and Iralepo of Isinkan, Oba Oluwagbemiga Ajimokunola continues as two different directives were released from their Palaces concerning the celebration of an annual traditional festival.

Oba Ogunlade, who is Chairman, State Council of Obas, announced the closure of all Markets and Shops in Akure on Monday 22nd August, 2022.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deji of Akure, Michael Adeyeye, the closure becomes necessary as part of the age-long tradition in observance of the annual Aheregbe Festival.

The statement informed residents that no trading or opening of shops under any guise will be allowed during the festival.

The Palace urged Market Women and shop owners to comply with this directive adding that only Pharmacy shops and Patent Medicine Stores will be allowed to open during the festival.

Another statement credited to the Iralepo of Isinkan, Oba Ajimokunola felicitated with the Deji of Akure kingdom over the Aheregbe festival and prayed for the success of the festival.

The statement added that the Iralepo used the opportunity to invite shoppers in Akure to come to Isinkan for their business and shoppings during the Aheregbe period as shops and businesses shall remain open in every part of the Isikan domain.

Apparently reacting to a statement issued by the Deji’s Palace that market and shops should be closed in observance of the annual Aheregbe Festival, Iralepo said such directive does not affect traders in Isinkan Kingdom.

In a statement personally signed, the Iralepo, who said it is a taboo to bring such festival to Isinkan said forcing such on the community would have grave consequences.

While saying though Akure and Isinkan share what some may consider blurred boundaries, the Monarch said indigenes of the two communities know their domains. Their boundaries are not blurred.

“For the purpose of emphasis, I will like to say that Isinkan shares boundary with Akure at Imogun, just before Saint Thomas’ Anglican Church, Isinkan, and Ondo at Owena river. In all these areas markets and shops are not closed for Aheregbe festival.

“It is a taboo and has consequence on Isinkan Community as well as the priest of the festival. So, for peace to reign, Akure people should not bring the festival to my community and neither can they enforce market and shop closure here. This statement is necessary in order to remove any iota of doubt.”

While saying security agencies have been informed about the development, Oba Ajimokunola enjoined market women and traders on Isinkan land to go about their lawful businesses.

He equally enjoined the youths of the community to remain calm.

Also, the Elemo of Isinkan, High Chief Olasehinde Abidakun while providing clarification explained that Isinkan community is not and has never been part of Aheregbe festival celebration of the people of Akure or any other such celebrations.

The Elemo stated that all Akure festivals stop at Imogun. He explained further that exporting Akure festivals into Isikan land will amount to courting trouble and affirmed the support of all the chiefs and people of Isikan for Iralepo.

Just a few weeks ago, the two Monarchs installed two different persons as Head of a Quarter within their domain.

Ogun: Serial Killer On The Lose – Police Command Warns

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Nigeria Police Force

By Adesina Soyooye

Ogun State indigenes and residents especially women, and those who live around the Remo area of the State, are in danger. They are not only threatened, a number of them could lose their lives

A serial killer is on the lose, a worried Ogun State Police Command has warned. And he kills mercilessly and brutally.

According to the Ogun State Police Command in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Oyeyemi,  the killer’s method is simple. He prtends to be a motorcyclist, popular as an Okada rider. Then he picks his preys, mostly women, and kills them.

Nobody knows what he does with the bodies of his victims. Is he a psychopath? Does he kill for the fun of it? Is he a ritualist? Or a body parts seller? Does he have  customers?  What does he look like?

Unfortunately, the Police did not give much information or even a description of him – age, height, color of skin, make of the motorcycle he uses. The only information the Police gave is that he operates, especially, around the Remo area of the State.

Following is the statement released by the Police.

“The Ogun state Police Command wishes to inform the general public that a yet to be identified serial killer is on the prowl in Remo axis of the state.

“The modus operandi of the serial killer is to pretend as a commercial motorcyclist popularly known as “okada” and pick his targeted victim as passenger. Such victim who are mainly women will be taken to an isolated area, raped and brutally murdered in cold blood.

“While the Command is doing everything possible to apprehend the hoodlum, it is necessary to alert the public to be on their guard and be wary of any okada man with whom they want to embark on a journey, most especially in the night.

“For safety reasons, the command hereby advise that passengers should endeavour to demand for the phone number of okada rider who wants to carry them in the night.”

“They should also make a call to such number to ascertain its authenticity.

This will give security agencies a lead in their investigation in the event of any untowards development.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Bankole, while assuring the public that everything possible will be done to fish out the serial killer within the shortest possible period, urged the public to cooperate with the police by giving adequate and useful information that can assist in this onerous task.”

Obasanjo Denies Tinubu; Puts A Lie To Gbajabiamila’s Claims; Says  I Did Not Endorse Tinubu For President

By
Adesina Soyooye
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By Adesina Soyooye

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has decried the lies told against him by some supporters of the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

If a number of people were taken aback that Tinubu had the courage to visit Obasanjo, apparently, to seek  support for his Presidential aspiration, considering that Tinubu had, months back, dragged Obasanjo in the gutter, they were more surprised read that Obasanjo endorsed Tinubu during that visit.

The story of the endorsement had gone viral, pushed, especially, by the pronouncement of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, who was among those who accompanied Tinubu to visit Obasanjo in Abeokuta a couple of days ago.

Gbajabiamila, narrating to his Surulere Consttuents what transpired between Obasanjo and Tinubu during the visit,  more than hinted that Obasanjo endorsed Tinubu’s aspiration. With what Obasanjo told Tinubu, Gbajabiamila told his constituents, Tinubu has already become the President.

Presidential candidates in Nigeria have a habit of visiting some high profile Nigerians, including Traditional Rulers, to seek for support. So Tinubu did nothing out of the ordinary by visiting Obasanjo.

However, such high profile hosts rarely endorse their guests. They usually wish the aspirants the best in their aspiration. Which was why the story that emanated from Tinubu’s camp after the visit surprised not a few people.

However, Obasanjo has debunked the story of his endorsement of Tinubu. He dismissed Tinubu’s supporters who peddled the story of the endorsement by him as liars. He warned them to desist from such lies, and disclosed that their discussion never got to the stage of endorsement. He dismissed the claims as unauthorised and fake.

In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, on Saturday, the former Presient noted that “the statements coming from those claiming to be supporters of Bola Tinubu are unhelpful.”

He explained that the discussion between the two of them was more brotherly than political, adding that at the behest of Tinubu, he, Obasanjo “agreed to no statement from either side.”

Obasanjo: “Those claiming to be insiders at the meeting issuing statement on the discussion and those crediting to me statement I had not made are enemies of the visitor and are not doing the visit any good.”

Obasanjo was a two-term President of Nigeria under the PDP. But in 2015, he declared himself ”partyless”, and in an unprecedented action at his level, tore his PDP membership card.

He, then,  supported the then opposition party, APC, and its Presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, to defeat the ruling PDP and the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan.

From all his utterances since after Buhari’s first term in office, Obasanjo seems to have regretted backing Buhari.

In 2019, he backed the Presidential candidate of the PDP, his former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar. But Buhari still held sway, earning a second term.

Against 2023, Atiku is, again the candidate of the PDP. It is not known, yet, who Obasanjo will back.

However, political analysts insist it is not likely to be Tinubu.

Secondus Rebukes Governor Wike; Tells Him “You Cannot Be Governor Forever”

By
The Source
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Uche Secondus and Nyesom Wike

By Charles Igbo

The immediate past National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus,  has reminded  the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, of the transient nature of power. “You will not be Governor forever”, Secondus told Wike.

Secondus said this in a terse statement while responding to Wike’s threat that he would crush all those associating and conniving with Secondus in support of the PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

On Saturday at a function in Omagwa, Ikwerre, Wike had, in his usual brash and blunt manner, allegedly said he would crush all those working with Secondus for Atiku, noting that a number of them has shifted their loyalty away from him.

Wike: “We will take every might that we have. We will even leave our enemy and finish you first.

“So, all of you going to Abuja to hold meetings with our enemies in the State,  I’m going to finish you to the last.”

But Secondus, in a terse statement released from his Media Office reminded Wike that he would not be Governor forever.

He derided what he described as the Governor’s “disdainful threat that he would crush anybody who works with him in support of the PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.”

He went further: “Wike, you cannot crush anybody. I cannot fight or join issue with you. Only God can crush.

“No condition is permanent, and nobody can become Governor of a State or President of his country forever.”

Secondus and Wike were close political allies. It was Wike who literally installed Secondus as the PDP National Chairman. Ironically, midway into his tenure, Wike moved against Secondus, and removed him from office over, according to Wike, incompetence.

Secondus on his part said Wike went after him because he refused to allow Wike run the office of the National Chairman for him.

However, not a few people now think that Wike wanted Secondus out because of his (Wike’s) Presidential ambition. They say Wike did not Secondus to preside over the Presidential Primary. Unfortunately, that did not help the Governor much.

In the case of Atiku, Wike declared him a political enemy after Atiku defeated him at the PDP Presidential Primary. The relationship soured more than ever when Atiku picked Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate instead of Wike.

Since then, the PDP has known no peace as it has been literally divided into Camp Atiku and Camp Wike.

In Rivers State, Wike has gone after his allies who  visited Atiku without his knowledge. He, also, wants the National Chairman of the Party, Iyorchia Ayu to step down since the Presidential candidate is, like Ayu, a Northerner. Ayu has refused to do so insisting he was elected to a four-year tenure.

The PDP is desperate to make peace between Atiku and Wike. The two PDP chieftains have nominated representatives from their different camps to meet and find a lasting solution to the crisis between them.

Oshiomhole: As Governor, Obaseki And I Slept Same Suite; Says Edo Governor Among Very Few who Call Him By Nickname

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Adams Oshomhole and Godwin Obaseki

By Akinwale Kasali

Former All Progressives Congress, APC, National Chairman, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole has  revealed that as Governor, he was sleeping in same Hotel suite with the incumbent Edo Governor, Godwin Obaseki each time they traveled. He was, however quick to add that they slept in separate beds.  He explained that the bond he shares with Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki goes beyond politics.

Obaseki was Oshiomhole’s Chief of Staff, and he was instrumental to Obaseki succeeding him in office.

This comment is coming barely two years after the duo battled for the soul of Edo State, as Obaseki faced his one time godfather squarely in the battle for supremacy.

Oshiomhole had caused the disqualification of Obaseki from running for a second term in office, and imposed , Osagie Ize-Iyamu on the  APC,  prompting Obaseki to  defect to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to actualize his dream.

The fight between Oshiomhole and Obaseki who were once bosom friends put the political landscape of the State in crisis.

But in a landslide victory, Obaseki defeated the former Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, boss and his candidate at the polls, and was  re-elected as the Governor of the State.

Both men,  though  political enemies, are always in their best behaviour each time they ran into each at public functions.

On several occasions, Obaseki had denied having any grudge or issues with his predecessor, except on  his style of politics.

“I don’t have anything personal against Oshiomhole. I may not like his politics, but he has not done anything personal against me. We all are interacting with the interest of the country and the development of our community at heart,” he said.

Oshiomhole in an interview with THE PUNCH Newspaper on Friday said that Obaseki remained his close brother and friend despite their reported frosty relationship.

The two-term governor of Edo State also affirmed that he still had fond memories of their time together.

“For me, I have moved on. Obaseki remains my brother and friend. I have had the honour of working with him and God in his infinite power used me to ensure that he became the governor of Edo State.

“Sometimes, God wants us to know that He is the only one that is all-knowing. He is the only one who knows the beginning and the end. When, as human beings, everything seems to add up, we celebrate our intellect. But sometimes, God intervenes just for us to know that we don’t know it all and it is meant to remind us of our limited knowledge of life. He remains my brother and friend.

“When I was governor and he worked under me, my relationship with him was not that of boss and subordinate. He was one of the very few who called me by my nickname. When we travelled together on foreign trips, we didn’t book different suites in a hotel. Instead we shared the same suite in a hotel but slept in separate rooms. That’s how close we were.”

Political analysts have said that the statement credited to Oshiomhole may be mere  political talk as he is also vying for the Edo North Senatorial District Seat, having gotten the ticket on the platform of the APC.

As there is no permanent friend nor permanent enemies in  politics, maybe Oshiomhole is trying to put that  into practice by indirectly wooing Obaseki, some political analysts say.

Expert Proffers Way Out Of Building Collapse In Nigeria, Says Too Many Quacks In Industry

By
Ayodele Oni
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Garba Olorunoje

By Ayodele Oni

A building expert has observed that non-passage of the national Building Code into law, refusal and inadequate use of materials have been identified as some of the factors responsible for increasing building collapse in Nigeria.

Mr Garba Olorunoje, the immediate past Deputy Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, made the observations while delivering the 24th edition of Professor E.K Obiakor lecture series of the polytechnic.

Olorunoje, a Chief Lecturer at the Department of Building Technology at the polytechnic, explained that the major causes of building collapse in the country were due to human errors, due mainly to use of non professionals, which could be avoided.

“Negligence of statutory duties by the various parties involved in the industry is a key factor, hence they must ensure that sanity is brought into play by exercising control over the many processes of building design, construction and maintenance.”

To reduce the problem of building collapse, the Lecturer advocated quick passage of the National Building Code 2006 into law to serve as a check on culprits.

Other suggestions, according to him, include employment of professionals to handle building projects, applying stringent penalties against those responsible for collapse of buildings, sending monitoring teams to inspect building projects.

“Town planning and similar statutory authorities should be adequately staffed and equipped with professionals in the construction industry for effective monitoring of projects during and after construction.

“The current practice where approvals are granted based on personal relationship is dangerous as it does not only criminally distort the master plan of our cities, but encourages building construction in flood plains and in places that have not enjoyed enough setback from high tension cables.”

Olorunoje also pointed out that government should strengthen institutions such as the Nigerian Building and Roads Research Institute, Centre for Earth Construction Technology and other relevant bodies for efficient housing delivery and reduction in building collapse in the Nation.

“Government should provide enabling laws to enforce the training and effective control of Artisans and Craftsmen in the building industry by the relevant professional bodies.

“It show the way by ensuring that those awarded housing projects are not just their political associates whose training may not have been in the field of construction.”

The building Expert further suggested that regular audit of defective structures must be carried out and structures marked for demolition should be demolished before they cause havoc to lives and properties.

“Members of the public must assist government and its agencies by refusing to harbour the identity of quacks operating illegally in the industry.

“They must expose incompetent or dubious contractors carrying out their activities which could eventually lead to collapse.”

In his remarks, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti, Dr. Dayo Oladebeye said the topic of the lecture was apt and timely in view of the alarming cases of building collapse in the country.

Dr. Oladebeye noted that many lives have been lost in Nigeria as a result of poor construction of buildings.

Cross Rivers: Police Detain Journalist, Jalingo In Abuja For Insulting Ayade’s Wife

By
James Orji
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Rights activist, Agba Jalingo has been moved to Abuja where he’s now being detained by the police.

He was initially detained at the Lagos state police Command, Ikeja before he was flown to the nation’s capital earlier today.

The magazine learnt that operatives of the NPF took him on a flight from the Murtala Mohammed Airport to Abuja on Saturday.

The activist and publisher Cross River Watch had on Friday cried out that his residence at Alapere in Lagos had been surrounded by policemen who later arrested him.

Jalingo’s wife later informed Channels Television on the telephone that her husband has been taken through a flight to Abuja.

The distraught wife said her husband alleged offense is  “Defamation of character and infringement of integrity on Frank Ayade’s wife, the younger brother to Cross River State, Governor Ben Ayade.”

Recall that the activist spent close to six months in detention in 2019, after he was accused of treason by the Cross Rivers state governor, Ben Ayade. The case was later quashed by a court.

Why My Govt. Will Not Increase Salary Of Civil Servants – Buhari

By
Akinwale Kasali
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President Muhammadu Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari

By Akinwale Kasali

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that Civil Servants across the country should not expect any increment in their salaries from the Federal Government.

Buhari said though his administration desired to make Civil Servants smile to the Bank, but due to the global inflation which has made the FG incapacitated, and tight financial constraints his administration is battling with a salary increase is not possible.

A  statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, quoted Buhari as giving the reasons when he received the Central Working Committee of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria at the State House, Abuja.

Responding to the committee’s request for the review of civil servants’ salaries, the President said while such a review was urgently needed due to global inflation, the Federal Government was working within tight revenue constraints caused by the diversion of resources to urgent security threats nationwide.

He stated, “I wish to urge you to appreciate the revenue constraint being presently faced by the government, which is caused mainly by the activities of unscrupulous citizens through the theft of our crude oil, a major contributor to our revenue base.

“This is compounded by the global economic downturn as a result of the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war, which has led to price increases not just in the costs of goods and services globally, but also in the transportation of these goods and services across the globe.

“You are also aware of the enormous burden placed on our finances by the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, let me note the significant investment we have had to make in security over the last seven years, which means other sectors of the economy have not been able to receive as much funding as we would have liked. Only when our country is secured that we are able to proceed and take on other aspects of our economic challenges.”

The President said he had directed that the Orosanye White Paper Report be subjected to immediate review for the Federal Government to implement its general recommendation.

Buhari, who stated that the review was about to be completed, said its implementation would bring some fundamental changes to the structure of the civil service.

It would be recalled that Oronsanye Report was Submitted in 2011, and as well been a subject of controversy as it proposes, among other things, the merging and outright scrapping of over 263 government agencies.

It also proposed that the law establishing the National Salaries and Wages Commission be repealed and its functions taken over by the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Responsibility Commission to save the government N2bn.

While noting that public service, as the engine room of government, should attract the best and the brightest, the President said, “I have directed that the Orosanye White Paper Report be subjected to immediate review to enable the government to take the most appropriate decision on its general recommendation.

“I am aware that the review is about to be completed. While some may complain about the length of time it has taken thus far, the outcome of the various review teams will lead to some fundamental changes in the structure of our civil service and as such, it must be subjected to rigorous review and scrutiny before presentation and implementation.”

He explained that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation would submit the harmonised white paper once it had been concluded.

The President noted that his regime remained focused on strengthening the service and ensuring that it helps the government to fulfil its objectives.

He also appreciated civil servants for their role in realising the targets of the Federal Government.

The President also told the ASCSN that its request for restoration of the payment of gratuity to public service employees was one of the landmark provisions addressed in the 2004 Pension Reform Act.

He stated, “Therefore, implementing your request for the payment of a bulk sum of gratuity to retired civil servants would negate the intent and provisions of the Act.

“It should be acknowledged that a change in the implementation of the Act will require an amendment by the National Assembly. But more importantly, the Pension Reform Act is a better designed and robust system that allows for safety of pensioners’ funds and their payment.”

On the harmonisation of salaries in the public service, the President said a committee was set up for that purpose under the Minister of Finance, which was still working.

Buhari said the Head of Service of the Federation had been directed to liaise with other relevant government agencies to see how the 2023 budget estimates could accommodate an increase in the budget of the Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board.

He explained that investment in security assets had been at a huge cost after several decades of negligence.

Buhari also expressed “unshaken” confidence in the Nigerian Armed Forces saying, “Recent reports have shown the message is now being heard and the dividends of our seven years of investments are now maturing.

“I implore our forces to continue with the current effort and determination until we rid our land of these miscreants.”

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, said members of the ASCSN had been supportive in actualising the programmes and policies of the regime, describing the leadership as mostly public servants who were vast in civil service procedures, adding, “So when you negotiate with them, it is easy; and when you make the right point, they know.”

The President of the ASCSN, Dr Tommy Okon, had earlier noted that the regime had been “worker-friendly” with the implementation of far-reaching reforms.

He called for an increase in salaries of civil servants, following increasing cost of living, restoration of full payment of gratuity at retirement, harmonisation of public service salaries and allowances, and increase in the budget of the National Housing Fund.

Atiku Vs Wike: “If Reconciliation Fails, We Shall Tell Our People Where To Vote” – Jerry Gana; Says Wike Will Be President

By
The Source
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0
Jerry Gana and Nyesom Wike

By Charles Igbo

Professor Jerry Gana, a Board of Trustee Member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was at his oratorial best. He was, also, at his contradictory best.

On the one hand, Gana told his audience to vote PDP in the upcoming 2023 General elections so as to sweep the All Progressives Congress, APC, out of power. But on the other hand, he told the same audience that they would be told where to vote if the efforts to reconcile  the PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike do not work.

Gana, a former Minister for Information under the General Ibrahim Babangida Military regime, and a close political ally of Wike, was sneaking in Porthacourt Rivers State, while flagging off the construction of the 12th over-head bridge to be embarked upon by the Wike administration.

Gana praised Wike to high heavens. He called him the best of the best. A performer. He called him the PDP pillar. Its poster boy. And a happy Wike lapped it all.

On the recent disappointments Wike has had in the Party these past few months, Gana asked Wike not to bother. He told Wike, not once, but twice, that Wike would eventually preside over Nigeria as the President.

Gana: “Your political future is bright. It is very bright. Age is on your side. Don’t worry.  You will eventually preside over this country.”

On the efforts being made by the Party to reconcile Atiku and Wike, Gana said it was progressing but quickly added that if they fail “we shall tell you where to vote.”

Wike a former PDP Presidential aspirant, has been angry with both the PDP leadership and Atiku ever since Atiku beat him to a second place during the Party’s Presidential Primary held in Abuja. His anger boiled over when Atiku skipped him and picked Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, as his running mate. Wike anxiously expected to be picked, especially when the Chairman of the Committee set up by Atiku and the Party  to screen and recommend a suitable running mate for Atiku, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, revealed that Wike won 14 out of the 17 votes cast.

Since then, Wike and his Camp, which includes Professor Gana, have given the PDP a wide berth. Instead, Wike has been publicly flirting with the opposition APC. He has, also, been dealing with PDP members in Rivers State, perceived to be close to Atiku. They include his former allies Dr Abiye Sekibo, former Transportation Minister, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Rt. Hon. Austin Opara, Senator Lee Maeba and former Governor, Celestine Omehia.

However, both Atiku and Wike have set up a Committee to sort out the crisis between them, and by extension in the Party. Professor Gana is one of those representing Wike at the Reconciliation Committee.

One of the conditions given by the Wike Camp for peace to reign is that the National Chairman of the Party, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, should step down for a Southerner to emerge the Chairman since the Presidential candidate, Atiku, is  Northerner.

The Ayu issue is an obstacle to the reconciliation efforts. Ayu has reneged on his promise to step down if a Northerner emerged the Presidential candidate. Now, he says he was elected for a four-year term, and would serve it out. Atiku, in an interview on ARISE TV, said Ayu would step down as soon as he wins the Presidential election.

The election has not been held yet. He has not won yet. And the Wike Camp is resolute in its demand on Ayu to step down now.

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