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Anyim Protests Absence Of List Of Delegates From Ebonyi State

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The Source
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Anyim Pius Anyim

Frontline presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim has expressed deep concern on the absence of list of  delegates from Ebonyi State, among the list of delegates from other states of the Federation, for the National convention of party scheduled to hold  on the 28th and 29th of May, 2022 in Abuja.

In an open letter of concern issued on Friday, 27th May 2022 and addressed to Prof Iyorchia Ayu, National Chairman of the PDP and Sen. David Mark,  Chairman of the PDP Special Convention, Anyim lamented that he had gone through the list of delegates from other states and the FCT but could not find that of Ebonyi State delegates.

Sen. Anyim noted with dismay,  that despite assurances by the National Organising Secretary   of the Party that, what he called ‘technical error’  would be rectified, the problem remained as at 12 noon on Friday 27th May.

The letter titled “Open Letter on the Absence of Ebonyi State Delegates List” reads:

“The Chairman may recall that during the meeting of Presidential aspirants and the Special Convention Committee held on the 26th day of May 2022 at the Legacy House, that the entire delegates list for all the states were presented to each of the aspirants.

“On an examination of the list, I discovered that the Ebonyi State delegates list was not included. On inquiry from the National Organizing Secretary, he informed me that there was a technical error and it will be corrected today.

“As at the time of writing this letter i.e. 12 noon 27th/05/2022, I have no clue about the fate of the delegates from Ebonyi State.

“The purpose of this letter is to alert all concerned that disenfranchising delegates from Ebonyi State or any state for that matter will fundamentally affect the election”, the open letter warned.

Children’s Day: Obi Calls on Nigerians to Consider Future of Children

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The Source
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Peter Obi with Children

Former Governor Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to always consider the future of their children when taking critical decisions that affect their future. Obi made these remarks in his Children’s Day Message.

Obi, who has always maintained that “The society we abuse today will take its revenge on our children tomorrow”, said that the slogan was borne out of the pattern he observed over the years, where politicians do not think about tomorrow and about the children, believing that countries survive by recklessness and extravagance.

He lamented that the parameters of national development  have continued to point towards uncertain future for Nigerian children, owing to the failure of governance in different teirs of government. He maintained that unless the present dangerous trend of failure is reversed, the Nigerian child remains disadvantaged.

Obi urged Nigerians to leverage on the coming elections and elect a leader who has the interest of the people at heart. He encouraged them to avoid being seduced into transactional politics and ensure that only credible persons, with track records of success, are elected into power.

Restating his commitment to  a united and secure Nigeria, required to secure  the future of Nigerian children, Obi said that if he is voted into power, he would  prioritize education of Nigerian children, ensuring that no Nigerian child  is let behind and that they can compete favourably with their counterparts elsewhere.

He advised the children to remain of good behaviour, take their education more seriously and remain law abiding and useful to the society. He wished them a happy children’s day.

Re: “Gang Up Against Obi” – Peter Obi Clarifies Viral Video; Says He Never Mentioned Atiku, Amaechi; Laments Mischief

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The Source
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Peter Obi

By Charles Igbo

A former Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, has clarified a viral Video where he was explaining his encounter with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

In the Video, Obi explained how he was grilled about his property in London by the Commission over a petition that he bought the House while he was a Governor. The petition had also alleged that the House cost a whopping One Billion Pounds.

But Obi, always ready with documents, said he showed them his papers which decisively proved he bought the house in 1996, long before he became a Governor, and that the cost was One Million Pounds only, at the time.

However, Obi has decried the trending Video which, he said,  gave the impression that he was ridiculing the Commission, and that he had mentioned the names of  Presidential aspirants, Atiku Abubakar and Chibuike Amaechi.

He said he never did, and that the Video was deliberately corrupted to knock heads together.

In a statement Obi said: “Listening to the video, one could easily discern the disconnected between the Video and the literary narrative. At no point in the video were the names of Atiku and Amaechi ever mentioned.  It is a vain  effort to pitch Obi against these people. Such destructive politics should be avoided by all men of goodwill.”

He said he recalled the encounter to “merely demonstrate the importance of rule of law and the obligation of public officers to voluntarily submit to due process when any doubt is raised about their conduct.”

Obi also re-emphasised his respect for the EFCC and other national security agencies “legitimately doing their work.”

The statement reads:

“Please kindly refer to a write-up entitled, “Gang Up Against Obi”, which was   circulated alongside a video clip, wherein  Mr. Peter Obi recalled his encounter with the EFCC. From the said video, Mr.  Obi merely demonstrated the importance of the rule of law and the obligation of public officers to voluntarily submit to due process when any doubt is raised about their conduct.

“Listening to the video, one could easily discern  the disconnect between the video and the literary narrative.  At no point in the video were the names of Atiku and Amaechi ever mentioned. It is a vain and wicked efforts to pitch Obi against these people. Such distractive politics should be avoided by all men of goodwill.

“Therefore, Mr. Peter Obi reiterates his respect for the EFCC and other national security agencies legitimately doing  their work. He  frowns at such deliberate efforts aimed at pitching individuals against these organizations and other respected Nigerians he has great respect for.”

Until a couple of days ago, Obi was the People’s Democratic Party’s frontline Presidential aspirant. But he shockingly and suddenly and unexpectedly, resigned from the PDP, and withdrew from the Presidential Primaries of the Party.

He is being awaited to declare under which new party he would run.

Children’s Day Celebration: My Administration Changing Future Of Children – Gov Akeredolu

By
Ayodele Oni
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Rotimi Akeredolu
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, said his administration cherishes the future of children which has made government to invest in programmes that will guarantee their future.

This was contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Richard Olatunde to commemorate this year’s children day celebration.

The Governor congratulated children in the state on the occasion of the 2022 Children’s Day celebration describing them as precious blessings and heritage of God which must be nurtured to greatness.

The Governor assured that his administration will continue to prioritise the well-being and secure a better future for the children in the state.

“Our administration recognizes the importance of massive investment in the future of our children.

“In our first term, we deployed huge resources in reconstructing our public primary schools to ensure that our children learn in a conducive environment. We are not resting on our oars.

“We have also employed qualified teachers into our public primary schools to bridge the long time dearth of teachers in our schools.

“Through the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), we didn’t only employ teachers, we have also ensured that they were properly deployed even to the rural communities.

“The primacy accorded to accessible and affordable education of children in the sunshine state, under our administration, birthed the payment of WAEC fees and our unwavering commitment to quality education for our children.

“We believe that education is the key to a better tomorrow. It is our resolve to continue to invest in education for the future empowerment of our children. They are critical stakeholders in the country.”

The Governor, while reiterating his administration’s determination to continue to wage war against perpetrators of violence against children, said their security is paramount.

“We shall continue to pursue and protect the basic rights of children in the sunshine state, in line with global expectations from States contained in the United Nations Child’s Rights Convention, 1989, domesticated as Nigeria’s Child’sRights Act 2003, and Ondo State Child’s Rights Law, in 2007.

“The protection, survival and development of children shall continue to be our top priority.

“For us in Ondo State, our eyes are on building enduring legacies that will change the fortune of our state for good and create a prosperous state for our children who are the leaders of tomorrow. We are planting trees, under which shades, they shall rest.”

Governor Akeredolu rejoiced with the children while urging them to watch the friends they associate with noting that peer groups will only end up in spoiling good habits.

Nollywood: Akindele, Aigbe Launch Fundraiser For Colleague, Kemi Afolabi’s Lupus Treatment

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Kemi Afolabi

By Akinwale Kasali

Nollywood Actress of Yoruba Genre, Kemi Afolabi has appreciated her colleagues for the Fundraiser launched to assist her for the Lupus Treatment.

Afolabi had, a couple of months ago, revealed her health status, with limited time to live, leading to emotional outpouring of love and concern by her colleagues in the make-believe industry and her teeming fans.

Now, Funke Akindele-Bello, Mercy Aigbe, Wunmi Toriola, Toyin Abraham, Yomi Fabiyi and others have come to the aid of their colleague by launching a fundraiser.

Afolabi took to her Instagram page on Social Media, appreciating her colleagues in a post for setting up a fundraiser towards her treatment.

She specifically mentioned  Mercy Aigbe, Funke Akindele-Bello, Toyin Abraham, Yomi Fabiyi, Akin Olaiya, Adeoti Kazim, Shola Kosoko, Wumi Toriola, and others.

She said, “I appreciate you all for putting this together just for me. God bless you and yours.”

According to her, the treatment, which will take place abroad, has been scheduled to begin in June 2022.

She added that she was aware of the bank account that had been opened towards the treatment.

“I, Kemi Afolabi, is aware of the account opened to support my medical treatment abroad which commences in June 2022,” she wrote, adding the account details.

She also urged fans to contribute to the GOFundMe account that has been created on her behalf.

Appreciating the contributors, she said, “God bless everyone who has contributed. Thank you all.”

Two months ago, the actress had raised the alarm concerning scammers taking advantage of her situation on Facebook, but on this, she has consented to it.

APC Primaries: Gov Akeredolu Is Acting God, Alleges PDP

By
The Source
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By Ayodele Oni

The People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) in Ondo State says the imposition of candidates instead of party primaries by the All Progressive Congress, (APC) will spell total doom for the ruling party.

Citing ongoing APC primary in Ondo state, the PDP said the APC is gradually preparing for its extinction from the political landscape of Nigeria.

Ondo PDP, in a statement by its spokesman, Kenedy Peretei, stated that: “The next couple of days will be very interesting.

“The contraption called All Progressives Congress (APC) would have finally extinguished itself. In Ondo State for example, one does not need the prophetic exactitude of a Jewish prophet to know that, Rotimi Akeredolu led APC will have a tragic outing in the 2023 general elections.

“Whereas, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held credible, transparent and peaceful party primaries across Nigeria, for State Houses of Assembly and National Assembly, the APC keeps adjusting and re-adjusting the time-table for screening presidential aspirants and party primaries, all with the intension to foist anointed presidential candidate through arm twisting process called consensus.

“If General Mohammadu Buhari(rtd) was able to pull through with this kind of anomally during the heavily compromised APC National Convention in ‘Selecting’ national officers for the party, it may not be a tea party for choosing who becomes the standard bearer for the 2023 elections.

“Not many supporters and faithfuls of the APC in Ondo State could come to terms with the audacity and high handedness with which Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN and his man Friday, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, Ondo State APC Chairman, who distributed party tickets to individuals that Akeredolu considers as loyal party members. All 26 House of Assembly candidates were handpicked by Akeredolu.

“Those who insisted on party primaries were blackmailed and intimidated to withdraw.

“When members of his party complained, an official statement was issued by his media handlers to muscle up dissenting voices, dismissing them as not appreciating the trouble Akeredolu takes in holding the party together.

“On the appointed date for the Primaries, Delegates were shocked as designated venues were desolate. Needless to say that, all aggrieved persons are waiting to participate in the final burial rites of the APC.

“A particular case in point is Ondo East Local Government where one of Akeredolu’s Commissioners was accused of using thugs and guns to kidnap delegates opposed to the choice of the Governor.

“The drama is still unfolding. Across the State, most persons are awaiting how all these will play out shortly.

“It is unbelievable that a man who emerged through a party primaries where he never stood any chance of winning can turn around to act god in the affairs of those who have endured him in the last six years.

“Anyway, what to expect in Akeredolu’s zoo is a child’s play compared to the dinner Buhari and his team of power hungry hawks will serve in Abuja where the APC will be interned after the consensus primaries.

“Recall also that, all presidential aspirants have voluntarily signed a document, announcing their withdrawal from the presidential race.

“About nine of such aspirants, all of whom paid a princely N100m for Nomination Forms have stepped down for Dr. Ahmad Lawan, the incumbent Senate President.

“Senator Uzor Kalu while announcing his withdrawal from the race took an entire paragraph to congratulate Lawan. Those who are blinded by their presidential ambitions will receive their sight at the APC burial ceremony.

“How Rotimi Akeredolu succeeded to silence everybody to perpetrate this level of impunity in a party of men and women some of whom have been in party politics for decades is very surprising.

“How he subdued all voices of reason will make an interesting reading in future.

“What cannot be said with finality is whether or not Akeredolu will be able to prevail on his brother Governor, Supreme Court Governor, Hope Uzodinma of Imo State to handpick Ada Owere

Betty Akeredolu for the Imo East Senatorial seat.

“If he fails to accomplish that, all these efforts will not be worthwhile, because, the day another governor is sworn-in on 24th February, 2025, that is when Akeredolu will realise that, indeed, the people of Ondo State have merely tolerated him.

“It will be a huge compensation, if by any means lawful, he can make Betty a Senator come 2023.

“For now, while all ears are to the ground, we urge Akededolu to shun actions that will consign internal democracy to the dustbin.

“It is unlawyerly and primitive to think people can be taken for a ride in this crude manner.”

Osun: Aregbesola’s APC Faction Petitions Against Oyetola, Alleges Foul Play At House Of Assembly Primaries

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Adegboyega Oyetola

By Akinwale Kasali

The Osun Progressives, TOP, a  faction of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the State of Osun, has lamented the ill treatment meted out on their aspirants at the APC Party Primary of the House of Assembly in the State.

The Group, through its Chairman, Lowo Adebiyi has called the attention of the National Chairman of the party, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu,  to the fact that  Governor Gboyega Oyetola  has refused to behaved in the expected civilised democratic manner in the conduct of the House of Assembly primary election.

Adebiyi indicted Oyetola, alleging that like it happened during the party congresses, incidentally with the Governor  as part of the Committee running the party affairs then, the Governor and the Gboyega Famodun led APC hoarded the House of Assembly nomination and expression of interest forms till the late hour.

This, he alleged forced some aspirants, who belong to TOP, to obtain their nomination and intention forms from the National Secretariat in Abuja.

It added that by virtue of the recognition granted the fraudulently constituted Famodun-led State Executive of the party, they made life  hell for the aspirants during screening, as they were made to wait all day, not minding their arrival time.

In the statement, he said,

“We note that the act was deliberate as it provided the Pastor Ize Iyamu screening Committee the opportunity to easily identify those to be maliciously disqualified  and for effect, their forms were kept aside in the Osogbo Secretariat as we speak.

“To show how much intolerant they are, Oyetola and Famodun called a meeting of aspirants where the Governor made it clear that he was not going to allow any aspirant from the Osun Progressives TOP to be picked as he is doubtful of their loyalty to him and not necessarily the party.

“Today is the primary and the time is about 5pm, the primary is yet to take place anywhere in the State and none of the aspirants in the Osun Progressives TOP has clear cut information on what is to be done in an exercise they have committed huge sums individually, including payment of N2million into the party’s account.

“We, at the Osun Progressives TOP feel the process has been made lopsided against members of our caucus and the outcome is not likely  going to be fair to them.

“Therefore, it is our belief that the National Chairman will do well to intervene in the interest of the party which has shown our caucus much disorientation because we see issues in perspective different from Governor Oyetola’s.

“We note that Governor Oyetola has taken his bitterness and hatred too far against our caucus and we note that it is democratic to have caucus within any political party that will synergies some members’ common interest.

“Governor Oyetola should note that except that he is elected governor, no party member is in any way less useful than the other. Also, he should note that his governorship is time bound and that some day, he would returned to ordinary member”, the statement reads.

Adamawa 2023: Senator Aishatu Wins APC Governorship Ticket; Defeats Ribadu, Bindow

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed

By Akinwale Kasali

In a historic battle, which played out in Yola, Adamawa State Capital,  Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed, popularly known as Binani, emerged as the first Female Governorship Candidate in the history of Adamawa State. She won the ticket for the Governorship ticket to fly the flag of the opposition, All Progressives Congress, APC, in the State.

She won in style, defeating high profile competitors – a former Adamawa State Governor, Jibrilla Bindow,  and a former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Nuhu Ribadu, a retired AIG of Police.

The Senator won the APC Governorship Primaries by scoring 430 votes, to Bindow’s 103, Ribadu’s 288, Hon. Namda’s 94, Umar Otumba’s 39, and Wafari’s  21 votes.

It would be recalled that the Late Aisha Jummai Alhassan, Mama Taraba won Taraba APC gubernatorial ticket in 2014 and that made her the first woman to win a gubernatorial ticket of a major political party in Nigeria.

Senator Aishatu will give the incumbent Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, a good fight in the Governorship race.

Adamawa: Woman Beats Ribadu, Others To Emerge APC Gov Candidate

By
James Orji
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0

By James Orji

Adamawa state has produced the first female governorship candidate in the current dispensation, after Senator Aishatu Binani won the All Progressives’ Congress, APC ticket to contest next year’s election.

Binani, a senator representing Adamawa Central defeated Nuhu Ribadu and a former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and a formr governor of the state Jibrilla Bindow.

She is expected to square up with the incumbent Governor Ahmadu Fintiri and other governorship candidates in next year’s election.

According to the results declared by the party in Yola, the state’s capital on Friday, Senator Binani polled 430 votes to beat Bindow who polled 103 votes and Ribadu, who secured 288 votes.

Binani’s feat makes her only the second female flag bearer of a major political party in Nigeria.

Aisha Alhassan, the late former minister of women affairs, was the first to tow the path.

She was the candidate of the APC in the Taraba state governorship election in 2015.

Although she lost the election to Ishaku Darius, she challenged his victory at the court of appeal and supreme court — but lost her case.

Alhassan, popular as ‘Mama Taraba’ died in May 2021.

FBN Holdings: Okonkwo Harps On Artificial Intelligence; Profit Stands At N166.7bn

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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0

By Tosin Olatokunbo

The Group Managing Director, First Bank Holding Plc, Nnamdi Okonkwo has assured stakeholders of the financial behemoth that artificial intelligence and modern technology will be key for the company’s drive towards operational efficiency.

Okonkwo made the comment on the back of the group’s release of its 2021 audited report to the Nigerian Exchange, NGX, which showed that the group recorded a whopping N166.7 billion profit before tax, PBT, almost 100 per cent increase compared to N83.7 billion in 2020.

The GMD, in his response to the sterling performance said the group will continue to ensure that it remained customers-focused despite the challenging business environment.

The Holdco, he stated has been able to overcome the corona virus pandemic which posed serious challenges to the economy, and the banking sector particularly in the last two years.

According to him, “I am very proud to have assumed the role of Group Managing Director of this great organisation in January 2022 and I am excited about building on the momentum of recent positive developments.

‘Our performance over the course of 2021 is reflective of the resilience of the Group and underpins our growth strategy to generate sustainable value for all our stakeholders.

“As a Group, we are acutely aware of the macroeconomic challenges facing businesses and remain focussed on carefully navigating the environment through innovation and by putting our customers at the centre of our attention.

“As a financial service holding company, driving synergies remains a critical part of our strategy and has been integrated into every aspect of our delivery model. We pride ourselves in the uniqueness of our diversified portfolio and the collaborative ecosystem that we have built around our lines of business, our customers, and the unique value proposition that we deliver.

“We are also increasingly leveraging technology – artificial intelligence, robotics, and other next-generation technological advancements, to deepen collaboration and further drive operational efficiency across the Group,” he said.

The group also revealed in its un-audited results to the Nigerian NGX, that gross earnings rose to N757.3 billion, up from N590.7 billion in the previous year of 2020.

The figures also indicate that net interest income declined by 9.3 per cent to N228.2 billion as against N251.6 billion in 2020; its non-interest revenue grew by 96.1 per cent to ₦364.6 billion, up from N185.9 billion it recorded in 2020.

The deposit from customers grew by 19.5 per cent year on year to N5.9 trillion, up from N4.9 trillion it made in 2020.

In the period under review, total assets also grew by over 16 per cent to N8.9trillion, up from N7.7trillion in the previous year, while Its Non-Performing Loan, NPL ratio declined to 6.1 per cent compared to 7.7 per cent in 2020.

On his part, the Managing Director of FBN Limited Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, said the performance was based on strategic planning, restructuring and operational efficiency.

Adeduntan said: “This performance was driven by a relentless focus on the needs of customers and improving the competitiveness of our offerings. We have sharpened our ‘Go To Market’ approach to better leverage the opportunities which our large scale provides in addition to becoming more relevant to our clients by improving our value propositions.

“This performance is also in line with the Bank’s Quantum Profitability Leap agenda which seeks to ensure that we fully maximise the revenue generating capacity of our business to boost the bottom line and fulfil the expectations of all stakeholders in the business.

“The demonstrated resilience of our franchise to headwinds and excellent risk management capabilities place us in a good position to weather any macro-economic shocks which may arise due to the volatile nature of current operating environment.

“Our Non-performing loans ratio at the end of the year was 6.1% which represents significant progress towards those of other Tier 1 banks and the regulatory threshold of 5.0%. We will continue to leverage our investments in digital platforms, IT infrastructure, people, and pan-African operations to ensure this growth trend is sustained”.

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