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Cruel Fate As Anatune, Soludo’s Aide, Dies

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The Source
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Joe Anatune

By Charles Igbo

All through the several months that the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Soludo, was in the trenches, fighting to win the Governorship seat of Anambra State, Mr Joe Anatune was by his side.

Anatune transverse the State with him as the Head Soludo’s Campaign Media Team. He watched his Principal’s back in the Media  – clarified, defended, hit back.

On November 6, 2921, their efforts paid off. Soludo won in a landslide. So hurray. Time for Anatune to enjoy the fruit of his labour.

But no. Fate played a cruel game.

On Saturday, April 30, Anatune suddenly died, sending shock waves within the Soludo political circle.

Anatune, was, on April 19, appointed by Soludo as the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the State’s Signage and Advertising Agency, AnambraState. He has barely sat down on his chair when death came calling.

In a Press Release, Soludo’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime confirmed  Anatune’s death, and conveyed Governor Soludo’s shock and utter disbelief.

Said  Aburime: “Governor Soludo described Joe Anatune as one of the foremost Apostles of the Soludo project with an uncommon strength and courage to deliver on any given assignment.

“He stated further that Joe’s personal sacrifices during his electioneering campaign were not only exceptional but highly commendable.

“He spearheaded the Soludo Promoters Forum (SPF) and for two years used the platform to engage the professionals into mainstream politics. The government and the good people of Anambra State will sorely miss Joe Anatune,”

Aburime, 62, from Awa, Anambra State, was married to Ifeyinwa with whom he had children.

Workers Are The Strong Room Of Government – Gov Akeredolu

By
Ayodele Oni
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Akeredolu and workers

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has promised workers in the state that government would not shy away from prompt payment of their salaries and entitlements.

The Governor congratulated the workers in the state on the occasion of the 2022 Workers’ Day Celebration.

Mr Akeredolu saluted the resilience and dedication of the civil servants which have engendered optimum service delivery to the people of the state.

The Governor appreciated the leadership of the organized labour in the state for the continued exhibition of maturity, understanding and support, particularly at these challenging times.

Workers in the state are being owed salaries, while leave grants and cooperative deductions are hanging.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Richard Olatunde stated that the Governor noted that “The workers are the strong engine room of every government. Their contributions to the success of any administration can not be over-emphasized.

“It is in recognition of the importance of our workers that this administration has continued to place premium on their welfare.

“We have set aside the obnoxious practice which encouraged partisan politics and truncate the careers of committed public servants.

“Our administration has in the last five years, determined the promotion of public servant on merit. These promotion exercises are regular and timely.

“We have repositioned our civil service and promote discipline among public officers. We have instilled values that encourage better performance and reward hard work. We shall continue to get better.

“We have recently approved the bifurcation of the Directorate of Finance and Administration into two departments.

“This is in line with the Federal Government’s directive that the directorate be separated into two departments for the purpose of specialization and to promote optimum service delivery.

“The newly bifurcated departments are the Finance and Accounts; and the Administration and Supplies.

“It is our belief that this bifurcation will further strengthen the delivery of services and allow core professionals to handle their schedules. We will continue to strive for more excellence in the civil service.

“While we are optimistic that better days await us, we shall not shy away from performing our avowed responsibilities.

“We shall keep exploring every available means to ensure that we meet our obligations of paying workers salaries, pensions and gratuities, and subventions as and when due, despite the paucity of fund and the dwindling federal allocation.”

Governor Akeredolu urged the workers to rededicate themselves to the service of the state and join hands with his administration to deliver on the “REDEEMED” agenda of his second term in office.

Workers In Edo State To Enjoy N40,000 Minimum Wage, Amidst Unpaid Retirees’ Gratuities

By
Ayodele Oni
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Edo State Government House

By Ayodele Oni

The Edo State government has raised minimum wage structure for workers in the State Civil service from N30,000 approved by federal government and Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC).

Workers in the state civil service are now to enjoy a minimum of N40,000, with effect from May 2022.

The state government had earlier signed N30,000 minimum wage structure for workers in January 2020.

Some states are yet to implement the N30,000 minimum wage, while in others, only workers in grade one to seven, are receiving minimum wage.

Governor Godwin Obaseki made the announcement on Sunday, a day set aside to mark workers’ Day Celebration worldwide.

However, pensioners in the state observed the celebration in a sad mood due to their maltreatment at the gate of Samuel Ogbenudia stadium, venue of the celebration.

A protest by the pensioners who had stormed the venue of the May Day Celebration over unpaid gratuities, was restricted to the gate of the stadium.

Decked in black attires, the pensioners, despite attempts made to force their way in, were however confined to the entrance gate of the stadium.

Anyim Felicitates With Muslims On Eid-el-Fitr, Urges Sustained Prayers For Nigeria

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The Source
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Anyim Pius Anyim

A Former President of the Senate, Anyim Pius Anyim has felicitated with Muslims in Nigeria and the world on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebration which marks the successful end of 2022 Ramadan Fast.

In a statement issued on Sunday from his presidential campaign office and personally signed by Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), thanked Almighty Allah for “granting our Muslim brothers and sisters” the grace to fulfill the important religious obligation this year.

Anyim expressed strong belief that the Almighty God will accept the sacrifice of the fast and bless the Muslim Ummah as well as Nigeria our dear country.

He urged the faithful to continue to make sacrifices in prayers and fasting for the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria, even as they enjoy the festivities that come with the celebration.

The sacrifice, Anyim went on, is most needed now that our country is going through difficult times in combating worsening economic downturn, insecurity and other threats to the comfort and wellbeing of the citizens and our country. He encouraged Muslim faithful and in deed all Nigerians to have faith in Almighty Allah and face the future with renewed hope and optimism.

“I congratulate our Muslim brothers and sisters on the successful completion of this year’s Ramadan Fast. I also thank the Almighty Allah for giving you the grace to successfully round up the fasting which is a sacrifice of self-denial of comfort.

“It is my prayer that Almighty Allah accepts your sacrifices and bestows on you all, the blessings that come with the Holy Month Ramadan.

“As you celebrate the festivities, I also enjoin all Muslim faithful to continue  to make sacrifices for the peace and continued progress of out dear country, Nigeria as she grapples with deteriorating economy, insecurity and other threats to her corporate existence.

Once again, Barka Da Sallah and happy celebrations,” Anyim added.

Ekiti PDP Chieftain Urges Nat. Chairman To Check Fayose Over Imposition Of Son As Reps Candidate

By
Ayodele Oni
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Fayose and his Son

By Ayodele Oni

Dissatisfied with ongoings within the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) in Ekiti state, a chieftain of the party has, again, appealed to the National Chairman, Dr Iyorcha Ayu, to wade in before a looming disaster.

This time, the complaint is about the decision of former Governor Ayo Fayose to foist his son and other loyalists as House of Representatives candidates during next year’s election.

Mr Ebenezer Tetteh from Efon Alaaye, in a letter to the National Chairman, asked him to see  that “the sheer madness unfolding before our eyes is addressed decisively and our dear leader, Former Governor Peter Ayodele Fayose, should be strongly advised to put the interest of the party first and be circumspect in pursuing his self-serving succession agenda.

“Mr Fayose’s shoddy handling of his ambition, that is, foisting his close allies and son on other aspirants who want to aspire  to the  House of Representatives and Senate on the party as his preferred candidate is tearing the party apart.

“Also, the uncouth manner in which he attempts to railroad the entire state structure, party hierarchy and members to adopt his choice is unbecoming of a leader in a democratic setting.

“His actions clearly go against the principles of internal democracy which our party holds in high esteem. Much more, we are concerned that in his desperation, he is creating cracks within and opening the party’s flank for crushing attacks by the ruling All Progressive Congress.

“If left unbridled, our State party leader might cause the party to lose the Governorship seat as many were planning to leave the party through disqualification of qualified House of Representative and Senate candidate in favour of all his endorsed candidate.

“Sir, we crave your indulgence, at this point, to itemize some areas in which Former Governor Peter Ayodele Fayose is becoming a source of serious concern to the party:

“Former Governor Peter Ayodele Fayose’s preferred aspirants for the House of Representative and Senate seats are unpopular, against the interest of the party and reduces the chances of the party winning the governorship election in June 18, 2022 by more than half.

“Unfortunately, the State leader in his wisdom wishes to impose his allies and son, Mr. Joju Fayose. Despite all entreaties to Mr. Peter Ayodele Fayose to see reasons against picking a family member and Ally’s as a possible successor seems to have fallen on deaf ears.

“Instead, the State leader is attempting through blackmail, threats and intimidation to collapse the structure of other aspirants into that of his preferred aspirants.

“Consequently, the party is sharply divided along interest lines, State Working Committee is badly polarised and hardly maintaining cohesion. There are rumours of mass defection too.

“Due to Former Governor Peter Ayodele Fayose’s impunity and unfair treatment of other aspirants and creating a climate of scorn for his aides, who are nursing political ambition, the state executive council is in disarray and the governor seems unable to control his cabinet members.

“A case in point were Campaign Committee Member for the Governorship Campaign keep resigning everyday, but for the sake of our party we implore the national leadership to wade into this matter as soon as possible to de-escalate.”

Though Celebrating May Day With Pain, Hope Is Near The Corner – Anyim Assures Workers

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The Source
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Anyim Pius Anyim

Frontline PDP presidential aspirant, Anyim Pius Anyim has commended Nigerian workers for their steadfastness and determination to put in their best despite their harsh economic realities of  the day.

In his 2022 May Day message to workers released from his Campaign office in Abuja on Saturday, the former President of the Senate lamented the downturn in the quality of the life of workers in the country caused by bad economic situation which has made the living condition of members of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the entire working class both in the public and private sectors a nightmare.

Anyim cited high rate of inflation, underemployment, salary delays, and salary denials as some of the major economic challenges facing workers as well as myriads of non economic factors that have brought pains to workers in the country.

He praised Nigerian workers for continuing to put in their best despite the difficult work environment and conditions, describing workers as genuine patriots.

He urged them not to be demoralised by the situation of things, assuring them that by the grace of God, the on-going political transition would enthrone a new government in 2023 that will be mindful of the plight of workers, competent in the management of economy and be able to reverse the pains of today.

Anyim who was a career public servant for many years, in a Release signed on his behalf by Ahmed  Buhari, Spokesman for the Anyim Campaign Office said that:

“It is shocking how the living and working conditions of the Nigerian public and private sector workers have rapidly deteriorated in the last few years.

“As I celebrate with you on the occasion of this year’s Workers’ Day, I share with you the pains and agony of  Nigerian workers. On the one hand, uncontrolled Inflation has wiped out the purchasing power of the civil and public servants as well as the private sector workers.

“On the other hand, the deplorable state of the Nigerian economy has made it almost impossible to raise salaries and wages to a commensurate level with the Inflation rate, thereby putting workers in further quagmire.

“And yet, many workers in the country are grossly underemployed and underpaid in the face of galloping Inflation.

“In addition, the over-yoked workers, like the rest of Nigerians, are also contending with insecurity, exorbitant rents, poor transport facilities and dearth of other vital infrastructures.

“Despite these militating factors, you have continued to work and create wealth for the country. This resilience, undoubtedly, marks Nigerian workers out as great patriots, who, given the right environment would be in the forefront of launching Nigeria into her rightful place in terms of development.

“Your sacrifice shall not be in vain. I urge you take the  ongoing political transition seriously and participate actively, so that by 2023, Nigeria will have a very competent government that will address all the challenges dragging the country down.

“By the grace of God, I see a greater and brighter Nigeria emerging from the agonies of the present time”, the 2023 presidential aspirant stated.”

Atiku Vs Bala: Alamieyeseigha’s Ghost Haunting Uzamere

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The Source
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Bala Mohammed and Atiku Abubakar

By Udenta Udenta

“While Senator Uzamere wallows in the putrid universe where his ilk dwell, unsure if the ghost of Alamieyeseigha will haunt him to no end or if his cell inside the EFCC is still kept ready for him having been their disgraceful customer many years gone by, Senator Bala Mohammed campaign has been blazing away across the length and breadth of the land.”

I chuckled when I read Senator Uzamere’s diatribe against Senator Bala Mohammed, his campaign organization and myself.

I chuckled because I know his intent: draw the Senator Bala Mohammed Campaign Organization to the putrescent catacombs of his banal mind and distract it from unfurling the full potentials of Senator Bala Mohammed’s grand Nigeria First Governance Vision.

In essence, waiting for Udenta’s “Dirty War” in the mind of a political rascal and nonentity like Senator Uzamere is akin to Waiting for Godot – assuming that he has ever heard such an expression in his philistine- like mode of existence.

Senator Bala Mohammed, flush from his decisive validation by his people via the Consensus pronouncements – the source of Senator Uzamere’s hatred and envy – has already commenced his broad based consultations with PDP delegates with only one strategic intent and purpose – a decisive victory at the primary election.

While Senator Uzamere wallows in the putrid universe where his ilk dwell, unsure if the ghost of Alamieyeseigha will haunt him to no end or if his cell inside the EFCC is still kept ready for him having been their disgraceful customer many years gone by, Senator Bala Mohammed campaign has been blazing away across the length and breadth of the land.

Uzamere is looking for someone to enliven his very drab, inconsequential and perfidious existence but he won’t be getting that from me or Senator Bala Mohammed campaign organization.

We will rather give him an assignment since he seems to be questioning my credentials as a Professor.

The Senator Bala Mohammed Campaign Organization is ready to donate to Senator Uzamere a hard back set of my 21 books, with a charge to read and understand my six volume Boyhood Works written between the ages of 13 and 15 – because I sincerely don’t know when he last read a book. A reward awaits him for this simple labour because asking him to read and understand my Revolutionary Aesthetics and the African Literary Process, Autonomy of Values and Crisis of Theory may lead to a psychiatric situation, and I say this very seriously.

On a final note, Senator Bala Mohammed’s campaign organization still believes that we don’t really know who has set Senator Uzamere on this self-destructive path and for what purpose.

If such entities are Muslims they clearly miss the essence of the Sallah season of purification already upon us, even as we beg Almighty God to forgive him and his dark and unconscionable patrons their transgressions against his name and humanity.

NB: Regrettably this will be my last communication with an amorphous and morally confused fellow like Senator Uzamere on the expectation that the Atiku Abubakar campaign organisation clearly distances itself from him and denies him prop. But if that campaign condones his mindless attacks on Senator Bala Mohammed we will respond in equal measure and regard.

Prof Udenta is the Chairman PIU/ Spokesman Sen Bala Mohammed Presidential Campaign Organization

PDP Congresses: Only Membership Cards Authenticated By Ayu, Anyanwu Are Allowed

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The Source
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Iyorcha Ayu

In the seeming confusion dogging who exactly is the right authority to authenticate the Membership cards of Party faithfuls to enable them take part in the Congresses, the Peoples Democratic Party  PDP, has Clarified the status of Membership Cards.

In a statement issued on Saturday, April 30, and  signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party said that only Membership Cards signed by the National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, and/or the National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, are permissible.

Following is the full text of the statement.

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hereby clarifies on the membership eligibility to participate in Congresses to elect the 3-man Ad-Hoc delegates who shall in turn elect Party Candidates for the 2023 general elections.

“This clarification becomes necessary following reports of misinterpretation in some chapters, particularly in Lagos State, where some Party stakeholders are reportedly demanding that Membership Cards have to be authenticated by Ward Chairmen before the holders are eligible to participate in the 3-man Ad-Hoc Congresses schedule for Saturday, April 30, 2022.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the only authority vested with the power to authenticate Party Membership Cards for eligibility to participate in Congresses, including the 3-man Ad-Hoc Delegate Congresses, are the National Chairman and the National Secretary through their signatures on the Cards.

“The PDP Constitution 2017 (as amended) in Chapter 2, Part 1, Article 8(7) is clear in providing that “the Membership Card shall be produced by the National Headquarters and authenticated by the National Chairman and the National Secretary”

“For emphasis, members holding Membership Cards duly authenticated by the National Chairman and National Secretary do not require any further authentication by Ward Chairmen or any other officer of the Party at any level whatsoever before they can participate in the 3-man Ad-hoc Delegate Congresses and Party Primaries.

“A member with a duly authenticated Membership Card by the National Chairman and National Secretary and who is up to date in his financial obligation to the Party shall be eligible to participate and vote in the 3-man Ad-Hoc Delegate Congress.

“All Party leaders, critical stakeholders and members should note accordingly”

Douglas Nwosu’s Right Of Passage Begins

By
Uche Mbah
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Eze Douglas Ndukaku

By Uche Mbah

His Royal Highness, Eze Douglas Ndukaku Friday Nwosu, the Ntum 1 of Abaukwu Autonomous Community in Ikwuano Umuahia, Abia state, has begun the journey to his final resting place.

He passed away on Nigeria Independence day, October 1, 2021. That he left the flesh on that day is a clear testimony about a man who was completely de-tribalized and built bridges of relationships across geopolitical divide.

His friends and Associates included Chief Jim Nwobodo, former governor of old Anambra state; Late Solomon Lar of Plateau state; Late Abubakar Rimi of Kano state, Late Minister of sports Emeka Omerua (mentee), and a host of others. He had a working business relationship with the late Attah of Igalaland.

He was a renowned Federal contractor for several years. Some of the contract jobs he did were the construction of the Federal government College Jos; The Immigration quarters at Mfon; Benue Hotels, Makurdi, to name a few. He held the contract for the construction of Oyi International Market, Oyi, Anambra state, but had to stop construction due to political intrigues.

The Market remains uncompleted till date. Many individuals were sponsored by him, but within and outside his community.

In the year 2000,he was installed as the traditional ruler of Abaukwu Kingdom, and took the title Ntum, translated as spring.

He was on record as having rejected a ministerial  appointment under late President Shehu Shagari.

Born in 1940 to Mr. and Mrs. Otokiri Nwosu, his education took him from Ndoru Central School where he did Standard six, to Lagos for his General Certificate of Education, GCE, and City and Guilds in Electrical Installation and fabrication.

He worked for SCOA before proceeding to London where he studied at Wellesden Collage of Technology. He later went into partnership with Mike Cleverly, who owns Amarex, a multimillion pound global brand, as consultant to Cerekem Breweries in Cold Room Installation and maintenance in Denmark before relocating back to Nigeria.

“He will be buried on 3rd of May 2022 at his palace at Abaukwu, Umuahia

He is survived by wives, Children and Grand children.

2023: Political Leaders In Agege Purchase Nomination Form For Lagos Speaker Obasa

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Agege Leaders in Support of Obasa

By Akinwale Kasali

Political leaders in Agege have purchased, and unveiled the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms forms of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.

The leaders, under the aegis of the Agege Leadership Council, on Saturday, April 30, 2022, unveiled the forms at the House of the Agege APC Apex leader, Chief Safari Adaranijo.

The Political Leaders said they contributed to raise the funds for the purchase of the forms following Obasa’s superlative performance as the Leader the Legislative Arm of Lagos State

According to them, the effort is meant to urge him to “speak again” and to express their love, support and appreciation to Obasa for playing positive roles in the development and progress of Agege.

The purchase of the forms comes days after the leaders endorsed and prevailed on him to return to the House of Assembly even though he had the opportunity of vying for the position of a Senator.

Unveiling the forms, the leaders applauded the Speaker’s contribution towards the development of Lagos State and reaffirmed their belief that Obasa has the experience and the capacity to continue as the Speaker of the “most vibrant State Assembly in Nigeria.”

Alhaji Adaranijo noted Obasa’s performance as Speaker adding that with him, Agege had witnessed unprecedented development.

“We the leaders of APC in Agege and the entire members of the party in Agege, decided to get these forms for our Rt. Hon. Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, because he’s a performer and we are lucky to have him.

“Talking about the bridge, roads in Agege, Obasa is excellent, that’s partly why we the leaders of APC decided to get these forms for him.

“As Speaker, he became Chairman of the Conference of Speakers in Nigeria; when we look at legislative duties in Nigeria today, Lagos is number one, and that’s the reason why we want him to come and speak again the way he has been speaking good for Lagos State,” he said.

Some of the leaders present at the press briefing include the first Executive Chairman of Agege, Chief Gani Owolabi Dada; former Assembly members, Elder Rotimi Adesina and Hon. Adebayo Ashimiu; APC chairmen in Agege and Orile-Agege, Alhaji Tunde Azeez and Olaniyi Salau Ojo, respectively.

Others are council chairmen of Agege and Orile-Agege, Alhaji Ganiyu Egunjobi and Mr. Johnson Sunday Babatunde; former sole administrator/vice-chairman Agege, Gbenga Abiola; former party chairman, Alhaji Ayoni Shittu; party leader, Elder Sunday Ajide; former sole administrator of Orile-Agege, James Agbola and Hon. Olubisi Adedokun.

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