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Breaking: Governor Sanwo- Olu Extends Public Holiday To Wednesday

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Contrary to the declaration by the Federal Government that there would be Public Holidays on 2nd and 3rd May, 2022, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has extended the holiday till Wednesday, 4th May 2022.

That will, effectively, shut down Government activities in the state till next Thursday.

While the Federal Government declared Monday and Tuesday to mark the Eid-el-Fitri, Sanwo-Olu has decided to give workers an additional day, 4th May to mark Workers Day.

Workers Day this year, which is May 1, 2022, coincided with the Eid-el-Fitri, which was why the Federal Government did not declare a separate holiday.

But Lagos has chosen a different path.

According to a statement by Hakeem Muri-Okunola, the Head of Service, “Governor Sanwo-Olu declared Monday 2nd, Tuesday 3rd, and Wednesday 4th of May, 2022 as Public holidays to mark the 2022 International Workers’ Day and Id-El-Fitr Celebrations.

“Work resumes on Thursday, 5th May, 2022 at 8:00am.”

This extension, however, does not affect Federal Government and Private concerns. Financial institutions, unless Lagos State owned, are not expected to be affected either.

Update: LASG Rescinds Decision On Eid-Il-Fitri Holiday, Conforms With FG’s Directives

2023: Embattled Minister Nwajiuba Says N100m For APC Presidential Forms A Gift, Not His Money

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Emeka Nwajiuba

By Adesina Soyooye

Embattled Minister of State for  Education, Emeka Nwajiuba, has explained that he did not purchase the Presidential Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms with his money.

His party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, had shocked not a few  Nigerians when it slammed a tag of N100m on the Presidential forms for interested aspirants.

Nwajiuba, a lawyer, in a race that is gradually becoming a joke and an all-comers affair, was a surprise entrant. But he has come under  attack by Nigerians who wondered how he got the huge amount  of money “to waste.” His critics were equally stunned that he could do that when University students have been home for 75 days, and counting, because their Lecturers are on strike over the inability of Government to pay their dues.

But the Minister, while officially joining the  Presidential race on Wednesday,  said the N100 million forms were purchased for him by a group he identified as “Project Nigeria Group.”

He made the explanation when he accepted the forms at a reception in his honour  by the group in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said the group gathered  “resources from every part of the country” to purchase the forms for him.

Accenting the forms, Nwajiuba said:

“I now solemnly accept to run for us all, and bear our Party’s Flag into the elections and become our next President.

 

“I do this recognizing that in the last sec years, President Muhammadu Buhari has performed extraordinary feats in ensuring that our progressive ideas have been established; physical infrastructure of every type, and inclusive policies reaching out to our poor and less privileged. As we strive to uplift Nigeria and Nigerians into a developed State.

“A lot still is outstanding and needs to be done. Many of our citizens are still outside, hungry, and unemployed. Many more are threatened by unwarranted and unnecessary internal security and economic challenges.

“Our calling today invites me to  take up a work path that builds on the solid foundations that have been laid thus far. Provide different paradigms for new challenges and provide the platform for a vista that accommodates subject experts to pull together forces to meet our nation’s challenges.

“I, therefore, invite our dear party and its great men and women, to forge that trust in me, as their new symbol of unity, growth, and regeneration as we step into the future with renewed zeal and optimism.”

Nwajiuba, a former member of the House of Representatives is from Imo State. He becomes the second APC member from the State to declare his ambition to succeed Buhari in 2023. The first was Senator Rochas Okorocha, a former Governor of the State.

Gov Abiodun Threatens Legal Action, Says He Never Admitted Committing Any Crime

By
Adesina Soyooye
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By Adesina Soyooye

The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has threatened to sue Media Houses which carried the story that he admitted to committing crime while he lived in the United States of America.

The Governor has been in the eyes of the storm after an online medium published, with documents, his alleged involvement in forgery and credit card fraud while in the US.

A concerned APC member/group had, based on the allegations, written a petition to the National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Adamu, against allowing the Governor to fly the Party’s Governorship flag in 2023, arguing that with Abiodun’s alleged criminal background, he would be disqualified even after victory. The petition alleged that the Governor is a convict.

In response to the letter, the Governor had, through the legal firm of Afe Babalola, denied being a convinct. He said he was never convicted for such crimes in the USA. He, however, did not deny being involved in such  incidents, and asked that he be not disqualified for that.

In any case he argued that even if, without conceding, he was convicted, it has gone beyond 10 years.

In a statement signed on his behalf by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy,  Alhaji Waheed Odusile, the Governor said it was Babalola’s letter that was being twisted to suit a purpose by, especially, online publications, and threatened to take legal actions against such publications.

The statement reads:

“Our attention has been drawn to a story with a misleading caption in some online newspapers.

“To say this story is fallacious is to say the least. It is an admission to the fact that the journalism profession, which we still hold as noble has been thrown to the dogs.

“Journalists are expected to fact check their information before going to the press.

This particular story was purportedly from a letter written by Afe Babalola & Co, to the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a response to a petition written by a political mercenary.

“Nowhere in the letter written by the Afe Babalola & Co. was there any admission by Prince Dapo Abiodun to have admitted to committing any crime.

The letter written by the governor’s lawyers was twisted and presented to suit a particular purpose best known to those that authored / sponsored it .

“It should, however, be noted that their obvious game plan is to discredit the governor and get through the backdoor, what they could not get through the ballot.

Prince Dapo Abiodun is unperturbed by this machination. Just like they failed in 2019, they will also fail this time around.

“For the avoidance of doubt, let it be noted that Prince Dapo Abiodun did not admit ever being convicted of any crime.

“While we enjoined journalists to comply strictly to the ethics of their profession, we shall however not hesitate to take appropriate legal step against the purveyors of this blatant falsehood.”

Abiodun has since, according to him, been gifted with the sum of N50m by his supporters to purchase the 2023 Governorship forms.

Atiku Vows To Defeat APC With 11m Votes; Says Ministers No Longer Take Order From Buhari

By
James Orji
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By James Orji

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has mapped out his strategy to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in next year’s presidential election if given the ticket by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The presidential race is gradually reaching a boiling point as many presidential hopefuls in the PDP have now thrown their hats in the ring. But for Atiku, he has already devised a plan to defeat the APC with 11 million votes.

The former Nigerian number two secured more than 11 million votes in the 2019 presidential election, which fell short of defeating the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari.

But speaking to the PDP National Working Committee in Abuja on Thursday, Atiku who is contesting the presidency for the fourth time said he’s the best among the aspirants to lead the party to victory in 2023.

Apart from him other presidential hopefuls are; Governors Nyesom Wike of Rivers, Bala Muhammed of Bauchi, Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto state.

Others are Anyim Pius Anyim, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF amongst, Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra state, amongst others.

Atiku however promised to snatch victory from the ruling party, adding that he deserved to be granted the right of first refusal for the 2023 ticket.

He urged the PDP leadership to allow a level playing field for all aspirants to test their popularity among Nigerians, a veiled response to a recently botched arrangement by some Northern leaders who said they have picked Saraki and Mohammed as the region’s consensus Candidates.

“….I dare say Mr. Chairman, I am the best candidate. Under normal circumstances Mr. Chairman, this is a guy who already has 11 million votes in his kitty. And I think, as a party, you should give me the right of first refusal but we are in a democracy,” Atiku said.

“All that I can urge you to do is to make sure that the way you have started, you also conclude the way you have started by being very fair, very credible, giving every contestant the opportunity to face the electorate.”

He said the country required a Commander-in-Chief who can secure the country from terrorists and other criminals, noting that President Buhari has failed in that direction.  He added that Buhari’s ministers and aides no longer carry out orders from him.

According to him, “About two months ago, I was on a visit to Niger State and I decided to pay a courtesy call to the governor.

“The governor told me, Sir, we have about 12 local governments, which are under the control of bandits. We don’t know how to conduct elections in those local governments. And I went to the President, I said, Mr. President, we need more policemen and the President said how can I give you more policemen when the inspector general of police and the police service commission is in court on who will recruit policemen?’

“I cannot be that kind of President. And that is where we are today. We cannot recruit policemen because the two agencies are in court and we have a president who cannot bring under control his own heads of departments, not even ministers?”

Zenith Bank Expands Market Share, Gross Earnings Grows By 22 Per cent

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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 By Tosin Olatokunbo 

Zenith Bank Plc has announced its unaudited results for the first quarter ended 31st March 2022, with an impeccable growth of 22 per cent in Gross Earnings from N157.3 billion reported in Q1 2021 to N191.5 billion in Q1 2022.

From the unaudited statement of account presented to the Nigerian Exchange , NGX on Thursday, 28th April 2022, the strong double-digit growth in the topline culminated in an increase in the bottom line, as the Group recorded an 11 per cent Year-on-Year, YoY increase in profit before tax, growing from N61.02 billion in Q1 2021 to N67.99 billion in Q1 2022.

Profit after tax also grew by 10 per cent, from N53.06 billion to N58.19 billion over the same period. The growth in the topline arose from both interest income and non-interest income. Interest income grew by 25 per cent, from N101.12 billion in Q1 2021 to N126.38 billion in Q1 2022, while non-interest income grew by 12 per cent, from N51.20 billion to N57.23 billion.

The growth in interest income and non-interest income arose from the combined effects of an improvement in interest income on loans and advances (as risk assets continue to grow and pricing is gradually improving) and an improvement in non-interest income as the Bank continues to deploy its retail strategy, thereby acquiring more customers and expanding its electronic banking income from the increased volume of transactions across all its channels.

Total assets grew by nine per cent from N9.45 trillion to N10.32 trillion in 2022, mainly driven by growth in customers’ deposits. Customer deposits grew by 12 per cent, from N6.47 trillion in December 2021 to N7.25 trillion in March 2022. Savings account balance, which is solely retail grew by over N68 billion and is a validation of the robust customer acquisition strategy and versatile electronic platforms and digital channels.

Loans and advances also grew by six per cent, from N3.5 trillion in December 2021 to N3.7 trillion in March 2022, boosting the Group’s interest income and displaying the Group’s appetite for high-yielding risk assets creation. This development also helped to boost the net interest margin (NIM), as it improved from 6.0 per cent in March 2021 to 7.3 per cent in the current period, while the capital adequacy ratio improved slightly from 21.1 per cent to 22.1 per cent.

Going into the remainder of 2022, the Group will continue to focus on sustainable growth across all its business segments and deploy technology platforms and digital assets intuitively to serve its various customers’ needs to deliver enhanced returns to its stakeholders.

Zenith Bank’s track record of excellent performance has earned the brand numerous awards, including being voted as Best Bank in Nigeria in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards, for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022, Best Commercial Bank in Nigeria in the World Finance Banking Awards 2021, Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards 2020, and Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa 2020 and 2021 by the Ethical Boardroom. Also, the Bank emerged as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands 2020 and 2021, Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital in the “2021 Top 1000 World Banks” Ranking by The Banker Magazine and the Retail Bank of the year at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions, BOFI Awards 2020 and 2021.

Similarly, Zenith Bank was honoured as Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020 and emerged winner in four categories at the Sustainability, Enterprise, and Responsibility, SERAS Awards 2021, carting home the awards for “Best Company in Reporting and Transparency”, “Best Company in Infrastructure Development”, “Best Company in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment”, and the coveted “Most Responsible Organisation in Africa.

 

 

I Did Not Ask Senate To Remove Any Section Of Electoral Act – Buhari Tells Federal High Court

By
Ayodele Oni
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Muhammadu Buhari

By Ayodele Oni

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday told a Federal High Court in Abuja that he did not order the Senate to remove the contentious section 84 (12) from the amended Electoral Act 2022.

Contrary to the claims of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in a suit instituted against him and 12 others on the Electoral Act, Buhari said that he only expressed reservations and concerns in respect of the aspect of the Electoral Act.

The President’s position was contained in a counter affidavit filed at the Federal High Court at the instance of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

In the joint counter affidavit by Buhari and Malami to debunk PDP’S claims, the AGF explained that Buhari on February 25, 2022  gave proper, full and unconditional assent to the amended Electoral Act.

The counter affidavit by the President and Malami was filed on their authority by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN),  Oladipupo Okpeseyi and deposed to by Abimbola Akintola, a legal practitioner.

Buhari and Malami averred that the claims of PDP in the suit against them on the Electoral Act are totally false and replete with gross untruths aimed at misleading the court to give judgment against them.

The counter affidavit read in part “The assent of the 1st defendant (Buhari)  to the Electoral Bill given on February 25, 2022 was proper, full and unconditional.

“The 1st defendant (Buhari)  assented to the Electoral Bill 2022  on February 25 but did not give conditions or directives to the National Assembly in the manner erroneously deposed to by the plaintiff (PDP).

” At no time did the 1st defendant (Buhari) give any directive to the management or leadership of the National Assembly as regards the removal of section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act 2022; from the Act.

“Prior to assenting to the Electoral Bill 2022, the 1st defendant (Buhari) merely expressed his observations and concerns about the constraints of section 84 (12)  of the Bill on serving public office holders and political appointees, but gave his assent to avoid further delay as time was of essence.

“That the 1st defendant (Buhari)  merely expressed his views not only to the National Assembly but to the entire nation as regards the inconsistency of section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act with other provisions of the Constitution.

“On March 8, 2022, 1st defendant (Buhari) officially wrote Senate President and House of Representatives Speaker to express his concerns about section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act and formally requested for amendment to be effected on the section so as to eliminate area of infraction with the Constitution.

“That I am aware that the National Assembly neither accepted not acted on the opinion or suggestion of Buhari.

“In this instance, 1st and 2nd defendant, (Buhari and Malami) truly and firmly believe that section 84 (12)  of the Electoral Act disenfranchises and discriminates against Nigerians in public service or public office holders who are political appointees and prevent them from engaging in the electoral process in exercise of their inalienable rights in a participatory democracy.

“That Buhari and Malami have never taken it upon themselves to declare section 84 (12)  or any provisions of the Electoral Act unconstitutional as such is beyond their constitutional power.

“Besides, Buhari and Malami claimed that a Federal High Court in Abia State had in March through a judgement by Justice Evelyn Anyadike struck down the section and ordered that it be deleted forthwith for being inconsistent with the Constitution.”

The two defendants said that both the National Assembly and PDP have since appealed the judgment adding that it is only the Court of Appeal that can restore the section into the Electoral Act and not any high court.

Insisting that the PDP suit has become academic and constituted abuse of court process on the strength of the pending Court of Appeal matter, Buhari and Malami asked the court to dismiss the PDP suit.

They argued that PDP should not be allowed to take over the functions of the National Assembly since it has no power to amend or enact law.

Hearing in the suit had been fixed for May 16 by Justice Ekwo.

Senator Oduah Dumps APC, Returns To PDP

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Senator Stella Oduah, representing Anambra North Senatorial District, has officially dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and returned to her former Party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Oduah announced her defection from the APC to the PDP, Wednesday, April 28th, 2022, after facing a screening committee at the Wadata Plaza National Secretariat of the PDP.

The former Aviation Minister successfully underwent the screening exercise, and with her supposed achievements recorded as a Senator under the PDP before cross- carpeting to the APC, her return to the PDP is expected to boost the party’s chances at the polls in 2023.

She dumped the PDP eight months ago, specifically in August 2021.

2023: Malami Declares For Kebbi Governorship Race Amidst Resignation Ultimatum

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Minister for Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami has officially declared his aspiration to run for the Kebbi State Gubernatorial Seat under the Platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Malami made this declaration today at Presidential Hall, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State Capital, quashing speculations  about his intentions to eye the Governorship Seat in the State.

The declaration of Malami is coming amidst the 72-hours resignation ultimatum given by the Party to all Aspirants running for different political positions and are currently serving under the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

Canvassing for support and blessings from the State Executives of the Party in the State, the Ward Chairmen, and Local Government Executives at the Stakeholders Meeting,  Malami said, “if you will support me and accept me I wish to say I am interested in becoming the next Governor of Kebbi if you permit me”. His declaration had the blessings of the State Executives of APC, Ward Chairmen and Local Government Excos who gave Malami a resounding affirmative.

Kebbi State APC Chairman, Muhammad Abubakar Kana, said that the meeting was called to thank the Governor of the State, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu for his support to the Party and assure him of their unalloyed support. “We want to thank you for being there for the party and all of us. We are ready to support any candidate of your choice”, he added.

The State Party Chief urged members to woo more reasonable persons that can add value to the party for success of the party.

Come and Marry Me as Third Wife, Social Media Influencer Begs Yul

By
The Source
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Amanda Chisom and Yul

By Chidi Levi

Following ollywood actor, Yul Edochie’s public disclosure of his second marriage to a Nollywood actress, Judy Austin and birthing of their son, a social media influencer, Amanda Chisom has begged the actor to come take her as a third wife.

The 36-year-old Chisom who was a brand ambassador to the now crashed ponzi outfit, Chinmark Group, took to her verified facebook page to make the passionate appeal while euloging polygamy.

Amidst interjection with Igbo words and pidgin English,Chisom said in her plea to Yul: “Wonders shall not cease, so Yul with all the lovey Dovey has a second wife, and a son and he is so cute. We are going back to our root. Polygamy wey no dey stressful. I like this. Gistlover dey plan disgrace, guy man use him hand bring the story. He has a second wife, his wife is aware, gini emezia. I don’t know if he needs a third wife because his voice na agbakam is and if the son will look this fine, I am in.

In another post, the social media influencer, declaring her undying love for polygamy announced to her fans: “Dear new followers, I am pro- polygamy.

It is not everyday you hear it “you will come and be acting shocked. What is shocking you that I am pro polygamy? Not when you hear I married Ned Nwoko or Otedola tomorrow you will come here and be acting shocked and threatening me with hellfire. “As I am suffering now do you like it?you don’t want me to be doing giveaway. What do pastors mean by money I did not work for, is it not my husband’s money?

“You will insult women for being single, insult them for being childless, insult them for being side chic, insult them for polygamy too… The only fault I see here is that it seems the wife did not hear of the marriage before today and heard it on social media   but she was aware they are long time lovers”

Yul, a scion of the veteran actor, Chief Pete Edochie took many by surprise Wednesday when, clutching to his chest, an infant baby boy in a viral picture, he announced on the social media his marriage as second wife to Judy Austin whose really name is Muoghalu Uchechukwu Judith, a native of Umuoji in Idemilli North local government area of Anambra.

Yul and Judy have starred in many English and Igbo movies, including the iconic Native Girl.

Yul’s second marriage which reportedly left his delectable first wife, May, heartbroken has put his 17 year marriage to her on the sportlight with many expressing shock and disblief.

Only last year, Yul took to the social media to eulogise May, recounting how she volunteered to stick with him and marry him at a time he had nothing.

Yul’s marriage to May is blessed with four lovely children- a girl and three boys.

Osinbajo Deserves To Be President – Benin Monarch

By
Ayodele Oni
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Oba of Benin and Yemi Osinbajo

By Ayodele Oni

Benin monarch, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has said that Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, has potentials to succeed President Mohamadu Buhari in 2023.

The Benin Monarch made the remark while playing host to the Presidential campaign team of the Vice President.

Oba Ewuare, however, frowned at the situation whereby politicians turn their back on the electorate once they get elected to a position.

According to the Royal father, he had the plans of travelling to Abuja on a thank you visit to President Muhammadu Buhari but had to shelf the trip because of the information that Prof Osinbajo was on his way to his Palace in Benin

“Whenever we think of you(Professor Osinbajo) it is always with warm feelings. We don’t need to over flog your potential. It speaks for itself.

“I always respect your eloquence. It reflects your professional background. It is really in your DNA. I mean the way you use words.

“As you come out to signify your intention to contest others are probably shivering. Your calmness, humility, great respect for culture and true fear of God stand you out.”

Oba Ewuare frowned at politicians whom he accused of forgetting the electorate who voted them high and dry once they are in office.

He explained that politicians would make promises of all sorts of things and using all sorts of tactics to get votes only to turn their backs on the electorate thereafter.

He recalled the needless stress he went through in ensuring that Benin Bronze artifacts stolen by the British during the invasion of the Benin Kingdom in 1897 was returned to their rightful abode.

Omo N’Oba thanked the federal government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari for the support they gave him during the trying period to ensure the return of the artifacts to his palace.

Earlier, the deputy governor of Edo state, Philip Shuaibu had received the delegation of the vice president at Benin airport on behalf of Governor Godwin Obaseki.

He commended the bd step taken by Prof Osinbajo to join the presidential race stressing that “I commend your bold step in throwing your hat into the ring.”

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