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Akeredolu Says Completion Of National Convention Beginning Of Stability In APC

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

South West Governors Forum,(SGF) has described the outcome of the National Convention of the ruling All Progressive Congress, (APC), as the beginning of unity and cohesion in the party.

The Governor of Ondo State and Chairman, South West Governors’ Forum, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, expressed optimism that the outcome of the National Convention would  provide an inspiring enabler for cohesion and stability.

Governor Akeredolu, who doubles as the Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Governors’ Forum has, therefore, admonished all contestants for various positions to leverage on the strength of their commitment to serve the party at different levels.

These were contained in a statement in Akure on Sunday on his behalf by the Commissioner for Information, Mr Donald Ojogo.

“We must consider the resolve to serve the people, even at the party level, a commendable strive. At times like this, such strives are of courage.

“They are borne out of individual zeal and passion for the party. Such efforts are undoubted, replete with brighter prospects–that we can shape the party stronger today, for tomorrow.

“As party leaders and faithful of varied but strongly-nested leverages and responsibilities, we have played the game not for our selfish interests even if our individual desires to serve as well as the purposeful drives to achieve same may have differed.

“Notwithstanding, our collective, though unsung instincts were incurably geared toward the common goal of altruistic service to the party.

“We must, therefore, at this point, put the past behind us for the greater objective to serve the people and the larger society through the instrumentality of the party platform.

“We have all won together. As such, the responsibility to build together is for us all irrespective of who emerged or whose aspirations are yet to come to fruition. God’s time is the best.

“We congratulate our new National Chairman, Distinguished Senator Abdullahi Adamu, our own very dear Senator(Otunba) Christopher Iyiola Omisore, national secretary; Hon Duerimini Isaacs Kekemeke, National Vice Chairman (South West) as well as other lucky ones from the Southwest.

“For the newly-elected, here is a huge possibility of better days ahead of us all; and clearly, a greater opportunity for oneness, more than ever before, has again, berthed. Galvanize us for the enormous task ahead.

“You have our mandate, as Governors and leaders of our various states, to provide quality leadership because your individual capacities to so do have never been in doubt.

“On our part, we shall be ceaseless in engaging you constructively throughout your tenure in office.

“President Muhammadu Buhari(GCFR), the CECPC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all other leaders of the APC deserve to be commended and congratulated too.

“They have jointly and severally demonstrated in no small measure, an appreciable degree of leadership in the course of this process to chart a fresh path to enhance unity.”

Akeredolu had, a couple of weeks ago, faced a backlash, and a subtle reprimand by President Muhammadu Buhari, when he used uncouth  language to dismiss some APC Governors who did not agree with the removal of the Party’s Interim National Officers, without due process. He called them “yahoo-yahoo Governors.”

The “yahoo-yahoo Governors”,  however, prevailed at the end.

Kaduna Airport Attack: “Buhari Fiddles While Nigeria Burns” – PDP

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Muhammadu Buhari

By Adesina Soyooye

Nigeria’s main opposition Party, the People’s Democratic Party, PDP,  says President Muhammadu Buhari has abdicated from his duties, and ceded the sovereignty of Nigeria to Terrorists.

The PDP was reacting to the alarming invasion of the Kaduna International Airport, on Saturday, March 27, 2022, by armed terrorists.

They had, shockingly, in their scores, riding motorcycles, well armed, invaded the Airport through Runway 05 axis, and prevented an Azman Aircraft, billed to operate  its first flight, Kaduna – Lagos route, from operating. This was about 7.30am.

The terrorists, also, shot and killed a staff of the Nigerian Airspace Management Authority, NAMA, for allegedly raising an alarm when he first sighted them.

A video of the attack, which has gone viral on Whatsaap platform, showed the terrorists cruising freely on the tarmac, while the crew of the Azman Aircraft and passengers were frozen in shock, as were all workers and passengers at the Airport.

It took the quick intervention of troops of the Military and other Security Agents at the Airport to repel them, and curtail a Nation’s embarrassment.

The PDP took exception to the fact that the ruling Party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, continued with its National Convention  in Abuja, with Buhari present, while the Airport was under attack. The PDP was even more shocked that Buhari did not say a word on the incident at the Convention, but instead, carried on as if nothing happened.

In a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba,  the PDP noted  that the brazen attack on the international airport is “A clear confirmation that our nation’s security, command control structure under the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC), administration has completely collapsed.”

It also condemned Buhari’s silent reaction to the Airport invasion. “President Buhari’s failure to address the Kaduna Airport attack, is consistent with his characteristic abdication of duty at critical times.

“It is indefensibly suspicious that while an international airport in our country was under attack by over 200 terrorists, with many Nigerians being held hostage and traumatized, President Buhari and the APC, continued in their carnival in Abuja without acknowledging or expressing concern”, the PDP said.

Following is the full text of the Press Statement by the PDP.

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alerts that the Saturday, March 26, 2022 invasion of the Kaduna International Airport by terrorists (code-named bandits by the APC) is a clear confirmation that our nation’s security, command and control structure under the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration has completely collapsed.

“The alarming invasion of the airport by terrorists at a time outlaws, kidnappers and marauders have taken over our highways and railways has further heightened security concerns that nowhere is safe in the country under the APC.

“The refusal and failure of President Buhari and the APC to take action on the airport attack but continued to jamboree in Abuja in the name of a National Convention reveal and confirm that the Buhari administration has conceded sovereignty over parts of our country to terrorists.

“President Buhari’s nonchalant disposition to this grave security challenge indicates that his administration is unable, unwilling and or complicit in this particular attack as well as various other acts of terrorism in our country.

“It is indefensibly suspicious that while an international airport in our country was under attack by over 200 terrorists with many Nigerians being held hostage and traumatized, President Buhari and the APC continued in their carnival in Abuja without acknowledging or expressing concern. Is this not a case of “Buhari fiddles while Nigeria burns?”

“The APC government has failed, become numb to violence against our citizens and can no longer perform its primary duty under Section 14 (2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) which provides that “security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”.

“President Buhari’s failure to address the Kaduna Airport attack is consistent with his characteristic abdication of duty at critical times. Nigerians can recall how in January this year, Mr. President cancelled his scheduled visit to Zamfara State, a state that is daily traumatized by terrorists.

“By that action, Mr. President allowed shared sovereignty with terrorists over a part of the territory of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This acquiesce emboldened the terrorists to now expand their control to the international airport in Kaduna ostensibly with the possibility of using it to import arms and ammunition as well as coordinate terrorist activities in our country.

“One of the main features or determinants of sovereignty is the ability of an authority to impose taxes, enforce collection, control commercial activities as well as exit and entry points including airports.

“Under President Buhari terrorists have established sovereignty in substantial parts of the country especially in the North West and North East regions, where terrorists execute laws and impose penalties, collect taxes, control commercial and transportation activities and now scaringly take control of an international airport with grave negative consequences to our national image in the world.

“Our country has never had it this bad with such a weak, uncoordinated and clueless President with an inhumane, visionless and propaganda-driven political party like the APC.

“Nigerians should therefore rally round the PDP in our mission to rescue our nation from the precipice and restore the unity and security of her people.”

Kaduna Airport Attack: Why NAMA Staff Was Killed By Terrorists; Authorities Had Earlier Warning

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Kaduna International Airport

By Adesina Soyooye

Reasons have been given why a staff of the Nigerian Airspace Management Authority, NAMA, was killed by terrorists at the Kaduna Airport.

In a worrisome incident on Saturday, March 26, terrorists invaded the Kaduna Airport and prevented an Azman Aircraft’s first flight from Kaduna to Lagos from taking off. They, also, shot and killed a NAMA staff.

The NAMA staff was the first person who saw the terrorists approaching in their scores, on motorcycles. He raised the alarm which attracted the attention of Security operatives who aborted what could have been more embarrassing than it already is.

The Kaduna State Government, in a statement,  by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, confirmed the circumstances which led to the killing of the NAMA staff.

Part of the statement reads:

“Security forces have reported that an attack by armed bandits was repelled in the vicinity of the Kaduna International Airport.

“Troops stationed within and around the Airport responded and repelled the attackers.

“However, the bandits, unfortunately, shot and killed a staff member stationed at the perimeter fence who raised alarm on sighting them.

“Airport operation resumed with scheduled flights departing after the incident.”

In an update on the incident,  the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, admitted that the Airport’s Runway 05 was attacked Saturday morning.

In a statement signed by its Ag. Corporate General Manager, Faithful Hope-Ivbaze, FAAN said it “regrets to state that a group of bandits attacked the Runway 05 Axis of Kaduna Airport earlier in the day (Saturday).”

It said there was a casualty, but that Security Operatives repelled the attack and recovered two motorcycles used by the terrorists.

This magazine learnt that Authorities at the Airport had a prior notice of the attack,  but did not take it seriously.

A couple of weeks ago, it is alleged, some staff members of the Airport were kidnapped and released after ransom money was paid.

The released victims who came back a few days back, had, allegedly, disclosed that the terrorists said they would invade the Airport.

Kaduna has been under  serious insecurity siege with terrorists having a free reign – bombing, kidnapping, killing. The audacity to attack the Airport has become the most scary, and has shaken the nation.

There is the fear that commercial flights, on low altitude, landing or taking off, could be at risk.

Authorities say such fears should be perished, and not entertained.

PDP Zoning And Rotation: The South Has Galaxy Of Stars

By
The Source
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Nze Ozichukwu Fidelis Chukwu

By Nze Ozichukwu Fidelis Chukwu

“It is pertinent to recall that in 2015, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, Distinguished Senator Bukola Saraki, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal and others stormed out of the PDP in protest, in opposition  to Jonathan Presidency. They insisted that it was the turn of the North, based on the PDP fundamental Principle of Zoning and Rotation”

When Iyom Josephine Anenih, called to draw my attention to the PDP list of Members of her Zoning Committee, and I noticed that it was only Imo State that has two nominees, His Excellency Chief Achike Udenwa and myself, I felt indifferent. Fortunately, it has been rectified.

However, my mind ran riot with imaginations.

About 38 very patriotic Nigerians and very distinguished politicians of mixed values have been inaugurated.

It was Steven Vichenzey, who cautioned in his book, The Rules of Chaos:  “When so many things are taken for granted, it is next to impossible to perceive the truth.”

With this number of great men and women; charged with this great task in so short a time, there may be little or no time for a robust and exhaustive discussion. I, therefore, thought to myself that to get my views across, I should articulate them and circulate it among us and the Party leadership.

Let me thank the Party for my nomination and opportunity to serve in this very important Committee.

To my colleagues by providence in this August Committee, I  say BIG CONGRATULATIONS. I have no doubt that you realise the importance of this assignment more than myself.

May the good Lord guide and guard us to successfully complete this onerous and delicate responsibility for the good of our great Party, the PDP, and our beloved country Nigeria, and to the Greater Honour and Glory of our Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent and Benevolent God.

In his book, Rotational Presidency, Anthony A Akinola opined that:

“A constitution must address the history and ethnological realities of a nation.

“It was in recognition of the ethnological factors of Nigeria that the defunct NPN constructed a model of ‘Zoning’ designed to alternate the geo-ethnic origin of the Party’s Presidential, Vice Presidential and Chairmanship candidates from one election to the other.

“It was a realistic attempt to converge diverse interests for electoral advantage – an acknowledgement that there could be no integration without the equal opportunity to produce leadership.”

From then till now, through the IBB’s 1986 Political Bureau, the challenges of June 12, 1993 annulment, the Chief Ernest Shonekan interim government, to General Sani Abacha’s Constitutional Conference,  the issue of a Rotational Presidency gained new converts who believed as the erudite Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte, Chairman of the Constitutional Conference described the Principle of Rotation as ‘the alchemy to our political stability.’ and a solid foundation for, “the preservation of Nigeria as one political entity.” And guarantees peaceful coexistence.

The Conferees from  both North and South after much controversy arrived at a compromise  that ‘the Presidency of Nigeria be rotated between North and South’.

Let us not forget that General Ibrahim Babangida’s Task Force on the National Question also recommended Rotational Presidency for Nigeria and IBB himself repeatedly emphasised the need to always strike a balance between legal justice and social justice.

In his publication on 3rd November, 1988, Akinola highlighted that, “Nothing threatens the collapse of a nation more seriously than the fear, real or perceived, of domination by a certain group or groups.” He went further to warn in his National Concord submission on 26thJanuary, 1989 that:  “The democracy of numbers which augurs well in homogeneous unitary states, may be nothing other than hegemonic politics in some plural societies.”

Akinola in his brilliant submission in The Guardian of 7th June, 1985, Towards the Third Republic: Zoning Revisited, he wrote, “A critical look at Zoning would reveal that the system is not recent in Nigerian culture; it was the procedure for the choice of Traditional Rulers in most of the ancient Kingdoms, and has survived till the present day. He went further to explain that Traditional Zoning is a sub-division of Kingdoms into “ruling families” or “dynasties”.

If, we have used our indigenous system to solve our own problems, at the micro level, I do not see how we cannot succeed if the same traditional approach is applied to the PDP.

I am convinced that the above were not lost to the Founding Fathers of the PDP in their quest for a new Nigeria founded on the principles of Equity, Fairness and Justice.

THE CONSTITUTION

PREAMBLE: 1998

In July 28, 1998 they resolved among others in Par iii. to restructure Nigeria in the spirit of true federalism in order to ensure a fair and equitable distribution of power… to conform with the principles of Power-shift and Power-sharing, Rotation of Key Political offices. .. as to create Socio-Political conditions conducive to national peace and unity.

2006

In the 2006 CONSTITUTION as Amended went further to establish a moral social order which will result in the spiritual regeneration of the nation and a strict code of conduct.

It again went further to emphasize in ARTICLE 7 Section 2.c that in pursuance of the Principles of Equity, Justice and Fairness, the party shall adhere to the policy of Rotation and Zoning of Party and Public elective offices and it shall be enforced by the appropriate executive Committee at all levels.

In anticipation of challenges and denials of the nature as we are confronted with today it established and demands that its BOARD OF TRUSTEES must be made up of people of integrity and with a first charge on Art 12.80 (a) to “ensure highest standards of morality in all the activities of the party by acting as the CONSCIENCE OF THE PARTY…with Power to call to order any officer of the Party whose conduct falls below the norm and (b) ensure high morale of members of the Party and that the Party enjoys a good image before the Nigerian populace (let me add the International Community, International Republican Institute, National Democratic Institute etc) and is in good Political health. What will we be teaching our children when we indulge in selective morality.

It is in suspicion of Leaders living in denials that in Article 21 of the same 2006 CONSTITUTION regarding Offences and Punishment,

Art 21. I, insists that, Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the party shall have power to discipline any member who:

(a)     commits any breach of the party Constitution, and or Manifesto,

(b)     says or does anything likely to bring the party into disrepute, hatred or contempt and consequently ridicule and public odium.

2009

In its 2009 CONSTITUTION as Amended held strongly to Art 7.2(c) as in 2006 above and further charged the STATE CAUCUS, in Art 12.33:

“To meet, from time to time, to consider urgent and important issues (as this one Zoning and Rotation) affecting the Party, the State and the Nation.” They should step out and speak up.

2012

In the 2012 Amended Constitution of the PDP, in Art 7.I (c), it read ” adhering to the policy of the Rotation and Zoning of Party and Public elective offices in pursuance of the Principles of Equity, Fairness and Justice.” This in itself must reflect the geopolitical character of the Region or Zones (and at all levels,) to which it is slotted.

It went on to establish the State Elders Committee with its primary function among others as:

(a) ensure high standard of morality in all the activities of the Party….

The greatest of which is to ensure that the leadership at all levels DO RIGHT THINGS RIGHT. Let the means justify the end instead of  the other way.

2017

The 2017 Amended Constitution as a matter of emphasis states that:

BELIEVING that organising ourselves into political party will ensure that Nigerians participate fully in the politics of our country to sustain our democracy;

CONSCIOUS of the need to share and rotate key political offices among the diverse peoples of our country;

DETERMINED to pursue the goals and aspirations of our people in a manner consistent with best practices the world over;

PERSUADED that the equitable distribution of power…is a sure way of ensuring peace and harmony in the land;

BELIEVING that a strict enforcement of a code of conduct among members in and out of office will reduce corruption and ensure probity and accountability in the polity;

PROMPTED by a firm Conviction that the enthronement of a moral social order will result in the spiritual regeneration of the nation;

RECOGNISING that a well-ordered political system is a sine qua non to economic and social development; etc.

It is pertinent to recall that, in 2015, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, Distinguished Senator Bukola Saraki, Rt Hon Aminu Tambuwal and others stormed out of the PDP in protest, in opposition to continued Jonathan Presidency.  They insisted that it was the turn of the North, based on the PDP fundamental Principle of Zoning and Rotation.

America readily provided them with the audacity, the impetus and strategic linkages and leverages to sustain their demand and achieve victory.

What has now changed? It’s the crying need for nation building and the sake of honour that we are asking these Elders and Leaders to live by example and up to expectations. In the immortal words of Marcus Aurelius:

“Never esteem anything as of advantage to you that will make you break your word or lose your selfrespect.”

Today, we need a collective response to the PDP dilemma and the Nigerian Question.

We must collectively hold our dear Party to its words, declarations and promises.

It’s not enough to win elections. The crucial question is how. Not by selective morality, of course.

We must do away with the belief that the end justifies the means and insist on the moral dictum that nothing morally wrong can be politically right. It is, therefore, the means that justifies the end.

Sophocles insists, “I would prefer to fall with honour than win by cheating” as Plato cautioned, “You should not honour men more than truth.”

We must never eternalize multiple principles and plural principals and eulogize fundamentalists on weekends and evolutionists on weekdays.

We must hold members and our Party’s band of Trustees as the conscience of the Party, to Do RIGHT THINGS RIGHT and insist on its Rotation and Zoning Principle. It’s the pivot around which the party revolves.

The call to jettison it renders the party prostrate, a living dead and without conscience.

Like George Bernard Shaw would say,

“The most tragic thing in the world is a man of genius who is not a man of his words, a man of honour.”

And the legendary Marcus Tullius Cicero lent his eternal voice, that, ” Ability without honour is useless.”

In 2023, it shall be RIGHT and JUST to let the South produce the next Presidential Candidate of the PDP.

The South has no less galaxy of stars, who have the requisite knowledge, physical dynamism; are vast in skills and competences for economic revival, and national transformation to achieve national unity and cohesion, reposition Nigeria in the comity of nations, and reinvent her to become the pride of the black race.

CONCLUSION

I have gone this far to draw the attention of members of the PDP Zoning Committee and indeed the party leadership to the fact that our great party was founded on the principles of justice, equity, fairness and inclusiveness. These same principles remain the pillars on which any institution or even nation can be sustained successfully.

When these principles are violated, discarded or ignored, on the basis of pursuing personal, group, sectional or regional agenda or interest, such an institution or nation will, unwittingly, be sowing seeds of disharmony, disunity and distrust, which will ultimately destroy the foundation of such an institution or nation, with all the consequences that can better be imagined.

Let me therefore, invite distinguished members of this august committee to note that we are about to make history. What we do or fail to do with this assignment will go a long way in shaping the future of our great party and the destiny of our dear country.

Believe it, ” We shall steer safely through every storm, so long as our heart is right, our intention fervent, our courage steadfast, and our trust fixed on God.” Francis de Sales.

Qatar 2022 Playoffs: Black Stars Hold Super Eagles To A Stalemate

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Super Eagles - Qatar 2022 Qualifiers

By Akinwale Kasali

After 90 minutes of pulsating encounter at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, Ghana, the Black Stars of Ghana proved their mettle as no pushover to their West African neighbours and rival, Nigeria as they held on for a stalemate in the Qatar 2022 Qualification Playoffs.

As expected, the Ghanaians came all out against the Nigerians firing from all cylinders, and controlled the game all through the first 45 minutes putting their opponents under pressure. But, the Coach Augustine Eguavoen team held on.

The Nigeria Coaching crew started the match with Francis Uzoho in goal, Leon Balogun, William Troost Ekong, Zaidu Sanusi and Olaoluwa Aina started as the back four.

Joe Aribo, Innocent Bonke, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon were in the heart of the midfield with Kelechi Iheanacho and Victor Osimhen playing upfront.

The Super Eagles best chance of the match was the save by Ghanaian goalkeeper, Wollacott, as Simon lashed his shot on the heels of the goalkeeper.

At the other end of the pitch, the Ghanaians kept Uzoho busy, as he was forced to make crucial saves.

Ademola Lookman and Calvin Bassey made their Super Eagles debut as they were brought in for Zaidu Sanusi and Moses Simon respectively.

The stalemate gives the Super Eagles an advantage going into the second leg scheduled for Tuesday 29th March, 2022 at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria by 5pm.

The Super Eagles needs an outright win against the Black Stars to book a place in the world soccer showpiece slated for November 2022 in Qatar.

Other playoff matches in Africa saw 2021 African Cup of Nations Bronze medalist, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon losing at home to the Desert Eagles of Algeria 1-0 in Yaoundé.

The Carthage Eagles recorded an away win against the Eagles of Mali at the Bamako International Stadium, Mali by a lone goal, while the Atlas Lions of Morocco got a late equalizer to end their encounter with the Democratic Republic of Congo 1-1 in Kinshasha, the country’s Capital.

Mohammed Salah’s Pharaohs of Egypt got their 2021 AFCON final revenge against the Teranga Lions of Senegal at the Military Stadium in Cairo, Egypt by recording a 1-0 victory going into the second leg.

Two-Year Jail Term For Lagos Socialite Who Distributed Fuel As Souvenir

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Erelu Coronation

By Akinwale Kasali

Regrets are the lot of Lagos Socialite, Chidinma Ogbulu, who has been in the eye of the storm for sharing Petrol in jerry cans  as souvenir at her party weeks back.

She has been sentenced to two years imprisonment by Chief Magistrate Kehinde Ogundare of the Lagos State Special Offences (Mobile) Court sitting at Oshodi, Lagos.

Justice Ogundare convicted and sentenced the socialite following her change of plea from “not guilty” to “guilty.” The evidence by the prosecution was damning.

The Judge held that  prosecution proved its case against  beyond any reasonable doubt, according to a statement from Lagos State Ministry of Justice on Friday.

It would be recalled that Ogbulu was first arraigned on March 14, 2022 for distributing petrol as souvenir during her installation party on March 5 at Havillah Event Centre in Lagos State.

She pleaded not guilty then, but changed her plea to guilty on Thursday when the case came up for hearing.

Ogundare sentenced the socialite to three months’ imprisonment or fine N15, 000 fine on count one of the three-count charge, and one year imprisonment or N500,000 fine on the second count.

The Chief Magistrate sentenced the socialite to one year imprisonment or N500,000 fine on the third count.

According to Lagos State Government, she violated Section 251(1), 168 (1), 244 of the Criminal Law of the state, 2015, and Section 195 (2)(b) of the Environmental Management Protection Law of the State 2017.

The Lagos State Government sealed the venue of the party as soon as the news of the incident broke

Nigeria’s First Female Vice Chancellor, Alele- Williams Dies At 89

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Professor Grace Alele-Williams

By Akinwale Kasali

The delightful, elegant, a combination of brain, beauty and brawn, Professor Grace Alele-Williams, has passed on.

The renowned educationist and Professor of Mathematics, passed on Friday,  March, 25, 2022, at the age of 89 years.

She broke the jinx against female academics when she was appointed the first female Vice Chancellor in Nigeria – University of Benin – in 1985.

She was known to have taken drastic steps and measures in the reduction of cultism, that had become a  menace in UNIBEN at the time.

Before her appointment as Vice Chancellor,  she made history as the first Nigerian woman to obtain a doctorate degree in Mathematics  in 1963, a rare feat in the sixties.

Though the circumstances surrounding her death remains sketchy at the filing of this report,  her death was confirmed by the  former Commissioner for Higher Education, Delta State, and ex-Head of Department of English, the University of Lagos, Prof. Hope Eghagha.

Asked about the circumstances surrounding her death, Eghagha said, “Anything can happen at 89.”

It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari felicitated with the former VC on her 89th birthday in December 2021, applauding her role in sanitising UNIBEN of cultism.

President Buhari had congratulated  the educationist on her achievements over many years, inspired by vision and hard work, becoming the first woman to earn a Ph.D in Nigeria (1963), and using her resources to create opportunities for other women, particularly in getting education,” partly read the statement issued by Buhari’s spokesperson, Femi Adesina.

Campaign Posters: PDP Demands Emefiele’s Immediate Resignation, Investigation

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Godwin Emefiele Campaign Posters

By Adesina Soyooye

The People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has demanded for the immediate resignation of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele, from office. The party also called for his investigation.

The call by the PDP follows  Emefiele’s  Campaign posters for the office of the President of Nigeria which have flooded Abuja and elsewhere.

Emefiele is the surprise name which popped up as a possible Presidential candidate under the All Progressives Congress, APC. He is, allegedly, being presented under the refuge and prompting of Corporate Nigeria.

But like a number of commentators, the PDP has described Emefiele’s entanglement with the Presidential office in 2023, as “The height of impunity”.

In a statement signed by the Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP asserted that “the appearance of the CBN Governor, the banker of the federation, who by law, ought to be non-partisan and apolitical, in APC campaign material is the height of impunity of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC administration, which amounts to poking its fingers in the eyes of Nigerians and daring them to do their worse.”

Following is the full text of PDP’s statement.

:The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) demands the immediate resignation and investigation of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele, following his appearance in All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign posters which confirms his partisan affiliation and entanglement with the APC.

“The PDP asserts that the appearance of the CBN Governor; the banker of the federation, who by law, ought to be non-partisan and apolitical, in APC campaign material is the height of impunity of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC administration, which amounts to poking its fingers in the eyes of Nigerians and daring them to do their worse.

“This action by Mr. Emefiele is contrary to the provision of Section 9 of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act which provides that “the governor and the deputy governors shall devote the whole of their time to the service of the bank and while holding office, shall not engage in any full or part-time employment or vocation, whether remunerated or not…”

“By engaging in partisan politics to the extent of appearing in APC campaign posters, Mr. Emefiele has knowingly and deliberately violated the provision of the CBN Act stated above.

“Mr. Emefiele has also desecrated the sanctity of his office as CBN Governor, compromised the integrity of the apex bank, stripped it of the confidence reposed in it by Nigerians and the International Community and as such, cannot legitimately continue to hold and function in that office.

“This further confirms that under Mr. Emefiele, the CBN, as the custodian of our national economy, has become an appendage and cash cow of the APC in their reckless pillaging of our national resources, the resultant effect of which is now evident in the near collapse state of our economy.

“The CBN Governor must therefore resign immediately and subject himself to investigation by anti-corruption agencies on various allegations of financial misfeasance including reportedly opening our national vaults to the cabal in the APC administration and operating a special fraudulent, corrupt and discriminatory foreign exchange regimes for APC leaders to fleece our nation.

“In addition, this further confirms allegation in the public space that the CBN had secretly released billions of naira through various petroleum sector underhand dealings to finance the APC National Convention.

“It is now crystal clear that President Buhari and the APC are not committed to providing a level playing field for free and fair general elections in 2023. As the banker of the federation, Mr. Emefiele is in a position to have undue access to public funds to finance APC’s campaigns.

“Moreover, being in control of all the accounts of other Nigerians, the CBN Governor is also in a position to use his office to clamp down on the finances of other contestants and stifle them of funds.

“It is only under the APC with its impunity and disregard for rules and sanctity of Institutions that campaign posters with the portrait of the CBN Governor side by side with that of the President can be condoned. That presupposes an endorsement of impropriety and we demand that President Buhari come clean on this monumental corruption of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“History will note President Buhari’s legacy of destroying every segment of our national life; from security to electoral process, unity of our nation and now the sanctity of the Central Bank. Our Party cautions that the consequences of this are better imagined.

“Now that Mr. Emefiele has openly identified with the APC, he should immediately resign and face an ill-fated career in the fizzling APC.”

Emefiele, a former Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, was appointed the CBN Governor by former President Goodluck Jonathan. He succeeded former Emir of Kano who was sacked by Jonathan.

On coming into office in 2015, Buhari not only kept him, but renewed his appointment, thus making him the first CBN Governor to get a second term in office.

He is of the Igbo speaking area of the South-south.

Uzodimma To Supervise APC Convention, Heads Technical Committee

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has been saddled with the responsibility of supervising the All Progressives Congress (APC) Convention slated for Saturday, March 26, in Abuja, in his capacity as Head of the Technical Committee.

His Committee is to oversee the conduct of the exercise.

Governor Uzodinma is heading 34 other eminent party leaders also involved in monitoring and supervising the Convention.

In a letter addressed to Governor Uzodimma by the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee and Extraordinary Convention,  Mai Mala Buni, who is, also, Governor of Yobe State, Uzodimma was informed that his Committee “is responsible for the smooth conduct of the Convention.”

The Imo State Governor was further informed that he was selected as the Chairman of the Committee based on his “track record of service and commitment to the party.”

The letter emphasised: “Your selection is in consideration of your track record of integrity and firm commitment towards the ideals and development of our great party.”

The Education Minister, Adamu Adamu serves as the Secretary of the Committee, while other members include: the Governor of Nasarrawa State, Abdulahi Sule, Justice Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami and Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika.

Governor Uzodinma and his members of the Committee have since resumed duties at Abuja.

Nigeria’s Toyin Tofade, Breaks Record, Becomes First Black Female President of U.S. College

By
The Source
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0
Toyin Tofade

Nigeria’s name resonated when a Nigerian, Dr Toyin Tofade broke the record. She was appointed the first Black woman to be the President of Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in the College’s 141 years history.

“Dr Tofade is the first Black woman to serve as president of Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in the college’s 141-year history, said a Press Release.

Her appointment, announced Wednesday, March 24, 2022, takes effect from July 1, 2022.

“Nigeria’s Toyin Tofade, last Wednesday, became the first black female president of the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS) founded in 1881”, said a report, quoting a release from the College.

The College’s press release said Ms Tofade, by her selection, after a comprehensive search will become the 10th President of the College.

“Dr Tofade is the first Black woman to serve as president of Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in the college’s 141-year history. She begins her term on July 1, 2022,” said the release.

Christopher Di Lascia, the Chairman of  the Presidential search committee said: “Dr Tofade possesses all the qualities desired, including her deep commitment to academic quality, scholarship, and service, as well as a proven track record of successful management and resource development…”

Ms Tofade had served as the Dean and Professor at the Howard University College of Pharmacy in Washington, D.C. “during which the college has nearly doubled enrollment for the class of 2021; doubled the number of student internships; expanded clinical, industrial and international partnerships; and received the maximum number of Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) re-accreditation years possible.

“Under her leadership, the college diversified its faculty composition and expertise; revised the curriculum which has led to improved educational outcomes; entered into a one-of-a-kind partnership with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Glaxo to provide fellowship opportunities in regulatory affairs and policy.”

While accepting her high profile office, the new President said: “It is an honour to be selected for this distinguished role by the Board of Trustees at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.”

“My sincere thanks go to Howard University’s Provost and President for their leadership, ongoing support, and mentorship over the years, the entire Howard University College of Pharmacy for their dedication to excellence and leadership, my distinguished colleagues for making Howard a great place to work, and my family for their unwavering support. I am grateful to God for this new opportunity, and I look forward to serving the ACPHS community as President”

Ms Tofade  graduated with a Bachelor of Pharmacy from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, a master’s degree in pharmacy practice and a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree both from UNC Chapel Hill in 1994 and 1997, respectively.

She completed a residency with emphasis on clinical pharmacokinetics in 1994 from UNC Chapel Hill, and an American Society of Health-System Pharmacy-accredited residency in 1995 at UNC hospitals.

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