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Opinion: Buhari, Osinbajo And The Bigotry Question

By
James Orji
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By FEMI ADESINA
Have you ever met a religious bigot before? Pray that you don’t. It’s not an interesting experience, irrespective of the faith the bigot professes.
A bigot is obstinately or unreasonably attached to a belief, opinion, and is prejudiced against or antagonistic towards a person or people who don’t share what he believes.
I ask again: have you met a religious bigot before? Pray that you don’t. And if you unfortunately do, don’t argue, don’t remonstrate with such person. Just show a clean pair of heels.
President Muhammadu Buhari is a man that had been serially de-marketed, flagellated and excoriated as a religious bigot. It was a narrative deliberately concocted and conjured by those who were afraid of the probity and integrity he could bring into public office. They tarred him with the brush of bigotry, which hindered the man from attaining the presidency for a long while.
But every lie has an expiry date. A time came when the public no longer bought the jejune argument. Pro-Buhari forces fought back vigorously. One of them was eminent virologist, Prof Tam David-West (God rest his soul). He wrote a book with the title ‘16 Sins of Muhammadu Buhari,’ in which he debunked the lies being told against the former military head of state. One of them was the allegation of being a religious bigot.
A larger number of Nigerians got to understand that the bigotry tag was fake, false, an attempt to give the dog a bad name, in order to hang it. Muhammadu Buhari coasted to office as President in 2015, after three earlier trials.
But there is still a remnant that maintains its entrenched position. And they are the ones who look down on us Christians, for going to “work with a Fulani Muslim, a jihadist who does not want to see Christians at all.” True? False.
Who else can you trust more than the man (or woman) that cooks or serves your meal? Possibly nobody. Buhari has Christian cooks, male and female.
And who can you also trust more than the man that drives you? He can decide to do bad, bad things to you. Buhari has Christian drivers.
I was glad to hear Vice President ‘Yemi Osinbajo touch on the matter early this week. While receiving Senegal-based Grand Khalifa of Tijaniya Movement Worldwide, Sheikh Muhammadu Mahi Ibrahim Niass, he said in seven years of working with President Buhari, he has not had any issues with him, particularly in the area of religion.
Said the Vice President: “President Buhari is a serious Muslim, and I am a pastor. Both of us have worked together for about 7 years, we have not had any issues. The President has shown great leadership, he has shown that he wants a country where people of different faiths live in harmony and with love for one another.”
Well spoken, well proven. And I have stories to tell to buttress what VP Osinbajo has said.
Just two weeks ago, someone who was in the inner caucus when President Buhari was putting together his team in 2015, told me a story. It went this way:
“When the President likes you, he just likes you. I remember in 2015, when they brought three names to him as possible media advisers. They were made of Christians and Muslims. He just brought out his pen, and marked your name. That was all.”
A media adviser is in the inner caucus. You can see your boss whenever you want to, and that was what the President told me the very day I resumed: “Adesina, ensure that nobody keeps you away from me. Whenever you want to see me, just come.”
Bigot? He won’t give such position or latitude to a person of different faith.
Early in the first term, one of my spiritual fathers passed on. Rev Cornelius Obasi had taken keen interest in me as a young man growing up in the Foursquare Gospel Church in Lagos. That was in the 1980s.
He was the Assistant Pastor of the branch I attended in Omole area. The main pastor was Rev Felix Meduoye, who later went on to become General Overseer of the Church for many years.
I had completed National Service, was working as a Current Affairs Officer in Radio Lagos. But I never joked with church services, and soon became a teacher in the Sunday School.
One day, after service, Rev Obasi called me. “Brother Femi, you speak good English. Who are you really?” I told him about myself, and thus began a lifelong friendship.
When he passed on (was it late 2015 or 2016?), a two days funeral was being organized. And I wanted to attend, to pay my last respects. So I went to meet the President.
I asked him for two days off, and told him why I needed it. A religious bigot would never hear of such. But not President Buhari. He told me: “I am happy that you’ve decided to go and give last honors to such a man. Please go. We will be here till you return.” And that winsome smile.
When I returned to Abuja, I went to see him again, to say I was back. He welcomed me, and said something I’ll never forget.
“Adesina (he prefers to call me by my surname), I want to thank you for going to honour a man who contributed to bringing you up spiritually. God will give you lada for it.”
I thanked him and left. But lada, what does it mean?
I sought out my friend, Garba Deen Mohammed, now NNPC spokesman. What does lada mean? I told him the story. He laughed, and explained that lada means reward, or wages. He said the President was praying that God will reward me for attending the burial of Rev Cornelius Obasi.
A bigot? I hear.
Our first Christmas in government. December 2015. I wanted to spend the season in Lagos. And I asked him for permission. By all means, he answered. “I know the Vice President, yourself, and some others are church people. Please go. Spend Christmas and New Year with your families. When you now come back, me too I’ll go for a few days.” And he laughed. Bigot? They never want to hear of Christmas. Since 2015, he would give all Christians working with him time off every Easter and Christmas. I like that kind of ‘bigotry.’
When the Foursquare Gospel Church turned 60 years in Nigeria. I told the President, and he gladly agreed to meet with the leadership. He did. Bigot? Please tell me another story.
The Vice President survived an helicopter crash in 2019. The President publicly rejoiced with him, and then at the next Federal Executive Council meeting, he congratulated the VP again. Jocularly, he said: “I can imagine that when the chopper crashed with a bang, VP as a pastor must have shouted, Jesus!Jesus! Jesus! And fortunately, Jesus was not far away, so He saved him.”
We all laughed. But one instructive lesson. Bigots don’t like Jesus. They never want to hear His name, or attribute anything miraculous to Him. Buhari, a bigot? I beg, comot for road, make I pass.
It is said that as a military commander, he gave opportunity for Muslim soldiers to observe the jumat on Fridays, and Christian soldiers were allowed to go to church on Sundays. A bigot would allow Muslims, and pretend that Christians didn’t exist.
As the administration winds down (in 14 months) I pray for grace to be able to document my experiences with this President. People would then realize how unfair they’ve been to him. A man more sinned against, rather than sinning.
*Adesina is Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity

Awka Traditional Ruler Slams Obiano, Wife, Calls Them Ungrateful, Demands Apology Over Bianca

By
The Source
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0
Ebere Obiano

By Charles Igbo

“It should be noted that Mrs Obiano and the husband who used the name and pictures of Ojukwu in their Campaign T-shirt  to win election via endorsement of his wife, Bianca, never met Ojukwu or discussed with him while he was alive.

“The same ungrateful attitude was what Obiano and Ebere netted out to Prince Arthur Eze who financed the registration and  establishment of APGA as a political party”

The Traditional Ruler of Awka Ancient Kingdom, His Imperial Majesty, Eze Uzu 111 of Awka, Obi Dr. Austin Ndigwe, MON, has descended heavily on the immediate past Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, and his wife, Ebelechukwu.

The Traditional Ruler was reacting to an embarrassing incident which happened in Awka on Thursday, March 17, 2022,  during the swearing-in ceremony of Professor Charles Soludo as the Governor of Anambra State.

Mrs Obiano had verbally abused Iyom Bianca Ojukwu, wife of the late Igbo Leader, Dim Emeka Odumegwu- Ojukwu. She, also, tapped her shoulders three times, and attempted to remove Bianca’s headtie.

An embarrassed Bianca had responded by slapping Mrs Obiano. Bianca revealed that Mrs Obiano was drunk at the time, and stank of whisky.

However, most Anambra people and the Igbo in general, have risen up in anger in condemnation of Mrs Obiano for her unbecoming conduct which resulted in the incident which, almost, marred the swearing-in ceremony.

The Obi of Awka, in whose domain the incident took place has called it a sacrilege. He said that verbally abusing Mrs Ojukwu, and calling her cheap, amounted to insulting Ojukwu and the Igbo.

Dismissing Mrs Obiano and her husband as an couple ungrateful, he gave instances of such ungratefulness and said that in the instant case, they went too far. He warned of the consequences of a repetition.

Governor Willy Obiano of Anambra State
Willie Obiano

“This time, they have gone too far. Igbos are angry. Enough is enough. This is the last time that this kind of disgraceful and shameful act against Bianca Ojukwu would even be imagined or tolerated  from anybody, no matter how highly placed”, the Obi said.

He said he would need to perform a sacrifice to appease the land over Mrs Obiano’s conduct, and gave her seven days to apologise to Bianca, Governor and Mrs Soludo, Anambra people and the Igbo.

Following is the full text of the Press Statement which the Eze personally signed.

PRESS STATEMENT BY THE OBI OF AWKA ANCIENT KINGDOM ON THE SHAMEFUL CONDUCT OF MRS EBERECHUKWU OBIANO

“The Obi of Awka Ancient Kingdom, Awka Capital Territory, His Imperial Majesty,  the Eze Uzu 111 of Awka , Obi Dr Austin Ndigwe (JP) MON, has given the wife of the immediate past Governor of Anambra State,  Mrs .Eberechukwu Obiano seven days to publicly apologise to the entire Igbo people or face serious consequences ,  over her sacriligious action against the symbol of Igbo unity, Bianca Odumegwu- Ojukwu.

“She should also tender an unreserved apology to the new Governor of Anambra State,  Professor Chukwuma Soludo for her disgraceful conduct during his inauguration. The same should go for the Chief Judge of the State who was conducting the swearing in when she descended so low like a mad dog.

“Bianca told me after the incident that what angered her was that Ebere called her unprintable names including prostitute and queried her presence at the swearing in ceremony.

“Unfortunately,  This grave sin was commited in the land of Awka which is known for peace and unity.

“Therefore,  as the Traditional Ruler of the people and Chief Custodian of our culture, I am under obligation to perform some sacrifices to cleanse our land of this filth and pollution, and to appease the gods.

“A study of the scenario as the incident occured showed that her action was deliberate because as it were she came very much prepared to disrupt the swearing in ceremony . And it is troubling that she began her ignoble actions when the Chief Judge stood up to swear-in the new Governor as she came and sat on his seat,  a clear show of shame and lack of respect .

“Even when she was informed that the seat was for the Chief Judge ,  she refused to vacate the seat,  only for her to stand up and move towards the direction of Bianca Ojukwu to start pouring venom on her.

“It must be pointed out that Bianca was not at that ceremony as Bianca, but there as a direct representative of our late father and leader ,  Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu,  her late husband who pioneered the All progressives Grand Alliance,  APGA and the shining symbol of igbo unity and solidarity. Ojukwu sacrificed all he had for the Igbos to survive,  so wherever Bianca goes,  she represents and carries the aspirations and personage of the entire Igbo race.

“Therefore,  Ebere’s action of casting aspersion on her is an affront on the entire Igbo people. It was indeed on Odumegwu Ojukwu and not on Bianca as a person. This is an insult on Igbo and it must not go unpunished.

“Ebere should realize that this same APGA on whose platform she and her husband have benefitted immensely throughout these eight years was floated when they were not even in the country and they never contributed to its formation.

“It is on record that I took Obiano and this his wife,  Ebere to Bianca Ojukwu where they knelt down while seeking the party’s governorship ticket. Bianca endorsed Obiano and called on all APGA members including then Governor Peter Obi to support him.

“It is the same Bianca that Ebere has now publicly insulted. This is a taboo against the tradition of the Awka people and the entire Igbo race who are known for respect and peaceful coexistence.

“It should be noted that Mrs Obiano and the husband Willie Obiano who used the name and pictures of Ojukwu in their campaign T shirts to win election via the endorsement of his wife Bianca never met Ojukwu or discussed with him while he was alive.

“The same ungrateful attitude was what Obiano and Ebere metted out to Prince Arthur Eze who financed the registeration and establishment of APGA as a political party.

“Throughout their eight year tenure,  Obiano never showed respect to Prince Eze. This is an indication that Obiano and his wife are pathological ingrates.

“This time, they have gone too far. Igbos are angry. Enough Is enough,  this is the last time that this kind of disgraceful and shameful act against Binaca Ojukwu would even be imagined or tolerated from anybody,  no matter how highly placed.

“Igbos and non-Igbos from various parts of the country and beyond have been calling to express their shock and anger over the incident and as the custodian of our people’s tradition it is incumbent on me to uphold the customs of our land. Ojukwu’s personage as represented by Bianca can never be denigrated!

“It is shameful that someone who has been First Lady of a State can descend so low. Her conduct shows that she lacks proper training and it shows that she has no respect for constituted authority and even her husband,  former Governor Obiano.

“Mrs Ebere Obiano has only 7 days to appologise as demanded  and directed or face serious consequences.

“His Imperial Majesty

Chief  (Dr) Austin Ndigwe

Eze Uzu of Awka Capital Territory

For and on behalf of the entire people of Awka ancient Kingdom.”

Reprieve For Political Appointees; Court Declares Section 84 (12) Of Electoral Law Unconstitutional

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Court
The Law

By Ayodele Oni

Reprieve has come for political appointees seeking to contest election in 2023 as the Federal High Court sitting in Umuahia has today struck down Section 84(12) of the newly amended Electoral Act.

While signing the newly amended electoral act 2021, President Muhammadu Buhari had written to the National Assembly to delete the section.

Only yesterday, the Attorney General of the federation, and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami and other political appointees in President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration have approached a Federal High Court in Abuja to file a suit challenging the section of the new Electoral Law.

The offensive section stops appointees from being delegates to parties’ convention unless they resign their appointments.

The move by the appointees followed the refusal of the National Assembly and the Senate in particular to abide by the gentleman agreement with President Mohamadu Buhari to amend the clause considered as being against the provision of the constitution.

It was a total victory for President Buhari and appointees at all levels of government as the court in a judgment delivered by Justice Evelyn Anyadike held that the section was unconstitutional, invalid, illegal, null, void and of no effect whatsoever.

According to the Judge, the section ought to have been struck down as it cannot stand when it is in violation of the clear provisions of the Constitution.

President Buhari, had while signing the amended Electoral Act, urged the National Assembly to delete the provision as it violated Constitution and breached the rights of government appointees.

The President further wrote a letter to both Chambers of the National Assembly seeking amendment by way of deleting the provision and was rejected by the Senate during plenary.

Justice Anyadike in the Suit marked FHC/UM/CS/26/2022 held that Sections 66(1)(f), 107(1)(f), 137(1)(f) and 182(1)(f) of the 1999 Constitution already stipulated that appointees of government seeking to contest elections were only to resign at least 30 days to the date of the election.

The Judge maintained that any other law that mandated such appointees to resign or leave office at any time before that was unconstitutional, invalid, illegal null and void to the extent of its inconsistency to the clear provisions of the Constitution.

Counsel to the Plaintiff Emeka Ozoani, SAN while addressing newsmen stated that by this judgment, the National Assembly is not required to further make any amendments to the section.

The Senior lawyer pointed out that the import of this judgment is that Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act is no longer in existence or part of the Electoral Act.

The Judge thereafter ordered the Attorney General of the Federation to forthwith delete the said Subsection 12 of Section 84 from the body of the Electoral Act, 2022.

“Mrs Obiano Was Drunk, Stank Of Whisky, When She Attacked Me” – Bianca

By
Uche Mbah
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Bianca Ojukwu

By Adesina Soyooye and Uche Mbah

Iyom Bianca Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu has made a startling revelation on the state of  Ebelechukwu Obiano, wife of the immediate past Governor of  Anambra State, Willie Obiano, when she publicly confronted and attacked her( Bianca).

Iyom Ojukwu, wife of the late revered Igbo leader, Dim Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said that Mrs Obiano was drunk, and stank of alcohol – whisky – that early in the morning. Bianca said she was stunned that Mrs Obiano was so hopelessly drunk so early in the morning.

The two women were involved in an embarrassing  physical confrontation during the swearing-in ceremony of Professor Charles Soludo as the Anambra State Governor in Awka on Thursday, March 17, 2022, in the full glare of a shocked audience.

Bianca Ojukwu had responded to Mrs Obiano’s unprovoked verbal and physical attack with a slap. The video of the incident had, since, gone viral, provoking condemnation of Mrs Obiano, and an embarrassment that such an incident occurred.

But explaining what actually transpired, Mrs Ojukwu, in an interview with Arise Television on Friday, March 18, said that Mrs Obiano not only walked up to her and verbally abused her, but proceeded to touch her three times on her shoulder even when she warned Mrs Obiano not to touch her again. She had witnesses.

She said that when Mrs Obiano, who was an hour late to the program approached her, she thought it was for them to exchange greetings. But she was wrong, she said, as Mrs Obiano proceeded to not only taunt and rain insults her, but kept tapping her on her (Bianca’s) shoulder.

Bianca:

“What struck me through the whole episode was the fact that she was clearly intoxicated. I was stunned by the stench of whisky in her breath at such an early hour of the day,” Bianca said:

“As the inaugural ceremonies for Prof Charles Soludo and his deputy began and all guests were seated, the former First Lady of Anambra State, Mrs Ebele Obiano, was noticeably absent.

” She then arrived some one-and-a-half hours later while the ceremony was on. I didn’t pay any particular attention to her arrival.

” Surprisingly, she then walked towards me and I thought she was coming to greet me. Instead, when she got to where I was seated, she verbally attacked me with her voice raised, taunting me and asking me what I was there to do and using unprintable vile language.

Ebere Obiano
Ebelechukwu Obiano

“She asked if I had come to celebrate their last day in office. But I ignored her completely.

” Then, she kept aggressively putting her hands on my shoulders and shouting. While I ignored her verbal onslaught, as advised by those sitting around me, I requested twice that she refrain from touching me with her hands.

“She proceeded to do so yet again and went further to grab at my headtie, which she attempted unsuccessfully to remove.

” This very act is considered a sacrilege to a titled matriarch such as myself in Igbo culture. It was at this point that I stood up to defend myself and gave her a dirty slap to stop her from attacking me.

” As she made towards me, I then pulled away her wig. She held on to her wig with her two hands and tried to take the wig away from me.

” The former APGA chairman, Umeh, told her to leave me and told engaged APGA members that had gathered at the spot to lead her away, which they did and took her to the seat next to her husband Chief Willie Obiano who sat through the entire episode completely speechless.

“What struck me through the whole episode was the fact that she was clearly intoxicated. I was stunned by the stench of whisky in her breath at such an early hour of the day.

” How could a first lady be so drunk and proceeded to turn up in that state at an Inauguration ceremony that began at 9am?

” It is unfortunate that she threw all caution to the wind and imported this kind of melodrama to a state ceremony.

This was highly embarrassing to the Governor who left the venue almost immediately, taking her along with him.

” Luckily, this did not disrupt the proceedings and I stayed back to witness the ceremony to the end after which we were treated to a sumptuous reception at the Government House.”

Bianca is an APGA BOT member.

Meanwhile, the Traditional Ruler of Awka Ancient Kingdom, His Imperial Majesty, the Eze Uzu 111 of Awka, Obi Austin Ndigwe, has given Mrs Obiano a seven day ultimatum to apologize to Mrs Ojukwu, Governor Soludo, and the people of Anambra, for deliberately desecrating the land, and disrupting Soludo’s swearing-in ceremony.

He said that attacking Bianca, Dim Ojukwu’s wife, was a sacrilege, and amounted to attacking all Anambra people and the Igbo. The Eze said he would offer sacrifices to appease the land, and warned Mrs Obiano of the consequences of not apologizing for her unbecoming conduct.

LASG Condemn Attack On LASBCA, LASPPPA Officials, Set To Prosecute Offenders

By
Akinwale Kasali
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LASBCA Official

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State Government has condemned the attacks on officials of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, LASPPPA, and the Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA by suspected thugs while on enforcement activities/removal of an illegal PFS in the Ajao Estate area of Lagos State.

The thugs were said to have brandished cutlasses, guns, cudgels and other dangerous weapons, injuring some in the process, while others scampered to safety.

According to the General Manager of LASPPPA, Kehinde Osinaike, a joint team of Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) had gone to remove the illegal construction at 1, Robinson Gbagi Street, Ajao Estate when, suddenly, some thugs, armed with guns, cudgels, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons stormed the area and started shooting at officials and, in the process, caused mayhem in the area.

Osinaike stressed that one LASBCA operative who was macheted on his head and shoulder has been rushed to the hospital while others who sustained various degrees of injuries are, currently, receiving first aid.

He noted that prior to the removal, a stop-work order had been served on the site, but rather than comply with Government directives, the owner broke the seal and continued with his activities while planning a well orchestrated attack on Government officials who were only carrying out their lawful duties.

He also decried the incessant attacks on Government officials on lawful assignments, warning that Government would, henceforth, take decisive actions against perpetrators of such heinous acts.

Osinaike urged residents to always cooperate with LASPPPA/LASBCA and other agencies of Government as they were out to ensure a seamless development of the State through sustainable practices in building construction.

His words: “Developers and owners of properties should take heed and do the right thing by getting the necessary permits before starting a building construction, failure to do this will attract the full wrath of the law as Government will continue to maintain zero tolerance for illegal, unauthorized and haphazard building construction in the State.”

NSCDC Officer Steals Gun At University’s Armoury, Police Insists On Prosecution

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Two Federal Government owned security agencies in Ekiti state are heading for a showdown over the case of a suspect.

The Agencies, Nigeria Police and Nigeria Security and civil Defence, (NSDC) are engaged in verbal attack over a suspect that stole a gun at the armoury of the Federal University, Ikole Ekiti campus.

This magazine’s checks revealed that the suspect is an officer of the NSDC newly posted to the University campus for security duties.

Few days after his resumption, one of the guns kept at the university’s armoury was discovered to be missing which prompted a security officer of the institution to make official report to the Chief Security Officer, (CSO).

The CSO was reported to have lodged official report at the Police Area Commander’s office at Ikole, who later transferred the case to the state Criminal Investigations Department, (CID) of the state police command in Ado Ekiti.

Officers of the State CID swung into action with the arrest of all officers attached to the armoury and detained them for further investigations.

Sources disclosed that the officers insisted in their statement that they suspected the newly transferred officer of the NSCDC since such incident has never been recorded at the office.

Following their insistence, the suspected officer was recalled to the office and after interrogation, confessed that he stole the gun to his superiors.

The gun has since been returned to the armoury but the Police CID is insisting that the suspect be handed over for prosecution, while the State NSCDC is holding on to him.

The matter has led to exchange of verbal communication between the leadership of the two security agencies, with the NSCDC insisting on its stand that the suspect should be given soft landing.

He has since been redeployed  to the state headquarters of NSCDC.

Obiano Not Released By The EFCC

By
Uche Mbah
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0
Governor Willy Obiano of Anambra State

By Uche Mbah

The immediate past governor of Anambra state, Willie Obiano, who was arrested Thursday at about 8.30 pm at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, is still in the custody of the Economic And Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, sources say.

Reports of his release flooded the social media early Friday, but sources within the Commission dismissed the news as untrue.

Obiano was arrested hours after handing over to the new Governor, Charles Soludo, at the ceremony where his wife was embarrassingly slapped by Bianca Ojukwu, the wife of the late Biafran warlord, Dim Emeka Ojukwu.

Obiano is said to have been arrested for, alleged, misappropriation of funds, particularly in the building of the Anambra Airport. He had been on the watch list of the EFCC for years.

It is not clear whether he was detained with his wife, Ebele.

Sources indicate that he has been transfered from Lagos to Abuja, which may have sparked off reports of his release.

“Forget that thing. It is fake news”, this magazine was told.

Bribery: FAAN Bans Immigration Officers From Airports

By
The Source
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0
Airport

The Federal Airports Authority Of Nigeria, FAAN, has banned two Immigration Officers from operating at any Airport in Nigeria. Consequently, their On-duty cards have been withdrawn.

The ban followed the investigation of a tweet by a mother whose 14-year old daughter, who was travelling out of the country, on Qater Airline, on February 19, 2022, was extorted to the tune of eight thousand Naira, by the two Immigration Officers.

An investigation carried out by FAAN, with the help of a CCTV and absolute cooperation from NIS, confirmed the incident to be true.

A release by Faithful Hope-Ivbaze, Ag General Manager, Corporate Affairs, FAAN, said the sum of money has been retrieved from the officers.

Following, the full text of the release


RE: ALLEGATION OF EXTORTION OF PASSENGER AT MMA

Following a tweeted allegation on the 19th February, 2022 by the mother of a 14year old girl travelling on Qatar Airline that two officials of the Nigerian Immigration Service extorted the sum of eight thousand naira from her daughter, a team of FAAN Aviation Security officers were commissioned to investigate the allegation.

Upon investigation, they found the allegation to be true, as the officers involved were identified with the help of footages on our CCTV facility, and the cooperation from the Nigerian Immigration Service.

Consequently, the officers were made to refund the exact amount collected from the passenger.

Their On Duty Cards were also withdrawn permanently, and they have been banned from working in any Nigerian airport, to serve as a deterrent to others.

We would like to commend the mother of the child, who has confirmed receipt of the money, for deeming it fit to escalate the case, and assisting us tremendously in the course of our investigation.

Also, we would like to express our appreciation to the Comptroller of Immigration, MMA and her team for her cooperation and support in addressing this issue.

The Authority will continue to identify and sanction any airport official (including FAAN officials) found to be extorting passengers or perpetuating any act of illegality at our airports.

2023 Presidency: FCT PDP Pledges Support For Anyim

By
The Source
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0
Anyim Pius Anyim

The Presidential bid of Senator Anyim Pius Anyim  has received a big boost as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter executives of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) pledged support for his aspiration.

The endorsement was announced Thursday evening when the FCT PDP executives met with the presidential aspirant in Abuja as part of Anyim’s consultations.

Receiving the politicians in his campaign office in Garki 11, Abuja, the former President of the Senate said he is fully aware the of the socio-political and developmental needs of the FCT.

This deep understanding, Anyim declared made him the presidential aspirant with the best solutions to tackle the problems of the Territory.

According to the PDP presidential aspirant, he had lived all his working life in the FCT since 1989.

According to the PDP chieftain, he has been part of the growth and development of the Territory and has  clear ideas of how to tackle challenges that have risen following the rapid and fast growth witnessed in Abuja.

Telling his visitors that he is one of them, the presidential hopeful said, “FCT is the landlord of Nigeria and I am one of you. When I completed my NYSC in Sokoto State in 1989, I moved down to Abuja and I have remained here till date.

“I therefore have the confidence as one of your own to ask for your support. Entrust me with the critical assignment to rebuild our dear country. I promise you that I will not fail you.

“With your vote for me at the Presidential Primary Election, you will be making a worthy and invaluable investment in building the Nigeria we and our children will be proud of.

“Together, let us go for a greater Nigeria where security, peace, unity, inclusiveness and prosperity will be our collective heritage”, Anyim requested.

Anyim said he has clear understanding of the problems facing Nigeria as a country and that he has solutions to the problems.

In his own remark, the leader of the group who is also the FCT Chapter chairman of the PDP, Zakka Dogo Sunday assured Anyim of the support of his Executive.

He expressed happiness that the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation understands the problems facing the Territory and assured his host that the FCT PDP Exco members would support him to become the President of Nigeria in 2023.

Anyim Mourns Versatile Journalist, Emeka Obasi

By
The Source
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0
Emeka Obasi

Frontline 2023 Presidential aspirant, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim has mourned late versatile Journalist, Prince Emeka Obasi who died on Tuesday March 15, 2022.

Anyim described Obasi  as intelligent, resourceful, courageous and cheerful.

In a personally signed letter of condolence to the wife of the late popular journalist, Dr Betty Obasi, the PDP Presidential aspirant said that apart from Journalism, the Late Emeka also left his footprints in other endeavour he engaged in.

Said Anyim, “It was a rude shock for me to receive the very sad news of the passing of your dear husband, Prince Emeka Obasi. All the while he was sick, we all prayed and trusted God for his recovery.

“Emeka himself always sounded confident that he was going to recover fully.

“We cannot question God for we know that “all things work together for good for those who love God…….”. My dear sister, I know this is a difficult and challenging moment for you and the children. However, I want you to always know that our God is able and merciful. In His hands, you and the children are safe.

“Your husband was a very unique personality; intelligent, resourceful, courageous, bold and cheerful. He was an outstanding journalist who made his mark in the profession. Beyond journalism, Emeka also made his mark in public issues management. The Public Policy Research and Analysis Center (PPRAC), organizers of the annual Zik Prize in Leadership Awards, which he founded and  managed very successfully over the years, remains one of the most credible platforms that has promoted leadership, patriotism and good governance in Nigeria.

“Emeka would be sorely missed for his invaluable contributions to the development of our dear country.

“I pray that the good Lord will grant his soul eternal rest in His bosom. May the Lord keep, uphold and comfort you, his dear wife, children, and the rest of the family”, Anyim concluded.

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