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Ondo Has 24,130 Persons Living With AIDS – Agency Report

By
Ayodele Oni
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AIDS Patient

By Ayodele Oni

The total diversion of attention to curtail the continued spread of Covid 19 pandemic beyond its present state may have shifted efforts of government from addressing other communicable disease such as Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, (AIDS).

This may equally have led to the continued spread of the disease, which is usually transmitted through sexual intercourse.

In recent times, the wide publicity given to wearing of nose mask to check spread of Covid 19, is not accorded to using of condom during sexual intercourse, especially with strange partners.

Also, mass vacinnation of the populace to check the spread of the pandemic has not been extended to checking the menace of AIDS.

The figure released by the Ondo State Agency for Control of AIDS (ODSACA), on Wednesday in Akure confirmed that the sexually transmitted disease has all along been abandoned with preference now to Covid 19.

According to the ODSACA statistics, not less than 24,130 persons in the state have been confirmed to be living with AIDS and the figure may continue to rise.

Coordinator of the centre, Dr. Dayo Adegbulu disclosed this during an interactive session with the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Prof. Adedayo Faduyile.

He explained that as at September, 2021, 12,067 patients were placed on treatment out of the 24,130 people living with the scourge in the state.

Dr Adegbulu pointed out that there was need for more awareness, while people should be educated on the need to know their status on regular basis, adding that  more people should be placed on treatment.

Speaking on effort towards curtailing the epidemic, he called for more funding, test and treatment of incarcerated population, and condom promotion programmes.

Making his own presentation, Director, Finance and Administration, Ondo State Emergency Medical Services Agency (ODEMSA), Mr. Samuel Olubekun explained that the agency has made tremendous achievement in the area of saving lives.

According to him, as at January 2022, 1,121 crash victims have been rescued by the agency, noting that 40 percent paramedics were trained in 2018.

While lamenting paucity of fund, which according to him has hindered effective service delivery, he called on government to upgrade the call centre at Trauma centre, Ondo so as to cope with the present day technical challenges.

He called for reconstruction of the existing ODEMSA network mast at the Akure complex of UNIMEDTH and erection of another mast at Akoko area to boost signal to Oba Akoko base station.

He listed the location of the base stations in the state to include; Oka Akoko, Ilara-Mokin, Bolorunduro and Ore.

Earlier, Prof. Faduyile has stressed on the need for team work in the health sector in order to achieve the vision of the present administration in the state.

While calling on them to embrace the REDEEMED agenda of government by redoubling their steps in order to move at a higher pace in achieving success in the sector,  he assured them of his support and encouraged them to support government for positive impact in the state.

PDP Constitutes Appeals Committee on Ekiti Governorship Primary Ward Congress

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has constituted an Appeal Committee to consider appeals arising from the conduct of Ward Congress last Saturday.

The Congress were conducted to pick three delegates each from the 177 wards in the state to form part of the electoral college to pick Governorship candidate of the party.

The PDP Primary Election is scheduled for before the end of January.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) has warned against the postponement of the primary election by political parties participating in June Governorship election.

The National Organizing Secretary of the PDP, Umar Bature, in a statement on Wednesday, stated that the Appeal Committee has six members with Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo as Chairman.

Other members are Dr. Ibrahim H. Dankwambo, Dr. Mrs. Kema Chikwe, Dame Esther Uduehi, Barrister Kingsley Chukwu, while BarristeMusa Elayo will serve as Secretary.

According to the statement, the Appeal Committee is expected to sit onThursday, January 20, 2022 at the NWC Hall, Wadata Plaza, Abuja.

It advised those with complaints and petitions to submit them at the National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja ahead of the exercise.

Some Governorship aspirants, including former Governor Segun Oni, and Senator Biodun Olujinmi had protested against the outcome of the Congresses, accusing a team from the national secretariat of colluding with former Governor Ayo Fayose to manipulate the exercise.

2023: Tinubu Opens Campaign, To Pay WAEC Fees For Students

By
Bayo Bernard
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0
Bola Tinubu and EFCC Case

By James Orji

A presidential hopeful of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has started his campaign to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari even though the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has yet to release the election timetable for next year’s general election, and has not officially lifted ban on political campaigns.

On Tuesday, INEC Chairman, Mahmud Yakubu said the electoral umpire is awaiting the signing of the Electoral Act by President Buhari before it goes to release the timetable.

In spite of this, Tinubu has released what many political watchers described as one of his manifestoes, which is to pay the WAEC fees for Nigerian secondary school students.

Lagos state where Tinubu was once Governor and many state governments in the country are already paying WAEC fees for secondary school leavers as part of efforts to engender free education and help parents educate their children or wards.

The APC National Leader and former Lagos state governor said this in a viral video at a meeting with some of his supporters.

Tinubu who made his presidential ambition public, last week after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja said his administration will break chain of poverty in the country.

He said “your children’s West African examination fees is paid by us so that no one no matter how poor is left behind,

“The symbol of my camp is breaking shaft, we break the shaft of poverty, ignorance.”

The former governor finally broke silence on the issue of his presidential quest after months of speculation on whether he will run or not.

“I answer that with a categorical yes. I’ve informed the President of my intention but I have not informed Nigerians yet. I’m still consulting. And I have no problem consulting. And I’ve noticed that a parameter of limitation to the extent of how many people will I consult,” he said.

“You will soon hear. All you want to hear is the categorical declaration. You’ve gotten that truth from me that I have informed Mr. President of my ambition,” Tinubu said in Abuja last week.

Buhari Yet To Decide On Subsidy Removal -Lawan

By
Bayo Bernard
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0

By James Orji

Nigerian Senate President Ahmad Lawan has disclosed that the federal government is yet to take a final decision on the planned removal of petrol subsid. Lawan spoke after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja on Tuesday.

Recall that the Minister of Finance and Budget Zainab Ahmed, said last year that the fuel subsidy regime will end by the middle of 2022.

As part of the plan to end the regime of subsiding petrol the minister said some Nigerians will be paid N5000 monthly to cushion the effects of the removal.

In response to the federal government decision, Nigerian workers under the aegis of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC has put Nigerians on alert of an impending nationwide strike if the Buhari administration goes ahead with the plan. The labour union has fixed February for a warning strike.

Some watchers of events in the country said the Senate President’s decision to consult President Buhari on the matter, could be out of the apprehension that any labour strike at the moment could distabilise the country.

Speaking after he met with the president, Lawan said the purpose of his visit is to convey the concerns of Nigerians to Buhari on the issue, adding that the National Assembly is seriously concerned that removing petrol subsidy now will throw the country into chaos.

Senate President Ahmed-Lawan
Lawan: Raises Concern Over Plan To Remove Petrol Subsidy

He said the lawmakers “are very concerned with the recent agitations, protests and many citizens were so concerned, our constituents across the country are very worried that the Federal Government will remove the petroleum subsidy. And for us as legislators representing the people, this must be of interest to us.And we’ve just finished our recess, we had gone home to our constituencies and senatorial districts.

“We felt the pulse of our people. And I found it necessary to visit Mr President, as the leader of our government and our leader in the country, to discuss this particular issue of concern to Nigerians. I’m happy to inform Nigerians that Mr President never told anyone that the petroleum subsidy should be removed.

He said government must not transfer the burden of its inefficiency on hapless Nigerians.

According to him, “I know, and I agree that the subsidy is hefty. But I think we must never transfer the burden to the citizens. We need to look at the quoted figure of maybe 100 million litres that people claim we’re consuming. Is it real? I mean, is it either under recoveries or subsidy? Is it 100 million litres per day? How on earth are we consuming that?

“We need to look at this critically and see how we can find the truth. This is because I am not convinced that within the boundaries of Nigeria, we are consuming 100 million litres. Probably neighbouring countries may benefit from this. Can’t we do something about it?”

He explained that President Buhari has yet to give express approval for the removal of subsidy.

“I’m telling you, what I know from my discussions with Mr President, and I don’t want to go beyond that kind of understanding.

“He didn’t tell anybody that we should remove petroleum subsidies. And those of us who represent the people know how people are already stressed over and over again, this is going to kill everyone if people don’t say what we know is going to be too much for them.”

“So, I want to commend Mr President that he didn’t order anybody to say that petroleum subsidy will be removed, even though we know it’s a burden. So it’s now our task, as an administration, we must find a solution. Let’s go and lock ourselves somewhere,” Lawan said.

Meanwhile, the labour unions said on Tuesday that some conditions must be met before subsidy can be removed. The National President, Trade Union Congress, Quadri Olaleye, who said the problems in the downstream sector is “solely due to the incompetence and corruption of the government,” said the establishment of modular refineries and construction of functioning refineries in the country must first be accomplished before deciding on subsidy removal.

Niger Gov Says States Must Collaborate To Defeat Terrorists, Bandits

By
Bayo Bernard
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0
Abubakar Sani Bello - Governor of Niger State

By James Orji

Governor Abubakar Sanni Bello of Niger State has called for collaboration  among contiguous states to stop the activities  of rampaging terrorists and bandits.  The governor stated this on Tuesday after he held a meeting with President  Muhammadu Buhari  in Aso Rock Presidential Villa,  Abuja. The state is among many states in the north mostly devastated by banditry and terrorism.

The state’s helmsman claimed that bandits still collect levies from communities  in the state, noting that earlier the criminals have already killed over 300 people in January alone.

Bello, who spoke to State House Correspondence said“In January this year alone, we suffered not less than 50 reported attacks and loss of lives, between 1st and 17th  January. Within the same period, not less than 300 communities have been invaded by bandits.

“The number of people kidnapped is 200, including three Chinese nationals. We also lost some security personnel. Their number is 25. Unfortunately, we lost about 165 civilians and 30 local vigilantes,” he said.

He explained that the situation in the state is now very dangerous as bandits are not prepared to back down from their criminality, calling on all the states affected to come together to fight the terrorists.

According to him,  ” it’s a very dire situation that we have been battling in the last few weeks since the beginning of this year.

“But I’m very optimistic with the kind of zeal I have seen from our security agencies and all services. I’m very optimistic that the situation will be addressed. And hopefully, we should get a very peaceful state within the shortest possible time.

“But there is still a lot of work to do. We share borders with Kaduna, Zamfara, and Kebbi States. And these bandits have the habit of hibernating between forests, moving from Zamfara to Kebbi and Kebbi to Niger.

“They take advantage of the cattle routes which they already know. They move on motorcycles. And most of the areas and communities they attack have no access roads. So, you cannot drive there. So, our response time is slow.

“But going forward, there will be new strategies which I earlier mentioned. It will help us. But I can’t disclose some of those strategies. But basically, the States of Kaduna, Niger, Kebbi would have to work together to address the situation.”

“What I realized is that they have been taking us on a merry-go-round. When we deal with them in Niger, they move to Kaduna. When Kaduna deals with them, they move to Katsina. They have been hibernating in the forest. Some of these operations need to be handled simultaneously so that we get the result.

“We are not happy and we are sad with the developments in these states. We are doing whatever we can, using kinetic and non-kinetic efforts to see that we address the present situation,” Bello said.

Unity Bank CEO Promises Rice Sufficiency; CBN Anchor Borrowers Gulps 1trn

By
Bayo Bernard
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0

Unity Bank Plc will continue to partner rice farmers in the country to reduce the importation of the staple food, Tomi Somefun,  the chief executive officer of the bank has said. The commercial bank’ s CEO gave the assurance  on Tuesday during the unveiling of rice pyramids by President Muhammadu  Buhari  in Abuja,  the nation’s  capital.

The Somefun-led bank is a major partner in the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN Anchor Borrowers programme where farmers Associations are granted soft loan to produce grains such as rice and maize. The programme is part of the import substitution policy of the Buhari administration to make the country self sufficient  in food production.

Over 190 000 smallholder farmers across 35 states under the CBN Anchor Borrower Programme (ABP) have so far received loans from the bank according to checks by the magazine.

Speaking on Tuesday the managing director of the bank said the lender will not relent in its continous support for farmers under the aegis of RIFAN to achieve zero reliance on rice importation.

To achieve this, Somefun said Unity ” Bank will continue to support the farmers and ensure that more smallholder farmers get the requisite financial support to boost rice production.

“Our strategic partnership with RIFAN started in 2018 when we financed about 273,000 smallholder farmers. This was the largest single-ticket transaction in that year. This financing cut across 33 states of the Federation including the FCT,” Somefun added.

“In 2019, the Bank increased the tally by financing another 146,810 smallholder farmers for the wet and dry season farming. This funding cut across 35 States of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“Additional funding was granted to finance additional 221,450 smallholder farmers of the Association across the 32 states of the Federation including FCT for the wet season, and additional 300,000 hectares was financed in sixteen states for the 2020 dry season cropping season”.

In 2018, the bank’s strategic partnership with RIFAN led to the financing of about 273,000 smallholder farmers to a tune of about N37 billion which was the largest single ticket transaction that year, as the financing cut across 33 states of the federation, including the FCT.

Also In 2019, the bank increased the tally by financing another 146,810 smallholder farmers to a tune of N42 billion  for the wet and dry seasons’ farming. This funding cut across 35 states of the federation, including the FCT.

Unity Bank Plc will continue to partner rice farmers in the country to reduce the importation of the staple food, Tomi Somefun,  the chief executive officer of the bank has said. The commercial bank’ s CEO gave the assurance  on Tuesday during the unveiling of rice pyramids by President Muhammadu  Buhari  in Abuja,  the nation’s  capital.

The Somefun-led bank is a major partner in the Central Bank of Nigeria,  CBN Anchor Borrowers programme where farmers Associations are granted soft loan to produce grains such as rice and maize. The programme is part of the import substitution policy of the Buhari administration to make the country self sufficient  in food production.

Over 190 000 smallholder farmers across 35 states under the CBN Anchor Borrower Programme (ABP) have so far received loans from the bank according to checks by the magazine.

Speaking on Tuesday the managing director of the bank said the lender will not relent in its continous support for farmers under the aegis of RIFAN to achieve zero reliance on rice importation.

Tomi Somefun, chief executive officer, Unity Bank Plc, says the bank will continue to partner with the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) to reduce rice importation and create more jobs.

 

To achieve this, Somefun said Unity ” Bank will continue to support the farmers and ensure that more smallholder farmers get the requisite financial support to boost rice production.

 

“Our strategic partnership with RIFAN started in 2018 when we financed about 273,000 smallholder farmers. This was the largest single-ticket transaction in that year. This financing cut across 33 states of the Federation including the FCT,” Somefun added.

“In 2019, the Bank increased the tally by financing another 146,810 smallholder farmers for the wet and dry season farming. This funding cut across 35 States of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“Additional funding was granted to finance additional 221,450 smallholder farmers of the Association across the 32 states of the Federation including FCT for the wet season, and additional 300,000 hectares was financed in sixteen states for the 2020 dry season cropping season”.

In 2018, the bank’s strategic partnership with RIFAN led to the financing of about 273,000 smallholder farmers to a tune of about N37 billion which was the largest single ticket transaction that year, as the financing cut across 33 states of the federation, including the FCT.

Also In 2019, the bank increased the tally by financing another 146,810 smallholder farmers to a tune of N42 billion  for the wet and dry seasons’ farming. This funding cut across 35 states of the federation, including the FCT.

Meanwhile, Godwin Emefiele, the CBN Governor said yesterday that the government  bank has empowered at least 4,489,786 farmers through thd Anchor Borrowers intervention programme.

 

Obi Celebrates Emeka Anyaoku at 89

By
The Source
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0

Former Governor Peter Obi has felicitated with the  Former Common Wealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, as he clocked 89 today.

In a Congratulatory Message released by his Media Office, signed by  Mr. Valentine Obienyem, Obi described Anyaoku as an examplary ambassador of Nigeria and Anambra State, on the global stage. Obi stated that Anyaoku has continued to contribute to the peace and development of Nigeria, and indeed Anambra, his home State.

Obi explained that while he lived in the United Kingdom, in the 90s, he always felt proud, as an Igbo man, with Anyaoku’s contributions to the Commonwealth of Nations.

He narrated, “I recall that it was in 1997, during Chief Emeka Anyaoku’s tenure, at Edinburgh Conference, that the Commonwealth Business Council (CBC), of which I was an early member, was formed.

“As a body saddled with the responsibility of enhancing trades and mobilising investments among the member nations of the Commonwealth, the CBC played active role in the economic development of member nations. Being an early member of the Council, afforded me the opportunity of participating in their conferences in Malaysia, Mauritius, India, Australia, Malta, South Africa etc.” Obi also recalled that he has also been opportuned to speak at different Commonwealth events, especially the ones held in Nigeria and United Kingdom.”

Continuing, Obi said “In 2013, as the then Governor of Anambra State, I recall being a special guest at his 80th birthday hosted by the then Secretary General, Kamalesh Sharma, at the Commonwealth Headquarters.

“Also as the then Chairman of South Eastern Governors, I co-hosted the 80th birthday celebration of Chief Emeka Anyaoku at Obosi, which had in attendance; all the then South Eastern Governors; Former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and many other dignitaries from across the country and beyond.”

He concluded, “I am therefore honoured to associate with and celebrate a man, whose greatness has rubbed off on us, both indidually and collectively as a nation. It is my earnest prayers that God will grant him good health of mind and body now and always.”

AFCON 2021: Super Eagles Play For Pride, As Ghana Crashes Out

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Super Eagles Vs Pharaoh of Egypt - AFCON 2022

By Akinwale Kasali

No one saw it coming.

Even the star gazers never predicted that the five-time African Cup of Nations winner, the Black Stars of Ghana would crash out so easily.

It was a heavy loss and heart break for millions of Ghanaians, as lowly rated and debutants, Comoros Island, was the architect of their early exit. It defeated Ghana 3-2.

The win by Comoros will certainly make people and soccer analysts search the African map to know the location of Comoros.

Comoros Island  is a chain of islands situated off the Southeastern Coast of Africa, to the east of Mozambique and Northwest of Madagascar. In its first outing it made history. Though, it is also booted out of the tournament, but it  is exiting the Continental showpiece with its heads high.

Come Wednesday, January 19th, 2022, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will file out against Guinea Bissau for its third Group match.

Having qualified for the knockout stages following successive victories over the Pharaohs of Egypt and the Falcons of Sudan, the Super Eagles will be aiming to solidify their position as Group leaders.

Though, the match is mere formality as the Super Eagles had done its assignment in its first two matches, but Interim Coach Augustine Eguavoen will be gunning to continue its record breaking performance set at AFCON 2006 where the Nigeria team won all its Group matches, with Eguavoen becoming the first indigenous coach to achieve such feat.

At AFCON 2006 which Eguavoen guided Nigeria to a Bronze Medal finish, he defeated Ghana 1-0, Senegal 2-0 and Zimbabwe 2-0 to top the Group with Nine points.

He is, however, on the verge of repeating same feat, with Guinea Bissau standing its way in achieving this.

Nigeria’s opening scorer against Sudan, Samuel Chukwueze has disclosed the team preparedness to take on any team at the competition.

The Villarreal Football Club of Spain winger said that the Super Eagles is determined to face any team and defeat them with the sole aim of the team is winning the coveted trophy.

With the team already in the knockout phase, the possibility of the Coach changing his line up is rife, with soccer analysts predicting that he could give the fringe players in the team the chance to taste action.

The possible line up are; Francis Uzoho in goal, Tyronne Ebuehi, Chidozie Awaziem, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi and Jamilu Collins in the defense.

Frank Onyeka, Kelechi Nwakali, Ahmed Musa and Alex Iwobi in the heart of the midfield, while Peter Olayinka and Chude Ejuke in attack.

Osun: PDP Shifts Osun Gubernatorial Screening Appeals

By
The Source
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0

The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), has shifted the date for the Osun State Governorship Screening Appeals.

A release signed by the Party’s National Organizing Secretary, Hon. Umar Bature, said it has been shifted to January 24, 2022 from its earlier scheduled date of January 19.

No reason was given for the rescheduling.

The venue, however, remains the Headquarters of the National Secretariat, Abuja. Bature’s statement reads:

“The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, hereby, informs all Gubernatorial aspiranats and critical stakeholders of our great Party in Osun State  that the Gubernatorial Screening Appeals earlier scheduled for  Wednesday, January 19, 2022 has been rescheduled for Monday, January 24, 2022.

“However, the venue of the exercise remains the PDP National Secretariat, Abuja at 10AM prompt.

“All aspirants and critical stakeholders in Osun State should note the change of date and be guided accordingly.”

CNPP, CSOs Demand NCDMB Boss To Step Down

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Chief Willy Ezugwu

By Akinwale Kasali

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, CNPP alongside the Coalition of Civil Socie Organizations, CSOs, has demanded that the  Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Simbi Kesiye steps down to allow a thorough investigation into allegations of corruption against him within 21 days.

In a joint statement on Tuesday CNPP and the CSO,  noted that “it is in the interest of justice and in line with the President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s avowed stance on war against corruption.”

The CNPP said in the statement signed by its Secretary General, Willy Ezugwu and the Secretary of the CSO coalition, Ali Abacha, that “perjury is of serious concern” and should be taken seriously.

The statement added, “learning of the ongoing case in the United States of America in a libel case instituted by lawyers acting on the authority of the Executive Secretary in which the Defendant’s counsel is accusing Mr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote of perjury and lying on oath in his case against Jackson Ude, a journalist, in a United States District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

“Attorney to Ude from Amadi Law Office at 204 Blossom Street Extension, Suite A. Lynn MA 01901, Barr. Beneth O. Amadi, had in a letter dated January 15, 2022 and addressed to the Honorable Joseph F. Leeson, Jr., United States District Judge, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 504 West Hamilton Street, Suite 3401, alleged that Wabote perjured (lied on oath) in his response to interrogatories.

“The court had on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 ordered Wabote, to provide “full and complete responses to defendant’s interrogatories”, as the court was not satisfied with earlier responses provided by Wabote and his counsel.

“But in his reaction to the responses by Wabote to the interrogatories, counsel for Defendant (Ude) wrote to the court demanding sanction for “Plaintiff (Wabote) and his Attorneys for committing fraud on the court, for perjury and for acting in subornation of perjury in this case”, the statement recalled.

The CNPP and the CSOs said they “found it shocking that if knowingly, and with clear intention, as Mr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote was accused, is working to derail the course of justice and to torpedo Defendant’s access to justice in a case in far away United States, he will do worse in Nigeria.

“To ensure that he does not continue to obstruct the course of justice both in Nigeria and the United States, we call for his immediate suspension or he should voluntarily step aside for proper investigation into corruption allegations against him and to stop further siphoning of the nation’s scarce resources for legal fees abroad.

“We therefore call on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and the National Assembly to immediately institute open probe of the core allegations against him as contained in a petition directed to the Code of Conduct Bureau.

“If he fails to resign within 21 days, we shall be left with no choice but to take legal actions against him, including mobilising the civil society community to occupy the National Assembly and relevant anti-corruption institutions until the the needful done”, the statement read.

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