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Aftermath Of Protest: Uzodimma To Fix Avu-Ohaji-Egbema Road Soon

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma

The Governor of Imo State, Sen Hope Uzodimma has assured of quick intervention on the poor state of the linking Avu-Ohaji-Egbema to reduce the hardship the people have been subjected to in the past 20 years.

The Governor made the promise to the aggrieved youths of Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State who took to the streets to barricade the Owerri-Port Harcourt Expressway in Imo State on Tuesday in protest over the state of the road.

Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Governor promised that “in the next seven days a Contractor will be mobilised to the site and the people will be happy.”

Briefimg reporters in his office, Anyaehie said from his interaction with the protesting youths he “saw genuine demands that cannot be ignored and assuaged them by fraternizing with them and assured them that the Governor had already awarded the road to a reputable Contractor and soon work will commence on the road.”

The Chief of Staff said he explained to the youths that “Governor Uzodimma is proactive and very much concerned about the plight of Ohaji/Egbema people who are his primary Constituents and can never ignore them in the scheme of things.”

Anyaehie used the opportunity to  appeal to Imo people,  especially the youths, to exercise patience with the Government in all sectors “because the Governor is doing everything within the available resources to ensure that Government provides infrastructure to all parts of the State, especially the oil producing LGA that are the hen that lays the golden eggs.”

The Chief of Staff further advised the youths to see themselves as partners in progress with the Shared Prosperity Administration of Governor Uzodimma, bearing in mind that “the best is yet to come.”

He also thanked the youths for being peaceful in their protest,  promising on behalf of the Governor that “the Government will never forget or neglect them in the scheme of things.”

Present at the briefing were the Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser to the Governor, Oguwike Nwachuku and the Senior Special Assiatant on Tourism and Entertainment,  Hon. Eke Ikechukwu.

Uzodinma Mourns Emeka Obasi; Says Death Shocking, Sad

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodinma

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has expressed shock and sadness over the news of the passing of the Publisher of Business Hallmark newspaper, Prince Emeka Obasi.

Obasi reportedly died on March 15, 2022 at a Lagos hospital according to his family. He was 58.

In a statement by Governor Uzodimma’s Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser, Oguwike Nwachuku, the Governor said Prince Emeka Obasi was a thorough-bred Media practitioner who devoted his time, energy, intellect and resources for the advancement of the media profession in Nigeria.

The Governor recalled that early in life, Prince Obasi took to Journalism practice and was to found Hallmark Group of Newspapers and later the National Mirror newspaper when he rested the Hallmark.

He said Prince Obasi’s love for the Media continued and drove him to repackage the old Hallmark as Business Hallmark after he sold the National Mirror.

The Governor said apart from Prince Obasi’s Media engagements, he was also involved in other activities that helped to shape the image of the Nigerian society.

For instance, Prince Obasi founded the Public Policy Research and Analysis Centre (PPRAC), as a vehicle to confer the Zik’s Prize for Leadership recognition on deserving Nigerians.

Governor Uzodimma regretted that Prince Obasi, a former Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Abia State during the return to civilian rule in Nigeria in 1999 died when his services were needed most, both in his media constituency and the society at large.

He commiserated with the widow, Dr. (Mrs.) Betty Obasi, the children, friends, associates and well wishers over the passing of their loved one and encouraged them to find solace in the fact that Prince Obasi led a fulfilled life in God and contributed his quota for the good of mankind when he was alive.

Governor Uzodimma also prayed God to grant the soul of the deceased a peaceful repose and to the people he left to mourn him, the fortitude to bear the loss.

Reintroduction Of Toll At Osborne/Ikoyi Link Bridge, A Looming Disaster – Lagos Lawyer

By
Ayodele Oni
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Kunle Uthman

By Ayodele Oni

A legal practitioner, Kunle Uthman has advised the Lagos State government not to reintroduce toll collection again at the Osborne/ Ikoyi link bridge, describing the action as anti-people.

Uthman, based in Lekki,  in an open letter to Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu, noted that Lagosians are already saturated with too many taxes with no corresponding benefits.

The Lekki Concession Company (LCC) has expressed its decision to resume collection of toll from motorists that make use of the Osborne / Ikoyi link bridge from next month.

According to the spokesman of LCC, this decision was taken after due consultation with the Lagos State Government and its officials.

The suspension of toll collection on the bridge  was as a result of the #EndSARS protests in Lekki, during which  the two toll plazas operated by LCC were destroyed.

The Lagos State Government,  in reaction to public outcry, has rescinded its earlier decision to resume, toll collection, following negative public outcry.

Uthman’s letter states that “a private company, LCC has set a date to resume Toll Collection and there are handbills being distributed to commuters announcing the date as 1st April (April Fool’s Day).

“It has recently become indisputable that this LASG as relates to citizens resident from Lekki to Epe has become callously insensitive to the pains and tribulations of these people, whether vehicle owners or commuters in public transportation.

“What (truly) is the crime of these citizens who pay tax to government and receive little or no concomitant benefits?

“As it is, life in this axis is hellish in terms of the pains experienced day-by-day, especially as relates to movement or commuting from one end to another.

“The glaringly sad crystal clear notorious fact is that many of the officials of the Lagos State Government, including Judges of the state high courts and bureaucrats reside in this axis, but apparently maintain a ‘silence of the graveyard.’

“As such, the Lagos State Government and its proxy agency, LCC ought to be more sensitive than to give money priority over the welfare of citizens.

“The decision by whomsoever it was made to resume Toll Collection on the bridge hereinabove referenced is a sad testimonial proof of the fact that our elected leaders are wicked, satanic, insensitive and care less, if at all, for the welfare of the citizens of Lagos State chanted “Centre Of Excellence”.

“An average journey of 30 minutes takes two to three hours in this axis, due to traffic gridlock and no access roads.

“The Government had given priority to commerce as opposed to welfare. The cost of living is astronomically high, without concomitant increase in income.

“Still, this Lagos State Government wants to worsen the quality of our lives, and have wrongly assumed that ours is a population of dumb educated people.

“Apparently, we have elected an insensitive group of persons whose motivation is tax collection and taxation no matter its impact on the lives of its highly impoverished population.

“Your Excellency, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the legacy being scripted for you by providence may not be a good one.

“You have so far had a turbulent tenure as Governor of Lagos State – 21 Storey Collapsed Building, #EndSARS,  Magodo, death in a public bus and many more.

“Please prevail on this LCC private company to be innovative in other things or give them a part of the Alpha-Beta largesse.

“To resume Toll Collection of roads anywhere in Lagos State will result in the people’s anger, in frustration and you may not be able to contain its resultant consequences. STOP this aberration.

“To survive in this our country Nigeria is an economic and social nightmare and daymare. This is Save-Our-Soul (SOS).

“Pity us and our families. LCC or whichever company or agency or parastatal should never ever have the right to further traumatise us. Bad roads, no light, no public medical health care.

“As we approach the 2023 Gubernatorial Elections, will you be seeking reelection to govern Lagos State? If in the affirmative, please (In God’s Name) advise the LCC to back-off.”

Imo: Suspected Guerilla Warfare As Gunmen Kill Two Prison Officials

By
The Source
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Unknown Gunmen

By Charles Igbo

24 hours after the expiration of the deadline given by Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed disciple of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, expired, gunmen ambushed two  hilux vans of Operation Search and Flush, carrying Officials of the Owerri Correctional Centre.

The Officials were going to Okigwe, Wednesday morning, when they were ambushed and attacked with explosives which were thrown at their vans at Umulolo, Okigwe.

Two of the Prison Officials were killed on the spot while others were injured.

One of the hilux vans was completely destroyed.

Ekpa had given a three-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to withdraw all its security Agents from the South-east, or face a guerilla warfare from March 15, 2022.

The attack on the Officials was unprovoked.

The Public Relations Officer of the Owerri Correctional Centre, Goodluck Uboegbulam, said the fatal attack is already under investigation.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.  It is not known if it is the beginning of the promised guerilla warfare, or one of those mindless attacks which has bedeviled the South-east in the past two years.

Obi Decries Nigeria’s Worsening Energy Situation, ASUU Strike

By
The Source
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Former Governor of Anambra State, and Vice Presidential candidate of the PDP in the last presidential elections, Mr Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the lingering fuel scarcity, the rising cost of energy, as well as their impact on the well-being of Nigerians. He noted that the situation has spiralled into a national crisis that is affecting other sectors of the economy. “It has led to unsustainable increase in the cost of doing business, the cost of living, the rate of unemployment and added to the worsening national security situation,” Obi said.

He called on the Federal Government to act swiftly, strategically and with a comprehensive perspective that will address our current national problems in a holistic manner.

In a Press Release made available to the Media, Obi said the scarcity is progressively bringing every meaningful economic activity to a standstill. He drew national attention to the effects of these on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), transportation, mobility of goods and the cost of service delivery.

Obi noted that no modern nation can survive with a piecemeal approach to problem-solving, as he called on the Federal Government to sit up and spare Nigerians the revolving spectacules of inflation, insecurity, declining national currency, youth restiveness and political confusion. He maintained that only a lasting solution that is in sync with 21st century governance templates can get the nation out of the woods.

Pointing out that more than half of the country’s population are living under poverty, Obi said: “Petroleum products, especially diesel, have not only continued to rise in price, but are extremely scarce. These are all weighing down on the economy as costs of production and manufacturing, transportation and logistics are on the increase. If this ugly trend is sustained, the level of inflation in the country will be unprecedented,”

On the continued strike action, by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Obi asked the Federal Government to meet its subsisting agreement with the university teachers, and also to listen whatever reasonable demands they are still putting on the table, for the sake of Nigerian students who are at the receiving end of the strike action.

He lamented the negative effects of the incessant strikes on the students and warned that no nation that toys with its human capital and its future leaders can develop in today’s world. According to Obi, “A nation that does not prioritize its education sector is headed for crisis. We cannot expect meaningful development in the country, when a critical sector like education is characterized by incessant and avoidable strike actions. It’s dangerous to allow millions of Nigerian youths wander about due to the ongoing strike action.”

He implored the Federal Government to give urgent attention to these two critical issues, if the nation is to avert the looming negative consequences that could erupt when an already over stretched economic situation is further complicated by frustration of very poor and hungry citizens.

Ondo Govt Targets 620 Housing Units, As Akeredolu Commission’s First Phase

By
Ayodele Oni
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Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State
Rotimi Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Government’s initiative to ensure decent accommodation for residents in the state has started to yield results.

The present administration of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, at inception had promised people to provide housing units at the state capital that would be affordable to the people.

Apart from the housing estate located at Oba Ile, a suburb of Akure, which was built by first civilian government and sold to the people, other estates such as Alagbaka, Ijapo only provided lands for the people to buy and erect structures.

Governor Akeredolu went a step further as he commissioned another 106 units of houses in Akure.

At the occassion, the Governor reiterated that his administration would continue to synergise with critical stakeholders in the private sector to achieve appreciable progress in the provision of decent housing units for the people of the state.

Mr Akeredolu, at the inauguration of Irese Housing Estate disclosed that his administration’s housing policy reengineering was yielding the desired dividends.

The housing units are made up of 620 out of which 106 in the Phase one we’re ready for commissioning.

It was a joint ventures involving Alpha 3D Limited, a company jointly owned by the State Government and CITEC, with Jaiz bank.

Governor Akeredolu said the project was in fulfillment of his promise during the electioneering campaign to make affordable houses available for the people.

He added that the housing programme would not be limited to the Central Senatorial District as plans are in progress to replicate it in both the Northern and Southern Senatorial Districts of the State.

He assured of his administration’s commitment to  partnering the private sector in addressing the housing deficit in the State.

The Governor also promised to improve access to the estate and ensure provision of roads and connectivity to the National Power Grid.

“No doubt, this project has been in the pipeline for years and it appeared jinxed because of some debilitating challenges.

“However, when we came on board, to the glory of Almighty God, we have been able to resolve those challenges and restructure the Alpha 3D LTD for optimum performance.

“We are glad that our housing policy reengineering is beginning to yield the desired dividends.

“It is also worth mentioning that since we came on board, our government has created the enabling environment for private sectors to thrive.

“This has invariably made our State an investment haven for investors from within and outside the State and even outside the shores of this country.

“Let me assure you all of our determination towards partnering the private sector in addressing the housing deficit in our State.

“It is a known fact that the twin challenge of the housing sector today, is the rising cost of housing delivery and inadequate off-taker capacity.

“The current housing deficit in Nigeria is said to be about 20 million housing units, and it is estimated that several trillions of naira would be required to offset this deficit, which is growing, according to available data, about 900,000 housing units annually.

“It is obvious from this scenario, that our population figure are equally increasing on a daily basis.

“Therefore, concrete measures must be taken to ameliorate this glaring housing problem. It is apparent that government cannot achieve it alone.

“There must be synergy between government and critical stakeholders in the private sector to achieve appreciable progress in the provision of decent housing under the current situation.

“I am glad to inform you that in furtherance of our housing policy, we have chosen to implement a customer-friendly approach of procuring property titles known as Home Ownership Charter Ondo State (HOCOS).

“The scheme is specially instituted to allow all home owners in the State to obtain their titles with ease”, the Governor said.

Earlier, the CEO, Alpha 3D Limited, Oludare Bello, explained that the 620 units houses have facilities such as Shopping Mall, School, Clinic, Recreation facilities, Police Post and Fire Station as well as full complement of infrastructure.

He expressed confidence that 250 units would be delivered by the end of this year.

Nigeria Police Confirms ‘Mutiny’ Among Rank And File; IGP Approves Payment Of New Salary

By
The Source
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0
Nigeria Police

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Police has confirmed that there are, actually, grumblings among the rank and file of its work- force over delay in implementation of new salary adjustments and other issues bordering on welfare.

The Inspector GeneralofPolic, IGP Usman Alkali Baba has, therefore, ordered the immediate commencement of financial adjustments in line with the new salary structure.

A Police circular released on March 15, 2022 ordered Heads of Departments and State Commissioners of Police to sensitise their officers on why they should not go on strike.

Police spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, had earlier debunked the planned strike describing it as the handiwork of some disgruntled elements.

The signal added that “Intelligence reports available to the Inspector General of Police indicate that some members of the rank and file are intending to embark on strike over non-payment of the new Police Salary Structure, and failure in providing sophisticated weapons to fight crime and poor general welfare of policemen.

“Note that Inspector General of Police has directed the immediate computation of salary under the new salary structure, tax relief/exemption for officers and men for immediate implementation.

“Distribution of kits and other accoutrements have been initiated with Force Headquarters already concluded.”

The statement reads: “The attention of the Nigeria Police Force has been drawn to a news making the rounds on social media alleging that some members of the Force will be embarking on a strike action with effect from March 26, 2022.

“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to state unequivocally that the alleged publication is fake and a mischievous attempt by unprincipled individuals to bring the Force to disrepute, misinform the general public and heat up the polity.

“It is applicable to restate that the Nigeria Police Force is a regimented and disciplined organization with laid down rules and guidelines for addressing grievances and in no circumstance is a strike action one of such means.

“The men and women of the Nigeria Police Force are fully aware that a strike action or other deliberate disruption of law enforcement services by any security organization is rebellious and the personnel of the Force would not degenerate at any point to that level of disloyalty and indiscipline, as policing services are paramount and essential in the maintenance of orderliness and peace in the nation.

“It is applicable to emphasize that the IGP is accelerating efforts to ensure the full implementation of the increment of salaries and allowances proposed by the President and approved by the Federal Executive Council.

“It is important to accentuate that it was the President’s initiative without any demand from the Police to direct the process of increasing salaries and allowances.

“The Federal Government is, therefore, fully committed to the implementation of the new salary package.

“Since that approval, the Salaries and Wages Commission has issued an implementation circular, the Honourable Minister of Police Affairs and the IGP have been working with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to ensure the stoppage of tax deductions as directed by the President and approved by the Federal Executive Council.

“Similarly, the Inspector General of Police reiterates that police officers under his leadership are well motivated with the ongoing reforms, especially the provision of kits, accoutrements, body armor, the cooperative society’s housing scheme, the renovation of training schools, upgrade of police training curriculum, procurement and deployment of technology to boost ICT-driven policing.”

Why Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB Leader, Hired Another New Senior Counsel

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0

By Adesina Soyooye

Leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has hired a new Lawyer.

To join his team of Lawyers is a Senior Lawyer, Chukwuma Machukwu Umeh, SAN.

In the past two months, Umeh will be the second senior Lawyer to join Kanu’s team. The first was Dr. Mike Ozekhome, SAN. Before then, Nigerians were used to Barr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor, and Barr. Alloy Ejimakor, IPOB/Kanu’s Special Counsel.

IPOB sources say the new entrant is to help strengthen  Kanu’s legal team.

However, inside sources say it is because Kanu now appreciates the seriousness of the case at hand and does not want “to take chances.”

Said one of the sources: “Kanu seems to have realized that the case the Federal Government has woven against him is beyond threats, and sit-at-home orders by IPOB.

“Truth is that the Federal Government does not care if IPOB locks down the South-east for 10 years. The FG says it is their business if they choose to inflict hardship on their people. It is prepared to follow the case till the end on points of law.”

However, not a few people and groups have faulted the FG’s stance insisting that Kanu’s case can only be resolved politically.

A few days ago, Southern and Middle Belt leaders, at a meeting in Abuja, asked for the unconditional release of Kanu. They noted that it is unfair and discriminatory and unjust to lock and prosecute Kanu while muderous and blood thirsty terrorists- Boko Haram and Bandits- are being pampared and feted in Government Houses.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo had, also, called, on a number of times, for the unconditional release of the IPOB Leader.

Kanu is being prosecuted by the Federal Government, which has kept him in custody since June 2021 when he was renditions, according to his Lawyers, from Nairobi, Kenya, at a Federal High Court, Abuja, for sundry issues including alleged treasonable felony and terrorism.

On Wednesday, March 16, 2022, another Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed his application to have the Director General of the Department of State Services, appear in person, in Court, to give evidence on a fundamental rights case he filed against the Federal Government and its agents.

Prince Emeka Obasi, Publisher Of Hallmark, Dies, Aged 58!

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
Emeka Obasi
Emeka Obasi

By Adesina Soyooye

The cerebral Publisher of Hallmark Newspapers, Prince Emeka Obasi is dead.

Smart, brilliant, suave, a wordsmith, elegant writer, author, entrepreneur, resourceful, with a great network of sources and friends, Prince Obasi reportedly died on Tuesday, March 15, 2022.

Obasi, was a former Special Adviser under the Government of former Governor Orji Kalu, who later appointed him Commissioner for Information.

He, gradually, took ill about eight years ago, but battled it both medically and spiritually in Nigeria and outside Nigeria. He never believed the illness was ordinary, as he noted in one of his “tell-all” books.

Obasi was the Founder and Executive Secretary of Public Policy Research And Analysis Centre, PPRAC, the organizers of the prestigious Zik Leadership Award. He was also the President of Cameo Adventures Ltd, Lagos, President/Chief Executive Officer, Patriotic Ltd, a Public Relations outfit.

He had worked at Newswatch and Classique Magazines, before founding the Hallmark Newspapers.

A native of Ibeku, Umuahia, Obasi attended the University of Calabar where he read English.

Born on February 10, 1964, a native of Abia State, he married the beautiful Betty, an Eye Doctor, in 2000, his devoted wife,  with whom he had children.

He will be sorely missed by his family, colleagues and many friends.

Senator Osakwe Dies, Aged 73 Years

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
Patrick Enebeli Osakwe

By Adesina Soyooye

A three-time Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Patrick Enebeli Osakwe is dead.

Osakwe, reportedly, died in a London hospital where he had gone for medicals.

A native of Ndokwa, Delta State, Osakwe was, first, elected a Senator in 1999, and was re-elected in 2003 and 2007. He was succeeded in the Senate in 2011 by the now Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa.

Osakwe was born on August 11, 1948. He attended the University of Benin and had a string of degrees to his name – B.Sc, M.Sc, LLB, BL.

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