Anti-Apartheid Icon, Desmond Tutu, 90 Dies; President Ramaphosa Mourns

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December 26, 2021

By Akinwale Kasali

The Federal Government has been called out by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, over the monumental fraud that occurred in the Ministry of Finance, with a whopping N3.1 Billion unaccounted for, said to be missing.

The Rights Group has urged the President Buhari to “use his good offices to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, and appropriate anti-corruption agencies to investigate allegations that over N3bn of public funds are missing, mismanaged or diverted from the Federal Ministry of Finance.”

The organisation said the allegations are documented in the 2018 and 2019 annual audited reports by the Auditor-General of the Federation.

SERAP said: “Anyone suspected to be responsible should face prosecution as appropriate, if there is sufficient admissible evidence, and any missing public funds should be fully recovered.”

In the letter dated 24 December 2021, and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said, “The reports suggest a grave violation of the public trust. As trustee of public funds, the Ministry of Finance ought to ensure strict compliance with transparency and accountability rules and regulations.”

According to SERAP, “as a key agency of government, the Ministry has a sacred duty to ensure transparency and accountability in the spending of the country’s resources. This implies providing strong leadership in the efforts to curb public sector corruption.”

“This leadership is important for the Ministry to enjoy the public trust and confidence essential for its effectiveness and impact.”

SERAP said, “The allegations that N3,143,718,976.47 of public funds are missing will also clearly amount to a fundamental breach of national anticorruption laws and the country’s international anti-corruption obligations including under the UN Convention against Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party.”

Why We Arrested Uche Nwosu In Church – Police; Condemnations Trail Arrest; Okorocha Reacts

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December 26, 2021

By Charles Igbo

The unbelievable happened in Imo State on Sunday, December 26, 2021.

Security Operatives numbering over 30, stormed St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Eziama, Obaire, Nkwerre LGA, and arrested Ugwumba Uche Nwosu.

Nwosu, who buried his mother, Mrs Jemimah Nwosu, on December 22, after a funeral service in the same Church, was there for a Thanksgiving outing service in the same Church.

Eye witnesses still cannot believe what happened. They said while the Church Service was going-on, the security operatives drove into the premises in several cars, some parked outside, and started shooting sporadically. Confusion reigned. People, including the Clergy, ran helter-skelter, scampering for life. Others screamed. They made quickly for their target, and whisked him away in a vehicle which number plate is: AB UMA 11O MA.

Many thought Nwosu was kidnapped. But, the Imo State Police Command has confirmed that “Nwosu is in our custody.”

Nwosu’s father-in-law, and former Imo State Governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha confirmed Nwosu’s arrest. He said: Uche Nwosu was whisked away by Government House Security Agents after firing gunshots at the Church premises. Policemen on duty identified them as colleagues at the Imo Government House

Nwosu was the Governorship candidate of the Action Alliance, AA, in the 2019 Governorship election. Before then, he was the Chief of Staff to then Governor Okorocha.

It is not known, yet, why he was arrested. Or why those who arrested him chose to do so in the Church, and why so many gunshots were fired.

Michael Abattam, CSP, Spokesperson, Imo Police Command, said Nwosu was arrested in connection with an on-going Police investigation.

Condemnations have trailed the manner of arrest.

Why arrest him in the Church, many ask? Why arrest him when he was honoring his late mother at a Church Service? Why not allow him to conclude the funeral rites of his mother before his arrest? Why the number of gunshots fired? What if they had killed somebody? These are questions people are asking.

They also see it as a desecration of the Church, and a disrespect to God, especially, during the Christmas period.

It is not known if Senator Okorocha or his wife was in the Church. But they were at the funeral on December 22 where the Senator in a speech decried the security situation in the State.

He said six State Governors, whose names he did not give were billed to attend the funeral but called him to say they would be unable to do so because of the security situation in Imo State. He said he agreed with them, and told them that to come, each of them needed an armored car for protection. He put the blame of the insecurity on Imo youths, and appealed to them to stop kidnapping and killing Traditional Rulers and other innocent people in the State over bad governance, but to vote out bad leaders in 2023.

Not a few people have condemned Okorocha for that speech, saying he deliberately demarketed the State. They asked how many armoured vehicles he came with for his own protection.

More details later

Why Army Released Female Soldier Proposed To By A Youth Corper

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Uche Mbah

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December 26, 2021

By Uche Mbah

A combination of pressure from embarrassed Nigerians, and the goodwill that comes with the Christmas season forced the Nigerian Army to release an Army Private who was detained for publicly accepting a marriage proposal by a Youth Corp member at the Orientation camp where she was a member of the drill instruction team.

Private Hannah Sofiat Akinlabi, a female soldier, was detained following video clips of the proposal at the National Youth Service Corps Orientation camp in Yikpata, Kwara State.

According to reliable sources she was released on Christmas day as a mark of goodwill.

The Army had come under heavy criticism by not a few people and groups who described the detention of the female soldier as uncivilised, laughable and embarrassing.

But in its defence, Army Spokesman, Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu said the Army Private breached a code of conduct by involving herself in a romantic relationship with somebody whose “‘boss” she was.

However, the soldier’s family, in appealing for her release, said their daughter and the Youth Corper had dated for three years.

Although the Army has not issued a statement on her release, the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, confirmed her release on the orders of the Chief of Army Staff. She was released to her family with a warning not to repeat her action

It is not likely she will repeat that, as the possibility of a repeat proposal under the same circumstances is remote.

The female soldier was detained on the orders of Captain MM Abdulahi, Kwara State NYSC Camp Commandant. She was sent to a military detention facility in Ilorin, the state capital.

Emeka Anyaoku Loses Brother, Anyim Mourns

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December 26, 2021

Frontline Presidential Aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, has joined former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, in mourning the passing of his younger brother.

The younger Anyaoku, Bertram Oguguo Anyaoku, an Engineer, passed after a brief illness.

Mourning with Anyaoku senior, in a condolence letter to him, Anyim, a former President of the Senate, appreciated the pains he would go through as the elder brother.

He, however, asked him to take heart in the knowledge that his late brother lived a fruitful life.

Following is the full text of the condolence letter Anyim addressed to Chief Anyaoku.

Chief Emeka Anyaoku, CFR

Obosi Community

Idemili North Local Government Area

Anambra State.

LETTER OF CONDOLENCE.

“I have received, with sadness, news of the death of your younger brother, Engr. Bertram Oguguo Anyaoku.

“As the elder in the family this will be a painful experience for you.

“Please take heart, Sir.

“I urge you to find comfort in the knowledge that our late brother lived a life of service and made quality contributions to the well being of his Obosi Community, Anambra State, Nigeria and humanity at large.

“I pray that the good Lord will grant you and the rest of the members of your family the courage to bear this huge loss.

“As you prepare for his final rite of passage, may the Lord grant his soul eternal rest in His bosom.

“Anyim Pius Anyim.”

AFCON 2022: Eguavoen Names 28-Man Super Eagles Squad

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December 26, 2021

By Akinwale Kasali

After weeks of anxiety and waiting, Super Eagles Interim Coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has named 28 players that will hoist the Nigeria’s flag at the continental showpiece.

Criticism had trailed the indecisiveness of Eguavoen to name a squad for the African Cup of Nations scheduled to commence in less than two weeks, while his other counterparts have named their squad.

However, the former Super Eagles player waited to release his long awaited list on Christmas Day to the surprise of many.

As expected, Eguavoen stuck with three regular Keepers used by his predecessor, Gernot Rohr, by naming Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho and Daniel Akpeyi.

The inclusion of John Noble as the fourth choice keeper in the team was not surprising as he was also given call-ups under Rohr.

In the defensive line up, there was just one new introduction – Orlando Pirates of South Africa defender, Olisa Noah.

Eguavoen listed William Troost Ekong, Leon Balogun, Kenneth Omeruo, Abdullahi Shehu, Chidozie Awaziem, Jamilu Collins, Zaidu Sanusi and Olaoluwa Aina in the defense.

In the midfield, Alex Iwobi, Joe Ayodele Aribo, Fran Onyeka, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Wilfred Ndidi and Chidi Ejuke made the list.

Captain of the 2015 Under-17 World Cup winner, Kelechi Nwakali was a surprise inclusion in the team. The Huesca Football Club of Spain player has waited patiently for a call up, and surprisingly, he made the cut for the continental showpiece.

Odion Jude Ighalo and Ahmed Musa made the list, despite calls for their removal from different quarters, lamenting that their days should be numbered in the Super Eagles fold.

Coach Eguavoen gave Union Berlin striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, a call up to be part of his first major tournament for the Super Eagles since making his debut under Rohr.

Watford Football of England Striker, Emmanuel Bonaventure Dennis will also be attending his first major tournament for the Super Eagles following his scintillating performance for the Hornets of Watford in the Barclays English Premier League.

Genk of Belgium Striker, Paul Onuachu was dropped from the AFCON Party due to the injury he sustained in his club a week ago, ruling him out of the tournament.

Kelechi Iheanacho’s inclusion was criticized by Soccer Enthusiast, Ekenne Nsofor, who said he shouldn’t have made the list because he hasn’t been playing for Leicester City for several weeks.

“The rationale behind the invitation of players in the National team is surprising, how could Iheanacho that hasn’t been playing make the squad and Cyril Dessers who have been scoring regularly for Feyenoord in the Eredivise League and in Europa League be left out of the team. It is disheartening and unfair”, he said.

However, James Onanuga, a Sport Journalist, applauded Eguavoen’s selection saying it was a fair and good list.

“This is a good team that can win the tournament. At the moment, this is our best leg and it is not surprising that the Coach took his time to select his preferred players.

“The inclusion of Ighalo and Musa is a welcome one because this players have come of age and have the experience the team needs. We can’t go to such tournament with players that don’t have experience. I strongly believe that with this crop of players we are going to do well at the tournament and we are a team to beat and watch out for”.

The full list of the invited players for the AFCON tournament are:

Goalkeepers

Francis Uzoho (AC Omonia, Cyprus); John Noble (Enyimba FC); Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Sparta Rotterdam, The Netherlands)

Defenders:

Chidozie Awaziem (Alanyaspor FC, Turkey); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Leon Balogun (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); William Ekong (Watford FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany); Abdullahi Shehu (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Olisa Ndah (Orlando Pirates, South Africa)

Midfielders:

Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Galsgow Rangers, Scotland); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Chidera Ejuke (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Kelechi Nwakali (SD Huesca, Spain)

Forwards:

Ahmed Musa (Fatih Karagumruk, Turkey); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Sadiq Umar (UD Almeria, Spain); Taiwo Awoniyi (Union Berlin, Germany); Odion Jude Ighalo (Al-Shabab Riyadh, Saudi Arabia); Alex Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Emmanuel Dennis (Watford FC, England)

Abia 2023: Abaribe Joins Governorship Race; Obstacles Before Him

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December 26, 2021

By Akinwale Kasali

Not a few people knew he would do it. It was a question of when, not a question of will he.

For months, he has been weaving that basket. His hard opinions. His pronouncements. His tough stand on issues, especially, issues that concern the Igbo, and especially, the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB. They were all geared at making himself popular before the targeted group, before any Igbo who feel that Nigeria was short-changing the Igbo.

And, for about two years, the speculations have been strong that he would.

Finally, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe has let the cat out of the bag. He said he will run for the office of Abia State Governor. That he intends to succeed Governor Okezie Ikpeazu whose tenure is ending on May, 29, 2023.

Abaribe is the Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District in the Senate. He was, also, a former Deputy Governor to now Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Senate Chief Whip. His tenure ended in an untidy manner as both of them fell out badly.

Abaribe, the Senate Minority Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, will contest under the platform of the PDP.

Abaribe made his intention to vie for the Governor of the State public when he visited Governor Ikpeazu at the Government House, Friday.

Already, there are debates if Abaribe will clinch the PDP ticket or not. And, if he would go on to win the Governorship seat if he gets the PDP ticket.

While some people think his getting the ticket is a done-deal, others think not.

The later argue that if he gets it, it will be tough fir him to win. Why?

They argue that he is from the same zone and Local Government as Governor Ikpeazu, and that Ikpeazu, having been the Governor for two terms, the seat should move to another zone.

Yet, such calculations do not work out, atimes.

In Imo State for example, Orlu Senatorial Zone has held the Govership for 16 years and counting. It began with Chief Achike Udenwa who, after his eight years in office as Governor, was succeeded by Rochas Okorocha. After Okorocha’s eight years, he was adamant that his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu, also from the same Zone will succeed him.

But, a combination of forces stopped Nwosu. While Senator Hope Uzodinma stopped him from picking the APC ticket, forcing him to run under a mushroom party, AA, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, from Owerri zone, was declared the winner by INEC.

However, Ihedioha’s tenure was cut short, after seven months, by a ruling of the Supreme Court which declared Uzodimma, the rightful winner. Uzodimma is from Orlu zone.

It was gathered that Governor Ikpeazu was thrown off balance when Abaribe made his intention known.

A close source said:

“Governor Okezie Ikpeazu was thrown off balance when Senator Abaribe told him about his gubernatorial ambition because he had no idea why they wanted to seek audience with him.

“We learnt that Senator Abaribe just called him to tell him (Ikpeazu) that he wanted to see him.

“The governor thought it was the usual Christmas homage.

“The twist is that we learnt that some of the stakeholders that came with Abaribe didn’t know his mission.

“They too were surprised when Abaribe made his intention known to the governor.”

As Abia 2023 approaches, the race will be between three political parties – PDP, APC and APGA.

14 Months After, Ayade Suspends #EndSARS Curfew In Calabar

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December 26, 2021

By Akinwale Kasali

Prof. Ben Ayade, Governor of Cross River State, has lifted the curfew in Calabar, the State Capital which he imposed during the #EndSARS protest by Nigerian youths over the high handedness, abuse of fundamental human rights, extra judicial killings and extortion by the defunct Special Anti Robbery Squad, SARS.

The Governor suspended the 14-month old imposed curfew during the #EndSARS protest in October 2020 that led hoodlums to hijack it, and cause a break down of law and order. The protest led to a wanton destruction of both public and private properties. Worse, many lives were lost.

The lifting of the curfew was contained in a statement signed by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Linus Obogo, who stated that it took effect from December 25, 2021.

“The State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Ben Ayade, has suspended the curfew in the State with effect from December 25, 2021.

“Consequently, movement is no longer restricted in the State at any time,” the statement read.

It would be recalled that the curfew was relaxed to midnight few months ago in a bid to enable nightlife return and ease movement in the metropolis but with the total suspension, movement at all times will no longer be restricted.

Imo: Jubilation As Workers Receive 13th Month Pay; Call Uzodimma Miracle Worker

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December 25, 2021

There was wild jubilation at the Imo State Secretariat Friday, December 24, as workers received their 13th month salary as promised by Governor Hope Uzodimma.

As alert of the payment started hitting their phones from Wednesday and continued till Friday, hundreds of the excited workers congratulated one another with hugs. Many of them described the Governor as a miracle worker.

Governor Uzodimma had, Tuesday, December 21, during a meeting with workers in the State promised to pay them 100 per cent of their basic salary as 13th month, the first of such intervention in the history of Imo State.

Although Friday was supposed to be a half day work for the civil servants, out of excitement, many of them stayed beyond that to continue to discuss the positive development.

For example, Mrs Olivia Ejirimka who works with Owerri Municipal Area council, said it was the first time she was witnessing the payment of 13th month since she started work many years ago.

“My brother, when the Governor made that promise, my attitude was like let’s wait and see. Now that he has fulfilled it, help me thank him, ” she said.

Similarly, Mr Ezekel Chukwuka of the Ministry of Finance described the 13th month salary payment as “the greatest miracle of 2021.”

According to Chukwuka, “what the workers were praying for was to get our December salaries, not knowing that our action Governor had another surprise for us.”

While commending Governor Uzodimma for the gesture, Mr. Chukwuka pleaded that it should be a regular feature every year.

Also, Mrs Oby Amadi-Obi, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Stategy expressed appreciation to Governor Uzodimma for being a caring father to workers in the State.

She recalled that on assumption of office the Governor embarked on renovation of the Imo State Secretariat and without wasting time, proceeded to provide the junior workers with free transportation.

Mrs. Amadi-Obi described the payment of the 13th month salary “an icing on the cake of good package for the staff by the Governor.”

On Thursday when the leadership of Nigeria Labour Congrss (NLC) paid a thank you visit to Governor Uzodimma in his office, they expressed gratitude to him for redeeming his promise to pay 13th month salary to the workers.

Chairman of NLC in the State, Commrade Philips Nwansi, had told the Governor during the visit that the 13th month payment was the first in the history of Imo State.

Nigeria Needs Capable, Visionary Leaders – Peter Obi

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December 24, 2021