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2022: Wike Talks Tough; To Dethrone Traditional Rulers; Revokes Certificates of Occupancy

By
Adesina Soyooye
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By Adesina Soyooye

The Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, started the New Year with a stern warning to some First Class Traditional Rulers in the State. Wike asked them to shape up or he would force them to ship out.

Mentioning the names of some of them, he threatened to dethrone them if they continue to absent themselves from State functions.

The Governor, also, spoke very tough, and took some tough decisions on a number of issues. For instance, he has revoked the Certificates of Occupancy of empty plots and uncompleted buildings in the Government Reserved Areas saying they had become a refuge for criminals. Wike, in the same breath accused cart pushers  in the area of criminality and  banned their operations. He, also, warned all those rebuilding what he called shanties which were pulled down to stop forthwith as a Taskforce which has just been set up will pull them down.

Wike revealed these tough decisions, including the ban on Night Clubs and “free women” around some areas in Port Harcourt city during his New Year broadcast to Rivers indigenes and residents on New Year’s eve.

Following are excerpts from Governor Wike’s broadcast.

On Criminal Activities

“There is no denying the fact that crime and criminality have been at very low rates in Rivers State and citizens felt safer and more secure in 2021 than the previous years.

“With the cooperation of the security agencies we identified and destroyed most of the shanties that hitherto served as safe havens and hideouts for criminals, who have now been dislodged and dislocated from the State having lost the space and capacity from which they could operate with ease.

“To consolidate on the gains of the dislodgement and dislocation exercises, and make the State even safer and more secure, we have decided to demolish all shanties and makeshift structures in identified crime hotspots in Port Harcourt Township and the Illabuchi areas of Diobu from the second week of January 2022.

“Those rebuilding the shanties we had demolished at Eleme, or attempting to resume illegal trading activities at the closed Oginigba slaughter, have one week to vacate or be arrested and charged to court.

Revokes Certificates of Occupancy

“Additionally, we have discovered that most vacant plots or uncompleted buildings in the Old and New Government Reservation Areas (GRA) and some other parts of Port Harcourt city and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas have been hijacked and are now inhabited by criminal elements who are daily constituting menace to public safety.

“We have, therefore, decided to end this danger by taking over all such abandoned plots and uncompleted buildings and re-allocate them to citizens who are ready to develop and put them into effective occupancy.

“In a similar vein, we have revoked the certificates of occupancy of several undeveloped plots of land in old GRA, Port Harcourt, for breaching the covenants attached thereto, which we would also re-allocate to interested members of the public for immediate development as part of the ongoing efforts to restore the entire old GRA to its pristine state of development, beauty and serenity.

“We will, also, not spare those contributing to the perennial flooding challenge in parts of Port Harcourt city and Obio/Akpor Local Government Area by blocking natural water and drainage channels with illegal landfilling, reclamation of wetlands or the construction of concrete structures.

“Consequently, we shall recover and restore all landfilled or reclaimed wetlands and demolish all structures erected on natural water channels spanning from the Eastern bypass areas up to Abana and Eleme streets in Old GRA, Port Harcourt.  Only those with genuine government permits and allocation papers will be duly compensated.

“However, the beauty of the city is being defaced by illegal and indiscriminate trading on our streets, under flyovers and other unauthorized open spaces as well as the challenges with the current largely inefficient refuse disposal system.

“I wish to, therefore, remind citizens that the ban on street trading and commuting on motor cycles in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas is still in force.

“Consequently, I hereby direct the task force on Illegal street trading to arrest and prosecute all those:

“(i) shuttling with their motorcycles and or hawking foreign exchange along Birabi street, Hotel Presidential, GRA junction by Zenith Bank up to Tombia street”

Cart Pushers

“Furthermore, we have decided to end the menace of cart-pushers who have become notorious for indiscriminate scavenging and littering of wastes on street corners and the medians of major roads and highways across the State.

“These cart pushers and their unknown collaborators are also responsible for the recurring stealing of manhole covers, an act which endangers peoples’ lives and public safety on our roads.

“Consequently, the State Government has placed an immediate ban on the activities of cart pushers and directs law enforcement agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone who attempts to violate this ban.

“In addition, a taskforce would be put in place to enforce this ban while we plead with the courts in the interest of public safety and security to impose the severest of punishment under the law on any convicted manhole vandal.

Trailers, Too

“The indiscriminate and prolonged packing of trailers and other articulated vehicles along our streets is another environmental menace we must tackle to bring sanity to our cities and living environment.

“Consequently, I hereby direct the Chairmen of Port Harcourt, Ikwerre, Obio/Akpor, and Oyigbo Local Government Councils to within three weeks from today impound and or remove any trailer, trucks or articulated vehicle that is packed on the streets beyond 48 hours in their respective administrative jurisdictions.

Environmental Degradation

“As we all know, achieving effective environmental sanitation in cities and urban centres is a global challenge, and ours is not an exception.

“As an initial step towards achieving this objective, we have placed an immediate ban on the disposal of refuse on the streets or open spaces in both the old and new GRAs of Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas.

“Every household in both old and new GRAs must therefore procure and keep approved refuse disposal bins in the front of their houses to facilitate the door-to-door collection of the wastes they generate by designated contractors.

“We will not hesitate to revoke the certificate of occupancy of any house in these areas without a refuse disposal bin or whose occupants are caught disposing refuse on the streets or open.

To Dethrone Traditional Rulers

“Let me also remind all Government recognized Traditional Rulers that they are, at all times, subject to the authority and directives of the State Government and not to other allegiances, culture or otherwise.

“Therefore, the consistent absence of some First Class Ttraditional Rulers, especially the Amayanabo of Okrika, the Amayanabo of Ogu, the Amayanabo of Kalabari and the Gbenemene Nyo-Khana from participating in State functions is unacceptable and will no longer be tolerated.

“Should they, therefore, continue to absent themselves from State functions or in the regular meetings and activities of the State Traditional Rulers Council, we would have no option than to direct their immediate replacement.”

Not a few people in Rivers State are waiting with bated breath to see what the next couple of weeks will be like in Rivers State, especially, the Governor’s threat to dethrone First Class Traditional Rulers.

New Year Message: Ooni Seeks Help For The Needy

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ooni of Ife- Oba Enitan Ogunwusi

By Ayodele Oni

Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, has charged Nigerians to reach out to less privileged in the society, in the wake of biting economic hardship.

In his New Year message, the Monarch stated that “I welcome you all to the dawn of a new year and extend my best wishes to all your families, communities, and Nigerians throughout the world.

“The celebration of the year, 2022, is a fantastic reminder of our joint invaluable efforts in combating the wildfire of the COVID-19 pandemic and all of its variants.

“Despite the stories of uncertainty that frustratingly affected our socio-economic space and pushed many vulnerable small and medium-sized businesses to their knees, we must stay hopeful for a better year ahead.

“Indeed, we may not be able to comprehend the conscientious efforts of our frontline medical practitioners, the most painful moments of losing a loved one to the infections.

“The discouraging challenges that our education had to adjust to, through it all, we must pay a special tribute to our collective bond, significant adaptation to the world of technology and innovation culture that is being driven by our ingenious young generation, and our incredible trust in our faith in Olódùmarè as the ultimate giver and preserver of life.

“We must celebrate the advent of 2022 together with remarkable confidence and hope for a better year ahead.

“Our ambition as a nation should be to extend hope through our actions to those facing the most difficult and perilous conditions at the moment.

“While we proactively offer transformational support to various sectors of our economy most especially the less privileged in our communities, it is noble to recognise that we are one body in diversity.

“As we remember and give gratitude for Olódùmarè’s unwavering love upon us all, from the House of Oduduwa, I wish you and your family the very best in the New Year, as we all resolutely seek to be the symbol of inspiration to others.”

Fr. Mbaka Warns Colleague-Priests, Says He Has ‘Spiritual Authority Over This Land’

By
The Source
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Rev Fr Ejike Mbaka

By Charles Igbo

Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, has warned his colleague-Priests to stop talking down on him.

Mbaka, the Spiritual Leader of the Adoration Ministry, Enugu, said his fellow Priests castigate him for blessing the Leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, and praying for his release from the custody of the Federal Government.

Kanu is in custody of the Department of State Services, DSS,  on the orders of a Federal High Court, Abuja, where the FG is prosecuting him for sundry allegations, including treasonable felony and terrorism.

Speaking during the Passover night just before the dawn of the New Year, Mbaka, while warning his colleagues noted that they don’t understand the Spiritual Authority he has over the land.

He wondered why it should worry them that he prays for God’s blessings upon Kanu, and his release, when he is not using their mouths to do so.

Claiming Kanu,  as well as any other Igbo man or woman as his children, he asked his colleagues to curse Kanu if they were not happy with his praying for blessings for him, Kanu.

Mbaka: “I’m begging my fellow Priests to stop condemning me for praying for Nnamdi Kanu. I am not using any Priest’s mouth, and nobody should close my own.

“If I use my mouth to bless Nnamdi Kanu, and you don’t like it, please, use your own mouth to curse him. Leave me to bless him.

“I see Nnamdi Kanu as my son. Every Igbo man or woman is my child. You may not understand the Spiritual Authority I have on this land.

“If, as a Church, we can be praying for Nigeria in distress, nobody can stop us from praying for Nnamdi Kanu and our brothers in distress.

“This year will be for Kanu and those held for agitation.  God will show them mercy this year.”

Not a few people who see Mbaka as controversial, think he is playing to the gallery in the Kanu case, and deliberately painting his colleagues in unflattering colors. One Priest, who pleaded anonymity, told this magazine: “By claiming  every Igbo son and daughter as his child, he means that even his Spiritual bosses –  the Cardinals, the Archbishops, the Bishops are his children. Mbaka should calm down and be careful of what he says.”

This magazine recalls that in 2021, Mbaka fell into trouble with the Leadership of the Catholic Church over some of his actions and utterances. He was suspended for one month as punishment.

Uzodinma: Why I Recovered N40bn University From Okorocha

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodinma

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo state has advocated a renewed and collective effort by the people of Imo state to stamp out violence and other forms of criminality in the state this year.

In his  new year Message to the people of the state, Uzodimma pledged that the government will work in concert with the security agencies to ensure a safer Imo state in 2022 and beyond 

He also pledged that his administration will this year redouble efforts to redress the infrastructural deficit it met on assumption of office.

According to him, the huge capital outlay in this year’s budget of over 74% of the total budget, was a sign that there would be more developmental projects in the state.

Uzodimma however noted that progress could only be made in an atmosphere of peace.

He noted that some opposition elements had sought to destabilize the state and arrest its progress, but expressed gratitude to God that they have been overwhelmed. He also expressed appreciation to all the patriotic citizens who  supported the government’s efforts in defeating them 

He was happy that inspite of the distractions from the opposition and criminal elements, the administration had recorded giant strides in all sectors of development in the state.

According to Uzodimma, the administration is also determined to give practical effect to its recovery programme by ensuring that all looted assets of the state are recovered

He said the recovery of the state’s KO Mbadiwe University worth N40billion from a former governor and the shell Camp land were aimed at safeguarding the assets of the state.

The governor enjoined citizens of the state to support the Government to work for the peace and progress of the state.

He told them to resolve this year to engage only in actions that would enhance the peace and stability of both Imo state and Nigeria 

He added that it was worthy of note that the Christmas and New Year celebration in the state has so far been peaceful to the glory of God and assured that every effort will be made to ensure that Imo people enjoyed peace through out the year.

Despite Challenges, We Delivered On Key Projects

By
The Source
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Muhammadu Buhari

By Muhammadu Buhari

We remain grateful to the Almighty God for yet another Year attained as a country, united by a common destiny and resolute in our determination to overcome the several challenges along the path to build the great and prosperous Nation of our dream.

I salute the courage and resilience of all Nigerians, which was evident in 2021 as this nation, like other countries of the world, faced significant challenges that occurred as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the efforts to restore the global economy and social order.

The persistent insecurity in certain parts of the country may have threatened to unravel the incremental gains achieved in the real sectors of the economy and in the administration’s overall objective to position the nation on the irreversible trajectory of sustainable growth and progress, but I assure you that we will remain resolute in our commitments and shall continue to press ahead with our programmes and plans.

The path to nationhood is often fraught with unpredictable difficulties and challenges, and most tried and tested nations have often prevailed through dogged determination, resilience, concerted commitment to unity, and the conviction that the whole of the nation, standing together against all odds, is by far greater and would ultimately be more prosperous and viable than the sum of its distinguishable parts.

There is no doubt that the issue of Security remains at the front burner of priority areas that this Administration has given utmost attention to. As a follow up to our promise to re-energize and reorganize the security apparatus and personnel of the armed forces and the police, it is on record that this Administration has invested heavily in re-equipping our military in line with upgrading the platforms and firepower required to tackle the current challenges being faced in the country.

The net results of these efforts have been the number of insurgents and bandits who have willingly surrendered to our Security Forces and continue to do so through various channels and the Safe Corridor created for that purpose.

Government, however, realizes that victory on the battlefield is just one aspect of sustainable victory. We know that to fully win this war, we must also win the peace and real security lies in winning the hearts and minds of the affected citizens. To this end, working with our international partners and neighbouring countries, we would be deploying multi-faceted solutions that will be targeted at addressing human security at the grassroots, before it leads to insecurity.

Once again I would like to take a moment to remember and honour the gallant Military, Police Officers, and other security agents who have lost their lives in the cause of protecting the territorial integrity of this Nation against both internal and external aggressors, assuring their families that their sacrifices would not be in vain.

We equally remember and commiserate with Nigerians who have lost loved ones as a result of insecurity in different parts of the country. Every life matters and every single death caused by any form of insecurity is a matter of personal concern to me both as a citizen and as the President of this great country.

We remain fully committed to upholding the constitutional provisions that protect all Nigerians from any form of internal and external aggression.

On the economy, we have shown a high level of resilience to record some significant achievements despite the turbulence that has characterized our economy and indeed the global economy. The lessons we have learned and keep learning from COVID-19 have encouraged us to intensify efforts to mitigate its socio-economic effects on our Nation.

The major wins we have recorded can be clearly seen in Nigeria’s most recent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The 4.03% growth recorded in the third quarter of 2021 is indicative of the recovery being recorded in our economy and the confidence that is being shown through the policies that our Administration has put in place after the outbreak of the pandemic.

We may also recall that this recent growth is closely followed by the 5.1% (year on year) growth in real terms recorded by Nigeria in Quarter 2 of 2021. This growth was one of the best recorded by any nation across Sub-Saharan Africa. The 5.1% growth at that time was and remains the highest growth recorded by the Nigerian economy since 2014.

Despite the challenges we have faced as a Nation, the good news is that we have so far recorded four consecutive quarters of growth after the negative growth rates recorded in Quarter 2 and Quarter 3 of 2020 due to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On August 16, 2021 I signed the landmark Petroleum Industry Act into law. The signing of this legacy legislation is a watershed moment in the history of our Nation, considering the massive positive impact the new Act would have on the economy. I would like to sincerely commend the 9th Assembly for the grit they demonstrated, succeeding where others have failed, and the cooperation that led to the completion of this process after almost two decades.

Just like I stated during the investment trips and fora that I have attended recently, the legislation is expected to serve as a liberalizing force in the energy industry, and we are optimistic that this law will provide the much-needed legal, governance, regulatory and fiscal framework for the development of the energy sector, the host communities, and Nigeria as a Nation. Our objective to increase Liquefied Natural Gas exports and expand our domestic market is still very much at the forefront of some of the policies we would be pushing in the new year.

In year 2022 and going forward, our Administration would intentionally leverage ICT platforms to create jobs, while ensuring that the diversification of our economy creates more support to other emerging sectors. I am proud to announce that several foreign investors are taking advantage of our ranking as one of the leading start-up ecosystems in Africa to invest in our digital economy.

We have given the utmost priority to fighting corruption and other related offenses which have been a bane to the growth and prosperity of our dear Nation. We have made major strides and breakthroughs through the innovative use of technology and forensics in the investigative and prosecutorial procedures with commendable results to show that the anti-corruption drive of our Administration is succeeding.

In the meantime, the accomplishments that have been recorded so far can be traced to the dedication of the Nation’s anti-corruption Agencies who have received the necessary support needed to effectively prosecute their duties.

  1. Despite our challenges in 2021, it was also a year in which the Administration executed successfully, key projects, programmes, and initiatives to fulfil the promises made under the Security, Economy Anti-corruption (SEA) agenda.

As we welcome 2022, let us, with hope, envision a year of continued progress against our combined challenges arising from security and socio-economic issues.

As it is said, the past is but a story told, the future will still be written in gold. Let us be united in our fight to keep our Nation united against all odds and with gratitude, celebrate life in this new epoch.

I wish you a very happy and prosperous New Year.

President Buhari delivered this message to Nigerians on New Year’s Day

2022: Sanwo-Olu Urges Lagosians To Shun Divisiveness, Consolidate On Gains

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has advised Lagosians to shun all acts of divisiveness and embrace genuine love by consolidating on the gains made by individuals and the State in the outgoing year.

Sanwo-Olu gave this charge in his New Year message to Lagos residents, released by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile.

The Governor also congratulated Lagosians, and Nigerians as a whole, for witnessing the New Year, saying the most important gift from God is the gift of life.

He said: “On behalf of my family and the Government of Lagos State, I rejoice with Nigerians, particularly Lagosians, on the celebration of the new year – 2022.

“The most important gift by God Almighty is the gift of life. I thank God for counting us among the living despite the many challenges that came with the year 2021, especially the COVID-19 that is still with us. I am personally convinced that we will triumph over it and the Year 2022 will usher in a fresh lease of life for the world.

“The last 365 days were a blend of challenges and opportunities for Lagos, especially as we grappled with the dreaded coronavirus pandemic and its socio-economic impact on us, the persistent pressure on the State infrastructure, the need to improve on the educational sector as well as the environment among others.

“Against all odds, our Government delivered on most of its promises to the residents across THEMES developmental agenda. From January to December, our administration touched every area of human endeavours, aimed at improving the standard of living of the residents.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed further that: “In the year 2022, our administration will continue to work with the residents to deliver more on our promise of a greater Lagos, in line with the Appropriation Bill, which I just signed into Law. The citizens will witness more infrastructural renewals, school rehabilitation and construction, hospitals, roads and improved security as well as social welfare.

“I acknowledge the perseverance and resilience of our people in the face of the current socio-economic challenges that were brought upon the nation by the coronavirus pandemic. In the true spirit of Lagos, we will remain resolute with a renewed vigour to face the new year, more determined to succeed together as a people.

“I, therefore, urge all residents to shun acts of divisiveness and embrace true love for our nation and our dear State. Let us work together to bequeath a great legacy for our teeming youth and the coming generation. We must focus on what unites us as a people, consolidate on our gains and think less of what divides us.

“I thank the good people of Lagos for the support you have given our administration from inception to date. I promise that you will truly be proud of us in the end.

“I wish all the good people of Lagos a happy and prosperous new year.”

Fayemi Promises To Complete Ongoing Projects Of His Administration

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, in his new year message, promised to complete all ongoing projects before his exit in October.

The Governor stated that “This New Year, 2022, promises to be more exciting and impactful as we strive to strengthen the legacy and consolidate on our visible successes in order to finish well.

“The year 2022 Appropriation Bill tagged, “Budget of Legacy and Consolidation” is deliberately tailored to enhance the delivery of our promise to leave Ekiti State better than it was when we took over.

“The 2022 budget has been designed to help us achieve our goal of finishing well, by consolidating the gains of the last three years, and handing over an enduring legacy to the administration that will succeed us.

“It has been designed to ensure that we complete our capital projects, while also ensuring that the day-to-day operations of Government continue to run seamlessly.

“We are determined to complete all major projects including the Ekiti Passenger-Cargo Airport, the Ado-Iworoko section of the Ado-Ifaki Road, renovation of township roads, and finally commence the construction of our farms to markets roads across the State.

“This year will also witness construction and renovation of more schools, provision of learning materials for students, completion of the ongoing construction and equipping of our Intensive Care Unit at EKSUTH, as well as various ongoing projects in many of our secondary and primary health centres.

“We will continue to focus on the environment, by completing our erosion and watershed management project, while also consolidating on our gains in agriculture by investing in more Public-Private Partnerships, to deepen commercial agriculture across the State.

“This year, we will also accelerate our long term transformative projects like the Ekiti Knowledge Zone and the Special Agriculture Processing Zone- two projects that will eventually deliver large scale opportunities to thousands of our young people and give them ample opportunities to develop exciting careers without having to emigrate from our homeland.

“Last, but not least, in 2022, we would work with the Ekiti State House of Assembly on its legislative scrutiny, we will become one of the few States in Nigeria that can take pride in having a set of current laws as opposed to laws inherited from colonial era.”

On the forthcoming Governorship election, Governor Fayemi sued for peace among aspirants, urging them to avoid use of vulgar language.

“Ekiti Kete, as you know, the year 2022 is an electoral year for us in Ekiti. Beginning from this month, political parties will be conducting primaries to determine their respective flagbearers. Later in the year on Saturday, June 18, 2022, we would be going to the polls to elect a new Governor.

“I would like to use this opportunity to implore us, one and all, to conduct ourselves as the truly honourable people that we are and avoid stoking divisions and bitterness amongst us.

“This election is another opportunity to reclaim our reputation as decent people and correct the negative perceptions we were once smeared with because of the ignoble actions of a few of us in previous electoral cycles.

“I also want to use this opportunity to especially appeal to the political elite in our State across party lines, to eschew the use of violence throughout the process, and avoid the use of inciting words, cyber-bullying, and all actions aimed at causing crisis in the State.

“On our part, we will do everything to ensure that we hand over to a new administration in a rancour-free environment. As you all know, we as mortals can only put in our best efforts, but power ultimately belongs to God who rules in the affairs of men, and it is His will that will prevail in our homeland.”

Ekiti Royal Fathers Sue For Unity, Political Tolerance

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Oba Ayodele Adejuwon - Onisan of Isan Ekiti

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers has advised Nigerians to approach 2022  with renewed minds and commitment to serve the country more than before.

Chairman of the Council and Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Oba Ayodele Adejuwon, in a statement, said what the country requires now for its political stability and economic rebirth is having leaders and followers with uncommon patriotism.

Oba Adejuwon pointed out that with rebranded minds and attitudes, the country would overcome its diverse challenges, especially the hard-biting economic situation, insecurity, kidnappings, killings, and terrorism.

The Council Chairman stated that no nation could grow when citizens display extreme hopelessness and despondency about its  challenges and future.

Oba Adejuwon specifically appealed to politicians of Ekiti extraction to approach the next governorship election with civility, advising that no election was worth the blood of any person.

“As custodians of the traditional institution, we owe it a duty to stabilise our communities and ensure that we have a nation we can all be proud of.

“A nation that can deliver and meet our aspirations and protect all of us as citizens.

“To achieve these, all of us must do self- reexaminations and correct those syndromes we exhibited that were affecting the corporate progress, stability, and peace of our nation.

“In all our dealings in the new year, let us pray for our nation and work for its progress. We must make the requisite sacrifices for our nation to rise again and assume leadership in Africa and become a global force in terms of economic prosperity and rebranded politics.”

Oba Adejuwon urged the politicians in Ekiti not to perceive the 2022 election as a do-or-die contest, saying such a tendency could sabotage the process and ignite violence of serious dimension that could come with dire consequences.

“As we go into the new year, let us search our minds and do what is right and justiceable. If we do these, we should all be expecting that the coming year will bring good tidings for all of us.”

Akeredolu Commutes Death Sentences Of Inmates To Life Imprisonment

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Mr  Rotimi Akeredolu SAN rekindled the hope of some inmates on death sentence at the Correctional centre in Akure on Saturday.

The Governor commuted the death sentences of six Inmates to life imprisonment to mark the New Year.

Other beneficiaries of the Governor’s gesture were four other inmates serving various terms of imprisonment. They were set free.

The release of the inmates was in exercise of the power confered on Mr. Governor by paragraph (a) (c) and (d) of subsection (1) of section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

The inmates were released based on report of good conduct at the Correctional Centres.

The Governor extended his grace and mercy to another inmate sentenced to Life Imprisonment. He is now to spend 15 years at the Correctional Centre.

Mr Akeredolu urged the beneficiaries to see their release as another opportunity to live a good life as better and reformed citizen.

He urged the members of the public to accommodate and reintegrate them and not to discriminate against them.

Bank Mistakenly Deposits $176m Into People’s Accounts on Christmas Day

By
Bayo Bernard
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0
CBN Gov Emefiele

Thousands of people received a surprise gift on Christmas Day this year when European bank Santander accidentally deposited £130 million ($176 million) across 75,000 transactions.

The mistake happened when payments from 2,000 business accounts in the U.K. were processed twice, meaning some employees saw their wages double, while suppliers also got more than they were expecting.

The bank said the duplicate payments were caused by a “scheduling issue” that has now been rectified. It is now trying to recuperate the mistaken payments, many of which have gone into bank accounts operated by rival banks.

“We’re sorry that due to a technical issue, some payments from our corporate clients were incorrectly duplicated on the recipients’ accounts,” a Santander spokesperson told CNBC.

“None of our clients were at any point left out of pocket as a result and we will be working hard with many banks across the UK to recover the duplicated transactions over the coming days.”

Reports suggest the incident may have dampened the spirits of some payroll staff on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

“It ruined my holiday period because I thought I’d paid out hundreds of thousands in error — I thought I had done something wrong,” one payroll manager reportedly told the BBC. “I thought it was just me and that I was going to get in trouble at work.”

The payroll manager added that Santander hasn’t shared how businesses should explain the second payment to staff or provided any information about how it should be repaid, according to the report.

Santander said the process for recovering the funds is an industry process known as the “bank error recovery process.” It added that it has started to work with other banks in accordance with the process and that these banks will look to recover the accidental payments from their customer’s accounts. It said it also has the ability to recover the funds directly from people’s accounts.

culled from CNBC

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