Home Blog Page 2324

Electoral Bill: Group Asks NASS To Overide Buhari

By
The Source
-
0

By Uche Mbah

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center, SCLAC, a coalition of some Civil Society groups, Tuesday, December 21, 2021, requested that the National Assembly override the decision of the President, Muhammadu Buhari, who  withheld assent to the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill.

In a statement titled ‘Electoral Bill: NASS Cannot Afford To Disappoint Nigerians’ the group decried Buhari’s refusal to sign the Act into law, urging the National Assembly to over-ride him.

“In furtherance to this, we strongly urge the National Assembly to veto the president on this matter,” the statement read in part.

President Buhari had sent back the bill to the National Assembly pointing out the provision about Direct Primaries as point of disagreement with NASS, saying that for him to sign it into law, that portion must be expunged.”

NASS had recommended Direct Primaries as mandatory for all Political Parties choosing their flag bearers, while Buhari says it is the prerogative of the parties to decide how they choose their flag bearers.

But critics of the government are sceptical that without Direct Primaries, the election will be open to manipulations.

This followed the expiration of the 30-day window within which the President is expected to append his signatures  to the bill.

That window closed Sunday, 20th December 2021 from November 19, 2021, when it was transmitted to the President after being passed by both chambers.

Buhari replied NASS a day after the expiration of the window, making it technically a law.

The statement, signed by the Executive Director of the group, Auwal Musa ( Rafsanjani), said the bill will “increase transparency in our electoral process, encourage citizens to participate in the process as aspirants and voters, as well as help improve the ideology of our elections by reducing the reliance on dirty money.

“We, therefore, call on the 9th Assembly to etch its name in gold in the right pages of our history by exercising its powers under S. 58 (5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended) which states, ‘where the President withholds his assent and the bill is again passed by each House by two-thirds majority, the bill shall become law and the assent of the President shall not be required.

“If the National Assembly vetoes the president, it will show their independence and above all, respect the view of the constituents who gave them the mandate to legislate on their behalf.”

President Buhari, after receiving the bill, delayed assent before jetting out to Turkey, where he celebrated his birthday. He returned Sunday to send a letter to NASS indicating his refusal to assent to the bill as  is.

However, indications are that the National Assembly may not override the President, as the current legislative leadership has a record of none opposition to presidential positions.

Lagos Raises N400bn Debt In 3 Years

By
Bayo Bernard
-
0

By Fola James

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has signed necessary documents with the Security and Exchange Commission, SEC to raise over N137 billion from the capital market. The new bond issuance has thus raised the capital market debt to close to N400 billion within the three years of the administration, and is part of the N500 billion the state’s helmsman said was required to finance key infrastructure in the Aquatic state under its Debt Issuance Programme.

Not long after he came to office in 2019, Governor Sanwo-olu had hinted that his government will raise N500 billion bonds to execute important projects in the state. The state government got the approval of the state House of Assembly to issue the bonds.

The repayment plan for the N500 billion bond is for 10 years, while the current issuance, the third in the series is offered at 13 per cent fixed interest rate, according to explanation by the government.

Speaking after signing the documents on Monday, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the funds raised from the bonds will be used to bridge infrastructure gap, boost the state’s economy and improve the lives of the people of the state.

Key projects to benefit from the funds, the governor said include the 10-km Regional Road in Eti Osa, six-lane Lekki-Epe Expressway, Ijeododo Road in Alimosho and Oba Sekumade Road in Ikorodu, among others.

According to him, “Lagos once again marks another milestone in the domestic debt capital markets, with the issuance of the largest bond ever by a sub-national Government in Nigeria.

“The signing ceremony finalises the issuance of N137.3 billion bond at 13 per cent fixed rate in our Series IV Bond Issuance under the N500 Billion Fourth Debt Issuance Programme.

“We set out to raise up to N125 billion, but we closed the book with bids totalling N137.3 billion. This is a strong response from the investing community to our administration’s debut bond issuance.

“This humbling achievement is a testament to continued investors’ confidence in the State’s ability to deliver on its infrastructural and socio-economic developmental objectives, and also to meet repayment obligations.

“In line with our vision to build a Greater Lagos, proceeds from this bond will be used to finance infrastructure projects, primarily in roads, environment and healthcare. These projects include 10-km Regional Road in Eti Osa, six-lane Lekki-Epe Expressway, Ijeododo Road in Alimosho and Oba Sekumade Road in Ikorodu.

“These will contribute to a better quality of living for our people, while also creating a more enabling environment for commercial and economic activity,” Sanwo-olu said.

The Governor said the state decided to issue the bond based on the advice of ley stakeholders in the state, noting that proceeds from the bond will drive his administration THEME agenda.

Lagos state is the most indebted state in the country. It leads other 35 states in the country in terms of domestic debt totaling over N500 billion as at the end of 2021. The state is closely followed by Rivers with N377 billion, while Akwa Ibom has N232 billion; Delta is next on the debtors’ list with N213 billion.

Uzodinma Mourns Bonnie Iwuoha; Says Passing, Huge Loss To Media

By
The Source
-
0
Hope Uzodimma

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has expressed sadness over the news of the sudden death of former President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Bonnie Iwuoha, saying it is a huge loss to the media.

Mr. Iwuoha reportedly died in Umuahia on Monday, December 20, 2021.

In a statement by Governor Uzodimma’s Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser, Oguwike Nwachuku, the Governor said Mr. Iwuoha’s passing was both shocking and unbelievable.

The Governor who described Mr. Iwuoha as one of the finest journalists Nigeria has produced, said he was not only humane, but a patriotic and great bridge builder who used his profession to advance the course of the country as President of NUJ and a Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (FNGE).

Governor Uzodimma recalled that Mr. Iwuoha plied his trade creditably in the Imo State owned newspaper – The  Statesman, the Federal Government owned newspaper –  Daily Times, among others and acquitted himself creditably.

He said Mr. Iwuoha’s love for equity, justice and fairness made it possible for him to marry his profession effectively with labour unionism.

Governor Uzodinma said he was not surprised that Mr. Iwuoha was greatly sought after by leaders in his State, Abia, where he was at one time Media Adviser to the Governor of his State as well as Commissioner for Information, Culture and Strategy at another time.

Describing his death as huge loss to the journalism profession, to Abia State and Nigeria, Governor Uzodinma specifically commiserated with the President of the NUJ, Mr. Chris Isiguzo, the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mallam Mustapga Isah and the family of the deceased over the huge loss.

He also prayed God Almighty to grant Mr. Iwuoha’s soul peaceful repose and for those he has left to mourn him, particularly the widow, the grace and fortitude to bear the loss.

APC Shuns Ngige, Calls Group Dissidents, Upholds Position of Uba-led Anambra Stakeholders

By
The Source
-
0
Basil Ejidike

The battle for the soul of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Anambra State has moved up a notch higher with the decision of the National Secretariat of the party reaffirming Hon. Basil Ejidike as Chairman of the state chapter.

A statement signed by Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, Director Media and Publicity, Senator Andy Uba Governorship Campaign Organisation, SAUGCO, recalled  that the erstwhile leader of the Anambra State Chapter of the APC and Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, had, at a poorly attended State caucus meeting of the Party at his Asokoro, Abuja residence on Friday, December 11, 2021 called for the dissolution of the State Caretaker Committee led by Ejidike.

“The Meeting calls on the National Caretaker Committee and Extra-Ordinary Convention Committee to implement the above and dissolve the present Caretaker Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Anambra State chapter and put in place a 7-man Interim Management Committee to manage the affairs of the Party in the State and oversee the conduct of all congresses of the Party in Anambra State, to hold in a fortnight after the New Year,” a communique which emanated from the Ngige meeting had requested.

But in a move which apparently aligns with the position of critical stakeholders from the State, led by Senator Andy Uba, the National Headquarters of the APC rather than heed the Minister’s advise, described the activities of his group as that of “dissidents” and went ahead to concretize Ejidike’s position as Anambra State Chairman of the Party.

In a letter addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command – and copied to Heads of all Security Agencies in Anambra State – dated December 16, 2021 and signed by Sen. John James Akpanudoedehe Ph.D, Secretary, Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), the Party stated inter alia: “In recent times, the National Secretariat of our Party has been inundated with reports of activities of some dissidents and fifth columnists within the fold of our Party in Anambra State.

“Therefore, this correspondence becomes imperative, not only to clarify the fact that there is no fractionalization of our Party in Anambra, but also to call on your office to use the resources at their disposal to curtail such nefarious activities and bring the culprits to book.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Hon.(Sir) Basil Ejidike is the State Chairman of APC in Anambra State and has the mandate of the National Secretariat to relate with the security agencies on our behalf on all matters pertaining to his State Chapter,” the APC scribe stated.

Notedly, the position of the National Secretariat of the Party tallies with the outcome of a well attended State Caucus meeting, which not only passed a vote of confidence on Ejidike and his State Caretaker Committee, SCC but also accepted and adopted the Report and Actions taken by his Executive, including the suspension handed down to the former state secretary, Chukwuma Agufugo and erstwhile publicity secretary, Okelo Madukaife.

The meeting, which was generously attended, comprised former Senators, current and former members of the House of Representatives, current and former Presiding and Principal Officers of the State House of Assembly, 14 out of 17 members of the State Caretaker Committee (SCC), a former Minister, current and former zonal and national officers officers of the Party, as well as the governorship and deputy governorship candidates of the Party in the recently held Anambra gubernatorial election.

Despite the setback occasioned by an unfavourable court yesterday, nullifying the candidature of Senator Uba in last November’s governorship election – the same already being appealed against – the status quo subsists, with Senator Uba remaining the Leader of the Anambra State Caucus of th Party – same having been affirmed by over 85 percent membership of the Caucus earlier aforementioned.

Imo: There Were Mistakes, Shortfalls, First Two Years Of My Government – Uzodinma

By
The Source
-
0
Hope Uzodinma

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma has admitted that there were possible shortfalls and mistakes in the first two years of his administration.

The Governor noted this while performing the swearing-in ceremony of 18 new Commissioners for the State on Monday, December 20, 2021 at the new Sam Mbakwe Executive Council Chambers.

Acknowledging such possible shortfalls and mistakes in his administration, he asked the new Commissioners to use their positions to correct them.

Uzodinma,for maximum effect, elevated the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to a full Ministry. Placed in-charge of the new Ministry is  Mrs Rubby Emele.

The Governor, also redeployed Dr Bsrthy Okorochukwu from the Ministry of Health to the Ministry of Agriculture. In his place, the Governor appointed Dr. Prosper Ohayaya.

The 18 newly sworn-in Commissioners were told to see their appointment as a call to duty and service to the people or be shown the way out if they resort to doing the opposite.

Uzodinma read what appears to be a riot act to the  new Commissioners which brings the total number to 28.

Ten Commissioners were retained by Governor Uzodinma when he dissolved his cabinet in June 6, 2021.

Those sworn-in were:

*Commissioner for Environment, Prof. E. J. C. Duru

*Dr. Prosper Ohayaya – Health

*Prof. Sylvester Okorondudu – Education

*Dr. Anthony Mgbeahuruike – Livestock

*Barr. Kezie Ogaziechi – Lands and Physical Planning

*Barr. Rex  Anunobi -Transport

*Lady Love Ineh – Housing.

*Hon. Mrs. Rubby Emele – Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs

*Hon. Simeon Ebegbulem – Commerce and Industry

*Dr. Okey Anukwuen – Special Duties

*Chief Ford Ozurumba – Labour/Productivity

*Lady Ann Dozie – Powers/ Water Resources

*Rt. Hon. Goodluck Opiah –Petroluem

*Hon. Stanley Obidiegwu – Special Projects

*Dr. Ugorji O. Ugorji –Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs

*Dr. Elias Emedom – Mines and Solid Minerals

*Hajia Rabbi Ibrahim – Humanitarian Affairs.

Addressing the new Commissioners after they had taken the oath of office at the New Executive Council Chambers Government House Owerri, the Governor congratulated them for their “well-deserved appointment” and admonished them to hit the ground running and to be proud that they made the list of his Executive Council “having been selected from many recommendations and proposals presented to him.”

Governor Uzodinma reminded them that the oath of office they took is more than a ritual, but a “solemn commitment to serve Imo people with the fear of God,” warning that “the days of appointment being seen as come and eat is over.”

“In my administration appointment is a call to duty and public service.”

He sounded it loud and clear that they have been invited to come and work and make sacrifices to improve the lives of Imo people. “It is a rare opportunity,” he noted.

He told them “to be ready, willing and able to hit the ground running” with their “eyes firmly on the ball.”

According to him, they have been given the opportunity to serve Imo people for posterity and to write their names in gold.

“I took my time to select you people because I wanted the best our state can offer. I am satisfied today because we have got the best.”

Governor Uzodinma challenged the Commissioners to endeavour to understand the vision and mission statements of his Government which is anchored on transformation of Imo State from nothing to something.  ‘’This is a task that must be accomplished.”

To achieve the above, he insists that  they must first think of honest service to the people of Imo State as a grundnorm.

Governor Uzodinma told the team that their primary responsibility is service and governance and not politicking, the reason they must concentrate on working with him to “Share Prosperity” to Imo people.

He urged them to get the manual that encapsulates the 3-R mantra as it is the signpost and directional book containing all the policies and programmes of the Shared Prosperity Administration of the government.

On possible shortfalls in the past two years of his administration, he asked the Commissioners to see their appointment as an opportunity to correct such shortfalls or mistakes by bringing their capacity and ingenuity to bear as it behoves on all of us to rise to the challenges.

He reminded them that his Government seeks to enforce equity, equality and rule of law knowing full well that they are the ethnics that define good governance.

Highlighting his modest achievements in the past two years, Governor Uzodinma informed that his administration has restored public confidence in governance and that Civil Servants have been made to key into and follow the pace of the Shared Prosperity administration.

He pointed out, for instance, that the payroll fraud has been reduced to the barest minimum, noting that those coming back for Christmas will see the difference between yesterday and now in the areas of education, health, road infrastructure and other critical infrastructure in the State.

Governor Uzodimma reiterated that the most daunting challenge his administration faces so far is insecurity but said “to the glory of God we have overcome. Our State is relatively better now than seven months ago.”

The Governor charged them to bring their creative ingenuity to bear to improve on the State Internally Generated Revenue, insisting that their pragmatic approach must be applied for the State IGR to meet his expectation.

Also, Governor Uzodinma urged them to pay particular attention to Imo youths, saying he has spent a lot of resources to get them engaged. He further reminded them of the need to work hard to take government to the lowest man at the grassroot in Imo State.

To achieve the above, he asked them to work closely with the APC under which umbrella they have been appointed.  “You must show interest in what is happening in the party.”

On their individual status as Government appointees,  the Governor reminded them that they are now the mirror of the government and as such their conduct must be above board.

He warned them of his administration’s zero tolerance for corruption, noting that any of them found wanting will be shown the exit door.  In the same vein, he enjoined them to remember that his administration will not tolerate in-fighting and that it is expected of every appointee to exhibit 100 per cent loyalty.

He charged them to always be guided by service and love for the State, warning that :they are all equal in his cabinet.”

Responding on behalf of her colleagues, the Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Hon. Mrs. Anne Dozie thanked the Governor for finding them worthy to serve in his government and promised that they will put in their best to meet his expectations.

On behalf of her colleagues, she assured of their 100 per cent loyalty, service to the government and people of Imo State.

Uzodinma To pay 13th Month Salary To Imo Workers, Announces Christmas Packages

By
The Source
-
0
Hope Uzodimma

In an announcement that took Imolites, especially, Government workers by surprise, Governor Hope Uzodinma said he would pay 13 month salaries to the workers.

This will be a first time in the history of Imo State Civil Service. The  workers are to receive 100 per cent of their basic pay as 13th month.

Besides the 13th month pay and assurance for the immediate payment of their December salary, the Governor also promised to give the workers Christmas rice through their ministries while efforts are on top gear to elevate deserving civil servants.

Governor Uzodinma made this known to the workers during his interactive session with them at the Ndubuisi Kanu Square Owerri on Monday.

He said despite wrong assumptions from certain quarters, his administration had, from inception, held workers in high esteem and considered their welfare of utmost priority.

The Governor recalled that the Secretariat was the  first place he visited when he assumed office about 23 months ago,  on January 29,  2020, where he interfaced with workers on areas of challenges and the way forward.

He told them that investigations into all outstanding payment of salaries and pensions are ongoing and that soon it would be a thing of the past and payments effected

Governor Uzodimma assured that all verified 43,000 workers without issues will never be owed salaries by his government as he does not regard payment of salary as achievement by any governor “because the worker deserves his wage.”

He also promised that  promotion issues will be looked into as long as the workers remain committed.

The Governor regretted that most of the workers who have been going about blackmailing his Government are those who have issues, some of them criminal, as some workers have been established to be earning salary in two or three or more places.

Although the Governor contemplated calling their names before the army of civil servants at he venue, he later changed his mind and called on the Civil Service Commission to fashion out modalities on how  the affected workers  will refund to the State Government all they have defrauded it for years which is in hundreds of millions of naira.

Governor Uzodimma charged civil servants to remain committed to the service of government and try not to be partisan.

He encouraged them to help him by doing the right thing so that he too could be of help to them. “Your happiness is my happiness, your sadness is my sadness, your hunger is my hunger,” he said, noting that he is a good friend of workers.

Earlier in his address, the Head of Service, Dr. Camilus Iwuagwu, recalled the various ways the administration has improved the workforce and welfare of workers, particularly the automated payroll system, the prompt payment of salaries and pensions, the provision of free Mass transist, the Civil servants Clinic, training of workers on capacity among many other things.

He thanked the governor for granting the request to revisit the genuine cases of workers and pensioners who, as a result of BVN problems, joint account , and  other issues that led to omissions resulting are not receiving their salaries or pensions.

“You mandated the committee under the leadership of Civil Service Commission and Local Government Service Commission  to verify the claims of those workers and pensioners for payment.”

The new chairman of NLC , Imo state, Rev. Philip Nwansi, commended the governor for being workers- friendly and he expressed confidence that all those with issues of unpaid salaries and pensions will in no distant period have reasons to rejoice.

Imo: Workers To Refund Salaries Criminally Earned

By
The Source
-
0
Hope Uzodimma

By Charles Igbo

In Imo State, some Civil Servants were defrauding the State to the tune of millions of Naira by earning salaries from more than two three places.

The State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma revealed this when he addressed Civil Servants and other State Government workers during an interactive session he had with them at the Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu Square, Owerri.

During the session, the Governor promised not to owe any of the 43 verified workers without any issues their salaries, noting that paying salaries was not an achievement but an obligation.

Uzodinma, however, regretted that his Government is being blackmailed by “those who have issues, some of them, criminal.”

He said such workers have been confirmed to be earning salaries “in two, or three, or more places.” Stopping short of reeling out their names Uzodinma ordered the Civil Service Commission to “fashion out modalities on how the affected workers will refund to the State Government all they have defrauded it for years.”

The amount of money, the Governor, revealed, runs into millions of Naira.

A source close to Government said such workers may not only likely lose their jobs, but may be prosecuted for their criminal  actions.

Owerri Boils Over Kidnap of Its Chief Priest

By
The Source
-
0
Chief Priest of Ala Owerri-Reginald Ejiogu

By Charles Igbo

Owerri, the capital of Imo.State, boiled-over on Monday, December 20, over the abduction of the ancient town’s Tradition Chief Priest.

The Chief Priest of “Ala Owerri”, Reginald Ejiogu, was kidnapped on Saturday, December 18, along Christ Church Road, by Ihugba Street, within the Owerri  Municipality. Kidnapped along with him is Sunny Unachukwu, the Chairman of Umunwagbara village also in the Owerri Municipality.

The youths, in their hundreds, grounded the city for about four hours, demanding for the release of the Chief Priest.

Holding palm fronds, the youths, mainly from Umuodu, Owerri, described the abduction of the Chief Priest as an abomination.

“How can anybody kidnap the Chief Priest of Ala Owerri in Igboland? It is an abomination,” one of them said.

They chanted war songs, and moved in and out of the Owerri Municipality Headquarters demanding the immediate release of the Chief Priest. They feared the anger of the gods would be strong both for their community and the Kidnappers.

It is not known if the abductors have made contacts with the Chief Priest’s family since the incident. But there has been no official statement from the Police.

Bonnie Iwuoha, Former NUJ President, Dies

By
The Source
-
0
Bonnie Iwuoha

By Charles Igbo

A former National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Bonnie Iwuoha, is dead. He died in Umuahia, Abia State, where he served his State creditably and with passion, in the evening of Monday, December 20, 2021.

Iwuoha was a former Commissioner for Information in Abia State, under Governor Okezie Ikpeazu. Before then, he was a Special Adviser, Media.

In his 38 years in the Media, Iwuoha played very active roles at critical situations, and worked in a number of Media Houses.

He was a former Managing Editor/Head of Editorial, Daily Times. He was also a very senior staff at the Imo Newspapers, Owerri, as well as the Ambassador Newspapers, an Abia State Government-owned Newspaper.

At the 40th Biennial Convention of the Nigeria Guild of Editors, NGE, in Kano in 2020, an Organization where he always played key roles, Iwuoha was the Chairman of the Election Screening Committe.

His death hit his Media- colleagues like a thunder bold, and tributes are coming in like claps of thunder for “Dee Bonnie”, or  “Oga Bonnie” as he was popularly called by younger colleagues.

Reacted Emma Agu, a former Presidential Media Adviser, former Managing Director/Editor-in-chief, Champion Group of Newspapers, and now, Publisher, True Vision, on hearing the sad news: “I’m speechless. Able, Able. God is able. If He didn’t keep you here, then there must be a better reason. No more worries, no more pains. Though shattered, we take consolation in the knowledge that you will remain in our hearts. RIP”

Comfort Obi of The Source lamented:

“Death so unexpected!

We spoke two weeks ago, and exchanged text messages last week!!

He was okay, he told me.

He was his usual self!!!

Whatever happened again?

Life has a way of playing games with us.

And, we seem not sure of anything …Nothing.

Rest, Bonnie, rest in peace – finally.”

Iwuoha was married with children.

Togo Scandal: Nigerians Strayed to Restricted Areas, Says NCAA

By
Uche Mbah
-
0
NCAA Director General, Musa Nuhu

By Uche Mbah

The Director General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Captain Musa Nuhu, said Monday, that the passengers manhandled at Lome Airport strayed to a restricted area of the Airport.

Some Nigerian passengers were rough-handled by Asky Airline officials at Lome Airport, Togo.

A video surfaced online of Asky airline officials handcuffing, beating and generally manhandling Nigerian passengers who landed at the Airport.

The video had gone viral and attracted condemnations.

The Nigerians were travelling on Ethiopian Airlines from the United States of America to Lagos, but were dumped at Lome on the excuse that the transit spaces were full.

In their attempt protest their fate, they were manhandled and handcuffed by the Airline and Airport security, with their mobiles confiscated.

But speaking to newsmen in Lagos Monday, Captain Nuhu said: “The security agencies in Togo maltreated some of the Nigerian travellers, who were stranded in that country.

“But before then, they alleged that the travellers entered the restricted areas at the airport.

“The airline has written us a letter, apologising to us that it will not happen again.

“So, we are just following up for them to sort things out. We are trying to sort out things. I am still talking with the CAA of Togo.

“The DG is a good friend of mine. We just lodged in our complaints officially so that the record will be there, but the Airline has apologised.

“Whatever it is, we will be able to resolve it amicably. Our apologies to the Nigerian passengers who were maltreated,” he concluded.

1...2,3232,3242,325...3,068Page 2,324 of 3,068