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Benue: Killers From Sudan Are Coming For Me – Gov Ortom

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Benue Governor, Mr Samuel Ortom, has alleged that there is an underground moves to use foreign mercenaries to assassinate him.

Governor Ortom had, for sometime, been having running battles with bandits on one hand, and the presidency on another hand, over insecurity in the state.

The Governor had once escaped an ambush by suspected bandits during a visit to his farm.

He made the allegation at the Sesugh Maria Pilgrimage Centre Ayati, Gwer East local government area of the State.

The Governor, also, claimed that those behind the plot are planning to hire killers from Sudan to attack him.

However, Ortom said he has made up his mind to serve the people of the State even if he dies in the process.

“No going back on this matter. It doesn’t matter; if I perish I perish. With all the threats against me.

“If I perish, I perish. I’m just like Shedrack, Mishack and Abednego. Last week I was told that people were hired from Sudan to come and eliminate me.

“I remain committed to the service of my people. I’m committed because they elected me and I will do their bidding.

“No one will intimidate me and make me stop until justice is given to our people in Benue state.”

Breaking: Relief As Doctors Suspend Strike For Six Weeks

By
Bayo Bernard
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Chris Ngige
Chris Ngige

By Tosin Olatokunbo

Nigerians can now heave a sigh of relief following the decision of the National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD to suspend its two months old strike.

The doctors who have abandoned their work for two months said they start attending to patients from Wednesday.

The strike action started on August 2, and had dragged despite appeals by well meaning Nigerians including the federal government to the angry doctors to end the strike.

Last month, the National Industrial Court, presided over by Justice Bashar Alkali ordered the doctors to shelve the strike so save the lives of many Nigerians, noting that the strike will affect efforts to combat the COVID 19 pandemic. The doctors refused, insisting that their demands must be met.

Sources informed the magazine that relations of sick persons had been forced to either take their patients to private hospitals or back home to receive treatment.

Unconfirmed sources said many have died in public hospitals due to the doctor’s strike.

The court held that there is no amount of money that will compensate for the loss of lives in the circumstances.

But speaking on Monday, NARD President, Dr Godiya Ishaya disclosed that the strike has been suspended for six weeks to allow for further negotiations with their employer, the federal government.

Godiya said the period will be used to break the current stalemate with the government.

The strike which began on August 2 has been suspended with effect from 8am, Wednesday, according to the President of the association, Dr Godiya Ishaya.

Ishaya, said NARD has noticed that “there was a stalemate in the enrollment of our members into the IPPIS and payment of their areas.

“The government was invoking the trade dispute article 41, that is the ‘no work, no pay.’ And since they have been enrolled into IPPIS, it means there was not going to be any salary into their accounts.

“Without them being paid, they won’t get their areas; that was a stalemate we felt we should give a window to see if the government can start paying them salaries and push their areas into their accounts.

“On the issue of ‘no work, no pay,’ we have not agreed to forfeit our salaries. The strike was unnecessarily prolonged because of the government’s response to the strike. Instead of sitting on the table, the government decided to go to court and that kept prolonging negotiation.”

He said the National Executive Council, NEC of the Association would meet after six weeks to determine the next line of action.

Justice Alkali had in September ordered the doctors to suspend their strike. He also directed all parties to return to the negotiating table.

The judge said the doctors must go back to work, notingt thatthere is no amount of money that will compensate for the loss of lives in the circumstances.

Open Grazing: Again, FG Backs Miyetti Allah Against Southern Govs

By
Bayo Bernard
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By James Orji

The Buhari administration says it is in support of the decision of Miyetti Allah to go to court to challenge the anti-open grazing law.

Dr Umaru Gwandu, the Special Assistant on Media to Abubakar Malami, the Attorney general of the federation and minister of Justice, disclosed this on Sunday, insisting that it is within the rights of the umbrella body of cattle breeders in the country to challenge any law capable of infringing on their rights.

The magazine learnt that the federal government through the AGF office will asked to be joined in the suit as soon as Miyetti Allah Allah decides to take the matter to court.

Malami had in May criticized the law against open grazing, describing it unconstitutional.

The 17 Southern Governors, met in Delta state in July, where they agreed to enact a law to prevent the movement of cows on foot.

Since then the Governors who believe that the law will put an end to farmers/ herders crisis and killings in the southern part of the country, have enacted laws to this effect, with Governors Dapo Abiodun and Ifeanyi Ugwuayi of Ogun and Enugu states, being the latest to sign the law, after it has been passed by their various State Houses of Assembly.

Gwandu, who disclosed this in an interview with The PUNCH, said the herders have the rights to seek redress in the court when their rights are violated.

According to Gwandu, “the rights trampled upon are individual rights of Nigerians as constitutionally guaranteed.

“The Nigerians whose rights are violated reserve the right to approach the court for the protection of such rights within the context of freedom of movement among others. It will be viewed with that consideration in mind.”

The AGF had six months ago criticized the decision of the decision of some Governors in the country to ban open grazing because it “does not align with the provisions of the Constitution, hence it does not hold water.”

“It is about constitutionality within the context of the freedoms expressed in our constitution. Can you deny the rights of a Nigerian?

“For example: it is as good as saying, perhaps, maybe, the northern governors coming together to say they prohibit spare parts trading in the north.

“Does it hold water? Does it hold water for a northern governor to come and state expressly that he now prohibits spare parts trading in the north?”

Malami advised the governors to work towards the amendment of the 1999 Constitution in their move to prohibit open grazing.

“If you are talking of constitutionally guaranteed rights, the better approach to it is to perhaps go back to ensure the Constitution is amended.

“Freedom and liberty of movement among others established by the constitution, if by an inch you want to have any compromise over it, the better approach is go back to the National Assembly to say open grazing should be prohibited and see whether you can have the desired support for the constitutional amendment.

“It is a dangerous provision for any governor in Nigeria to think he can bring any compromise on the freedom and liberty of individuals to move around,” Malami said.

Adeboye Predicts End To Insurgency After Boko Haram Took Over 500 Communities In Niger State

By
Bayo Bernard
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By James Orji

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG has predicted that terrorism and Banditry will soon be a thing for f the past in the country.

Deadly Islamic group boko haram, who on Saturday sacked sacked another local government in Borno state, killing score and forcing residents to flee into the forest, has killed tens of thousands since it took up arms against the federal government in 2009.

Adeboye spoke barely a week after the insurgents sacked over 500 communities in Niger state.

Suleiman Chukuba, chairman of Shiroro LGA in Niger state, said last week that the communities were sacked by the rampaging Islamic terrorist group.

Chukuba told journalists that no fewer than than eight wards in the LGA are now under Boko Haram siege.

The affected areas, he said areas are Manta, Gurmana, Bassa-Kokki, Allawa, Kurebe, Kushaka, Kwati, Chukuba and Galadima Kogo.

According to him the insurgents have gained the support of the residents “by telling them they have arms and money to give them so they can assist them in fighting the government,” he said.

“Shiroro local government has an uncountable number of Boko Haram fighters.

“I have the proof being that I am the executive chairman, the chief security officer of the local government. When they go to the various communities, what they tell them is that ‘We don’t want primary, secondary schools. We only want Islamiyya schools.’”

The Governor of the state, Abubakar Sani Bello had recently decried the activities of the insurgents who he said have taken over people’s wives and children.

Bandits on the other hand have continued to render communities in the North East desolate, after killing many people and abducting residents, particularly students for ransom.

In the face of the fear that now pervade much of the Northern part of the country, Adeboye said he’s confident that the malaise will soon be over..

Adeboye who spoke at the church monthly first Sunday telecast had deplored the kidnapping of emirs, politicians and other leaders in the north, noting that this development does not augur well for the country.

The clergy man however assured his congregants that “all the acts of terrorism, all the acts of banditry, all kinds of evil actions will come to end,” the revered cleric noted.

Quoting  the book of 1 Samuel 17 the pastor said no evil last forever, noting that God will intervene in the security problems confronting the country.

According to him, “when God is involved with a nation, He can solve a national crisis overnight,” Pastor Adeboye added while pinning his assertion on Exodus 14 verses 1-31.

“When God speaks, it is done. When He sends a word of prophecy, you can be sure that as soon it is gone out, it is settled,” Pastor Adeboye said.

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Anambra: Labour Party Guber Candidate In Kidnappers’ Den; A Mother’s Cry

By
The Source
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Obiora Agbasimalo

By Charles Igbo

For two weeks, and running,  those who knew, especially family and the Labour Party managed to keep the news off the public.

But no longer.

Unable to bear her pains, the heartbroken mother of Obiora Agbasimalo, the Governorship candidate of the Labour Party in the upcoming November 6, 2021 Governorship election has cried out. “Release my son”, she pleads with his abductors, “because he is very ill in captivity.”

She said she knew of his health status because his son appeared to her, obviously, in a dream, and told her his health had become very bad.

It is not known exactly when he was kidnapped, but Mediaorchid, an online medium, quoted a family member as saying he has been two weeks gone with the gunmen who abducted him.

A desperate message from his mother to the abductors and the public reads:

“My son, Obiora Agbasimalo, is the Labour Party Anambra State Gubernatorial candidate. He has been kidnapped for more than two weeks now.

“He appeared to me and told me that his health has deteriorated badly.

“Please, release him quickly  for medical attention. This is a mother’s cry of agony. Please, keep sharing and tweeting until they release him now. He is very ill.

“Please, please! I plead with the abductors to think about their own mothers and release my son.”

It is not known if the abduction was politically motivated or not. Or, if the abductors have made any contacts with the family for ransome money.

At the time of writing of writing this, there has been no reaction (to the mother’s outcry) from either the Police or the Labour Party.

In recent weeks, Anambra State has been the epicenter of kidnappings, violence and brutal killings.

Anambra On Fire As Gunmen Attack Security Facilities, Kill Many, Raze Igbokwe’s Home

By
The Source
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0
Unknown Gunmen

By Charles Igbo

Sunday, October 3, has turned out to be another black day in Anambra State.

The State is, literally, on fire.

The epicentre is one of its commercial towns, and the centre of spare parts manufacturing in Nigeria, Nnewi.

Sunday afternoon, Gunmen, invaded the offices of the Directorate of State Services, DSS, and that of the Nigeria Civil Defence.

They razed down the facilities, after allegedly subduing the officers.

It is, also, alleged that many Security Agents were killed.

Eye witnesses say the Gunmen, allegedly, were saying they had warned they did not want to see the Nigerian flag hoisted anywhere in the South-east, which they fondly call Biafra land.

The Nnewi country home of Joe Igbokwe, an APC chieftain, and a critic of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, was also burnt down.

While nobody can confirm which group was responsible for the attack, recall that a couple of days before the October 1, Nigeria’s 61st Independence, IPOB had warned that all Nigerian flags in the Zone must be removed, otherwise, there would be consequences.

A good number of institutions obeyed out of fear. Many did not, apparently, including Security Agencies.

Igbokwe has pointedly accused IPOB of burning down his home, saying that CCTV Cameras installed in his home caught them off- loading Jerry cans of petrol from Sienna vehicles which they used to raze his home.

While assuring he was okay, he said he was going to miss his Study most.

Insecurity in Anambra State has, in the past few days, reached an unbearable stage. Both the State Government and Security Agencies in the State seem helpless.

The Anambra Governorship election is scheduled for November 6, 2021. But most politicians in the State are, at best, in hiding. No campaigns are going on as it is a taboo, almost. Those who tried had come under heavy attack.

Killings in Anambra: What does Obiano do with N1.5 billion monthly security vote; his wife, N250 million?

By
The Source
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0
Governor Willy Obiano of Anambra State

By Charles Igbo

The Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, has given up on the state of insecurity in the State.

The allegation was made by the Andy Uba Governorship Campaign Organisation, SAUGCO, in a statement signed by its Campaign Director, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene.

Obiano, allegedly, collects a monthly sum of N1.5billion in  security vote, while his wife collects the sum of N250m, according to the statement.

In Nigeria, Security Votes are usually not accounted for State Governors. But the allegation that Obiano’s wife, Ebele, also, collects Security  vote has to be a first in Nigeria.

Insecurity in Anambra State is at its worst at the moment. The State is on siege, and the people frozen in fear. In the past one week, about 16 people, including police officers, have been killed.

The question then is what the Governor does with the huge security votes he collects. SAUGCO has an answer.

It says Obiano does nothing except to pass on the buck, and ridiculously adorn military camouflage uniform to the amusement of his subjects.

Following is the full text of the Statement.

“After weeks of lethargy and inaction, the Anambra State Governor, Chief Willy Obiano, may have finally given up on his duties as chief security officer of the state. Instead, he has directed residents of the state to only look up to the federal authorities for succour.

“President Buhari, not Governor Willy Obiano, is the Commander in Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces and head of all security agencies in the country,” the Anambra State Government said yesterday in a statement signed by its Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. C. Don Adinuba; clearly absolving the governor of any responsibility.

“Reacting to the statement on Sunday, October 3, 2021, we are then compelled to ask the following questions:

“When Mr. Adinuba proceeds to glow in the same statement that our dear state “for  seven years enjoyed the richly deserved reputation of the most peaceful state in the whole country,” was President Buhari not the Commander in Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces?

“Each time Gov. Obiano clownishly adorns himself in military camouflage, does he do so for mere comic display?

“When Governor Obiano collects the humongous sum of N1.5 Billion monthly as security vote, and his wife, N250 million, is it meant for carousing in the Governor’s Lodge, or  to secure the state?

“From the Commissioner’s unsavoury submissions, we make bold to say that Governor Obiano appears to have thrown up his hands in heedless surrender.

“But we make haste to advise that it is too early so to do. In fact, until March 17, 2021, we insist that Gov. Obiano remains the chief security officer of Anambra state and must do his level best to secure the state, its people and properties.

“It is only after then, APC will take over the state because he will hand over power to Senator Andy Uba.

“But instead of seeking to finish strong in the area of security – for which he ceaselessly prides himself – the administration rather appears to revel in its inability to provide a secure environment for all, regardless of party affiliation. Otherwise, why would the government descend into a partisan arena to rejoice in the fact that the All Progressives Congress, APC had to put on hold its scheduled flag off, owing mainly to several killings brought about in the first place by its security incompetencies?

“Instead of seeking ways of making restitution to the people of Anambra who have been misgoverned over the last seven years and half, leading to key stalwarts and functionaries of both the party and government leaving in droves to join the APC, Governor Obiano, rather, refuses to act, lending credence to claims in several quarters that he does not want the November 6, 2021 governorship election to hold.

“Indeed, with Governor Obiano and his Administration openly admitting that the recent spate of killings in the state is  “politically motivated,” it is now very clear that the orchestrated reign of violence, perhaps, has the imprimatur of government.

“Rather than insisting on foisting an inclement weather on the very people this administration ought to  govern, we urge Governor Obiano to smell the coffee and not attempt to pull down  the State with him.”

Activities to mark the 61st Independence anniversary of Nigeria was cancelled in the state when nobody showed up at the decorated stadium meany for the celebration.

2023: Alao Akala Says Jonathan Can’t Become APC Presidential Candidate; Supports Makinde

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Otunba Adebayo Christopher Alao-Akala

By Akinwale Kasali

All Progressives Congress, APC, Chieftain and former Oyo State Governor, Otunba Adebayo Christopher Alao-Akala, has quashed speculation and permutations that former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan could become the APC Presidential Candidate in 2023, if he joined the APC.

Alao-Akala who is, also, the Chairman, Oyo State APC Elders Advisory Council said Jonathan can’t be the party’s Presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections if he eventually joins.

The former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, stalwart made this Statement while featuring on Agidigbo 88.5 FM in Ibadan, Oyo State said that a lot of strong Party leaders are presently on the queue for the 2023 Presidential ticket.

Stressing that Jonathan is eligible to join the Party at the center like every other Nigerian, but, becoming the APC 2023 Presidential Candidate is a figment of imagination insinuated by some people.

In his words, “I am not saying Jonathan can’t join APC but he can’t be President under APC in 2023. I’m not saying Jonathan can’t be president but it can never be under APC in 2023 because some people are on the queue already.”

Alao-Akala added that the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, is capable of being the President as well as APC National leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who is presently receiving treatment in London, United Kingdom, and others but said that he was yet to decide who his choice is.

“The wish of the party is my command and the party has not decided yet, I’m not recommending or supporting anybody for now, until the party decides,” he added.

In a twist of event, surprisingly, Alao Akala threw his weight behind PDP’s Governor in Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, calling on everyone, regardless of Party affiliation to support the Governor for the development of the State, saying that if he fails, then there won’t be development in the State.

Breaking: Ladi Rotimi-Williams, SAN, Dies of COVID-19

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Ladi Rotimi-Williams

By Adesina Soyooye

COVID-19 has, again, taken away a high profile victim.

First son of late Legal luminary, Chief Rotimi Williams, SAN, himself also a SAN, Ladi Rotimi-Williams is dead. He died Sunday morning, October 3, of COVID-19 complications.

Unconfirmed reports say was fully vaccinated before he caught the pandemic, and eventually died of its complications.

His younger brother, Kayode  Rotimi-Williams confirmed his passing Sunday morning.

Ladi was the Principal/ Founding Partner of Chief Ladi Rotimi-Williams before his passing.

The famous siblings engaged in a bitter squabbe over their father’s vast estate on their father’s demise. The squabble was a subject of litigation before Courts of Law in Lagos State.

Ladi Rotimi-Williams died aged 74 years.

Stop Working With PDP For A Southern Presidency, PGF Warns APC Chieftains

By
Uche Mbah
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Salihu Lukman

By Uche Mbah

Director-General of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Salihu  Lukman has cried out that some All Progressives Congress, APC chieftains, are working in tandem with their cohorts in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to cede its presidential ticket to the South in  2023.

Recently, after playing some cat and mouse games waiting for APC to zone the Presidency first, the PDP finally zoned the Chairmanship slot to the North, indicating that its Presidential Candidate would likely go to the South.

Speculations are, however, rife that some Northern APC legislators are rooting for a Southern Presidency come 2023, with many backing former governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu is said to be keying into the expectations by sending a message to the lawmakers: ” I will soon be back”, he allegedly boasted.

A viral video showed Tinubu entering a car and one of his loyalists called out to him, “Mr. President, see you soon”.

But in a statement from Lukman, Sunday, titled “APC and Struggle for New Nigeria” he said excessive politicization of issues on the ground by the PDP is pushing the APC lawmakers to tow this line. An example was how the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the APC aligned with the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike of the PDP to fight the APC-led Federal Government over a collection of the Value Added Tax VAT.

According to him, it is scandalous for an APC member to sue the Federal Government as was done in the case of VAT.

“Part of the challenges of excessive politicization is that it also threatens internal unity of APC members and leaders. For instance, excessive politicization in the country is influencing the decision of some APC leaders to push negotiations for the emergence of the party’s Presidential Candidate for 2023 elections outside the structures of the APC. This is now threatening the unity of the leaders of APC.

“Around the whole question of power shift, some leaders of the APC have gone outside the structures of the party to mobilize support for the party to zone its Presidential candidate for 2023 to the Southern part of the country.

“In a worrisome way, the loose partnership is being contracted with a section of leaders from other opposition political parties, notably PDP.

“It is important that all APC leaders are reminded that the campaign for power shift is about writing or respecting the rules of our party. This should be handled within the structures of the APC.

“It is belittling for APC leaders who are statutory members of all the relevant structures of the party that are competent to take a final decision on the matter to go outside the structures of the party and forge a partnership with PDP leaders to compel a decision, one way or the other, on the matter.

“It simply means a loss of confidence in the structures of the party, which in this matter couldn’t have been the case.

“It is, therefore, important that a strong appeal is made to all APC leaders to develop more confidence to negotiate every matter, including the issue of power shift, within the structures of APC.

“The current trend, which appears to create divisions among APC leaders must be halted. The question of unity among APC leaders is a fundamental precondition for being able to continue to win the support of Nigerians, which is what can guarantee any electoral victory.

“The confidence of PDP and their supporters is only stronger in campaigning against APC and President Buhari’s led Federal Government, using the false narrative of failure, because unity among the ranks of APC leaders and member is increasingly being broken. Even the reality of reactive and passive communication of APC-led government initiatives is further becoming a dominant attribute because unity among APC leaders is getting weaker”…

“All APC members must strongly appeal to all APC leaders to rebuild confidence and ensure that every issue that should be addressed within the structures of the party are treated so. Perhaps, also about the question of the unity of leaders within the party, all governments produced by the party should be able to strengthen internal relations.

“Internal consultative processes should be functionally made stronger such that disputes between governments are well managed, negotiated and any possible agreement respected. The recent partnership between Lagos and Rivers States about the legal dispute on Value Added Tax against the Federal Government is, to say the least very disturbing.

“All party members and leaders should without prejudice to the grievances of Lagos State Government appeal to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to initiate processes of direct engagement with the Federal Government to resolve all issues.

“It is politically scandalous for APC state to sue APC Federal Government. Everything taken together – mobilizing for power shift outside APC and the legal case between Lagos State and Federal Government – require that our leaders should be open to themselves. Beyond being open, APC leaders should have both discipline and respect for each other. Unity of leaders will be meaningless, if not impossible, without discipline and respect for one another.

“Leaders will be unable to unite party members and Nigerians if they don’t have the required discipline and respect for one another.

“It is not by accident that public debate in Nigeria is very offensive. Citizens treat each other with disrespect and easily abuse each other in unprintable languages.

“This may perhaps be the true reflection of the quality of relationships among leaders.

“The APC Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee need to take up the issue of uniting all APC leaders and ensure that relevant structures of the party are being used to facilitate negotiation on all emerging issues, including the question of power shift. All leaders of the party should be reminded that the fundamental issue of changing Nigeria will remain a dream so long as leaders failed to work for the development of the structures of the party.

“Building a party is beyond winning an election, important as it is. Building the party is specifically about ensuring that the structures of the party are competent in facilitating negotiations among members and leaders on every issue.

“Every negotiation should produce an agreement that must be respected by every leader and member.

“For APC to achieve the goal of producing a new Nigeria, first thing first, it must be a party with a leadership that is united, disciplined, and respectful. The process of re-organizing the structures of APC must make the party functionally active in facilitating negotiations among leaders at all levels and all agreements reached must be respected by all.

“It is the process of negotiation and implementing agreements reached, which should be respected by all that can produce a New Nigeria!

“At this point, it is also important to appeal to the APC Caretaker Committee to conclude the work being done to amend the constitution of the party. Strengthening processes of disciplinary hearings and enforcement of decisions shoulprioritizedtised. The capacity of the party to regulate the conduct of members and leaders should be strengthened”, he added.

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