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Imo: Adapalm To Employ 120,000 Workers

By
The Source
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Adapalm

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State is excited that Adapalm Nigeria Ltd is now ready to engage 120,000 workers with the restoration of full production capacity and removal of encumbrances.

He said in the coming weeks, the newly resuscitated Adapalm Nig Ltd will engage no fewer than 120,000 workers, mainly the youths, as it commences full scale production.

This, he said, is coming on the heels of the resolution of the hitherto legal impediment mounted by ROCHE Company.

An excited Governor Uzodimma said the company requires no fewer than 120, 000 workers to cope with the expected massive production in its current value chain.

He said in addition to the production of red oil, Adapalm Nigeria Ltd will also produce palm kernel oil, magrine, furniture among others.

The Imo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba had reiterated that the state government had been able to successfully resolve the issues that held the company from embarking on full scale production.

“The Government has now entered into a tripartite agreement with ROCHE, Summit Ltd and the host community for the smooth and unhindered function of Adapalm Nig Ltd.

“Governor Hope Uzodimma has approved the agreement, hence the commencement of full production,” Emelumba noted.

Emelumba also expressed happiness that the commencement of production by Adapalm Nig Ltd will impact positively on the state’s economy, thanking Governor Uzodimma for yet another great feat.

Go After Dr Chike Akunyili’s Killers – Uzodimma

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has condemned, in the strongest terms, the gruesome murder of Dr. Chike Akunyili, husband of the late former Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Dora Akunyili, describing it as an act of wickedness in the highest order which must be condemned in all ramification. 

Dr. Akunyili was murdered on Tuesday on his way from Onitsha to Umuoji at Eke Nkpor as he reportedly took old Enugu-Onitsha road on his way back to Enugu.

His dastard killing has attracted condemnations from all and sundry across the country.

Governor Uzodimma not only condemned the murder of the medical doctor, but harped on the need to ensure that the perpetrators are unmasked and brought to book.

The governor said: “I, on behalf of the Government and good people of Imo State, commiserate with the Akunyili Family, the Government and good people of Anambra State over this inhumane act. 

“As we pray for the repose of his soul, I believe the Government at the State, Region and Federal would continue to improve our security architecture against these elements and ensure the perpetrators are brought to book.

“As a peaceful and loving race, we are known for our hospitality and unison with the ideology of ‘Onuru ube nwanne agbala oso,’ let’s eschew violence and embrace peace to pave way for the development of our region for ‘igwe bu ike.'”

VAT: 3 States Lead Onslaught Against FG

By
Bayo Bernard
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0

By Tosin Olatokunbo

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has granted the request of the Lagos State Government to be joined in the suit challenging the collection of Value Added Tax, VAT by the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS.

The development comes on the heels of a request by the Oyo state Government sitting in Port Harcourt, to be joined in the suit instituted by the Rivers State Government against the Attorney-General of the Federation.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NANA reports that the suit, instituted by the Attorney-General of Oyo State, Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo, is seeking an order of the Appellate Court to enable Oyo State to join the suit as an interested party.

This disclosure is contained in a statement issued by the Chief Taiwo Adisa, Chief Press Secretary, CPS to Governor Makinde, in Ibadan, the state’s capital on Tuesday.

The statement reads, “In the suit, the Government of Oyo State is seeking two orders, viz: an order of the Honourable Court joining the Attorney-General of Oyo State as a respondent on the appeal with suit number FHC/PH/CS/149/2020 and appeal number CA/PH/282/2021 and any other order the Court may deem fit.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Gov. Sanwo Olu of Lagos State

“According to the Attorney-General of Oyo State, the government of Oyo State was unaware of the suit between the Attorney-General of Rivers State and the Federal Inland Revenue Service at the Federal High Court until the judgment was delivered.

“Other grounds upon which the application was based include that the decision of the appellate court will affect the collection of VAT by the government of Oyo State, being one of the states which the judgment of the lower court recognised as entitled to collect VAT within its territorial jurisdiction.

“Oyo State Government also indicates that the applicant,  Attorney-General of the State, represents the interest of the Oyo State Government, whose interest in the collection of VAT within Oyo State will be impacted one way or another by any judgment delivered by this Honourable Court in this appeal.’’

According to the statement, further stated that: “The applicant is a necessary party to this suit being a party who will be bound by the judgment of this Honourable Court in this Appeal.

“The interests of the applicant and that of the respondent in this case are similar being states within the Federal Republic of Nigeria.’’

In a 12 paragraph affidavit which was filed in support of the motion, the Oyo State Government said that it is in the interest of justice that the appellate court grants the application, adding that the joinder will not prejudice the appellants and respondents.

Oyo state said one of the 36 states in the country, it will be affected by the decision of the Appellate Court, adding that joining the state to the suit already instituted by Rivers State will help to avoid multiplicity of suits by the states against the Federal Government

Recall that the Lagos State Government had in the suit sought to join the Rivers State Government in the appeal filed by the FIRS against the judgement of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which empowered Rivers state to collect VAT and not the federal tax authority.

On September 10, a 3-man panel of Justices of the Court of Appeal in Abuja granted permission to Lagos to seek to join in the suit over VAT collection between the FIRS and the River State government in the interest of justice.

When the court resumed sitting on September 16, the Attorney General of Lagos State and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Moyesore Onigbanjo, told the panel of judges led by Justice Haruna Tsammani that Lagos was entitled to collect VAT, stressing that the VAT Act was approved by an order of the court, although it has been annulled.

Onigbanjo added that going by the submissions of the FIRS, Lagos State has already enacted the VAT law and it would lead to another action if they were not allowed to be joined in the suit. He, therefore, urged the court to uphold the application for joinder, arguing that the case of joinder sought to prevent multiplicity of action.

On his part, counsel to the Rivers State government and SAN, Ifedayo Adedipe, supported the application for joinder by the Lagos State government.

But counsel to the FIRS and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mahmoud Magaji, opposed the application for joinder while relying on Section 243 of the Constitution.

Nigeria: What They Said About Another 60 Years

By
The Source
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Azu Ishiekwene

By Azu Ishiekwene

This is the time of year when we moan about everything wrong with Nigeria. Quite often, we do so not necessarily from a place of spite but out of frustration and hopelessness.

It’s true that the life of a nation is not necessarily measured in biological age. But most might agree that if potential, that hackneyed word so often ascribed to Nigeria, was a child, it should have come of age at 61.

Yet, even by the most gracious of accounts, this Nigerian child is stunted, a problem offspring not only to its parents, but also an enigma, if not a source of perplexity, to its friends and neighbours.

I’ve been reading two books in the last few weeks set on the eve of the celebration of Nigeria’s milestone independence anniversaries. Both are anguished collections lamenting the country’s unfinished greatness and highlighting a dream deferred.

“Nigeria at fifty,” edited by Attahiru Jega and Jacqueline W. Farris, and “Remaking Nigeria: Sixty years sixty voices”, edited by ChidoOnumah, are wide-ranging and extraordinary reflections on the country’s odyssey. They were published 10 years apart, but you’ll hardly notice the difference in tone or resonance.

If you changed a few names, places and dates, the essays would still read like the story of the hopes, frustrations and missed opportunities told a million times on the eve of every independence anniversary in at least the last 50 years or more.

Even the October 1 speeches once so full of promise and highfalutin phrases have lost every pretence to substance and quality. They have become a yearly rehearsal of empty boasts and microphone chewing – a hollow ritual.

Once, Independence Day speeches inspired hope. ln 1960, for example, Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa said at the dawn of independence that after the long, harrowing wait, with nation after nation overtaking Nigeria, he was sure that “Nigeria now stands well-built upon firm foundations.”

The speeches also made you laugh; like when President Shehu Shagari spent the bulk of his first October 1 speech reminding us that colonialists’ oppression was still prevalent, when his political rivals at home were still seething that his own electoral victory that year was stolen!

The speeches sometimes depressed you, too. Like President Goodluck Jonathan trying in his speech to excuse MEND from the horrific October 1 bombing at Eagle Square. But now, even depression is a golden era. The speeches mean nothing, stirring only the worst of emotions – indifference.

This year, I thought there was no use treading the beaten path. Perhaps we could use fresh voices from folks who might still be here in another 50 or 60 years, just to get a sense of the future they see, the future they hope for, and what they’re doing to bring it about.

Instead of waiting to hear what President Muhammadu Buhari would say on October 1 when I know it would be the same tepid stuff from the last six years, I invited a number of Nigerians between 25 and 35, to share their visions of the shape of things to come and what consequential role they think they may play in bringing about that future.

Keep in mind also, that in about three weeks, it would be exactly one year since the #ENDSARS protests. That event signalled the anguished cry by young people against police brutality, poor governance and lack of accountability.

I thought this might be a good time to set aside the old, broken record, and to hear the voices of another generation, before they spill onto the streets in violent rage.

I asked them four questions: 1) Where do you think Nigeria would be 50-60 years from now? 2) Do you think you have a consequential role to play in it? 3). How? 4). What is the single biggest threat facing Nigeria today and how can we deal with it?

The answers are a breath of fresh air, a far more uplifting – and certainly thought-provoking – collection than anything you can find in the yearly potpourri of warmed-over October 1 speeches.

Elizabeth, a 33-year-old development professional and social justice enthusiast, said:

“I think Nigeria will experience a lot advancement and automation in the next 50-60 years. However, a lot of people will be left behind and there’ll be a huge gap between the haves and the have nots.

“The informal sector and communities at the last mile will have a huge influence on how we do business. For example, I feel they will affect language and the mode of doing business. The formal language may switch from English to Pidgin English, and the concept of suit-and-tie may be history.

“Talking about history, there’ll be a lot of distorted facts and people may hardly use the past to determine the future and just go with the flow.

“As for how, that’s a broad question. But I’m confident I have a consequential role to play. The place to start is not to be part of the problem I see but the solution. Whatever I do no matter how insignificant it looks (positive or negative) has a larger role to play in the scheme of things).

“What’s the single biggest threat facing Nigeria and how can we deal with it? The system is broken to the core. People have mounted several levels of corrupt values in the bid to survive. I would propose focusing on the family as the smallest unit of socialisation, as if the country was made up of only people from my family. I’m just here hoping that one day, evil will destroy itself.”

Nengi, a 25-year-old interested in Human Resources, social issues and psychology, said:

“The challenges we face as a nation are not bound by time. Nigeria has a vast number of ethnic groups sharing various boundaries. This creates a challenge in uniting these ethnic groups and developing a sense of belief in national unity.

“The current government structure does not allow for equal participation and allocation of resources. In essence, power is highly centralised and it creates a general sense of disbelief and disenfranchisement. The challenges that Nigeria would face in the next 50 years are highly dependent on how we handle these foundational issues.

“Without proper dialogue, restructuring, and good representation, Nigeria will face the same issues of insecurity, poverty, and a declining economy. Historically, the Nigerian government does not seem to learn from the past, putting us in a very difficult position of recurring issues. On this note, there will be some progress, but still very similar problems.

“Do I think I have a consequential role to play in solving the problems? Yes, I do. I believe in ripple effects and that collective efforts begin with individual actions in various fields, irrespective of background (ethnic, religious etc.).

“We all have a social responsibility in standing up against bad governance and having the right discussions with people, educating those less exposed and enlightening them on social issues.

“The single biggest threat facing Nigeria is corruption and this is because the system gives room for gross mismanagement. A lot of state-owned resources are not being controlled and managed by the right stakeholders.

“Corruption is not peculiar to Nigeria as popularly believed. The system gives room for financial crimes because of lack of proper checks and balances. The greatest weapon against corruption is proper restructuring of the governmental system, decentralising power and giving more room for inclusion.

Aisha Ibrahim Ata, 29:

“It’s very hard for me to predict the next 50-60 years. Technology might drive growth in certain aspects of the nation. However, this growth may not be significant if the very fundamental challenges of the country remain unsolved.

“But I believe I have a role to play. By carrying out my responsibilities honestly and to the best of my capacity. I believe in the power of the individual. If every Nigerian is able to carry out their duties (be it carpentry, banking, teaching, governance etc.) in the best way possible, it will collectively result in significant changes in the country.

“Insecurity is the biggest problem. The most effective solution to this challenge will be strong government intervention. But on the individual level, the best we can do is be watchful in our neighbourhood and communities.”

Adekunle Adewumi, 30, Lawyer and Bridge Policy fellow:

“Where Nigeria would be 50-60 years from now? Our current reality indicates that there are several projected pathways, some of which spell doom. However, as the eternal optimist I am, I believe that changes to our governance structure will ensure that Nigeria remains a unified entity. I project that within 50 years, Nigeria will regain its status as Africa’s powerhouse.

“I’m hopeful I will have a role to play in shaping how Nigeria develops. The inability to address injustice done both in the past and present, in my opinion, is the greatest threat to Nigeria’s continued existence.

“Nigeria will benefit from some truth and reconciliation process.”

My guess is that in 50-60 years, if Nigeria is saved, it would not be difficult to see from these reflections, who was the true salvation army.

Ishiekwene is Editor-In-Chief of LEADERSHIP

This Is Who Our Daddy, Dr Chike Akunyili, Was

By
The Source
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0
Akunyili Family

By His Chidren

Moving tribute by the children of late Dr. Chike Akunyili who was murdered by gunmen at Nkpor, Anambra state on  Tuesday, 28th September, 2021

“Death in any situation is painful, but when it is as brutal and senseless as murder, our hearts break twice.

“As a nation mourns a man known to many as the husband of late Professor Dora Akunyili, we, as a family, remember the man we call Daddy.

“He was a son — as a young man, he fought as a soldier in the Biafra war. A war that earned him a bullet that stayed lodged in his skull ever since. From this experience of violence and death, he went on to become a doctor saving thousands of lives — a powerful testament to his journey through life.

“He was a loving husband. It is no surprise that, on the day of his untimely death, he was on his way from a memorial lecture in honor of his late wife, who he cherished and honored even in death. At this event and always, he invited everyone to be like his wife Dora.

“He was a father and grandfather. With joy, he would share that he was a grandfather to 9 grandchildren. He welcomed his youngest grandchild just a little over a month ago and had yet to meet her. Ask any of the grandchildren about Grandpa, and they will tell you stories of love and support, be it his long text to his oldest granddaughter at the victory of Kamala Harris inviting her to note the inspiration for herself or speaking to his namesake and grandson Chike, reminding him of his own limitless potential.

“He was an older brother to all his siblings, many of whom call him Daddy in reverence and recognition of his love.

“He was a healer. A passionate surgeon, Dr. Chike was the Medical Director at St. Leo’s Hospital in Enugu. For decades he served countless people, many of whom he cared for and healed at no cost. His one request was always that they paid it forward.

“He started his healing journey in the north where he built and ran a mobile clinic in Jaban Kogo. For many months, he lived and worked among the people, studying and becoming fluent in Hausa to better serve his patients. His commitment to providing healthcare to that community earned him the National Youth Service Merit Award.

“He was a philanthropist. For 45 years he treated priests in Bigard Memorial Seminary and beyond for free, trusting this to be his calling.

“He was a Papal Knight of Saint John, a title bestowed by the Vatican in recognition of his dedication and service to the Church.

“He was a man of the people, loved by many for his wisdom and for his courage to always speak the truth. His counsel was sought far and wide.

“He is remembered for his ability to hold an audience captive with his words and stories. To hear him speak in Igbo was to be blessed by the wisdom of endless proverbs.

“He was an ordinary man who, everyday, showed his extraordinary commitment to his community and his people by his ability to help people in need without question.

“In his final days, his heart was heavy about the state of things in Nigeria. He lamented about the struggles of people unable to pay for treatment anymore and about the unfortunate state of unrest where human life had lost its value.

“His hope echoed that of his beloved wife and our mother, that Nigeria might lean on the forces of unity and shun disunity. That we might do the right thing, trusting that our potential lies in the goodness of the people and the greatness of the nation.

“What happens if we move closer to these ideals?

“His murder and death leave a gap which sorrow cannot fill.

“May it not be in vain”.

 

Signed,
Dr. Ijeoma Akunyili,
Dr. Edozie Akunyili,
Dr. Somto Akunyili Asuzu,
Njideka Akunyili Crosby,
Chidiogo Akunyili-Parr,
Obumneme Akunyili,
And their families

Breaking: Governor Okowa Signs Anti-Grazing Bill Into Law

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

The Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has joined some of his Southern Governors-colleague in signing the Anti-Open Grazing Bill into law.

The Governor  signed the dotted lines in making the Bill a law today, Thursday 30th September, 2021, at the Delta Government House, Asaba, the State Capital.

Signing into law the Delta State Livestock, Breeding, Rearing and Marketing Regulation Bill, 2021, he called on the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government to assist interested farmers to establish ranches across the country.

It would be recalled that the Southern Governors met and took certain decisions which they believe are in the best interest of the nation, which include the Anti-Open Grazing Law, prohibiting the movement of livestocks from one place to another in States.

Speaking after signing the Bill into law, Governor Okowa said, “Today is quite a remarkable day in the history of this State because we signed two important bills into law this morning.

“We believe that it is in the best interest of security, we believe that it is in the best interest of ensuring food security and that it will help us to ensure that we are able to cause people from across this nation who will find themselves outside their own states inhabiting in Delta State to live with Deltans in a peaceful and respectable manner with each other having respect for each other.

“We believe as the Southern Governors had stated that we must start to look into other ways of ensuring that we are able to breed and that we are able to rare our cattle and other livestock in such a manner that is acceptable in modern times.

“We believe that this is something workable, many times it is difficult for people to embrace change, but I believe that the world all over is changing by the day and if you find that change is going to bring peace, if you find that change is going to bring development and even economic enhancement, it should truly be embraced.

“I think that it is time for our nation to depart from the old ways and to look into the future, ensuring that we do things in the best way for development.

“We must encourage best actions to be taken towards ensuring that there is peaceful coexistence within the various ethnic nationalities in Nigeria and the various states and also ensuring that we are able to do our businesses in such a manner that is respectable and I think that is what this law stands for,” he added.

The Governor cleared the air, saying that the law was not enacted to witch-hunt anybody but to encourage people to live with each other, respect one another’s views, noting that the Delta State House of Assembly had done the State proud.

“Today Delta State can rightly boast that we now have a law that regulates livestock breeding, rearing and marketing and a law that also prohibits open grazing.

“It is one law that everyone of us in this country should truly support, it is something that is in the best interest of us all.

“I want to urge all who are into livestock business to realise that this law has been signed and it is in the best interest of everybody including they who are into livestock breeding, raring and marketing business.

“There has to be some decency brought into and there has to be some reasonable level of respect for each other and even the rights that we tend to claim.

“Everybody has their own rights but it is important that we respect each other’s rights, every man’s right has a limit because you cannot infringe on the rights of somebody else.

“As Governments, we encourage our people to gradually go into ranching because it will help our people, it will help to boost the economy of even the livestock breeder.

“I believe that with time they will come to realise that these laws being passed would help to boost the economy going into the future,” he said.

Governor Okowa called on the Federal Government to put processes in place to assist in various ways to enable people to be able to establish ranches.

“This is very important because if we do not do something now, in the nearest future we will find that we will definitely be having food scarcity and the insecurity that we find in our country we may not be able to address them.

“Until we take very stringent and supportive measures to ensure that there is control in terms of open grazing and that there is respect among citizens because we are a united country.

“We have accepted to be one nation and everything that will strengthen the unity of this country, every government in this country both at the national and the sub-national levels must truly support it,” Okowa said.

Insecurity: Kaduna Shuts Down

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni and Akinwale Kasali

Kaduna State Government has shut down parts of the State over the worsening insecurity situation in the State.

It has banned the use of motorcycles and restricted movement of tricycles as part of measures to curtail insecurity.

The State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan, disclosed these in Kaduna while highlighting measures to assist Security Agencies.

He explained that the latest measures would complement other strategies already announced by Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

“You will recall that Governor Nasir El-Rufai announced in a media chat that the state government has formally requested the Federal Government to enforce the shutdown of telecom services in parts of the state identified by security agencies as requiring such measures.

“The relevant Federal Agencies have informed the Kaduna State Government that the processes for telecoms shutdown in parts of the state have commenced.

“As part of the steps to address the current security situation in Kaduna State and neighbouring states in the North-West and North-Central regions, KDSG has held several meetings with security agencies to adopt critical measures towards crushing bandits in their identified hideouts.

“The military and other security forces have been carrying out assaults on the identified locations. The state government is advised that certain measures are now necessary to assist the spirited efforts of these security agencies.

“The following measures become effective from Thursday, 30 September 2021:

The complete ban on the use of motorcycles (Okada), for commercial or personal purposes, for three months in the first instance.

“Ban on possession of, or wielding of dangerous weapons.

“Tricycles are allowed to operate only from 6am to 7pm. All tricycles must remove all curtains. Movement of all tricycles are restricted from dusk till dawn (7PM to 6AM).

“All vehicles used for commercial transport must be painted in yellow and black within 30 days. Vehicles that are part of ride hauling services are to carry yellow and black stripes.

“Ban on the sale of petrol in jerry-cans or other containers in Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Chikun, Igabi, Kachia, Kagarko and Kajuru LGAs.

“Other containment measures previously communicated by the Kaduna State Government remain in place. These include:

“Ban on felling of trees and forestry activities in Birnin Gwari, Giwa Igabi, Chikun, Kachia, Kagarko and Kajuru LGAs. Ban on firewood and charcoal transportation.

“Ban on the transportation of livestock into, and out of the State.

“Cessation of weekly markets in the frontline Local Government Areas of Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Chikun, Igabi, Kajuru and Kawo weekly market of Kaduna North local government.

“The Kaduna State Government regrets the severe strain and inconvenience these measures will place on peaceful and law abiding citizens.

“The Government, therefore, appeals for the understanding and cooperation of all residents of the affected areas, and indeed across the State. These difficult times demand that difficult decisions be made.

“The measures have been adopted purely in the interest of our collective safety and security, and to aid our brave forces in their fight against these mindless criminals.

“Too many lives have been lost, and too many families have been shattered. Small groups of wicked persons cannot continue to hold us to ransom, and force us to live in perpetual fear.

“Once again, the government craves the understanding of all citizens. The hardship we face will be temporary, and we are confident that in the end, it will pay off. Good will prevail over evil.”

Zoning: SERG Knocks, Mocks Governor Umahi

By
The Source
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0
Chief Willy Ezugwu

In view of the resolution of the Northern Governors Forum not to support zoning formula in 2023, insisting that despite the fact that some Northern States’ Governors had earlier expressed views for a “power-shift to three Geo-Political Zone in the South with a view to promoting unity and peace in the Nation”, the South East Revival Group (SERG) has carpeted the Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi over his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The group, in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Chief Willy Ezugwu, said that it was “following with keen interest the political developments, the intrigues, and politicking ahead of the 2023 presidential election”, saying it was “amazed when the governor defected to APC.

“We had demanded that the Ebonyi State Governor gives the people of the South East a convincing reason why he left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC.

“It was not that the Igbos hated the APC but we needed to understand the political moves by South-east leaders as all zones have now shown that they have their own interests.

“Recent comments credited to the Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi point to the fact that he was doing all he could to please the north in anticipation that he will be favoured for the APC presidential ticket in 2023.

“The governor had gone to the extent of rejecting the resolution of the Southern Governors Forum on ban on open grazing and had recently prayed to God to give Nigeria another president like Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.

“He was also quoted to have rejected the court ruling that ordered states to collect Value Added Tax (VAT).

“All these, we sense, are clear patronage attempt to please the North at the expense of his people being killed by armed herdsmen with a view to enhancing his selfish ambition.

“It is a shame that the governor’s attempt to patronize northern interests was not strong enough to convince the Northern Governors to accept a power-shift that would pave way for him to emerge as APC presidential candidate as he may have anticipated.

“Therefore, our demand for a convincing explanation on reasons for Governor Umahi’s defection still subsists. We need to be convinced that he is on the right track”, the SERG stated.

2023: Middle Belt Forum, Calls Northern Governors Immoral; Insists On Rotational Presidency

By
The Source
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0
Middle Belt Nigeria

The Middle Belt Forum, MBF, the umbrella body of the Middle Belt of Nigeria, has slammed the Northern Governors Forum, for dismissing the call for Rotational Presidency as canvassed by their Southern counterparts as unconstitutional.

The Northern Governors, at a meeting in Kaduna, attended by their high profile Traditional Rulers, including the Sultan of Sokoto, had chided the Southern Governors for demanding that the South produces the Nigerian President in 2023 after President Muhammadu Buhari.

But the MBF has dismissed the Northern Governors position as Immoral, insisting that it stood behind  the Southern Governors that power rotates to the South after Buhari.

Following is the full text of the MBF statement, signed by its National President, Dr Pogu Bitrus. It is dated Tuesday, September 28, 2021.

“The attention of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has been drawn to the  statement credited to the Northern Governors’ Forum and Traditional Rulers on Monday that it was totally opposed to power rotation on account of the fact that the Nigerian constitution does not provide for it. Resorting to the constitutional provisions as basis for rejecting power shift, the Northern Governors and Traditional Rulers are simply being clever by half as they are only attempting to hide behind a finger.

“Lest we forget, the reason behind the zoning arrangement that emphasised the need for power rotation between the North and South is to avail all zones a sense of belonging in providing leadership in the country.

“As the umbrella body of all ethnic nationalities in the Middle Belt Region, we are surprised that it is now that the NGF whose members are beneficiaries of power rotation are kicking against power shift to the South. We are shocked that instead of harping on the bloodshed ripping across the country, the governors and traditional rulers of the so-called North are concerned with which of the zones takes over power in 2023.

“It is not only immoral but also dubious on the part of these governors who have proven incapable of combating the activities of criminals in their various states to now insist that power rotation is not in line with our nation’s constitution.

“As the National Executive Committee ((NEC) of the MBF resolved in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, we called for power rotation among three regions of the North, Middle Belt and South. We deplore a situation where the Middle Belt Region is completely excluded in the power sharing arrangement.

“We have been consistent in insisting that for equity and justice to hold sway, power rotation is irrevocable. We have called and demanded that the 2023 Presidency be zoned to the Middle Belt. In the event that such demand is unrealisable, all ethnic nationalities of the Middle Belt Region are resolved to support any presidential candidate from the South.

“It’s sad that the Northern Elders’ Forum has turned itself into a forerunner of this treacherous plot against power rotation which has stabilized the political situation and given various parts of the country a sense of belonging. We find it strange that the North under whose leadership Nigeria has continued to perform woefully should even contemplate the idea of retaining power in 2023.

“Over six years of Northern leadership has brought Nigerians to a catastrophe that is unprecedented. Not only have the prosperity for a bright tomorrow retarded, insecurity, unemployment and other societal vices have left its toll on national life.

“As a Forum, we find it incomprehensible to understand the basis upon which the North is clamouring for power retention.  By 2023, the North should have forfeited all moral rights to retain power in line with the zoning arrangement of political parties.  We cannot allow the North which is now throwing decorum into the air and continue to pursue a selfish agenda that could capsize the ship of the Nigerian State..

“The best the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari should do now is to prepare ground for the conduct of transparent polls that would either usher in a presidency to be headed by a Middle Belter or Southerner. Anything short of that is unacceptable to the Middle Belt peoples.

“We call on our people not to be perturbed by the remarks credited to the NGF but to remain vigilant against any attempt to foist a divide-and -rule ploy that is aimed at weakening our collective resolve to stand as a one united people committed to the protection of our people, land and heritage.

“The Forum wishes to categorically declare that there is no treachery that is enough to frustrate power rotation in 2023. Having seen the bloodshed and destruction that have been the lot of most communities in various parts of our nation, our citizens eagerly look forward to processes for transferring power from the North to either the Middle Belt or Southern Zone.

“In light of the above, we are dissuading Nigerians not to take seriously comments emanating from governors of the so-called North. We wish to note here that the Colonial North had since died. Those attempting to raise the ghost of Northern unity should better look elsewhere than engage in futile exercise.”

“These Are Our Own People, Killed Everyday” – Gov Obiano

By
The Source
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0
Governor Willy Obiano of Anambra State

By Charles Igbo

Pledges N20m reward Information on Dr Chike Akunyili’s Killers, provides number to call

After days of killing spree in Anambra State, Governor Willie Obiano has, finally, addressed the people of the State. This address has long been expected from him, especially, in the wake of the worsening security situation in Anambra State.

However, it took the inexplicable, gruesome murder of Dr Chike Akunyili, a renowned Physician, and the husband of late Professor Dora Akunyili, former Director General of NAFDAC, and later, Information and Communications Minister under President Goodluck Jonathan, for Obiano to speak.

Dr Akunyili was killed along with his Police Orderly and driver at Nkpor junction on his way back home after receiving an award given to his late wife by the University of Nigeria Alumni Association, Onitsha Branch on  Tuesday, September 28, 2021. About four other people were also killed.

Accusations and counter accusations as to who killed  Akunyili have been like claps of thunder. Every group, every institution mentioned, has vehemently denied. Apparently, those who killed him either did not know his identity, or did not bargain for the outrage that has greeted their horrific, insane, action within and outside Nigeria.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday, September 29, promised that the killers and whoever their sponsors are, would face Judgement. The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, observed a one-minute silence in Dr Akunyili’s honour.

Both Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director General of the World Trade Organisation, and Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and Vice Presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2019 Presidential election, have expressed sadness, shock and outrage.

In his address to the people of Anambra State on Wednesday, September 29, Governor Obiano recounted the killings in the State within the past one week, which climaxed in the killing of Dr Akunyili on Tuesday, September 28, and reminded Anambra people that it is their own people that they are killing everyday, over nothing. He promised that the killers would be arrested. And to make that faster, he has dangled the sum of N20m reward at anybody, any group, that would provide the clue to the arrest of the killers of Dr Chike Akunyili and the others.

Following is the full text of Governor Willie Obiano’s address to the people.

ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF ANAMBRA STATE ON WEDNESDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER, 2021.

“It is on a very sad note that I address the State today to condemn, in very strong terms, the violence that has been witnessed in Anambra in the past few days.

“Since last weekend, some armed persons have unleashed terror with sporadic attacks on innocent citizens in various parts of the State

“From the briefings I have received from Security Commanders, Offices of some political parties, branded campaign vehicles and individuals occupying them have been attacked with killings and burning of vehicles observed. Other innocent road users have become victims of this menace with many losing their lives and others, their properties.

“Between Sunday 26th and yesterday 28th September, 2021 attacks on citizens at Oko, Agulu, Obosi, Nkpor, Nnobi, Nnewi and other places have left about ten (10) people dead including an illustrious son of this State, Dr Chike Akunyili, husband of late Prof Dora Akunyili who was reportedly gunned down yesterday around Nkpor.

“These are our own people dying every day and for what reason?

“Ndi Anambra, these attacks and accompanying deaths cannot be justified and must stop now.

” I have, therefore, conducted an extensive security meeting and have directed all Security Agencies to step up and confront this monster ravaging our land. I charge everyone involved in the security architecture of Anambra State to take, very seriously, this threat to our livelihood and boldly rise to confront same.

“Everything that needs to be done will be done and no stone will be left unturned in this effort.

“My directive to this effect is clear, and I urge every security personnel on duty in Anambra State to do his utmost best to secure our people.

“To all citizens of Anambra State and every person living and doing business in our State, I urge you now to join forces with us to confront this common enemy.

“We cannot condone this savagery for any reason whatsoever. I, therefore, call on all our youths in the State to rise up and protect our communities. Traditional Rulers, Presidents General, Clergy men, Vigilante Groups and all leadership structures must now take responsibility and in conjunction with the Police, Military and other Law Enforcement Agencies, work to restore order immediately.

“To reinforce our commitment and seriousness on this issue, I, on behalf of the State Government, wish to announce a twenty million Naira (N20,000,000.00) reward for any useful information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators of these heinous attacks on our State.

“The people behind this must be unmasked and brought to book. I urge Citizens to report to us, anybody bearing firearm who is not a Security or Vigilante personnel, so we can deal with this monster, once and for all.

“Call 07039194332 or approach any Security deployment if you have any information. As the Americans say, IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING.

“At this point, I wish to most heartily condole with the families of all those who have lost their loved ones in the course of these senseless attacks. I promise you that we will leave no stone unturned in getting justice for them.

“May their souls rest in peace.

“Finally, I urge all citizens of the State to unite in this fight against all forms of terror, intimidation and tyranny. We will not succumb to invaders as I am convinced that no Anambra son will indulge in this kind of heartlessness. I warn all those promoting and participating in these violent attacks to leave our State or pay a high price as we will definitely catch up with them.

“To all law abiding citizens and persons living in our State, I urge you to go about your lawful businesses but we must now ALL go to work and take back our State.

“This is Anambra, the Light of the Nation, where darkness has no place. The events of the last one week will not be allowed to fester and by God’s grace, we shall overcome.”

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