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Emeka Anyaoku Loses Brother, Anyim Mourns

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The Source
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Anyim Pius Anyim

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

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

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

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

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

Chief Emeka Anyaoku, CFR

Obosi Community

Idemili North Local  Government Area

Anambra State.

LETTER OF CONDOLENCE.

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

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

“Please take heart, Sir.

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

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

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

“Anyim Pius Anyim.”

AFCON 2022: Eguavoen Names 28-Man Super Eagles Squad

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Super Eagles at Teslim Balogun Stadium

By Akinwale Kasali

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Goalkeepers

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

Defenders:

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

Midfielders:

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

Forwards:

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

Abia 2023: Abaribe Joins Governorship Race; Obstacles Before Him

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yet, such calculations do not work out, atimes.

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

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

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

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

A close source said:

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

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

“The governor thought it was the usual Christmas homage.

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

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

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

14 Months After, Ayade Suspends #EndSARS Curfew In Calabar

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Professor Ben Ayade

By Akinwale Kasali

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodinma

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nigeria Needs Capable, Visionary Leaders – Peter Obi

By
The Source
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The Vice-Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in 2019 elections, Mr Peter Obi, has called on Christians to show more brotherly love and imbibe the spirit of giving their best for the good of others and for the development of society.

Obi made this call through his 2021 Christmas Message to Nigerians. He explained that the celebration of the birth of Christ should be a constant reminder of how God gave His only begotten son for the salvation of humanity. “We, as humans, should, therefore,  endeavour to make sacrifice, even when it is painful, for the good of others and for our society,” Obi said.

He urged Nigerians to go beyond the festivities and glamour associated with the Christmas season and strive to live out the true essesnce of the celebration. He stated that fraternal love and giving to the poor are the hallmark of Christmas celebration, and enjoined all to lend helping hands to one another.

Obi argued that “many societal ills plaguing Nigeria today, particularly rising insecurity, poverty, unemployment and drug abuse are mainly because we the leaders lack love and the spirit of sacrifice for the people.”

“We need capable, visionary, caring leaders who are passionate about the wellbeing of the poor. Christmas celebration presents us an opportunity for sober reflection on our lives as individuals and as a nation,” Obi said

He further encouraged Nigerians not to allow the challenging times over the years and the prevailing hardship in the country to affect their spirit of love, and peaceful co-existence, saying that the country will progress on all fronts if the people unite in love, and continue to contribute as one, to the growth and development of the nation.

“I urge Nigerians to remain strong and optimistic through these difficult moments of our journey as a nation. With hope, patriotism, unity and the right crop of leaders, we will achieve the much desired national development,” Obi enthused.

He finally wished all Nigerians a Merry Christmas, and a peaceful and productive New Year.

Ondo: Autonomy For Judiciary, Legislature As Akeredolu Signs 2022 Budget Into Law

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Mr  Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has assured that the autonomy granted to the Judiciary and Legislature in the state would be effective as from 1st January, 2022.

Governor Akeredolu had earlier in the year signed into law the autonomy for the judicial and legislative arm of government.

The Governor, who spoke in Akure on Friday, while signing the 2022 appropriation bill into law, also assured that the budget would be implemented to further deliver dividends of good governance to the  people of the state.

The 2022 Budget, christened the Budget of Economic Re-engineering, has a total sum of N199.282 billion.

Mr Akeredolu pointed out that the main focus of the Budget is Human Capital Development and Infrastructural Re-engineering.

“The main focus of this Budget is Human Capital Development and Infrastructural Re-engineering.

“This will be achieved through Educational Advancement, Prioritization of fund allocation to ongoing projects, intensifying efforts on Independent Revenue Generation, leveraging Donor and Development Partners’ support in funding key intervention programmes, among others.”

While assuring that no ongoing project would be abandoned, Governor Akeredolu stated that the construction of a new High Court complex and the Customary Court of Appeal would also commence next year.

“The 2022 Budget was prepared on the basis of the inputs generated during our town hall meetings with various stakeholders across the State, putting into consideration the strategies necessary in achieving the new 8-point development agenda tagged “REDEEMED” of our administration.

“This agenda represents our focus through which our dreams and aspirations for the State shall be translated into feasible, tangible and life transforming projects and programmes in the 2022 fiscal year.”

The Governor called on the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to continue to co-operate and collaborate with one another for the development of the state.

Buhari Assures Nigerians Full Implementation Of Election Promises

By
Ayodele Oni
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Muhammadu Buhari

By Ayodele Oni

With less than two years to the end of his Government, President Muhammadu Buhari has again assured Nigerians that he would not abandon its campaign promises despite the daunting challenges.

Buhari made this disclosure in a statement signed by him titled ‘PRESIDENT BUHARI’S 2021 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE.’

The Presidential Christmas message reads:

“I rejoice with Christians in Nigeria as they join fellow believers all over the world to celebrate this season.

“It is a special period that brings peoples of the world together with one purpose; to celebrate togetherness, joy, peace, and above all, to share love with one another through the exchange of goodwill and gifts.

“For the second Christmas running, the world will not be able to celebrate as we used to in years past.

“The COVID-19 pandemic, with its attendant debilitating impact, has remained with mankind, mutating and leaving in its wake devastating consequences on the economy, social interaction, and curtailing certain freedoms.

“The silver lining, however, is that humanity has been able to rise up with one voice and purpose, to confront the foisted conditions.

“I want to use this opportunity to appeal to our dear citizens to embrace vaccination, which is the best scientifically known bulwark against the pandemic.

“Recent events have shown that vaccination greatly reduces the effects of the virus on the human body.

“I will also urge those that have taken the two doses to go ahead and take the booster as advised by the Presidential Steering Committee.

“I commend the efforts of members of the PSC under the headship of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation as they continue to chart a roadmap out of the pandemic and associated issues.

“On security, despite the remarkable successes generally recorded, we still have some challenges.

“Our courageous security forces, bolstered by the necessary support from this administration, daily confront the wicked ones amongst us, who continue to threaten the peace of the land.

“Recently, during the meeting with fellow Heads of State of the ECOWAS, I discussed the need to intensify efforts to jointly confront this menace causing instability in our sub-region.

“I am confident that with the renewed commitment and empowerment of our committed security personnel, all these issues which inflict pain and trauma on us will soon be history.

“Let us utilize the opportunity that this festive period brings to encourage ourselves so that the machinations of the wicked ones in our midst will find no place to thrive.

“Christmas is a season when hope is rekindled. Hope, Peace, Joy, Love are the recurring themes of this time. It is in the midst of hardship that the true test of a nation emerges.

“I urge Nigerians to invoke the indomitable spirit in us and see the present order of things as a phase that will also pass, just like other unsavoury situations in the nation’s history.

“This Government will not abandon the promises made to Nigerians for a better lease of life. The diversification of the economy embarked upon is yielding fruits.

“We shall continue to create opportunities for our teeming youths to ventilate their tremendous energy.

“As we felicitate with family, friends, colleagues, associates, let us spare moments to reach out to the less privileged.

“Let us also pray and give words of encouragement to our gallant security personnel fulfilling their oaths to keep us safe.

“I assure my compatriots that this administration remains resolute at ensuring that the standard of living of the average Nigerian is elevated.

“On this note, I wish Nigerians Merry Christmas.”

In The Midst Of Challenges, Let’s Live With Optimism – Jonathan

By
The Source
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Goodluck Jonathan

Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has enjoined Nigerians and others around the world to embrace peace and show love to one another, as a reflection of what Christmas symbolises for all of humanity.

Dr. Jonathan stated this in a goodwill message to Christians in which he, also, noted that Christmas presents to the world, rays of hope and optimism, in the midst of difficulties occasioned by Covid-19 pandemic and other challenges.

In the message titled ‘Compliments of the Season Dear Friends, Patriots and Christians Around the World’, the former President emphasisied that the birthday of Jesus Christ “is symbolic of love, victory, sacrifice and the sufficiency of joy and peace to the world.”

He stated further: “I am delighted to join you all to celebrate this year’s Christmas. The year has been defined by remarkable events across the world with COVID-19 and its many variants disrupting our systems, economies and social lives.

“In the midst of global challenges which we, as a nation, have also had a fair share, Christmas presents to us rays of hope, joy and peace. The birthday of Jesus Christ is symbolic of love, victory, sacrifice and the sufficiency of joy and peace to the world.

“As we celebrate, let’s therefore live with optimism, sacrifice, peace and love towards one another and our nation. Let us manifest justice, patience and faith which are virtues exemplified by Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. This is the way to build our societies better from the horrors associated with the pandemic and overcome our national challenges.”

Lagos House Of Assembly Approves Governor Sanwo-Olu’s N18Bn Loan Request

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Mudashiru Obasa

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State House of Assembly has approved a request by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for a loan of  N18,225,336,103.89 from the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget, and National Planning.

The loan is meant to ensure speedy completion of projects like the Lekki-Epe Expressway.

The approval was granted at a sitting presided over by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa after a report on the loan request was laid and presented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, Hon. Rotimi Olowo.

Giving further information on the report, Hon. Olowo told his colleagues that the loan facility comes with an interest rate of five percent in the first two years and nine percent in subsequent years, with a two-year moratorium.

Many of the lawmakers who contributed to the debate supported that the facility be approved as it would further help the State sustain its mega-city status.

They commended the State Government for its proactiveness, saying that the loan will bring immense infrastructural benefits to Lagos.

They further said that the loan was favourable considering the conditions that come with it.

In his contribution, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Setonji David, noted that the loan has a single-digit interest rate with a repayment period of 30 years.

He said the project for which the loan was being sought would drive sustainable economic growth and development in the State.

Speaker Obasa, after a voice vote of the lawmakers in support of the approval, directed the Acting Clerk of the House, Mr. Olalekan Onafeko, to send a clean copy of the approval to the Governor.

Meanwhile, Speaker Obasa has described Nigeria as a blessed nation loved by God in a message released by his media office in commemoration of the 2021 Christmas celebration.

Obasa urged Christians and other Nigerians to continue to replicate this love from God in their daily activities as love is what the country needs at this phase of its journey to greatness.

“Jesus Christ, the celebrated face of the Christians around the world, preached and taught love as one of the greatest commandments from God.

“If we think deeply, we will understand that love is an ultimate solution to the many challenges facing mankind.

“All the commandments that God handed man can be summarised into the need to love Him and love our neighbours.

“There is, therefore, no gainsaying that if we maintain our resolve, individually and collectively, to love one another as emphasised by Jesus, the world would be a better place,” the Speaker said.

While urging Christians not to relent in their prayers for Nigeria, he advised Lagosians and other citizens of the country to ensure a peaceful celebration, remain conscious of their environment and continue to adhere to COVID-19 rules”.

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