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

By
The Source
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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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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.”

WHO Appoints Nigerian, Tomori, Member, Advisory Board On Covid

By
Uche Mbah
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By Uche Mbah

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has appointed a Nigerian Professor of Virology, Oyewale Tomori, as a member of its Technical Advisory Group on COVID-19 Vaccine Composition.

In a statement issued Wednesday by the world body, WHO said the group advises on the methods to assess the impact of the variants of concerns on vaccines.

Tomori was formerly the Vice-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun state.

“The group will elaborate on decision-making processes, the trigger for such decision making, and stakeholder roles and responsibilities,” the statement reads.

“Following discussions, the Executive Director of WHO recognizes the need to establish Technical Advisory Group on COVID-19 Vaccine Composition to make recommendations to WHO on the methods to assess the impact of the variants of concerns on vaccines.

“The Director, also, recognizes the need to provide interpretation of available evidence on the effect of variants of concerns on vaccines, including but not limited to vaccine effectiveness and recommend to WHO, for each COVID-19 vaccine platform, adaptations (if any) needed so that vaccines continue to safely provide WHO-recommended levels of protection against variants of concerns.”

Other members of the group include Supamit Chunsuttiwat, Advisor, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand; Cheryl Cohen, a Professor of Epidemiology at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; and Thomas Fleming, member of the Scientific Steering Committee for the WHO Solidarity COVID-19 Vaccines Trial.

FEC Approves 14 Days Paternity Leave For Men; Buhari, Absent

By
Ayodele Oni
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Paternity Leave

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Executive Council, (FEC) on Wednesday approved a 14-day paternity leave for  men to properly bond with their newborn or adopted babies.

The meeting, presided over by the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, explained that the paternity leave is for men in the federal civil service.

President Muhammadu Buhari was not in attendance, and, has reportedly not been seen in the last four days. He had returned to the country after a tasking trip to a United Nations Assembly meeting, UNGA.

Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents at the end of the Council’s weekly meeting.

Dr Yemi-Esan said the paternity leave was approved for men when their wives are delivered of their new babies.

According to her, this was important to help the newly born or adopted baby properly bond with the father at the early period as the baby bonds with the mother.

Before now, only women enjoyed maternity leave of upto three months.

Anambra Guber: Seasoned Journalist, Victor Ogene, Appointed Andy Uba’s Media Director

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Victor Ogene

By Akinwale Kasali

As the Anambra Governorship election draws closer, the Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Andy Uba, has appointed veteran journalist and former lawmaker at the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene as Director, Media and Publicity of his campaign.

Announcing Ogene’s appointment, the Director General of  Senator Andy Uba’s Governorship Campaign Organization, SAUGCO, Sir Peter Chukwuma, in a statement, said that the Media guru will be responsible for the overall coordination and management of the Campaign’s messaging for the successful outing of his principal at the polls slated for November 6, 2021.

While at the House of Representatives, Ogene was the Deputy Chairman on Public Affairs Committee of the Federal House of Representatives representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra State and was also the Publisher of the popular community newspaper called ‘Ogbaru Voice’.

The Journalist turned- Politician with intellectual integrity, was the former Editor of The Source, a weekly magazine and Online News platform.w

A committed frontline writer, his wealth of experience in the political field would be an asset to the Governorship ambition of his Principal.

Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, To Conduct Mass Burial For Abandoned Bodies

By
Adesina Soyooye
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FMC Owerri

By Adesina Soyooye

In an advertorial placed in a local newspaper in Owerri, Imo State, the Federal Medical Centre, (FMC) Owerri, says it would organise a mass burial for the many unclaimed bodies in its mortuary.

Nobody knows the identities of the bodies, and/or those who deposited them, but FMC has given two weeks notice from the date of the publication, September 28, 2021, for families to come and move such bodies, or they will be buried, just like that.

It also asked those who are looking for their relations, presumed missing, to visit the mortuary to check.

The Public Notice signed by its Public Relations Officer, Achonye Jacinta, PhD, reads:

“This is to inform the general public that the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, intends to conduct mass burial of abandoned corpses in its mortuary.

“In view of the above, those whose relatives are missing should visit the hospital’s mortuary for possible identification and collection  of such corpse(s) within (2) weeks from this publication.”

Stories of missing persons have been rife in the State. It worsened since the era of unknown gunmen and other criminal activities.

There have been stories of extra judicial killings, just as there have been stories of hardened criminals – kidnappers, murderers, armed robbers – who had been killed by security agents and their bodies taken to the mortuary, but whose families are too ashamed to associate with, or claim.

The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, Archbishop Anthony Obinna, was quoted as saying that on a visit to the FMC mortuary, he saw scores of bodies of young men littering it.

Apparently, nobody has claimed most of them since them.

Boxing Legend, Pacquaio Quits Boxing, Focuses On Philippines’ Presidential Ambition

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Manny Pacquaio

By Akinwale Kasali

42-Year Filipino Boxing legend, Manny Pacquaio, has thrown in the towel. He has quit boxing.

The legendary Philippine pugilist and Member of the country’s Parliament announced his retirement from the sport to focus on his political career.

The Senator who is a multi-division world champion, quit the sport to focus on his Presidential aspiration, with his sole aim of participating in the country’s 2022 elections.

Pacquaio’s last fight was a defeat to Cuban boxer, Yordenis Ugas in Las Vegas, USA in August.

Announcing his retirement from the game, he said, “I just heard the final bell. Boxing is over”.

Describing his exit from the game, Pacquaio added that it was the “hardest decision” of his life, adding boxing had given him “the chance to fight my way out of poverty” and “the courage to change more lives”.

He thanked his fans, friends, and all those who supported him throughout his career, most notably, long-time trainer Freddie Roach, who he described as “my family, a brother and a friend.

“I will never forget what I have done and accomplished in my life,” he said.

Born Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao On December 17, 1978, Nicknamed “PacMan”, he is regarded as one of the greatest professional boxers of all time.

He has been serving as a Senator of the Philippines since 2016, and as party President of the ruling party PDP–Laban since 2020 (disputed since 2021),and representative of Sarangani (2010–2016).

We Have No Hand In The Killing Of Dr Chike Akunyili, Or Any Other Criminal Activity In Anambra – IPOB

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB), has said that politicians in Anambra State should be held responsible for the death of Dr Chike Akunyili.

Dr Akunyili, the husband of late NAFDAC Director General, Dora Akunyili, was shot and killed on Tuesday by gunmen in Npkor, Anambra State, while returning from an occasion in honour of his late wife.

IPOB spokesman, Mr Emman Powerful, said in a statement that some people have already been pointing accusing fingers at the organization over the killing.

“In the aftermath of the murder, accusing fingers were pointed at IPOB, which responded by pointing fingers at ‘cruel politicians’ out ‘to eliminate their political enemies’ to blame on the Igbo separatist group.”

Powerful insisted that the group has no intention of disrupting the scheduled Anambra election nor is involved in any political killings in the state.

“We have no hands in the political killings going on in Biafra land. We have severally raised the alarm that some cruel politicians are hiding under the cloak of the situation in Biafra land to eliminate their political enemies and blame it on IPOB.”

“We don’t know why wicked politicians especially in Imo and Anambra States, will choose to slaughter their opponents and turn around and point accusing fingers at IPOB or the operatives of Eastern Security Network (ESN).

“Politicians should leave us alone and settle their scores. No IPOB member or ESN operative is involved in such barbarity.

“We have no interest in their politics. Restoration of Biafra is our mandate.Those who killed Dora Akunyili husband know themselves, those conspired to poisoned prof. Dora Akunyili, they’re contesting the governorship election in Anambra State today.

“We have no issues with Chike Akunyili, those behind this act must stop this and stop using IPOB name, we don’t want anybody to blame IPOB because we must get them, this is pure political assassination going on in Anambra State.

” Agents of the Nigerian government are doing this to paint IPOB black in the face of support and encouragement we are getting from our people.

“We know their plans and gimmick to discourage Biafrans who are encouraging and supporting us but it can’t work for them, in the near future those committing these atrocities in Imo and Anambra States will hear from IPOB and our people should not blame us because we must get them.

“It is obvious that those that burnt Anambra Government House and other parts of the state some years back are back to use intimidations and killings to subdue their opponents ahead of the governorship election in Anambra State.”

FG Approves 159 Groups To Run Radio, Television Stations

By
Uche Mbah
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0

By Uche Mbah

A total of 159 companies, communities and institutions  that run  electronic media outfits – radio and television – have been approved by the Presidency.

They are, mostly, institutions of higher learning.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the Director-General, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Malam Balarabe Ilelah, made the disclosure in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday.

“Following the approval granted by the President, NBC has released the list of 159 licenses granted to companies, communities and institutions of higher learning.

“The Commission was established by the NBC ACT, Cap. N11, Laws of the Federation 2004 with the mandate to regulate and control broadcasting in Nigeria.

“Today, there are a total of 625 functional broadcast stations in Nigeria,’’ Ilelah stated.

The D-G said that the newly-approved licenses were the Federal

Polytechnic Ilaro (Radio), Prospective Union of Reno People (Radio), Smile Community Radio Initiative and International Institute of Tropical Agriculture Radio.

He said others are Dudu African Broadcasting Communications Ltd., Independent Television, Prince Media Network, Jamkat Integrity Investment Ltd., Hikima Media Services, and Galaxy Television Radio.

“Others are H-i Fidelity Communications, B360 Nigeria Ltd.,

Communication Faculties Ltd., Godfrey Okoye University Radio, Art Broadcasting Company, Hamdana Media, Sunshine Radio, Blue Print Newspapers Ltd., NV Broadcasting Company Ltd. and others.

Southwest CAN Sues For Peace Over VAT War

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the South-west has proferred way forward in the ongoing legal tussle over the collection of Value Added Tax, (VAT) between some States and Federal Government.

The CAN leaders who ended their meeting in Ibadan, Oyo state, also called on Governors in the zone to ensure the protection of its social, economic and political interests.

In a communiqué issued at the end of its third quarter meeting, the Christian body advised that the governors should pursue the realisation of true federalism to create a more just and equitable federation.

The communiqué was signed by the Southwest CAN Director of Legal and Public Affairs, Sir Steve Alabi, Rev. Luke Bamigboye, Zonal Secretary and Rev. Fr. Raphael Osegboun CAN Zonal Chairman.

These, the Association demanded should be done in a secure and united Nigeria.

According to the Association,  the on-going legal tussle and political debates on the issue of VAT collection either by States or by the Federal Government could escalate tension in the country.

It demanded that political, economic leaders and other stakeholders should handle the issue dispassionately and without recourse to emotion and political manipulation.

“We appreciate the commitment of the political leadership in the Southwest to the enthronement of peace and security in spite of threats and challenges from internal and external purveyors of violence and destabilisation.

“We, therefore, enjoin Governors in the zone to continue to do everything within their powers to safeguard the lives and property of the people in their charge.”

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