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Qatar 2022: Rohr Names 23-Man Squad Against Central African Republic

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr
Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr

By Akinwale Kasali

Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr, has finally announced a 23-Man team that will trade tackles with the Les Fauves Football Team of the Central African Republic in a double header for the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

The Franco-German tactician has named team Captain, Ahmed Musa, his deputy, William Troost Ekong, alongside Napoli of Italy Football Club gangling striker, Victor Osimhen with 20 other players to tackle their African opponent.

According to the official statement by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, 21-year-old Calvin Bassey who plays for Scottish giants, Rangers, as a left-back/centre-back was handed his maiden Nigeria call-up.

The invited players are:

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (AC Omonia, Cyprus); 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 Paderborn 07, Germany); Abdullahi Shehu (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Calvin Bassey (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Kevin Akpoguma (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany)

Midfielders: Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Innocent Bonke (Malmo FF, Sweden); Alex Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Fatih Karagumruk, Turkey); Samuel Kalu (FC Bordeaux, France); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Paul Onuachu (KRC Genk, Belgium); Chidera Ejuke (CSKA Moscow, Russia).

The Nigeria National team sit on top their Group log having recorded an 100 percent record in their two outings against Liberia at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos, Nigeria and the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde at the Mindelo National Stadium in Praia, Cape Verde.

Nigeria will play Central African Republic on October 7th in Lagos at the Teslim Balogun Stadium and later travel to Douala in Cameroon to face Central African Republic in Four days time.

Cameroon has been the home of the Nigeria opponent due to unrest in their country.

Wins from the double header will automatically qualify the Super Eagles for the final phase of the African World Cup qualification series depending on the outcome of the double header between Cape Verde and Liberia.

The wins will push the Nigeria National team to 12 points, having defeated Liberia 2-0 and Cape Verde 2-1 with Liberia having just Three Points with Cape Verde and Central African Republic having one points apiece.

For The Records: Communiqué At The End Of The PDP Zoning Committee Meetings Held in Enugu and Abuja

By
The Source
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COMMUNIQUE AT THE END OF THE PDP ZONING COMMITTEE MEETINGS HELD IN ENUGU AND ABUJA, ISSUED ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2021.

At the end of the deliberations of the PDP National Zoning Committee , it was resolved as follows:

  1. The National Zoning Committee of the PDP was given the mandate to zone National offices to be contested by all PDP Members of the Party at the PDP National Convention of the Party scheduled for October 30, 2021 by the National Executive Committee of the Party.
  2. That the mandate of the Committee does not include Zoning of the offices of the President, Vice President and other Executive and Legislative offices of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. And the decision of the Committee to zone the Party offices does not in any way affect the executive and legislative offices in Nigeria.
  3. That zoning of offices on PDP has traditionally been between the North and South of Nigeria.

3.The decision of the PDP Zoning Committee is in line with the Constitution of the Party on Zoning and rotation of Party and national offices in the interest of justice, equity and fairness. Consequently, the current  offices being held by officers in the Southern Zones of the country, namely, South West, South East and South South zones , should swap places with the offices currently in the northern zones of Nigeria, namely, North West, North East and North Central zones.

  1. We want to thank the Party, especially the National Executive Committee that set up this Committee on September 9, 2021 for finding us worthy to serve the Party in the capacity as Zoning Committee members.

5  We shall pass on our recommendations to the National Executive Committee of the Party through the National Working Committee of the Party.

H.E. Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Chairman)

H.E. Governor Samuel Ortom (Deputy Chairman)

H.E Mahdi Aliyu Mohammed

Reps Back Senate, Demand Presidency Declare Bandits Terrorists

By
Uche Mbah
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By Uche Mbah

House of Representatives, Thursday, backed the Senate position that urged President Muhammadu Buhari to declare bandits terrorists.

Senate, Wednesday, passed a resolution urging the Presidency to declare Banditry acts of terrorism based on their modus operandi and the damage they have caused to the Nation.

The motion was moved by the Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, moved as a motion of urgent public importance.

The motion was titled “Declaration of Bandits and their Sponsors as Terrorists”.

“The Senate on Wednesday, 29th September 2021, adopted a motion asking President Muhammadu Buhari to declare bandits ravaging the Northern part of the country terrorists and wage a total war on them. They also asked that the President declare all known leaders of bandits wanted and arrest them wherever they are found for speedy prosecution. Such declaration to be done through a Proscription Order can be done under section 2 of the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2011 (As Amended)”, he said.

“I will like to echo the same sentiment and ask Honourable colleagues to join the Senate in urging Mr. President to declare bandits and their sponsors as terrorists.  This will underline the determination of the Government to combat the wave of criminality and murders conducted by bandits all over the country.

“The declaration of bandits as terrorists can be done through a prescription order. That will serve as an added impetus for our brave security personnel to redouble their efforts at dealing with this menace. Such declaration when given the force of law will renew the vigor and resolve of our gallant security personnel in dealing with the menace of banditry as the mode of operations and rules of engagement will be scaled up accordingly.

“Such an Order will officially bring the activities of bandits and their sponsors within the purview of the Terrorism Prevention Act and any persons associated with such groups can then be legally prosecuted and sentenced to penalties specified in the Act.

“Declaration of all Bandits as Terrorist may also encourage other countries to do same and help create a global consensus around dealing with transnational factors that feeds the domestic activities of such proscribed organizations and individuals.

“As previously observed in this House, no one action can be a silver bullet to solving our insecurity in Nigeria. But a collection of many effective actions and strategies can bring safety. It is in this spirit that I speak today.

“Insecurity in Nigeria requires an all-of-government approach. Hence, I also urge the President to implement the recommendations of the National Security Summit, which took place in June this year and was officially delivered to Mr. President in July.

“All hands have to be on deck to be able to win this battle against insecurity in all its manifestations.”

There was no opposition to the motion.The motion was later adopted through a voice vote.

Aregbesola Identifies Yoruba Culture As Untapped High Revenue Yeilding Resources

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has identified some hidden high revenue potentials among the people of Yoruba race, urging the people to tap into them.

The Minister who spoke in Akure, Ondo state,  on Thursday, while receiving an Award from the State Government, pointed out that high premium was being placed on Yoruba culture outside the shore of the country.

According to him, if the various cultural heritage and tourist centres in Yoruba land are well developed, they will be of tremendous economic benefits to the country.

To this end, Aregbesola made case for cultural re-enactment, just as he urged the people to change their orientation and belief about cultural values and beliefs.

The former Osun State Governor called on Nigerians to add knowledge with God’s blessings in order to develop the cultural values embedded in the country.

The Minister hailed Governor Akeredolu for his belief in Yoruba culture which culminated in the adoption of the Yoruba anthem as the state’s anthem.

Describing Akeredolu as a liberal person, Aregbesola said Ondo Governor has shown him love and enthusiasm, adding that the Governor is not antagonistic in any way.

“Governor Akeredolu is a liberal and understanding politician who believes in Yoruba nation. This is evident in the adoption of Yoruba anthem as the official anthem of the state. The Governor is a good am ambassador of the Yoruba race.”

While presenting the award of excellence, the State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Gbenga Ale commended the Minister’s efforts at promoting the culture of the Yoruba race, especially when he served as the Governor of Osun State between 2010 and 2018.

He said the belief of Aregbesola in cultural reinasence and his efforts at promoting the culture of the Yoruba race made him eminently qualified for the award.

Governor Akeredolu, who is the Chairman, South West Governors Forum, said the award presented to Aregbesola was premised on the elevation of the Yoruba anthem by the Aregbesola’s administration in Osun State, promotion of the Omoluabi ethos and equal recognition of the three major religions in the state during his administration as Governor of Osun State.

He charged the Minister not to relent in his efforts at promoting the Yoruba cultural values, just as he assured that Ondo State will ensure that the Yoruba culture is not relegated to the background.

How PDP Governors Retired Atiku; Denies Him Presidency

By
Ayodele Oni
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Atiku Abubakar

By Ayodele Oni

The decision of Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), to zone the Party’s Chairmanship to the North may have jeopardized the Presidential dream of some  members that are eyeing 2023 to realize their ambition.

The biggest casualty of this decision is former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar who had attempted thrice to clintch the  position of  the number one position.

Atiku, who served under former President Olusegun Obasanjo had once decamped to the ruling All Progressive Congress, (APC) but was defeated in the Primary which incumbent President Mohamadu Buhari won.

The former Vice President won the PDP ticket at the convention which was held in Port Harcourt in 2019, but was defeated in the general election by incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari.

His legal escapades to reclaim the mandate ended at the Supreme Court, which affirmed the victory of the APC candidate.

With the latest decision to zone the National Chairmanship to the North, there are indications that the dream of Atiku to rule the country may have been finally laid to rest.

PDP Governors at their meeting in Abuja on Wednesday voted for the zoning of the party Chairmanship to the North. The meeting voted 9-3 in favour of the North.

Three Northern Governors — Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Adamu Fintiri (Adamawa) and Darius Ishaku (Taraba) — voted for the Chairmanship to be zoned to the south.

Mohammed had announced his intention to run for President in 2023.

Only one northern governor, Samuel Ortom (Benue), voted for the Chairmanship to be in the North.

Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Governor of Sokoto state (north) and Chairman of the PDP Governors forum, did not vote as he presided over the meeting.

He too is believed to be eyeing the Presidential ticket, having ran unsuccessfully in the party primary in 2019.

The other PDP Governors who voted in favour of Northern Chairmanship are: Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta), and Douye Diri (Bayelsa).

Apart from Atiku, the likes of the former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, Sokoto State Governor Tambuwal that contested for the position in 2018, may be jolted by the Governors decision.

Only few days ago, Northern Governors’ Forum had insisted on jettisioning any form of zoning of the President to any part of the country, which they described as unconstitutional.

This position has received criticisms from various parts of the country with different socio political groups and party Chieftains describing the stand of the Governors from the North as selfish.

The decision of the PDP Governors on the zoning is expected to be transmitted to another Committee on zoning at the  National convention, scheduled to take place on October 30 and 31 in Abuja. The National Convention of the party is slated for October 30 and 31 in Abuja.

World Cleanup Day: Sterling One Foundation Partners Firm To Adopt 2 Beaches

By
Bayo Bernard
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0

By Fola James

Sterling One Foundation has partnered with First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company to adopt two beaches for 2 years each. This is in commemoration of World Cleanup Day. The adoption aims to build capacity and create jobs for women and youth in the coastal communities through education on proper waste recycling and weekly sanitation activities on the beaches, the Foundation said in a statement.

Speaking on the partnership, the General Manager, Corporate Services or First E&P, Emmanuel Etomi, said “FIRST E&P is wholeheartedly committed to carbon footprint reduction, environmental conservation, and protection. The collaboration with the Sterling One Foundation on the beach clean-up project has provided an opportunity to expand our efforts.

“Our commitment to this project is strengthened by our unique ambition to develop a bold African-focused Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) agenda. Our approach supports diversity and inclusion through improved community livelihood, as well as environmental protection.

“We are committed to creating a positive impact on women and youths in these communities that will empower and support the growth of a circular economy. We are proud to be partners on this sustainable long-term approach.”

Mrs. Olapeju Ibekwe, Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Sterling One Foundation expressed appreciation to FIRST E&P on the partnership stating that the Foundation is excited at the possibilities of improved quality of life and health it portends for the youth and women in the coastal communities and the immediate environment.

“The Sustainable goals can only be achieved when stakeholders unite and harness resources towards fighting climate action while ensuring poverty reduction in all its forms. This is why we are excited and grateful for this partnership with FIRST E&P as we are always looking to collaborate with like-minded impact focused organizations to empower youth, create jobs, promote a cleaner, healthier environment with the sole aim of reducing inequalities, creating wealth, increasing inclusion, and reducing poverty. We are confident our partnership with First E&P will achieve all these and more and we are grateful for this opportunity”.

She expressed delight in welcoming the volunteers who turned out to join in the execution of the clean-up exercise of the beaches stating that the beach adoption and clean up exercise, which began with Eleko, and Alpha beaches were part of the programme designed by the foundation to rid Nigeria’s beaches of waste and make them a better environment for tourists while fighting plastic pollution. The programme was also designed to build the capacity of the youth and women in the community on recycling and proper waste management including creating jobs for them.

She expressed gratitude to the community leadership, partners, and volunteers for making the exercise an extremely successful one.

Ibekwe noted that the foundation was passionate about creating an environment that would be safe and healthy for all to live in and reiterated commitment to working with various partners across the public and private sectors including civil society groups to heed the call to keep our environment orderly and functional through sustainable living actions, initiatives, and regular cleaning.

She highlighted that the Foundation began its beach adoption earlier this year with the adoption of Eleko and Alpha beaches adding that the adoption of Lafiaji and Iwerekun beaches brings to four the number of adopted beaches.

The World Clean-up Day unites over 180 countries, communities and over 50 million volunteers across the world for clean-up exercises, promoting the need for proper management of waste and raising global awareness and action for a cleaner planet.

Zulum Kicks Against State Police, Says It Will Destroy The Country

By
Bayo Bernard
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By James Orji

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state has warned against the creation of state police because it is capable of destroying the country.

The Borno state helmsman made the assertion amidst call by some prominent Nigerians, particularly from the Southern part of the country for the police force which is currently under the control of the federal government to be decentralized.

The proponents of state police argue that the Constitution should be amended to remove the Police Force from the Exclusive legislative list to give state government powers to establish their own police.

Some state governments have created what has been largely described as quasi-police forces. These include Hisbah Police in the northern part of the country, Neighborhood watch in Lagos state, created to tackle the security challenges in the states.

An indication that the proponents of state police are winning, analysts said came in July when a bill seeking to establish state police passed second reading at Nigeria’s House of Representatives. The bill was sponsored by Onofiok Luke, lawmaker from Akwa Ibom state.

Speaking on the issue, Governor Zulum said the issue of state police has been politicised, adding that decentralising the police force will worsen the security challenges in the country.

Zulum who spoke during a lecture at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru, Plateau state said the country is not matured enough for state police, noting that governors will use it for their own selfish ends.

He said governors are likely to use state police to harass political opponents and peoples of other tribes.

Governor “Babagana Zulum, will not support it, not because I don’t like it, but because of the implications.

“Nigeria is not mature for state police. Some state governors can use it to wipe away other tribes apart from their tribes. So, we have to be very careful. If half of the power given to the Nigeria army, police and others are given to state police, Nigeria will be in problem.”

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.

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