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Ekiti Govt, Workers, Agree To Reduce Cost Of Governance

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By Ayodele Oni

At last, Labour Unions in Ekiti state have agreed to the introduction of some austerity measures in view of dwindling resources, prompting the  government role out its actions with effect from last month.

Earlier  in the week, the Labour Unions had rejected a move by the State Government to be paying workers salaries in percentages.

However, a memo dated  1st June. 2021, and signed by the Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akintunde Oyebode, to the Chief Medical Director of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, one of the Institutions receiving monthly subventions, informed about decision to slash allocation from May.

Part of the letter reads: “Please be informed that consequent upon the shortfall in the Federal allocation, Ekiti state Government now has an expenditure deficit of N759 million per month.

“Due to this shortfall, the State Government is constrained to take immediate, but temporary actions, to prevent a short down of Government activities.

“Consequently, the following temporary actions will take effect from May 2021 with a review of the prevailing revenue condition in August, 2021.

“A temporary suspension of the consequential adjustment on salaries of grade level 07 to 12; a 25 Percent cut in the salaries of top government functionaries.”

It was gathered that top Government functionaries to be affected include all Political Office holders, Permanent Secretaries and the Head of Service.

Others measures include  “temporary suspension of the monthly running grants to MDAs and fifty percent cut in the Subventions to tertiary institutions.”

The letter states further that:  “Based on the above, please take this as a formal communication of the state government’s decision to reduce by fifty percent, the Subventions of your institution for the next three months, subject to a review in August, 2021.”

There was, however, a twist on Thursday after the Labour leaders met with workers in the state during which they resolved to agree with Government’s measures rather than retrenchment of workers and payment of percentage salaries.

The Labour leaders, thereafter, signed a  Memorandum of Understanding with the Government on the new salary regime.

The  Head of Service, Mrs Peju Babafemi , the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Labour Matters, Chief Oluyemi Esan and the Permanent Secretary, Office of Establishment and Service Matters, Mr. Bayo  Opeyemi represented Government.

On the Labour side were Chairmen, Nigerian Labour Congress, Kolapo Olatunde, his counterpart in the Trade Union Congress, Sola Adigun and that of the Joint Negotiating Council Kayode Fatomiluyi as well as their Secretaries.

The pact, apart from those listed in the letter, also included that the release of the running grant for the running of government office be reduced, while monthly meeting of the Economic Review Committee was mandated to convene five days after the meeting of the Federal Account Allocation Committee to keep the workers abreast of the state’s financial position.

“That 10 percent internally generated revenue of the state being the state responsibility to Joint  Account Allocation Committee be released to the local governments henceforth.”

The Head of Service, while addressing the Labour leaders, said Governor Kayode Fayemi had during a recent State of the State Finance  programme presented the financial  report of the state, where it was evident that the two sides must shift grounds as a response to the economic realities.

“The revenue generating committee has been saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that the state work hard and rakes in more monies to finance the State.

“I am confident that Governor Kayode Fayemi will surely bring his ingenuity and wealth of experience to bear and we shall navigate out of this difficult situation soon . We thank the labour leaders for their understanding and show of solidarity”.

JNC Chairman, Mr Fatomiluyi, said it is a known fact that Nigerians and especially  workers are passing through hard  economic situation that had disproportionately  affected every state of the Federation.

“The Government must adhere strictly to this agreement , because it is a painful one, but we call it a Doctrine of Necessity. We have to abide by it in the interest of our dear state and colleagues in the service.

“No Labour leader would want his workers disengaged directly or indirectly and we thank the government for not thinking in this direction. That is the direction we want our colleagues to look at it.”

VC Condemns Rape, Murder Of UNILORIN Student

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Prof. Sulyman Abdulkareem

By  Ayodele Oni

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Sulyman Abdulkareem, has condemned the reported rape and murder of a 300 Level student of the institution, Miss Blessing Omowumi Olajide, at a location outside the University campus.

Prof. Abdulkareem’s reaction was contained in a statement by the University’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Kunle Akogun.

According to the statement, the University Management received the report of the incident with a heavy heart, saying that the incident was not only ugly, but also absolutely unacceptable and must be condemned by people of good conscience.

While sympathising with relations, friends and colleagues of the deceased, the Vice-Chancellor assured that the University would work with Security Agencies to get to the root of the matter and expose the perpetrators of the heinous crime.

Prof. Abdulkareem urged students of the University to always be vigilant and conscious of their environment.

He also admonished the students to be wary of the kind of friends they keep, places they visit, and ensure they report strange faces or irregular movements in their areas to the school authorities or security agencies in order to preserve their dignity, integrity and safety.

The VC restated the commitment of the University management to ensure the general safety of the students and staff both within and outside the school.

NDDC Board: Akpabio In Dilemma, Tougue-lashed, Stakeholders Stand By Tompolo’s Ultimatum

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By Akinwale Kasali

By Saturday June 5, 2021, the Seven-Days Ultimatum given to the President Muhammadu Buhari administration and the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Obot Akpabio for the reconstitution of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, board will elapse.

Former Niger Delta Militant and Warlord, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, had urged the Federal Government to reconstitute the NDDC board within seven-days, or the safety of Oil workers in the Region will not be  guaranteed.

Tompolo and many  others are agitating against the appointment of a Sole Administrator to run the affairs of the Commission instead of a Board.

A move made to  Tompolo made by  Akpabio on a  trip to the Niger Delta region  to appeal to Tompolo and stakeholders to soft-pedal on the agitations  for a Board went awry.

The trip to Oporoza, Headquarters of Gbaramstu Kingdom, was unsuccessful.

It would be recalled that Tompolo called on President Buhari, members of the National Assembly and Security Agencies to work towards the constitution of the substantive board of the NDDC within a seven days to avert a total breakdown of law and order that will equally affect crude oil exploration and exploitation activities in the region, prompting the visit of Akpabio to persuade Tompolo to withdraw his seven-day ultimatum and also meet critical Delta State ethnic nationalities stakeholders who were also hurriedly invited for the meeting.

However, the Minister’s overture reportedly received a cold response from Tompolo and other stakeholders in the region who tongue-lashed him instead.

It was gathered that at the Palace of paramount ruler of Gbaramatu, where a meeting was held, Akpabio was said to have been tongue lashed,  and insulted following a heated argument, as he attempted to stage a walkout at a stage.

The Stakeholders said that Akpabio was running the NDDC as his own private enterprise, taking decisions unilaterally without consultations.

At the meeting at the Palace of Paramount Ruler of Gbaramatu, Tompolo was reported to have snubbed the meeting with Akpabio,  but sent a message to him, asking him to go back to Abuja and inaugurate the NDDC board without further delay.

Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State who was represented by his Deputy, Kingsley Otuaro, stated the  position of Delta State Government.

He stressed that the right thing should be done regarding the NDDC Board in accordance with the Act that established the commission.

President of Isoko National Youth Assembly, INYA,  Amos Ogbokor-Etaluku, Ijaw National Congress, INC, Prof Benjamin Okaba separately expressed dismay that Akpabio was running NDDC with a sole administrator in contravention of the Act that established the commission.

Specifically, Ogbokor-Etaluku said that the entire youths of the Niger Delta region had aligned themselves with the ultimatum proclaimed by Tompolo, warning that the safety of oil workers would not be guaranteed in the coming days.

Spokesman of Gbaramatu Traditional Council, Chief Godspower Gbenekeme expressly told the Minister; “The people seated here are not IYC executives that you can just call to Abuja, the presence of soldiers in our region is not the reason for peace, it is because of our resolve, we want that board to be constituted, the ultimatum stands, after the ultimatum and nothing is done, don’t blame anybody”, he said.

Making his comments, Akpabio said that it was necessary for the youths to give peace a chance going by the fragile nature of the Niger Delta region,  saying “It is only someone who has not seen a war that would be talking of war.

“When others are having their issues and they want to take it to the Federal Government, we are saying this region should not join them. I am saying this because the last time a lot of their young ones were killed, as a young man I saw where mothers threw their kids in the pit toilet so that soldiers don’t locate them with the cry of the baby. I saw people sleep in the open field of  primary schools. I saw where somebody will be walking on the road and the next thing you hear is ‘gbo’ and you see blood gushing out and he doesn’t even know he has been shot so we must not allow our region to boil, we must support the federal government, particularly this present government”, Akpabio added.

He said that his visit was primarily to consult the people on the way forward and also to appeal for peace.

According to him, his consultative meetings with stakeholders would be extended to other Kingdoms within the Niger Delta region.

APC Primaries: Mass Defection Looms, As Imposition Of Candidates Rocks APC

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Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

A repeat of the last Lagos State Chairmanship Election primaries of the All Progresssives Congress, APC, where Imposition of Candidates was the order of the day by, allegedly, the National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and stalwarts of the Party in the State, has  played out.

After days of protests over the electoral process during the Primaries, and the unfortunate incidents that happened at the different Wards, urging the APC leadership not to impose any Candidate,  the APC leadership has announced winners in the 20 LGA’s and 37 LCDAs that would hoist the Party’s flag at the Chairmanship Election.

The Primaries which were marred by violent protests and disparities had left the Party in crisis as some elections were declared inconclusive while some were proposed to be completely repeated.

The exercise at Somolu Local Government Area,  was greeted by days of brutal attacks on perceived opponents, destruction of property and arson allegedly perpetrated by hoodlums loyal to a popular candidate, Bowale Sosanmi, the incumbent Vice chairman who lost to the incumbent Chairman, Hon. Abdul Hamed Salawu popularly known as Dullar.

Apart from numerous cases of assaults and grievous body injuries, properties worth millions of Naira, including houses and cars were vandalised by angry youths who were unhappy with the election results.

The result of the Ojodu LCDA which has been at the front burner of massive protest because of the circumstances leading to the alleged imposition of Segun Odunmbaku, son of Cardinal Odumbaku, a strong APC loyalist and stalwart, has been announced as the APC Candidate in the LCDA. The Party denies any imposition.

Kafayat Funmilayo Layeni, KFL, a strong contender who received massive support from Hon. Abiodun James Faleke, Member House of Representatives, representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, who was KFLs financier, Youths, Market Women, Women and Artisans saw her hope dashed, despite winning her Ward convincingly.

Her Ward was the only place the primary election took place out of the six wards in the area, but sadly, she was denied the ticket as a result of, alleged, imposition and Political power play.

APC Primary Result

With this development, many people think  a mass defection is looming in the Lagos State APC, as the Candidates denied the tickets are set to join another political parties to challenge the APC Candidate.

Rafiu Ponle, the Assistant Youth Leader in Ojodu LCDA,   said the mandate of the people has been stolen in broad day light and there isn’t any need staying in a Party that lacks transparency, and is undemocratic.

Also Femi Adeniran, an APC member said that the APC leadership is toying with members’ intelligence.

“When you know you are selecting Candidates why then did you tell us to go for Primaries. It is disheartening. This is not democracy. We the youths in APC will leave the Party for them to run. Their time is Up’, he said.

Meschach Irele, lending his  voice said, “APC leadership in Lagos State usually call itself a true Democrat, but it baffles one what would be the basis of picking a winner when there was zero Election in all polling units allegedly.

“We the youth will leave the Party enmasse and leave the so called leaders and their children to vote. It is so annoying and wicked. They don’t even respect us. Haba”.

We Cannot Afford To Waste More Lives

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The Source
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Ikedi Ohakim
Ikedi Ohakim

By Ikedi Ohakim

“For my brothers and sisters, Ndi Imo, I would like us to realize that the killing of Gulak on our soil is Aru, (Abomination; Sacrilege), a complete negation of what we stand for, and are known as a people. Imolites, nay, Ndigbo, love strangers, and go out of our way to protect them.”

There has been, quite understandably, so much out pouring of grief and angst over the gruesome murder of my friend, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak, last Sunday, in Imo state, but that can never sufficiently situate the gravity of that sordid event. While I join millions of other Nigerians in total condemnation of that dastardly act, I am of the firm belief that the sordid incident offers every well meaning Nigerian an opportunity for sober reflection.

Gulak’s murder in Imo state, several hours of journey from his native home state, Adamawa, if not properly and patriotically handled, may lead to untoward consequences, given the volatile situation our dear Nation is currently in.

While I commiserate with his family, the Government and people of Imo state and, indeed, the entire people of Adamawa state, I join several other fellow compatriots across the country in appealing to the relevant authorities to leave no stone unturned in the search for the masterminds of this unconscionable act.

Although Alhaji Gulak will never return to be with us, investigations into his murder must be thorough, transparent and such that will leave every Nigerian with no iota of doubt.

For my brothers and sisters Ndi Imo, I would like us to realize that the killing of Gulak on our soil is Aru, a complete negation of what we stand for, and are known for, as a people. Imolites, nay, Ndigbo, love strangers and go out of their way to protect them in the event of danger.

Therefore, I expect every adult indigene of the state, irrespective of political leaning or partisan interest, to see this incident as a challenge to our collective integrity as an accommodating and peace-loving people, and a call by humanity to assist and cooperate with the relevant authorities both in sourcing and providing the necessary intelligence in the search for the culprits. The time is now to say a final “Enough Is Enough” to the recent spate of violence in our state.

Gulak’s murder was against the backdrop of the death of our own brothers and sisters, either in the hands of criminals or operatives of state agencies. My heart bleeds over this needless loss of lives, most of them youths. But the question we must find answer to immediately is: Can we afford to have more lives wasted under any guise; either in the process of expressing our dissatisfaction over the state of affairs in the country or through the nefarious acts of criminals who are taking advantage of our agitation for a better country?

If the answer is “NO”, as I expect it would, the question then is, what plans, what strategies do we have, as a people, to make sure that the situation does not further deteriorate? While I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the families of all those who have died, either in the hands of criminals or security agents, I call on every Imolite to resolve that not a single life shall be lost again in our state in the same circumstances as we have witnessed of recent.

I call on heads of the security agencies to take extra steps to restrain their field operatives from seeing their fellow human beings as instruments for achieving professional competence or advancement. I enjoin fellow political leaders to eschew all partisan differences or personal animosity so that we can come together in search of lasting peace.

I call on the youths to resolve to ensure both their individual and collective survival by distancing themselves from every demeanor that is capable of endangering their lives or make them vulnerable to the conduct of either criminals or ill tempered security operatives.

The challenge for the youths today is to resolve to be alive, not only to contribute to the process that will lead to the inevitable change that is about to happen, but to also be among those that will superintend over the new order.

But it is neither by grand standing, nor by joining non state actors in a mission of violence; as that can only elongate the coming of the new era we all expect and deserve. Rather, I appeal to Imo youths, and, indeed, the entire youths of Igboland, to be ready for dialogue which the current crop of political actors must embrace – whether they like it or not.

Already, there is an ongoing move to amend the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which nearly every knowledgeable Nigerian believes is the root cause of the current national crisis.

Even though some also fault the exercise as inadequate, it is an indication that the current political leaders are ready to take the necessary steps to tackle the problem from its root.

The needless and uncountable deaths of Nigerians either in the hands of criminals or unscrupulous state actors poses an existential question to every Nigerian; and the answer must be found NOW.

It shall be well with our dear Nation, Nigeria.

H.E. Ohakim, is a former Governor of Imo State.

Imo: Finally, Help For The Innocent; NBA Says “There Is More To The Imo Insecurity Than Meets The Eye”

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The Source
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By Charles Igbo

After a meeting with the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, and the Security Adviser to the Governor, the NBA, Owerri, gave a worrisome verdict over the frightening insecurity in the State. “There is more than meets the eye”, it  said.

But there is some cheery news therefrom.

For the Innocent who have been crying over the alleged  arrest of innocents in Imo State by Security Personnel, help has finally come.

Especially, in recent weeks, the outcry has been very strong, and so are the allegations that young Innocent Imolites are being branded as members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, and/or its Security wing, the Eastern Security Network, ESN, and arrested for being responsible for the unprecedented violence and killings – civilians and security personnels – in the State. It takes only a look at your mode of dressing and/or hairstyle and type of car to become a suspect. Wearing of the colour, black, it is alleged, is a “no-no.” It spells danger.

Since the arrests began, and peaked with the murder of Barr. Ahmed Gulak on Sunday, May 30, 2021, more arrests have been made, and the outcry over random arrests has reached to high heavens.

For instance, at least two people out of the five people, recently  paraded for   being among those responsible for recent killings, are said to be allegedly, innocent. One of them went to buy a casket for the funeral of a relation when he was arrested. Another is, allegedly, an oil company staff.

A number of people, worried  over the situation, had written petitions to both the Imo State Police Command and the Force Headquarters asking for intervention and freedom for the innocents.

That prayer has now been answered. Between the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, the State Government and the Police Command, help has come to all those who have genuine complaints on the arrest of any innocent person.

A help Desk has been set-up at the Bar Centre for such complaints by the NBA. It is a consequence of a meeting held on Thursday, June 3, between the NBA, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, and the Commissioner of Police.

Announcing the establishment of the Help Centre, Uzo Enwerem, the Publicity Secretary of the NBA, Owerri, in a Press Statement, also, released phone numbers for complainants to call.

Following, the full text of the Press statement by the NBA.

“Sequel to the meeting with the Commissioner of Police and the Security Adviser to the Governor, its heart warming to report that a help desk has now been set up at the Bar Centre to collate the names of innocent Imolites unjustly arrested and detained by the Nigeria Police for the purpose of securing their release.

“The Bar, through its committee on Human Rights, will anchor and coordinate the help desk at the Bar center to entertain complaints on unlawful arrest and detention of Imolites.

“Complaints received will be taken up with the appropriate quarters in order to secure the release of these detainees; considering that the Courts are not sitting owing to the JUSUN strike

“This approach is dictated by the precarious security situation in Imo State at the moment which has the semblance of war situation. The outcome of our interactions reveal that there is more to the situation than meets the eye.

“The Human Rights help desk of the Bar will open from 4th day of June,2021 at the Bar centre from 10am or so soon thereafter .

“The help desk phone lines to call are;

08035251755
08035512622
08079285239

“Be calm but vigilant.”

CNPP Urges NASS To Listen To Nigerians On New Constitution; Says Nigeria’s Constitution Lies Against Itself

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The Source
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Chief Willy Ezugwu

Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, (CNPP), has urged the National Assembly to be patriotic enough to listen to Nigerians and end its current process of further amending the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the CNPP Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, the umbrella association of all registered political parties and political associations in Nigeria said: “The feelers across the country is that the 1999 Constitution is irredeemable and cannot be amended to meet national aspirations.

“We believe that if the members of the National Assembly are truly representing the people, it is time they stopped the ongoing journey to nowhere in the name of constitution amendment and align with majority of Nigerians who favour a new Constitution, rather than fruitless amendments that have not brought about any meaning national growth.

“Across the country, the tune of the music is almost the same: that the 1999 Constitution is flawed beyond amendment and that the country either needs to adopt the 1963 Constitution or draft a new Constitution for the country.

“To make the Nigerian Constitution a people’s law, we must subject the outcome of the process to a referendum.

“The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila recently admitted that the 1999 Constitution is deficient and has failed to address some critical national questions confronting Nigeria and her people.

“The question to the National Assembly is: Why amend a Constitution that we all know to be a military document, that have continued to lie against itself by insisting that “We the people…” gave it to ourselves, whereas it was a document imposed on Nigerians by a military junta?

“Again, if the Constitution that brought the lawmakers into the upper and lower legislative Chambers is inadequately deficient, how can the outcome of a flawed Constitution like the legislators across the country cure the document?

“It has become almost unanimous that Nigeria needs a workable document, a better Constitution that will meet the aspirations of the people.

“Such a document must be subjected to a “Yes” or “No” vote by the people before it can be binding.

“We have come to view the ongoing amendment process as a jamboree, a money making exercise by the lawmakers and an effort in futility.

“The ugly reality is that at the end of the amendment, the document will now be at  the mercy of our State Houses of Assembly for survival or not.

“Even if it survives and scales through legislative processes at no fewer than 24 state Assemblies, it will then die or survive at the presidential villa.

“If the cabals fail to favour the amendments, the President won’t sign as we have seen several vital bills passed by the National Assembly killed at the Presidency and were never signed into law by the Mr. President and the till date our National Assembly on the other hand has remained impotent and has done nothing about them.

“We fear that whatever amendments to the 1999 Constitution will end up in the dustbin of history and we will be back to there we started.

“Therefore, it’s about time we did the right thing the right way by beginning the process of drafting a new Constitution for Nigeria which must be ratified through a referendum”, the CNPP stated.

Uzodimma:”I Will Not Allow State Become Ungovernable”; Directs Traditional Rulers, Police, To Mop Up Illegal Arms

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The Source
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Hope Uzodimma

As part of concerted efforts to address the security challenges in Imo State,  Governor Hope Uzodimma has directed Traditional Rulers and the Police to, immediately, mop up arms in the hands of unauthorised individuals.

The Monarchs and the Police are also expected to work in tandem with the Interim Management Committee Chairmen and Town Union Presidents across the 27 Local Government Areas of the State for the exercise.

At a meeting Governor Uzodimma had with the Traditional Rulers and Council Chairmen at the Imo State Executive Council Chambers, Government House Owerri, Thursday,  he said “there is the compelling need to strengthen the security situation at the rural areas, hence the essence of the meeting.”

The Governor said Government had discovered that the recent security-related developments in Imo demands that security be beefed up at the rural areas “as a way of reducing the vulnerability of our people in the hands of hoodlums.”

The Governor regretted that reports have indicated that most of those who carried out the hatchet jobs in the Communities around the state are from the locality, hence the need for the Traditional Rulers and IMC Chairmen and others at the Local Government and Autonomous Communities  to put heads together to stop the menace.

Governor Uzodimma, therefore, proceeded to mandate them to ensure that no arm or weapon is found in the hands of people not authorised to hold such.

The Governor said: “Any incident again that is blamed on complacency, the IMCs and the Traditional Rulers will be held responsible.”

He further directed the Traditional Rulers to warn their subjects who have turned themselves into willing-tools in the hands of  devils to traumatize Imo people to desist forthwith or have themselves to blame as “Government is about to implement the Security Organization Law, recently, signed to come into full operation.”

He emphasized that the implementation will be in an indigenous manner that reflects,  “Bottom-Top- Approach”.

The Governor noted that the implementation will take the form of a “Security Council” existing in the locality  with the Traditional Rulers as the Chairmen and members to include President General of Town Unions, Youth Leaders, Woman Leaders and others.

The functions of the Security Council will, among others, include: fishing out the criminals in the communities and collating intelligence for security agencies to work with.

It was an opportunity Governor Uzodimma used to send out a warning to detractors and those threatening to make Imo State ungovernable that he will never fold his arms and allow them succeed.

Responding, the Chairman, Traditional Institution and Community Policing, Imo State, HRH Eze Emmanuel Okeke of Amaifeke in Orlu LGA thanked the Governor for inviting them to the briefing on security matters in the State, promising that the Traditional Rulers will work with the government to secure Imo State.

Adding his voice, the ALGON Chairman and IMC Chairman of Oru-West Local Government Area of Imo State,  Chief Willy Okolieogwo, on behalf of his colleagues expressed his happiness on the invitation of the Governor to discuss the most disturbing issue in the State currently, and pledged their total support to the efforts and processes embarked upon by the Governor and Government of Imo State to fight insecurity in Imo.

Ondo Gov Akeredolu Canvasses Legal Backing For Cannabis Cultivation

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Ayodele Oni
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Rotimi Akeredolu - Ondo Communal Clash

By Ayodele Oni

As the House of Representatives Committee on Drugs is collating views of Nigerians towards legalizing cannabis, Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has again lent his voice to its legalisation. The Governor says it is good for medicinal purposes.

Governor Akeredolu, who spoke, Thursday, in Akure, on a television programme, was of the view that Nigeria would loose if leaders fail to legalise the cultivation of Cannabis.

He pointed out that Cannabis could be a strong foreign exchange earner for Nigeria if its cultivation is legalised.

“We must find a way to legalise cultivation of cannabis for medicinal purposes. There is nothing wrong about it.

“We are only shooting ourselves in the foot. It is a foreign exchange earner for people outside the country. People want this. We ourselves, even our pharmacies want to develop.

“I travelled out of here and I was in Thailand trying to study the cultivation of cannabis for pharmaceutical use.

“We did all these, we even went there with National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, the Chairman at that time went with us, maybe he came and said what he went for was for a different thing, but that was why we went, and we felt that, let us look at the way they did it over there.

“Everybody has drug problem, most countries have drug problem. We are having it here, it is not as pronounced here as in other places, but there are ways they went about these things, that those who are involved in drugs, those who are selling, those who are exporting had other ways of doing things that they had to leave it.

“So, when we talk about cultivation, we are saying that it will a monitored one, in which NDLEA will have an office near farms.”

The House of Representatives is proposing the legalisation of the cultivation and trading in Cannabis for medical and cosmetic use, research purposes, as well as revenue generation for Nigeria.

This is being proposed in the Cannabis Control Bill 2020, sponsored by Miriam Onuoha, which is awaiting second reading, but the bill has been met with stiff criticisms and opposition.

The legislation is titled, ‘A Bill for an Act to Regulate the Cultivation, Possession, Availability and Trade of Cannabis for Medical and Research Use, and Related Purposes.’

Cannabis cultivation and sale are presently outlawed in the country.

If the bill becomes law, hospitals and doctors will be allowed to prescribe doses of Cannabis for treatment of patients, while Pharmacies and Stores will be allowed to sell the Drug.

Nigerian Leaders Have No Blood In Their Hearts – Bishop Kukah

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The Source
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In his Homily at the funeral of the murdered Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Alphonsus Yasshim Bello, the Catholic Bishop  of  Sokoto Diocese, His Lordship, Matthew Hassan Kukah, says   Nigeria’s Leaders have no blood in their hearts.

Kukah spoke Bello at Our Lady of Apostles Catholic Church, Independence Way, Kaduna. Fr. Bello was kidnapped and murdered by his abductors on 21st May, 2021 in Katsina. The fate of his colleague, with whom he was kidnapped before his murder,  Rev Fr Joseph Keke, is still unknown.

Said Kukah: “Those who govern us are allowing this killing of citizens in their innocency because they have no blood in their hearts.

“There is no where in the whole world where barbarity and killings of human lives is  as being manifested in Nigeria of today.

“There is no where citizens can be slaughtered in the whole world without the government showing empathy and concern.

“The continuous barbaric slaughter and murder of our people in their innocency suggest that our beautiful Presidential Villa, National Assembly, government houses are not evidence of civilization.

“How did Nigeria come to this tragic situation? We know who they are, who they believed in and where their inspiration comes from. The government have never declared the kidnappers to be a terrorists group.

“There is no ambiguity about those who are killing our people and why they are doing so and where their inspiration comes from.

“We hear and live with stories of complicity at the highest level. We as Christians can only rely on the faithful word of God”.

He queried, “Is it possible that you have a country where people have sworn with Qur’an and Bible to uphold the principle of governance, that they will do everything within their power to protect and defend the integrity of Nigerians and suddenly we are where we are today?

“I think the President and Governors of Nigeria should address Nigerians and say, ‘Fellow Nigerians, I have sworn that I will not protect you from foreign invaders, kidnappers and being killed.”

“‘You are on your own. Your security is in your own hands. Keeping you safe is not our immediate priority.

“‘Foreign bandits or anyone can come at will, kill, loot, rape, kidnap and murder you. They can wipe out your communities, destroy your homes, your farmlands, property.

“‘They can kidnap or murder your children at will. They can rustle your cattle. If they kidnap your children, wives or husbands, we will consider you criminals for negotiating for their release.

“‘We are preparing a law that could see you go to jail for 15 years for this heinous crime against your fatherland.’”

The Bishop asked Nigerians to remain steadfast in prayer.  “God will lead you out of the tragic situation.”, he prayed.

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