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Imo Gives Okorocha Ultimatum |The Source

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The Source
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By Charles Igbo

For former Governor of Imo State, and Senator Imo West, Rochas Okorocha, it is not just raining, it is pouring.

The heat is piling on him from left, right, and centre.

The serious altercation a couple of weeks ago between him and the Imo State Government for which the Police arrested and detained him is far from over.

Recall that the State Government had sealed, and seized the multi-million Naira Royal Palm Apartments and Hotel belonging to his wife, Nkechi, based on a White paper from the recommendations of a Judicial Panel on Land and Other Related Matters set up by the Government. The Panel was set up by former Governor, the Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, but was inherited by current Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma.

One of recommendations of the Panel, among others, after the White paper had been gazzetted and accepted by the Executive Council of the State, was the seizure of the Royal Palm Hotel and Apartments.

The Government went ahead to seize and seal it. But Okorocha stormed the place, along with his aides and supporters,  broke the key to the gate, and unsealed it. He was picked-up by the Police, along with 14 others.

They were charged to Court, but even though others appeared in court, Okorocha did not. The 14 that appeared were given bail to the tune of N5million each, and one Surety, who must be a Traditional Ruler.

Senator Hope Uzodimma
Governor Hope Uzodimma

However, since then, Okorocha’s problems have been multiplying, all, consequences of the various   Judicial Panels and Commissions which looked into his eight-year tenure in office.

Last week, an Owerri High Court ordered an interim forfeiture of a number of landed properties belonging to the Okorochas. He was asked to give reasons why the forfeiture should not be final. At the time of writing this, it was not clear whether  the former Governor has filed anything in Court or not.

But the Imo State Government has given him till April 21, 2021, to present a proof of ownership of a large expanse of land in Orji, Owerri North LGA. The land was meant for the staff quarters of the old Imo Broadcasting  Corporation, IBC   but Okorocha, as Governor,  allegedly appropriated the land to himself, and converted it to his school, under the Rochas Okorocha Foundation.

Addressing the issue, the Commissioner for Information, Declan Emelumba said: “Government has given Okorocha till April 21, 2021, to come and show proof of ownership of the said property, or it will be finally forfeited to the State Government.”

While that is on, Okorocha will, also, very soon, face the problems which will emanate from the report of the  Judicial Commission of Inquiry On Contracts.

According to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Cyprain Akaolisa, the findings of this Commission is more scandalous than that of the Panel on Lands. Its implementation, the Commissioner said, will soon begin.

He said there were too many sharp practices in Contracts.  While some were inflated, others were given, and not executed at all, after money had been collected.

Akaolisa: “I am privy, and I can tell imo people that Okorocha removed from this State nothing less than N100billion of its resources, through contracts and other means.

“As the Attorney General of Imo State, I do not think that any sensible person, or any authority in Nigeria, will tell us to drop our actions, as it relates to Okorocha in the recovery of properties illegally acquired, which belong to the State but are in the hands of private citizens associated with Okorocha.”

Already two groups, Imo Elders Forum, and Imo stakeholders, cut across board, have given Uzodinma  the go ahead to recover all the properties and every kobo allegedly taken from the State by Okorocha, his family and cronies.

In his zone, Orlu, he is facing a recall from the Senate. At a recent meeting of Stake holders, the people resolved to recall him from the Senate, and have gradually started the process.

Earlier, they had given him a seven-day ultimatum to apologise to the State Government for invading and unsealing a legally sealed property, failing which a recall process would begin.

He called their bluff, just as he called the bluff of all the Judicial Commissions and Panels of Inquiries. He refused to appear, all the invitations extended to him notwithstanding.

Now, the heat is on.

Tinubu’s Osun Home State Resurfaces, As Bode George Hits Him, Says He Sank Lagos |The Source

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Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

The story about APC Chieftain, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, not being a son of Lagos, but of Osun State, resurfaced on Saturday.

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Bode George, who berated him over his comments against the immediate past Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, said he would have kept quiet if Tinubu was doing what he is doing in Osun State, and not Lagos. “I am a Lagosian”, he declared.

Tinubu had said during the commissioning of the Fly-Over Bridge at Agege Pen-Cinema, in Lagos, that the ship of State headed in the wrong direction within 2017-2018 before incumbent Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu came into the saddle as Governor of the State.

Even though Tinubu did not mention anybody  by name, Akinwumi Ambode was the Governor within the period under Tinubu’s review.

Recall that Tinubu, inexplicably, led the Lagos APC to deny Ambode a second term in office. Not a few people blamed Tinubu for the denial, and asked why he suddenly described Ambode incompetent, having, before then, described him as very competent.

In the past 24 hours since Tinubu’s sinking ship speech, a viral video has surfaced where Tinubu was praising Ambode to high heavens for a first class performance as Lagos State Governor.

Bode George

On Thursday, Tinubu, again, indicted Ambode’s administration during the commissioning of the bridge, insisting that Ambode’s administration was leading Lagos State in the wrong direction and couldn’t be allowed to continue that way, prompting the Party to deny him a second term ticket.

Tinubu further disclosed that the drift between Ambode’s leadership and the vision for Lagos State became noticeable, and  was not in tandem with the Party’s manifesto and vision for the State aspiring to be a mega city, and presently the commercial hub of the nation.

As if he knew what Tinubu was going to say, Ambode was absent at the commissioning of the  Flyover Bridge, even though it was initiated by  his administration, but completed by the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration.

Continuing with why Ambode was denied a second term ticket, Tinubu added that the errors noticed by political leaders in the state were what led to the decision to jettison Ambode and bring  Sanwo-Olu and Obafemi Hamzat, on board.

However, George said that contrary to the claims by Tinubu on Ambode,  the ship of Lagos has been going in the wrong direction since Tinubu took over control of the state.

He added that, “The ship of Lagos has been going in the wrong direction since he (Tinubu) ascended the throne of Lagos.

“Right from the days of Brigadier Johnson, Baba Jakande, Marwa, and all those who have ruled Lagos, people still talk of their legacies. But the ship of Lagos started going in the wrong direction when he (Tinubu) ascended the throne.

“I stand by all that I have said about him. I don’t have anything personal against him but against his policies. His daughter is the Iyaloja of Lagos, his son is the only one that has advert all over the city and his wife is the one representing Lagos Central in the Senate. O to ge!

“We met very encouraging things when we were growing up but today where are they? No scholarship for students, no help for the masses. I don’t have anything against Tinubu but his policies. If he were in Osun State, I wouldn’t have been concerned but as a Lagosian, Tinubu is too important to be left alone and that is why I will continue speaking against his policies.”

Unlawful Detention: Court Orders FG To Pay N53m To A German |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Muhammadu Buhari

By Akinwale Kasali

The President Muhammadu Buhari administration has been ordered by the Economy Community of West African State, ECOWAS, Court of Justice to pay a whopping sum of N53 Million to a German national, Martin Gegenheimer, for unlawful arrest and detention.

The Court’s Communications Department disclosed this in a statement in Abuja, the Country’s Capital, following the judgment of the court on the matter.

According to the statement, the court ordered the payment of N53 million as special damages to Gegenheimer for various losses suffered.

It explained that the costs were incurred while Gegenheimer was under unlawful arrest and detention by the Nigerian Immigration Service.

”The cost related mainly to hotel expenses incurred by the German while under forced detention by the government.”

Delivering judgment in a suit filed by the German, a panel of three Judges, headed by Hon. Justice Edward Amoako Asante, also ordered the government to pay another N10 million in general damages.

“As reparation for all violations and moral prejudice suffered for the violation of his rights and another 10,000 dollars being the expenditure incurred by the applicant to secure his bail.

“The Court also ordered the ‘immediate and unconditional release’ of his German passport which was ‘arbitrarily and unlawfully’ seized by the government as well as his removal from the government’s watch list.

“The court, however, ruled that it found no evidence of the violation of the plaintiff’s right to torture,” the statement said.

The statement further stated: “In suit no: ECW/CCJ/APP/23/20 Mr Gegenheimer, who is married to a Nigerian citizen but based in Nairobi, Kenya, through his Counsel, Festus A. Ogwuche, sought the enforcement of his fundamental human rights.

“Along with those of his children arising from his wrongful arrest and unlawful detention and the seizure of his German Passport.

“The Applicants, which also included SAT Swiss Aviation Nigeria Ltd, the company at whose invitation he visited Nigeria, are contending that the German legally entered the country for business purposes.

“But was wrongfully arrested and detained while on his way back to Kenya, resulting in the violation of his rights to fair hearing, freedom of movement and dignity of his human person”.

According to the statement, the applicant alleged that he was not informed about any justifying circumstances recognised by law, and neither was a warrant of arrest nor court order produced as the basis for his arrest and detention.

”He also alleged that he was not afforded the opportunity of fair hearing before any lawful authority or competent court,” the statement said.

In the statement, the court noted that the Respondents through their Counsel, Mallam J.A. Adamu, raised a preliminary objection arguing that since the first applicant was a German, he lacked the capacity to bring the action not being a citizen of West Africa.

The Court had earlier ruled that it had jurisdiction to hear the case as the violation occurred in a Member State and non-suited the wife and children of the plaintiff as well as SAT Swiss Aviation Nigeria Ltd as plaintiffs in the suit.

It stated that in the 48-paged judgment, the court dismissed all the claims of the respondent.

2023: Alex Otti Says Igbo President Cannot Solve Nigeria’s Problems |The Source

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Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Two-time Governorship  candidate under banner of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in Abia State and former Group Managing Director of defunct Diamond Bank, Dr. Alex Otti, has opined that having a Nigerian president of Igbo extraction, would not solve the problem of the country, as some fundamental structural problems must be handled for an egalitarian society to be institutionalized.

Otti, airing his views on the clamour for a President of Igbo extraction from different Groups, stated that insecurity would continue in the country until poverty among the citizens is addressed.

He stressed that; “A situation where close to 90 million people, representing 43 per cent of our population, live below the poverty line of less than 1.90 dollar per day, makes the country a veritable candidate for insecurity of the highest order.

“If you have followed my politics, you would realise that I do not believe in primordial sentiments. I believe that tribe and religion are basically smokescreens used by politicians to drive personal interests.

“Having said that, I also know that arrangements about power shift have remained the fulcrum of our politics in Nigeria. That is not to say that our salvation is going to come from that.

“Given that arrangement that has had power move from North to South and power having been in the North for two terms, it should naturally move to the South. Since South-West and South-South had been in power, it should naturally shift to the South East. That is the extent to which I believe in Igbo Presidency.

“Would that solve the problem of Nigeria? I think not. There are some fundamental structural problems that must be dealt with for an egalitarian society to be institutionalized.”

Dr Otti has since dumped APGA for the APC.

2023 Presidency: Finally, Jonathan Breaks Silence

By
Bayo Bernard
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Buhari and Jonathan working secretly with APC

By Tosin Olatokunbo

Speculation that former President Goodluck Jonathan will run for the president in 2023 has been put to rest, at least for now, by the former leader who said contesting the highest office in the country is not his immediate priority.

Jonathan who left power in 2015 after losing to President Muhammadu Buhari has been touted among politicians eyeing the exalted position again after serving as president from 2011 to 2015.

Recently, it was suggested that some top echelon of the All Progressives Congress, APC are planning to drag him into the presidential race. Some APC stalwarts even visited the former leader late last year, a move many considered to be a consultation with the Otuoke, Bayelsa born politician over his political future.

But, speaking on the 2023 presidential race Jonathan said he has moved on after losing the presidential election to the incumbent and no longer interested in the office. He explained that he has now dedicated his service to serving God and serving humanity.

Jonathan disclosed this when he paid a condolence visit to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state over the death of his father. .

The ex president said.”On the rumour of my interest in the 2023 presidential election, it is mere speculation. I will continue to serve God, humanity, Africa and the world to the best of his ability and with all sense of commitment and sincerity.”

Meanwhile, some watchers of the nation’s politics told the magazine that all has not be heard, on the perceived ambition of the former president to rule the country again. According to these analysts, Nigerian politicians cannot be relied upon when it comes to making statement, because they can still wake up tomorrow and change whatever they have said.

Consultations are currently ongoing to drag the former leader into the race but that Jonathan is still talking to allies across the country before he makes any decision on the matter, according to those close to him.

NERC Directs DISCOS To Commence Replacement Of Old Meters

By
Bayo Bernard
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By Tosin Olatokunbo

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC has directed the electricity distribution companies, DisCos to replace faulty and obsolete meters for their customers with effect from March 4, 2021.

The commission said the directed is necessary following complaints from both metered and unmetered customers over the slowdown over the National Mass Metering Programme, NMMP.

The NERC said over 7 million customers are currently unmetered as indicated by the customer enumeration data. It also estimates that an additional 3 million meters are currently obsolete and due for replacement.

According to order No. NERC/246/2021, titled, the NERC said“In the matter of the order on structured replacement of faulty and obsolete end-user customer meter in Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI),” issued on March 4, 2021.

NERC further stated that the existence of unmetered customers contributes to the threat affecting the financial viability of the NESI as unmetered customers expressed their displeasure with the estimated billing methodology.

NERC said “The Commission notes that over 7 million customers are currently unmetered as indicated by customer enumeration data. It is also estimated that an additional 3 million meters are currently obsolete and due for replacement.

“The existence of a large population of unmetered customers contributed to threats affecting the financial viability of NESI as unmetered end-use customers expressed deep dissatisfaction with the estimated billing methodology. The revenue assurance objectives of DisCos have also been challenged by being unable to properly account for the utilisation of electricity by end-use customers”.

The NERC has, therefore, issued the following order that DisCos shall grant priority to the metering of unmetered customers under the National Mass Metering Program; DisCos may replace faulty/obsolete meters under the National Mass Metering Program but these replacements must be done in strict compliance with the Metering Code and other regulatory instruments of the Commission.

It also directed DisCos to inspect meters of metered end-use customers and the replacement notice shall contain the following the date of the inspection, name, designation and signature of the officer that inspected the meter, the fault identified in the meter and the date for the installation of the replacement meter.

Accordingly, the Commission shall be copied on all replacement notices issued to end-use customers for the purpose of conducting random reviews of the replacement and new meters must be installed upon the removal of the faulty/obsolete meter and under no circumstances shall the customer be placed on estimated billing on account of the DisCo’s failure to install a replacement meter after the removal of the faulty/obsolete meter.

The new directive also includes that the customer and DisCo representative shall jointly note the units on the meter being replaced and the customer must be credited with these units within 48 hours after the installation of the meter; customers shall only be billed for loss of revenue where the DisCo establishes meter tampering, by-pass or unauthorised access as contained in NERC Order/REG/ 41/2017 on Unauthorised Access, Meter Tampering and Bypass; activation tokens shall be issued to customers immediately after replacement of the faulty/obsolete meter and DisCos shall file monthly returns with the Commission on the replacement of faulty/obsolete

NNPC, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Collaborate on Energy Development

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Bayo Bernard
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By Tosin Olatokunbo

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC and the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, have agreed to collaborate on the development of energy inter-conversion and storage as a catalyst for Nigeria’s economic development and transformation.

The Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mele Kyari, and the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Lawal Suleiman Bilbis, made this known during a visit by members of the University Council, led by the University’s Pro-Chancellor, Hon. Justice Pearl Enejere (rtd).

Mallam Kyari, who welcomed the University Management to the NNPC challenged them to always champion the development and transformation of their local communities through research and innovation.

 

He said “It is high time universities connected to the world. It is also high time researches left the drawing board and came to work for the communities. Let us see how some of your abilities can be put to use for the common good of us all”.

Kyari said the Corporation was ready to collaborate with the university in the area of energy transition and renewable energy, which were key features of the Corporation’s new business focus.

On his part, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Lawal Bilbis, called on both parties to serve as catalyst for development so as to provide lasting solutions to nation’s energy problems.

He commended the GMD on his stewardship so far, especially in the area of transparency and accountability which he said, have engendered a positive transformation in the Corporation and the Nigerian oil and gas industry at large.

“NNPC is being transformed, we are seeing the NNPC of our dream. I believe if other sectors of the economy are doing like NNPC, Nigeria would work for all of us,” the Vice Chancellor added.

Jonathan Felicitates With Obasanjo On 84th Birthday |The Source

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The Source
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Goodluck Jonathan and Olusegun Obasanjo

Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has felicitated ex-President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on the occasion of his 84th birthday.

Dr. Jonathan described Chief Obasanjo as a sincere patriot and thanked God for his life and all the great things he has achieved.

In a goodwill message he personally signed, former President Jonathan said:

“As you mark this occasion of your 84th birthday, I join your family, friends and well-wishers to thank Almighty God for a fulfilling and highly eventful life.

“You are a sincere patriot who has sacrificed so much for the growth and development of our dear country. Your leadership both as a military Head of State and President at different periods produced landmark achievements in uniting and deepening the bond that holds together our diverse country.

“Baba, you are a great African who has contributed so much to the consolidation of laudable regional and sub-regional initiatives on the continent. You will continue to remain relevant in the task of nation building, especially in this period when the peace and stability in many African nations is greatly challenged.

“We pray God to protect and strengthen you to enable you to continue to lend your experience and wisdom to the development impetus of our dear country, Nigeria.”

PDP: Fayose’s Faction Disowns Oyinlola’s Intervention In Makinde/Fayose Feud |The Source

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

A faction of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), in the South West, has described former Governor of Osun state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, as an interested party in the ongoing crisis and hence lacks moral preserve to be a peacemaker.

The former Governor was reported to have arranged a meeting, slated for Friday, between Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state and former Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti state.

The factional Zonal Director of Media and Publicity, Lere Olayinka, in a statement, pointed out that: “Concerning the South-West People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Oyinlola himself knows that he lacks moral preserve to be peacemaker.”

The statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to a report that there will be a reconciliation meeting between Fayose and Governor Makinde at the instance of former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, today (Friday).

Fayose and Makinde
Fayose and Makinde

“To us, Prince Oyinlola is supposed to be Governor Seyi Makinde’s leader, but the reverse is the case now as he is painfully, acting like Governor Makinde’s ‘appendage’ and, also, his contractor.

“Therefore, he has no moral preserve to be peacemaker as peace cannot be achieved when insincere people who are self-seekers sit at the table as peacemakers.

“Most importantly, PDP was peaceful in the South-West before Prince Oyinlola returned from APC.

“Committed and loyal leaders of the party in the zone will on their own, ensure that issues in the party are resolved.”

However, another chieftain of the PDP in Ekiti state, Chief Ebenezer Oladipo, said in a reaction that “It is only the Caretaker Chairman of Southwest that has power to make any statement concerning Southwest in line with the party constitution.”

According to him, “if any group of people or individual is talking, is not representing Southwest.”

Otedola Tells Daughter He Can No Longer Afford Her School Fees |The Source

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Femi Otetolda and his Daughter, DJ Cuppy

By Adesina Soyooye

Billionaire Femi Otedola, has just told one of his daughters: “I can no longer afford your school fees.”

If Otedola’s response to her daughter’s appeal that he pays her school fees was a joke, many see it as a bad one, meant to provoke the poor who, really, are unable to afford their children/wards school fees, making even the most brilliant to drop out of school.

As is the Femi Otedola family’s habit  to put out a number of their flamboyant life style out there in the social media, his daughter, the beautiful and talented Disc Jockey, Florence, whose stage name is DJ Cuppy,  had splashed on  the social media the news of her admission into the prestigious Oxford University, London, to read African Studies.

It is a great feat, and admirable, for a young woman who does not, actually, need to go through the rigours of keeping awake to study, writing examinations, and projects. She already has a first degree and a Master’s degree, the later, in her area of current interest, music – Music Business.

And, of course, she is a multi-billionaire’s daughter, and in her own right, a millionaire, having done very well as a DJ. But, she still sought to improve herself, educationally.

As soon as she got the admission to Oxford University, she decided to  share the good news with her parents – not through a normal phone, or during normal family chit-chat and happy moments. She chose to do so in a video, through the social media, in case anybody would dare to put a lie on her admission to Oxford.

She also put the name of her   would-be hall of residence, when she does resume but, worried about her school fees.

In the video, through which she told her parents, she said: “Mama and Papa, I have news to share with you. Remember I applied at Oxford, last year, for my masters? I got it. I am going to Oxford University. I am going to Lady Margaret Hall”

She then added: ” I hope Papa would just pay for my school fees.”

Otedola's Daugher standing by their Ferari
Femi Otedola’s Daughters.

A joke? Perhaps. But her father also matched her in the joke that is capable of making the poor shake their heads.

“I have paid for your school fees, long enough. I cannot afford to”, he responded.

Many interpreted this to mean a mockery of the poor.   But others say father and daughter were just jiving, but admitted: “They didn’t need to make it a social media event.”

D.J. Cuppy, can, on her own, pay her fees. And school fees is absolutely nothing to Mr Otedola who, publicly, splashes billions of Naira on her children.

In 2020 in Abuja, he shook Nigeria when he contributed a whopping sum of five billion Naira, to this same daughter’s Foundation.

Months later, Otedola took his three daughters shopping abroad and, in an unbelievable, apparently, unplanned moment, bought for each of them, the latest Ferrari. Cost price: N100m, each.

The photograph of his daughters, each, standing by her own Ferrari, was a social media sensation for days.

DJ Cuppy will resume school at Oxford on October 21, 2021.

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