Another Appointee Quits Akeredolu’s Government |The Source

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September 23, 2020

By Ayodele Oni, Akure

A commissioner at the Ondo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission, (OSOPADEC) has resigned his appointment with the state government.

The appointee, Ilawoye Adeleke Adebisi, tendered his resignation letter on Wednesday and joined the Zenith Labour Party, (ZLP).

Ilawoye will be the second person to resign within a week to team up with the Governorship candidate of ZLP, Mr Agboola Ajayi, who is also the deputy governor of the state.

Those leaving the administration of Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the flag bearer of All Progressives Congress, (APC) in the October 10 polls, are mainly from the Southern senatorial district of the state, where the deputy governor hails from.

In another development, the Campaign Secretariat of the ZLP candidate has been attacked by thugs.

The attack was said to have been carried out on Tuesday night after the workers had closed for the day.

A statement by the Chief press secretary to the deputy governor, Babatope Okeowo, explained that the security personnel attached to the Secretariat, Mr Gbenga Olayoriju, claimed that the thugs, who were five in number, came in an APC branded vehicle, attacked the Secretariat, destroying the billboard and other valuables within the premises.

Adeyoriju said the suspected thugs who came in the night shot sporadically into the air to scare anybody who dared to challenge them.

According to him, they used the butt of their guns to destroy the billboard in front of the campaign office and threatened to kill him and his colleague if they attempt to stop them from carrying out their actions.

The Director General of the Campaign of Agbo/Gboye Campaign Organization, Dr Kola Ademujimi, who confirmed the incident stated that attacks on campaign offices of the candidate have become worrisome in recent time.

Ademujimi said “Akeredolu ‘s thugs are threatening the lives and properties of members of ZLP and those of other parties in various parts of the state.

The Ondo Governorship election is slated for October 10.

Corruption: Desperate FG Takes Over NNPC, NIMASA, NPA Others |The Source

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Bayo Bernard

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September 23, 2020

0

Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed,minister of finance

By Tosin Olatokunbo

The federal government has taken the first bold step in decades to mop up revenue accruing from various government agencies after the backlash of COVID 19 which has reduced income by over 60 per cent since March this year when the novel pandemic broke out.

The minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed disclosed on Tuesday in Abuja that the government is now ready to block leakages and reduce corruption among funds generating agencies.

In the new regime, the minister said Revenue Directors will be sent to key agencies such as NPA, NNPC, NIMASA, the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS to oversee government revenue.

Others are the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN and Nigeria Shippers’ Council, NSC.

Keen analysts told the magazine that the government has decided to burst the cartels diverting what’s supposed to be paid into government purse, into private pockets.

All the agencies have not been spared from the accusation of under-remittance as pressure continue to mount on the federal government to probe allegations of corruption in key revenue agencies such as the NNPC and FIRS.

Minister Ahmed said the initiative was in compliance with a presidential approval conveyed via a circular reference SGF.50/S.3/C.9/24 of 16 October 2018, on the approved Revenue Performance Management Framework for Government-Owned Enterprises, FGOEs.

She explained the need to plug revenue leakages in view of challenges facing the government in terms of generating funds.

According to the minister “Government is increasingly concerned with the dwindling profile of revenue and this trend has to be quickly arrested particularly with key revenue generating agencies of the government.

“Analysis of budgets of some of the FGOEs show that they have the capacities if properly managed, to significantly improve the revenue base of the federal government.”

She explained the role of revenue Directors and directed the FGOEs to cooperate with them.

She said “The discharge of these duties will be aided with the deployment of information technology. The Integrated Revenue Monitoring System is being put in place to help the monitoring of the revenues of the FGOEs online real-time and to ensure its improved transparency and accountability,” she said.

“It is my considered opinion that the presence of directors of revenue at the FGOEs will ensure strict adherence to extant rules and regulations in the areas of compliance to the approved budget and due process mechanism in procurement and payments.

“The directors of revenue, in the course of the discharge of their functions shall be involved in the revenue operations of the FGOEs, have a better understanding of business processes and operations of the FGOEs and cause improved transparency and accountability in revenue reporting by the FGOEs.

“In addition, they are expected to seek opportunities and avenues for revenue improvements, which are the ultimate aim of the government,” she said. Also, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustafa who was represented at the event, said only through professional treasury officers that the government would get a better understanding of the business processes and operations of its revenue-generating agencies. According to him, “Government has noted that a number of GOEs remit less operating surpluses to the Consolidated Revenue Fund than is required by law and/or financial regulations.

“All the GOEs concerned should cooperate with the treasury officers posted to them so as to achieve this noble objective of the government. They are to be regarded as partners in progress that they are and be allowed unfettered access to relevant information and records.”

Meanwhile, watchers of events informed the magazine that the initiative is a good one but warned the government not to expect significant revenue performance immediately, as the new revenue administrators will soon blend into the corrupt system

The latest move, they insist will also affect the independence enjoyed by some of these agencies.

Edo: IPOB Leader Says The Fear Of US, UK Led To Free, Fair Election |The Source

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Akinwale Kasali

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September 23, 2020

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By Akinwale Kasali

Nnamdi Kanu, Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, is mocking the Nigerian Political elite. He said it was a big shame that it took the action taken by the US, and the threat from the UK, to allow a free and fair election in Edo State.

The US had, a couple of days to the election, banned a number of them from the issuance of Visa, over the role they played in the 2019 Governorship election in Kogi and Bayelsa states, as well as the role they so far played in the just concluded Edo election, and the upcoming Ondo election. In the case of the UK, it threatened Visa ban, seizure of assets and international prosecution.

The election, projected to be violent, surprisingly was relatively peaceful, with little or no rigging.

While many people attribute both the peaceful nature and outcome of the exercise to President Muhammadu Buhari and Security Agencies, Kanu attributed the success and transparency to the visa ban imposed as penalty for election riggers.

Kanu, in a statement by his Media Aide, Emma Powerful said: “Here is Mary Beth Leonard, the courageous US Ambassador to Nigeria that delivered the first truly free and fair elections in the history of Nigeria in Edo State, something the EU and UK have failed to do for over 60 years.

“This amazing woman imposed ordinary visa ban on perennial election riggers and they quickly behaved themselves. Add a bit of Nyesom Wike and the tenacity of Igodomigodo and you have the perfect result.”

Kanu added that the fear of the Visa ban was the beginning of wisdom for Nigerian politician and Election riggers, stressing that ban crippled them and foiled their plans.

An aspirant for Anambra governorship election in 2021 on the platform of the PDP, Chief Emeka Etiaba (SAN), urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to replicate its performance in other forthcoming elections.

Etiaba hailed the electoral body and security agencies for the successful and peaceful conduct of the election, which he said would boost the morale and confidence of the electorate to participate in future elections.

He expressed the need for both the INEC and the security agencies to ensure that nothing scuttles the forthcoming elections including Ondo and Anambra States.

Ondo Police: Detention Gates, Open; Warns Political Thugs, Sponsors |The Source

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Ayodele Oni

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September 23, 2020

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By Ayodele Oni, Akure

Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Salami Bolaji, says gates of detention camps have been opened for those planning to formant trouble as the October 10 Governorship election draws nearer.

According to him, the command will not hesitate to unleash the dragon of law on anybody, group or political party discovered to be behind any political violence or destruction of property in the State.

CP Salami, during a meeting with party leaders and their supporters in Akure, pointed out that having observed some buckets of problems springing up in some parts of the state during political campaigns, he had on two occasions warned party leaders to advise their followers on the need to eschew violence, yet it seems all fell on deaf ears.

“If anyone thinks he could add violence to the beauty of politics in Ondo State, such a joker would regret his involvement in politics,” he added.

CP Bolaji said by holding a third meeting with party chieftains in the State, the die is cast as the Command will now send anyone sponsoring or inducing anybody into carrying out acts of violence in the name of politics, to the correctional service detention camp at Olokuta.

The police boss stated further that “those thinking that violence will mar the success of the state governorship election on October 10, 2020, should know that the security of the election will be well pronounced, proactive and decisive that it will be easier for a Carmel’s head to pass through the eye of a needle than for any citizen of Ondo State to experience any act of thuggery or political violence before, during and after the election.”

He, therefore, advised political party leaders to discourage party youth wings from any act of violence, but embrace decent campaigns in other to win votes for the success of their party at the polls.

The Ondo Governorship polls will hold on October 10. All eyes will be on three political parties – APC, PDP, ZLP.

CBN Takes A Gamble On Lending Rates Amidst Recession |The Source

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Bayo Bernard

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September 23, 2020

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By Fola James

The reduction in lending rates also known as Monetary Policy Rate, MPR to 11. 5 percent from 12.5 per cent is to stabilize the economy after the shocks of COVID 19, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele has said.

The apex bank disclosed this on Tuesday after its monthly MPC meeting held in Abuja, the nation’s capital, a move considered by many another way of injecting funds into the circulation.

“The decision will complement the CBN’s decision to support economic recovery and reduce the negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic.

“Also, the liquidity injections are expected to stimulate credit expansion to the critically impacted sectors of the economy output growth and economic recovery,’’ Emefiele said, adding that majority MPC members believe that more capital must be injected into the economy ahead of looming recession.

Analysts insist that the decision is a serious gamble amid steady rise in inflation, that more money in circulation could increase consumption rather than production.

The MPR has been reduced twice this year, the first one being in May when the apex bank adjusted it backward from 14 per cent to 13. 5 per cent.

The belief in the sector is that the CBN is trying to save the economy from going into serious recession by introducing various stimulus packages, including credit expansion targeted at the productive sector.

The CBN had unveiled various stimulus packages, such as concessionary rates, loan restructuring, and targeted loans at critical sectors of the economy such as agriculture, manufacturing and health sectors to reset the economy after the devastating effects of COVID 19.

Emefiele justifies the cut: “After the consideration of the three policy options, members were of the opinion that the option to loose will complement the Bank’s commitment to sustain the trajectory of the economic recovery and reduce the negative impact of COVID-19.

“In addition, the liquidity injections are expected to stimulate credit expansion to the critically impacted sectors of the economy and offer impetus for output growth and economic recovery.”

He said the reduction will encourage the deposit money banks to expand their credit nets

“Accordingly, the implication is that traditional monetary policy instruments are not helpful in addressing the type of inflationary pressure we are currently confronted with.

“What is useful is the kind of supply side measures currently being implemented. MPC also expects that a downward adjustment in MPR may be necessary to further put pressure on our deposit money banks to lower cost of credit in aid of growth.”

He explained that the only way to counter the impacts of the sliding crude oil prices on the economy is to stimulate local production, while also making sure that inflation is put under control.

According to him “The persisting volatility in global oil prices which is likely to continue beyond the end of 2020, as indicated by the deliveries in the oil futures market, signposts the likelihood of a disorderly global recovery

“This will involve targeted investment by the fiscal authorities to resuscitate critical infrastructure to improve the ease of doing business across the country.

“In addition, the MPC believes the fiscal authorities can build on earlier efforts and articulate a clear strategy to attract private sector investment. The Bank will, however, continue to take relevant steps to ensure that the detrimental risk of inflation to the economy is contained.”

Meanwhile, the MPC still retains the cash reserve requirement, CRR at 27.5 per cent and liquidity ratio at 30 per cent.

Gov. Donates N20m, House, To Army Officer’s Widow |The Source

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Adesina Soyooye

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September 23, 2020

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By Adesina Soyooye

The Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum, on Tuesday, donated the sum of N20 million and a house to the widow of Col DC Bako.

Bako, the Commander of the 25 Task Force Brigade of Operation Lafiya Dole, was killed in an ambush laid for him and his troop, along the Damboa-Sabongari axis of the state, by the Boko Haram insurgents.

He died on Monday, after he was hit on Sunday while he led his troops to an operation.

At his funeral on Tuesday in Maidugiri, Zulum, mourning the fallen officer said: “The death of our heroes, sad as it is, only reinforces our confidence in the strong will exhibited by our gallant troops and volunteers that defending our country comes ahead of everything. The people of Borno will forever be grateful to the late Bako and everyone like him.”

Reports said, at least, six soldiers died along with Bako, but there has been no confirmation by the Military.

Col. Bako joins a long list of Military officers and soldiers who fell victims to the long running Boko Haram insurgency.

We Worked Closely With INEC – Bishop Kukah |The Source

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The Source

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September 22, 2020

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By Charles Igbo

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, His Lordship, Bishop Matthew Kukah, has disclosed that the National Peace Committee, worked closely with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in the September 19 Governorship Election.

Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, is the Chairman of the Committee. Kukah is a member.

Most people had resigned to fate that the election was going to be violent. But the peace moves of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, and the Peace Committee seemed to have done the magic.

And even though there were little skirmishes here and there, the Election has been generally adjudged peaceful.

Speaking on a Channels Television programme Tuesday, Bishop Kukah commended the people of Edo State for their conduct during the Saturday election.

The people have left a legacy of efficiency which the entire country should emulate, he said.

Kukah: “The way they conducted themselves and I think in every sense of the word, they left us a legacy of efficiency.”

The Bishop commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, Security Agencies and Civil Society groups for their roles in the election.

“We worked very closely with INEC and I must commend the INEC Chairman for his incredible leadership, zeal and enthusiasm.

“The Inspector-General of Police kept to his word on the promises he made to the people of Edo State and to the peace committee.

“Our commendation also goes to the people of Edo State. I have received quite a lot of messages from old friends that I haven’t spoken to in a long time, commending the work of the National Peace Committee but really this is not an honour that one individual should take.

“It is the people of Edo State, the way they conducted themselves,” he said.

Speaking generally about the political atmosphere in other parts of the country, he lamented that Nigeria is currently not practicing a democracy.

“What we are practicing in Nigeria, it’s just theoretically we answer the name democracy but in reality, what we are dealing with is a feudal system that is tied to agencies and ideologies that have got nothing to do with a democracy.

“When last did you see a politician across Europe which we are trying to imitate go and bow to the queen or king or seek blessings from a bishop. We have too many intervening variables that are confusing the narrative.

“We are really not practicing the principles of democracy and it lies in the fact that only those who have money can hope to be voted into power.

“If you feel you need to be anointed to ascend to power then we are running a theocracy”.

Edo: Money-man, Idahosa Okunbo, Bows, Congratulates Obaseki |The Source

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Adesina Soyooye

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September 22, 2020

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By Adesina Soyooye

Not a few people were surprised, Tuesday, to read Edo State money-man, Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo, congratulating PDP’s Governor Godwin Obaseki, on his victory in the September 19 Governorship Election over APC’s Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

More than any other Edo money-man, Okunbo fought Obaseki with all his strength, might and money.

Ize-Iyamu was his prefered candidate. And, the Okunbo threw all he had, in the ring, to fight Obaseki on his behalf.

Money. Pen. Judiciary. Interviews. Wide network.

He said he was prepared to see to the defeat of Obaseki by spending his last kobo. He did. But he failed on both fronts. He still has loads of money. And Obaseki was not defeated.

He so fought for the defeat of Obaseki that it became, almost, obscene and suffocating.

He granted long, damning, interviews a couple of times, published in influential Newspapers – the most recent, a couple of days to the election day.

He put out, and paid for, several pages of damning newspaper adverts, telling his sad story with Obaseki.

He also went to court.

To him, he fought a good fight. But, on September 19, the good fight came to nought.

Obaseki roundly defeated Ize-Iyamu. And Okunbo became one of the biggest losers.

But he is not a bitter loser.

On Tuesday, he, as usual, bought pages in newspapers to admit that: “The people have spoken in no uncertain terms.”

Also, admitting the role he played in the weeks leading to the hard-fought election, he wrote in the statement he issued: “It is incumbent upon me as a protagonist for the candidate of the APC, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, to now issue a statement in my personal capacity as a private citizen as I did at various times during the campaign.”

After showering praises on Edo people for their sense of responsibility in trooping out to perform their civic duties, he congratulated Obaseki for his victory.

Okunbo: “I also wish to congratulate His Excellency, the incumbent Governor, Godwin Obaseki, for winning the mandate to continue for another four years. Congratulations.”

He enjoined all Edo indigenes “at home and abroad to join hands with the Governor to build a vibrant democracy, and also to build a vibrant economy where the youths can find gainful employment in an atmosphere of peace and security.”

Okunbo, a son of Edo State, is an industrialist and philanthropist. He was, initially, an Obaseki supporter before they fell out.

Gbenga Odubote Resumes As Sunshine Stars, Akure Technical Adviser |The Source

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The Source

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September 22, 2020

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By Ayodele Oni, Akure

Coach Gbenga Ogunbote, was, on Tuesday, unveiled as the new Technical Adviser by the management of Sunshine Stars FC of Akure and Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA)

This is coming ahead of the new Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.

Chairman of ODSFA, Tajudeen Akinyemi said the choice of Ogunbote was arrived at due to his vast experience from managing different clubs in the country.

Akinyemi said the new appointee is expected return the team to the continental glory, like he did during his first spell with the club.

Ogunbote had worked with Sunshine Stars as assistant coach to late Solomon Ogbeide before assuming as Head Coach from 2011 to 2012 seasons.

“We have been trying to get him some seasons ago, even before I was appointed, but lucky for us, we have him here now,” he said.

Ogunbote, while reacting to his appointment, said he would need all the necessary support like he got during his first spell to ensure that he succeeds.

“When we were here during my first spell, Sunshine Stars were ranked third best in Africa, but reverse is the case now. We can make it work back. All hands must be on deck, we can’t do it alone.

“The management must make funds available at all time, it is the duty of coaches to ensure that they encourage the management to do more. For it to end in praise, we must do our bit.

“The first time I came, it would not have been a beautiful one if not for the support I was given. God has used me to give six continental tickets across various clubs in the last eight years.

“The question we must ask is what we had done then that is not being done now, we must review all. The secret to failure is to want to please everybody. It is not just stepping on toes at times, you cut some to be successful,” he said.

Also, the Chairman of the State Football Association, Otunba Dele Ajayi urged the team management and Technical Adviser to see the FA as partners in progress.

Ogunbote has now managed Enyimba Int’l FC, Rangers Int’l FC, Shooting Stars, Kwara United, Gateway United, Giwa FC, and Sharks FC.

Obaseki Backs Down, Extends Hand Of Fellowship To Oshiomole, Ize-Iyamu |The Source

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The Source

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September 22, 2020

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By Ayodele Oni

Striking a conciliatory note, quite unlike how he sounded on Monday, re-elected Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki on Tuesday, extended a hand of fellowship to his estranged political god-father, Adams Oshiomhole and the man he defeated on September 19 at the Governorship polls, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

While on a victory parade in Benin to express appreciation to Edo people for making his re-election possible, he told them that he had caged “lions and tigers” in the zoo.

But receiving his Certificate of Return on Tuesday from the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), along with Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu who also received his, Obaseki asked them to join hands with him for the progress of the state because “we are one family.”

Governor Obaseki had roundly defeated his closest rival Ize-Iyamu at the election.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Governor Obaseki urged Oshiomhole and Ize-Iyamu to put their differences with him aside, and join in building the house which foundation they laid together.

INEC National Commissioner in charge of Edo, Rivers, and Bayelsa, Mrs May Agbmuche-Mbu, made the presentation at the INEC office in Aduwawa, Benin City, the Edo State capital.

According to the results announced by the INEC’s Returning Officer, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, Obaseki polled 307,955 votes to defeat his closest rival, Ize-Iyamu, who got 223,619 votes.

Obaseki in his speech, declared that “to our friends and our brothers on the other side of the divide, we are one family in the pursuit to provide services and public good for our citizens.

“Our citizens have decided that as for now, they trust us more to provide them leadership. It does not mean that they do not have a role to play. It does not mean that they are not part of a family.

“I’m using this opportunity to extend hand of fellowship to my brother, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and his other colleagues in the All Progressives Congress to join us and work with us so that we can move Edo forward.

“We have no malice, the only thing we disagreed on is in the approach in moving Edo forward.”

Whether both men would calm down or not is debatable. But it is instructive that the National Leadership of their party has accepted defeat, and congratulated the winner.

Earlier, President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Obaseki, and descibed the election as free and fair.