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Unity Bank: Health Stakeholders Welcome UnityCares |The Source

By
Bayo Bernard
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By Tosin Olatokunbo

Unity Bank Plc has unveiled UnityCare to support major stakeholders in the nation’s health sector as part of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN credit support intervention fund.

In a statement, the Tomi Somefun-led bank said it will provide soft loans through UnityCare in the areas of development, manufacturing, distribution and consumption of health care products in the country.

Unity Bank is “Leveraging on the Central Bank of Nigeria’s credit support intervention for the health sector, UnityCares hopes to empower as many enterprises as meet the requirements for the facility,” adding that the target beneficiaries of the credit scheme include health care product manufacturers of pharmaceutical drugs and medical equipment, healthcare service providers/medical facilities such as hospitals/clinics.

Others are diagnostic centres/laboratories, fitness and wellness centres, rehabilitation centres, dialysis centres and blood bank operators.

They also “include the pharmaceutical/medical products distribution and
logistics services and other human healthcare service providers as may
be determined by the CBN from time to time,” the statement said.

Both account holders and non account owners can benefit from the product, the bank said.

According to the bank “To benefit from the UnityCares facility, a healthcare organisation may not need an account with Unity Bank to benefit from the on-lending scheme.”

Olufunwa Akinmade, Divisional Head, Retail, SME & E-business while commenting on the product said UnityCare presents an opportunity for health care manufacturers to expand capacity in light of the COVID 19 pandemic.

We “encourage operators in the health sector to take advantage of this affordable facility to expand their capacity while playing their part in curbing medical tourism and conserving the desperately needed foreign exchange,” he said.

Meanwhile, stakeholders in the health sector have welcome UnityCare which they insist is a good way by the bank to inject capital into the sector after the hit on businesses as a result of COVID 19.

Why I Descended On IPOB – Wike |The Source

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The Source
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Nyesom Wike

By Charles Igbo

Nyesom Wike, Rivers State Governor, Monday night, explained why he descended on the Indigenous People Of Biafra, IPOB.

Wike had, in the wake of the #ENDSARS protest by thousands of youths nationwide, proscribed all the activities of the group, which had, a couple of years ago, been proscribed by the Federal Government, with the alleged support of South-East Governors.

A number of people were surprised over the, now, sour relationship between Wike and IPOB, as it had been variously alleged that Wike was an IPOB sympathiser.

Trouble started between the two when, in the wake of the #EndSARS protest, scores of youths killed four soldiers, two policemen, and burnt down Police Stations and Courts in Oyingbo.

Both the Governor and the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Gobin Mukan, identified the youths as IPOB members. The youths, allegedly, acted on the instructions of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who had in a video message, allegedly, asked his boys to burn and kill.

But Kanu had, in subsequent pronouncements and releases, said the message he sent out was corrupted. He said he had, on the contrary, asked that Oyingbo be protected from any incidents arising from the #EndSARS  protest.

But the battle line had been drawn by Wike who was shocked by the level of destruction, arson, and the killing of soldiers and policemen.

He subsequently proscribed all activities of IPOB in the state, citing the FG’s earlier proscription.

Since the killings, and arson, and Wike’s stand on the group, soldiers have moved in and are, allegedly, on an arrest and killing  spree. This has pitched Wike against a number of people who are now accusing him of ordering soldiers to indiscriminately label all youths in Oyingbo  IPOB members.

But it turns out that Wike has  been having problems with the group before the instant incident.

In the broadcast to the State Monday evening where he denied ever ordering soldiers to kill the Igbo, Wike said IPOB could over-run the State, if not checked. He accused the group of invading Oyingbo all the time from nearby Abia State, on a mission to over-run the state.

Evidence?

Wike said IPOB attempted to rename a Local Government in the State. He also accused them of hoisting their flag in a public  school in Komkom Community. This magazine gathered that the group attempted to rename Oyingbo LGA to Obigbo LGA.

Obviously, the soldiers were deployed  to Oyingbo mainly because of their murdered colleagues, a deployment outside Wike’s authority.

But the Governor is, also, being accused of punishing the people since two weeks ago,now, by deliberately imposing a 24-hour curfew on the LGA.  Since then, they allege, nobody has been allowed to leave or enter the LGA, meaning they cannot go out to buy foodstuff or attend to other businesses. They are asking for the relaxation of the curfew.

For now, Wike is said to have become worried over the alleged activities of the soldiers, which was why he quickly distanced himself from them.

Sadly, the Governor does not   have the power to ask the soldiers to withdraw, just as he has no powers to deploy them to Oyingbo. He can only appeal.

Ogene, Others Float 365Daily Newspaper |The Source

By
Bayo Bernard
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By Fola James

The flourishing and vibrant Nigeria media space has welcomed a new platform, 365Daily, an online newspaper.

Operating as 365daily.com.ng, the new publication hit the cyber sphere today, November 4, 2020 with its unique motto: news uncensored!

A statement by the Publisher and Editor-in -Chief, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, said the newspaper is seeking to be the most influential, informative and reliable online newspaper, by preserving, serving and seeking for the unity, peace and development of Nigeria.

Ogene, a former editor of The Source, a national newsmagazine and former member  of the House of Representatives, said:” 365Daily is coming at a very tenuous time when our country is not only deeply fragmented, polarised and tethering on the precipice, but also gravely challenged by leadership deficit.

“Given the role of news management in redirecting societies towards order and progress, 365Daily’s grand entry is, therefore, intended to help chart a new course for Nigeria, by sticking to the grand principles of Truth, Fairness and Equity in our handling of news and analysis.”

Ogene stated that against the background of  multiplicity of online publications, the distinguishing feature of 365Daily is it’s decision not to jump on the bandwagon of those who jostle to break falsehoods. “We’d rather tarry on the side of caution, than rush to dish out untruth or unsubstantiated news,” he said.

Other founding members include Honourables Chizor Obidigwe and Debo Ologunagba, former members, House of Representatives, Justus Nwakanma, former Editor, Daily Champion and Edward Dibiana, a renowned development journalist and former Editor-in-Chief, Servant Leader News, a publication of the presidency during the late Umaru Yar’Adua administration.

Adesuwa Osunde Tsan, an authority on legislative reporting and former Editor of OrderPaper.ng, leads the news crew as the Editor of 365Daily.

Oyigbo Killings: Gov. Wike Exonerates Self, Says He Never Ordered Soldiers To Kill The Igbo |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has distanced himself from the killings of people of Igbo extraction in Oyigbo Local Government Area of the State.

The Governor further described the allegation that he ordered the Nigerian Army to kill the Igbo in Oyigbo Local Government Area, as a politically motivated falsehood.

He maintained that curfew was imposed in Oyigbo to restore calm after members of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples Organisations of Biafra (IPOB) killed 6 soldiers, 4 policemen and destroyed all police stations and Court buildings there, the magazine gathered.

Governor Wike gave the explanation on a live television programme in Port Harcourt Monday night.

He said the concocted narratives that Igbo were being killed by the military is intended to shift attention from the despicable activities of IPOB in Oyigbo, which is a boundary area adjoining Abia State.

“I know that this is not the first time IPOB has used Oyigbo as launching ground. The security agencies are aware. IPOB added a new dimension this time. They killed 6 Army Officers and burnt one. They killed four Police Officers. They destroyed all the Police Stations and Court Buildings. What offence did we commit as a state?

“I imposed curfew to restore calm. I proscribed IPOB activities anywhere in the state. Don’t forget that the Federal Government had declared them a terrorist group. It is not the entire Igbo that believe in IPOB activities.

“So, it’s not true that I ordered the military to kill the Igbo in Oyigbo. When did I become a friend to the military? So what about the Igbo living elsewhere in the state? Are they also being killed?”

He further said: “I have no relationship with the Army or the Police, I do not command them. They change Commissioner of Police every time. How will I begin to direct the Army that I do not give instruction”?

The Governor bemoaned IPOB’s effrontery to rename a local government in the State and hoist its flag in a public school in Komkom Town.

The Governor stressed that he will not fold his arms and watch criminals destroy the state.

“If those few criminals are Igbo, then, they should know that I will not allow them. They made attempt to rename a local government in my state. That alone is a signal. I will not agree to that. I know who is doing all these; who has told them to rise, protest against Wike.”

The Governor stated that the State government has no regret against its stance on IPOB, already designated as a terrorist organisation by the Federal Government. According to him, even the South-East Governors have never supported IPOB and wondered why a Governor from the Niger Delta should tolerate the group.

He revealed that security agencies during their search of some residents in Oyigbo, saw shrines with IPOB flags and Nnamdi Kanu’s picture. He maintained that if IPOB is allowed to operate from Oyigbo, they will soon overrun the State.

The Governor said the government has commenced moves to replace all the property destroyed by the group during the protest, regretting that the damage have left huge financial burden on the state. In addition, he said the State has decided to compensate each family of the killed security personnel with 20 million Naira to cater  for the welfare of the bereaved widows and their children.

He further said that the #EndSARS protest and its aftermath would have been averted if the Federal Government had not dismissed the alarm he earlier raised on the activities of SARS to mere politics.

“These loses of the aftermath of the protest are unfortunate. Recall that we started the cry against operations of SARS. We asked for reform. But they politicised the issue because they use it to kill and intimidate us.

“Here, the Minister always used SARS to cause mayhem under the leadership of Akin Fakorede. We suffered a great deal. At a time, the entire National Assembly Election was cancelled. But we put faith in God who owns the state. We triumphed eventually”, he said.

Wike had come under heavy attack for the killings in Oyigbo, allegedly, by soldiers.

Football Legend, Maradona Critically Ill, Hospitalized |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Diego  Maradona

By Akinwale Kasali

Argentine and World Football Legend, Diego  Maradona, is said to be critically ill, and was rushed to a hospital in La Plata, Buenos Aires, the Argentine Capital.

The 60-Year Old 1986 FIFA World Cup Winner, has been admitted at the Ipensa Hospital in La Plata, about an hour from Buenos Aires.

Maradona, who is widely considered to be one of the greatest players of all time, is the Coach of the local club, Gimnasia y Esgrima.

He was admitted to hospital to undergo tests as he had been feeling poorly for some time and would be held under observation for “several days.”

The Ole.com.ar sports web site, one of Argentina’s biggest, said it was not an emergency and was not related to COVID-19 as he had tested negative in recent days.

Maradona last appeared in public on his 60th birthday last Friday before his side’s league match against Patronato.

He was gifted a plaque and a cake to celebrate the occasion but he did not stay to watch the game and witnesses said he looked unwell and weak.

The former Napoli, FC Barcelona and Boca Juniors player has suffered frequent periods in hospital over the years, often due to the extravagant lifestyle which accompanied and followed his playing career.

The former Napoli striker was also admitted to hospital in January 2019 with internal bleeding in the stomach.

He also fell ill at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where he was filmed passing out in an executive box during the Argentina versus Nigeria game.

Maradona was taken into hospital in 2004 with severe heart and respiratory problems linked to cocaine use.

He later underwent drug rehabilitation in Cuba and Argentina before a stomach-stapling operation in 2005 helped him lose weight.

In 2007 he checked himself into a clinic in Buenos Aires to help him overcome alcohol abuse problems.

Why Tinubu’s Ally, Fowler, Is In EFCC Net |The Source

By
The Source
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By Charles Igbo

This certainly is not the best of times for the Asiwaju of Lagos, and the Jagaban of Borgu, Bola Tinubu.

Fresh from the controversy surrounding the alleged shooting at the Lekki Toll Gate during the #ENDSARS protest by youths, and his alleged role in it, Tinubu has, now, to endure the calling-in of his close ally, Babatunde Fowler  by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Fowler was a former boss of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, allegedly, on the recommendation and backing of Tinubu. Before that, he was a former boss of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, LIRS.

Two reasons have been adduced as to why an invitation was extended to him by the Lagos office of the EFCC.

The first, reports say, has to do with an alleged Five Billion Naira fraud at the FIRS while he was the boss.

According to reports, while he was there, about nine senior staff members of the FIRS were arrested and detained by the EFCC. He was not one of them.

The second reason has to do with the allegation by a former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Alpha Beta Consulting, Dapo Abara. Abara had accused the firm of money laundering and tax evasion to the tune of N100b.

Tinubu, as confirmed by Abara, has a huge interest in Alpha Beta, and allegedly was, and still is,  the main benefactor. But the management of Alpha Beta vehemently denies the allegations, and instead alleges that it was Abara who defrauded the Firm to the tune of five billion Naira.

Alpha Beta collects all the Internal Revenue in Lagos.

Part of Abara’s  petition, signed by his lawyer, Adetunje Adegboyega, reads: “Over the years, the company has been protected and shielded by some powerful politicians and people in the society which made them to always boast of being untouchable, but our client, feeling the need not to keep quiet again, and strengthened by President Muhammadu is keen on fighting corruption, which has been the bane of our country, is of the firm belief that it’s time to expose and open the can of worms called Alpha Beta Consulting.”

However, at the time of writing this, Fowler was still with the EFCC. Wilson Uwajaren confirmed Fowler was still with them.

Not a few people think that a dig at Fowler as it concerns Alpha Beta Consulting, is an indirect dig at Tinubu.

Protest: Amuwo Odofin Begins Recall Of Hon. Alli-Macaulay From State Assembly |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Mojisola Alli-Macaulay2

By Akinwale Kasali

Hon. Mojisola Alli-Macaulay representing Amuwo Odofin 1 Constituency in the Lagos House of Assembly is in big trouble.

The crisis could see her exit from the State Assembly. Her Constituents have commenced her legal recall from the Assembly.

The Constituents, under the aegis of Amuwo Odofin Stakeholders Consultative Forum, AOSCF, released a statement in which they accused Hon. Alli Macaulay of unguarded comments against the youths, and misrepresentation of the constituency.

It would be recalled that last week, Alli Macaulay came under fire and criticism for saying that Nigerian youths are always on hard drugs which is why they are vocal on social media.

Thereafter, she was accused of diverting COVID-19 palliatives and presenting same as her birthday souvenir, further impoverishing her Constituents.

The statement released by her constituents highlighted a total of six reasons why they are initiating the recall process.

In a petition written against her leading to the legal process of her Recall from the State Assembly, the Constituents said they are being misrepresented by her, and have lost the confidence reposed on her.

They want her out of the Assembly.

Jonathan To Political Class: Let’s Unite And Advance Interest Of The People |The Source

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The Source
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Former President Goodluck Jonathan
Former President Goodluck Jonathan

Former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has urged the political class in Bayelsa to imbibe Christian virtues of love, tolerance, and unity to build a united and prosperous State.

Dr. Jonathan who spoke at the 9th Bayelsa State Thanksgiving Day of Bayelsa State in Yenagoa on Monday, November 2, 2020, noted that politicians in the state should emulate those in the body of Christ who despite having different denominations and doctrines still unite to advance the Christian faith.

His words: “The political class should learn from the body of Christ. That is my only message today. There are so many denominations but all of them believe in one God, through Christ and that brings them together always.”

Jonathan who reminded politicians in the state that their primary interest in being in politics is to serve the people and advance their welfare also called on them to see themselves as friends and work together to develop Bayelsa.

“In Bayelsa State, the political class should understand that why we are in politics is to advance the course of the people. No matter our political parties and interests, we must see ourselves as friends and unite to develop our state.

“After the elections what follows is governance.  We should support those who by providence have emerged victorious in the last elections.

“We must not continue in enmity. Irrespective of our political parties, we must work together and love ourselves. There are places where husband and wife belong to different political parties, siblings belong to different political parties but the common interest of the family is retained.

“Let us retain the common interest of Bayelsa, irrespective of our political persuasions. If we continue to work together and put the interest of the state ahead of every other thing, then surely Bayelsa will develop.”

Cross Rivers: Former Gov’nor, Monarch Move Against Ayade |The Source

By
Bayo Bernard
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Professor Ben Ayade

By Tosin Olatokunbo

Prominent politicians in Cross Rivers state including the Obong of Calabar Edidem Ekpo Otu are obviously not happy with the state governor, Professor Ben Ayade’s style of leadership and have blamed him for the wanton destruction of private and public property during the last EndSARS protest.

Properties destroyed by hoodlums and protesters angry over police brutality include those of former Governor Liyel Imoke and Ndoma Egba, a former Senate Leader and All Progressives Congress, APC chieftain in the state.

The two politicians as well as the foremost traditional ruler are believe to be very angry with the state governor particularly the manner he handled the protest, apart from accusation of politics of exclusion by the governor.

Imoke helped Ayade become governor and has been known to be his ardent backer since he left office five years ago.

The monarch has therefore demanded that the Ayade steps down from office as the governor of the state.

The Obong made the demand while former Governor Imoke whose wife lost a supermarket during the EndSARS protesters, paid him a courtesy visit.

He reportedly said the governor needs to step aside to enable an interim administration come up so that he can learn governance.

He accused the governor of not carrying leaders in the state along since he came into office, blaming his failure to hold regular security meetings with security agencies in the state for the wanton destruction, looting and arson that took place two weeks ago during the protest.

According to the Obong “This thing would not have happened if he had called the security people together after hearing what happened in Lagos and other places; If he had called them together and tell them, look my friends; nothing should happen in my state,” he said.

“The Governor should be able to open his door for people to come in, and should work with everybody. We have to face it; we don’t need to play around with it; we cannot continue this way. You tell him that there is a need for total reconciliation; a total rehabilitation of whatever he has been doing.

Governor Ayade is running a one man show because he has failed to realize that “Everybody matters in this state. He should be able to talk to people. He wouldn’t call you and even when you call him, he doesn’t answer the call. Nobody talks to him,” the traditional ruler said obviously in anger

Former Governor Imoke while speaking said all hands must be on deck for a peaceful resolution of problems facing the state.

“We need your guidance as we go about looking for solutions to the challenge of young people who are unemployed and have grievances; young people who think they don’t have the opportunities others have had,” Imoke said.

Tinubu’s Man, Fowler Lands In EFCC Net |The Source

By
Bayo Bernard
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0

By Fola James

Former Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS Babatunde Fowler has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Fowler a close associate of APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was fired last year by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Sources in the commission  told the magazine that he was arrested in connection with a petition filed against the APC leader and Alpha Beta Consulting by a former managing director of the company,  Oladapo Apara, who has accused the politician of fraud.

Tinubu was also accused of diverting funds belonging to the firm to companies owned by him.

The spokesperson of the anti graft, Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed Fowler’s arrest.

The tax firm consults for the Lagos state government and its operation has been controversial.
More details to come……….

 

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