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Imo Denies Donating Land For Cattle Grazing |The Source

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The Source
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By Charles Igbo

The Imo State Government has described as fake, irresponsible and  mischievous, a statement making the rounds, purportedly signed by the Chief Press Secreatary/ Media Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodinma, Oguwike Nwachuku,  to the effect that it was donating hectares of land to the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, for the purpose of Cattle grazing.

The story, which Oguwike said emanated from criminals who want to destabilise the state was said to have been made by Uzodinma during a meeting in Abuja with the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele.

In a strongly-worded statement denying that he issued such a statement, Oguwike said he was not aware of any such promise to donate land to the CBN for the purposes of Cattle grazing made by the Governor.

Nwachuku drew the attention of the public to such other fake statements, wickedly, issued in his name, and asked the public to treat the recent one as the trash that it is.

The full statement, as signed by Nwachuku, titled: Another Attempt To Discredit  Uzodinma Over Grazing Reserves Fails reads:

“The attention of the Office of the Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has been drawn to a fake report suggesting that His Excellency met with the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, and purportedly told him that Imo would be donating land to the Federal Ministry of  Agriculture for purposes of grazing.

“The report credited to the Office of the Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Governor is not only false and fake, but mishievously done to discredit the Governor and Emefiele.

“No such meeting, to the knowledge of the Office of the Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Governor took place to warrant the statement that was mischievously and criminally done by the authors of the fake report.

“While the Governor works so hard under the ravaging Covid-19 pandemic to reposition Imo State to be productive, some politically exposed  irascible goons sit down somewhere to churn out  stuff that are obviously aimed at disorienting Imo  and putting the State under perpetual underdevelopment.

“Much as the reading public are already familiar with the mindset of the persons whose stock in trade is to manufacture fake and gutter news, the Governor can never be deterred from his vision of recovering, rehabilitating and recovering Imo from the clutches of those who want the State to remain in a state of pity while others are making steady progress. For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Uzodimma’s Shared Prosperity is real.

“Members of the public are, therefore, advised to ignore the piece as trash and to regard the authors as those who are not only mentally deranged but need to be pitied.

“They are better seen as never-do-wells, and are so blinded to see those who have committed their time, energy and other resources to help them do well.”

This is not the first time the Government would be denying such fake statements purportedly issued on its behalf by the Office of the Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser to the Governor.

They include, but not limited to the fake news on the renaming of the Imo State University to Malam Abba Kyari University, in honour of the late Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Malam  Abba Kyari, and the building of five Almajiri Schools, each, in the three Senatorial Zones of the State.

2023: Orji Kalu, Disagrees With Rotation, Says No Zoning In APC |The Source

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The Source
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By Gideon Njoku

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has told those clamouring for power rotation in 2023, that there is no room for that in the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

He said there is no insertion of a power rotation clause anywhere in the APC constitution, and that anybody from any part of the country could contest for the Presidency.

Speaking in Minna, Niger State, where he said he went to welcome former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar back from a medical trip abroad,  Kalu said those who think that power would automatically go to the South after President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year Presidency were in error.

Kalu:”Most people are not aware that there is no zoning of the Presidency in the constitution of the APC. Nigerians from every part can contact for the office of the President.”

Kalu’s views comes at a time the South, and especially, the South-east zone from where he comes from, insist that for justice and equity, the position of the  President, should go to the South after President Buhari’s tenure.

It also runs contrary to the position of the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr Chris Ngige, who stands on the position of power rotating to the South in 2023.

Ngige, a founding member of the APC, said that in 2014, power rotation was agreed upon in the APC. Even though it was not written in the constitution of the party, Ngige said it was well understood.

A number of people from Buhari’s North, including former Secretary to the Federal Government, Babachir Lawal, and Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, both close associates of the President, have spoken up on the need for power to rotate to the South in 2023 for justice and equity.

Orji Kalu, a two-time Governor of Abia State, is the Chief Whip of the Senate.

Uzodinma Inaugurates IMSU Council, Asks Members To Save University |The Source

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The Source
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By Charles Igbo

Governor Hope Uzodinma has appealed to the Governing Council of the Imo State University. The University has, in the past couple of years, suffered a run in its reputation. 

A Visitation Panel, set up by former Governor of the State, the Rt. Hon.  Emeka Ihedioha, but inherited by the incumbent Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, headed by a former  Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof Chinedu Nebo, submitted a damming report on the rot that has become the  University.   

One of the recommendations was for the Governor to quickly inaugurate the Governing Council of the University, which has been operating without any for years, so as to clean up the University. 

A couple of weeks ago, Uzodinma appointed members of the Council to the applause of many, considering the status of those appointed.  

Inaugurating the Governing Council on Monday, Uzodinma urged the members to save the institution from further decay.

At the inauguration ceremony on Monday at the Sam Mbakwe Exco Chambers, the governor said the choice of the members is an opportunity to infuse fresh air into the University “because it is in dire need to bounce back to reckoning.”

Those inaugurated are His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Lucius Ugorji  who is also the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Umuahia and the visiting Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Mbaise as Chairman and the Pro-Chancellor of the University. 

Other members of the Council include: Chief Leo Stan Ekeh, Chief Tony Ezenna, Prof. (Ven.) Chinedu Nebo, Sir. Louis Ezeigwe, Chief Engr. Ernest Nwapa, Dr. (Mrs.) Uwandu Uzoma, Ugoeze Victoria Adaku Ekezie, Prof. Adaobi Obasi (Vice Chancellor) and others.

The Governor said that the inauguration of the Governing Council is significant for both Imo State and the University and that “it is a golden opportunity to revive the Ivory Tower that was the pride of Imo people some 20 years ago.”

He added that the choice of the members was because they have carved a niche for themselves in their chosen fields of endeavour and that they have earned solid reputation as men and women of substance in their individual trade, an indices that qualified them for the appointment.

He challenged the members to bring their reputation to bear on the University, bearing in mind the task for good quality scholarship in Imo State University as well as service to humanity.

He, also,  urged the members to deploy their individual accomplishments, excellence, expertise, passion for service as effectively as necessary to actualize the dream of his administration of having a highly reputable University comparable to the best Universities in the World.

He  requested the Council to “restore in words and deeds the motto of Imo State University, which is Excellence in Service”.

He note: “Imo State University currently is a classical example of a failed University,” but he strongly believes that “with a star studded Governing Council such as the one inaugurated there is no doubt that Imo is on the track to realize the dreams of her founding fathers.”

“Imo people expect that though the task before the Council is quite enormous, members should employ their wealth of experience and expertise to clean up the mess that have bedeviled the State University and make it a true citadel of learning and character formation,” the governor added.

The Governor requested the Governing Council to “outline a road map for quality education offered by quality staff in a first class learning environment, find middle roles between the so-called free education in Imo State University and the provision of quality education that will not over-task the resources of Imo parents so much, nor make Government a laughing stock as a provider of questionable free education that is inimical to quality scholarship.”

He further enjoined the Council members to quickly hit the ground running and come up with policies and programmes that will reassure Imo people that the University that made them proud 20 years back is on track as he assured them of Government partnership in this regard.

In their acceptance, Chairman Imo State University Governing Council and Pro-Chancellor, His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Lucius Ugorji thanked the Governor for the absolute confidence reposed in them by giving them the assignment and acknowledged that though the task is daunting he has a strong believe that with the calibre of members of the Council and support of the management, staff and students the University will be returned to a centre of excellence which was the dream of the founding fathers.

He said that Imo State University deserves the best and that he and his members as inaugurated will work acidulously to ensure that the target of the governor in making Imo State University one the best Universities in Africa is realised.   

He congratulated his members and promised that God willing, they will not fail the government and people of Imo State.

Present at the inauguration were the Deputy Governor, Prof. Placid Njoku, the Speaker Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chiji Collins, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, and other members of the expanded State Executive Council.

CNPP to Buhari: Order Immediate Publication of Full List of Lawmakers Involved In NDDC Contract Scam |The Source

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Adesina Soyooye
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Muhammadu Buhari

By Adesina Soyooye

Following  the startling revelation made by Dr Cairo Ojougbo that Nigeria would break if the full list of National Assembly members involved in the Niger Delta Development Commission’s Contract scam, the

Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to order the immediate publication of the list of all members of the National Assembly, and any other Nigerian, who have were involved in contract scam at the Commission.

Dr Ojougbo is the Executive Director, Projects, at the Interim Management Committee, IMC, of the NDDC. He, also, alleged that the NASS is desperately trying to stop the Forensic audit of the Commission, ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari because the members are afraid of what the outcome would be.
But in the face of all that, the CNPP urged the , IMC, “never to be cowed by the National Assembly, which has never been conclusive in any probe.”
In a statement issued on Monday by its Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, while reacting to media report credited to  Ojougboh, who alleged that if the list of those involved in looting the Commission  is released, the country will break, the CNPP demanded for the arrest and prosecution of those involved in the contract scam.
“The CNPP has been in series of consultations with critical civil society stakeholders to take a position on the ongoing probe of the NDDC.
“However, it became imperative to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to take seriously the allegation that some members of the National Assembly are plotting to stall the forensic audit ordered by himself.
“It is cheering news to hear that the new NDDC Interim Management Committee, IMC, has resolved to ensure the conclusion of the forensic audit despite the alleged efforts of the National Assembly to muzzle the IMC and frustrate the exercise.
“Having concluded the first leg of the audit the nation await the second and final leg. But, before then, we urge President Buhari to order the immediate publication of the list of all members of the National Assembly, and any other Nigerian who have been involved in contract scam at the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.
“Until this is done to put an end to the ongoing cat and mouse game between the National Assembly and the NDDC management, the world will continue to laugh at the mention of anti-corruption war in Nigeria”, the CNPP stated.

The NDDC and the NASS have been at each other’s throat since allegations of corruption started to fly against both sides.

Committee on Covid-19 In Ondo Seeks Cooperation Of Political Parties, Religious Bodies |The Source

By
Ayodele Oni
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Prof Adesegun Fatusi

By Ayodele Oni, Akure

In a move to reduce the spread of the dreaded global pandemic in Ondo state, the interministerial committee on Coronavirus (COVID-19) has sought the cooperation of religious and political leaders to achieve success.

Chairman of the committee on COVID-19, Prof. Adesegun Fatusi, during a media chat with newsmen in Akure, said government has taken cognisance of the socio-political context of the State, yet there is the need to comply with necessary precautions that can safeguard residents.

According to him, political parties and other affected stakeholders must embrace other means of convincing voters, rather than encouraging mass gathering of the people, or engaging in acts capable of compromising COVID-19 guidelines.

He noted that where gathering is unavoidable, the proper use of face masks, hand washing practice, use of hand sanitisers and physical distancing should be encouraged.

Prof. Fatusi maintained that as part of efforts to flatten the curve of its spread, the Interministerial Committee is currently reviewing its existing guidelines, part of which will take into consideration the social, economic and political sector of the State.

The Chairman, who hinted that new sets of personal protective equipment will soon be distributed to health workers in the State, stated that aside about 400 health workers that were earlier infected, no health worker has been infected with the virus recently.

While calling for collective efforts towards stopping the spread of the virus, the Don said testing laboratory and isolation centre in Ondo are at 90 per cent completion stage.

He appealed to religious leaders in the State to re-double their monitoring mechanism in order to ensure that worshippers adhere to the guidelines while congregating.

The acting Commissioner for Health, Dr Jibayo Adeyeye, said since the outbreak of the pandemic, Ondo State now has a total of 1539 confirmed cases and 30 deaths while most of the patients have been treated and discharged.

NIJ Governing Council Appoints Gbenga Adefaye As New Provost |The Source

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Akinwale Kasali
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Gbenga Adefaye

By Akinwale Kasali

The Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, NIJ, led by former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, has appointed Gbenga Adefaye as the new Provost of the Nation’s Premier Monotechnic.

Adefaye, before his appointment was the General Manager/Editor-in-Chief of Vanguard Newspapers.

In a statement signed in Lagos on Monday 31st August, 2020, by the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Institution, Aremo Osoba, he said Adefaye would serve as Provost of the institution with effect from Sept. 1, 2020.

He succeeds the former Provost, Gbemiga Ogunleye, who has served out his term meritoriously.

The change of baton of the School Provost came weeks after the demise of Isa Funtua, the Chairman of the Institution’s Governing Council, who was succeeded by Aremo Osoba.

Aviation Unions Protest Concessioning Of Airports, Contributory Pension |The Source

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Uche Mbah
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Aviation Workers Protests Airport Concession

By Uche Mbah

The terminals of the Murtala Muhammed international airport, Lagos, was today rocked by protests from the Aviation Unions who are unhappy with the plans by the Federal government to concession airports in the country as a means of combating the effect of the COVID 19 pandemics on the industry.

Domestic Flight operations were, however,  not affected by the peaceful protest as passengers were seen embarking on their trips.

Last week, the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Saraki, had said that only a few Airports are viable, and that government needed to concession the others to be able to cope with the skyrocketing costs of running these airports.

But the National Union of Air Transport Employs (NUATE), the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP), Air Transports Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and Nigeria Union of Pensioners unanimously rejected government position, claiming it will lead to massive job losses.

Currently, it is estimated that FAAN staff, both full time and otherwise, may run into about 18 million people. These will end up like the Nigerian Airways staff, who have been at the short end of the collapse of the National carrier.

The Chairman of NUATE, Mohammed Zakaria, one of the leaders of the  protests, quickly recalled

that the fate that happened to NEPA, Nigerian Airways, and Nitel will follow FAAN staff in the wake of the concession

“We want to continue as FAAN. The government owns everything, but we are saying no to concession,” he said and added that airports’ concession poses security threats as well as the loss of revenues to the government.

Besides concession, the protesters are also against the move by the government to move all FAAN staff who retired from April 1, 2014, to PenCom, claiming that FAAN has not been remitting money to PenCom, and therefore the pensioners will be caught in the administrative entanglements.

FAAN is said to be owing Pencom N200 billion in remittances.

“We spent our time and energy to build the airports, the so-called investors cannot just come and take over the facilities and enrich themselves without involving the key stakeholders.

“The Outline Business Case (OBC) was prepared since 2017 and only made available this August after they have concluded every aspect of the deal. They are telling us lies,” Aliyu said.

Aviation Union Protests

He cited the concession plan of the MMA2 that failed, and ended up in litigation. It involved Wale Babalakin, SAN,who was recently suspended as the Council Chairman of the University Lagos in the controversial power tussle over who becomes the Ag.Vice-chancellor of the University.

Breaking: Ex-Junior International Goalkeeper, John Felagha Dies |The Source

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Akinwale Kasali
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John Felagha

By Akinwale Kasali

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has been thrown into mourning following the death of former Flying Eagles Goalkeeper, John Felagha.

Late Felagha played for the National Team Under-17 Golden Eaglet and the Under-20 Flying Eagles team.

He died in Senegal on Sunday, according to the NFF, at the age of 26 Years.

The nation’s football federation expressed condolence with the family of the late player in a tweet on Monday, 31st August, 2020.

The football federation tweeted, “Former National U17 and U20 goalkeeper John Felagha has died.

“Felagha died on Sunday in Senegal. He was aged 26.

The Federation expressed its condolences with the family of the late player.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Ekiti PDP: Segun Oni Returns To PDP; Fayose Pleads Forgiveness; But Says Oni Not Endorsed For Governorship |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Segun Oni

By Akinwale Kasali

Former Ekiti State Governor,  Segun Oni,  has officially bid the All Progressives Congress, APC, farewell.

Oni  rejoined the PDP, the Party he left in the build up to the 2015 General Elections in the Country.

However, former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has pleaded with members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to forgive Oni.

Officially receiving Oni back to the party over the weekend, Fayose maintained that it was not an endorsement for the former National Deputy Chairman of the APC, South, to run for the governorship election.

Ayodele Fayose
Ayodele Fayose

Oni, a one time governor of Ekiti State from 2007 to 2010, recently returned to his former party, the PDP.

Fayose, in a statement, shared on Twitter, said, “To my brothers and sisters in the PDP Osoko Political Family, having formally received Engr Segun Oni into the PDP at yesterday’s State Congress, henceforth, nobody should castigate, embarrass or undermine him (Oni) on any social media platforms associated with Osoko Political Family.

“True leadership is demonstrated by forgiveness, followed by restoration after a show of true humility.

“However, this statement does not represent or amount to the endorsement of Engr Segun Oni’s gubernatorial ambition.

“Rather, it is part of our sincere efforts to keep the party together and accommodate everyone, except those members who are due for political perdition.

“Once again, I congratulate the State Chairman, Bisi Kolawole and other members of the State Exco. I wish them a successful tenure”, he said.

Kogi Election: Supreme Court Confirms Gov. Yahaya Bello Duly Elected |The Source

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Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

The Supreme Court, on Monday, affirmed Yahaya Bello of Kogi State as the winner of the Governorship Election

The apex court dismissed an appeal lodged by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its candidate, Musa Wada, to challenge the outcome of the gubernatorial election that held in the state on November 16, 2019.

Mr Wada claimed that the election held on November 16, 2019, was riddled with serious electoral infractions; rigging and over-voting, and that Governor Bello didn’t secure the highest vote.

Aside from the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad, other members of the panel included Justices Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, Sylvester Ngwuta, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Inyang Okoro, Amina Augie, Uwani Abba-Aji.

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