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Ekiti PDP Breaks; Two Parallel Exco Emerge |The Source

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Even after the National Leadership of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) imposed a Caretaker Committee on the Ekiti state PDP, there seems to be no end to the internal crisis rocking the party.

The two arrow heads of the crisis, former Governor Ayo Fayose and Senator Abiodun Olujimi, are yet to sheath their swords as both lay claim to the control of the soul of the party.

The crisis became more glaring at the weekend following the emergence of two parallel state Executive  Council of the party.

Two separate congresses were held at different locations  by the Fayose and Olujimi factions to elect the officers.

At one of the delegates’ Congress held in Ado-Ekiti, the group loyal to Fayose elected Chief Bisi Kolawole, a former Commissioner as the new Chairman of the PDP with a total vote of 1651.

In his acceptance speech, Chief Kolawole said the election of the State Executive was the beginning of a new dawn in the party, with a promise to promote unity among members and bring development to the party.

Former Governor, Chief Segun Oni,  who returned to the party recently after losing out in the APC primary, urged PDP members in the state to come together and champion the course of the party.

Also, former Governor Ayodele Fayose said the party would re-strategize to gain its rightful position in the state and charged the new executive to let the interest of the party be paramount in their hearts.

The Chairman, Electoral Committee from Abuja, Mr. Ayuba Balogun commended PDP in Ekiti for the conduct of the delegates Congress.

Similarly, a former commissioner for Agriculture in the state, Mr Kehinde Odebunmi emerged the state chairman of the PDP in another congress held by thr Senator-Olujimi faction, also  in Ado Ekiti.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Odebunmi promised to reconcile all aggrieved members with a view to moving the party forward.

The immediate past state chairman of the party, Mr Gboyega Oguntuase, urged the new Executive led by Mr Odebunmi to bring all the party members together under one umbrella.

The immediate past chairman has handed the machinery of the party to Odebunmi, who emerged from Olujimi group.

Fayose is a former Governor of the State. Incidentally, Olujimi, who  is now a second term Senator, was Fayose’s Deputy in his first tenure as a Governor.

When he was impeached in a process, allegedly, triggered  by former President Obasanjo, Olujimi, allegedly, refused to  betray him by stepping into his shoes as Governor.  She was, thus, also removed from office.

Fayose stormed back into office for a second term when he defeated the then incumbent Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, thus denying him a second term.

But Fayemi is now enjoying his second term, after  he defeated Fayose’s prefered successor.

Since Fayose’s impeachment during his first term in office, he has missed no opportunity at hitting Obasanjo hard.

Anambra: Ngige Wants Arthur Eze Punished, Traditional Rulers Banished |The Source

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Chris Ngige

By Adesina Soyooye

The storm over the visit, by 12 Anambra Traditional Rulers to Abuja, without any authourization from the State Government, is yet to abate. It is still boiling.

The Traditional Rulers had, at the behest of Chief Arthur Eze, travelled to Abuja to see President Muhammadu Buhari. Arranged by Eze, who also sponsored them to the hilt, they said the trip was to thank Mr President for the good works he had done in the state.

They were unable to see the President, and ended up seeing his Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari.

Neither the State Government, nor the Leadership of the Anambra Traditional Council, was  aware of the trip.

The  Abuja trip attracted strong condemnations from accross the state and beyond, not only because it breached protocols, but it was seen as a deliberate action by the Traditional Rulers and their sponsor to cause a breach of the peace In the state.

On return, the State Government suspended the 12 Traditional Rulers for one year, stripping them of all privileges due to their office.

But the Minister for Labour and Productivity, Dr Chris Ngige, a son of the state, whose Traditional Ruler was affected, but has since, apologised, does not think that the suspension given to them is enough.

Ngige wants them banished from their communities, and their sponsor, Arthur Eze punished.

In an interview, with The Punch, he said the trip   ought to have attracted more punishment than it did. He, also accused Eze of sabotage against the State. When you suspend somebody from office, Ngige argued, you ban the person from the vicinity of the office.

Ngige: “When somebody is suspended from performing the functions of his office, it’s natural that he is banned from being in that vicinity. Allowing him to stay around is risky because he is a threat to peace. In order to avert such a threat, he should be sent out to another place to prevent possible conduct likely to cause the breach of law and order in the vicinity.

“So, I advise the Anambra state government to relocate the 12 traditional rulers from their communities to avoid a situation likely to cause the breach  of public peace.

“The businessman,  Arthur Eze, who took them on the Abuja trip should be punished for sabotage.”

Ngige’s traditional ruler had, in a video which went viral on Whatsaap, apologised to Governor, Willie Obiano, for the ill-fated trip, but his Alor Community has since denied him, insisting the traditional ruler was imposed on them.

“He is not our choice”, they chorus.

I Will Not Retrench Workers During My Second Term, Gov Akeredolu Assures |The Source

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni, Akure

As pre-election brickbats among political parties participating in the October 10 Governorship election continue in Ondo state, the present administration has denied an alleged plan to relieve over 2,000 workers of their jobs if Governor Rotimi Akeredolu is reelected.

The rumour of the proposed sack dominated the social media at the weekend, citing the governor’s remark at a forum that the state might owe workers their salary in the coming months.

Akeredolu, who spoke while addressing Journalists in Akure on Friday, said: “undoubtedly, one cannot make an omelet without breaking an egg, many states cannot pay salaries, we need to assess people and put things in place in our second term administration.

“There are many workers who are not doing anything, but just sitting down and collecting salaries”.

However, the state Commissioner for information, Mr Donald Ojogo, said it was “an erroneous news item that Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, had perfected plans to sack at least 2,000 workers after his victory at the October 10 Governorship election.

“While we are not taken aback by this misleading path ostensibly coming from a nervous, but vicious, opposition camp, it is pertinent to state that this is untrue, and indeed, another perfidious walk in the dark.

“Governor Akeredolu does not intend to sack workers even after his victory. The palpable passion Governor Akeredolu’s administration has for the welfare of workers has attracted an enviable commendation.

“It is, therefore, an illogical imagination on the part of those behind the poorly packaged story to seek refuge under such pernicious slant.

“If Governor Akeredolu could be compassionate to re-absorb workers who were mindlessly laid off for political reasons, he perhaps, stands taller among those whose actions and inactions threw families into mourning mood during their time.”

Ghana: Nigeria Will No Longer Tolerate Harrassment of Nigerians |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has berated the Ghanaian Government for the harassment of Nigerians who reside and do business in the country.

Talking tough, the Federal Government said it will no longer tolerate the harassment of Nigerians in Ghana, as this is gradually becoming a norm in the country.

Mohammed made this remark while reacting to recent attacks meted on Nigerians residing in Ghana.

Two weeks ago, some Nigerian traders in Ghana raised alarm over the closure of their shops after they were asked to pay One million Dollars by the Ghanaian Government.

In June, a part of the building owned by the Nigeria High Commission in Accra, was demolished by Ghanaian authorities.

In a statement released on Friday, August 28, 2020, the Minister said over One Million Ghanaians are resident in Nigeria, and they are not being maltreated the way Ghanaians are mistreating Nigerians who reside in their country.

He stressed that the Nigerian Government will no longer tolerate the harassment of Nigerians, and that the Federal Government is already considering a number of measures to take to address the situation.

The statement reads; “The Nigerian Government is deeply concerned by the incessant harassment of its citizens in Ghana and the progressive acts of hostility towards the country by Ghanaian authorities, and will no longer tolerate such.

“In this regard, the federal government is urgently considering a number of options aimed at ameliorating the situation.

“The federal government has been documenting the acts of hostility towards nigeria and Nigerians by the Ghanaian authorities. These include:

– Seizure of the Nigerian mission’s property located at no. 10, Barnes road, accra, which the Nigerian government has used as diplomatic premises for almost 50 years. This action is a serious breach of the Vienna convention.

– Demolition of the Nigerian mission’s property located at no. 19/21 Julius Nyerere street, east ridge, accra, another serious breach of

The Vienna convention.

– Aggressive and incessant deportation of Nigerians from Ghana. Between Jan. 2018 and Feb. 2019, 825 Nigerians were deported from

Ghana.

– Closure of shops belonging to Nigerians. Over 300 Nigerians shops were locked for four months in Kumasi in 2018; over 600 Nigerian shops were locked in 2019 and, currently, over 250 Nigerians shops have been locked.

– Residency permit requirements, for which the Ghana immigration service has placed huge fees, far higher than the fees charged by

The Nigerian immigration service. These include the compulsory non-citizen id card (US$120, and US$60 for yearly renewal); medical examinations, including for covid-19 which is newly-introduced (about

US$120), and payment for residency permit (US$400 compared to the n7,000 being paid by Ghanaians for residency card in Nigeria)

– Outrageous stipulations in the Ghana investment promotion centre

Act. When the act was initially promulgated in 1994, a foreigner is required to invest at least US$300,000 by way of equity capital and

Also employ 10 Ghanaians. This act has now been amended twice, with the 2018 GIPC act raising the minimum capital base for foreign-owned businesses to us$1m. Though targeted at foreigners, it seems gipc’s

Definition of foreigners is Nigerians. The gipc act also negates the ECOWAS protocol.

– Media war against Nigerians in Ghana. The negative reportage of

Issues concerning Nigerians resident in Ghana by the Ghanaian media is fuelling an emerging xenophobic attitude towards Nigerian traders and Nigerians in general. The immediate fallout is the incessant harassment and arrest of Nigerian traders and closure of their shops.

– Harsh and openly-biased judicial trial and pronouncement of indiscriminately-long jail terms for convicted Nigerians. There are

Currently over 200 Nigerians in the Nsawam maximum prison in Ghana

Alone.

The federal government will like to put on record the fact that even though over 1 million Ghanaians are resident in Nigeria, they are not

Being subjected to the kind of hostility being meted out to Nigerians in ghana.

Also, even though the main reason given for the seizure of federal government property at no. 10, Barnes road in Accra is the non-renewal of lease after expiration, the Ghanaian authorities did not give Nigeria the right of first refusal or the notice to renew the lease.

By contrast, the lease on some of the properties occupied by the Ghanaian mission in Nigeria has long expired, yet such properties have not been seized.

Nigeria has time after time demonstrated its fidelity to the long cordial relations with Ghana. But indications, especially in recent times, are that nigeria’s stance is now being taken for granted and its citizens being made targets of harassment and objects of ridicule.

This will no longer be tolerated under any guise.”

Black Panther Star, Chadwick Boseman Is Dead |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Chadwick Boseman

By Akinwale Kasali

Leading Movie industry in the World, Hollywood, has been thrown into mourning.

Hollywood Actor and leading Star in Black Panther, Chadwick Boseman has died aged 43 after a four-year fight with colon cancer.

Before Chadwick Boseman’s death, he played black icons Jackie Robinson and James Brown early in his career before finding fame as the regal Black Panther in the Marvel cinematic universe.

Boseman died at home in Los Angeles, the United States, with his wife and family by his side, his publicist, Nicki Fioravante said.

A message on Chadwick Boseman’s official Twitter account read: “It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman.

“Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016 and battled with it these last four years as it progressed to stage IV.

“A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much.

“From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more – all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy.

“It was the honour of his career to bring King TChalla to life in Black Panther.”

“Chadwick Boseman is dead”.

Nigeria Was Losing 1.75 Million Barrels Of Crude Oil Every Day In May, says NNPC |The Source

By
Uche Mbah
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NNPC

By Uche Mbah

Nigeria was losing 1.75 million barrels of Oil every day in May due to shut downs and production interruption, the Nigerian National Petroleum corporation, NNPC, said in a report.

This figure translates to a shortfall of 11.2%

Production fell due to disruptions as repairs were being carried out on TFP at Forcadoes while a complete  shut down at Brass Clough Creek (CCK) also had a serious impact on production.

“Production was also interrupted at Bonga, Egina, Okono, Akpo, Okwori, Agbami, Qua Iboe and Ima terminals due to pump issues, repairs, scheduled maintenance, loss of power, flare management and community issues,” the report said.

Nigeria had worked on a projected crude oil production of 1.8 mbpd within the framework of the 2020 revised budget, while the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) had mandated its members and allies to slash output by 9.7 million barrels per day to shore up prices bruised by receding demand fall occasioned by the lockdown measures aimed at halting COVID 19 pandemic. Nigeria could not meet up with the OPEC quota, though its production report excluded condensates.

According to the report, Nigeria’s  three refineries “processed no crude and combined yield efficiency is 0.00 percent owing largely to on-going rehabilitation works in the Refineries.

“The declining operational performance is attributable to ongoing revamping of the refineries which is expected to further enhance capacity utilization once completed”.

Nigeria’s three refineries posted a deficit of ₦10.23 billion last May.  The crude oil processing plants are, however, still under repair while the National Gas production declined in June 2020 by 0.26 percent at 231.28BCF compared to May 2020 output. This is an average daily production of  7,709.38mmscfd.

“Likewise, the daily average natural gas supply to gas power plants decreased by 12.75 percent to 728mmscfd, equivalent to power generation of 2,717MW,” NNPC said.

Edo, Ondo Polls: NYSC Seeks Military Protection For Corps Members |The Source

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
NYSC visits COAS

By Ayodele Oni, Akure

The National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC) has expressed concern about the safety of youth corps members that will be engaged in the conduct of the forthcoming Edo and Ondo states governorship elections.

While Edo poll is about 23 days away, that of Ondo state will hold on October 10.

Going by reported cases of violence in the two states, the NYSC is seeking assurance from the Nigerian Army about the safety of corps members  to be engaged by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) as officials.

Ondo state coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs Grace Akpabio, met with the Brigade Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Zakari Logun Abubakar in Akure to solicit the support of the military.

During the visit, the army Chief declared that the protection of corps members serving in Ondo State remains the priority of his Command.

He stated: “let me tell you that we have mapped out intelligence strategy to ensure that corps members that would be participating in the gubernatorial election coming up in October in all the nooks and crannies of the State can be assured of maximum protection from the 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure”.

General Abubakar disclosed that his officers have identified flashpoints in the state and that they are ready to ensure that scientific and tactical approach is employed to ensure that the peace of the state is not threatened during the election.

The Army General hinted that the headship of all military formations under the second Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan met with the General officer Commanding, Major General Anthony Omozojie to map out strategies for both Edo and Ondo states gubernatorial elections.

“NYSC and the Nigerian Army have long standing relationship. The Scheme is an integral part of the Nigerian Army and we cannot treat any matters relating to NYSC as less important,” he added.

He assured that his Command would continue to synergise with other security agencies to ensure that members of the service corps operate in the state without fear or trepidation.

“We shall continue to partner with other security agencies to protect the corps members. By our training and operational vantage position, we have the capabilities and what it takes to make corps members serve the nation under protective environment”.

The NYSC Ondo State Coordinator, Mrs. Grace Akpabio had sought audience with the one star general to express the concern of the Director General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim over the safety of corps members that would be engaged by INEC in the forthcoming governorship election.

Mrs. Akpabio stressed the need for the military to ensure safety of corps members not only during the elections, but throughout their service year.

Kwara: Commissioner Shocks Governor, Resigns |The Source

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
Aishatu Ahman Pategi

By Adesina Soyooye

The Kwara State Commissioner for Special Duties, Aishatu Ahman Pategi, shocked the Governor,  Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, and her cabinet-colleagues when she suddenly resigned from office on Friday.

In her resignation letter, addressed to the Governor, she said it was time for her to move on to other things, thanking the Governor for finding her worthy of the appointment, and describing life as being in phases.

Part of her resignation letter reads: “I, Aisha Ahman Pategi, the out-going Commissioner for Special Duties, effective, from today, Fridag 28 Aug. 2020, humbly  wish to formally announce my resignation from the cabinet of His Excellency, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq”

She said she would now focus on new ideals.

It is not known why she resigned her appointment, but the speculation is that she may not have been having job satisfaction.

Court Overrules Ondo Assembly, Quashes Suspension of Dep. Speaker, Three Others |The Source

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
High Court, Akure

By Ayodele Oni, Akure

A High Court, sitting in Akure, Ondo state, has ruled that the house of assembly has no power to suspend any of its members.

It has, therefore, ordered that four members of the state House of Assembly that were on suspension be recalled immediately.

The Court, presided over by Justice Ademola Bola,  on Friday, quashed the suspension of four members of the assembly that refused to sign the impeachment notice against the state Deputy Governor, Mr Agboola Ajayi.

The affected Lawmakers, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ogundeji Iroju, the only woman in the House, Mrs. Favour Tomomowo , Wale Williams and Tomide Akinribido representing Ondo Constituencies one and two, were suspended for refusing to sign the impeachment notice of the Deputy Governor in June.

The Assembly had initiated the impeachment of Ajayi for dumping the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC) to join the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP).

Ajayi is now a candidate of the Zenith Labour Party, (ZLP) in the October 10 Governorship poll.

The refusal of the Lawmakers and five others, as well as the refusal of the State Chief judge, Justice O. Akeredolu to constitute a panel to investigate the allegations against the Deputy Governor, stalled the impeachment move.

Three of the suspended Lawmakers , Ogundeji, Tomomowo and Williams are members of APC, while Akinribido is the only member of the House on the platform of ZLP.

Unsatisfied by the decision of the House, led by Rt. Hon. Bamidele Oleyelogun, the suspended Lawmakers, through their lawyer, Banjo Ayelakin, sought the protection of the Court against their unlawful suspension from the House.

In his judgement, Justice Ademola Bola described the suspension as illegal, null, void, and of no effect whatsoever.

Justice Bola held that the House of Assembly, as well as other members, have no power to suspend any member of the Assembly.

The Judge, in the verdict, held that the suit which has the House of Assembly, the Speaker, the Deputy Majority Leader, Oladiji Olamide Adesanmi, the Parliamentary Secretary,, Prince Abayomi Akinruntan, and the Clerk of the House, Mr. Bode Adeyelu, as defendants  violates sections 90, 91, 106 and 117 of the 1999 constitution of Nigeria.

The Court ordered that the Lawmakers should be reinstated  with immediate effect and be paid a sum of N5million each as damages.

Football: Eberechi Eze Signs For Crystal Palace |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

Nigerian born Eberechi Eze who played for Queens Park Rangers, QPR, in the England Championship League last season has signed for Barclays English Premier League Side, Crystal Palace Football Club.

Crystal Palace completed the signing of the QPR forward, Eberechi Eze, on a five-year deal worth £19.5 million.

The highly-rated England Under-21 international started every Championship game, and scored 14 goals for QPR last season.

Eze will boost Roy Hodgson’s misfiring attack ahead of the new campaign.

Only relegated Norwich (26) scored fewer goals than Palace (31) in last season’s Premier League.

Palace host Southampton in their first top flight game on September 12.

Eze, 22, said: “As a football club, I feel like there are great players here and it’s a brilliant opportunity for me to come and be with these players, to link up with them and to really push on.”

Crystal Palace Chairman, Steve Parish, said: “Eberechi is a player whose development we have followed closely.

“We are delighted he has chosen to sign for us over the other clubs that were interested.

“We feel that this is the right club for him to continue his development.”

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