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PANDEF Berates Wike,  Describes Him As Rude, Crude, Disrespectful

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ambassador Godknows Igali and Bola Tinubu and Nyesom Wike

By Ayodele Oni

“Minister Wike should be reminded that he does not own Niger Delta. Wike has insulted Niger Delta revered Elders, including, late Chief E.K. Clark and HRM Alfred Diette-Spiff. We now ask Mr President to call him to order.”

The Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum, (PANDEF), has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike of frustrating efforts to resolve the political crisis in Rivers State.

PANDEF Leaders had, last week Tuesday, paid a visit to President Bola Tinubu during which they briefed him about efforts by the group to restore peace in Rivers State and other issues affecting Niger Delta area.

While addressing a press conference on Abuja, one of the leaders of the Forum, Ambassador Godknows Igali, explained that rather than for the FCT Minister to cooperate with the forum, he has resorted to disrespecting the leaders.

“PANDEF has intensified engagements with key stakeholders, fostering dialogue to achieve an amicable resolution that guarantees lasting peace and harmony in Rivers State.

“It is, therefore, both shocking and unfortunate that, barely 24 hours after this significant engagement with Mr. President—an engagement that rekindled hope for peace and stability— the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, held a media chat in which he launched an unwarranted and deeply inappropriate attack on PANDEF and its leadership.

“In his remarks, the Honourable Minister characterized PANDEF as ‘the worst organization ever’ and accused its members of visiting the Presidential Villa merely to solicit financial favours. These statements are not only false but also unbecoming of a public official of his stature.

“Even more concerning was his disparaging remarks directed at revered South-South leaders, including the late Chief E.K. Clark, a national icon and former PANDEF leader, whose legacy was duly recognised by Mr. President during our visit, with a minute of silence observed in his honor.

“Equally unacceptable was the crude and disrespectful attack on another national treasure His Majesty, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, former Military Governor of Rivers State and current Chairman of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees.

“Regarding the situation in Rivers State, PANDEF fully embraced Mr. President’s directive to the organisation to sustain its ongoing mediatory and reconciliation efforts—an initiative he commended, recognizing the caliber of individuals involved.

“It is, therefore, highly regrettable and totally unacceptable that a serving minister in the Federal Government would exhibit brazen disrespect towards individuals of this standing.

“This attitude perhaps explains his continued refusal of the Minister to engage with the Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which PANDEF constituted as far back as October 2024, despite repeated attempts to reach.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which remains committed to resolving the Rivers State crisis, comprises distinguished statesmen, including: Obong Victor Attah, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Col. Pam Ogar, former Military Governor of Kwara State.

“While the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has demonstrated willingness to engage with this Committee, the Honourable Minister has consistently rebuffed all attempts to reach him opening up at dialogue.

“Given his open hostility and dismissive attitude toward PANDEF, the organization can no longer subject these esteemed senior Nigerians on peace mission to such levels of disregard and disrespect.

“PANDEF hereby calls upon Mr. President, as the father of the nation, to prevail upon the Honourable Minister to retract his inflammatory statements and extend due respect to these eminent Nigerians and traditional rulers who were, after all, esteemed guests of the Commander-in-Chief.

“It is apt to remind that the Minister does not own the Niger-Delta and his errant conduct should not be condoned.

“Notwithstanding this regrettable development, PANDEF remains unwavering in its commitment to peace, stability, and equitable development in the Niger Delta.

“We will continue to engage with great vigour, all relevant stakeholders in pursuit of lasting harmony in Rivers State and the broader South-South region.”

“People Are Confused Who  Between Tinubu And Wike Is Nigeria’s President” – Bode George

By
The Source
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Bode George and Bola Tinubu and Nyesom Wike

By Gideon Njoku

“Why is President Tinubu allowing his Minister to rubbish him, to talk after he, the President had spoken, and generally behave as if he is the President and Commander- in- Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and in charge  of everything in Nigeria”? Is there something we don’t know?

An elder statesman and a  chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Bode George, has asked President Bola Tinubu to call his Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike to order.

Chief George spoke in reaction to the unprecedented live parley the Minister for Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, held in Abuja on the dangerous political crisis in Rivers State. He held it hours after President Tinubu met with Leaders in Niger Delta and asked them to go and find a solution to the crisis in Rivers State.

Wike is the immediate past Governor of the State, and is embroiled in a very bitter political fight with his successor and estranged political  godson, Siminalayi Fubara over who really is the Governor, after he, Wike, had served for eight years, and moved on to become a Federal Minister.

In a statement, Chief George said Wike has not only rubbished everything Tinubu tried to do in Rivers State, but that the President has embarrassingly allowed his Minister to lord it over everybody, and talk as if he, (Minister Wike) is the President and Commander-in-

Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces. He said that the fact that Wike’s live parley with Journalists was held just hours after the President met with Niger Delta Leaders, not only gave the impression that Wike is more powerful than his boss, but insulting to the office of the President.

Chief George, a retired Navy Commodore, lamented that it has become so bad that not a few Nigerians are now wondering and asking who between Tinubu and Wike is their President.

He warned about the implications of the role that he pointed out Wike is playing in Rivers State while the President looks the other way, and reminded Tinubu of how the crisis in the 1962 crisis which engulfed the First Republic in Ibadan started, as well as the 1983 crisis which started in Ondo.

He described as unthinkable and unacceptable a situation where a Minister would play the type of role Wike is playing in Rivers State, a role capable of consuming the country and bring its economy to its knees, and the country’s President keeps quiet just because of politics. He, also, described as unbelievable, that a Minister would speak the way Wike speaks, and a President keeps quiet and does nothing.

He advised Wike to calm down, especially, because he had never fought a war before. If General Benjamin Adekunle were to be alive, George said, he would have begged him to explain to Wike the horrors of war.

Chief George also appealed to Wike’s wife, Eberechi, a Court of Appeal Judge, to ask her husband to calm down.

George advised Tinubu to call Wike to order before it is too late. He also urged him to invite Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara and Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to Abuja and handle the situation the same way he handled the crisis which engulfed the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Following is the full text of Chief Bode George’s statement.

“Wike’s outburst completely rubbished everything Tinubu tried to achieve. Unless the President is not telling us the whole truth because I don’t know why I will be President and a Minister will embarrass my administration that way.

“As a country, Rivers State is the centre of our economic activity and financial strength. What is going on now is not the fastest track to peace. If crisis starts, it will not only affect Wike, it will affect everybody. I am talking as a soldier and a General. Wike is talking too much, saying too many things at the same time which are not necessary. Too verbose. When he was Governor for eight years, did he tolerate opposing views?

“Is it because Governor Fubara is a gentleman that he is trying to rubbish him? He said he helped Fubara to become Governor. Is he saying nobody helped him to become Governor in 2015? Did he drop from the sky? Somebody made him a Council Chairman, Chief of Staff and Minister. Later, somebody helped him to become Governor. Today, somebody helped him to become a Minister (again). So, what exactly is he talking about?

“I watched him, and I am still wondering what exactly Wike is trying to achieve by heating up the polity. The questions I want to ask Tinubu, based on Wike’s rhetorics are: ‘Is Wike the Commander-in

-Chief of the Armed Forces? Is he the Chief Justice of Nigeria or the Chief Judge of Rivers State? Is he the Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly? Does he control all the forces in the State?

“When he talks, he attributes so much imaginary powers to himself to the extent that people are now confused who exactly is in charge between Tinubu and Wike.

“Has Wike fought a war before? What game exactly is Tinubu playing in this Rivers crisis? What exactly is going on?

“I am raising this alarm because history has taught us that you only know the beginning of a crisis. You don’t know where it will end.

“Wike talks as if he controls everybody in Nigeria, including Tinubu. I have never seen anything like this in my life. He is becoming an embarrassment in this Rivers crisis.

“Tinubu saw the dimension the Lagos House of Assembly crisis was going. That was why he quickly invited the Lawmakers to Abuja. This is the time for him to also invite Fubara and Rivers Lawmakers to a meeting immediately.

“What exactly is the essence of that live broadcast he did? To tell Nigerians that he is tough, that he has money, that he controls politics of Rivers State? Which Minister pays for a live broadcast just to prove that he/she is a godfather/godmother in his or her State?

“A few hours before, the President met Niger Delta Leaders in Abuja and told them to find a solution to the crisis. So, with that Media parley, is he telling all of us he is more powerful and knowledgeable than Tinubu? That nobody can control him?

“Why is the President allowing Wike to mess him up this way? What is the meaning of ‘if they (Lawmakers) impeach Fubara, nothing will happen?’ Is Wike God? We fought a civil war. I am a soldier, a General. How I wish General Benjamin Adekunle were to be alive. I would have begged him to tell Wike horrors of war.

“What Wike is doing is completely unnecessary and unacceptable. It is only somebody who doesn’t know what he is doing who will be beating the drum of war. I appeal to his wife, Madam Justice Eberechi Wike to appeal to her husband to please calm down.

“That people of Rivers State are not talking doesn’t mean they don’t know what they are doing. During the Civil war, I know what happened between Bonny and Port Harcourt. Wike should please calm down.

“This is the season of Lent. There is what is called forgiveness. I am advising Wike, like a father to a son, that he should read the masterpiece written by Prof. Chidi Odinnkalu on this matter. There is no way anybody can fault his conclusion.

“If Tinubu can’t talk to him, we have elders in the PDP who will tell Wike the truth and that is exactly what I am doing now.

“The First Republic crisis started like this in Ibadan in 1962. The Second Republic crisis also started like this in the old Ondo State in 1983. I see what is going on in Rivers State as APC game plan to take power by force.

“I am advising Tinubu to call Wike to order immediately because when crisis starts (I pray it does not), the President will not say we did not warn him. A word is enough for the wise. Enough is enough.”

Olukoyede Sentisizes Workers On Professionalism, Integrity

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ola Olukoyede - EFCC Chairman

By Ayodele Oni

The Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has stressed the need  for professionalism and integrity among  the staff in driving the nation’s fight against economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.

This resolve was made in Uyo,  Akwa-ibom State on Saturday, by top brass of the Commission led by the Chairman, at the end of a three-day Retreat for  Directors of the EFCC.

Speaking on the theme of the Retreat,  “EFCC: the Journey So Far, Ensuring Professionalism and Integrity,” Olukoyede pointed out that “professionalism and integrity are key to the future relevance and effectiveness of the EFCC.

“Integrity is a fragile commodity that we must carefully nurture, protect and safeguard to guarantee the trust and respect of our various publics.”

He promised that the EFCC’s workforce would turn out to be a critical mass of honest, highly motivated and effective team.

A statement by the EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, stated that: “The Retreat provided opportunity for critical and no-holds-barred review of  activities of the EFCC in 2024.

“Most striking in the previous year was milestones recorded in asset recovery, arrests, prosecution, strategic redirection, and organizational re-engineering, leading to the establishment of new departments and restructuring of others.

“In 2024, the Commission secured 4,111 convictions and hauled monetary recovery of over N365.4billion.”

The EFCC’s boss appreciated the sacrifice, hard work, discipline, and commitment of staff of the Commission in making such achievements.

He called for increased dedication to surpass the records of 2024 and greater commitment to the integrity of processes  in the agency.

One of the Resource Persons, Prof Tonnie Iredia  who spoke on “The Role of Personnel in Information Management and Public Perception of the EFCC,” stressed that wrong perception of the works of the EFCC was coming out of  deliberate distortion and outright cynicism about the strides and courageous works of the Commission.

He applauded the “passion,  integrity, and transparent leadership Olukoyede is offering the Commission” and called for more involvement of Nigerians in the anti-graft fight.

Another speaker,  Mr Femi Falana, SAN,  went down memory lane about the evolvement of the Commission and affirmed that “the Commission has come to stay.”

He commended Olukoyede and the entire staff of the Commission for being undaunted, resolute and progressive in moving the anti-graft war forward, promising that challenges being posed by the judiciary would be looked into to ensure that the Commission fully delivers on its mandate of tackling corrupt practices across the country.

Edo Police Vow Justice For Teenager Shot Dead At  Checkpoint

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Police Officer

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Edo State Police Command on Saturday March 15, 2025,   ordered a full scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding an alleged fatal shooting of an 18- year old driver at a check point by a police operative.

The Source reports that one of the police personnel at a checkpoint in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Council, on Wednesday March 12, allegedly  shot and killed one Chinedu Abimbor for refusing to stop when flagged down.

The deceased was said to be driving in a Mercedes Benz vehicle together with his brother who was also arrested after the incident.

Expectedly, the ugly incident sparked a massive protest by youths from the area, a development which forced the Police to  immediately withdraw  Police operatives from the said checkpoint.

The protesting youths are both demanding justice for the victim as well as the immediate release of his arrested sibling, being held by the Service.

“The incident happened on Wednesday March 12, 2025, when the victim who was driving in a Mercedes Benz vehicle refused to stop at the police checkpoint in the town after his vehicle was flagged down.

“Angered by Abimbor’s action, one of the operatives fired shots at the vehicle killing the driver.

“His brother who was in the vehicle with him was arrested by the police and taken into custody”, one of the protesting youths volunteered.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson Moses Iyamu, CSP ,the Edo state police Command, aside directing for an investigation also ordered the withdrawal of the three patrol teams implicated in the sad incident.

“The Commissioner of Police, Betty Otimenyin, has commiserated with the family, friends of the deceased, and sued for calm with assurance that justice will prevail in the end”, the police stated

Employment For Disable: NDE, Disability Commission Strengthen Partnership

By
Ayodele Oni
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Employment For Disable

By Ayodele Oni

The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) have reaffirmed commitment to fostering inclusive employment opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria.

This was highlighted during a high-level meeting held on Saturday in Abuja between the Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, Ayuba Gufwan, and the Director General of the NDE,  Silas Agara.

In a statement, Head, Media & Publicity of NCPWD, Ishaku Kigbu, pointed out that the discussions focused on expanding employment initiatives for PWDs, ensuring the enforcement of existing policies, and strengthening collaborative efforts to provide sustainable economic empowerment.

According to Gufwan, “Disability inclusion is not an act of charity; it is a fundamental right. We must move beyond rhetoric and take actionable steps to ensure that PWDs have equitable access to employment opportunities.”

Gufwan commended the NDE for its dedication to inclusive employment and acknowledged its achievements in skill development programmes.

He highlighted pressing challenges, including inadequate budget allocations and the lack of enforcement of the 5 percent employment quota for PWDs in government institutions.

He called for immediate action to ensure full compliance across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

Responding, the Director General of the NDE, Agara, reaffirmed the Directorate’s commitment to equipping PWDs with essential skills for economic independence.

He revealed that under the Renewed Hope Initiatives programme, the NDE has successfully trained over 3,000 individuals, including PWDs, across 27 states.

“Our training programmes are designed to be inclusive, ensuring that no one is left behind. We have engaged Sign Language interpreters to support hearing-impaired individuals, and we are taking deliberate steps to create a more disability-friendly employment landscape.”

“To further empower beneficiaries, the NDE has partnered with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to provide starter kits to trainees upon completion of their training programmes.”

The Director General encouraged PWDs to register for the upcoming training cycle scheduled to commence in May, as the NDE has allocated 3,000 training slots specifically for PWDs.

Wike Defies Threats, Storms Ijaw Land …Ijaw Nationality Accuses Him Of Fanning Ethnic War

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, defied threats and protests and stormed Ijawland for a reception organised in his honour by a group loyal to him on Saturday.

This is as the Ijaw Peoples Assembly, IPA ,on same Saturday, March 15, 2025, said the description of Ijaws as a minority group in the Niger Delta by Wike ,does not only  tantamount to demeaning and desecrating the self worth of the people, but also a direct assault on the authority of the person and office of  Governor Siminalayi Fubara

The Source reports that Wike,who is currently waging a proxy war against his erstwhile protege ,Governor Fubara, through the Martins Amaewfule-led State House of Assembly on Thursday March ,13 ,while on a national television interview poured some unprintable invectives on the Rivers state Governor and his Ijaw ethnic nationality for daring to threaten hell on earth should Fubara be impeached.

He described the Ijaw group as a an inconsequential minority in the political demography of the Niger Delta region except in Bayelsa state.

However,  in a statement on Saturday in Port Harcourt, jointly issued by Dennis Banigo,and Prof. Prosper Ayawei, Chairman, and Secretary, Board of Trustees, BoT President respectively, the IPA ,stated that the Ijaw people are the largest ethnic nationality in Rivers state .

According to them, Ijaws also have the highest number of Local Councils ,warning that they would not be  cowed or be relegated to the background in the scheme of things in the State .

The IPA recalled that the Ijaw nation through the instrumentalities of Ijaw Patriots ,played a pivotal re in the creation of Rivers state, and therefore will not allow  their pre-eminent position and sacrifices to be undermined by anybody or group of persons.

” It is particularly disheartening that Mr Wike who rose to power through the benevolence and support of the Ijaw people, has chosen to cast aspersions on the very ethnic nationality that stood by him.

“Such actions are not only ungrateful, but also divisive and unbecoming of a leader who once held the highest office in the State .

“We issue a strong warning to Wike to cease and desist from further careless altercations and inflammatory comments that have the potentials to incite tribal conflicts and disrupt the peace and harmony of Rivers state .

“The Ijaw nation will not tolerate any attempt to sow discord or destabilize Rivers State.

“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene and caution Mr Wike against actions and rhetorics that could spark communal and political unrest capable of threatening the survival of Nigeria’s nascent democracy and economic prosperity.

“Leadership demands responsibility ,and it is imperative that all public figures act with the utmost decorum and respect for the unity of our nation .

“The Ijaw Nation Development Group/ Ijaw Peoples Assembly remains steadfast in our commitment to fostering unity ,promoting development and safeguarding the rights and dignity of our people.

“We will continue to work tirelessly with the Ijaw National Congress, INC, and other well meaning people and organizations to ensure that the Ijaw nation and Rivers state thrive in peace ,harmony and prosperity”, part of the statement reads.

Meanwhile hundreds of women from Abalama Kalabari in Asari Tolu Council, Saturday morning, barricaded all major roads to and from the Kingdom in protest against the planned  thanksgiving service by Wike in the area .

On Friday ,March 14, the traditional ruler of the area His Royal Majesty, Big Tom-Tom, had, in a public message appealed to the organizers of the event to put it off ,citing the charged atmosphere as a major reason .

The Royal Father noted that his community will not accept any political gathering at this critical and challenging situation in the life of Rivers state .

However, the insistence of the organizers to go ahead with the event ,prompted the women to block the roads ,while also demanding that the thanksgiving be taken out of Kalabari .

The women who were all dressed in black attire  are said to be highly incensed by the statement credited to Wike, to the effect that  Kalabari/Ijaw are in the minority in Rivers state .

They were, however, dispersed by the scores of Security Details who accompanied Wike to the ceremony.

Warning To Nyesom Wike: “Keep Off Enugu State”

By
The Source
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Nyesom Wike
Nyesom Wike, FCT Minister



By Charles Igbo 

 

“Wike should limit his dictatorship and madness in Rivers State where he is the emperor and lord of the manor. Governor Mbah is a decent person”

 

For daring to question the capabilities of Enugu State Governor as a political leader, and his qualifications as a Lawyer,  Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, himself, a Lawyer, has been warned to keep off Enugu State. “Enugu is not Rivers”, Wike has been, literally, told.

 

Trouble started when Wike, during an interview with some Journalists in Abuja, inexplicably dragged in the name, office and qualifications of Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State.

 

Wike questioned and mocked  Mbah’s capabilities as the Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party in the South-east zone. He said Mbah, who  claims to be the Leader of the party in the Zone, and hijacked the structure, was there and the PDP does not have a Governorship Candidate in the November 2025  Governorship election in Anambra State. “What sort of Leader is that?” He dismissed Mbah as a paper weight politician. He also questioned Governor Mbah’s qualifications as a Lawyer and presented him as half baked.

 

Stung by the unexpected attack on the Governor by Minister Wike, Dr Stanley Ezediuto, the Vice Chairman of Agwu Local Government Area, descended strongly on him. Ezediuto told Wike to draw a line between politics and leadership.

 

In a statement, he told Wike that Mbah is polished and unlike Wike, has no gutter attributes.

 

In the statement he released on Friday, the LGA Vice Chairman warned Wike to keep  a wide  distance from Enugu and  limit  his bitter politics and dictatorial tendencies to himself and Rivers State. 

Peter Mbah
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State.

The statement reads in full:

 

“Ordinarily, I’d not have done this rejoinder, but it’d be sad that a piece of humongous accusation as huge as the one from the former governor and senior minister of the federation isn’t replied accordingly. As we all know, Nyesom Wike’s stock-in-trade has been to cast aspersions at any leader that resists his dictatorial advances and the drive to control everyone including those he should be under their socioeconomic and political tutelage. 

 

This kind of character is obnoxious and should not be exhibited around the Governor of Enugu whose track records over the years in corporate engagement and politics are ones of sterling vestiges on the sand of time. 

 

Wike should draw his boundaries and focus on Rivers State alone where he wants to reign supreme as lord of the flies. 

 

His character isn’t welcomed in Enugu. We’re a state of high moral compass and wouldn’t want our leader to be captured in the macabre dance of another supposed leader who wants to rule over a conquered territory.

 

“Come to think of it, wasn’t Gov. Mbah supposed to be the organic leader of the PDP in the Southeast as the only governor of the party in the zone? Was it supposed to be contested in the first place? This is if he’s by any measure trying to assert such structural control in the party in the zone.

 

“Barr Peter Mbah is coming from the private sector. He knows and understands the principles of fiscal prudence and people- driven leadership. He’s not like a Nyesom Wike whose only source of livelihood is politics. 

 

“Accusing the governor of not spending money lavishly on the PDP is nothing but a confirmation of the fact that the governor is prudent with public spending. He’s not like a Nyesom Wike who spends imprudently what doesn’t belong to him alone. PDP didn’t sell its governorship form in Anambra because of the friction in the party at the national. 

 

“Who’d like to waste his money on gubernatorial screening form when the office of the National Secretary is being dragged like a power generator set? 

 

“This is the singular reason the party didn’t sell any governorship form in Anambra, not what Wike is alleging against Gov. Peter Mbah. Wike we all know caused the crisis rocking the PDP today, so, he should be held responsible for such infractions now eating deep into the flesh of the party. Wike’s inordinate quest to hold PDP in his pockets is why PDP is tremulous.

 

“It’s very shameful to hear Wike put a question mark on the qualification of Gov. Mbah as a fully certified lawyer in Nigeria. It’s on record that Wike himself as a lawyer hasn’t won any case in court as a counsel. It maybe this is why he has been disobeying court orders. 

 

“Wike is a product of PDP and public patrimony from scratch. He owes PDP unquantifiable gratitude for making him the person he is today in politics. He should not be fighting the party and its leaders. If he’s a lawyer by nomenclature, he should not think that Peter Mbah is a novice in the legal profession. 

 

“That he decided to go into business isn’t a reason to question his knowledge in legal practice. Mr Nyesom Wike should tell the public his track records in law practice. If he can’t, he should keep quiet and never dare talk to a working and productive governor like Peter Mbah in the manner he was captured doing yesterday. Gov. Mbah isn’t a drunk, neither is he intoxicated by power. 

 

“He believes in due process and respect for the rule of law, unlike one Nyesom Wike who has reputation for double standard and disobedience to court orders. These being said, it’s instructive that he keeps a distance from Enugu as the people of the state wouldn’t romance him with silence the next time he attempts to talk to their governor in the manner he did two days ago.

 

“In summary, Nyesom Wike should not attempt to extend his political madness to the Coal City State. It’s impolitic for him to attack a governor in the manner he has done who has never joined issues with him. 

 

“In Enugu, we respect hierarchy and good governance. We’re not conquered people as our governor isn’t an emperor like himself that wants to be aquatic and terrestrial at the same time. So, Mr Wike, do not come around Enugu with your political madness not to talk of Peter Mbah with your vile and uncoordinated voluptuosity. We won’t take it from you, please.”

Cattle Rearers Association Lament Delay In Take off Of Min Of Livestock Development

By
Ayodele Oni
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Herdsmen-turn-National-stadium-Abuja-to-grazing-ground

By Ayodele Oni

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has expressed displeasure over inability  of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to fully take off eight months after its establishment.

 The national president of the association, Khalid Bello, in a statement at the weekend,  noted that, it is disturbing that nearly eight months after the establishment of this crucial ministry,  the renovation of the permanent office allocated for its operations is yet to take off.

This delay, he said, has impeded the

implementation of essential policies and programmes aimed at promoting the livestock sector and its value chains across Nigeria.

The statement added that “When the Ministry was established on July 9, 2024, we, Nigeria’s pastoralists, viewed it as a long-awaited answer to our prayers and a significant step towards addressing over 50 years of neglect in the livestock sector.

“However, the lack of progress since then has been disheartening, preventing the Ministry from fulfilling its critical role in ensuring food security and contributing to the national economy.

“Currently, the Ministry functions more as a Directorate of Animal Husbandry Services, lacking the resources and infrastructure necessary for it to operate independently and effectively.

“Despite the critical nature of its mission, the allocated office space/building remains unrenovated and a timeline for starting the renovation or completion has not been provided.

“This situation severely hampers the ability of the Honorable Minister, Permanent Secretary, Directors and staff to coordinate effectively and execute their responsibilities

“Moreover, the financial resources allocated to the Ministry for the 2025 fiscal year are

insufficient for the Ministry to achieve its objectives.

“KACRAN is deeply concerned that without immediate attention to these challenges, the foundational goals of the Ministry will remain unattainable.

“As the political landscape evolves, it is vital that the focus remains on policy timely implementation rather than allowing the future of this very important Ministry to be muddling through uncertainties.

“We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize the renovation and operation of the Ministry’s office so that the Honorable Minister and staff can effectively promote and develop the livestock sector.

“Additionally, we implore the President to invest significantly in the livestock sector, for enabling the Ministry to actively engage in ensuring food security, enhancing the nation’s GDP, and reducing heavy reliance on imported milk and food products, which costs Nigeria billions of dollars annually.

“KACRAN expresses gratitude to President Tinubu for appointing Professor Muhammadu Attahiru Jega as an Advisor on Presidential Livestock Reform Programmes.

“We hope that under his guidance, the Ministry can achieve its goals and bring tangible benefits to Nigeria’s pastoralists and the wider population at large.”

FG, States, Private Sector Collaborate To Ensure Electricity Generation

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
TCN - Transmission Line - Power

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government is collaborating with states and private sector to drive an initiative to enhance the use of electricity in sectors like health, education, agriculture, and transportation, to propel sustainable development.

The initiative with e-HEART acronym, stands for Electricity for Health, Education, Agriculture, Rural Development, and Transportation, and aims to address critical infrastructural gaps, especially in rural areas.

To facilitate take off of the initiative and in a move to boost governance and policy implementation across key sectors, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has inaugurated a Steering Committee for the groundbreaking e-HEART initiative.

Speaking at the event, Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized that Ondo State is among the first in Nigeria to implement this transformative programme, which seeks to improve power supply and welfare for rural communities

According to him, with States now empowered to generate and regulate electricity in their domain, Ondo is already taking steps towards improving power supply to its people.

While urging the committee to come up with a good template that will drive the implementation of the initiative, the Governor pledged his commitment to the adequate funding of the programme.

Speaking earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Power, Johnson Alabi, who doubles as the Chairman of the committee, noted that the e-HEART programme is an initiative promoted by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to enhance sustainable electricity in rural areas.

Alabi, who said the initiative will be funded at the ratio of 60:30:10 by the partners, described it as a high impact programme that will enhance the social economic development of the state.

He commended the Governor for his swift support for the initiative which demonstrates his administration’s commitment towards the welfare and wellbeing of the people of the State.

Speaking on behalf of other members of the committee, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy, Ibrahim Yusuf, appreciated the Governor for his efforts in driving the State forward, pledging that the committee would work hard to ensure that the project becomes a success.

The committee has as members Permanent Secretaries of the participating MDAs.

Emir Of Kano Tussle: Govt Studies  Court Of Appeal Judgement, Says Sanusi Remains

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

By Ayodele Oni

The Kano State Government has instructed its legal team to study the outcome of the proceedings and determine the next steps in line with the law.

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja had halted the enforcement of its January 10 judgement, which upheld the Kano State Government’s  repeal of the 2019 Emirates Council Law, pending the Supreme Court’s determination of an appeal on the same matter.

The ruling was delivered on Friday by a three-member panel led by Justice Okon Abang.

The State Government stated that it provided clarity on the Court of Appeal ruling concerning the ongoing emirship dispute, addressing widespread misinterpretations and speculative reports in the media.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the NUJ Secretariat in Kano, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi, emphasized the need for accurate information regarding the legal proceedings.

Barrister Dederi explained that the Court of Appeal, in its judgment delivered on January 10, 2025, upheld the repeal of the Kano Emirate Council Law, 2019, and overturned the ruling of the Federal High Court, Kano.

However, he noted that Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan’agundi, dissatisfied with the verdict, had since filed an appeal before the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

He further clarified that the Court of Appeal’s judgment remains valid and binding until the Supreme Court decides otherwise.

He described the recent stay of execution granted by the Court of Appeal as a standard legal procedure meant to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the case at the apex court.

The Kano State Government urges the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and avoid any form of provocation.

The Attorney General, on behalf the Governor expressed appreciation to the people of Kano State for their patience, understanding, and unwavering prayers for peace and progress in the state and the nation at large.

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