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Ebonyi Airport Not For Church Service – Govt

November 11, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Ebonyi State Government has taken a serious exception to insinuations and outright claims in some quarters that the Chuba Okadigbo Airport has now become a faith-based facility.

The State authorities noted that the State- constructed Airport was fully in use during the recent burial ceremony for the first Civilian Governor of Abia state, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu

The Source reports that the social media has been awash with reports suggesting that the facility built with several billions of tax payers’ funds by the immediate past administration headed by Dave Umahi, now Federal Works Minister, is being used by Churches for services due to inactivities.

But in a statement issued by Dr Ngozi Obichukwu, Commissioner for Aviation and Transport Technology on Sunday, November 10, 2024, the Ebonyi State authorities insisted that every relevant section of the Airport, including the departure lounge is functioning optimally.

Further speaking, the Commissioner informed that the fact of the situation remains that staff of the Aviation Ministry and other industry operatives do normally use the departure lounge for their end of the month prayers session.

She regretted that such routine exercise that is not even peculiar to the Airport and its staffers, has been twisted to mean that the lounge is now a branch of a faith based organization.

According to the Commissioner, the Airport was used by aircraft that conveyed dignitaries for the burial ceremony of Dr Onu on November 8 .

Although there was a little lull ,when the runway was under going rehabilitation work, full activities, she noted, had since recommenced at the Airport.

Dr Obichukwu while completely debunking claims of the facility being redundant, urged members of the public, particularly air travelers to continue to patronize the facility.

Such patronage will assist greatly in improving the internally generated revenue profile of the state according to her .

The Commissioner maintained that there is nothing unusual about the monthly prayers session by the workers, as it is meant to seek God’s intervention, presence and protection for all travelers.

To this end, Dr Obichukwu described those behind the allegations that the Airport has been converted to a branch of a Church as enemies of Ebonyi, peace and progress.

“We have taken off flight operations. Of course, we held our monthly prayers to kick off the recommencement of flight operations.

“The critics are enemies of development, peace and progress in Ebonyi state who do not see anything good in the current administration.

“But thanks to our capacity Governor, Francis Nwifuru, who has shamed them by delivering a quality and long lasting projects, in addition to the numerous empowerment programmes and employment opportunities taking place in all parts of the State through his peoples’ charter of needs .

“You know that after the rehabilitation of the Chuba Okadigbo Airport runway, and completion of the asphalting, we were even not sure, but by the grace of God, our able Governor provided all the things needed for the Airport’s runway and other facilities.

“Today, we are proud to thank all the regulatory bodies in the Aviation industry, and the Nigeria Airspace Management for their doggedness in ensuring that the Airport recommenced flight operations as usual.”

Lakurawas Threat: Kebbi Govt Seeks NSA, Chief Of Defence Staff’s Help

Suleiman Anyalewechi

November 11, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Sequel to last Friday, November 8, 2024 deadly attack in Mera community, Augie Local Council by banditry elements which claimed the lives of 15 locals, the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has sent a save-our -soul message to the National Security Adviser, NSA, and the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS .

This is even as the State authorities have given the families of the victims of the Mera massacre, the sum of N50 million

The Source reports that the nascent terrorist group, Lakurawas, had, on Friday, attacked residents of Mera in Argungu Emirate Council, and carted away about 100 cows and felling 15 locals who had mounted resistance to the invasion.

The Military High Command, had earlier, last week admitted the presence of a new terrorist gang that has infiltrated parts of Sokoto and Kebbi states from the troubled neighbouring West African Countries of Mali and Niger Republic.

Defence Spokesperson Edward Buba ,a Major General, noted that the group capitalized on the quiet moment in the bilateral relationships between Nigeria and Niger Republic occasioned by the July 26, 2023, military coup in the latter to sneak into the country.

The Kebbi delegation comprising Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu ,Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah ,Suleiman Muhammad Argungu the Call Progressive Congress, APC National Organizing Secretary, and Nasiru Ibrahim Junju, are to impress it on the NSA, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and CDS General Christopher Musa, on the urgent need to respond swiftly to the new security threat posed by the Lakurawas.

A statement issued by the Governor’s Media Aide, Comrade Nasir Kauran Gwandu , noted that the request for urgent military intervention has become imperative in the face of the large numbers of the group that have infiltrated the State and the neighbouring Sokoto.

According to the statement, unless there is an urgent military intervention, the entire Northern part of Kebbi state will completely fall into the hands of the bandits.

The Governor expressed concern that the troops on the ground are already overstretched, and may need immediate support both in equipment and personnel to handle the new threat.

Governor Idris affirmed the readiness of the State Government to provide all needed logistical and other support to frontally stop the group from overrunning Argungu Emirate of the State.

In addition to the N50 million from the State Government, victims of the attack have also been given N30 million by Minister Bagudu.

Obi Won 2023 Presidential Election- Movement Insists, Says New Nigeria Possible With Him As President

Tosin Olatokunbo

November 10, 2024

The 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi won the election, his campaign organisation insists. He was denied victory by the power-that-be in the country, according to the Obedient Movement.

Recall that Obi lots the critical election to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was declared winner by the nation’s electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the Movement made the assertion at the weekend, saying the corruption in the country’s electoral system denied the LP candidate his deserved victory.

He spoke during a symposium organised by the Movement in Awka, the Anambra state capital. The event held at the All Saints Cathedral Auditorium was tagged “Repositioning the Obidient Movement for Greater Impact.”

Tanko’s assertion comes ahead the next presidential election which Obi has shown interest in contesting.

He explained that the party is prepared to win the next presidential election, and has been meeting with critical stakeholders to ensure the plan materialised.

According to him, the New Nigeria that Nigerians have been longing for, is possible with Obi as president of the country.

He stated that the party will ensure that the former governor is not robbed of victory this time around, with the supports of Nigerians as “Obi has the potential to emerge as president in 2027 if we put our acts together.”

He said Nigerians are already tired of the current administration and are desirous of change.

Tanko said, “A new Nigeria is possible if we start doing the right things in electing those who lead us. We are determined to end bad governance in Nigeria by ensuring the right people are elected. During the 2023 general election, we were accused of lacking structure, yet Peter Obi won the election but was denied victory due to electoral malpractice. This time, history will not repeat itself.

“Even the North is dissatisfied with the current government. We will advocate for electoral reform and champion it legally and physically. We will mobilise our people on the streets, and in the courts, and present our proposals to the National Assembly. The Obidient Movement seeks to empower Nigerian youths, advocating for meaningful change and accountability. Our mission aligns with the pursuit of good governance, justice, and equity.”

The LP candidate came a distant third in the election behind Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress, APC candidate and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, according to the results declared by INEC.

Obi has yet to to accept the election verdict citing electoral fraud as his reason.

Stop Seeking Greener Pastures Abroad, Tinubu Advises Youths

Akinwale Kasali

November 10, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The high rate of Nigerian Youths seeking greener pastures abroad has contributed to the brain drain syndrome bedeviling the Nation. To stem it, President Bola Tinubu has an advice. He has asked Nigerian graduates to utilize their knowledge and skills to uplift society and contribute to the country’s growth and development instead of seeking greener pastures abroad.

He made this appeal during the 29th and 30th combined convocation ceremonies of the University of Uyo, UNIUYO, held at the University’s Main Campus, Calabar.

He advised graduates against hastily seeking opportunities abroad, and called on Universities to pursue innovative research that advances national development.

“Education is the cornerstone of national development,” he noted, “and it must be both responsive and transformative for progress to occur.”

He continued, “The government has invested significantly in your education, equipping you to make meaningful contributions to society. As you step into the world, I urge you to be agents of positive change, using your skills to uplift our society and contribute to Nigeria’s growth and global development. Resist the urge to look for greener pastures elsewhere. Together, we can make our own pastures equally green, if not greener.”

He lamented that much of Nigeria’s research ends up on shelves instead of driving impactful change. He acknowledged Nigeria’s current challenges but reassured the audience that the government is committed to addressing these issues and mitigating their impact, particularly on the most vulnerable.

“I ask for the support and understanding of Nigerians toward the government’s economic reform programs, despite the challenges they bring,” he added.

Outgoing Edo Govt Claims Successor Already Put State Into N5b Debt

Ayodele Oni

November 10, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Outgoing administration in Edo State has accused its successor of putting the state in a debt of N5 billion even before assumption of office.

It advised the Governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo and his aides to focus on organizing their exorbitant N5bn inauguration ceremony and leave the highly-fulfilled Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, out of their petty politics.

In a statement, Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, said it was regrettable that the new government was starting on the sorry note of lavishing the state’s resources on the November 12 inauguration instead of thinking of how to hit the ground running.

According to him, “It is quite telling that we are back to the era where unconscionable spending sprees, jamborees and parties are the preoccupation of government in Edo State.

“It is unheard of that the governor was not invited to the inauguration ceremony, which reveals the level of pettiness that would prevail in this new dispensation.

“The incoming government has made commitments to the vendors to the tune of N5bn in official capacity with many more expenses expected to be incurred on November 12, the day of the inauguration.

“It would indeed be a very sad day for Edo people who have hitherto witnessed prudent and judicious use of public funds to drive economic development in the State, to have their resources frittered in this manner.”

He added that the incoming government was throwing tantrums about the professional manner that the government had wound down as against the old practice where there would be wanton vandalisation of government property and assets.

“We have maintained decorum in the handing over process and the incoming government is having non of it because they also intend to stage a heist of government assets with the intention to point fingers at the outgoing government.

“Today, they’ve been disappointed and they’re now seeking out Obaseki for blames. We are not surprised. In fact, we would only have been perplexed if they didn’t go this route in attempting to malign the government.”

IGP Excuses State Sponsored Amotekun From Ondo Gov Election

Ayodele Oni

November 10, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, has earned quasi security agencies to stay away from Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State.

Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi in a statement on Sunday, clarified that state-backed groups like Vigilante Corps or Amotekun, will not be permitted to participate in the election.

The statement added that “the IGP reaffirmed the established guidelines governing election security management in Nigeria, stressing that no quasi-security organization, including state-backed groups like Vigilante Corps or Amotekun, will be permitted to participate in the election process.

“The security of this election is a responsibility entrusted solely to the Nigeria Police Force and other federal security agencies, along with the broader membership of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).”

Egbetokun, re assured the public of the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering readiness to ensure a peaceful and orderly election process across all 18 Local Government Areas, 203 Wards, and 3,933 Polling Units in the state.

“The IGP has confirmed that comprehensive plans have been set in motion to guarantee a smooth election, including the strategic deployment of adequate personnel, resources, and state-of-the-art equipment.

“The deployment will see officers from various specialized units, including the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), Special Protection Unit (SPU), Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit, K-9 Unit, Federal Investigation and Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), and Federal Intelligence and Security Task Force (FID-STS), working in concert with other security agencies.

“These agencies will adhere strictly to the guidelines of the Electoral Act, 2022, ensuring that all measures taken align with the principles of fairness, transparency, and order.

“In addition to ground personnel, aerial patrols will be conducted with police helicopters, while gunboats will patrol the state’s waterways and riverine areas to ensure security across all terrains.

“These comprehensive measures will serve as a deterrent to any attempt to disrupt the electoral process and will enhance the overall stability of the elections.

“The IGP has also issued a stern warning to political thugs and any individuals or groups who may contemplate acts of violence or disruption before, during, or after the election: they will face the full force of the law.

“The message is clear—those who attempt to jeopardize the peace and security of the state will not go unpunished.

“The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other federal security agencies, remains committed, vigilant, and fully prepared to ensure that the Ondo State Gubernatorial Election proceeds smoothly, without incident, and in accordance with the highest standards of electoral integrity.”

Outgoing Gov Obaseki Has Fled Edo – Gov Elect Okpebholo Alleges

Ayodele Oni

November 10, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Edo State Governor-Elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has alleged that outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki has fled the state ahead of his inauguration on Tuesday.

Okpebholo also flayed statements credited to Obaseki in the last few days advising him to seek immediate psychiatric attention, following his recent utterances and public displays.

In a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday and signed by Godspower Inegbe, media assistant to Okpebholo, the Governor-Elect said Edo people were worried by Obaseki’s reckless statements and urged that his state of mind should be evaluated.

The Governor-Elect in the statement sounded the alarm over the whereabouts of Obaseki, who on Friday reportedly fled Benin City, the Edo State capital, using a disguised bus.

The statement said that Obaseki chased out everyone from the Government House on Friday before escaping to a yet-to-be known location more than 72 hours before his official departure from office.

The statement further noted that Obaseki was making the false claims to shift attention away from his sinister plans to leave the country through the land borders.

“As of Friday, 8th of November, the whereabouts of Obaseki were unknown. He has chased everyone out of Edo State Government House. He has abandoned governance in the State, and he is on the run.

“He has escaped through the road out of Benin. He did not pass through the airport. If he is as popular as he claims, why did he not use the airport to escape? Instead, he hired a bus and disguised while escaping from Edo State.

“Obaseki is trying to push out these narratives in order to distract the public. His antics will not work. We know his plans, and we will continue to expose his shenanigans to Edo people.”

Obaseki, had on Saturday, claimed that Senator Okpebholo did not invite him to his inauguration, slated for Tuesday. He also claimed without proof that the Governor-Elect has a stolen mandate.

Reacting the statement added that “Outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki needs serious and urgent psychiatric attention to evaluate his state of mind. His recent utterances and public displays should get Edo sons and daughters worried.

“In his latest diatribe, Obaseki, who has supervised one of the biggest financial heists and misappropriated resources of Edo state, is again engaging in his usual beer parlour talks.

“According to the unpopular outgoing governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo stole the mandate freely given to him by Edo people. In his usual myopic mind, he wants to change the narratives and set a dangerous precedence.”

The statement said Okpebholo won the elections convincingly and added that the tribunal will soon validate his claims.

It slated that Obaseki would not get away with the reckless claims.

“Obaseki will not get away with this misrepresentation. Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Governor-Elect of Edo State, won the 21st September governorship election in Edo State.

“Obaseki is still licking his wound of defeat and is yet to accept the reality. Edo people, through the ballot, rejected the planned continuation of Obaseki’s satanic government through his glorified stooge, Asue Ighodalo.”

Okpebholo said Obaseki was trying to influence the outcome of the ongoing case at the tribunal by making false claims.

“The Peoples Democratic Party is already challenging the outcome of the election in court. We are therefore worried that Obaseki is in a hurry to pre-empt the outcome of the tribunal by repeatedly making false claims.

“Unfortunately for Obaseki, his baseless claims will not stand. The Peoples Democratic Party and its candidate, Ighodalo, have no case against Senator Okpebholo. The tribunal will soon confirm that.”

“If You Steal, I Will Disgrace You, I Will Shame You” – Gov Otti Warns LGA Officials

Suleiman Anyalewechi

November 10, 2024

Alex Otti - Governor of Abia State — Governor Alex Otti of Abia State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has signaled his intentions to draft the outgone interim Majors of the 17 local Councils into other areas of assistance to the people of the State

This is just as he warned the newly elected Local Government Officials to either buckle up or ship out.

The Source reports that the outgone Mayors/Transition Council Chairmen were barred by extant laws from participating in the November 2,2024 Council polls in the state contrary to wide spread expectations that they will transmute into elected officials.

The development, as it were, elicited varying reactions with not a few insinuating official conspiracy in scheming the Mayors out of the Local Government race.

However, in an exclusive interview with this Magazine, one of the acclaimed high fliers among the transition officials, Chief Uche Wogu, blamed the situation on an existing 2014 Local Council Laws ,which caught everyone ,including Governor Otti, off guard .

According to him, the law which was first enacted in 2002, abrogated in 2007 ,and re-enacted in 2014 bars sitting transition council officials from succeeding themselves.

Chief Wogu, who was the Mayor of Aba South Metropolitan Council, insisted that given the chance, the Governor would have loved to see the Mayors continue in office without any protocol.

Governor Otti, who spoke on Saturday November 9, 2024 at a sent forth and welcome dinner organized in honour of the outgone and new Mayors ,appreciated the high sense of dedication, loyalty, and sincerity of purpose exhibited by the outgone Mayors during their short stay in office.

He informed that his administration has concluded plans to avail the State and its people the services of the past Council officials in other capacities.

He also expressed deep gratitude to the past Mayors, most of whom are accomplished professionals ,business tycoons and entrepreneurs before their appointments , for being humble enough to offer their services at the grassroots level.

“We have discovered these ones (the out gone Mayors) and we are going to engage them fully in the service of the state ,in other capacities.

“In the eleven months and a few days that they spent ,you could see the wonders that they performed in the Local Governments Areas.

“They performed so excellently that I can stand here and tell you that I am immensely very proud of all of them and it is that pride that informed this gathering in the first place.

“I just want to use this opportunity to say thank you for offering your services to the good people of Abia State. Thank you also for establishing a commendable service template and trajectory worthy of emulation by your successors.

“You have proven your self within just eleven months, and by so doing, challenged everybody, including the new Mayors/Council Chairmen who are here so that they will have something to replicate”

Governor Otti, stated that his adminstration, at inception, was intentional in hunting the Mayors ,as well as other Government officials ,with proven track record and reputation top on the list of prerequisite qualifications.

He cautioned the newly elected Council officials against engaging in acts which are at variance with the policy thrust of the State Government.

He insisted that there is no room for the mismanagement and misappropriation of the commonwealth by officials at any level of governance in the state .

He warned that any Council Official found to be self- serving ,will not be spared ,noting that his adminstration has zero tolerance for corrupt tendencies.

The Governor emphasized the need for the new Mayors to prioritize the welfare of the people in their approach to governance .

“In our administration, leadership is about stewardship. We have made it clear that this Government has zero tolerance for corruption ,so if you were thinking that the reason you offered yourself is to steal money ,resign now, and avoid being disgraced.

“I will not spare any efforts in disgracing anybody who steals. I may be lenient and ask you to leave.

“But most times, I am not all that lenient .I can assure you that this administration would not tolerate stealing and the leader (Governor) will not steal ” Governor stated .

According to him, machineries have been activated for effective monitoring and evaluation of the performance of the new Council officials.

He also assured that efforts will be made by the State Government to provide all the necessary support needed by the council officials to excel in office .

He encouraged them to build on the very good foundation already laid by the immediate past Mayors.

Chief Wogu, who was one of the people that spoke on behalf of the immediate past Mayors appreciated the Governor for offering them the opportunity to serve the people.

He assured that they will still make themselves available for any future service to the people of Abia state.

Nigerians Celebrate As Okonjo-Iweala Gets Second Term As WTO DG

Adesina Soyooye

November 10, 2024

By Adesina Soyooye

Nigerians are in a celebratory mood, as one of their own, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has swept into office for a second term as the Director General of the World Trade Centre.

The first woman and first African to hold the high profile office, Dr Okonjo-Iweala assumed office on March 1, 2021, after he beat a very competitive field.

And just as her first term comes to an end in August, 2024, every interested party to that office, looked at her records, and thought it wise to let her waltz to a second term unopposed to complete the brilliant job she is doing.

At the end of nominations on November 8, 2024, no candidate or country challenged her. She stood unopposed – a sole candidate.

A statement by the WTO on Saturday said:

“Nominations for Director-General closed; Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala confirmed as sole candidate.

“Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, Chair of the General Council, informed WTO members on 9 November that no further nominations for the position of Director-General had been received by the deadline of 8 November and that the incumbent Director-General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, is, therefore, the only candidate for the role.

“Director-General Okonjo-Iweala confirmed her willingness to serve a second four-year term in the role in a letter to the Chair on 16 September. On 8 October, the WTO formally commenced the process for appointing its next Director-General, with members given until 8 November to submit nominations.”

According to WTO, the chair of the General Council will communicate the next steps in this process in the coming days.

It said: “The process was led by the General Council Chair in accordance with the WTO’s “Procedures for the Appointment of Directors-General.”

Okonjo-Iweala, 70, is a record breaker. A top flight Economist, she was at the World Bank when her country, Nigeria, brought her to become the first Minister of Finance and Coordinator of the Economy – a position she first held under President Olusegun Obasanjo, (Minister for Finance), and under President Goodluck Jonathan who added the position of Coordinating Minister of the Economy to her Finance portfolio.

A native of Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, she is married to Dr Ikemba Iweala from Abia State with whom she has equally high profile children. Both her parents are Professors. Her father, a Professor of Statistics, was the Traditional Ruler of his Community before he passed.

MC Oluomo Emerges NURTW National President

Akinwale Kasali

November 10, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

After several months of debacle, accusations and counter accusations, the Southwest Zone of the National Union of Road Transport Union, NURTW, has finally elected Alhaji Musliu Akinsaya, popularly known MC Oluomo as the NURTW National President.

At the election which took place during its Quadrennial Delegates Conference at its Zonal Secretariat in Osogbo, Osun State, delegates from the four States, including Lagos, Ogun, Ondo and Ekiti participated in the election.

The Delegates conference which was monitored and observed by the acting National President of the Union, Aliyu Issa-Ore, stressed that the Union’s constitution provided that the zone which turn it is to produce the President, elect and present such person to the National Secretariat.

Represented by the Head of Finance, National Headquarters, Abuja, Mrs Adedamola Salam said the Southwest zone have fully complied with the constitution in electing Oluomo as the President.

The delegate also elected Tajudeen Agbede as its Vice President, Southwest and Akeem Adeosun, as trustee from the zone.

Speaking after taking oath of office, Oluomo urged every members to allow peace reign reiterating his commitment to unity in the union.

“I have forgiven everyone that offended me and I wish those I offend would forgive me as well. This is our union and we must be committed to its preservation. We will not allow anyone to destroy our means of livelihood”, he said.

The emergence of MC Oluomo is coming several months after he had a face off with Agbede and several other chieftains of the Union’s body that led to his suspension before he was reinstated.

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