Home Blog Page 880

Former Delta State Gov, Okowa, Granted Bail By EFCC

November 7, 2024

By Adesina Soyooye

After two days in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has been granted an administrative bail.

Okowa, who was, also, the Vice Presidential Candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2023 Presidential Election, was arrested and detained by the EFCC when he went to the Commission’s Port, Harcourt Zonal office November 4, on invitation.

On arrival, he was slammed with sundry allegations including an alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion from 13% derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023, the period he was the Governor of Delta State.

Okowa, sources close to him said, was released on administrative bail at about 9.00pm on Wednesday.

Aside from the derivation funds, Dr. Okowa, also, handled, untidely, another N40 billion claimed to have been used to acquire shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas.

Okowa, it is alleged, bought shares worth N40 billion in a major bank in the country which represent 8% equity to float the offshore LNG.

However, the funds were alleged to be used for other purposes, among which was the acquiring of personal estates in Abuja and Asaba, the capital of Delta State.

Nigeria Military Confirms Presence Of New Terror Group In The Country

Suleiman Anyalewechi

November 7, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigerian Military authorities on Thursday November 7, 2024, officially admitted that the ranks of terrorist groups operating in the Northern part of the country have swollen, with a new entrant from the Niger Republic axis.

At a media briefing, Director Defence Information Edward Buba, a Major General, said the newest group “Lukarawas” capitalized on the loose military/defence corporation between Nigeria and the Niger Republic in the wake of the July 26,2023 military junta in the latter to establish its presence in the Sokoto/Kebbi axis of the North West .

The Defence spokesman noted that the operation of the nascent terrorist group began to gain currency following the instability that trailed the coup in the country’s West African neighbour .

“The terrorists took advantage of the gap in cooperation between both countries and exploited difficult terrains to make incursions into remote areas in some North West states to spread their ideology.

“The group was accommodated by the locals who initially thought that the group meant well for them. However, this assistance unintentionally facilitated the group’s establishment in these areas”, Buba noted .

He informed that the group’s presence is visibly felt in States like Sokoto and Kebbi.

According to the Defence Spokesperson, the terrorist sect migrated from Niger Republic and Mali.

To halt further incursions by the group, the military, Buba stated, has enhanced its presence through intelligence gathering, surveillance operations and reconnaissance ISR operations with a view to locating and neutralizing the group members .

Continuing, General Buba also blamed that development on the vast areas of unmanned spaces, particularly, in the North West region of the country.

“The terror group has continued to take advantage of the vast under-governed areas to hide and evade troops as well as harass the locals”, he noted.

He, however, assured that the military is on top of the situation.

The Source reports that following the July 26, 2023 junta that ousted President Mohammed Bazoum from power, the ECOWAS led by Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, severed all forms of cooperation, including military, with the Coup leaders.

The disagreement also led to the closure of all land borders between Nigeria and Niger Republic for many months.

Although Nigeria has since rescinded the decision, normalcy is yet to fully return in the age long relationship between the two sister countries.

Death Of COAS: Osun Declares Three Days Of Mourning

Ayodele Oni

November 7, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Mourning one of its prominent indigenes, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has declared a three-day mourning period for the late Chief of Army Staff, (CAOS) Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja.

The State Government also directed that flags be flown at half-mast during this period.

This is just as the traditional ruler of the deceased community, Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olaniyan, appealed to the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government to allow the community to bury the late Chief of Army Staff, in the community.

A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, disclosed that condolence registers have been opened at the Government House and the Governor’s Office for messages from the people of Osun.

According to the Commissioner, the death of the late COAS is a devastating and colossal loss to humanity and the nation, adding, “We cannot forget him.”

The government expressed sorrow at this irreparable loss of one of Osun State’s esteemed sons, extending condolences to the Lagbaja family of Ilobu, the Olobu of Ilobu, and the entire community.

The mourning period begins Thursday, 7th November 2024, and ends on Saturday, 9th November. The condolence register allows people to share their memories of him, preserving the legacy of the late COAS, who passed on Monday.

Oba Olaniyan said it would be a great honour if the Army would grant the community’s request to bury the deceased in his ancestral home.

He said that the town was planning its annual “Ilobu 2024 Day” on Saturday, before the sad news of Lagbaja’s death filtered in.

Accordibg to him, in the last couple of weeks, the town had engaged in prayers for Lagbaja to get well, having learned of his health challenges.

“We were high in hope and confident about his quick recovery. Waking up this morning to the news of his death was a rude shock to the entire community.

“We are downcast and in sorrow.

He is not just the son of the soil, but one of the shining stars of the entire Yoruba race. If you go round the community, you will see a community that is in deep sorrow.

“Ilobu is a very happy town, but this morning, the sun suddenly snatched away from our sky.”

Ekiti Set To Be Free From National Grid Calamities, Licences 14 Electricity Firms

Ayodele Oni

November 7, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Governor Biodun Oyebanji has announced that Government is making appreciable progress towards achieving energy independence for the State.

The governor, who shared an update on the progress, disclosed that his administration has granted operational licenses to 14 electricity investors.

According to him, the investors include three distribution companies, four generation companies, two mini-grid generation companies, and five

meter asset providers.

He explained that this strategic move will enhance power generation, ensure efficient distribution, and provide reliable metering for Ekiti residents.

Currently, Ekiti receives approximately 20-25 MW from the national grid, which falls short of its estimated requirement of 120 MW.

“Our goal is to reach 130 MW through a robust state grid, reducing our dependency on the national supply and promoting sustainable, locally managed energy solutions.

“This initiative aligns with the 2023 Electricity Law Enactments, which empower states to decentralise electricity markets and license providers to meet local needs better.

”Thanks to everyone who believes in our vision for a brighter, self-reliant Ekiti. Together, we are building a stronger foundation for economic growth, job creation, and an improved quality of life for all our residents.”

Afegbua: “Obaseki Converting Aides To Civil Servants”

Akinwale Kasali

November 7, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State is allegedly converting his political aides to full time civil servants.

This allegation was made by Kassim Afegbua, a member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Transition Committee.

Afegbua had, in a statement in Benin, Edo State Capital, said the category of the appointees were Senior Special Assistants, SSA, and Special Assistants, SA, and 186 of such appointees were appointed in September this year.

According to him, “Governor Obaseki, for eight years, refused to recruit civil servants to fill up vacant positions and energize the civil service.

“He also refused to set up the Civil Service Commission until two weeks ago, in the twilight of his failed administration.

“We are alerting the public to be aware of Governor Obaseki’s deliberate engagement to stifle the resources of the State and pass on huge salaries and overhead to the incoming administration.

“This is not only a wicked act but a huge disservice to the incoming administration of Senator Monday Okpebholo.

“Recruitment into the Civil Service must not only follow due process, there has to be a NEED for such persons who are so recruited”, the statement said.

Reacting to this allegation, Crusoe Osagie, Special Adviser on Media Projects in a statement said that

Employment in the Edo State Public Service since the outset of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration has focused on serving the people.

Osage added, “We are unfortunately seeing a disturbing trend from the APC even before they assume government position.

“They have started making spurious claims that the state is overburdened by debt and are now threatening that they will sack workers.

“In his recent statement, Kassim Afegbua, a member of the transition committee threatened that they are ready to cut down the number of workers engaged in Edo State because they need more money for themselves. This is evidently a sign of the level of thinking in the APC, where all they care about is what gets into their pocket and not what is best for Edo State”, the statement said.

He howver added that the comments about the government employing workers were misguided, noting that the Government started engaging new workers across various spectrums of governance over six years ago, a fact that can be confirmed by civil servants in the State.

“So it is disingenuous to start claiming at this last minute that the government is now just only employing new workers to set traps for the new government”, the statement reads.

Fake News of Okorocha’s Death Borne Out Of Fear, Jealousy – Media Aide

The Source

November 7, 2024

By Charles Igbo

Former Governor Rochas Okorocha’s long-serving Media Aide, Sam Onwuemeodo, has debunked the news of the death of the former Governor which has been making the rounds in the past couple of days.

The sudden news of the death of the former Governor of Imo State took not a few people by surprise, especially those who saw him at the funeral of late Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide President General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

Nobody can quite explain how and why the satanic news came about. But Onwuemeodo who, in a statement, said Okorocha was neither ill nor dead, apparently knows why and how the it came about.

According to Onwuemeodo, it stemmed from envy and jealousy and the fear of what Okorocha can do. He noted that the news began after the rousing reception given to Okorocha at Iwuanyanwu’s funeral service once he was recognised in the Church.

He said: “Those behind this alarming breaking news were angry because of the resounding ovation that had followed the introduction of Okorocha at Iwuanyanwu’s burial. You do not curse who GOD, in His infinite Mercy and wisdom, has blessed. You do not declare dead someone GOD has kept alive.”

Onwuemeodo then went on to reel Senator Okorocha’s schedule in the past one week plus. He said the former Governor was in Owerri for about a week over Iwuanyanwu’s funeral activities, and thereafter, went back to Abuja where he also attended some activities in honour of another late high profile Igbo son, a former Minister for Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu.

Dismissing those who started the news of Okorocha’s death as “dead in spirit”, Onwuemeodo sent condolences to them.

Following is the full text of Onwuemeodo’s statement where he denounced the news of Okorocha’s passing.

“SLUG: ROCHAS OKOROCHA WAS NEITHER SICK, NOR DEAD

“1. On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, a group of people, came up with what they had described as “breaking news”. And what was that ” breaking news?”. That, the former Governor of lmo State and former Senator Representing lmo West Senatorial District, His Excellency, Owelle Rochas Okorocha had fallen sick and taken to London hospital where he died. And what was the sickness? They said, it was” Acute gorilla”.

“2. To all men and women of conscience and good tidings, the correct breaking news is that, Rochas Okorocha was neither sick, nor dead. Okorocha has never had even headache since he left as the Governor of lmo State in 2019. In other words, Rochas Okorocha is hale and hearty as we write.

“3. Okorocha had spent almost one week in Owerri for the burial of Chief Emmanuel lwuanyanwu. On the burial day, Friday, November 1, 2024, he was at the burial Church Service and was present at the burial site.

“4. After the burial, he went to his Owerri to residence to receive and host Nigerians from all walks of life who had come for the burial. He hosted them, including the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon.Benjamine kalu and many of his Colleagues.

“5. Okorocha was in his Owerri residence receiving visitors from far and near, until Monday, November 4, when he went back to Abuja with some other guests for the the Night of Tributes at Yardua Center for another great Nigerian and illustrious son of lgboland, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu. On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, he was at the Service of Songs, equally in honour of Ogbonnaya Onu.

“6. Twenty four hours after, the ugly breaking news came up. We know those behind the unfortunate breaking news. We equally know their motive. We know their problem . And they have our sympathies.

“7. It’s very disturbing, that, at a time like this, what some people could come up with as their own version of breaking news was to ” allocate” “acute gorilla” they had, perhaps, invented, to someone who didn’t have fever. And equally pronounced the person dead, when the person is alive. Hale and hearty.

“8. Those behind this evil breaking news need our collective prayers and heartfelt condolences. They’re dead in Spirit. They need spiritual rearmament. They need atonement. It takes the evil ones to know the latest disease or infection in the atmosphere or in town. Evil ones take stock of diseases. That’s their stock in trade.

“9. Those behind this alarming breaking news were angry because of the resounding ovation that had followed the introduction of Okorocha at lwuanyanwu’s burial. You do not curse who GOD, in his infinite Mercy and wisdom, has blessed. You do not declare dead, someone GOD has kept alive.

“10. The Scripture says, “tell the wicked, it shall not be well with them”. But we won’t do this. Rather, we tell those behind this unimaginable breaking news that, it shall be well with them. We do not belong to their group. We do things differently. We are not the ones to judge them. God has the final say. We leave them to their consciences if they have any.

“11. To thousands of people, both within and outside, who had directly called Owelle or called those close to the former lmo governor to ascertain the authenticity or otherwise of the nauseating breaking news, we say, thank you. We thank you immensely. All things worketh together for good, to them that love God.

“Finally, we continue to pray for these couriers or distributors of “acute gorilla”, until they have genuine repentance and begin to live normal life. Those who live normal life do not wish people dead. We annoint them with fresh oil for genuine repentance. May the GOOD LORD meet them at the point of their need. We sympathize with them.”

INEC Clears Over Two Million Registered Voters For Ondo Gov Election

Ayodele Oni

November 7, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) has ratified 2,053,061 registered voters to participate in next week Saturday Governorship Election in Ondo state.

Chairman of the commission, Prof Mahmoud Yakubu, disclosed at a stakeholders’ parley in Akure on Thursday that the electoral umpire has done everything within the law to ensure conduct of a free and fair election.

He also revealed that the Commission has accredited 111 domestic and international organisations, that are expected to deploy 3,554 observers for the election.

“We have also accredited over 100 radio, television, newspaper and online media organisations deploying about 700 personnel, including 129 female journalists, the largest number for any off-cycle Governorship elections in Nigeria.

“We have also accredited thousands of agents representing candidates and political parties for all the polling and collation locations across the State.

“I want to assure you that the accreditation cards for all categories of stakeholders are ready. Our State office here in Akure will soon commence the distribution of accreditation tags, including election duty vehicle stickers.

“In our various engagements with the security and law enforcement agencies, we underscored the importance of providing security during the election to guarantee personal safety and protection of observers, the media, our own officials (both regular and ad hoc staff), service providers such as transporters and, above all, the citizens that will vote during the election.

“I am glad that the relevant agencies have given us the necessary assurances of security during the election, including unimpeded access to voting and collation locations for observers and the media. We will hear more from the representative of the Inspector-General of Police shortly.

“Let me reassure stakeholders that INEC is ready for the election. We are deploying the BVAS machines for voter accreditation at polling units and for the upload of results to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal.

“Only yesterday, we conducted mock accreditation in 12 polling units across six Local Government Areas in the three Senatorial Districts of the State. The purpose was to test-run our deployment of technology to safeguard the credibility of the election.

“I am glad to report that the mock was successful and the result can be viewed on the IReV portal. But let me also quickly add that the machines used for the mock accreditation and the training of officials will not be used on Election Day.

“We have sufficient machines for the election which have been configured for voter accreditation and the upload of result distinct from those used for mock accreditation and training.”

While observing that conduct of agents of political parties has always been causing crisis during elections, Prof Yakubu appealed to parties to organize and caution their agents to keep to the rules of the exercise.

“As you are aware, election is a multi-stakeholder activity. INEC has a role to play and we have done so always in consultation with stakeholders. However, our role has to be complemented by all stakeholders.

“I urge Political parties to continue to restrain your supporters from any disruptive behaviour. We have produced accreditation tags for all your agents bearing their names, photographs and location of deployment.

“We have also added a QR code to the tags that can be read even from mobile phone applications. The practice of issuing party tags without name, photograph or location of posting to party agents must stop.

“That is how in some polling and collation locations, we have impersonators where two or more people claim to be agents of one Political Party, sometimes resulting in unnecessary disagreement among themselves or with agents of other parties leading to disruption of processes.

“I urge Political Parties to follow the example of other accredited observers and the media by using the tags issued by the Commission and displaying the same at all voting and collation locations.”

Detained Minors: Rights Group Demands Compensation, Public Apology From FG

Akinwale Kasali

November 7, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

A Coalition of Rights Group has called on the Federal Government as, a matter of urgency to publicly apologize and compensate Minors detained for close to 100 days during the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance Protest.

The protest against Bad Governance, Hike in Petrol Pump Price, Hike in Commodities and the hardship faced by the masses, saw Security Agents arresting these Minors who were paraded in the Court.

This led to public outrage, against the FG for docking Minors some of whom also fainted in Court.

Following this development, President Tinubu waded into the issue, and ordered the release of the Minors.

However, despite the release of the child- protesters alongside 87 other protesters, advocates argue that justice remains incomplete without accountability and restitution.

In a joint press release issued by the CSOs, they claimed that the children’s prolonged detention was a gross violation of their rights.

The statement referenced media reports which indicated that during their time in custody, the minors were held in adult facilities, starved, and mistreated; conditions that contravene both the Nigerian Child Rights Act (2003) and international conventions like the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The statement reads in part: “The government’s actions not only deprived these children of their fundamental rights but also inflicted psychological and physical harm that will have lasting impacts.

In addition to an apology, the coalition demands that the government provide adequate compensation to help these children rebuild their lives. They also called for psycho-social support to address the trauma caused by their wrongful detention.

“These children deserve immediate care to overcome the trauma they’ve endured, and the government must fund these efforts to truly make amends,” the statement urged.

Despite the government’s intention to investigate the circumstances of the arrests, rights groups remain skeptical of an internal probe’s credibility, calling instead for an independent panel with civil society representation. The coalition argues that this external oversight is essential to ensure accountability, especially if government officials are implicated.

The groups further highlighted that these events reflect a broader crisis within Nigeria’s justice system, where children frequently suffer in detention without appropriate protection or support. Thousands of minors reportedly remain in adult facilities, awaiting trial under Nigeria’s overwhelmed system.

The groups are urging the Federal Government to act decisively and end systemic child rights abuses. “This apology and compensation can signal a commitment to protect children’s welfare and help restore public trust in the institutions meant to safeguard all citizens, especially the youngest among us,” the statement concluded.

The CSOs are: CEE-HOPE Nigeria; Child Protection Network, Lagos; Child to Child Network; S.A.F.E for Children® Society; Initiative for Social Impact and Sustainable Development; Community Women’s Initiative; Women’s Rights and Health Project (WRAHP); Media Concern Initiative; ACTS Generation; Kreative Arts Foundation for Community Engagement (KAfcOmE); Youth Rights Campaign (YRC); Dorothy Njemanze Foundation; Think Child First; Bimbo Odukoya Foundation; and Enough is Enough Nigeria.

Ondo 2024: Aiyedatiwa Divinely Chosen By Ifa Oracle – Ondo Monarch

Ayodele Oni

November 7, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The All Progressives Congress, (APC) in Ondo State and its candidate in next week’s governorship election, have intensified their campaign your with a visit to Osogbo local government.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa met with the royal father, Oba Olugboyega Akinrinmade, the Orunja of Odigbo Kingdom, who lauded the governor for his commitment to the development of the State.

The monarch asserted that “It is the Ifa oracle that has chosen Aiyedatiwa, not any human being. His mandate is a divine call from our ancestors, and there is nothing anyone can do to alter this.”

The Orunja called on the people of Odigbo to rally behind the governor and ensure a decisive victory for him in the November 16 election.

The traditional ruler also offered prayers for the governor’s success. He, however, highlighted some concerns of the community for the governor’s attention.

In his response, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed deep gratitude to the Orunja of Odigbo and the other monarchs across the state for their steadfast support and for fostering peace at the grassroots.

The Governor assured the monarch that his administration would address the community’s concerns, particularly issues related to the forest reserves and inter-community relations.

Governor Aiyedatiwa also inaugurated a block of four classrooms and a staff room at Isero Grammar School, as part of the Isero Community Project supported by the Ondo Care Initiative.

The Governor pledged to integrate their requests into the 2025 budget, noting that strategic planning would ensure these projects are implemented to benefit all residents.

Mr. Hamidu Takuro, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and a native of the council area, stated that the governor’s visit was a gesture of appreciation, as the people of Odigbo Local Government have already resolved to support Aiyedatiwa.

Takuro assured the community that Aiyedatiwa’s priority is the comprehensive development of the state and the overall well-being of its citizens.

Speaking on behalf of the non-indigenous communities in Ore, the headquarters of Odigbo Local Government Area, Pastor Olarewaju Segun highlighted the pressing challenges faced by the diverse population.

He described Ore as a heterogeneous society that requires significant infrastructural investment to boost economic activities and improve the standard of living for residents.

Ondo PDP Campaign: Ajayi To Create Agency For Development Of Rural Communities

Ayodele Oni

November 7, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Governorship Candidate of People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) for November 16 election in Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi has revealed that an agency for the development of rural communities would be established under his watch as Governor.

Speaking at the Palace of Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Adesimbo Victor Kiladejo during the campaign tour of the PDP to Ondo West local government, Ajayi said an agency called Forest Community Development Agency (FCDA) would be put in place for the main purpose of developing the rural communities in Ondo State.

He explained that the rural communities in Ondo State must be developed to make it more attractive and competitive with the urban areas, so that they can also enjoy what is obtained in most towns in Ondo State.

“We must develop our rural communities so that the rural to urban drift could be curtailed for the agricultural and industrial growth of Ondo State, we must make them comfortable to contribute their quota to our programmes of development.”

He also used the opportunity to reel out his seven points agenda to the people, which include strengthening the security architecture in the state for the safety of the citizens, free education from Primary School to Secondary School among other good policies he has for the development of people .

Ajayi implored the paramount ruler to please appeal to all candidates and political parties to play the rule by the game and allow for a free and fair election, because it will not be a pleasant situation if one party intends to obviously introduce rigging and other illegal means into the election .

” Kabiyesi, we are all your sons, call us together and appeal to us to please play the game by the rules, there should not be shifting of the goal post during the match.”

The PDP flagbearer, who said he sees his coming to Ondo town as homecoming because of his affiliation to the kingdom, said he should be accepted by the Kabiyesi and others in the town as one of them .

While embarking on a campaign walk round the town and market, it was a spontaneous response from the people as they came out in large numbers to identify with the party and the candidate.

1...879880881...2,955 Page 880 of 2,955