As part of measures to decongest the ever busy Lokoja- Abuja highway, the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has approved the request by Kogi State government to construct an International Airport in Zariagi.
The highway is the only link which connects the southern part of the country with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the northern axis.
Kogi state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed that the approval was conveyed in a letter by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, dated 9th October, 2024.
According to him, the administration of Usman Ododo was committed to the timely completion of the project with strict adherence to regulatory standards.
He expressed the hope that an airport in Kogi State would serve 10 other States and reduce traffic on the Lokoja -Abuja road as well as decongest the traffic on the International Airport in Abuja.
“The Ododo Administration has considered it a top priority for Kogi State to have an International Airport and join the league of the aviation hub.
The strategic location of the state is no doubt, an invaluable advantage in harnessing the aviation service market as the centre of the nation.
“The project will not only boost the economy of the State, it will also create jobs and bring the potentials of the state to the global scene.
“The Governor is determined to hire the best hands in the industry to make the project a huge success. As you are aware, aviation is an industry of trust and standards.
“We thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and the Aviation Minister for the historic approval that will help to further develop Kogi State.
“We want to also say that the Airport will also have capacity for Cargo as that is one of our key focuses in the project.”
Fanwo assured the people of Kogi State that Governor Ododo will continue to execute laudable projects to consolidate the gains of the last eight years in the State.
“Zariagi is a very strategic community that already boasts of an airstrip.
“The team from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development was satisfied with the location and the plans of the Kogi State Government on the project.”
Before Wednesday’s cabinet reshuffle which left her fate hanging on the balance, former Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, was optimistic she would bounce back and restored to her Ministry.
On suspension since January over an alleged corruption which the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC said it was investigating, the former Minister did not, however, see the fate that eventually befell her coming until late Tuesday evening.
Impecable Aso Rock sources told this Magazine that a statement from the EFCC formally clearing Dr Edu of the corruption allegations was to be made last Tuesday preparatory to President Tinubu’s announcement of her restoration in the cabinet shake up.
It was against this backdrop that the embattled former Minister, the Magazine was informed, instructed her key aides to be on the stand- by for resumption of duty. But then, Tuesday ended without a word from the anti- graft agency and panic set in.
Several calls she made to highly placed individuals within and outside government who had earlier given her rock solid assurances of her return to the cabinet yielded no fruit.
And when Wednesday did come and she was neither restored to her Ministry nor assigned to a new one, it then dawned on Dr Edu that the same forces from her home state, Cross River, that had assiduously worked against her nomination and confirmation as Minister last year have again massed against her- her recall from suspension.
Interestingly, in announcing the cabinet reshuffle and sack of some Ministers, the presidency was silent on Edu. She was neither pronounced sacked nor reassigned; instead Nentawe Yilwatda from Plateau state was named as her replacement as Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, thus fuelling speculations that there is still hope for Edu’s absorption into the federal cabinet. “There are chances that Dr Edu will be reabsorbed because I can tell you authoritatively that the EFCC found nothing against her but she may face a kind of demotion as Dr Doris Nkiruka Uzuka-Anite, former Minister For Trade and Investment and Senator Owan Eno, former Minister for Sports Development faced. Dr Edu is likely to be deployed to another Ministry as Minister of state”, an Aso Rock source told the magazine.
Recall that Senator Eno, who together with Dr Edu represented Cross River in the cabinet before Wednesday’s reshuffle was removed as Minister for Sports Development and made a junior Minister or Minister of state in the Ministry of Trade and Investment. Similarly Dr Uzoka Anite who was Minister for Commerce and Industry before the reshuffle is now downgraded to a junior Minister in the Ministry of Finance. She represents Imo state in the cabinet.
Meanwhile, sources close to Dr Edu told this Magazine that the former Minister is aware that ethno- geographical politics in her home state was the source of her woes and is therefore, not bitter with Mr President over her replacement.
President Tinubu: Failed to recall Edu
Said the source: “She knows where her problem is coming from and therefore not surprised about the turn of event.
“Dr Edu is not bitter about her fate and also not bitter with President Tinubu…she knows that ethnic and zonal politics which has been the bane of Cross River, a multi-ethnic and multi- cultural state, is the source of her predicament and she has taken it in good faith.
“I can tell you that her replacement and non reassignment to another Ministry was neither as a result of incompetence, lack of confidence in her by Mr President nor because of the so called corruption allegation levelled on her..it was purely as result of the pervasive ethnic politics in Cross Rivers; there certain powerful individuals in the state who feel that she is not Cross Riverian enough to represent the state in the federal cabinet.
“There are also others who insist that she and Senator Eno coming from Cross River Central Senatorial District as Ministers left the Southern and Northern Senatorial districts short changed”
Born of Igbo ( Ebonyi state) father and Yala( Northern Cross River) mother and married to an Abi( Central Cross River) man, controversy over Edu’s real state of origin has dogged her political and public service career in Cross River.
Some entrenched interests and ethnic irredentists in the state insist she is Igbo should therefore not be given and political office or public service slot meant for Cross River.They cite her middle name, Chiomaobi and her father’s Igbo origin to buttress their argument, not minding that on the strength of her marriage to a Cross Riverian, she can constitutionally adopt Cross River as her state of origin.
“It was based on this argument and ethnic sentiment of Dr Edu’s Igbo background that some ethnic warlords in Cross River opposed her appointment as Commissioner for Health under former Governor Ben Ayade as well as her selection as National Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC and later her nomination as Minister representing Cross River.
“It is also based on this primordial ethnic sentiment that the same forces pulled all strings to stop President Tinubu from lifting her suspension and restoring her to the federal cabinet in the recent cabinet reshuffle”, the magazine was further told.
Meanwhile, speculations are rife in both Calabar, the Cross River state capital, and Abuja that some loyalists of the state Governor, Senator Bassey Otu who are of Efik extraction are mounting pressure on him to present an Efik person to President Tinubu to replace Dr Edu in the cabinet.
The Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, has observed that the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo state will serve as an opportunity for the people to reaffirm their trust in the incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Ajulo, who spoke in Akure was of the view that “the situation in Ondo State is a simple issue of “res ipsa loquitor,” the matter speaks for itself as the direction of this election is clear- it’s a walkover because there’s truly no contest.
“This election, to me, is more of a reaffirmation of the people’s trust in the incumbent administration. Even Governor Aiyedatiwa’s opponents recognize this.
“The Governor has consistently shown both vision and competence, establishing himself as a dependable leader for the people of Ondo State. Have you noticed the absence of any desperation or intimidation toward political alliances across the state?
“During the opening of the new legal year, I mentioned that the Governor has instructed his team to ensure a level playing field for all participants in this election.
“Our priority is to safeguard the will of the people through transparent and responsible governance. Imagine a governor, in the middle of an election, prioritizing peace and stability when others in his position might turn their states upside down. It speaks volumes about his character and commitment.”
The Attorney General commended security agencies in the state for their dedication to peace.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to commend our security agencies- the police, civil defence, Amotekun, and others, for their dedication into maintaining peace and order throughout the State.
“It’s crucial to highlight this because, unlike in the past when certain parties would flood the media with claims of suppression, this time, there’s none of that.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa’s peace-oriented approach is evident. The calm across the state is proof- no tensions, no disturbances, a stark contrast to what we used to experience.
“This is a civil service-oriented-state. Go out and ask the workers about their salaries- what was once a delayed payment system has now transformed into consistent, timely payments, often made before the month’s end.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa is steadfast in his commitment to governance, peace, unity, and the continuous development of Ondo State. The people see a trustworthy leader in him—tested, proven, and a true promise-keeper.”
The Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the November 16 Governorship Election in Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi, has urged the people of the State not to allow fear that the election would be rigged to prevent them from trooping out to exercise their franchise.
Ajayi assured the people that everything would be done to prevent any attempt to tamper with the outcome of the poll.
The PDP candidate gave the assurance on while addressing the crowd at the party’s campaign rally in Ore, Odigbo local government area of the state.
The campaign was led by the Oyo state governor and leader of the opposition party in the southwest, Seyi Makinde.
“Nobody can rig this coming gubernatorial election as everything will be done to forestall such an action from anybody or group of persons.”
He implored the people to come out in large numbers on the election day to vote for the PDP, asking them to be vigilant and protect their votes
Ajayi promised to construct a hinterland sea port at Ore before the end of his first term if elected in order to enhance economic activities in the ancient town.
He also vowed to transform the area into a modern city and commercial hub.
The PDP candidate reiterated his commitment to providing free medical care for the aged and children, enhancing security and ensuring infrastructure development and social welfare.
While addressing the gathering Makinde stressed the importance of the November 16 election, describing it as a turning point for Ondo state.
The Oyo state governor said the natural resources in Ondo were enough to take the citizens of the state from poverty to prosperity.
He urged the people to vote for Ajayi, describing him as the right candidate that could take the Sunshine state out of the woods.
In a move seen by not a few as further signposting the huge joke which Nigerian Judiciary has become ,a Kano state High Court on Friday October 25, 2024, granted an order mandating the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, KANSIEC, to go ahead with the October 26, scheduled Local Council Polls.
This is coming on the heels of last Tuesday’s verdict by a Federal High Court Kano halting the election.
The Source reports that Justice Simon Amobade of a Federal Court sitting in Kano, while ruling in a motion filed by a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress, APC, declared the Prof Sani Malumfashi- led electoral body as illegal ,and ineligible to conduct the elections .
The Court, apart from declaring that members of the Commission are card carrying members of the ruling New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP in the state, also held that they were not statutorily qualified for their various appointments going by the provisions of extant laws.
The Court, therefore, ordered their sack,and the suspension of the election pending the reconstitution of the electoral Commission.
But rather than appealing the verdict, at a higher court, KANSIEC and the Kano State decided to approach a Court of same and equal jurisdiction for a reversal,and reprieve.
Justice Sanusi Ma’aji while ruling in an application filed by KANSIEC, however, declared that the electoral umpire has the legal right to conduct elections in all the 484 Wards and 44 Local Governments of Kano State.
To this end, he held that any attempts to interfere with this legally recognized functions of the electoral umpire are null, void, and of no effect whatsoever.
Instructively, security agencies, particularly, the Police which were barred from participating in the October 26 election by Justice Amobade of the Federal Court, were on Friday ordered by Justice Ma’aji, to provide all the necessary security measures needed for the polls.
Friday’s Kano High Court’s Judgment came barely less than 24 hours after the Kano State Governor had vowed to go ahead with the polls despite the Federal High Court order to the contrary.
As at the time of reporting, it was not clear which of the two conflicting rulings security agencies will obey .
Despite a subsisting court order which put the conduct of local government election on hold in Kano state, Governor Abba Yusuf has insisted that the poll will hold as scheduled on Saturday.
The governor has presented Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) Flags to 44 chairmanship candidates of the party for the council poll slated to hold on Saturday, October 26.
A Federal High Court in Kano had sacked the Chairman of the State Independent Electoral Commission(KANSIEC), Sani Malumfashi.
The Court ruled on Tuesday that Malumfashi is a card-carrying member of the Ruling New Nigeria People’s Party(NNPP).
The case was filed by Aminu Tiga and the All Progressive Congress (APC), with the State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Haruna Dederi, and 14 others as defendants.
Delivering judgment, Justice S.A Amobede, also held that Kabir Zakirai, the Secretary of the commission was not a civil servant and therefore not an officer in the Kano State Civil Service.
The judge maintained that Zakirai was not qualified to be appointed to the position pursuant to section 14 of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission Law 2001.
“Whatever the eighth defendant is doing in preparation of the 2024 Local Government Election in Kano State such as issuance of election guidelines, circulars, screening of candidates, sale of nomination and expression interest forms whichever and howsoever are null and void and of no effect whatsoever.”
According to a Statement by the governor’s Spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Governor Yusuf reiterated that, “no retreat, no surrender over the conduction of the polls on Saturday.”
The Governor emphasized that, “the state at this moment would not allow anybody to destabilize the existing peace being enjoyed by the citizenry.
“The state government and Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) have all the constitutional backing to hold the election. No one will stop the KANSIEC from holding the polls.”
He stressed that the government is ready to swear-in the candidates declared winners by the electoral body.
The Governor then urged NNPP card-carrying members to go back to their respective wards and prepare well for the election, describing them as real supporters of the party.
On his part , the Acting National Chairman of NNPP, Dr. Audu Ajuji who came from Abuja, hoped that the election would be peaceful, adding that the party is comfortable to sweep all the elective positions without any hitches.
In his remarks, the state NNPP Chairman, Alhaji Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa described the gathering as outstanding, adding that, “the party is here to stay beyond 2027.”
Dungurawa added that, “the party is delighted for the presentation of the flags to the bearers who are very loyal to the party.”
It’s time for persons with disabilities in Ekiti state to showcase their talents as arrangement has been concluded to hold first athletics championship.
The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Ekiti State Chapter, said the first ever athletics championship will hold for two days next week at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado Ekiti.
Addressing Sportswriters in Ado Ekiti, Chairman, Organizing Committee for the Competition, Coach Peter Ojo said it is the first time that Ekiti State Government would approve a Sports competition among Persons with Disabilities in the State.
Ojo commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for emerging as the first governor in the history of Ekiti State to endorse, approve and support the proposal to organize a Sports competition among persons with disabilities.
According to him, the State government has also done well by putting in place other welfare packages for members of the Association.
He explained that there will be different athletics events for the four categories that constitute Persons with Disabilities, including the Deaf, the Blind, the Handicap and the Albinos.
The Ekiti State Para-Athletic coach said adequate arrangements have been made for facilities, media coverage, medical and security during the competition.
The LOC Chairman said there is no age barrier for participants in the competition who are expected from the 16 local government areas of the State.
He gave an assurance that cash gifts, certificates, medals and trophies will be awarded to the outstanding athletes, while those with exceptional talents will be pencilled down for National invitation.
Despite error on validity of old Naira notes, CBN’s policy indecisiveness embarrassing – Rep Ogene insists
Afam Victor Ogene, Leader of the Labour Party Caucus in the House of Representatives, has said that despite the unintended factual error in the motion asking the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to take action concerning the concurrent validity of old and the redesigned naira notes – two years after the controversial policy was introduced – the CBN’s lack of decisiveness on the policy remains embarrassing.
He also maintained that while the mix-up or innocent omission of the Supreme Court’s subsisting pronouncement on the validity of both versions of naira notes is acknowledged, the House’s intervention, following his motion on the subject matter, was not conclusive, the essence of which the House resolution directed its Committee on Banking Regulations to interface with the apex bank and report back in 21 days.
Ogene made these assertions in a statement on Friday following the clarification by the CBN that the latest Supreme Court pronouncement reversed its earlier ruling by not stating a definite date that the old N200, N500 and N1000 naira notes would cease to be valid legal tender.
The lawmaker representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra state, had on Thursday during plenary, moved a motion on the of ‘Urgent National Importance’, titled “Need for Central Bank of Nigeria to sensitize Nigerians about the non-legal status of old Naira notes from January 1, 2025.”
The motion which referenced the earlier Supreme Court pronouncement setting the same deadline following some litigations that trailed the controversial CBN policy that threw the nation into grave difficulty and panic at the time, was passed by the House and referred to its Committee on Banking Regulations for further legislative action and report back to the House within 21 days.
But responding to the House resolution, the CBN’s statement curiously said the decision of the House was “Calculated to disrupt the country’s payment system”, and urged the people to disregard the information, quoting the latest Supreme Court pronouncement.
However, Ogene queried further in his statement: “But even with the latest development, some issues remain germaine: which country in the world runs its economy with two different sets of unidentical currency notes?
“What was the intention of the CBN in introducing new sets of notes; was it not with an aim at eventually replacing the old sets?
“Now that the ‘politics’ that heralded the introduction of the new notes are long over, shall the country and its people continue to suffer the afflictions arising therefrom? For instance, it is common knowledge that some people still mistake the new N200 note for the old N10 bill. Yet, both continue to co-exist.
“Besides the issue of deadlines, who in Nigeria is not embarrassed by the stinking, dilapidated nature of currencies emanating from the vaults of our country’s commercial banks, while the CBN continues to look on, as if it is the new normal.
“Daily, citizens lose as much as between N5,000 to N10,000 for every N100,000 cashed in various banking halls, due to mutilated and torn notes.
“The CBN, as the country’s apex bank and regulator of the sector, cannot hide under the legalese of ‘deadline ad infinitum’ to shrink its responsibilities to the banking public.”
Nigeria’s Central Bank has rebuffed the House of Representatives over its claim that the old, N200, N500 and N1000 will seize to be legal tender by December 31, 2024.
The apex bank said in a statement on Thursday that the banknotes will continue to remain legal tender, side by side with the new naira notes.
The Yemi Cardoso -led bank said this is in line with the Supreme Court judgement of November 29, 2023. Any report to the contrary, the CBN said should be disregarded.
The CBN in the statement signed by the Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Sidi Ali, said it has directed its branches nationwide, commercial banks, and deposit money nank, to continue to issue the old bank notes with the new ones in line with the Supreme Court judgement.
The CBN also urged Nigerians to continue to accept the old notes for their daily transactions.
The statement: “The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been drawn to discussions at different fora suggesting that the old series of the N200, N500, and N1,000 banknotes shall cease to be legal tender on December 31, 2024. We wish to state categorically that such claims are false and calculated to disrupt the country’s payment system.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the order of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, granting the prayer of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to extend the use of old Naira banknotes ad infinitum, subsists.
“Similarly, the CBN’s directive to all its branches to continue to issue and accept all denominations of Nigerian banknotes, old and re-designed, to and from deposit money banks (DMBs) remains in force.
“It will be recalled that the Supreme Court ordered that the old series of N200, N500, and N1,000 banknotes shall continue to be legal tender alongside the redesigned versions. Accordingly, all banknotes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will continue to remain legal tender indefinitely.
“We, therefore, advise members of the public to disregard suggestions that the said series of banknotes will cease to be legal tender on December 31, 2024.
“We urge Nigerians to continue to accept all Naira banknotes (old or redesigned) for their day-to-day transactions and handle them with the utmost care to safeguard and protect their lifecycle.”
The House of Reps had earlier directed the CBN to make clarifications on whether the old notes will remain legal tender beyond 31 December 2024.
The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma and Brigadier General UA Lawal, Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, on October 24, visited the residence of Chief Chukwuemeka Emmanuel Iwuanyawu, the 11th President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo in Umuohii Atta, Ikeduru LGA of Imo State.
The Security Chiefs expressed their condolences and support to the bereaved family, and emphasized the commitment of security agencies to stand with them and the community during this difficult time.
In preparation for the upcoming burial ceremony, the Security Chiefs assured the public that comprehensive security measures would be in place to ensure a safe and peaceful event in the hometown and across the State.
Heavy security, they said, will be deployed to maintain order and protect attendees.
A conducive atmosphere, they assured, will also be created give him a dignified farewell.
During the visit, Prince Ugo Mike Enwerem, the elder brother of Chief Iwuanyawu’s wife, on behalf of the entire family, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Security Chiefs for their support.
The Security Chiefs were accompanied by Hon. Justice Nze, the Local Government Chairman of Ikeduru LGA which further demonstrated the collaborative effort to uphold security and peace in the State.
“The security agencies are committed to working alongside stakeholders and organizers to ensure a peaceful environment for all who gather to honor Chief Iwuanyawu’s legacy”, added Imo Police Command Spokesperson, ASP Henry Okoye.
