Home Blog Page 913

BREAKING: Obasa Impeached As Speaker As LAHA

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Mudashiru Obasa

By Akinwale Kasali

Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, has been impeached.

He was impeached for gross misconduct, misuse of office.

Hon. Lasbat Meranda has been named as the new Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly.

It was gathered that the removal of Obasa was rife following his activities that has been a major issue, prompting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to wade in.

His removal was cemented when President Tinubu came for festivity in Lagos State, with his abuse of power discussed, leading to his removal.

Details Later……

“Iam Not Owing: Hold Judiciary Accountable For Workers’ Ordeal”  –  Gov Otti To NBA

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Alex Otti - Governor of Abia State
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Amidst a five day ultimatum issued by the Nigerian Bar Association ,NBA ,for the resolution of the ongoing face-off between the Judiciary workers and Abia State Government, Governor Alex Otti ,has denied owing workers salaries, including the staff of the Judiciary.

The Source reports that Judiciary workers in Abia, under the auspices of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, had on Thursday, January 2, 2025, resumed their suspended strike action .

The Workers earlier in October, 2024,  had embarked on an indefinite industrial action to press home their demands for improved welfare conditions, payments of accumulated entitlements, gratuities and the capturing of JUSUN in the payments of the new N70,000 minimum wage.

However, the strike action was later suspended following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, between the State Government and the Union .

The Workers cited the non- Implementation of the terms of the MoU as the major reason for reactivating the strike action on January 2.

Worried about the devastating effects of the strike action on the administration  of justice, the five branches of NBA in the State, on Thursday, January 9, 2025, called on the Abia State authorities to, within five working days, resolve the disagreement with the workers .

Rising from an emergency meeting in Aba, the Body of Abia NBA regretted that the  disagreement and resultant strike action has left the courts and left litigants and other stakeholders  stranded .

According to a communique jointly issued by the Chairmen of the five NBA branches of Aba, Ukwa, Isiala Ngwa ,Umuahia and Ohafia, the locking up courts has led to anguish on the part of pretrial inmates, stalling of criminal prosecutions, as well as denying citizens access to justice.

But ,reacting to the NBA position on Sunday, January 12, 2025, the State Governor Dr Otti, insisted that the Judiciary arm should be held accountable for any disruption in the payments of the workers salaries and emoluments .

Speaking during a Church service to mark this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day ,in Umuahia, the Governor informed that ,his administration does not  pay the Judiciary workers directly, but remits funds to the Judiciary arm for the purpose .

He noted that  his Government had since December, remitted over N300 million to the coffers of the Judiciary for the payments of the workers salaries

He therefore insisted that his administration  should not be blamed for any lapses in the payments of the workers salaries ,including the new minimum wage .

“This is a Government that does not owe its workforce .It is untrue that Judiciary workers have not been paid .

“The problem began with the approval of the N70,000 minimum wage .At that time efforts were made to engage  the Judiciary workers the same way the organized labour was interfaced with on  how to work out the payments .

“But the Judiciary staff refused to cooperate, and instead initially opted to carry out their own independent computation .

“The matter at a point got serious ,so I personally intervened and engaged with the state’s ChiefJudge .We reviewed their (Judiciary workers ) calculations of the new minimum wage, band discovered several errors ,which were subsequently corrected.

“Based on the reconciled templates , on December, 24, 2024, we remitted the sum of N 283 ,242 ,318 .50 to the Judiciary’s account for salary payments.

“I personally worked with the Accountant General ,the Commissioner for Justice ,and the Finance Commissioner to ensure that the processes were completed before the Christmas .

“Later, we remitted another N 27million to the Judiciary, bringing the total to about N 300 million, including making provisions for the payments of 13th month salary as was given to others in the state .

“Judiciary is an independent arm of the Government. Our job is to remit the money to their account ,and it is their duty to pay their workers.

“Curiously, as at this morning, (Sunday January, 12 2025), they have refused to pay their workers. So, we should not be blamed for the inability of the workers to receive their salaries.

“We have done our own part. The workers are yet to receive their salaries due to delays within the Judiciary”, Governor Otti stated.

House Owners To Pay Insurance -NAICOM

By
James Orji
-
0
burning Building

The Federal Fire Service has insisted that house built in the country must have insurance cover.

This is the agreement reached between the service and the National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, which said in a statement that home owners must obtain insurance policy against potential risks, including fire outbreaks, natural disasters amongst others.

Most home owners in the country don’t have insurance covers for their buildings. This is partly due to the perception that insurance is a dubious business, analysts say, insisting that many insurance companies reneged in paying indemnity to their clients.

Many buildings in the country are prone to fire hazards, which are mostly caused by environmental challenges and other human made factors

In the new agreement between NAICOM and the Fire Service, it was agreed that insurance cover for bullrings have many benefits that cannot be over-emphasized.

NAICOM said in a statement that the level of penetration will go up once building owners begins to obtain insurance cover, adding that apart from the benefiting the country economically the buildings will also be protected.

NAICOM said in the statement, “The Federal Fire Service, as a key member of the committee on insurance of public buildings and buildings under construction, has agreed to integrate Fire Insurance Policy into their checklist. This move aims to boost compliance levels and promote insurance penetration in Nigeria.

“The partnership is expected to have far-reaching benefits, including improved settlement for beneficiaries of building collapse victims, mitigation of potential risks, protection of investments, and promotion of economic growth.”

Highlighting the key aspects of the agreement, NAICOM said, “Enhanced compliance, as the integration of the fire insurance policy into the Federal Fire Service’s checklist will ensure adherence to insurance regulations.

“Improved insurance penetration: Increased awareness and uptake of insurance products among building owners and developers. Risk mitigation: Proactive measures to minimise potential risks associated with building collapse and other related hazards, and Economic growth: Contribution to Nigeria’s economic growth through increased investment, job creation, and financial stability.”

First Bank Vs Obaigbena:  Smear Campaign Against Me Will Not Stop Recovery of Over $700m Debt- Otedola

By
The Source
-
0
Prince Nduka Obaigbena and Femi Otedola

By James Orji

Femi Otedola, the Chairman of First Bank Nigeria Holdings, FBNH,  says he will not be deterred by alleged smear campaign against him by Prince Nduka Obaigbena, intended to stop the recovery of $718 million debt allegedly owed the  commercial bank by the latter.

FBNH is the parent company of First Bank Nigeria Limited, FBN.

The magazine reports that a company promoted by Obaigbena, General Hydrocarbons Limited, GHL, is currently enmeshed in a loan saga with Nigeria’s oldest bank.

Otedola  said what mattered to him is the interest of the commercial bank’s shareholders, and no media campaigns can stop the recovery of the humongous loan, allegedly, owed by Obaigbena.

On December 30, the Federal High Court  in Lagos, ordered all banks operating in Nigeria to freeze all the banks accounts operated by GHL and Obaigbena, including those of Efe Damilola Obaigbena and Olabisi Eka Obaigbena.

It was granted following a debt recovery suit filed by the bank against GHL.

The order was issued by Justice Deinde Dipeolu in suit FHC/L/CS/2378/2024, who directed all the banks operating in the country to stop condcuting  financial transactions with  the  Obaigbenas until the loan issue is resolved.

As at the time the order was issued, over $225m belonging to Obaigbena and his other concerns held in these banks were frozen.

Obaigbena, in his response to the court order said the loan was used appropriately to finance the operation of OML 120, Deep Offshore Nigeria, for which First Bank has benefited as a partner.

He claimed that the deal rescued First Bank from the ‘abyss’, because “through our collaboration, we have resolved FBN’s financial challenges and discovered crude oil to the glory of Nigeria”.

But reacting, Otedola, in a statement he personally signed, titled “Response to Obaigbena’s smear campaign”, accused the media mogul of diverting the loan he obtained to finance an oil block, to fund his ostentatious lifestyles and the presidential campaign of  Godwin Emefiele, the immediate past governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.

According to him, the loan was facilitated through Emefiele without ‘competitive bidding’, adding that rather than repay the loan, Obaigbena  has embarked on media campaign to tarnish his image.

The loan, Otedola claimed, was used for the “acquisition of luxury properties abroad, the operation of a private jet, and an extravagant $68 million spent on jet rentals in just four years,’ according to him, adding that the ‘blackmail’ to stop the bank from recovering the loan will not work.

Following, Otedola’s statement:

“My attention has been drawn to articles published by ThisDay (on Thursday, January 9 and Friday, January 10, 2015), clearly instigated by Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, filled with baseless allegations aimed at smearing my reputation. It is unfortunate that Mr Obaigbena has resorted to such tactics simply because he has been asked to repay his $230 million loan.

“This loan, facilitated with the help of the former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, was purportedly for the operation of an oil block which he obtained without competitive bidding.

“However, the funds were diverted for personal use-funding Mr Emefiele’ presidential aspirations,  acquisition of luxury properties abroad, the operation of a private jet, and an extravagant $68 million spent on jet rentals in just four years. Mr Obaigbena’s profligacy is well known, as is his penchant for using his media platforms to blackmail and silence those who hold him accountable.

“As Chairman of First Bank Holdings, my primary responsibility is to protect the interests of the bank’s shareholders and depositors. The actions initiated in the courts are necessary to recover funds that belong to depositors and ensure corporate governance.

“Mr Obaighena’s penchant of blackmailing people to escape accountability must end, especially when depositors’ money is at stake. My commitment to upholding the integrity of the financial system and protecting depositors outweigh any cheap attempts at blackmail.

“Let me remind the public that my integrity is not in question. As Chancellor of Augustine University and a benefactor of Save the Children Fund, I continue to dedicate my wealth to noble causes. I will not allow unscrupulous elements to derail the efforts of First Bank to recover loans or jeopardize the financial security of our shareholders.

“To all stakeholders, I assure you that I remain steadfast in my mission to protect First Bank’s integrity and ensure its continued success. Media blackmail will not deter me from this responsibility.

-Otè$”

OPC To S/West Govs:  “Invite Us To Deal With Foreign Terrorists”, Blames Buhari

By
The Source
-
0
Otunba Wasiu Afolabi

The Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) has urged the six Governors of the South-West to treat as a security emergency, the building of camps inside Yoruba forests by insurgents and terrorists fleeing from the North. The group has, also, offered to help Security Agencies tackle the danger.

“These foreign Fulani terrorists have always said that after conquering the North, the South will be next. Now it is happening,” OPC President, Otunba Wasiu Afolabi (alias Askari), said in a statement released on Sunday in Lagos. The statement said:

“OPC is ready to let these evil dreamers know that Yorubaland can never be conquered or occupied by foreign invaders. Let the six governors of Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ondo and Ekiti states invite us to deal with this menace today before it is too late.

“We have the men and capacity to confront these foreign invaders physically, militantly, technologically and spiritually. All we are demanding from South-West governors is the necessary invitation, equipment and support to do what needs to be done to wipe out this menace of foreign criminals.”

Afolabi spoke in reaction to the alarm recently raised by Oyo State’s Governor Seyi Makinde that bandits and terrorists escaping from Military bombardment in the North were finding their way to the South-West and were building camps in the forests there.

Additionally, the Yoruba socio-cultural group called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to collaborate with the governors of Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ondo and Ekiti states to ensure that the threat of Boko Haram and other similar insurgents was quickly neutralised in the South-West before it became too late.

Afolabi advised Yoruba governors to urgently invite all capable organisations, invididuals and security veterans, mobilise all resources, and task them with the responsibility of collaborating with security forces to stamp out the menace posed by the non-state actors that had made life a hell for Northerners and were now importing greater insecurity into the South.

The OPC President said: “Enough is enough of paying lip service to the issue of tackling insecurity. Peace is the most important thing in any society. Without security and peace, no society can make progress. With the alarm sounded by His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, all hands must be on deck to wipe out this existential threat to our collective welfare and send these evil people to hell or wherever they came from.

“The Federal Government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must not play politics with this matter. Tinubu must lead from the front and mobilise the Armed Forces to align with Amotekun, OPC, vigilantes, hunters, Agbekoya and Sunday Igboho’s team to face this dangerous threat to our collective peace and existence.

“Tinubu must realise that destiny has placed him in this position to correct the great disservice done this nation by President Muhammadu Buhari, who opened our borders to foreign Fulani militants and herdsmen because they are his kinsmen.

“Let it be clear that although Yoruba people have nothing against the Nigerian Fulani, with whom we have enjoyed centuries of a cordial relationship, we will not concede an inch of our land to foreign elements masquerading as herdsmen whose pastime is to kidnap, rape, plunder and kill our people. OPC and the Yoruba race will never ever allow such a wicked agenda.

“For starters, the governors must insist that all herdsmen and foreigners should move out of the forests, games reserves, forest reserves and farm settlements in line with the 2021 order issued by the Late Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu SAN. After that directive has been reissued, any group found camping in the forests will be regarded as terrorists and summarily dealt with accordingly. A word is enough for the wise.

“Right now, these invaders have constituted themselves into a danger to everyone, including their Nigerian Fulani kinsmen, whom they have been kidnapping, raping and killing. Nigerian Fulani too have been losing cattle and other livestock to these foreign rustlers and terrorists. So everyone has become a victim.”

“Gov Oborevwori Liability, Not Needed In Our Fold” – APC

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Governor Sherrif Oborevwori

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Delta State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress APC,  on Sunday January 12 , 2025, rubbished any chances of welcoming the State Governor, Sherrif Oborevwori into its fold .

It insisted that the party is  not in.any way a rehabilitation centre for failed and underperforming officials .

The APC’s position comes on the heels of sustained speculations about the possible defection of the   Governor from his Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to APC.

Although Governor  Oborevwori has denied the defection rumours ,the issue still occupies prominent space within public discourse.

But in a statement by its Spokesperson, Valentine Onojeghuo on Sunday,  the APC emphatically noted that it is not interested in harbouring political opportunist and failed politicians who are only concerned about their selfish interests .

The APC ,described the administration of Governor Oborevwori as “underperforming , and tainted by widespread disappointments.”

According to the party, the PDP led administration in Delta has not been able to meet even the minimal level of meaningful development,  or deliver any tangible dividends to the people.

The APC noted that while it respects and  admits the rights of individuals to freely join  any political associations of their choice ,it nevertheless expressed serious reservations over the Governor’s speculated intentions to join the party .

The party ,insisted that there is nothing to be enthusiastic about someone who has so far failed to impact the people positively ,with almost a monthly Federal Allocation of N 50 billion .

While noting the Governor’s admiration for President Bola Tinubu, who is the National Leader of the Party, the APC described the Governor as a liability going by his alleged mindless squandering of the commonwealth of Deltans.

“Deltans are disillusioned by the glaring failures of this adminstration and we remain steadfast on our mission to bring sustainable development through visionary leadership”, APC stated .

Edo PDP Assures Of Governor Okpebholo’s Sack By Tribunal

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Monday Okpebholo - Governor of Edo State
Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State.

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

With the Edo State Election Petition Tribunal set to resume sitting on Monday January 13, 2025, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has insisted that it was denied of its well deserved victory in the September 21, 2024 off-circle Gubernatorial contest .

This is just as it, on Sunday, January 12, vowed to reclaim its stolen mandate at the Courts.

Rising from its emergency meeting, the party ,also, expressed serious concern, about the current situation in Edo state under the leadership of the All Progressive Congress APC ,

In a communique issued by the Interim Secretary, Henry Tenebe, at the end of the meeting which featured its  gubernatorial candidate Asue Ighodalo, State Party Chieftains and Local Council Officials ,the PDP expressed its unflinching belief in the rule of law and constitutional democracy.

According to the communique, the party reaffirmed its resolve to reclaim the mandate duly given to it by the people of Edo state in the last Governorship election.

It called for the continuous support and prayers of all party members, as well as the entire good people of Edo State ,as the party and its candidate continue to push for the reclaiming of  the people’s mandate .

” After extensive deliberations on the state of affairs of the party and Edo State the following resolutions were reached.

“The meeting acknowledged and deeply appreciated the commitment, loyalty,and steadfastness of party members and faithful supporters across Edo state, urging them never to relent in their support and prayers for the party and its leadership.

“The attendees expressed grave concern over the current state of Edo under the All Progressive Congress APC led administration .

“The party observed with dismay that the State has suffered significant setbacks in the last few months

” The PDP reaffirmed its unshakeable commitment to the rule of law and upholding of constitutional democracy in the state .

“The party strongly believes that law, order and security are essential for peace, progress and development of Edo state and Nigeria as a whole.

“The party’s Local Council Chairmen unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the state Caretaker Committee led by Dr Tony Aziegbemi and the party’s candidate in the last Governorship election ,Dr Asue Ighodalo .

“They commended both leaders for their outstanding leadership and exemplary efforts at piloting the affairs of the party in state which have fostered unity and progress in the Edo state chapter of the PDP” the Communique partly reads

The Party ,also, at the meeting ,reassured its members and supporters ,of its determination to pursue  the ongoing legal battle over the outcome of the last Governorship election to its logical end.

“The Kano Emirship Tussle Has Just Started, Nobody Should Rejoice” – Emir Bayero’s Counsel

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Ado Bayero

By Akinwale Kasali

Dissatisfied with the verdict of the Appeal Court over the Emirship tussle in Kano,  Aminu Ado Bayero, 15th Emir of Kano who was sacked from the Throne has gone  to seek redress at the Supreme Court.

Senior Counsel to Bayero, Aminu Babba Dan’Agundi, announced plans to challenge the Court of Appeal judgment which favoured the 16th Emir of Kano, Sanusi Muhammadu Sanusi II.

At the Court of Appeal Ruling, Muhammadu Sanusi II, was announced as the substantive Emir of Kano.

It would be recalled that Bayero’s Counsel had initially sought enforcement of fundamental Human Rights through the Federal High Court, alleging violations during the Emirship dispute.

Speaking at the Nassarawa Mini Palace, Dan’Agundi rejected the Appellate Court’s  decision and vowed to seek redress at the Supreme Court. “The Emirship crisis has just begun; nobody can claim victory yet because we are challenging this ruling at the highest court,” he asserted.

“I have already instructed my lawyers to obtain a certified true copy of the judgment. Once an appeal is lodged at the Supreme Court, the decision of a lower court is stayed until the case is fully resolved,” he explained.

Dan’Agundi elaborated on the Court of Appeal’s decision: “The Judge who delivered the lead judgment suggested transferring the case to the State Chief Judge for redirection to ensure a fair hearing. They did not dismiss our claims outright but ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction.”

He added: “The other two Judges disagreed with the lead judgment, resulting in the appeal being struck out. That is why I am now appealing to the Supreme Court. Whatever the Supreme Court decides will be final, and we submit to the will of Allah. Until then, no one should celebrate a victory.”

The senior Counsel called for calm, urging Kano residents to remain law-abiding as the legal proceedings continue.

AGN President, Emeka Rollas Arrested, Detained By Police

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Emeka Rollas, President - Actors Guild of Nigeria

By Akinwale Kasali

Emeka Rollas, President, Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, is cooling off in Police Custody in Umuahia, Abia State.

It was gathered that Rollas allegedly imposed an unelected Chairman on the Abia State Chapter of the Guild which has in turn led to controversy in the State.

This development led to the arrest of Rollas and his detention in Police custody.

It would be recalled that David Onyebuchi Amalaha was elected as the Chairman of the AGN Abia State chapter on May 20, 2023, in Umuahia, the state capital.

Since the election, the Guild has been engrossed in a series of legal fireworks initiated by Amalaha, who has sought to prevent the imposition of interim leadership by the AGN’s national body.

Some Guild members, including Chika Okezie, Egwuatu Daniel, and Nathaniel Nwoko, spoke to journalists about the incident.

Rollas is alleged to be sowing discord and fanning the embers of hatred among members in Abia State by appointing over five interim Chairmen since 2023, bypassing the will of the Guild ’s members.

The controversy it was gathered escalated on Thursday when Rollas convened a meeting in Umuahia without consulting key stakeholders or the elected Chairman, Amalaha.

This action sparked protests from some members, leading to a disruption of the meeting. Police were called to the scene to restore order.

According to sources, a petition had already been filed against Rollas at the Zone 9 Headquarters, leading to his arrest, alongside Emmanuel Ehumadu, popular as Labista.

“Soon, Kidnappers In Imo Won’t Have Hiding Place – Uzodimma

By
The Source
-
0
Senator Hope Uzodimma

Governor Hope Uzodimma has assured Imo people that soon, those involved in kidnapping for commercial purposes in the State will not have a hiding place any more as government is deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to bring them to book.

More importantly, the Governor assured the people that God will not fail to help the State expose all those hiding in the bush to perpetrate crime in Imo.

He gave the assurance Sunday while speaking at the end of interdenominational Church Service to mark the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration at the Government House Chapel, Owerri, Imo State.

While thanking the congregation for joining the Armed Forces to celebrate the Mass as a prelude to January 15 proper, the Governor reiterated that the celebration was necessary because “the peace we enjoy today is as a result of the supreme price some of our brothers and sisters paid to keep the nation together and give us peace.”

He added: “It is in the wisdom of the federal government that the period is set aside to pray for the soul of these our brothers and sisters, and to commiserate with their families to bear the loss with fortitude.”

Governor Uzodimma said Imo State is doing her best to support the Armed Forces to keep and maintain peace, noting that “the ugly stories of yesterday about Imo State is now a thing of the past.”

He reiterated his invitation to those hiding in the bush to commit crime to come out, and to have it at the back of their mind that “the war is over.”

Assuring that Government is ready and willing to help them do something meaningful, he said only when all of us do things that are meaningful that life will be better for everyone.

“Politics will come and go, Governors will come and go, Imo State will remain.”

The Governor cautioned against people encouraging barbarism, vandalism,  killing and maiming of innocent and vulnerable brothers and sisters for no just cause and asserted that “at the end of the day all will answer for their deed before God, because the ways of God is different from our own ways.”

He warned that “there is God,” and called on all to shun evil and embrace righteousness.

Governor Uzodimma further prayed God to give us the courage to condemn evil by speaking out when we see one.

In his homily, the Rev Fr (Dr.) Augustine Agowuike harped on sacrifice and compared the lives of the Armed Forces who paid the supreme price to secure the Nation and State to that of Jesus Christ who laid down his life on the Cross to set us free from sin.

He urged the Christian faithful to continue to support and pray for the Armed Forces and other sister agencies so that their sacrifices will not be in vain.

1...912913914...3,075Page 913 of 3,075