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Uzodimma: Nigeria’s Brightest Days Lie Ahead

September 29, 2024

Governor Hope Uzodimma at Independence Day

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has said that Nigerians have every reason to thank God after 64 years of Independence from colonial masters, insisting that the country’s brightest days lie ahead.

The Governor who said that Nigeria’s story is not that of defeat but hope in the Supreme God, therefore solicited collective prayers for the country and her leaders from the citizenry for a Nation of our dream.

Addressing the congregation at the end of the Independence Day Anniversary Church Service at Maria Assumpta Cathedral Owerri, Sunday, the Governor expressed thanks to God for giving Nigerians another opportunity to celebrate their Independence in the face of relative peace and unity, noting that it is a sign that ,”Nigeria is a Nation whose God is Lord.’’

He said that despite all the perceived challenges from different parts of the country, ‘’Nigeria has not been confronted with full blown war.’’

He recalled, for instance, the recent flooding that devastated our brothers and sisters in some parts of the Country as that of great challenge to the country but noted that “with God all things are possible.”

The Governor said Nigerians have three good reasons to praise God today: one, after 64 years of Independence God has allowed us to make progress; secondly, there is the gift of life for Nigerians to stay together as brothers and sisters and finally, Nigeria has experienced relative peace that prevails in our land despite all challenges.

The Governor then urged Nigerians to give thanks to God in all circumstances and move away from “lamentation to celebration and from dismay to hope.”

He seized the opportunity to express the people’s deep appreciation of the work the Church is doing for the Nation and implored the Church leaders to continue to pray for Nigeria and Imo State.

“The past and present leadership may have fallen short of expectations of the people, yet there is hope and light at the end of the tunnel,” he posited and called for prayers for the Nation so as to continue to remain peaceful and united.

His words: “With unity and faith the country will get to her destination.”

Governor Uzodimma however urged the citizens to interrogate their consciences and attitude when it comes to the destruction of Government property, killing of security agents and frustrating government policies, noting that “patriotism and nationhood abhor all that.”

On the request of the Archbishop through his representative regarding the payment of gratuities, the Governor promised to continue with the payment but implored the Bishop and his lieutenants to pray that those involved in despicable and fraudulent behaviour which hurt the seamless verification exercise on gratuity should refrain from such.

Earlier in his message, His Grace Most Revd. Dr. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, the Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, had acknowledged that God is with Nigerians, having kept us together as a Nation despite all challenges.

He said that “it is not a surprise that Nigeria has remained one,” noting that “the journey is not easy but with God tomorrow will be better.”

While wishing Nigerians a Happy Independence Celebration, the Archbishop whose message was read by the Very Rev. Fr. Gerald Njoku, the Director of Church and Society commended the Governor and Government of Imo State for “maintaining peace, fighting insecurity and embarking on infrastructural development as well as engaging the Eastern Waste Management that has created jobs and established recycling plants.”

He also thanked the Governor for adding 3,000 more workers whose salaries were suspended at the beginning of the administration into the payroll and for the timely payment of their salaries.

He requested that the Governor continues with the payment of gratuities for the pensioners that are yet to receive theirs.

The Archbishop also appealed for the speedy completion of the ongoing flyover at the Assumpta roundabout.

The Independence Anniversary Special Service was attended by the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the Speaker Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, the Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Theresa Chukwuemeka Chikeka, the President Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Victor Okorie, Members of the National Assembly, Members of the State House of Assembly, Members of the State Expanded Executive Council, Chairman Imo State Elders Council, HRM Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, Heads of Security Agencies, Chairman of APC Imo State, Dr. Macdonald Ebere, Chairmen of Local Government Areas of the State and their Councillors, and many others.

In Nigeria, When You Steal Money, You Are Celebrated – Senator Ndume

Ayodele Oni

September 29, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator from Borno state, Ali Ndume, has noted with dismay that Nigeria has no law or executive order on unaccountable wealth, which allows corruption to be thriving.

Ndume stated that “Up till now, there is no law on unexplained wealth Act in Nigeria and there is no Executive Order on it.”

He decried the level of corruption in Nigeria, saying the trend is a major challenge facing the nation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted Ndume as speaking during an interactive session with newsmen in Kano on Saturday.

“Our major challenge in this country is corruption. Up till now, we have no law that can proactively or reactively address the issue of corruption in the country.

“If you see somebody in our system, especially in politics or government, and he is not corrupt, then he is lucky that he is God-fearing.

“Otherwise, it is only in Nigeria that you steal money and you walk freely and you are celebrated.

“If you come into an area like this, people would start lobbying you and prostrate before you even when they know that the money was stolen.

“It is only in this country that somebody had no money yesterday or last week, but the following week he buys 10 cars; buys jets and his family will celebrate with him.”

The lawmaker pointed out that “in other developed countries, people would ask how, when and where he made his money but the reverse is the case here.”

Ndume revealed that he had made several efforts to pass a law on unexplained wealth in Nigeria, but that such endeavours never saw the light of the day.

According to him, he approached a former Head of State if he could sign an Executive Bill to that effect but he declined.

He expressed concern over the hunger in the country and called for an increased cultivation of food crops to address the problem.

“There is hunger in the land and up till now we have not cultivated up to five per cent of our land, Nigeria is blessed with massive arable land.

“Nigeria is blessed with cultivable land everywhere such that could be used to grow food crops and feed the nation.”

Alao-Akala’s Daughter Drags Widow To Court Over Late Ex-Governor’s Estate

Adesina Soyooye

September 29, 2024

Alao-Akala';s Daughter Drags Widow To Court

By Adesina Soyooye

Former Governor of Oyo State, Adebayo Alao Akala must be turning in his grave over the mess in his family. The late Governor’s family is currently washing its dirty linen in the market square in a fight over the Estate he left behind. The family is in Court.

His daughter, Toyin Alao-Aderinto has dragged her step mother and the late Governor’s widow, Kemi Alao-Akala, to an Oyo State High Court over the Estate he left behind.

So, the High Court in Ibadan has summoned the late former Governor wife oto appear before it within 30 days.

In a writ of summons Kemi and her co-defendant were asked to respond to a suit (number 1/443/2023) filed by Alao-Aderinto over a Letter of Administration.

She alleged illegal acquisition of the Letter of Administration as it concerns the estate of her late Alao-Akala. She said the widow obtained it without her consent.

Kemi, who was the First Lady of Oyo State when her husband was Governor, was summoned through an order issued by the Court, when it granted an ex-parte motion for substituted service which was brought by Dipo Olasope, SAN, a former Attorney General of Lagos State, representing Alao-Aderinto.

In the suit, Mrs Kemi Alao-Akala and Olamide Alabi are accused of mismanaging the estate of the late former Governor.

The writ of summons stated that: “You are hereby commanded that within 30 days after the service of this writ on you, inclusive of the day of this service, you do cause an appearance to be entered for you in action at the instance of the claimant.”

The case which is marked I/443/2024, is tackling the actions taken by Mrs Alao-Akala and Olamide Alabi, both of whom are accused of allegedly, unlawfully obtaining a letter of administration from the state High Court on October 6, 2022.

In addition, both are accused of mismanaging the late former Governor’s assets. The main grouse being that Alao-Aderinto was excluded in the distribution of the Estate.

For the records, Alao-Aderinto, is the first daughter of the late former Governor.

In the suit, she is seeking a court declaration that the letter of administration obtained by Kemi Alao-Akala and Olamide Alabi is illegal, null, and void. She also wants the Court to issue a restraining order on the defendants from selling and/or disposing any assets in her late father’s estate.

A letter dated August 16, 2023, from Dipo Olasope, SAN, which was addressed to Kemi Alao-Akala and Olamide Alabi, insisted that the letter of administration was “obtained illegally, excluding Toyin, who by law should be one of the administrators unless she declines to act.”

The letter further indicated, as published that “Toyin has been sidelined in the administration of the estate, while Kemi and Olamide, along with two other siblings, including Olamiju Alao-Akala, a member of the House of Representatives member, are working together to manage the estate, disenfranchising other legitimate children of Adebayo Alao-Akala.”

They were also accused of processing the letter of administration without Alao-Aderinto’s consent as well as dealing with the deceased’s assets illegally.

They were issued a 21-day notice to amend the letter of administration to include Alao-Aderinto. This was followed by another seven-day notice (as required by law) before the claimant sought legal redress in court.

As the first biological daughter of Adebayo Alao-Akala, Alao-Aderinto “asserts her entitlement to inherit an equal share (if not more) of her father’s estate, who died intestate on January 12, 2022. The claimant seeks a declaration that the defendants have no right to deny her legitimate rights and interests in the estate, and that the letter of administration granted to them was fraudulently and illegally obtained, making it null and void.”

Alao-Akala was the Governor of Oyo State from 2007-2011. He died on January 12, 2022 at the age 71 years.

Nigeria-China Partnership: Tinubu Names Tegbe DG, Global Liaison Officer

Ayodele Oni

September 29, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

To consolidate earlier agreement with China, President Bola Tinubu has named a 58 years old Joseph Tegbe as the Director-General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership.

President Tinubu, during a visit to China in early September 2024, had entered into an agreement with the country in several areas including technology transfer.

Tegbe, a 1988 first-class graduate in Civil Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, will report directly to the President.

The appointment was disclosed in a statement from the State House, issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday.

The statement noted that Tegbe, a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, will “immediately submit a strategic action plan to enable Nigeria to benefit from the agreements between the two countries in Beijing.

“As the leader of the strategic partnership, he will oversee day-to-day operations, engage continuously with Chinese counterparts, and ensure all deliverables are aligned with national development goals.

“At the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, President Xi Jinping pledged 360 billion yuan (approximately $51 billion) in new financing for African nations over the next three years.

“He also committed to supporting 30 infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing connectivity across the continent and creating one million jobs.

“During his official visit before FOCAC, President Tinubu secured a commitment from President Xi to support Nigeria’s economic diversification, infrastructure development, technology transfer, and job creation.

“Among the agreements, Nigeria and China will collaborate on expanding Nigeria’s rail network, upgrading power distribution, and creating new industrial parks.”

The two countries have also agreed to form hospital alliances, collaborate on medical research, and send Chinese healthcare professionals to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.

In the education sector, the partnership will focus on vocational training, STEM education, and academic exchanges. This includes joint initiatives to establish engineering technology academies and provide scholarships for Nigerian youth to acquire modern workforce skills.

Additionally, the collaboration seeks to improve Nigeria’s agricultural practices through knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and investments in sustainable farming techniques.

Tegbe is expected to bring his nearly 35 years of experience in business strategy. He previously held the position of Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG in Africa, with responsibilities extending to the Middle East.

No Plan To Forcefully Enter Govt. House: Edo Dep. Gov Shaibu, Reacts To Govt’s Allegation

Ayodele Oni

September 29, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo state, Philip Shaibu has reacted to allegation by the State Government that he was planning to forcefully entered the Government House, Benin city.

Shaibu, reacting through his Chief Press Secretary, Musa Ebomhiana, dismissed the allegation and said it was part of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s plan to smear his image.

Ebomhiana, in a statement on Sunday, denied the Government’s allegations, insisting that the Government should accept the fact that the 2024 Governorship election has been concluded.

“There is no iota of truth in it, please. They should know that the election has been lost and won. This is cheap blackmail and propaganda.

In a statement, Special Adviser to the Edo State Government, Crusoe Osagie, alleged that Shaibu had perfected plans to invade the State Government House on Monday to enforce his reinstatement.

The State Government noted that a stay of execution appeal had been filed, challenging the earlier ruling by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Osagie called on the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, and all well-meaning Nigerians to dissuade Shaibu from his “devious plot,” warning that it could lead to chaos, especially as a police officer was killed during a previous attempt.

He said, “We want to draw the attention of the Inspector-General of Police to the intelligence we have gathered regarding a planned move by the erstwhile Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, to forcefully enter the Edo State Government House to purportedly enforce the ruling of Justice J. K. Omotosho.

“The stay of execution is still pending at the Court of Appeal, and we appeal to the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that the state does not descend into anarchy because of the ambition of one man.

“The last time Shaibu attempted this, it led to the death of a police officer. We believe that one death is already too many, and it would be wise to prevent a recurrence.”

Osagie added that “government legal counsel had written to the IGP and other stakeholders, stressing that “all actions relating to the enforcement and/or execution of the judgement of Honourable Justice J. K. Omotosho in suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/478/2024 should be stayed pending the hearing and determination of the Motion for Stay of Execution/Injunction Pending Appeal, so as not to create a situation of helplessness for the Court of Appeal or render the order nugatory in the event that the application is granted.”

How Ekiti Received President Tinubu’s Support In Agriculture

Ayodele Oni

September 29, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has offered support to States to encourage citizens to embark on agriculture as part of strategy to cushion the effect of economic hardship.

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji disclosed this at the weekend while inspecting the Bring Youth Back into Agriculture Project farms in some parts of the state.

The Governor told some of the participants that “Please note that the support I am giving you was provided by President Bola Tinubu, the state government doesn’t have that kind of resources.

“I went to him and I told him I want to get involved in agriculture. He gave us that support and I promised myself that when we get that resources, we will invest it in agriculture, so, from that resources, we should be able to get a bus for each group.”

Oyebanji restated his administration’s commitment to food security for residents of the state through various collaboration with investors in agribusiness and young farmers, saying his target for 2025 is to record significant increase in production in the sector to feed the people.

The Governor, who was accompanied on the visit by some top government officials, disclosed that the state’s budget for 2025 would focus more on agriculture, in an effort to ensure food sufficiency and make Ekiti the food basket of the country.

While noting that his government’s deliberate investment in agriculture was already yielding the desired positive results, the governor said his government in the last two years, had prioritized investment in agriculture, boost capacity of farmers and create a market for farm produce as part of efforts to enhance food production and tackle food insecurity.

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing necessary impetus for the state to thrive in agriculture and other sectors, and promised that his administration will continue to provide economic opportunities for youths in the state and position them to be employers of labour.

The Governor added that the State has also improved on its agricultural policies and guaranteed the needed infrastructure and support to drive the State’s agriculture development plans.

“I’m superbly excited on the outcome of agriculture strategy, few months ago, we flagged off this programme, ‘bring back our youths into agriculture’ and I believe strongly that the only way to prosperity is productivity and bring our youths back to work, government has to provide the platforms for them.

“We partnered with our people and YSJ, a private sector agric company to work out a strategy of bring back our youths to agric where government cleared land for them free of charge, subsidized inputs by fifty percent.

“I am just going round today to see the outcome of this efforts and I am happy that it has turned round this way.

“What this has taught me is the fact that Ekiti youths are not lazy, Ekiti youths are productive, they can work and what they need is just the platform.

“I have always been saying it that Ekiti can rival with any states in the federation, but as a government, we need to provide the platform for people to exhibit their potentials and this is what we have done.

“Next year budget is going to focus on welfare and agriculture, we have done a lot with infrastructure, education and health, the time has come for us to feed our people and my target for next year is to grow enough food to feed Ekiti people.”

“We Are Sorry”, Ijaw Elders Apologize To Wike Over Fubara

Akinwale Kasali

September 29, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

As the feud between Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. FCT and Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State continue to escalate, some Ijaw Elders have apologized to Wike.

The Elders apologized to Wike on Saturday when they hosted Wike to a reception in Rivers State on Saturday.

Wike, the immediate past Governor of Rivers State and his successor in office, Siminalayi Fubara, have been embroiled in a bitter political crisis which began barely three months into Fubara’s tenure.

It was Wike who greatly was instrumental to Fubara becoming the Governor but they soon fell apart over the control of the State. That had led to an aborted impeachment of Fubara, and since then nothing has been the same. Both men are at each others neck. And, inspite of the support for Fubara by most of his colleague-PDP Governors, Wike has continued, with the surprise support of the National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to hold unto the party structure in the State. Fubara seems on his way out of the Party as his loyalists and appointees are contesting the upcoming Local Council Polls in the State on the ticket of another Party, APP.

But at the reception in honour of Wike by the Ijaw, they praised and thanked Wike to high heavens for making an Ijaw son (Fubara) a Governor. They said they were very grateful to him for making that happen in the history of Rivers State.

Speaking on the feud between Wike and Fubara, the Elders begged Wike to forgive Fubara. They urged him to sheath his sword and forgive Fubara who they kept referring to as “his political son.”

The Ijaw Elders organised the reception under the auspices of Ijaw Elders Forum of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. They condemned Fubara and said the attitude of Governor Fubara has been unpalatable and “insensitive”.

The group said Wike has been good to the Ijaw people of Rivers State.

Speaking on behalf of the Group, the Executive Director Of Finance, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Boma Iyaye, said Ijaw people “are sorry for Governor Fubara’s behaviour.

He said nobody from the Ijaw people of Rivers State had ever risen to the position of Governor in the state until Wike made it possible through Fubara.

Iyaye said Wike has done well for them and they will continue to say “thank you”.

He said, “On behalf of our people, we are apologising to you for what our son is doing to you. We are sorry. We are sorry o because it is not in our nature to pay evil for good. You have done well for us, and we will continue to say, thank you.

“Your Excellency, do not because of this bad behaviour of our son run away from us. Continue to be our brother. Continue to have us in mind.

“We have never set our feet on the number one seat of Rivers State. You made it possible for us to become the governor of Rivers State.”

Enugu Clamps Down On Illegal Schools

Suleiman Anyalewechi

September 29, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Enugu State Government at the weekend sealed several Nursery ,Primary and secondary Schools believed to be operating under substandard and inhuman conditions, mainly in Enugu the State capital.

The State authorities said the clamp down is to arrest the ugly trend of unapproved and substandard educational institutions compromising quality.

The State Commissioner for Education, Professor Ndubeze Mbah, who personally led the closure of such schools as Evangel School, Asata and Eastview Nursery and primary School at the Railway Quarters Njemanze, Ivory Education Centre on Owerri Road, and St. Michael Nursery and Secondary Schools Asata, informed that the affected institutions were operating under an abysmal standard and learning environment.

According to the Commissioner, most of the schools visited were operating without roofs on their buildings, cracked walls and severe dilapidation which, he noted, constitute a serious danger to the lives of the pupils and students.

Similarly, Professor Mbah regretted that most private schools in the State are operating in total disregard of the extant rules, guidelines and regulations as spelt out by the Ministry of Education.

He noted that Government, before now, had directed all schools operating in the State to register with, and secure the approval of all relevant regulatory bodies, particularly the Education Ministry.

He insisted that the decision to wield the big stick, resulted from the failure of the schools to adhere to the registration order.

He stated that it is mandatory for all schools operating in the State to comply with the regulations, part of which demands registration and approval by the Ministry of Education.

“We sensitized our people on the State Government’s education policy and how education must align with the most advanced global practices if our children can have a chance to acquire 21st Century skills and modern workforce knowledge and be able to compete with their global peers.

“We gave them (private schools) four months grace period to register and get approval. Yet most of them failed to do so.

We are doing this (sealing of their premises) to checkmate abuses and restore the dignity of the system in our state”, Professor Mba stated.

The Education Commission who, also, noted that most of the illegal schools are making use of unqualified teachers, vowed that the Enugu State Government will not sit by idly and watch the unmitigated erosion of its educational standard.

He decried the unbridled establishment of unregistered and unapproved schools in the state by unscrupulous elements, noting that such an ugly trend is totally unacceptable.

He warned that the State Government will not, under any guise, compromise its decision to ensure total compliance with all the extant rules and guidelines governing qualitative education in the State.

Lion Kills Man At Obasanjo’s Presidential Library

Akinwale Kasali

September 29, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

A 35-Year Zoo Worker at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Babaji Daule, was killed by a Lion over the weekend.

Confirming the gruesome killing of the man,

Ogun State Police Command, on Sunday, said it was due to carelessness.

The spokesman for the State Police Command, Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

The Bauchi State born lion handler was said to have forgotten to secure the locks and barricade the lion’s enclosure before approaching the cage to feed the animal.

This reportedly allowed the lion to escape and attack the handler, resulting in injuries to his neck and eventual death

The victim’s body has been removed and taken to the mortuary at Ijaye General Hospital.

Earlier, the lion was shot dead to release its grip on the handler.

The Management of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library are yet to make an official statement at the time of this report.

Governor Fintiri Dumps Atiku For Wike

The Source

September 29, 2024

Ahmadu Fintiri - Governor of Adamawa State

By Gideon Njoku

There are pointers that Adamawa State Governor, Ahmed Fintiri, has jumped ship. The Peoples Democratic Party’s Governor did not dump the PDP for the All Progressive Congress, APC.

No, the Governor dumped former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who was the Presidential Candidate of the PDP in the 2023 Presidential Election for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike.

Atiku and Wike are bitter political enemies, and are, not a few people agree, responsible for the sorry state of affairs of the PDP, especially, from the months leading to the 2023 Presidential election. Both men aspired to the office of the President but Atiku defeated Wike in the Primary, and dashed his hope of becoming his running mate by picking the then Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa instead, even, after, according to Wike, Atiku assured him he, Wike, will be the one.

To pay Atiku back in his own coins, Wike decided to work against Atiku in favour of then Candidate Bola Tinubu.

He formed a strong alliance with some PDP stakeholders, including, four then PDP Governors – Samuel Ortom of Benue, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu. With their leader, Wike, they formed the G5 and worked against the PDP.

The Group which has been quiet, since Tinubu’s Presidency, appointment of Wike as FCT Minister, except Makinde who is serving his second term as Governor, on Saturday, converged in Rivers State at a reception in honour of Wike by an Ijaw Group.

But there was a new entrant, a new member of the G5. It was Adamawa State Governor, Ahmed Fintiri.

Fintiri is the Governor of Atiku’s home State, and has been with him, or so everybody thought, till now.

However, signs that Finitiri has abandoned Atiku for Wike showed when the Governor publicly endorsed the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Umar Damagum to continue in office with his NWC members. Atiku and his group, including PDP Governors, minus Makinde, and now, Finitiri, want Damagum out as Acting PDP National Chairman. But Wike and his group stand solidly behind Damagum.

While in Rivers State, Fintiri appealed to Wike and Governor Fubara to let go of the crisis between them and work together again.

About two weeks ago, however, Wike swore he would never have anything to do with Fubara again.

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