Home Blog Page 979

Edo: Gov Okpebholor Restores Full Traditional Rights Of Benin Monarch

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Oba of Benin - EwuareII

By Ayodele Oni

Oba now custodian Of artefacts, Permanent Chairman Traditional Council

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholor, has moved to restore statutory rights of Oba of Benin hitherto withdrawn by the immediate past administration of Godwin Obaseki.

As a first step, the state government has announced the withdrawal of a letter which revoked the concession of the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre, which was converted to a motor park by the immediate administration.

A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua announced the abolishment of new traditional councils in Edo South, created by the last administration.

The creation of the new traditional councils was meant to wean down the power of the Benin monarch who occupies the position as permanent chairman of traditional council.

The statement added that “In a bid to further right the wrongs of the immediate-past administration and foster cordial relations between the Government and the people, the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has restored the full statutory rights of the Benin Monarch over the contentious issue of the ownership of ancient artefacts looted from the palace of the Oba of Benin during the 1897 Benin Massacre by the British colonial forces.

“Also, the State Government is withdrawing the letter revoking the concession of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre issued by the last administration to be used as a motor park. This administration is restoring the centre to a suitable condition for its original purpose.

“This administration also hereby abolishes the new traditional councils in Edo South, created by the last administration.”

“Accordingly, Governor Okpebholo has restored the statutory financial entitlements of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) and has ordered that the status quo before the creation of the now abolished councils be maintained.

“The Okpebholo administration is backing the initial plan of the State Government to build the Benin Royal Museum that will house the returned artefacts and is distancing itself from the Museum of West Africa Art (MOWA) which the previous administration fronted as the museum to hold the returned Benin artefacts.

“The Federal Government has also issued a Gazette for the recognition of ownership and custody of the repatriated Benin artefacts to Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II. This was done through a Government Notice No.25 in the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No.57, Volume 110.

“Governor Okpebholo respects the rights and privileges of the traditional ruler of Benin Kingdom, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare ll and pledges the support of his administration to ensure the Monarch plays his role as the custodian of the rich cultural heritage of the Benin people.

“It is in recognition of this that the administration of Governor Okpebholo shall support the decision of the Federal Government to uphold the Oba of Benin as the exclusive owner of the returned Benin artifacts that were looted by the British Colonial forces during the Benin masaca of 1897.

“The Oba of Benin, as the father of all Benin people, is the sole custodian of the customs and traditions of the Benin people and my administration respects customs and traditions in the land and hereby restores the statutory rights of the Oba of Benin as the true custodian of the returned Benin artefacts.”

Governor Okpebholo pledged the commitment of his administration  to culture and tradition of the people, and will refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of the Benin Traditional Council.

“The Governor is using his constitutional powers and the respect for traditional institutions and the revered Oba of Benin to restore all other Statutory Rights of the Monarch not mentioned hereof.”

Edo: Gov Okpebholo Constitutes Committee To Probe Assets Of Government

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Monday-Okpebholo

By Ayodele Oni

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, is expected to inaugurate a 14 member Assets Verification Committee in Benin on Tuesday.

Okpebholo had approved the constitution of the Committee to probe the administration of Godwin Obaseki.

The state government had complained at its inception that not less 200 vehicles belonging to government were carted away by members of the immediate past administration.

It also noted that the hand over note by the firmer Godwin Obaseki led administration has been silent on the actual state of some government assets and properties.

Members of the Committee headed by Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe are selected from former political office holders including technocrats in the state.

A statement at the weekend by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Fred Itua stated that “In furtherance of the Governor’s initiative to set the State on the path of development and accountable leadership, the need to set up a State Assets Verification Committee becomes very imperative.

“Despite repeated calls for a more holistic database of the Assets and Liabilities of the previous administration, the Godwin Obaseki-led Government came up with very scanty and limited Assets and Liabilities of the State.

“In line with the Governor’s campaign promise to ensure probity, accountability and transparency in Government, and to deepen the governance process, a Committee made up of respected sons and daughters from Edo State has to be constituted.

“The committee will be inaugurated at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, on Tuesday, 26th November, 2024, by 1pm prompt.”

Abia Will No Longer Be A Haven For Criminals, Terrorists – Gov. Otti Warns

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

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Certainly unnerved by the recent spate of violent attacks and killings, the Abia State Government has vowed to go tough on perpetrators.

This is even as it served quit notice on terrorists and other criminal elements to relocate from the state

Rising from an emergency security Council Meeting at the weekend, Governor Alex Otti warned that the State will not watch helplessly as some misguided elements continue to make life difficult for innocent Abia residents.

The Source reports that between November 13 and last week, there have been no fewer than four of  such deadly attacks, majorly targeted at security operatives and high profile political actors.

At the last count, three soldiers, three  police operatives, lost their lives; and others severely injured.

There was, yet, another attack on a military checkpoint in Ekenobisi Umuokpara on Wednesday November 13, the most  most audacious of all the attacks.

Four days later, an ambush and attack on the convoy of Hon Ginger Onwusibe, Member, representing the Isiala Ngwa South/North Federal Constituency, resulted in the death of one of his Police security details and another seriously injured.

Only late last week, hoodlums also attacked  a stop and search Police Team in the Ohafia area of the State, leading to the killing of one of the operatives, with another  seriously battling to remain alive.

The unprecedented security challenge was enough to drag the state Government and the opposition into the trenches, with both sides trading blames.

The Governor who was away to the United States of America ,USA, where he was a guest lecturer at Yale University, at the time most of the attacks occurred, accused the opposition of orchestrating the security debacle to distract his administration.

The opposition, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has since  rejected the allegation, describing it as a mere bulk passing exercise by a clearly overwhelmed administration.

Governor Otti who briefed the media at the end of the Security Council  meeting, hurriedly convened after his return back to the  State, reassured Abia residents of his administration’s commitment towards tackling security challenges.

He informed that Council after, a careful review of the situation, resolved to rejig the security framework of the State.

According to him, the Council took a decision to take the battle to the hoodlums’ den. He assured that all criminal elements within the state will be fished out from their enclaves.

The Governor further informed that the State will no longer be allowed to serve as a haven for criminal elements under whatever guise .

He explained  that the overall aim of restructuring the security architecture is to avoid a repeat of the horrendous attacks that have been visited on the state of late by non state actors .

While commiserating with the families, relations and friends of those who lost their lives in the attacks, Governor Otti, reassured the residents ,and visitors, including investors of the readiness of his administration to adequately protect lives and properties.

To Lt General Lagbaja, My Principal

By
The Source
-
0
Major GU Bukar

By Major GU Bukar (ADC)

“Sir, I learned a lot from you. From seemingly trivial things which many might ignore, like making your bed before checking out of a hotel room, ensuring you tip the housekeeper before leaving, and many more”

Sir, I do not know where to start from, because all my thoughts are that I would in the future be writing your biography, and not epitaph. I first met you 10 years ago, on 1st  of December 2014, as my Commanding Officer in 72 Special Forces Battalion. It was then that you started instilling in me the warrior ethos and leadership spirit which eventually prepared me for my sojourn in the NE operation.

I consider myself lucky – and privileged – to have worked with you closely from 2019, and tapped from your sterling virtues of leadership, compassion, and humility. From you, I learned a lot, I must say. From seemingly trivial things which many might ignore, like making your bed before checking out of a hotel room, ensuring you tip the housekeeper before leaving, and many more. You always thanked your driver whenever he took you home safely from a journey. Your generosity, also, was next to none.

You also taught me that as a leader, one needed to think and plan for subordinates. For instance, you knew when I was due for courses, and you ensured I went for them when the time came. You never denied or reduced anyone’s application for pass or leave when such applications were brought to you, and you would say ‘Go for your pass, the work will be done’.

Sir, another important thing I learn from you, is simplicity. You always reminded me not to get carried away by any position or appointment. You said: ‘Learn to live a simple life, so that you will find it easy.’ A case in point was when as a GOC in Enugu, you decided to drive down to the airport in your personal vehicle to pick your family up. I asked why you did not send us to do that, and you replied: ‘I want my children to have these memories of me when I’m gone.’

On many occasions, a normal visit to other formations would turn into a full-blown operation. I recall in December 2021, we were at a burial ceremony when you received a report of an incident on Enugu-PH highway. You did not wait for the nearest formation to respond, you excused yourself and we found ourselves conducting a rescue operation. As for 1 Division Kaduna, when your posting came out in August, you vowed to stabilise the area before December, and you did.

In terms of getting things done, you did not rest until things were done, and done properly. As General Officer Commanding 82 and 1 Divisions, you ensured that you kept construction engineers on their toes by constantly checking on them at the site to ensure they worked with quality and precision. The projects you executed in the two divisions you served as GOC speak for themselves.

You were also a doting father, and you once told me that you wanted to be your daughter’s personal chauffeur when you retire. ‘I will take her to school, come back, read the dailies and cycle a little and wait for time to pick her up from school,’ you said.

Operationally, you showed your subordinate commanders how it was done, as you led from the front all the time. On my first day as your ADC in 82 Division, I was sitting in my office trying to acclimatise, when you suddenly sent coordinates to my phone, followed by a message ‘Prepare the escorts, we are going to this place’. It turned out to be a full-fledged operation that lasted all night. You loved your Special Forces helmet and frag jacket, which were always in your vehicle. When you yelled ‘Give me my frag’, we all knew it was on!

While I promise to apply all these excellent virtues I have learned from you, I feel there are  lots more left to learn, but you left too soon, Sir. I will miss you dearly, you will be missed by all. May God Almighty grant you eternal rest.

Major Bukar was the ADC to recently late Chief of Army Staff,(COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja

Poor Feeding Of Students: Akwa Ibom Suspends Principal

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0
Akwa Ibom Poor Feeding Of Students

By Adesina Soyooye

Akwa Ibom State Government has suspended  the Principal of Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep over the poor feeding of the students.

The Principal, Dr Nse Sunday Umoh, was suspended pending the outcome of investigation over the poor food usually served the students.

Trouble started for the  Principal when the video of the terrible food usually served the  students who are in the boarding school surfaced on Social Media Platforms.

That necessitated a visit to the school, unannounced, unscheduled, to the school by the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet. What she saw was upsetting to her.

The result is the suspension of the Principal and an investigation into the boarding facilities in the school and other 25 boarding schools in the State.

The letter, dated November 11, 2024, signed by the Commissioner, in which the Principal was suspended, reads as follows:

“MINISTRY OF EDUCATION TO INVESTIGATE BOARDING FACILITIES IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS

“Following from the very  disturbing video where students were fed with unpalatable and innutrious meals at Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep, I paid an unscheduled visit to the school.

“I have directed a comprehensive investigation into the state of boarding facilities in the school and the other 25 boarding secondary schools across the state.

“This review, which will focus on hostels, dining halls, recreation areas, menu, kitchen, and sanitary facilities, will be jointly overseen by the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry of Education and the State Secondary Education Board.

“Consequently, I have also directed  the immediate suspension of the Principal of the school, Dr. NSE Sunday Umoh pending the outcome of the investigation.

“Despite the fact that the free education policy of the state government, covers tuition fees only and not boarding fees, the welfare and dignity of all students, especially those in public schools, remain a priority of the Umo Eno-led administration.

“We appeal to parents who have already been greatly relieved of the burden of tuition fees to undertake basic parental responsibilities to support their children in secondary schools.

“The Ministry is committed to ensuring that all public school facilities meet irreducible minimum standards that uphold the well-being of both learners and staff.

“We urge the public to remain patient while this investigation lasts. The Governor, Pastor Umo Eno remains unwavering in his commitment to education, as outlined in the ARISE Agenda.

“Signed:

Mrs Idongesit Etiebet

Honourable Commissioner

23112024”

Group Orders “Simon Ekpa Boys” Out Of Anambra

By
The Source
-
0
Group Orders Simon Ekpa Boys

By Gideon Njoku

For Simon Ekpa, the Finland-based Biafra separatist fighter, November  has turned out a bad month. It is not just raining, it is pouring.

It began with his arrest by Finnish Police for, among other things, suspected terrorism related issues. The arrest which took many Nigerians unawares but which brought a lot of relief to them and the Nigerian Government, and especially the South-east Region, a number of people are saying, marks the demystification of the tough-talking Ekpa.

Ekpa entered into national consciousness in Nigeria when the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, was renditioned from Kenya  to Nigeria in 2021. He has been under the custody of the Federal Government and is facing prosecution.

On Kanu’s detention, Ekpa surfaced and introduced himself as his disciple. He, however, fell out with the IPOB over issues of conduct and policy and founded the Autopilots. His group, described as blood thirsty, is allegedly behind the unprecedented and unprovoked killings in the South-East. The Group’s conduct, on his orders, has also brought the economy of the South-East to its knees with the many orders of sit-at-home.

Ekpa introduces himself as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile.

However, since after his arrest, alongside four others and subsequent remand in custody, the situation seems to be getting worse.

First, he, allegedly, in Court, denied being the Prime Minister of the Biafran Republic Government in Exile, a title he was very proud of. In court, he allegedly, said he was just a member. Second, while the Nigerian Government which has claimed it played a diplomatic role in his arrest says it is watching the Court processes, the Defence Headquarters is pushing that he be extradited to Nigeria.

But the third problem is coming from the South-East Region, the Region which has borne the brunt of Ekpa’s activities.

On Saturday November 23, a new Group emerged and is calling  Ekpa bluff.

The new Group apparently based in Anambra, is calling itself, Anambra Vigilantes.

In a video making rounds on Social Media, members of the Group, in their scores, well-armed, and wearing face masks, have given Ekpa and his Group an immediate quit notice from Anambra State.

Their spokesperson, in the video that lasted some time told Ekpa that his cup was full, and his activities over. The Group holds him responsible for the sorry economic situation in the South-East, the killings and kidnappings and raxe of women and asked him to order his boys out of the forests. They assured him that he would pay for all the innocent blood shed in the Region.

They reminded him that a son of Anambra, the late Dim Ikemba Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu founded Biafra, but did not murder his people or inflict hardship on them in his pursuit of the survival of the then Biafra Republic.

Opinion is: it is either Ekpa’s Group listens to the warning, and puts down their arms, especially, as he is now under custody in Finland, or there will likely be an uncivil face-off between the two Groups, particularly in Anambra State.

Deputy Senate President Donates 1000 Motorcycles To Kano Police

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Motorcycles Donated By Deputy Senate President to Kano Police

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In an effort to enhance  security in Kano, the Deputy Senate President, Jibril Barau,  on Saturday, November 23, 2024,  gifted the Nigeria Police ,a total of 1000 motorcycles.

Senator Barau representing Kano North Senatorial District at the Senate of  the National Assembly, noted that the gesture is aimed at assisting the Police in  securing lives and properties .

During the presentation ceremony at the Kano State Police Command Headquarters in Bompai, the Deputy Senate President underscored the need for adequate public support to security agencies in their onerous task of maintaining peace and stability in the country.

He noted that logistical and other relevant support will go a long way in enhancing the operational efficiency of our security agencies.

Senator Barau lauded the efforts of the Kano State Police Command and the high level of professionalism being displayed by  its officers and men in the discharge of their constitutional mandate of protecting lives and properties.

” I commend the officers and men of the Kano State Police Command for their exceptional professionalism in carrying out their constitutional duties.

“Their dedication to the maintenance of peace and order in the State is truly appreciated.

“As a token of appreciation, support will be provided to ensure they continue to perform optimally, contributing to the peace, progress and political growth of Kano”, he stated.

According to him, 700 of the motorcycles will be distributed to police formations within the Kano North Senatorial Zone, while the remaining three hundred will be disbursed to police stations across the Kano Central and Kano South Districts.

In all, the motorcycles ,he informed, will be allocated to 76 Divisions so as to enhance operational efficiency in all the 44 Local Councils of Kano.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Salman Garba Dogo, while appreciating the Deputy Senate President for the rare gesture, assured that the Motorcycles will be properly deployed to achieve the desired objectives .

He called on other public spirited individuals and  groups to emulate the good deed of Senator Barau for the purpose of enhancing security.

The Source reports that the one thousand motorcycles are estimated to have cost about one billion Naira.

PDP Governors Call On Judiciary To Save Nigeria’s Democracy

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
PDP Governors

By Ayodele Oni

Unity within the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), and urgent economic electoral system reforms topped the agenda of Governors of the opposition party on Saturday.

The PDP governors who met in Jos, Plateau state, for their seventh meeting, in a communiqué read by Bala Mohammed, Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, expressed commitment to address divisions within the party, emphasising the importance of unity ahead of the next general elections.

The meeting, which was attended by leaders within the PDP, including the National Working Committee (NWC), the Board of Trustees (BOT), and other major party figures, addressed various issues affecting the party and the nation.

Part of tye communique reads:

“The Forum notes the concerns of Nigerians, PDP founding fathers, elders and members of our great Party of seeming divisions within the ranks and files.

“The Forum wishes to state categorically that it remains resolute in its determination to ensure unity and cohesion of this great Party that Nigerians have come to trust as the best platform for democratic governance.”

The meeting endorsed the postponement of the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which was originally set for next week Thursday.

The forum urged the NWC to schedule the rescheduled NEC meeting by the first week of February 2025.

“The Forum is constrained to accept the latest postponement of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Party in empathy with our colleague, H.E. Governor Eno Bassey, whose late dear wife will be buried on the same day earlier scheduled for NEC.

“Once again, the Forum wishes to commiserate with our colleague and pray that God will grant him and the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

“The Forum is strongly advising the NWC to call NEC latest by the first week of February 2025 to allow for elaborate consultations with critical stakeholders of the Party.

“The period between November and February is to address the existential problems confronting the Party, with a deliberate timeline of activities within the period under review to address issues of leadership and litigations confronting the Party.”

In response to the economic challenges facing Nigeria, the PDP Governors called on the President to urgently review the country’s economic policies.

They condemned the ongoing hardships inflicted on Nigerians under the policies of the APC-led federal government, with the PDP Governors’ Forum pledging continued efforts to alleviate these issues at the state level.

They also noted recent electoral irregularities, specifically in Edo and Ondo States, accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of manipulating results to favour the ruling APC.

“The Forum empathizes with Nigerians who are groaning under the oppressive economic hardship foisted on the nation by the policies and decisions of the APC-led Federal Government.

“The Forum calls on the President to urgently review both macroeconomic and fiscal policies that will address the welfare and well-being of Nigerians.

“The Forum wishes to pledge that all PDP Governors will continue to aggressively pursue policies and programs that will reduce the hardship and ensure progress and development.

“The Forum notes with concern the rape of democracy in Edo Governorship elections. It is clear to everyone with conscience that INEC manipulated results in favour of the APC candidate when in fact majority of lawful votes were won by the PDP candidate, Mr. Asue Ighodalo.

“Meanwhile, we are still examining the documents in Ondo Elections where the APC manipulated results after openly buying votes. The Forum calls on the judiciary to save Nigerian democracy and the National Assembly to look into our electoral laws to make it difficult for institutional sabotage of the will of the people.”

Looking ahead, the PDP affirmed its commitment to reclaiming political power in Nigeria, with the party’s leaders expressing optimism about regaining their rightful place in the country’s political landscape by 2027.

“We Are Not Part Of Deal With Gov Aiyedatiwa,”  – NNPP, Candidate In Ondo Fault Parties Solidarity Claim

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Olugbenga Edema

By Ayodele Oni

 

The governorship candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Olugbenga Edema, has stated that himself and the party are already in court challenging the eligibility of APC to field a candidate in the last Saturday’s Governorship election.

 

 He explained that the case is in suit number FHC/AK/CS/103/2024, Olugbenga Edema & anor v. INEC & Ors.

 

According to him, with this, neither him nor the party could have attended a meeting on Friday in Akure where political parties and their candidates pledged to work with Governor Aiyedatiwa.

 

“I want to make it clear that neither I nor anyone from the NNPP was part of the meeting where support for Governor Aiyedatiwa was pledged.”

 

He dismissed the claims that the party was among those who pledged support for Governor Aiyedatiwa.

 

He maintained that the clarification became imperative in light of a meeting held on Friday, where purported leaders from 13 political parties expressed commitment to collaborate with Aiyedatiwa, who was announced as the winner of the November 16 off-cycle governorship election.

 

Following a report making the rounds that some political parties, including the NNPP, were part of the meeting at the Government House, Edema specifically stated that he did not attend the meeting, and neither he nor the National Leadership of the NNPP sent any party representative.

 

The NNPP candidate further asserted that, “The party has not endorsed the current administration, and any claims suggesting same should be disregarded.

 

 “Our commitment is to the principles of democracy and the welfare of the people of Ondo State. We are focused on our next line of action, which will reflect our values and vision for the state.”

 

Edema, however stressed the need for political parties to be tenacious in their engagements, rather than mere endorsements, stressing that NNPP remains committed to its ideals and will continue to advocate for the people.

N70 000 Minimum Wage: “Disregard Any Notice Of Strike Action”, NLC Urges Yobe Workers

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
NLC Strike

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Yobe State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has described as fake, unfounded and  deceptive, the news making the round that it has issued a strike notice.

The Source reports that news of a purported notice of industrial action by Yobe workers due to  disagreements between organized labour  and the Government over the implementation of the  N70 000 new minimum  had saturated the social media space in the last 24 hours.

.

It will be recalled that the National Leadership of the Organized Labour had issued a standing directive for its members to commence strike actions in States  that fail to implement the new wage structure by December 1, 2024.

But a statement issued on Saturday, November, 23, 2024, by the Yobe NLC Chairman, Muktari Musa Tarbutu, called on the State workforce to ignore the said strike notice.

According to him, the State NLC leadership is not privy to such strike notice as being circulated on the social media

He informed that there is no need for the Organized Labour in the State to declare any industrial dispute, as the joint negotiation efforts on the new minimum is progressing well between Labour and the Government.

“You may recalled that the joint Committee between the Government and NLC has concluded its negotiation on the new minimum wage and the report has since been forwarded to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, for his consideration and approval.

“Therefore, by this notice, NLC Yobe State Council is calling on all the Yobe State Civil Servants to disregard this purported circular and continue with their normal works and activities .

“We equally urge the Yobe State Civil Servants and the general public to be cautious of fake news and circulars”, the NLC Chairman stated.

He, however, reaffirmed the commitment of the leadership to always protecting the interest of the state workforce.

1...978979980...3,080Page 979 of 3,080