17-year-old Student Commits Suicide over Failure to Get Promotion to SS2 in Kwara

A 17-year-old student of Offa Grammar School, Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State, Adegoke Adeyemi, has reportedly committed suicide as a result of his failure to pass his promotion examination from SS1 to SS2. Adegoke was found hanging on a tree following his failure to get promoted into the next class in the school. The state Police Command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Okasanmi Ajayi, who confirmed the development in a statement in Ilorin on Thursday, said the corpse of the deceased student was removed from a tree behind Ariya Garden Hotel, Offa, by a team of policemen from the Divisional Police Headquarters, Offa last Tuesday. Okasanmi said the corpse of the deceased was taken to the Offa General Hospital for autopsy, adding that the police have commenced investigation into the matter. In another development, the spokesman of the state Police Command said one notorious cultist on the wanted list of the anti-cult team, Monday Ojoagbu, and other members of his gang, on a mission to carry out another gruesome attack on a target yet to be identified, were traced and arrested at Ace Supermarket located at Unity area of Ilorin last Tuesday. Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, has witnessed some cult killings and counter killings by rival confraternities in recent times, which unnecessarily heightened tension among residents of the state capital. Okasanmi disclosed that “in an attempt to arrest the suspect, while also avoiding likely collateral damage in the process of the arrest, it was difficult to simultaneously arrest the other members of his gang who escaped using customers of the supermarket as shields. “Investigation into the matter is presently ongoing. One locally-made pistol and two live cartridges were recovered from the suspect." Meanwhile, efforts are in progress to arrest his fleeing accomplices.

Christian Women Group Empowers 200 Families

As part of efforts to cushion the economic hardship in Nigeria, the Christian Women Fellowship International (CWFI) and the Chicason Group of Company have shown readiness to empower 200 families to enable them cater for themselves and their relatives. The Head of Marketing and Communication, Chicason Group of Company, Dr. Amechi Chukwu, disclosed their efforts to empower the families, during the just concluded CWFI convention in Benin-city, Edo State capital. She said the convention, which had always held once in a year, is targeted at sponsoring and facilitating projects to help women, their families, the church and the kingdom of God. According to her, "We want to give back to the society for what God had done for us. We want to empower women, and that is why we made provisions for them to be distributors, with a special discounts and gifts. “We have to water down the distribution requirements to the level that we can empower 200 women to pick our products and become our distributors. "We want to sell our products, which are present at the stand, to the women who are here. We are expecting about 30,000 women who graced this CWFI convention. We want to make sure that we reach out to them, and distribute our products to empower them. We want to do whatever we can to be of help to the society." Chukwu further noted that the group's brands are household name that are over 40 years known to dealers across board with depots, adding that a look at the demography of the women, one will discover that they fall within the range of lower class segments. She also explained that the women to be empowered as dealers don't need to pay any amount, pointing out that the essence is to assist the Christian women to make a mark in the society. Earlier in her address at the convention, the President-General of CWFI, Mr. Julie Akhimien, said the convention is a great banquet table, which God has set for everyone this week for the unsaved to be saved, the sick to be healed, the bound to be set free, and for all women to move to the next level of anointing. Akhimien, who described the theme of the event: ‘Focus on Christ for Anointing for Increase’, said: "As long as one is alive, to remain relevant and productive, one needs to focus on Christ constant anointing. She also said the essence of the convention was to trust God for the overflow and out pouring of God's grace to every partaker that graced the programme. According to her, "The CWFI convention is a trans-denominational organisation of Christian women. We have been in existence for 48 years empowering women. For today what we thought of doing is to empower 200 women. But what we are seeing here is over 500 women that have shown interest to be distributors to Chicason Group of Companies products."

Man Sentenced to Death by Hanging for Murdering Job Seeker in A'Ibom

Uduak Akpan, 21, from Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has been sentenced to death by hanging for the murder of a job seeker in the state, late Iniubong Umoren. An Akwa Ibom State High Court in Uyo, the state capital, delivered the judgement on Thursday after about one year of trial. The Presiding Judge, Justice Bassey Nkanang, in his ruling, also sentenced the accused to life imprisonment for raping the deceased who he lured to his father's house in Uruan LGA for sake of job offer. In the more than two hours’ judgement, Justice Nkanang discharged and acquitted the convict's father, Frank Akpan, and sister, Anwan Bassey, who were second and third defendants accused of accessory after the fact to murder respectively. He said: "This court has proved beyond reasonable doubts that you, Uduak Akpan, is guilty of murder, and you are charged accordingly. You are to die by hanging until you rot away." Following the ruling, a mild drama ensued as the convict attempted to escape from the court, but he was held at the door by security operatives. Reacting to the judgement, the state Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Uko Udom, said he was satisfied with the ruling on the case. According to him, "I thank the presiding Judge over the way and manner this matter has been conducted. "The Judge was able to take a day out; tried the case on a day-to-day basis and in the end, we had a judgement that shows that the justice system works. We are very happy about the outcome of the case. "As you can see, the first defendant has been led into custody and the second and third defendant have been discharged and acquitted. "We intend, as a state, to analyse the judgement to see if there are any grouse and take a decision, but the Judge has done a good job." Speaking on the attempted escape of the convict, the Commissioner of Justice said he was not surprised at the convict's action. He added: "It's not something to be surprised about, some one who committed such gruesome offences, so I'm not surprised at him doing something as bad as what he did here, but the officials were at alert, and that was why they stopped him. "Also, I won't fail to commend the officers of the Nigeria Police Force and the Directorate of State Service (DSS) for their diligence in the prosecution of the matter. "They did great jobs in the investigation, though sometimes, the public, especially on social media, would accuse them of complicity but they did a good job."

Court Adjourns Mike Igini N5bn Libel Suit against Edo APC Chairman to September 26

An Edo State High Court in Benin-city has adjourned the N5 billion libel suit instituted by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Mike Igini, against the Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Col David Imuse (rtd), to September 26, 2022. The adjournment, which was granted by the presiding Judge, Justice Vestee Eboreime, was sequel to an oral application by the counsel to Imuse, Mr. Austin Osarenkhoe, Thursday, who informed the court that at the close of sitting on August 3, he had a meeting with the claimant's counsel, Clement Onwuenwu (SAN), on the possibility of settling the matter amicably. Osarenkhoe stressed that having settled a sister matter with the claimant out of court earlier, he would like to explore the same window for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), and implored the court to grant his prayer. In a further demonstration of his seriousness at pursuing an out of court settlement, the first defendant's counsel stopped his further cross-examination of Igini after he had tendered copies of the Nigerian Tribune and The Sun Newspapers, which the claimant relied upon as the vehicles for the purported libel. Igini had dragged Imuse and two others- African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, publishers of the Tribune Titles and The Sun Newspapers-before the court, claiming that the Edo State APC chairman, libeled him (Igini), when he addressed a press conference in Auchi, Edo State, on August 29, 2020, in the heat of the electioneering for the Edo State gubernatorial election held on September 19, 2020. Onwuenwu, counsel to the Akwa-Ibom State REC, while objecting to the motion for adjournment, said since the counsel to the first defendant had opened his cross-examination, it would be proper for him to complete the leg of the legal firework, and used the window of court vacation slated for mid-August through September 2022 to pursue the amicable settlement. The SAN stressed that hinging the motion for adjournment on the possibility of amicable settlement was not strong enough. While the counsel to the second defendant (ANN Plc), Mr. Femi Jarete Edema, aligned with the submission of the SAN, counsel to the third defendant (Sun Newspapers), Chief Ogodu, aligned with the first defendant's counsel's position, adding that the parties had met and agreed to explore ADR opportunity. Ruling on the oral application, Justice Eboreime noted that the court encourages ADR machineries by parties to settle out of court. She subsequently adjourned the case to September 26, 2022. The Judge urged the defendant's counsel to make maximum use of the window to ensure that the matter was resolved amicably before the next date. Speaking to newsmen after the adjournment, Igini, said the court case was geared towards redeeming his reputation, which he alleged Imuse damaged by the contents of the press conference. According to him, "The court is the highest place of ethical standards. For Imuse to do what he did to me at a time the attention of the world was focused on the Edo State governorship election is not acceptable. It is damaging! "He intended to ruin my reputation both in private and public life. We all have a life to live. I will be leaving INEC in a very short while. After this, life continues. Reputation is everything. It precedes you anywhere you go in life. "I am not the only one bearing that name, Igini. There are other members of the family bearing the same name, but he tried to destroy my name. "Of course it is one of the duties of the court to encourage litigants on amicable settlement of disputes, but in this case, the train has left the station. This is 2022, and I have stepped into the witness box. I have been stressed traveling all over the places. "Under God, Imuse must come to this court to prove his allegations to the world. That is all I have to say for now."

Stop Harbouring Criminals, Amotekun Commander Warns Osun Residents

The Field Commander of the Osun State Western Security Network Agency codenamed: Amotekun Corps’, Amitolu Shittu, has warned the residents of the state to stop harbouring criminals in their domains. He disclosed this while featuring on OSBC Radio 104.5FM programme tagged: ‘Ela Loro’, said the security outfit is ever battle-ready, warning that terrorists who attempt an attack on Osun State will meet their waterloo. Shittu urged residents to stop harbouring criminal elements in the state, adding that they should rather raise the alarm when they discover any unknown faces in their communities. Shittu, who described the Yoruba people as peace-loving, and despise the shedding of blood, however, maintained that that has not made the tribe a coward, saying: "We are not cowards and we cannot live in cowardice. "We are valiant warriors in the land, in the sea, in the air and we are warlords of warlords who are great in battle; we are unrepentant warriors on any battlefield. "We do not take anything that has to do with securing the lives of people and property lightly. We rapidly work on any piece of information that concerns security to ascertain whether it is genuine or not." He commended the state Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, for his contributions to the security architecture of the state, “which has helped secure the state since his assumption of office.” The Amotekun chief similarly unveiled the attainments of the outfit since its inception, which has apprehended many of criminals ranging from armed robbery, rapists, cultists, marauders, and hooligans who are cooling their feet in prisons. He charged the residents to reveal criminals in their neighborhoods to the Amotekun Corps in order to curb crime in society.

Lack of Produce Export Affecting Nigerian Economy, Says Shippers Council

The Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC) has posited that the inability of Nigeria to consistently produce and export goods and services have negatively affected the country's economy. It noted that the society standard of living depends on its ability to produce and export goods and services. Prof. Bongo Adi of Lagos Business School made the assertion on Thursday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during his presentation at a one-day sensitisation seminar with the theme: ‘Promoting Competitiveness in the Maritime Industry: The Mandate of Nigerian Shippers' Council’. He said: "With the globalisation of the world economy, a nation's economic competitiveness is linked increasingly to its ability to export raw materials, intermediate goods and products efficiently and economically." Prof Adi harped on the importance of an active sea port in the society, stressing that nothing attracts investments in any part of the world more than sea ports. According to Adi, "If you look at most-developed, most-advanced cities in the world they are port cities. In Nigeria, Lagos and Port Harcourt are good examples. There is nothing that attracts investments in the world like sea ports. 80 percent of investments in Lagos and Port Harcourt are due to their nearness to sea ports." Earlier, the Executive Secretary of NSC, Mr. Emmanuel Jime, explained that the council set up the Ports Standing Task Teams in the various sea ports in the country to ensure that regulatory agencies which go on board vessels do so in accordance with standard operating procedures. Jime disclosed that the task teams were set up in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Department of State Services (DSS) the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). Represented by the South-south Director of the Council, Mr. Glory Onojedo, Jime said the task teams were also set up to provide effective regulation and make transportation sector efficient and contribute positively to the development of the nation's economy. He said: "The Shippers' Council working in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the NPA has established the Port Standing Task Team that monitors the daily goings of vessels and ensures that regulatory agencies that board the vessels do in line with what is obtained in standard operating procedures. "The aim is to provide effective regulation and make transportation sector efficient and contribute positively to the development of the nation's economy. We can only achieve this with the support and cooperation of all players in the industry." Jime stated that while the Kano Inland Dry Port has become operational, six other dry ports and vehicle transit areas located in various parts of the country were in various stages of completion. He said: "We are also into the promotion and development of transport infrastructure such as the Inland Dry Ports and Vehicle Transit Areas to facilitate cargo delivery to hinterland destinations." The Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC) has posited that the inability of Nigeria to consistently produce and export goods and services have negatively affected the country's economy. It noted that the society standard of living depends on its ability to produce and export goods and services. Prof. Bongo Adi of Lagos Business School made the assertion yesterday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during his presentation at a one-day sensitisation seminar with the theme: ‘Promoting Competitiveness in the Maritime Industry: The Mandate of Nigerian Shippers' Council’. He said: "With the globalisation of the world economy, a nation's economic competitiveness is linked increasingly to its ability to export raw materials, intermediate goods and products efficiently and economically." Prof Adi harped on the importance of an active sea port in the society, stressing that nothing attracts investments in any part of the world more than sea ports. According to Adi, "If you look at most-developed, most-advanced cities in the world they are port cities. In Nigeria, Lagos and Port Harcourt are good examples. There is nothing that attracts investments in the world like sea ports. 80 percent of investments in Lagos and Port Harcourt are due to their nearness to sea ports." Earlier, the Executive Secretary of NSC, Mr. Emmanuel Jime, explained that the council set up the Ports Standing Task Teams in the various sea ports in the country to ensure that regulatory agencies which go on board vessels do so in accordance with standard operating procedures. Jime disclosed that the task teams were set up in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Department of State Services (DSS) the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). Represented by the South-south Director of the Council, Mr. Glory Onojedo, Jime said the task teams were also set up to provide effective regulation and make transportation sector efficient and contribute positively to the development of the nation's economy. He said: "The Shippers' Council working in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the NPA has established the Port Standing Task Team that monitors the daily goings of vessels and ensures that regulatory agencies that board the vessels do in line with what is obtained in standard operating procedures. "The aim is to provide effective regulation and make transportation sector efficient and contribute positively to the development of the nation's economy. We can only achieve this with the support and cooperation of all players in the industry." Jime stated that while the Kano Inland Dry Port has become operational, six other dry ports and vehicle transit areas located in various parts of the country were in various stages of completion. He said: "We are also into the promotion and development of transport infrastructure such as the Inland Dry Ports and Vehicle Transit Areas to facilitate cargo delivery to hinterland destinations."

Osun Guber: APC Heads to Tribunal to Challenge Adeleke's Victory ...As party vows to deal with Aregbesola, supporters over alleged anti-party activities

Three weeks after the conduct of the Osun State governorship election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has opined that the party had concluded plans to drag the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke, before Election Petition Tribunal. The state Chairman of the party, Prince Gboyega Famodun, who stated this at a press conference held at the party secretariat in Osogbo, on Thursday, said there was no cause for alarm as the party is going to reclaim its mandate through legal means. According to Famodun, the party and the state Governor, Gboyega Oyetola legal counsel has stated that they have a very good case at the tribunal, expressing optimism that the will of the people over the July 16 gubernatorial election shall prevail. He stressed that: "We are going to the tribunal, and our lawyers have let us know that we have good cases at the tribunal. While speaking on the anti-party activities allegations leveled against former state Governor and current Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, and his supporters, Famodun said the party has set up a machinery to investigate them, assuring that all the erring party members shall be dealt with in accordance with the party's constitution. On whether the party's constitution allows punishment of any earring member, he said: “As it is, there is a room for discipline within the party constitution but it must be legally followed. "We have set up machinery to investigate the activities of these individuals in their different wards; we will get report from the ward chairmen on how they have been behaving in their wards in the past few years. "It will be interesting to know that we are so magnanimous enough. I read in my speech that some of them had not been showing up with the party for the past three years. "They threw caution into the wind as they believe that what they are doing is quite right. So we called for the ward chairmen to write report on all of them, and the constitution of the party will be used to deal with their different offences as it occurs to us. "Let’s remind you how all the lieutenants and followers of Aregbesola had been boasting that they would ensure that Governor Oyetola would not be re-elected in the governorship election. "Surprisingly, Aregbesola and his group of ever belligerent and bellicose supporters actually acted by openly campaigning and subsequently voting against Oyetola in the election, which is part of the reasons for the current plight of our party in our state. "It was on record that the Interior Minister never took part in any of our governorship campaign, while he also jetted out of the country during the election in order not to take part in such an important election in his state where he is the highest beneficiary by way of an appointment as a minister. "As if that was not enough, the group under the chairmanship of one Elder Adebiyi Adelowo, the former state acting chairman of the APC, went into a wild jubilation after the declaration of the results of the governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke, is the winner of the election."

PDP Candidate Asks Court to Dismiss APC Suit for Lack of Jurisdiction

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the House of Representatives in Ajeromi/Ifelodun federal constituency, Lagos State, Mr. Francis Bartholomew Chima, has asked a Federal High Court in Lagos to decline jurisdiction in a suit filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) seeking his disqualification in the 2023 general election. APC and his candidate, Mr. Paul Adeboye Kalejaiye, who is also vying for the same seat, have dragged Chima before the court, challenging his emergency as the PDP candidate in the coming general election on the ground that the party's primary election, which produced him, was not in conformity with the Section 84(13) of the new Electoral Act. APC and Kalejaiye in their suit marked: FHC/L/CS/1316/2022, filed by their counsel, Lawal Pedro (SAN), listed Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the PDP as Chima’s co-respondents. Lawal, while moving his clients' motion last Wednesday, urged the court for the following reliefs: ‘A declaration that by virtue of the provision of Section 84 (1) of the Electoral Act 2022, the second respondent (PDP), when seeking to nominate a candidate to contest against the applicants in the 2023 general election for the Ajeromi Ifelodun federal constituency of Lagos State seat in the National Assembly, has an obligation to hold primary election for aspirants from its party to elect a candidate. ‘A declaration that by the virtue of the provisions of Section 84 (13) of the Electoral Act 2022, the nomination of the third respondent (Chima) as a candidate of the second respondent (PDP) to contest against the applicants in the 2023 general election for the Ajeromi Ifelodun federal constituency of Lagos State seat in the National Assembly is null and void, for failure of the second respondent to comply with the provisions of Sub Section 1 of Section 84 of the Act to conduct primary election for his nomination as a candidate. ‘A declaration that the second respondent has no valid candidate to contest against the applicants in the 2023 general election for the Ajeromi Ifelodun federal constituency in Lagos State seat in the National Assembly. "A declaration that the third respondent (Chime) is not entitled and has no right to contest against the applicants in the 2023 general election for the Ajeromi Ifelodun federal constituency Lagos State seat in the National Assembly. And a declaration that by virtue of the provisions of Section 84(13) of the Electoral Act 2022, the first respondent (INEC) has a public duty and obligation not to include the name of the third respondent as a candidate of the second respondent to contest against the applicants the 2023 general election for the Ajeromi Ifelodun federal constituency of Lagos State seat in the National Assembly. ‘An order of perpetual injunction restraining the first respondent, its servants, agents and howsoever from recognising or including the name of the third respondent as a candidate to contest against the applicants in the 2023 general election for the Ajeromi Ifelodun federal constituency of Lagos State seat in the National Assembly." However, the PDP candidate, in his preliminary objections to the suit, filed and argued by his team of lawyers led by Mr. Emeka Ozoani and Professor Joseph Abugu, both SANs, asked the court to dismiss the suit for being frivolous, vexatious and an abuse of court process, as the same have been caught by the limitation of time within which to file pre-election matters under Section 285(9) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended. The two senior lawyers, aside asking the court to dismiss the suit having been caught by statute of limitation, also asked the court to decline jurisdiction in entertaining it and to award a substantial cost of N10 million against the APC and Kalejaiye. The PDP candidate in his affidavit in support of the preliminary objections stated that he was an aspirant in the INEC's primary election scheduled for May 23 and 24, 2022, in the federal constituencies in Lagos State to select and nominate the first defendant’s candidate for the Ajeromi/Ifelodun federal constituency of Lagos State into the House of Representatives election in 2023. He stated that upon his expression of interest to serve in the Federal House of Representations, he purchased, filled and submitted the requite Expression of Interest form as well as the nomination form issued by the INEC for the Ajeromi/ Ifelodun federal constituency. And he was duly screened by a panel constituted by the INEC and issued a Certificate of Provisional Clearance to contest in the primaries supervised by INEC, for the purpose of selecting the candidate for the constituency.

Abati Outburst against Wike Provocative, Insulting, Says Niger Delta Group

A group, the Niger Delta Youth Leadership Forum (NDYLF), on Tuesday slammed the former presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, over his outburst against leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for purportedly condoning the alleged excesses of Rivers State Governor, Nyosom Wike. According to the group, Abati's outburst is a clear attempt to malign and denigrate Governor Wike and the PDP leaders with the description that they are “hungry men who allowed Wike to take over the party.” The President of the NDYLF, Richard Akinaka, said the position of Abati is a hatchet job and a clear indication that it is a case of vendetta against Wike, "and also his unholy political alliance with those who may have commissioned him to use his platform to disparage the character of supposed political enemies. "Reuben has so far, in his conduct, not just on Wike, but on other previous altercation with guests on his programme, demonstrated his partisanship, hence, he is not fit to be on such platforms anymore. His attitude so far is a demonstration that he has failed to remove the sweetness of the lollipop (in his own words) attached to his former office as presidential spokesman (where he performed woefully) and would want to return to such office to correct his previous failures. "Wike’s records as a successful career lawyer and politician is an open book for even the blind to read and the deaf to hear, having rose to a member of the benchers from LGA chairman to COS of the Government House to minister, and to one of the best governors in the history of Nigeria and above all, a presidential aspirant who was an embodiment of the aspiration of the entire South as evident in the widespread support he enjoys which is a clear frustration to Reuben’s interest. "But, unfortunately for Abati, there is no record if advancement of progress in his decorated media career of about three decades as he has just been an employee to his younger colleagues. Reuben is employed as a television anchor, a mere news reader and columnist by a junior colleague, as since all these decades in his profession, he has failed to set up his own structure, where he should be an umpire to feed the Nigerian populace with a balanced and unbiased analysis on issues.” The group added: "A successful Abati in his career at this point should have been an employer of labour in his field to mentor other younger ones, or maybe, he, like the people he promotes, wants to perpetuate himself and deprive younger ones from growing. Reuben Abati as a presidential spokesman was not a match to the opposition led by Lai Mohammed who deflated and incapacitated him to the extent that Nigerians never knew Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency was perhaps the best. "Reuben’s activities in recent times could be perceived as though he did not work for his former boss, Jonathan, from the South in 2015 because some of us are just coming to terms with how he was unable to inform Nigerians on the good things of the Goodluck’s presidency, maybe it was part of his failure. In politics, his only achievement was an attempt to be a factional deputy governorship candidate of the PDP in Ogun State which he also failed." "If Arise Television wants Nigerians to take it seriously and value its services, they must urgently purge the station of blackmailers and public relations contractors. To some of us, unlike the Abatis, what Wike did for the PDP was an act of excellent leadership to keep our democracy competitive."

Ex-Gov Obiano Reacts to Videos of His Family Enjoying Vacation in US

Former Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, has reacted to videos of himself and his family having a good time in the United States, which trended on social media recently. In one of the videos, the Obianos were seen partying in a cruise ship while on vacation with several white people. Obiano was filming the event, while the second one showed the family celebrating a giant chicken in their US home. Many people had condemned the former governor for the video, accusing him of looting the state treasury before leaving for US to enjoy with the people's collective patrimony. But in a reaction to the videos, Obiano, while speaking through his publicist, Mr. Tony Nezianya, explained that the vacation was paid for by Obiano's daughter, after he underwent intensive treatment in the US. Explaining the video, Nezianya said: "Chief Obiano, his wife and son did travel for vacation after he received seven weeks of intensive medical treatment in the United States. "The trip was paid for by his daughter, a medical consultant in the United States, who was overjoyed that her 67-year-old father could undertake such heavy and exerting treatment without serious complications." On the second video, Nezianya said: "The second video was recorded on July 4, 2022, the America’s Independence anniversary. Americans usually celebrate their Independence Day with rice and chicken, and Obiano's young son was seen in the video eating rice and chicken." He stated that Obiano’s home in Houston, Texas, was acquired before he joined partisan politics and won the governorship race of Anambra State in 2013. "He bought it after serving for 12 years as the Executive Director of one of Nigeria’s top five banks. All his assets in Nigeria and abroad were stated in his Assets Declaration Form provided by the ICPC," he publicist stated. Nezianya was obviously reacting to insinuations that Obiano may have bought the home after his tenure as Anambra State governor and with state funds.

Diri Tasks Christian Leaders on Unity

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has urged Christian leaders in the state to promote unity and peace in the state and within the body of Christ. Diri gave the advice on Monday at a one-day Prayer Summit/Dinner for Izon ministers in the state. The summit, which was the first of its kind, had in attendance more than 1,300 leaders from different Christian denominations. The governor charged them to imbibe and promote the spirit of brotherliness across Ijaw land for the common good of all. He also admonished the indigenous ministers to work in peace and unity to enhance stability and sustainable development not only in Bayelsa State but also the entire Ijaw nation. He said: “When I was the National Organizing Secretary of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), one thing I noticed whenever I travelled was that the Ijaw people lived in close settlements, and they were close-knit families across Ijaw land. But we are fast losing all of that. "Unity is exemplified by the ants. When they come together, they become more productive. Let this continue to live in our hearts now that you have come together as one body." The governor also spoke on the importance of forgiveness, which he noted was one of the cardinal teachings of Jesus Christ. According to Diri, the summit ought to mark the turning point for all Ijaw people to take their pride of place in religion, politics and other spheres of life by exhibiting character worthy of emulation. In his sermon, Rev. Tuesday Emmanuel of Doxa Family Church enjoined Izon ministers to strive to keep the bond of peace. He noted that God commanded his people to love one another, adding that one of the cardinal points that propels unity was character. The cleric urged fellow ministers of the gospel to continue to propagate Christ rather than self at all times. In his remarks, the convener of the summit, Rev. Godspower Asingba, said the objective was to bring Christian leaders in the state together to foster unity and peace in the body of Christ. Asingba, who is the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Affairs, noted that for a long time, the ministers in the state had apparently worked at cross purposes, and that it was imperative that they work together in the interest of development of the state. Intercessory prayers were offered for the state, the governor and his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and the Ijaw nation at the event that had in attendance Apostle David Zilly Aggrey, Archbishop Willy Bunting, Rt. Rev. Funkuro Amgbare, Pastor Ken Bitere and other respected clerics.

Nigeria is Drifting, Says NULGE National President

The National President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Ambali Akeem Olatunji, has said Nigeria is no longer the country of the citizens’ dream. Olatunji made the statement while speaking at the seventh state quadrennial inauguration of the newly elected executives to run the affairs of NULGE in Kogi State on Tuesday, stating that the country is on the brink of collapse. He added that Nigeria is drifting due to bad leadership, pointing out that the last four years under the present administration has shown that the country has no one in charge-it’s drifting with nobody in control. Olatunji lamented that the country is going through the worst level of insecurity, adding that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is now vulnerable to insurgents, as he described the current security challenge as a shame. The national president of the union disclosed that the inauguration with the current challenge in the country makes it an occasion to call for Nigerians to review happenings, lamenting that Nigeria has become the headquarters of poverty, insurrection, joblessness and all sought of evil in Africa. The leader of NULGE called on the Minister of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor to immediately resign from office, lamenting that the exchange rate, which is on the high, is a shame due to the policy of the financial managers, and that they are bereft and have lost out of ideas. Olatunji urged the local government workers to vote only leaders who are in support of Local Government autonomy, commending the Kogi State Government and the state Assembly for the passage of the LG autonomy bill. He stated that only leaders who are ready to fix the local government administration, which he described as the foundation upon which nationhood revolves, should be voted for. The national president described the current challenge of insecurity, joblessness, poverty, insurrection witnessed in the country as unfortunate, noting that it cannot be situated with the poor management in local government administration because local government are no longer in existence.

Unity of a Country Should be Chosen over Ethnicity, Says Rwandan Ambassador

The Rwandan Ambassador to Nigeria, Stanislas Kamanzi, has said it is important to place harmony and unity over ethnic considerations. The envoy, while speaking on the 28th Rwanda Liberation Day and the commemoration of the 60th Independence Anniversary celebration of the country in Abuja, said Rwandans chose harmony and unity over ethnicity for even development in Rwanda. Kamanzi said the Rwandan liberation pave the way for a new springboard for the harmony unity and paradigm shift in the governance of Rwanda. According to him, “Rwanda liberation on July 4, 1994, represents the springboard of the renaissance of Rwanda. A new paradigm was conceived around three major and single-handed choices, which President Paul Kagame pointed out in his April 7, 2014, speech: ‘We chose to stay together, We chose to be accountable to one another, and we chose to think big’.” Speaking further the diplomate said: "Rwanda recovered her Independence on July 1, 1962. Recovery of self-determination did not, however, translate into national harmony and cohesion, as all post-independence governments chose to found their rule. "On ethnicity, divisionism, and exclusion, their choice inspired from the colonial master, crystalised in a genocide ideology that built up to the planning and the perpetration of the genocide against the Tutsi in 1994. "Till then, for over three decades, the dividends from Independence were, for the people of Rwanda, a mere mirage. According to him, "Against that backdrop, Liberation Day, that marks the end of the genocide and the defeat of the government that executed it on July 4, 1994, is a major and defining milestone in the post-independence history of Rwanda. "The struggle for Liberation was undertaken with a strong motivation to institutionalise the rule of law within a truly inclusive nation. "Along the process of stirring up that fundamental change, the Liberation Forces of the Rwanda Patriotic Front stopped the genocide and restored security and stability, which paved the way to national reconciliation and nation rebuilding. "Based on those foundational choices, during the past 28 years, Rwanda decisively embarked on structural socio- economic and political reforms, which have been guiding the transformational process underway." In addition Kamanzi said: "Forging and infusing the unity of purpose consolidated the sense of collective affiliation to the nation and dedication to its development. Leaders and the citizenry alike continuously subscribe to the primacy of the common good and how maximally it can serve to achieve inclusive well-being." Speaking on the country's education and medical care for its citizenry, he noted that: "Rwanda made it possible for every citizen to be subscribed to medical care insurance, with the poorest fully catered for by the government. "Rwanda has achieved universal primary and secondary education. In this connection, attention was paid to ensuring girl-children are not left behind, in line with our gender inclusion hallmark." In the area of business and tourism, he said: "In a bid to widen cooperation and spur tourism, trade and investment, Rwanda has opened up its shores to the rest of the world by waiving entry visas to visitors from all over Africa, the Commonwealth, and la Francophonie nations. "The move complements the ease of doing business strides that made our country rank among the most progressive globally." Kamanzi also stated that: "In the area of international relations, Rwanda remains strongly committed to equitable multilateralism principles, consecrating national sovereignty, peace and security at regional and international levels, as well as active international solidarity and social justice, especially in situations of challenging crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic surge that the world has been faced with over the past two years. "We appreciate the excellent bilateral relations between Nigeria and Rwanda. Our leaders at the highest level are in constant engagement to elevate cooperation to greater heights. In this regard, an agreement to establish a Joint Permanent Commission was signed on September 28, 2021. Building on that, the range of areas of collaboration will keep increasing, involving government and the business community."

Police Arrest 23 Night Thugs in Gombe

Police in Gombe State have arrested 23 suspected thugs notoriously called 'Kalare', who often terrorise people in the night and steal valuables. The spokesperson of the state Police Command, Mahid Mu'azu Abubakar, who disclosed this on Tuesday while addressing journalists on the operations carried out by the Command in recent time. Abubakar said the suspects were apprehended in the early hours of yesterday at about 1 a.m. by the police tactical teams from Gombe Divisional Headquarters. According to him, “The police succeeded in nabbing the suspected thugs during its anti-thuggery patrol tagged: ‘Patrol 999’, where they raided criminal hideouts within Malan-Inna quarters in the state capital. "Some dangerous weapons recovered from them and registered as exhibits include 15 machetes, two long daggers, one axe and five sticks. The suspects confessed to the crime, and investigation is still on-going, as the case will soon be charged to court for prosecution.”

APC Chieftains Back Dafinone's Delta Central Senatorial Ambition

Chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State have declared their support for the emergence of Chief Ede Dafinone as the senatorial candidate of Delta Central district in the 2023 elections. Ede Dafinone, the scion of Dafinone family, whose all children are Chartered Accountants, is seeking to take over from the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, in next year elections. The APC chieftains maintained that the 2023 election provides the right opportunity for Dafinone, the APC Delta Central senatorial candidate, to actualise his senatorial ambition assuring him that votes will count this time around. The APC chieftains, Prof. Samuel Ibodje, former DVC-Academics, University of Port-Harcourt, and Chief Johnson Boro, former Commissioner for Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), who spoke separately, noted that unlike before "when strongmen hijacked materials and write election results," in 2023, the voters are the kings. They gave the assurances on Tuesday when Dafinone and members of Ede Dafinone Campaign Organisation (EDCO) led by its Director-General, Chief Adelabu Bodjor, paid a consultation visit to Prof. Ibodje, Chief Boro, Chief Philip Orogbo and other notable leaders of the party in the district to garner support for his senatorial candidacy. Boro said if Dafinone had contested in the past, even though he is most qualified, he could have been rigged out, but that the Osun State governorship election has changed the dynamics of the electoral system making the voter now a king. According to him, “This is the right time for your senatorial vision because votes will count. Before now, you can all vote but they will not count because a powerful person will just gather the whole incident forms and fill them and get compromised INEC officials to write results. “All that has changed; this is the right time to win an election. I have been in the business for a long time. People with integrity do not come out to contest and when they come out, people will not support them, and so we left the terrain for people who are not fit to govern us.” Speaking in the same vain at his country home at Agbarah-Otor, Prof. Ibodje assured Dafinone of the Agbarah people’s support, noting that he is a good candidate with an intimidating profile. “Agbarah-Otor people will support you because you have a name that you must protect. The Dafinone name is highly respected in Urhobo Nation; your father left a good name, and a legacy you must protect,” he stated. The Delta Central APC senatorial candidate, Dafinone, while speaking in separate consultation visit to other APC leaders led by Chief Alfred Orogbo in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, said elections are not won in Abuja or Asaba but from the units level, and urged all Deltans to ensure that they collect their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) in order to be eligible to vote at the poll, assuring them that their votes will count this time.

Economic Hardships Forcing Nigerian Youths into Crime, Banditry, Says NELF

A group, the Nigerian Emerging Leaders Forum (NELF) has said crippling economic challenges were among the situations forcing Nigerian youths into internet fraud, armed robbery, illegal migration for prostitution, banditry and terrorism, cultism, political thuggery, oil bunkering, human rituals and organ trafficking. The National Publicity Secretary of NELF, Maryam Ahman, stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at the inaugural briefing to mark the launch of the forum. She noted that the highlighted vices were informed by the neglect of the youths by successive administrations, which as a result of the economic downturn of the 80s and 90s incrementally reduced the budget on youth welfare, employment, education and sports. Ahman noted that this development, including population explosion, has great implications on national development, which has further magnified the clear and present danger which an unattended section of the population has fallen into. She added it was one of the reasons why NELF was coming on board to serve as a nexus between policy makers and young people, adding that the indices in the country pointed to a tide against young people. The forum leader stated that the malaise is a symptom of a society that has forsaken its youths from the family unit to schools and the society at large, stressing that NELF which is an amalgam of young Nigerians with strong conviction of systemic processes as a catalyst for change is of the opinion that these issues should be placed at the top burner of governance and policy formulation. Ahman urged all young people in the country and in Diaspora to eschew bitterness, political differences, gender and ethno-religious differences, class biases and other fault lines that are either man-made or ordained, in order to forge ahead with the prevalent global mood of togetherness and progression. Also, the forum National Convener, Alkasim Mohammed Zangina, said the Nigerian youths must be galvanised to be part of the economic and political development of the country. He said the forum intended to set up town hall meetings and conferences to enlighten the public on the security challenges and other malaise in the country.

Osun APC Members Call For Restructuring, Removal of Party Chair

...As Famodun condemns protest by 'Aregbesola's supporters', describes it as shameful, callous, wicked Many members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State on Tuesday staged a protest rally to call for the restructure of the party as a result of the party loss in the July 16 governorship election. However, while reacting to the protest, the Osun State chapter of the APC condemned the protest embarked upon by the supporters of the ‘Interior Minister, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola’, against the state leadership of the party and the administration of Governor Gboyega Oyetola. Also, the APC members also called for the removal of the APC state Chairman, Prince Gboyega Famodun, accusing him of alleged mismanagement of the party and culpability in its electoral defeats. According to the party members, who converged on Osogbo from across the 30 local government areas of the state, they described the party under Famodun as a ‘vehicle with flat tyres’, saying it cannot deliver victory in the 2023 general election. The APC members carried placards during the protest with inscription like: ‘Osun APC Needs Restructuring’; ‘Famodun Must Go’; ‘Save Osun APC From Total Collapse’; ‘Sack Famodun, Aregbesola Is The Soul Of APC/Progressive Politics in Osun’; ‘There is No Life in Osun APC Again’! ‘2023: Asiwaju May Lose Osun with Famodun as APC Chairman’, among others. Chanting various political songs, the APC members walked through Odi-Olowo, Olaiya, and Ogo-Oluwa amid heavily armed security operatives, to deliver a letter to the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Timothy Owoeye. It was observed that some armed political hoodlums were stationed inside the APC state secretariat at Ogo-Oluwa, Osogbo, whose gate was locked, a situation that prevented the protesting party members from going into the place to meet available party officials. Addressing journalists and members of the public at different locations, a prominent member of the APC, Abosede Oluwaseun, said the party needs to be restructured from unit, ward, local government to the state level for it to be united and formidable ahead of the coming general election. Oluwaseun said: “With conscious, sincere and objective analysis of the outcome of the governorship election, we discovered that the electoral loss is not only self-induced by the party’s administrators, it also reflects party issues which had been raised by concerned minds in the recent past. “The party issues, which are unattended to presently, regrettably cost our party the electoral victory, and as concerned progressives, we felt the necessity to inform you that it is not safe to approach the 2023 general election with same paper-tiger party under the leadership of Prince Gboyega Famodun, the state chairman of the APC. “The issues, to summarise them, boil down on glaring mismanagement of the party by Governor Oyetola and the state party Chairman, Famodun. The chairman has totally demonstrated lack of capacity to manage the party, and this has reflected in the result of the July16 governorship election. “Under the leadership of both Governor Oyetola and Famodun, the APC degenerated and assumed the dangerous trend of having factions which later caused catastrophe and grief. Oyetola, right from the inception, embarked on a divisive move which transmuted the party into two parts. “As a chairman of a ruling party going for election, Famodun didn't consider it essential to resolve disputes and crises that dotted all the local government areas in the state. Before the governorship election and till now, there is no understanding, cooperation, unity and cohesion in the party.” Speaking further, Oluwaseun said: “In order to address this emergent clear and present danger, we unequivocally make the following demands: ‘The dissolution of all party structures from the unit to the state level. The setting up of an independent caretaker committee to oversee the restructuring of the party and turn it into an election-winning machine again. “Composition of an all-inclusive party executive structures from wards to state level within 90 days; and the redistribution of the state and federal legislative tickets in an all-inclusive manner to reflect true membership structure and tendencies. “This in our humble opinion is the way forward from the logjam we found ourselves in the APC and unless we urgently take these steps, we stand the grave risk of suffering worse consequences in the coming elections.” Addressing the protesters, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Timothy Owoeye, assured the party members that necessary steps would be made for the party to be united and formidable. Owoeye said: “I want to assure you of the fact that every necessary step would be taken for our party to be united and formidable to continue to rule and win future elections.” Consequently, according to the state chairman of the party, Famodun, in a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Kola Olabisi, in Osogbo yesterday, “the protest was shameful, callous, primitive, selfish, wicked, misplaced and inconsiderate for the Aregbesola supporters who glaringly worked against the success of Governor Oyetola at the polls to now be canvassing restructuring of the party through a sponsored protest. "When I heard that the supporters of the immediate-past governor of our state, Aregbesola, were protesting, I thought my memory was playing me false as they cannot insulate themselves from whatever might be the current plight of the APC in Osun State. "Assuming, but not conceding that there are challenges within the party, protesters should be told that they lack moral right to either suggest or effect any likely solution as it is on record that they massively and collectively worked against Oyetola, the APC governorship candidate, in the just-concluded election in line with the series of their threat. "One would have thought that the appropriate place for them to canvass for the restructuring of any party is Senator Ademola Adeleke's Ede country home, who they voted for with flaunted pride.”

Man Allegedly Kills Brother's Wife in Anambra over Ownership of Property

An Anambra State indigene, Mr. George Okoye, from Ogbunike in Oyi Local Government Area on Sunday allegedly killed his younger brother's wife over a protracted tussle on ownership of a property. Okoye allegedly led his wife and children into his brother, Mr. Emenike Okoye's compound to beat him and his wife, Mrs. Nkiru Okoye, resulting to the death of Nkiru. Emenike, who, however, survived, sustained a broken hand, a fractured waist, and an injured eye from the beating, and was still recuperating in a hospital. The physically-battered man, who spoke to journalists from his hospital bed, narrated the incident that led to his 40-year old wife's death on July 19 with tears, saying he was only abandoned by his brother and the thugs they brought because they thought he had died. Though the suspect, Mr. George Okoye, has been arrested and currently in the police custody, the whereabouts of his wife, Mrs. Uzonna Okoye; twin daughters and son, Somtochukwu Okoye, who participated in the beating, were still unknown. Emenike, while narrating the story of his wife's death, said: "We did not do anything. I was preparing for work that day, and my wife was preparing the children for school and to also travel home for a meeting in Abba, Njikoka Local Government Area, where she is from, when George and his wife, Uzonna, and their son, Somtochukwu, and twin daughters invaded my house around 7a.m. to 8a.m. "They overpowered us, beat us to stupor, and left. Later when my children had gone to school, they returned with some persons who wielded dangerous weapons, including axe. "They dragged my wife outside the house, beat and killed her with axe and chair. She fell down and died. When I resisted their move to drag me outside too, they broke my hand with an axe, dragged me outside, hitting me with the axe until I passed out. "You can see the cut on my eyes. They left me, thinking that I was also dead. But God helped me, I woke up later. I reported the incident to our local vigilante and they drove me to the hospital." The father of five begged for help and justice against his elder brother, who he said has been at logger heads with the family over property for several years. He said: "George, right from when our mother (Mrs. Adaoba Okoye) was alive, said he is our landlord. He is not our first born, yet he claims ownership of the entire compound and always fights with all of us. "I lived and worked overseas, but when the company where I was working folded, I returned home. We had our first three children overseas, and our last two here (Ogbunike). "My wife had nothing to do with this. Why killing her for nothing? After we returned home, trouble started. The crisis led to the death of our mother and our eldest brother. He reported us to the kindred, and our property was shared, as he took the larger part. I took mine without complaining. Later, he started laying claims to my house. "He reported me to our kindred but it was settled in my favour. He disagreed and kept troubling me. When I laid dwarf perimeter fence, he pulled it down, and even reported me to the kindred again." Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Tochukwu Ikenga, said he was aware of the incident, stating that investigation on the matter had already commenced, and is still ongoing.

Ajaokuta Attack: Bello Suspends Traditional Ruler, Council Boss over Breach of Security in Kogi

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has suspended the traditional ruler of Eganyi, the Ohi of Eganyi and Chairman, Ajaokuta Traditional Area Council, His Royal Highness Alhaji Musa Isah Achuja, with immediate effect. The governor also ordered the suspension of the Chairman of Ajaokuta Local Government Area, Mustapha Akaaba, following the dastard killing of three policemen and members of the Kogi State Vigilance Service last Saturday in Ajaokuta LGA. This order was contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Muhammed Onogwu, a copy of which was made available to journalists in Lokoja on Sunday. The statement read: "In a letter to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Kogi State, the governor also directed that the Chairman of Ajaokuta Local Government Area, Hon Mustapha Aka’aba, be queried over the breach and should reply within 24 hours. "The governor’s directive against the affected persons is in connection with the recent security breach in the area which led to the untimely deaths of some security personnel on their legitimate engagements of maintaining law and orders. "The governor strongly warned other traditional rulers across the state who may have connection in one way or another with criminal elements in their domains to desist forthwith, saying his administration will deal ruthlessly with anybody who romances with criminal elements no matter how highly placed they are." In the same vein, Governor Bello also directed that all unofficial movements of the local government council chairmen out of their territory and other journeys without due process are hereby restricted. The governor has warned that no amount of connivance with criminals would deter him from his fundamental responsibility of protecting lives and property of the citizens and residents of the state.

Insecurity: Northern CAN Urges Buhari to Defend Nigerian Sovereignty

...Reaffirms opposition to Tinubu’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to live up to his constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property of the citizens as well as defend the sovereignty of Nigeria. Addressing a press conference on Sunday in Kaduna, the Secretary-General of Northern CAN, Elder Sunday Oibe, said the regional CAN is deeply concerned about the helpless security situation in the country. According to him, Nigeria is under siege by terrorists who are unleashing mayhem on citizens and crippling economic and social activities across the country. He said the country is on the verge of collapse unless urgent and proactive steps are taken to contain the rampaging terrorists. Oibe said: “Northern CAN, like many other groups, is deeply concerned about the helpless security situation in the country. “Nigeria is under siege by terrorists who are unleashing mayhem on the citizens and crippling economic and social activities across the country, particularly in states like Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Niger, Benue, Plateau, Taraba, Kebbi, Sokoto and even Abuja, the seat of power. “The continuous brazen and commando-like style with which these terrorists operate unchallenged, even to the extent of issuing a threat to kidnap the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is worrisome. “Northern CAN hereby calls on President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly to stop living in denial. “Nigeria is on the verge of collapse if urgent steps are not taken to stem the deadly activities of terrorists and other criminal elements across the country. Nowhere is safe now! “Once again, we call on President Buhari to rise to the occasion by living up to his constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property of the citizens and defend the sovereignty of Nigeria.” Oibe also congratulated the newly elected President of CAN, Rev. Daniel Okoh, and his vice, Rev. Stephen Panya, and urged them to “stand firm and be the real voice for the Church in Nigeria.” He further restated the opposition of the Northern CAN to the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), “in a multi- religious and multi-cultural society like Nigeria. “We congratulate the newly elected National President of CAN, Rev. Dr. Daniel Okoh, and his vice, Rev. Dr. Stephen Baba Panya. “We encourage them to stand firm like Joshua in the Bible in these difficult times, to be the real voice for the Church in Nigeria. We pledge our unalloyed support in all areas to help them succeed. “We reaffirm our stand against the idea of a Muslim- Muslim ticket, particularly considering the fact that the country has never been this divided along religion and ethnic lines before.” He called on politicians and political parties to be wary of some people who, according to him, might sneak to meet them secretly in the name of Christian leaders from the North, “with the sole aim of wetting their political appetite and desperation for monetary gains.” Oibe said: “Northern CAN, as a reputable religious organisation, will never engage in any secret dealing with any politician as a matter of policy. However, our doors are open to any Nigerian who desires to share with us ideas on how to move the country forward.” The CAN leader, therefore, called on well-meaning Nigerians to unite and fervently pray for the country, and for the defeat of the enemies of the Nigerian state.

INEC To Nigerians: Your PVC is Your Political Meal Ticket, Handle It with Care

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday explained to Nigerians that their Permanent Voters' Cards (PVCs) were their voters’ meal tickets and should be handled with care. The National Commissioner of the commission in charge of Bauchi, Yobe and Borno States, Maj. Gen Modibo Alkali (rtd), stated this in Bauchi while addressing voters’ registrants in the state. Alkali, however, urged Nigerians to treat their PVCs as if they were part of their lives, adding that: "Ensure that you get your PVC and handle it as if it is part of your life. "Don't sell it to anybody because it is like your voter's meal ticket. You know why it is called a meal ticket? It is because you elect the person who can work for you in your future with it. "So, if you sell it or you throw it away, then you are selling or throwing away food that you are supposed to eat. So, I want all of you to understand the importance of that PVC." The national commissioner, who stated that INEC had been educating electorate to register for their PVCs, wondered why there were still more people on the queue for registration in Bauchi State. He said there was a timeline for INEC for the forthcoming 2023 general election, adding that the registration exercise was not just going over the counter to buy something and put in the pocket. According to him, "No, there are some processes. If you register, they have to print, display it for political parties and local government areas. "Also, there could be litigations along the line. So you have to allow INEC to do its job. If you don't register on time, then you will delay the work of INEC." Alkali also warned the electorate against double or multiple registration, saying whoever is caught in the act would be arrested and prosecuted. The national commissioner was in Bauchi State to monitor the end of the continuous voter registration. Some of the registration units he visited in the state included INEC headquarters in Bauchi; Kofaran, Ilelah street, INEC office in Dass Local Government Area as well as Karfin Madaki in Ganjuwa LGA of the state.

UBEC to Commence Operations of Smart Schools in January 2023

The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, has reiterated the commitment of the federal government to commence operations in some of the newly constructed smart schools by January 2023. He gave this assurance when a team of Korean experts lead by Dae Joon Hwang of UBION Consortium paid him a courtesy visit at the end of their four-week stay in Nigeria. Speaking at the occasion, the Country Director of the Korea International Co-operation Agency (KOICA), Mr. Son Sungil, stated that the three-man team had been in Nigeria since July 3, 2022, as part of the implementation of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between KOICA and UBEC in October 2021. In a statement signed by the Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. David Apeh, among other items, the objectives of the MOU are to assist Nigeria in the development of the smart schools project; to increase the capacity of teachers in the development and use of ICT content and to improve the access of teachers and pupils to quality teaching and learning materials. The team leader, Prof. Hwang, noted that: "The three pillars of the collaboration revolved around the supply of sophisticated recording and broadcasting studio equipment in some of the smart schools, content development with particular reference to Mathematics and Science, and capacity building for teachers and education managers across the country in the use of new Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and the Blended Learning methodology." Also speaking during the occasion, the Coordinator of the Smart Schools Programme, Prof. Bashir Galadanci, stated that during their one month stay, the Korean team of experts had extensive discussions with officials of UBEC, NERDC and NTI on the Smart Schools Programme. They also visited the Smart Schools in Lafia, Nasarawa State, and Tarda in Kano State and had discussions with the SUBEB chairmen and officials of Kano and Nasarawa States respectively. In addition, they participated in two workshops organised by UBEC; one for the critiquing of training course materials for teachers and principals of smart schools and another for the development of blended lesson templates for use by the smart schools. He explained that UBEC had benefitted tremendously from their expertise and wealth of experience.

Buhari Impeachment: Katsina Senator Denies Alleged Plan to Leave APC

The Senator representing Katsina South, Katsina State, in the Senate, Bello Mandiya, has debunked reports that he was planning to dump the All Progressives Congress (APC) for another political party. Mandiya, who reacted to an online media report that he and other APC serving senators were planning to join a speculated coalition against the party, said there was no iota of truth in the publication. A media outlet had claimed that Senator Mandiya was among the 12 senators who have indicated interest to dump the APC in order to join forces with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators to impeach President Muhammadu Buhari over worsening insecurity in the country. But Mandiya, while describing the report in an exclusive interview with journalists as an imagination of the writer, said no amount of intimidation, blackmail and campaign of calumny would make him leave the party he laboured to build for another person. He said: "An online platform called ‘The Whistler’ made a publication that I am among the 12 senators who have served a notice to the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, indicating interest to leave our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). "I was never part of any meeting where such was discussed. I have never discussed that with anybody. I remain in the APC and l will continue to support our presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and hopefully we will win our elections in 2023." He, however, said he would not surrender to the whims and caprices of some APC chieftains in Katsina State whom he described as anti-democratic elements to abandon the APC for any opposition party. The senator added that despite efforts by the state APC bigwigs to truncate his political career, he would support the state governorship candidate, Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, and other candidates of the party within and outside the state to win the forthcoming general election. According to him, "What happened to me during our primaries was not an atomic secret; people saw it, as it was on YouTube and all over the internet. I was stopped from even entering the venue of the primaries by some thugs hired by my opponent." He reiterated that he had devoted his political life to achieve what had been accomplished, stressing that his heart was more for the people and fixed on establishing a positive historic legacy rather than engage in destructive pettiness. Mandiya, who is seen by many as the best performing senator in Katsina State in terms of democratic dividends, said he would continue to bring more developmental projects to the doorsteps of his constituents.

Alleged Infraction: Niger Government Sacks Two Agency Heads

Two agency heads in Niger State, Alhaji Isah Adamu of the Niger State Universal Basically Education Board (NSUBEB), and Alhaji Abdullahi Arah of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been sacked by the state government for alleged "Infraction." The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, who disclosed this to journalists at the weekend, said the agency heads were also removed because they failed to carry along other members of their agencies in the day-to-day administration of the organisations. Matane said on two occasions, the state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, personally intervened in the feud between the agency heads and other board members, but they failed to heed the governor’s advice. According to him, "The suspension letter sent to Alhaji Isah Adamu signed by the SSG also said his removal is as a result of some observed anomalies in the operations of the board.” In the meantime, Alhaji Nafuntua Abubakar Shehu, has been approved as the new chairman of NSUBEB. A letter sacking Arah as the director-general of the state SDGs said: "The removal of the director-general is to facilitate and accelerated implementation of the reforms being initiated by the government towards the attainment of the SDGs in the state" Matane told the media that the sacked director-general had shown incapability to pilot the affairs of his office, even as he said no element of the SDGs programme has been achieved under his watch. The most senior officer in the scheme has been told to take over the running of the affairs of the organisation pending the appointment of a substantive head. THISDAY gathered that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) visited the NSUBEB headquarters in Minna last Friday but it could not be confirmed if any arrest was made or the motive behind their visit.

Gov Umahi Defeats Brother, Others to Emerge Winner of Ebonyi South Senatorial Primary

Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, has emerged the winner of Ebonyi South senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Umahi got 250 votes to defeat his younger brother, Austin Umahi, who scored 10 votes. However, there was confusion as the governor's brother, Austin, who had earlier withdrawn from the race after emerging as the candidate for the senatorial, made a U-turn and contested against the governor Governor Umahi's emergence was sequel to a judgement of a Federal High Court in Abakaliki that a fresh primary election should be conducted. Umahi also defeats four others to emerge the APC senatorial candidate Others who stood for the senatorial primary election in the district included Princess Ann Ago-Eze, who scored zero votes; Nwakaego Chukwu, who scored five votes, while Mrs. Ibiam Margaret scored three votes. Announcing the result of the election, which took place at the Afikpo North Local Government Area headquarters, the Chairman of the electoral panel, Prof Adebayo Kehinde, declared the Ebonyi State governor winner of the election. Kehinde said: "I do hereby declare that Mr. David Nweze Umahi, having scored the highest votes, is hereby the winner of the primary election for Ebonyi South senatorial zone." In his acceptance, speech, Governor Umahi commended the electoral panel for the peaceful and transparent conduct of the primaries. He also commended the delegates for the confidence reposed in him, and assured them that the APC will emerge victorious at the forthcoming general election in 2023. Also, the state Chairman of the party, Stanley Emegha, said there was nothing bad if the governor's brother has changed his mind after withdrawal to contest for the position.

NDDC: After Presidential Assurance, Group Urges Niger Delta Minister to Inaugurate Board without Delay

Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Obong Umana Okon Umana, has been urged to seize the momentum of the assurances given by President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently inaugurate the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The call was made at the weekend by a group under the aegis of Niger Delta United Congress (NDUC) in a statement signed by its President, Ebizomor Brisibe, and Secretary, Edem Archibong, which was made available to journalists. Buhari, while delivering a keynote address during the opening ceremony of top management retreat organised by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, had last Thursday given his presidential assurance that the NDDC board was underway. Banking on this assurance, the group, NDUC, at the weekend said the minister had no reason whatsoever to allow the present "illegality" of sole administratorship and interim management to linger at the NDDC. The group reasoned that President Buhari has given the green light, hence, it called on the Niger Delta Affairs Minister to “urgently implement the inauguration of the board and management of the commission" without further delay. According to NDUC, inaugurating a board for NDDC would ensure that the nine constituent states of the Niger Delta region "will have fair and equitable representation in the commission. "The preservation of a sole administrator or an interim administration in the management of the commission is not only a breach of the NDDC Act 2000, but a demonstration of impunity and affront on the long-deprived people of the region." It noted that for the past three years, the people of Niger Delta have been made to endure the foremost agency being arbitrarily run in breach of the law-the NDDC Act-and in utter disregard of their need and the region’s development. NDUC noted with delight that Buhari has “restated his commitment to end the ongoing illegal sole administratorship at the NDDC and inaugurate the board of the commission in compliance with the law.” The group recalled that the president had earlier made a commitment to the country on June 24, 2021, when he received the leadership of Ijaw National Congress (INC) at Aso Rock, Abuja. The group said Buhari gave the assurance that "as soon as the forensic audit report is submitted and accepted, the NDDC board will be inaugurated" in order to put an end to the "mismanagement that had previously bedeviled the NDDC," which necessitated a forensic audit. The forensic audit report was submitted to Buhari 10 months ago, precisely on September 2, 2021, but NDUC pointed out that since then, the contraption of sole administratorship has been allowed to persist. It, therefore, regretted that the NDDC "which is the foremost Niger Delta regional development agency and which was set up to right the wrongs in the Niger Delta, is still being run by a sole administrator appointed in breach of the NDDC Act.” The group leaders insisted that the continued administration of the NDDC by a sole administrator "is illegal because the NDDC Act has no provision for this illegality as the NDDC Act only provides that the board and management of the NDDC at any point in time should follow the provisions of the law." "In effect, nobody is supposed to administer the NDDC and utilise the huge funds accruing to it on a monthly basis without passing through this legal requirement as stipulated in the NDDC Act.”

Coalition Lauds Bayelsa Govt for Domesticating VAPP Act, Calls for Sexual Offenders’ Register

Even as more rape and violence against women cases continue to be on the increase in Bayelsa State, the Association Against Child Sexual and Gender-based Violence (AACSGBV) has commended the state government for the passage and signing into law of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP). The Chairperson of the association, Dr. Eris Ibi, made the commendation at the third National Sexual and Gender Based Violence Conference/Association Against Child Sexual and Gender Based Violence (AACSGBV) annual general meeting held in Yenagoa, the state capital. Ibi, who is also the outgoing national coordinator of association, noted that with the passage of the VAPP Act and publication of same, Bayelsa State was ahead of many states in the country, but, however, pointed out that the state was yet to open a Sexual Offenders’ register, which is one of the provision of the Act. AACSGBV, as an association, she said, is a coalition comprising non-governmental organisations (NGOs) faith-based organisation and Community Based Organisations (CBOs), whose objective is to coordinate what community-based actors are doing towards eliminating sexual and gender-based violence. She said: "Bayelsa State is ahead of others state. The state government has not only passed the law but has also produced the hardcopy. We must commend the state because it is ahead of other states. Some states have passed the VAAP laws but have not produced copies, so it is a plus for Bayelsa State Government. "There should be Sex Offenders register, Delta and other states already have theirs, but Bayelsa State does not have. We are starting the advocacy right away that Bayelsa State needs to have the Sexual Offenders register because it is important to us, as it shames the offender, which is another step the gender movement has taken to curb abuse. "We were among those that came here to advocate for these laws. The Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) was passed in 2021 in Bayelsa State, I was among those who advocated for it, and I was here in 2019 to advocate that these laws should be passed." Speaking on the theme: ‘Promoting Strategic Social Security and Investment’, the Chairperson, Governing Council of AACSGBV, Professor Josephine Alumanah, said the association has a mission to protect, promote the rights of women and girls, children and other vulnerable persons to provide psychological and emotional care and support, build capacity, rehabilitate victims and survivors of all forms of Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV) through the co-operation of relevant stakeholders. She noted that recently, there has been increase in cases of rape, defilement, incest, dehumanisation, discrimination and other forms of abuse and violence to mostly children, the female gender and other members of the population, adding that there was an astronomical rise in violence against women and girls during the COVID-19 pandemic. Alumanah lamented the lack of coordination among key stakeholders and poor implementation of legal frameworks combined with entrenched gender discriminatory norms, which hamper government and civil society efforts to address gender-based violence. She called for social support for victims and survivors of SGBV and access to protection, legal and medical services, adding: "If there are any sort of survivorship provision for the victims/survivors of SGBV, but there seem nothing like survivors’ benefit instituted by the government where poor women and victims/survivors of SGBV may have some opportunity to benefit from the wider social security support."

Owo Attack: Insecurity Stimulating Imminent Civil War, OPC Warns ...Vows to protect Yorubaland

The Oodua People's Congress (OPC) has warned that the activities of bandits and the worsening insecurity in the country are threatening the continued unity of Nigeria. The OPC in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oguntimehin, urged those bent on fomenting trouble in the country to refrain from attacking the South-west region, saying such would be met with stiff resistance. The group, while reacting to the rising spate of insecurity across the country, especially with the repeated attack on Owo town in Ondo State, insisted that South-west region should not be taken for granted by the perpetrators. Oguntimehin decried the various terrorists' attacks on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and some parts of the North, stressing that the porous security situation in the country is a pointer to imminent war capable of pushing Nigeria to the precipice. He blamed the federal government for failing to act decisively on the issue of security, as the docile posture of the government is giving the impression that it has been overwhelmed by the protracted security challenges. According to the OPC, "Going with the present situation in the country, it is evident that the federal government has been overwhelmed by the rising spate of insecurity in the country. President Muhammadu Buhari has failed to match his words with actions. "For instance, public schools in Abuja, Nasarawa State and some other parts of the North are shutting down as a result of the rising insecurity. "The situation is getting worse by the day with numbers of killings increasing sporadically. "However, there is an urgent need for the South-west governors to rise to the security situation before it is too late. We should not take the terrorists' threats with levity. We must act now." Oguntimehin, while urging all indigenes of Yorubaland to be vigilant, assured the people of the Southwest that the OPC would not relent in its efforts to forestall any security breach. He said: "There are reports that terrorists have relocated from the Middle Belt to the Southwest. So we need to be vigilant because it is evident that the security architecture of the federal government has failed already. "So the OPC will continue to offer the necessary support in terms of surveillance and intelligence gathering in order to bolster the security situation in the region."

Environmentalist Urges IOCs to Conclude Niger Delta Cleanup before Divestment ...Accuses IOCs of dogging responsibilities

A renowned environmentalist and Executive Director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Rev Nnimmo Bassey, has urged International Oil Companies (IOCs) looking forward to divest from onshore to offshore in Nigeria, to as a matter of significance, conclude the cleanup of the Niger Delta environment before leaving. The environmentalist insisted that the oil multinationals are not divesting from Nigeria but deceptively running away from their responsibility over the spills and the pollution that they have caused in the region for decades. Bassey made the allegation on Thursday at a community environmental training organised by HOMEF for coastal communities in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State. The HOMEF boss who regretted that the Niger Delta environment has been bastardised by the activities of oil corporations, both international and local, said after placing a huge burden on local communities, the IOCs are moving to offshore where they would be less monitored, unless there is serious spills. He noted that around the world, public institutions are pulling their money out of fossil fuel industries because the world has to move to new forms of energy that are not damaging to the environment and to the lives and health of the people. According to him, "But in Nigeria, we are seeing something different. Nigeria has just set up the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Company Limited, and oil companies are making moves to divest. They are not divesting from Nigeria, they are divesting from onshore fields-from fields that are inside the communities. "Now they want to move into deeper waters and move offshore. So this is very important for Nigerians to know, oil companies are not divesting from Nigeria. They want to divest from onshore fields where they can be held account for their misbehaviour. "They want to move into deeper waters. And by Nigerian law, the deeper the water the less royalty they pay to the Nigerian Government. So if they move to water that are deep enough they may end up paying the zero royalties. There will be some payment they will make according to a joint venture ratio, but in terms of royalties, the deeper the water, the less they pay. "So these people are looking for ways to avoid responsibility for the pollution that they afflicted on the land and the people for more than 60 years. They are looking for how they will leave so that they won't clean up the environment, they won't decommission or remove their rotten equipment. The equipment will still be polluting the area because the Nigeria companies buying these are almost as reckless as international companies. "They are going to leave, place the burden on local communities and moved away to deep sea where nobody will see what they are doing, except when oil spills occur and where they will be paying less money to the Nigerian Government." Bassey urged the "government to wake up to its responsibility to protect the people, and demand that unless they cleanup their mess all across the Niger Delta, they should not think of leaving, and if they want to leave they should put money on the ground. They should make a deposit that will be sufficient to carry out an environment audit of the internal Niger Delta in the same way as the Ogoniland was assessed by UNEP, and then also keep money for remediation efforts and restoration to take place." On the coastal environmental monitoring reporting and advocacy training, Bassey said the training was meant to equip the community people, not just to see things and walk away, but take notes when they see things. "They are to become citizen journalists to report what is going on in their communities. "And we are hoping that the community with people, monitoring the environmental reporting on what is going on and making the world aware of their plight, we are going to have the Ogoni environment better protected. And we are going to have to stimulate the rebuilding of their livelihoods in addition to what other agencies are doing already," he added.

2023: No Candidate is as Qualified as Tinubu, Says Wase

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Idris Wase, has assured the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima, of his total support in the build-up to the 2023 general election and beyond. Speaking when he received Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (ABAT) Support Group, which was on a courtesy call in his office on Thursday, the deputy Speaker reiterated his earlier stand on the capacity of Tinubu. According to him, there’s no candidate in any political party that can match the quality and candidature of Tinubu. He expressed optimism that the APC would come out victorious with the overwhelming majority in both chambers of the National Assembly. According to him, "I want to assure you that we in the House of Representatives, particularly members of the APC, shall collaborate with every organisation to ensure victory for the Tinubu/Shetima ticket. I charge you to go out in full force and campaign for Asiwaju. We have good products to sell, this is somebody that had turned around the economy of Lagos within a short time and has built people across the country, irrespective of region or religion. I charged you all to go out in full force with your head high seeking those votes as you have a good product to sell to Nigerians. I urged you not to relent in ensuring the victory for our candidates." Earlier, the National Coordinator of the organisation, Hon. Oyinkansola Okiwuyi, said they were in the National Assembly to seek the support and cooperation of the deputy Speaker and to also inform him about the strategy they are using to galvanise and solicit for votes. He said the organisation is seeking not only support for Tinubu but the entire APC structure, so that the party would have an overwhelming majority in the states and National Assembly.

FG to Boost Non-oil Sector Earnings with Groundbreaking Export Processing Centres across Five States

As part of the federal government economic expansion programme, the Nigerian Export Processing Council (NEPC) has commenced the building of export processing centres across five states in the country in an effort to reverse the country's trade imbalance. The centres will help reduce product rejection encountered by Nigerian exporters in the international market, in Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Port-Harcourt and Kano. With NAHCO Aviance recipient of the NEPZ grant, the project, when completed in five months, will boost export potential of the country to about two million metric tons per annum. Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony for the Lagos State project on Thursday, the Executive Director of Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Dr. Ezra Yakusak, said the country must continue to embark on projects that would reverse trade imbalance. Yakusak, who noted that the project was in line with the NEPC export survival campaign, said the only way out for Nigeria to survive economically was to export. He maintained that the non-oil sector remains a low hanging fruit for every Nigerians to plug into to gain foreign exchange in order to stabilise the economy. According to him, “We are very delighted that the NEPC grant, which assisted NAHCO, is working and is judiciously being used. I think we need to appreciate them because in some other balance, when these grants are given they will call it government money, and of course the story is a different thing. “I am so happy today that the grant that was given under the export expansion facility programme is working, and I assure you that in the next four to five months this building will be completed. Nigeria may not understand the importance of this, but when you hear the various cases of export rejection due to poor packaging, you will understand that we need this badly. “We do not need these in the regions we need it in every state because that is very key, and you will agree with me that if you know what is happening to the naira today, you would know that the only way out is non-oil export. We have two means of foreign exchange-the first one is diaspora remittances, while the second one of course is the foreign direct investment-and all these are affected by political and other economic issues. “Politically, if there is insecurity in the country, it will affect FDI, but that is not applicable to non-oil exports. Non-oil export is a cash cow and a low-hanging fruit that every Nigerian can plug in there and gain foreign exchange to stabilise our naira." The Chairman of NAHCO Aviance, Dr. Seine Oladapo Fadeni, said they are prepared to help NEPZ achieve its dream of boosting the export processing areas when the project is fully completed across the geopolitical zones. “We realised the fact that we need to boost the process of exporting Nigeria's products, especially agricultural products, so that we can have more FX and our dollar does not depend on petroleum products alone. “But one of the major challenges we have abroad is that our products are not well packed; not up to standard, and that is what we tend to do here. We put in everything possible to make sure that whatever passes through these warehouses is international."

Akeredolu, Police Allay Fears over Owo Attack, as Victims Narrate Ordeals

Ondo State Governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has said on Wednesday shooting at the yard of the Craneburg Construction Company in Owo was aimed at destroying some of their equipment and not to maim or kill anyone. Akeredolu stated this when he visited the construction site in company of heads of security agencies in the state. He said: "I want to allay the fears of our people. Clearly, what happened here on Wednesday night was not an attempt to kidnap anybody because they went away with nobody. And we have in the premises over hundred people living there. "Yes, there were sporadic gunshots at the wall but they never went inside to kill anybody. It is better for everybody to know. They didn't go inside there to kill anybody. The only two people who had some gunshots wounds were security men who they saw outside the premises. "So, it is clear to us that their intention was to attack one or two equipment here, which they did. Their explosives affected the tyres and the windscreen of another vehicle. And we have close to 50 vehicles here. For us, we are looking at it. We are not clear yet about their intention, but this is not one that should send unnecessary panic or fear into the minds of our people. This should not cause panic. "For the contractors, Owo is a relatively safe place for them. So, they didn't have armed people here. Maybe we will have to support them to have armed people here to protect all their equipment, including their vehicles. They have been here for over five years. They had the Ore bridge and other roads. So, they are doing so many things for us and they are doing well, and we are ready to give them necessary protection.” The governor also reassured the people of his administration’s commitment to protect lives and property, stressing that the Wednesday night shooting was not anything near the June 5 attack in the town. “We will protect our people and their property. So, there should be no panic. Yes, there was shooting, but it was not anything near what we had on June 5 attack at St Francis Church. This was not aimed to maim and kill. "I believe our people will understand better to know the difference. So, there is no need for any panic. We have given them all the assurance; we will get this place protected. I will continue to support them," Akeredolu added. Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has called on the residents of the state, particularly those in Owo community, to cooperate with the Command in its bid to arrest the perpetrators of construction site attack. The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Oyeyemi Oyediran, in a statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami, urged the people to be calm while the command was carrying out its investigation into the incident. The police, in the statement, confirmed that the some explosives devices were used by the attackers, while two workers of the construction company were injured and had been admitted at a hospital. The statement read: "The shooting incident occurred at about 10 p.m. of July 27, 2022, and was promptly responded to by officers covering the jurisdiction. "At the scene, the officers met the duo of one Rifum Lawrence, 50 and Abraham Opara, 45, with bullet wounds. They were immediately taken to the Federal Medical Centre in Owo where they were admitted and are currently in stable condition. "The state Commissioner of Police equally led investigative operatives and officers of the Explosive Ordinance Department-Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and high yield explosives also known as anti-bomb squad, to the scene for an on-the-spot assessment. "The anti-bomb squad confirmed that an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was used to burst a tractor tyre at the scene of the crime. "The Command urged the people of the state to be calm as the affected area has been cordoned and investigation has commenced to unravel the mystery behind the incident." Speaking with THISDAY at the Federal Medical Centre Owo, one of the victims, Lawrence, said he escaped the attack miraculously as he fell into the gutter after being shot by the hoodlums. He narrated that: "It was late in the evening (on Wednesday); I just ate and bathed and came out close to the gate, and I didn't know those people, they shot me and my brother. I didn't know where the gunshots were coming from-my brother and I were shot. When I was hit with the bullet, I fell inside the gutter and I started crawling. So we got to the main road and I saw a commercial bike man who took me to the hospital. "I know they were many, they came with an 18 seater white van. I saw them with guns, but I don't know where they came from." The second victim, Opara, while trying to narrate the incident, shed tears, perhaps, due to the excruciating pains from the injuries sustained.

Gombe Gov Launches COVID-19 Action Recovery, Economic Stimulus

...8.5b budgeted to support 288,700 households, farmers, small scale businesses Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has stated that the newly launched COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (GO-CARES) aligns with his administration human capital development initiative as encapsulated in the 10-year Development Agenda for Gombe State (DEVAGOM). The governor, who stated this at the commencement of the project in Kuri, Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday, added that the emergency recovery programme would support government’s budgeted programme of expenditures and interventions specifically designed to expand access to livelihood support, food security and provide succour to the poor and vulnerable persons in communities whose lives, businesses, jobs and means of livelihood have been distorted by the pandemic. Yahaya observed that "being a domestication of the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery Stimulus Programme (NG-CARES), the programme would help expand access to livelihood support, food security services and the provision of grants to poor and vulnerable households and firms following the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic." He explained that the impact of COVID-19 on the economy and livelihood of the people cannot be over emphasised as governments across the world suffered economic recessions with livelihoods disrupted and millions of jobs lost in an unprecedented manner, which makes the CARES programme not only timely but essential. Yahaya remarked that the challenges of COVID-19 and the global economic meltdown have made his administration to be more strategic and focused in its drive to put the state on the path of sustainable economic development. He said: "Today’s ceremony is a major step taken to put the vulnerable groups that were worst affected by the COVID-19 pandemic on the path of recovery and growth, with the disbursement of funds to the beneficiaries who have met the World Bank's stipulated eligibility criteria. These groups and individuals shall receive livelihood grants, social transfers, and soft loans as well as improved access to basic services in order to support economic recovery, boost food production and enhance livelihood of the people." The governor said in order to ensure maximum benefit from the programme, existing state-level delivery platforms with a track record of generating positive human capital development and economic returns for beneficiaries would be used for the implementation of the interventions. These platforms, he explained, would be reinforced with a state level Steering Committee comprising political and technical heads of key sectoral ministries and policy heads of agencies constituted to provide oversight and policy guidance for the programme in order to achieve greater results and the overall programme development objective. "The programme has a budgeted sum of about N8.5 billion which is targeted towards supporting not less than 288,700 beneficiaries in the two-year duration of the programme. From this amount, N3.4 billion will be to support poor and vulnerable households with grants and basic services, another N3.4 billion shall be used to support our farmers with farm inputs in order to increase food production and enhance performance of the food supply value chain. The sum of N1.7 billion shall be disbursed as grants to MSMEs to support their operational activities and help them recover from the huge losses suffered during the pandemic." The Chairman of the state Steering Committee for GO-CARES, Muhammad Gambo Magaji, said the stimulus would benefit the most vulnerable households, farmers, business men and women as well as artisans. Magaji, who is also the state Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development, revealed that the project is in collaboration with the World Bank but is fully funded by the Gombe State Government.