ABAVO CHRONICLE ABEJUKOKO VANGUARD ABIA REPORTERS ABIA SUN ABIGBORODO SUN ABRAKA STATESMAN ABUJA ABUJA CHRONICLE
Court stops Buhari NBC from shutting down 53 broadcast stations

Court stops Buhari, NBC from shutting down 53 broadcast stations

 

The Federal High Court in Lagos has stopped President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from revoking the licenses of 53 broadcast stations in the country, and shutting down the stations for allegedly failing to renew their licenses.

 

Honourable Justice Akintayo Aluko (Court 8) today granted an order of interim injunction following the hearing of an argument on motion exparte by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).

 

SERAP and NGE had last week filed a lawsuit against Buhari and NBC, asking the court for “a declaration that section 10(a) of the Third Schedule to the NBC Act used by NBC to threaten to revoke the licenses of 53 broadcast stations and to shut down the stations is unconstitutional and unlawful, as it violates freedom of expression.”

 

In the suit, SERAP and NGE had asked the court for “an order of interim injunction restraining Buhari and NBC, their agents from revoking the licenses of 53 broadcast stations in the country and shutting their down operations, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed contemporaneously in this suit.”

 

The suit is adjourned to 8th September, 2022 for the hearing of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction.

 

The suit followed the decision by the NBC to revoke the licenses of the 53 broadcast stations and shut down their operations within 24 hours over alleged N2.6 billion debt.

 

In the suit number FHC/L/CS/1582/2022, SERAP and NGE are asking the court to determine “whether section 10(a) of the Third Schedule to the NBC Act used by NBC to threaten revoke the licenses of 53 broadcast stations and shut them down is not in inconsistent with freedom of expression and access to information.”

 

SERAP and NGE are also seeking “a declaration that section 10(a) of the National Broadcasting Act used by NBC to unilaterally revoke the licenses of the broadcast stations and shutdown the stations is a violation of the constitutionally and internationally guaranteed right to fair hearing.”

 

The suit, read in part: “The provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and human rights treaties on freedom of expression indicate that this right can be exercised through any medium.”

 

“Effectively, these provisions recognize that every individual has the right to an equal opportunity to receive, seek and impart information through any communication medium without discrimination.”

 

“The use of NBC Act and Code in this case would inadmissibly open the door to arbitrariness and would fundamentally restrict the freedom of expression that is an integral part of the public order protected the Nigerian Constitution and human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party.”

 

“The media plays an essential role as a vehicle or instrument for the exercise of freedom of expression and information – in its individual and collective aspects – in a democratic society.”

 

“Indeed, the media has the task of distributing all varieties of information and opinion on matters of general interest.”

 

“The public has a right to receive and assess this information and opinion independently. Therefore, the existence of a free, independent, vigorous, pluralistic, and diverse media is essential for the proper functioning of a democratic society.”

 

“According to the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa adopted by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, ‘licensing processes shall seek to promote diversity in broadcasting. Any registration system for the media shall not impose substantive restrictions on the right to freedom of expression.’”

 

“Revoking the licenses of 53 broadcast stations and shutting down their operations because they have not renewed their licenses would both seriously undermine the rights of millions of Nigerians to express their thoughts, and their right to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas of all kinds, in any medium they choose.”

 

“Freedom of expression includes the public’s right to receive, and the right of those who express themselves through a medium of communication, to impart the greatest possible diversity of information and ideas.”

 

“The right to freedom of expression is based on the right to establish or use a media outlet to exercise freedom of expression and on society’s right to have access to a free, independent, and pluralistic media that allows for the most and most diverse information.”

 

“The media, including the affected 53 broadcast stations, serve to distribute Nigerians’ thoughts and information while at the same time allowing them access to the ideas, information, opinions, and cultural expressions of other individuals.”

 

“The exercise of the right to freedom of expression through the media is a guarantee that is fundamental for advancing the collective deliberative process on public and democratic issues.”

 

“Therefore, the strengthening of the guarantee of freedom of expression is a precondition for the exercise of other human rights, as well as a precondition to the right to participation to be informed and reasoned.”

 

“The media including the affected 53 broadcast stations play an essential role, as they allow millions of Nigerians to access both the relevant information and a variety of perspectives that are necessary for reaching reasonable and informed conclusions on matters of public interest.”

 

“The Plaintiffs recognize the mandates of NBC to regulate broadcasting. However, the exercise of such mandates including renewals or revocation of licenses must follow the thresholds and guidelines set by the right to freedom of expression.”

 

“The free circulation of ideas and news is not possible except in the context of a plurality of sources of information and media outlets. The lack of plurality in sources of information is a serious obstacle for the functioning of democracy.”

 

“The NBC Act and Broadcasting Code cannot and should not be used in a manner that is inconsistent and incompatible with plurality of voices, diversity of voices, non-discrimination, and just demands of a democratic society, as well as the public interest.”

 

“Broadcasting is a means of exercising freedom of expression. Any restrictions on freedom of expression must meet the requirements of legality, necessity, and proportionality.”

 

“The regulation of broadcasting must aspire to promote and expand the scope of the right to freedom of expression, not restrict it.”

 

 

Kolawole Oluwadare

SERAP Deputy Director                                                     

Lagos, Nigeria

Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org

Twitter: @SERAPNigeria

Website: www.serap-nigeria.org

For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202

 

Iyobosa Uwugiaren

General Secretary

Nigerian Guild of Editors

+2348033143902

 

29/8/2022

admin
ABAVO CHRONICLE ABEJUKOKO VANGUARD ABIA REPORTERS ABIA SUN ABIGBORODO SUN ABRAKA STATESMAN ABUJA ABUJA CHRONICLE
JULIUS BERGER ASSURES RIVERS STATE GOVERNMENT OF ITS EVER DEPENDABLE PROJECT DELIVERY SUCCESS

JULIUS BERGER ASSURES RIVERS STATE GOVERNMENT OF ITS EVER DEPENDABLE PROJECT DELIVERY SUCCESS

. As Duke, Gana flag off Rivers State’s 11th and 12the flyovers

There were palpable excitement in Port Harcourt the Rivers State capital last week during the flag off of the 11th and 12th flyovers in the City to be constructed by Nigeria’s cutting edge and leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.

Appreciating Julius Berger’s premium quality project antecedents during the flag off of the 11th flyover at Rumuokwuta/Rumuola junction, Ikwerre Road, Port Harcourt, the State Governor, His Excellency, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike said the company has stood by the State Government and its efforts at developing lasting infrastructures, adding, “that is why we trust that Julius Berger will again deliver on this flyover in due time.” Governor Wike added that the foregoing explained why his administration has made every effort to make available needed funds to complete projects as every project started by his administration must be completed before he leaves office next year. “We do not want any case of abandoned project by the time we leave office next year,” he further said. Continuing, Wike said, “…I have released the money for the compensation of every property that will be affected here,”

In his remarks at the event, representative of the Managing Director of Julius Berger Executive Director, Tobias Meletschus, expressed “management’s appreciation for  the trust and confidence reposed in the company by the Rivers State Government.” He added that the company is ever aware of the high expectations of the Government and good people of Rivers state on the ability of Julius Berger to deliver the flyover on schedule, adding, “We have never failed you and we will not fail you on this too.”

Former Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Donald Duke who officially flagged off the flyover praised the “synergistic effects of the relationship between the State Government and Julius Berger Plc”, adding that, “it is worth emulating by others who want to develop.”

Speaking to technical specificities of the project, the Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Dr. Dakorinama George-Kelly, explained that the 11th flyover is 1007.5 meters long, stretching from the Ebony junction on Rumola road to the Seventh Day Adventist church on Ikwerre road.

At the flag off of the 12th flyover also known as the Ada George Location flyover in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state next day, Governor Wike said the project is scheduled to be completed within 10 months adding that payment for work done will not be a problem. He said, “anybody who has used this area will know very well that it has been horrible. Some of us, coming from where we are living to the airport, each time we get to this area, the kind of traffic here is unprecedented. We therefore decided to see how we can decongest the traffic situation that has negatively affected the economic activities in this area.” Wike also said “… I have released the funds for the compensation of properties that are affected here.”

According to former Information minister, Professor Jerry Gana who flagged off the Ada George Location flyover, “…the Governor, the Government, the people of Rivers state and the contractor have done well in agreeing to build enduring economic infrastructures for this state. I commend you.”

At the event, Julius Berger’s Executive Director Corporate Development, Tobias Meletschus, again assured the Government and people of Rivers State of “the usual Julius Berger standard job delivery, and on schedule, too.”

Also accompanying Mr. Tobias Meletscus on the Julius Berger delegation to the ceremonies in Port Harcourt were Project Manager, Engr. Terna, Contract Manager, Barr. (Mrs) Efe Awure, Project Coordinator South south/South east Chief Sam Ngbor, and Special Projects Manager, Engr. Rimon Marisho, amongst others.

PRESIDENT BUHARI REJOICES WITH SEGUN ODEGBAMI AT 70

President Muhammadu Buhari shares in the joy of the occasion as Nigeria’s iconic football star, sports administrator and broadcaster, Chief Olusegun Odegbami, turns 70, August 27, 2022, congratulating the former national team player and his family for many years of service to the nation and humanity.

President Buhari rejoices with Chief Odegbami for a distinguished career in sports, with eight years as a national team player, 1974-1982, earning the respect of team players and fans, at home and across Africa, particularly for his dazzling skills and accuracy in scoring for which he was nicknamed “Mathematical Odegbami’’.

The President notes the versatility of the former skipper of the Green Eagles, who also served as adviser to the technical crew of national teams, inspired many athletes to stardom, and positioned himself for successes in writing, publishing, acting, broadcasting and farming.

As the respected footballer turns a septuagenarian, President Buhari believes his experience, leadership skills and network of friends across many fields and places remain relevant for growing the country.

President Buhari prays for longer life, good health and prosperity for Chief Odegbami and his family.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

August 27, 2022

 

 

$23m Abacha loot: SERAP writes Buhari, seeks ‘copy of agreement with US’

 

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to “direct the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) to provide our organization with a copy of the agreement the Federal Government recently signed with the United States for the repatriation of $23 million stolen by late General Sani Abacha.”

 

The United States government had last week signed an agreement with the Federal Government to repatriate $23 million Abacha loot to Nigeria.

 

In the letter dated 27 August 2022 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “By the combined reading of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s international obligations, there are transparency obligations imposed on your government to widely publish the agreement on the $23 million Abacha loot.”

 

SERAP said, “Providing us with a copy of the agreement with the US, and publishing the agreement would allow Nigerians to scrutinise it, and to monitor the spending of the repatriated $23 million Abacha loot to ensure that the money is not mismanaged, diverted or stolen.”

 

SERAP expressed “concern that the repatriated $23 million Abacha loot is vulnerable to corruption and mismanagement. Substantial part of the estimated $5 billion returned Abacha loot since 1999 may have been diverted, re-stolen or mismanaged, and in any case remain unaccounted for.”

 

The letter, read in part: “The Nigerian Constitution, Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s anti-corruption and human rights obligations rest on the principle that citizens should have access to information regarding their government’s activities.”

 

“Your government has a responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in how any repatriated stolen funds are spent, to reduce vulnerability to corruption and mismanagement.”

 

“SERAP also urges you to provide details of the transparency and accountability mechanisms that have been put in place to ensure that the repatriated funds are not mismanaged, diverted or re-stolen.”

 

“We would therefore be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”

 

“Publishing a copy of the agreement signed with the US would also promote transparency and accountability in the spending of public funds. Nigerians are entitled to their constitutionally and internationally recognized human right to information.”

 

“Publishing a copy of the agreement would ensure that persons with public responsibilities are answerable to the people for the performance of their duties including the management of repatriated loot.”

 

“The Freedom of Information Act, Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantee to everyone the right to information, including to a copy of the agreement on the repatriated $23 million Abacha loot.”

 

“According to our information, the US government recently signed an agreement with the Federal Government to repatriate $23 million Abacha loot to Nigeria.”

 

“The agreement was signed on behalf of your government by Mr Abubakar Malami. This repatriation brings the total amount of funds repatriated in the Abacha case by the US to more than $334.7 million.”

 

The letter was copied to Mr Abubakar Malami.

 

 

Kolawole Oluwadare

SERAP Deputy Director

28/8/2022

Lagos, Nigeria

Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org

Twitter: @SERAPNigeria

Website: www.serap-nigeria.org

For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202

 

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI CELEBRATES FORMER GOVERNOR OF ADAMAWA STATE, MURTALA NYAKO, AT 80

President Muhammadu Buhari sends warm greetings to former Governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, on his 80th birthday, rejoicing with the ex-Chief of Naval Staff, who distinguished himself in leadership as a military officer, democrat, farmer, and entrepreneur.

The President notes the dedication and commitment of the political leader, who also served as military Governor of Niger State, willingly accepting responsibilities that call for nation building, especially in people and community development.

As the former Governor turns 80, the President extols his courage, sacrifice and selflessness, preferring to put the people first in public policy, and working hard to ensure a better life for many.

President Buhari commends Nyako’s visionary investment in agriculture, culminating in a conglomerate that exports products, and provides employment opportunities and mentorship for many.

The President prays that the Almighty God will bless and keep the former Chief of Naval Staff and his family.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

August 27, 2022

 

 

 

SANWO-OLU INAUGURATES 250-SEATER LECTURE HALL AT LASUED, APPLAUDS OTO-AWORI MONARCH FOR GESTURE

 

  • Governor approves construction of 750-seater theatre, buses, free Internet for Education varsity

 

  • ‘Why I donated project to school’

 

 

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday, inaugurated a 250-seater lecture hall donated by Oloto of Oto-Awori Kingdom, Oba Josiah Ilemobade Aina, to the newly upgraded Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) in Ijanikin, Badagry Division.

 

The Governor was in the Oto-Awori Kingdom to felicitate with the monarch on the occasion of his 15th coronation anniversary. The lecture hall was donated by the monarch to mark the anniversary.

 

The king’s gesture, Sanwo-Olu said, is worthy of emulation, noting that the facility would be complementary to those being built on the campus by the State Government, as part of the projects initiated after the school was upgraded from College of Education to a university by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

 

The Governor, at the event, explained why the school, alongside Lagos State Polytechnic, was elevated to degree-awarding institutions.

 

Sanwo-Olu said Lagos, as a big city with a high population of young people, was being underserved by one university, necessitating the need to raise the standards of LASPOTECH and Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, elevating them to raise human capital.

 

He said: “Education and technology have been the key parts of our deliverables. This objective can only be achieved when we have standard tertiary institutions offering competitive opportunities to raise human capital. The late Alhaji Lateef Jakande gave us Lagos State University over 40 years ago. Why should we not build more on this solid foundation? As big as Lagos is, with a huge population, having one State university does not befit us.

 

“Lagos cabinet, with the approval of the House of Assembly and NUC, set up two more universities to complement LASU and we got the approvals to establish the schools at the same time. This dream has come true and Oto-Awori Kingdom is a beneficiary. The gesture of Oto-Awori king to support our efforts to improve access to education with the donation of a lecture hall is an act that is worthy of emulation.”

 

Sanwo-Olu said he had approved the construction of a 750-seater Lecture Theater on LASUED campus, just as he directed procurement of two high-capacity buses for students to aid their mobility to and from the campus.

 

The Governor additionally offered free campus-wide high-speed Internet for research work and other academic usage.

 

Sanwo-Olu used the occasion to appeal to towns locked in communal crisis in the area, urging them to embrace peace. The Governor cautioned all parties against destruction of properties and public facilities, stressing that development would only happen in an atmosphere of peace.

 

The Governor congratulated Oba Aina for the milestones the kingdom attained during his reign, describing the monarch as “man of peace”.

 

“Kabiesi has not only invited us to celebrate with him on the occasion of his 15th coronation anniversary, he has also challenged all of us in giving back to our communities. His gesture is worthy of emulation and this makes him a man of his words. This is why I personally come here to identify with him and the entire Oto-Awori Kingdom in the Badagry Division,” Sanwo-Olu said.

 

The monarch said his gesture to support the Government’s intervention in education was borne out of his pledge to assist indigent people surmounting impediment preventing them from going to school.

 

Oba Aina recalled he could not finish his academic programme at an Ondo university because of N6,000 fee. He promised to embark on more education-focused projects to support Government’s efforts.

 

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

28 AUGUST 2022

PRESS RELEASE

 

SANWO-OLU URGES YOUTH TO TAKE CHARGE OF THE FUTURE

 

  • Governor says Nigerians should unite, shun division 
  • Clergy appeals to FG, ASUU to call off Union strike 

 

 

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday, described Nigerian youth as the future of the World and urged them to take charge of the future, today.

 

He admonished the youth to participate actively in different activities that are geared toward nation-building, saying leadership is not only achieved when people are elected as governors or president but from various roles assigned wherever they find themselves such as in the church.

 

The Governor added that serving in the house of God is a good foundation for greater career service.

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu stated this during the Year 2022 Children and Youth Harvest Thanksgiving of the Our Saviour’s Church, Diocese of Lagos (Anglican Communion) at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Marina, Lagos, with the theme “Harvest of Restoration and Divine Satisfaction.”

 

He said: “What the church stands for is to give you (youths) the foundation and space for you to be able to do those things you want to do and fly to whatever height. Because indeed, you are not just the future of the nation, you are indeed the future of the world and the future is now. And so you need to be partaker of it and take full charge of it.”

 

Sanwo-Olu and his wife, Dr. Ibijoke, who were Parents of the Day for the Harvest Programme, also urged Nigerians to unite, shun division and make the right choices to create a tomorrow that everybody will be proud of.

 

He said his government will continue to be responsible and responsive to the people of Lagos State, adding that his administration will ensure development in every part of Lagos State in line with the Greater Lagos Development agenda.

 

He said: “Let us hold ourselves together. Whatever is dividing us as a country are the little things that can also unite us as a country. Let us make the right choices. Let us create a tomorrow that all of them can be proud of.

 

“We have that responsibility to continue to make this place (Lagos) safe. We have that responsibility to continue to make sure that we will not divide ourselves. We will continue to create opportunities for every one of our citizens. And we will continue to make it home to all for as long as they want to be peaceful and law-abiding.”

 

Speaking earlier, the Vicar of Our Saviour’s Church, TBS, The Ven. Ife Okupevi, urged Governor Sanwo-Olu to intervene in the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU) by speaking to President Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister of Education and other stakeholders for quick resolution between the Federal Government and ASUU to end the union strike that has grounded tertiary education for many months.

 

Ven Okupevi also praised the Babajide Sanwo-Olu for taking necessary action against COVID-19 and the security being enjoyed in Lagos State, as well provision of infrastructures in different parts of the State.

 

In his sermon, the Preacher, The Revd Emmanuel Mordi, urged Christians to use their resources for God and urged those in positions of authority to be merciful to the people and ensure justice.

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

28 AUGUST 2022

Okowa deplores delay in Leisure Park, Film Village completion

 

Delta Governor, Sen (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Friday deplored the delay in the completion of Leisure Park and Film Village projects being constructed by the state government in Asaba, saying it was unacceptable.

 

He directed the contractor to ensure that all outstanding work was completed for the inauguration of the projects at the end of October, and assured that every necessary provision would be made to meet the deadline.

 

Okowa stated this while speaking with newsmen shortly after inspecting the projects, and announced that the facilities would be commercialised to ensure their sustainability.

 

He explained that the government would not be in a position to manage the projects but would hand it over to the private sector for proper management.

 

According to him, there is an improvement from the last time we came here but I must also say that we are behind time for which I am not happy and I have made that known to both the consultant and the contractor.

 

“We are going to work around it and make sure that in the next two months, October ending precisely, the place will be fully ready.

 

“On the other hand, the place is not somewhere that the state government can run by itself; it’s going to be commercially run by those who already have insight and experience in the business.

 

“I believe we are going to get greater service and functionality to the communities around and to all visitors, if it’s commercially run.

 

“There are three aspects of the whole place, the Leisure Park, the film village and the Zoo; all will be run commercially.

 

“I was informed that over 70 per cent of the animals that would come in, cannot come in now until there is a final finish to the areas.

 

“We saw the lion and some other things and we are hoping that in the next one month it would be handled because we are going to look for alternative quick funding for them,” he said.

 

On the Film Village, Okowa said tbat the state, as a movie hub in the country, was already partnering Nollywood, adding “in fact, it’s our conversation with them that resulted to this and strategically located because it is just located by the Leisure Park itself.

 

“It provides the needed environment for them to function properly and it’s going to be a place for all the actors and actresses in this country.

 

“They will wish to come in here because this is the first of its kind we have in the country as at today.”

 

Presidential candidates violated electoral law at NBA Conference – Kingsley Wali

The Convener of Unity House Foundation (UHF), a good governance and social justice advocacy group, Kingsley Wenenda Wali, has chastised the presidential candidates for the 2023 polls present at the 2022 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), for turning the venue of the event into a campaign ground, in contravention of the electoral law.

Wali, a Port Harcourt-based businessman, said it was extremely appalling and nauseating to see people who are seeking to lead the country openly campaigning in such a gathering watched by the whole world, when the electoral umpire has not blown the whistle for the commencement of electioneering campaigns, as required by the laws of the land.

Speaking in an interview, the UHF Convener, disclosed that the group was working towards embarking on a crusade for violence-free campaigns ahead of the 2023 general election.

His words: “Let me start by saying that the Unity House Foundation which I am a member of, will from the second week of September, embark on a campaign for a violence-free electioneering in both the campaigns and the election proper. We intend to engage the public and the political class on the need to be civil, the need to focus on what the issues are and the need for them to be law-abiding too. But I won’t fail at this point to mention that I’m a bit disappointed with the fact those who intend to lead Nigeria have started their campaign by breaking the laws of the land. A man who is lawless is unlikely to offer quality service to the people. If you don’t have regard for the laws of the land, I don’t know how to expect that you are going to obey the law or you are not going to circumvent the law or even suppress the law of the land when you become President, Governor or whatever. INEC has not lifted the ban on campaign based on the electoral law. The ban on campaign will be lifted on the 28th of September. But those who are pretending to be leaders or those who want to get into power to lead Nigeria have started very badly by disobeying the laws of the land. I was very disgusted when I saw politicians openly violating the electoral law by campaigning for votes at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference. It was as disgusting, as irritating and as despicable as you can imagine, that some people who are going to be the number-one defender of the laws of the land if elected President are violating the laws of the land by openly campaigning for votes very much against the law that is governing the electoral process.”

Continuing, he added: “It is an indication of the kind of characters that want to lead the country. If you cannot obey the laws of the land, how do I believe that you can hold the laws of this country in trust for the Nigerian people. So, these are the kinds of things that scare me. If you cannot obey the laws of the land and you say you want to be a president and you started by flouting the laws and guidelines for the electoral process, why should I trust you with power? And it wasn’t something that was done in some inconsequential gathering, but such a platform where the international community were watching and you saw people recklessly campaigning for votes when the ban on campaigns has not been lifted.”

PRESS RELEASE

GROUNDWATER: LASWARCO PRESENTS ABSTRACTION, WATER TREATMENT PLANT CERTIFICATION TO EKO HOTELS

…As Hotel Owners Association Backs LASG’s Regulation Of Water Sector

 

 

 

The Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) on Thursday presented Abstraction License, Borehole Permit and Water Treatment Plant Certification for the year 2022 to Eko Hotels and Suites Limited having fully complied with regulatory provisions on abstraction, borehole and water treatment plant certification.

 

The Commission, in its regulatory role, issues drilling licenses to commercial borehole/water well drillers, rig owners and practitioners water abstraction licenses as a form of regulation for groundwater management, especially considering the environmental impacts and health of residents.

 

Executive Secretary of LASWARCO, Mrs. Funke Adepoju who presented the license and permits to the management of the hotel at the Commission’s head office in Alausa, said the development followed the willful compliance of the service provider to water governance laws, adding that the water being produced by the hotel is fit for human consumption.

 

“The official presentation of regulatory licenses and permit to Eko Hotels and Suites Limited is in recognition of the regulatory compliance of the state’s guidelines on the regulation of groundwater and delivery of WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) services.

 

“The management of the hotel has clearly demonstrated that it remains resolute in complying with the state’s regulatory guidelines by obtaining the necessary permits and licenses as required by law. Today’s presentation is, therefore, apt to serve as an award and acknowledgment of compliance and to incentivize other players in the sector,” Adepoju said.

 

She said the present administration under the dynamic leadership of Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu remains committed to creating a conducive atmosphere for businesses to thrive, while also ensuring that operators in the WASH sector continue to comply with regulatory guidelines to safeguard the health of residents and secure the environment.

 

“You will recall as COVID-19 palliative to cushion its effect on businesses, Mr. Governor, in his magnanimity, approved a waiver of all charges up to December 2019 and a concession of 75 percent per liter on water abstraction charge, as well as a significant reduction for commercial/industrial borehole permits,” she said.

 

Responding, the Company Secretary/Legal Adviser of Eko Hotels & Suites Limited, Chief Samuel Alabi said the resistance put up by some stakeholders against regulatory efforts of the state government was due to ignorance, saying the government cannot but regulate the sector in the best interest of all.

 

Alabi, who is also the President of Hotel Owners and Managers Association of Lagos State (comprising affiliate bodies of All Hoteliers Association and Association of Fast Food and Confectioners of Nigerian), as well as a member of the Governing Council of Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), said his organization was fully in support of the regulatory initiatives of the state government for the WASH Sector as championed by LASWARCO.

 

“Many people are not aware of the enormous responsibility placed on the government. It will be an act of irresponsibility for a government anywhere in the world to fold its arms and say I don’t care about the quality of water people are drinking. That will be an act of irresponsibility.

 

“If the government is irresponsible, the consequences of an unregulated water regime will reflect directly on an increase in the health budget. It is, therefore, compulsory for a responsible government to regulate water abstraction, production, and even distribution. It is in this regard that our company recognizes and stands firmly with the regulatory efforts of Mr. Governor as represented by the able and dynamic Executive Secretary of LASWARCO,” Alabi said.

 

He also encouraged the state government to come up with more programs on knowledge sharing and advocacy to educate industry players and the general public on water regulation and other WASH laws for proper understanding and buy-in of the stakeholders.

 

PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU DONATES TWO HIGH-CAPACITY BUSES, FAST-SPEED INTERNET TO STUDENTS OF NEWLY UPGRADED LAGOS VARSITY

 

…Approves construction of 5,800-capacity hostel on LASUSTECH campus

 

…‘You are a listening leader’ – excited students tell Governor for granting their requests

 

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s visit to the Ikorodu campus of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) on Wednesday took members of the academic community by surprise, but the campus was agog with excitement, as students trooped out to give the Governor a rousing welcome.

 

Sanwo-Olu was on the campus for an inspection of the ongoing construction of the Central Administrative Office and ancillary buildings, which are parts of the requirements for the smooth transition and operation of the university.

 

It should be recalled that the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) was, early this year, upgraded to a University of Science and Technology, alongside Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education in Ijanikin, which transited to a University of Education.

 

Both schools met the requirements set by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to assume full status of degree-awarding institutions.

 

Students led by their leaders formed rings round Sanwo-Olu’s convoy, chanting various ‘Aluta’ slogans to receive the Governor and his entourage, including the Special Adviser on Education, Hon. Tokunbo Wahab.

 

Sanwo-Olu proceeded to the construction site to inspect the level of work on the university Senate Chamber and administrative office buildings, confirming the projects were at about 70 per cent completion.

 

The Governor disclosed that the State Government had signed the contract for the construction of a 5,800-capacity hall of residence through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. The move, Sanwo-Olu said, is to make the new university an on-campus institution.

 

He said: “We are happy that Lagos State University of Science and Technology has taken on a life of its own. The project has left the drawing board to gradually become reality we can all behold. When these buildings are completed, we will be starting another construction of a 750-capacity Lecture Theatre.

 

“We will also be replicating the same model we have in Lagos State University (LASU) to ensure the new university becomes an on-campus accommodation school. We have already awarded a contract for development of 5,800-capacity accommodation for students through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.”

 

Students presented a branded portrait to Sanwo-Olu in a show of appreciation for the upgrade of the polytechnic to a degree-awarding institution, while also presenting fresh requests for which they sought Governor’s assistance.

 

Students’ Union Government (SUG) president, Aderemi Balogun, appealed to Sanwo-Olu for a bus scheme that would ensure seamless transport of students from Isolo campus of the school to Ikorodu campus and back. The union leader also pleaded with the Governor to clear the air on proposed fees for the new university.

 

Responding, the Governor donated two high-capacity buses to the SUG to aid students’ mobility to and from the two campuses. The announcement was greeted with spontaneous jubilation, as the students chorused: “You are a leader…may God preserve our Governor and strengthen him to do more.”

 

Sanwo-Olu cleared the air on the rumoured fee – said to be around N200,000 – to be paid by students as a result of the school’s upgrade. The Governor emphasised there had been no memo either from the school management or the State Government announcing any fee, calming the students and assuring them that his Government would not burden them unnecessarily.

 

The Governor also promised extensive renovation of the Students’ Union building as requested by the students, while promising to work with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to upgrade the school’s sporting complex to a full-fledged stadium.

 

Sanwo-Olu said: “On the school fee, there is no truth in the rumour making the rounds. The information is speculative. The university management has not mentioned to me that this is the amount of fee they want to charge students coming for degree programmes. The information is not true. Let it happen first and allow me to take charge. No fee has been announced.

 

“On your request for a befitting SUG building. You need to be patient with me. We will first renovate the current students’ arcade but we will take time to develop a purpose-built edifice for your SUG activities. You also want a stadium; I will work with the Office of SDGs to the President and see how we can build a sporting complex in this university.”

 

Before leaving the campus, the Governor gave the students an unsolicited gift: provision of free campus-wide high-speed Internet for their research work and other academic usage.

 

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

25 AUGUST 2022

PRESS RELEASE

 

FOOD SECURITY: SANWO-OLU FLAGS OFF CONSTRUCTION OF BIGGEST LOGISTICS HUB IN EPE

 

  • ‘Lagos Reducing Vulnerability to Food Shortages’ – Agric Commissioner

 

Lagos State has flagged off the construction of what will be the largest Food Security Systems and Central Logistics Park in sub-Saharan Africa.

 

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, performed the sod turning at the site of the facility being built on 1.2 million square metres of land in Ketu-Ereyun, Epe.

 

Establishment of the food park is a component of an audacious five-year Agricultural and Food Systems Road Map (2021–2025) launched last year by the Sanwo-Olu administration to enhance food sufficiency in Lagos.

 

When completed, the central food and logistics hub is expected to create direct wealth for more than five million traders in the agricultural value chain, while guaranteeing uninterrupted food supplies to more than 10 million Lagosians, at least 90 days, in a period of scarcity.

 

The hub will have storage facilities for more than 1,500 trucks that will daily service the needs of thousands of operators within food value chain throughout the year, while large commercial transactions would be processed in the facility.

 

Besides, Sanwo-Olu visited the site of the State-owned Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital in Ketu-Ereyun, where the Governor inspected the level of construction work on the project.

 

Transactions on food items in Lagos are estimated to be N5 trillion yearly, just as farmers daily lose 40 per cent of produce worth millions due to lack of post-harvest storage system.

 

Sanwo-Olu said the central food hub would guarantee greater returns for farmers and investors in the agro-allied sector, as the facility would cut out several layers of middlemen and facilitate improved access to modern processing and packaging services.

 

The Governor said market matrix generated from the facility would help the Government generate useful data for public planning and for the use of private sector players to project investment.

 

He said: “Today’s flag-off of the Food Security Systems and Central Logistics Park is proof of our administration’s commitment to addressing the challenges of stakeholders in the Agri-space and giving hope to the people through improved quality of life. I make bold to say this is one of the most important interventions in agricultural sector that Nigeria has ever seen. The fact that this project is taking off in Lagos, the fastest-

growing sub-national entity, means that it is bound to have significant national, regional, and continental impact.

 

“This hub will provide a better buying experience for consumers, help achieve a reduction in logistics costs, while guaranteeing the standardisation of quantity and quality for agricultural products. It also will improve productivity, guarantee greater returns for farmers, by cutting out several layers of middlemen. It will facilitate improved access to modern processing and packaging services for farmers and generate useful data for the use of government agencies, private sector players, and multilateral agencies.”

 

Sanwo-Olu said the choice of the location for the project was strategic, given its easy access and proximity to agrarian settlements. He said the State had secured a well thought out funding scheme to kick off the project, which he promised will be delivered in last quarter of 2024.

 

Lagos agricultural road map, the Governor said, sought to take full advantage of all value chains in which the State has competitive and comparative advantages, with a view to scale up self-sufficiency in food production from 18 to 40 per cent.

 

The Governor said the hub, when completed, would add to the catalogue of life-changing projects sited within Epe Division, which include 32-metric tons per hour Rice Mill in Imota, Agbowa-Ikosi Timberville, and Ketu-Ereyun Psychiatric Hospital, among others.

 

“The development of this all-important Central Logistics Hub will be achieved through a collaboration between the State Government and the private sector and will be implemented through a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-and-Transfer model. At every step of the way, we will be counting on the contributions of the private sector, in terms of financing and technical advisory and support,” Sanwo-Olu said.

 

Commissioner for Agriculture, Abisola Olusanya, said the current global food shortages were parts of the harsh consequences of climate change and global warming, which, he said, had led to economic instability in some countries.

 

The Commissioner stressed that a continuous disruption in food distribution sequence could portend catastrophic consequences on security of the people, pointing out that Lagos initiated the agricultural plan to protect its residents from the effects of food shortages. The only way forward, she said, is to build a resilience that will protect Lagos.

 

“Upon completion, the Central Food and Logistics Park will unleash the potential in both the upstream and downstream of agricultural sector. This project will further reaffirm the leadership of Lagos as the first destination for agricultural produce along the West African corridor,” Olusanya said.

 

The project partner, Origin Group, assured the first phase of the project, which requires building storage facilities, would be delivered in the next seven months.

 

The hub will be operated on off-grid power source of 900 megawatts, and is expected to provide 16,000 direct jobs.

 

Amenities that will come to the facility include aggregation facilities, administrative offices, trading area, packaging facilities, processing facilities, cold chain/dry goods services, and logistics services.

 

Others are trailer park, water treatment plant, health centre, fuel station, fire station, abattoir and lairage.

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

24 AUGUST 2022

 

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS GOV ZULUM ON HIS BIRTHDAY, COMMENDS HIS ZEAL, SPIRIT AND ENERGY

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday greeted Babagana Zulum, the Governor of Borno State and prayed for his long life.

In a birthday message, President Buhari expressed his admiration for Zulum’s “public spiritedness, energy and zeal” in tackling ongoing situation in Borno State, describing him as “a reliable partner in the effort to return peace, normalcy and development to the Northeast.

“Zulum is serving the nation in an outstanding manner; his passion for peace as the foundation of development inspires many. He is a model for others to copy. We pray for his long life,” remarked the President.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

August 26, 2022

admin
ABAVO CHRONICLE ABEJUKOKO VANGUARD ABIA REPORTERS ABIA SUN ABIGBORODO SUN ABRAKA STATESMAN ABUJA ABUJA CHRONICLE
Scandal rocks Housing Scheme

Scandal rocks Housing Scheme

 

Investment in housing schemes across Nigeria has become a nightmare to many Nigerians who have indicated their interests at owning properties in their various states, following the emergence of fraudulent schemes promoted by speculators.

 

These housing and property investment schemes have become the bane as many are now prey to the false and evil gimmicks of fraudsters.

 

One of the victims of these fraudulent housing and investment scheme, Prof. Walter Tete is presently crying out to the relevant authorities to come to his help and retrieve his hard earned money from the clutches of the Chief Executive Officer of ’Eagles Heights Investment and Housing Scheme, Mabel Monina who has, against her agreement to refund the eight million naira. This is in spite of collecting a huge 30% (N2.4m) of the total sum as withdrawal fee.

 

According to information available from the investor, Prof Tete, the lady in question has reneged on all agreements and has rushed to seek a restraining order from a court in Lagos, forestalling her arrest or prosecution.

 

How can we renege on agreements such that are supposedly binding? Prof Walter Tete had earlier on, in kind faith and belief in his God, sought intervention of close associates and even ran to the police in Lagos State, to help persuade Monica Monina of the Eagle Heights Housing and Investment Scheme but instead, she is hell bent on collecting the hard earned money of an innocent citizen of Nigeria.

 

Sources close to the issue say the Eagle Heights Investment and Housing Scheme CEO, Mabel Monina claims to have persons in the corridors of power and as such is untouchable and has vowed not to refund Walter Tete’s balance of #5.6m after he had forfeited the sum of #2.6m as penalty.

 

Investigations reveal that Mabel has even dragged a security organization to court for intervening in the issue between herself, Eagle Heights Investment and Housing Scheme and Prof. Walter Tete.

 

Will the government and relevant agencies allow hard working Nigerians to be fleeced of their hard earned monies by such scrupulous schemes?

admin
ABAVO CHRONICLE ABEJUKOKO VANGUARD ABIA REPORTERS ABIA SUN ABIGBORODO SUN ABRAKA STATESMAN ABUJA ABUJA CHRONICLE ABUJA GAZETTES ABUJA GUIDE ABUJA MORNING NEWS ABUJA NEWS ABUJA NEWSPAPERS ABUJA NOW
Delta APC Osanebi Thousands push for Omo-Agege

Thousands push for Omo-Agege, Osanebi, Delta APC

 

Thousands of Deltans are expected on Friday to step up efforts to ensure victory for Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and Friday Osanebi in the 2023 governorship election in Delta State.

“The ticket that can genuinely change Delta State is the Omo-Agege/Osanebi ticket. The other tickets represent narrow, sectional and divisive tendencies, which can only polarize Delta State and endanger unity, peace and progress’’ Convener of Delta State Core Comrades for OVIENEBI (DSCC), Kotor Esiri said Wednesday morning.

The inaugural ceremony of the Delta State Core Comrades for OVIENEBI (DSCC) will take place on Friday, August 26, 2022 at Senator Omo-Agege Campaign Office, Asaba

The swearing-in of the national officials, coordinators and ambassadors will begin at 11:00am

‘In a democracy, it is dangerous to give power to self-righteous zealots, who do not subscribe to the rule of law and the will of the people. There is more to leadership than exuberant passion. The task of salvaging Delta State is too heavy, and requires the maturity, quiet dignity and broad vision of the Omo-Agege/Osanebe ticket” Esiri said.

The DSCC convener told newsmen the objective of the group.

“It is for this reason that we got together – comrades from different parts of the country – to mobilize for Omo-Agege/Osanebi and to alert Deltans on the crucial need to ensure that no vote is left behind on Election Day. We want Omo-Agege/Osanebi to win massively’’

He noted that only the Omo-Agege/Osanebi ticket can deliver the dividend of democracy to the people.

‘’We are calling on Deltans who are dissatisfied with the situation of things in our state and who want the state to change, to stand up and give Omo-Agege/Osanebi the authority to change Delta State. As Deltans who are united for change, we have identified Omo-Agege as a genuine change agent. We therefore have the honour to endorse him and urge all Deltans to say it loudly and clearly, Omo-Agege is the best candidate to truly change Delta State”.

The inauguration will be attended by more than 25 socio- cultural and political groups in Delta State.

Rt. Hon Friday Osanebi, Hon. Innocent Anidi, Dr John Oyibokwofi., Hon Enetimi Government, Prince Rister Izedunor, Hon Collins Egbetamah, Hon. Anthony Ndanenu, Hon Chief. Oyemike Valentine, Price Uhrorho koyoyo, Napoleon Kenerekedi Comrade Holy Water, Hon Famous Oyibo and Hon Matthew Omonede are patriots expected.

 

Others are Hon Francis Ejiroghene Waive, Hon Henry M.Baro, Chief Hero Omwirhiren, Matthias Osanebi, Comrade Ifeanyi Chukwu and Progress Omo-Agege

 

“What Deltans need in 2023 is focused, purposeful, proactive, energetic and above all God fearing leadership. Delta State needs a strong leader that is committed to harnessing the vast resources of this state and committing such resources to meaningful growth and development. A leadership that through the fear of God will govern within the spirit of fairness, equity and justice in order to truly unite our people, so that our potentials will be maximally galvanized towards state building, thereby leaving a legacy of love, unity amongst our youths and children, who remain the pillar, foundation and guarantee of our progress and prosperity as a state”

Esiri described Delta as a potentially rich and powerful state.

“Omo-Agege is the only candidate that has the intellect, the philosophical depth of vision and the temperamental disposition to lead the search for a wider state consensus on the challenge of change.”

‘’Looking at the political history of Senator Omo-Agege, coupled with the humility that he has displayed in the discharge of his responsibilities and the divine wisdom in the handling of the affairs of the Senate and Delta Central, Esiri said “Omo-Agege represents in totality the positive change that Deltans have been asking for.

Esiri said the governorship of Omo-Agege holds the promise of change.

admin
ABAVO CHRONICLE ABEJUKOKO VANGUARD ABIA REPORTERS ABIA SUN ABIGBORODO SUN ABRAKA STATESMAN ABUJA ABUJA CHRONICLE ABUJA GAZETTES ABUJA GUIDE ABUJA MORNING NEWS ABUJA NEWS ABUJA NEWSPAPERS
NGE want court to stop Buhari others from shutting down 53 broadcast stations SERAP

SERAP, NGE want court to stop Buhari, others from shutting down 53 broadcast stations  

 

 

 

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have filed a lawsuit against President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) over “the arbitrary use of the NBC Act and broadcasting code to threaten, revoke and shut down 53 broadcast stations in the country for allegedly failing to renew their licenses.”

 

Joined in the suit as Defendant is Mr Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture.

 

The NBC had last week revoked the licenses of the 53 broadcast stations and threatened to shut down their operations within 24 hours over alleged N2.6 billion debt. The NBC has now asked the stations “to pay all outstanding license fees on or before August 23, 2022 or shut down by 12am on August 24.”

 

In the suit number FHC/L/CS/1582/2022 filed today at the Federal High Court, Lagos, SERAP and NGE are asking the court to determine “whether section 10(a) of the Third Schedule to the National Broadcasting Act used by NBC to threaten revoke the licenses of 53 broadcast stations and shut them down is not in inconsistent and incompatible with freedom of expression and access to information.”

 

SERAP and NGE are asking the court for “a declaration that section 10(a) of the Third Schedule to the National Broadcasting Act used by NBC to threaten to revoke the licenses of 53 broadcast stations and to shut down the broadcast stations is unconstitutional and unlawful, as it violates freedom of expression.”

 

SERAP and NGE are seeking “an order of interim injunction restraining them, their agents or privies from revoking the licenses of 53 broadcast stations in the country and shutting their down operations, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed contemporaneously in this suit.”

 

In the suit, SERAP and NGE are arguing that: “The provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and human rights treaties on freedom of expression indicate that this right can be exercised through any medium.”

 

SERAP and NGE are also arguing that, “Effectively, these provisions recognize that every individual has the right to an equal opportunity to receive, seek and impart information through any communication medium without discrimination.”

 

According to SERAP and NGE, “the use of NBC Act and Code in this case would inadmissibly open the door to arbitrariness and would fundamentally restrict the freedom of expression that is an integral part of the public order protected the Nigerian Constitution and human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party.

 

The suit filed on behalf of SERAP and NGE by their lawyer Kolawole Oluwadare, read in part: “The media plays an essential role as a vehicle or instrument for the exercise of freedom of expression and information – in its individual and collective aspects – in a democratic society.”

 

“Indeed, the media has the task of distributing all varieties of information and opinion on matters of general interest.”

 

“The public has a right to receive and assess this information and opinion independently. Therefore, the existence of a free, independent, vigorous, pluralistic, and diverse media is essential for the proper functioning of a democratic society.”

 

“According to the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa adopted by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, ‘licensing processes shall seek to promote diversity in broadcasting. Any registration system for the media shall not impose substantive restrictions on the right to freedom of expression.’”

 

“Revoking the licenses of 53 broadcast stations and shutting down their operations because they have not renewed their licenses would both seriously undermine the rights of millions of Nigerians to express their thoughts, and their right to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas of all kinds, in any medium they choose.”

 

“Freedom of expression includes the public’s right to receive, and the right of those who express themselves through a medium of communication, to impart the greatest possible diversity of information and ideas.”

 

“The right to freedom of expression is based on the right to establish or use a media outlet to exercise freedom of expression and on society’s right to have access to a free, independent, and pluralistic media that allows for the most and most diverse information.”

 

“The media, including the affected 53 broadcast stations, serve to distribute Nigerians’ thoughts and information while at the same time allowing them access to the ideas, information, opinions, and cultural expressions of other individuals.”

 

“The exercise of the right to freedom of expression through the media is a guarantee that is fundamental for advancing the collective deliberative process on public and democratic issues.”

 

“Therefore, the strengthening of the guarantee of freedom of expression is a precondition for the exercise of other human rights, as well as a precondition to the right to participation to be informed and reasoned.”

 

“The media including the affected 53 broadcast stations play an essential role, as they allow millions of Nigerians to access both the relevant information and a variety of perspectives that are necessary for reaching reasonable and informed conclusions on matters of public interest.”

 

“Under the Nigerian Constitution and human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party, freedom and diversity must be guiding principles in the regulation and licensing of broadcasting. The threat to shut down 53 broadcast stations is entirely inconsistent and incompatible with these principles.”

 

“It is the mass media such as the 53 broadcast stations that make the exercise of freedom of expression a reality. This means that the conditions of its use must conform to the requirements of this freedom.”

 

“Therefore, any regulation of the media, including licensing, must be evaluated according to the guidelines and directives imposed by the right to freedom of expression.”

 

“The Plaintiffs recognize the mandates of NBC to regulate broadcasting. However, the exercise of such mandates including renewals or revocation of licenses must follow the thresholds and guidelines set by the right to freedom of expression.”

 

“The free circulation of ideas and news is not possible except in the context of a plurality of sources of information and media outlets. The lack of plurality in sources of information is a serious obstacle for the functioning of democracy.”

 

“The NBC Act and Broadcasting Code cannot and should not be used in a manner that is inconsistent and incompatible with plurality of voices, diversity of voices, non-discrimination, and just demands of a democratic society, as well as the public interest.”

 

“Broadcasting is a means of exercising freedom of expression. Any restrictions on freedom of expression must meet the requirements of legality, necessity, and proportionality.”

 

“The regulation of broadcasting must aspire to promote and expand the scope of the right to freedom of expression, not restrict it.”

 

“SERAP and NGE are also asking the court to determine whether by relying on the provisions of section 10(a) of the Third Schedule to the National Broadcasting Act to unilaterally threaten and revoke the licenses of 53 broadcast stations and shutdown the operations of the broadcast stations, over alleged failure to pay their license fees the act of NBC is not an unnecessary and disproportionate sanction.”

 

SERAP and NGE are therefore asking the court for the following reliefs

 

  1. A DECLARATION that the arbitrary and unilateral action by NBC to threaten and or revoke the licenses of the 53 broadcast stations and to shut down their operations because of the alleged failure to pay their license fees is unnecessary and disproportionate sanction, and therefore contrary to the public interest and the guiding principles of freedom of expression.
  2. A DECLARATION that section 10(a) of the National Broadcasting Act used by NBC to unilaterally revoke the licenses of the broadcast stations and shutdown the stations is a violation of the constitutionally and internationally guaranteed right to fair hearing.
  3. A DECLARATION that section 10(a) of the National Broadcasting Act or any such other laws enabling NBC to unilaterally revoke the licenses of 53 broadcast stations and to shut down the stations is inconsistent and incompatible with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), and therefore null and void to the extent of its inconsistency and incompatibility.
  4. A DECLARATION that the arbitrary action by NBC to revoke the licenses and shut down the operations of the broadcast stations is directly in conflict with sections 6 and 39(1) of the Nigerian Constitution and human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party, and therefore null and void and ultra vires.
  5. AN ORDER nullifying and setting aside the directive by NBC to revoke the licenses of the 53 broadcast stations for being inconsistent and incompatible with freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom.”
  6. AN ORDER compelling President Buhari to direct NBC and Mr Mohammed to withdraw the revocation orders in compliance with the provisions of section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act.
  7. AN ORDER OF PERPETUAL INJUNCTION restraining President Buhari, NBC, and Mr Muhammed whether jointly or severally or any other authority, person or group of persons from unilaterally revoking the licenses of the 53 broadcast stations and shutting down the stations.”

 

 

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

 

 

 

Kolawole Oluwadare

SERAP Deputy Director                                                     

23/8/2022

Lagos, Nigeria

Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org

Twitter: @SERAPNigeria

Website: www.serap-nigeria.org

For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202

 

Iyobosa Uwugiaren

General Secretary

Nigerian Guild of Editors

+2348033143902

 

 

 

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE OKPE NATION: RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE OKPE UNION AND THE OKPE NATION.*

 

BY

*Prof. O. Igho Natufe,*

*President General,*

*Okpe Union.*

August 16, 2022.

 

*ALL PROTOCOLS OBSERVED*

 

Since Sunday, October 3, 2020 when HRM Orhue l, Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, purportedly dissolved the democratically elected National Executive Council (NEC) of the Okpe Union, our beloved Okpe Nation has been in a state of disarray.  The Orodje’s dissolution decree violates the Constitution of the Okpe Union as well as the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), an act which questions the constitutionality of his imposed interim 9-member executive committee led by Prof. Emurobome Idolor.  It is instructive to note that only 2 of the 9 are members of the Okpe Union, a situation which underlines a gross violation of the Constitution of the Okpe Union and a hostile attempt to convert the Okpe Union into an administrative arm of the Palace.

 

The purpose of this OPEN LETTER is to provide Okpe nationals with a brief but detailed account of the efforts the Okpe Union has made to resolve the impasse with HRM Orhue l. This is to reinforce our previous statements on this subject as well as to stress the commitment of the Okpe Union to the growth and peaceful development of Okpe Nation.

Before the election of the current NEC on May 15, 2021, which I am privileged to lead, and since then, NEC has engaged in the search for peace on several occasions

 

1.Hon. Okakuro James Augoye, then the Delta State Commissioner of Works, initiated a reconciliation committee to resolve the crisis. In its submission to the Orodje, his committee recommended the recognition of the democratically elected NEC and the dissolution of the Interim Executive Committee led by Prof. Idolor.

 

2.The Udogun Okpe Committee headed by Okakuro Barr. Isaac Itebu replicated the recommendation of the Augoye reconciliation committee.

 

3.The Okpe Peace Reconciliation Committee led by Rev. Dr. Charles Osume also arrived at the same recommendation as the above two committees. Members of the Okpe Peace Reconciliation Committee included the late Prof. Ovaborhene Idamoyibo (Secretary), Okakuro Moses Asini, Mr. Moses Akpobasah, Ms. Dora Omuvwie, Prof. Hope Eghagha, and Mr. Phillip Mebradu.

 

4.Okakuro Barr. Charles Obule also initiated a peace move in June-July 2022.  Okakuro Prof. S. Ejite Oyovbaire and Okakuro Paulinus Akpeki represented the Palace. Other participants were Messrs. Iroro Clark and Igho Akeregha, Dr. Lucky Akpere and Barr.  Ehensiri Akpederin.

 

5.It is pertinent to note that, immediately after the election of the current NEC on May 15, 2021, we wrote to the Orodje informing him about the successful Annual General Assembly (AGA) attended by delegates from all the Branches of the Okpe Union, and the election of the new NEC.  In the letter we sought his permission to grant us an audience at his earliest convenience for us to pay him a courtesy visit, introduce the new NEC, and apologize for any infractions we might have caused him. We also expressed our readiness and willingness to pay any possible fines he might levy against us. Our request was rejected.

Prior to the intervention of the Rev. Dr. Osume-led Okpe Peace Reconciliation Committee in the search for peace, NEC had gone to court in Sapele praying the Court to restrain members of the Orodje-imposed Interim Executive Committee and its agents from parading themselves as leaders of the Okpe Union. When Rev. Dr. Osume intimated us about his committee’s peace mission, he requested that we withdrew the case from court so as to give peace a chance. We obliged. However, few weeks after we withdrew the case from court, Orodje wrote to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) requesting them to recognize the Interim Executive Committee. This was a plot to oust the democratically elected NEC from CAC. Thus, it was obvious that the intention of the Orodje imposed Interim Executive Committee was not to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict but to gain time in its treacherous move to get CAC to de-register the democratically elected NEC and the legitimate Okpe Union. Faced with this treachery, we elected to lodge a suit at a Federal High Court in Lagos.  HRM Orhue l, the Prof. Idolor-led Interim Executive Committee and the CAC were served as joint defendants to appear in court on May 30, 2022 and July 7, 2022, respectively.  The case has been adjourned to mid October 2022.

 

To demonstrate the insincerity of the Orodje-imposed Interim Executive Committee in respecting the court process, they obtained a court order in Abuja for the Okpe Union to appoint Trustees. They did not disclose to the Abuja Federal High Court that they were already defendants in a Lagos Federal High on the same subject. Furthermore, the elected National Executive Council of the Okpe Union had already lodged an application at the Lagos Federal High Court with similar prayers much earlier, and known to both the CAC and the Prof. Idolor Interim Executive Committee. The certificate of incorporation they got from the CAC was surreptitiously acquired.  This issue is being handled via an appropriate channel.

 

*OKPE UNION POSITION*

1.The position of the Okpe Union has been very clear and unambiguous since the purported dissolution of the NEC by the Orodje on October 3, 2020. The dissolution decree is undemocratic and lacks any constitutionality. It is a dictatorial act which has no place in a democratic polity.

2.The Interim Executive Committee has to be dissolved.

3.There is a modern Okpe Monarchy because there was an Okpe Union that fought for the restoration of the Okpe Monarchy in 1945, after almost 200 years of interregnum.

4.The Okpe Monarchy was not restored to enthrone dictatorship and/or an absolute monarchy.

5.The Okpe monarchy is not an absolute monarchy, but a constitutional monarchy.

6.When the then Major General Felix Mujakperuo campaigned for the Orodjeship, he did so by presenting his democratic credentials in his election by the Orhue Ruling House and his subsequent ratification by Udogun Okpe.

7.Okpe Union, and indeed the entire Okpe Nation, cannot allow a democratically elected Orodje of Okpe Kingdom to crawl into dictatorship reminiscent of the deceased concept of the “divine rights of kings” taking us back to the inglorious reign of Esezi l.

 

*CALL FOR UNITY*

We call on all members of the Okpe Union to remain calm and steadfast in their dedication to the ideals of the Okpe Union bequeathed to us by our founding fathers.

 

We also call on all Okpe nationals at home and in Diaspora to associate themselves with the ideals of the Okpe Union by contributing to the strengthening of democratic institutions in Okpe Nation.

 

Furthermore, we call on all Ekakuro, Ehọvwọre and members of Udogun Okpe to prevail on HRM Orhue l, by advising him to dissolve the Interim Executive Committee as recommended by various peace committees.

 

*CONCLUDING REMARKS*

Our declaration of Okpe as the most populous mono-ethnic nationality in Delta State is meaningless as long as we remain educationally bankrupt and retarded in growth and development, in comparison to other ethnic nationalities in Delta State. Okpe Union is poised to reverse this disturbing phenomenon by engaging with internal and external stakeholders to achieve this historic objective.

 

*God bless the Okpe Union.*

*God bless the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom.*

*God bless the Okpe Kingdom.*

 

 

 

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE OKPE NATION:*

*RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE OKPE UNION AND THE OKPE NATION.*

 

BY

*Prof. O. Igho Natufe,*

*President General,*

*Okpe Union.*

August 16, 2022.

 

*ALL PROTOCOLS OBSERVED*

 

Since Sunday, October 3, 2020 when HRM Orhue l, Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, purportedly dissolved the democratically elected National Executive Council (NEC) of the Okpe Union, our beloved Okpe Nation has been in a state of disarray.  The Orodje’s dissolution decree violates the Constitution of the Okpe Union as well as the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), an act which questions the constitutionality of his imposed interim 9-member executive committee led by Prof. Emurobome Idolor.  It is instructive to note that only 2 of the 9 are members of the Okpe Union, a situation which underlines a gross violation of the Constitution of the Okpe Union and a hostile attempt to convert the Okpe Union into an administrative arm of the Palace.

 

The purpose of this OPEN LETTER is to provide Okpe nationals with a brief but detailed account of the efforts the Okpe Union has made to resolve the impasse with HRM Orhue l. This is to reinforce our previous statements on this subject as well as to stress the commitment of the Okpe Union to the growth and peaceful development of Okpe Nation.

Before the election of the current NEC on May 15, 2021, which I am privileged to lead, and since then, NEC has engaged in the search for peace on several occasions

 

1.Hon. Okakuro James Augoye, then the Delta State Commissioner of Works, initiated a reconciliation committee to resolve the crisis. In its submission to the Orodje, his committee recommended the recognition of the democratically elected NEC and the dissolution of the Interim Executive Committee led by Prof. Idolor.

 

2.The Udogun Okpe Committee headed by Okakuro Barr. Isaac Itebu replicated the recommendation of the Augoye reconciliation committee.

 

3.The Okpe Peace Reconciliation Committee led by Rev. Dr. Charles Osume also arrived at the same recommendation as the above two committees. Members of the Okpe Peace Reconciliation Committee included the late Prof. Ovaborhene Idamoyibo (Secretary), Okakuro Moses Asini, Mr. Moses Akpobasah, Ms. Dora Omuvwie, Prof. Hope Eghagha, and Mr. Phillip Mebradu.

 

4.Okakuro Barr. Charles Obule also initiated a peace move in June-July 2022.  Okakuro Prof. S. Ejite Oyovbaire and Okakuro Paulinus Akpeki represented the Palace. Other participants were Messrs. Iroro Clark and Igho Akeregha, Dr. Lucky Akpere and Barr.  Ehensiri Akpederin.

 

5.It is pertinent to note that, immediately after the election of the current NEC on May 15, 2021, we wrote to the Orodje informing him about the successful Annual General Assembly (AGA) attended by delegates from all the Branches of the Okpe Union, and the election of the new NEC.  In the letter we sought his permission to grant us an audience at his earliest convenience for us to pay him a courtesy visit, introduce the new NEC, and apologize for any infractions we might have caused him. We also expressed our readiness and willingness to pay any possible fines he might levy against us. Our request was rejected.

Prior to the intervention of the Rev. Dr. Osume-led Okpe Peace Reconciliation Committee in the search for peace, NEC had gone to court in Sapele praying the Court to restrain members of the Orodje-imposed Interim Executive Committee and its agents from parading themselves as leaders of the Okpe Union. When Rev. Dr. Osume intimated us about his committee’s peace mission, he requested that we withdrew the case from court so as to give peace a chance. We obliged. However, few weeks after we withdrew the case from court, Orodje wrote to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) requesting them to recognize the Interim Executive Committee. This was a plot to oust the democratically elected NEC from CAC. Thus, it was obvious that the intention of the Orodje imposed Interim Executive Committee was not to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict but to gain time in its treacherous move to get CAC to de-register the democratically elected NEC and the legitimate Okpe Union. Faced with this treachery, we elected to lodge a suit at a Federal High Court in Lagos.  HRM Orhue l, the Prof. Idolor-led Interim Executive Committee and the CAC were served as joint defendants to appear in court on May 30, 2022 and July 7, 2022, respectively.  The case has been adjourned to mid October 2022.

 

To demonstrate the insincerity of the Orodje-imposed Interim Executive Committee in respecting the court process, they obtained a court order in Abuja for the Okpe Union to appoint Trustees. They did not disclose to the Abuja Federal High Court that they were already defendants in a Lagos Federal High on the same subject. Furthermore, the elected National Executive Council of the Okpe Union had already lodged an application at the Lagos Federal High Court with similar prayers much earlier, and known to both the CAC and the Prof. Idolor Interim Executive Committee. The certificate of incorporation they got from the CAC was surreptitiously acquired.  This issue is being handled via an appropriate channel.

 

*OKPE UNION POSITION*

1.The position of the Okpe Union has been very clear and unambiguous since the purported dissolution of the NEC by the Orodje on October 3, 2020. The dissolution decree is undemocratic and lacks any constitutionality. It is a dictatorial act which has no place in a democratic polity.

2.The Interim Executive Committee has to be dissolved.

3.There is a modern Okpe Monarchy because there was an Okpe Union that fought for the restoration of the Okpe Monarchy in 1945, after almost 200 years of interregnum.

4.The Okpe Monarchy was not restored to enthrone dictatorship and/or an absolute monarchy.

5.The Okpe monarchy is not an absolute monarchy, but a constitutional monarchy.

6.When the then Major General Felix Mujakperuo campaigned for the Orodjeship, he did so by presenting his democratic credentials in his election by the Orhue Ruling House and his subsequent ratification by Udogun Okpe.

7.Okpe Union, and indeed the entire Okpe Nation, cannot allow a democratically elected Orodje of Okpe Kingdom to crawl into dictatorship reminiscent of the deceased concept of the “divine rights of kings” taking us back to the inglorious reign of Esezi l.

 

*CALL FOR UNITY*

We call on all members of the Okpe Union to remain calm and steadfast in their dedication to the ideals of the Okpe Union bequeathed to us by our founding fathers.

 

We also call on all Okpe nationals at home and in Diaspora to associate themselves with the ideals of the Okpe Union by contributing to the strengthening of democratic institutions in Okpe Nation.

 

Furthermore, we call on all Ekakuro, Ehọvwọre and members of Udogun Okpe to prevail on HRM Orhue l, by advising him to dissolve the Interim Executive Committee as recommended by various peace committees.

 

*CONCLUDING REMARKS*

Our declaration of Okpe as the most populous mono-ethnic nationality in Delta State is meaningless as long as we remain educationally bankrupt and retarded in growth and development, in comparison to other ethnic nationalities in Delta State. Okpe Union is poised to reverse this disturbing phenomenon by engaging with internal and external stakeholders to achieve this historic objective.

 

*God bless the Okpe Union.*

*God bless the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom.*

*God bless the Okpe Kingdom.*

 

 

*OKAKURO ISAACS O. ITEBU’S RESPONSE TO MY LETTER ENTITLED “AN OPEN LETTER TO THE OKPE NATION: RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE OKPE UNION AND THE OKPE NATION”*

 

By

*Prof. O. Igho Natufe,*

*President General*

*Okpe Union.*

August 23, 2022.

 

I am not going to reciprocate by addressing our revered Okakuro Isaacs O. Itebu as “one” Okakuro Isaacs O. Itebu, as he addressed me. It would be denigrating to do so, to borrow a word that featured prominently in his Rejoinder to my “Open Letter to the Okpe Nation” that he referenced. It would also be injurious to the ethics of scholarly discourse anchored on mutual respect. Okakuro Isaacs O. Itebu is our Efeyota of Okpe Kingdom.

 

Okakuro Isaacs O. Itebu is a brilliant Lawyer, one of the most senior Lawyers in Okpe Kingdom. So, I am sure that he is fully aware of the potential pitfalls in his Rejoinder. I shall draw his attention, and that of the Okpe Nation, to some of these pitfalls in this “A REJOINDER TO A REJOINDER”.

 

  1. It is interesting to note that Okakuro Itebu did not contest the position of Okpe Union that, unfortunately, our revered Okpe Monarchy, under the reign of HRM Orhue l, Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, is creeping into an absolute monarchy.
  2. Furthermore, it should be stressed that the Okpe Union, founded in 1930, and registered on the 13th of December, 1934 under the Land (Perpetual Succession) Ordinance of 1924, long before the restoration of the Throne of Orodje of Okpe Kingdom in 1945, is constitutionally and historically independent of the Udogun Okpe. Okakuro Itebu never contradicted the position that the Okpe Union is a membership organisation and that only its members through their branch delegates elect its leadership.
  3. To ”declare” patriotic Okpe nationals as ”enemies of the Orodje of Okpe and the Okpe Kingdom”, for speaking truth to power, is not a hallmark of a democratic polity but an argument for a dictatorship. This is a profiling tactic employed by regimes hostile to democratic ethos.
  4. Okakuro Itebu did not provide any convincing constitutional argument to dispute the position of Okpe Union that the decree of October 3, 2020, signed and issued by the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, purportedly dissolving the democratically elected National Executive Council (NEC) of the Okpe Union, was an illegal act that violated the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the Constitution of the Okpe Union.
  5. The Orodje of Okpe Kingdom does not possess the right and/or authority to interfere in the administration of the Okpe Union or to dissolve the democratically elected NEC of the Okpe Union.
  6. Okakuro Itebu’s defence that the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom ”didn’t at any time unilaterally dissolve the NEC of the Okpe Union” but that it ”was dissolved by the Orodje-in-Council (Okpe Supreme Council of Chiefs presided over by the Orodje of Okpe)” is a weak postulation that pathetically attempts to separate the Orodje from the Udogun Okpe.
  7. As a Lawyer, Okakuro Itebu may wish to recall the failed attempt of General Sani Abacha, the (then) Head of State, to dissolve the national executive of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). A Branch of the NBA challenged the constitutional rights of General Abacha to dissolve the national executive of the NBA and appoint its President. Okakuro Itebu is aware of the outcome of that suit against General Abacha diktat. The Orodje’s decree of October 3, 2020 is analogous to General Abacha’s action against the NBA.
  8. Okakuro Itebu severally repeated the falsehood that the NEC of Okpe Union ”denigrates” the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom in our publications, but he failed to cite any evidence to buttress this malicious allegation. In fact, we, members of the Okpe Union, are defending the virtues of the modern Okpe Monarchy by speaking truth to power, by appealing to the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom to abide by due diligence and the Rule of Law.
  9. If truth must be told, it is the position of the Okpe Union that certain members of the Okpe traditional class – Ekakuro, are the ones denigrating the Throne of the Okpe Monarchy by their pronouncements and quality of advice they render to the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom.
  10. On April 5, 2021, the (then) Chairman of the Sapele Okpe Community, Mr. Patrick Akamovba,  Okakuro Onoriode Temiagin (the current Chairman of the Sapele Okpe Community), Mr. Godwin Atose and Okakuro Godfrey Dafinone addressed a press conference to attack the democratically elected NEC of the Okpe Union. Okakuro Godfrey Dafinone declared: “The Orodje can even invoke a curse against them. They should be advised.” (For details of the press conference, please click at this link. SAPELE OKPE COMMUNITY DEBUNKS REPORT, ISSUES WARNING TO IMPOSTOR OKPE UNION GROUP —
  11. I reacted to this press conference on April 7, 2021, via “AN OPEN LETTER TO THE OKPE NATION”, where I criticized Okakuro Dafinone for his careless statement. Allow me to quote myself. I opined that the speech by Okakuro Dafinone ”raises a fundamental question about the safety of Okpe nationals that dare disagree, justifiably, with the Orodje’s decision, today or tomorrow. As a prominent Okakuro in Okpe Kingdom, his statement suggests two things: either it is the Orodje’s position which he had discussed with HRM; or it is his own advisory position to the Orodje. I do not claim to know the Orodje better than Chief Dafinone, however, I am confident that HRM Orhue I, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom that I know, will NEVER invoke a curse against Okpe nationals, irrespective of their differences. Thus, Chief Dafinone’s advisory is a dangerous postulate in the annals of Okpe History. It recalls the curse placed on the Okpe Nation by Ezezi I. It is my prayer that we are not reverting to that dark age of Okpe History. While I hold HRM, Orhue I in a very high esteem, it is extremely troubling to view the threats of “I will arrest them” and “The Orodje can even invoke a curse against them,” as the quality of advice this group of Okpe leaders and Ekakuro can render to the Orodje. This portends a retrograde path for the Okpe Nation.” Note that I was not the President General of the Okpe Union when I wrote the above referenced piece entitled: “AN OPEN LETTER TO THE OKPE NATION.”
  12. Information reaching us from reliable sources in the Palace points to dangerous opinions being articulated by certain Ekakuro vis-à-vis the democratically elected NEC of the Okpe Union.  Recently, very recently, we were informed that some Ekakuro requested the Orodje to allow them to invoke spiritual powers to deal with members of the democratically elected NEC, but that the Orodje rejected this diabolic request.
  13. We were also recently informed by a senior Okakuro that a cabal in the Palace has captured HRM, Orhue l, Orodje of Okpe Kingdom. It is our prayer that this cabal will be rendered powerless in their machinations against democracy, peace and sustainable development in Okpe Nation.
  14. We are aware of the actions of certain Ekakuro who constantly write to members of the Okpe Union threatening them that the Orodje will cause their arrest if they remain members of the Okpe Union. This is a pitiful act by a bunch of sycophants attired in Okakuro garments, who believe that is the best way for them to demonstrate their loyalty to the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom. We are sure the Orodje will not condone such sycophancy. These Ekakuro are the ones denigrating the revered Throne of the Okpe Kingdom and the Orodje.
  15. Okpe Union stands for good governance in Okpe Kingdom, Delta State and in Nigeria. Several senior Ekakuro have informed us of the dictatorial method of conducting meetings of Ekakuro at the Palace. We call for a stop to this practice.
  16. We are aware of the unscrupulous behaviour of some senior Ekakuro that demand up to 45% of the basic monthly salary of Okpe nationals they help to secure jobs in Okpe Kingdom. This may not be an armed banditry, but it is a nauseatingly shameful monthly extortion of funds from fellow Okpe nationals. These Ekakuro are the ones denigrating the revered Throne of the Okpe Kingdom and the Orodje.
  17. We are also aware of the decisions of certain Ekakuro in frustrating the employment opportunities of members of the Okpe Union on the excuse that they were acting on the advice of the Orodje. We doubt that the Orodje would authorise such a policy that denies any Okpe national access to employment in Okpe Kingdom. These are the ones denigrating the revered Throne of the Okpe Kingdom and the Orodje.
  18. Instead of ”warning” the democratically elected NEC of the Okpe Union from speaking truth to power, we invite Okakuro Itebu to warn his fellow Ekakuro from bringing disrepute to the revered Throne of the Okpe Monarchy. They are the ones denigrating the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom.

 

In conclusion, our actions and pronouncements are to maintain the autonomy of the Okpe Union and contribute to the strengthening of good governance and democratic practice in Okpe Nation and not, in any way, to denigrate our revered Orodje of Okpe Kingdom.

 

*God bless the Okpe Union!*

*God bless the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom!*

*God bless the Okpe Kingdom!*

admin
ABAVO CHRONICLE ABEJUKOKO VANGUARD ABIA REPORTERS ABIA SUN ABIGBORODO SUN ABRAKA STATESMAN ABUJA ABUJA CHRONICLE ABUJA GAZETTES ABUJA GUIDE ABUJA MORNING NEWS ABUJA NEWS ABUJA NEWSPAPERS ABUJA NOW ABUJA STAR ABUJA TELEGRAM ADAMAWA RECORD
JULIUS BERGER FACILITY WORKS DELIVERS EXCELLENT COMPLETION OF IKOYI GOLF CLUB 1938 FACILITY UPGRADE CONTRACT

JULIUS BERGER FACILITY WORKS DELIVERS EXCELLENT COMPLETION OF IKOYI GOLF CLUB 1938 FACILITY UPGRADE CONTRACT

 

. Our Golf Course now has a functional irrigation system for which we thank Julius Berger

– Club Chairman

 

Chairman of the prestigious Ikoyi Golf Club 1938 of Lagos, Mr. Ademola Mumuni has lauded the facility upgrade executed by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc saying that “for a Golf club to exist, you have to have a functional water irrigation system, the type Julius Berger has masterfully delivered for this Club. We thank you, Julius Berger for the excellent job.” He spoke yesterday at the official commissioning and handover of the upgraded facility to the Club.

 

According to him, “Julius Berger Nigeria has the professionals to do the job, and characteristically, they have delivered on the contract and also in record time.” He further said that since the ground-breaking event to tee off the works for the project last year, Club members have been much impressed with the progress of the works because they were expectant of the Julius Berger standard and its great quality to be delivered as it has indeed been done. “In the world today, every golf course must have a good irrigation system; now we have our own,” he said even as he thanked all organisations and groups that assisted in making the project such a good success.

 

The Club Captain Dr. Anthony Oboh added his voice saying, “with the upgraded facility so excellently delivered by Julius Berger, the Club can start to again plan for championships here.”

 

Present at the handing over event were officials of the Club including Chairman, Ikoyi Golf Community of Nigeria Association, IGCNA, Chief Felix Majekodunmi, Vice-Captain, Mr. Wahab Sarunmi, Trustee IGCNA, Mr. Ayinde Sani and the General Manager, Ikoyi Club, Mr. Babatunde Orungbeja. Representing the contractor was Engr. Amina Dottie.

 

Julius Berger Nigeria Plc is Nigeria’s leading engineering construction brand, which offers holistic integrated construction solutions and related services including Facility Management.

 

The Julius Berger Lagos Facility Works is the Lagos-based operational arm of the larger Julius Berger Facility Management Works, which also have an operational arm located at the company’s Region Central North with its hub in Abuja.  The Julius Berger Facility Works operate on the impeccable corporate core values of best quality, safety, integrity, compliance, partnership and innovation all of which have become definitive of the company’s matchless technical expertise and excellence in the implementation of state-of-the-art methods and technologies.

 

Julius Berger Facility Works says, “…we are committed to providing a conducive environment to enable our clients achieve their overall goals through the provision of excellent and sustainable facility management from one single source, using world-class innovations, technology, skilled personnel and global best practices to ensure the functionality, comfort, safety, durability, sustainability and efficiency of a property”.

 

With affirmative International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification and with a proven record of project accomplishment and delivery, Julius Berger Facility Works’ Quality Management Systems are well equipped to satisfy the customers’ needs. Julius Berger Facility Works focuses majorly on the provision of hard and soft services for buildings and building systems, energy management models, refurbishment and upgrade of buildings and ancillary services, facility management consultancy services to corporate organizations and private clients with net worth real estate assets.

 

The qualitative and reliably professional Julius Berger badge of competence, technical edge and robustly integrated logistical systems assures high quality service delivery to all clients while ensuring minimum total life cycle cost and value retention of an asset to the owner.

admin
ABAVO CHRONICLE ABEJUKOKO VANGUARD ABIA REPORTERS ABIA SUN ABIGBORODO SUN ABRAKA STATESMAN ABUJA
ALLEGED UNLAWFUL INTERFERENCE OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IN THE OPERATIONS OF THE NIGER DELTA DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (NDDC): LAWYERS DRAGS BUHARI MALAMI UMANA TO COURT

ALLEGED UNLAWFUL INTERFERENCE OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IN THE OPERATIONS OF THE NIGER DELTA DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (NDDC): LAWYERS DRAGS BUHARI, MALAMI, UMANA TO COURT

ALLEGED UNLAWFUL INTERFERENCE OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IN THE OPERATIONS OF THE NIGER DELTA DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (NDDC): LAWYERS DRAGS BUHARI, MALAMI, UMANA TO COURT

An Abuja-based lawyer, Oladimeji Ekengba, has dragged the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), before a Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the alleged unlawful interference of the Federal Government in the operations of the Niger Delta Development Commission.

Other respondents in the suit are the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN); and the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Umana Umana.

At the centre of the alleged undue interference in the suit is the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, who is alleged to have unlawfully assumed the position of the Managing Director of the NDDC in the running of the affairs of the commission, contrary to the positions of the law.

A copy of the court processes was obtained by journalists in Abuja on Monday.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1458/2022, the plaintiff, who is an indigene of Imo State, is praying for an order of the court restraining the defendants from further interfering in the activities of the commission.

Specifically, the plaintiff wants the court to bar Umana from further acting as NDDC’s MD or interfering with the NDDC’s operations since he has no power under any law to do so.

Ekengba is also seeking a declaration that, by virtue of Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution and Section 2 of the NDDC’s Act, 2000, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, and the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, not being part of the persons mentioned in Section 2 of the NDDC’s Act, cannot interfere or usurp the powers of the board and management of the commission without an amendment to the NDDC’s Act by the National Assembly.

 

He also applied for a declaration that the interference and intervention of the Niger Delta Minister, the Ministry, and the Permanent Secretary in the affairs of the commission is contrary and in breach of Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution and Section 2 of the NDDC’s Act and that any purported acts done by them are unconstitutional, illegal, null and void and should be set aside.

The suit instituted on August 19, 2022 by the plaintiff also sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, the Ministry, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry from interfering, usurping, controlling, or issuing directives to the management and workers, and intervening in the affairs of the commission.

In a 16-paragraph affidavit in support of the originating summons, the plaintiff, who claimed to be an environmental rights activist and a legal practitioner as well as an indigene, asserted that he was being affected by the alleged unlawful interference of the Minister in the operations of the commission.

He further claimed that Buhari, as Nigeria’s President, who swore to uphold the provisions and tenets of the 1999 Constitution, is under obligation to ensure the enforcement and compliance with all Acts of the National Assembly, including that of the NDDC.

Meanwhile, no date has been fixed for a hearing in the suit.

 

 

 

Our successes in Lagos, Borno show we’ll hit the ground running immediately, Shettima says at NBA conference

Nigerians should be sure of getting experienced leaders who will hit the ground running immediately from 29 May 2023, vice-presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress Kashim Shettima has said.

Shettima said this while representing the party’s presidential flagbearer Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Bar Association in Lagos on Monday.

According to a statement by the Director of Media and Publicity of the APC Presidential Campaign Council Bayo Onanuga, the achievements of the party in Lagos, Borno and other states will be replicated across the country by Tinubu and Shettima.

The former Borno State governor said despite the war situation in the North East, his time in charge witnessed a tremendous improvement in education in the state.

He said: “Nigerians have the capability to see through the worn-out rhetoric and sophistry of pretentious politicians.”

“Nigerians should follow the man who knows the road. From day one, we will hit the ground running. We’ll promptly address the issue of the economy, ecology, and security.

“And we have the antecedents. I built some of the best schools in Nigeria. Go to Borno and see wonders; you will never believe that it is a state in a state of war.

“So, we are going to replicate our achievements in Lagos, in Borno and some of the frontline states so that our nation will be a better place.

“The fundamental issue is pure leadership,” he said.

Bayo Onanuga

Director, Media & Publicity

August 22, 2022

 

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI CONGRATULATES NIGERIAN STUDENT, NOEL IFEANYI ALUMONA, ON WINNING AFS AWARD IN UNITED STATES

President Muhammadu Buhari applauds Nigerian student, Noel Ifeanyi Alumona, who won the 2022 AFS Award for Young Global Citizens, and became the first African to win the prize since its inception in 1914.

The award was presented to the Nigerian student during the International Youth Day organized by the United Nations Global Communications Department, the AFS Intercultural Programs and The Youth Assembly at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

President Buhari notes the responsiveness, kindness and sacrificial spirit of the Nigerian student, who is studying Special Education in Vanderbilt University, United States, and has already established foundations to cater for the needs of physically challenged, vulnerable and less privileged.

The President extols Alumona for his outstanding character and dedication to helping others, particularly for attracting global spotlight to Nigeria, in recognition of his vigorous campaign to end violence against women and girls through proper orientation of boys on responsible behaviour.

President Buhari affirms that the student, who is an Obama Foundation Fellow, United States Institute of Peace Fellow, and United Nations Youth Assembly Delegate, is on the right side of history, channelling his energy to encouraging and supporting others, and creating a framework for charity.

The President prays that the Almighty God will continue to lead, guide and grant Alumona wisdom to serve his country and humanity.

Femi Adesina

Special adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

August 22, 2022

 

 

22 August 2022

Master of Meditation, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar charges Nigerians to pursue peace at Culture Festival 2022 

Global Peace Ambassador and founder, Art of Living Foundation, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar emphasised the need for Nigerians to key into the principles of love in order to achieve national unity and harmonious society. This, he said at the Culture Festival 2022 which was held on Sunday 21 August at Eko Hotel & Suites, VI, Lagos.

The Festival opened with awe-inspiring performances from local and international artists including the Drum Ensemble, Syrian Dancers and the National Troupe. This was followed by a wholesome session of deep meditation led by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

Following the relaxing session of meditation, Gurudev addressed questions fielded by attendees, during which he stressed upon love and meditation as key components of achieving a harmonious society and peace within oneself.

“I tell you, deep inside you is a fountain of bliss, a fountain of joy. Deep inside your center core is truth, light, and love, there is no guilt, and there is no fear. Psychologists have never looked deep enough,” Gurudev Sri Sri Ravishankar said on the power of meditation.

“When celebration comes from a place of enthusiasm and joy, it can uplift and unite all around us, bringing freedom from our traumatic past and sparking hope for the future. This type of celebration is service. It is sacred. Turn your celebration into a sacred offering for society,” Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar told attendees.

One of the distinguished guests at the event, former president of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, in his remarks, urged Nigerians to embrace love and community. “Two words that cannot be separated – Love and Peace. Where there is love, there is peace. Where there is peace, there is love, prosperity, happiness, discipline… If you want to live a good life, you must live a disciplined life and a life of love,” he said.

Other dignitaries who delivered goodwill messages at the festival included the Ooni of Ife, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ọjájá II); founder Centre for Values in Leadership, Professor Pat Utomi; Director, Art of Living Nigeria, Akshay Jain, amongst others.

Kaffy, Lovn, Timi Dakolo, Naomi Mac, Esther Benyeogo, Dare Art Alade, Waje and Brymo delivered memorable performances at the Festival.

Themed Vibrant Africa: The Rising Rhythm, the Festival aimed to build a compassionate and harmonious society by bringing the people of Nigeria together in celebration through song, dance, meditation, and dialogue. The event featured over 3,500 attendees who shared and explored their rich cultural diversity while honouring the underlying spirit that connects us all as one global family. The Culture Festival 2022 served as the crescendo of a packed three-day event specially designed to cater to various sectors of society.

The Culture Festival 2022 was hosted by Art of Living Nigeria.

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

LAGOS GOVT TAKES HEADIES ON GLOBAL STAGE, SUPPORTS NIGERIAN MUSIC AWARD

…‘Music industry at powerful turning point’ – Kenny Ogungbe

…Sanwo-Olu celebrates award nominees, pledges more backing for creatives

Creative sector has welcomed a new content promoter into its fold. The Lagos State Government marked its debut as a major backer of the music industry, sealing a partnership with the Headies – a foremost Nigerian award.

Lagos Government will be supporting the 15th Headies award, where local musical artistes, producers, DJs, music video directors and song writers will be rewarded for their talents and creativity.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will be attending the event coming up next month in Atlanta, State of Georgia in the United States of America (U.S.A).

Lagos State became the first Government entity to support the Headies, an academy award modelled after the U.S. Grammy award.

The industry’s veterans and practitioners could not hide their excitement at the development when they gathered for a pre-award event tagged “Lagos Constellation of Stars”, organised by the State Government and Headies to celebrate 2022 award nominees.

A veteran music producer, Kenny Ogungbe, described the Lagos State Government’s intervention as a “powerful turning point” for the industry, noting that the development could potentially leap many local talents to the world stage.

Ogungbe, co-founder of Kennis Music, observed that many record label owners had laboured to invest their personal resources to produce most of the contemporary songs creating positive image for Nigeria across the world, stressing that the intervention initiated by the Lagos Government would go a long way in supporting young producers to turn out more talents.

“Kennis Music has produced over 80 musical albums that have nothing less than 12 tracks each; these works were produced from our sweat. We never had the opportunity of support from any Government. Now that we have a reasonable Government that believes in the future of youths and their talents coming to support creative young people, this is a powerful turning point for the music industry,” Ogungbe said.

Chief Executive Officer of Smooth Promotions Media and founder of Headies award, Ayo Animashaun, celebrated what he called “defining moment”, applauding Sanwo-Olu for initiating the intervention.

Animashaun said it was the first time a Government would deem it important to lend large-scale support to talents in the creative industry, stressing that the intervention should not be seen as a political move.

He said: “If we have a Governor in the whole of Nigeria partnering with us and giving assurance of the Government’s support to what we do, this should be seen beyond partisan politics.”

Animashaun said for the 2022 Headies award to hit the target success level envisioned, there was a need for decision and policymakers to buy into the event and support it.

“We are going to Atlanta with a lot of people; we will need some form of protection for the participants. It is only when there is cordial diplomatic relationship between Governments that this can happen,” the Headies founder said.

He added: “This intervention is not just about the Headies, it is about the whole of the creative industry. We should be proud of the progress we have made but there is a lot to achieve when the system supports our work. There are many talents who need to be shown to the world at the global stage.

“If these young Nigerian stars who will be attending the Headies award in Atlanta are accepted by the global audience, we would have exported products that the world would continue to demand and this would translate to growth of our GDP, because those artistes would not just be famous, they would also be making money that would go into our economy.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu said the intervention was a genuine move by his administration to boost the output and capacity in the creative sector, stressing that development of the Entertainment and Tourism sector was a key pillar of his Government’s agenda.

The Governor noted that the Headies was not the first to be supported in the entertainment industry, pointing out that his Government had collaborated with entertainment firms to train talents and build their capacity in the whole gamut of the industry value chain, including script writers, film directors and artists.

The benefiting youths, Sanwo-Olu said, were trained in industry-specific capability by world-class professionals, while the Government offset the costs of training and tuition.

The Governor said: “It is not something we have just created today; creating a thriving business for creatives in our entertainment industry is something that has been part of our economic agenda as Government from the outset. We are excited to be collaborating with the practitioners in the creative community to discover more talents and export not only our culture, but also our music.

“Headies Award is like the Grammy’s Award of Africa. It is local flavor going global, given the location the event will be held in the next couple of days. It is strategic for us to support the initiative. Our artistes and entertainment stars are being taken out of the country to Atlanta, where they will have larger platforms to further show the rich culture and values Lagos represents.”

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

22 AUGUST 2022

 

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

SANWO-OLU TO NDIGBO: LET’S REMAIN UNITED FOR PEACE, POLITICAL STABILITY IN LAGOS.

 

  • Ohanaeze Leaders Restate Commitment to Governor’s Re-Election, Tinubu’s Presidency

 

  • Say Anything Outside APC Is a Waste of Votes

 

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged residents of the State to continuously ensure that Lagos remains politically stable for continuous peace, which the state currently enjoys as the most peaceful state in Nigeria.

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu made the appeal on Sunday during his meeting with leaders of the Lagos State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo led by its President, Chief Solomon Ogbonna, and Ohanaeze Political Forum led by its Chairman, Chief Chris Ekwilo, at the Lagos House, Marina.

 

He said the 2023 general elections for Lagos residents, especially the Igbo people should be about who has their best interest of the nation at heart, a person, who over the years has created opportunities without consideration for tribal interests and who has given a genuine platform for people to thrive, live and work well.

 

“There is no part of this State that one form of development is not happening. We will continue to push development in every nook and cranny of the state. This is the most peaceful state in the country. We spent so much on security to keep all of us saved on a daily basis. So, if people now come and want to divide us, we shouldn’t let that happen.

 

“We all have a responsibility to continue to ensure that Lagos continues to remain politically stable for all of us so that we can continue to enjoy the peace that we are all experiencing. All the things we are doing are natural for us to do because God has created us to make life better for our fellow human beings.

 

“Don’t let us begin to divide what has held us. Let us be careful and let our people know that what is holding us together is bigger than wanting to divide us. For me, it is not just about coming back; it is just because we want the development to continue in Lagos. We will do our best. We will convince and carry everybody along and make sure we give everybody a space. Don’t change something that is good and working,” he advised.

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu also commended the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos State, saying Ogbonna is passionate about his kinsmen and the welfare of the Ndigbo in the State.

 

Speaking at the event, Ogbonna commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his support for the Ndigbo in Lagos State and assured the governor that Igbo will support his second term because he has fulfilled all the campaign promises he made in 2019 to the Igbo in Lagos State.

 

He said: “I want to commend Governor Sanwo-Olu for his support for Igbo people in Lagos State. He has fulfilled all the campaign promises he made in 2019 to Igbo in Lagos. So, we must support him and APC. If we have a governor of APC in Lagos and the same party at the federal level, it will be in the interest of the Igbo people.

 

“Our PVCs will give us the voting strength in APC. We will support Sanwo-Olu’s second term in Lagos because Sanwo-Olu is extraordinary. In 2023 elections, we will support Sanwo-Olu for second term and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for president.”

 

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Ohanaeze Political Forum, Chris Ekwilo, who described Governor Sanwo-Olu as ‘best among equals’ said Igbo people will work for the victory of Asiwaju Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu in next year’s elections, noting that anything outside APC is wasted votes.

 

“We are doing everything possible to convince our people in Lagos that anything outside APC is a waste of votes. And because of the critical elections, we are facing, we have collapsed all the political groups of Ndigbo in Lagos APC into Ohanaeze Political Forum. We are going to join forces with the Ohanaeze chairman to reach out to our people in Lagos. Sanwo-Olu’s second term is a done deal,” he said.

 

Ekwilo also appreciated Governor Sanwo-Olu’s support for Igbo people in Lagos State through the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, especially the assistance he rendered to them during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing a lot of relief materials to cushion the effect of the pandemic on the people.

 

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

22 AUGUST 2022

 

 

Open Letter To Gov Wike (1)

 

What Did Rivers PDP Elders Do? 

 

It appears there is no more love lost between Your Excellency, Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, GSSRS, Executive Governor of Rivers and the erstwhile great Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) family in the state, the PDP elders in particular.

 

Though you have remained unusually taciturn since after the PDP presidential primary election which you fought gallantly but narrowly lost, it could not be hidden that you were not happy with the outcome of that election.

 

A pointer to that was your address to Rivers people on your arrival from Abuja after the ill-fated primary election.

 

You readily blamed the failure to clinch the coveted presidential ticket on betrayal by certain persons even from our dear south-south zone but you rarely mentioned names.

 

Your Excellency, every other Riversman including the elders of the party in the state was as pained and aggrieved on the outcome of the primary election.

 

We are however, taken aback by your recent outburst over the primary election, using every possible opportunity and available forum to berate those you allege were responsible for the turn-around of events in your quest to contest the presidential election on the platform of the PDP and later to become the vice presidential candidate.

 

More shocking is the extreme localization of the issue whereby Your Excellency seem to have singled out the Elders of the party in the state for underserved persecution.

 

Your Excellency have accused some of the Elders of the party in the state of ganging up against you simply because they did not scale through the primary to be the governorship candidate of the PDP in the state.

 

You further alleged that some of them have relocated to Abuja, gossiping you to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and plotting against you. You are yet to disclose what they are plotting against you for since you are serving out and not contesting any election.

 

In a feat of anger, Your Excellency recently made some sweeping changes in some of the party wards across the state, demoting some and elevating some of the Ward and Local Government Area Leaders, a move many have described as too extreme and authoritarian and seemingly so.

 

May be, you drew your conclusion from the visit to the PDP presidential candidate, Alh. Atiku Abubakar by some party Elders from the state. Prior to that visit, Alh. Atiku Abubakar and other PDP chieftains had visited the state to see and confer with Your Excellency severally.

 

The PDP Elders in the state are also stakeholders of the party in Nigeria. They are well known and respected as senior citizens of this country and have the freedom of movement and association as of fundamental right.

 

Most importantly, at no time had Your Excellency met with them or instructed them on who to consult or relate with which of course, could be unwise ‘to do so’.

 

Your Excellency, we must not lose sight of, or forget so soon the various roles played and still playing by these PDP Elders in the stability of the PDP as a ruling party in the state which has all of a sudden become a beehive for your erstwhile political detractors and critics.

 

Today, the PDP in the state is a party to join, some trooping in to partake in the largesse and stupendous spending being doled out to woo them while the real stakeholders who staked their lives are out there in the cold languishing in hunger and frustration.

 

Your Excellency, with due respect, this to us, is not how to appreciate and reward hard work and undiluted support such that you have received all these years from the persecuted PDP Elders.

 

The question that agitates the mind therefore, is what sin did the PDP Elders commit by visiting Alh. Atiku Abubakar whether to broker peace between their angry Governor and the PDP presidential candidate or to express their solidarity as Elders of the party from Rivers State.

 

How does this visit amount to, and indeed surpass all the blackmail, name calling, sabortage and defamation of character of Your Excellency by those who now dine and wine with you in the name of decampees with millions of Dollars to compensate for their insults. What an irony of fate?

 

Your Excellency, perhaps, it is instructive to refer you to one of the statements of Rev. Monsignor Pius Kii while delivering the sermon during the 74th Birthday Anniversary of Sir Dr Peter Odili on August 15, 2022.

 

According to him, “Growing up, children are for the most part dependent on parents in many ramifications. When a parent trains, nurtures and empowers a child in such a measure and manner to be able to give something of real worth to the parents subsequently, it confers on the child dignity and self-worth like no other, it provides the child with the dignity to answer love with love. It is a way of expressing thanks to parents who brought him/her into being and sheltered him or her from harm”.

 

By extrapolation therefore, it is expected that Your Excellency have a retrospect into the recent past and contemplate how the present place of the PDP in the Rivers State was made possible, and say without fear of castigation if the treatment being meted on the party Elders is right and justified.

 

Still drawing from that all illuminating homily, “Humility is the essence of royalty. Failure to remember this can be very dangerous as it were”.

 

Your Excellency, wisdom tells us that we are all called on, to be leaders and followers, the two concepts being of the same process and not opposites.

 

Leaders and followers, and in this case the Elders inclusive, must sit around the same table, engaged in the same task, asking same question: how, together, can we lift one another?

 

The current ostracization of the PDP Elders from their collective property (administration) and partaker in the proceeds for whatever reason is a negation of this natural justice and has the potential to destroy the hard earned party victory in the state if not now, definitely in no distant time.

 

The earlier therefore Your Excellency retrace your step and accord the respect and honour to whom honour is due (the Elders), the better and happier for all.

 

We must not allow the ‘defections of the enemies yesterday and friends today’ into the house built by persecuted Elders to delude us into self-destruction for the heart is deceptive.

 

The election that brought the party to power in the state was collectively won with immeasurable contributions from all, especially the party Elders who now appear to be on trial.

 

A good leader is not only a manager of material resources. He should also be able to manage humans with whom he works no matter their differences.

 

A word they say is enough for the wise.

 

Please Your Excellency, watch out for part 2 of this open letter.

 

Long live Rivers State

 

Long live PDP, Rivers State Chapter

 

 

Signed

 

 

Dr John B. Amadi

 

Spokesman

 

Concerned PDP Supporters, Rivers State Chapter

 

WE’VE COLLAPSED OTHER PARTIES INTO PDP IN RIVERS – WIKE

Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike says more politicians in the State are renouncing membership of their political parties in droves and joining the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

They are doing so, he enthused, because they are delighted at ongoing infrastructural development by his administration and they believed the PDP is a better party to associate with.

Governor Wike spoke on Thursday at the flag-off of the 11th flyover project, which was performed by former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, at the Rumuola- Ikwerre Road-Rumuokwuta Roundabout in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.

The Rivers State governor explained that the ongoing collapse of the membership strength of other political parties in the State is definitely an electoral advantage for the PDP.

“We have collapsed every other party. Every day people from All Progressives Congress (APC) are joining our party. We are here doing that and some people are in Abuja; ask them how many persons have they brought to the party.

“It’s not to say I’m supporting our candidate. How many people have you brought to help your candidate. We are here everyday bringing people to join our party and you are there following your candidate from Abuja to Adamawa. Is it there you’ll win the votes? Come back home.”

Governor Wike stressed that Rivers State is too strategic politically to be ignored by any serious minded politician who wants to win election.

He stated the futility of the claims by those who professed that they know the PDP presidential candidate, yet they are not at home where votes can be mobilised to secure electoral victory.

“This Local Government alone, Obio Akpor, where I come from, we registered not less than 600 thousand voters. This local government beats two States in their electoral strength.

“So, we are not a state that you can take for granted, not to talk about the Local Government where I come from.

” I believe that they must know us here because we have what it takes to deliver. They must come and know us. I’m not going to find anybody. You must come here. You can’t take 600 and something thousand votes away from my local government. You can’t take 3.2million votes from my State just like that.”

Governor Wike emphasised that the days are gone when supporters and electorate offer their votes and do nothing in return.

“If we were father Christmas before, we won’t be father Christmas again? You must tell me what is there for me if I should vote. So, nobody should bother himself. At the appropriate time we will talk to our people and our people will understand.

“If you say we don’t exist, we will tell you that you don’t exits. I am not a son to anybody. I am a son of Rivers State. I am working to attract what will benefit Rivers State.”

Governor Wike said the infrastructural projects are evidences of how Rivers money has been expended by his administration to solving critical socioeconomic problems.

He noted that the 12 flyovers, in the next three years, would be more appreciated because they will sufficiently address traffic related problems.

Governor Wike explained that everything has been done to ensure that funds are available so that every project started by his administration is not abandoned but completed.

“As at yesterday (Wednesday), I have released the money for the compensation of every property that will be affected here.

“We have paid for the relocation of the electric poles and property from Mgbuoba to Ozuoba. We have paid for the relocation of electric poles and property on Azikwe-Iloabuchi Road. So, the total compensation we have paid is N4.3b.

The governor also informed that Julius Berger Nigeria PLC has started, in July, the deduction of N2b from the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) account of the State, and would do so for the next 10 months, to execute the 11th and 12th flyovers.

He also explained that 80% of the contract sum has been paid to Julius Berger Nigeria PLC for the Azikwe-Iloabuchi Road construction.

Governor Wike emphasised that his administration is determined to complete the Andoni section of the Ogoni-Opobo-Andoni Unity road and has charged the contractor to expedite work.

“Andoni must get road before I go there to campaign. I have told the contractor, Opobo has gotten road, Andoni people must drive by road before the administration ends.

“The Trans-Kalabari road, we have paid 100%, that is over N13b we have paid and I believe by the grace of God, by this September, the first phase of Trans-Kalabari road will be completed.

“The one of Bori to Kono that CCECC is doing, which we have paid over N14b and finished paying.”

Performing the flag-off, former governor of Cross River, Donald Duke said the leadership capacity demonstrated by governor Wike assures that there is hope for Nigeria.

Duke commended Governor Wike for executing projects, particularly the flyovers that have made Port Harcourt livable city.

He also noted the medical succour the Dr. Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiologist Disease Diagnostic Centre would offer cancer patients, because of the terminal nature of the disease.

Providing a description of the project, Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Dr. Dakorinama George-Kelly said the 11th flyover is 1007.5 meters long, stretching from the Ebony junction on Rumola road to the Seventh Day Adventist church on Ikwerre road.

 

GOV AKEREDOLU: NO RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION IN ONDO

  • We’ll Never Forget Akeredolu – Muslims

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has said there is no religious discrimination in the State.

The Governor noted that religious tolerance is rooted in Ondo State, adding that both Christians and Muslims as well as traditionalists are given equal treatment in the Sunshine State.

This is even as Muslims in the State declared that the administration of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, will never be forgotten in the history of the State.

Arakunrin Akeredolu, who spoke at the Housewarming Ceremony of Albarka Lodge built by the Grand Imam of Akure, Sheikh Abdul-Hakeem Yayi Akorede, said the religious tolerance in the State is largely responsible for the peaceful co-existence of the various religious leaders in the State.

He congratulated Sheikh Akorede and commended him for toeing his father’s path in principle and action.

In a brief lecture, Imam AbdulRafiu Ajiboye Lagbaji said the administration of Governor Akeredolu has benefited both Muslims and Christians.

He noted that Governor Akeredolu has shown love and commitment to the Muslim community, adding that the Mosque built at the Government House premises by the Governor has continued to bring joy and satisfaction to the Muslims in the State.

The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Members of the State Executive Council led by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu; Muslim Clerics and other important dignitaries.

Richard Olatunde

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.

August 20, 2022.

 

 

 

August 22, 2022

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE USE

 

GROUP TASKS LIRS ON WHISTLE-BLOWER INITIATIVE; HAILS SUBAIR-LED MANAGEMENT ON STAFF WELFARE

A civil society organisation, Vanguard for Transparency and Accountability, has described the recently launched Whistle-Blower Initiative of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, as an exemplary boost to the anti-corruption crusade, as it lauded the Ayodele Subair-led LIRS management for sustaining its pace-setting records in tax management reforms in Nigeria.

The President of the anti-corruption crusade group, Paulycap Nnabuogor, said in a press statement, that the initiative which subjects the operations of LIRS to public scrutiny, will promote openness, accountability and ultimately enhance citizens’ participation in governance, boosting their trust in the activities of a sensitive agency of government.

Nnabuogor said the anti-corruption group is convinced that the initiative is targeted at strengthening and re-invigorating frontiers in the fight against fraud and corruption and puts both the management and the staff of the agency on their toes to deliver their statutory roles in compliance with the global best practices.

He said, “We are not particularly surprised that the Lagos State government chose the LIRS as a pilot scheme for its Speak Up programme because of the reforms the Subair-led management of the revenue agency had carried out internally to boost its operations and enhance the capacity of its workforce. Undoubtedly, this initiative shows that the activities of civil society organisations like ours are beginning to bear fruit and Nigeria is the ultimate winner.

“Before the birth of the Whistle-Blower Initiative, we were aware of the efforts of the LIRS management to promote accountability within the system and the importance Subair particularly attached to the welfare of his staff. Our findings show that the LIRS maintained the payment of performance allowances to the staff, and doesn’t joke with the prompt release of other pay including wardrobe allowances, particularly to the staff at both the legal and relationships units all geared towards enhancement of performance.

“More so, we found out that the decision to introduce a computer-based test for promotion, which is handled by independent assessors, has encouraged high-fliers within the system to grow rapidly and underlined why the agency has maintained its status as the best-performing tax collecting board in the country. Subair’s Award of Recognition by the Joint Tax Board of Nigeria is a testimony of his achievements as the agency has always met its revenue target even during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Meanwhile, Subair restated the commitment of the LIRS management to the welfare of its staff, strengthened by the belief that a motivated workforce will lead to greater productivity.

He said.” We take our workforce’s welfare and career development as a key metric in our journey to consistently deliver our statutory role as a revenue agency.  In 2019, we approved a 70% salary increase for staff from Assistant Revenue Manager and below, and a 50% increase for Revenue Manager and above. This is the most significant salary review in the Agency to date. A total of 3,608 members of staff were promoted between 2017 to 2021 and all our staff do not pay for standard medical services.

“We also ensure that performance bonuses are paid to all staff, based on clearly defined and documented processes while Union dues are remitted timely and correctly with all  other statutory deductions such as pensions.”

He added that the consequential adjustment of salaries has been agreed upon in principle and payment modalities are currently being worked out by management, stressing that all are geared toward ensuring that the agency serves the people of Lagos State effectively.

 

Signed:

Monsurat Amasa,

Head, Corporate Communications

 

 

 

 

Nigeria needs bridge-builders to unite the nation – Okowa

 

Governor of Delta and Vice-Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa says Nigeria needs men and women of goodwill who will see the various parts of the country as one in order to unite the nation.

 

He said that the nation was in dire need of leaders who would see the strength in the nation’s diversity rather than using it to divide the country.

 

Okowa made the call on Monday when he received on courtesy visit, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, and His Majesty, Dr. Benjamin Ikenchukwu, Keagborekuzi I, the Dein of Agbor Kingdom at Government House, Asaba.

 

He said the visit of the Kano monarch to Delta was the kind of relationship that would help unite and bring peace to the nation and called on Nigerians to see themselves as brothers irrespective of the diversity.

 

“I welcome you on behalf of the government and people of Delta State and I want to thank God that you truly found time to visit us.

 

“We are truly very excited that you found time to be in Delta to pay a condolence visit to our brother, Prince Nduka Obaigbena and also visit the Olu of Warri on his first coronation anniversary.

 

“This is actually the kind of relationship we look forward to in our nation, Nigeria. A relationship that builds bridges across this nation and makes us realise that we are one people in this nation.

 

“We are very thankful for this visit because there is a need to build this bond of unity in this nation and we must truly thank you for the roles you have played in our nation Nigeria because, I know that you are a very very influential royal father in this nation,” he said.

 

He called for the harnessing of the experience and wisdom of traditional rulers in the country by creating statutory roles for them in view of their contributions to the growth and development of society.

 

“I am one of those who believe that our royal fathers need to be assigned even greater roles in the governance of this nation because they have a very important role to play in terms of keeping our people closely knit together.

 

“And if we are to find solutions to the challenges we have at the moment, we definitely need to have a working pact with royal fathers in this nation because, beyond being the custodians of traditions of our people, God has placed it on them to be able to pull the people together.

 

“So, working closely with our royal fathers will definitely help us in solving the problems of insecurity that we are faced with in our nation today.

 

“We look forward to a Nigeria in which we continue to see our nation as ours. Unfortunately, there are many voices that tend to divide us and we hope that in the next few years, we are able to change this narrative,” the governor added.

 

Okowa said he believed in the unity of the nation, saying “Nigeria is stronger together and I do believe that when we learn to love ourselves and work together in the best interest of each and everyone of us, then it would be better for us.

 

“When we begin to realise this, l am sure that we will build a much better country. It is our hope that our royal fathers will take up the challenge to begin to build the voices of hope.

 

“Because it is not good when the voices of anger tend to dominate the nation. There are many challenges right now but those of us in government cannot solve these problems alone.

 

“So, it is our hope that we work together with our royal fathers to provide the solutions to these problems. I believe that these problems can be addressed. It may take time but Nigerians must all agree that we must collectively work together.

 

“As we look forward to that, we believe that collective governance and the need to devolve power to the sub-national government like the state and also find prominent roles for the traditional institutions to play in the course of governance, proper management of resources; would all help to rebuild the cracks we have in Nigeria today.”

 

The Delta Governor further expressed concern over the continued ASUU strike saying that it portends grave danger for the educational development of the country.

 

“We are now beginning to hear that JAMB and the Universities are likely to face issues because of the over six months ASUU strike. If it extends into the seventh month, the implication is that those that would ordinarily have been admitted, would not find space in the Universities because the old students need to move up for the new ones to come in.

 

“So, this could be a major problem for the universities. However, in the state, we have four Universities now and they are all fully in session.

 

“We need to give priority to education, which will help to develop the minds of our people and when that is done, it becomes easier for them to have a clear understanding of what they have to do for a greater future,” he stated.

 

Earlier, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, said his visit to the state was to cement the age-long relationship between Kano and Delta State.

 

“It is a pleasure for me to be in Delta. This is a special visit and we pray God will continue to guide and bless you as Governor and Vice-Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

 

“This visit is to develop the special relationship that exists between Kano and Delta States. Be rest assured of our support and prayers of success in your political career.

 

“Let us believe in ourselves and be honest with each other and if we take that into consideration, we all know that the differences between us are less than what we share together.

 

“The talks of disunity in our nation today is something we can sit down and talk about because we have done it before and we succeeded.

 

“As a traditional institution, we believe that the government cannot be blamed for everything because everyone has a role to play and I believe that with the right leadership, things will get better,” the Emir of Kano said.

 

On 2023 campaigns, the monarch urged politicians to encourage their followers to be of good behaviour while urging the people to go for what is good in the interest of the nation.

 

 

Niger Delta leaders task Buhari, Umana on NDDC Board

 

Notable leaders in the Niger Delta on Sunday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to accept the need for a new board for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

 

‘’The board is needed to assure the nine states interests in the region’s development process’’

 

The leaders in a statement in Port Harcourt urged the president not to dally with the Niger Delta problem.

 

‘’Fundamental to the forensic audit report is the question of implementation. The evidence so far is that the Federal Government is not rising to the occasion admirably’’

 

The statement signed by the Chairman of Niger Delta Front (NDF), Chief John Harry, suggested that if Buhari cared so much about developing the region and making the government wide-ranging, he should quickly constitute a new board for the commission.

 

‘’The Niger Delta people have suffered in silence from the hardship deriving from the advice of interim committee promoters’’

 

The leaders commended the Federal Government for the forensic audit, the advantage being that the people of the region has been galvanised into lending full support to President Buhari in his campaign to curtail corruption in the region’s development agency.

 

‘’Three issues likely to have negative effects on government plans for the region are the personnel audit, delay in constituting a new board and moves to put in place another interim committee to run the commission’’

 

They described the ploy to constitute another interim committee as impractical and unnecessary.

 

‘’It is a matter of sorrow and regret to see a man or woman betray his region and people. The proposed interim committee will not only make NDDC a weak but scrappy agency’’

 

Specifically, the leaders referred disdainfully to individuals and groups urging Buhari not to constitute the commission’s board.

 

‘’In order to avoid a repetition of our recent past experience whereby government engaged in all sorts of interim strategies, the commission’s board should be constituted’’

 

The leaders expressively proclaimed sympathy for the workers, describing the proposed personnel audit as a moment of total aberration.

 

‘’For purposes of implementing the personnel audit, the agenda will present enormous problems’’

 

The statement called for rapid departure from past concepts.

 

The leaders commended the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Umana Okon Umana for his largeness of vision.

 

They also applauded NDDC Sole Administrator, Mr Effiong Akwa for playing his part creditably.

 

The statement underscored the people’s unexpected qualities of endurance, the fear of dismissal and Umana’s energy, knowledge and dedication to public service.

 

‘’We must act, and act quickly. We have to plan our way out from this mud hole and that must be done by the Commission’s board’’ the men and women of intellectual and financial abilities said.

 

 

INAUGURATION OF NIGERIA END MALARIA COUNCIL (NEMC) BY PRESIDENT BUHARI; GOOD BUT ANOTHER WILD GOOSE CHASE

 

FOCUS ON VECTOR CONTROL, LARVAE SOURCE MANAGEMENT THROUGH PROPER WATER MANAGEMENT, MODERN DRAINAGE CONSTRUCTION AND WASTE MANAGEMENT TO END MALARIA IN NIGERIA.

 

The #EndMalariaInNigeria received with mixed feeling news of the inauguration of Nigeria End Malaria Council by President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday 17th August 2022 in Abuja.

The President told the 16 member Council headed by the founder and President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote that beyond improving the quality of life, health and well-being of Nigerians, the concerted strategy to tackle malaria had both public health as well as socio-economic benefits for Nigeria.

Nigeria records the highest Malaria case and Mortality Globally and has continued to cause preventable loss of human lives, especially pregnant women and children.

In 1998, Four International Organizations united to Roll Back Malaria. They include World Bank, UNICEF, UNDP and WHO. Despite the Millions of Dollar invested, the project was a failure and Malaria continue to take millions of lives annually.

The National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP) is domiciled in the National Malaria and Vector Control Division in the Department of Public Health of the Federal Ministry of Health, yet the purpose of establishing this body is farfetched from achieving its goal.

It’s our view that constituting such council of business men and women is to continue to make business out of Malaria.

Malaria is transmitted by the female Anopheles Mosquito which survives on water and this makes it purely an environmental problem.

For too long the government has neglected factors that enhance breeding space for Mosquito and the involvement of Environmental Health Professionals as major partners in eliminating Malaria thereby focusing efforts in fighting Malaria rather than the Vector that transmits “Malaria”

For instance, the fight against Malaria is often spearhead by medical personnel’s and some cases lawyers, politicians etc who have no knowledge in Integrated Vector Control and larvae source management, but the desire to make business out of the malaria crises.

This was replicated in the recent Nigeria End Malaria Council constituted by President Buhari that comprised of business men/women, politicians and medical background individuals without Environmental Health Ministry/Environmental Health experts, Professional associations like the Pest Association of Nigeria (PECAN) etc.

We also wish to correct the impression made by the Minister of Health Osagie Ehanire and his counterpart in State for Health Joseph Ekumankama, ” The biggest challenge confronting us, which prevents the elimination of malaria, to ensure a malaria-free nation in the shortest possible time is inadequate finances to fund the NMSP”

It’s on record that despite financial support from international agencies like USAID, UNDP, WHO and other Malaria support partners and individuals. The government through the ministry of health makes huge budget available in fighting tropical disease like malaria and the disbursement of such funds in the past 20years cannot be accounted for in paper and in meaningful projects that leads to malaria elimination, so the minister can’t say that funding is a limitation in the fight.

We call on President Buhari to immediately through the Ministry of Environment empower the Environmental Health Registration Council of Nigeria EHORECON to liaise with Professional bodies like PECAN, Environmental Health experts in drawing a National blueprint in ending the malaria Vector in Nigeria which must include modern Drainage System construction, Solid and liquid waste Management etc.

To Roll back Malaria we must Roll back mosquito as Prevention is better and cheaper than cure.

Francis Nwapa

Convener ; #EndMalariaInNigeria

 

SERAP gives Buhari govt 24 hours to withdraw threat to shut down 53 TV, radio stations

 

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to “urgently instruct Mr Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to urgently withdraw the threat to revoke the licenses and shut down the operations of 53 broadcast stations in the country over alleged failure to renew their licenses.”

 

The NBC had last week revoked the licenses of the 53 broadcast stations and threatened to shut down their operations within 24 hours over alleged N2.6 billion debt. The NBC has now asked the stations “to pay all outstanding license fees on or before August 23, 2022 or shut down by 12am on August 24.”

 

But in a letter dated 20 August, 2022 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization said, “The threat to shut down 53 broadcast stations is neither necessary nor proportionate. If carried out, it would offend the legal principles of equity and equality of access to mass communication.”

 

SERAP said, “Under the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and international human rights law, freedom and diversity must be guiding principles in the regulation and licensing of broadcasting. The threat to shut down 53 broadcast stations is entirely inconsistent and incompatible with these principles.”

 

According to SERAP, “Revoking the licenses of 53 broadcast stations and shutting down their operations because they have not renewed their licenses would undermine the rights of millions of Nigerians to express their thoughts.”

 

The letter, read in part: “It would also violate Nigerians’ right to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas of all kinds, in any medium they choose.”

 

“We would be grateful if the requested action is taken within 24 hours of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”

 

“The NBC Act and Broadcasting Code cannot and should not be used in a manner that is inconsistent and incompatible with plurality of voices, diversity of voices, non-discrimination, and just demands of a democratic society, as well as the public interest.”

 

“When money or economic considerations are the major criteria for renewing licenses for broadcast stations, the fundamental principles of equal access to the media, pluralism and diversity are compromised.”

 

“Broadcasting is a means of exercising freedom of expression. Any restrictions on freedom of expression must meet the requirements of legality, necessity, and proportionality. Any regulation of broadcasting must respect these three requirements.”

 

“With just months to go before the general elections, scheduled for February 2023, your government ought to do more to create conditions for a free and fair vote. This includes demonstrated commitment to freedom of expression.”

 

“Shutting down 53 broadcast stations on the pretext of non-renewal of their licenses is neither necessary in a democratic society nor proportionate to meet the constitutional and international guarantees of freedom of expression.”

 

“The right to freedom of expression is based on the right to establish or use a media outlet to exercise freedom of expression and on society’s right to have access to a free, independent, and pluralistic media that allows for the most and most diverse information.”

 

“Rather than using the NBC Act and Broadcasting Code to shut down 53 broadcast stations, your government ought to use these frameworks to promote the broadest, freest, and most independent exercise of freedom of expression for the widest variety of groups and individuals possible.”

 

“The media, including the affected 53 broadcast stations, serve to distribute Nigerians’ thoughts and information while at the same time allowing them access to the ideas, information, opinions, and cultural expressions of other individuals.”

 

“SERAP believes that the media including the affected 53 broadcast stations play an essential role, as they allow millions of Nigerians to access both the relevant information and a variety of perspectives that are necessary for reaching reasonable and informed conclusions on matters of public interest.”

 

“The media plays an essential role as a vehicle or instrument for the exercise of freedom of expression and information – in its individual and collective aspects – in a democratic society.”

 

“Indeed, the media has the task of distributing all varieties of information and opinion on matters of general interest.”

 

“The public has a right to receive and assess this information and opinion independently. Therefore, the existence of a free, independent, vigorous, pluralistic, and diverse media is essential for the proper functioning of a democratic society.”

 

“Freedom of expression includes the public’s right to receive, and the right of those who express themselves through a medium of communication, to impart the greatest possible diversity of information and ideas.”

 

“According to the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa adopted by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, ‘licensing processes shall seek to promote diversity in broadcasting. Any registration system for the media shall not impose substantive restrictions on the right to freedom of expression.’”

 

“The revocation of a license must be necessary in a democratic society in order to achieve the compelling aims pursued, strictly proportionate to the aim pursued, and suitable for accomplishing that aim.”

 

“It is essential to remove any risks of arbitrary or disproportionate use of NBC legal frameworks.”

 

“The strengthening of the guarantee of freedom of expression is a precondition for the exercise of other human rights, as well as a precondition to the right to participation to be informed and reasoned.”

 

“It is the mass media such as the 53 broadcast stations that make the exercise of freedom of expression a reality. This means that the conditions of its use must conform to the requirements of this freedom.”

 

“Therefore, any regulation of the media, including licensing, must be evaluated according to the guidelines and directives imposed by the right to freedom of expression.”

 

“SERAP recognizes the mandates of the NBC to regulate broadcasting. However, the exercise of such mandates including renewals or revocation of licenses must follow the thresholds and guidelines set by the right to freedom of expression.”

 

“The free circulation of ideas and news is not possible except in the context of a plurality of sources of information and media outlets. The lack of plurality in sources of information is a serious obstacle for the functioning of democracy.”

 

“If carried out, the threat by NBC would impermissibly restrict the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas to a greater extent and would therefore violate freedom of expression.”

 

“The regulation of broadcasting must aspire to promote and expand the scope of the right to freedom of expression, not restrict it.”

 

“Revocation of licenses of broadcast stations can seriously jeopardize fundamental rights of the individuals involved and create a silencing or “chilling” effect on democratic speech.”

 

“The revocation of the licenses of the affected 53 broadcast stations is neither necessary nor proportionate, as the issue of licence fees can be reasonably achieved through other measure(s) that is less restrictive of freedom of expression.”

 

“The right to freedom of expression is a central pillar of a democratic society and a guarantor of free and fair electoral processes, and meaningful and representative public and political discourse.”

 

“It is during times of political change that the right to freedom of expression is most essential, ensuring that a well-informed and empowered public is free to exercise its civil and political rights.”

 

“Section 39(1) of the Nigerian Constitution provides that, enshrines the right to freedom of expression and indicates that this right can be exercised through any medium.”

 

“Effectively, Section 39 of the Constitution establishes that the right to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas of all kinds can be exercised orally, in writing, in print, in the form of art, or through any other medium of one’s choice.”

 

“Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights contain similar provisions.”

 

“The Nigerian Constitution and these legally binding human rights treaties, recognize that every individual has the right to an equal opportunity to receive, seek and impart information through any communication medium without discrimination.”

 

“Freedom of expression goes further than the theoretical recognition of the right to speak or to write. It also includes and cannot be separated from the right to use whatever medium is deemed appropriate to impart ideas and to have them reach as wide an audience as possible.”

 

“The 53 affected broadcast stations include: Rhythm FM (Silverbird Communications Ltd) FM Abuja; Rhythm FM (Silverbird Communications Ltd) FM Lagos; Rhythm FM (Silverbird Communications Ltd) FM Yenagoa; Rhythm FM (Silverbird Communications Ltd) FM Port Harcourt; and Rhythm FM (Silverbird Communications Ltd) FM Jos.”

 

 

 

Kolawole Oluwadare

SERAP Deputy Director

21/8/2022

Lagos, Nigeria

Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org

Twitter: @SERAPNigeria

Website: www.serap-nigeria.org

For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202

 

admin
ABAVO CHRONICLE ABEJUKOKO VANGUARD ABIA REPORTERS ABIA SUN ABIGBORODO SUN ABRAKA STATESMAN ABUJA ABUJA CHRONICLE ABUJA GAZETTES ABUJA GUIDE ABUJA MORNING NEWS ABUJA NEWS ABUJA NEWSPAPERS ABUJA NOW ABUJA STAR ABUJA TELEGRAM ADAMAWA RECORD ADAMS OSHIOMHOLE ADAMU GARBA ADAVI CHRONICLE ADAVI COMET
urged the president not to dally with the Niger Delta problem

Niger Delta leaders urge Buhari not to dally with the Niger Delta problem

 

Niger Delta leaders task Buhari, Umana on NDDC Board

 

Notable leaders in the Niger Delta on Sunday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to accept the need for a new board for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

‘’The board is needed to assure the nine states interests in the region’s development process’’

 

The leaders in a statement in Port Harcourt urged the president not to dally with the Niger Delta problem.

 

‘’Fundamental to the forensic audit report is the question of implementation. The evidence so far is that the Federal Government is not rising to the occasion admirably’’

 

The statement signed by the Chairman of Niger Delta Front (NDF), Chief John Harry, suggested that if Buhari cared so much about developing the region and making the government wide-ranging, he should quickly constitute a new board for the commission.

 

‘’The Niger Delta people have suffered in silence from the hardship deriving from the advice of interim committee promoters’’

 

The leaders commended the Federal Government for the forensic audit, the advantage being that the people of the region has been galvanised into lending full support to President Buhari in his campaign to curtail corruption in the region’s development agency.

 

‘’Three issues likely to have negative effects on government plans for the region are the personnel audit, delay in constituting a new board and moves to put in place another interim committee to run the commission’’

 

They described the ploy to constitute another interim committee as impractical and unnecessary.

 

‘’It is a matter of sorrow and regret to see a man or woman betray his region and people. The proposed interim committee will not only make NDDC a weak but scrappy agency’’

 

Specifically, the leaders referred disdainfully to individuals and groups urging Buhari not to constitute the commission’s board.

 

‘’In order to avoid a repetition of our recent past experience whereby government engaged in all sorts of interim strategies, the commission’s board should be constituted’’

 

The leaders expressively proclaimed sympathy for the workers, describing the proposed personnel audit as a moment of total aberration.

 

‘’For purposes of implementing the personnel audit, the agenda will present enormous problems’’

 

The statement called for rapid departure from past concepts.

 

The leaders commended the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Umana Okon Umana for his largeness of vision.

 

They also applauded NDDC Sole Administrator, Mr Effiong Akwa for playing his part creditably.

 

The statement underscored the people’s unexpected qualities of endurance, the fear of dismissal and Umana’s energy, knowledge and dedication to public service.

 

‘’We must act, and act quickly. We have to plan our way out from this mud hole and that must be done by the Commission’s board’’ the men and women of intellectual and financial abilities said.

admin
ABAVO CHRONICLE ABEJUKOKO VANGUARD ABIA REPORTERS ABIA SUN ABIGBORODO SUN ABRAKA STATESMAN ABUJA ABUJA CHRONICLE ABUJA GAZETTES ABUJA GUIDE ABUJA MORNING NEWS ABUJA NEWS ABUJA NEWSPAPERS ABUJA NOW ABUJA STAR ABUJA TELEGRAM ADAMAWA RECORD ADAMS OSHIOMHOLE ADAMU GARBA ADAVI CHRONICLE ADAVI COMET ADAVI NATION ADAVI NEWS ADAVI PUNCH ADEJE DAILY ADEJE FACTS ADVERTISING AGBARHO NEWS AGBOR ADVERTISER AGHALOKPE JOURNAL AGHALOKPE MIRROR AGRICULTURE NEWS AHMAD SANI YERIMA AHMAN LAWAN AHMED MAKARFI AJAKA NEWS AJAMIKARAWA SUN AJAOKUTA SUN AJAOKUTA TELEGRAPH AJAOKUTA VOICE AJIMELE NEWS AKPATA DIGEST AKPOMU READER AKWA IBOM DAILY NEWS ALAUSA NEWS ALAUSA TODAY ALI MODU SHERIFF AMERICA MAIL AMINU TAMBUWAL AMUOKPE DAILY AMUOKPE DAILY REVIEW ANAMBRA ANAMBRA TIMES ANIOCHA MAIL ANIOCHA NEWS ANIOMA RECORD ANKPA NEWS ANYIM PIUS ANYIM APC CANVASSERS APC NEWS ARHAGBA CHAMPION ARHAGBA HERALD ASABA ASABA CHRONICLE ASABA DAILY NEWS ASABA FLASH POLINT ASABA MAIL ASABA MIRROR ASABA NEWS ASABA NEWS HERALD ASABA NOW ASABA PERISCOPE ASABA TIMES ASABA TODAY ASO ROCK ATAKUNMOSA LEADER ATIKU ABUBAKAR AVIATION AWKA COURIER CALABAR NEWS CALABAR TRIBUNE CHARLES UGWU CHOBA LEADER CHRIS NGIGE CHRISTIAN DEMOCRAT CHRISTIAN NEWS CONSTITUTION NEWS CRIME PREVENTION CROSS RIVER TIMES CUBA JOURNAL DAN NWANYANWU DAVE UMAHI DAVID EDEVBIE DAVID MARK DEKINA GUARDIAN DELE MOMODU DELTA CENTRAL DELTA CHRONICLE DELTA DEMOCRAT DELTA NORTH DELTA POINTER DELTA PROVINCE NEWS EBIRERI FESTUS OMAJEMITE EBIRERI HENRY MEDIA EBIRERI HENRY NEWSPAPERS EBIRERI HENRY OVIE EBIRERI HENRY OVIE MEDIAGATE EBIRERI HENRY PF SERVICES EBIRERI HENRY PRESS EBIRERI HENRY TELEVISION EBIRERI LAMONDE MONDAY KERWE EBIRERI OKPAKO VICTOR EBIRERI OVIE HENRY EBIRERI VICTOR UNUBREME EDITH OKOWA EDO EXPRESS EDO MORNING NEWS EDO POLITICS EDO TIMES EFFURUN BULLETIN EGBEDORE VOICE EJIGBO INTELLIGENCER ELUME DAILY ELUME NEWS ELUME RECORD ELUME SUNRAY ELUME TIMES EMMANUEL UDUAGHAN ENGLISH REVIEW FAITH BASED NEWS FELIX IBRU FESTUS EBIRERI FOREIGN NEWS GBENGA OLAWAPO HASHIM GBONGAN HERALD GODSWILL AKPABIO
Niger Delta leaders task Buhari Umana on NDDC Board

Niger Delta leaders task Buhari, Umana on NDDC Board

 

 

Notable leaders in the Niger Delta on Sunday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to accept the need for a new board for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

 

‘’The board is needed to assure the nine states interests in the region’s development process’’

 

The leaders in a statement in Port Harcourt urged the president not to dally with the Niger Delta problem.

 

‘’Fundamental to the forensic audit report is the question of implementation. The evidence so far is that the Federal Government is not rising to the occasion admirably’’

 

The statement signed by the Chairman of Niger Delta Front (NDF), Chief John Harry, suggested that if Buhari cared so much about developing the region and making the government wide-ranging, he should quickly constitute a new board for the commission.

 

‘’The Niger Delta people have suffered in silence from the hardship deriving from the advice of interim committee promoters’’

 

The leaders commended the Federal Government for the forensic audit, the advantage being that the people of the region has been galvanised into lending full support to President Buhari in his campaign to curtail corruption in the region’s development agency.

 

‘’Three issues likely to have negative effects on government plans for the region are the personnel audit, delay in constituting a new board and moves to put in place another interim committee to run the commission’’

 

They described the ploy to constitute another interim committee as impractical and unnecessary.

 

‘’It is a matter of sorrow and regret to see a man or woman betray his region and people. The proposed interim committee will not only make NDDC a weak but scrappy agency’’

 

Specifically, the leaders referred disdainfully to individuals and groups urging Buhari not to constitute the commission’s board.

 

‘’In order to avoid a repetition of our recent past experience whereby government engaged in all sorts of interim strategies, the commission’s board should be constituted’’

 

The leaders expressively proclaimed sympathy for the workers, describing the proposed personnel audit as a moment of total aberration.

 

‘’For purposes of implementing the personnel audit, the agenda will present enormous problems’’

 

The statement called for rapid departure from past concepts.

 

The leaders commended the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Umana Okon Umana for his largeness of vision.

 

They also applauded NDDC Sole Administrator, Mr Effiong Akwa for playing his part creditably.

 

The statement underscored the people’s unexpected qualities of endurance, the fear of dismissal and Umana’s energy, knowledge and dedication to public service.

 

‘’We must act, and act quickly. We have to plan our way out from this mud hole and that must be done by the Commission’s board’’ the men and women of intellectual and financial abilities said.

admin
ABAVO CHRONICLE ABEJUKOKO VANGUARD ABIA REPORTERS ABIA SUN ABIGBORODO SUN ABRAKA STATESMAN ABUJA ABUJA CHRONICLE ABUJA GAZETTES ABUJA GUIDE ABUJA MORNING NEWS ABUJA NEWS ABUJA NEWSPAPERS ABUJA NOW ABUJA STAR
SOUTH-WEST PDP LEADERS BACK AYU

SOUTH-WEST PDP LEADERS BACK AYU

 

Stakeholders in the politics of the South-West geo-political zone on Monday were full of praises for the National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Professor Iyorchia Ayu.

 

They lauded Ayu’s role in the fight for true federalism, ideals of democracy and enthronement of the rule of law in Nigeria.

 

The notable PDP leaders, who met in Akure, applauded Ayu for leading by the strength of his ideas.

 

They also commended him for protecting the integrity of the party,
enhancing the cause of democracy and consolidating the strength and mass appeal of the leading opposition party in the country.

 

“PDP is enjoying a sense of harmony,” they said.

The respected leaders distanced from the calls on Ayu to resign and lashed at those obfuscating issues and polarizing the leading opposition party.

 

Meeting under the auspices of the South-West Unity Forum (SWUF), the leaders said Ayu deserved commendation for advancing the course of the party.

 

In a statement after the meeting titled, “South-West has spoken”, the leaders praised Ayu for sorting out certain fundamental issues germane to the victory of the party in 2023.

 

The statement was signed by the Chairman of South-West Unity Forum (SWUF), Chief Ajani Bankole.

 

The statement emphasized Ayu’s extraordinary commitment to reconciliation, the scale of courage, human warmth and the pressing sense of work to be done ahead of the 2023 elections.

 

The leaders commended Ayu for contributing immensely to PDP’s victory in Osun State.

admin