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https://mediagatenigeria.com/2022/12/12/2022-long-service-awards-julius-berger-honours-647-workers-for-productive-and-brilliant-performance/

2022 LONG SERVICE AWARDS: JULIUS BERGER HONOURS 647 WORKERS FOR PRODUCTIVE AND BRILLIANT PERFORMANCE

JULIUS BERGER LONG SERVICE AWARD PIX 52022 LONG SERVICE AWARDS: JULIUS BERGER HONOURS 647 WORKERS FOR PRODUCTIVE AND BRILLIANT PERFORMANCE

 

The Executive Director Administration of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Alhaji Zubairu Ibrahim Bayi, fniob, has described the company’s human capital as the reliable bedrock, which has continued to define the company’s strong performance in the industry and market.  Bayi made the remark at the 2022 Long Service Awards Ceremony of the Company, which held in Abuja FCT. Bayi said, ‘‘…as worthy staff of our great company, your continuing hard work, loyalty, commitment, resilience, experience and cooperation, as well as the meticulous planning and continuous investments in both human capital and technology by the Company have all helped greatly in the laudable stability we have achieved as a corporate entity.”

According to Bayi, the award ceremony is an annual event to recognize Julius Berger’s long-serving staff and to show appreciation to the workers for their contribution towards the continued success and progress of the Company. “It is our annual tradition in Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to appreciate and reward well-deserving staff.” He said 647 serving staff were honoured at the 2022 event. Bayi, on behalf of the executive management, acknowledged the workers as the bedrock of the Company. “Your loyal commitment, excellent professionalism, tenacity and can-do spirit have kept the Company on a steady path of progress through the years. This long service award event is in recognition of your good work, and  also the reciprocal commitment of the Company towards our highly valued workforce.”,” said Bayi.

The Executive Director also said that in the outgoing year, Julius Berger put into place structures for optimization of productivity across the entire spectrum of the Company’s operations in order to keep the Company competitive and further support sustainable performance in the Company’s business for the years to come.

 

Bayi celebrated the leadership of the company, saying, “…under the strategic guidance of our diverse and extensively experienced Board of Directors, and the able operational dynamism of the Executive Management, regional teams and different heads of departments, Julius Berger has  remained dynamic, successful and steadily primed for even greater success in the near future.”  Bayi further added that, “the collegiate experience of the members of the Board of Directors and Executive Management, coupled with their collective determination to continue taking this company to the next level, has made Julius Berger the enviable and desirable destination for every serious investor in the market, today. To keep afloat as a going business concern, the Board of Directors and Executive Management, he said, developed three strategic pillars for Julius Berger’s operations, namely, the company’s core construction business, its well-integrated subsidiaries; and its transformative diversification policy. The operation of the above three pillars, Bayi said, has resulted in a positive client mix for the company from both the public and private sectors, adding, “good results are emerging.”

 

To a round of appreciative applause from the teeming workers and guests present at the event, the Director of Administration stated that, “…it is a testimony to the very focused work of the Board and Management that Julius Berger has received several recognition awards, amongst which is the most recent 2022 Pearl award as the Highest Dividend Growth Company in the Nigerian Stock Market.” Bayi called the Pearl award “…a bold and credible evidence of the company’s robust productivity and progressive success.”

Speaking on industrial harmony within Julius Berger’s operations, the director of administration said that due to the constant, mutual consultation between the junior workers’ Union and the senior staff Association, and the Management on all pertinent issues, the company has continued to enjoy industrial peace nationwide. “I make bold to say that, as evidence of the well-nurtured, closely guarded and continuing industrial harmony between Management and our teeming workers, we are again this year rewarding a total number of 647 workers for their unbroken record of productive service and brilliant performance to the company over the years,” Bayi said. The understanding and cooperation between the company’s workforce, the workers’ industrial Union and Association on the one hand, and the Management on the other hand, Bayi highlighted, has remained helpfully peaceful and productive. This, he said, will be mutually sustained for the progressive growth of the company.

With regard to staff development policy and initiatives by the company, Bayi informed the workers that, “…Management attaches high priority to planned enhanced value of our workers…. During the year, thousands of our workers were trained and retrained; cutting across professional courses with relevant professional bodies, Health Safety and Environment, as well as local training for artisans at the strategic Julius Berger Plant and Equipment Academy, which only recently graduated its first set of trainees.” Management, Bayi stated, envisioned the Academy to be “a leader institution in technical training, the company’s funnel for dynamic, highly trained and resourceful technicians to fill the needs of the company and the industry in general.”

The 2022 long service awardees have worked without break of service for periods ranging from 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, and, believe it, to 45 years of service. Their categories and numbers are as follows:10 years (195 Awardees);15 years (307 Awardees); 20 years (62 Awardees); 25 years (41 Awardees); 30 years (20 Awardees); 35 years (17 Awardees); 40 years (4 Awardees); and 45 years (1 Awardee)

Bayi identified a synergy between the large number of the 2022 long service awardees, the commensurate huge volume of man-hours they put into their jobs during the year, and the company’s proud HSE legacy. He said, “…with regard to the Company’s Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) achievements, Julius Berger has a proud and in fact unmatched industry record of Lost Time-Frequency Rate of 0.19, which is less than one Lost Time Injury for every five million man-hours worked.” These operational HSE policies, Bayi added, are now imbibed and observed in the way Julius Berger personnel conduct themselves in and out of the workplace.

On the company’s responsibility towards its host communities, Bayi said Julius Berger has also been proactive with its initiatives that rest on four pillars, namely Health, Education, Sports, and Emergency Response Assistance. He added also that the company’s most recent donation of food to flood victims across its operational areas, its continuing donations to hospitals and orphanages, its educational assistance and book donation initiatives to schools, are all targeted at supporting community-based initiatives in order to promote social and economic inclusivity.

 

Speaking on the future of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Alhaji Bayi drew the attention of the workers to the words of the Managing Director, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter, during the company’s recent Investor Relations Forum, where the MD confidently stated, “Julius Berger, today, is endowed with the largest market share, limited competition of similar scale, quality and financial capacity. We have a strong brand equity, a seasoned management, an experienced and diverse Board of Directors, and a well-defined Diversification Strategy; all projecting for a strongly-rooted and positive business outlook…” The Managing Director, Bayi further highlighted, had emphasized that the company, “is synonymous with the best quality infrastructure in Nigeria, and the company is assigned… a Stable Outlook with a National Scale rating of A.”   At this juncture, looking straight at the attentive workers, Bayi then fully aligned with Engr. Dr. Richter and said: “Ladies and gentlemen, on this occasion of the year 2022 Long Service Awards, I say to you, Julius Berger’s business future remains only progressively good and beneficial to both its shareholders and workforce.”

Bayi also thanked the spouses of the long service award recipients saying, “…whether as wives or husbands, let me also congratulate and thank all the spouses of the awardees for their support, encouragement and perseverance through the years. Without your co-operation, these recipients would not have had the zeal to perform their enviable duties over the years for which they are now honoured. We are therefore grateful for all you have done to make this day possible.”

As the company appreciated the long service awardees, Bayi enjoined the workers to let the occasion to serve as a tonic to propel them to greater heights, as the company shall continually recognise and reward deserving staff. The Director of Administration also craved the understanding of the workers to understand and accept the administrative and structural changes being implemented across the company, emphasizing that the ongoing changes are designed for the further development of the company to achieve its identified goals.

Finally, Bayi used the occasion to thank the members of the Press who were present for what he referred to as their very kind and positive cooperation and work with the company since the year began. “As society’s chief opinion moulders, by your deeply rational understanding and objective reportage of our numerous projects and endeavours across the country, you have continued to sustain our critically necessary and hard-earned good image with the Nigerian public. We appreciate your partnership for peaceful progress in our business operations. On behalf of the Board, Management and entire staff of Julius Berger, I say to the media that we remain partners in progress. Thank you very much,” Bayi said.

Alhaji Bayi congratulated the awardees and wished them, their families and their guests a happy yuletide season and safe travels, even as they continued their well-deserved celebration. The Julius Berger Long service award for 2022 held in all of the company’s operational regions as well

Julius Berger Nigeria Plc is the country’s leading construction company offering holistic services covering the planning, design, engineering, construction, operation and maintenance of buildings, infrastructure and industry projects in Nigeria.

Since its pioneer project in 1965, Julius Berger has played a pivotal role in the development of Nigeria’s industrial and civil infrastructure.  The company specialises in executing complex works requiring the highest level of technical expertise and Nigeria-specific knowhow. The company deploys state-of-the-art methods and precision technologies to ensure that quality and innovation are prioritised for the benefit of clients. Subsidiaries and additional facilities make it possible for the company to realise multifaceted projects at the highest level of performance. This structure allows Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to effectively manage and fulfil construction projects, starting from the initial idea, through to planning, design, engineering, construction, operation and maintenance.

The Group is guided by a value system that defines and differentiates it. Adherence to internationally specified standards and a focus on efficient and value-driven delivery of services further solidifies its competitive edge. With unwavering reliability, unmatched quality, leading governance and a true focus on sustainability, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc and its subsidiaries continue to set a benchmark for success.

 

 

 

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others 7 days to disclose spending of N625bn refunds SERAP gives Okowa WIKE

SERAP gives Okowa, Wike, others 7 days to disclose spending of N625bn refunds

 

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the nine oil producing states in Nigeria to “provide and widely publish details of spending of the oil derivation refunds of N625bn recently paid to them by the Federal Government, including details and locations of projects executed with the money.”

 

The Federal Government recently paid N625.43 billion oil derivation refunds to the governors of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Rivers, Ondo, Imo and Cross River states.  The payments covered 13 per cent oil derivation, subsidy and SURE-P refunds. The refunds date from 1999 to 2021.

 

In the open letter dated 10 December 2022 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “It is in the public interest to publish the details of spending of the refunds. Nigerians have the right to know how their states are spending the refunds. It is part of their legally enforceable human rights”

 

SERAP said, “Disclosing the information would enable Nigerians to scrutinise the spending of the refunds. Publishing the details of the oil derivation refunds would also promote transparency and accountability in the spending of public funds.”

 

The letter, read in part: “Widely publishing details of the spending of the oil derivation refunds would ensure that persons with public responsibilities are answerable to the people for the performance of their duties in the management of public funds.”

 

“We would 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 you and your state to comply with our request in the public interest.”

 

“The public interest in obtaining the information about expenditures relating to the oil derivation refunds outweighs any privacy or other interests. The oversight afforded by public access to such details would serve as an important check on the activities of your state and help to prevent abuses of the public trust.”

 

“SERAP also urges you to disclose details of spending of the refunds to local government councils through the state accounts, and to explain the role played by your government in the spending of public funds meant for the councils.”

 

“The constitutional principle of democracy also provides a foundation for Nigerians’ right to know details of spending of the oil derivation refunds. Citizens’ right to know promotes openness, transparency, and accountability that is in turn crucial for the country’s democratic order.”

 

“The effective operation of representative democracy depends on the people being able to scrutinise, discuss and contribute to government decision making, including on the spending of the oil derivation refunds.”

 

“To do this, they need information to enable them to participate more effectively in the management of public funds by their state governments.”

 

“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 about how the oil derivation refunds are spent.

 

“By the combined reading of the provisions of the Constitution of Nigeria, the Freedom of Information Act 2011, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, applicable throughout Nigeria, there are transparency obligations imposed on your state to publish details of spending of the oil derivation refunds.”

 

“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 state cannot hide under the excuse that the Freedom of Information Act is not applicable to your state to refuse to provide the details being sought, as your state also has clear legal obligations to provide the information as prescribed by the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and. Enforcement) Act.”

 

“SERAP urges you to invite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to jointly track and monitor the spending of the oil derivation refunds by your state.”

 

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

 

“According to our information, under the 13 per cent derivation fund, Abia State received N4.8 billion; Akwa-Ibom received N128 billion; and Bayelsa got N92.2 billion. Cross River got a refund of N1.3 billion; Delta State received N110 billion; Edo State received N11.3billion; Imo State, N5.5 billion, Ondo State, N19.4 billion; and Rivers State received 103.6 billion.”

 

“On the 13 per cent derivation fund on deductions made by NNPC, Abia State received N1.1 billion; Akwa-Ibom, N15 billion; Bayelsa, N11.6 billion; Cross River, N432 million; Delta State, N14.8 billion; Edo State, N2.2 billion; and Imo State, N2.9, billion. Ondo State, got N3.7 billion while N12.8 billion was paid to Rivers State.”

 

“The nine states also received N4.7 billion each, totalling N42.34 billion as refunds on withdrawals for subsidy and SURE-P from 2009 to 2015. The Federation Account also paid N3.52billion each as refund to local government councils on withdrawals for subsidy and SURE-P from 2009 to 2015.”

 

 

Kolawole Oluwadare

SERAP Deputy Director

11/12/2022

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

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PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS APETU OF IPETUMODU AT 60

PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS APETU OF IPETUMODU AT 60

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS APETU OF IPETUMODU AT 60

President Muhammadu Buhari rejoices with Oba (Prof) Joseph Olugbenga Oloyede, Latimogun 1, the Apetu of Ipetumodu, in Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State, as he turns 60 years old.

The President felicitates with the townsfolk, Olori Oloyede, and chieftains of the traditional institution, urging them to sustain their support for the monarch, which they have shown since he ascended the throne three years ago.

He urges the Vice Chairman of Osun State Council of Obas to deploy his skills as a Specialist in Accounting and Information Systems to develop his domain, and also utilize his vast international experience as a lecturer in University of Phoenix, Arizona, USA, Indiana Wesleyan University, and Northcentral University, San Diego, California, for the benefit of Ipetumodu town.

President Buhari wishes the Apetu a long and successful reign, a period which will be a milestone in his realm.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media and Publicity)

December 9, 2022

 

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI CONGRATULATES EX-FEDERAL PERM SEC, GEORGINA ARISA AT 60

President Muhammadu Buhari rejoices with former Permanent Secretary, Georgina Ehuriah-Arisa, on the occasion of her 60th birthday.

The President joins family and friends in celebrating the accomplished civil servant, who kept an enviable record in the civil service, rising through the ranks to the peak of her career as Permanent secretary, Ministry of Interior, where she retired in October, 2020.

The President commends the Uzoakoli born-writer for documenting her unique set of experiences from childhood to adulthood, as well as expertise in the civil service, into literature.

President Buhari trusts that the reflections on the life’s journey of the amazon will continue to inspire more womenfolk to play prominent roles in the public service.

President Buhari wishes the former Permanent Secretary all the best in the future, and more years of health and impactful living.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

December 9, 2022

 

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

INFRASTRUCTURE : RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GETTING NIGERIA OUT OF POVERTY ALREADY BEING ADDRESSED, SAYS FASHOLA

  • As Minister presides over 2022 EMBER Month Programme’s Press Briefing in Abuja
  • Confirms opening of the 2ndNiger Bridge for use during yuletide period
  • Also barrier and diversions to be removed from Abuja-Kano, Lagos-Ibadan Roads to ease traffic during the festival period
  • Appeals for patience and strict observance of the national speed limit of 100 Km per hour by road users
  • FRSC, NARTO, PTD, Contractors, other stakeholders pledge cooperation to enable free flow of traffic, guard against avoidable accident

 

Pointing the way forward in the light of the recent National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) recommendations for getting Nigeria out of poverty, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, Thursday declared that such recommendations were already being addressed by the Muhammadu Buhari administration with its massive investment in infrastructure renewal and expansion.

The NBS in the report released in November on poverty index had recommended investments in Health, Education and Infrastructure among others as viable means to take the people out of poverty.

But while presiding over the 2022 Ember Month Programme’s Press Briefing of the Ministry, Fashola, who noted that many people had been quoting the Report in terms of the poverty rate, explained to the audience of transport stakeholders who gathered at the Conference Room of the Ministry, “That (Infrastructure) was already happening before the recommendation came. President Buhari had started investing in infrastructure. That is why you and I are here”.

Explaining that poverty has different dimensions including, monetary and multidimensional poverty, the Minister pointed out that the importance of infrastructure lay in the fact that it not only addresses monetary poverty but also multidimensional poverty which, according to him, includes absence of access, choice and efficiency.

“And so for me, why is infrastructure so important? It is addressing poverty in the monetary and multidimensional modes because it provides jobs during construction and makes life better after construction. And as we have seen, as construction is going on journey time is getting better year-on-year”, he said.

Stating that the Buhari administration “is on the right track” as far as addressing the poverty issues are concerned, the Minister, who noted that results would manifest in due course, added that people who express anxiety over the seeming delay in the results of the investments should commend the administration for investing the nation’s resources for the benefit of the people.

He recalled that there was a time before the present administration when funds were being taken out of the country and also from an agency of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to fund elections in the country, adding, “If they took away funds meant for national development, that was one of the causes of poverty.”

“NNPC is now investing N621 billion in road construction but that was the money some people used to fund electioneering campaigns and provide cars for friends in the past. Buhari has put back the money where it belongs. These are things that are heading in the right direction”, Fashola said.

The Minister declared, “When there is a problem it takes time to design a solution and when you apply the solution it takes time to get the final results. But ours is past the design stage because we are already seeing the results”, adding that if people who were saying it took them days to travel to a destination are now saying it takes them a few hours to make the same destination, “it means we are heading in the right direction”.

Noting the various innovative ways the administration has introduced to fund the investments in infrastructure, the Minister explained that when crude oil prices crashed at the onset and revenues fell, this government found other funding sources. “So, we now talk of the SUKUK; we are now talking about the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, we are now talking about the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund”, he said.

Fashola, who recalled that the President went abroad, early in the life of the administration, to request for the repatriation of those stolen funds from the countries in which they were being kept to enable him fund critical infrastructure like the Second Niger Bridge, the Abuja-Kano Road and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway among others adding that the execution of the road transport infrastructure projects are now going on.

The Minister declared, “When the President committed in his June 12, 2019 remark that he was going to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty, perhaps, not many people thought it was possible. But that process has started.

“All of these construction companies would ordinarily be out of work if the infrastructure programme is not being implemented; there would be no work for the people. And then the people who depend on construction for their businesses; those who own quarries, those who own construction equipment, trucks, tractors, bitumen, cement, without construction they will be out of job”.

The Minister, while reiterating his challenge to the opposition for a debate on the role of infrastructure development in achieving economic growth and poverty eradication, noted the opposition’s penchant for celebrating the negative figures often thrown up by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and similar bodies without being able to connect investments in infrastructure as the long term solution due to its numerous benefits such as creation of direct and indirect jobs as well as businesses which lead to the creation of a vibrant economy and legitimate distribution of wealth through the value chain.

On the opening of the Second Niger Bridge, Fashola explained that the Bridge would be opened to traffic from December 15, 2022 to January 15, 2023, pointing out, however, that the access would only be for traffic going from the West to the East of the country adding that the flow would be reversed on January 15, 2023 to benefit traffic from the East to the West of the country.

Emphasizing that work on the access road to the Bridge was not yet finished, the Minister who said the reason for the temporary opening was to ease pressure on the first bridge which was usually congested as a result of the huge traffic on it during the yuletide period added that the access roads linking the surrounding towns to the bridge are yet to be finished.

“I believe it is good news so I can confirm it. As I have told you we have completed work on the Bridge. So, as it is now you can walk from one end of the bridge to the other; you can drive from one end to the other. But the connecting roads that link the bridge are what we are working on; that has not finished”, he said.

The Minister attributed the delay in completion of the entire work on the access routes to the bridge to the flooding occasioned by the predicted heavy rains and the fact that contractors could not work on Mondays in the South East leading to the loss of 52 days in a year. Fashola, however, said that the flood that occurred in the area during the season was also a blessing explaining that the original level for the design of the access road had to be changed.

“We had to raise the height of that road. So that flood has made the design to be reviewed and that is good for us. Happily and thankfully, it did not affect the bridge in any way…”, he said.

Buttressing the positive impact of infrastructure, the Minister asked, “Why do we need the Second Niger Bridge; is it not because we have outgrown the first bridge? Is it not because people spend days there just to go for Christmas?” He added, “That is part of poverty. That is the multidimensional poverty which this President said “I will relieve you of it and provide you a choice”.

“You don’t have to sleep overnight on the bridge because you want to go home for Christmas. That is part of what we are talking about. And he has also approved that since the bridge is finished, we should create a temporary access so that in the journey this Christmas you can begin to experience what it will look like when the bridge is finally finished and we open it”, the Minister said.

Fashola assured that the Ministry’s Director of Bridges would work in collaboration with the contractors and the FRSC to work out and publicize more on the arrangement adding, “We still have time of about a week and we will be working round the clock to make sure this plan works”.

The Minister said the impact of the Second Niger Bridge arrangement would also be felt on the Abuja-Kano Road and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway where, according to him, the contractors handling the projects have been asked to remove the barriers and diversions restricting traffic flow for the period of the festivities.

“Let me explain the reason why we divert; we cannot build a 100 km road at once. So we close sections of five, six to 10 kilometres on one side and divert traffic to the other side so that we can complete it. Once we open that road, that section is completed and we open it to traffic”, the Minister explained, adding that the Director in charge of Construction and Rehabilitation had sent the message to all his Controllers and all the contractors to pass the message to their staff.

Noting that the directive was, “Don’t open up for construction of any new sections anymore,” the Minister said, “that is what we have done; by the 15th of December, remove the barriers, provide signage, reflective signs and flood lights to guide people through so that it is a free passage”.

According to him, on Abuja-Kano, from Kaduna to Zaria there will be no diversions at all. And from Zaria to Kano, which is over 130 km, there will be only one diversion. And from Abuja to Kaduna, which is about 165 km there are going to be four diversions. So, from Abuja to Kano, which is 365 km, there are going to be only five diversions.

Explaining that the five diversions are necessary for operational purposes Fashola added, “I think this is significant and the contractors are working to provide valid access. There are places where we are just going to patch so that you can drive because we are coming back to remove it for full construction which is the main contract”.

“So when you see such things don’t go back to say it has failed, it has not failed, we have not built it, we have just provided relief. When you get to the built section where we have finished, you will see the quality of work we have done there, lane marking and everything and you will know this is the constructed part”, the Minister further explained.

On the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, he said the instruction to the contractors was no diversions or obstructions on the Lagos-Shagamu end from the 15th of December adding that on the Ibadan end there would also be no diversion.

Appealing to the commuting public for patience, Fashola said, “So what I will then say is that you will expect efficient, reduced travel time if we use the road properly. So sometimes you have heard there will be religious events, cross over nights, sometimes traffic might slow down; FRSC is there to move it”.

“Please be patient; don’t be in a hurry and face oncoming traffic because it will just build up the whole place and that is what will cause gridlock and not our work but impatience as it is”, he said adding that he will interact with the FRSC during the period and give the necessary support to ensure smooth traffic flow on the road.

Reiterating the importance of patience among commuters, the Minister added, “Where there is slowdown, bear with us. We don’t intend it but these things can happen with the best of plans. The reason why we are here is that we have come here to plan for the worst and we are now hoping for the best. And the best can only come from the way we use the road”.

To truck drivers, the Minister appealed, “Try and keep your trucks in good condition. Don’t overspeed, if you are tired, take a break and sleep because this is what causes accidents and obstructions. Mostly I want to appeal that the maximum speed on federal roads is 100km/hour not 101 km. So I’d rather you drive below 100km/hour because we want you to arrive safely”.

Appealing to the FRSC for more stringent monitoring of the traffic, Fashola who reiterated that no driver without a valid driver’s licence should be allowed on Nigerian roads, added, “We are having too many road crashes and we are losing too many lives. In the month of September the data that I got was better than August but it is still not tolerable. We lost over 400 people on the roads. We have to bring that number down”.

“I am glad that FRSC is here. One of my appeals to FRSC is to do random checks, ask people for their driver’s licenses, if they don’t have arrest and prosecute them. Only certified people will drive on our roads. The President has approved patrol vehicles for you, use it to control traffic.”

 

 

 

Julius Berger Commiserates and rallies to the aid of flood victims across its operational areas….as Company  Donates Food to Flood Victims

  • State governments laud company for food donations

 

In continuation of its determination to touch the lives of communities and with its strong commitment to its Corporate Social Responsibility in Nigeria, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has again donated food items to flood victims at its different operational regions, namely Abuja-Kano Road, Bayelsa and Port Harcourt.

 

Julius Berger donated bags of rice to help ameliorate the effect of the devastating flood incident on the lives of the affected people.

 

At Bayelsa, Julius Berger’s Team lead to donate the rice in Yenagoa, Regional Project Coordinator, Chief Sam Ngbor said, “the management of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc wishes to commiserate with the government and good people of Bayelsa State over the flood incident that has enormously disrupted lives and economic activities in some parts of the state. It is without doubt this incident has resulted in untold hardship and unbearable conditions in recent times.” Continuing, Chief Ngbor said, “…as part of our efforts to support the government and good people of Bayelsa state in this trying time, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc hereby donates one hundred bags of rice to the flood victims to help ameliorate the effect of the unfortunate natural disaster.” Julius Berger, said Chief Ngbor, donated the bags of parboiled rice to support the efforts by the state government on reassuring flood victims in the state of better life ahead. He prayed for God’s continued intervention in permanently comforting the victims of the floods.

 

Speaking after receiving the donation, Bayelsa state Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Iselema Gbaranbiri thanked Julius Berger “for (Julius Berger’s) efforts in dealing with aftermath of the ravaging floods which was unprecedented and affecting Ijaw land deep into our communities.” With the Commissioner to receive the food donation in Yenagoa was a member of the Bayelsa State Flood Management Committee, Mr. Mac-Ake Prince, and the Commissioner’s Personal Assistant, Mr. Princewill Azaru.

 

In Port Harcourt the Rivers State Capital, the exercise was similar with the presentation of the donated items by Chief Sam Ngbor.

 

Receiving the donated items on behalf of Rivers State government in Port Harcourt, a senior official of the State’s Flood Management Task Force, Mr. Dabrabaye Briggs thanked Julius Berger “for (the company’s) kind gesture and I pray that God rewards you always.”

 

At the Abuja-Kano road project corridor, the team lead of Julius Berger CSR Team, Engr. Yusuf Ibrahim explained that Julius Berger’s tradition is to continually reach out to its host communities through multi-pronged emergency and palliative interventions or its planned long-term community empowerment and development schemes.  He said: “We remain committed partners to the Nigerian development project. We would continue to do more to ensure that we give back to society through the platform of our CSR.” He said, “…this donation is part of the company’s deliberate way of making positive impact in the lives of not just homes but its hosts communities.”

 

The Village Head of Birnin Yaro Community, Kaduna State, Alhaji Abubakar Usman Rajab, received the food items with excitement saying, “…we are very excited for the compassionate steps taken by Julius Berger. These donations will put smiles on people’s faces and bring happiness to homes. The flood came destroying farmlands and leaving homes hungry. We want to sincerely thank the company for its very healthy sense of Corporate Social Responsibility by which it gives back to benefit its host communities. This is indeed an outstanding contribution. We now have food items to help families these festive periods. We thank the Management of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. On behalf of my people, we say Thank You”.

 

At the Bebeji L.G.A, Kano State, Julius Berger’s CSR efforts were also commended and gratefully acknowledged by the village Head and community. The District Head of Bebeji, Alhaji Tijjani Abdullahi Kuki, who was present at the event said, “I want to thank the construction leader, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for the kind gestures and contributions made to our community”. He recalled that “Julius Berger also last year, came to the community’s hospital and donated large number of beds for the use of the hospital, during the covid-19 lockdown. Julius Berger again, he said, donated palliatives to aid families and now another donation made to aid families affected by the flood. The company has given a lot of assistance to our community”. He expressed gratitude to Julius Berger saying, “…we will continue to support the company as we have always done. On behalf of the people, we extend our gratitude to the management of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for these acts of kindness. ”

 

The Julius Berger delegation to the AKR food donation to flood victims included Engr. Yusuf Ibrahim, Michael Ashofor and Olivia Uzoma, amongst others.

 

The food donation to flood victims is a continuing implementation of the company’s ‘Food for our Communities’ campaign as well as its ‘Emergency response’ initiative, both of which are key pillars of Julius Berger’s operational CSR strategy.

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ANGLICAN BISHOPS PRIESTS BID ARCHBISHOP OLUMAKAIYE FAREWELL SANWO-OLU

SANWO-OLU, ANGLICAN BISHOPS, PRIESTS BID ARCHBISHOP OLUMAKAIYE FAREWELL

PRESS RELEASE

 

 

  • His death a great loss to Anglican Communion, says Lagos Governor

 

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ondo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; the Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), The Most Rev. Dr. Henry Ndukuba, hundreds of bishops and priests, on Thursday, attended the funeral service of His Grace, The Most. Rev Dr. Humphrey Olumakaiye, the late Bishop of Diocese of Lagos and Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).

 

The funeral service, which was a Holy Communion Service, held at St Paul’s Anglican Church, Idanre, Ondo State, was presided over by Ndukuba and assisted by the Archbishop of Ondo Province and Diocesan Bishop of Akure, His Grace, The Most Rev. Dr. Simeon Oluwole Borokini.

 

The service was attended by Anglican and other denomination bishops, priests, religious leaders, traditional rulers, Diocesan officials, family and friends of the deceased home and abroad, people of Idanre community and Ondo State.

 

Speaking at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the demise of Archbishop Olumakaiye as a great loss not only to the people of Idanre community and Lagos State but the Anglican Communion in Nigeria.

 

He said: “The Most Rev. Dr. Humphrey Bamisebi Olumakaiye was our brother, friend and bishop; a man that truly loves God, a man that served God with everything that he had, a man that was indeed a great worshipper and an evangelist of our time.

 

“The loss is not for Idanre town, the loss is not for Lagos State, the loss is for the entire Anglican Communion in Nigeria. We cannot begin to ask or question God almighty who knows best and given the fact that he was a child of God. At the right time, God Almighty called him to join Him.

 

“As the people of God, we want to thank the almighty for his life, for who he was, for what he believed in and for the impact he made in the very short but impactful time on earth. We are happy that indeed he is a man that has touched many lives, a man that created in a very short while a big shoe that we are hoping that people will be able to fit in.”

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was at the cemetery when the remains of Archbishop Olumakaiye were lowered into the grave, urged the deceased widow, Prof. Motunrayo and her son, Richard to take the death of the late Bishop of Diocese of Lagos in good faith.

 

“I want to encourage my sister, Prof. Motunrayo, his son, Richard and the entire family that indeed we know that you are the people that have the greatest impact and I know that God will comfort you. God will be your husband, God will be your father. God will grant you the strength, the ability to be able to move forward,” he said.

 

Speaking on behalf of the family, Rt. Revd (Prof.) Dapo Asaju, appreciated Governor Sanwo-Olu for his support to the ministerial assignment of the late Archbishop Olumakaiye as the Diocesan of Diocese of Lagos.

 

He commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for providing approval for a land for the Centenary City of the Diocese of Lagos and supporting the medical bill of the late Bishop before his demise, as well as providing alternative accommodation for the deceased wife after the Bishop’s death.

 

Bishop Asaju also appreciated the support of the Lagos State First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and others to the Olumakaiye family, saying they are grateful for all they have done.

 

He prayed for a good replacement of Archbishop Olumakaiye, who he described as a committed child of God and the first archbishop from Idanre town.

 

Olumakaiye, the Lord Bishop and Missioner, Diocese of Lagos, died on Sunday, October 31 after a brief illness at 53. He was the first Bishop of Osun North East in 2009 before being transferred to the Diocese of Lagos in 2018.

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

08 DECEMBER 2022

 

2023: Atiku, Okowa will resolve Nigeria’s challenges – Uduaghan

 

Former Delta Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has urged the people of the state to vote for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential ticket of Atiku Abubakar and Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, saying the duo will rescue, reset and rebuild Nigeria from its current travails.

 

Addressing a mammoth crowd of party faithful at Owhelogbo, Isoko North Local Government Area of the state, Uduaghan said that for the first time in history, a Deltan would be Vice President of the country if the people vote for the party’s ticket.

 

The former governor called on the people to vote for all other candidates of the party from Sheriff Oborevwori for Governor, Michael Diden for Senate, Jonathan Ukodhiko for House of Representatives and Bernard Odior for House of Assembly.

 

“This is the first time we are having a Vice presidential candidate from our state, so I urge you all to vote Atiku-Okowa ticket so that our dear Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa will become the first Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from Delta State.

 

“Let’s vote for all our PDP candidates because they are proven men and women of integrity and they have the capacity to resolve all our nation’s challenges.

 

“My administration did a lot for Owhelogbo and other Isoko communities and l know the present Okowa administration is also doing a lot here, so if you vote PDP again you will get more,” the former governor assured.

 

On his part, State Chairman of the party, Olorogun Kingsley Esiso said the people have every reason to vote out the APC led Federal Government because of the growing poverty, insecurity and economic downturn of the country.

 

Esiso said the people were tired of rising hunger and starvation and urged them to come out enmasse on election day to vote for all candidates of the party.

 

The campaign train which also visited Otor-Igho, Otor-Owhe, Emevor, Oghara-Iyede and Otor-Iyede had in attendance Delta South Chairman of the party, Chief Julius Takeme; Member Representing Warri Federal Constituency, Chief Thomas Ereyitomi.

 

Others are Commissioner for Energy, Chief Fred Obe; MD/CEO DESOPADEC, Bashorun Askia Ogieh, Commissioner DESOPADEC Dr Paul Oweh, Chairman Isoko North Local Government Council, Hon. Christian Iteire; Chairman Isoko North PDP Prince Godwin Ogorugba, Director-General isoko North PDP Campaign Council, Dr Emmanuel Okoro, among others.

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

AJAH KILLING: SANWO-OLU COMMISERATES WITH GAFARU BURAIMOH’S FAMILY

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has sympathised with the family, friends and associates of the late Gafaru Buraimoh, who died on Tuesday after a stray bullet allegedly fired by a police officer hit him during an incident around Ajah axis.

The Governor expressed sadness over the death of the late Buraimoh, pledging that the State Government would work with the police in their investigation to unravel the remote and immediate cause of the shooting that led to the untimely death of an innocent citizen, with a view to ensuring that justice is served.

He said: “no one deserves to die in that manner. Buraimoh was one of our million citizens with hope for a better life. His death is a sad episode for me personally and the State as whole because injury to one is injury to all.

“I am aware that the Lagos State police command has immediately arrested, disarmed and detained the police officer involved in the shooting incident and has also begun a full scale investigation in the matter.

“I therefore urge the residents to remain calm and not take the law into their hands on the matter, knowing fully we, as the Government would not spare anything to ensure that justice is served.”

The Governor added that his office is earnestly awaiting the full report of the investigation launched by the police authorities on the unfortunate incident.

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

07 DECEMBER 2022

 

PRESS RELEASE

LAGOS GOVERNOR JOINS SOUTHWEST WOMEN RALLY FOR APC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

Wife of the President, Dr. Aisha Buhari, on Wednesday, led a regional campaign to the Southwest to galvanise women support for All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima.

Mobolaji Johnson Pavilion in Onikan throbbed with political activities, as Lagos hosted the maiden Southwest rally of Tinubu-Shettima Women Presidential Campaign Council (TSWPCT), drawing thousands of women from all the six States in the region.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu joined the women  at the rally, after he received the TSWPCT leadership team at the State House in Marina in a courtesy visit.

Mrs. Buhari was represented by the wife of the APC presidential candidate, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu.

In the entourage was Shettima’s wife, Hajiya Nana Shettima, First Lady of Lagos, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State First Lady, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, Borno First Lady, Dr. Falmata Zulum, wife of Speaker, House of Representatives, Mrs. Salamat Gbajabiamila, Lagos Deputy Governor’s wife, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, and APC National Women Leader, Dr. Betta Edu, among others.

Sanwo-Olu said creation of a women’s arm of a presidential campaign council was unprecedented in the history of national politics, saying the initiative would reinforce the foundation of gender balance and inclusive governance entrenched within the APC Government.

The Governor described the Tinubu-Shettima presidential ticket as “a national project”, maintaining that the team was the most competent, given the track records of Tinubu and his running mates in governance.

He said: “This is the first time in the history of our democracy that a presidential candidate will have a women’s campaign council working with the party. It goes to show that the Government of Tinubu will sit on the foundation of gender balance and inclusion. I am delighted to see our women organising and putting themselves forward, without watching from the back seats. Women have been on the frontline with us and you have come out to embrace this ticket. This is an assurance that we are on the right track.

“This campaign is not about the success of our party alone, it is also about our future and about the coming generations. When the Government of Tinubu and Shettima is formed, we will ensure that gender friendliness and equality are reflected on every programme of the administration with the youth and women. I commend Dr. Aisha Buhari, who initiated this idea and who has become the rallying point for women who care for the progress of our country. This movement is an evidence Mrs. Buhari is committed to this cause and she is leading from the front.”

Sanwo-Olu hailed TSWPCT for reaching out to women at the grassroots and market women, whom he said would be the beneficiaries of the Tinubu presidency.

The Governor assured that the next APC Government would be purposeful and result-oriented, stressing that the nationwide rallies would further convince undecided voters to root for APC in the general elections.

Sen. Tinubu, who delivered Mrs. Buhari’s message, urged women to probe what she called “deliberate misinformation” being spread about the APC presidential ticket in the social media, advising them to seek information about the track records of all candidates running for president and take decisions based on their findings.

Tinubu-Shettima ticket, she said, remained the only team possessing sterling credentials of performance and competence. Sen. Tinubu said the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the APC would build a new foundation for unity in the country and would prioritise interests of the youth and women.

She said: “We are in the Southwest with Renewed Hope for our women. APC has given us the best ticket, which seeks to empower and build a better future for our women. Some people call it Muslim-Muslim ticket, but the challenge facing our women today does not identify with any religion. The Tinubu-Shettima ticket is one that will raise the foundation for unity in the country and herald new opportunities for women.

“We have come with the assurance that women can count on us. As First Ladies, Hajiya Shettima and I showed great commitment in empowering women. We are passionate about your wellbeing and personal growth. We work passionately in projects we believe in. We are assuring that challenges facing women and youth unemployment would be on the front burner when Tinubu and Shettima are elected.”

Dr. Sanwo-Olu said the need for consolidation of the achievements recorded under the Buhari administration brought about the establishment of a women campaign committee to improve the chance of APC in forming the next government at the centre.

“At this period of our democratic history, Nigeria needs experienced leaders gifted in intellectual acumen, progressive capacity and political sagacity of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to manage the affairs of the country,” Lagos First Lady said.

Dr. Edu urged women to take the message of Renewed Hope back to their communities and organise door-to-door engagements with undecided voters.

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

07 DECEMBER 2022

 

 

Again, Integrity Group rejects Atiku, Okowa, vows to support all the party’s candidates, except for the Presidency

 

Today, I want to thank my creator, the Almighty God and to state unequivocally the very essence of my being a great believer and an advocate of truth, equity, justice and fairness in all my endeavours.
Equally, as a great believer in the age-long golden adage that says “a prophet is not appreciated in His own domain”, I owe this occasion to the honour recently accorded me by the fearless fighter and firm believer in fairness and justice, the  Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, who bestowed on me along other distinguished Nigerians, the highest honour of Rivers State.
I say I feel most appreciated for being considered worthy of such an important honour. Thank you, Your Excellency and May God always be your pilot.
I make bold to say that I remain firm in my commitment to the advocacy of the very core principle of the founding fathers of our great party,  the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
This principle is called ‘rotation and zoning’, the very Foundation  and Political Spinal Cord that has held our great party together since its formative hours in 1998.
This is what some of us refer to as ‘Turn by Turn Nigeria Limited’, a  tradition of inclusiveness, deeply embedded and deep-rooted in the general concept of equity, fairness and justice.
This is boldly written in our party constitution and we are determined to defend this legacy left for us by Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Chief Solomon Lar, Alhaji Adamu Ciroma, Chief Sunday Awoniyi, Chief Bola Ige and other founding fathers of our great party.
My humble self and my co-travelers in the struggle for justice and fairness, the G5 governors, now called the  Integrity Group, want to make it abundantly clear, without any equivocation, that we remain committed and loyal members of  PDP, despite the present crisis.
In my recent address to the zonal committee of the party, I had reminded them in these words, “Zoning is the very glue that has invariably sustained the Nigerian democracy itself for 23 years. It is the architectural pillar holding the frame of our infant democracy. Embedded in the zoning logic is the truism of fairness, justice and collective accommodation”
Our disagreement is about the unilateral, selfish and subjective action of a few to sow a seed of discord which, if we are not careful, may lead to the disintegration of our great party.
Despite the ongoing inept attitude of the gladiators holding us down, we are ready and will, with all the strength we can muster, God helping us,  support all the party’s candidates, except for the Presidency because the top party managers definitively refuse to share the six top positions before the general elections and not after election as being canvassed by these few people.
By insisting that the presidential candidate,  national chairman and Director General of the Presidential Campaign Council of PDP should come from a particular section of the country, you are trying to destroy the culture and norms of the party in a nation with diverse ethnic groups and sectarian plurality, where the strong fiber of national union is still much tenuous, where suspicions still flare, where sectarian divide is yet volatile.
I make bold to say the recourse to the principle of zoning is the stop gap that induces a sense of belonging and unity among our people.
It creates a feeling that none will be elbowed out of our common patrimony. It guarantees that someday, power will shift in such a rotational order that every section of our multi-plural society will occupy a seat at the center.
There is no room here for wobbly, indecisive representation. Our position must be clear and not woolly. Our vision must be deliberate, assertive on the path of justice and truth. Personal interest must be discarded on the greater altar of national cohesion. The narrow partisan canvas must be jettisoned for the larger purity of the strengthening of the national union.
The greater summative interest of the Nigerian state is far superior to any recourse to ethnic corridor or sectarian pathway.
Ours is a potentially great nation. The building fundaments of a progressive society are achievable when we are willing to surrender the narrow purview of self-aggrandizement for the selfless embrace of the national good.
Our nation has not reached a stage where the indices of tribes and sectarian liaisons are completely voided from the political bearings. They are still there. Our structures are delicate, fragile, weak, flailing in the wind.
Stability is a graduating process. That very process is first to achieve a sense of inclusiveness. From the vast, sweeping Savannah of Sokoto to the mighty shores of the Atlantic Ocean in Lagos, from the endless undulating landmass of Borno to the mangroves of Delta, from the furthest reaches of the forest of Ekiti to the primordial hills of Enugu – the constituents of the Nigerian Union must be assured that there is a governing fairness in the land, that the scales of Justice swings appropriately, that none is perceived in privileged attributions, that all the more than 600 ethnic groups have an equitable and fair share in the Nigerian Sun. It is when this is established, that we can boast of a solid arrival at nationhood.
Before I conclude, I want to reiterate the importance of the fairness doctrine in all our institutions whether it is party organization, the private sphere, or the public space.
Wherever there is no justice, wherever there is no inkling of equitable principle in the guidance of our institutions, there is an inevitable succumb to chaos, disorderliness, and self-help.
Rules must be obeyed. The pivotal fundament of law and order must be adhered to. We cannot and we must not cut corners to sooth the transient emotions of the moment.
What is just is just. What is right is right. Justice denied in any undertaking is justice destroyed. It is a death knell to the necessary balance that holds any union together.
This is the destructive path that must not and should not be taken.
Finally, I hereby plead, exhort, enjoin, that we should swiftly return to the path of justice, fairness and equitable balance.
Let me crave the indulgence of this eminent gathering to digress to another salient issue of national interest, which is to enjoin the management of our financial system, to take a cursory look at the dire straits our national economy has been plunged into.
In my humble opinion, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) policy on the ongoing currency rebranding will only further destroy the economy of the nation.
To come up with the latest CBN pronouncement on daily cash transaction, with the present ugly state of our everyday life of epileptic power supply, high rate youth unemployment and sundry social challenges can only lead to one thing: fiscal and economic suicide.
All over the country, from Sokoto to Onitsha, to Jankara  market here in Lagos, the people will only be more burdened  with such policy as our economy is presently cash based in outlook.
The CBN policy is just too sudden. It will rather make the people sink deeper into misery and poverty. I make bold to say that the country cannot cope with what I foresee as an anti-people policy.
80% of businesses are still cash based, so it is only instructive for Mr President to wade into this rudderless monetary policy of the CBN.
Nigeria can not just move away from a cash based economy to a complete cashless regime overnight like the CBN wants to implement. Please note that the internet service is still epileptic and electric power is hardly available. How can we transact financial business in this state of hopelessness.
I appeal to Mr. President to intervene immediately before we fall headlong into calamitous abyss.
A word is enough for the wise
May God bless our Nation and let me wish you all a Merry Christmas and a bountiful New year in advance.
Thank You All

Chief Olabode Ibiyinka George, CON, GSSRS, FNSE, MBA, mni
The Atona Oodua of Yorubaland

 

.Donates N10m To FOWOSO, Gifts Girl With Highest Score In UME N1million

 

 

….gives Kudos to women

 

 

Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, billionaire business mugul and candidate of Al Progressives Congress(APC) Ondo South for 2023 general elections was on Wednesday night honoured by Foundation For Wives Of Ondo State Officials (FOWOSO) for his contribution

 

Ibrahim, who was the Chairman of the award night, in his remark appreciated the First Lady of the state for bridging the gap between the state government and the women through the Foundation.

.

Describing FOWOSO as an incredible institution that is building the lives of women in the state, Ibrahim said the Foundation should be institutionalised.

 

According to him, “I want to appreciate the First Lady of our dear state, the Ada Owere 1, for her efforts in building women in the state.

 

“She’s bridging the gap between the state administration and the women through FOWOSO.

 

“The First Lady fills the social gap between the state administration and the women in the state.

 

“FOWOSO has become an institution and should be institutionalised.

I hereby call on everyone in our state to support this institution for the success of the visions of the First Lady.”

 

Moreover, Dr. Ibrahim commended women folks for the yeoman’s job they’re doing at the home front.

 

He emphasized the importance of women to their husbands, noting that they were created to ensure that husband succeed in life.

 

“Tonight I want to seize this opportunity to appreciated women for keeping the home front and the children.

“You are all incredible. You take care of the home, you take care of the children.

 

“There’s no complete man without a woman. Women take care of the men. I commended you for the courage. Outside God, the next person is my wife. And that should be the case for every man.

“Woman should be the angel to guide for the benefit of mankind.”

 

Making his donation towards FOWOSO project, Ibrahim said: “It’s normal for me to donate to FOWOSO. The first lady is an incredible woman. I donate N10M million to FOWOSO.”

 

Different categories of award were presented at the event.

 

Dr. Ibrahim was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation HE4SHE Award in recognition of his support for FOWOSO and Women programmes.

 

The state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, was also presented an award.

 

His deputy, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who represented him at the dinner and award night, received award on his behalf.

 

 

Seven young girls also won Rising Star Award in Breast Cancer Advocacy, Arts, Solar Technology, Academics, Ability In Disability.

 

Catherine Igbalaiye, who won the award for Academics, was selected having scored the highest mark in UME.

 

Dr. Ibrahim gifted her a sum of N1million to assist her in pursuit of her academics.

 

 

Mrs. Bukola Akosile represented the Lagos State First Lady

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Julius Berger Commiserates and rallies to the aid of flood victims across its operational areas….as Company  Donates Food to Flood Victims

Julius Berger Commiserates and rallies to the aid of flood victims across its operational areas….as Company  Donates Food to Flood Victims

  • State governments laud company for food donations

 

In continuation of its determination to touch the lives of communities and with its strong commitment to its Corporate Social Responsibility in Nigeria, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has again donated food items to flood victims at its different operational regions, namely Abuja-Kano Road, Bayelsa and Port Harcourt.

 

Julius Berger donated bags of rice to help ameliorate the effect of the devastating flood incident on the lives of the affected people.

 

At Bayelsa, Julius Berger’s Team lead to donate the rice in Yenagoa, Regional Project Coordinator, Chief Sam Ngbor said, “the management of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc wishes to commiserate with the government and good people of Bayelsa State over the flood incident that has enormously disrupted lives and economic activities in some parts of the state. It is without doubt this incident has resulted in untold hardship and unbearable conditions in recent times.” Continuing, Chief Ngbor said, “…as part of our efforts to support the government and good people of Bayelsa state in this trying time, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc hereby donates one hundred bags of rice to the flood victims to help ameliorate the effect of the unfortunate natural disaster.” Julius Berger, said Chief Ngbor, donated the bags of parboiled rice to support the efforts by the state government on reassuring flood victims in the state of better life ahead. He prayed for God’s continued intervention in permanently comforting the victims of the floods.

 

Speaking after receiving the donation, Bayelsa state Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Iselema Gbaranbiri thanked Julius Berger “for (Julius Berger’s) efforts in dealing with aftermath of the ravaging floods which was unprecedented and affecting Ijaw land deep into our communities.” With the Commissioner to receive the food donation in Yenagoa was a member of the Bayelsa State Flood Management Committee, Mr. Mac-Ake Prince, and the Commissioner’s Personal Assistant, Mr. Princewill Azaru.

 

In Port Harcourt the Rivers State Capital, the exercise was similar with the presentation of the donated items by Chief Sam Ngbor.

 

Receiving the donated items on behalf of Rivers State government in Port Harcourt, a senior official of the State’s Flood Management Task Force, Mr. Dabrabaye Briggs thanked Julius Berger “for (the company’s) kind gesture and I pray that God rewards you always.”

 

At the Abuja-Kano road project corridor, the team lead of Julius Berger CSR Team, Engr. Yusuf Ibrahim explained that Julius Berger’s tradition is to continually reach out to its host communities through multi-pronged emergency and palliative interventions or its planned long-term community empowerment and development schemes.  He said: “We remain committed partners to the Nigerian development project. We would continue to do more to ensure that we give back to society through the platform of our CSR.” He said, “…this donation is part of the company’s deliberate way of making positive impact in the lives of not just homes but its hosts communities.”

 

The Village Head of Birnin Yaro Community, Kaduna State, Alhaji Abubakar Usman Rajab, received the food items with excitement saying, “…we are very excited for the compassionate steps taken by Julius Berger. These donations will put smiles on people’s faces and bring happiness to homes. The flood came destroying farmlands and leaving homes hungry. We want to sincerely thank the company for its very healthy sense of Corporate Social Responsibility by which it gives back to benefit its host communities. This is indeed an outstanding contribution. We now have food items to help families these festive periods. We thank the Management of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. On behalf of my people, we say Thank You”.

 

At the Bebeji L.G.A, Kano State, Julius Berger’s CSR efforts were also commended and gratefully acknowledged by the village Head and community. The District Head of Bebeji, Alhaji Tijjani Abdullahi Kuki, who was present at the event said, “I want to thank the construction leader, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for the kind gestures and contributions made to our community”. He recalled that “Julius Berger also last year, came to the community’s hospital and donated large number of beds for the use of the hospital, during the covid-19 lockdown. Julius Berger again, he said, donated palliatives to aid families and now another donation made to aid families affected by the flood. The company has given a lot of assistance to our community”. He expressed gratitude to Julius Berger saying, “…we will continue to support the company as we have always done. On behalf of the people, we extend our gratitude to the management of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for these acts of kindness. ”

 

The Julius Berger delegation to the AKR food donation to flood victims included Engr. Yusuf Ibrahim, Michael Ashofor and Olivia Uzoma, amongst others.

 

The food donation to flood victims is a continuing implementation of the company’s ‘Food for our Communities’ campaign as well as its ‘Emergency response’ initiative, both of which are key pillars of Julius Berger’s operational CSR strategy.

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Again except for the Presidency Integrity Group rejects Atiku Okowa vows to support all the party’s candidates

Again, Integrity Group rejects Atiku, Okowa, vows to support all the party’s candidates, except for the Presidency

 

Today, I want to thank my creator, the Almighty God and to state unequivocally the very essence of my being a great believer and an advocate of truth, equity, justice and fairness in all my endeavours.
Equally, as a great believer in the age-long golden adage that says “a prophet is not appreciated in His own domain”, I owe this occasion to the honour recently accorded me by the fearless fighter and firm believer in fairness and justice, the  Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, who bestowed on me along other distinguished Nigerians, the highest honour of Rivers State.
I say I feel most appreciated for being considered worthy of such an important honour. Thank you, Your Excellency and May God always be your pilot.
I make bold to say that I remain firm in my commitment to the advocacy of the very core principle of the founding fathers of our great party,  the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
This principle is called ‘rotation and zoning’, the very Foundation  and Political Spinal Cord that has held our great party together since its formative hours in 1998.
This is what some of us refer to as ‘Turn by Turn Nigeria Limited’, a  tradition of inclusiveness, deeply embedded and deep-rooted in the general concept of equity, fairness and justice.
This is boldly written in our party constitution and we are determined to defend this legacy left for us by Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Chief Solomon Lar, Alhaji Adamu Ciroma, Chief Sunday Awoniyi, Chief Bola Ige and other founding fathers of our great party.
My humble self and my co-travelers in the struggle for justice and fairness, the G5 governors, now called the  Integrity Group, want to make it abundantly clear, without any equivocation, that we remain committed and loyal members of  PDP, despite the present crisis.
In my recent address to the zonal committee of the party, I had reminded them in these words, “Zoning is the very glue that has invariably sustained the Nigerian democracy itself for 23 years. It is the architectural pillar holding the frame of our infant democracy. Embedded in the zoning logic is the truism of fairness, justice and collective accommodation”
Our disagreement is about the unilateral, selfish and subjective action of a few to sow a seed of discord which, if we are not careful, may lead to the disintegration of our great party.
Despite the ongoing inept attitude of the gladiators holding us down, we are ready and will, with all the strength we can muster, God helping us,  support all the party’s candidates, except for the Presidency because the top party managers definitively refuse to share the six top positions before the general elections and not after election as being canvassed by these few people.
By insisting that the presidential candidate,  national chairman and Director General of the Presidential Campaign Council of PDP should come from a particular section of the country, you are trying to destroy the culture and norms of the party in a nation with diverse ethnic groups and sectarian plurality, where the strong fiber of national union is still much tenuous, where suspicions still flare, where sectarian divide is yet volatile.
I make bold to say the recourse to the principle of zoning is the stop gap that induces a sense of belonging and unity among our people.
It creates a feeling that none will be elbowed out of our common patrimony. It guarantees that someday, power will shift in such a rotational order that every section of our multi-plural society will occupy a seat at the center.
There is no room here for wobbly, indecisive representation. Our position must be clear and not woolly. Our vision must be deliberate, assertive on the path of justice and truth. Personal interest must be discarded on the greater altar of national cohesion. The narrow partisan canvas must be jettisoned for the larger purity of the strengthening of the national union.
The greater summative interest of the Nigerian state is far superior to any recourse to ethnic corridor or sectarian pathway.
Ours is a potentially great nation. The building fundaments of a progressive society are achievable when we are willing to surrender the narrow purview of self-aggrandizement for the selfless embrace of the national good.
Our nation has not reached a stage where the indices of tribes and sectarian liaisons are completely voided from the political bearings. They are still there. Our structures are delicate, fragile, weak, flailing in the wind.
Stability is a graduating process. That very process is first to achieve a sense of inclusiveness. From the vast, sweeping Savannah of Sokoto to the mighty shores of the Atlantic Ocean in Lagos, from the endless undulating landmass of Borno to the mangroves of Delta, from the furthest reaches of the forest of Ekiti to the primordial hills of Enugu – the constituents of the Nigerian Union must be assured that there is a governing fairness in the land, that the scales of Justice swings appropriately, that none is perceived in privileged attributions, that all the more than 600 ethnic groups have an equitable and fair share in the Nigerian Sun. It is when this is established, that we can boast of a solid arrival at nationhood.
Before I conclude, I want to reiterate the importance of the fairness doctrine in all our institutions whether it is party organization, the private sphere, or the public space.
Wherever there is no justice, wherever there is no inkling of equitable principle in the guidance of our institutions, there is an inevitable succumb to chaos, disorderliness, and self-help.
Rules must be obeyed. The pivotal fundament of law and order must be adhered to. We cannot and we must not cut corners to sooth the transient emotions of the moment.
What is just is just. What is right is right. Justice denied in any undertaking is justice destroyed. It is a death knell to the necessary balance that holds any union together.
This is the destructive path that must not and should not be taken.
Finally, I hereby plead, exhort, enjoin, that we should swiftly return to the path of justice, fairness and equitable balance.
Let me crave the indulgence of this eminent gathering to digress to another salient issue of national interest, which is to enjoin the management of our financial system, to take a cursory look at the dire straits our national economy has been plunged into.
In my humble opinion, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) policy on the ongoing currency rebranding will only further destroy the economy of the nation.
To come up with the latest CBN pronouncement on daily cash transaction, with the present ugly state of our everyday life of epileptic power supply, high rate youth unemployment and sundry social challenges can only lead to one thing: fiscal and economic suicide.
All over the country, from Sokoto to Onitsha, to Jankara  market here in Lagos, the people will only be more burdened  with such policy as our economy is presently cash based in outlook.
The CBN policy is just too sudden. It will rather make the people sink deeper into misery and poverty. I make bold to say that the country cannot cope with what I foresee as an anti-people policy.
80% of businesses are still cash based, so it is only instructive for Mr President to wade into this rudderless monetary policy of the CBN.
Nigeria can not just move away from a cash based economy to a complete cashless regime overnight like the CBN wants to implement. Please note that the internet service is still epileptic and electric power is hardly available. How can we transact financial business in this state of hopelessness.
I appeal to Mr. President to intervene immediately before we fall headlong into calamitous abyss.
A word is enough for the wise
May God bless our Nation and let me wish you all a Merry Christmas and a bountiful New year in advance.
Thank You All

Chief Olabode Ibiyinka George, CON, GSSRS, FNSE, MBA, mni
The Atona Oodua of Yorubaland

 

.Donates N10m To FOWOSO, Gifts Girl With Highest Score In UME N1million

 

 

….gives Kudos to women

 

 

Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, billionaire business mugul and candidate of Al Progressives Congress(APC) Ondo South for 2023 general elections was on Wednesday night honoured by Foundation For Wives Of Ondo State Officials (FOWOSO) for his contribution

 

Ibrahim, who was the Chairman of the award night, in his remark appreciated the First Lady of the state for bridging the gap between the state government and the women through the Foundation.

.

Describing FOWOSO as an incredible institution that is building the lives of women in the state, Ibrahim said the Foundation should be institutionalised.

 

According to him, “I want to appreciate the First Lady of our dear state, the Ada Owere 1, for her efforts in building women in the state.

 

“She’s bridging the gap between the state administration and the women through FOWOSO.

 

“The First Lady fills the social gap between the state administration and the women in the state.

 

“FOWOSO has become an institution and should be institutionalised.

I hereby call on everyone in our state to support this institution for the success of the visions of the First Lady.”

 

Moreover, Dr. Ibrahim commended women folks for the yeoman’s job they’re doing at the home front.

 

He emphasized the importance of women to their husbands, noting that they were created to ensure that husband succeed in life.

 

“Tonight I want to seize this opportunity to appreciated women for keeping the home front and the children.

“You are all incredible. You take care of the home, you take care of the children.

 

“There’s no complete man without a woman. Women take care of the men. I commended you for the courage. Outside God, the next person is my wife. And that should be the case for every man.

“Woman should be the angel to guide for the benefit of mankind.”

 

Making his donation towards FOWOSO project, Ibrahim said: “It’s normal for me to donate to FOWOSO. The first lady is an incredible woman. I donate N10M million to FOWOSO.”

 

Different categories of award were presented at the event.

 

Dr. Ibrahim was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation HE4SHE Award in recognition of his support for FOWOSO and Women programmes.

 

The state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, was also presented an award.

 

His deputy, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who represented him at the dinner and award night, received award on his behalf.

 

 

Seven young girls also won Rising Star Award in Breast Cancer Advocacy, Arts, Solar Technology, Academics, Ability In Disability.

 

Catherine Igbalaiye, who won the award for Academics, was selected having scored the highest mark in UME.

 

Dr. Ibrahim gifted her a sum of N1million to assist her in pursuit of her academics.

 

 

Mrs. Bukola Akosile represented the Lagos State First Lady

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ABAVO CHRONICLE ABEJUKOKO VANGUARD ABIA REPORTERS ABIA SUN ABIGBORODO SUN ABRAKA STATESMAN ABUJA ABUJA CHRONICLE
GOVERNOR NYESOM WIKE AWARDS JULIUS BERGER MANAGING DIRECTOR OTHERS HIGHEST CIVIL AWARD OF RIVERS STATE GOVERNMENT….as Engineering Construction leader also receives ‘Lifetime Reputation Award’ from the prestigious Nigerian Institute of Public Relations

GOVERNOR NYESOM WIKE AWARDS JULIUS BERGER MANAGING DIRECTOR, OTHERS HIGHEST CIVIL AWARD OF RIVERS STATE GOVERNMENT….as Engineering Construction leader also receives ‘Lifetime Reputation Award’ from the prestigious Nigerian Institute of Public Relations

It was a celebration of excellence, professionalism, nationalism and good success in Port Harcourt last Saturday as His Excellency Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike of Rivers State conferred the State’s most dignified civil awards on some deserving citizens and significant corporate players with manifestly developmental business operations in the State.

Amongst the iconic dignitaries so recognized and given the important awards by the Rivers State Government was the Managing Director of Julius Berger, Engineer Dr. Lars Richter, the company’s South-south and South-east Regional Manager, Engr. Juergen Fischer and the company’s Special Projects Manager in Port Harcourt, Engr. Rimon Marisho. The Managing Director and the two other senior officials of the company were awarded the Rivers State Medal of the Order of GSSRS (Grand Service Star of Rivers State). It is the highest civil award made by the Rivers State Governor to any individual.

Governor Wike said the Government awarded the GSSRS Medal of honour to the Julius Berger Managing Director, Engr. Lars Richter and his Regional Manager and Special Projects Manager, Engr. Juergen Fischer and Engr. Rimon Marisho, respectively, for the unmatched productive capacity and technical competence exhibited by Julius Berger as the company successfully partnered with his administration to deliver the promised and planned infrastructural renewal and development of Rivers State, and Port Harcourt in particular.

The operations of the company as it delivered its contracted works for roads, bridges and flyovers in Rivers State, also generated a multiplier effect on employment opportunities for the people of the State, and that, in turn, had a positive empirical effect on crime reduction in the State, said Governor Wike.

Governor Wike therefore on behalf of the Government and people of Rivers State cited, commended and thanked the Julius Berger Managing Director and his workaholic operational team as a worthy, successful partner in progress for  the steady and irreversible infrastructural development and socio-economic advancement of Rivers State.

Other recipients of awards at the ceremony in Port Harcourt includeed the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Shehu Malami who was also vested with GSSRS; His Excellency Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State (GSSRS); His Excellency former Governor Olabode George who was vested with the Medal of Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State (DSSRS); and His Excellency former Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State (DSSRS).

The Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Shehu Malami gave the vote of thanks on behalf of the award recipients as the ceremony came an end.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations in Lagos has awarded Julius Berger Nigeria Plc its ‘Lifetime Reputation Award’

Speaking at the event considered as Nigeria’s Communication Industry Oscars in Lagos last weekend, the President and Chairman of Council of the NIPR, Mallam Mukhtar Sirajo, fnipr, said that “the Award signifies the very consistently positive image and inspiring reputation of the company, for a very long time.” According to the President of NIPR, Malam Muhktar Sirajo, to underscore the Award given to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc is the fact that the company was the sole awardee who got the voting public united in one voice, adding, “this underscores the very positive image and reputation of the company in a very long time.”

 

He further said that the Award is deserving recognition to Julius Berger’s revered consciousness of its reputation and its media communications excellence in its numerous endeavours. Urging the company to continue the existing good work of positively managing its reputation, the NIPR president congratulated Julius Berger specifically for the feat of being the sole nominee for the Award category and winning the grand prize.

 

The Chairman Lagos NIPR, Mrs Comfort Obot Nwankwo had similar words of praise for Julius Berger. She said that, “to underscore the importance of what Julius Berger has achieved is to be mindful of the fact that Lagos NIPR keeps raising the bar of the awards….So, for the NIPR Lagos to declare an individual or organisation as deserving of an Award which we usually determine via online voting, it must be seen and taken to be the reality on ground. Congratulations to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.”

 

Very important dignitaries at the Lagos NIPR Award ceremony included Lagos State Governor, His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu, immediate past president of NIPR, Dr Rotimi Oladele, Vice President of the NIPR, ACG Wale Adeniyi, current Chairman of Lagos NIPR, Mrs Comfort Obot Nwankwo, the Lagos State police commissioner, amongst several others.

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

5th December, 2022

 

TONY NWAKA’S JOURNEY IN VAINGLORY AND PRIDE THAT PRECEDES THE FALL

 

The attention of the Delta State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Council has been called to the effusions by one Tony Nwaka, Ph.D, the candidate of the feeble and futile All Progressives Congress (APC) seeking to represent the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal constituency in the House of Representatives in 2023.

 

A statement by Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, Deputy Director, Media, and Publicity Committee, Delta State PDP Campaign Council stated that the party would have ignored the childishly silly and excessive boastfulness of Tony Nwaka about his personal abilities and achievements, but thought it necessary to respond for the sake of those who may have been taken in by the error and false presentation.

 

The intervention is also to deflate the puerile assertions and invectives thrown against the person of Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, the effective Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, the pride of Aniocha/Oshimili and PDP in the Green Chambers, and the party’s candidate for Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives in the 2023 elections.

 

It is important to let Tony Nwaka know that nobody is against his right to seek to contest for the election to represent the people of Aniocha/Oshimili in the House of Representatives. Of course, he is already the candidate of the lackluster and wicked APC, otherwise referred to as the proverbial ‘Bad Drug” that has thrown this nation into negativities in all ramifications from which the PDP seeks to rescue and reset Nigeria. But we ask him to go out there and campaign, rather than indulge in an exercise of vainglory, deceptively woven to goodwill the people.

 

The Delta PDP calls on Tony Nwaka to back down from his high horse of futile academic exercise that is not a prerequisite for winning elections. It is mindless of him to want to destroy Ndudi Elumelu, whose good works remain sweet-smelling savour before the good people of Aniocha/Oshimili by pandering to base and irresponsible sentiments.

 

Which ideas does Tony Nwaka of APC have that he wants to offer? Is it the idea of one from a political party that has been acknowledged by Nigerians and Deltans in particular, as a party of liars and political deceits? Or is it an idea of one from a political party that has set Nigeria on a downward spin? Where was Tony Nwaka when his ruling party unsettled the good people of Nigeria by afflicting them with poverty, so much so that the nation has now become the poverty capital of the world? Through unmitigated cluelessness, the economic prosperity of Nigeria has been thrown overboard by the APC Federal Government, and here is someone claiming he has ideas to give to the people of Aniocha/Oshimili when he could not give his ill-informed party the idea to stimulate this country and put her on the path of economic growth?

 

Let’s ask Tony Nwaka what idea has he given to his ruling party to ease the insecurity situation in the country, as well as make the farms less harmful a place to go to by farmers?

 

Nigerians have rejected APC and all its candidates, beginning with the sick Presidential candidate, Tony Nwaka for their cluelessness. So, have the good people of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency rejected Tony Nwaka.

 

For the good people of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, the PDP candidate for the 2023 election, like the good wine, he does not need to be bushed. His antecedents in good representation over the years, with tangible and verifiable results speaks volumes about his acceptability by the people.

 

Tony Nwaka should not seek to hypnotize the people with his unproductive sweet tongue; we challenge him to go to the polls, where Ndudi Elumelu, his Achilles’ heel is waiting to give him a resounding defeat and fall.

 

PDP! Power to the people!!

 

 

Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza.

Deputy Director/Secretary,

Media and Publicity Committee,

Delta State PDP Campaign Council.

 

 

 

Chief Joe Omene Exposes Real Omo-Agege, Describes Him As Greedy, Self-Centred, Betrayer, Worst Delta Politician Ever.

 

By Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza.

 

We have always known that Delta APC Gubernatorial candidate and Deputy Senate President, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege, is not the sanctimonious, squeaky clean, Knight in shiny Armour saviour, his obsequious loyalists and some of those selected smiling photographs on social media and Google images portray.

 

But we had refrained from deconstructing him at a personal level since we are not a political party that succumbs to low, dirty personality propaganda and hoped that one day, someone very close to him would do us the favour of presenting him the way he really is.

 

Today, the chickens have finally come home to roost as Chief Joe Omene, a great leader, elder statesman, and former President General of the Urhobo Progressives Union, UPU, has literally exposed and derobed Omo-Agege, leaving him bare to tan in the harsh electoral harmattan season of Delta’s political landscape.

 

A recent 6 minutes, 57 seconds trending video, posted on Social media by RERO TV, left no one in doubt about Omo-Agege, as High Chief Joe Omene, took the Deputy Senate President to the cleaners, in a caustic, unsympathetic, and forthrightly authoritative, sage-like baritone, which tore the reputation, personality and integrity of the Delta State APC Gubernatorial Candidate to shreds.

 

Hear him: “The Omo-Agege you’re seeing, just think of any politician from Urhobo, he’s the worst. He’s a very greedy man, self-centred, and everyday, when I see him criticize Governor Okowa in the papers I just laugh. Assuming he becomes Governor, he will be far worse.

 

“He is also a betrayer. Just look at the people he started working with, he has betrayed all of them,” the distinguished Urhobo leader declared.

 

This was just the first salvo in a steady six minutes profiling of Omo-Agege, which is better heard than reported, except to hint that Chief Omene went on to give a graphic and detailed commentary of how the Delta APC Guber candidate betrayed former Governor, Chief James Ibori, who brought him into Government from the United States and gave him top positions like SSG and Commissioner Special Duties, only to be betrayed because Omo-Agege did not get the Governorship ticket.

 

Chief Omene revealed how Omo-Agege betrayed Chief Great Ogboru, who was instrumental in ensuring the two Senate tenures he’s now enjoying and even the UPU, which stood as guarantor for his Senatorial ambition as Deputy Senate President, only for him to deviously embark on a divide and rule regime as the highest political office holder in Delta Central and Urhoboland, in order to exploit the division in Delta Central political structure, for his own selfish ambition.

 

He even called those who endorsed him for the position of Deputy Senate President “insurgents”, after he had secured the position. Hear Chief Omene again: “We endorsed him without any preconditions and even wrote to President Buhari as the umbrella body of Urhobo ethnic nation, but he later called us insurgents after he had got the position.

 

“He called us insurgents, but when we were endorsing him we were not insurgents o. After endorsing him and getting what he wants we became insurgents. How can a lawyer say something like that about people who were in Court? It’s not proper for a lawyer.”

 

Shedding light on Omo-Agege’s clannish development agenda, Chief Omene had this to say: “You’re the Senate President (sic). As the (Deputy) Senate President he brought Law School, where did he site it? Orogun! He brought Polytechnic, where did he site it? Orogun! He brought so many other things, where did he site them? Orogun! He didn’t site anyone in any other part of Urhoboland. No ooo.

 

“That will tell you the kind of person he will be, assuming some people vote for him foolishly to become Governor. He does not have the overall interest of Urhobo,” the great Urhobo elder statesman said unflinchingly.

 

Delta PDP has never had any doubts about the Chameleonic nature of Ovie Omo-Agege. He was once a member of our great party and the circumstances under which he left the party were less than noble, disturbingly dishonourable, acrimoniously petty, and uncharitably rancourous, as he fermented all manner of disharmony within party ranks in his selfish quest to overturn an already accepted zoning arrangement, because of his “emi lo kan” mentality, just like his Presidential candidate in APC.

 

Chief Joe Omene has done Deltans a great service by exposing the real Ovie Omo-Agege to the world and we are quite gratified by this honest revelation. We have also been vindicated in our unwavering position that even in his own community and so-called stronghold, Ovie Omo-Agege already has major trust, personality, and integrity issues and the initial effervescence of his emergence which is fast fading, will continue to dissipate and evaporate rapidly, as the 2023 election draws ever closer.

 

 

 

© Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza is the State Publicity Secretary, PDP, Delta State & Deputy Director, Media, and Publicity Committee, PDP Campaign Council.

Press Statement

 

Obuah Lauds Wike’s Foresight Over State Honours

 

…Says Sim Is Experienced Public Officer

 

Bro Felix Obuah, recipient of Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State (DSSRS) says Governor Nyesom Wike should be commended and appreciated for being in touch and actively alive to every good deed for public interest from any quarter in the State.

 

His Excellency is not only sensitive to such deeds but also most willing to reward such hard work and dedication, the Director-General of Rivers State PDP Campaign Council, Bro Obuah further added.

 

Bro Obuah noted that the ability to appreciate and reward hard work is a divine character which is a remarkable attribute of Governor Nyesom Wike which nobody will deny him whether friend or foe.

 

The immediate past State PDP Chairman and former Sole Administrator, Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), Bro Obuah, made the remarks while speaking to newsmen after receiving the State Honours Award, Saturday night.

 

He simply described Gov Wike as a good man who does not hide his feelings about anything and says it as he deems it right.

 

“This is one attribute that endears him to me as you can easily know his position on any matter. This rare attribute helps to treat matters with dispatch.

 

“No wonder all the projects embarked upon by his administration are executed and delivered as planned.

 

“Let me once again, enjoin our people to continue to support and pray for His Excellency and his administration even as we expect yet another experienced public officer in the person of Sir Siminalayi Fubara to succeed him after he has completed his tenure to the glory of God”, Bro Obuah prayed.

 

 

Jerry Needam

 

Special Adviser Media and Publicity

To Bro Felix Obuah,  Director-General,

PDP 2023 New Rivers Vision Campaign Council,

Rivers State.

 

 

2023: Don’t be deceived by fake promises, Okowa tells Nigerians

 

Vice-Presidential Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor of Delta, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has called on Nigerians to be prayerful and watchful in order not to be swayed by politicians with fake promises.

 

He said that with the 2023 general elections a few months away, some politicians had started making empty and unrealistic promises to Nigerians as was the case in 2015.

 

Okowa made the call at the Thanksgiving Service to mark the end of the Annual Convention of Pasture of Life Ministries International, Asaba.

 

He said that the task to rebuild Nigeria was herculean, but pointed out that many people aspiring to lead the country did not understand the enormity of the problem facing the nation.

 

According to him, the times we are in Nigeria is very difficult and many persons want to make it look like its very easy to rebuild Nigeria, that will be deceitful of any man to say so.

 

“We were deceived in 2015 at the campaigns because promises were made in such a manner that people said let’s drive out Jonathan’s and the APC came into government and we are where we are today.

 

“Here again people are beginning to its easy to fix Nigeria in 6 months but when you have not been in governance you will not understand exactly what the situation is and for somebody who says it’s easy to fix Nigeria, it means the person does not even know the depth of the problem of Nigeria as at today,”

 

The PDP Presidential running mate said a lot of work needs to be done, adding that it requires the collective responsibility of every citizen to turn things around for the country.

 

“There is a lot of work to be done, and it requires great leadership and followership to work together to fix this country.

 

“It requires the collective efforts of our fathers and mothers but it also requires a lot of our youths to work together because people who don’t understand the workings of governance can easily be deceived.

 

“We must seek the face of God, we must ask God prayerfully to allow His will to be done for this nation. So, we must all arise and pray that the will of God be in this nation so that we are not deceived again like we were deceived in 2015,” he added.

 

Okowa further said Nigeria had never been so indebted like it is now saying, “the level of debt that we are in now in this country, we have never seen it before since 1999.

 

“All l ask is that our youths should shine their eyes, pray, don’t be deceived again. Some people who told us that the naira and the dollar will become equal were deceitful.

 

“There are somethings that they will tell you and you will know that it is not possible because you have knowledgeable mind and you are educated.

 

“So, let us not just accept everything that people say, let us be cautious and prayerful and the Lord will truly guide us as a nation.

 

“As to whether Nigeria will return back to glorious days and surpass, yes it will; will it take time? yes also. We need to be prayerful,” Okowa stated.

 

Guest Preacher Bishop Emmah Isong of Christian Central Chapel International (CCCI), Calabar, in his sermon “Them that love God” told Christians not to struggle to make it in life but just love God for all things work together for good to them that love God.

 

He urged Christians to love God and always pray for the nation in all they do and God will always show up in their lives, stressing that, “when you love God stumbling blocks put on the way against you will become stepping stones for you,” Bishop Isong said.

 

Welcoming guests earlier, Presiding Bishop of Pasture of Life International, Bishop Jude Akhere had thanked the Governor for his immense contributions to the growth and development of the state.

 

He said he had lived in Asaba for 36 years and knew what the city looked like before the Okowa administration came on board.

 

He described Okowa as a governor with determination to change the status of Asaba capital city with several projects including Stephen Keshi Stadium; Professor Chike Edozien Secretariat; Maryam Babangida Way; DLA Road; Koka Flyover and Interchange

Asaba Storm Water Drainage; Okpanam Road; Asaba Leisure Park and Film Village.

 

Bishop Akhere also lauded the Governor for the establishment of three new universities, widow’s monthly payment; Youth Empowerment Programmes; Contributory Health Insurance as well as free health care for children under 5 and pregnant women had contributed immensely to the reduction maternal mortality in the state.

 

2023: Uduaghan urges Isoko nation to vote PDP candidates

 

As the Delta South Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ward-to-ward campaign train berths at Isoko South, immediate past Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has called on the people to vote for all candidates of the party in the 2023 general elections.

 

Speaking at Umeh in Isoko South Local Government Area on Monday, Uduaghan said the state government executed some legacy projects in the community, including the famous Umeh Road and called on them to reciprocate government’s kind gesture by voting for all candidates of the party in the general elections.

 

He lauded an illustrious son of the area, Chief Duncan Afahokor for attracting development to the community, describing him as a “hero”.

 

“My dear people of Isoko nation, today I am very emotional, because this community has produced a hero that we are not giving the right recognition.

 

“Chief Barr Duncan Afahokor is a hero and I thank him again for what God used him to do for the people of Umeh community.

 

“Through him, we constructed the Umeh Road, Umeh Primary School and other projects which have no doubt transformed the community today. So I call on you all to vote more so that you can get more,” Uduaghan added.

 

He urged the people to shun all entreaties from opposition parties describing their promises as fake and unrealistic.

 

He called on the people to vote for Atiku Abubakar and Ifeanyi Okowa for President and Vice-President; Sheriff Oborevwori for Governor; Michael Diden for Senate; Engr Jonathan Ukodhiko for House of Representatives and Hon. Ferguson Onwo and Bino Obowomano for House of Assembly.

Director-General of the Delta PDP Campaign Council, Chief Solomon Funkekeme reminded the people of all the good projects done for the community and urged them to cast their votes for all party candidates.

 

The campaign train which also visited Okpolo/Enhwe, Igbide, Emede and Olomoro wards, had in attendance Chairman Delta South PDP Chief Julius Takeme; Former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Stella Omu; Senatorial candidate Hon. Michael Diden; Hon. Nicholas Mutu; Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi; and Engr. Jonathan Ukodhiko.

 

Others include Majority Leader Delta State House of Assembly Hon. Ferguson Onwo; MD/CEO DESOPADEC Bashorun Askia Ogieh; High Chief Mike Loyibo, Commissioner for Transport Chief Mike Okah: Commissioner for Trade and Investments Churchill Amagada and Chairman Isoko South PDP Chief Godspower Obaro.

 

The rally also featured defection of some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP. They said they were leaving because the APC had failed Nigerians.

 

 

 

 Okowa congratulates Obiora Okonkwo at 57

 

Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor of Delta, Sen (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated business mogul and Chairman, United Airlines, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, on his 57th birth anniversary.

 

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, Okowa lauded the Ogidi-born consumate entrepreneur for his acknowledged accomplishments and contributions to the socio-economic growth of Nigeria.

 

He described Obiora, a former governorship candidate in Anambra State and currently, the state’s Director of Atiku-Okowa 2023 Presidential Campaign Committee, as a savvy businessman and great philanthropist, with a huge passion for touching lives positively.

 

Okowa remarked that as an astute politician, Obiora had added immense value to the Atiku-Okowa Presidential Campaign in Anambra.

 

“My brother, Obiora, you are a pride of Ndi-Igbo, and I must commend you for your huge investments in the socio-economic and political development of your state, Anambra, and Nigeria.

 

“You have contributed immensely to the greater popularity and acceptability of the Atiku-Okowa ticket of the PDP in Anambra and the South-East of which we remain grateful to you and your colleagues,” he said.

 

“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I congratulate you, an illustrious son of Anambra and Igbo nation, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, on your 57th birth anniversary.

 

“Your contributions to entrepreneurship and economic development in Nigeria will continue to inspire us in our quest to rescue, reset and rebuild our country, Nigeria.

 

“It is my prayer that God will continually bless you with robust health and more years of service to Him and humanity,” he added.

 

 

2023: Esiso urges Deltans to vote Oborevwori for inclusive governance

 

Delta State Chairman Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Kingsley Esiso has called on the electorate in the state to vote for the party’s governorship candidate, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori for inclusive governance and democratic dividends.

 

Esiso who made the call at the party’s ward-to-ward campaign rally at Aviara, Irri, Oleh and Uzere Wards in Isoko South Local Government Area, also urged the people to vote for all candidates of PDP in the 2023 general elections to enable the party rescue, reset and rebuild the country.

 

He said that Deltans have decided not to vote for a man who will turn government to personal and family property.

 

Esiso said a vote for Oborevwori and other PDP candidates was a vote for inclusive governance and an opportunity to resolve the many challenges bedevilling the nation.

 

He urged the people to join hands with the party to drive away the All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that they brought no development but hunger, poverty, economic stagnation and insecurity across the country.

 

The rally which also featured defection of some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP, had in attendance Deputy State Chairman Chief Val Areyenka; Chairman Delta South PDP Chief Julius Takeme; Former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Stella Omu; Senatorial candidate Hon. Michael Diden; Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi; and Engr. Jonathan Ukodhiko.

 

Others include Majority Leader Delta State House of Assembly Hon. Ferguson Onwo; Chief Ross Uredi; MD/CEO DESOPADEC Bashorun Askia Ogieh; Prince Johnson Erijo, Commissioner for Trade and Investments Churchill Amagada; Chief Iduh Amadhe; Dr Paul Oweh; Hon. Victor Asasa; Hon. 2023: Esiso urges Deltans to vote Oborevwori for inclusive governance

 

Chairman Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Delta, Chief Kingsley Esiso has called on the electorate in the state to vote for the party’s governorship candidate, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori for inclusive governance and democratic dividends.

 

Esiso who made the call at the party’s Ward-to-ward campaign rally at Aviara, Irri, Oleh and Uzere Wards in Isoko South Local Government Area of the state, also urged the people to vote for all candidates of the PDP in the 2023 general elections to enable the party rescue, reset and rebuild the country.

 

He said that Deltans have decided not to vote for a man who will turn government to personal and family property.

 

Esiso said a vote for Oborevwori and other PDP candidates was a vote for inclusive governance and an opportunity to resolve the many challenges bedevilling the nation.

 

He urged the people to join hands with the party to drive away the All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that they brought no development but hunger, poverty, economic stagnation and insecurity across the country.

 

The rally which also featured defection of some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP, had in attendance Deputy State Chairman Chief Val Areyenka; Chairman Delta South PDP Chief Julius Takeme; Former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Stella Omu; Senatorial candidate Hon. Michael Diden; Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi; and Engr. Jonathan Ukodhiko.

 

Others include Majority Leader Delta State House of Assembly Hon. Ferguson Onwo; Chief Ross Uredi; MD/CEO DESOPADEC Bashorun Askia Ogieh; Prince Johnson Erijo, Commissioner for Trade and Investments Churchill Amagada; Chief Iduh Amadhe; Dr Paul Oweh; Hon. Victor Asasa; Hon. Christian Iteire; Dr Michael Tidi and Chairman Isoko South PDP Chief Godspower Obaro.; Dr Michael Tidi and Chairman Isoko South PDP Chief Godspower Obaro.

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Floods: SERAP sues Buhari over failure to probe ‘missing trillions of ecological funds’

Floods: SERAP sues Buhari over failure to probe ‘missing trillions of ecological funds’

 

 

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Muhammadu Buhari over “the failure to probe the spending of trillions of ecological funds by governments at all levels—federal, state and local governments from 2001 to date, and to ensure the prosecution of suspected perpetrators of corruption and mismanagement of public funds.”

 

Joined in the suit as Respondents are the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha.

 

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) recently said that no fewer than 600 persons died and 1.3 million rendered homeless as a result of the floods that ravaged most states across the country, with destruction of properties worth billions.

 

In the suit number FHC/L/CS/2283/2022 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Lagos, SERAP is asking the court to “direct and compel President Buhari to promptly and thoroughly investigate the spending of Ecological Fund by governments at the Federal, state and local government levels from 2001 to date.”

 

SERAP is also asking the court to “direct and compel President Buhari to ensure that suspected perpetrators of corruption and mismanagement of trillions of ecological funds are promptly brought to justice, and any missing public funds fully recovered.”

 

In the suit, SERAP is arguing that, “the failure to probe the alleged missing trillions, prosecute suspected perpetrators and recover any missing public funds is a fundamental breach of constitutional and international legal obligations.”

 

SERAP is also arguing that, “impunity for corruption in the management of Ecological Fund will continue as long as high-ranking public officials go largely unpunished for their alleged crimes.”

 

According to SERAP, “It is in the public interest to direct and compel President Buhari to probe these allegations so that evidence can be taken before the court and the truth about the spending of ecological funds revealed, and justice served.”

 

SERAP is also arguing that, “the Federal Government has violated the obligations to protect and uphold the human rights of those affected, and to provide them with access to justice and effective remedies.”

 

The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyer Kolawole Oluwadare, read in part: “the Federal Government has the legal obligations to address the calamitous consequences of flooding for the human rights of millions of people, and to prevent and address the consequences that climate change may reap on human rights.”

 

“According to the audit of the Ecological Fund Office carried out by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, (NEITI), the total amount received by the fund from December 2011 to November 2016 alone was N277 billion.”

 

“The operations of the Fund from 2012 to 2016 reportedly showed that some of the disbursements were not utilised for the purpose for which it was established. During these periods, N74,170,932,645.20 was released to State Governments to solve ecological problems in their States.”

 

“Although ecological funds are shared across the three tiers of government, and emergency management agencies, the funds are managed and supervised by the Federal Government.”

 

“The Federal Government has the legal obligations to prevent and address the threats to human rights that result from climate change, and to provide access to justice and effective remedies for victims when these rights are violated.”

 

“The Federal Government has a positive obligation to protect individuals against the threat posed to human rights by climate change, regardless of the causes, and to effectively address the aftermath of the flooding such as deterioration in health, diminishing access to safe drinking water and susceptibility to disease.”

 

“Climate change also has the potential to exacerbate existing threats to human rights in the country. Rising global temperatures will jeopardise many people’s livelihoods, increasing their vulnerability to poverty and social deprivation.”

 

“Many years of allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the spending of Ecological Fund and entrenched impunity of perpetrators have undermined the ability of governments at all levels and emergency management agencies to prevent the impact of flooding on the human rights vulnerable Nigerians.”

 

“Allegations of corruption and mismanagement have undermined the ability of authorities at all levels to invest in drainage systems, and to tackle soil erosion and climate change challenges across several parts of the country.”

 

“The funds released for ecological projects are characterised by mismanagement, diversion of funds, substandard and abandoned projects fully paid for. Ecological funds have also been allegedly spent for other purposes such as election campaigns and political patronage.”

 

“Prevention of corruption in the spending of the Ecological Fund, and preventing and addressing the challenges caused by climate change are serious and legitimate public interests.”

 

“There is a legitimate public interest in ensuring justice and accountability for alleged corruption and mismanagement in the management of the Ecological Fund.”

 

“Nigerians have the right to know how the public funds budgeted to address ecological challenges are spent. Publishing the details of allocations of the Ecological Fund since 2001 would promote transparency, accountability, and reduce the risks of corruption in the spending of the funds.”

 

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

 

 

 

Kolawole Oluwadare

SERAP Deputy Director

4/12/2022

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

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Delta to Buhari: Okowa not among 'pilfering' governors

Delta to Buhari: Okowa not among ‘pilfering’ governors

 

Delta Government on Friday dissociated Governor Ifeanyi Okowa from the allegation by President Muhammadu Buhari that some governors were involved in diverting local government funds.

 

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, at a news conference in Asaba said Okowa’s administration had remained transparent and accountable to the people and would never be counted among governors (if any) that steal local government funds.

 

He stated that in case the President had information that such pilfering happened in some states, “ the reverse is the case in Delta, where rather than touch the funds of local governments, the governor gives them nothing less than N300 million monthly to augment their salaries and pension bills, and remain afloat’’.

 

According to Ifeajika, I want to say that Mr President, as one who has all the information about issues in the country, knows the governors who fall into that category of the so-called ‘thieves’ he was referring to.

 

“We all know that our own Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, does not belong there. He was one of the first governors, if not the first, to embrace local government autonomy when it was agreed on just like he did with the judiciary and the legislature.

 

“He went as far as getting legislation to grant autonomy to the legislature and the judiciary. He allowed them to run autonomously. And, for a man, who allowed these organs of government to have autonomy, he cannot have anything to do with funds belonging to the local governments.

 

“I repeat that the government of Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, every month, augments the finances of local governments in the state with  more than N300 million to make sure they are able to pay their salaries and stay afloat.

 

“He does that religiously monthly; so, for a man who does that, how can he be among those who steal local government money?

 

“Our governor is not part of it. You are also aware that the government of Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa recently released N5 billion for pension arrears; N2.5 billion of that was a grant to the local government for payment of pensions.

 

“It is a grant to the local government; they are not going to pay. The governor did that because the local governments have to fund their activities, pay their teachers and healthcare workers,” he stated.

 

Okowa’s spokesman also took a swipe at Deputy President of the Senate and All Progressives Congress Governorship Candidate in the state, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, for lying about consulting Governor Okowa on the status of PTI-Eku-Agbor road.

 

Ifeajika said that Omo-Agege knew that the road was under contract and he knew the contractor who abandoned the road.

 

“I have told you before that lying is in the DNA of Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege just like it is in the APC. But beyond lies, his utterances obviously smack of malice and mischief.

 

“In a meeting with CAN members in Sapele some days ago, he told them that he had asked Okowa to furnish him with information about the status of the road from PTI through Agbor.

 

“I wonder how Omo-Agege, Deputy President of the Senate, would be asking the governor to furnish him with such information when he can easily find out about the road as a federal officer.

 

“Again, he lied when he said that he was doing that because the contract for that road had been awarded previously. But, if that is the case, all he needed to do was to use his good office to return the contractor to site.

 

“He said he wanted that information to enable him to put the road contract in NDDC’s budget. So, what happened to the first contract? If a contract was awarded, as a Deltan, all he needed to do was to find out what happened to the first contract.

 

“Well, Deltans are Deltans and they know the truth. He said N80 billion has been approved for that same project again through NDDC. We have heard him but, until we see the contractor deployed to work, we cannot believe him.

 

“He said again that because of insecurity, oil companies have left the state, Warri particularly. We all know where insecurity comes from. It is one big thing that the APC administration has given to Nigerians.

 

“It is their flagship gift to Nigerians, and his comment on insecurity is a great indictment on the Federal Government where he is a big stakeholder,” he stated.

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Nasarawa Court Sends Internet Fraudster To Jail

Nasarawa Court Sends Internet Fraudster To Jail

 

Justice N.I. Afolabi of the Federal High Court sitting in Lafia, Nasarawa State has convicted and sentenced one Adikpe Philip to jail for internet fraud.

He was jailed on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 after pleading guilty to one-count charge bordering on internet fraud, upon his arraignment by the Makurdi Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The charge reads: “That you, Adikpe Philip, sometime in July, 2022 in Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud sent electronic messages to one Keith Anderson and other foreign nationals, that materially misrepresented facts which reliance was place upon and caused them to suffer loss, thereby committed an offence, contrary to Section 14 (2) of Cybercrime (Prohibition Prevention etc) Act, 2015 and punishable under the same section of the Act”.

The defendant pleaded “guilty” to the charge.

Upon his plea, the prosecution counsel, M. Yusuf prayed the Court to convict and sentence him as charged.

Justice Afolabi convicted and sentenced him to one year imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira).

The convict started his journey to the Correctional Centre when he was arrested by operatives of the Makurdi Zonal Command of the EFCC for impersonating foreigners and using their identities to defraud other foreigners.

 

 

N19.9m Fraud: EFCC Closes Case against Yobe Auditor General for Local Government

The Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, closed its case in the ongoing trial of the Auditor General for Local Government, Yobe State, Alhaji Idris Yahaya before Justice Muhammad Lawu Lawan of the Damaturu State High Court, Yobe State.

The defendant allegedly obtained the said sum from the Office of the Auditor General for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Yobe State, for the purchase of an official vehicle, a 2015 Toyota Corolla and diverted part of the money to his personal use.
The count read: ”That you, Yahaya Lawal Idris, being the Auditor General for Local Government, Yobe State, between the 20th to 21st day of May 2017 at Damaturu, Yobe State within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, received the sum of N19,900,000.00 via your personal account number 1001480930 with account name Alhaji Yahaya Idris domiciled with United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) from the Local Government Audit Account Number 5030030060 domiciled with Fidelity Bank Plc for the purchase of a brand new Toyota Corolla 2015 Model, did dishonestly misappropriate the gross sum of N10,100,000.00 (Ten Million, One Hundred Thousand Naira) only being the money made for the purchase of the said brand new Toyota Corolla 2015 for the Office of the Local Government Auditor General, Yobe State, and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 308 of the Penal Code Cap 102 Laws of Yobe State of Nigeria and punishable under section 309 of the same Law.”

Yahaya was first arraigned on Wednesday November 9, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the charge.

At today’s sitting, prosecution counsel, Mukhtar Ali Ahmed, called four witnesses and tended several documents in evidence before closing the case of the prosecution.

The first prosecution witness, Rabiu Isa who is a car dealer in Kano told the court that sometime in 2017 the defendant came to his car stand and negotiated to buy a 2016 Toyota Corolla car for N9.8m and requested to be issued a blank receipt.
The PW3, Emmanuel Andrew, a representative of United Bank for Africa, narrated how the defendant withdrew the inflow of N19,900,000 from the account of the Yobe State Local Government Auditor General.

“On the 28th March, 2017 there was an inflow of N19, 900,000 from the account of Yobe State Local Government Audit to the defendant’s account and on the 21st March, 2017 there was a transfer of N9.8m in favour of NAZ Motors Limited for the purchase of a vehicle.

“On August 4, 2017, the defendant transferred the sum of N700, 000.00 (Seven Hundred Thousand Naira) to one Shettima Babule. On August 15, 2017, there was another transfer from the defendant to Alhaji Gambo Haruna in the sum of N3.200, 000 (Three Million Two Hundred Thousand Naira),” he said.

Benjamin Young Etah an operative of the EFCC and PW4, told the court that upon receipt of a petition from Zero Corruption Hundred Percent Development against the defendant, his team wrote investigation activities letters to banks and responses were analyzed.

According to him, the petitioner alleged that Wakil included several names on the Government Payroll and acquired several properties worth millions of Naira.

“Investigations revealed that two quotations were submitted from two different companies namely El-Hmazat Investment and Brisco; while Brisco’s quotation was approved, the defendant went to NAZ Motors and purchased a vehicle and diverted the balance of N10.1m.

“One Alhaji Haruna Gambo who is a land vendor in Damaturu, Yobe State also received some amount of money from the defendant,” he said.

Justice Lawan adjourned the matter till December 7, 2022 for the defendant to open his defence.

 

Alleged N260m Fraud: Court Sends Ex-Gusau Varsity VC, Prof. Garba to 35 Years in Prison

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, December 1, 2022 secured the conviction of Professor Magaji Garba, a former Vice Chancellor of Federal University Gusau, as Justice Maryam Hassan Aliyu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Garki, Abuja, found guilty of a five count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and forgery and sentenced him to 35 years jail term.

Garba was arraigned by the EFCC on October 12, 2021, for allegedly extorting various sums from a contractor on the pretext of awarding him a N3 billion contract for the perimeter wall fencing of the University.

The offence is contrary to section 1 (1) (a) and punishable under section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

Count two of the charge reads: “That you, Professor Magaji Garba, whilst being the Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Gusau on or about the 15th of May, 2019 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja with intent to defraud obtained the sum of N100,000,000 (One Hundred Million Naira) from Alhaji Shehu Umar Sambo, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Ministaco Nigeria Limited, a contractor executing the construction of the Grand Convocation Square of the Federal University, Gusau under the false pretence of awarding a project for the perimeter wall fencing of the University valued at the total sum of N3,000,000,000.00 (Three Billion Naira) which representation/pretense you knew to be false”.

Count three reads: “That you, Professor Magaji Garba, whilst being the Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Gusau on or about the 1st August, 2019 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja with intent to defraud obtained the sum of N150,000,000.00 (One Hundred and fifty Million Naira from Alhaji Shehu Umar Sambo, Managing Director/Chief Executive officer of Ministaco Nigeria Limited, a contract executing the construction of the Grand Convocation Square at the Federal University, Gusau under the false presence of awarding a project for the perimeter wall fencing of the University valued at the total sum of N3,000,000,000.00 (Three Billion Naira), which representation/ pretense you knew to be false”.

He had pleaded “not guilty” to the charges, thereby setting the stage for his full trial.

After calling witnesses and tendering so many documents, which were admitted in evidence, the EFCC closed its case on December 14, 2021.

Delivering judgment today, the trial judge said the court was satisfied that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

He pronounced the defendant “guilty” on the five counts, and sentenced him to seven years on count 1-3 without option of fine and seven years imprisonment on counts 4 and 5, with option of N10 million fine each.

 

EFCC Docks Man For Alleged N72.4m Theft In Lagos

The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, December 1, 2022, arraigned one Onoja Peter before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos on a six-count charge bordering on an alleged theft to the tune of N72,449,000.

The offence is contrary to Section 278 (1) (a) and (b) and Section 285 (1) of the Criminal of Lagos State of Nigeria 2021.

One of the counts reads: “Mr. Onoja Peter, sometime between February 2016 and December 2016 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, stole by fraudulently converting to your own use the sum of N15,900,000, property of National Union of Food Beverages and Tobacco Employee, NUBTE.”

Another count reads: “Mr. Onoja Peter, sometime between January 2019 and August 2019 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, stole by fraudulently converting to your own use the sum of N16,830,000, property of National Union of Food Beverages and Tobacco Employee, NUBTE.”

He is further accused of defrauding the Union of the sums of N8,499,000; N9,900,000; N11,030,000; and N10,290,000 at different times.

He pleaded “not guilty” to all the counts when they were read to him.

The prosecuting counsel, Anita Imo, prayed the court for a trial date to enable the prosecution prove its case against the defendant, and for the remand of the defendant at the Correctional Centre.

The defence counsel, Paul Okoli, prayed the court for the remand of the defendant at the EFCC custody pending the determination of his bail application.

Justice Dada adjourned the case till January 23, 2023, for trial.

The defendant was also ordered to be remanded at the Correctional Centre of his choice pending the filing and hearing of his bail application.

 

 

DON’T TAMPER WITH OUR CAMPAIGN MATERIALS AGAIN, BAYELSA APC WARNS GOVERNOR DIRI

Bayelsa State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has warned the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) government under Mr. Douye Diri to never again tamper with its campaign materials.

APC in a statement on Wednesday by its State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Doifie Buokoribo, revealed that on Tuesday night officials of the Bayelsa State Government in cahoots with unknown security elements were seen removing Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Senator Kashim Shettima 2023 Presidential Campaign posters and banners across Yenagoa.

APC Presidential Campaign Council is expected in Yenagoa on Thursday for a rally promoting the 2023 presidential bid of Tinubu. In readiness of this, the party leadership, support groups and sundry politicians had festooned the state capital with campaign materials supporting the party’s candidates.

APC described the action of the Bayelsa State government as “reckless, lawless, petty and provocative”.

“Bayelsa State belongs to all of us, irrespective of party lines. In this season of politics, we have a right to support any candidate of our choice. No authority can stop us from promoting our candidate. Never again should the government of Mr. Douye Diri tamper with our campaign materials”, the APC Spokesman said.

“For a government that did not even win the votes of the people at the last governorship elections, this act must rank as the lowest of the low”.

The party has since reported the matter to the police authorities in the state.

DOIFIE BUOKORIBO

State Publicity Secretary

All Progressives Congress (APC)

Yenagoa

30 November 2022

ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS, BAYELSA STATE CHAPTER

#382, MBIAMA/YENAGOA ROAD; KPANSIA; YENAGOA

 

 

 

December 1, 2022

Press Statement

Oshiomhole is False-hearted, Unstable – Atiku/Okowa Campaign

…Describes His Comment on PDP’s Candidate as Thoughtless

The Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organization has described the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Deputy Director-General of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Organization, Mr Adams Oshiomhole as an unstable and falsehearted character who should be disregarded by Nigerians.

Nigerians are appalled by the reckless comments made by Oshiomhole, who being distraught by the increasing popularity of the PDP Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar has now resorted to hauling insults and vituperations against the person of Atiku as witnessed in his Channels TV Politics Today interview on Wednesday.

Oshiomhole is behaving like someone suffering from acute Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD). This can only explain why the former APC National Chairman, who was disgraced out of office, continues as a chattering roller coaster and a musical chair politician who specializes in making unfounded comments and inventing fictitious claims against others just to draw undue attention to himself.

Nigerians can recall how Oshiomhole in 2016 described Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu as an impostor, a fake pastor, rusticated student, a career dropout, acid bath assailant, liar, treasury looter; an incompetent and questionable character, who is only good for night meetings and not fit to be the governor of Edo state, only to turn around in 2020 to state that these damaging allegations were mere political statements.

Nigerians expect Adams Oshiomhole to note that Presidential Campaign addresses serious issue and not a platform for throwing tantrums and irresponsible commentaries.

In that regard, Nigerians are not ready to accept such apparent HPD attitude from him towards the nation’s preferred leader, Atiku Abubakar.

In any case, Nigerians will not be surprised to see Adams Oshiomhole turning around at Atiku Abubakar’s inevitable victory and inauguration on May 29, 2023, to condemn Asiwaju Tinubu and declare his current unsavory comments against Atiku Abubakar as mere political statements.

If Oshiomhole has honour or means well for this nation, he ought to have resigned as Deputy Director General of Asiwaju/Shettima Presidential Campaign after series of shameful revelations of reported allegations touching on the integrity of the APC Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Instead of forum-shopping from one television station to the other, Oshiomhole ought to be explaining Tinubu’s deluge of questioning over alleged forgery, perjury, treasury looting; inconsistencies in age, name ancestry, educational qualifications as well as the link to nefarious trafficking that led to his forfeiture of a whopping sum of $460,000 to the United States of America in a narcotic matter.

Oshiomhole should help his candidate (Tinubu) to account for how the photograph of former Governor Donald Duke was allegedly stolen and used for Asiwaju documentary to campaign as a candidate for the 2023 election.

Our campaign holds that contrary to the garments of unity which Oshiomhole is forcing on Tinubu, the Presidential Candidate of the APC lacks antecedents that will showcase him as a believer in a truly united and indivisible Nigeria.

It is imperative to note this accounts for the discussion gaining traction in the public space where Asiwaju Tinubu, the APC presidential candidate, is alleged to be plotting the relocation of the Federal Capital from Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, back to Lagos, despite denials by his campaign.

Moreover, Oshiomhole is not in any position to preach about matrimonial competence and sanctimony as he has not explained the whereabouts of his imported foreign wife to Nigerians.

It is important for Oshiomhole to note that Nigerians have moved beyond Tinubu as they have already attained consensus across the political, ethnic and religious divides to vote in Atiku Abubakar as a pan-Nigerian and unifier that will rescue our nation from the shambolic rule of the divisive, insensitive and corrupt APC.

Of course, Nigerian have come to a consensus that our nation needs a visionary leader, like Atiku Abubakar and certainly not a bat with its inadequacies, specie inconsistencies and aversion to light.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan

Spokesperson

Atiku/Okowa Campaign Organization.

 

I Will Conquer The Ocean In Bayelsa As I Did In Lagos ― Tinubu

The Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, on Thursday promised to build primary and secondary drainage canals that would protect Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State from flood if he is voted into office as president of Nigeria.

Tinubu stated this in Yenagoa during the Bayelsa State APC Presidential Campaign Council rally at the Ox-Bow Lake Pavilion, Swali, Yenagoa.

He said if elected, he would proffer permanent solutions to issues of flooding across Bayelsa, just the way he did in Lagos, as well as reclaimed lands the Atlantic Ocean have washed away in all coastal communities of the state.

Speaking further he said “today I bring great news to Bayelsa, and that news is that hope and salvation is here, prosperity is here, that employment is back, that happiness is here, that high prices of good are gone. No matter how much they try to frustrate this news, we will bring it to you.

“Where we are is Bayelsa, one of the most blessed with mineral resources in this country. The wealth that would have prevented you from dying in flood. But the poverty developing party could not help you. They collect your money and tell you lies. They lie to you too much.

“It is about time you sweep them away because they keep making promises to you and cannot fulfil them. Where is the road Initiated by Yakubu Gowan? Where is the East-West road? Where is the opportunity for broadband? Where is their head? Where are their brains?

“I promise you that I will build thousands of experts of employment. I promise you a technical hub that will give you job opportunities. I promise you that your houses, your father’s house, your mother’s house, your dear parents will no longer be watched away by the flood.

“Take your broom, take your PVC let’s chase them away. Let them go along with this flood. If you hear of their lies; you will know that these termites, cockroaches and rats are not willing to leave you with leftovers. I promised to conquer the Atlantic Ocean in Bayelsa just as I did in Lagos many years ago.”

Also speaking, the coordinator of the APC Campaign Council in the state and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, said that Bayelsa remains an APC-controlled state in spite of the fact that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stole the mandate of Chief David Lyon through the court in 2020.

He said “you can see that even after they stole the mandate from us, they don’t even know what to do with it. Look at the state of the State. Today I am not here to talk about Bayelsa, I am here to talk about Bola Tinubu. He has a track record nobody can beat.

“I am very sure that Tinubu is the next President of Nigeria because both Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar are no match to our candidate, going by their track records. Take it from me, Tinubu is the only candidate that has the capacity to expand our economy to accommodate the children we give birth to every day.”

 

BRAIN DRAIN RESULTS FROM INSECURITY, DEARTH OF REQUISITE EQUIPMENT IN NIGERIA -WIKE

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has identified the intractable insecurity situation in Nigeria as one reason why most professionals leave the shores of the country in droves for greener pastures.

Governor Wike spoke on the cause of brain drain at the inauguration of the Renal/Dialysis Centre and House Officers Quarters at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

The Rivers State governor maintained that welfare of doctors and other professionals are not primarily the sole reasons for brain drain in the country. He noted that because of the looming unemployment situation in the country, most people now opt going outside of Nigeria for the dream job they required.

Even when some of professionals are employed within Nigeria, governor Wike insisted that such persons are not provided with the requisite equipment to use in their various organisations and industries.

“When you talk about brain drain, it is not only associated with the medical profession. So many people leave this country because of unemployment. So many people have left this country because of insecurity. So many people have left this country because where they work the equipment is not there.

“It is not only just because of welfare, that is why you see brain drain, no. It is not correct. Even professors in the university in the various faculties of law, faculties of engineering most of them leave because the tools to work are not there.

“But you are lucky you (RSUTH staff) have the tools here. So, clap for us first that we have provided the basic things. Today, you’re lucky, you’re working in a teaching hospital where you can find the equipment, at least, to make your job easier for you. So, it is not as bad as where the equipment are not there.”

Governor Wike reiterated that it was out of grateful heart that he thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for the release of 13% derivative fund arrears, from 1999 to date, that was never paid by previous administration to States in Niger Delta.

He wondered why saying thank you is an offense and a particular governor feels offended over the thank you said to President Buhari over the release.

The said governor, according to governor Wike had gone in national television to say that money spent to do a 3km road in his State would be used to construct more than 15 flyovers elsewhere.

“Simply because I said you people should thank President Muhammadu Buhari for releasing 13 percent arrears to us. I did not abuse anybody. Did I? All I said is please thank him, that if he did not release this arrears to me and some of our states, it may have been difficult for me to even talk about building a Renal Centre, Cancer and Cardiovascular centre, Basic and Clinical Sciences faculty, House officers quarters. I don’t think saying thank you is an offence.

“On television, I heard one of the governors said in his state to do 3 kilometre road will do more than 15 flyovers. Rivers State, is it not Niger Delta State? Don’t we have riverine areas in Rivers State? Amayanabo of Opobo said since he was born, he has never driven by road to Opobo.

“The day he drive by road to Opobo, he said, God is it possible that in my own time I will not go through the river again, I am now driving by road to Opobo. That is a major riverine area. By the grace of God this December (2022) we are going to commission the first phase of Trans-Kalabari Road. That is a major riverine area.

Speaking further, governor said, “I didn’t know that people are sick about the flyovers I do. Okay, sorry. I don’t want you to be sick again. I won’t do again. Instead of you to appreciate and ask somebody how are you doing this, and justify what you’re doing.

“I have turned the state capital around using a major construction firm like Julius Berger Nigeria PLC. If you know you have the capacity, if you know you have what it takes go and take Julius Berger and see whether you can pay salary.”

Governor Wike pointed to how determined he was in creating the space for medical education that led to the establishment of medical college at the Rivers State University (RSU), which hitherto was not in existence before he assumed office.

“To tell you it is not just flyovers, look at the health sector alone. As at the time we came, this State had no medical college, only the University of Port Harcourt had, and you see how competitive being a federal university. How many of our people get admission to read medicine and other related courses.”

About a 100 students of Rivers origin, he informed, at the PAMO university of medical sciences are also placed on State government scholarship, and who upon graduation, are to gain automatic employment into government establishment.

Governor Wike said while equipment are provided, and medical facilities upgraded, the manpower gap is also being filled.

The governor maintained that the current congestion that is experienced at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) is being addressed.

He explained that in the coming days, the Gynecology department will move to the Mother and Child Hospital and other departments moving to their dedicated facilities like the Maxillofacial and Kersely Harrison Hospital.

Speaking on the projects, Governor Wike urged Nigerians to seek medical assistance from the Renal/dialysis Centre because it has the best equipment and personnel to offer requisite services.

There is already an ongoing arrangement, governor Wike hinted, towards an effective management of the centre to ensure sustainability.

Governor Wike also advise the house officers to imbibe maintenance culture so that they can always keep the quarters clean and maintain the structure.

In his speech, Chief Medical Director of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Friday Aaron said the two projects inaugurated are signature of the genuine love of governor Wike for the State.

Dr. Aaron recalled that the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) was already constructing a Renal Dialysis Unit and governor Wike noticed that if allowed in its form, will be limited in the service it will offer.

The CMD said governor Wike directed an expansion of the unit into a world class centre that will diagnose renal cases, perform dialysis and do transplant of kidney. This, he said is because the governor believes that Rivers people deserve the best.

In his address, commissioner for health, Prof. Princewill Chike said the Renal Centre is one of the best in Nigeria that has been provided by governor Wike for his love for the health sector.

The centre, he pointed out, is a one storey building that has lift that can take 13 person per time.

According to him, there are also doctors and nurses call rooms, water treatment unit, and a 6bed space dialysis area.

Prof. Chike also informed that on the first floor, there are two theatres, one is for where kidney donor and recipient are kept, with equipment to ensure the marching of the kidney.

He said the second theatre is where the transplanting of the kidney is done and the situation properly monitored.

Prof. Chike said there is 100kv standby generating set and 30kva inverter with 6 solar plates to ensure regular power supply.

The chairman, Nigeria Medical Association, Dr. Ebi Robinson commended governor Wike for building the Renal centre and equipping it with latest state of the art medical equipment that will enhance the productivity of doctors in the hospital.

November 30, 2022.

 

 

Senator Albert Bassey convicted, sentenced to 42 years imprisonment by Justice Agatha Okeke

Albert Bassey, senator representing Akwa Ibom North East at the National Assembly was, on Thursday, convicted and sentenced to 42 years imprisonment by Justice Agatha Okeke of the Federal High, Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.
The court found him guilty of six-count of money laundering preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Senator Bassey was prosecuted by the anti-graft agency on allegation of receiving vehicle valued at N204 million as bribe from companies linked to one Olajide Omokore, a contractor who executed a N3billion contract for the Government of Akwa Ibom State whilst Senator Bassey was Commissioner for finance and Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee

The offence contravenes Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and is punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.

One of the charges against the senator reads, “That you, Albert Bassey, whilst being the Commissioner for Finance, Akwa Ibom State and Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Inter-Ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee, IMDLCC sometime in December 2012, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, indirectly took possession of a vehicle (Infinity QX 56 BP) valued at N45,000,000.00 at the instance of one Olajide Jones Omokore (whose companies had contracts with Akwa Ibom State Government at that material time), when you reasonably ought to have known that the said vehicle formed part of proceed of unlawful activity (to wit: corruption) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act”.

Upon arraignment, the senator pleaded not guilty to the charges setting the stage for his full trial. In the course of trial, EFCC called several witnesses and tendered documents that were admitted in evidence as exhibits.

One of the witnesses, Ngunan Kakwagh, an investigator with the EFCC, revealed how Olajide Omokore, a contractor, bought vehicles for Senator Albert after receiving N3bn contracts when he was Commissioner for Finance in Akwa Ibom State.

Kakwagh, informed the court that the anti-graft agency traced about N3bn payments from the Akwa Ibom State Government and the Inter-Ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee, to the accounts of Canwod Dredging Company Limited, Bay Atlantic Limited, Sahel Engineering, Power Nigeria Limited and Network Services Nigeria Limited – all linked to Omokore.

“My team further traced money from Omokore’s company account to the account of Skymit Limited, and when we invited Skymit to tell us the reasons for the money, we were told that it was for the purchase of vehicles.

“So, my investigation revealed that the accused, while he was the Commissioner for Finance and Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee, Omokore and his companies received monies from the Akwa Ibom State Government and the IMDLCC.

“Also, Omokore bought cars from Skymit Limited for the accused”, the witness added.

The vehicles include Infinity QX 56 BP, valued at N45million; Toyota Land Cruiser V8 BP, valued at N40million; Range Rover, valued at N40million; Toyota Hiace, High Roof, valued at N27million; Toyota Hiace High Roof, valued at N16million and Toyota Hilux 4×4, valued at N36million.

The court on May 5, 2022 closed the case of the defence following the failure of the lead defence counsel, Kanu Agabi to continue the trial of the serving senator.

Delivering judgement, Justice Okeke held that the court was satisfied that the prosecution had proved the case against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt and convicted him as charged.

 

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

‘MY RE-ELECTION BID BASED ON ACHIEVEMENTS’, SANWO-OLU DECLARES AS GOVERNOR UNVEILS CAMPAIGN BRAND

 

  • Lagosians propagate ’Greater Lagos Rising’ in roadshows, boat concerts

 

A multi-dimensional roadshow, comprising power bikers, activation rigs and mobile advertising vans, was spotted across cities in Lagos State on Wednesday with flashes of an appealing slogan: “A Greater Lagos Rising”. The overall activities formally flagged off the re-election campaign of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

 

In riverine communities, hundreds of residents rolled out branded canoes in a special sea show, traversing the Lagos waterways to kick off the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship electioneering.

 

The events culminated into a press briefing held in Ikeja, where Gov. Sanwo-Olu and Director General of the APC Governorship Campaign Council, Sen. Ganiyu Solomon, unveiled the campaign assets, including theme, colour and font branding.

 

Represented by Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, the Governor declared: “I am running on records; get ready for more.”

 

Sanwo-Olu said the theme of his second term campaign reinforced continuity of his achievements in first term. He said the idea of “Greater Lagos Rising” captured the passion and resilience of young creative citizens toiling to change the story of the State in music, movies, fashion, sports, manufacturing and technological innovations.

 

The Governor said renewal of his mandate would further strengthen his administration’s resolve to scale up efficiency of his development blueprint, known as THEMES Agenda, and unlock more socio-economic opportunities for hardworking residents.

 

He said: “Our campaign assets capture the audacity and spirit of Lagos in the rising of the city. The campaign assets are not some forms of self-adulation but fitting credit to the contributions of hardworking Lagosians, especially the youth, to the height Lagos has attained today. This campaign is not about me and my team alone. It is a tribute to all our youths who are doing amazing works to put Lagos on the global map. Renewing our mandate will represent people’s confidence in the collective progress we have made in the last three and half years against all odds.

 

“There is no doubt we are running on records. Evidence of our achievements abounds to discerning minds. Lagos is on the threshold of history as the first sub-national to deliver on a mass rail system; the Blue Rail Line is being test run ahead of commissioning and operations in the coming weeks. The Red Line is also scheduled for commissioning in the first quarter of 2023. We have completed and inaugurated 16 housing schemes within this first term. Our people are confident that we can do a lot more after they witnessed the commissioning 62 fire-fighting vehicles in a day to keep our citizens safe.

 

“This administration, within three years, upgraded two tertiary institutions to degree-awarding schools to raise human capital and prepare our young people for future jobs. Our Government trained 18,000 teachers under the Eko Excel Initiative. People who benefited from Ilera Eko Health Insurance scheme now see the proof that something is changing in the State. Honest residents know that Imota Rice Mill and the Lekki Deep Sea Port are incontrovertible proofs that a greater Lagos is indeed rising and unfolding before their eyes. Now, imagine what we can do with additional four years.”

 

The Governor explained the essence of yellow as dominant colour in the campaign materials, noting that the shade symbolised the energy, youthfulness, enthusiasm, optimism and happiness which are common expressions among Lagos residents.

 

The brand colour also came with a mix of foggy, signifying warmth, transformation, freedom and fun said to be hallmarks of the State.

 

All the colours used, Sanwo-Olu said, collectively evoked the resilience of the State to remain on the path of progress, despite being hit by global COVID-19 pandemic and the violence resulting from ENDSARS protests.

 

He said: “Our campaign will be reinforcing the energy, remarkable audacity and unbroken resilience of our people. Rising is a proof of growth. Our actions in the last three and half years have blended into our Greater Lagos mantra, with the State rising and transforming before our very eyes.

 

“When we say a ‘Greater Lagos is Rising’, we are drawing attention of our citizens to the positive changes taking place all over the State, including growth of our economy, breath-taking rebuilding of Lagos and the renewal of hope in citizens. Let us write a new history.”

 

Solomon said the party would be rolling out campaign materials to all nooks and crannies of the State to showcase the achievements of the Sanwo-Olu administration, urging residents of Lagos to support the effort to renew the Governor’s mandate.

 

Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Sam Egube, said Sanwo-Olu’s re-election bid was proper. He noted that Lagos rose in its challenging period, saying: “Mr. Governor never allowed those challenges to bring Lagos on its knees.”

 

Egube said the simultaneous development of two rail lines, building of a deep seaport and delivery of international standard bus stations were evidence that Greater Lagos had started to rise.

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

30 NOVEMBER 2022

 

 

Yoruba World Centre to support FG on new education policy

 

The International Centre for Yoruba Arts and Culture (Yoruba World Centre) has pledged to support the Federal Government on its new education policy.

The Centre stated this in a letter of congratulations written to the Minister of Eduction, Alhaji Adamu Adamu.

 

In the letter, personally signed by the Coordinator, Ogbeni Alao Adedayo, the YWC said it upheld the scaling through of this proposal as one big achievement that would be recorded for the tenure of the current Minister, pleading that all should come together to see to the workability of the policy.

 

On Wednesday, the Federal Executive Council, at its meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja, approved a new Language Policy which now makes mother tongue a compulsory medium of instruction from Primary classes 1 to 6. The Yoruba World Centre, in its first reaction to this, maintained that, “This is time for us to celebrate, because Nigeria now follows the ways of many developed nations.

 

“Using mother tongue for instructions at the early stage of the children has helped many nations of the world to develop, and it is one of the obstacles facing our education sector in Nigeria as pupils taught with foreign languages grow to fall in love with foreign cultures and ideas, abandoning anything indigenous, including the love for their own community and country.

 

“Here at the Yoruba World Centre, we are very sure the Federal Government and Nigerians shall reap bountifully from this new policy. This is why we are supporting the policy with all our resources, by bringing all stakeholders together to ensure we all give a helping hand that will facilitate an all-round success for the implementation of the policy.”

 

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI FLAYS CORRUPTION IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEM, PROMISES TO ACT ON NIPSS REPORT ON STRENGTHENING LOCAL GOVERNANCE

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Abuja flayed the tendency of some chief executives to encourage corruption at the local government system, thereby inhibiting development at the grassroots.

The President spoke at a parley with members of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) No. 44 (2022) of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru.

He narrated his personal experience on stemming the tide of corruption in the local government system after the presentation of the report of NIPSS SEC 44.

After listening to comments on the Course 44 presentation, themed ‘‘Strengthening Local Governance in Nigeria: Challenges, Options and Opportunities”, by some members of the Federal Executive Council, who aired their personal views on enhancing the autonomy of local governments, the President narrated his own experience on the treatment of local governments by some State governments.

‘‘I found it necessary to digress after reading my speech and this digression is as a result of my personal experience.

‘‘What they did, this is my personal experience, if the money from the Federation Account to the State is about N100 million, N50 million will be sent to the Chairman but he will sign that he received N100 million. The Governor will pocket the balance and share it with whoever he wants to share it with.

‘‘And then the Chairman of the local government must see how much he must pay in salaries and to hell with development. When he pays the salaries of the bigman, the balance he will put in his pocket.

‘‘This is what’s happening. This is Nigeria. It’s a terrible thing; you cannot say the person who was doing this is not educated.’’

President Buhari urged public office holders to be guided by their conscience and personal integrity wherever they find themselves.

He pledged that the recommendations contained in the presentation of SEC 44 will be painstakingly studied by the Government with the view to implementing its recommendations.

Declaring that his administration has done so much in building trust between the government and the people, the President noted that the report would largely assist in the provision of good governance to the people at the grassroots levels and by extension win back their trust in government.

‘‘It is obvious that government cannot afford to pay lip-service to the recommendations contained in this report.

‘‘I assure you that the Report will be treated with the seriousness and urgency it deserves. Government will study the report with the view to implementing the carefully detailed recommendations,’’ he said.

Commending the quality of the report, the commitment and dedication that went into it, President Buhari said the National Institute can always be trusted to deliver on very critical and sensitive assignments of national importance.

He expressed delight that the Institute has been exceptional in handling several assignments, and the current submission is a commendable improvement on the existing standards.

‘‘The quality of the presentation, and the confidence with which they were made, strongly attests to the quality of training the participants received during the course. I congratulate you for justifying the confidence and trust reposed in each and every one of you by your respective nominations.

‘‘I am also happy with the level of knowledge and discipline you have all openly demonstrated. I have been briefed of the rigorous training process you all underwent at Kuru. Your graduation therefore is well deserved,’’ the President told the 89 participants of Senior Executive Course 44.

He added that he was convinced that they are all now well equipped for the strategic tasks, increased responsibilities, and positions of authority of trust.

‘‘I challenge you to go back to your various establishments, units, posts, beats, departments, directorates, Ministries, Parastatals, commissions, commands, agencies to revitalize, reinvigorate, reform and rejig your various platforms and spheres of influence, responsibility and leadership,’’ he said.

After listening to some demands by the leadership of NIPSS, President Buhari promised to look into some of the challenges facing the Institute, adding that no government establishment exists without challenges.

He assured them that his administration is poised to complete the review and passage of the NIPSS establishment act and condition of service before handover in May 2023.

To this extent, the President directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Office of the Head of Service of the Federation to take all necessary steps to its actualization.

In his remarks, the Director-General of NIPSS, Prof Ayo Omotayo, said the Course participants undertook study tours of 14 States of the Federation, six African countries and six countries outside Africa.

‘‘This enabled them to have both local and international perspectives on local governance, how to overcome challenges in achieving it, identify the available opportunities to strengthen it and develop workable options to be considered by government in strengthening local governance,’’ he said.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

December 1, 2022

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