Urhobo News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bayo Onanuga

Director, Media & Publicity

August 22, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Femi Adesina

Special adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

August 22, 2022

22 August 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRESS RELEASE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

22 AUGUST 2022

PRESS RELEASE

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

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

• Say Anything Outside APC Is a Waste of Votes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

22 AUGUST 2022

Open Letter To Gov Wike (1)

What Did Rivers PDP Elders Do? 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A word they say is enough for the wise.

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

Long live Rivers State

Long live PDP, Rivers State Chapter

Signed

Dr John B. Amadi

Spokesman

Concerned PDP Supporters, Rivers State Chapter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GOV AKEREDOLU: NO RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION IN ONDO

• We’ll Never Forget Akeredolu – Muslims

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Richard Olatunde

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.

August 20, 2022.

August 22, 2022

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE USE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Signed:

Monsurat Amasa,

Head, Corporate Communications

Nigeria needs bridge-builders to unite the nation – Okowa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Niger Delta leaders task Buhari, Umana on NDDC Board

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The statement called for rapid departure from past concepts.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Francis Nwapa

Convener ; #EndMalariaInNigeria

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kolawole Oluwadare

SERAP Deputy Director

21/8/2022

Lagos, Nigeria

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

Twitter: @SERAPNigeria

Website: www.serap-nigeria.org

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