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PRESIDENT BUHARI SALUTES NIGERIANS EXCELLING IN DIASPORA, URGES THEM TO WILLINGLY GIVE BACK
President Muhammadu Buhari has commended Nigerians living in the United States for the exemplary roles they are playing in their different areas of endeavour, urging them to continue in that line to earn the respect of their hosts.
Speaking Saturday at the Townhall Meeting With Nigerians In The Diaspora, in New York, President Buhari said:
“It is gratifying for me to note that many Nigerians in the USA have continued to excel in their careers leading to some being appointed into the cabinet of His Excellency President Joe Biden.
“Similarly, many have been elected/appointed into various responsible and competitive positions in the United States of America. I congratulate those who have brought honours and pride to our country. I thank and commend them for their respective successes as I equally urge them to demonstrate the highest sense of responsibilities in order that they continue to remain reference points of excellence as they serve human kind in this country.
“As always, I wish to emphasise the absolute necessity for each and every one of you to continue to remain law-abiding as you live in the United States of America and comport yourselves in such exemplary manners that should earn you the privilege of reference as good Ambassadors of Nigeria.
“In order to earn yourselves collective self-respect within the communities you live in, you must live with one another peacefully and continue to do so without sub-divisions amongst yourselves. As you may know, as a people, we shall always be stronger together.”
The President said the administration created the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission to serve as a bridge between them and the country in the developmental agenda with the expectation that they will give back to the country:
“As our Diaspora Ambassadors, we expect your willingness to ‘give back’ to Nigeria some of your resources, talents, skills and global exposure in the development of our great country, Nigeria.”
He gave assurances that the government will continue to act in their interests whenever the need arises, citing recent evacuations in Libya, South Africa, and recently in Ukraine. He added that he had also approved the same in UAE and India.
The President commended them for Diaspora remittances which stood at $20billon dollars in 2021, an amount four times the Foreign Direct Investment in the same period, as well as their investments in various sectors of the Nigerian economy such as Healthcare, Agriculture, Education, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Housing and Real Estate, Transportation, Oil and Gas.
The President lauded Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chair of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission who coordinated the event, for her innovative programmes to bring the ambassadors closer home such as Diaspora Registration Portal, the Diaspora Mortgage Scheme and the Nigerian Diaspora Investment Trust (NDIT).
President Buhari reiterated the administration’s commitment to free, fair and transparent elections in 2023 as this is the only way Nigeria can continue to “set the right example for the rest of Africa and hopefully stop the recourse to unconstitutional changes of Governments in our sub-region and the rest of the African Continent.”
The representatives of Nigerians in the US who visited the President are:
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 24, 2022
OUR REACTION TO BABA AYO ADEBANJO AND HIS NEW OHANIFERE VENTURE
Papa Ayo Adebanjo does not speak for Afenifere. He is free as an individual to support anyone he likes, in furtherance of his democratic right.
We know for a fact that Baba has turned Afenifere into his personal estate as Acting Leader. We are also certain that there was nowhere Afenifere, as we know it, met and took a decision to adopt Mr. Peter Obi as a candidate for 2023 presidential election.
We respect the age of Baba Adebanjo but he cannot turn Afenifere into his personal franchise for any political alliance.
We are very much aware that Baba Reuben Fasoranti, the real leader of Afenifere had stated clearly that Pa Adebanjo has always been speaking for himself on many national issues using the name of the group.
It is our well-considered position that Pa Adebanjo cannot appropriate Afenifere. Baba is just an individual who is free to support any politician of his choice. As an individual, he cannot equate himself with the socio-cultural and socio-political organisation.
Bayo Onanuga
Director, Media and Publicity
APC Presidential Campaign Council
September 24,2022
TINUBU NEVER OFFERED WIKE SENATORIAL TICKET.
Our attention has been drawn to a misleading report in some national dailies and online newspapers, particularly, Sahara Reporters that the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, offered the Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, senatorial ticket to defect the APC.
Governor Wike was alleged to have disclosed this during the media chat that was aired on Channels Television, African Independent Television, Nigerian Television Authority and TVC on Friday, 23 September, 2022.
We wish to state emphatically that this news is false, baseless and ludicrous as the Rivers State governor throughout the media chat never mentioned the name of the APC presidential candidate or alluded to him offering him a senatorial ticket.
To lay the facts bare, we have decided to include herein the transcript of what governor Wike said concerning senatorial form.
“First of all, this is how you know those who are prepared to run an election. Some of them collected presidential form at the same time collected senatorial form. You’ll know that those people are not serious to run.
“I never collected senatorial form. Even after the whole thing, people said come and go for Senate, I said no. I won’t do that. I’ve already made a commitment that this Senate ticket should be zoned to this area (Etche) because they’ve never had it before. I must not be in power.”
In an era of increasingly divisive political climate, the tendency to pervert the truth is extremely high. It is on this basis that we wish to remind journalists that journalism’s first obligation is to the truth.
“At this critical juncture in our nation, we wish to remind journalists that getting the facts right is the cardinal principle of journalism. Journalists are enjoined to always strive for accuracy and give all the relevant facts in their report.
“We, therefore, urge the unsuspecting public not to give any credence to this false, baseless and ill motivated reports.”
Kelvin Ebiri
Special Assistant on Media to the Rivers State governor.
24th September, 2022.
$23m Abacha loot: SERAP sues Buhari, Malami over ‘failure to publish copy of agreement with U.S.’
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Muhammadu Buhari over “the failure to publish copy and details of the agreement the Federal Government recently signed with the United States for the repatriation of $23 million stolen by the late dictator Sani Abacha.”
Joined in the suit as Respondent is the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN).
The United States government had in August signed an agreement with the Federal Government to repatriate $23 million Abacha loot to Nigeria. The $23 million adds to the $311.7 million Abacha loot repatriated from the U.S. to Nigeria in 2020.
In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1700/2022 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, SERAP is asking the court to “direct and compel President Buhari and Mr Abubakar Malami to release and widely publish copy of the agreement on the Abacha loot with the U.S.”
SERAP is also asking the court to “direct and compel President Buhari and Mr Abubakar Malami to publish details of the transparency and accountability mechanisms that have been put in place to ensure that the repatriated funds are not mismanaged, diverted or re-stolen.”
In the suit, SERAP is arguing that, “The Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s international obligations impose transparency obligations on the Federal Government to widely publish the agreement on the $23 million Abacha loot.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “Publishing a copy of the agreement with the U.S. would allow Nigerians to scrutinise it, and to monitor the spending of the repatriated loot to ensure that the money is not mismanaged, diverted or re-stolen.”
According to SERAP, “the repatriated $23 million Abacha loot is vulnerable to corruption and mismanagement. Substantial part of the estimated $5 billion returned Abacha loot since 1999 may have been mismanaged, diverted, or re-stolen, and in any case remain unaccounted for.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “Publishing a copy of the agreement would ensure that persons with public responsibilities are answerable to the people for the performance of their duties including the management of repatriated loot.”
The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare and Ms Atinuke Adejuyigbe, read in part: “The Nigerian Constitution, Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s international obligations rest on the principle that citizens should have access to information regarding their government’s activities.”
“The Federal Government has a responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in how any repatriated stolen funds are spent, to reduce vulnerability to corruption and mismanagement.”
“It is in the public interest, and the interest of justice to grant this application. Nigerians are entitled to their constitutionally and internationally recognized human right to information.”
“The Freedom of Information Act, Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantee to everyone the right to information, including to a copy of the agreement on the repatriated $23 million Abacha loot.”
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
25/9/2022
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
Okowa deplores poor services by BEDC
Delta Governor and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has deplored poor supply of electricity to consumers in the state by Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).
Okowa expressed his displeasure over the situation at the official opening of Lumen Christi College, Maryhill, Owanta, Ika North East Local Government Area of the State on Thursday.
He said that even when residents and communities procured transformers and handed over to BEDC, “they will still charge them to energise it”.
According to the governor, sometimes you install a transformer, the distribution company will ask you to come and pay even when you are handing over that transformer to them.
He regretted that “even when you are ready to pay, they will delay you for six months and even for one year. It’s frustrating.
“Sometimes when we try to help communities, it is difficult because of BEDC’s delay.
“Even, when the transformers are energised and handed back to the distribution company, to get them to energise it, it will look like you are begging them to do so; it ought not to be so,” Okowa stated.
He lauded Rev. Fr. Mario David Dibie, the Proprietor of the school, for his philanthropy and care for the poor and vulnerable in the society.
“While men are busy pushing after fame and ego, here is a man with God’s grace thinking about the very lowly in the society.
“It is a lesson and a story that should change our lives because when you see the life of a man like Fr. Dibie, every part of his story tells about his desire to assist the less-privileged.
“If we have more of him Nigeria would be a better place. He is beginning to build a crop of young ones that will grow up to become responsible adults.
“It is not about the beauty and ambience of your school but about the character you come out with from here will pave way for you in the future.
“Due to the suffering in our nation, things are getting so bad and people are afflicted from the inside because of hardship. People are resorting to kidnapping and banditry because of hardship and it is a time for collective prayer for our nation,” he said.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I congratulate and rejoice with Fr. Dibie for this great feat because he is building a great society for Nigeria by helping to train our children,” Okowa added.
Welcoming guests earlier, Rev. Fr. Dibia said he was always guided by the Biblical injunction to always consider the poor in his dealings.
He disclosed that he had a Covenant with God that 20 per cent of whatever he got would be for his maintenance while 80 per cent would go to the poor.
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Wike: Atiku still open to dialogue – Spokesman
Spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Organisation, Mr Charles Aniagwu says the party’s Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, was still open for further dialogue with Governor Nyesom Wike and his group.
Aniagwu who spoke on Arise Television on Wednesday night said Atiku’s reaction to the alleged boycott of the Presidential Campaign Council by Wike’s group was not a foreclosure of further reconciliation with the group and other stakeholders in the party.
He said that Atiku’s call on the party to move was a call to focus on the real issues bothering Nigerians and not necessarily meant to leave any stakeholder behind.
According to Aniagwu, we don’t have any faction in the party just a group with interest which is allowed democratically.
“As a party we are quite comfortable that in the course of time these issues will give way for everybody to be on board.
“Atiku didn’t say its time to move on because he wants to leave anybody behind, he is asking members of the party that its time for them to move on to talk about those issues that affect Nigerians.
“There are a whole lot of issues that affects us in this country and so Atiku said its time to move on meaning that every hand has to be on deck to carry every Nigerian along and to address those many challenges that confronts Nigerians in their everyday life today.
“Atiku is not just looking for anybody to come and vote, he is looking forward to unite every member of the party and by extension Nigerians so that at the end of the day he would have been able to carry everybody along.
“He has asked everybody to come on board and we are quite optimistic that in the course of time everybody will indeed be on board,” Aniagwu stated.
[22/09, 17:45] Nelson Egware: Okowa gives technical college project contractor October deadline
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Thursday directed the contractor handling the Obiaruku Technical College, Obiaruku in Ukwuani Local Government Area on October 31 completion deadline.
The governor gave the directive while inspecting the project and said that prompt completion of the project would enable students already admitted for current academic session to commence studies.
He said that the needed staff for the college had already been recruited and pointed out that the contractor had no reason to delay the project longer.
According to the governor, I sent for the contractor last week and told him that this school must resume by the end of October. So, he just have to put in a little more speed.
“The classrooms are ready and the equipment are already on ground. I have been reassured by the commissioner and the consultant that they would be able to get the resumption done.
“Other little jobs can be done even when the school has resumed in October because the teachers are already engaged and the students have taken the entrance exams into the school and all the other processes of admmission have been completed,” he said.
Okowa, who is Vice-Presidential Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) further said that the road leading to the technical college was already contracted to same contractor and would be constructed after the rains.
He also inspected ongoing construction of a bridge across River Ethiope in Obiaruku and the road to Eziokpor-Obiogo, Eziokpor-Umuoshi and Eziokpor-Unor road all in Ukwuani Local Government Area.
Okowa was conducted round the projects by the Commissioner for Works (Urban and Highways), Mr Noel Omodon and his Technical Education counterpart, Princess Shola Daibo-Ogbemi. He expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of the work.
He expressed optimism that the bridge across River Ethiope would be completed in December, 2022, saying “as you can see, a lot of work has been done.
“It was just started a few months ago and I have been told by the contractor that they would be finished in December.
“As we have been told, across this river, we have a lot of plan there to create a lot of expansion for them because with this bridge, we can now cross over and hope that in the future, we can also use the road to neighbouring villages.
“For now, the major purpose is to ensure that the people are able to access all the expanse of land beyond the river.
“The contractor is doing quite well. I didn’t know that they have gotten to this level. I am very pleased with what I have seen here and they have assured me that in three months, they would be through with the entire bridge project,” Okowa stated.
PDP Crisis: Calls for Ayu’s removal ill-timed – Aniagwu
Spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Council, Mr Charles Aniagwu, says the call for the removal of the party’s National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, is ill-timed, with the 2023 general election a few months away.
Speaking on “Good Morning Nigeria” on NTA Network, on Friday, Aniagwu said those calling for Ayu’s removal based on equity and justice were not wrong but appealed that they look at the bigger picture because the period was too close to the 2023 general elections.
The Presidential Campaign Spokesman said Ayu never denied agreeing to quit if a presidential candidate emerged from the North, noting that Ayu will quit if the party wins the presidential election. The national chairman was clear when he said if the Party ask him to quit he will. The party did not make that request, the NEC passed a vote of confidence on the NWC.
According to him, Ayu has never denied what he said, be let us look at what he said and the laws of the party. Let us always think of the country first and not about North and South that tends to divide us.
“In developed climes nobody talks about zones and regions they talk about what works for the people. President Buhari is from Katsina today but I am not too sure that life has become far better for those in Katsina than it was in 2015.
“In 2006, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was President and Ahmadu Ali was National Chairman, the primary was conducted and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua of blessed memory emerged Presidential candidate of the party.
“Ahmadu Ali prosecuted that election and Yar’Adua became President before the party held a Convention to bring in somebody from the South and nobody asked Ahmadu Ali to leave because a presidential candidate had emerged from the North.
“When Jonathan became President after the death of Yar’Adua, Chief Vincent Ogbulafor remained National Chairman of the party until it was time for another election.
“These are tenured offices and the issue of zoning is only in the offices and positions, the position of a presidential candidate is not an office, it only becomes an office after winning election,” Aniagwu said.
He said the presidential candidate is not opposed to Ayu stepping down however it should be done after the general elections.
“The difference between what we are saying and what Governor Nyesom Wike and his group are saying is time line.
“Our presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and our National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu are on the same page with them to return the National Chairman to the South but that can only be done after the general elections because we have a bigger picture in view.
“Again Ayu’s stepping down is not the problem, going by our party constitution, moving the Chairman from the North to the South is the problem because the Deputy National is expected to take over from him by virtue of Section 45 of the party’s constitution.
“So even if Ayu leaves, what happens to Iliya Damagun who is the Deputy National Chairman?
“What happens to the National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu who hails from Imo State. By the convention and principles of our party both of them don’t come from the same zone because both of them actually run the party,”
He said when leaders come together to hold meetings the majority of the people are not usually part of those meetings, pointing out that “it is the law that represents and protects the interest of those people who are not opportuned to be in that meeting.
“Ayu has said if the party asks him to go he will leave, but the NEC of the party has met and they have considered the issues and came to a conclusion that it was not the right time for that move.
“And so we appeal to our great leader, Governor Nyesom Wike and other stakeholders of the party to respect the decision of NEC on the matter by exercising patience with the party until after the general elections.
“The reason why we are pleading with them is because Atiku wants to run with everybody on board, in six months time this election would have been done and dusted and these changes would be effected,” he said.
Twenty-four Nigerians have filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for “failing to give them and other seven million Nigerians adequate time and opportunity to complete their voter registration after they have carried out their registration online.”
The Plaintiffs who are suing for themselves and on behalf of seven million other Nigerians want to “complete the registration process, so that they can obtain their permanent voter cards (PVCs), and exercise their right to vote.”
INEC recently disclosed that out of 10,487,972 Nigerians who carried out their pre-registration online, only 3,444,378 completed the process at a physical centre. This represents just 32.8 percent of completed online registration.
But in the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1662/2022 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, the Plaintiffs are seeking “an order of mandamus to direct and compel INEC to re-activate its continuous voters registration exercise to allow the Plaintiffs to complete their registration and collect their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs).”
The Plaintiffs are also seeking “an order of mandamus to direct and compel INEC to provide adequate facilities and deploy personnel to the registration units of the Plaintiffs to enable them complete their registration and collect their PVCs.”
The Plaintiffs are arguing that, “We have completed the online registration exercise. Denying us the time and opportunity to complete the registration for our PVCs would impair our right to vote, and deny us a voice in the 2023 elections.”
The Plaintiffs are also arguing that, “The inability to complete our registration is entirely due to factors outside of our control. We are eligible Nigerians but unless we are given a reasonable time and opportunity to complete the registration process, and obtain our voter cards, we will not be able to vote in the 2023 general elections.”
The twenty-four Nigerians include: Adeeyo Bayo Wasiu; Kunat Tychius Amos; Tagbo Philips Chidubem; Emeghe Uchanma Grace; Ayoola Opeyemi Ebenezer; Eche Onah Otakpa; Olatoye Clement Damilola; and Ogunejiofor Raphael Emeka.
Others include: Adedotun Adegoke Babatunde; Emmanuel Promise Tochukwu; Emmanuel Ternajev; Joy Oluwadamilola Ige; Lawerence Ignatius; Agbede Kunle; Eze Daniel Ndubisi; and Nkemdilim Agbor Bassey.
Others are: Omoike Iredia Oseine; Joshua Patrick Ogenekaro; Wisdom Emeka; Ukpe Victor Destiny; Abayomi Opeoluwa; Ndubuisi Anthony Ahanihu; Akande Akintunde O; and Adamma Rhodes.
The suit filed on behalf of the Plaintiffs by lawyers to Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Kolawole Oluwadare and Ms Adelanke Aremo, read in part: “Closing the gates on eligible Nigerians cannot preserve trust in the electoral process.”
“According to reports, the inability of Nigerians to complete their voters registration exercise or even transfer their permanent voters’ card, affected wide spectrums of persons, hence this class action by the identified plaintiffs on behalf of other affected Nigerians.”
“There were reports of incidence of bribery, unethical conducts of INEC staff, registration process marred by irregularities, insufficient machines, malfunctioning of machines, insufficient staff and unskilled staff, before the defendant ended the Continuous Voters Registration Exercise on the 31st July, 2022.”
“The right to vote is not merely the right to cast a ballot but also the right to be given the time and opportunity to complete the registration process, so that the right can be meaningfully and effectively exercised.”
“Any proffered justifications of saving time and cost are therefore wholly insufficient. Administrative convenience is simply not a compelling justification in light of the fundamental nature of the right to vote.”
“This severe vote deprivation cannot be justified by any perceived considerations of saving time, especially because Section 9(6) of the Electoral Act 2022 provides that ‘the registration of voters, updating and revision of the Register of Voters shall not stop not later than 90 days before any election covered by this Act.’”
“Providing fresh opportunity for the Plaintiffs and seven million other Nigerians to complete their registration would promote and preserve the right to vote, and ensure that legal and eligible voters are not inadvertently and unjustifiably turned away from exercising their fundamental right to vote.”
“The Plaintiffs are Nigerians who commenced the voters registration exercises in their respective states via successful online enrolment at the respective dates but could not complete the registration process, and obtain their voters cards.”
“The plaintiffs also include those who are interested in transferring their permanent voters’ cards to another location so that they can vote.”
“The Plaintiffs and other eligible Nigerians have the rights to equal treatment before the law, equal protection, non-discrimination and equal opportunities to participate in the government of Nigeria.”
“By refusing the Plaintiffs and seven million other Nigerians the opportunity to complete the registration for their PVCs, INEC have unfairly, unreasonably, and unjustifiably denied them the opportunity to be heard at a meaningful time and in a meaningful manner as to the reasons for not completing their registration.”
“The Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) provides in Section 14(1)(c) that, ‘the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.’”
“Similarly, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance guarantee the right to political participation, including the right to vote.”
“The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), recently disclosed that over seven million Nigerians who carried out their voter pre-registration online could not complete the process at physical centres.”
“According to a report released by INEC, out of 10,487,972 Nigerians who carried out their pre-registration online, only 3,444,378 Nigerians representing 32.8 percent, completed the process at a physical centre. 7,043,594 Nigerians carried out their pre-registration but are yet to complete the process at a physical centre.”
“This represents over 67 percent of those who began their registration process online. According to INEC, a total of 12,298,944 Nigerians completed their voter registration; 8,854,566 of which were persons who did their registration entirely at a physical centre.”
“The Plaintiffs and seven million other Nigerians have already completed their registration online, that is, via INEC online portal by providing their biodata and required documents.”
“According to INEC, the process that is outstanding for the applicants to complete the registration for their PVCs is to visit INEC designated centres for their biometric to be captured.”
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
18/9/2022
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
Niger Delta women denounce NDDC IMC promoters
Women in the Niger Delta on Friday denounced promoters of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) interim management committee, describing them as the greatest friends of illegality and the most pronounced foes of the region.
‘’The interim management committee will breed hostility among the oil states in the country. The inauguration of substantive board is the best possible course under existing circumstances’’
They also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to dramatize the end of one man or a three man rule in the commission.
At a gathering in Port Harcourt, the women appealed to leaders of key nations and world statesmen to implore Buhari to constitute the commission’s board.
‘’It would be a tragedy if Mr President let himself be diverted from consideration of the NDDC Board by the proposal of another interim management committee. Such a tendency shows a singular lack of understanding of the region’s problems and a failure to remember the larger purposes for which the NDDC was established. The composition of a substantive board is primary and fundamental’’
They also appealed to presidential candidates, traditional rulers and religious leaders to impress on President Muhammadu Buhari to constitute a board for the Commission.
The women described interim management committee agitators as predators, destroyers and zombies.
A statement read to newsmen by the President of Niger Delta Women in Politics (NDWIP), Chief Josephine Ekong said without the board, it would be practically impossible to assume a leading role in attempting to bring about a lasting peace and development in the oil rich region’’
‘’At inception, NDDC gave the Niger Delta people new confidence and a tremendous sense of regional solidarity. It taught the people the meaning of development’’.
The women said they would have nothing to do with the interim management committee or another sole administrator.
‘’The delay in constituting the board and the zero implementation of the recommendations of the NDDC Forensic Audit Report are enough to move the people of the region to anger.
They expressed complete satisfaction over the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Umana Okon Umana’s good faith.
The women also praised the NDDC Sole Administrator, Mr Effiong Akwa for displaying leadership.
‘’The obligation of the government is to supply the focal point where problems could be integrated and resolved. The way out lies not in attempting to sack Akwa and putting in place interim management committee but in completely inaugurating the commission’s board’’
PRESIDENT BUHARI ATTENDS 77TH UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
President Muhammadu Buhari will depart Abuja, Sunday, September 18, for New York, United States to attend the annual meeting of world leaders, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA77).
The theme for the 77th session which opened on Tuesday, September 13 is: “A watershed Moment: Transformative Solutions to Interlocking Challenges.”
Key topics of discussion at the UNGA this year include; the war in Ukraine, the energy crisis, climate action, ending the COVID-19 pandemic, and a special Transforming Education Summit.
President Buhari will take his turn to deliver the National Statement on the second day of the General Debates on Wednesday, September 21.
Aside his Statement, the President will also participate in High Level meetings and side events including the Nigeria International Economic Partnership Forum (NIEPF), convened by Nigeria in partnership with the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU); Strengthening Coordination through National Humanitarian Development Peace (NHDP) Framework: A practical approach to sustainable durable solutions to ensure no one is left behind, organised by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development; and the EFCC-NEPAD Programme on combating Illicit Financial Flows.
President Buhari will also hold strategic bilateral meetings with World Leaders, renowned investors and heads of multinational organisations while in New York.
On the entourage of the President are the First Lady, Aisha Buhari, some Governors, Ministers and top government officials.
The President is expected back in the country on Monday, September 26.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 17, 2022
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2022:
MY RESPONSE TO THE CALL BY LABOUR PARTY TO PLACE ME UNDER SECURITY WATCH
I also call on the Security Agencies in Nigeria to place Mr. Peter Obi and some of his demented supporters on the terror watch lists for circulating an incendiary video with a fake message by one of his supporters called Powell Glad Legbe (on his Facebook page) calling on Yorubas not to vote for Peter Obi. Mr. Peter Obi then wrongly and wickedly attributed that quote to an amorphous ‘Tinubu group’. Up till now he has not withdrawn his accusation nor has he apologised to our candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
It is obvious Mr. Peter Obi wants to cause religious and tribal crises in the country and for this I call on the security agencies to place Mr. Peter Obi on security watch or invite him for thorough investigation. If necessary, I am prepared to be invited too as a witness to prove my case against him.
Thank you.
FESTUS KEYAMO, SAN FCIArb(UK)
– Director, Public Affairs and Chief Spokesperson,
APC Presidential Campaign Council
– Honourable Minister of State,
Ministry of Labour and Employment,
Federal Republic of Nigeria.
ONLY FEW CAN RIVAL MAMA’S ACHIEVEMENTS IN HER LIFETIME – ONDO EXCO MEMBERS
Members of the Ondo State Executive Council on Saturday paid a condolence visit to the State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, over the death of his mother, Lady Evangelist Grace Akeredolu (JP).
Governor Akeredolu and his wife, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, received the Exco members at the Kopindogba residence of the late Lady Evangelist Akeredolu in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
The Exco members and the Forum of Permanent Secretaries were led by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
They commiserated with the Governor and his siblings and congratulated them for surviving their mother.
The Deputy Governor, who spoke on behalf of the State Executive Council and Forum of Permanent Secretaries, said the late Lady Evangelist Akeredolu lived a fulfilled life.
He noted that not too many mothers can rival what the late Lady Evangelist achieved in her lifetime.
“She produced seven wonderful children who are doing so well in their areas of core competence. To even have produced a two-term governor of a State is a great thing.
“Not even after her death, but when she was still alive, she witnessed the success of one of her children as two-term governor, chairman of South-West Governors’ Forum, chairman of Southern Governors’ Forum, President of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, and Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
“So, Mama has lived a fulfilled life. And that is the aspect of joy. It is a mixed feelings. We commiserate with you. All of us, the Cabinet members, the Permanent Secretaries, and the entire poeple of Ondo State we are representing here. We also thank God for your life and that of your siblings,” the Deputy Governor said.
Hon. Aiyedatiwa added that the late Mama has done so well and impacted so many lives.
“Sir, we, members of the Cabinet of the Government of Ondo State, and some other staff, the Permanent Secretaries, are here to commiserate with you on the loss of your dearly beloved mother, Mama Lady Evangelist Grace Abosede Akeredolu, a nonagenarian.
“The second is to also thank God for you, members of your family, your siblings and the entire Akeredolu’s family for surviving your aged mother. Sir, at the break of the news in the wee hour of Thursday, the 15th of September, some of us made phone calls to express our heartfelt sympathy. Some in text messages, all of us have expressed our condolences.
“But we owe you the honour of coming here physically to commiserate with you and also solidarise with you at this time. That is why we are here corporately as a body. We, therefore, commiserate with you on the loss of Mama, a nonagenarian.
“The death of an aged mother comes with mixed feelings, the feelings of love, of grief, of pain that you will not have the opportunity of having a daily interaction with her again.
“It can be so painful. So, we identify with you and pray that the vacuum she has left will be filled by God Himself, who has taken her home. As human, we will grieve but God has taken her home.
“We pray that God will console you, your siblings and the entire family, and grant you the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“The other feeling is a feeling of some level of thanksgiving and joy that you and your siblings are able to survive the aged mother. Not too many people have that opportunity to have an aged mother, a nonagenarian that was able to live a fulfilled life, seeing all her children doing very well in her lifetime.
“Mama has done so well, impacted so many lives. She was a benefactor to some of us one way or the other, either directly or indirectly. She prayed for all of us at her 90th birthday. I know that on daily basis, she prayed for you and those who are working with you. These prayers were answered for all of us.
“We thank God for her life, and indirectly, for all that you have done for Ondo State. Your wonderful programmes and projects and what Arabinrin has also done to impact live across board.
So, we want to thank God for the life she lived and that you are all alive to survive her. Congratulations, sir, and God bless you sir,” the Deputy Governor said.
Responding, Governor Akeredolu described his late mother as a wonderful woman who was prayerful and caring.
The Governor thanked members of the state executive council and the forum of Permanent Secretaries for coming from Akure to Ibadan to condole him and members of his family.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
September 17, 2022.
PRESS STATEMENT
APC is putting machinery in motion to win the federal elections
The attention of the APC Presidential Campaign Council has been drawn to a poll conducted by the NOI polls which made wild and incredible permutations on the presidential elections.
We are unperturbed by these dubious and unreliable statistics because our research shows that NOI Polls have been off the mark at critical election periods in recent times.
For example, preparatory to the March 2015 presidential elections, NOI published in October 2014 the results of a “Viability Poll” which used the concepts of Familiarity and Net Favourability Position to survey.
In the results, NOI claimed that President Goodluck Jonathan has the best overall familiarity rating at 99% and Net Favourability Probability of ±25.
By contrast, NOI dismissed the then All Progressives Congress candidate, Muhammadu Buhari as a “borderline candidate” who needed ” huge public relations” to shore up his performance.
But when the Nigerian people went to the polls, who won? The APC candidate and now President, Muhammadu Buhari.
This is not the only instance when the NOI has turned its political bias in an election period to fraudulent statistics.
Towards the 2019 presidential elections, and knowing fully that President Muhammadu Buhari was going for re-election for a second term in office, the NOI pollsters embarked on another abracadabra. In June 2017, they issued the results of another poll, that Nigerians prefer a middle-aged president claiming that this poll was inspired by the election of Macron as the president of France and the campaign of the Not Too Young To Run. According to the predictable bias, NOI claimed that 64% said they would prefer to vote for a presidential candidate between the ages of 40 and 50 years and 15% preferred candidates between 51 and 60. In short, for a presidential candidate in his 70s running for re-election, NOI results meant certain defeat.
But when the Nigerian people went to the polls on February 23, 2019, the man the NOI polls had tried to bully with statistics out of the race won again.
It is significant that at the time NOI was generating the unrealistic figures to boost the ego of President Jonathan, a more serious and independent team of pollsters- Neo-Telligence based in the United Kingdom used geo-demographics and public sentiment analysis to forecast the emergence of President Buhari. By contrast, their empirical analysis showed that two years before the 2015 presidential elections, Goodluck Jonathan’s public approval rating on corruption, insecurity and the economy had nosedived across most of the battleground states.
Our objective profiling of NOI Polls as an anti-APC research organisation is grounded on the aforesaid facts and that is why we believe this present report is, in the language of Nigerians, “*wuruwuru to the answer”.
The NOI has chosen the preferred candidate and has decided to use fake, dubious statistics to package him to the Nigerian voters.
We know as a matter of fact, the owners of NOI and where their political interest lies and wish to advise NOI to stop polluting the political system with irresponsible, unscientific and biased polling so that we don’t expose the puppeteers pulling it’s strings.
Our party is putting machinery in motion to win the federal elections with a margin that will be too wide to contest. Our candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu recorded the highest votes of a senator across the country under the Social Democratic Party in July 1992. He will do it on nationwide scale on February 25.2023.
Bayo Onanuga
Director,
Media and Publicity
All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council
MY MOTHER WAS A PRAYER WARRIOR, GREAT MUM TO US – GOV AKEREDOLU
More dignitaries have continued to visit Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, over the death of his mother, Lady Evangelist Grace Akeredolu (JP).
The Oniju of Iju-odo, Oba Festus Olumoyegun; the Organised Labour in Ondo State; Local Government Vice Chairmen; Senatorial candidate of the APC In Ondo Central Senatorial district, Niyi Adegbonmire (SAN); and Mr. Diran Iyantan were among the early callers at the Kopindogba residence of the Late Lady Evangelist Akeredolu on Saturday.
They were received by Governor Akeredolu, his wife, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, and siblings.
Oba Olumoyegun described the deceased as an achiever who witnessed the successes of her children before passing on to eternal glory.
The monarch disclosed that his decision to visit the Governor in Ibadan to identify with him was hinged on the various achievements of the Governor in Ikaleland.
He promised to support the Governor in giving his mother a befitting burial.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Ondo State, Comrade Sunday Oluwole Adeleye, who led the delegation of Organised Labour, congratulated the Governor for surviving his mother.
“We are here to celebrate with you that you survive your mother. We rejoice with you that you are the one burying your mother and not the other way round. We share in your grief,” Adeleye said.
Governor Akeredolu appreciated the monarch and the organised Labour for finding time to pay him a condolence visit.
The Governor described his late mother as a prayer warrior who served God wholeheartedly in her lifetime.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
September 17, 2022.
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU COMMISERATES WITH AKEREDOLU OVER MOTHER’S DEATH
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has commiserated with his Ondo State counterpart, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), on the death of his mother, Lady Evangelist Grace Akeredolu.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, urged Governor Akeredolu, the deceased family, friends and entire people of Owo and Ondo State in general to preserve the legacy of love and prayers left behind the deceased.
He also urged members of the Christian community to immortalise the good name of the late nonagenarian and her service in God’s vineyard.
He said: “On behalf of the State Government, good people of Lagos State and my adorable wife, Ibijoke, I sympathise with my brother, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, on the demise of his beloved mother and matriarch of the family, Lady Evangelist Grace Akeredolu.
“I also send my heartfelt condolences to all the children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family members and entire people of Owo and Ondo State over the death of Mama Akeredolu.
“Mama was a strong supporter and pillar of Governor Akeredolu and without any iota of doubt, she contributed to the success of all her children as a principled, disciplined and committed mother. She also trained her children and those around her in the way of God.
“As an evangelist, she served God and humanity passionately using her gift and talent to win souls for God and minister to people around her. She was an apostle of God and remained committed to God till her passing on Thursday.
“The elderly and wise counsel of Mama would be sorely missed. I pray God will grant the deceased eternal rest and grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
15 SEPTEMBER 2022
Wrangling in PDP part of democracy – Atiku Campaign Organization
The Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign Organisation has described the disagreements within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as one of the characteristics of democratic governance.
Spokesperson of the Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign Organisation, Mr. Charles Aniagwu stated this while answering questions on Arise Television on Thursday.
He said that PDP as a national party was committed to the ideals of freedom of speech and expression as guaranteed by the Nigeria constitution, adding that individuals in the party were exercising their democratic rights and helping to widen the democratic space.
Aniagwu who is also Delta State Commissioner for Information, said, “Atiku is a man of character who keeps his words if he says look we are going to run a government that will rescue Nigeria he knows that for him to do that, every segment of the society must be carried along and that includes our brothers and sisters in South West.
“What Atiku wants is to have a very peaceful government so that at the end of the day he is able to unite the country and because he believes that for him to be able to drive the economic polices he needs to first of all bring everybody on board.
“To unite the country he is trying to bring individuals who have the ability whether they are in the diaspora or other political parties, once you have got the quality to be effective he brings you in.
“What is happening within the PDP is democracy at play and even in the midst of the disagreements, the PDP is still far ahead of any other political party.
“Our candidate is the only person that has been able to show Nigerians that he has a policy framework that he will use to rescue Nigerian.
“No other candidate has been able to produce anyone even from those parties you think they are quiet without any crisis.
“Our candidate is very much prepared and he has gone ahead to make a public presentation of what he intends to do with the economy.
“So in spite of what you are hearing as disagreements, the PDP and our presidential candidate are far ahead of other parties that tend to have what we may call the peace of the grave yard,” Aniagwu said.
He commended Nigerians for their interest in the unity of the PDP and for the confidence reposed in the party to rescue Nigerians assuring that the crisis would soon be over.
“What Atiku is looking forward to is not just to get individuals on board for the purpose of getting the votes, Atiku is Interested in uniting the entire country but he is starting with the PDP.
“To be able to unite a country that is so disjointed on account of the mismanagement of our diversity is not something that you will just do in one night.
“You heard the Presidential candidate when he said he doesn’t have any problems with individual asking Ayu to step down but that for us to do so, we must also not look at the principles of the end justifying the means, we must also look at the processes that will lead us to the end in which case we need to bring to bear the provisions of the constitution of the PDP.
He called on the people of the South West to be patient with the party as issues being raised by stakeholders were being resolved in the interest of the rescue mission.
“If you listened to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state and other leaders of the party in the South West, they clearly acknowledged that by the grace of God, Atiku will become the next President of Nigeria.
“What does that tell you, it means that we have been able to move the beam from where some persons are reluctant to join the boat to where they have now joined the boat and are now looking at what part of the seat would they take in order for them to sit comfortably.
“So the South West is for PDP and other members have declared full support for Atiku Abubakar but they are saying can we do this?
“I asked the question, does Atiku Abubakar have the power to remove Ayu? No, he doesn’t have that power. And as a man who believes in the rule of law, he is not going to do that.
“The constitution of the party is very clear on this. If you go to the constitution of the party, you will discover in Section 45 of the constitution that for you to remove the chairman of the party or for him to resign, certain processes need to be activated.
“When the chairman resigns or he is removed, the Deputy national chairman who is from the same region as the chairman will automatically have to step in.
“But beyond that, in the PDP, the third in line is the National Secretary and as we speak, it’s in southern part of the country. There are some hierarchical forms of arrangement in the party.
“The National Organising Secretary usually comes from the same region where the chairman comes from for ease of operations.
“How do you now deal with the Deputy national chairman who must come from the same region as the chairman and must step in, in the event of the chairman’s removal?
“So for you to demand that the chairman moves to the south, you must first of all solve these two puzzles. Even after you have solved these puzzles, you must also come back to begin to look at the issue of the national secretary of the party.
“These are constitutional provisions that you must look at and know whether you have the strength to offend those constitutional provisions and still remain very healthy within the party.
“It means that the resignation of the national chairman is not even the main issue but to move the chairmanship position from the north to the south is a very big issue that will alter all other arrangements within the party and we have just five months to a general election.
“So the leadership of the party is pleading with the people who believe that there is need to make that move for the purpose of equity to tarry awhile.
“Once we are able to deal with the big elephant in the house, which is organising to be able to win the general elections, then we can now come back to look at that movement of the chairman to the south,” Aniagwu added.
On the attempt to challenge the use of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System BVAS in court, Aniagwu described the move as unrealistic as BVAS was provided for in the Electoral Act 2022 as amended.
He called on the National Assembly to reject any INEC nominee identified to be card carrying members of any political party to retain the independence and integrity of the electoral umpire.
“The BIVAS is backed by law and by virtue of the Nigeria constitution, INEC is empowered by law to manage elections in the country and the Electoral Act empowers INEC to further prescribe rules guiding to conduct of elections,” he stated.
PRESS RELEASE
2023: SHETTIMA, SANWO-OLU, OTHERS DRUM SUPPORT FOR TINUBU
…Sanwo-Olu: APC Candidate Most Credible To Succeed Buhari
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and vice presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Kashim Shettima, on Thursday, said the APC National Leader and presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is the most qualified with the capacity to lead Nigeria among all the presidential candidates contesting to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in May 29, 2023.
Speaking during the 95+1 anniversary lecture of the Yoruba Tennis Club held at the club’s Greeting Hall in Lagos, Governor Sanwo-Olu and Shettima urged Nigerians to vote for capacity during the 2023 presidential elections and shun religious sentiments.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who urged Nigerians not to allow religious division, especially with respect to the APC Muslim-Muslim joint ticket for the presidential poll, said electing the next President of Nigeria should be about leadership, character, audacity to think and ability to think deeply and solve problems.
He said: “There is nothing in the issue of a Muslim-Muslim Ticket. I am a Christian and my wife is a Christian but we know too well that it is not about religion. We have forgotten that in 2011 the Action Congress of Nigeria fielded Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and his vice presidential candidate, Mr. Fola Adeola in a Muslim-Muslim ticket. We did not see any problem at that time.
“But suddenly because there is a likelihood of this ticket (Tinubu-Shettima) emerging as a winner, people now want to divide us. We will say no because that is not who we are. It is about leadership. It is about character. It is about the audacity to think. It is about the ability to be able to think deeply and solve problems.
“We do not want to despise other candidates. We all know too well what their antecedents are. We all know too what their credentials are. But we know that as a nation, we need a strong launch pad. We need to think out of the box and be able to put our best foot forward.
“I want to thank the leadership of the Yoruba Tennis Club again for making the right choice by inviting Senator Kashim Shettima to deliver the anniversary lecture. We are celebrating 96 years now and let it be on record that by 2026 during our centenary celebration, by the grace of God, we will have Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu coming here to celebrate with us as President on our centenary and of course by your grace and your support, I will still remain as your 15th Governor, coming here and celebrate in four years time and all of you will be here.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also charged Yoruba people and residents of Lagos State to work toward the emergence of Asiwaju Tinubu as the next President of Nigeria. “We deserve to produce the next president. In Lagos we deserve it. Lagos requires it and it would be by the grace of God a bigger, better and stronger nation and state that all of you would be truly proud of to have been part of,” he said.
In his address, Senator Kashim titled, “Social Club and the search for a national cohesion in Nigeria,” described Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as an excellent example of national cohesion.
Shettima, a former Governor of Borno State, said the Tinubu-Shettima ticket was dedicated to the building of a progressive and united country, that would allow for harnessing the very best that the country had to offer, adding that candidacy will rekindle the spirit of patriotism and draw on all the positive lessons from the commendable history of the Yoruba Tennis Club.
He said: “We have seen the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the presidential candidate of the APC. We are convinced that the general political situation in Nigeria needs the competencies of a detribalized and committed Nigerian, like, ABAT (Tinubu), to re-ignite the requisite values that can help us rededicate ourselves and all Nigerians to collectively tackle the challenges of national cohesion.
“The 2023 general elections are just a few months away and Nigerians have a choice to make, in the determination of our destiny.
“In 2023, we need a Nigerian leader that has the humility and generosity of spirit of General Yakubu Gowon. We need a leader that has the commitment of Muhammadu Buhari.
”We need a leader that has the work ethic and broad-mindedness of an Olusegun Obasanjo. We need a leader that has the situational pragmatism and understanding of Nigeria’s security, the maradonic skill of an Ibrahim Babangida.
”We need a leader with a vision and sense of responsibility and commitment and somebody who understands the nation like an Abdulsalami Abubakar and in our systemic circumstances, we need a leader with a dose of the hospitality of a Sani Abacha.
”We need a leader with the intellectual acumen, with the action to catapult this nation to a higher pedestrian. We need a leader who is not bound by regional or religious sentiment.
”We need a leader that has established such records of excellence and commitment to good governance. There is no one, with all due respect, that fits this than Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Shettima also commended Yoruba Tennis Club’s leadership and members for sustaining one of the foremost social clubs in Nigeria in the last 96 years.
“We must get our politics right, in the same patriotic manner that the Founding Fathers of the Yoruba Tennis Club, and their successors, got it right, and have kept it going for 96 years. Social clubs play a vital role in the process of national cohesion.
“Inadvertently, you (Yoruba Tennis Club) have taught the lesson of brotherhood and enduring legacy having survived all the challenges of the past 96 years. This statement of success and continuity is a lesson we must take on board if we are to build a great country,” he said.
In his address, the Chairman of the Yoruba Tennis Club, Chief Babajide Damazio, said the club since its existence in 1926 has witnessed many seasons of bloom and gloom, and therefore enjoined members to continuously celebrate the essence of their togetherness.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
15 SEPTEMBER 2022
Delta establishes 22 new schools
In a bid to expand the frontiers of its educational development, Delta State Government (DTSG) has approved the establishment 22 new schools comprising 9 primary and 13 secondary schools across the state.
The Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Noel Omodon disclosed this on Thursday evening at Government House, Asaba, while briefing journalists on some of the decisions reached at the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting presided over by the Deputy Governor of the state, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro.
Omodon pointed out that the new primary and secondary schools were approved by the state exco in response to the demand for schools in areas where such educational facilities were lacking.
Apart from the approval for the establishment of the new schools, he said, Exco also, approved the change of name and status of some of the existing primary and secondary schools in the state.
According to him, the payment of the counterpart funding for the UBE 2022 cycle was approved by the Exco to strengthen the delivery of qualitative educational services aimed at further promoting mass literacy in the state.
The Works Commissioner also disclosed that approval for the supply of laboratory/workshop equipment to University of Delta was equally approved by Exco to enhance academic activities in the university.
“The establishment of nine new primary and 13 new secondary schools in the state was approved by the state Exco in areas where there is demand for schools to cater for the shortfalls in those areas.
“Approval was also given by Exco for the change of name and status of some of the existing primary and secondary schools in the state, the Commissioner added.
On the Kwale Industrial Park, Omodon said Exco approved investment into a modern production facility at the park where things like flat bars, nails, screws and angle among others would be produced, adding that the state government had equally approved equity participation at the Kwale free zone (Industrial Park).
“The Emevor/Ivrogbor/Orogun Road phase l that has been an issue in Isoko area and Samagidi/Izejagbo Village Road in Ethiope East were approved for construction.
“In the capital territory, we approved Edwin Uzor/Chukwudi Dafe Road, Ambassador Leo Okogwu Road and Ogongosu Road to enhance good road network in the territory.
“Exco also approved Egodon Agodobiri Road in Burutu, Ogbudugburu Road in Warri North, Dr. James Fakejeme Julius Layout Road and Ovwor Township Road, he said.
Under the Girls Entrepreneurship and Skills Training (GEST) Programme, Omodon said, the state Exco gave approval for the training of 500 young women to boost the employment generation and wealth creation drive of the Okowa led administration in the state.
While saying that some funds have been approved by Exco for the completion of the Ogheye floating market, the Commissioner pointed out that approval was also given for the reactivation of the Warri/Effurun Water Project.
“We approved participation with a private agency in the Warri/Effurun Water Project and we are going to guarantee some of the funds by APG so that we can get the water facility functional,” he stated.
PRESIDENT BUHARI CELEBRATES FORMER MINISTER OF FINANCE, SHAMSUDDEEN USMAN AT 73
President Muhammadu Buhari joins family members and friends to rejoice with former Minister of Finance, Shamsuddeen Usman, who clocks 73 on September 18, 2022, extolling the economist, banker and administrator for his unique influence on Nigeria’s economic growth.
The President congratulates Usman, who was also Minister of National Planning, for pivotal leadership roles in the private and public sector, setting the framework for the country’s long term development strategy, Vision 2020, and National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan.
As the first Minister of Finance to publicly declare his asset before assuming duty, President Buhari affirms that the hallmark of integrity, discipline and diligence guides the public servant, whose experience continues to inspire younger generations on the value of patriotism, honour and dignity.
The President prays for the wellbeing of Usman and his family.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 17, 2022
Akeredolu’s Mum, Queen Elizabeth II: The Righteous Left Together In Honour – Jimoh Ibrahim
…As He sends condolence messages
Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim CFR, billionaire business mogul and the candidate of All Progressives Congress(APC) in Ondo South senatorial district for 2023 general elections, has described the transitions of the mother of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and Queen Elizabeth II of England as exit of the righteous in honour.
This was contained in his condolence messages to the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and Prince Charles of Wales (the king apparent of England) upon the passage of their mothers, Lady Evangelist Grace Akeredolu and Queen Elizabeth II respectively.
Pointing out the similarities in the death of the nonagenarians, Dr. Ibrahim who recently graduated from University of Cambridge and awarded First-ever Doctor of Business by the varsity, noted that “Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-serving monarch, died at Balmoral at age of 96, after reigning for 70 years.
“She died peacefully on Thursday afternoon at her Scottish estate, where she had spent much of the summer.
“The Queen came to the throne in 1952 and witnessed enormous social change.
“Likewise, our mother, Lady Evangelist Grace Akeredolu died peacefully in her sleep early on Thursday morning. Mama was 90 years.
“Both of them lived an enviable life and were known as true apostles of Christ Jesus propagating His gospel.
“Mama lived a godly life. She was a leading example to up and coming mothers and a unique disciplinarian during her hay days.
“She was a caring-mother which actually radiated till date in the lives of her children.
“She dedicated her life to God till her last moment with us here on earth.
“We are happy that she lived till a ripe age due to the grace she received from God Almighty.
“Despite this, we will still miss her.
“May the souls of the Queen and Matriarch of the Akeredolu dynasty rest in peace.
“I enjoined the king apparent of England and the grand-children and great grand-children of the Queen to take solace in the good life she lived.
I condole with our governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, and his siblings as well as the grand-children and great grand-children to rejoice in the Lord because Mama lived to witness them rise to the peak of their individual careers.”
APC cause of poverty, hunger in Nigeria – Okowa
Governor of Delta and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Saturday said rising hunger and poverty in the country was caused by poor management of the nation’s economy by ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He stated this at an empowerment programme for the people of Ika Federal Constituency by the Member representing the constituency at the House of Representatives, Mr Victor Nwokolo, at Boji-Boji Owa, Ika North East Local Government Area.
The Governor who was in company with the Speaker of the State House of Assembly and PDP Governorship Candidate in the state, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori and State Chairman of PDP, Chief Kingsley Esiso, commended Nwokolo for his gesture in giving hope to the hopeless, describing the event as “empowerment programme with a difference”
He said that Nigeria was troubled because people were hungry and out of job due to mismanagement of the nation’s economy.
He added that even students were having lots of challenges because their parents could not meet their needs owing to the level of poverty resulting from ineptitude of the APC-led Federal Government.
Okowa, therefore, urged Nigerians to support the PDP, saying it was the only party with clear understanding of the nation’s challenges and had clear solution to rescue the nation.
“The important thing is that we know the issues troubling our nation and we have a clear pathway for rescuing and rebuilding the nation,” he said.
He commended Nwokolo for empowerment and noted that it was a show of love to the people and prayed that the beneficiaries would utilise the items and equipment for the common good of the people.
“I also pray that the students who benefitted from this gesture will study hard and become successful for the good of their families and our people,” he stated.
Earlier, Nwokolo had said that his motive for the empowerment was to restore hope to the hopeless amid rising hunger and poverty in the land.
He commended Governor Okowa for providing leadership and for his efforts in empowering the people through the various entrepreneurial programmes of the state.
Items presented at the ceremony include cars, mini buses, tricycles, cassava processing machines, oil processing mills, block processing equipment, generators, transformers, sewing machines, educational grant and motor cycles.
PRESIDENT BUHARI COMMISERATES WITH GOVERNOR AKEREDOLU OVER MOTHER’S DEATH
President Muhammadu Buhari extends condolences to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State and his family on the passing of their beloved mother, Mrs Grace Akeredolu.
The President urges the Akeredolu family members to draw strength from the life lessons taught by Mama, the values of care and compassion she inculcated in them and the sacrifices she made for her children to succeed in life.
President Buhari prays for the peaceful repose of the soul of the departed, and urges the family to hold fast to their faith and trust in God to guide them through this difficult period.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 16, 2022
Delta’s healthcare investment to curb medical tourism – Okowa
Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Saturday, said the huge investment being made by his administration in the health sector was to improve healthcare delivery and reduce medical tourism in the country.
Okowa who is the Vice-Presidential Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), disclosed this in an interview with journalists shortly after inspecting facilities at the Advanced Diagnostic Medical Centre and Mother and Child Hospital, Owa-Alero in Ika North-East Local Government Area of the state.
He said that the twin medical facilities would, on completion, reduce medical tourism as it would provide first-class medical services to people who would have sought medical treatment abroad.
While saying that the Mother and Child Hospital would take care of every illness concerning women and children, the Governor said the Advanced Diagnostic Medical Center would take care of all manner of investigative procedures in radiology and other laboratory analyses.
“I am glad that we have gotten to this place. I had high hopes that by today, we would have inaugurated these projects.
“We are working behind time, there is no doubt about that but I have just been reassured that in the next one month, the projects would be ready.
“The equipment is fully on site and we are trying to get things fully sorted out and I am sure that in the next one month, it should be ready and opened to the public for use.
“The two projects are obviously very important. The Mother and Child, as it is so stated, is supposed to take care of every illness concerning our women and children.
“The Advanced Diagnostic Center is going to take care of all manners of investigative procedures both in radiology and other laboratory analysis that they have to do.
“The Advanced Diagnostic Medical Center is also going to be a center that would be involved in treatments. There is equipment in here. But until they finish with this construction, they would not be fully installed,” he said.
Speaking further, Governor Okowa said the key infrastructural projects being executed by his administration would be inaugurated between November and December, this year.
However, he pointed out that many of the projects executed by his administration, especially the multiple road projects, were already being put to use by Deltans as soon as they were completed, adding that he doesn’t have to go and start inaugurating all them before they can be put to use.
On the new technical colleges in the state, the Governor said students were already being admitted into three of them which he listed to include Uvwie, Obiaruku and Asaba Technical Colleges, adding that Asaba and Uvwie Technical Schools will commence academic activities by next week while that of Obiaruku will start in October, this year.
“Those schools are really well planned and we have lots of equipment to teach the children. The academic and non-academic staff have already been engaged and they are undergoing some trainings now.
“There are still so many other projects that are ongoing. For instance, the 160kms dualisation that we are constructing from Asaba to Ughelli is one of them.
“We also have several bridges that we are constructing. I intend to pay a visit to one or two of them. I also hope I find time to go through Trans-Warri Road and bridges.
“I believe that between now and December, a lot of key projects would be brought to completion and we will be inaugurating projects in the dry season. September and October are still raining season and I would not want to fix project inauguration within this period of time.
“But for any project that is completed, we put it to use. It does not have to wait for inauguration because the project is for the people, inauguration is fun fare,” the governor added.
ASUU STRIKE: PRESIDENT BUHARI MEETS WITH PRO-CHANCELLORS OF VARSITIES, PROMISES FURTHER CONSULTATIONS
President Muhammadu Buhari Friday at State House, Abuja, met with the Chairman and select members of Pro-Chancellors of Federal Universities, promising to engage in further consultations with relevant stakeholders, towards ending the protracted strike by university lecturers, under the aegis of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The President said without necessarily going back on what is already established policy, “I will make further consultations, and I’ll get back to you.”
The Pro-Chancellors were led to the meeting by Professor Nimi Briggs, who said they had come to meet with the President in three capacities: “As President and Commander-in-Chief, as father of the nation, and as Visitor to the Federal universities.”
He added that despite the pall cast by more than seven months of industrial action, “the future of university system in the country is good,” citing as example the recent listing of the University of Ibadan among the first 1,000 universities in the world, a development occurring for the first time.
Prof Briggs commended Federal Government for concessions already made to the striking lecturers, including the offer to raise salaries by 23.5% across board, and 35% for Professors. He, however, asked for “further inching up of the salary, in view of the economic situation of the country.”
The Pro-Chancellors also asked for a reconsideration of the No-Work, No-Pay stance of government, promising that lecturers would make up for time lost as soon as an amicable situation was reached, and schools reopened.
Minister of State for Education, Goodluck Nana Opiah, said all the concessions made by Federal Government were to ensure that the industrial action comes to an end, but ASUU has remained adamant.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
September 16, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI REJOICES WITH HIS HOLINESS, MOST REV DR RUFUS OKIKIOLA OSITELU ON ELECTION AS PRESIDENT OF WCC FOR AFRICA
President Muhammadu Buhari shares in the joy of elevation for The Church of the Lord (TCL) Worldwide and entire Body of Christ, with election of His Holiness, The Most Rev. Dr. Rufus Okikiola Olubiyi Ositelu as President of World Council of Churches (WCC) for Africa.
The President warmly congratulates the Primate of TLC, Dr Ositelu, who made history as first African from an African Instituted Church and first head of Church in Nigeria to occupy the respected position of WCC President for Africa since it was formed in Amsterdam, Netherlands in 1948.
President Buhari appreciates the delegates at the 11th WCC General Assembly on September 5th, 2022 in Karlsruhe Germany for the honour and recognition, after taking into consideration the Primate’s love for God, sacrifice for others and dedication to service of humanity, especially in Nigeria.
The President believes the election of Dr Ositelu to the exalted and esteemed position further highlights the efforts in spreading the gospel of Christ, particularly in Nigeria, and the impact of the good work, which has brought transformed many lives, lifted many homes and shown the way of hope and righteousness for the fallen, desperate and hopeless.
Dr. Ositelu, who is the incumbent and fourth Primate of TCL Worldwide, was the former Vice President of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) and served successfully as a member of WCC central committee – the highest decision-making body of the WCC.
The President prays that the Almighty God who has favoured the Primate, will grant him good health, strength and wisdom to deliver on the mandate.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 15, 2022
NIGERIA WILL RETURN HER LOVE AND LOYALTY TO YOU, PRESIDENT BUHARI ASSURES 286 FOREIGN NATIONALS GRANTED CITIZENSHIP
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Abuja awarded Nigerian citizenship to 286 nationals, urging them to be good citizens of the country to enjoy all the rights and privileges bestowed on them.
”You have pledged your allegiance to Nigeria. When you give your love and loyalty to Nigeria, she returns her love and loyalty to you,” the President told the awardees during an event at the State House.
The President explained that out of the 286 foreign nationals presented with certificates of Nigerian Citizenship, 208 received certificates for Naturalization, while 78 got certificates by Registration.
He urged them to make positive and useful contributions to the advancement, progress and well-being of the different communities they reside, adding that as citizens they must be in accord with the national ethics and code of conduct.
”You are expected to abide by the Ideals and Institution of the Nigerian National Flag, Anthem, Pledge and respect for all Constituted Authorities.
”All those concerned with Immigration matters are to offer our new citizens quick legal identification. Also, their Local Governments should assist with their integration in the local community to enable them enjoy all the entitlements of a Nigerian citizen,” he said.
In exercising the constitutional powers conferred on him, by Chapter III Sections 25-31 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the President told the new citizens that Nigeria is a nation united by the principles of opportunity, equality, and liberty as enshrined in the Constitution.
”No matter where you come from, or what faith you practice, this country is now your country. Our history is now your history, and our traditions are now your traditions. Nigeria is your home and pride and joy.
”In line with our transformational ideals of strict adherence to due process and transparent procedures, the Ministry of Interior ensured that only deserving persons were recommended to the Federal Executive Council to be conferred with Nigerian citizenship.”
President Buhari recounted that the Federal Government in 2020 adopted the National Action Plan to eradicate statelessness and accordingly, the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, inaugurated the High-level Steering Committee to Eradicate Statelessness in Nigeria by 2024.
”This ceremony therefore is a further demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment and determination to remove as many people as possible from statelessness.
”In this regard, I will like to reiterate our commitment to the strategic role Nigeria plays in the comity of nations, in its unwavering quest for greater human integration, towards ensuring peace and prosperity.”
Welcoming the new Nigerians, the Minister of Interior in his speech entitled ‘‘The more the merrier’’, said the beneficiaries were from the United States, Europe, the Americas, Asia, Middle East, Oceania and Africa, who have seen the good in Nigeria.
”Without any doubt, Nigeria is a great nation, richly endowed and blessed with great people. Smart people continue to flock to our country to do business with us,’’ Aregbesola said, adding that Nigeria would continue to welcome every qualified citizenship applicant.
The Minister described the conferment ceremony as a celebration of the oneness of the human race, consistent with the mandate of the Ministry and the Buhari administration to lay a solid socio-economic and political foundation that will thrust Nigeria into one of the top 20 economies in the world.
”To achieve this lofty vision, the government is determined to encourage and attract foreign investors, high-net worth individuals, highly-skilled individuals and people with rare talents and strategic competencies into our country, ” he said.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Shuaib Belgore, read citations of select beneficiaries who received certificates and symbols of citizenship from President Buhari.
They are Mrs. Kathryn Teresa Barrera, an American citizen, Professor Albert Alos Rovira, a Spanish citizen, Mr. Giuseppe Bellini, an Italian citizen, Dr. Nasra Ali, a Kenyan, Rev. Prof. John Brown Okwii, a Ugandan and Prof. Oumar Al-Moubarak Adoun, a Chadian citizen.
Speaking on behalf of the new citizens, Barrera, who arrived Nigeria in 1974 at age 24, thanked the President, staff of the Ministry of Interior for making their dreams come true.
The 72-year old Nigerian-American is the proprietress of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Mother and Children Welfare Association, caregiver of Orphans and Vulnerable Children including children living with HIV/AIDS.
She currently lives with 20 children and young adults in training and in University, according to the citation read by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 15, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI REWARDS COMMONWEALTH GAMES, WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS ATHLETES WITH NATIONAL HONOURS, N200 MILLION
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Abuja approved National Honours and cash awards of N200 million for Team Nigeria contingents to the 2022 Commonwealth Games and World Athletics championships.
Speaking at a presidential reception in honour of the athletes, the President said his Government is committed to rewarding excellence, no less for members of Team Nigeria who ignited the spirit of victory in the nation through stellar performances at international competitions.
Congratulating all the awardees and recipients, he expressed confidence that this will spur them to greater heights.
The President who described the athletes as champions, worthy ambassadors, national heroes and heroines, heaped praises on them for proudly flying the Nigerian flag in nine sporting events.
”I watched with millions of Nigerians those exciting moments when you all brought smiles to us and our homes by breaking world, national and games records, as well as achieving personal best in your careers.
”Your outstanding performances in recent times are consistent with the determination of a nation always yearning for excellent performance.
”You all, members of Team Nigeria have ignited the spirit for victory in our nation but even more you have been victorious in major sporting championships and games.
”I have followed keenly your achievements at the World Championships in Oregon USA and indeed your remarkable performance at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
”And I am very pleased that you displayed at both the personal and group levels great sporting talents and delivered for your country great podium performances,” he said.
The President told the athletes that their hour of sporting glory beamed the ‘‘radar of the world on Nigeria’’, adding that their exploits have gone a long way in projecting the positive image of the country.
”Twelve times the world stood still as our green, white green national flag was hoisted and the National Anthem recited. Thirty-five times we made it to the podium. You all Team Nigeria made that possible.
”You brought glory and honour to our country. And today, on behalf of the nation- I say, THANK YOU!”
President Buhari called out the names of the gold winners and other medal winners including the world champion in the 100m hurdles, Tobiloba Amusan, Ese Brume, Blessing Oborodudu , Oluwafemiayo Folashade, Taiwo Liadi, Ikechukwu Obichukwu, Bose Omolayo, Favour Ofili, Nasiru Sule, Ifechukwude Ikpeoyi, Ebikewenimo Welson, Hannah Rueben and Elizabeth Oshoba.
Reiterating the commitment of this administration in providing the enabling environment for youths to ascend to the pinnacle of their chosen careers, the President expressed satisfaction with the impact the Adopt-An-Athlete Initiative of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports had on the performance of athletes.
He urged more private individuals and corporate organizations to support government’s investment in sports, which has been reclassified from being a recreational activity to being a business in line with modern practices worldwide.
President Buhari also acknowledged the many giant strides witnessed in the sports sector under the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare and his team, commending the numerous and sustained successes recorded in the last few years.
The Minister of Youth and Sports Development described 2022 as an outstanding year in the history of Nigerian sports, which shall not be forgotten in a hurry.
According to him, it is a year where many Sporting Federations have surpassed and are surpassing their previous performances, while many athletic records were broken.
Highlighting the most remarkable feats, Dare said in track and field, Amusan in a span of 4 months won Nigeria’s first ever gold medal in World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, USA with a world record performance in an event highly dominated by the Americans and Europeans.
She also successfully defended her Commonwealth Games title, which she won in 2018 in Gold Coast, with a games record in 2022 in Birmingham; and Diamond League title in Zurich, Switzerland on September 8, 2022, the Minister said, adding that this remarkable performance has never been achieved by any Nigerian in the history of our sports.
Further, the Minister said Brume, another trailblazer in Nigerian sports, won silver medal in the Women’s Long Jump event at the 2022 World Athletics Championships and a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham with a games record performance.
Dare recalled that the first time Nigeria won a medal in wrestling at the Olympic Games since 1952, was at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics by Oborodudu, who clinched a silver medal to the admiration of the entire globe.
”In confirming that the performance was not a fluke, she won a gold medal in the Women’s 68 kg category at the just concluded 2022 Commonwealth Games, ” he said.
Describing Nigeria as the best Para Powerlifting nation in the world, the Minister hailed Oluwafemiayo for keeping with this tradition by winning gold medal in the Women’s heavyweight category, setting a new world record in that class at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
”Mr. President, through the sporting exploits and excellence of the young athletes before you in this hall and several others not able to make it for this reception, Nigeria has served notice that it will not relent.
”That it will show up and compete for every laurel available not only in sports but in youth development, economic progress, social emancipation, political development and many more,” he said.
The Minister thanked the President for being a great source of encouragement and support to the teeming youth in sports and other areas, saying ”this administration’s investment in youth and sports development, will continue to yield dividends years after you might have completed your term as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
He also commended some well-meaning Nigerians and sports philanthropists for keying into several initiatives of the Ministry on sports development.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 15, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS FOREMOST JOURNALIST, EDITOR, NAJEEM JIMOH AT 70
President Muhammadu Buhari felicitates with Alhaji Najeem Jimoh, Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, as he turns 70 September 14, 2022.
The President salutes a sterling career which has spanned over four decades, beginning from the days of the WNTV and WNBS. Jimoh was later to move to the Daily Times and later the Punch Newspapers, which he edited in the 1980s. He also served briefly as Group Associate Director of Thisday Newspapers and the publisher of The Hammer Newspapers in the 1990s.
President Buhari urges the Vice Chairman, The Point Newspapers and Executive Vice Chairman of Citizen FM 93.7, Abuja, to continue sharing knowledge and skill with the younger generation of journalists, so they can value ethics and professionalism, like the celebrant.
The President equally shares the joy of the day with Jimoh’s family, friends, associates, and the media fraternity.
He wishes the alumnus of the University of Lagos and a one-time Secretary-General of the institution’s Students Union longer life in good health, and greater service to God and mankind.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
September 14, 2022
YOU HAVE WRITTEN YOUR OWN HISTORY, PRESIDENT BUHARI TELLS GOV. HOPE UZODIMMA OF IMO STATE
President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Owerri, Imo State, commended Gov. Hope Uzodimma for his efforts in developing the state, saying, “You have written your own history,’’ after he saw the ultra-modern chamber of the rebuilt House of Assembly.
President said his administration will leave a legacy of major development projects across the country, while saluting Imo State Governor for giving more attention to constructions and institutional reforms that will improve lives of the people.
President Buhari, who commissioned the Owerri/Orlu dual carriage, Owerri/Okigwe road and the renovated House of Assembly Complex, noted that the Imo State government had made remarkable progress with infrastructure in three years.
“I am delighted to be back in Imo State – the Eastern Heartland – to commission a number of projects executed by the administration of His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodimma.
“I am happy to note that within just three years of the administration of Governor Uzodimma, I have made two official visits to Imo State to commission projects in the state.
“On each occasion, I have received a very warm hospitality of Imo people, for which I am always appreciative. Ndi Imo, Ndewo!
“As it is often said in local Igbo parlance, a good road deserves a second passage. It is a pleasant coincidence that the name of your governor, “Uzodimma” is derived from this same idiom. Little wonder, therefore, that he has made the provision of good roads one of his top priorities,” he said.
The President said his administration recognizes the importance of critical infrastructure in economic development and was determined to drive the economic development of Nigeria through the provision of vital infrastructure across the length and breadth of the country.
“This can be seen in our commitment to certain critical projects such as Deep Sea Ports, new airport terminals and buildings, various railway projects, a network of gas and power infrastructure, roads and bridges including the Second Niger Bridge, telecommunications infrastructure to mention but a few.
“I am therefore happy to see that the APC administration of Governor Uzodimma is doing similar improvement here in Imo State.
“I commend the Governor for being able to do so with the limited resources at the disposal of the State Government. This proves that when leaders are dedicated and focused, much can be achieved for our people, “ he added.
The President said the Federal Government will continue to support the government of Imo State to ensure that it continues to provide the dividends of democracy to the people.
“This support is equally available to all the states of the Federation irrespective of the differences in political party affiliations,’” he assured.
The President encouraged Imo State indigenes to keep supporting the Governor to actualize his dream for the state, particularly on good governance.
“In my last visit here, I encouraged you all to support your Governor so that he can do more for the people of Imo state. I am happy that you took my advice and today, he has presented to me three key projects for commissioning.
“I have just commissioned the dualized Owerri – Orlu road, the Owerri Okigwe road (Phase 1) and the rebuilt House of Assembly Complex.
“I am told that these two major roads, which I commissioned, cut through several local government areas of the state. The roads will therefore serve as major stimulants to the local economy of these parts of the state,” the President stated.
President Buhari noted that previous administrations in the state were unable to fix the roads because of their unique and difficult terrains, which were complicated by erosion.
According to him, “it took the sheer determination and courage of the current government to fix these roads. So, I say “Bravo” to the Governor of Imo State, whose name I was informed means “good road”.
“I was also informed that the House of Assembly Complex which I have just commissioned was dilapidated and abandoned for over 10 years before the intervention of the present administration.
“This is equally commendable, because of the importance of the legislative arm of government in the sustenance of democracy. I, therefore, applaud the governor for according due respect to this arm of government which is at the heart of our democracy, “ he said.
President Buhari extoled the Government of Imo state for “the road revolution”, describing it as “infrastructure revolution”.
In his remarks, the Imo State Governor noted that the Owerri/Orlu dual carriage and Owerri/Okigwe road had significant economic value to the state and other neighboring states.
“Each of the projects has a remarkable history. Behind the dualized road has been a nightmare for decades,’’ he said, adding that erosion made the construction more difficult.
Gov. Uzodimma said: “To the glory of God we have found the courage, dedication and means to fix the road. The seemingly intractable challenges have been addressed.’’
The Imo State Governor noted that the renovation of the House of Assembly had made it more befitting for the lawmakers, after it was abandoned for many years.
The Governor thanked President for his interventions to ensure development in the South East, with historic projects, like second Niger Bridge, which would gulp the highest single investment in the zone of more than N360 billion, approval for upgrading of the Federal Medical Centre to a teaching hospital and establishment of a naval base in Oguta, Imo State.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 13, 2022
WE ARE NOT MOURNING, WE ARE CELEBRATING MY LATE MOTHER-GOV AKEREDOLU
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, on Friday said his late mother, Lady Evangelist Grace Akeredolu (JP), lived a fulfilled life deserving of celebration.
Governor Akeredolu, who said it is not easy to clock 90 years, noted that his mother has left enduring legacies.
The Governor spoke at his late mother’s Kopindogba residence in Ibadan where he received the Aare Musulumi of Yoruba, Edo and Delta States, Alhaji Dahud Akinola and the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Teslim Folarin.
Aare Akinola who led other Muslims delegation on the condolence visit, described Lady Evangelist Grace Akeredolu (JP) as a true mother who would be missed by all.
He prayed God to give the Governor and his siblings the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.
Aare Akinola stressed that Lady Evangelist Akeredolu is a woman of substance who left indelible marks in the sand of history.
According to him, God has been so good to the nonagenarian who lived well and was blessed with successful children.
The APC Governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Teslim Folarin led some of his supporters and members of the party to condole Governor Akeredolu.
He congratulated the Governor for surviving his mother, adding that it is the joy of everyone to survive their old ones.
The Governorship hopeful said:”We are here to congratulate our boss for surviving his mother. You are one of Governors that our people have tremendous respect for. You speak your mind and stand up for the Yoruba race.”
Welcoming Aare Akinola and his team, Governor Akeredolu thanked them for identifying with him.
He said the good legacy left behind by his mother will continue to live after her.
Governor Akeredolu described his late mother as a true mother who did not joke with proper upbringing of her children.
While welcome Senator Folarin and his supporters, Governor Akeredolu appreciated them for visiting him and his siblings.
He charged the Governorship candidate and his supporters to work assiduously to ensure the victory of the APC in the state.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
September 16, 2022.
Women in the Niger Delta on Friday denounced promoters of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) interim management committee, describing them as the greatest friends of illegality and the most pronounced foes of the region.
‘’The interim management committee will breed hostility among the oil states in the country. The inauguration of substantive board is the best possible course under existing circumstances’’
They also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to dramatize the end of one man or a three man rule in the commission.
At a gathering in Port Harcourt, the women appealed to leaders of key nations and world statesmen to implore Buhari to constitute the commission’s board.
‘’It would be a tragedy if Mr President let himself be diverted from consideration of the NDDC Board by the proposal of another interim management committee. Such a tendency shows a singular lack of understanding of the region’s problems and a failure to remember the larger purposes for which the NDDC was established. The composition of a substantive board is primary and fundamental’’
They also appealed to presidential candidates, traditional rulers and religious leaders to impress on President Muhammadu Buhari to constitute a board for the Commission.
The women described interim management committee agitators as predators, destroyers and zombies.
A statement read to newsmen by the President of Niger Delta Women in Politics (NDWIP), Chief Josephine Ekong said without the board, it would be practically impossible to assume a leading role in attempting to bring about a lasting peace and development in the oil rich region’’
‘’At inception, NDDC gave the Niger Delta people new confidence and a tremendous sense of regional solidarity. It taught the people the meaning of development’’.
The women said they would have nothing to do with the interim management committee or another sole administrator.
‘’The delay in constituting the board and the zero implementation of the recommendations of the NDDC Forensic Audit Report are enough to move the people of the region to anger.
They expressed complete satisfaction over the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Umana Okon Umana’s good faith.
The women also praised the NDDC Sole Administrator, Mr Effiong Akwa for displaying leadership.
‘’The obligation of the government is to supply the focal point where problems could be integrated and resolved. The way out lies not in attempting to sack Akwa and putting in place interim management committee but in completely inaugurating the commission’s board’’
The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved the deployment of the nine newly appointed Permanent Secretaries and the re-deployment of five others.
A statement signed by the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr.
Hakeem Muri-Okunola listed the deployment as follows: Oyegbola, Olasunkanmi Mopileola, Public Service Office; Dawodu, Kikelomo Arinola, Office of Central Internal Audit; Toriola, Abdulhafiz Gbolahan, Ministry of Transportation; Abidakun, Olubusola Ajibola, Teaching Service Commission and Aina, Ololade Olasupo, Ministry of Home Affairs.
Others are Kasunmu, Ibilola Olufolake, Ministry of Science & Technology; Sogunle, Michael Olumide, Ministry of Information & Strategy; Sotire, Oluwole Olumide, Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development; and Obajomo, Ibrahim Amodu, Ministry of Economic Planning & Budget.
The HoS added that Mr. Governor also approved the re-deployment of serving Permanent Secretaries as follows: Dr. Aina, Olugbemiga Ayoola, Ministry of Youth & Social Development to Parastatals Monitoring Office; Mr. Olowoshago, Kamar Owodiran was transferred from the Ministry of Transportation to Housing; Ms. Fashola, Simone Olayinka, Ministry of Science & Technology to Ministry of Wealth Creation & Employment; Mrs. Oke-Osanyintolu Zeinab Oluwatoyin, Parastatals Monitoring Office to Ministry of Youth & Social Development and Mrs. Ososanya, Adetutu Oluremi, Office of Central Internal Audit to Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Co-operatives.
While noting that the deployment/redeployment is with immediate effect, Muri-Okunola implored the affected officers are to ensure proper handing-over.
2023: God Forbid BAT-hings (Part 3)
By Erasmus Ikhide
ANOTHER Problem Coming called (APC) and those who are still denuding
themselves that Bola Amhed Tinubu (BAT) built mega Lagos recently had their
arguments punctured and perforated, their lies exposed with the report that
Lagos is the second worst city for human’s habitation, a few weeks ago. The
report by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has placed Nigeria’s
commercial capital, Lagos, as the second-worst city to live in. The EIU
2022 ranking of the world’s most liveable cities placed Lagos as the 171st
of the 172 countries it ranked.
The report that Lagos State is one of the very worst city for human
habitation sound a death knell for the beneficiaries of the fast fading
godfatherism and fascist government of Bola Tinubu that has brought Nigeria
to her knees. This is no good news for those waiting to benefit from the
outlandish propaganda, at the expense of the masses. The Nigerian youths,
the general public and the global community are too informed for this
bunkum and crap being spewing out by the APC/Tinubu’s political jobbers.
Nigerians are well aware that it’s a deliberate attempt to launder the
image of a notorious criminal and anti-democratic con-man.
Now, the catch phrase “Go to lagos”. This is the only oxygen left for
Tinubu and his ignorant supporters. Many, including youths and the so
called political elites who don’t even know that the reference, “go to
Lagos” is a scam and cheap propaganda by Tinubu and his ignorant followers
who know nothing about Tinubu and Lagos state. Until political enthusiasts
in Nigeria interterogate or probe this phrase, “go to Lagos” which has
become a common phrase that tend to suggest, that Tinubu built Lagos or
that Tinubu is a great achiever and performer seeks to obliterate his
ground corruption, maladministration in Lagos and his anti-democratic
tendencies.
The younger generation have a duty in 2023 to make open shame of such
politicians who have held Lagos, and by extension Nigeria, down for so
long. Its high time we understood that “Go to lagos”, being bandied around
especially when supporters of the various Presidential candidates are
trying to reference past performance records of their preferred candidates
is a fraudulent propaganda. Curiously, many of those who find such phrase
or blanket reference very convenient maybe to score a non existent
political point had neither been to Lagos themselves nor read a single
literature about the history and development of Lagos.
For better understanding of “go to Lagos”, it’s actually the nemesis of
Tinubu that he and his blind followers are yet to know. Otherwise, they
won’t reference Lagos, not even his direct eight years let alone, and the
so called people they alleged he empowered as achievements. We are
gradually getting to where those who say “go to lagos”, must have to answer
trailer-load of questions about the actual performance and disservice of
Tinubu in Lagos, when and how Lagos became the sole baby-project and
achievement of Tinubu to now earn him office of the President of Nigeria.
Now, let’s “go to Lagos”, properly because history never dies. Its a fact
that right from the colonial era, Lagos has always been a territory
(colony) of special status on its own. And in the post colonial era, Lagos
was the Federal Capital and seat of power in the Federal Republic of
Nigeria. That alone, accounted for over 60% of the present infrastructural
assets of Lagos which were built by the Federal Government of Nigeria. Such
infrastructures include the most critical third mainland bridge linking the
mainland and the Island, the Seaport, International/local Airports, Festac
town, National stadium, National Museum and many other national monuments
and assets that keep giving value to Lagos.
It should rather be surprising that Lagos has no Airport of its own like
Delta, Anambra and many other states of the federation that have built
airports for themselves. As at today, Edo state has more and quality
educational institutions than Lagos. Lagos has no rail system, no good
drainages etc, despite the humongous resources available to it, especially
from 1999 to date. Those who leave in Lagos know it. This is actually the
right time for Nigerians to hold Tinubu to account for what he has done
with Lagos resources from 1999 till date. This is because he has
effectively been in charge of lagos in the last 23 years, which is while
nobody remembers Fashola and Ambode as former governors, let alone
ascribing to them any achievement in Lagos.
Lagos State had eleven governors (though mostly military) before Tinubu,
the 12th Governor of Lagos. It also had three governors after Tinubu.
Therefore, are those ascribing or arrogating the growth of Lagos to
Tinubu’s alleged performance not saying, that the fourteen governors before
and after him did nothing. Are Nigerians not aware that about 40% of the
low cost housing Estates in Lagos till date were built by the father of
modern Lagos, Governor Lateef Jakande who also designed the Lagos Plan of
Action for Economic Development of Africa,1980-2000, otherwise known as the
modern master plan for Lagos, which subsequent Lagos State governments
including Tinubu continue to leverage on to evolve the Lagos of today and
even tomorrow.
Did Governor Buba Marwa who handed over to Tinubu in 1999 not also
contributed greatly to the modern ambiance of Lagos. Why did the “go to
Lagos” proponents not considering the fact that in 1999 when Tinubu took
over from Marwa, Lagos IGR was already N14.6Billion cumulatively? That as
at 2007 when Tinubu’s tenure ought to have ended, Lagos IGR only rose to
N83.06Billion, cumulatively. And that Fashola took it from there to a
whooping N276.6Billion by 2015 and as at 2020, Lagos IGR officially stood
at N418.99 Billion, cumulatively. Why did the Tinubu’s minders not deeming
it necessary at least, to tell Nigerians what and where Tinubu put all
these monies in Lagos, having been in charge of the State since 1999 till
date?
That unlike other former governors before and after him, Tinubu did his
part within his terms and that the obvious difference between him and other
former leaders of Lagos or other states is that, Tinubu fradulently refused
to move on after his supposed tenure like other governors, ie; Jakande,
Fashola, Ambode, Peter Obi and others because, he couldn’t survive without
state/public resources. Hence he corruptly held on to the throat of Lagos
since 1999 like Mammur Gaddafi of Libya. He made himself the life
governor-general of Lagos by replacing democracy with a mixture of facism,
autocracy and godfatherism, rigging election after election to multiply and
protect his proceeds of corruption.
Why are Tinubu’s hatchet writers failing to mention that since 1999, Tinubu
alone determines who holds what office from Governor to Counsellor in Lagos
to enable him appropriate more resources of the State? He ensured that
elections in Lagos became mere rituals just to fulfil all righteousness.
His best achievement was the institute of touts (Agberos) he created and
fully empowered to repress democracy, press and citizens freedom, civil
liberty and argitation against dictatorship or fascism. Why are the
Tinubu’s supporters not mentioning that the abnormalities above are the new
normal in Lagos? Or are the BATists and his Agbado People’s Congress (APC)
trying to make Nigerians, particularly, Lagosians lost memories of the
ideal and the damage Tinubu has done to Lagos over two decades?
These are what Tinubu’s ignorant and desperate supporters should reflect
democracy would stop at nothing to ensure that Nigeria wins in 2023. They
would ensure that all those selfish criminals and evil men, parading
themselves as democrats, politicians or leaders are defeated. When they are
campaigning for Tinubu and they say “go to Lagos” ask them to where, what,
when and how it relates to Tinubu in view of democracy, intergrity,
fairness, equity, social justice, good governance that Nigerians earnestly
yearn for? He was only to be governor for 8 years, ask them when is Tinubu
going to finish his tenure as governor of Lagos State? Ask them if the
other 14 governors acted on his behalf to warrant them arrogating and
appropriating a whole Lagos State as Tinubu’s achievements.
Ask them the source of his wealth and while Lagos is still at the level of
development it is despite the humongous revenue and other resources. Ask
them why Lagos is the highest indebted state after Nigeria and more
indebted than some west African countries today? Tinubu and his men
shouldn’t just be left with a free option of expounding their criminal
voyage beyond Lagos by allowing them paint him the wrong picture of a
performer and the father of Modern Lagos State. It is an abomination to
allow Nigeria full into Lagos situation because democracy would be replaced
with fascism, autocracy, godfatherism and totalitarianism.
Tinubu and those ignorantly following him, arrogantly and fraudulently
arrogating so called achievements in Lagos to him do not mean well for
Nigeria. Ask those who live in Lagos. “Go to Lagos” catchment is nothing
but the most fraudulent, deceptive and corrupt way to engage in image
laundering with stolen public funds and collective effort of others. That
Nigerians are still tolerating the likes of Tinubu and his promoters who
make blanket and veiled reference to Lagos as Tinubu’s project and report
of public service performance, leaves reasonable Nigerians in bewilderment.
No doubt that the more they launder Tinubu with Lagos, the more they would
expose his corrupt and fraudulent activities in Lagos. Especially now that
a sitting governor of the State has abandoned his duties before, during and
after the APC primary, only to be following one leader like a house-boy,
expending public resources on a private ambition of an individual at the
expense of the state. Save for Tinubu’s godfatherism/fascism, Lagos would
have been ten times better than what it is today. Because many countries
who are far better than Nigeria do not have the resources available to
Lagos State. So, where is the borrowed robe of Democrat, Progressive,
Performer etc that Tinubu is being addressed or glorified by his followers
who are mostly blinded by temporary stomach infrastructure? Do we all think
that professor Osibanjo, Aregbesola, Prof. Adeyeye etc are just being
ingrates, disloyal or don’t all know what they are doing by attempting to
stop Tinubu.
Great loyalty is not loyalty to individual but ideas, principles and
content of character that profit the generality of the people and society.
Ask yourself, how many two-term former governors or even past Presidents of
Nigeria can boldly be able to privately distribute money in bullion vans as
Tinubu has been doing over the years? Where did he get those monies if not
ours? Not even Dangote, the richest man in Africa could do that. That is
the impunity and tyranny many of us want to elevate to national scale. Its
only in Nigeria such would be promoted. He boasts of having not lost a
single election when in actual sense he has never allowed a free and fair
elections in Lagos State. The only two elections thuggery was denied in Edo
and recently his home state of Osun, he lost woefully, despite his bullion
vans.
Is it not curious, that Nigeria has witnessed change of government from one
political party to another, yet Lagos State still remain in the hands of
one single individual, who appoints everyone from Governor to Counsellor.
It’s seriously bewildering to know that many Nigerians are not only
ignorant and idiotic, even educated and civilised people keep pouring
accolades and encomiums on those who have enslaved them just to survive
momentary hunger. Its annoying and frustrating that with the relentless
effort of even elders like Pa. Adebanjo, EK Clark etc to reset Nigeria,
there are still young people who prefer the status quo. There aren’t
bothered about the present state of hopelessness in Nigeria. They are still
promoting Tinubu and APC. Lagos State is not a gift to Tinubu, neither
would anyone compensate him with Nigeria for whatever reason.
Where is our conscience? How do you promote or defend those who have
wrecked socio-economic havoc on Nigeria? One must look stupid and idiotic
trying to extricate any key player from the disaster APC has brought upon
Lagos and Nigeria at large.
Ask those campaigning, why are they not proud of APC seven years of Buhari
and Tinubu leadership as President and APC National leader, respectively?
Did he, Tinubu not contribute to the drafting of APC manifesto and its
execution by the Buhari’s regime. Did he not campaign for APC/Buhari using
the said manifesto while marketing both to Nigerians. Has Tinubu not been
in Nigeria in the last 7 years. Was there anytime we read in any of the
national dailies that Tinubu, the national leader of APC disagreed with the
Buhari led APC government for abandoning their party manifesto. Did he ever
attempt to resign eventhough he only occupies an informal position of
national leader due to the failure of APC government. If NO, how can anyone
extricate him from the APC disaster in Nigeria?
As it stands, no wise and well-meaning Nigerian would find APC and Tinubu
electable in 2023 Presidential Election. Their disastrous outing, pillaging
of the economic, decimation of the nation’s security architecture by
Buhari’s Fulani terrorists brothers is enough to reject APC/BAT, wholesale.
Nigerians are ardently saying affliction shouldn’t repeat itself for a
second time. That’s why they’re avoiding Another Problem Coming (APC)
because those who shouted hollow “chengi” between 2015/2019 on the mountain
top are viciously hauling themselves up again for a terminal pillage.
Erasmus Ikhide can be reached via: ikhideerasmus@gmail.com
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU: WE’LL DEEPEN LASG RELATIONSHIP WITH NIGERIAN AIR FORCE, OTHERS FOR SECURITY IN LAGOS
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday said the State Government will continue to deepen its relationship with the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies for peace and security in the State.
Governor Sanwo-Olu made the statement when the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Logistics Command, Lagos of Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Emmanuel Shobande, paid him a courtesy visit at Lagos House, Ikeja.
He said: “We have watched very keenly our relationship and interactions with the Nigerian Air Force and we continue to see professionalism, competence and capability at the highest level.
“Indeed over the past couple of years, we have continued to see good relationship between the Lagos State Government and all security apparatus, especially the Nigeria Military Force – Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force and of course at the Security Council of the state, they bring on board very useful suggestions and discussions, which complements what other security arms are deploying, including the Lagos State Police Command and other related security agencies.
“For us, we are happy with the relationship we currently have. Like you all know, security is everybody’s business. So, we cannot but continue to remain very vigilant and continue to ensure that resources both men and material are available and support that we can continue to render as a government, we will continue to make them available to all.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also assured Air Vice Marshal Shobande the continuous support of Lagos State Government to the Nigerian Air Force in Lagos.
He said: “We wish you the very best in this additional career posting you have call to come and take over in Lagos. We are encouraged given your pedigree that you will do a good job here. We are looking forward to further deepening of understanding and relationship between ourself and yourself.
“We know that the Nigerian Air Force have men that are equipped with some of the best airmen we have around the world, best flying officers, who also understand and appreciate what it entails to keep the air territory of the country peaceful and safe.”
Sanwo-Olu also commended the Logistics Command of Nigerian Air Force in Lagos for providing complementary citizens facilities like medical services, schools and recreational facilities for public use in Lagos State.
He said the Logistics Command, Lagos is one of the best commands the Nigerian Air Force possesses around the country, adding that “it has been a command that has throne men, officers and men that you know have been of impeccable standard to the Nigerian Air Force.”
Speaking earlier, Air Vice Marshall Emmanuel Shobande appreciated Governor Sanwo-Olu and Lagos State Government support to the Nigerian Air Force.
He also commended the relationship between the State Government and the Nigerian Air Force and assured Governor Sanwo-Olu that they will work with other security agencies for security of lives and properties in Lagos State.
“In doing our job, we will continue to cooperate with other sister services – Nigerian Army and Nigerian Navy and other security services in the state for security of lives and properties in Lagos State,” he said.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
11 SEPTEMBER 2022
WE DON’T FIGHT AND GO BACK- WIKE
Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has mocked the ousted national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, who was said to have danced when the National Executive Council (NEC) of the party passed vote of confidence on Senator Iyorchia Ayu, the embattled PDP national chairman.
Governor Wike said decision by NEC will not dissuade him and others from insisting that the prevailing structural imbalance within party must be addressed.
The governor spoke at the 11th Hour homecoming and reception organised for decampees from various political parties who have joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, which held at the Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt on Saturday.
“I was listening and watching, they said there is one man they call Secondus. They said he was dancing, celebrating that NEC gave their person vote of confidence. He forgets history. Ask him the same NEC through Aliyu Babangida moved a motion of vote of confidence supported by the same person, Ndudi Elumelu. They gave you (Secondus) a vote of confidence, what happened? You left office.
“We don’t fight and go back. If you like you can have as many 20 votes of confidence, it’s not my business. My business is to make sure the right thing is done, and the right thing must be done. Whether today or tomorrow.”
He said despite the heightening political aligning and negotiations that are going on, his administration has not abandoned governance in the State.
The governor explained that it is the love that he has for the State that has made him to remain devoted to providing good governance until the last day of his tenure.
“I’m not going to play party with the interest of my people. Rivers State is paramount to me first before any other person or group.
“So, the eyes can see what we have done. Up till today, we have never abandoned governance. So many people are already rounding up, taking the last they have but yet, we are still committed in commissioning, and flagging off projects.
“Because of the love we have for our people, we will continue to serve you till May 29, when by the grace of God, Siminialaye Fubara will be inaugurated the governor of Rivers State.”
Governor Wike commended the decampees for their courage to rejoin their political family because it is true that there is no other political party that can win election in Rivers State except the PDP.
“PDP is a household name in Rivers State. Let me assure you that we will all work with you. Nothing like somebody who has been there since and somebody who has just come back. The more the merrier.
“So, all of us must put hands together to make sure our governorship candidate, the National Assembly candidates, the House of Assembly candidates, at least from Rivers State, we return them 100 percent. That’s our primary duty.”
The governor dismissed efforts by other political candidates as mere attempt to appear on the ballot because there is no hope of winning for them.
Governor Wike enthused that the chance of winning that PDP has is hinged on the fact that the party and his administration has served to protect the interest of the State courageously.
“If God gives you the ticket of PDP in this State, go home and sew your cloth for the inauguration day.
“Because, what will any Rivers man or woman be saying that he or she wants to vote for any other person in Rivers State. As a party, we have kept faith with our people. As a party we have stood for our people. As a party, we have never allowed intimidation from any quarter and that is what we are talking about the interest of Rivers State.
“Remember, before I came on board, one state had our property with them. As I came in as governor, with support and prayer of our people we took all our property back.”
Speaking further, governor Wike said a new strategy will be adopted for the coming political season in which political ‘bigmen’ will be replaced with people who are domicile among their people in various communities. According to him, those who are domicile with their people will be utilised to deliver their units and wards during the general elections.
Rivers State chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Desmond Akawor said the party is presenting a certificate to acknowledge excellence performance of governor Wike because he has surpassed their expectations.
Ambassador Akawor stated that the decampees from the other political parties have witnessed the unequal transformational performance of governor Wike in office.
He listed the establishment of the Nabo Graham Douglas campus of Nigerian Law School in the State, the Real Madrid Academy and Dr. Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases Diagnostics and Treatment Centre among other reputable projects for the reasons why the decampees have returned to the PDP.
Speaking on behalf of decampees from Rivers South East Senatorial District, a former member of All Progressives Congress, APC Board of Trustees, Dr. Sam Sam Jaja said they had a regrettable unsuccessful political expedition while in their former parties, but have retraced their steps back to the PDP on self-volition.
Dr. Jaja described Governor Wike as a compassionate, loving and graceful leader who was created to do good for the people.
He pledged their 100 per cent loyalty and stated that they will join the PDP to uplift the oppressed, reengineer the new phase of transformation of the state and help the needy to grow.
On behalf of decampees from Rivers East Senatorial District, Princewill Dike said he was a sad man while he served as chief propagandist for the APC because the numerous developmental strides of governor Wike were too visible to be a lie.
Speaking on behalf of decampees from Rivers West Senatorial District, former Commissioner for Transportation in the Chibuike Amaechi’s administration, George Tolofari, said they are happy to be back home in the PDP.
Similarly, a former chairman of Akuku Toru Local Government, Dr. Theodore Georgewill apologised that they left PDP when they were most needed.
He said they have returned with the assurance that APC is dead, and are determined to deliver 90 percent of the votes because they believe in the leadership of governor Wike.
Strike: SERAP sues Buhari, wants court to declare refusal to meet ASUU’s demands illegal
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and five university students have filed a lawsuit against President Muhammadu Buhari, asking the court to “declare unlawful the refusal by the Federal Government to meet ASUU’s demands, which has occasioned the prolonged strike action and violated the students’ right to quality education.”
Joined in the suit as Defendants are the Minister of Labour, Employment and Productivity, Chris Ngige, and Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN.
The suit followed the apparent lack of commitment by the Federal Government to implement the agreements with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), and to end the over seven-month-old industrial action by the union, and the threat by the government to implement its “no work, no pay” policy.
In the suit number NICN/ABJ/269/2022 filed last week at the National Industrial Court, Abuja, SERAP and the students are seeking: “an order directing President Buhari and Mr Ngige to immediately implement all the agreements with ASUU in order to end the strike action and violation of the students’ right to quality education.”
According to SERAP and the students: “Disruption of classes undermines both the quality and duration of students’ education. This situation has aggravated existing disparities in access to university education in the country, further marginalizing economically disadvantaged parents and students.”
The suit filed on behalf of SERAP and the students by their lawyer Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, read in part: “The Federal Government has failed to respect, protect, promote and fulfil the right to quality education, and the right to freedom of association through the principle of collective bargaining.”
“Although Nigeria has ratified several human rights treaties, which guarantee the right to quality education of Nigerian students, the Federal Government has over the years refused to meet the demands by ASUU, and to address the poor environment in the country’s universities.”
“The students who are co-claimants in the suit are Dongo Daniel Davou; Oyebode Joshua Babafemi; Ejie Kemkanma; Peter Itohowo Aniefiok; and Imam Naziru. They are students of Plateau State University, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Port Harcourt, University of Uyo, and University of Ibadan, respectively.”
“The failure to implement the agreements with ASUU is also a fundamental breach of the right to education without discrimination or exclusion, as strike actions continue to penalize economically disadvantaged parents who have no means or capacity to send their children to private schools.”
“Equal access of Nigerian children and young people to quality and uninterrupted education including at the university level would contribute to producing citizens who are fundamentally equal and people who actively participate in society.”
“It would enable people to enjoy the rights as well as fulfil obligations that are associated with citizenship.”
“SERAP had earlier advised President Buhari to recover the N105.7 billion stolen public funds and utilize same in addition to specified percentages of the N3.6 billion feeding and travels allowances for the President and the N134 billion allocated to the National Assembly in the 2022 Budget to meet the legitimate demands by ASUU.”
“Apart from being a right in itself, the right to education is also an enabling right. Education is a public good.”
“Education creates the ‘voice’ through which rights can be claimed and protected, and without education people lack the capacity to achieve valuable functioning as part of the living.”
“Nigeria’s public tertiary institutions have continued to experience a steady decline. The quality of public education offered is low and standards have continued to drop. The learning environment does not promote effective learning.”
“The right to bargain freely with employers with respect to conditions of work constitutes an essential element in freedom of association, and trade unions including ASUU should have the right to seek to improve the living and working conditions of those whom they represent.”
“The Federal Government has continued to ignore the plights of teeming undergraduates, who have been denied access to quality education due to the lingering strike action occasioned by the continued reluctance of the Defendants and their agents to implement the agreements with ASUU.”
“The breach of the agreements by the Federal Government clearly provides a reasonable basis for ASUU members to exercise their right to strike as a last resort. It is unlawful to punish the members simply for peacefully exercising their right.”
“Nigerian students in public universities have suffered many years of disruption as a result of the failure of governments to address the root causes of strike action by ASUU and to faithfully implement the agreements reached with the union, leading to devastating consequences on the right to equal and quality higher education.”
“The Federal Government has breached the explicit right to equal access to higher education of Nigerian children and young people, as provided for by article 13(2)(c) of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.”
“Providing Nigerian children and young people equal access to education should be the core public service functions of the Federal Government.”
“Owing to poor funding, poor remuneration system, unconducive learning and training environments in public tertiary institutions in Nigeria, ASUU after a protracted strike action concluded the FGN-ASUU 2009 Agreement in October 2009.”
“According to reports and available evidence, the FGN-ASUU Initialled 2009 Agreement sought among others, the resolution of the following underlying issues: proper funding of public tertiary institutions to the tune of N1.3 trillion to be implemented across a period of 4 years between 2009 and 2013.”
“It was agreed that the N1.3 trillion funding of Government-owned tertiary institutions would span between years 2014 and 2018. It was also agreed that the sum of N200 billion Naira would be released to public tertiary institutions in 2013 while a tranche of N220 billion Naira was to be paid yearly between 2014 and 2018.”
“However, according to reports, only the sum of N200 billion Naira was released in 2014 and no other sum, apart from the sum of N20 billion Naira released in 2019 was paid to the institutions.”
SERAP and the students are also seeking the following reliefs:
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
11/9/2022
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202
PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS VETERAN BROADCASTER, CHIEF TIMAWUS MATHIAS
President Muhammadu Buhari condoles with Government and people of Adamawa State over the passing of an illustrious son, Chief Timawus Mathias, 73, who served the country as a broadcaster, writer and media consultant for more than fifty years.
President Buhari shares the pain of loss with family members, particularly his wife of close to five decades, Betty, the Hama Bachama and the Bachama Council where he holds the title of a spokesman, friends and professional colleagues in the media.
The President extols Chief Mathias for dedicating his life to service of the country, starting out at a young age with Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, before moving to the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA and hitting the limelight with Verdict’83 in 1983.
President Buhari believes the multi-talented journalist, whose versatility stretched into music, contributed to the vibrancy and dynamism of Nigerian media, remaining relevant in writing columns for newspapers and treads on social media, while providing expert guidance on communication to many public and private institutions.
The President affirms that the veteran journalist, who has two media stations in Yola, NTA and AIT, named after him will always be remembered for the value he added to the lives of many, home and abroad.
President Buhari prays that Almighty God will accept the soul of Chief Mathias and comfort his family.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 9, 2022
DESPITE STRONG HEADWINDS, NIGERIA’S ECONOMY CONTINUES TO GROW, SAYS PRESIDENT BUHARI AS HE INAUGURATES COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL ECONOMY
President Muhammadu Buhari Friday in State House Abuja stated that despite the disruptions in global economy and internal troubles, the Nigerian economy has continued to be resilient and maintains an upward trajectory.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Presidential Committee on the National Economy, President Buhari said the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the loss of substantial volumes of oil have had negative impacts on the Nigerian economy.
“Starting with COVID-19 and now the conflict in Ukraine, the past three years have been turbulent ones for the global economy. Global interdependence has become more apparent as we have had to deal with volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity.
“In this period, challenges faced by the world have been many including: (i) lockdowns as COVID-19 raged; (ii) disruptions to supply chains around the world; and (iii) sharp fluctuations in prices.
“Just as the world was beginning to recover from the coronavirus, the conflict in the Black Sea region between Ukraine and Russia worsened the challenges already being faced and created additional problems to which policy makers are having to respond.
“Our economy continues to grow despite the adverse effects of rising interest rates, a stronger US dollar and higher inflation across the world,” he said.
President Buhari noted, however, that some of the problems could be addressed internally, making the constitution of the seasoned economic experts expedient:
“It is however important to note that some of the issues we must address are peculiar to us. For example, the decline in our production of crude oil. It is estimated that last month, August 2022, we produced less than 1mn barrels. The fall in production is essentially due to economic sabotage.
“With the high price of oil in the world markets, producing at about half our OPEC quota has deprived us of much needed revenue and foreign exchange. Government is working tirelessly to reverse this situation.”
President Buhari, however, assured Nigerians that despite these hiccups, necessitating borrowings from financial sources, the current administration remains committed to the welfare of the citizens, especially the implementation of the Social Investment Programmes.
According to him, “While citizen concern about borrowing is well understood, our resort to borrowing must also be appreciated in the context of the resources required to deliver on the infrastructure, health and other socio-economic needs of our citizens.
“It remains a major goal of this Administration to continue pursuing its social protection programmes. These programmes provide support to the most vulnerable of our citizens.”
The Nigerian leader stressed the need to upscale resource mobilization and utilization in the country as more could be achieved in this direction.
“This Administration is also not unaware of the debates about resource mobilisation and utilisation. On resource mobilisation, our performance as a nation continues to be a source of concern.
“Tax revenues are approximately 8 per cent of our output. This compares very badly with those countries against which we measure ourselves that achieve 15-25 per cent. In the absence of revenue, our ability to deliver the most basic services is limited.”
President Buhari said that while he understands the concerns arising from the huge expenditure on fuel subsidy, it is expedient that a right balance be struck not to scare away investors:
“With respect to expenditure, our objective remains to ensure that spending is efficient and result oriented. In this regard, the debate around fuel subsidies is well noted. However, the right balance needs to be struck to ensure that as we protect our citizens, we do not leave room for inefficiencies and leakages.
“It is also important to ensure that our national investment environment is such that local and international private investors can be attracted and retained. Sustainably dealing with the challenge of policy predictability and coherence is an important element in this regard.”
On the mandate and constitution of the Committee under his headship with representations from State Governors, the President said he is convinced that it will deliver as expected for the benefit of the populace:
“The Presidential Committee of the National Economy, which I am inaugurating today, aims to bring together all policy makers responsible for the economy. In this way, we share a common understanding and approach to resolving the issues I have identified and many more.
“This Committee, will provide our nation an opportunity to be bold, more proactive, and innovative in tackling persistent challenges. The work with which I have tasked the assembled team will enable us respond more swiftly and efficiently.”
Presentations were made at the event by Dr Doyin Salami, Chief Economic Adviser to the President, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, as well as Mr Godwin Emefiele, Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria.
Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, represented Chairman of the Governors Forum.
The Presidential Committee on the Economy is chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari and has as members the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo SAN; Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum; Dr. Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, Honourable Minister for Finance, Budget, and National Planning; Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Honourable Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment; and Chief Timipre Sylva, Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum.
Other members include Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Chief of Staff to the President; Mr. Godwin Emefiele, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and Dr. Mohammed Sagagi, Vice Chairman of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council.
The Chief Economic Adviser to the President, Dr. Doyin Salami, is Member/Secretary of the Committee.
The Presidential Committee will review the national economic situation and propose measures to ensure our national economy improves and can meet the government’s objectives. The Committee will also receive regular updates on economic conditions in the country, identify issues that require urgent intervention to improve macroeconomic and fiscal conditions, review the impact of existing and new policies on the Nigerian economy and provide directions to relevant institutions responsible for fiscal, monetary, and any other relevant policies.
Against the background of recent developments in the global economy and its impact on Nigeria’s economic trajectory, this Presidential Committee is another clear demonstration of Mr. President’s total commitment to ensuring that the Nigerian economy successfully navigates through these difficult times. It will be an “economic emergency room” that will work towards keeping Nigeria on the path of economic recovery and growth, global competitiveness as well as inclusive development and sustainability.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 9, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS THE DEMISE OF THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND
President Muhammadu Buhari received with immense sadness news of the passing of Queen Elizabeth ll of the United Kingdom.
“My family and I, and the more than 200 million Nigerians have learned with immense sadness of the passing of the Queen and the end of her unique and wonderful 70 year reign. Her late Majesty was the only British Sovereign known to 90 percent of our population.
“Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom and the entire Commonwealth as we join the entire world in mourning her loss.
“The story of modern Nigeria will never be complete without a chapter on Queen Elizabeth ll, a towering global personality and an outstanding leader. She dedicated her life to making her nation, the Commonwealth and the entire world a better place.”
The President welcomes Your Majesty’s ascension to the throne in line with tradition and prays King Charles the Third’s reign will witness the continuing robust and sisterly relations between our two nations.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 8, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI REJOICES WITH BISHOP FRANCIS WALE-OKE ON 66TH BIRTHDAY
President Muhammadu Buhari warmly felicitates with President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale-Oke on his 66th birthday, joining family, friends and the Body of Christ to celebrate with the religious leader, who has stayed on a shining path.
President Buhari notes the sacrifices, selflessness and dedication of the President and Founder of The Sword of the Spirit to his calling to teach and preach the gospel, and win souls for the Kingdom, and live an exemplary life of charity and kindness as required by the scriptures.
The President salutes the visionary and charismatic leadership style of Bishop Wale-Oke that has influenced many lives in Nigeria and abroad on fear of God, setting up health and educational institutions across the country, and providing support for the underprivileged and vulnerable.
As the founder of the Christ Life Church turns 66, the President prays for his wellbeing, that of his family, and the flock of Christians he leads.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 8, 2022
IN LAGOS, PRESIDENT BUHARI URGES NIGERIANS TO HAVE FAITH IN THE ARMED FORCES, VOWS TO SUSTAIN OPERATIONAL TEMPO ON SECURITY
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Lagos urged Nigerians to believe in the capability of the armed forces to safeguard and bring long-lasting peace and stability to the country.
Declaring open the 12th Nigerian Navy Games, LAGOS 2022, the President assured Nigerians that the armed forces would continue to sustain their operational tempo to contain the security challenges in the country.
He said the security agencies would continue to ensure that all appropriate measures were in place for the safety of Nigerians.
The President also re-emphasized the importance of synergy between the armed forces, other security agencies and the general population for peace and security.
President Buhari, who also commissioned the newly constructed Nigerian Navy Sports Complex, commended the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, for investing in sports development.
‘‘Over the years, sports have remained a tool to strengthen the ties between troops, instilling discipline and readiness to serve a common cause in the military. I am sure that these Games will create the forum for the Nigerian Navy to achieve these objectives and more.
‘‘The construction of this sports complex has provided a standard venue for the Nigerian Navy to host major games as well as an appropriate venue for naval personnel within Lagos to use for training and other recreational purposes.
‘‘I am therefore confident that besides the conduct of the Games, the Nigerian Navy and its personnel will continue to make good use of the facilities in this complex,’’ he said.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces expressed the hope that the Games would provide the needed platform and avenue for the discovery of new talents that will represent the Navy and Nigeria in international competitions.
He, therefore, urged all participating athletes to inculcate fair play and exhibit a high level of decorum during the competition.
‘‘I note that all commands in the Nigerian Navy are participating in the Games.
‘‘This means that the Nigerian Navy can take stock of the level of preparedness of its personnel while encouraging the development of team spirit amongst its personnel.
‘‘The Games should therefore provide a glimpse of what Nigerians expect from the Nigerian Navy; dedication, commitment, unity, oneness and comradeship,’’ President Buhari said, assuring that the Federal Government will continue to encourage sporting activities in view of its importance towards national cohesiveness and unity.
The President also thanked the Lagos State government for supporting the Games and cooperating with the military in the State, describing the goodwill as highly commendable.
In his goodwill message, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos described the Nigerian Navy as a strategic partner to the ‘‘coastal State of Lagos’’ on security of lives and property.
He, therefore, thanked the President for approving the establishment of a new Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Lekki axis, one of the fastest growing industrial, commercial and residential development areas in West Africa.
‘‘Lekki is also home to the largest deep-sea port in Africa, which Mr President will commission soon, it is home to the largest private refinery, among other landmark investments in our country,’’ he said.
The Lagos Governor wished the over 1,800 Naval athletes participating in the Games success, charging them to display the full spirit of sportsmanship and fair play in the eight-day competition.
The Chief of Naval Staff pledged that the Navy would sustain the fight against crude oil theft and other maritime crimes, ensuring that the country maintains its delisting from nations of high piracy risks.
He expressed delight that Nigeria exited from the International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy List early in the year and no incidence of piracy has been recorded in the last one year, adding that this attests to the Nigerian Navy’s willingness and resilience to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment for socio-economic activities to thrive.
The Naval Chief also used the occasion to thank the President for his unquantifiable support to the Nigerian Navy, saying:
‘‘The President within the last year approved the acquisition of two 76m High Endurance Offshore Patrol Vessels and 3 helicopters to join the recently acquired hydrographic survey ship and the Landing Ship Transport, including numerous fast attack craft to boost maritime security operations.
‘‘Mr President, it is pertinent to state that induction of Landing Ship Tank, Nigerian Navy Ship KADA into the Fleet has further enhanced Nigerian Navy’s naval power projection, within the region and beyond.’’
‘‘Significantly, the ship embarked on its first official trip last month, with military hardware and logistics for the Nigerian Contingent deployed for ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission at Guinea Bissau. This further confirms your administration’s commitment towards regional stability in furtherance of our foreign and defence policy objectives.’’
On the ultra-modern Complex commissioned by the President, the Naval Chief explained that it is equipped with the state-of-the-art indoors sporting equipment, a world class gymnasium, swimming pool and a standard football pitch as well as tracks for athletics events.
He recounted that the ultra-modern edifice was conceptualised and constructed by the immediate past Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd).
According to him, the retired Admiral’s plan was to invite the President to commission the Complex at the end of 2020, however, the commissioning could not be actualized due to restrictions imposed by the COVID – 19 pandemic.
The Naval Chief noted that contemporary warfare generally described as being volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous, places a huge demand on personnel combat readiness and thus necessitates the need to sustain high levels of physical fitness and mental alertness.
He added that physical fitness and mental alertness of personnel has become key considerations for armed forces to meet increasing demands of current operations environment of the Nigerian Navy, which has recorded significant appearances at local and international competitions.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 8, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI EXTOLS CHAIRMAN OF NDLEA, MOHAMMED BUBA MARWA AT 69
President Muhammadu Buhari celebrates with Chairman of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), on his 69th birthday, September 9, 2022.
President Buhari affirms the dynamic leadership roles the Chairman of NDLEA has played in shaping the history of the country as Governor of Borno State, and Military Administrator of Lagos State, leaving behind lasting legacies of investment in people and infrastructure that keep memories of his service fresh and commendable.
The President hails the initiative and reforms that Marwa has instituted in NDLEA, borne out of his passion for a purposeful, result oriented and motivated agency that places the health and safety of the society first, particularly the youths, and networks with other security outfits, home and abroad, to rid the country of drug traffickers.
President Buhari recognizes the arduous task before the Chairman and his team, believing the same patriotism and diligence that he has displayed over many years in the military and after retirement will continue to yield results.
The President prays that the Almighty God will grant the Chairman of NDLEA more courage, strength and wisdom as he serves the country.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 8, 2022
HOW NIGERIA, POLAND CAN HAVE A WIN-WIN RELATIONSHIP, BY PRESIDENT BUHARI
Nigeria and Poland on Tuesday in Abuja signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Agriculture, while pledging their willingness to enlarge the fields of economic cooperation in the energy and manufacturing sectors.
The signing took place during the State Visit of President Andrezej Duda of Poland, the first by a Polish leader to Nigeria since the establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries in 1961.
Addressing a joint press conference with the visiting Head of State, President Buhari said Nigeria is gratified by the existing fruitful cooperation with Poland in the fields of maritime, education and defence.
On agriculture, which is one of the priority areas of the Nigerian government, the President said cooperation in this area will be a win-win for the two countries, especially in the context of global food insecurity occasioned by the conflict in Ukraine.
He noted that in view of the numerous global challenges, Nigeria would like to develop new mechanisms for cooperation including regular strategic dialogues and political consultations to cover not only bilateral relations but also to address regional and international issues.
‘‘Our cooperation in education has a long history and we wish to encourage the extension of that cooperation to the sharing of knowledge and experience between our educational institutions in areas such as science and technology as well as Information and Communication Technology, in order to help drive innovation in our countries in this competitive global knowledge economy,’’ the Nigerian leader said.
Describing the two-day visit of the Polish President as significant, underscoring the cordial relations that exist between both countries, President Buhari commended the efforts of the Government of Poland in providing assistance to the large number of refugees fleeing the conflict in Ukraine, including a significant number of Nigerians.
‘‘I also wish to express our sincere gratitude for the kind and generous support extended during our government’s evacuation of our fleeing nationals.
‘‘We also appreciate greatly the opportunity given to some of our nationals to remain in Poland to continue with their studies.
‘‘As regards trade relations, we would like to see an increase in the level of trade, as it remains relatively low in spite of the long period of relations between our two countries,’’ he said.
The Nigerian leader welcomed the hosting of a Dialogue that will bring together various members of the business sectors of Nigeria and Poland, during the State Visit, adding that it is an excellent initiative to increase the level of trade between both countries.
Duda said Nigeria was the only African country Poland has signed an agreement of strategic dialogue with, which includes the MoU on agriculture cooperation.
‘‘What was pivotal in our conversation today both in our tete-a-tete as well as the plenary session was how to provide food and energy security.
‘‘It is important to us to strengthen the relations between Poland and Nigeria and the MOU we have signed is very important for the future of both nations on food security,’’ the Polish president said through an interpreter.
On energy security, he lauded the delivery of liquefied natural gas to Poland from Nigeria, as well as shipments of crude oil.
‘‘We want to further this cooperation and we want to increase the supplies from Nigeria to Poland and by this way we want to contribute to the development of economic cooperation between the two countries,’’ he said.
President Duda noted that Nigeria and Poland have enjoyed excellent bilateral relations in the last 60 years, buoyed at the people-to-people level with the presence of many Nigerians at Polish higher institutions of learning as well as the input of Polish engineers and scientists in the building of infrastructure in Nigeria.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 6, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI CONGRATULATES BRITISH PRIME MINISTER, LIZ TRUSS
On behalf of the citizens and Government of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari congratulates the new Prime Minister of Britain, Liz Truss, on her assumption of this trusted position of leadership.
The President rejoices with the former Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom, whose antecedents in government, politics and diplomacy will further shape and strengthen relations with Nigeria and other nations.
He affirms that the shared ties between Nigeria and Britain remains strong, positive and mutually beneficial, while working with Prime Minister Liz Truss to deepen that relationship in the interest of both countries.
President Buhari appreciates the warmth and friendliness of the immediate past Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, wishing him the best in his future endeavours.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 6, 2022
September 7, 2022
Press Statement
Yahaya Bello’s Inciting Video, an Act of Terrorism -PDP
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is alarmed by the disturbing video of Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State inciting his supporters, threatening to burn and unleash maximum violence on Nigerians during the 2023 general elections.
In the video, Governor Bello was heard issuing terrorism threats in which he said, “I will personally light a fierce fire in my hand whoever want it we shall use it to burn them, whoever survive it will thank God… Whoever is against us we will make him or her join my mother and lie with her (my mother) in grave.”
By FBI definition, terrorism is the “unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives”.
This brazen threat by Governor Yahaya Bello raises apprehensions in the public space of the existence of a killer squad established to inflict violence on Nigerians ahead of the 2023 general elections just because they have rejected the corrupt, divisive and rudderless All Progressives Congress (APC), which failure is most manifest by Yahaya Bello’s abysmal performance in Kogi State.
From his outburst, Nigerians now know the individuals who engineered the gruesome killing of many of our citizens including the PDP Woman Leader in Kogi State, Mrs. Salome Abu, who was burnt alive in her house in 2019,
Also, Nigerians now have more insight into the disappearance of Hon. Adelabu Musa, the PDP Chairman in Okene Local Government Area for over three years now.
Furthermore, the PDP recalls how the Bello-led Kogi State Government was accused of breeding and arming thugs as well as fake security operatives to harass and attack Nigerians in Kogi State during the 2019 general elections.
This threat to violence and actual violence to Nigerians especially at this time have the capacity to cause a breach of public peace, truncate the 2023 electoral process and derail our democracy.
The PDP therefore calls on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately call Governor Yahaya Bello to order and place him and his supporters on security watch list as threat to democracy ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Our Party also charges the Inspector General of Police to immediately commence a comprehensive investigation into the activities of Governor Yahaya Bello with a view to nipping this ugly trend in the bud as well as prosecuting him at the end of his tenure as Governor of Kogi State.
We urge Nigerians, especially those in Kogi State not to be deterred by Yahaya Bello whose days in office are numbered but remain vigilant and continue to rally with the PDP in the determination to liberate our nation from the stranglehold of the APC and the likes of Yahaya Bello, come 2023.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
27th August, 2022
*UPHOLDING CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS IS THE BEDROCK OF THE RULE OF LAW AND CIVILITY; OKPE UNION CANNOT BE DIFFERENT.*
When government officers are sworn in, their oaths of office entail an affirmation that they would abide by the Constitution and laws of the state. Similarly, when elected officers of organisations whether social groups, ethnic unions and others, are sworn into office, they take oath or swear to abide by the respective constitutions of the associations.
Any deviation from those oaths of offices is condemnable and even impeachable in many instances. We therefore call on all Okpe people to support and defend members of the elected National Executive Council of the Okpe Union for standing firm in the face of the autocratic, and unwarranted attempt to forcefully take over the administration of the Okpe Union by imposing non members of the Okpe Union to take over the administration of the over ninety two years old organisation which has had a history of peaceful democratic transfer of its leadership. Succeeding in undemocratically taking over the administration of the Okpe Union would result in the enslavement of the Okpe masses.
We therefore call on Okpe people and lovers of democracy and justice to support the legal actions embarked upon by the elected National Executive Council of the Okpe Union led by Prof Igho Natufe to stop the impostors from parading themselves as the leadership of the Okpe Union.
Allowing traditional and political leaders to hijack the Okpe Union as against the constitutional and historical position that only members of the union through delegates from branches in a General Assembly Meeting choose its leadership, would amount to the Okpe people allowing themselves into slavery. The Okpe Union is historically funded by membership dues to avoid control by politicians and self serving personalities.
May God save the Okpe Nation. Amen!
Akpederin K.E. Esq.,
*General Secretary, the Okpe Union.*
8th September, 2022.
*BEWARE OF FALSE PROPAGANDA BY THE PROMOTER OF WADO CITY APROKO FACEBOOK ACCOUNT THAT OKPE UNION NATIONAL LEADERSHIP IS DECLARED ENEMIES OF THE OKPE NATION*
The attention of the elected National Executive Council of the Okpe Union has been drawn to a post by the Wado City Aproko Facebook page alleging that the Palace of the Orodje of Okpe as well as the Udogun Okpe has declared members of the leadership of the Okpe Union as enemies of Okpe. Despite the obvious fact that the promoter of the faceless Facebook account never quoted any sources nor made any reference to any publication from the Udogun Okpe or Palace of the Orodje of Okpe, many persons have begun sharing or reposting the said fabricated post.
It was brought to our notice that the promoter of the Wado City Aproko Facebook account also posted on his personal page on the 27th of August, 2022 that the Okpe Union elected National Executive Council has been sacked by the Palace. He rejoiced in that post that it was victory for Urhobo as, according to him, the National Executive Council of the Okpe Union led by Prof Igho Natufe has been promoting a struggle for Okpe to be recognised by the government as a distinct Ethnic Nationality. As that particular post only contained false claims and not necessarily defamatory contents, he could post it on his personal Facebook account. However, as the current one not only has false contents but also outrightly defamatory allegations which are actionable in court, he cowardly only posted it on his faceless Facebook account but which many gullible persons have begun sharing or reposting.
Let the public be aware that any decisions by the Okpe Palace or Udogun Okpe is communicated by the Secretary of the Udogun Okpe who also doubles as the secretary of the Palace. To show how false the said publication by the Wado City Aproko is, it added the late Elder Shedrack Idjeneba (former President of the Okpe Union who passed on last year) as one of those declared “Enemies of Okpe”. The appropriate officials of the Udogun Okpe and the Palace of the Orodje of Okpe are reachable to confirm or deny if any such position was reached.
This release is to enjoin all branches of the Okpe Union to go about their normal activities of promoting the Okpe Union which is the organisation that will continually promote the interest of the common Okpe man and woman. The Okpe Union remains an autonomous organisation with its constitution which contains how its National Executive Council is elected by the General Assembly of delegates from its various branches.
We also ask Okpe nationals at home and in Diaspora to always promote Okpe unity and the position of the Okpe Nation as the bridge for a united Delta State. Reading from the Wado City Aproko post, it is clear that the motive of the promoter is to pit Okpe people against Urhobo people on the one hand and cause confusion about the relationship between the Okpe people and their Itsekiri neighbours on the other hand. It clearly has a sinister political motive. Let us all work continually for the unity and development of the Okpe Nation.
May God bless the Okpe Union!
May God bless the Orodje of Okpe!
May God bless the Okpe Nation.
*Issued by:*
*Okpe Union Publicity Department.*
…………………………………………………….
Communique Issued at the End of the 97th National Executive Committee (NEC) Meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Held Today, Thursday, September 8, 2022 at the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of our great Party at its 97th meeting extensively deliberated on issues of urgent national importance as well as the preparation of our Party for the 2023 general elections and resolved as follows:
State of The Nation:
This unpatriotic act is a brazen plot by the APC to manipulate and rig the 2023 general elections against the Will of Nigerians. The PDP demands that President Buhari immediately withdraws the APC members nominated as RECs, failure of which has the capacity to trigger serious political crisis that can threaten the 2023 general elections and derail our democratic process
Campaign Structure
Thank you.
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
Court extends order stopping Buhari, NBC from shutting down 53 broadcast stations
The Federal High Court in Lagos has extended the order stopping President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from revoking the licenses of 53 broadcast stations in the country, and shutting down the stations for allegedly failing to renew their licenses.
Honourable Justice Akintayo Aluko (Court 8) had on 29 August 2022 granted an order of interim injunction following the hearing of an argument on motion exparte by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).
The order was granted pending the hearing of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction.
When the case came up before the Court for hearing today, Honourable Justice Daniel Emeka Osiagor extended the order of interim injunction pending the hearing of the Motion on Notice, and adjourned the case to 26th October 2022 for the hearing of the originating summons.
The Court extended the order of interim injunction following the hearing of an argument by SERAP and NGE counsel, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN.
SERAP and NGE had in August filed a lawsuit against Buhari and NBC, asking the court for “a declaration that section 10(a) of the Third Schedule to the NBC Act used by NBC to threaten to revoke the licenses of 53 broadcast stations and to shut down the stations is unconstitutional and unlawful, as it violates freedom of expression.”
In the suit, SERAP and NGE had asked the court for “an order of interim injunction restraining Buhari and NBC, their agents from revoking the licenses of 53 broadcast stations in the country and shutting their down operations, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed contemporaneously in this suit.”
The suit followed the decision by the NBC to revoke the licenses of the 53 broadcast stations and shut down their operations within 24 hours over alleged N2.6 billion debt.
In the suit number FHC/L/CS/1582/2022, SERAP and NGE are asking the court to determine “whether section 10(a) of the Third Schedule to the NBC Act used by NBC to threaten revoke the licenses of 53 broadcast stations and shut them down is not in inconsistent with freedom of expression and access to information.”
SERAP and NGE are also seeking “a declaration that section 10(a) of the National Broadcasting Act used by NBC to unilaterally revoke the licenses of the broadcast stations and shutdown the stations is a violation of the constitutionally and internationally guaranteed right to fair hearing.”
The suit, read in part: “The provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and human rights treaties on freedom of expression indicate that this right can be exercised through any medium.”
“Effectively, these provisions recognize that every individual has the right to an equal opportunity to receive, seek and impart information through any communication medium without discrimination.”
“The use of NBC Act and Code in this case would inadmissibly open the door to arbitrariness and would fundamentally restrict the freedom of expression that is an integral part of the public order protected the Nigerian Constitution and human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party.”
“The media plays an essential role as a vehicle or instrument for the exercise of freedom of expression and information – in its individual and collective aspects – in a democratic society.”
“Indeed, the media has the task of distributing all varieties of information and opinion on matters of general interest.”
“The public has a right to receive and assess this information and opinion independently. Therefore, the existence of a free, independent, vigorous, pluralistic, and diverse media is essential for the proper functioning of a democratic society.”
“According to the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa adopted by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, ‘licensing processes shall seek to promote diversity in broadcasting. Any registration system for the media shall not impose substantive restrictions on the right to freedom of expression.’”
“Revoking the licenses of 53 broadcast stations and shutting down their operations because they have not renewed their licenses would both seriously undermine the rights of millions of Nigerians to express their thoughts, and their right to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas of all kinds, in any medium they choose.”
“Freedom of expression includes the public’s right to receive, and the right of those who express themselves through a medium of communication, to impart the greatest possible diversity of information and ideas.”
“The media including the affected 53 broadcast stations play an essential role, as they allow millions of Nigerians to access both the relevant information and a variety of perspectives that are necessary for reaching reasonable and informed conclusions on matters of public interest.”
“The Plaintiffs recognize the mandates of NBC to regulate broadcasting. However, the exercise of such mandates including renewals or revocation of licenses must follow the thresholds and guidelines set by the right to freedom of expression.”
“The free circulation of ideas and news is not possible except in the context of a plurality of sources of information and media outlets. The lack of plurality in sources of information is a serious obstacle for the functioning of democracy.”
“The NBC Act and Broadcasting Code cannot and should not be used in a manner that is inconsistent and incompatible with plurality of voices, diversity of voices, non-discrimination, and just demands of a democratic society, as well as the public interest.”
“Broadcasting is a means of exercising freedom of expression. Any restrictions on freedom of expression must meet the requirements of legality, necessity, and proportionality.”
“The regulation of broadcasting must aspire to promote and expand the scope of the right to freedom of expression, not restrict it.”
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202
Iyobosa Uwugiaren
General Secretary
Nigerian Guild of Editors
+2348033143902
8/9/2022
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to use his “leadership position to urgently withdraw the names of nominees recently submitted to the Senate for confirmation as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) who are allegedly members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”
According to reports, the president had on 26 July sent to the Senate the names of 19 resident electoral commissioners for confirmation. At least four of the 19 nominees allegedly either belong to a political party or have been previously indicted for corruption.
In a letter dated 3 September, 2022 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization said, “the combined effect of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the Electoral Act and international standards is the requirement that elections must be organized by a truly independent and impartial electoral body.”
SERAP said, “Withdrawing the names of those nominees who are allegedly members of the APC, and replacing them with people of unquestionable integrity and competence, and who are not members of any political party would improve the independence of INEC and promote public confidence in the appointment process.”
According to SERAP, “Your government has a legal responsibility to promote and guarantee the integrity, credibility, and independence of INEC, and to ensure that the electoral body is free from political and other interferences.”
The letter, read in part: “As its name suggests, INEC is expected to maintain independence or absolute neutrality. INEC must not only be independent and impartial, but must also be seen to be independent and impartial.”
“Promoting the independence of INEC, including by appointing people of unquestionable integrity and competence, and who are not members of any political party as RECs would be entirely consistent with your constitutional oath of office, and your oft-stated promise to ensure free and fair elections in 2023.”
“INEC ought to be independent and impartial in the exercise of its constitutional and statutory responsibilities.”
“This means that anyone nominated for appointment as RECs should be persons of integrity and high standing, and should be independent and impartial, so that INEC can enjoy the public trust and confidence necessary for it to effectively and satisfactorily carry out its constitutional and statutory responsibilities.”
“The mere fact that INEC has ‘independent’ in its name does not in itself make it independent. What makes an institution truly independent are its attributes and characteristics, and the credibility and transparency of the appointment process.”
“Public perception of the independence of INEC is also essential for building public confidence in the electoral process. Where Nigerians have doubts about the independence of INEC, they are more likely to have less confidence in the electoral process, thereby undermining democracy.”
“The will of the people is expressed through democratic elections. This requires that elections must be free, fair, legitimate and credible. However, the credibility and legitimacy of elections depend in part on the integrity and competence of the body conducting the process, and the transparency of the appointment process for RECs.”
“We hope that the aspects highlighted will help guide your actions in acting to withdraw the names of those nominated for confirmation as RECs, and who are allegedly members of the APC.”
“We would be grateful if the requested action is taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”
“Section 156(1) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (amended) provides that any member of INEC ‘shall not be a member of a political party.’”
“According to Item F, paragraph 14(3)(b) of the Third Schedule, Part 1 of the Nigerian Constitution, ‘a Resident Electoral Commissioner shall be a person of unquestionable integrity and shall not be a member of any political party.’”
“Section 6(4) of the Electoral Act 2022 provides that the appointment of anyone as member of INEC shall be consistent with the provisions of the Constitution, including this provision.”
“Similarly, article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights both of which Nigeria is a state party provide that the will of the people should be the basis of the authority of government.”
“Furthermore, the African Union African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, which Nigeria has also ratified requires States Parties to establish and strengthen independent and impartial national electoral bodies including INEC responsible for the management of elections.”
“The United Nation Human Rights Committee, established to oversee the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights has ruled that states should establish independent electoral authorities to supervise the electoral process and to ensure that elections are conducted fairly, impartially and in accordance with established laws that are compatible with the covenant.”
“According to our information, the Senate recently confirmed the receipt of your nomination for Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).”
“Those nominated as RECs are: Ibrahim Abdullahi (Adamawa – Renewal); Obo Effanga (Cross River – Renewal); Umar Ibrahim (Taraba – Renewal); Agboke Olaleke (Ogun – Renewal); and Samuel Egwu, a professor, (Kogi – Renewal).”
“Others are Onyeka Ugochi (Imo); Muhammad Bashir (Sokoto); Ayobami Salami, a professor, (Oyo); Zango Abdu (Katsina); Queen Agwu (Ebonyi); and Agundu Tersoo (Benue).”
“Also to be confirmed are: Yomere Oritsemlebi (Delta); Yahaya Ibrahim, a professor, (Kaduna); Nura Ali (Kano); Agu Uchenna (Enugu); Ahmed Garki (FCT); Hudu Yunusa (Bauchi); Uzochukwu Chijioke, a professor, (Anambra); and Mohammed Nura (Yobe).”
The letter was copied to Dr Ahmad Lawan, Senate President, and Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of House of Representatives.
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
4/9/2022
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
. Our Golf Course now has a functional irrigation system for which we thank Julius Berger
– Club Chairman
Chairman of the prestigious Ikoyi Golf Club 1938 of Lagos, Mr. Ademola Mumuni has lauded the facility upgrade executed by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc saying that “for a Golf club to exist, you have to have a functional water irrigation system, the type Julius Berger has masterfully delivered for this Club. We thank you, Julius Berger for the excellent job.” He spoke yesterday at the official commissioning and handover of the upgraded facility to the Club.
According to him, “Julius Berger Nigeria has the professionals to do the job, and characteristically, they have delivered on the contract and also in record time.” He further said that since the ground-breaking event to tee off the works for the project last year, Club members have been much impressed with the progress of the works because they were expectant of the Julius Berger standard and its great quality to be delivered as it has indeed been done. “In the world today, every golf course must have a good irrigation system; now we have our own,” he said even as he thanked all organisations and groups that assisted in making the project such a good success.
The Club Captain Dr. Anthony Oboh added his voice saying, “with the upgraded facility so excellently delivered by Julius Berger, the Club can start to again plan for championships here.”
Present at the handing over event were officials of the Club including Chairman, Ikoyi Golf Community of Nigeria Association, IGCNA, Chief Felix Majekodunmi, Vice-Captain, Mr. Wahab Sarunmi, Trustee IGCNA, Mr. Ayinde Sani and the General Manager, Ikoyi Club, Mr. Babatunde Orungbeja. Representing the contractor was Engr. Amina Dottie.
Julius Berger Nigeria Plc is Nigeria’s leading engineering construction brand, which offers holistic integrated construction solutions and related services including Facility Management.
The Julius Berger Lagos Facility Works is the Lagos-based operational arm of the larger Julius Berger Facility Management Works, which also have an operational arm located at the company’s Region Central North with its hub in Abuja. The Julius Berger Facility Works operate on the impeccable corporate core values of best quality, safety, integrity, compliance, partnership and innovation all of which have become definitive of the company’s matchless technical expertise and excellence in the implementation of state-of-the-art methods and technologies.
Julius Berger Facility Works says, “…we are committed to providing a conducive environment to enable our clients achieve their overall goals through the provision of excellent and sustainable facility management from one single source, using world-class innovations, technology, skilled personnel and global best practices to ensure the functionality, comfort, safety, durability, sustainability and efficiency of a property”.
With affirmative International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification and with a proven record of project accomplishment and delivery, Julius Berger Facility Works’ Quality Management Systems are well equipped to satisfy the customers’ needs. Julius Berger Facility Works focuses majorly on the provision of hard and soft services for buildings and building systems, energy management models, refurbishment and upgrade of buildings and ancillary services, facility management consultancy services to corporate organizations and private clients with net worth real estate assets.
The qualitative and reliably professional Julius Berger badge of competence, technical edge and robustly integrated logistical systems assures high quality service delivery to all clients while ensuring minimum total life cycle cost and value retention of an asset to the owner.
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.
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.
2023: WE CANNOT AFFORD TO BE DISTRACTED BY THE BUSINESS OF RELIGION- GOV AKEREDOLU
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has condemned the incursion of religion into the political arena of the country, adding that it portends danger for the polity ahead of the 2023 general election.
Governor Akeredolu, who stressed that the solution to the challenges faced in the country will not be found in the faiths of individuals, noted that a person’s religious persuasion is based on personal conviction.
The Governor spoke on Wednesday at the 1st year Monograph of Memorial Lecture and Celebration of Life of Professor Bankole Olusiji Oke, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
Arakunrin Akeredolu delivered the Lecture titled “Nigeria: The Politics Of Religion In A Transitional Society.”
While pointing out that the public space must remain secular, the Governor noted that the current agitations for a faith-based political representation are anchored on certain misapprehension of the requirements for leadership in a multi-ethnic state such as Nigeria.
He stressed that the incursion of religious agitation is driven by mischief to set the people against themselves to attain political power, adding that any religious leader who ignores knowledge and competence as necessary criteria for measuring leadership capacity is an apostate.
The Governor, who warned that the earlier the people stop the dangerous and divisive faith-based campaign the better for country, added that any war fought to establish the supremacy of a faith over others can only end in tears.
“The manipulative skills of politicians as being currently put to use will aggravate an alrea
dy bad situation.” He said.
Governor Akeredolu explained that the clamour for the restructuring of the polity and agitation for power shift must gain prominence over the debate on representation based on religion.
“The military handed over power, eventually, in 1999 and there has been civil rule since that time. Nigerians celebrate the fact that the democratic experience remains unbroken ever since. There appears to be an understanding that power must rotate between the North and the South.
“This understanding witnessed the contest of two candidates from the Southwest for the Presidency. It was part of the unwritten agreement that the power equation must be balanced to allay the fear of domination harboured by the people of the South.
“There is a conscious attempt not to disrupt the extant agreement. There has been a seamless transition from one civilian regime to another since 1999, the longest in the political history of the country.
“The current political permutations raise strong suspicions about an undeclared motive to thwart the arrangement that has been working for the country. The rotation of the office of the President has always been between the North and the South since the inception of the Fourth Republic.
“The attempt to disrupt the process of democratic transition using all manner of subterfuge heralds forebodings of unpleasant consequences.
“But beyond the agitation for power shift is the quest for economic independence of the states under the current political arrangement. The clamour for the restructuring of the polity should gain currency more than the unprofitable noises made for representation based on religion.
“Those who overheat the polity for personal aggrandizement should lend their voices to the issue of resource generation and control by the federating units.
“As the country prepares for another transition in 2023, it is only reasonable to expect that the arrangement, which has engendered peace for almost two decades, subsists for the benefit of all. Any attempt to change this design to assuage personal ambition can only worsen the already bad situation.
“Our people must reject any overweening cravings which may impact negatively on the polity. The current noises made on the need to have people occupy offices on the basis of religion is not only dangerous, but, annoyingly, does not portray politicians as those who are interested in public good.
“Religion has always been a weapon of manipulation in a transitional society. Religious leaders rely on the gullibility of their followers to participate, actively, in politics, while presenting a façade of spirituality. A country in the process of evolution cannot afford to be distracted by the business of religion.
“Granted that it is expected of political gladiators to magnify even the most irrelevant of issues to score cheap political points, it is profitable for the leaders of thought, especially religious leaders, to act decently. The contestation for a political office and fight for relevance must not be used as an excuse to mislead the people.
“Most reasonable people will question the economic logic which propels a country, purportedly practicing Federalism, to run a monolithic economy. Let all those who agitate for representation do so on the basis of economic participation first. This should be the fundamental consideration.
“The warped mentality which predisposes the elites, both the clergy and political, to always indulge in permutation on the expectation of largesse sharing is deplorable.”He said.
The Governor also described the controversy trailing the recent choice of the presidential candidate of the ruling APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a Muslim, to pick Senator Kashim Ibrahim Shettima, another Muslim, as his Vice-Presidential candidate, as most regrettable.
“This choice has generated needless controversies. Those who spearhead this apparent mischief either ignore or are oblivious of the fact that the position of the Vice President, as provided in the 1999 Constitution, as amended, is innocuous. The occupier of that office can only act as directed by the President who wields the real executive power.
“It appears that these protests are symptomatic of the level of distrust among the members of the political class who will do anything to grab power. The brazen incursion of religion into the political arena portends danger for the polity. Quality representation had absolutely nothing to do with the belief of a political office holder.
“The leadership of the two popular religions, Christianity and Islam, must avoid making inflammatory statements capable of causing chaos in the polity. This is the time all patriotic citizens must speak with one voice on the need for economic emancipation of the regions. We must begin to seek ways to remove the odious shackles of dependence which has almost run the whole country aground.
“We should all condemn and seek to end a system which promotes indolence. We must encourage all parts of the country to contribute to the economic development. We should all tap into our respective areas of comparative advantage as it was in the First Republic.
“And, consequently, we cannot afford to make the mistake of electing our leaders on mendacious and sentimental premises. Just as no reasonable person will choose to be driven by a driver on account of ethnicity and religion, only the competent aspirants with manifest capacity should be considered.
“A heterogenous society must have its affairs controlled by knowledgeable leaders with proven records of public service. Motivational speeches and copious quotes from the Holy writs can only inspire. The job of the President of a country in distress requires capacity, forthrightness and courage.” He concluded.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
August 10, 2022.
PRESIDENT BUHARI CELEBRATES CHIEF AKINTOLA WILLIAMS AT 103
President Muhammadu Buhari joins family and friends of renowned accountant, Chief Akintola Williams, to celebrate his 103rd birthday, appreciating God for grace of long life, strength and impact, particularly in service to the country.
President Buhari felicitates with Chief Williams for scoring many firsts, which brought the spotlight to Nigeria and Africa, being the first Nigerian to qualify as a chartered accountant in England in 1949, and starting the first indigenous chartered accounting firm in Africa in 1952.
The President notes other historic achievements of the chartered accountant in establishing Association of Accountants in Nigeria in 1960 with the goal of training accountants, being a founding member and first President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and full involvement in setting up the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
On his 103rd birthday, President Buhari acknowledges the many recognitions and awards he has received, including appointment as Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 1997.
The President continues to rejoice with the chartered accountant, and prays for his wellbeing.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 10, 2022
PRESS STATEMENT
Akeredolu Clears Air On Arrest Of Kuje Prison Escapee, Idris Ojo
The attention of Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has been drawn to the announcement of Idris Ojo as one of the attackers of St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, arrested by the security agencies.
Governor Akeredolu acknowledged the confusion the statement has created in the public space, considering that the ugly event of June 5 attack in Owo preceded the unfortunate incident on Kuje prison.
The Governor said there was a mix up in the announcement by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor.
Governor Akeredolu explained that Idris Ojo, who is number 14 on the wanted list of Kuje Prison Escapees was arrested in his brother’s house in Akure.
“The announcement of the arrest of Idris Ojo as one of the perpetrators of the June 5 attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo was a mix up from the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor.
“Idris Ojo, who is number 14 on the wanted list of the Kuje Prison Escapees was arrested in his brother’s house in Akure. His brother, Jimoh Rasheed Ibrahim, received and accommodated him after his escape from Kuje prison.
“He was thereafter moved and kept in the custody of the security operatives at the same time the attackers of Owo Catholic Church were arrested and brought into custody. Hence, the mix up.” The Governor said.
Governor Akeredolu urged members of the public to remain vigilant and give necessary supports to the security agencies in the State.
Signed:
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
August 10, 2022.
PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS JOHN CHIAHEMEN, VETERAN JOURNALIST
President Muhammadu Buhari is saddened to learn of the death of John Chiahemen, a former Reuters Bureau Chief for Nigeria, extending deep condolences to his family, friends and colleagues, including everyone in the various media organizations where he worked.
The President recalls that as a veteran newsman with the reputable international news agency and Editor of Reuters Africa, Chiahemen was respected for his brilliant contributions and editorial role of covering news about Africa from a business and development perspective, beyond the narrow stereotypes of disaster and poverty.
The President believes that the remarkable legacies left behind by one of Nigeria’s most accomplished journalists will continue to inspire current and upcoming members of the fourth estate of the realm.
President Buhari prays for the peaceful repose of the soul of the deceased and comfort for those who mourn.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 10, 2022
PRESIDENCY SEEKS MORE MEDIA PARTNERSHIP IN NATION BUILDING
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina has solicited for continued partnership with the media in order to help the government and citizens realise the Nigeria of their dream.
Mr Adesina said this Tuesday at State House, Abuja, when he received the Ace Leadership Award presented to him by the management of Love FM 104.5 Abuja as part of its Merit Awards 2022. The Award ceremony proper had earlier taken place in June.
While expressing his appreciation to the organisation for considering him worthy of the award, Adesina said:
“The media should partner with the government instead of being adversaries. What you find in the media at times is that they are so adversarial to government, which does not have to be. This is our country and we don’t have any other one.
“If they send the country into a tailspin through too much criticism, even the media won’t even be able to do its work. So, we should always bear in mind that it is our country and whatever we make of it is what we get.”
Presenting the award, the representative of Love FM, Ewuzie Anele Lilian, expressed the organisation’s pride in the work of Mr Adesina as a journalist, having got to the peak of his career through dint of hard work:
“We are happy to identify with you because we know how you started. You rose through the ladder and here you are, still doing the media work. We know it is not everybody that will accept what you are doing.”
She assured the spokesman of the support of Love FM despite some reports that suggest otherwise. “Sometimes we criticise you, we learnt that from you anyway. Before you got here, you were criticising others. We have come to say congratulations despite all that has happened. We are proud at the level you have reached and pray that God will sustain you and give you more wisdom to deal with the challenges associated with the job,” she added.
Abiodun Oladunjoye
Director (Information)
August 10, 2022
WE’II CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN PEACE IN ONDO-GOV AKEREDOLU
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has assured that his administration will continue to maintain peace in the State,stressing that it is the responsibility of government.
The Governor commended the security agencies over the arrest of terrorists involved in the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo.
Governor Akeredolu spoke in his office on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to his office by officers of the Federal Fire Service, led by the South West Zone L, Commander and Assistant Comptroller of Fire Service, James Olatunji.
The Zone comprises Ondo, Osun and Ekiti States.
While thanking the Almighty God for the arrest of the perpetrators, the Governor noted that the blood of the innocent worshipers spilled in a sacred place of worship and the fervent prayers of the people also contributed to their arrest.
Arakunrin Akeredolu, who reiterated his administration commitment to protecting the people and their property, reemphasised that the recent shooting in Owo had nothing to do with the June 5 attack.
He said:”We knew about this about a week ago. Arrest has been made over a week ago. I know there was ongoing investigation and because of that, there was no need for us to make it public so that the security agencies, especially DSS, who were majorly involved are not compromised.
“The arrest were made about last week, we were briefed, but we had a pact with them not to go public and as at this morning two other people were arrested.
“We know that now that it has been made public, the security work may be difficult. We must thank Almighty God that this arrest has been made. Where they attacked was a sacred place and the prayers of the people have been answered.
“The blood of the innocent people they killed are crying. What happened in Owo thereafter, the recent shooting, was not to maim or kill. By the grace of God, we will continue to find a way to maintain peace in this state. That is what we owe our people.”
The Governor while stressing the importance of the fire service, said if not for their timely interventions at different occasions, properties worth several billions of naira would have been lost to various fire incidents in different parts of the state
Earlier, the Zonal Commander, James Olatunji, appreciated Governor Akeredolu for the harmonious relationship among the State government, the Federal and State Fire Services as well as all the security agencies in the state, adding that Governor Akeredolu has consistently supported the Federal Fire Service in the state with logistics and other important needs to boost their activities.
He also applauded the Governor for making the state safe and habitable for the citizenry by improving on the security architecture across the state, just as he expressed the readiness of his team to key into the security architecture of the state to further secure the lives and property of the poeple.
Olatunji revealed that between January 1 and August 9, 2022, the Service saved five lives while one life was lost during fire incidents. He added that property worth N3.139bn were saved just as the state lost property worth N164.2m.
According to him, the properties included houses, shops, market, event centres, fuel tankers, trucks and others.
He said a total of 46 cases were recorded during the period under review.
He added that just last Friday afternoon, he personally led a crew of fire service to Sijuwade area where properties worth N50m were saved.
He also gave the Toll Free emergency number as 112 and Ondo State Federal Fire Service emergency number 08133006400, in case of fire outbreak.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
August 10, 2022.
LAGOS TASKFORCE CLAMPS DOWN ON OKADA OPERATORS PLYING BANNED ROUTES
… Says Okada Passengers Risk Three Months Jail Term
The Lagos State Taskforce has continued its enforcement of the ban on commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada, that ply restricted highways, particularly in the six Local Governments Areas and nine Local Council Development Areas across the State.
Speaking on the exercise which took place in Agege/Fagba, Apapa and Ajah, the Chairman of the Agency, CSP Shola Jejeloye, described the activities of the recalcitrant okada operators as rebellious and vowed to ensure those who continue to disregard the ban would have their bikes confiscated and crushed by the State Government.
Jejeloye further stated that 322 bikes have been seized since the commencement of the week-long raid in the aforementioned areas of the State, assuring citizens that more will be done until the State’s vision of maintaining safety and sanity on Lagos roads is actualised.
“We intend to continue embarking on raids across the State towards ensuring a total clampdown on bike operators violating the ban on plying major highways in the six Local Governments Areas and nine Local Council Development Areas till total compliance is attained”, he stated.
While warning Lagosians who patronise recalcitrant okada operators to desist, CSP Jejeloye declared that passengers would henceforth be arrested and prosecuted with the okada operators.
His words: “Both passengers and riders are culpable if found operating on routes banned by the State Government and both will face a penalty of either three months jail term or N50,000 fine, or both as pronounced by the courts”.
The Chairman, therefore, enjoined Lagos residents to embrace alternative means of transportation which are safer and in line with the State’s inter-modal transportation vision.
Mr. Peter Obi, call your supporters to order, falsehood and disinformation will not win election
The Tinubu Campaign Organisation has appealed to the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi to call his supporters to order and to allow this election circle to be about issues that will advance the growth, progress and stability of Nigeria.
In a statement by its Director of Media and Communications, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the TCO admonished the Labour Party presidential candidate to get his supporters to desist from spreading lies, malice and denigrating other candidates, especially Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
TCO further states that Nigeria will be better for it and the electoral process will be enriched if the 2023 presidential campaign sticks to issues of good governance that will lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty rather than being dominated by the ravings of guttersnipes, who do not wish the country well.
Mr. Onanuga noted that the Tinubu Campaign Organisation saw the need to appeal to Mr. Obi to rein in his supporters after investigating the origin of the fake report claiming that the Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Addo wrote a letter to the All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, asking him to support Peter Obi and take care of his health.
President of Ghana via his official Twitter account has vehemently debunked the fake news as a product of deliberate mischief with the intent to deceive the public.
“I have written no such letter to the APC leader, and it will not occur to me to do so. Ghana and Nigeria boast of decades of cordial, strong and brotherly relations, and I am not going to be the one to interfere in the internal affairs and politics of Nigeria,” said President of Ghana via Twitter.
“We have found that the fake news about Akufo-Addo’s letter was first published on June 22 by a rogue platform, whose url reads as worlsnews.space (sic) and site identity as World of News.
“A content analysis of the site clearly showed that it is a Biafra news platform. The fake news was reposted on Facebook by Peter Obi Support Group, same day – a clear proof that Biafra campaigners and Peter Obi supporters are the same.
“Both the Facebook account and the website are replete with fake stories about Bola Tinubu, including a fake story credited to former governor Akinwunmi Ambode, alleging that Tinubu demanded N50billion monthly payment from him. The spuriousness of the statement is in the evidence that Lagos did not begin to clock N50billion revenue until after Ambode left office. Tinubu could not have demanded N50billion monthly payment from Ambode when the state government didn’t make such in a month throughout the tenure of Mr. Ambode.
“The pirate website, which the Facebook account feeds on also parades malicious fake news and headlines such as “ I am old, but my blood is young, please vote for me – Tinubu begs youth” .
“There is also the most wicked of all headlines: When I became president, I will Build more prison (sic) for Igbo’s and IPOB members – Tinubu”.
“The big surprise in all of these is that all the headlines have no supporting stories, and clicking them may bring virus to your computer.
“We have come to a point where it becomes imperative to tell Mr. Obi to show leadership and disavow his supporters who are employing fake news and disinformation as deliberate tools to deceive and poison the minds of unsuspecting Nigerians,” Mr. Onanuga reiterated.
Bayo Onanuga
Director, Media & Communications
Tinubu Campaign Organisation
PRESS RELEASE
LAGOS’LL STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIP WITH U.S. ON SECURITY, TECHNOLOGY, GOOD GOVERNANCE, SAYS SANWO-OLU
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday said the State Government will strengthen its partnership with the United States and work closely to deepen a mutually beneficial relationship on security, business, entertainment, technology and good governance, among others, to better the lives of the citizens.
Governor Sanwo-Olu made the statement on Wednesday while receiving the new United States Consul General, Mr. Williams Stevens, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Lagos House, Marina.
The Governor said Lagos State Government is looking forward to using the opportunities and mutually beneficial partnerships between the State and the United States to better the lives of residents and create an atmosphere where businesses can thrive.
He said: “We know too well that you will do bigger and greater things with the government and the people of Lagos. The relationship that the government has with your office is great; it is phenomenal but beyond that, it is really about our people. It is about ensuring that we can use our opportunity to better the lives of our citizens and businesses both in institutions and the country.
“Over the last couple of months in Lagos State, we have seen direct investments from big American companies that have seen the need for them not to just verbalise that the future is in Africa but the future is actually in Lagos and we need to take those steps.
“We know that indeed this is where the huge number of youth population; the opportunity is here in tech, financial services, entertainment and tourism. This is where everything comes together. So, I am excited. We believe working closely with your office, we will be creating success on both sides and we will be building a mutually beneficial relationship.
“Security is paramount for you, myself and for our citizens. We will be taking that forward. I am sure over the period we will deepen the relationship further and build a visible clear vision for our cities.”
In his remarks, the United States Consul General, Williams Stevens said his country was poised to improve the economic relationships, bilateral trade and work together to combat crime while partnering to prioritise education, cultural engagement and entertainment, among other initiatives that would lead to investments in the state.
Stevens, who described the economic relationship as the foundation of any partnership as well as security, promised that the United States will partner with Lagos State and the Federal Government in combating trans-national crimes and ensure the security of lives and properties of residents, which according to him is key to creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
He said: “We are focused on security. We are focused on ensuring that we are working together with Nigerian organisations and law enforcement to combat international crime and help the people here safer and more secure, which actually directly connects to trade investment.
“We are also focusing on the human concept on regulations, health, partnership, democracy, governance, preparation for the upcoming elections; everything we can do to ensure that people who are here in Lagos State and around Nigeria can have the opportunity to live healthy and safer.”
Stevens, who described Nigerian entertainers as global stars, said there is a partnership between Americans and Nigerians both in films and music in the classic entertainment industries.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
10 AUGUST 2022
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU RECEIVES HOMECOMING TREATMENT, AS GOVERNOR INSPECTS INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS ON LAGOS ISLAND
…Residents hail Governor on the progress of 10-storey New Massey Hospital, Adeniji Adele Road projects
An exercise for an extensive inspection of the ongoing infrastructural upgrade in Lagos Island, on Wednesday, turned to a homecoming event for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as a tumultuous crowd of residents trooped out to welcome the Governor back to his home base.
Sanwo-Olu, who hails from Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area, was in the community to inspect the progress of the ongoing construction of Tapa-Okepopo streets, Adeniji Adele Road and construction of new 10-storey Massey Children Hospital.
The exercise literally turned into a rally when the residents, in showing their appreciation for the projects, joined the Governor on a walk from Adeniji Adele Road into adjoining streets.
Sanwo-Olu was in company of members of the State cabinet and top Government functionaries.
Inspecting the road projects, Sanwo-Olu expressed satisfaction on the pace of work, but urged the contractor to take the advantage of the good weather to scale up construction activities and deliver the projects at the end of the year.
Adeniji Adele Road, before its expansion and dualisation, used to be a single lane. The condition of the road deteriorated due to perennial flooding. The upgrade project, which is at 65 percent completion, now has interlocked bricks with lidded and channelised drainage to address water overflow.
At the new Massey Children Hospital, Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, conducted the Governor round the site, where the 547 piling caps required to fully raise hospital structure had been completed.
Sanwo-Olu also observed the civil work on the multi-level car park for the hospital.
He said: “Today, we are here for the on-the-spot assessment of the ongoing reconstruction of Tapa-Okepopo streets and Adeniji Adele Road on Lagos Island. Messrs Julius Berger, the contractor, had informed us that the entire project is at 65 per cent; it shows that we are on track and we can complete the project before the end of the year. Interlocking bricks have been laid; the drainages have been largely completed and the whole area looks new.
“We also inspected the construction of the new Massey Children Hospital, where we noticed the two buildings that are supposed to be coming up on the site. The nine-storey car park, which is currently at the third floor and the 10-storey children hospital. All the 547 piling caps required to fully raise structure on the hospital site have been completed. The contractor has been working double hard on the terms of the project.”
Sanwo-Olu led the team to Ilubirin where a flood protection channel is being built by the Office of Drainages in the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources to address water back flow to low plain areas in the city.
The Governor said a temporary wall had been erected across the water pumping channel to prevent back flow of water from the Lagos lagoon to Lagos Island environ.
Without the barricade, Sanwo-Olu said water would naturally be flowing back from the lagoon whenever there are high tides.
He said: “Significant part of Lagos is below sea level. When water rises from the lagoon, it can flow back to the city. The main observation today is that we are constructing a new 1-kilometre diversion channel from Ilubirin Estate that will take water unto the Lagos lagoon. We are also expecting three high-capacity pumps that are arriving next month. When this is done, issues around flooding on Lagos Island could have been significantly solved.”
The flood prevention effort, the Governor said, would be shifted to Ojo-Giwa collector and Thomas collector on Lagos Island for permanent solution.
Sanwo-Olu’s final stop was at the Lagos Island General Hospital in Aidan, Marina, where the State Government has carried out extensive rehabilitation of outdated facilities in phases.
In the first phase of the work, the Sanwo-Olu fully redesigned and upgraded the hospital’s Accident and Emergency section, Surgical Emergency wards, and training rooms.
The second phase of the project had the Pharmacy department and catering section rehabilitated. Eye Clinic, Administrative Building, Ambulance Bay, Relative Waiting Area and Children’s Surgical Wards were fully renovated in the third phase of the work.
The final phase, Sanwo-Olu said, will ensure full upgrade of the Pathology Department and construction of new wards to accommodate more patients on referral.
“In the new hospitals we are building, we have included the construction of Doctors’ Quarters just as we have in Lagos Island General Hospital. We are currently building quarters for doctors in Gbagada General Hospital and another one on General Hospital, Isolo. This is to improve the condition of service for our doctors and other health professionals supporting them,” the Governor said.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
10 AUGUST 2022
Osun State INEC and PDP Trying to Compromise Electoral Documents*
The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osun State Chapter, has received an authentic information about the activities of certain individuals in the Osun State office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and some unscrupulous elements in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in attempts to compromise the contents of the electoral results of Forms EC8A and EC8B vis-à-vis the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) reports which contain the records of the actual number of persons accredited to vote in each polling unit.
Having read the Petition filed by our candidate, Alhaji Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola and our party, the APC, the PDP (PDP) and their collaborators in the INEC, Osogbo office, have entered the panic mode and have been making frantic efforts to manipulate the electoral results and other documents.
Everyone can recall that the Petition we presented to the Electoral Tribunal on Friday, the 5th day of August, 2022 made detailed and undeniable allegations of non-compliance with the Electoral Act, 2022 with established vagaries and inconsistencies between the numbers of persons accredited by BVAS and the actual numbers of persons that voted in each polling unit.
By the above, we were able to establish over-voting in 749 polling units across ten local government areas of Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore, Ejigbo, Ila, Ilesha West, Irepodun, Obokun, Olorunda and Osogbo Local Government Council Areas.
We got it from a reliable and an authoritative source that the INEC officials in Osogbo, working for PDP and its candidate, Ademola Adeleke, have embarked on an urgent process of manipulating the contents of the BVAS report in order to defeat the unassailable allegations and evidence at our disposal.
It is on record that the certified true copies of most documents are with us and any attempt to doctor, manipulate, tamper with or utter such documents in the custody of INEC shall be resisted strongly.
We use this medium to call on all lovers of democracy and electoral justice to prevail on INEC and PDP to allow a peaceful determination of the electoral dispute as submitted to the Electoral Tribunal sitting in Osogbo.
Furthermore, we consider it pertinent to warn all officials of INEC office, Osogbo and their PDP collaborators to desist from any criminal activity capable of compromising a fair determination of our Petition.
If the PDP and the INEC know that they won the election fair and square without any malpractice or corrupt practice, they should come and defend our allegations without deceiving the public or making electoral justice impossible.
We shall not hesitate to put in motion criminal prosecution against any attempt to defeat the ends of justice.
Thank you.
*Prince Gboyega Famoodun,*
Chairman, All Progressives Congress,
Osun State Chapter.
JANUARY 1, 2022
*Dear Fellow Members of the Okpe Union,*
Few hours ago, we bided farewell to 2021, a year that brought us several challenges in our stewardship of the Okpe Union. We had the challenge of organising national elections in circumstances of an international plague in the form of COVID 19 as well as the unfortunate disagreement between the Okpe Union and HRM, Orhue I, the Orodje of Okpe surrounding an attempt to take over the administration of the Union which all branches rejected in the General Assembly of the Union. I strongly commend your resolve as individuals and collective for remaining steadfast and committed to the ideals of the Okpe Union bequeathed to us by our forefathers.
Unfortunately, we lost some prominent members of the Okpe Union, like Mr. Chadrick Idjeneba of Lagos Regional headquarters, Mr. Johnson Usieta of Jos Branch, and close family members, including Mrs. Delphina Akpederin, the mother of our indomitable General Secretary who schooled him and a number of other Okpe nationals in the virtues of Okpe Identity. Many of you represented Okpe Union in giving all of them a glorious and befitting funeral, respectively. We thank you all and pray for their souls to rest in perfect peace. On their behalf and on behalf of all departed family members and leaders of the Okpe Union, we dedicate our activities to the rebuilding of Okpe Union.
The success of the national elections of the Union was a welcome relief. It was peaceful and the outcome was without any protest despite the fact that some offices were keenly contested. We charge the leaders of the different regions and branches of the Union to focus on rebuilding the branches now to ensure that more Okpe nationals in various towns and cities of the country and the globe are attracted to join the body.
As we take our first steps into 2022, I invite all members to sharpen our awareness and consciousness in developing a strong and united Okpe Union. We must be aware that, no matter how genuine our objectives are, there will also be some elements hostile to Okpe Union. Our weapon is to continue with our task of promoting, defending and protecting the interests of the Okpe Nation on the constructs of Okpe Identity. We shall continue to rely on superior argument and logic in doing so, as we deepen democratic principles of leadership in all structures of Okpe Union.
We shall embark on a series of sensitization campaigns focusing on Okpe Identity in all branches of the Okpe Union. We shall institute a series of entrepreneurship workshops to assist our youths and women in acquiring needed skills to sustain themselves. We shall also launch a mentorship programme to assist our youths and women. All these initiatives shall employ the now well established women and youths wings of the Union as well as the National Association of Okpe Students (NAOS) .
We recognize the youths’ and students’ categories as the future leaders of the Okpe Union. In this regard, we shall continue the support we began last year 2021 to the campus chapters of NAOS to enable them organise their various Okpe Cultural Day events in the campuses that they are active.
We recognize that the path to achieving these programmes will not be smooth. It will be filled with potholes, curves, hidden valleys and road blocks. With FAITH in our belief and God’s continued guidance and blessings we shall succeed in our mission and mandate to transform Okpe Union into a formidable institution to build a prosperous Okpe Nation.
We shall achieve this noble historical mission by collaborating with all institutions in Okpe Nation, including the Udogun Okpe, political leaders and civil societies in Okpeland.
We shall also build on our close relationships with other ethnic organizations in Delta State and across Nigeria in a united endeavour to construct a strong Federal Republic of Nigeria on the basis of equity, equality and justice; a strong Federal Republic of Nigeria where the democratic rights of all ethnic nationalities, irrespective of their sizes, are recognized and upheld. Our success in this undertaking depends on our collective efforts at solidifying the various organs of the Okpe Union, from the branches to the National Executive Council, the National Congress, the Board of Trustees and finally, the General Assembly which is the highest organ of the Okpe Union.
My Dear Brothers and Sisters, I welcome you all to the year 2022. May God grant us the wisdom and guidance to serve our Okpe Nation selflessly.
God Bless the Okpe Union!
God Bless the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom!
God Bless the Okpe Nation!
*Prof. Igho Natufe*,
*President General*
RE PROF. IDOLOR’S ILLEGAL INTERIM NEW YEAR MESSAGE; HOW COULD HE SPIT ON HIS FATHER’S GRAVE?
It is difficult to understand how Professor Emurobome Idolor could describe the Okpe Union as having been moribund for over eighty years. The status of the Okpe Union with the CAC began to have issues with the CAC after the death of Chief P.A. EWETUYA the former President General and last trustee of the Union. He transited on the 1st of March, 2014.
How could the Okpe Union which mobilised the Okpe people to resuscitate the Orodje stool in 1945 with the coronation of Esezi II; brought stability to the Okpe Nation with the coronation of Orhoro I in 1972 and also played a notable role in preventing crises in the Okpe Kingdom by the coronation of Orhue I be said to have been “moribund for over 80 years by Prof. Emurobome Idolor? People need to be made to understand that the relocation of the CAC Headquarters from Lagos to Abuja and subsequent conversion of operations to online that made some old organisations to have several issues with their documents with the CAC. This is in addition to the nonchalance of the subsequent leadership of the Union in ensuring update with the CAC. Several other ethnic unions have same issues with the CAC. The Okpe Union current elected leadership is currently on top of regularising the status of the Union with the CAC. Suffice to state that the law and CAC regulations provide for the entire procedure for replacement of trustees and the issue ought not generate any furor but the sworn poise of some persons to distabilise the Okpe Union.
It is worth informing Okpe people that Prof. Emurobome Idolor joined the Okpe Union in 2009 for the first time when the National Headquarters of the Okpe Union in Lagos inaugurated the Sapele LGA Branch of the Union and he became the first chairman of that Sapele LGA Branch that year. The question to Prof. Idolor is if the Okpe Union he joined in 2009 (twelve years ago) and became a new branch chairman is the same Okpe Union that he describes in his new year message as purported illegal Interim PG as moribund for over eighty years?
This action by Prof. Idolor can be likened to a boy who was convinced by enemies of his family to spit on and desecrate his father’s grave and do several other sacrilegious commands against his family in exchange for some promise of bread or other immediate need. May God help the Okpe Nation.
Signed:
Akpederin K.E. Esq., General Secretary.
3rd January, 2022.
THE BATTLE OF IDEAS IN OKPE NATION: PART 1 By Prof. O. Igho Natufe, President General, OKPE UNION
January 19, 2022
*_INTRODUCTION_*
Let us forget, for a moment, that Nigeria is a Republic where it is incongruous to have monarchies in any part of the country. Let us pretend, for a moment, that Nigeria is *_“a parliamentary monarchy”_*, like the United Kingdom is. In this pretentious situation a Monarch, like the Orodje of Okpe, is to *_reign_* but not to *_rule_*, just like the Queen (or King) is in the United Kingdom. The various levels of parliaments rule/govern by enacting laws for the administration of the federal, state and local governments, respectively.
As is well known, it is contradictory for a *_monarchy_* to coexist with a *_republican system_* in the bowel of the same polity. This contradiction is exacerbated when a monarch attempts to *_rule_* a polity in which he possesses no defined constitutional authority to *_rule._* When Nigeria became a Republic on October 1, 1963 it retained a House of Chiefs in each of the then four federating regions, in an attempt to replicate the British House of Lords, as the upper house in each of the regions. This gave the chiefs who were traditional rulers in their respective domains, a constitutional role as parliamentarians. Thus, they saw themselves as both parliamentarians in the House of Chiefs and as monarchs in their respective kingdoms. This admixture was a conceptual blunder infused into the political system by the Nigerian political leaders in 1963. This blunder has been aggravated by the continuous failures of succeeding political leaders to resolve the contradiction resolutely by deciding on this crucial issue: Remain a *_Federal Republic of Nigeria_* and abolish traditional rulership *_OR_* declare the country a *_United Kingdoms of Nigeria._* In the former, traditional rulers will be extinguished as their existence contravenes the diktat of a Republic, while the latter recognizes their constitutional role as heads of states of their respective kingdoms.
Even as a head of state of a given kingdom, if we were in a *_United Kingdoms of Nigeria,_* the role of a Monarch, like the Orodje of Okpe, will be defined by whether the system is a *_constitutional monarchy_* (like the United Kingdom) or an *_absolute monarchy_* (like Saudi Arabia). If Okpe Nation were a *_constitutional monarchy_* the Orodje will *_reign_* but cannot *_rule._* Conversely, if Okpe Nation were an *_absolute monarchy_* the Orodje will possess and exercise an unquestioned political and legislative power and authority to *_reign_* and *_rule_* as he pleases in accordance to the mediaeval concept of the “divine right of kings”, whose pronouncements are considered law, final and binding on all citizens.
Constitutionally speaking, Nigeria is not a monarchy. Therefore, it is severely injurious to the political system to speak of monarchies in the polity. This injury is exemplified by the way several political leaders have used and abused traditional rulers across the country since 1960. The intent of this piece is to provoke a scholarly debate based on reason and logic on how to get out of this quagmire.
*_GOVERNANCE AND THE ORODJESHIP_*
A monarch is the symbol of a given nation under a monarchical regime. This is equally true of the Okpe monarchy as it is a symbol of the Okpe Nation that unifies the Okpe people. The concept of democratization of a system implies some inadequacies or absence of democratic norms in the given system. Some might ask: why democratize the Okpe monarchy?
In the preceding section we agonized over the contradictory construct of the Nigerian polity where a *_republican_* political system is forced to share the same space with an assemblage of *_monarchies._* Instead of rectifying this blunder that defies reason and logic, we are being urged to democratize the incongruity. Since the collapse of the First Republic, monarchy (or traditional rulership) has been a non-recognized element in the governance of Nigeria by its absence in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). However, at every election circle politicians of all political stripes promise a role for traditional rulers in the constitution, if elected. They have failed repeatedly. This failure leaves traditional rulers in a limbo.
The purported dissolution of the democratically elected National Executive Council (NEC) of the Okpe Union, by HRM Orhue l, Orodje of Okpe on October 3, 2020, has introduced a divide in Okpe Nation. Note that the Orodje’s purported dissolution took place 42 days before the scheduled Annual General Assembly/Meeting of the Okpe Union to elect a new NEC. It was a stratagem to convert Okpe Union to an administrative arm of the Palace under the Orodje’s control. This became evident in August 2021 when the head of the interim regime he imposed decline to participate in a mediation process on the ground that he would only participate if instructed by the Orodje.
The Orodje’s purported dissolution is challenged by the Okpe Union as an illegal action that violates the Constitution of the Okpe Union, while a group of fellow Okpe endorsed the Orodje’s action, arguing that the Orodje must be obeyed and that his word was final. They compared the Orodje of Okpe to the Oba of Benin whose decrees are alleged as final by the Binis. The comparison is based on false historical premises. Let us consider the following: –
Thus, the action of the Orodje on October 3, 2020 is akin to the action of an *_absolute monarch._*
Unfortunately, very unfortunately, the first Orodje of Okpe, Esezi l abandoned the democratic structure and embraced *_absolute monarchy,_* an action which led to his demise and ushered in a period of almost 200 years interregnum of the Okpe monarchy.
HRM, Orhue l’s action of October 3, 2020 is a throw-back to the medieval concept of the “divine right of kings” which challenges the fundamental thrust of democratic practice in Nigeria. It also ridicules the basis of the democratic election process that the Orodje cultivated during his campaign for the Orodjeship in 2004-2006.
This prompted a prominent Okpe Scholar/Journalist to lament:
“I worry for Africa and Nigerians. More for the Okpe who are still buried in the womb of medieval mentality.” (An Okpe Scholar/Journalist, January 15, 2022.)
The Orodje’s purported dissolution of NEC of the Okpe Union in October 2020, and the banning of its leaders from contesting future elections has created a huge schism in Okpe Nation. While the Orodje’s action is challenged by a group of *_pro-democracy_* Okpe nationals, a *_pro-absolute monarchy_* group is propagating the deceased medieval concept of the “divine right of kings.” This division caused by the Orodje’s unprecedented intrusion into the administration of the Okpe Union has facilitated an inimical atmosphere injurious to peace, law and order in Okpe Nation. Several Okpe belonging to the *_pro-democracy group_* are being harassed and intimidated by some members of the *_pro-absolute monarchy group_* whose source of authority is left to conjecture. This is reminiscence of events in the (then) Soviet Union when scores of Soviet citizens, at the minutest of criticism framed in Marxist-Leninist prism, were labeled “dissidents and revisionists”, arrested and incarcerated in the infamous gulag system of imprisonment scattered across the Soviet Union. Interestingly, the Udogun Okpe has categorized the Okpe Union as “mischievous” and “dissidents” for speaking truth to power.
*_IN LIEU OF A CONCLUSION_*
Traditional rulership is part of the poor governance crisis that has bedeviled the development of Nigeria for decades. Writing in 1947, Obafemi Awolowo recognized this conundrum when he stated:
“There is a mutual distrust verging on antagonism between the educated few and the Chiefs in Nigeria. The latter fear that the former are out to oust them from their privileged positions.” (Obafemi Awolowo, Path to Nigerian Freedom, London, 1947, p.32.)
Unfortunately, Nigerian governments have not been able to resolve this problem since independence. All they have done so far is to employ traditional rulers as mere tools in their respective competing policies, similar to the role traditional rulers played under the colonial regime.
A vexing phenomenon is the proliferation of traditional rulers by political leaders across the country since 1960. Recently, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi lll condemned this senseless proliferation of traditional rulers, who are glorified bales or village chiefs, a phenomenon which has corrupted the value of traditional rulers. (*_A CONVERSATION WITH THE ALAAFIN OF OYO, OBA LAMIDI ADEYEMI lll,_* Sunday, October 24, 2021. 5:00 PM Nigeria. ZOOM Platform. 50th Anniversary of the Coronation of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi lll.)
Prof. Tony Afejuku aptly captured this troubling trend when he wrote:
“Our high chiefs who are out of wisdom are the wisest animals in their heights of folly. This makes them the most dangerous animals in our every land and every kingdom. They are more dangerous than the serpent in each and every one of us. How do we rightly dub them?”
He continued:
“Our chiefs and high chiefs, the majority of them, are a pack of foxhounds. They know that our politics, like our local culture, currently is run by those riding to hounds.” (Tony Afejuku, “Of chiefs and high chiefs,” The Guardian, Lagos, Nigeria, January 14, 2022.
How do we make sense out of this incongruous contraption? It is instructive to note that, the only serious attempts made by any Nigerian government to grapple with this issue occurred under the military regimes of General Muhammadu Buhari in 1984 and General Ibrahim Babangida in 1986, respectively. In 1984 General Buhari’s government sponsored a national conference on the theme “THE ROLE OF TRADITIONAL RULERS IN THE GOVERNANCE OF NIGERIA” which was organized by the Institute of African Studies at the University of Ibadan in September 1984, while General Babangida established a Political Bureau to, inter alia, “review Nigeria’s political history and identify the basic problems which have led to our failure in the past and suggest ways of resolving and coping with these problems.” (Federal Republic of Nigeria, Government’s Views and Comments on the Findings and Recommendations of the Political Bureau, Lagos, 1987, p.3. (Hereinafter referred to as the Political Bureau).
The Political Bureau, chaired by S. J. Cookey, comprised of some prominent academics as members. Concerning tradition rulers, the Political Bureau recognized the significant role of traditional rulership in Nigeria’s political system, a view which was accepted by the Ibrahim Babangida military Government (The Political Bureau, p.4.), but recommended contending options vis-à-vis traditional rulership that the Babangida regime and subsequent Nigerian governments have failed to address. The Political Bureau submitted the following options: –
The Political Bureau made the following assertions on traditional rulers:
Therefore, the Political Bureau argued that, it
Even though the Political Bureau recommended that “traditional rulers should have no specific role to play in government beyond the local government level, where they have relevance”, the concluding section of its recommendations is more telling when it declared:
“They possess no special qualities to enable them to be used in enriching the political system or instilling moral rectitude in public life.”
As reasoned by the Political Bureau, traditional rulers are of no use to contemporary *_federal republican political system._*
The failure of Nigerian governments, including the Babangida regime, to implement the recommendations of the Political Bureau has significantly worsened the relationships between traditional rulers and political leaders. The political leaders are aware of the incongruity of having traditional rulers in a *_republican polity,_* but it serves their contending interests to disregard the anomaly. It benefits political leaders to opt for a “maintenance of status quo” where traditional rulers are treated as their vassals to be exiled and punished as they deem fit, while no politician is advocating for an “outright abolition of the institution.” On the other hand, the option of “co-optation in government” will formally convert traditional rulers to agents or warrant chiefs of the government as in the colonial era. Since the 1979 elections several traditional rulers have expressed their preferences for contending candidates, thus positioning themselves as partisan politicians. Is it wise for traditional rulers to inject themselves in partisan politics? What impact would this have on their constituencies if their preferred candidates are defeated? These are some of the troubling questions that must be grappled with by the traditional rulers and the political elites.
The recommendations of the Political Bureau that are of interest to us are: *_“democratisation to conform with process of modern government”_* and *_“the determination of their relevance and future by the people.”_* Regarding the Okpe Nation, how do we “democratise” the Orodjeship to “conform with the process of modern government?” How do we determine the “relevance and future” of the Orodjeship? These are vital questions which Okpe nationals of all political and ideological persuasions are invited to wrestle with.
These are tough questions to grapple with under the framework of a Republic. But since there seems to be no appetite to rename Nigeria as the *_United Kingdoms of Nigeria,_* or to abolish traditional rulership as one of the recommended options of the Political Bureau, then we have to accommodate traditional rulership in the *_Federal Republic of Nigeria_* under the guise of a *_constitutional monarchy._* Under this pretentious framework, the Orodje will *_reign_* but not *_rule_* in Okpe Nation. Like the Queen of the United Kingdom, the Orodje is a ceremonial head of the Okpe Nation, while the two local government councils, currently in Okpe Nation, are to *_rule_* without any interference from the Orodje and/or the Udogun Okpe. This applies to all civil societies and Okpe organizations, including the Okpe Union. As Nigeria is a federation, implying that each federating unit is free to develop at its own pace, including the establishment of traditional rulership, it is reasonable to postulate that each federating unit and components thereof are to determine the utility and stipend of their respective traditional rulers.
[06/08, 11:01] Ebireri Ovie Henry: CUTTING THE NOSE TO SPITE THE OKPE FACE
All real men should accept responsibility for their actions and the consequences of their actions and positions. The Asagba of Asaba could not have be been more correct in his position that he did need to consult further than he had done in the matter of the proposed summit of Delta State Traditional Rulers on the rotation of the Governorship seat of Delta State. His consultation was based on ethnic groups. He had consulted with the head of Urhobo Traditional Rulers who happens to be the Ohworode of Olomu who heads the group that the Orodje has agreed to be a member. Can we approbate and reprobate at the same time?
I once asked the immediate past leadership of the Okpe Youths Council who were confused about the urgency of achieving Okpe identity at that time if the OYC would be invited by the Governor if he wants to meet with the leaders of youths organisations of all ethnic nationalities in Delta State, if Okpe is considered as Urhobo? They could not respond as the answer was not only obvious but ignominious. Indeed this played out when the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo held a consultation visit to Delta State at the PTI Conference center a couple of years back. The Presidents General of all ethnic groups spoke on behalf of their people and only Okpe was excluded as the Urhobo Progress Union President General was there.
The repercussions the naive and self denigrating denial of Okpe distinct ethnic identity by the forces within the Okpe Nation have led to so much real poverty and underdevelopment of the Okpe Nation. The projects in Okpeland from both NDDC and DESOPADEC are a tiny fraction of the projects in similar or smaller territories than Okpe because of the consideration of of Okpe as an appendage of Urhobo. It does not even favour the Urhobos too except the feeding of the subjugation ego of some of them. Till tomorrow, Okpe Students do not get their bursary allocation from DESOPADEC like Itsekiri, Isoko, Ika, Ukuani and Ijaw who get 1500 slots each but must scramble from the Urhobo slots. The last time less than 200 Okpe students got. This is because Okpe is not recognised as an ethnic nationality in our own DESOPADEC. A recognised ethnic nationality in DESOPADEC immediately gives you an exclusive Commissioner, an Executive Director and an exclusive budget head.
The list of the consequences of this self inflicted malady is endless. Without the recognition of Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality, Chairmanship of Delta State Traditional Rulers’ Council gives the Okpe Nation nothing. If Urhobo Traditional Rulers visit Buhari today, it is the Ohworode of Olomu and his EXCO that would be in front. During the last visit, our revered Orodje was at the back and was hardly seen. If the ethnic configuration of Delta State remains, what the Asagba of Asaba said that he needn’t consult with the Orodje would play out and continue to hurt the Okpe Nation. It is not he who pointed out that an illness would kill a patient that killed him if he eventually dies.
Mortgaging Okpe ethnic identity for any office or temporary benefit amounts to spiting the Okpe face. We pray the series of such acts or inactions of recent do not constitute total damage that the next generation cannot recover from. Let us use our tongue to count our teeth.
Okpe wadooo!
Akpederin Kingsley Ehensiri Esq.
CUTTING THE NOSE TO SPITE THE OKPE FACE (A REJOINDER TO THE CLAIMS OF THE ASAGBA OF ASABA)
All real men should accept responsibility for their actions and the consequences of their actions and positions. The Asagba of Asaba could not have be been more correct in his position that he did not need to consult further than he had done in the matter of the proposed summit of Delta State Traditional Rulers on the rotation of the Governorship seat of Delta State(reported on the Vanguard Newspapers issue of March 20th, 2022). His consultation was based on ethnic groups. He had consulted with the head of Urhobo Traditional Rulers who happens to be the Ohworode of Olomu who heads the group that the Orodje has agreed to be a member despite the position of Okpe historically as a distinct ethnic nationality which has always been maintained by the Okpe Union. Can we approbate and reprobate at the same time?
I once asked the immediate past leadership of the Okpe Youths Council, who were confused about the urgency of achieving Okpe identity at that time, if the OYC would be invited by the Governor if he wants to meet with the leaders of youths organisations of all ethnic nationalities in Delta State, if Okpe is considered as Urhobo? They could not respond as the answer was not only obvious but ignominious. Indeed this played out when the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo held a consultation visit to Delta State at the PTI Conference center a couple of years back. The Presidents General of all ethnic groups spoke on behalf of their people and only Okpe was excluded as the Urhobo Progress Union President General was there.
The repercussions the naive and self denigrating denial of Okpe distinct ethnic identity by the forces within the Okpe Nation have led to so much real poverty and underdevelopment of the Okpe Nation. The projects in Okpeland from both NDDC and DESOPADEC are a tiny fraction of the projects in similar or smaller territories than Okpe because of the consideration of of Okpe as an appendage of Urhobo. It does not even favour the Urhobos too except the feeding of the subjugation ego of some of them. Till tomorrow, Okpe Students do not get their bursary allocation from DESOPADEC like Itsekiri, Isoko, Ika, Ukuani and Ijaw who get 1500 slots each but must scramble from the Urhobo slots. The last time less than 200 Okpe students got. This is because Okpe is not recognised as an ethnic nationality in our own DESOPADEC. A recognised ethnic nationality in DESOPADEC immediately gives you an exclusive Commissioner, an Executive Director and an exclusive budget head. Okpe Nation oil wells are currently grouped into Urhobo Nation oil wells.
The list of the consequences of this self inflicted malady is endless. Without the recognition of Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality, Chairmanship of Delta State Traditional Rulers’ Council gives the Okpe Nation nothing. If Urhobo Traditional Rulers visit Buhari today, it is the Ohworode of Olomu and his EXCO that would be in front. During the last visit, our revered Orodje was at the back and was hardly seen. If the ethnic configuration of Delta State remains, what the Asagba of Asaba said that he needn’t consult with the Orodje, even though the Orodje is the Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers’ Council, would play out and continue to hurt the Okpe Nation and people. It is not he who pointed out that an illness would kill a patient that killed him if he eventually dies.
Mortgaging Okpe ethnic identity for any office or temporary benefit amounts to spiting the Okpe face. How can a people have a distinct migration history, a distinct language, one traditional ruler whose jurisdiction covers two exclusive Local Government Areas and beyond, have the largest kingdom of Delta State and yet still hesitate to claim a status that is rightly hers? We pray the series of such acts or inactions of recent do not constitute total damage that the next generation cannot recover from. Let us use our tongue to count our teeth.
Okpe wadooo!
Akpederin Kingsley Ehensiri Esq.
OKPE UNION AT 92: AN ANNIVERSARY ADDRESS BY PROF. O. IGHO NATUFE, PRESIDENT GENERAL, OKPE UNION ON MAY 16, 2022
Exactly 92 years ago on this day, May 16, 1930, a group of young Okpe nationals residing in Lagos established the Okpe Union, the oldest registered ethnic nationality organization in Nigeria. It was registered under the Land (Perpetual Succession) Ordinance of 1924, on the 13th of December, 1934. As descendants of these Okpe nationals, we are gathered today in all branches across Nigeria and in the Diaspora to commemorate their vision and patriotism in paving the path for the building of a strong Okpe Nation anchored on Okpe Identity. We salute them and revere the legacies they bequeathed us.
As the umbrella organization of the Okpe people, Okpe Union is primarily concerned about the growth and development of the Okpe Nation and the enhancement of Okpe in the comity of ethnic nationalities in Nigeria and in Delta State. It was on the basis of this fundamental that the Okpe Union successfully agitated for the resuscitation of the Okpe Monarchy in 1945 when HRM Esezi ll was crowned as the Orodje of Okpe (1945-1966). This followed an interregnum of almost 200 years. Esezi ll was succeeded by HRM Orhorho l (1972-2004), who was succeeded by HRM Orhue l (2006 till date). Thus, the modern Okpe monarchy was birthed by the Okpe Union.
Since its foundation, the Okpe Union has played and continues to play vital role in the development of the Okpe Nation. A critical challenge confronting the Okpe Nation is the restoration of the independence of Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality, a status which was illegally extinguished by the British Government and subsequent governments in Nigeria. The unjust classification of Okpe as a sub-unit/clan of another ethnic nationality contradicts the fact that Okpe Kingdom was never established as a sub-unit or clan of any other ethnic nationality. The Okpe Union has since the colonial times always represented to various governments that Okpe is a distinct ethnicity.
The current status ridicules the historical and linguistic facts that Okpe is the most populous monolithic nationality in Delta State. I am pleased to inform you that the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Okpe Union is working assiduously with internal (traditional and political leadership) and external stakeholders in Delta State for the recognition of Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality. This is our sacred historical responsibility to restore Okpe to its legitimate position in Delta State. The benefits of this recognition include the following: –
As we gather today to celebrate our Founder’s Day, I want to assure you that your NEC is working very hard to ensure that the above objectives are realized in due course. Your continued support and steadfastness in the defence and promotion of Okpe Identity is required.
In February 2023, state and federal elections shall be held to elect new political leaders for Delta State and Nigeria. We are closely monitoring the campaigns of all Delta State aspirants vying for elective positions as Delta State Governor, and for members of the Delta State House of Assembly, with special interests on their respective positions on Okpe Identity, which will guide the stance of the Okpe Union. The NEC considers this an existential matter for the growth and development of the Okpe Nation, a historical feat in memory of our forefathers and founders of the Okpe Union.
On behalf of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Okpe Union, I wish you a successful celebration of the 92nd Anniversary of the founding of the Okpe Union.
*God Bless the Okpe Union!*
*God Bless Orodje of Okpe Kingdom!*
*God Bless the Okpe Nation!*
26th May, 2022.
*THE OKPE UNION FELICITATION MESSAGE TO RT (HON.) SHERIFF FRANCIS O. OBOREVWORI AS DELTA STATE PDP FLAG BEARER.*
The Okpe Union, the umbrella socio cultural organisation of the Okpe people, hereby sends her congratulations and best wishes to Rt. (Hon.) Sheriff Francis O. Oborevwori on his election as the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2023 gubernatorial election for Delta State.
As the Okpe Union joins other Deltans to wish you well in the coming general election, we also seize this opportunity to thank Deltans of the People’s Democratic Party represented by the delegates for considering our son worthy for a shot at this all important office of huge responsibility.
The Okpe Nation has always been known to be a people desirous of promoting peace, unity and fairness to all people around them. The choice of Rt. (Hon.) Oborevwori will therefore ensure an opportunity for Deltans to be so united for the overall development of the state.
The Okpe Union and indeed all Okpe people pray for a smooth and hitch free campaign as you, Okakuro Rt. (Hon.) Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori, the Ukodo of Okpe Kingdom, and your team, criss cross the length and breath of Delta State in your continuing consultations and campaign for the governorship seat of our dear Delta State.
Congratulations once more and congratulations to all Deltans.
*Signed:*
*Prof. Igho Natufe,*
President General
*Barr. Kingsley E. Akpederin,*
General Secretary
*Mrs. Atarhe Abuh,*
National Publicity Secretary.
*PROFILING OF OKPES, REAL DANGER FOR SHERIFF OBOREVWORI’S CHANCES FROM HIS HOME FRONT*
One Okpe chief of recent told me that if Sheriff Oborevwori becomes governor, he cannot appoint or give anything to any Okpe person not approved by the Orodje no matter how the person labours to support him in his governorship bid. This obviously underscores why Okpe has been where it is as the least developed area of Delta State and the Niger Delta for some time now.
During a recent recruitment by Seplat Petroleum, another Okpe chief saw the application of a very qualified Okpe and declared “enemy of the Orodje can never get a job in Okpeland…”. He made the remark in reference to the applicant as one of those who opposed the attempt by the Palace to undemocratically take over the administration of the Okpe Union which has had a democratic transition for over ninety two years, and founded long before the restoration of the modern Okpe monarchy.
Though I personally do not believe that Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori believes in such dark and evil profiling of fellow Okpes along the line of being pro or anti Orodje or the current strange classification of some patriotic Okpes as “dissidents” it nevertheless casts a very dark and unfortunate shadow on the quest for Okpe governorship. Indeed if the long practice since 2006 of some freeborn Okpe being asked rhetorically “who is your father…” as they are turned away from the Palace which Okpe people collectively built, is extended to political patronage, it would be difficult to salvage the Okpe Nation.
The likes of Esezi II, Orhoro I, the Late Chief Ewetuya (who served the Okpe Union as Secretary General and President General for over forty years) and the several heroes of the Okpe Union who ensured the taxing of Okpe Union members and branches throughout the world to build the all Okpe Orodje Palace would all be turning in their graves today when they see what the Okpe Nation which they laboured for is turning to.
It is not late for Okpe leaders to embrace love and unity. If this heinous and self depraving profiling of some freeborn Okpes just because they stood for the truth that the Okpe Union, being a registered organisation with its constitution should determine its leadership instead of a one man imposed leadership, is permitted to continue, then Okpe is being pushed to a precipice difficult to step back from. Those responsible for this are said to be so vile that they have threatened to go to the extreme position the worst for those they have now declared the enemies of Okpe and the Orodje.
We call on the Governor of Delta State to step in and the Speaker of the state and candidate of the state ruling party to disassociate himself from the evil position. All Okpes are freeborn; being descendants of one of the four “gates” of Okpe. Slavery must not be permitted in a kingdom in which any male child can aspire to be an Orodje (Okpe King). May the Okpe Nation escape any self inflicted affliction. Amen!
*Akpederin Kingsley Ehensiri Esq., General Secretary, the Okpe Union,*
Sapele,
3rd August, 2022
*OKPE UNION IS DISTINCT FROM OKPE KINGDOM AND IS INDEPENDENT OF THE ORODJE OF OKPE*
Let me even ask those who criticise the stance of the elected Okpe Union National Executive Council in protecting the autonomy of the Okpe Union, if they know that the Okpe Union is a registered organisation with a legal personality separate from Okpe Kingdom and with registered members who pay monthly dues and that only members of the Okpe Union in a General Meeting can decide on its leadership? If we all know this but the traditional ruler goes against the law by claiming to have power to dissolve the elected leadership of the Okpe Union and impose non members as its leadership and members of the Union point it out to him severally, does that amount to insult?
Does it mean that if our King puts on an apparel that reveals his nakedness, we should all keep quiet and not let him know so that the throne would not experience disgrace?
All Okpe people must understand and act as a people in the modern era. The Okpe Nation is in a global community and must therefore operate with a mindset of civilised norms and best practices. Elected officials of registered organisations take oaths of office to abide by and defend the constitution of the organisation. The elected National Executive Council of the Okpe Union cannot do the opposite of that. Every responsible loving father would advise his children to observe the letters and spirit of the constitution of the organisations they are elected to serve. In the Holy Bible, the book of Luke (11: 11) says: “What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?” Indeed the Okpe Union and its elected National Executive Council hold the ancient throne of the Orodje of Okpe in highest esteem and would do everything to promote it. It is prayers and advice that the Union demands for and expects from the monarchy.
Lastly, it needs to be emphasised, in addition to the above, that to be a member of the Okpe Union, a person must be an Okpe and take steps to join a branch of the Union and periodically pay his or her monthly dues and other obligations. It is not every Okpe person that is a member of the Okpe Union. No non member of the Okpe Union can be an official of the Union. By the provisions of the Okpe Union Constitution, only dues paying members can hold any office. In conclusion, it is the constitution of the Okpe Union that governs its administration and transition from one leadership to another. It has been so for over ninety years. Woe betides any official of the Union that betrays this sacred history, norm and convention of the Okpe Union.
May God open our eyes and our hearts to realise that those who point out these real issues and speak truth to power are the real patriots of the Okpe Nation. May God give us and the leaders of the Okpe Nation courage to design a pragmatic pathway to ensure love, unity and advancement of the Okpe Nation.
Okpe oo! Agbamua-eni!
*Akpederin Kingsley Ehensiri Esq., General Secretary, the Okpe Union.*
5th August, 2022.
*FOR THOSE WHO THINK THE OKPE UNION ARE UNNECESSARILY EXPOSING THE OKPE THRONE TO RIDICULE*
For eighteen months now we have been doing so much to resolve the issues behind the scenes. There has been four Reconciliation Initiatives in all now. The most robust one was headed by Rev. Dr Charles Osume and Secretary was the late Prof. Idamoyibo. Chief Moses Asini(an Udogun Okpe member), Prof. Hope Eghagha, Mr. Philip Mebradu, and Madam Dora Omuvwie were also of that Reconciliation Committee. After submitting their recommendations which the Okpe Union accepted and started implementing, the Orodje received it and said he would get back to them. One month’ later, he wrote to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), that his Prof. Idolor imposed group is the authentically elected leadership of the Okpe Union. The CAC invited us to react after they received our objections.
We pray there is more intervention to nip this embarrassing crises in the bud. None of us is paid in what we do. It is selfless service that we spend our personal resources on. However, there is
nobody or group of persons that would keep quiet when unjustly demonised. Okpe Union National Leadership cannot be different.
Akpederin K.E. Esq.,General Secretary, the Okpe Union.