Home Blog Page 246

NWAOBOSHI IS AUTHENTIC, INEC NOMINATED PDP SENATORIAL CANDIDATE FOR DELTA NORTH – Adigwe

Grassroots Newspapers Publishers Network
-
0
NWAOBOSHI IS AUTHENTIC, INEC NOMINATED PDP SENATORIAL CANDIDATE FOR DELTA NORTH – Adigwe
Distinguished Senator Peter Nwaoboshi

ATTENTION ANIOMA PEOPLE!!!

The chairman, *SPON* Campaign Organisations, Hon. Pascal Adigwe has stated that he was unhappy about what he read concerning the nomination of his principal, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi.
In a press release availabe to the media, he said that it was unfortunate that some persons could just go to the media with falsehood, thereby misleading our innocent Anioma citizens.

He imployed the good people of Anioma to ignore such posts.
He said:
“As your humble servant and the chairman of the *SPON
Campaign Organisations*, even though a dignified silence would have surficed as usual, however, I like to state the fact at issue”, because, it is incumbent on this office to protect the minds of our people by keeping things in their right perspectives.

Hon. Adigwe, who said that he was mindful of the prejudicious state of the matter, therefore, was direct to his points and thereby stated as follows that:

1. The PDP Delta North Senatorial Primary took place on October 2, 2018 and that Senator Peter Nwoboshi *WON* clearly.

2. That SPON was duly congratulated.

3. That as the clear winner, Sen. Nwaoboshi’s name was duly and legitimately forwarded to the INEC.

4. That thenafter, the INEC used his name and result, as accepted, approved and signed by all the 9 LGA INEC Electoral Officers, Security Agencies and recognized Observers to *PRINT the CERTIFICATE of RETURN* in the name of *SENATOR PETER NWAOBOSHI*.
as was done for every other winner in the entire Country.

That INEC then released the printed form to PDP to in turn distribute to the respective candidates, stating that he, Hon. Adigwe,
personally collected the one for Senator PETER NWOBOSHI, supervised the filling and signing done by over 30 prominent Anioma persons and he subsequently returned it to the party.

5- That the Party PDP further submitted it back to INEC with all the necessary endorsements, meeting the deadline of 12 midnight of 18th October 2018, in line with the Electoral Act.
(Find Copies Attached)

Speaking further, Hon. Adigwe said that it was surprising to see that some persons are spreading falsehood. *We and the party do not know the form being referred to by these unrepentant cynics.*

He pleaded with the people of Anioma to *always be guided by the things which hold us together as true, traceable and genuine children of Anioma who know that what holds and unites us is stronger and deeper than the albatross that wants to divide us.*

He stressed that PRIMARIES have come and gone since 18th of October, other distractions, insinuations and innuendoes shall be delt with, vacated and quashed as others.

Finally, while thanking all for the support and resilience, he uses his Office therefore to plead, most fervently that all tools be downed and all hands come on deck to move our party forward and to protect the unity of purpose of the Anioma people which he said all fought for with everything.

ANAMBRA ASSEMBLY TEARS APART OVER SPEAKER IMPEACHMENT

Grassroots Newspapers Publishers Network
-
0
ANAMBRA ASSEMBLY TEARS APART OVER SPEAKER IMPEACHMENT

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]nambra State House of Assembly, has been left in confusion over the purported impeachment of Speaker Rita Maduagwu. The speaker was on Tuesday impeached by members of the state assembly over alleged financial misappropriation, gross misconduct and several other allegations.

The impeachment of  Mrs. Maduagwu  on grounds of incompetence, misappropriation of fund, inefficiency, financial complicity and gross abuse of office, and swiftly, elected the member representing Aguata II Constituency, Ikem Uzozie as the new speaker.But, after about two hours, Mrs. Maduagwu rallied round some government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwudebele, regained access to the chamber and held a session with only 10 members. The motion for her impeachment was moved by Hon. Ikem Uzoezie, a member representing Aguata II Constituency, during plenary at the Assembly chamber in Awka, the state capital.

The motion was seconded by Onyebuchi Offor who represents Ekwusigo Constituency of the state.  But some of the other lawmakers, however, made a U-turn and upturned the impeachment process. The embattled speaker described her purported impeachment as “a bundle of illegality.”

She however, stated, “Nobody can impeach me because I have not committed any offense.”“They need two-thirds of our members to impeach the Speaker or the governor. So, I’m still the Speaker.” she affirmed.

She adjourned the House sitting till November 15.

N-Power set to be Africa’s biggest job scheme for graduates-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo

Grassroots Newspapers Publishers Network
-
0
N-Power set to be Africa’s biggest job scheme for graduates-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo

[dropcap]V[/dropcap]ice President Yemi Osinbajo said the Buhari administration will expand the N-Power scheme to accommodate one million beneficiaries in the next phase. This followed the successes recorded so far and the growing need for government’s direct intervention in job creation.

The Vice President spoke in response to a variety of questions from Nigerians across different professions and persuasions, at a town hall meeting in Abuja on Monday. He said the N-Power programme would become the largest post-tertiary job scheme in Africa.

“The idea of N-Power is supposed to be government’s own programme of direct employment and training. At the moment, we have taken up to 500,000 and in the next phase we are looking at another 200,000 and closely followed by another 300,000.

“In all, we will be employing up to a million, and that will be the largest post-tertiary job programme in the entire Africa. The reason why we have done this is because of the employment problems that we have. We may not be able to engage everybody but at least government must give some direct provision of jobs.”

Prof. Osinbajo explained further that though government could not pay more than the N30,000 currently paid to beneficiaries and also fix all the unemployment issues, it is working on creating the enabling environment to ensure that beneficiaries as well as other unemployed Nigerians become useful to themselves.

“It is infrastructure that will create the opportunities to provide more jobs, especially through manufacturing and Industry. “So, we are doing roads and rail, providing power; that is the way we can develop industry. We are energizing our markets at the moment, putting solar power in the markets. We have designated 300 markets, we have done Ariaria in the South East, Sabon Gari in Kano, Sura in Lagos, Isikan in Ondo, Gbagi in Oyo and we are expanding so that more people can work.”

On the need to engage more women in productive activities, Prof. Osinbajo said: “one of the ways the Buhari administration is engaging more women is through our GEEP loans.”

“56% of our GEEP loans go to the women. So there is a lot of preferential advantage that we give to women and this is because women are effective managers of resources; they pay back these loans when they are given.”

Speaking on the misconceptions about the borrowing arrangements of the Buhari administration, the Vice President said, the country, under President Buhari, was not in a terribly bad debt situation as insinuated in some quarters.

According to him, very frequently you find people creating fear about the issue of debt and saying that this government has borrowed more than previous governments.

“I want to give you the facts and figures on the debt issue. The dollar denominated debts of Nigeria – that is the debts of the Federal Government, the States and Local governments.

“In 2010, Nigeria’s debt was $35 billion; 2011, it was $41billion; in 2012, it was $48 billion, in 2013, it became $64 billion; 2014, it rose to $67 billion; 2015, it fell to $63 billion; 2016, $57 billion; 2017, $70 billion; 2018, it is $73 billion. So, the difference between 2015 and now is $10 billion.

“One of the things that I always want you to bear in mind is that when oil prices are at their highest, between 2010 and 2014 that was when we had the sharpest rise in debts.”

Continuing on the debt issue, Prof. Osinbajo said “the other thing that I want us to bear in mind is what is called debt to GDP. Our debt to GDP is one of the lowest among the countries that are frequently compared to us. Our debt to GDP is 20%. When you compare it to other countries, you will see that Ghana is about 68% whereas Ethiopia’s is 48%. In terms of the size of our economy and debt, we are doing okay”

He, however, agreed that “Nigeria may have an issue with debt to revenue”, noting that “we are not collecting enough revenue compared to what we want to spend.”

“Are we collecting enough taxes? If you look at the FIRS figures, it says 914 Nigerians pay the self-assessed tax of more than N10 million. Of the 914, 912 live in Lagos and the other 2 live in Ogun state, no other Nigerian outside of Lagos and Ogun pay the self-assessed tax of more than N10 million. So, we are simply not collecting enough revenue,” he added.

The Vice President said the Federal Government in collaboration with the States was working on harmonizing tax collections in order to address issues relating to multiple collection of taxes.

“This is a problem that we are dealing with all across Nigeria. It is one of the issues we are dealing with under the ease of doing business. We are addressing the sub-national. How we can harmonize taxes. The second phase of our ease of doing business is focused on the collection of multiple taxes; there is no reason why that should continue.”

On the ASUU strike, the Vice President said that government is engaging the leadership of the union, noting that “the next meeting is on Thursday, November 15, 2018”.

He, however, explained that “we are dealing with a population of about 200 million people who depend on a budget of about N8.6 trillion and of that amount, 70% of it goes to salaries and overheads, and it goes to less than 2 million people. It is impossible to answer to all of the monetary needs of people by the size of the federal budget”.

On healthcare financing, Prof. Osinbajo said the Buhari administration has done much even as it has earned 60 per cent less than the previous administrations.

“The first thing to bear in mind is that health care financing has suffered over the years even when we were earning the most money, we were underfunding healthcare.

“In 2015 when we came in, the healthcare budget was N22.7 billion and as of today we moved that to N86.5 billion and we are earning 60% less. Education was N23 billion in 2015, now it is N102 billion. The issue really is one of government commitment. For the first time, in the 2018 budget, we are setting aside 1% of our consolidated revenue to the health sector.”

Earlier, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola; Minister of Industry, Trade and investment, Dr. Okey Enelamah; Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi; and Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Audu Ogbeh, responded separately to issues relating to their various ministries.

The town hall meeting was organized by Act Now, a non-political group that works in promoting transparency and good governance as well as youth participation in governance.

I’m a man whose pillars are rooted in the Grassroots- Hon. Abiodun Francis Wilkey

Grassroots Newspapers Publishers Network
-
0
I’m a man whose pillars are rooted in the Grassroots- Hon. Abiodun Francis Wilkey
Hon. Abiodun Francis Wilkey

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he true worth of a man is in the way he treats people who are absolutely in need. If you care about people in need, you are actually making a contribution to the development of the nation. We need to give life back to the people; democracy is important in governance. We need to see how we can use the available resources for everybody; create opportunities for all and care, especially for those who are truly in need. The gap between the rich and the poor should be bridged. Those of us blessed with material resources need to share with others. We must strike a balance with our resources.” This is the Philosophy of Hon. Abiodun Francis Wilkey.

“Hon. Abiodun Francis Wilkey is  a good leader, with the character of humility, passion for service, respect, fairness, accountability and a model others can follow. Hon. Abiodun Francis Wilkey is a quintessential leader and gentleman. He is the embodiment of cerebral articulation, the essence of unparalleled philanthropy, the epitome of intellection and breathtaking simplicity, the personification of undiluted humanness, the perfect example of leadership symbolism, the paragon of idealism, the soul of humanity, the heart of warrior, and a perfect gentleman.

Indeed, some leaders are born, some achieve leadership, and some have leadership thrust upon them, while only very few have all three embedded in them. Hon.  Abiodun Francis Wilkey is one of those very few good men; a true philanthropist, an accomplished Politician, a man of valour, the bringer of rain. In the gallery of great leaders and great men, he is without doubt, a rare masterpiece. Hon. Abiodun Francis Wilkey is elegant and unblemished in the magisterial lithe and athleticism of folkloric Kings and heroes, with unfettered, excellent diction and oratory; his brilliant smile like sparkling sun radiating from crystal clear eyes and he cuts the dapper, debonair figure and personality of the complete man he has truly metamorphosed into in the last twenty years.

Hon. Abiodun Francis Wilkey discussed extensively with the Grassroots Publishers in his Ogudu –Lagos office  why he is the one to beat in Kosofe Constituency 1  of Lagos State House of Assembly race  come 2019.

Excerpts:  

Can we meet you sir?

My name is Francis Abiodun Wilckey. I am a native of Lagos state from Lagos Island precisely. I was born in the year 1974. I did my early education Command Children School, Ikeja and proceeded to Command Secondary School, Jos for my secondary education. After that, I went to Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin where I acquired my OND certificate and the Lagos state Polytechnic where I acquired my HND certificate. I did my NYSC in Kogi state where I served as a teacher in the prestigious Titcombe  College, Egbe, Kogi state in 2002. I have worked all along from then as an accountant, an administrator, A Facility Manager, an entrepreneur, farmer, business owner and so on.

Tell us why  you join politics?

Well, right from school I have always had the privilege to head any gathering of students either as a prefect in my early school days. In the higher institution, I was the president of National Association of Polytechnic Accountancy Students(NAPAS) in Lagos State Polytechnic, President of Nigeria Federation of Catholic Students, and Social Director of National Union of Lagos State Students. I have had various opportunities to serve at different levels which have to do with political appointment in office. Coming out of school, I became a member of International Lions Club. I was the Project Director of Lions Club, Secretary of Ikeja Unique Lions Club and just this year, I was elected as the Deputy Cabinet Secretary of Lions Club, District 404 B2. Currently, I am the President of Command Secondary School  Jos Old Students Association((COJOSA)), Lagos State Chapter. So, I have had leadership trait bestowed on me at different level that I didn’t take serving at the larger level as an option. But when some well meaning individuals, political elders from the ruling party, PDP and other parties saw the leadership qualities I have, started asking me to run for the State House of Assembly in order to have a good representation of our constituents saying it will be a thing of worth having seen the qualities I possess and things I do differently in the groups I lead. I have lived in Kosofe all through my life and as a grassroots man; I have considered their plea and have accepted to contest for the good representation of our people in the state come 2019 under the platform of Providence People’s Congress (PPC).

Sir, how financially prepared are you knowing quite well that politics is Capital Intensive in Nigeria?

God does not send one to mission and abandon him. This mission I would say is divine because the word of God said “The Lord called and I gave myself up for service”. Also God has been faithful for he has made additional provision through men of proven character across board both from the ruling party, PDP, religious organisations, charity organisations, and friends of good will. Infact, they have all shown a lot of support towards my campaign. Because I have never worked for the government, I have never won any government contract; everything I have is self made. So, I am not extremely rich to take up this task. I was worried when my people encouraged me into this because of the financial involvement but God has been faithful as the kind of financial and moral supports I get from the aforementioned persons have been surprising to me. Even some political elders from the ruling party and PDP has promised to donate campaign vehicles to me of which about four  have already arrived and we have started working already.

Sir, do you mean some stakeholders from the ruling party and PDP are backing you financially?

Yes, I have friends across these sectors of people, but disappointingly more of them feel that I am contesting under the platform of an unknown party but they were not bothered because some of them encouraged me in the first place and told me that I have their support notwithstanding the party I will run under because our people are wiser now and we do not  vote on parties any longer ,rather we vote on the persona in question.

Are you convinced ,that you are the candidate to beat come 2019 in the Lagos State House of Assembly considering the fact that your party is not popular?

The Providence People’s Congress (PPC) with slogan “Do It Right, Get It Right” is a party divinely ordained by God. We believe that when we begin to do things rightly, the desired result will be that we will get it right and that is why the new philosophy of the party is that there is no money bags, no rituals, no Godfatherism. Everything we do is centered on God and he ordains kings. Before now, I have had the privilege of serving at various levels and everything we have achieved so far in the party is through God’s intervention. I don’t see myself losing this race. I believe that the purpose of my contest is to make impactful change, give the people quality representation; give them the opportunity of participatory democracy where the people know the activities of the government and are also part of the policy formulators because the policies we are going to formulate will be people-oriented and people-friendly policies; they will be policies that will stand the test of time. So, I feel that I have what it takes academically, and leadership wise as I have had the opportunity to work with different strata of people and I believe that everybody is desirous of positive change where their lives will be impacted. So I believe that if given the opportunity, I will do a greater job.

Sir, what can you say about your  State government performance and that of your constituency as well?

I believe that the incumbent governor, Gov. Akinwumi Ambode has done a wonderful job in his tenure. Lagos state has always been ran professionally and blessed with good governors as you can see it from the first governor who was an Accountant, second governor who was a Lawyer and the present governor who is also an Accountant. So it shows the level of professionalism that has been in place for continuity to thrive. I wish I could say the same thing of my local government and constituency. We have had the privilege of being led for 16 years by just and individual. We have not had the opportunity of experiencing change. So we cannot really tell if things have been done differently. I as an individual feel professionalism needs to be encouraged. We need people who have what it takes to push for the people. In 16 years, this constituency needs change in representation and that is why we the younger ones are clamoring for inclusion because the population of people that have been disenfranchised are mostly the young people and there is no better way to have good representation than people who are in that class and age to get involved and also find a way of showing direction. So I feel we are just coming on board now and we will be able to do more for the people in terms of legislation.

As you rightly said that this constituency need a change, needs someone who can impact positively into the lives of the constituents. What are your agendas?

To have worked as a trained humanitarian service provider has given me the edge to understand impact assessment. We need do an evaluation on what the people really need before impacting policies on them. For the fact that I am going there to legislate, the legislation must be qualitative; the representation must be inclusive. We have not had inclusive and quality representation. We lack infrastructural development in this constituency. This constituency is over neglected. A constituency where the local government headquarters is located does not look like one. There are lots of infrastructural decay, abandoned projects littering the constituency and this tells a lot about the representation. One of the cries of the constituents is over taxation in the markets. They feel burdened by the local government tier of system bringing various kinds of taxes into play. Some schools have not been upgraded, some are not well furnished. These are the kind of things we hope to bring change about. We do not have a skill acquisition centre in this constituency where we can train and mentor young people because one of the things I intend doing is to create a mentorship scheme where the young people can be encouraged to pick a skill under the tutelage and wings of professionals. They can learn the skill/trade and at the end get established. We need to create industrial parks where the youths can come, bring their material and make production of whatever skill they are into. Sometimes, some of these people do not have the financial capacity to establish but when such provisions are made for them, they can come there produce and sell. For instance, a shoe cobbler can come in there. He doesn’t necessarily need to have equipment but all he needs is his materials to produce and then go to the market to make sales. You know that once any cell in the body malfunctions, the entire body system is affected. So, one of the things I would like to do is to create cells where people can be addressed from bottom to top because one of the problems we have is putting so much pressure on the leader and wanting the leader to push it downwards but it doesn’t really work that way. If you take it from the top, he leader might be too busy to even know if anyone is suffering. The cell has been neglected for too long and that is why the body is sick. The downtrodden need to be empowered so that we will have peace in our constituency, state and nation but when we neglect them it brings about multiplier effects like broken homes, street kids, prostitution, drug abuse and cultism among the students and so on. I also intend holding  sensitization and advocacy campaigns on drug abuse in schools soonest  because I feel that “we are losing our younger generation to the abuse of drugs and everybody in this constituency must join hands with the government to curb this menace and find a lasting solution to the problem”. We will also work so much on youth sports, entertainment to offer them a meaningful opportunity to exhibit their talent because we feel that the energy of the youths should be channeled positively to what gives them joy. We will also look into making policies to accommodate the aged and physically challenged ones who need social security and encouragement.

What makes you think your party will overcome mega parties like APC and PDP?

Yes, my party has become the party to beat come 2019. As I said before , our people are getting more exposed to the danger of going by the wishes of party because parties sometimes do not deliver again. I believe that I am a credible candidate; I have the people’s goodwill, as a humanitarian worker. I believe that my personality and antecedent over the years stands me out for the service. I have lived in this community for almost 45 years right from my childhood and so I am a grassroots man who knows and feel  the pains and needs of my people. So, I believe that the capacity I have is calling for a greater space to express itself.

What is your message to the good people of Kosofe constituency 1?

My message to my people is to rally round me. I am their son, their brother. I want the entire constituents to consider me as their next House of Assembly member to bring the desired result and change they will be proud of so that together we can make our constituency come alive and revitalized once again.

 

By: Grassroots Publishers

 

Oshiomhole: Untold story of how DSS held him hostage for eight hours

Grassroots Newspapers Publishers Network
-
0
Oshiomhole: Untold story of how DSS held him hostage for eight hours

•Six governors implicated in plot •Adamant APC chair arrives

For eight hours last Sunday, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, was held hostage at the Department of State Security Service (DSS) at the behest of some governors and some forces in the party to force him to resign.

Oshiomhole, however, stood his ground and rebuffed the pressure mounted on him to resign.

He told the DSS that he committed no crime and would therefore not resign, no matter the intimidation.

Although the APC chairman was caught unawares, he maintained his stand even when DSS officials tried to invoke the name of President Muhammadu Buhari.

He pointedly told them that the President was in the know of all that happened during the APC primaries and that it was their collective resolve not to allow imposition of candidates by anybody, no matter his status in the party.

It later turned out that some security operatives had plotted Oshiomhole’s resignation with about six APC governors.

The plot to lay ambush for him was hatched by the affected governors in connivance with some powerful forces who were aggrieved over the outcome of the recent primaries of the APC.

The governors are from Southwest, Northcentral, Southeast and Northwest.

Four of them are angry with the party for not allowing them to impose their favourites as the party’s candidates in their states.

One Southwest governor is in sympathy with a fellow Southwest governor for standing by him recently when it mattered most.

The Northcentral governor is up in arms with Oshiomhole for insisting on direct primary.

There were insinuations that some former APC elements in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gave tacit backing to the plot by the APC governors in order to render the party weak ahead of the presidential campaign beginning from November 18.

It was gathered that the plotters knew that the APC national chairman was due for a private visit abroad, hence they opted to seal his fate before the trip.

The President was said to have been kept in the dark till the coup was hatched.

The plan was to hoodwink Buhari and present him with Oshiomhole’s resignation letter to prevent any intervention.

A reliable source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Some of the governors behind the ambush had relocated to Abuja ahead of the invitation of Oshiomhole by the DSS. I

“In fact, one of them told a member of the Election Committee in his state to expect a major news on Sunday. He was quoted to have said ‘by Sunday, Oshiomhole is gone and all of you will be put to shame.’

“They opted for forcible removal of Oshiomhole to take advantage of the substitution window for candidates.

“The two options considered against Oshiomhole were either to get the DSS to arrest or invite him.

“Some of the governors actually felt that arresting him on spurious charges of fraud would make greater news and prevent Buhari from intervening like he did in the case with some judges.

“Unknown to the plotters, the APC national chairman had travelled to lyamho, his village in Edo State, to spend the weekend before jetting out to meet with his family abroad on Tuesday.

“The trip to Edo frustrated the first leg of the plot as it was too late for the DSS operatives involved in the plot to stop him from traveling to Edo State.”

Another source gave insight into how Oshiomhole received DSS invitation and why he reported to the agency on Sunday.

The second source said: “Last Saturday, a call was put to Oshiomhole by a DSS operative in Iyamho with an urgent tone that he should report at the DSS headquarters. But the APC chairman was not moved because he did not commit any crime.

“On Sunday, he returned to Abuja and honoured DSS invitation where he was told about a petition against him bothering on fraudulent activities.

“For about eight hours, it was a ding dong affair between the DSS interrogators and Oshiomhole over a demand for his resignation letter.

“Being an intelligent leader, Oshiomhole pointedly asked for a copy of the petition against him for his response, because he knew he did not engage in any fraud.

“No petition was presented to him. He rebuffed all attempts to force him to resign.

“While the drama was going on, the governors behind the set up were using some proxies to monitor Oshiomhole’s engagement with the DSS.

“The Northcentral governor was said to be in his house in Abuja with an official of the party from a state also in the North who they had hoped to appoint as acting chairman.

“The governor’s impunity in his state was condoned by the party before Oshiomhole took over but now, the governor is being asked to do things in accordance with the APC constitution.

“He is also not happy that Oshiomhole is insisting on direct primaries.

“His fear is that when his election is due later in 2019, direct primary will not favour him. He was one of the governors who told the public that the APC National Executive Committee (NEC) opted for indirect primaries some months back as against direct primary which was the preferred option.”

After being adamant for many hours, Oshiomhole was let off the hook by the DSS.

He insisted that he would not resign without hearing from the President and they could not provide any evidence that the President knew about their action.

On how he left DSS custody, the source said: “In fact, a governor of the APC came to pick him. There was no issue of surety at all.

“It was uncertain if the governor was just being benevolent or was one of the plotters.

“The governors who were in Abuja had already put a media plan in place to force the NWC to issue a statement that Oshiomhole has resigned.

“The governors later realised that the plot had failed as soon as Oshiomhole survived the siege in DSS headquarters.

“Curiously, some forces in PDP were also in a hotel trying to know the outcome of the unfolding drama in APC, having been told of the plot by their collaborating governors.

Findings, however, confirmed that the President was not aware of either his invitation or the demand for his resignation.

A presidency source added: “The President was shocked and angry when Oshiomhole met with him on Monday on his ordeal. He promised to look into the incident.

“What the aggrieved governors did not know is that the APC chairman was always briefing the President on the challenges facing the party in some states. So, the President and Oshiomhole are always on the same page.

“There was a time one of the governors went to meet with the President and raised some issues. After the governor’s narration, the President made a call and gave the phone to the governor, saying: ‘The chairman on the line. Speak with him.’

“The affected governor was speechless and left the Presidential Villa in shame.”

Buoyed by the backing of the President, Oshiomhole left the country on Tuesday to meet his family.

A party source said: “He had already scheduled his personal trip. He was undaunted. He is not on exile. He has not committed any fraud.”

It was gathered the APC national chairman returned to the country yesterday.

Culled from Nation Newspaper

 

Breaking: INEC publishes Senator Uzodimma’s name as Imo APC …

Grassroots Newspapers Publishers Network
-
0
Breaking: INEC publishes Senator Uzodimma’s name as Imo APC …

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the name of Senator Hope Uzodinma as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State.

The electoral body made the disclosure on Friday following a court order obtained by the APC candidate from a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja. Senator Hope had approached the court for an order to override Thursday’s ruling of the Federal High Court sitting in Owerri.

Twenty aspirants on the platform of the APC had obtained the previous order which restrained INEC from publishing the name of the party’s candidate.

Meanwhile, the APC leadership in the state has distanced itself from the name published by the electoral umpire.

The Publicity Secretary of the party in Imo, Mr Jones Onwuasoanya, explained in a statement that INEC closes work at 4pm, except on election days when it may continue collation of results till very late in the night.

He noted that the electoral body had published the particulars of governorship candidates in the state earlier in the day, stressing that there was no fresh court order compelling INEC to publish any name for Imo APC.

According to the Imo APC spokesman, Senator Uzodimma’s running mate is from the same Federal Constituency with him.

“This can hardly be possible, given Nigeria’s political culture,” he said, adding, “The only authentic governorship candidate of the APC in Imo State is Ugwumba Uche Nwosu and this will be proven with time.”

Onwuasoanya accused Uzodimma of taking extreme measure to ensure that his name was published in order to keep his supporters happy and hopeful.

 

Nigeria Customs Service, Onne Port, Rivers State Command generates N26.38 Billion in 3 months says Comptroller Aliyu Saidu

Grassroots Newspapers Publishers Network
-
0
Nigeria Customs Service, Onne Port, Rivers State Command generates N26.38 Billion in 3 months says Comptroller Aliyu Saidu

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Onne Port, Rivers State Command has generated a total revenue of twenty-six billion, three hundred and eighty-eight million, seven hundred and fifty-four thousand, two hundred and forty-four naira and thirty-seven kobo (#26,388,754,244.37) from duty paid on imported goods within the last three months.

In the same vein, the Customs Area Command recorded ten (10) seizures of prohibited items with Duty Paid Value of five hundred and forty-three million, nine hundred and fifty-eight thousand, seven hundred and forty naira
(#543,958,740.00) within the same period under review which spanned August 16, 2018 to date when the present Area Controller, Comptroller Aliyu Galadima Saidu took over the Command.

Giving the breakdown while addressing his maiden press conference at Onne Port on Thursday, Comptroller Galadima Saidu remarked that a comparative analysis report of the Command’s revenue profile shows that a total sum of #62,593,334,451.00 was generated between the months of January and October last year while
#68,331,473,662.00 was generated between January and October this year.

The Customs Area Controller told newsmen that smuggling poised a high threat to both the economy and security of the
country saying this is why those who engage in it are considered economic saboteurs since they
engage in false declarations to evade the correct duty payment.

“They (smugglers) are the destroyers of the country’s economy”, he reiterated insisting that it is very unfortunate and disturbing that despite the wide awareness on the dire consequences of
smuggling activities on economic growth and development, some citizens still find joy in perpetrating this evil act only for personal gains.

He stated however that the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Col. Ibrahim Hameed Ali (Rtd.) had zero tolerance for smuggling just as he emphasized that the Nigeria Customs Service will do everything in its capacity to sustain the tempo.

He said: “Over time, the Customs Area II Command, Onne, has bemoaned the incessant activities
of smugglers within our territories, an activity which has wreaked so much havoc on the Nation’s
economy. We will not relent in intensifying our efforts to curb this menace.”

Comptoller Galadima Saidu then gave a breakdown of the seized items as follows:
1. One thousand and seventy (1,070) Jerry Cans of vegetable cooking oil (25 litres can) with
DPV of #8,501,322.00
2. Fifty-five (55) 20ft container of foreign rice which contained 510 (50kg) bags of rice, 1040
(25kg) bags of rice, 19680 (10kg) bags of rice with total DPV of #364,746,762.00
3. A 40ft container comprising of six hundred (600) pairs of military camouflage uniforms,
six hundred (600) pairs of military caps, six hundred (600) pairs of military jungle boots;
all are totally prohibited items, therefore has no monetary value as regards duty payment.
Found in same 40ft container are fifteen(15) bales of new, eighty (80) rolls of water hose,
ten (10) cartons of singlet, fifty (50) cartons of shoes, two hundred and seven (207) cartons
of tiles fifteen (15) bales of socks, five (5) sacks of ladies’ skirt and other items with DPV
of #4,682,021 were used to conceal the military uniforms.
4. Six (6) 20ft containers with total of thirteen thousand, five hundred and sixty (13,560)
cartons of tomatoes’ paste with DPV of #70,502,283.00
5. One hundred and ninety-six (196) bags of imported foreign rice, 30 bags second hand
clothing 3 sacks of second hand shoes with DPV of #2,523,295.00
6. A 40ft container of two hundred and ninety bales of second hand clothing and twenty (20)
sacks of used shoes with DPV of #12,936,839.00
7. Two (2) 20ft containers comprising two thousand one hundred forty (2,140) Jerry Cans of
cooking Oil (25 litres) with DPV #17,002,645.00
8. A container load of five hundred and seventy-five (575) machetes with DPV of
#21,201,500.00 imported with fake end user certificate.
9. A container load of one thousand and seventy (1,070) Jerry-Cans of cooking Oil (25 litres)
with DPV #8,501,322.00
10.A 40ft container comprising: (i) one Golf V.W (ii) One used car engine (iii) 15 used car
bonnets used to conceal used tyres with DPV of #29,763,797.00.

The Customs Area Controller spoke further: “The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) is five hundred and forty-three million, nine hundred and fifty-
eight thousand, seven hundred and forty naira (#543,958,740.00).

“Some suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures and have been transferred to the
Customs Headquarters for further investigation.

“The Command is equally facilitating export trade in both oil and non-oil sector; so far, the federal
government of Nigeria has realised through export into National Export Supervision Scheme
(NESS) account, the total amount of one billion, four hundred and twenty million, two hundred
and twelve thousand, nine hundred and thirty – seven naira, two kobo (#1,420,212,937.02.).

“At this juncture, I have to commend the dedication of my Officers and Men coupled with the
cooperation of other Units like the Headquarters Strike Force Team, Federal Operations Unit
(FOU), and the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU) in the actualization of these achievements.

“We will continue to draw on our robust intelligence gathering strategy on seaport operations to
ensure a secure environment for legitimate importation of goods.
The Command under my watch will continue to deal decisively with the economic saboteurs,
their agents and collaborators; and work for the security and well being of the people of Nigeria.

“Meanwhile, our doors are wide open to all legitimate traders within our Command.

“We hereby solicit the continued support of our media friends in the ongoing fight against
smuggling that intend to evade the correct duty payment, by enlightening and educating the
general public about the cankerworm and its evil effects on the economic well being of the
nation.

“It might also interest you to know that in order to facilitate trade and ensure compliance, a dispute
resolution committee was constituted to address all issues of protest and dispute emanating from
declarations in the Command.

“It is also newsworthy to note that currently, we are enhancing the capacity of our officers
through in-house trainings which will soon be extended to our stakeholders.”

Comptroller Saidu used the forum to acknowledge the support and cooperation he has been receiving
from the various stakeholders across the State notably the captains of industry, the sister security
services and the general public who, he said, had contributed in one way or the other towards the
progress of the Service.

He also gave special kudos to members of the Press, for their invaluable contributions in
creating awareness to the general public on the core mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service which include collection of revenue for the
government, anti-smuggling activities and facilitation of trade.

While noting that records of the noble efforts of mediamen in supporting his predecessors are indelible, Comptroller Galadima Saidu said he had no iota of
doubt in his mind that they will equally extend their hands of fellowship to him to make the present administration a huge success.

Spiritualist Jailed 10 Years For Posession Of Counterfiet Currency

Grassroots Newspapers Publishers Network
-
0
Spiritualist Jailed 10 Years For Posession Of Counterfiet Currency
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC today, November 8, 2018 secured the conviction of one Abubakar Ishaq a.k.a Mai-Rakuma who is a renowned spiritualist in Kano. He was convicted by Honourable Justice A. Lewis Allagoa of the Federal High Court sitting in Kano on a two count charge of possession of counterfeit currency.
The convict was sentenced to ten years imprisonment on each of counts one and two which borders on possession of counterfeit currency.
Mai-Rakumi’s journey to prison started when the Commission received him from officers of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for being in possession of 176 pieces of Fake United States Dollars during a raid on his apartment.
Upon his reception by the Commission, Mai-Rakumi made statement under word of caution and he was granted administrative bail.
Subsequently, Mai-Rakumi was arraigned by the Commission at the Federal High Court, Kano where he pleaded guilty to count 1 and 2. Prior to his plea, prosecution counsel, Samuel Chime applied to withdraw count 3 and 4 of the charge.
In view of the guilty plea entered by the convict, Justice Allagoa adjourned the matter today for judgement during which he convicted him.
Counsel for the convict Mohammed Aliyu pleaded with the court to tamper justice with mercy in sentencing his client. He prayed the court to give his client an option of fine instead of prison term, but Justice Allagoa ignored the prayer and sentenced Mai-Rakumi to five years imprisonment on each of count one and two.
The sentences are to run concurrently. The court also ordered that the counterfeit currency shall be destroyed.

Delta APC on brink and sad narrative

Grassroots Newspapers Publishers Network
-
0
Delta APC on brink and sad narrative

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he past few weeks that succeeded the APC gubernatorial primaries in delta state have left a lingering bitter taste and created a sour sensation on the tongues of the party faithfuls, sympathisers and Chieftains alike.

The past few weeks that succeeded the APC gubernatorial primaries in delta state have left a lingering bitter taste and created a sour sensation on the tongues of the party faithfuls, sympathisers and Chieftains alike. Before June 2018, Delta APC having been through a tough and perilous climb to prominence and acceptance in Delta State, had ultimately positioned itself as a willful and steadily maturing platform that was ready to go on the offensive against Dr Okowa and PDP with its 20 year entrenchment in the system. Having found a common ground on which all interests was aggregated; Delta APC looked poised to shock the strongholds. January 6th 2018, gave a glimmer of what was to be expected in 2019, as the the party defied the odds, braved the storm and gave PDP a run for its money in the Local Government Council elections the latter conducted. It took brazen acts of dehumanization and electoral malpractice for the status quo at the time to remain. That exercise brought excitement and reposed confidence within the progressive fold of delta state, it only needed to be built on towards 2019.
The hopes and aspirations of the party got further emboldeded, and the expression of interests to contest the 2019 gubernatorial elections from party bigwigs like Rt Hon Victor Ochei, Esq, Prof Pat Utomi amongst others, signaled a huge threat to the PDP fold. It appeared that in just a matter of timeTake Over Delta would become a reality. A combination of strategy, a desire to appease the sentiment of Equity and the projection of popular interest above personal egos had effectively set Delta APC on the path to anticipated victory. Not that dissenting voices were absent, but more because the party Chieftains had found a way to project ideal opinions and form strategies from them. Sadly, the month of June 2018 saw the pulling down of structures and bonds that could have guaranteed victory. The entry of Comrade Adams Oshiomole as National Chairman, the malicious inhibitions nursed towards his predecessor and everyone that stood together with Chief Oyegun in Solidarity, served as the dynamite that would crumble the labour and efforts of progressives in Delta APC.
Finding comradeship within the ranks of fifth columnists like The Toutish Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and Serial Gubernatorial contender Great Ogboru, actions that have now summarily imploded Delta APC and alienated her from her steady successes were taken without recourse to the tenets of progressivism.
Neglecting to consider the delicate nature of party primaries, the Oshiomole Led NWC sided with foreigners, handing over the structure to those who never sowed seeds to augment the party’s growth. On September 30 2018, the gubernatorial primaries conducted under the watch of Septuagenarian Former Military Administrator, Gen Lawrence Onoja showcased the sad narrative of a process that was alien to the core values of fairness, free and credible contest, and further exploded the complications and dissatisfaction of genuine party stalwarts.
Where one finger gets soiled with soup stains it is sure to rub off on others, except steps to sanitize it are taken in earnest. In strict defiance to superior advice, the anomalies that marred the gubernatorial primaries would rear their ugly heads in the others that would follow, and this time it would lead to a breakdown of law and order in the party. Candidates were handpicked without primary elections, and where individuals proved too popular to be rigged out, names wrer just written and submitted.
The emergence of a new unholy influence (Agege/Ogboru) would set the party back to ground Zero, polarising preexisting loyalties and leading the party to defeat. The immediate results of the exercise has seen the Massive Exodus from the delta Progressives fold, The Likes of Austin Orette, Dr Henry Onianwa, Comrade Eshanomi, Mr Ogwuda (Chronicles) have found their way out of the party. More agonizingly, Chief Andrew Orugbo, Former Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice led thousands of his supporters out of the APC, and was received by Dr Okowa himself. For a party that desires to challenge the ruling party in the state and stand a chance at winning elections, does loosing members on a daily basis help its cause?
How do we reconcile the realities of a fractured party with the Take Over Delta Dream? How does Comrade Oshiomole who by his actions appears alienated and out of ideas on how best to manage Delta APC, turnaround the fortunes and rightly balance power? Without a doubt, there are incisions and fractures in Delta APC. Anyone that expresses contrary views about the true state of Delta APC, merely denies the obvious and plays to the gallery. With Court cases springing up around, Injunctions restraining the party from fielding candidates all appears set to hand easy victory to Okowa. Delta APC needs the healing hands of Justice, Equity and Fairness. Herein lies her saving grace.

Grassroots Publishers

Okowa ,Uduaghan,Mourn Sunny Odogwu, Commiserate With Family

Grassroots Newspapers Publishers Network
-
0
Okowa ,Uduaghan,Mourn Sunny Odogwu, Commiserate With Family
Elder statesman, Sonny Iwedike Odogwu, (CFR)

[dropcap]D[/dropcap]elta state former governor and the 2019 Delta South Senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Emmanuel Uduaghan, has expressed his heartfelt commiserations to the family of the proprietor of the prestigious Grand Hotels, Asaba and foremost industrialist, businessman and elder statesman, Sonny Iwedike Odogwu, (CFR), who passed Monday at 87 years.

Uduaghan in a statement signed by his media aide, Monoyo Edon, obtained by HardReporters, said “I received with a heavy heart the news of the passage of a renowned businessman, philanthropist and industrialist, Chief Sunny Odogwu. Odogwu, like many other great businessmen who hail from Delta State, brought pride to the people of the state.”

According to the former governor, “in spite of his global connections, he returned home and was made a prominent traditional chief in Asaba (Ide Ahaba of Asaba). Odogwu’s death is a great loss to our dear state, Delta, Nigeria and personally to me, who had the opportunity of tapping from his global experience in business.

“His revered business expertise brought about many innovations in the Nigeria’s business circle today especially through the Sunny Iwedike Odogwu (SIO) Group of Companies – a firm with investment in property development, shipping, finance, industrial relations and hotel management.

“Back home, he was very committed to the development of Delta State and Nigeria. This, he displayed, during the administration of Chief James Onanefe Ibori and my government, by providing insightful suggestions and ideas that will move the state forward. Whenever I called on him as a governor of his dear state, he will always give me that listening ear and support.

“Ideh AHABA, was very supportive in the development of Asaba, especially in two landmark projects. Throughout the period of the construction of the ultra modern Government House in Asaba, he visited the site regularly and on his first visit when it was put to use, he remarked that Asaba has finally been given a befitting status as the seat of Government.

“He also visited the Asaba airport regularly during construction. On the first day he landed Asaba airport from Lagos, he drove to my office and said, “Thank you Governor. I never expected that I will land with a plane into Asaba in my lifetime. In my early years in Government, he prepared my mind to what I was going to experience in Asaba. I was therefore not taken unawares when some of those things started happening.

“As Ide Ahaba of Asaba Kingdom, Chief Odogwu enormous contributions to the traditional development of his people of Anioma (Delta North), was so warming. Ide Ahaba loves his people, and that, he can’t trade for anything. On behalf of my family, I mourn with the Odogwus, the Asagba of Asaba,  Asaba Traditional Council of Chiefs and the entire Anioma Nation for this painful loss. May his soul Rest In Peace. Amen.” the statement concluded.

Also in the same vein, governor Ifeanyi Okowa has commiserated with the family of the late icon as well as condoling with the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Prof. Chike Edozien and the Asaba people on the death of their illustrious son.

In a statement signed by Okowa’s Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu on Tuesday, made available to newsmen, said “Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has received with immense sadness, news of the passing away of one of Nigeria’s leading entrepreneurs and philanthropist, Chief Sonny Odogwu, (CFR).

“Governor Okowa extends sincere condolences to members of Odogwu’s family as well as his friends, associates, business partners within and outside Nigeria, and the people of Asaba where he held the traditional title of Ide-Ahaba of Asaba.

“The Governor shares in their pain and sorrow as they mourn the late Chief Sonny Odogwu who was also honoured in his lifetime with the Zik Leadership Award in Business in 1997, the World Bank Group-IMF African Club Prize in Business Leadership in 1998 as Africa’s best businessman and Lifetime Award as an outstanding personality of the decade by The Anioma Professionals Forum in Lagos in 2017.”

1...245246247...344Page 246 of 344