[dropcap]A[/dropcap] former military governor of Plateau State during the regime of former military President Ibrahim Babangida, retired Major-General Aliyu Adu Umar Kama, has called on those warming up to contest against President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019 to bury their ambition.
Apparently referring his kinsman and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido and erstwhile deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Kingsley Moghalu among others, Kama said it would be unwise for anyone irrespective of their inclinations to want to contest against President Buhari, who had done tremendously well.
He was speaking Saturday in Abuja at the Hoba community grand reception for the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Gida Mustapha, by the Hoba elders’ council.
According to Kama, “It would be foolhardy for anyone irrespective of his/her political inclinations to want to contest against President Buhari.”
According to the former Milad, the Hoba people of Adamawa State are grateful to President Buhari for appointing two sons of the community as SGF successively and pledged continuous support for the Buhari administration.
[dropcap]A[/dropcap]niocha North PDP rally turns bloody a Members Engage In Free For All Fight,Mobile policemen, onlookers and party supporters flee as free-for all fight erupted between members of Aniocha North Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Issele-Ukwu, Aniocah North LGA, Delta State over leadership tussles.
Daily Post report had it that party chieftains at Issele-Uku party secretariat of the council area on Tuesday, were literally locked in the web of shouting match that attracted passers-by including opposition All Progressive Congress members to the scene, and soon after, it degenerated into physical exchange of blows.
It was reliably gathered that trouble started when a former APC Chieftain in the area decamped to the party with his teeming supporters.
At the venue to welcome the decampees right inside the Aniocha Council Secretariat, supporters of the lawmaker (names withheld) representing Aniocha North Constituency who were said to have been dissatisfied with the inciting comment allegedly made by the leader of the decampees, one Chief Calistus Nwanwolor in an act of furry took the microphone from the said Nwanwolor, leaving him and his decampee members in utter anger.
Eyewitness said while shouting match between both supporters of the lawmakers and the decampees lasted, dangerous weapons such as broken bottles, sticks rented the air as onlookers scampered for dear lives including Mobile Policemen who maintained neutrality during the unfolding melee.
Confirming the incident, the leader of the decampees, Calistus Nwanwolor said: “I was just making my speech when one K.C Ugbolue with his gang members pounced on me, took the microphone from me, they dealt several blows on me, and my supporters responded, Ugbolue is an aide to the lawmaker representing Aniocha North constituency, Mr. Emeka Nwaobi, I have reported the matter to the State Chairman of the party”.
But in a swift reaction, KC Ugbolue dispelled the allegations as untrue, saying that Nwanwolor allegedly made heresy statements during which he was given the opportunity to speak as a leader of the decampees.
Sources said there has been palpable fear of the unknown within the party in Aniocha North in the last few months, particularly allegations of leadership tussle, and fetish imbroglio among its members.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he 2019 governorship race have taking a new dimension as aspirants plots to stop Gov. Okorocha third term agenda . Ahead 2019 governorship election in the state, the race to succeed the incumbent, Rochas Okorocha is crowded with notable sons and daughters of the state.
Okorocha has anointed his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu who is also his Chief of Staff as successor but the move has been receiving knocks from a broad spectrum of Imo people, including members of the governor’s own party, the All Progressives Congress, APC. Many say Nwosu’s governorship would be Okorocha’s third term by proxy.
However, there are speculations that Okorocha’s plan “B”, in the event that Nwosu becomes a hard sell, is to support a serving PDP Senator from the state, get him to defect to the APC and make Nwosu his Deputy.
Okorocha’s moves are however not deterring other aspirants, even within the APC , from carrying on with their ambitions.In the APC, Prince Eze Madumere who is Okorocha’s Deputy has spurned his principal’s entreaties to jettison his guber ambition, support Nwosu and pick the party’s ticket to represent Imo East in the Senate.The Deputy governor insists he better suited to lead the state as governor from next year.
Other APC guber aspirants include Chike Okafor who represents Ehime Mbano/Ihitte Uboma/Obowo Federal Constituency .However, it not clear whether the lawmaker is still interested in the race owing to his closeness to Okorocha’s preferred successor Uche Nwosu., has been touted to be interested in the governorship race.
Former Secretary to Government of Imo State, Sir Jude Ejiogu is also in the governorship race on the platform of the All Progressive Congress.
Former PDP Senator, Ifeanyi Araraume, though yet to formally declare his ambition, has not hidden his ambition to become Imo State Governor on the platform of the APC. Also in the contest on the APC platform is Chima Anozie (Home Base), a former General Manager of Imo ENTRACO and one time House of Assembly aspirant on the platform of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP. A retired Air Force Officer, Air Commodore Peter Gbujie has also declared his ambition to become Imo State Governor on the platform of the APC.There also feelers that Chucks Ololo, Okorocha’s brother in-law is also in the race. Chucks is married to Okorocha’s younger sister, Mrs Oluchi Ololo who is Imo state Commissioner for Happiness and Couple’s Fulfilment.
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP are loaded with formidable governorship aspirants including former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha, former Imo State Governor, Ikedi Ohakim, Senator Athan Achonu,.Tony Nwulu who repreents Isolo/Oshodi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and former APC stalwart, Jerry Chukwueke. Chukwueke who is the founder and Chairman of Germaine Group was a PDP chieftain before defecting to the APC. However, upon exiting APC recently , Awaka, Owerri born business mogul who is also the founding Director of Food Concept Ltd, said he left the party because the APC in Imo has degenerated into a monumental disgrace.
Senator Sam Anyanwu representing Imo East in the Senate and former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Viola Onwuliri are also in the race for PDP Imo guber ticket and ultimately for the Government House.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, has the highest number of aspirants. Among Imolites gunning for the party’s gubernatorial ticket are ex banker Chief.Okey Ezeh, former member House of Representatives,Hon Uche Onyeagocha, Daniel Kanu of the “One Million Man March For Abacha” fame, former APGA national officer Barr Steve Nwoga, former Social Democratic Party 2015 Imo ststae governorship candidate, Dr. Captain David Mbamala, a former Commissioner of Health in the, State Dr Obi Njoku,former Commissioner of Lands and Urban Planning Barr. Charles Onyeagbako, former Commissioner of Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) , Nick Oparandudu, Founder Associated Bus Company (ABC Transport), Frank Nneji, a legal practitioner and businessman Brrister Humphrey Anumudu, Senator Bright Nwanne, Barrister Phillip Ibekwe and former Chairman Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission,Dr Sam Amadi.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]erminal operator operating in Apapa ports have warned the federal government over plan by the federal ministry of Power, works and Housing to shut down Marine Bridge for repairs in the next few weeks. The operators said the action will result in huge loses to them, aside attendant disruption on ports activities. No fewer than nine terminal operators are conducting business in the two ports of Tin can and Apapa ports. Four operators, APM Terminals, Apapa Bulk Terminal, ENL Consortium, Greenview Development operate in the Lagos Port Complex while five others namely Tin Can Island Container Terminal, Port and Cargo, Josephdam, PTML and Five Stars Logistics are operating at the Tin Can Island Port Complex. Should the government still go ahead with the plan the companies said they will be left with no option than to declare a force majeure.
The Babatunde Fashola led-ministry has recently announced that the bridge will be shut to vehicular traffic ahead the repairs expected to start in the next few weeks. The repair works will be handled by construction giant, Julius Berger. The development also coincided with the ongoing construction work of a portion of Wharf road by another construction firm, AG Dangote. The company has recently also indicated its plan to close down both side of the road, to fast-track the construction work.
Port users and motorists have groaned under the slow pace of work which the company started last year. Experts warn of more hardship for road users as the raining season approaches. In fact the heavy rainfall in the last few days has further compounded the problems of users of the road.
The terminal operators are however more concerned with the cost implication to their business if the two major road to both the Lagos Port Complex and Tin can Port Complex are totally shut down for repairs.
The operators under the aegis of Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria ( STOAN), have recently warned of dire consequences should the ministry went ahead with the closure. Apart from declaring force majure, the companies are currently considering the option of suing the Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA a la federal government for breach of concession agreement contract the terminal operators had with the Nigerian government,
STOAN last week warned that the twin closure will lead to cargo build up and eventual congestion at the ports. The timing of the closure TOAN said will create a lot of problems for its members.
STOAN said ”while we commend the efforts of the federal government to address the issue of bad roads and the poor state of the bridge, the closure of both roads at about the same time will cause serious problems to the ports especially the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa and the Tin can Island Port.
The bridge and the Wharf Road are the two major entry points into Apapa and shutting both down will mean cargoes will be trapped inside the port. The implication of this is that there will be build up of cargoes at the various terminals and port congestion will inevitably set in.
“In no time” STOAN warns ”vessel queues will return and Nigerians ports run the risk of returning to the point where they were prior to port concession.” According to the terminal operators this could lead to dire consequences, because ”once vessels queues return, shipping lines concession surcharge, which could amount to as much as $100 million per month could be slammed on the Nigerian ports and this cost will ultimately be borne by the market.”
Despite the warning, the ministry said it will still go ahead will the repairs expected to start any moment from now. Sources in the ministry told us that the roads were already due for repairs and that the federal government had no plans to reverse its decision.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Ijaw and Itsekiri youths have commended the Federal Government for the approval of the contract to dredge the Escravos bar to Warri Port, Delta State. The youths in a joint statement on Sunday signed by President of the Ijaw Youth Council, Eric Omare and President of the Itsekiri National Youth Council, Weyinmi Agbateyiniro, noted that the approval of the contract to dredge the Escravos bar to Warri Port as a laudable response by the Federal Government to demands by stakeholders in the Niger Delta region.
The youth leaders said that the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and Managing Director of the NPA, Hadiza Bala Usman, deserved commendation for their efforts towards ensuring the approval of the contract.
They urged the Federal Government to ensure that the contract is competently executed by the contractor and also not to play politics with the Warri Port and the Port Harcourt Port dredging contracts.
“These contracts are very critical to the revival of the almost moribund Warri and Port Harcourt economies. Therefore, it is our conviction that the successful completion of the dredging of the Warri Port would return the port to its former robust state and provide employment opportunities for thousands of youths in Warri and its environs,” they stated.
L-R: Chairman, Board of Trustees, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Chief Henry Njoku watches as outgoing president of the association, Prince Olayiwola Shittu hands over to the new president, Tony Iju-Nwabunike in Lagos on Saturday
[dropcap]S[/dropcap]ome aggrieved members of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) who lost in the recent National Executive Committee (NECOM) elections have asked a Federal High court in Lagos to nullify the election over “flagrant non-conformity and compliance with the association’s constitution and electoral guidelines”.
The suit instituted by Sakay and Company Nigeria Limited, Bio Bio Ventures Limited, Mr Abiodun Ogunfowora and Kayode Oyinlola, a Vice Presidential aspirant in the election held on March 8, 2018 joined the immediate past president, Prince Olayiwola Shittu and the association’s Board of Trustees (BOT) as defendants.
In the suit filed on April 11, a copy of which was obtained by Grassroots Publishers, the plaintiffs are seeking a declaration of the court directing the BOT to reconstitute the electoral body by removal of the Chairman, Barr. Raymond Onyimba, and substituting him with an eligible member who is qualified under the constitution of the association.
The plaintiffs also sought for an order to restrain the newly elected National Executive Committee (NECOM) joined as defendants, from presenting themselves for swearing in into offices of the National Executive Committee of the association pending the final determination of the suit.
The plaintiffs are also asking for a declaration that only the national officers stipulated in section five and six of the association’s constitution are eligible to vote in the NECOM election and in consequence, votes of the ineligible voters are void.The plaintiffs also prayed the court to mandate the first respondents to set up a caretaker committee to oversee the administration of the association until a credible election is held within six monthsfrom the date of the order.
No date has been fixed for hearing in the suit filed at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division.
Meanwhile Prince Olayiwola Shittu formally completed his tenure as National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) on Saturday as he formally handed over to his successor, Tony Iju-Nwabunike.
Shittu, who was first elected in 2010, is the first ANLCA President to serve two terms. He was re-elected unopposed in 2014.
Shittu has been credited with several achievements as ANLCA President including bringing sanity into the association, professionalisation of members and the acquisition of a multimillion naira permanent secretariat.
Several ANLCA members who spoke with Grassroots Publishers commended Shittu and his team for repositioning the association, even as they charged the incoming ANLCA leaders to build on the legacies of the outgoing executives.
“There is no substitute for truth, honesty, dedication to duty, hard work and commitment. These qualities are all that you stand for and represent. You have raised the ladder of leadership with exemplary democracy. You are a rare breed,” former Lagos State Commissioner of Transportation, Professor Bamidele Badejo, had said in a message to Shittu.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Hameed Ali, who was represented at the handover ceremony by the Coordinator, Zone A of the NCS, Aminu Dahiru, while congratulating Shittu for the successful completion of his eight-year tenure, urged the new ANLCA President, Tony Iju-Nwabunike, to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor for the association to continue to grow.
Representative of the Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Lami Tumaka said Shittu’s exemplary leadership is worthy of emulation even as she appealed to members of ANLCA to extend the same support to Nwabunike.
On his part, Shittu called on aggrieved members of the association to join hands with the new leadership to move the association forward.
According to him, once election is over, nobody has the right to question the collective will of the majority.
He said,” Election in ANLCA has become an institution, a system of envy. But like all elections in Nigeria, it will be contentious; there will be disagreement but I have always believe in patience.
“In the history of ANLCA today, some people wanted a position but did not get it and today, they have become greater than what they were fighting for. Our former President, Elochukwu is an example. That time he fought, you will think that it is the end of the world but the world will succeed everyone of us whether we like it or not.
“ANLCA is an ongoing project just like Nigeria. There is going to be many Presidents and some will pass on but ANLCA will continue to remain. That must be the watchword of every one of us. If you find the President doing something wrong, reach out to him. He is not infallible. I hurt a lot of people because I have to get the job done. I will like to say, those of you I match your toes, may God heal the toes.”
Mr. Patrick Ukah addressing the Press on behalf of Anioma Nation towards the Grand Reception of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa
[dropcap]F[/dropcap]ollowing the governorship rotational arrangement by the People’s Democratic Party, PDP in Delta State which has favoured its three Senatorial districts and presently being enjoyed by the Delta North, a unity group under the aegis of Anioma Nation has rolled out plans to celebrate their own, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in a grand reception on Saturday April 21 in Asaba.
The event which is scheduled to hold at the Cenotaph in the State Capital, will witness the largest gathering of all Anioma sons and daughters including, traditional rulers, political office holders, professionals and business moguls, various cultural groups, friends of the state and members of PDP in the State and Nigeria.
These information was disclosed to the public at a press conference by the committee of the epoch event headed by the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi, with top political appointees in the State of Anioma extraction as members. Briefing journalists on the details of the ceremony, the Head, Media and Publicity for the reception, Mr Patrick Ukah said that the event which has been planned by several groups, is coming under the umbrella of Anioma Nation to give Governor Okowa a solidarity reception, stressing that, Okowa is a true representation of what Anioma stands for, a true leader and a true political icon of the Northerners and it is time Anioma Nation honour and celebrate their own.
In his words; “We the Anioma people have come together in our large numbers to give thanks to God. To thank God for our son and to come together to show solidarity for what God has done for us by giving us a true son of Anioma to be at the helms of affairs in Delta State today.
“This reception would have come before now but we wanted to convince ourselves that our son, His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has stamped his feet firmly as the true leader of Delta State. So we have decided to come together to give him a very resounding reception and this event is going to take place on Saturday, 21st April at the cenotaph by 11 am.
Continuing, Ukah hinted that the reception will be a day that Deltans will live to remember noting that all Anioma sons and daughters from the corporate world, Anioma traditional rulers, politicians and all Aniomas are going to stand still for Governor Okowa on Saturday.
“We will be having very prominent Deltans and Nigerians at the event. We will have some State Governors that will be at the event and of course, you know that Governor Okowa belongs to a political party, definitely, the leader of his party in Nigeria will be coming to Asaba on Saturday”, Ukah informed, adding that the chairman of the occasion will the Ozoma of Asaba, Chief Philip Asiodu.
[dropcap]I[/dropcap]mo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has insisted that he will contest the Imo West senatorial seat, while reaffirming his support for Chief of Staff Uche Nwosu for governor in 2019. The Governor stated this on Monday when leaders, youth and women groups from Ideato North visited Government House, Owerri, offering their endorsement to Nwosu for governor.
Okorocha, boasting that he has retired all the bigwigs in state politics, said that he had no doubt Nwosu would win the governorship race considering his pedigree and background. According to the governor, Nwosu has learnt the ropes and stands better qualified than any other aspirant.
“Uche is the least of the political children I have trained, said the Governor.
“Madumere is there too but none of them have I known like Nwosu. I took him up when he was just nobody and grew [him] to the height he is now. Madumere too. His only sin is that he is my son-in-law. How about the Njemanze’s, the bishops from Egbu; they occupy every position in Egbu without considering who and where they came from.”
He continued that “Nwosu will win in 2019. Don’t be afraid, I am there. I have retired the Arthur Nzeribes, the Udenwas; now I will retire the rest of them finally. I know them and they know me, their plan is to push me so that they can get the Senate. It’s a lie. I will run for senate,” Okorocha declared.
Speaking on President Mohammadu Buhari’s declaration to run for a second term, Governor Okorocha assured that he will win again, just like he did in 2015. While appealing to people of the South East to support the President’s re-election, he equally implored the zone to wait for their turn in 2023.
“Buhari will win again and again, after Buhari, the turn will come to South East, and it will be the turn of Okorocha,” hinting at a possible run for President himself.
[dropcap]A [/dropcap]market leader in Oye Uga Market, Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State, Victor Isichekwe, was at the weekend arrested by the Department of State Service (DSS) for allegedly diverting government revenue to his personal account. Speaking on the arrest in Awka, the Commissioner for Trade, Commerce, Market and Wealth Creation, Dr Christian Mmadubuko, said he personally made the arrest and handed the suspect over to the DSS.
He said the suspect has been in the habit of issuing fake receipts to payers to enable him divert government funds to his personal account.According to the commissioner, revenue diversion had continued unabated in the state despite efforts by successive governments to curb it. While stressing that the era of misappropriation of government funds was over, Mmadubuko warned that any persons caught in the diversion of government funds will not escape prosecution.
The commissioner said: “All those who have permit from the government to collect revenue should liaise with my ministry to ensure their job specification and the duration of their services, while the marketers should put on hold any payment till further notice.”On his part, the Head of Department of Market in the Ministry, Mrs Nkiruka Ebo Nwosu, recalled that on assumption of office in 2017, she noticed that market leaders were giving authority letters to collect revenue in their various markets.
She regretted that many of them were not complying with the directive of using the integrated pay direct system in revenue collection.
The suspect, Isichekwe, said he was printing receipt to satisfy traders in the market who were bent on being issued receipt for any government levy paid arguing that it was not for diversion.
Mr Sunday Ehindero former Inspector-General of Police (I-G),
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it is set to resume prosecution of former Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Sunday Ehindero, for alleged N16 million fraud. Spokesperson of the commission, Mrs Rasheedat Okoduwa, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Friday. Okoduwa said the case against Ehindero, who was I-G between 2005 and 2007, would continue at the FCT High Court in Abuja.
The former police boss is facing trial for and alleged criminal conversion of money belonging to the Ministry of Police Affairs into personal use while in office, according to the ICPC spokesperson.“This development followed a Supreme Court ruling dismissing the appeal filed by the former police chief, challenging the jurisdiction of the Commission and the FCT high court to try him.
“Ehindero and an accomplice had in 2012 been arraigned on a six-count charge of conspiracy to criminally convert public funds totaling N16,412,315.00.
“The allegedly diverted funds were the interests generated from the sum of N557,995,065 police money he had placed in two fixed deposit accounts at Wema Bank Plc and Intercontinental Bank Plc.
“The said money was donated by Bayelsa State Government to the force at the time to enable it purchase equipment for proper policing of the state,” she said.
Okoduwa alleged that the principal sum donated was transferred to the Ministry of Police Affairs from the accounts without the interests earned.This, according to her, formed the crux of the allegations against the accused.She recalled that on June 6, 2012, Ehindero filed a preliminary objection asking the trial court to strike out the amended charges for want of jurisdiction and competence.
He also prayed the court for an order restraining any official of the ICPC from prosecuting him, for not having constitutional power to do so among others.“In the reserved ruling delivered on Sept. 21, 2012, the trial judge dismissed the application in its entirety.
“Thereafter, the former IGP proceeded to the Court of Appeal and again his appeal was dismissed.
“Ehindero took the matter to the Supreme Court where he has been asked to face his trial.
“The matter ought to have come up on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, for further mention, but the court did not sit”, Okoduwa said.
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[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Ijaw and Itsekiri youths have commended the Federal Government for the approval of the contract to dredge the Escravos bar to Warri Port, Delta State. The youths in a joint statement on Sunday signed by President of the Ijaw Youth Council, Eric Omare and President of the Itsekiri National Youth Council, Weyinmi Agbateyiniro, noted that the approval of the contract to dredge the Escravos bar to Warri Port as a laudable response by the Federal Government to demands by stakeholders in the Niger Delta region.
