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Nigeria is Asphyxiating, Grinding to a Halt Under Tinubu – PDP Alerts

August 28, 2023

Press Statement

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alerts that Nigeria is asphyxiating, in dire straits and fast grinding to a halt under Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Party laments that Nigeria is at the edge of the precipice under the Tinubu-led APC hold which lacks the acceptability and followership of citizens; a situation that has created an atmosphere and feeling of absence of governance in the country.

Our Party is alarmed that there is a serious disconnection between the government and the citizens arising from ill-planned and hasty implementation of policies that have brought excruciating hardship, horrifying insecurity and a general sense of apprehension that is already threatening the peace, unity and corporate existence of our nation.

The administration’s lack of ingenuity, tact and sensitivity towards the wellbeing of Nigerians in the removal of subsidy and floating of the Naira inflamed unbearable high cost of living, crippled our national productivity, crashed millions of businesses and sparked massive job loss with attendant escalated poverty, hunger, insecurity and hopelessness across the country.

The situation has snowballed into a dangerous loss of investors’ confidence with international companies exiting our nation and leaving millions of Nigerians stranded in the labour market with crippling effect on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) which are the real drivers of our national economy.

It is horrifying that in the last two months, over 150 million Nigerians can no longer afford their daily meals with families now going to bed on empty stomach.

It is appalling that the APC government continues to tout their fraud-prone palliative program of a miserable average 1,200 bags of rice to Nigerians in each State of the country. The APC has expanded its capacity to deceive and defraud Nigerians through phony programmes; a situation that has heightened frustration across the country.

Moreover, the PDP describes as distressing that the APC government had turned a blind eye to the plight of Nigerians with no concrete commitment towards the safety of lives of our citizens despite the killing of over 500 Nigerians in Plateau, Benue, Niger, Kaduna and other States of the federation, with many more abducted since May 29, 2023.

The failure of the APC government to decisively act since the abduction of eight corps members who were on their way to Sokoto State for their one-year mandatory national service is another ugly testament of the APC government insensitivity towards the security, safety and wellbeing of citizens.

More disturbing is the recent downing of a Nigerian military aircraft with attendant loss of lives of our brave and gallant military personnel without corresponding reassuring statement from the APC government.

Currently, under the APC, life expectancy in Nigeria has plummeted. Citizens and residents live in constant apprehension and cannot move freely across the country for fear of being killed or abducted.

Instead of protecting Nigerians, the APC government is desperate to plunge our nation into a needless war in Niger Republic over a conflict in that nation that does not constitute any threat whatsoever to our National Interest.

Our Party is concerned that the general sense of despondency, anxiety, distress and disconnection in the country, if not urgently addressed, could deteriorate into a serious crisis.

The PDP charges Nigerians to remain calm, law-abiding and continue to support one another in their quest for a secure and economically thriving nation.

Signed:

Hon. Debo Ologunagba

National Publicity Secretary

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

COST OF GOVERNANCE: PRESIDENT TINUBU DIRECTS NON-INCLUSION OF FGN OFFICIALS WITH NO DIRECT UNGA PARTICIPATION FROM TRAVELING IN NIGERIA’S DELEGATION

As part of a broader effort to reduce the cost of governance in Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to freeze the processing of visas for all government officials seeking to travel to New York for the United Nations General Assembly without proof of direct participation in UNGA’s official schedule of activities.

To prevent any sharp practice in this regard, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria is accordingly guided on official visa processing while Nigeria’s Permanent Mission in New York is further directed to prevent and stop the accreditation of any government official who is not placed on the protocol lists forwarded by the approving authority.

By this directive of the President, all Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies are mandated to ensure that all officials, who are approved for inclusion in the UNGA delegation, strictly limit the number of aides and associated staff partaking in the event. Where excesses or anomalies in this regard are identified, they will be removed during the final verification process.

The President wishes to affirm that, henceforth, government officials and government expenditure must reflect the prudence and sacrifice being made by well-meaning Nigerians across the nation.

Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

August 28, 2023

 

RIGHT OF REPLY: SENATOR OMO-AGEGE’S PETITION AGAINST RT. HON. OBOREVWORI REMAINS ROCK-SOLID AND PROVEN; IGNORE THE ROUBLEROUSERS, AS WE AWAIT THE TRIBUNAL’S JUDGMENT

By Aruviere Martin Egharhevwa, Esq

The general public in Delta State and beyond is seeing through the ongoing irresponsible propaganda scheme now activated by Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s media handlers to intimidate and harass the Delta State Governorship Election Tribunal to do their bidding. Their sinister and careless plot to run amok with senseless lies, convoluted facts and vain propaganda orchestrated to undermine the judicial process of the Delta State Governorship Election Tribunal that Oborevwori has submitted himself to for impartial adjudication is beyond the pale and must be stopped.

It is often a sign of severe weakness to use underhand attempts to try to avoid a looming judicial loss. This happens where a party or parties to a judicial process plan and use unfounded media propaganda to pressure, harass and coerce judicial officers to do their bidding. It takes excellent legal knowledge by experienced legal minds with a calm spirit to answer to real facts and legal questions laid bare before an election tribunal for resolution, not the sort of fake news recently planted in and spread by Mideno Bayagbon’s TheNewsGuru courtesy of Bayo Millz and/or Pius Mordi (such a confusing authorship) who suggested that Oborevwori has won a case that is yet to be decided by the Honourable Justices of the Delta State Governorship Election Tribunal. Expectedly, to falsely foist Oborevwori on the minds of Deltans and Nigerians as the winner in the ongoing petition brought by the immediate former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), they must and had to lie without shame.

First, Bayo Millz and/or Pius Mordi opened their orchestrated media scheme to pressure the Honourable Justices of the Delta State Governorship Election Tribunal with a nonsensical claim and pitiable cry that Senator Omo-Agege won in only 4 (out of the 25) Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Delta State while suppressing the incontestable fact that the so-called victory of Rt. Hon. Oborevwori in the remaining 21 LGAs came from unlawful and invalid votes which have now been copiously identified by the Petitioners in their petition and the credible evidence they led during the trial of the petition.

Next, the duo of the confused authors of the fake news on Mideno Bayagbon’s TheNewsGuru (that sees no good in anything Omo-Agege for reasons we prefer to ignore) took a flight of fancy to what is not even before the Tribunal when they claimed that the Petitioners “sought refuge on technical grounds relating to pre-election issues” without pointing their readers to a specific portion of the Omo-Agege/APC petition where such is contained.

As a matter of law, an election petition is only competently founded on one or a combination of grounds enumerated in Section 134 of the Electoral Act, 2022. In the instant case, the petition is filed under section 134(1)(b) and (c) that Oborevwori’s election was invalid due to irregularities and noncompliance with the Act in so many polling units where the election is questioned. For this, the Petitioners contend that it was Senator Omo-Agege (NOT Oberevwori) who received the majority of the lawful votes cast and satisfied the spread required by the 1999 Constitution (as altered) to be declared the elected governor of Delta State. Is it not therefore troubling that Bayo Millz and/or Pius Mordi chose to categorise these grounds of the petition as “pre-election issues” when Omo-Agege/APC is not questioning Oborevwori’s qualification to contest the election?

Continuing in their cheap but dangerous propaganda on their choice platform of hate against Omo-Agege and pretending to be the Honourable Justices of the Tribunal, Bayo Millz and/or Pius Mordi declared with a sense of finality and suffocating quackery designed to arrogantly force a fait accompli on the true Tribunal that the Petitioners’ well-articulated case on pervasive overvoting or non-compliance with the mandatory and proper use of the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) “could not be proved”. This level of desperation is just unbelievable! Are they not deluding themselves? If not, how can anyone reasonably say this when the evidence before the Tribunal on the BVAS issue is one that none of the Respondents could impeach, having not provided any set of accreditation data different from what the Petitioners and INEC presented?

The fact is that in all the polling units where the Petitioners questioned the non-use or improper use of the BVAS, the Respondents failed woefully to present a scintilla of evidence contradicting the case made out and proved by the Petitioners. For instance, the Petitioners proved without any challenge from the Respondents that the total votes cast in 109 polling units exceeded accreditation with the BVAS machines and that accreditation figures written on result from 27 polling units are totally inconsistent with accreditation evidenced by the voters’ registers presented by INEC. These are places where Oborevwori and PDP received humongous unlawful votes!

Having deliberately told lies in the media to obviously wet the ground to taint a final determination of the petition by the Tribunal that may not suit their jaundiced prejudices, it is necessary to go a bit further to speak fairly to the facts. We are talking of a petition where the evidence led by the Petitioners and even INEC unambiguously confirm that Oborevwori/PDP received almost 130,000 unlawful and invalid votes from over 1,300 polling units where the identities/serial numbers of the result sheets used are unknown, same having not been duly recorded as authentic INEC’s result sheets in the prescribed documents, and this is clearly contrary to the bare and mandatory provision of the innovative section 73(2) operating together with section 137 and paragraph 46(4) (first schedule) amongst other relevant provisions of the Electoral Act. The evidence also confirms that INEC has no documents to justify results in 306 polling units and that documents mandatorily required to be filled before an election could be conducted were not filled in over 200 polling units. Also, the quantities of ballot papers supposed issued to, used and unused in over 500 polling units are inconsistent with what is falsely stated on the results for those units. Additionally, the votes for Oborevwori/PDP in 17 polling units in Oshimili North LGA where just arbitrarily inflated by 11,045 votes. These are the real facts, not mere conjectures.

The issues are even much more and they are just unprecedented, yet those who think the electoral law is a joke are writing judgments for themselves in the media to satisfy their uninformed fancy. Enough said. Whether the Petitioners’ case has merits or not, it is the exclusive duty of the Honourable Justices of the Tribunal to decide, not rabblerousers who know nothing about our electoral jurisprudence. It is manifest on the evidence now before the Tribunal that Senator Ovie Omo-Agege clearly defeated Rt. Hon. Oborevwori with over 14,000 votes and satisfied the constitutional requirements to be declared the duly elected governor of Delta State having scored at least 25% of the votes cast in 24 (out of the 25) LGAs of the State. We will not sit idly by and watch anyone steal the election a second time.

Finally, like all judicial contestations, election petitions are conducted with solemnity in courts before select judicial panels of honourable jurists, not irresponsible conduct on social media, unattractive partisan micro blogs or the internet in general. Election petitions are serious business because their outcomes have far-reaching implications on society. Every well-trained journalist knows that it is irresponsibility that comes within the ambit of criminal conduct to design and activate media schemes to undermine the outcomes of judicial litigations. We advise the likes of Bayo Millz and/or Pius Mordi (if they exist) and their sponsors to tread cautiously in their new found business of writing the judgment of the Delta State Governorship Election Tribunal before the real panel decides the case based on the law, hard facts and unassailable evidence now before it.

 

 

SERAP gives Tinubu 48 hours to reverse ban on Vanguard, Galaxy TV, 23 others from Aso Rock

 

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to use his “good offices and leadership position to immediately reverse the unlawful ban on 25 journalists and media houses from covering the presidential villa and restore the accreditations of those affected.”

 

SERAP urged him “to publicly instruct the officials in the presidential villa to allow journalists and media houses to freely do their job and discharge their constitutional duty of holding those in power to account.”

 

According to reports, the Federal Government recently withdrew the accreditations of some 25 journalists from covering activities at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The banned journalists include those from the Vanguard; Galaxy TV; Ben TV; MITV; ITV Abuja; PromptNews; ONTV, and Liberty.

 

In the letter dated 26 August 2023 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “Barring these journalists and media houses from covering the presidential villa is to prevent them from carrying out their legitimate constitutional responsibility.”

 

SERAP said, “Your administration cannot with one broad stroke ban journalists from covering public functions. Citizens’ access to information and participation would mean little if journalists and media houses are denied access to the seat of government.”

 

According to SERAP, “Media freedom is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democracy and journalists must be able to hold the government to account. This is a matter of public interest. The government cannot cherry-pick journalists to cover its activities.”

 

The letter, read in part: “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 48 hours of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”

 

“Nigerians may consider the expulsion of the journalists from the presidential villa as your government’s ambivalence towards media freedom, and citizens’ rights of access to information and participation in their own government.”

 

“The legal obligations imposed on your government to ensure and uphold media freedom and human rights, and facilitate public access to the presidential villa as a public trust outweigh any purported ‘security concerns and overcrowding of the press gallery area.’”

 

“Media freedom, access to information and citizens’ participation in the affairs of their own government are the sine qua non of a democratic and rule of law-based society.”

 

“The withdrawal of the accreditation tags of these journalists directly violates media freedom and human rights including access to information and the right to participation. It would have a significant chilling effect on newsgathering and reporting functions, and may lead to self-censorship.”

 

“The withdrawal of the accreditations of the journalists would construct barriers between Nigerians and certain information about the operations of their government, something which they have a constitutional right to receive.”

 

“Media freedom, access to information and the right to participation are necessary for the maintenance of an open and accountable government. These freedoms are so fundamental in a democracy that they trump any vague grounds of ‘security concerns and overcrowding of the press gallery area.’”

 

“The effective exercise of media freedom, access to information and citizens’ right to participation in their government would preserve and contribute to a free and democratic society, something which is consistent with your constitutional oath of office to defend the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended].”

 

“Allowing the media to cover the presidential villa would improve the reliability of information available to the public and serve the public interest.”

 

“Your government reportedly justified this grave constitutional infraction on the pretext of ‘an internal attempt to reduce bloated number of print photographers and overcrowding in the State House.’”

 

“Your government also cited alleged ‘security concerns raised by State House officials and visiting dignitaries concerning the overcrowding of the press gallery area that blocks the walking path to the President’s Office.’”

 

“According to our information, your administration on 18 August 2023 withdrew the accreditation tags of some 25 journalists and media houses from covering activities at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.”

 

“The banned journalists reportedly include those from Vanguard newspaper; Galaxy TV; Ben TV; MITV; ITV Abuja; PromptNews, ONTV, and Liberty. Other media personnel affected by the withdrawal are mostly reporters and cameramen from broadcast, print, and online media outlets.”

 

“The affected journalists were simply told at the main gate of the presidential villa to submit their accreditation tags.”

“SERAP is concerned that the withdrawal of the accreditations of 25 journalists covering the presidential villa is a grave violation of the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international human rights obligations.”

 

“Our requests are brought in the public interest, and in keeping with the requirements of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended]; and the country’s international obligations including under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to which Nigeria is a state party.”

 

“Under section 22 of the Nigerian Constitution, the mass media including ‘the press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this Chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people.’”

 

“Section 14(2)(c) of the Constitution provides that ‘the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.’”

 

“Similarly, Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights provides that, ‘Every individual shall have the right to receive information. Every individual shall have the right to express and disseminate his opinions.’”

 

“Article 13 of the Charter also provides that, ‘Every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country. Every citizen shall have the right of equal access to the public service of his country. Every individual shall have the right of access to public property and services.’”

 

“Articles 19 and 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights contain similar provisions.”

 

“SERAP also urges you to take meaningful and effective steps to ensure respect for the rights to media freedom, access to information and citizens’ right to participate in their own government.”

 

 

 

Kolawole Oluwadare

SERAP Deputy Director

27/8/2023

Lagos, Nigeria

Emails: info@serap-nigeria.orgnews@serap-nigeria.org

Twitter: @SERAPNigeria

Website: www.serap-nigeria.org

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

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South-South women call NDWL officials, Timi Frank idle talkers, bunch of worthless wimps

  • Praise Akpabio

South-South women on Sunday criticized calls for the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio to resign.

They also described the Niger Delta Women League (NDWL), former Deputy National Spokesman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Timi Frank and other critics of the Senate President as idle talkers and a bunch of worthless wimps.

‘’We must speak out for reason and balance. Anyone taking a thoroughly objective look at the views of the Niger Delta Women League (NDWL) has to be dismayed and shocked. All sense of logic and balance has been lost’’.

A statement issued in Port Harcourt by the South-South Women Vanguard (SSWV) applauded Akpabio for working towards the common good of the country, putting Nigeria in the right perspective and placing the interests of Nigeria ahead of his own.

‘’Senate President Godswill Akpabio is dedicated, honest and devoutly religious. He understands the country’s problems, has a good grasp of what needs to be done to resolve them and is working to make the necessary changes. Nigerians are turning to him to solve their problems’’.

The women hailed Akpabio for his morals, values and respect for Nigerians, particularly his colleagues.

‘’Desire for perverted materialism and government hand-outs are the two things motivating some traitorous individuals and groups in the country’’ the statement said.

The statement signed by Dr Margaret Ani underscored strong leadership, Akpabio’s hatred for greed and corruption.

The highly respected women in the zone described calls for Akpabio’s resignation by Niger Delta Women League (NDWL), former Deputy National Spokesman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Timi Frank and other individuals as foolish.

‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio is the epitome of success and a stumbling block to the plans of self-interest groups’’ the statement added.

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SERAP gives Tinubu 48 hours to reverse ban on Vanguard, Galaxy TV, 23 others from Aso Rock

 

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to use his “good offices and leadership position to immediately reverse the unlawful ban on 25 journalists and media houses from covering the presidential villa and restore the accreditations of those affected.”

 

SERAP urged him “to publicly instruct the officials in the presidential villa to allow journalists and media houses to freely do their job and discharge their constitutional duty of holding those in power to account.”

 

According to reports, the Federal Government recently withdrew the accreditations of some 25 journalists from covering activities at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The banned journalists include those from the Vanguard; Galaxy TV; Ben TV; MITV; ITV Abuja; PromptNews; ONTV, and Liberty.

 

In the letter dated 26 August 2023 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “Barring these journalists and media houses from covering the presidential villa is to prevent them from carrying out their legitimate constitutional responsibility.”

 

SERAP said, “Your administration cannot with one broad stroke ban journalists from covering public functions. Citizens’ access to information and participation would mean little if journalists and media houses are denied access to the seat of government.”

 

According to SERAP, “Media freedom is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democracy and journalists must be able to hold the government to account. This is a matter of public interest. The government cannot cherry-pick journalists to cover its activities.”

 

The letter, read in part: “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 48 hours of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”

 

“Nigerians may consider the expulsion of the journalists from the presidential villa as your government’s ambivalence towards media freedom, and citizens’ rights of access to information and participation in their own government.”

 

“The legal obligations imposed on your government to ensure and uphold media freedom and human rights, and facilitate public access to the presidential villa as a public trust outweigh any purported ‘security concerns and overcrowding of the press gallery area.’”

 

“Media freedom, access to information and citizens’ participation in the affairs of their own government are the sine qua non of a democratic and rule of law-based society.”

 

“The withdrawal of the accreditation tags of these journalists directly violates media freedom and human rights including access to information and the right to participation. It would have a significant chilling effect on newsgathering and reporting functions, and may lead to self-censorship.”

 

“The withdrawal of the accreditations of the journalists would construct barriers between Nigerians and certain information about the operations of their government, something which they have a constitutional right to receive.”

 

“Media freedom, access to information and the right to participation are necessary for the maintenance of an open and accountable government. These freedoms are so fundamental in a democracy that they trump any vague grounds of ‘security concerns and overcrowding of the press gallery area.’”

 

“The effective exercise of media freedom, access to information and citizens’ right to participation in their government would preserve and contribute to a free and democratic society, something which is consistent with your constitutional oath of office to defend the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended].”

 

“Allowing the media to cover the presidential villa would improve the reliability of information available to the public and serve the public interest.”

 

“Your government reportedly justified this grave constitutional infraction on the pretext of ‘an internal attempt to reduce bloated number of print photographers and overcrowding in the State House.’”

 

“Your government also cited alleged ‘security concerns raised by State House officials and visiting dignitaries concerning the overcrowding of the press gallery area that blocks the walking path to the President’s Office.’”

 

“According to our information, your administration on 18 August 2023 withdrew the accreditation tags of some 25 journalists and media houses from covering activities at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.”

 

“The banned journalists reportedly include those from Vanguard newspaper; Galaxy TV; Ben TV; MITV; ITV Abuja; PromptNews, ONTV, and Liberty. Other media personnel affected by the withdrawal are mostly reporters and cameramen from broadcast, print, and online media outlets.”

 

“The affected journalists were simply told at the main gate of the presidential villa to submit their accreditation tags.”

“SERAP is concerned that the withdrawal of the accreditations of 25 journalists covering the presidential villa is a grave violation of the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international human rights obligations.”

 

“Our requests are brought in the public interest, and in keeping with the requirements of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended]; and the country’s international obligations including under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to which Nigeria is a state party.”

 

“Under section 22 of the Nigerian Constitution, the mass media including ‘the press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this Chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people.’”

 

“Section 14(2)(c) of the Constitution provides that ‘the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.’”

 

“Similarly, Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights provides that, ‘Every individual shall have the right to receive information. Every individual shall have the right to express and disseminate his opinions.’”

 

“Article 13 of the Charter also provides that, ‘Every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country. Every citizen shall have the right of equal access to the public service of his country. Every individual shall have the right of access to public property and services.’”

 

“Articles 19 and 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights contain similar provisions.”

 

“SERAP also urges you to take meaningful and effective steps to ensure respect for the rights to media freedom, access to information and citizens’ right to participate in their own government.”

 

 

 

Kolawole Oluwadare

SERAP Deputy Director

27/8/2023

Lagos, Nigeria

Emails: info@serap-nigeria.orgnews@serap-nigeria.org

Twitter: @SERAPNigeria

Website: www.serap-nigeria.org

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

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RIGHT OF REPLY: SENATOR OMO-AGEGE’S PETITION AGAINST RT. HON. OBOREVWORI REMAINS ROCK-SOLID AND PROVEN; IGNORE THE ROUBLEROUSERS, AS WE AWAIT THE TRIBUNAL’S JUDGMENT

By Aruviere Martin Egharhevwa, Esq

The general public in Delta State and beyond is seeing through the ongoing irresponsible propaganda scheme now activated by Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s media handlers to intimidate and harass the Delta State Governorship Election Tribunal to do their bidding. Their sinister and careless plot to run amok with senseless lies, convoluted facts and vain propaganda orchestrated to undermine the judicial process of the Delta State Governorship Election Tribunal that Oborevwori has submitted himself to for impartial adjudication is beyond the pale and must be stopped.

It is often a sign of severe weakness to use underhand attempts to try to avoid a looming judicial loss. This happens where a party or parties to a judicial process plan and use unfounded media propaganda to pressure, harass and coerce judicial officers to do their bidding. It takes excellent legal knowledge by experienced legal minds with a calm spirit to answer to real facts and legal questions laid bare before an election tribunal for resolution, not the sort of fake news recently planted in and spread by Mideno Bayagbon’s TheNewsGuru courtesy of Bayo Millz and/or Pius Mordi (such a confusing authorship) who suggested that Oborevwori has won a case that is yet to be decided by the Honourable Justices of the Delta State Governorship Election Tribunal. Expectedly, to falsely foist Oborevwori on the minds of Deltans and Nigerians as the winner in the ongoing petition brought by the immediate former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), they must and had to lie without shame.

First, Bayo Millz and/or Pius Mordi opened their orchestrated media scheme to pressure the Honourable Justices of the Delta State Governorship Election Tribunal with a nonsensical claim and pitiable cry that Senator Omo-Agege won in only 4 (out of the 25) Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Delta State while suppressing the incontestable fact that the so-called victory of Rt. Hon. Oborevwori in the remaining 21 LGAs came from unlawful and invalid votes which have now been copiously identified by the Petitioners in their petition and the credible evidence they led during the trial of the petition.

Next, the duo of the confused authors of the fake news on Mideno Bayagbon’s TheNewsGuru (that sees no good in anything Omo-Agege for reasons we prefer to ignore) took a flight of fancy to what is not even before the Tribunal when they claimed that the Petitioners “sought refuge on technical grounds relating to pre-election issues” without pointing their readers to a specific portion of the Omo-Agege/APC petition where such is contained.

As a matter of law, an election petition is only competently founded on one or a combination of grounds enumerated in Section 134 of the Electoral Act, 2022. In the instant case, the petition is filed under section 134(1)(b) and (c) that Oborevwori’s election was invalid due to irregularities and noncompliance with the Act in so many polling units where the election is questioned. For this, the Petitioners contend that it was Senator Omo-Agege (NOT Oberevwori) who received the majority of the lawful votes cast and satisfied the spread required by the 1999 Constitution (as altered) to be declared the elected governor of Delta State. Is it not therefore troubling that Bayo Millz and/or Pius Mordi chose to categorise these grounds of the petition as “pre-election issues” when Omo-Agege/APC is not questioning Oborevwori’s qualification to contest the election?

Continuing in their cheap but dangerous propaganda on their choice platform of hate against Omo-Agege and pretending to be the Honourable Justices of the Tribunal, Bayo Millz and/or Pius Mordi declared with a sense of finality and suffocating quackery designed to arrogantly force a fait accompli on the true Tribunal that the Petitioners’ well-articulated case on pervasive overvoting or non-compliance with the mandatory and proper use of the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) “could not be proved”. This level of desperation is just unbelievable! Are they not deluding themselves? If not, how can anyone reasonably say this when the evidence before the Tribunal on the BVAS issue is one that none of the Respondents could impeach, having not provided any set of accreditation data different from what the Petitioners and INEC presented?

The fact is that in all the polling units where the Petitioners questioned the non-use or improper use of the BVAS, the Respondents failed woefully to present a scintilla of evidence contradicting the case made out and proved by the Petitioners. For instance, the Petitioners proved without any challenge from the Respondents that the total votes cast in 109 polling units exceeded accreditation with the BVAS machines and that accreditation figures written on result from 27 polling units are totally inconsistent with accreditation evidenced by the voters’ registers presented by INEC. These are places where Oborevwori and PDP received humongous unlawful votes!

Having deliberately told lies in the media to obviously wet the ground to taint a final determination of the petition by the Tribunal that may not suit their jaundiced prejudices, it is necessary to go a bit further to speak fairly to the facts. We are talking of a petition where the evidence led by the Petitioners and even INEC unambiguously confirm that Oborevwori/PDP received almost 130,000 unlawful and invalid votes from over 1,300 polling units where the identities/serial numbers of the result sheets used are unknown, same having not been duly recorded as authentic INEC’s result sheets in the prescribed documents, and this is clearly contrary to the bare and mandatory provision of the innovative section 73(2) operating together with section 137 and paragraph 46(4) (first schedule) amongst other relevant provisions of the Electoral Act. The evidence also confirms that INEC has no documents to justify results in 306 polling units and that documents mandatorily required to be filled before an election could be conducted were not filled in over 200 polling units. Also, the quantities of ballot papers supposed issued to, used and unused in over 500 polling units are inconsistent with what is falsely stated on the results for those units. Additionally, the votes for Oborevwori/PDP in 17 polling units in Oshimili North LGA where just arbitrarily inflated by 11,045 votes. These are the real facts, not mere conjectures.

The issues are even much more and they are just unprecedented, yet those who think the electoral law is a joke are writing judgments for themselves in the media to satisfy their uninformed fancy. Enough said. Whether the Petitioners’ case has merits or not, it is the exclusive duty of the Honourable Justices of the Tribunal to decide, not rabblerousers who know nothing about our electoral jurisprudence. It is manifest on the evidence now before the Tribunal that Senator Ovie Omo-Agege clearly defeated Rt. Hon. Oborevwori with over 14,000 votes and satisfied the constitutional requirements to be declared the duly elected governor of Delta State having scored at least 25% of the votes cast in 24 (out of the 25) LGAs of the State. We will not sit idly by and watch anyone steal the election a second time.

Finally, like all judicial contestations, election petitions are conducted with solemnity in courts before select judicial panels of honourable jurists, not irresponsible conduct on social media, unattractive partisan micro blogs or the internet in general. Election petitions are serious business because their outcomes have far-reaching implications on society. Every well-trained journalist knows that it is irresponsibility that comes within the ambit of criminal conduct to design and activate media schemes to undermine the outcomes of judicial litigations. We advise the likes of Bayo Millz and/or Pius Mordi (if they exist) and their sponsors to tread cautiously in their new found business of writing the judgment of the Delta State Governorship Election Tribunal before the real panel decides the case based on the law, hard facts and unassailable evidence now before it.

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JULIUS BERGER REMAINS MATCHLESS IN ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION QUALITY AND PROJECT DELIVERY SPEED

  • Hon. Minister of Works, His Excellency, Engr. David Umahi

The Federal Government has described Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the country’s leading engineering construction company as unbeatable in technical quality, and also matchless in project delivery speed.

The remarks were made by the Honourable Minister of Works, a meritorious, seasoned and reputable engineer by vocation. The Minister who was also the immediate past Executive Governor of Ebonyi State is worthily, substantively reputed to be a consummate developmentalist whose interventionist infrastructural works in Ebonyi State stand visibly strong and functional as a lasting testimony to his qualitative engineering professionalism.

Speaking during his inspection visit to the ongoing Abuja-Kano Road works, Engr. Umahi both at the project site in Kaduna, as well as at the Kaduna State Government House (Kashim Ibrahim House) said: “No one can beat Julius Berger on engineering construction quality, and no one can also beat Julius Berger on the speed of project delivery when funding is available for a project. Let us give that to them. From what I have seen, the contractors (Julius Berger) are doing a great job on the project.“

The Honourable Minister, amongst others, was accompanied on the visit by Distinguished Senator Lawal of Kaduna State and senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Works. The Ministry officials included the Director of Highways construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. Folorunsho Esan; the Director, Highways, North West, Engr. Taiwo W.A; the Director, Highways, North Central, Engr. Aganaba; the Deputy Director, North West Zone, Engr. Goni Mohammed; Federal Controller of Works, Kaduna State, Engr. Ibrahim Nmadu; and Federal Controller of Works and ER, Engr. Yakubu Usman.

Briefing the Minister on the progress of works on site, all relevant officials of the Federal Ministry of Works ascribed the delay of works, particularly within Section 1 of the project between Kaduna and Abuja to, amongst other compelling factors, earlier serious security challenges, Right of Way issues as well as the onset of the rains. The security challenges, however, have been significantly mitigated by Government‘ intervention as the contractors are now fully back on site and working progressively on the project.

Speaking on behalf of the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, who was out of the country during the Minister’s visit, the MD’s representative, the Project Manager of the Abuja-Kano Road works, Engr. Finn Drosdowski thanked the Honourable Minister and his entourage for coming on the inspection visit. While thanking the Federal Government for the project awarded to Julius Berger, Drosdowski assured the Minister that all things being equal, Julius Berger’s usual reliability to deliver the road project is a foregone conclusion. “The works are progressing and the project will be accomplished,“ he said. Engr. Drosdowski also thanked the Honourable Minister for his kind words regarding Julius Berger’s attested premium technical quality, operational effectiveness and project delivery speed. “These historical corporate values remain the driving force behind the company’s engineering work on the Abuja-Kano Road project, as indeed in all of the company’s projects, he said.

Minister Umahi who expressed his satisfaction at the excellent quality of work being executed by Julius Berger on the project, however expressed his concern about the pace. He promised to look into any factors that may be impeding the pace of the works. The Minister added that he would speak with the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) which is the funding agency for the project to see how funding can be improved for the project. According to the Honourable Minister, “…We will look into all issues affecting the pace of the works, including funding. No contractor can work at a requested pace on a project without commensurate or properly structured funding.

Engr. Umahi said he was instructed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to physically tour and inspect the the ongoing works to factually see and report on the progress and status of the project. The Minister emphasized that “President Tinubu seriously wants this project accomplished for the beneficial use of the Nigerian people.“ Engr. Umahi added that the Tinubu Government is determined to work with the contractors to get the project completed and delivered even in 2024, and with some portions to be implemented with concrete paved with asphalt. “We (the Federal Government) will will work with the contractors and that goal will be achieved,“ he said. Umahi also said he will continue to visit the project until it is successfully completed and delivered for the beneficial use of the people.

The Julius Berger team that received the Honourable Minister of Works and his delegation to the Abuja-Kano Road site comprised of the Project Manager, Engr. Finn Drosdowski, the Commercial Manager, Fabian Schneider and the company’s Head of Media Relations Office, Prince Moses Duku, Fnipr.

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PRESIDENT TINUBU SEEKS EXPEDITED PACE OF PROGRESS IN DIALOGUE AS ISLAMIC ULAMAS PREPARE TO CONTINUE TALKS WITH MILITARY JUNTA

 

 

 

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU SEEKS EXPEDITED PACE OF PROGRESS IN DIALOGUE AS ISLAMIC ULAMAS PREPARE TO CONTINUE TALKS WITH MILITARY JUNTA

The Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Bola Tinubu has implored a delegation of Islamic scholars (Ulamas), who were previously engaged in discussions to facilitate the restoration of constitutional democratic governance in Niger Republic, to expedite progress in their ongoing dialogue with the military junta.

The President received a comprehensive briefing on Thursday at the State House in Abuja, from the Ulamas, who were led into the meeting by Sheikh Bala Lau. The briefing followed the Ulamas’ two most recent visits to Niger Republic.

The Islamic leaders had informed the President that the military junta was open to deepening dialogue with ECOWAS as more steps are being taken to forestall armed conflict with a more detailed acceptance of the ECOWAS position by Niger military council officials.

Responding to the delegation of Ulamas, against the backdrop of ethnic rumors peddled by domestic political figures inside and outside of the country, President Tinubu emphasized that he is at the forefront of a peaceful resolution of the crisis, even in the midst of more hawkish individuals urging swifter intervention.

“I am managing a very serious situation. If you take ECOWAS aside, other people will react, those who are outside of our control. I am the one holding those sides back. I am the one holding back ECOWAS,” he disclosed.

Addressing the urgency of the situation, the president added:

”Even as at this morning, I have been inundated with phone calls on the readiness of countries with their military force and contributions. However, I told them to wait. I am meeting with the Ulamas and I will get back to you.”

President Tinubu told the Islamic delegation that the military junta must be held accountable for putting the entire people of Niger Republic in jeopardy.

”They cannot use the gun given to them to protect the sovereignty of the country and turn it against the people of the country,” he said.

President Tinubu pledged that ECOWAS will remain steadfast in its commitment to diplomatically engage with all stakeholders and seek a peaceful resolution to the impasse in Niger Republic.

“I will draw a line in the sand and ask you to make arrangements to go back to Niger Republic,” he stated.

On the request by the Islamic scholars for the Federal Government to monitor the distribution of palliatives to States, the President promised that more palliatives are coming for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide.

He also appealed to State governments to ensure transparency and accountability in the distribution and management of these palliatives.

“The people reside in the States. Even if I set up a panel, I will have to go through the governors and the local governments. We will continue to talk to the governors. Nigerians must hold them accountable,” he continued.

“It’s unheard of that in a constitutional democracy, a president will sit here and give orders to States. I can only appeal to them to implement. The people reside in the states, and if the Governor is not doing well, the people must vote them out,” he concluded.

Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

August 24, 2023

 

 

PRESS RELEASE 

 

SANWO-OLU CELEBRATES CHIEF OF STAFF, TAYO AYINDE AT 59

The Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday joined other well-wishers to celebrate his Chief of Staff, Mr Tayo Ayinde on the occasion of his 59th birthday.

Tayo Ayinde clocks 59 years today, Thursday, August 24.

Governor Sanwo-Olu in a congratulatory message issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described Mr. Tayo Ayinde as a worthy and trusted partner in the Greater Lagos agenda.

The Governor also described his Chief of Staff as a loyal, dependable, selfless, hardworking and God-fearing man, who has contributed immensely to the growth and development of Lagos State.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said Ayinde has displayed high capacity in service, noting that the decision to return him in the same capacity, is a testament to his high level of performance, competence, hard work and loyalty.

“Happy Birthday to my Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde. You are indeed a ‘Buffalo’ as you are usually called by your friends and associates because you depict the true strength and survival instincts of a buffalo.

“On behalf of my adorable wife, Ibijoke, the government and the good people of Lagos State, I join family, friends, political associates, leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State, to congratulate Mr. Tayo Ayinde on his 59th birthday.

“As you clock 59 years today, I pray that the blessings of God will be with you. You will continue to enjoy God’s favour and grace. God will strengthen you to offer more services to humanity, our dear Lagos State and Nigeria.”

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

24 AUGUST 2023

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NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau is taking us for granted – Reps Committee

Summons Gusau over non-payment of Super Falcons allowance

The ad hoc committee investigating the face-off between Super Falcons and Officials of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has once again summoned Ibrahim Gusau, the president of the federation.

Blessing Onu, the Chairman of the ad hoc committee investigating the face off, re-invited Gusau after he failed to appear on Tuesday.

Re-inviting the NFF president, Onu said the sitting of the committee was not to witch-hunt anyone but to discharge its functions in line with the mandate of the House.

Onu, who issued the notice, frowned at the NFF President’s deliberate refusal to honour the invitation of the Ad hoc committee.

According to her, the NFF president was supposed to appear before the ad hoc committee on August 17 , the reasons the NFF president gave were not as important as the work of this ad hoc committee.

“Nigerians are interested, Nigerians are watching. The girls did extremely well and they made Nigerians proud, so we shouldn’t take this investigative hearing lightly.

“We gave an opportunity for the president of NFF to appear before this Ad hoc committee, I will say invariably he is the one summoning us.

“He came up with an excuse that it is not as important as what we have. The allowances and the dues that were supposed to be paid to the female footballers, the Super Falcons and he turned it down.

“What is more important is for him to attend the FIFA Women Convention or to appear before this committee.

” And even at that, he has the effrontery to send his SA that he won’t be able to make it, it simply means he is taking us for granted, he is taking us for a ride and we will not tolerate it, we will not,” she said

Speaking earlier, the NFF Secretary General, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said the NFF President could not attend the investigative hearing because of his ill-health.

The ad hoc committee, however, walked out the Secretary-General and his team who came to represent the NFF president.

Meanwhile, some concerned members of the committee who did not want their names mentioned at the sideline of the investigative hearing, alleged that the NFF President was asked not to appear before the committee.

 

 

LIRS reiterates renewed efforts in using technology, advocacy to shore up revenue

 

 

The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, LIRS, has reaffirmed its renewed efforts in leveraging cutting-edge technology and effective advocacy to significantly enhance the state’s revenue generation.

 

The Executive Chairman, LIRS, Mr Ayodele Subair, made this known while speaking in an interview on The Tax Talk, a newly launched 30-minute public enlightenment television programme on taxation, monitored on Channels Television recently.

 

The Tax Talk, an LIRS production, is broadcast every week on TVC, Channels, LTV and WAP TV.

 

While speaking on the programme, Subair noted that the use of technology has helped the agency in optimizing its operations while also enhancing revenue generation for the state.

 

He lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for introducing the use of technology in the generation of the state revenue during his tenure as the state governor.

 

According to him, past governors such as Babatunde Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode, and the current governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also made efforts in upholding the autonomy of LIRS, which has led to a notable level of effectiveness.

 

Subair noted, “One of the first things we did was to look at the market, the taxpayers and then we did some element of market segmentation, recognizing that there are some players in the market who work in an unstructured environment, some work in a structured environment, formal and informal. We looked at the situation where we have high net worth individuals, and then we set up shop to make sure that we plan to cater for the different needs of the different segments of taxpayers. So having done that, we looked at our processes, did a lot of process reengineering, and looked at removing all the things that would make our jobs longer or more difficult. We also looked at the staffing arrangements, we looked at human resources and designed a whole set of training programs to ensure that everybody is up to the task.”

 

Speaking further, he said;  “We looked at the applications that we had in place in terms of the software. How efficient were they? How easy was it for members of the public to access and also to understand? So, we came up with the e-tax application, which is an end-to-end tax administrative solution. It runs through the whole process, right from registration to raising of assessments, up to the filing of tax returns, making payments through the various payment channels, the ability to print out the receipts, and of course, at the end of the day, generate tax clearance certificates. So, with that in place, it’s gone a long way.

 

According to him, “If we did not introduce technology, no, doubt, we’re going to have very, very limited success. We have our e-tax and we also have our IBILE hub software to take care of the informal sector. One of the key features of the IBILE hub software is that it allows instalment payments from members of the sector.

 

“With the e-tax solution, people no longer have to troop and come to LIRS offices. From the comfort of their homes, they can carry out all their tax business, all the things that had issues in the past, that had problems, that created tension between the public and members of the organization, all these have been taken out completely. And there’s the ease of doing business. So, with this, move in that direction, we expect to move the revenue upwards continually. We’re quite confident that we will get there.

 

“We’re exploring constantly and bringing initiatives on how we can leverage fully on technology. We intend to set up some research unit that will delve more into technology to see how it can be relevant to our operations and of course, to the benefit of taxpayers. We’re constantly looking at how we can make tax experience very easy for members of the public.”

 

The LIRS chairman said the use of advocacy has also played a big role in its tax administration, as the agency makes it a priority to always engage taxpayers and stakeholders.

 

“The key thing in tax administration is for you to be positive all the time. You should never have a cannot do spirit. So, we were quite optimistic. All we have to do is continue to improve on advocacy and remind residents of Lagos that there’s a social contract. They expect so many things from the government, the government also expects them to carry out their civic duties. So, we expect that members of the public who come and file, not just file their return, they file honestly and pay the appropriate taxes when the tax is due. One thing that drives this is there’s a certain level of mistrust between the people and the government.

 

“Part of our duty is to try and bridge that gap and remove all the elements of distrust from members of the public because where members of the public start to trust the government in place, that is what is helping Lagos to drive revenue. People come to Lagos; they can see the level of development; they can see the level of growth in the system. You can also see that members of the public get highly qualitative, social utilities to use and social services like schools, hospitals, and all the expectations. So, we might not exactly be where we want to be. But we are certainly moving in that direction. And if you compare Lagos state with all the other states in Nigeria, the difference is very clear. So, we’re very optimistic that we will continue to push continue to improve on advocacy,” he submitted.

NDDC MANAGEMENT, SECURITY WORKERS FIGHT DIRTY OVER NON-PAYMENT OF SIX MONTH SALARIES

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has dismissed allegations that it was owing its security workers six months salaries.

Its Director of Corporate Affairs, Dr Pius Ughakpoteni, reacted to the claim in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

Security workers attached to the commission on Tuesday threatened to carry out a peaceful protest over non-payment of their salaries.

Ughakpoteni said that NDDC was not directly responsible for the payment of salaries to its security workers, and explained that it was the duty of contractors hired by the commission.

“We are aware of the reports in the media claiming that our security workers were threatening to protest non-payment of their monthly salaries.

“We wish to state that the commission engages security companies, who in turn employ and pay security guards to work at our various offices, to safeguard our facilities.

“These service providers are certainly not being owed for six months as alleged in the media reports,” he said.

He said the security companies hired by NDDC in Delta and Rivers states had informed the commission in its report that the security personnel had been paid as of August 22.

“There is no basis for the companies to owe their workers arrears of salaries especially as the contract they signed with NDDC addresses that.

“The clause states that the company must have the capacity to pay their staff for at least two months in the event of any delay from the commission.

“So, we want to assure the security workers that monies meant for payment of their salaries were not diverted to other businesses as alleged,” he added.

Ughakpoteni said the commission has a zero-tolerance policy for corrupt practices and urged members of the public with evidence of such illicit practices to reach out to NDDC for prompt action.

He said the threat by the security officials to protest at the commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt was no longer acceptable but through peaceful means.

According to him, the Samuel Ogbuku-led NDDC has laid the foundation for rapid economic development and sustainable governance structure for effective operations of the commission.

“We restated that entrenching the tenets of accountability and transparency in our activities forms part of the thrust of the new NDDC management.

“We assure our stakeholders and members of the public that the NDDC management will not be distracted in its resolve to do things differently in developing the Niger Delta,” he stated.

 

Lagos Assembly rejects Barakat Bakare, Fashola, Adefisayo, Abayomi, Oluyomi, Ambrose, Omotosho, Odusote, , Dada, Egube, Fatodu, Hammond, George, Adeyoye, Osiyemi, Ogunwuyi, Oluyinka.

 

The Lagos State House of Assembly, on Wednesday, rejected 17 out of the 39 cabinet nominees sent by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for screening

Those rejected by the House include Mrs Folashade Adefisayo, Prof. Akin Abayomi, Mr Yomi Oluyomi, Mrs Folashade Ambrose, Ms Barakat Bakare, Mr Gbenga Omotosho, Engr. Olalere Odusote, Dr Rotimi Fashola, Mrs Bolaji Dada, Mr Sam Egube, Mr Olalekan Fatodu, Mrs Solape Hammond, Mr Mosopefolu George, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye, Mr Seun Osiyemi, Mr Rotimi Ogunwuyi, and Dr Olumide Oluyinka.

The confirmed nominees include Layode Ibrahim, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, Dr Dolapo Fasawe, Bola Olumegbon, Mr Idris Aregbe, Ms Abisola Olusanya, Mr Moruf Fatai, Mr Kayode Bolaji-Roberts, Engr. Abiola Olowu, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Dr Oreoluwa Finnih-Awokoya, Mr Yakub Alebiosu, Mr Lawal Pedro, Mr Tunbosun Alake, Mr Gbenga Oyerinde, Dr Adekunle Olayinka, Dr Jide Babatunde, Mr Afolabi Ayantayo, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, Mr Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, and Mr Abdulkabir Ogungbo.

 

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, who presided over the day’s plenary, said the confirmation followed a rigorous and detailed screening of the nominees by an ad hoc committee led by the Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Fatai Mojeed.

Obasa commended the committee for its effectiveness and urged the confirmed nominees to always remember that they are in office to serve the people of the State and not individuals.

He also promised that the House would continue to do its best in the interest of the State.

The confirmation was done through a voice vote as Obasa mentioned the name of each of the nominees.

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Lagos Assembly rejects Barakat Bakare, Fashola, Adefisayo, Abayomi, Oluyomi, Ambrose, Omotosho, Odusote, , Dada, Egube, Fatodu, Hammond, George, Adeyoye, Osiyemi, Ogunwuyi, Oluyinka.

 

 

The Lagos State House of Assembly, on Wednesday, rejected 17 out of the 39 cabinet nominees sent by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for screening.

Those rejected by the House include Mrs Folashade Adefisayo, Prof. Akin Abayomi, Mr Yomi Oluyomi, Mrs Folashade Ambrose, Ms Barakat Bakare, Mr Gbenga Omotosho, Engr. Olalere Odusote, Dr Rotimi Fashola, Mrs Bolaji Dada, Mr Sam Egube, Mr Olalekan Fatodu, Mrs Solape Hammond, Mr Mosopefolu George, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye, Mr Seun Osiyemi, Mr Rotimi Ogunwuyi, and Dr Olumide Oluyinka.

The confirmed nominees include Layode Ibrahim, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, Dr Dolapo Fasawe, Bola Olumegbon, Mr Idris Aregbe, Ms Abisola Olusanya, Mr Moruf Fatai, Mr Kayode Bolaji-Roberts, Engr. Abiola Olowu, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Dr Oreoluwa Finnih-Awokoya, Mr Yakub Alebiosu, Mr Lawal Pedro, Mr Tunbosun Alake, Mr Gbenga Oyerinde, Dr Adekunle Olayinka, Dr Jide Babatunde, Mr Afolabi Ayantayo, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, Mr Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, and Mr Abdulkabir Ogungbo.

 

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, who presided over the day’s plenary, said the confirmation followed a rigorous and detailed screening of the nominees by an ad hoc committee led by the Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Fatai Mojeed.

Obasa commended the committee for its effectiveness and urged the confirmed nominees to always remember that they are in office to serve the people of the State and not individuals.

He also promised that the House would continue to do its best in the interest of the State.

The confirmation was done through a voice vote as Obasa mentioned the name of each of the nominees.

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Abuja is not Port Harcourt, Bwala Daniel tells Wike

 

 

 

An aide to former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, on Tuesday reminded Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike the basis needs of the residents of the nation’s capital.

 

“The basic needs of the residents of the FCT are; affordable healthcare facilities; access to good education facilities, clean sports and recreational centers, affordable transport services system, efficient and workable street light in the city Centre and the suburbs; and finally, security’’ Atiku’s Aide, Bwala Daniel said in a social media post

.

He advised the former Rivers State governor not to create chaos in the city.

 

‘’You came with a bullish and vendetta spirit venting fire and brimstone about demolition and revocation of titles. Abuja is not Port Harcourt. If you create chaos in the city, you will jeopardize your principal’s interests and he will be forced to sacrifice your job’’ the aide to the People’s Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, said.

 

‘’ You will learn humility on the job” the legal practitioner added.

 

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS IN TWO AGENCIES AND DIRECTS OUTGOING NIMC DG/CEO TO COMMENCE 90-DAY PRE-RETIREMENT LEAVE

President Bola Tinubu directs the commencement of 90-day pre-retirement leave for the Director-General/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Aliyu Abubakar Aziz, with effect from August 24, 2023, leading to his eventual retirement from service on November 24, 2023.

The President approves the appointment of Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote to serve as the Acting Director-General/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for a 90-day period, with effect from August 24, 2023, after which, a full term of four years will begin as the substantive NIMC Director-General/CEO, beginning on November 24, 2023.

Furthermore, President Tinubu approved the appointment of Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub to serve as the Director/CEO of the Directorate of Technical Aid Corps (DTAC).

This follows the recent expiration of tenure of the former DTAC Director/CEO, Dr. Pius Osunyikanmi.

This appointment takes immediate effect.

Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

August 22, 2023

 

 

Tilije appointed Finance Commissioner, Uduaghan gets Girl Child Entrepreneurship, Humanitarian Support Services as Aniagwu, Izeze pick Works

 

 

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has approved the assignment of portfolios to newly sworn-in Commissioners in the state.

 

The approval for the assignment of portfolios was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu on Tuesday evening.

 

The statement listed the Commissioners and their portfolios as follows:

 

  1. Odinigwe Odigie Daniel – Science and Technology
  2. Hon. Joan Onyemaechi Ada-Anioma – Technical Education
  3. Jerry Ehiwario – Power and Energy
  4. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu – Works (Rural Roads)
  5. Dr. Kingsley Ashibuogwu – Primary Education
  6. Engr. Michael Ifeanyi Anoka – Urban Renewal
  7. Hon. Princess Pat. A. Ajudua, Ph.D – Women Affairs, Community and Social Development
  8. Chief Darlington Ijeh – Culture and Tourism
  9. Chief Fidelis Okenmor Tilije – Finance
  10. Barr. Funyei Manager – Special Projects
  11. Hon. Godknows Angele – Housing
  12. Dr. Joseph Onojaeme – Health
  13. Chief Emamusi Obiodeh – Lands and Survey
  14. Mr Perez  P. Omoun, Esq. – Agriculture and Natural Resources 15. Orode Uduaghan – Girl Child Entrepreneurship and Humanitarian Support Services
  15. Dr Isaac Tosan Wilkie – Water Resources
  16. Agbateyimiro Isaac Weyinmi – Youths
  17. Samuel Oligida – Trade and Investments
  18. Prof. Tonukari Johnbull – Higher Education
  19. Etagherure Ejiro Terry – Bureau for Special Duties
  20. Mrs. Rose Ezewu – Basic and Secondary Education
  21. Jamani Tommy Ejiro – Environment
  22. Onoriode Agofure – Transport
  23. Hon. Izeze Rume Yakubu Reuben – Works (Highways & Urban Roads)
  24. Chief Vincent Oyibode – Oil & Gas
  25. Sonny Akporokiamo Ekedayen – Economic Planning
ABAVO CHRONICLE ABEJUKOKO VANGUARD ABIA REPORTERS ABIA SUN ABIGBORODO SUN ABRAKA STATESMAN ABUJA ABUJA CHRONICLE

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS IN TWO AGENCIES AND DIRECTS OUTGOING NIMC DG/CEO TO COMMENCE 90-DAY PRE-RETIREMENT LEAVE

 

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

President Bola Tinubu directs the commencement of 90-day pre-retirement leave for the Director-General/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Aliyu Abubakar Aziz, with effect from August 24, 2023, leading to his eventual retirement from service on November 24, 2023.

The President approves the appointment of Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote to serve as the Acting Director-General/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for a 90-day period, with effect from August 24, 2023, after which, a full term of four years will begin as the substantive NIMC Director-General/CEO, beginning on November 24, 2023.

Furthermore, President Tinubu approved the appointment of Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub to serve as the Director/CEO of the Directorate of Technical Aid Corps (DTAC).

This follows the recent expiration of tenure of the former DTAC Director/CEO, Dr. Pius Osunyikanmi.

This appointment takes immediate effect.

Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

August 22, 2023

 

 

Tilije appointed Finance Commissioner, Uduaghan gets Girl Child Entrepreneurship, Humanitarian Support Services as Aniagwu, Izeze pick Works

 

 

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has approved the assignment of portfolios to newly sworn-in Commissioners in the state.

 

The approval for the assignment of portfolios was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu on Tuesday evening.

 

The statement listed the Commissioners and their portfolios as follows:

 

  1. Odinigwe Odigie Daniel – Science and Technology
  2. Hon. Joan Onyemaechi Ada-Anioma – Technical Education
  3. Jerry Ehiwario – Power and Energy
  4. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu – Works (Rural Roads)
  5. Dr. Kingsley Ashibuogwu – Primary Education
  6. Engr. Michael Ifeanyi Anoka – Urban Renewal
  7. Hon. Princess Pat. A. Ajudua, Ph.D – Women Affairs, Community and Social Development
  8. Chief Darlington Ijeh – Culture and Tourism
  9. Chief Fidelis Okenmor Tilije – Finance
  10. Barr. Funyei Manager – Special Projects
  11. Hon. Godknows Angele – Housing
  12. Dr. Joseph Onojaeme – Health
  13. Chief Emamusi Obiodeh – Lands and Survey
  14. Mr Perez  P. Omoun, Esq. – Agriculture and Natural Resources 15. Orode Uduaghan – Girl Child Entrepreneurship and Humanitarian Support Services
  15. Dr Isaac Tosan Wilkie – Water Resources
  16. Agbateyimiro Isaac Weyinmi – Youths
  17. Samuel Oligida – Trade and Investments
  18. Prof. Tonukari Johnbull – Higher Education
  19. Etagherure Ejiro Terry – Bureau for Special Duties
  20. Mrs. Rose Ezewu – Basic and Secondary Education
  21. Jamani Tommy Ejiro – Environment
  22. Onoriode Agofure – Transport
  23. Hon. Izeze Rume Yakubu Reuben – Works (Highways & Urban Roads)
  24. Chief Vincent Oyibode – Oil & Gas
  25. Sonny Akporokiamo Ekedayen – Economic Planning