News From Nigeria
South-South women drum support for Akpabio
South-South women on Friday described the threat to issue a warrant of arrest against Senator Godswill Akpabio as a ploy to coerce the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs to toe an odd line and the Federal Government into accepting to pay for inflated, bogus and fictitious projects in the past.
‘’This is a threatening measure designed to retard the progress of the region, strip the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) of the transparency qualities it had developed in the last two years and return it to its most corrupt days’’.
They also commended stakeholders in the Niger Delta region for joining hands with Akpabio to lift the region high.
In a statement in Asaba by the spokesperson of the South-South Women Political Front (SSWPF), Dr. Doris Ogba, the women described Akpabio as a transformational figure, towering statesman and a visionary hero.
They commended the former Akwa Ibom State governor for initiating programmes and projects that directly benefited the people in various areas such as security, health, education, roads, housing, electrification, transportation, agriculture and tourism
The well respected women applauded Akpabio for redirecting the region on to the path of development.
‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio is a thoughtful, decent and progressive fellow. His humility is boundless’’.
Particularly, the women scolded political detractors for throwing sand in the gears of the current administration to transform the region, making misleading statements and orchestrating a campaign of calumny against Akpabio, with a view to impugn his integrity.
The statement emphasized Akpabio’s politics of performance, virtue in waiting, deep appetite for change, rapid infrastructure development and peace in the Niger Delta region.
‘’The Wailing Women of the Niger Delta, The Integrity Friends for Truth and Peace Initiative (TIFPI) and others are spoilers’’ the statement added.
PRESS RELEASE
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Sunday Dare; Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, Demola Seriki; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, public office holders at federal and state levels on Sunday converge on Lagos to honour the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, with a novelty match in celebration of his 70th birthday.
The novelty match between ex-Super Eagles players and Team Lagos, which took place at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos was attended by former and present members of the National Assembly, Lagos State Executive Council, Lagos State House of Assembly and local government chairmen, as well as members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Lagos State APC executive members, among others.
The match, which was attended by Tinubu, who kicked off the ball, is part of the programmes organised by the Tinubu Support Group in conjunction with the Lagos State Government, to celebrate the APC National Leader’s 70th birthday, which comes up on Tuesday, March 29.
Former Super Eagles Striker, Victor Agali scored two goals for the ex-international team led by Austin Jay Jay Okocha to defeat the Team Lagos, which is made up of former players of Stationery Scores and other clubs in Lagos State.
Agali scored the first goal 10 minutes into the second half from a brilliant pass from Julius Aghahowa. Agali netted the second goal 12 minutes later through his head from a cross by Austin Okocha, who displayed brilliant dribbling skills during the match.
The ex-internationals team also included; Nwankwo Kanu, Peter Rufai, Ike Shorunmu, Taribo West, Garba Lawal, Mutiu Adepoju, Victor Ikpeba and Abiodun Obafemi, among others.
Team Lagos was captained by the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Mudashiri Obasa. Other members of the team are Waidi Akanni, Godwin Okpara, Friday Ekpo, Sanni Doherty, Akeem Ogunlade, Wasiu Ipaye, Taiwo Oloyede, Yusuf Ayinla and Alhaji Gafar, among others.
Prior to the novelty match between the ex-international and Team Lagos, there was a football match between Team Abuja comprising members of the National Assembly and Team B, made up of members of the Lagos State Executive Council, House of Assembly and council chairmen.
The Team Manager for Team Abuja was a member of the House of Representatives, representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, Hon. James Faleke, while Team Lagos was led by the Chief of Staff to Lagos State Governor, Mr. Tayo Ayinde.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
20 MARCH 2022
Press Release
Sunday, 20th March 2022.
OBA ELEGUSHI TO LEAD PRAYERS FOR NIGERIA, AS ELEGBA FESTIVAL HOLDS IN IKATE KINGDOM
Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, the king of Ikate-Elegushi kingdom will lead other prominent monarchs and Lagosians in offering prayers for the country, to seek divine intervention in the affairs of the nation.
The prayers will be part of activities at the Year 2022 Ejiwa Elegba Festival, an annual cultural and spiritual celebration of coastal communities in Lagos, holding at Ikate-Elegushi from 22nd – 28th March 2022.
In a release signed by the monarch’s spokesperson, Temitope Oyefeso, he quoted the monarch as saying the challenges confronting Nigerians in recent times requires divine intervention, even as the government at various levels continue to proffer solutions to theses socio-economic issues.
He said Oba Elegushi would be joined by other prominent monarchs from Lagos and other states, to offer special prayers for the country, her leaders and the citizens at the festival.
The Ejiwa Elegba Festival, which is an annual event of coastal communities, is held in five areas of the state. This year’s celebration, which started from Iddo and later Iru kingdom, will move to Ikate-Elegushi from the 22nd of March 2022, while the celebration will also be held in Ijora and Ilashe at later dates.
Signed:
Temitope Oyefeso
Special Assistant, Public Affairs to His Majesty
—
‘Tope Oyefeso (Mr.)
Special Assistant, Public Affairs
Office of The Elegushi of Ikateland
08023839100
March 20, 2022
Press Statement
PDP Celebrates Ugwuanyi at 58
…Says He is a Forthright, Consummate Administrator
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) celebrates the Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, as he marks his 58th birthday.
Gburugburu, as Governor Ugwuanyi is fondly called, is an outstanding statesman, consummate legislator and excellent administrator, who continues to make innumerable contributions towards the unity, stability and development of our dear nation.
Through the years, Rt. Hon. Ugwuanyi has distinguished himself as a very courageous leader, an exceptionally humble, honest, forthright and humane administrator, whose commitment to the welfare and development of the people is unparalleled.
As a seasoned technocrat, former member of the House of Representatives and now a two-term governor of Enugu State, Governor Ugwuanyi remains a shining example of commitment to duty and patriotism to our dear fatherland.
Our Party is extremely proud of Governor Ugwuanyi’s outstanding achievements in human capital and infrastructural developments in all critical sectors of life, with which he has transformed Enugu State in the last seven years.
With Governor Ugwuanyi, Enugu State is indeed in the hands of God. This is evident in the peaceful disposition of Governor Ugwuanyi who ensures the harmonious co-existence of the peoples of Enugu State by guaranteeing even development across the State.
Futhermore, the PDP appreciates Governor Ugwuanyi’s roles with other leaders towards the stability, successes and development of our great Party.
The PDP deeply appreciates Governor Ugwuanyi’s roles towards the success of the 2021 National Convention of our Party as well as his unwavering dedication toward PDP’s mission to Rescue and Rebuild our nation from the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC)
The PDP family heartily congratulates Governor Ugwuanyi on this auspicious occasion and pray to God to Grant him many more years to His Glory and service to humanity.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
March 20, 2022
Press Statement
Fuel Crisis: APC is Kneeling on the Necks of Nigerians- PDP
…Slams Buhari for Abdication of Duties
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) cautions the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration to note that its unrelenting culture of arrogance, impunity and criminal pillaging of our national resources is akin to kneeling on the necks of Nigerians.
The PDP warns that there is a limit to what the people can bear under an administration that remains arrogant, inhumane, unconcerned and insensitive to their plights occasioned by its misrule.
Is it not an unpardonable dereliction of duty that while the nation is in turmoil and agonizing under a collapsed national grid, protracted fuel crisis, distressed aviation sector, plummeting currency, crippled production and commercial activities, President Muhammadu Buhari remains aloof and “absent” as always?
The failure by President Buhari, who also doubles as the Minister of Petroleum Resources to take immediate action, other than the snobbish stance by his Presidency that “heavens will not fall” because of fuel scarcity amounts to daring Nigerians to do their worse.
It is often said that when a government abdicates its responsibility to the citizens at whose pleasure it should serve, then that government is complicit in the suffering of its people and a beneficiary of their woes.
Sadly today, thousands of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises; the drivers of the economy are folding up daily, industries are relocating to neighboring countries, universities are on strike, the aviation sector is on the brink of collapse, our Railway is tottering to a halt due to lack of diesel, police are threatening to go on strike, insecurity is on the rise due to the collapse of the informal economic sector, yet Mr. President had time to holiday in England!
If President Buhari could personally communicate on issues that concern his fizzling party, the APC, while in England, it is inconceivable that he failed and neglected, as always, to attend to life discounting experiences and pains encountered by Nigerians daily by the thoughtless and inhumane policies of his government.
President Buhari needs to be reminded of his duty to Nigerians, to in the least, show some empathy, competence and concern as our country rapidly drifts towards a looming precipice. The frustration in the country is already degenerating into a nationwide restiveness that may result to the breakdown of Law and Order if allowed to fester.
With petrol now selling between N400 to N500 per liter, diesel at over N800 per liter, kerosine at over N750 and aviation fuel at N670 per liter, millions of businesses, employments and sources of livelihood have collapsed in both urban and rural areas resulting in acute hardship and widespread social tension across the country.
Our Party fears that the situation is getting to a boiling point and can trigger a nationwide agitation that might be worse than the October 2020 EndSARS if not addressed immediately.
President Buhari must take responsibility for the criminal racketeering in his government by APC leaders which has led to the crippling of the economy under his watch. He should stop abdicating his duties by sending his aides to issue wild claims, fake promises and noncommittal apologies on the abysmal failures of his administration.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS GOV IFEANYI UGWUANYI OF ENUGU STATE AT 58
President Muhammadu Buhari joins the Government and indigenes of Enugu State in celebrating with Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who turns 58, March 20, 2022.
President Buhari felicitates the former lawmaker, who served in the House of Representatives for 12 years, before his election as Governor in 2015, for providing visionary leadership, making Enugu an attraction for tourists and investors by promoting peace, stability and unity.
The President notes the foresight, wisdom and balance the governor brings to national debates and policies, elevating love for the nation above personal ambition, and diligently pursuing the greater good of his people and entire South East region.
As Governor Ugwuanyi, better known as “Gburugburu” turns 58, the President prays for long life, good health and more opportunities to keep serving the country.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 20, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI FELICITATES AGUMA BASSA, BENIN, BAKO EBIREDELU DOGWO AT 57
President Muhammadu Buhari congratulates His Royal Highness (HRH), Alhaji Bako Ebiredelu Dogwo, Aguma Bassa, Benin, on his 57th birthday, March 20, 2022, rejoicing with the royal father for service to his people and nation.
President Buhari notes the worthy contributions of the traditional ruler, who is the Coordinator General, Bassa Traditional Rulers and Elites, to peace, development and prosperity of his domain, particularly the attention to civic responsibilities, education and entrepreneurship.
As the Aguma Bassa turns 57, the President salutes his dedication, commitment and resolve of pursuing the larger dream of a united and peaceful country by sharing his wise counsels with leaders and followers.
President Buhari prays for the wellbeing of the royal father.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 19, 2022
SDP suffers defection as Akpoti-Uduaghan, supporters join PDP
Key players in the politics of North Central on Saturday described Kogi State Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate in the 2019 governorship election, Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as an astute consensus builder, a great mobilizer and prudent manager of human and material resources.
The Kogi State politician and lawyer recently joined the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
‘’Politics is all about service. We believe, very fervently, that you have so much to offer to Nigeria, particularly Kogi State in the years ahead’’
The leaders applauded the Kogi State politician for making the hardest and wisest political decision.
They urged Akpoti-Uduaghan, party supporters and well-wishers to squarely face the 2023 elections and ensure the PDP records victory in Kogi State.
‘’Akpoti-Uduaghan must join forces with other PDP chieftains to consume the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State’’.
In a press statement issued on Saturday in Lokoja and signed by the Chairman of North-Central Assembly, Alhaji Yinusa Suleiman, the leaders described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s entry into the PDP as a turning point for the opposition in Kogi State.
‘’It is indeed a step in the right direction’’
The statement emphasized Akpoti-Uduaghan’s contributions to Nigeria, her humanitarian values and superlative drive for service to fatherland.
Particularly, the leaders praised the PDP for making Nigeria a significant voice in the international community, improving the nation’s foreign reserves, paying off debts and exiting from the London and Paris Clubs of creditors.
They also commended the nation’s leading opposition party for the country’s telecommunication revolution, massive inflow of foreign investments, re-invigoration of the middle-class and massive improvement in the area of education, infrastructure, security, health, tourism and finance.
‘’We welcome Chief Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan to PDP’’
Akpoti-Uduaghan is expected to contribute to PDP’s victory and also bring her vision for the rapid development of Kogi State to fruition.
South-South Women laud Akpabio for playing credible role in Nigeria’s development agenda
Women in the South-South geo-political zone on Sunday praised Daily Independent Newspaper for taking interest in larger goals, holding a strong view regarding the Niger Delta region and promoting truth.
‘’Journalism is an arduous calling. Daily Independent is an important source of information’’
They also applauded the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio for contributing constructively to the progress of the country, bringing about deep and profound changes in the Niger Delta region and placing premium on service, integrity and efficiency.
‘’Any serious student of development in the Niger Delta region must admit that there have been far-reaching changes in the last two years’’
In a statement in Port Harcourt, the South-South women commended Daily Independent Newspaper for focusing on Akpabio’s role in developing the Niger Delta region and recognizing what has been achieved by the current administration in the region.
They described the recent pronouncement of the Wailing Women of the Niger Delta (WWND) as irresponsible, vulgar, provocative, and abusive.
The women also described calls for the termination of the award as foolish, childish and irrational.
‘’The Wailing Women of the Niger Delta is off the rails’’
The statement by the spokesperson of South-South Women Front (SSWF), Dr. Doris Ogba rebuked WWND for confusing the public on the Niger Delta issue.
‘’What is needed is a fundamental change in the perception and behavior of WWND Coordinator, Odighonin Nwadighi and her co-travellers.
The women underscored the minister’s understanding of the region, tenacity of purpose, quality of character, service to humanity, sense of duty and responsibility.
They described Akpabio’s nomination as well-deserved.
The women also urged the former Akwa Ibom State governor and Senate Minority Leader not to allow the negative attitude of Nwadighi to crush his spirit.
‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio believes in the rapid development of the Niger Delta region. Since his appointment, he has been alive to his duty to the people of the Niger Delta region. He has worked assiduously to transform the region. And he has proved his genuine desire to reposition the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)’’
Daily Independent Newspaper recently nominated Akpabio as the Minister of the Year.
The relationship between the Alema of Warri Kingdom, High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan and the esteemed lawyer and powerful Kogi State politician, Natasha Akpoti, will be pushed to a formal level on Saturday, March 5, 2022.
The historic ceremony is expected to be the biggest gathering of international faces in Kogi State.
Royalty, top government functionaries in Africa, high-ranking diplomats and directors of powerful multinational companies have already confirmed their attendance to the marriage ceremony.
The tradition marriage of the quiet-spoken, backroom power broker, strategist and man of great personal integrity, High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan and the Kogi State flamboyant politician and tower of strength to the good people of Ebiraland, Natasha Akpoti will take place in Okene.