Again, Federal Government Extends NIN-SIM Verification Deadline

 

The Federal Government has again extended the deadline for the National Identity Number (NIN)-Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) data verification.

Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, who announced this, urged Nigerians and legal residents to complete the process before the end of the year 2021.

This was disclosed in a statement jointly signed by the spokespersons for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Nigerian Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Ikechukwu Adinde and Kayode Adegoke, respectively.

Both men had in a statement in June announced October 31 as the deadline for the linkage of SIM and NIN. But the government has extended the deadline by additional two months.

“The decision to extend the deadline was made further to appeals by the mobile network operators and other industry stakeholders, soliciting for a further extension to ensure better compliance with government’s directive and to avoid widening the digital divide,” the statement released on Saturday said.

“The extension would also provide the enabling environment for the registration of Nigerians in remote areas, diaspora, schools, hospitals, worship centres, as well as foreigners, diplomatic missions, those in other areas that were hitherto unreachable, and increase enrolments in countries with a significant number of Nigerians.”

According to the statement, the review of the progress of the exercise shows that over 66 million unique NINs have been issued – an indication of progress achieved in the ongoing NIN-SIM linkage.

But a significant part of the populace has yet to be registered into the National Identity Database (NIDB) – a situation which the government said might be due to some challenges which it has looked into and has made efforts to alleviate, hence the need to extend the deadline.

“As of October 30, 2021, there were over 9,500 enrolment systems and over 8,000 NIN enrolment centres within and outside the country – this has significantly eased the NIN enrolment process and subsequent linkage of NIN to SIM,” the statement added. “The NIN-SIM verification process is supporting the government’s drive to develop Nigeria’s digital economy, strengthen our ability to protect our cyberspace, and support the security agencies.

“The administration of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has graciously approved the extension to accommodate the yearnings of the populace and make it easier for its citizens within and outside the country, and legal residents to obtain the NIN and link it with their SIM.”

The government promised to ensure that all innocent and law-abiding citizens and residents do not lose access to their phone lines as long as they obtain and link their NIN, saying it would continue to provide an enabling environment for investors in the telecommunications sector.

Past Regime Had No Will To Save Nigeria’s Resources, They Should Be Blame For Economic Recession Not Buhari – Femi Adesina

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, says the going of Nigerian economy into recession in 2016 was “inevitable” and past governments, not the Muhammadu Buhari-led government, should be blamed for it.

Adesina stated this in a post, adding that the former governments did not have a will to save the country’s resources.

He said, “At the economic front, of course, it came in 2015 when things were on a downward spiral. Nobody could have stopped that downward spiral because it was already set in motion. The recession that came in 2016 was inevitable. Nobody could have stopped it due to some actions and inactions of the government that left. The coordinating minister of the economy then even said that the government didn’t have the will to save. If a government doesn’t have the will to save, what then happens when the rainy days come? Rain will beat you and beat you seriously.

“That was what happened to Nigeria. Oil prices went as high as $140 per barrel, stabilized at an average of $100 for many years but foreign reserves were less than 30billion, excess crude account depleted, federation account emptied and then oil prices crashed to as low as $30 per barrel. It was almost humanly impossible to stop that recession.

“That recession lasted for just about a year because the government pulled up its bootstraps, rolled up its sleeves and did the right things to exit the recession and as the economy began to gather steam, ready to take off again, the covid-19 pandemic struck and an economy that was about to fly nosedived again. And we know that for most of 2020, the world was shut down and so, the second recession too became inevitable. But then, the miracle of it was that we emerged from that recession again faster than anybody thought.

“In fact, it is on record that the Nigerian economy is about the one that emerged fastest from the covid-induced economy. It shows that the fundamentals of the economy are strong and the fact that President Buhari has put the country’s money where our mouths are, matters, diversifying the economy. Imagine if they hadn’t been that kind of emphasis on agriculture, how would we have coped? Two hundred million people? The world was locked down.

“Nobody was exporting. If you wanted to import, there was no money. Oil prices were down. How could we have coped if there hadn’t been emphasis on agriculture? So, it helped us. And you would see that in the second quarter after lockdown, we emerged from the recession again. And the last report according to National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the Nigerian economy grew by 5.01%.

“It is unprecedented. It is said that was the highest growth since 2014. So, on the economic front, Nigeria is not doing badly.

 We can do a lot better because it’s been said that vi-sa-vis our population, we need to grow annually by 7% for the economy to touch the lives of the people but we are on the way there. It is not a sudden flight. It is a progression and we are on the way to that.

 Nineteen more months, yes, this administration will do its best but government is a continuum. The next government will come and will build on wherever this administration has left it. So, Nigeria is in a good direction.”

I Joined APC Because They Gave Me A Juicy Offer – Anambra Deputy Governor Reveals Why He Dumped APGA

Deputy governor of Anambra state, Nkem Okeke, has stated why he dumped APGA for APC.

Mr Okeke said it was not his fault that he ditched the All Progressives Grand Alliance which brought him to power saying “APGA devalued me all the years.”

“I am an accidental politician I do not believe to operate on demerits, so people who priced me off the shelf with tangible offers approached me, it is not my fault,” Mr Okeke said during a press briefing with some journalists in Awka

The deputy governor said it was time for the South-East politicians to open their eyes, disregard political blackmail against the All Progressives Congress (APC) and secure the future of their immediate families.

“At the moment the fastest way the people of South-East will restore their lost glories and occupy their political position in the centre of governance of the nation is through the APC.

“I urge residents and people of the state to look up, put on your thinking cap, and secure a defined future for your nuclear and extended family members now.”

On the November 6 governorship election in Anambra, Mr Okeke maintained that voting APC candidate Andy Uba would deliver immense dividends to the people, especially with support from the federal government.

“Vote for Senator Andy Ubah, the APC and candidate for the November 6 governorship election so that the state can benefit immensely from the center.

“APC is the party in the centre, I want us to join in national affairs and be able to contribute meaningfully,” he said.

Mr Okeke said that he held Governor Willie Obiano, his boss, in high esteem and would not resign from the APGA led government till the end of the tenure on March 17, 2022.

He said that though he had resolved to leave APGA for the APC because of his strong desire to offer services to humanity and the country which he did not get but had wished to remain in the party till 2022 March.

He maintained that for the state to experience real development and the South-East in 2023, the need of the people was to join the ruling party at the centre.

Mr Okeke defected to the APC a fortnight ago and was presented to president Muhammadu Buhari.

Political Tsunami Hit PDP And APGA As 4,000 Parties Members Decamp To APC

The FCT Minister of State, Ramatu Aliyu, has revealed that at least closed 4,000 party members have dumped opposition parties to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwali Area Council of the territory, ahead of the Federal Capital Territory Area Councils election slated for February 2022.

Ms Aliyu while receiving the decampees, assured them of justice and fairness amongst members of the ruling party and called on others who were yet to join to do so.

The minister, who described the event as a ‘harvest’ of over 4,000 members, expressed delight that most of the returnees are former leaders of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in the FCT.

She, therefore, charged them to use their political weight to ensure victory for the party come 2022 and beyond.

She, however, appealed to both old and new members of the ruling party to work together in peace and be law-abiding and emphasised the supremacy of party decisions.

“We are here today to receive over 4,000 of our brothers and sisters who have decided on their own to join the ruling APC.

“They came from various political parties especially the major opposition parties, the PDP and APGA. We appreciate them.

“They have keyed into the agenda of the second term of the incumbent chairman, the second term of credible governance, the second term of competent leadership, the second term of solid management of our common patrimony in Kwali Area Council,” she said.

Earlier, the APC chairman in the FCT, Abdulmalik Usman, revealed that some of the decampees were founding members of the APC before they jumped ship.

“Today, we are here to make another history, the history of receiving our brothers, some of whom we started this party together.

“Our brothers and sisters whom we struggled hard to form this party at that time. So it is welcome back home for these members sitting here today.

“We are not here to campaign because we don’t want anybody to indict our party,” he said.

Mr Usman expressed the confidence that the APC would win the entire six area councils and the 62 wards in the nation’s capital on February 12, 2022.

Responding on behalf of the decampees, Usman Jiya, a former APGA aspirant, assured party members that their return to APC was to consolidate on the achievements recorded by the incumbent chairman of Kwali Area Council.

The high point of the event was the presentation of the symbolic broom to the leaders of the decampees by the FCT Minister of State and the party chairman.

Other decampees include Salihu Kolo, former State PDP Deputy Chairman; Habila Bwaba, former PDP State Vice-Chairman, Maimunat Adamu, amongst others.

I Don’t Care If PDP Is Zoing, I’ll Contest For President Come 2023 – Former Senate President, Pius Ayim

 One time Senate President of Nigeria, Anyim Pius Anyim has revealed he will be contesting for presidency in 2023 irrespective of whether the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) zones the ticket to the South-East.

Mr Anyim said in a recent chat with news men that “Posters of my presidential bid and agitations by groups for me to contest flooded the social media in 2020 and I disassociated myself from such calls.

“I felt that it was too early for such a declaration, to enable the present administration concentrate on governance.

“Such calls resurfaced in the early part of 2021 and I chose to be quiet over the issue.

“We currently have less than 18 months to the next elections, and I feel the time is ripe to indicate my interest,” Mr Anyim said.

He said that the zoning committee instituted by the party was only saddled with zoning party positions and not other positions.

“Zoning of such positions was deferred but nothing stops anyone from South-East Zone from contesting the presidency even if it is not zoned to it,” he said.

The former Secretary to the Government of the Federation noted that the party’s national convention would signal the commencement of its political activities.

“The most important thing is that the party’s national convention is a sort of rebirth for a group of people who have recovered from a setback,” he added.

Mr Anyim said that in spite of the party’s seeming conflict with its former Chairman Uche Secondus, he remained a friend to many members.

“He is particularly my friend and we do not have any problem with him. The issue is that the party needed to move but be assured that he is not going into wilderness,” Mr Anyim said.

Please Help Us Push APC Out Of Power – PDP Begs Nigerians

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa state has begged Nigerians to join hand with People’s Democrats Party (PDP) to help push All Progressive Congress, (APC) out of power.

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri who is also the chairman of the party’s convention committee made the call while welcoming delegates and party officials to its 2021 convention on Saturday in Abuja.

“We have to take back our country as we have always done. We have to save Nigeria; if we could force the country out of the clutches of the military, we can do this huge task.

“We can push the people who do not know the true definition of good governance and national coexistence out of power.

“This is a Nigeria rescue mission. This is the role PDP was invented to play. The 2021 national convention presents a starting point for the Nigeria rescue mission,’’ he said.

Mr Fintiri told the party’s delegates that the convention was a moment to take tangible decisions on the fate and direction of the party.

He said that 34 candidates indicated interests for various national positions in the party, out of which 28 were cleared, two withdrew voluntarily and four were disqualified.

He said that there are 21 positions to be contested for and a total of 3,600 delegates were to elect the officials to pilot the affairs of the party.

Nigeria Is No Longer Safe For Me, Some Strange People After My Life - Olarewaju Akinyele Laments

 

Ogun State young and rising politician, Olarewaju Akinyele has lament the constant threat and harassment to his life from unknown persons, over his view on happenings in the country.

Akinyele who has been running from pillar to post, in safety for his life, said his freedom to living has been under serious threat, after he publicly criticized Buhari's led administration on the way it's handled popular Yoruba activist, Sunday Igboho.

In his words, "I have been in an active critic of anti-human policies since I have grown as an adult. It’s something I really frown at as I can't wrap my head around how a politician seeking public office goes about smiling and waving hands to a people whose votes are needed and shortly after his ascension mutates completely to a being possessed by perverse forces ultimately making him evil." He Continued.

"Freedom of speech and expression is a fundamental right in democracy but I have experienced animalistic confrontations by simply wanting to express this right. The government of the APC has long failed its litmus test, and there is no gain saying that it has an unredeemable image as of present, especially with the person of General Muhammadu Buhari as the President." 

Narrating the events of what happened, "Sometimes in February of 2021, I wrote a piece of how the emergence of Sunday Igboho is inevitable especially with the lackadaisical attitude of government towards marauders that hide in the covers of vegetation to perpetuate evil. Men who value cattles more than the radiant innocence of a toddler. A clan who put anyone of any race or kind to the sword once they come between them and their livestock. I understand that properties must be protected by every means but the unjust cutting or life by these AK-47 grazers in another man’s settlement is a thing of concern and the preferential treatment of these unidentified men by the Nigerian government will be met with the harshest of criticism even in the pit of hell."

"If a government is docile towards the protection of lives and properties of a region in Nigeria, I think we all share the same responsibility under the command of God to be fruitful, multiply and replenish the earth and this we must do this by any means necessary as a people even if it requires taking laws into our own hands.

My stance is without mincing words, I still stand on this till this day and will never waver unless the government restore the confidence of oneness into the polity. This stance of mine however has attracted pests, strange voices and unwarranted visits into my privacy."

"Since February 8, 2021 I have received strange calls asking me where I am at the moment from out of the blue. Calls that ring my phone without speaking for minutes and cuts off. I and my PA, Ogunrinde Olasoji David can barely walk the streets without feeling someone is somewhere stalking us. 

Many times on my twitter page, I have been messaged by strangers who barely know me sending me direct messages asking where I am at the moment or where do I live without any prior conversations. Some of them having Federal government ties according to their bio.

I, Akinyele Olanrewaju .Q. and my associates have evaluated what it takes to criticize the Nigerian government and we know the capabilities of Nigerian governments magic from history, this is no new thing to us. But to constantly have people calling my phone and not speaking or some will speak and ask me to report to the office of the DSS closest to me is all time low.

I don’t feel safe anymore in a country where I was born and I feel that the government of the day will not stop at silencing anyone or group of people with a contrary view to their approach of governance." He Laments.

Enugu State Governor Ugwuanyi, Has Turn Things Around In Educational Sector – Nnaemeka Charles Eze – Member, ENSUBEB

 

When Talking about education, Is More than just To read and write, functional education includes the total transformation of a fertile mind into the totality of a man’s personality; thus for school pupils in Enugu state, going to school is not just to learn how to read and write; but how they will become better persons imbued and bristling with patriotism for the development of their immediate society.

This is so, because the Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has not only turned things around in the education sector, he has made education well rounded and attractive with modern equipment and infrastructure.

Member 1V, of Enugu state Universal Basic Education Board, Nnaemeka Charles Eze while hosting some journalists in Enugu State, said education in Enugu state has gotten a massive boost. In his words, “there has been total transformation of Basic Education under the leadership of our education friendly governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. It had never been this good and it is very verifiable. This has been made possible through the partnership between Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and Enugu State government who is always committed to paying their counterpart funds.”

In furtherance to highlighting the impact of Ugwuanyi’s administration on education in Enugu State through the office of the Executive Chairman of ENSUBEB, Chief Ikeje Asogwa, the author said; “Under the leadership of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB) has completed a total of 1,205 school projects.

This is verifiable and most of these schools are equipped with modern learning facilities such as desks, marker boards, chairs, instructional materials, Celling fans, toilet facilities, amongst others. Enugu state has revived sports in Basic education. The schools have modern sports equipment and are presently having a very interesting and colorful football competition across the state. I repeat; it had never been this good in basic Education, never”

“One of the first things ENSUBEB executive Chairman, Chief Ikeje Asogwa did on assumption of office, was to seek approval for recruitment of teachers as the system lacked competent teachers to handle the pupils. Without hesitation, Governor Ugwuanyi graciously approved the recruitment of 3000 teachers and few years after, another recruitment exercise took place and today, I make bold to say that under his administration, ENSUBEB has recruited a total number 5030 teachers after series of tests and interviews.

This number is about double the total number of teachers the system had before Ugwuanyi came on board. These teachers are paid promptly and they undergo constant training and retraining. Gburugburu made all these possible and special recognition and appreciation to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Abuja. They have been very supportive.” Eze said.

When Talking about education, Is More than just To read and Write, functional education includes the total transformation of a fertile mind into the totality of a man’s personality; thus for school pupils in Enugu state, going to school is not just to learn how to read and write; but how they will become better persons imbued and bristling with patriotism for the development of their immediate society.

This is so, because the Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has not only turned things around in the education sector, he has made education well rounded and attractive with modern equipment and infrastructure.

Member 1V, of Enugu state Universal Basic Education Board, Nnaemeka Charles Eze while hosting some journalists in Enugu State, said education in Enugu state has gotten a massive boost. In his words, “there has been total transformation of Basic Education under the leadership of our education friendly governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. It had never been this good and it is very verifiable. This has been made possible through the partnership between Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and Enugu State government who is always committed to paying their counterpart funds.”

In furtherance to highlighting the impact of Ugwuanyi’s administration on education in Enugu State through the office of the Executive Chairman of ENSUBEB, Chief Ikeje Asogwa, the author said; “Under the leadership of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB) has completed a total of 1,205 school projects.

This is verifiable and most of these schools are equipped with modern learning facilities such as desks, marker boards, chairs, instructional materials, Celling fans, toilet facilities, amongst others. Enugu state has revived sports in Basic education. The schools have modern sports equipment and are presently having a very interesting and colorful football competition across the state. I repeat; it had never been this good in basic Education, never”

“One of the first things ENSUBEB executive Chairman, Chief Ikeje Asogwa did on assumption of office, was to seek approval for recruitment of teachers as the system lacked competent teachers to handle the pupils. Without hesitation, Governor Ugwuanyi graciously approved the recruitment of 3000 teachers and few years after, another recruitment exercise took place and today, I make bold to say that under his administration, ENSUBEB has recruited a total number 5030 teachers after series of tests and interviews.

This number is about double the total number of teachers the system had before Ugwuanyi came on board. These teachers are paid promptly and they undergo constant training and retraining. Gburugburu made all these possible and special recognition and appreciation to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Abuja. They have been very supportive.” Eze said.

I Swore By Holy Qur’an, I Would Leave On May 29th – President Buhari Assures Nigerians

President Muhammadu Buhari has reassured Nigerians that he would leave office on May 29, 2023 when he would have served his constitutionally stipulated two-terms.

“I swore by the Holy Qur’an that I will serve in accordance with the constitution and leave when my time is up. No “Tazarce’’ (tenure extension). I don’t want anybody to start talking about and campaigning for unconstitutional extension. I will not accept that.”

So declared President Muhammadu Buhari at a meeting in Makkah with a select group of Nigerians resident in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia where he just ended a visit.

President Buhari also tacitly expressed support to efforts to increase the role of technology in the nation’s elections, arguing that the introduction of the card reader and electronic register was God’s answer to his prayers, having been cheated of his victory in three previous elections.

“After the third so-called defeat, I said, ‘God Dey’. My opponents laughed at me but God answered my prayers by bringing in technology. At that point, nobody can steal their votes or buy them,” the President added.

President Buhari, who ended his visit to the Kingdom with the Friday Prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah said he will continue to abide by the constitution in all its ramifications and he will at all times supervise and deal with his ministers on same basis.

He gave assurances at the meeting that in the balance of “eighteen months or so of my time left, whatever I can do to improve the life of Nigerians, I will do it for the country.”

The President commended diaspora Nigerians in the Kingdom for representing the country well and projecting its good image.

He also used the opportunity to urge citizens at home to be fair to his administration at all times, asking the critics to compare the security situations in the North East and South South in 2015 and how things have improved as at now.

“My problem is the North West where people are killing and stealing from one another. I had to be very hard on them and I will continue to be very hard until we put them in line and bring back order,” he said.

President Buhari urged Nigerians living in the country to respect the laws, remain law-abiding and do nothing to derogate from the many years of friendly and mutually beneficial relationships between the two countries.

A leader of the community, Dr. Abdulkadir Maikudi, who spoke on behalf of the group requested the President to assist the privately-run Nigerian International School in the Kingdom by equipping it to provide science and technical education.

The Nigerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yahaya Lawal and the Consul-General in Jeddah, Ambassador Abdulkarim Mansur attested to the good conduct of the nearly 1.5 million Nigerians there.

According to them, “Nigerian professionals are doing well and projecting a good image of our country.”

Unity Bank Posts N36.18 Billion Gross Earnings in Nine Months; Records 23% Growth in Profit

Unity Bank Posts N36.18 Billion Gross Earnings in Nine Months; Records 23% Growth in Profigerian lender, Unity Bank Plc has declared gross earnings of N36.18Billion for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2021, and a 23% growth of PAT totalling N1.94Billion for the same period.  

A review of the unaudited results for the 3rd Quarter of 2021 released to the Nigerian Exchange Group Limited showed that the Bank’s gross earnings of N36.18Billion represents a moderate 7% growth from N33.9 Billion recorded in the same period in 2020.  

Also, with the strong performance recorded during the period under review buoyed by a 31% growth in its loan book to N265.32Billion from N202.08Billion recorded in 2020, the lender also grew its asset base by 17% to N574.56Billion from N492.02Billion recorded in December 2020.  

The Bank’s Profit Before Tax for the period under review grew by 23% to N2.11Billion from N1.71Billion in the corresponding period in 2020.  

This sterling performance comes amid fragile recovery and volatilities in the operating environment and key macroeconomic indicators following the global Covid-19 pandemic, weak market sentiments and inflationary trends, as well as tough regulatory headwinds that have impacted severely on economic activities.  

The lender also substantially grew its net interest income to N14.63Billion from N12.67Billion in the same period in 2020; creating a 15% uptick from the value of the Bank’s rising loan portfolio and an improvement in its transaction banking activities with its customers, achieved through excellent service delivery.  

The lender’s fees and commissions averaged 16% to report an increase of N4.56Billion from N3.92Billion within the period under review, attributable to a dividend of the Bank’s strategic retail play which has boosted transaction volume.  

Commenting on the result, Unity Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Mrs. Tomi Somefun expressed satisfaction with the performance indices of the Q3/2021 financials. Particularly inspiring are the growing loan book and quality of assets (31% growth), cash and balances with the CBN (24% growth) and PBT (23% growth), altogether adding to the consecutive growth of the balance sheet in the last couple of years.  

In her overall assessment, she stated that “the market is increasingly beginning to see the efforts in the strategic refocussing of our business and diversification of our earnings base which is translating into tangible results even as we strive to meet the expectations of our esteemed customers and cherished stakeholders.  

“In addition, she said that while the Bank’s focus on agribusiness has provided both brand and business benefits while the institution has also made significant investment in the development of the retail market in order to grow its market share in various target segments by scaling up operations in the niche market.”  

Somefun also stated that the Bank shall remain dynamic by embracing current and emerging market trends in technology, effectively targeting the youth market, driving financial inclusion in the women segment, developing robust product marketing to create value through a focus on digital strategies to facilitate transaction and e-banking channels.  

Looking ahead, Mrs. Somefun stated: “We are optimistic that nothing will threaten to upend the current COVID-19 recovery, especially as the Bank is poised towards building an increased momentum to ride the wave of the economic headwinds, even as the growing inflationary pressures and the soaring energy prices still remain a concern.  

According to the Unity Bank’s boss, “Ours is a continuous balancing act and revolutionary performance towards repositioning the business nationwide via tapping into emerging opportunities across the banking space, including the digital financial services spheres”.  

Analysts believe that the consistent growth trajectory in the Bank’s balance sheet as shown in Q1, H1 and Q3, 2021 results continue to reinforce growing market confidence as well as demonstrates the commitment and drive of the management to enhance shareholder’s value.

VP Osinbajo To Lead Christian Crusade For Improved Security, Economy In Nigeria

 Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is expected to lead a Christian crusade for improved security and economy as President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime battles to keep Nigeria from falling apart amid vicious bandit attacks and weakened naira.

Mr Osinbajo and David Abioye, the presiding bishop of Living Faith Church, Goshen, Abuja, are billed to grace the event themed ‘Faith in Jesus Christ in times of crisis’.

“The fellowship decided to hold the 2021 version via Zoom, and we are trusting God that the event will hold tomorrow (Thursday) by 7.00 a.m. By the grace of God, the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, will be joining us as well as a couple of other dignitaries including diplomats,” said Emmanuel Bwacha, the chair of the National Assembly Christian Legislators Forum, while briefing journalists at a press conference.

On Wednesday, his principal, President Muhammadu Buhari, “spent quality time” at the mosque of the Prophet Muhammed, “engaging in prayers and recitation of the Holy Qur’an,” said presidential spokesman Garba Shehu in a statement.

“The National Prayer Breakfast is an annual fellowship where we pray for our country, pray for our responsibilities as parliamentarians for wisdom in passing bills that will benefit Nigerians. It was not held last year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic that has wreaked havoc on our economy, political and social sphere,” Mr Bwacha explained.

The prayer session will also be used to mark the 11th edition of the National Prayer Summit organised by the forum.

“As a fellowship, we are not partisan. Ours is to pray. We are not unaware of the fact that it is not easy to ask people to follow. But ours is to intercede,” he noted. “The increasing prices of foodstuff does not recognise political parties. It does not recognise geopolitics. It does not recognise tribe and has no segregation of age. So, our own is to pray on all issues so that our lord and saviour, Jesus Christ, will intervene and restore the glory of our nation and that we be able to overcome these challenges.”

Media Guru, Dele Momodu Returns To Politics, Joins PDP

Chief Dele Momodu, former Presidencial candidate, Media mogul and businessman, has returned to politics, joins the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

Momodu announced his move to the PDP in a statement on Friday.

He explained that his decision was based on the need to contribute meaningfully to the development of the country.

The journalist accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of failing in delivering democratic dividends to Nigerians, maintaining that the PDP has landmark achievements to show for their 16-year rule.

He said, “I have consulted widely. And it is clear to me that given the dangerous and disastrous drift that our nation has experienced in the past six years, the only party from which amends can be made to rectify our situation is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“This accords with my vehement opposition to the policies and practices of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and its leadership, which has denuded our country of everything we hold dear – national unity, cohesion, security, economic prosperity, educational advancement, social infrastructure, and above all, our cherished moral values.

“For these reasons, I am happy to declare that I am now a full-fledged participating member of the great and patriotic Peoples Democratic Party.

“It is deeply saddening and regrettable that some of the biggest and landmark achievements recorded under the PDP administration have been diluted, wasted, or diminished by the present APC government.”

Former Ondo State Governor, Mimiko Dumps ZLP, Defects To PDP For The Third Time

Hours after meeting with the chairman of the People’s Democrats Party (PDP) governors forum and Sokoto state governor, Aminu Tambuwal, former governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, has defected to the Peoples Democratic Party.

This is the third time Mimiko will be defecting to the PDP after leaving the party in 2019 to form the Labour Party LP which later changed to Zenith Labour Party ZLP.

The three other PDP Governors that were at the meeting include: Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Nyesom Wike (Rivers) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia).

The visit of the four governors is coming less than 24 hours to the National Convention of the PDP.

A statement issued after over three hours meeting with the ZLP leaders and supporters at Mimiko’s Ondo country home, the party state chairman, Hon Joseph Akinlaja, said that “stakeholders of the party from across the 18 Local Government areas of Ondo State have resolved to join the Peoples Democratic Party PDP after a meeting held at the residence of the party’s national leader, Mimiko, in Ondo on Wednesday.

”The meeting which has Mimiko, former deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi, his running mate, Gboye Adegbenro, former speaker, Jumoke Akindele, the state chairman of the party, Hon Joseph Akinlaja among other leaders in attendance resolved after deliberations to pitch their tent with the PDP to rescue the country from the misrule of the APC and set her on a path of peace and progress for the benefit of all.

“The meeting followed an earlier visit by four PDP governors led by chairman of their forum, Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State. Okezie Ikpeazu, Nyesom Wike and Seyi Makinde had told the press after their meeting with Mimiko that they were in Ondo to invite Mimiko and his teeming supporters in the ZLP to the PDP.

“The stakeholders’ meeting was called to discuss the meeting with the PDP governors and intimate members with the outcomes of series of interactions with PDP leaders on the invitation extended to him.

“Mimiko told the stakeholders that the ZLP in being invited to join the PDP to rescue the country from the brink of insecurity.”

 

Prisoners’ Feeding Cost Increased To N1,000 Per Day

The Senate Committee on Interior has resolved to jerk up the daily feeding cost of a prisoner per day, to N1,000 from N750 proposed by the executive in the 2022 budget.

This is as the committee planned to meet the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed, the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and other stakeholders on expeditious justice delivery in decongesting the nation’s prisons.

The Acting Comptroller General of Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), Mr Idris Isa, had in his presentation before the Committee during 2022 budget defence said that the current N450 feeding cost for each of the Prisoners on daily basis, has been increased to N750 as proposed in the 2022 budget estimates.

Moved by empathy and compassion, the Committee Chairman, Senator Kashim Shettima (APC Borno Central) and members, frowned at the N750 feeding cost per day proposed for each inmate across the custodian centres. On behalf of the committee, Senator Chukwuka Utazi (PDP Enugu North) said going by the value of Naira today and increasing costs of consumables, N750 is insufficient.

“Mr Chairman, I will urge this committee to jerk up the proposed N750 feeding cost per day on each of the inmates at the custodian centres to at least N1,000.00 because no grown-up Nigeria today can survive with N750 per day as far as feeding is concerned,” he said.

Seconding the motion, Senator Betty Apiafi (PDP Rivers West), said the proposed N1,000 should be the minimum and must be reflected in the final budget to be passed for the correctional service. The Chairman of the committee accordingly ruled in favour of the motion by hitting the gavel on the table to that effect.

Ugwuanyi Has Made Education Functional In Enugu – Nnaemeka Charles Eze - Member, ENSUBEB

Beyond just the ability to read and write, functional education includes the total transformation of a fertile mind into the totality of a man’s personality; thus for school pupils in Enugu state, going to school is not just to learn how to read and write; but how they will become better persons imbued and bristling with patriotism for the development of their immediate society. 

This is so, because the Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr.  Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has not only turned things around in the education sector, he has made education well rounded and attractive with modern equipment and infrastructure.

Member 1V, of Enugu state Universal Basic Education Board, Nnaemeka Charles Eze while hosting some journalists in Enugu State, said education in Enugu state has gotten a massive boost. In his words, "there has been total transformation of Basic Education under the leadership of our education friendly governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. It had never been this good and it is very verifiable. This has been made possible through the partnership between Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and Enugu State government who is always committed to paying their counterpart funds.” 

In furtherance to highlighting the impact of Ugwuanyi’s administration on education in Enugu State through the office of the Executive Chairman of ENSUBEB, Chief Ikeje Asogwa, the author said; "Under the leadership of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB) has completed a total of 1,205 school projects. 

This is verifiable and most of these schools are equipped with modern learning facilities such as desks, marker boards, chairs, instructional materials, Celling fans, toilet facilities, amongst others. Enugu state has revived sports in Basic education. The schools have modern sports equipment and are presently having a very interesting and colorful football competition across the state. I repeat; it had never been this good in basic Education, never”

"One of the first things ENSUBEB executive Chairman, Chief Ikeje Asogwa did on assumption of office, was to seek approval for recruitment of teachers as the system lacked competent teachers to handle the pupils. Without hesitation, Governor Ugwuanyi graciously approved the recruitment of 3000 teachers and few years after, another recruitment exercise took place and today, I make bold to say that under his administration, ENSUBEB has recruited a total number 5030 teachers after series of tests and interviews. 

This number is about double the total number of teachers the system had before Ugwuanyi came on board. These teachers are paid promptly and they undergo constant training and retraining. Gburugburu made all these possible and special recognition and appreciation to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Abuja. They have been very supportive.” Eze said.

Outrage As Taliban Leader Praises Suicide Bombers, Calls Them ‘Hero’, Rewards Their Families

 

Minister of Interior in the Taliban-led administration in Afghanistan, Sirajuddin Haqqani, has praised suicide bombers for killing thousands of U.S. and allied troops in the war against the former government and its Western allies.

This was reported by Voice of America that Mr Haqqani who currently has a $10 million U.S. bounty on his head as a global terrorist, sang praises of the suicide bombers while hosting family members of the attackers at a hotel in the Afghan capital on Monday.

Describing the dead suicide bombers as ‘heroes of Islam and the country’, the wanted Taliban leader rewarded their relatives with $125 and plots of land.

“In his speech, the minister praised the Jihad and sacrifices of the martyrs and Mujahidin and called them heroes of Islam and the country,” Interior Ministry spokesman Qari Saeed Khosty in a tweet said.

The suicide bombers were responsible for the killings of thousands of U.S. and allied troops in the recent Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.

Taliban fighters ousted ex-Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani after taking over the city of Kabul, Peoples Gazette reported.

After taking over power, the Taliban while declaring amnesty across the country in August promised to respect the human rights of Afghan citizens, especially women and girls.

However, the extremist group refused to keep its promises constantly violating the fundamental rights of Afghans.

Buhari Government Borrows For Nigeria’s Unborn Children So They Can Enjoy Infrastructure – Minister of Works, Fashola

Nigeria’s minister of Works and Housing, Banat funds Fashola has said that debt accumulation by President Muhammadu Buhari regime, is a way for the unborn generation to contribute to the country’s infrastructure building.

“Our infrastructures are no longer enough for us to use. That’s why,” Mr Fashola told BBC Yoruba. “The children people say we are accumulating debt for, should we wait until they are 40 to start building infrastructure or we build the infrastructure before they are born. Which in is more sensible? They should meet the infrastructure on ground.”

Citing a project he executed as former Lagos State governor, Mr Fashola said “I ask people that the bridge we built in Lagos yesterday in Lekki, should we wait for the children who use the bridge when going to school now to become adults before building the bridge? Is it not better that they use it from when they are small? They should also contribute to it.”

The minister said Nigerians will either chose between government borrowing or increment in taxes, adding that the American government has a debt burden of $23 trillion and it is still borrowing.

Away from Mr Fashola’s assertion, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, whose administration is lauded for clearing Nigeria’s foreign debt, condemned the continuous borrowing by the Buhari regime, saying accumulating debt for future generation is foolish and criminal.

“If we are borrowing for recurrent expenditure it is height of folly. If you are borrowing for development that can pay itself, of course, that is understandable. Then paying itself, how long will it take to pay itself,” Mr Obasanjo said days after Mr Buhari made request to the National Assembly for a fresh $4 billion loan last month.

With Nigeria’s debt service to revenue ratio at 98 per cent, experts say continuous borrowing is unsustainable.

“But if you are borrowing and you are accumulating debt for the next generation and the generation after them, it is criminal to put it mildly,” Mr Obasanjo added.

#EndSarsMemorial: Newborn In Criitical Cindition As Nigerian Police Unleash Terror At Lagos Protestant

 At the ongoing #LekkiToolGate EndSars memorial a newborn is reportedly in critical condition as officers of the Lagos State Police Command fired teargas canisters into moving commuter buses in Lagos.

More eyewitness reports from the scene noted that the infant is in dire need of medical attention and its mother, not yet identified at the time of filing this report, is distraught.

“Cans of teargas had been fired into a moving bus where there is a nursing mother and her baby” an eyewitness told Peoples Gazette, adding that “The mother carried the baby and jumped off the bus towards safety. The gas was heavy, so I couldn’t stay either.”

These developments are from the ongoing suppression of the first anniversary of the #EndSARS protests by security personnel at Lekki toll gate.

The state government had earlier vowed to clamp down hard on any demonstrators in the.

However, many youths stormed the Lekki toll gate for a memorial of the October 20, 2020 protests where soldiers of the Nigerian Army opened gunfire on unarmed protesters.

Arrests of protesters have already been made by the police. The Gazette reported on Wednesday morning that two protesters were dragged away into police vehicles while granting press interviews.

The state police had deployed tens of trucks and several personnel from the Task Force, Rapid Response Squad, Ajah Area Command and Divisional Police Stations to prevent the protest from holding in the area.

Breaking: Popular Bishop, Desmond Tutu Is Dead

The Bishop of Johannesburg, Stephen Moreo has announced the death of prominent Bishop, Demons Tutu.

The South African Bishop, Archbishop Desmond Tutu has died at the age of 90

Moreo’s account stated, “ATTENTION. The Anglican Diocese of Johannesburg receives now the sad news of the death of our dearest Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

“The Most Reverend Archbishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu dies at 90. Official note to be released soon.”

Tutu was renowned for his work as an anti-apartheid and human rights activist. Between 1985 to 1986 he was the Bishop of Johannesburg from and then the Archbishop of Cape Town from 1986 to 1996. He was the first black African to hold both positions.

He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984.

Road To 2023: Top PDP Members Dumps Party, Defect To APC

Governor of Yobe state and the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker Extraordinary Convention, Mai Mala Buni, has that the party has added a number of high profile Nigerians to its membership.

Mr Buni revealed this while speaking at the state office.

He said he received state officials and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Yobe who defected to the APC on Tuesday.

The defectors are the PDP’s state deputy chairman Usman Amale, and the party’s assistant secretary Ahmadu Biriri.

In receiving the defectors, Mr Buni said, “We are welcoming high profile Nigerians from all walks of life, from different backgrounds, cultures, religions and geo-political backgrounds.

“The solution to the problems facing Nigeria lies in the political stability of the country; we should all come together to promote our unity for development.”

Mr Buni assured Messrs Amale and Biriri of equal rights and opportunities like other members.

Speaking on behalf of them, Mr Amale said, “We had no reason being in PDP because our leader and Chairman of APC needs the support for political stability in Nigeria.”

SSS charges Nnamdi Kanu For Calling President Buhari ‘an idiot’

The State Security Service (SSS) has changed the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu for calling Nigeria’s president, Buhari an ‘idiot’

This was revealed in a statement by the agency.

PRESS RELEASE • OCTOBER 20, 2021

The State Security Service has unveiled its amended charge sheet in the ongoing terrorism charges against Nnamdi Kanu. The Biafran agitator was abducted by Nigerian operatives in Nairobi and transferred to Nigeria in June. He has been held in custody ever since.

Ahead of his trial continuation on October 21, the SSS sent out a list of seven charges preferred against Mr Kanu at the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court. Amongst other charges, the secret police said Mr Kanu was being charged for describing President Muhammadu Buhari as “an idiot” and also said in counts six and seven that London is under the jurisdiction of the Nigerian court.

Count One:

That you Nnamdi Kanu, male adult of Afaraukwu lbeku Umahia North Local Government Area of Abia State being the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on diverse dates in 2014 and 2015 in London, United Kingdom, did broadcast on Radio Biafra monitored in Enugu and other areas within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, preparations made by you and others now at large for states in the South-East and South-South zones and other communities in Kogi and Benue States to secede from the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a view to constituting same into the Republic of Biafra and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 41(c) of the Criminal Code Act, CAP. C77, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Count Two:

That you Nnamdi Kanu, male, adult, of Afaraukwu Ibeku, Umuahia North Local Government Area ot Abia State, on or about the 28th April, 2015 in London, United Kingdom did broadcast on Radio Biafra monitored in Enugu, Enugu State and other parts of Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, referred to Major General Muhammadu Buhari, GCON, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a paedophile, a terrorist, an idiot and an embodiment of evil, knowing same to be false and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 375 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C. 77, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

Count Three:

That you Nnamdi Kanu, male adult of Afaraukwu lbeku Umahia North Local Government Area of Abia State between the month of March and April 2015 imported into Nigeria and kept in Ubulusiuzor in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra state within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court , a Radio transmitter known as TRAM 50L concealed in a container of used household which you declared as used household items and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 47 (2) of the Criminal Code of Act ,Cap C45, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Count Four:

That you Nnamdi Kanu, male, adult. of Afaraukwu iIbeku, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State in London, United Kingdom between 2018 and 2021 Radio Biafra monitored in Enugu, Enugu State and FCT, Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, professed to be a member of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a proscribed organisation in Nigeria and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 16 Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act,

013.

Count Five:

That you Nnamdi Kanu, male, adult, of Afaraukwu Ibeku, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State on the 22th of April, 2021 in London, United Kingdom on Radio Biafra monitored in Enugu, Enugu State and other parts of Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did an act of terrorism in that you incite the other members (followers) of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB}, a proscribed organisation in Nigeria, to look for security personnel, their family members through a Radio Biafra on 102.1FM monitored through the IPOB Community Radio and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 1 (2) (h) of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act.

Count Six:

That you Nnamdi Kanu, male, adult, of Afaraukwu Ibeku, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia Stale on the 16thh of May, 2021, in London, United Kingdom within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did commit an act in furtherance of an act of terrorism by making a broadcast that “In 2 weeks’ time, what will happen will shake the world, people will die, the whole world will stand still, mark my word” and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 1 (2) (b) of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act, 2013.

Count Seven:

That you Nnamdi Kanu, male, adult, of Afaraukwu Ibeku, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State on the 31st of May, 2021, in London, United Kingdom within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did an act in furtherance of an act of terrorism by issuing a deadly threat that anyone who flouted your sit-at-home order should “write his/her will,” as a result banks, schools, markets, shopping malls, fuel stations were not opened for businesses and vehicular movements grounded and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 1 (2) (b) of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act, 2013.

Update: We Arrested Tonto’s Ex, Prince Kpokpogiri To Help Him Regain His Sanity – Police

 

Police authorities at the Force headquarters in Abuja have explained why they arrested actress Tonto Dikeh’s ex-boyfriend, Prince Kpokpogiri.

He was arrested on Tuesday morning, October 19, after he reportedly bypassed Police authorities, took two police officers to an hotel where Tonto lodged and threatened to open fire at her if she did not hand over the keys of an SUV.

According to report, Kpokpogiri who is currently facing a pending investigation at Force CID, at a point became violent and was allegedly raining insults and curses on the Police officers while all entreaties for him to calm down failed.

Consequently, when the DIG in charge of Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, DIG Joseph Egbunike, was briefed about the conduct of Kpokpogiri, he ordered his arrest and the policemen that he came with.

It was also gathered that his arrest is to enable him to regain his sanity after which he would be questioned on the issue about ownership or otherwise on the vehicle in question.

Healing Streams Live Healing Services With Pastor Chris: Getting Ready To Shake The World

Healing Streams Live Healing Services with Pastor Chris: an online global phenomenon that has blessed so many lives in countless ways. Streamed via the internet and on various terrestrial and satellite TV and radio stations all over the world, billions have been tremendously blessed by the power of God through healing miracles, salvation in Jesus Christ, and spiritual endowments

Testimonials of supernatural encounters and divine interventions into human situations abound aplenty from those who have participated in these programs since its inception in September 2020, and more especially for the March and July 2021 editions that featured the man of God, Pastor Chris.

“My son had skin problem on his back. During the July Healing Streams Live Healing Services, I placed my hand on his back as Pastor Chris was praying. When we woke up the next morning, we saw a huge difference on my baby’s back. He is completely healed. Indeed, God is amazing, I can’t stop praising and thanking Him for what He’s done. My son’s skin was so ugly, but is now perfect,” says Lesego from South Africa.

“On the Monday of the week of the recent Healing Streams program in July 2021, I developed a sudden lower back pain whilst in the kitchen. The pain became so severe that I could not sit or even stand but could only lie on my back. I participated in the program from Friday and by the close of the program on Sunday, I was totally healed. The pain disappeared and I can now sit and stand normally. Glory be to Jesus!” Harrison from Spain proclaims.

Neither time nor space in any one article would suffice to even begin to tell of the many glorious wonders that God has wrought through the Live Healing Services, which is reminiscent of John’s declaration when he said, “Jesus did many other things. If they were all written in books, I don’t suppose there would be room enough in the whole world for all the books,” (John 21:25 CEV).

 Still, all that has happened is only just a foretaste of things to come. The Healing Streams Live Healing Services with Pastor Chris will hold from Friday to Sunday, 29–31 October 2021, and it is set to be the biggest and grandest crusade yet. Nothing the world has ever seen will compare to it.

On the impact of the upcoming program, the man of God, Pastor Chris says, “We are going to shake the world for Jesus one more time. It’s the biggest thing happening in the world right now.”

 Language? Time? Distance? There are no barriers to your miracle. The program will be streamed live in over 4,000 languages, on the Healing Streams TV website

 (www.healingstreams.tv)

The Healing School Mobile App, and on Loveworld Networks (TV and radio stations all over the world). You can participate from wherever you are!

So, the only question is this: are you ready?

There are 4 Ps to remember when preparing for the Healing Streams Live Healing Services with Pastor Chris:

   Pray about the program and for those who will participate in it.

     Publicize it to your world. You sharing the news is the only way some people will hear.

    Prepare places; share the program with other by creating on-site and virtual healing centers

     Partner. Sponsor the program.

To register for the program and for more information on what to do, please visit

www.healingstreams.tv/3days

More Drama As Tonto Dikeh Arrest Ex-Boyfriend, Prince Kpokpogri For Harassing Her In Public Over Lexus SUV

More Drama have continued to thril the bitter separation of Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh and her ex-boyfriend, Prince Kpokpogiri.

According to report, the Tonto Dikeh’s EX Prince Kpokpogri traced his Lexus SUV to the parking lot of Nicon hotel in Abuja where the actress was allegedly lodged and he jammed the tyres of the car and used a white car to block the Lexus from being moved.

His action caused an uproar at the parking lot and staff of the hotel tried to stop him but his Police escort reportedly threatened to shoot a female staff of the hotel who tried to Intervene.

The management of the hotel in retaliation locked the wheels of the white car he used in blocking the Lexus SUV:

However, the following day, both Tonto Dikeh and Prince Kpokpogri were summoned to the Police force CID Headquarters where they both answered to questions until about 8pm.

Prince Kpokpogri and his two Police aides were reportedly arrested for harassment but insider said a call was placed from ‘above’ that he should be HELD while Tonto Dikeh was allowed to go home.

The Lexus SUV and the white car used in blocking it have reportedly been detained as exhibits in the ongoing case between the former couple.

You Have 24hours To Apologise For Promoting Northern Presidency – Southern Governors Tells Dokpesi

Following his recent statement that Igbo’s can’t be trusted with the seat of a president in Nigeria, the Coalition of Southern Groups has given Raymond Dokpesi, the Chairman of Daar Communications 48 hours to apologise to southerners for supporting a Northern presidency.

Some days ago, Dokpesi told journalists that he was supporting a northern presidency in the 2023 elections because they had been marginalised with the death of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2010.

According to him, it will not be fair and just should power return to the South in 2023, even though the regime of President Muhammadu Buhari, would have spent eight years.

Buhari is a northerner.
Reacting in a statement, the group said Dokpesi’s comment could set the nation on fire by promoting the Northern Presidency against the Southern Agenda.

The statement was signed by Uche Nwabueze, the President; Uzoka Chukwuemeka, Publicity Secretary and Segun Nelson, the Secretary.

They described the DAAR Communication’s boss as an enemy of the Southern region.

The statement reads: “Our attention was drawn to the statement made by chairman emeritus of DAAR Communication Plc, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi who was building support for the Northern group to produce a presidential candidate for 2023 election, systematically narrowed it to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“We the Coalition of Southern Groups (CSG) condemned this reckless statement made by Daar Communications’ principal as a way to set the nation on fire by promoting Northern presidency against the Southern Agenda that is well supported by the Northern leaders with the likes of Governor Samuel Ortom, Nasir El-Rufai, Aminu Masari, Abdullahi Ganduje and Babagana Zulum to balance the equation of the nation with peace and harmony.

“We as a group will continue to appreciate our brothers and sisters at the Northern part for their understanding and support across party lines to produce a Southern presidency come 2023, which is the only part that can unify us as a country again.

“We can see that High Chief Raymond Dokpesi is enemy of the Southern part of Nigeria where he comes from and benefited massively, we are using this medium to demand an open apology from the DAAR Communications boss within 48 hours.

“Coalition of Southern Groups will continue to consult and mobilise like minds for any vibrant Southerner who can manage the country well for peace, unity and good economic growth, which is desperately needed in our country now.

“We hereby call on all politicians of Southern extraction to rally on the yearnings and aspirations of our people to Produce a President of Nigeria in 2023 of southern extraction or declare themselves persona non grata in the Southern Zone.”

EFCC Boss Bawa Wanted To Nail Me By Force – Governor Yahaya Bello Cries Out

Kogi state governor, Yahaya Bello has said that the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, (EFCC) led by Abdulrasheed Bawa is trying by all means possible to nail him.

Governor Bello said Bawa is deceiving Nigerians and lying against his government that it squandered the N20 billion bailout given to the state by the federal government, asserting the anti-graft agency wanted to nail him “at all cost.”

Mr Bello’s government is also seeking a public apology from the anti-corruption agency, accusing it of being bent on denting the state’s image.

“Finally, while we reserve all our legal rights against the EFCC, we reiterate our demand for an unreserved apology from the EFCC as contained in our letter to the chairman of the EFCC on September 6. We hope the EFCC will honour the said demand to regain the trust of Nigerians,” the Kogi Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, said in a statement on Sunday. “The state government again urges the commission to tender (a) public apology to it and refrain from measures that can further damage the image of the nation.”

The Kogi government also dared the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to publicise its investigations on the purported N20 billion bailout fraud.

The EFCC, in August, alleged that the N19.3 billion Kogi bailout domiciled in Sterling Bank was misappropriated and freezing the state’s bank account on orders of a Lagos High Court. On Friday, the EFCC withdrew its suit, seeking forfeiture of the N20 billion bailout fund.

However, the Kogi government had kicked against the withdrawal, charging the anti-graft body to make its findings on the fund public.

The statement also urged Nigerians to ask the EFCC whose custody it found a part of the bailout fund said to have been dissipated.

The Kogi government insisted that the N19.3 billion which Sterling Bank had undertaken to the EFCC to transfer to the Central Bank of Nigeria, does not belong to the Kogi government, and Kogi did not enter into any agreement, either with Sterling Bank or the EFCC, to return any fund to the CBN.

“It is our belief that the withdrawal of the suit by the EFCC without informing the court of the facts, is a deliberate and face-saving effort by the commission, all in a bid to ‘nail’ at all cost, the Kogi government and tarnish its image,” Mr Bello’s government stated.

It added that the EFCC violated an earlier order of the court, failing to report its findings to the court. The Kogi government accused the anti-corruption agency of “unceremoniously withdrew the suit, without facts of its investigation to the court and the public.”

“Nigerians should further ask the EFCC whether a commercial bank can simply undertake to transfer a customer’s money from the customers’ account without the order of any court mandating such transfer or a forfeiture?” the statement further noted. “Nigerians also deserve to know what becomes of the criminal allegation that the EFCC made, when it informed the Federal High Court that N666,666,666.64 out of the N20 billion bailout loan had been dissipated, and that same was being traced.”

It also pointed out that Mr Bello’s government “as of October 2019, fully disbursed our bailout funds and are already religiously repaying the loan to Sterling Bank Plc.”