Politics

Okowa predicts PDP victory in Anambra election

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The Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, on Tuesday, predicted the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Valentine Ozigbo, in the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State.

Okowa stated this when Ozigbo and some defectors from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra led by the party’s Youth Leader, Magnus Eziokwu, visited him in Asaba, the state capital.

He expressed the hope that what happened in Edo would be replicated in Anambra, adding that PDP stood a chance to win the election going by the preparations so far made by the party.

Okowa, who is the Deputy Chairman of PDP’s National Campaign Council for the Anambra election, described Ozigbo as ”humble and dynamic,” adding that he was the best of all the candidates in the election.

He urged the people of Anambra to vote massively for the PDP to turn things around in the state.

The governor said: “I welcome you and your entourage to Delta and to my office and I feel very happy within me because I can see that we have decided to tow the path of unity.

“When we are united, I am convinced we will come out victorious in the November 6 governorship election.

“I want to congratulate you ahead of time because I know that you are doing well.

There is no doubt that Anambra has always been a PDP state but unfortunately in the past 16 years, we have lost out in the politics of Anambra solely because of infighting.

“But from what I am hearing and what I can see now, I feel very encouraged that there is a new spirit now in the PDP in Anambra.”

He expressed happiness at the spirit of reconciliation and better commitment to the campaign and called for a more vigorous house-to-house rally ahead of the poll.

Okowa added: “The real politics is not the gathering of people on the field but the door-to-door campaign which is set out to convince people.

“I think that people have seen the other side of the coin at the moment they are waiting for the PDP and it is for us to rediscover ourselves or to decide to give away this chance but I am convinced that you will not allow that to happen.

We had an opportunity in Edo State and we took it and I believe it is a similar opportunity we have in Anambra and we may not have a better chance than now so we must take it back.”

Politics

Osinbajo makes U-turn on Naira devaluation

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Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday made a dramatic U-turn on his earlier position on the devaluation of Naira.

Osinbajo had on Monday said the current Naira/Dollar exchange rate was artificially low.

The Vice President, who stated this in his remarks at the Ministerial Retreat held in Abuja, said the poor state of the Naira had made it difficult to attract foreign investors into the country.

He challenged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to make the exchange rate to be reflective of the current realities in the country.

The Vice President, who reacted to the backlash that trailed the remarks in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, insisted that never at a time did he advocated the devaluation of the Naira.

The statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to statements and reports in the media mis-characterizing as a call for devaluation, the view of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) that the Naira exchange rate was being kept artificially low.

“Prof. Osinbajo is not calling for the devaluation of the Naira. He has at all times argued against a willy-nilly devaluation of the Naira.

For context, the Vice President’s point was that currently, the Naira exchange rate benefits only those who are able to obtain the dollar at N410, some of who simply turn round and sell to the parallel market at N570. It is stopping this huge arbitrage of over N160 per dollar that the Vice President was talking about. Such a massive difference discourages doing proper business, when selling the dollar can bring in 40 percent profit!

“This was why the Vice President called for measures that would increase the supply of foreign exchange in the market rather than simply managing demand, which opens up irresistible opportunities for arbitrage and corruption.

It is a well-known fact that foreign investors and exporters have been complaining that they could not bring foreign exchange in at N410 and then have to purchase foreign exchange in the parallel market at N570 to meet their various needs on account of unavailability of foreign exchange. Only a more market reflective exchange rate would ameliorate this. With an increase in the supply of dollars the rates will drop and the value of the Naira will improve.

“The real issue confronting the economy on this matter is how to improve the supply of foreign exchange, but this will not happen if we do not allow mechanisms like the Importers and Exporters window to work. If we allow this market mechanism to work as intended, we will find that the Naira will appreciate against the dollar as we restore confidence in the system.”

Politics

Buhari appoints Yakusak as export promotion council’s chief

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President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Dr. Ezra Yakusak as Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC).

The Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Garba Shehu, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said Yakusak’s appointment was for an initial term of four years.

The statement read: “The appointment is with effect from November 27, 2021.”

Until his appointment, Yakusak, who holds a Ph.D. in commercial law from Ahmadu Bello University, was the Director of Policy and Strategy, NEPC.

Politics

APC inaugurates reconciliation committee

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The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee, Mai Mala Buni, on Monday inaugurated the party’s National Reconciliation Committee ahead of its national convention.

In his address at the event, Buni said the committee was set up to reconcile members who were aggrieved by the outcome of the party’s congresses.

He said members of the committee were carefully selected based on their individual track records of excellence, adding that they had served the party with a high sense of commitment and dedication.

He charged them to critically examine areas of conflict in the party’s just-concluded ward and local government congress and advance solutions to problems noticed during the processes.

The committee is headed by the former governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Adamu while Mr. Moses Adeyemo will serve as the secretary.

Other members of the committee are former governors George Akume (Benue), Sullivan Chime (Enugu), Ali Saad (Jigawa), and former Speaker of House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara.

Buni said: “I want to sincerely commend and appreciate you for the great sacrifices you made to the process of rebuilding the party.

“The much-anticipated congresses have commenced and progressed with significant successes.

“We have also constituted mechanisms such as the appeal committees to address complaints arising from the conduct of the congresses.

Your report on the resolution of these discrepancies will indicate our readiness as a united and strong family for the national convention. Your assignment, therefore, has great impact and influence on the convention.”

He enjoined members of the committee to remain resolute and dedicated to their assignment with a spirit of teamwork.

The chairman urged them to take the interest of the party above personal and selfish interests for APC to remain strong and united as Nigeria’s leading political party.

Politics

Falana charges youths to get involved in politics

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A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana (SAN), on Monday charged Nigerian youths to get more involved in politics.

Falana, who made the call during the 2021 Felabration Symposium held in Lagos, declared that youths have the capacity to contribute more to the progress of the country.

Felabration is an annual music festival initiated by Yeni Kuti in memory of her late father, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, in 1998.

He said: “Nigerian youths need to get engaged politically. They have roles to play in the struggle for a new Nigeria.”

Politics

Court orders Nigerian Navy, Imo, Abia to conduct Ndubuisi Kanu’s burial

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Justice Christopher Balogun of the Lagos High Court, Ikeja, on Monday ordered the Nigerian Navy to convey the body of the late former military governor of the state, Rear Adm. Ndubuisi Kanu (retd), to Imo and hand it over to the state government prior to the burial.

Kanu, who was a former military governor of Imo, died of COVID-19 complications on January 13 in Lagos.

Gladys, one of the two wives of the deceased, had dragged other members of the Kanu family and the Nigerian Navy to court over how his funeral rites should be conducted.

The plaintiff had sought an order of the court to direct the respondents, their agents, or privies, not to threaten her and to allow her properly prepare for the burial slated for October 15.

The respondents to the suit are; Kelly Kanu, the Nigerian Navy, Simone Abiona, Andrey Joe- Ezigbo, Paul Ndidiamaka Kanu, and Karen Johnson.

Others are Jeffery Kanu, Laura Kanu, Stephen Kanu, and Josephine Ndubuisi-Kanu (wife).

In his ruling, Justice Balogun said that to guarantee the safety of the corpse, the body should be transported to the South-East by the Nigerian Navy where it would be handed over to the state government officials.

He pushed forward the interment originally slated for October 16 by 24 hours.

This, according to Balogun, is due to security concerns emanating from the All Peoples Congress (APC) convention slated to take place in the South-East.

He said: “After listening to all the parties- the wives and the children who personally attended court today and hearing from the elders of Ovim Community, this court in the interest of all the parties and the security and safety of the corpse of late Rear Adm. Ndubuisi Kanu, hereby directs as follows:

“That the officials of the Nigerian Navy are to ensure a befitting burial for the late Rear Adm. Ndubuisi Kanu together with his wives and all his children to take place on 15th October 2021.

“The Nigerian Navy is to ensure that the corpse of the late Rear Admiral is secured and protected prior to the burial and during the burial.

“The Nigerian Navy shall prepare the corpse in full regalia of a Rear Admiral and shall fly and carry his remains from the Military Mortuary in Ojo, Lagos, on Wednesday, 13th October and proceed to the Muritala Mohammed International Airport.

The remains shall be flown to the Sam Mbakwe International Airport, Owerri, Imo State, where the body will be identified by the ‘Ada’ of the family.

“It shall then proceed to the Government House to be received by the Imo State Governor and the wives and family of the late Rear Admiral and people of Imo State.”

The judge ordered that the body would be thereafter taken for the lying-in-state at the Government House chapel and kept “intact” at the Government House Hospital Morgue in Owerri for safety and in the custody of the Imo State government.

Balogun said the body would then be moved to Abia for a full state burial.

The judge added: “It is noted that the respective parties- the wives, the first son, the ‘Ada’ and all the other children shall be entitled to participate jointly in the burial rites of their late husband and father.

All traditional rites shall be performed accordingly. It is now also ordered that all the parties are bound to keep the peace.”

Politics

Sanwo-Olu approves security team for BRT, others in Lagos

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The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved the establishment of a dedicated security team to monitor and protect the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and other transport infrastructure in the state.

The Spokesman for Lagos Metropolis Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Kolawole Ojelabi, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Lagos.

He said the establishment of the security team followed incessant damage to transport infrastructure and violation of the BRT lanes by commercial vehicle drivers and other road users in the state.

Ojelabi said: “The approval granted by the Lagos State governor that the dedicated team headed by a Superintendent of Police will comprise 70 officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force charged with the protection of existing LAMATA facilities and others currently under construction.

The team will ensure that the safety of transport infrastructure is guaranteed and not truncated by needless and unforeseen attacks as well as make passengers feel secure at LAMATA facilities.

“With more transport infrastructure being constructed, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority reasoned that there was the need for a higher measure of security and vigilance especially in the light of last year’s attack on Lagos State Government and LAMATA facilities by hoodlums who hijacked the #EndSARS protest.

“During the attack, the newly completed Oyingbo Bus Terminal was vandalized and 57 new BRT buses that were ready for deployment for passenger operations set ablaze. On the same day, Berger Bus Terminal and 23 new buses parked in the facility were also set ablaze by the hoodlums.”

Politics

We are determined to rid Nigerian banks of fraud – EFCC

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The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), AbdulRasheed Bawa, on Monday, decried the rising cases of fraud in banks and other financial institutions in the country.

The EFCC chief, who addressed participants at a capacity building workshop for law enforcement agencies organised by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), in Abeokuta, Ogun State, said the commission would continue to check the dealings of bank executives in the country.

Represented by Ahmed Mohammed Ghali, the EFCC Zonal Commandant in Lagos, Bawa said the commission would not relent in its efforts at sanitizing the country’s financial institutions.

He said: “We are aware of the different shades of fraudulent activities going on in our financial institutions, particularly in the banking industry sector.

In carrying out our mandate of ridding Nigeria of corruption, as mandated by the EFCC Establishment Act, we have realized that there is a slew of corrupt practices going on in the banking sector.

“I recall that upon assumption of office, one of the major pronouncements I made was giving a directive to bankers to declare their assets before June 1, 2021.

“I had given the directive genuinely out of the sincerity of purpose, knowing the rots that permeate the nation’s banking sector.

“In other words, the directive was born out of efforts to sanitize the banking sector. But it was received with mixed feelings.

“It is obvious that those who kicked or are still kicking against the directive are ignorant of the unmistakable details of the Bank Employees Declaration of Assets Act.”

Politics

South-East lawmakers working to secure Kanu’s release –Ekweremadu

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The former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, said on Sunday the South-East Caucus in the National Assembly has been working tirelessly to secure the release of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Ekweremadu, according to a statement issued on Monday by his media adviser, Uche Anichukwu, stated this in a lecture titled: “The Igbo in Diaspora: A Perspective” at the Igbo Heritage Lectures and Ugwumba Excellence Award in Pretoria, South Africa.

He added that the lawmakers are also working to end the insecurity in the South-East.

He urged the Igbos in the Diaspora to join the crusade against violent agitations in the country.

The ex-deputy Senate President blamed the agitations in different parts of the country on insecurity, twisted federal system, and unnecessary use of force on agitators.

The South-East caucus in the Senate had last month resolved to set up a committee to meet the Federal Government on Kanu who is standing trial for alleged treason at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Ekweremadu said: “The injustices and marginalisation are palpable and must be addressed. But by all means, we must ensure the stability of Igbo land because only by so doing can Alaigbo (Igbo land) prosper economically and also elicit local and international support and sympathy over their plights.

What has happened in Alaigbo in the past few months is odd, ‘un-Igbo’, and sacrilegious. Destruction, waste of human lives, and economic losses had been the lot of our region. In particular, the sit-at-home has haemorrhaged Igbo lives and economy and it is good the IPOB has said they are no longer interested in the sit-at-home. No wise man brings war into his home. Our people prosper in industry, commerce, and the informal sector. Most of them survive on daily income.

“Let me also assure you that the South-East Caucus of the National Assembly is not resting on its oars. We are working quietly and surely to address all issues, including finding a political solution to the Mazi Nnamdi Kanu matter.

“We did it before in the case of Chief Raph Uwazuruike in 2007. We also did it in the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in 2017. And God willing, and with your support and prayers, we will succeed again in the matter of Nnamdi Kanu to promote peace and stability in our region.”

Politics

Group asks Nigerian govt to retrieve $62bn from oil firms

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A group, People’s Alternative Political Movement (PAPM), has threatened to file a lawsuit against the Federal Government over its failure to retrieve $62billion from international oil companies as directed by the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court had on October 20, 2018, directed the federal government to immediately take steps to recover all revenues lost to oil companies operating in Nigeria due to the wrong profit-sharing formula since August 2003.

The PAPM stated this in a letter titled: “Request for Compliance with Judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in suit No SC. 964/2016 between Akwa Ibom & Two Others v Attorney-General of the Federation,” and addressed to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, wrote the letter on behalf of Prof. Omotoye Olorode and Jaye Gaskia of the PAPM.

It read: “Our clients have instructed us to remind you that the Federal Government has not enforced the above-mentioned judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered on October 20, 2018.

“In the said judgment, the apex court had directed the Federal Government to immediately take steps to recover all revenues lost to oil-exploring and exploiting companies due to wrong profit-sharing formula since August 2003.

Based on the aforesaid judgment, you did request for the immediate payment of the sum of $62bn owed by the six international oil companies with joint operating agreements with the NNPC, namely Shell Petroleum Development Company, Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Nigeria Agip Oil Company, TotalElf Nigeria and Pan Ocean Oil Company.

The group charged the AGF to ensure the full and speedy payment of the $62billion into the Federation Account.

However, if you fail or refuse to accede to the request of our client, we shall not hesitate to approach the Federal High Court to seek an order to compel you to comply with the judgment of the Supreme Court in accordance with Section 287(1) of the Constitution, which provides that ‘the decisions of the Supreme court shall be enforced in any part of the federation by all authorities and persons, and by courts with subordinate jurisdiction to that of the Supreme Court,” the letter added.

Politics

2023: Bakare forms new movement, demands new constitution

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The Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, Tunde Bakare, has formed a new movement, Nigeria for Nigerians (N4N), ahead of the 2023 general elections in the country.

Bakare, who disclosed this during his state of the nation address titled: “The black box of Nigeria’s politics” in Oregun, Lagos, said the new movement was inaugurated because “it was time for Nigerians to take back their nation.”

The cleric stressed that the movement would be officially called the New Nigeria Progressive Movement and fight to entrench true federalism in the country.

Bakare said: “Fellow Nigerians, I’m here to announce to you that the time has come for the true progressives to arise, say enough is enough to political hypnosis. It is time to take our country back.

We are stepping in to shape the national conversation beyond elections and begin to lay the groundwork for the restructuring of this nation.

“We will be going to every nook and cranny with our agenda and message. We have only three points on our agenda — restructuring, restructuring, and restructuring.

“Therefore, our Distinct Nationhood Agenda (DNA) is simple, it is RUN — Restructuring For United Nigeria – this is what I’m set to advance.

I’m running and leading a movement called the New Nigeria Progressives Movement. We shall join forces with foreign countries, champion reintegration of diverse ethnic groups into true identity until every Nigeria is proud to say ‘I’m a Nigerian’, and also spearhead the orientation of every Nigerian until a minimum of 50 million Nigerians can say ‘no’ to hypnotic democracy.”

He also charged President Muhammadu Buhari to “tear down” the 1999 Constitution.

The cleric added: “I say to President Muhammadu Buhari: Mr. President, stop passing the buck to the National Assembly. Tear down this inhibiting concoction of a constitution; tear it down so we can build a truly great nation!

This is one enduring legacy your administration can still secure before your time in power draws to a close. If you do, present and unborn generations of Nigerians will remember you for it and write your name in gold when the history of this period is written.

“If you don’t, history will record that you failed to rise to the occasion and squandered a great opportunity.”

Politics

In bizarre move, IPOB bans eating of cows bred in the north

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The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has banned the rearing and consumption of cattle bred by northerners in the South-East part of the country.

The group’s director of state, Chika Edoziem, who disclosed this in a statement, said the ban would take effect on April 8, 2022.

He, however, said only the Efi Igbo (local cows) would be allowed for consumption and ceremonies in the region.

Edoziem added that the ban would end the incessant attacks on the people of the South-East.

The statement read: “8th April 2022 is the date. From that date, no more Fulani cow shall be allowed into Biafraland for any reason, not for burials, title taking and weddings etc.

“Only Efi Igbo (local cow) shall be consumed and used for all ceremonies in Biafraland.”

IPOB has been enforcing a sit-at-home order in the South-East since August in a bid to force the Federal Government to release its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who is standing trial for alleged treason at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

However, the authenticity of the latest statement issued by the so-called IPOB director of state has not been confirmed.

This is because most of the statements emanating from the group were issued by its Secretary of Media and Publicity, Emma Powerful.

Politics

Zoning of PDP chairman position to North unchanged – Fintiri

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The Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, said on Saturday the zoning of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national chairmanship position to the North cannot be changed.

Fintiri, who is the Chairman of the party’s National Convention Organizing Committee, disclosed this to journalists at the committee’s meeting with the electoral sub-committee in Abuja.

He said the zoning of the chairmanship position to the North has been approved by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

He added that the October 30 to 31 dates for the PDP national convention remained sacrosanct.

The governor said: “The highest decision organ of the party has taken a decision on zoning, which is the NEC. And I think that decision is final. It is binding on all of us members and will abide by it. That is what we are working on.”

Politics

Buhari tolerant, perfect for Nigeria – Lai Mohammed

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The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, on Friday, praised President Muhammadu Buhari for his tolerance and understanding in the handling of Nigeria’s affairs since he assumed office in 2015.

Mohammed, who addressed a delegation of the African Union Development Agency–NEPAP and Africa Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), who visited him in Abuja, said with the myriad of challenges rocking the country, it would only take a President with “wisdom and special style” like Buhari to rule the country.

He said: “The kind of challenges we faced in the last six years would challenge the most resourceful person. This is a country of about 200 million people, over 500 ethnic groups and tongues, and people with different aspirations, religions, and beliefs.

Running a country like Nigeria is like running a mini-continent and this is why I want to salute the tolerance, wisdom, and peculiar governance style of Mr. President.

I say this because, in the last six years, I have been attending the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meetings. The President will, on any issue, listen to the submissions of all the 43 ministers if they want to make contributions to any issue without betraying where he stands on the matter.

“Even when we know that some of our colleagues are not making so much sense on a topic, the President will listen attentively and will say thank you at the end of the contributions.

“I believe that it is his background and experience that moulded him that way and till date, you cannot see any minister that will say his view was never heard. No matter how pedestal it might be, the President will listen.

Politics

Tinubu returns to Nigeria after three-month stay in London

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The National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, returned to Nigeria on Friday night.

The ex-Lagos State governor, who left the country for the United Kingdom in July, was in the European nation for three months.

Sources at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport and others close to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, confirmed the arrival of the APC chieftain to journalists.

Tinubu, who reportedly underwent surgery for an undisclosed illness in the United States, is one of the several politicians eyeing the APC presidential ticket for the 2023 election.

Several politicians including President Muhammadu Buhari, Sanwo-Olu, his Ekiti counterpart, Kayode Fayemi, and the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, among others visited the ex-governor in London.

In a video that surfaced on social media last week, one of the politicians from the North was seen calling the APC leader “Mr. President.”

Politics

Nigeria will not be destroyed by its challenges —Obasanjo

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed optimism that Nigeria will surely overcome its challenges.

Obasanjo, who made this known, during his address at the opening of Abeokuta Window on America held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital, said his faith in a better Nigeria remains unshakable.

Obasanjo maintained that Nigeria will not be destroyed by challenges such as insecurity, bad economy, corruption, dilapidated health care system, infrastructural decay, among others, confronting it.

The former President, represented by the Deputy Coordinator of OOPL, Ayodele Aderinwale said: “Whatever maybe the problem or challenges currently confronting Nigeria today, I assure you that they are not problems on the attack, they are actually problems on the retreat.

“My faith in Nigeria remains unshakable. My optimism about the future is resounding. Some may wonder how is the future to be rescued?

“I see hope in the determination, resilience and the indomitable spirit of Nigerians. I see hope, in their resistance when they are pushed to the wall.

“I see hope, in the zeal, commitment and courage in the face of adversity. I see hope, in the boundless and incurable optimism of young Nigerians.

“I see hope, in the willingness of Nigerian young and who are resistance with all their might the evil that are being perpetrated.

“I see hope, in the unwavering conduct and uncompromising drive of Nigerians in demanding a democratic process. I see hope, in the ingenuity and infinite creativity of the Nigerians. I see hope, in the youth and young, for our tomorrow lies in them.

“I see hope in the great potentials of the Nigerian, empowered, motivated and well led. I see hope, in the blending of experience, energy and dynamism of the old and the new.

“I see hope, in the dynamism, vibrancy and richness of our culture. And I see hope, in the commonality of humanity”, he said.

Politics

Nigerian emerges President of World Medical Association

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A former President of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Osahon Enabulele, has been elected as the President of the World Medical Association (WMA).

Members of National Medical Associations across the world took part in the voting that lasted one week.

Enabulele’s opponent defeated the President of Pakistan Medical Association, Prof. Muhammad Ashraf Nizami, to win the coveted seat.

The WMA said in a statement on Thursday that Enabulele’s victory was a recognition of his years of hardwork in the association.

Enabulele, who is currently the President of the Commonwealth Medical Association (CMA), will oversee the WMA activities during the 2022 – 2023 Executive year.

The statement read: “With this historic development, Enabulele, has once again attained another milestone by being the first-ever Nigerian and West African physician to be elected President of the World Medical Association since the global body of all physicians in the world was established in the year 1947.”

Politics

We are not behind insecurity in Imo – PDP

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Imo State has rejected statement credited to the state government on the growing insecurity in the state.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the state government had alleged that PDP was behind the attack on innocent people and facilities in the state.

However, in a statement issued by its Acting Publicity Secretary in the state, Mazi Emenike Nmeregini, noted that it would no longer entertain such accusations by the state governor, Hope Uzodinma, and his aides.

The party threatened to sue the state government if it does not desist from such act.

PDP declared that its leaders are law-abiding and responsible citizens who cannot engage in action capable of putting he lives of innocent people of the state in danger.

The statement read: “The unsigned press releases were evidently sponsored by Senator Hope Uzodinma-led APC government to build trumped-up charges against the leaders of the major opposition party in the state, the PDP in order to intimidate, oppress and silence them from holding his unpopular administration accountable to the people of Imo State and to conceal his gross incompetence.

“The persistent horrendous state of insecurity in Imo leading to serial bloodbaths clearly shows a dripping lack of capacity on the part of APC government led by Uzodinma to guarantee safety and security of lives and property of Imo people, instructive of the tragic level of Uzodinma’s unpreparedness to govern the State.

Deeply concerned about the deteriorating security situation in the state, our party had in June this year advised Uzodinma to step down as governor given his evident weakness to manage the security crisis.

“Instead of recognising the well-based advice as a wake-up call, the government has since resorted to high-handedness, name-calling, blackmail, witch-hunting, and hawking of fake, malicious, and mischievous allegations such as the ones that prompted their statement against the PDP.”

Politics

You are lucky to have me as minister – Ngige tells doctors after suspension of strike

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Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige has told former striking doctors that they are lucky to have him as the minister overseeing their affairs.

Ngige made the statement on Wednesday, as an assurance to the doctors that their demands were being met, NAN reports.

Speaking during a meeting with members of the Nigerian Medical Association and executive members of the National Association of Resident Doctors, on Wednesday, in Abuja, the minister said; “You are lucky to have me, a medical doctor and health system manager here as the Minister of Labour and Employment. So, when the matter came, the issues are clear to me.”

The former Anambra governor, however faulted the previous NARD administration for not properly keeping the members of the association informed, stating that it was the reason the strike lasted this long.

He said; “The previous NARD leadership hoarded information from your members. Instead, things wouldn’t have degenerated. There is no need being pugilistic. We know that we have opposition to our government. It doesn’t mean that if we are doing something right, we should not be praised.

“If the former NARD leadership were not playing politics, they should have reported well to their members, especially after the intervention of the Elders Forum of which the President and Secretary-General of NARD were members.”

Politics

Kalu urges politicians to shift focus from 2023 elections

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The former governor of Abia State, Orji-Uzor Kalu, on Wednesday urged politicians to work for the unity of the country through their actions rather than focusing on the 2023 general elections.

Kalu made the call in a chat with journalists in Abuja.

He was responding to the conferment of a traditional title on him by the Emir of Arugungu in Kebbi State, Alhaji Mohammed Mera.

The ex-governor said: “I will like to use this opportunity to call on politicians to focus on the unity of the country, focus on the problem of banditry, focus on the problem of the people than focusing on the election coming on in two years’ time.

People of Nigeria should focus on the unity of Nigeria today because the unity of the country is more important to us today than any other thing we are going to do.

“If we are overrun by bandits, we will not be able to run for election.

“Those who are sabotaging government should stop henceforth so that we will live in a very conducive environment.”

The Senate Chief Whip urged Nigerians to support the government at all levels and the security agencies in the fight against insecurity.

“The government alone cannot do this fight, it is for everybody to fight and win, and so we must report back to our security agencies, where we find any challenge,” Kalu added.

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