Politics

Ebonyi will not obey IPOB’s sit-at-home order – Umahi

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The Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, said on Thursday the people of the state would not obey the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) sit-at-home order on October 1.

Umahi disclosed this to journalists in Abakaliki.

The group had last ordered the people of the South-East to stay at home on October 1 in a bid to force the Federal Government to release its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

IPOB also banned the flying of the Nigerian flag in the region, effective from September 25.

The governor insisted that October 1 was a very important day to Nigeria as a country and also the state, which was created on October 1, 1996.

He said the state that had been so deprived in the past was trying to catch up with the rest of the country with innovations.

Umahi said: “So, anybody that says `sit-at-home should know that Ebonyi people are not going to sit at home. I appeal to the entire Southeast people to remember the danger of this order. Many people have been killed for no reason because of it.

“Agitation is natural and fundamental, but nobody is justified to carry guns illegally to kill other people. We condemn in totality the insecurity in the Southeast being instigated by our people.

“We also condemned the killing of Dr. Chike Akunyili, (erstwhile widower of Dr. Dora Akiunyili, former Minister of Information) and other people in the country at large.”

Politics

APC announces new timeline for state congresses

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced an updated timetable for its activities in the forthcoming state congresses scheduled to commence on October 16.

This was contained in a statement issued by Sen. John Akpanudoedehe, the National Secretary of the APC Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) on Thursday in Abuja.

“Pursuant to the provisions of Article 11:A sub-section (i-xiii), and Article 17(i) of our party’s Constitution.

“The CECPC of our great party has approved the revised timetable and schedule of activities for the conduct of Congresses across States in the federation to elect party officials,” he said.

The APC scribe further stated that the purchase of forms for the State Congresses which commenced on Wednesday (Sept. 15) would end on Monday (Oct. 11), while screening of aspirants for State executives would be on Oct. 13 and 14.

He said the State Congresses would hold on Saturday (Oct. 16), while appeals arising from the exercise would be from Oct. 23 to 30.

“On the cost of nomination forms, aspirants for the position of State Chairman will purchase forms at the cost of N100,000. Deputy State Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer aspirants will pay N50,000.

“Aspirants for the position of Senatorial Chairmen are to purchase forms at N50,000; Senatorial Youth Leader N30,000 and other offices N30,000.

“Female and physically challenged aspirants are to pay 50 per cent of the prescribed fees for each position,” he said.

Ripples Nigeria had reported that the APC CECPC at its 17th regular meeting on Sept. 29, considered and adopted the Local Government Areas (LGAs) Congresses reports.

The committee assured that it would look into any areas where there were disputes.

It also directed that the conduct of the State Congresses shall proceed on Oct. 16 across the federation, while Zamfara and Anambra States were exempted.

Politics

Jonathan declares support for e-transmission of election results

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Former President Goodluck Jonathan said on Wednesday the electronic transmission of elections results would help the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct free and fair elections in 2023.

Jonathan, who stated this in his keynote address at the National Defence College Course 30 Inauguration Lecture in Abuja, warned the National Assembly not to frustrate the commission in its quest to ensure credible conduct of the 2023 elections.

He said: “I have always made the case that electronic voting is the way to go, if we truly desire to secure the credibility and integrity of our elections.

“It is difficult, therefore, to understand why the argument against the possibility of electronic transmission of election results continues to subsist, despite all the advancements made in information and communication technology, over the years.

I want to appeal to members of the National Assembly to always ensure that they do not embark on measures that could hinder the progress and independence of INEC.

“ If they have to amend the electoral law, they should do so in a manner that would enhance INEC’s processes in its performance of its duties, especially through the adoption of innovations in ICT to aid its operations.

Since the beginning of the Fourth Republic, our nation has made incremental progress towards deepening the roots of the nation’s democracy. The fact that questions are today being asked by the people on the direction of that progress means that Nigerians appreciate democracy but expect us to do more to make it work better for our people and the country.

“From my experience in leading election observation missions to many countries, people hardly go to court to contest election results in countries where the processes are credible and transparent because of the level of confidence in the system.

It is not exactly the same here. In Nigeria, the system is such that as politicians prepare for elections, they also prepare for litigation. I recall that as a Vice President, then at one international engagement, I asked my counterpart, the Deputy President of South Africa about his country’s experience with post-election court actions, and he expressed surprise that people go to court after elections.

“Everybody should be involved in securing the country. Yes, the government will do its part but we as individuals should also do our own part.

“My humble suggestion is that government and stakeholders should do a lot of dialogue. When you start talking, it reduces the anger in people.

“In many circumstances, the fear factor in human survival, prosperity and security requires that more should be done to restore hope in the people and in their economic wellbeing.”

Politics

Nigeria now on life support – Ortom

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Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, declared on Wednesday that Nigeria was now life on support.

Ortom, who stated this when he paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Obadiah Mailafia, said those who think that all is well with the country are deceiving themselves.

Mailafia, who was a fierce critic of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, died after a brief illness on September 19.

The governor said: “Dr Mailafia was fearless and he stood on the side of the truth. As the Bible says, ‘You should know the truth and the truth shall set you free.’ Our brother stood for truth and justice.

Anyone saying that all is well in Nigeria is just deceiving himself. Nigeria is on life support. Nigerians have never been divided as it is today.

“Let everyone know that Nigeria is greater than any person. Nigeria is greater than all of us. We must team up and work. We must combine our faith in Nigeria with work in order to salvage our nation from those who seek to destroy it. Refusing to combine our faith with work is akin to pumping a punctured tyre.

“We are here to pay our respects to Dr. Mailafia and console the family. We appreciate God for giving us Mailafia and for all he did in his life time.

Dr. Mailafia lived a worthy life, and we are happy the Almighty God spared his life to enable him achieved what he was able to.
“The actions and memories he left behind shall ever remain alive. We the living shall forever continue to cherish his principles and the indefatigable spirit he demonstrated throughout his life time.

“Those who are celebrating his death are lying. What Dr. Mailafia did in life will continue to germinate and bear fruits for many years to come. We appreciate him and thank God for his life.

“I stand with Dr. Mailafia even in his death. I appreciate his principles, and though dead, we shall continue with the struggle.

I encourage our mother to be strong. When our time has come, there is nothing on earth that can stop it. Be strong in the Lord and know that all things worketh together for good for those that are called by God.”

Politics

Obasanjo disowns statement on Araraume’s appointment as NNPC chairman

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Wednesday dismissed claims that he criticized the appointment of Senator Ifeanyi Araraume as Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Board.

There were claims on social media that the ex-President faulted the appointment of the former Imo State senator into the NNPC Board, saying he was corrupt and incapable of leading the state-owned oil corporation.

President Muhammadu Buhari had on September 19, approved the appointment of Araraume as Chairman of the NNPC Board.

In a statement issued by his lawyer, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, Obasanjo insisted that he would never make a statement without reflecting on its consequences.

The former President noted that Buhari as a sitting President has the prerogative to appoint anyone he thinks would help him realise the objectives of his government.”

He expressed optimism that the nation’s economy would record a positive turnaround in no distant future.

Politics

Labour Party governorship candidate in Anambra, Agbasimelo declared missing

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The Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Anambra State, Obiora Agbasimelo, has been declared missing.

The candidate’s disappearance has fuelled speculations that he has been kidnapped.

The emergence of Agbasimelo as LP’s governorship candidate in the November 6 governorship election in Anambra followed the crisis in the party.

The crisis threw up a faction in the LP while one of the leading aspirants at the beginning of the governorship race, Nnamdi Nnoruka, was allegedly kidnapped by unknown persons and forced to withdraw from the contest.

The state police command has not issued an official statement on the matter.

Politics

We want to help reduce poverty by sending Nigerians to China – Chinese Ambassador

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The Chinese ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun, has said the China is ready to help Nigeria reduce by sending young Nigerians to China to understudy the system and return to impact the Nigerian system.

Jianchun disclosed this on Tuesday during the closing of the Nigeria-China Cultural week and award ceremony, a lineup of activities to commemorate the October 1 independence day of both countries.

I am hoping that next year after COVID-19, I am thinking of a possibility of how we can get young people from Nigeria to go to China and learn from the Chinese side, get experience. I believe that if China can do that, Nigeria can also. We can apply the Chinese not only model but the way of eradicating poverty.

“I think there is a need for the two countries to work on this poverty eradication. You know you have your goal. I think this is a very meaningful thing not only for Nigerian people but also for the international community,” he said.

The envoy had earlier revealed that Chinese government was in talks with Chinese-owned banks to establish operations in Nigeria.

Politics

Nigeria’s revenue sharing formula outdated – Gbajabiamila

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The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Tuesday joined the growing call for the review of the country’s revenue sharing formula.

The country’s revenue sharing formula was last reviewed during the ex-military President, Ibrahim Babangida’s administration in 1992.

Gbajabiamila, who made the call when the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Engr. Elias Mbam, led the agency’s management on a courtesy visit to the leadership of the House in Abuja, said the current realities make the review of the revenue allocation imperative.

He said “In the attempt to review the revenue allocation in the country, which was last done almost 30 years ago, the commission should ensure that all stakeholders were carried along and that all necessary things are done so that the final report could not be faulted.

“I’m glad you’re here. Your commission is one of the unsung heroes. You are of the 14 institutions established by the constitution, while all others were established by other laws.

It’s almost 30 years that the last review was done. It’s such a long time. The current formula is outdated because a lot has changed from 1992 to date.

“I charge you to do your review, not based on any sentiment. You should consult widely so that your report won’t be faulted. I’m glad you said you are conducting public hearings. It’s good to do that, to seek people’s opinions.

“You should work based on the principles of justice, equity, and fairness. Nigeria is a peculiar country, hence the need to do a thorough and diligent review.”

In his address, Mbam said the RMAFC’s team visit to the House was to seek the support, advice, and guidance of the lawmakers on the planned review of revenue allocation in the country.

Entertainment, Politics, World News

Manny Pacquiao officially retires from boxing to chase Philippine presidential bid.

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Boxing legend, Manny Pacquiao has announced his retirement to focus on his plans to run for president of the Philippines in the 2022 elections.

Pacquiao, a Philippines senator who has been dividing his time between politics and fighting, made the announcement in a 14-minute video posted on his official Facebook page.

“As I hang up my boxing gloves, I would like to thank the whole world, especially the Filipino people for supporting Manny Pacquiao. Goodbye boxing. “It is difficult for me to accept that my time as a boxer is over. Today I am announcing my retirement.”

“Thank you for changing my life, when my family was desperate, you gave us hope, you gave me the chance to fight my way out of poverty. “Because of you, I was able to inspire people all over the world. Because of you I have been given the courage to change more lives. I will never forget what I have done and accomplished in my life that I can’t imagine. I just heard the final bell. The boxing is over. “

Pacquiao finished his 26-year, 72-fight career with 62 wins, eight losses and two draws. Of those 62 wins, 39 were by knockout and 23 by decision. He won 12 world titles and is the only fighter in history to win titles in eight different weight classes.
Pacquiao was widely regarded as one of the top offensive fighters in the sport’s history.

Politics

‘IPOB behind attacks on APC, APGA in Anambra,’ says Sanwo-Olu’s aide, Joe Igbokwe

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A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Joe Igbokwe, on Tuesday blamed the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for the twin attack on the party and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship campaigners in Anambra State.

Gunmen had on Sunday killed four persons and injured four others during the APC governorship campaign rally at Uruagu, Nnewi area of the state.

The hoodlums also set ablaze a Hilux truck belonging to a leader of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo Campaign team, Dr. Nelson Omenugha.

Omenugha, who is the son of a serving commissioner in the state, managed to escape unhurt from the attack.

Although the police has not linked the incident to any group or individual, Igbokwe who has been at loggerheads with IPOB and its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, took to his Facebook page on Tuesday and accused the group of masterminding the attacks.

Igbokwe is also the Special Assistant on Drainage and Sewage to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

He wrote: “When we say that IPOB is PDP, you will think that we are joking.

“FOR THE AVOIDANCE OF DOUBT, LET ME REPORT TO YOU OFFICIALLY THAT IPOB & ESN TERRORISTS HAVE TAKEN OVER SOUTH-EAST AND THE GOVERNORS, LEADERS, AND STAKEHOLDERS ARE TOTALLY HELPLESS.”

Politics

PVCs for new voters in Anambra ready October 7 — INEC

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said on Tuesday the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) of new registrants in Anambra State would be ready for collection by October 7.

The INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Festus Okoye, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja.

He said the decision was made at a meeting of the commission on the preparations for the Anambra State governorship election slated for November 6.

Okoye said: “In line with the Timetable and Schedule of Activities, the commission will publish the official Register of Voters and the final list of nominated candidates for the election on October 7.

“The PVCs of the new registrants will be ready for collection on or shortly after October 7.

“Registrants will be notified accordingly through their respective email addresses and telephone numbers when their PVCs are ready for collection.”

The INEC official disclosed that campaigns for the election would end on November 4.

Politics

Nobody ought to dictate where president should come from in 2023, NEF speaks on zoning

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The Northern Elders Forum on Tuesday rejected the supposed imposition by the Southern Governors Forum over the issue of rotational presidency amongst the zones.

This issue has polarised opinions among stakeholders which snowballed into a war of words between the southern and northern governors.

However, in his statement during an interview on AriseTV monitored by Ripples Nigeria on Tuesday, the NEF Deputy Chairman, Yahaya Kwande slammed the stance of the Southern Governors, tagging it an imposition at variance with the constitution.

“They didn’t demand that it should come to the North; they are charging stakeholders to follow the constitution. Nobody ought to dictate where the President should come from. The statement of the SGF is tantamount to sowing division within the country,” Kwande declared in response to the communique issued by the Northern Governors Forum.

The NGF had described as unconstitutional the power shift canvassed by their Southern counterparts and groups in the region during a meeting on Monday, also attended by Kwande and Northern monarchs.

Kwande also detailed how the zoning arrangement started by delving into history.

The question of differences between the regions has been on for a long time regarding zoning and other issues with the past arrangement in the National Party of Nigeria that brought Shagari. This led to a payback regarding the emergence of Obasanjo in 1999 with the North unanimously supporting the South, coupled with the death of MKO Abiola.

“The arrangement is not a constitutional arrangement but a plan within the parties due to sympathies over MKO Abiola’s death. I emphasize that it was a PDP arrangement that was a gimmick to win the election.

“This arrangement was scuttled by former President Goodluck Jonathan who refused to leave office after the death of his principal, Yar’adua.

“Buhari succeeded on the APC which has no arrangement of such but the PDP is still waiting for its four years used by Goodluck.

No region can win the election without the other which is why the statements of coercion by the governors are uncalled for. There must be massive lobbying in order for stakeholders to understand the benefits of voting for your region.”

Politics

Ex-PDP spokesman, Metuh, to be arraigned Oct 14 for alleged N400m fraud

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A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday fixed October 14 for the arraignment of former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Olisa Metuh, over an alleged N400 million fraud.

The date was fixed following the absence of the new trial Judge, Obiora Egwuatu, in court, although other parties in the matter, including Metuh, were present.

It would be recalled that a Court of Appeal in Abuja had on December 16, 2020, nullified a Federal High Court judgment that convicted and sentenced Metuh to seven years imprisonment for money laundering.

A three-man panel of Justices of the appellate court had in a unanimous decision, held that the judgment of the trial Judge, Okon Abang, delivered against Metuh on February 25, 2020, was biased.

The court held that Abang, had in the reproachful remarks he made in the judgement, betrayed his premeditated mindset against the defendant whom he accused of writing various petitions against him.

Justice Stephen Adah, who delivered the lead verdict of the appellate court, had stated that allowing the trial court’s verdict to stand “will set a dangerous precedent”.

Consequently, it voided the conviction and sentence that was handed to Metuh and his firm, Destra Investment Limited, and remitted the case file back to the high court for a re-trial by another judge.

It would be recalled that Metuh was jailed over the allegation that he received the sum of N400 million from the former National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), before the 2015 presidential election without contract approval or execution.

His earlier conviction followed a seven-count charge that was preferred against him and his firm by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Politics

APC accuses Anambra govt of corruption, charges EFCC to probe state’s finances

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe the Anambra State finances in a bid to uncover monumental corruption in the state.

The APC Chairman in the state, Chief Basil Ejidike, made the call in a statement signed by his Media Adviser, Chief Dan Okeke, in Awka.

The party accused the Anambra government of fraudulent use of its monthly security vote totaling several billions of Naira.

The statement read: “Anambra as a state has not recorded significant growth and development since the inception of Governor Willy Obiano’s leadership. To maintain existing developmental structures in the state remains unattainable.”

The party challenged the government to give account of all funds meant for development of the state in its control.

APC challenged the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to face the business of governance and stop name-calling

The statement added: “Development has neither been visible nor felt by the people of Anambra.

“We urge APGA to focus on its campaign and leave APC alone.

“Harassing the State House of Assembly members who left APGA for APC is a distraction for the party; proferring solutions to APGA’s internal problems should be paramount to its leadership.”

Politics

Lagos govt approves special funds for filmmakers

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The Lagos State government has approved a special fund for filmmakers in the state.

The state’s Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, disclosed this on Monday at an event to mark the 2021 World Tourism Day.

She said the approval of the special funds followed the inauguration of a committee that would oversee the disbursement of the funds to qualified individuals.

According to her, individuals can access up to N40 million as loan for film production.

Akinbile-Yusuf said: “I will not forget to remind this gathering that the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in demonstration of his love for the film industry, has approved a special fund for filmmakers.

This was with the inauguration of a committee to oversee the disbursement of this fund to qualified individuals who can access up to N40 million from the fund as a loan for the purpose of film production.”

The commissioner urged the people in Lagos and other parts of the country to visit the state’s website put together to enlighten viewers on the state’s tourism potential.

She added: “The ministry’s website and promotional videos of tourism attractions and tourism potentials in Lagos State is up and running.

“I urge all our stakeholders to get acquainted with our activities, programmes, plans, and policies on the website through: lagostourism.lagosstate.gov.ng and also take advantage of our various social media platforms.”

Akinbile-Yusuf revealed that the ministry had inaugurated a Community-Based Tourism (CBT) initiative with pilot phases in Epe, Badagry, Ikorodu, Oshodi-Isolo, Eti-Osa, and Surulere areas of the state.

Politics

2023: Court adjourns suit on Atiku’s eligibility for presidency till December 6

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Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday adjourned a suit challenging former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s eligibility to vie for the country’s presidency till December 6.

The judge adjourned the matter following the inability of the parties in the suit to regularise their amended processes to accommodate the Adamawa State Attorney-General, who had been joined in the case.

The Adamawa State government had on July 27 sought the court’s order to be joined in the suit.

A group simply known as the Incorporated Trustees of Egalitarian Mission for Africa (EMA) had in a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/177/2019 asked the court to stop Atiku who was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 election from vying for the nation’s highest political office in 2023.

EMA insisted that the ex-Vice President was not eligible to contest for presidency because he was not a Nigerian by birth.

The group asked the court to hold among others, that considering the provisions of sections 25(1) &(2) and 131(a) of the 1999 Constitution and the circumstances surrounding the politician’s birth he cannot contest for the presidency.

Atiku, PDP, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) were listed as respondents in the suit.

At Monday’s proceedings, the EMA’s counsel, Raphael Oyewole, said though the matter was slated for hearing, the motion for the extension of time has not been filed because he was yet to serve some of the parties in the suit.

The judge, who was unhappy over the handling the case by the plaintiff’s counsel, said: “This is a matter you filed since 2019, and you are just filing your processed this morning after the last adjournment.”

He adjourned the matter till December 6 for mention.

Politics

‘No ill-feeling on your position about power shift,’ Southern governors reply Northern colleagues

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The Southern governors said Monday night they would not harbour ill-feeling towards their Northern counterparts over their position on power shift.

The Northern Governors’ Forum had earlier on Monday described as unconstitutional the Southern governors’ quest for power shift in 2023.

The Chairman of the Forum, Simon Lalong, who confirmed the governors’ position at the end of their meeting in Kaduna, said: “Some Northern States Governors had earlier expressed views for a power shift to the three geopolitical zones in the South with a view to promoting unity and peace in the nation.

“Notwithstanding their comments, the Forum unanimously condemn the statement by the Southern Governors’ Forum that the presidency must go to the South.

The statement is quite contradictory with the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) as amended that the elected President shall:- score the majority votes; score at least 25 percent of the votes cast in 2/3 States of the Federation. In the case of run-up, a simple majority wins the election.”

The Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Rotimi Akeredolu, who reacted to the development in a short statement issued by the Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo, said the Northern governors only exercised their right under freedom of expression.

He said: “On the Northern Governors’ resolution, they have expressed and indeed exercised their rights under Freedom of Expression. No one can stop them from expressing themselves.”

Politics

Massive Protest Rocks Edo Over Governor Obaseki’s Compulsory COVID-19 Vaccination.

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Members of civil society organisations and students on Monday staged a massive protest against the compulsory COVID-19 vaccination policy put in place by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration.

Armed with placards bearing various inscriptions, the protesters who grounded vehicular and human movements in major points in the metropolis, urged the government to share COVID-19 palliatives, and not vaccines.

Some of the placards bore inscriptions like; “We need security in Edo, not vaccine; We will resist any form of executive rascality; Hunger is killing us, not COVID-19; My body is my right.”

They also threatened to completely shut down government houses, government agencies/parastatals, corporate organisations enforcing ‘no vaccine, no entry’ policies, stressing that the protest of Monday was just a warning.

Speaking at the secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, the coordinator of the Freedom Ambassador Organisation, Curtis Ogbebor, said they were out to express their displeasure over the compulsory vaccination in the state, noting that other pressing issues such as security should be the governor’s priority and not COVID-19 vaccination.

He said, “We have come out today to send a warning and an advice for him to urgently withdraw that enforcement order. If he refuses to withdraw that order in 48 hours, we will mobilise to shut down the economy of the state. We cannot fold our arms and watch the act of illegality happen in our state.

“There are issues of urgent concern like security which is enshrined in the constitution that the governor is under the law to secure the lives and properties of its citizenry. But as we speak, the governor is not concern about the security and welfare of the people.

“As of now, no street light is working in Edo State; Benin-Auchi Road is not safe to travel on because of bandits, herdsmen and other criminal elements.”

Also speaking on behalf of students in Edo, National Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Students and Youth Association, Osamudiamen Ogbidi, said students in the state reject the forceful COVID-19 vaccination.

While noting that the protest was just a warning and that students would be mobilised to shut down the state, he said all other youths in the state also reject the compulsory vaccination.

Politics

Gov Oyetola signs MoU to establish bio-refinery in Osun

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The Governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state and a firm, VirtueplusTwo Integrated Nigeria Limited, for the establishment of a bio-refinery in the state.

The bio-refinery said to be the first of its kind in the state will be situated on a large expanse of land measuring over 20 acres at Ayekale area in the Boripe Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking at the event on Sunday, and witnessed by the state Commissioner for Justice, Mr Femi Akande, the governor said his government took time to carefully study the MoU bothering on the integrity and competence of the firm to deliver the multi-million naira project.

Represented by the Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Hon. Sola Oladepo, the governor described the pact as another breakthrough in the area of the industrialisation of the state.

Oyetola said the establishment of a bio-refinery in the state would aid the growth of small and medium scale enterprises.

A moratorium period of two years have been given to a firm known as VirtueplusTwo Integrated Nigeria Limited to build a bio-refinery in our state.

“…by the time a bio-refinery of this magnitude becomes fully functional in the Ayekale area of the state, it would create 5,000 direct and 10,000 indirect employment opportunities for the people.

“The attendant benefits of the bio-refinery are therefore immeasurable for the citizens and non-citizens of our dear old state,” he said.

In his remarks, Chairman/Managing Director, VirtueplusTwo Integrated Nigeria Limited, Dr Segun Iroko, lauded the confidence in his firm by the state government to deliver the first-ever bio-refinery project in the state.

He said work would commence in earnest at the project site in Ayekale in a few days.

Politics

Politics aside, we have no leadership in Nigeria –Ex-Jigawa gov, Lamido

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The former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido has stressed the need for effective leadership in the country to solve its challenges, saying Nigeria has no leadership.

He maintained that the problem of good leadership was the main challenge facing the country at the moment, evident in the security challenges witnessed across the country.

Lamido who spoke while appearing on Sunday Politics, a Channels Television programme, on Sunday, said the government must be accountable to the people.

“Government must be held accountable and I don’t want to sound too political but it is a fact of life. When you want to attain political power the process must be credible,” he said.

Let us put politics aside. What do we do as leaders? We have no leadership in Nigeria, that is the problem and the world is looking at us.

Above everything else, it is about leadership. Leadership is very important. On the issue of Zamfara, why is the state becoming the hub of terrorism in Nigeria? Why?”

Furthermore, the ex-governor slammed the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for not having concrete plans to steer the wheels of the country before getting into power in 2015.

“They knew they were telling lies. But for them, it was about getting the power. If they get the power, then they begin to ask, ‘what do we do?’ So, the process and the platform must be very honest; it must be very credible. It is this character of telling lies to the young generation.

“When you raise their hopes in trying to get government help, and you are in government, by the time you fail to fulfil their needs, of course, there will be problems,” he added.

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