Adverts247's Posts
Nairaland Forum / Adverts247's Profile / Adverts247's Posts
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (of 11 pages)
 Education / Covid-19: A'ibom Set To Reopen Schools by Adverts247: 9:14am On Sep 13, 2020 |
...AS GOV EMMANUEL SEEKS SUPPORT FROM STAKEHOLDERS Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has declared education as the next sector to receive priority attention in his administration’s Completion Agenda, as he announces readiness to reopen schools in the state. The Governor made the announcement today, Saturday, 12th September, 2020 at the funeral ceremony in honour of Late Apostle (Dr.) Imaikop Enoidem, father-in-law to the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, at St. John Primary School, Ikot Ekpene Udo in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of the state. As the state relishes results of his administration’s huge investment in the health sector over time, focus will henceforth be shifted to the education sector in furtherance the completion agenda, Governor Emmanuel said. In his words, “Overtime, we’ve concentrated a lot on healthcare. We are trying to make sure between now and December we have rounded off all we promised on healthcare. So from next year it’s going to be massive investment in education so that we can also train our people very well”. Affirming the state government’s readiness to reopen schools in the state, the State Chief Executive called on Local Government Chairmen, community leaders and Parents Teachers Associations to mobilize for the tidying up of school premises within their jurisdiction, to ensure healthy and safe environment for returning school children. "We will reopen schools very soon. In those days we had caretaker committee who took care of primary schools and secondary schools. Government did not cut grasses in schools. Local Government Chairmen can help. Villages and communities can volunteer to help. We have paid WAEC fees, given grants to schools. Don’t expect the government to come and clear the schools too. Please, each community should use this week to mobilize youths to cut the grasses as a voluntary community service to avoid snakes breeding in the school environment. The children have stayed at home for too long. I am ready to reopen schools”, the governor said. The Governor said the state government has provided a good number of masks already, but still need close to a million to ensure all pupils are kitted. He therefore urged well-meaning people in the communities to volunteer to donate facemasks for the children to enhance their safety, as pupils will not be allowed entry to schools without mask. Governor Emmanuel assured that the state government will do all that it needs to do to ensure creation of opportunities for youths in the state to get employed earn their living with prestige. He however decried the disservice done the state by the electricity distribution companies by depriving the people of the state of power, despite the effort of the state to generate power, while appealing to the youths to ensure minimization of the spate of vandalism of electricity installations in their areas. “We have generated enough power for everybody in the state to have 24 hours supply but our problem is this people called electricity distribution companies. I have said it in various platforms, I have even spoken with the Vice President about it, because all the cables you see, the transformers and all other thing are bought by the state government, but when we generate power and give to them to give to people in our communities, they refuse. So we are trying to look for solution”, Governor Emmanuel said. The governor, on behalf of the government and people of the state, condoled with Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem on the demise of his father-in-law. He described the deceased as a good family builder and urged fathers to emulate the practice of leaving child raising for the mothers and thereby breeding dysfunctional families. Preaching from Proverbs 30:7-9 on the topic, “do not Refuse me before I die”, the clergy, Prelate Isaiah Isong, said every man was born a sinner but while alive should settle their case with God before they die. He said, God is the creator and every man owes him love and honour and to love every fellow human being. Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44 |
| Politics / Patrick Ononenyi Okonkwo Goes Underground, Avoids Media by Adverts247: 1:55pm On Sep 06, 2020 |
All efforts to contact Mr Patrick Ononenyi Okonkwo have proved futile. The Lagos-based business man and his associates on social media had flooded the internet this weekend claiming that Chief Waheed Eletu Odibo, a Lagos White cap chief and Prince of the Eletu Odibo royal Family tried to defraud him of 250,000 hectares of land in Lekki. His associates also claimed on his behalf that Mr Yemi Idowu a respected property developer had colluded with Prince Eletu Odibo of depriving him of his right. These allegations were quickly debunked at the weekend by Prince Eletu Odibo and Mr Yemi Idowu in separate press releases. Many social media outlets were quick to pick up the stories before it was discovered to be false. Ramon Ibrahim, an estate agent confirmed that Patrick Ononenyi Okonkwo had a dispute with Eletu Odibo royal family over 3 plots of land measuring 1,700 square meters he bought 15 years ago and the matter has been in the civil court for years. ,"It seems Mr Patrick has now resorted to other methods to blackmail the Eletu Odibo royal family to resolve the dispute" All efforts to contact Mr Patrick Ononenyi Okonkwo over the weekend proved futile thereby creating the impression that he has gone underground to avoid further press scrutiny. Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44 |
| Crime / Captain Hosa Serves Notice On Edo State Government To Seek Redress In Court by Adverts247: 7:11am On Jul 22, 2020 |
Chairman of Ocean Marine Solution (OMS), Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo (Capt, Hosa), has served notice on the Edo State Government of his intention to proceed against it in court for libelous and defamatory publications against him by the State Government. In a letter by his Counsel, Dr Oladapo Olanipekun (SAN), dated July 20, 2020 and referenced EM/OAG/02/2020, addressed to the Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Yinka Omorogbe, Capt. Hosa demanded a retraction of the said publications. He also demanded that the State Government and/or its representatives should cease and desist from making any further libelous and defamatory publications against him. Not done, the billionaire businessman demanded the sum of N2 billion for the “embarrassment, inconvenience, losses and damages done to his person, character and interests” as a result of the “mischievous, malicious and misleading publications.” In the four-page letter, Olanipekun said that “On Monday, 20 July, 2020, publications captioned “Okunbo, Oshiomhole making plans to disrupt Edo governorship elections”, appeared on pages 26 of The Punch and 53 of THISDAY. “The said publications bear the insignia/mark of the Edo State Government and was signed by Crusoe Osagie, designated as Special Adviser, Media and Communication Strategy (to the Governor), Edo State Government. “The thrust of the captions and publications referred to above is expressed and reflected in some of the abstracts/excerpts below: “…a Benin billionaire, Captain Hosa Okunbo, held a meeting on July 19, 2020, where they perfected plans to recruit thugs to disrupt the forthcoming September 19 governorship election in the State, having discovered that they cannot win the election in a fair contest. “…they met with these thugs, gave them targets and paid them in advance to cause trouble and undermine the will of the people during the election. “…Okunbo is a key figure in the gang-up to take Edo backward. He is actively supporting and sponsoring warlords, thugs and ill-intentioned politicians that are scheming to dislodge Governor Obaseki so they can have free access to the State’s treasury. “We are therefore calling on security agencies to quickly intervene, investigate and rein in Okunbo in his quest to set the State ablaze.” Olanipekun said that “arising from the foregoing, the captions and publications are most unfortunate, inaccurate, misleading, malicious, unfair, defamatory, libelous and incriminating.” According to him, “You are aware that our client is one of the most prominent citizens of Edo State and, indeed, a foremost Nigerian. He is an accomplished businessman, whose interests and achievements, transcend Edo State and Nigeria. “Through hard work, excellence and the rare business acumen, our client has built and nurtured a diverse and vast business conglomerate, spanning different spheres of the Nigerian economy. “Edo State is one of the primary beneficiaries of our client’s industry. He invests significantly in the welfare of the State and he employs several hundreds of Edo indigenes in his many businesses. “Our client has been meticulous in building his career with the hallmarks of diligence and integrity. His peace-loving nature has received global acclaim. Hence, he was recognized with a global peace award in 2019 by the Chairman of the Order of Lafayette awards in Geneva, Switzerland. “We could refer to an endless list of numerous awards and achievements certifying our client as a man of integrity, industry, means and peace. It is instructive that some of these awards were conferred on our client by institutions based in Edo State. He is a respected Nigerian and philanthropist, who is held in high esteem within and beyond the shores of Nigeria.” He stated further; “As a remote and direct result of the false, inaccurate, misleading and libelous publications, our client has been inundated with several enquiries from different parts of the world by concerned associates, clients, investors, friends and family members, demanding explanation and clarification about the criminal insinuations of the publications. “This has caused serious embarrassment to our client’s reputation and businesses. It has also caused our client undue apprehension, with implications to his health. Our client is not unmindful that these publications are calculated to instigate public antagonism against his person, family and business interests.” Olanipekun added: “The publications have caused considerable distress to our client, putting his distinguished and illustrious reputation at risk. In particular, you are aware that as with most businesses, our client’s businesses thrive on goodwill. “The negative impact of the publications makes it more tarnishing and grievous. Rather than establish the truth of the publications, they ere published without taking any steps that would have revealed their inaccuracy. “Our client notes with concern that the resources and insignia of the Edo State Government have been lent to this unworthy cause, which appears to serve no other purpose than to witch-hunt, malign and settle personal scores for incomprehensible reasons. “Our client has been projected as a criminal conspirator, who sponsors thugs and takes pleasure in unleashing mayhem and anarchy. He has also been portrayed as an undemocratic and anti-democratic Nigerian, with a dishonest and criminal source of income. “Clearly, the publications have lowered the estimation/perception of our client in the view of right-thinking and reasonable members of the society.” Olanipekun continued: “Premised on the foregoing, we have further instruction of our client to demand a retraction of the publication and an unreserved apology. “The said retraction and apology, apart from being in writing to our client in person, should be published in the same newspapers and given the same prominence as the defamatory caption/publications. “We also demand that the Edo State Government and or its representatives cease(s) and desist(s) from making any further libelous and defamatory publications in respect of our client. “Finally, our client demands the sum of N2,000,000,000 (two billion naira) for the embarrassment, inconvenience, losses and damages done to his person, character and interests. “In the event that the Edo State Government fails to meet these legitimate demands of our client within a period of 3 (three) days from receipt of this letter, our firm instruction is to proceed with other legal means of seeking redress for our client.” cc: lalasticlala, mynd44
|
| Politics / Akwa Ibom Government Calls For Inputs For 2021 Budget by Adverts247: 6:01pm On Jun 27, 2020 |
Akwa Ibom government has requested for inputs from stakeholders and various interest groups in the preparation and planning of 2021 budget. The is part of efforts by the government to ensure inclusiveness. There are indications that the state's 2021 budget will focus on mitigating the economic austerities caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Mr Akan Okon Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport made this known in Uyo during a meeting organised by his ministry in conjunction with the State Ministry of Finance to receive feedback from the public on the amended 2020 budget as well as to work out guidelines for gathering inputs for the 2021 budget. According to him, the 2021 budget will also focus on the provision of the pro-poor stimulus packages as well as pay attention to food and health - related expenditures. “We will also focus on protection of the means of livelihoods and increasing food security to poor and vulnerable families, facilitating the recovery of local economic activities as well as household micro-enterprises and generation of employment, especially for the youths, through labour-intensive public work and commercial agriculture,”he said. Okon encouraged members of the public to freely make inputs to the phone lines, web addresses and social media sites provided for contributions to the budget planning, assuring that the 2021 budget will not be business as usual. In his contributions to the planning process, the Secretary-General, State Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities, Akaninyene Isidore appealed to the state government to make specific budgetary allocation for Persons With Disabilities, PWDs. Isidore who reported that not less than 2000 children with disabilities are out of school in the state, made case for the remodeling of public schools to enable such children to have access to conventional education. “We appeal to the state government to make budgetary provision for remodeling of public schools to be inclusive and accessible. We also want the state government to adopt the draft proposal for inclusive education in the state,”he said. Isidore alerted the state government of a bill to prohibit discrimination against persons with disabilities in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and used the occasion to appeal to the 7th Assembly to facilitate the process of passing such bill into law. Speaking on behalf of the Civil Society Organisations, Harry Udoh, state Chairman harps on the need for transparency in budget planning and implementation processes to enable citizens, as beneficiaries to play an active role in a plan which concerns them. Udoh who however queried the reviewed 2020 budget for its failure to specifically identify plans and projects, also appealed to the Ministry of Economic Development to speak to the Governor to assent to the fiscal responsibility act that was signed into law. The citizens’ budget committee set up last year is a step in the right direction. If the budget is for the people then they must be involved. We, therefore, commend the state government for creating the opportunity. “We must ensure transparency and accountability in governance. I hope the process would be extended to the Local Government to get people to make inputs on how to go about the 2021 budget. Responsiveness to the yearnings and aspirations of the public is the best form of governance”. |
| Politics / Akwa Ibom's Five Years With Udom Emmanuel by Adverts247: 7:51pm On May 20, 2020 |
By Emmanuel Sam When Akwa Ibom people welcomed their fourth civilian governor, Mr Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, they did so with great expectations. These expectations were borne from the knowledge that a thoroughbred executive with a wealth of experience in corporate governance was coming in to power, so a new order was expected. It will be five years by next week since Udom Emmanuel, rode on the crest of a five point agenda to office as governor of Akwa Ibom state. Emmanuel has brought a fresh perspective to leadership recruitment process in Akwa Ibom state, created unconventional ideas that have pushed the limits of job options available in the state, food production, industrialisation and other social services. In this two-part piece, I attempt to highlight a few of his achievements in five years in six areas namely, industrialisation, political inclusion, education, health, security, and sports. INDUSTRIALISATION In 2015, Mr Udom Emmanuel, rolled out a five point agenda while he was consulting and campaigning to become governor of Akwa Ibom state. Emmanuel promised to create wealth, alleviate poverty, create jobs, consolidate and expand infrastructure, and ensure economic and political inclusion. The strategic initiative which he chose as pivot to achieve these five points development agenda was industrialisation. His reflections during the electioneering, that Akwa Ibom state would be industrialised under his watch as governor, that jobs, wealth would be created to alleviate poverty; were a strong, unique market - entry campaign into the governorship race, for a man who was making a debut into politics. His vision for growth and economic prosperity for the state was strong and clear, but it had to contend with a spiral of apprehension because, his promise to industrialise the state had a huge likeness as the malicious fabrication of the 2007 -2015 administration which promised to build 31 industries in Akwa Ibom state, but never attempted one after all. The unique thing about Emmanuel's reflections on industrialisation during the electioneering in 2015 was the strategic initiative, showing how he intended to industrialise Akwa Ibom state. On the 'how question', Udom Emmanuel was unequivocal that he will drive industrialisation by developing the three gateways into state, which are, air, land and water. So far, in his four years plus as governor, Emmanuel has abide by that strategic initiative and the results of his industrialisation plan are feasible. We can count at least 16 industries so far. Within five years, Governor Emmanuel's industrialisation programme is revolutionizing the economy of Akwa Ibom state from a poor, crude oil - derivation - dependent, and civil service driven economy to a multi - industrial hub, with great ambitions to become a reference in aviation and maritime development, and manufacturing in the Gulf of Guinea. Akwa Ibom state is aggressively aiming to retain a chunk of passengers' spendings on air travelling. Akwa Ibom state launched a passenger airline called, Ibom Air, on June 7, 2019, with three aircraft on it fleet. Ibom Air broke a record of airlifting 50,000 passengers within 100 days of operation and has made a record - breaking 98 percent on -time flight departures. Last week, the airline added a new Bombardier CRJ 900 aircraft to its fleet. A fifth Bombardier CRJ 900 aircraft is expected to join the Ibom Air fleet very soon according to management of the airline. The modern Bombardier CRJ 900 aircraft on Ibom Air fleet are fitted with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters which capture more than 99 percent airborne microbes and other contaminants in the cabin. Within six months of flying in the Nigerian Airspace, Ibom Air has become the toast of passengers flying Uyo - Abuja, Lagos -Uyo, Lagos -Abuja routes. Passengers have said that aircraft on Ibom Air fleet are the "freshest and newest" in the country's airspace. The latest Bombardier CRJ 900 procured by the company is barely six years old. "Ibom Air has placed Akwa Ibom state on the international business pedestal, boost the state's corporate image and heightens her perception as a true highly - rated industrial destination", Governor Udom Emmanuel said recently. Beyond the airline, the Udom Emmanuel administration is building an international terminal, a taxi way and making the best finishing touches to put the maintenance, repairs and overhaul hanger at the state owned Victor Attah International Airport to use. Consequently, the state government has started the process of establishing an aviation academy in the state to ensure that indigenous manpower are trained and certified to take up well paid jobs in the aviation sector. With the milestone it has achieved in developing aviation sector, Udom Emmanuel is exerting effort to get the Ibom deep seaport and industrial city started. The administration's commitment to actualize the deep seaport and industrial city project is obvious. For its effort so far, the administration has been able to complete 21 out of the 22 checklists needed to get approval of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, for the commencement of the seaport. While expecting FEC's approval, like a good expectant mother would begin to buy clothes and baby essentials happily preparing for the anticipation date of delivery, the Akwa Ibom state government is building complementary infrastructure, among them are roads, hospitals and power supply, in anticipation of the approval and commencement of the seaport. The actualisation of Ibom seaport and power for all by 2021 are top priorities for the Emmanuel's completion agenda, covering 2019 - 2023. Manufacturing, agriculture and agro-processing are other areas of big win in the Udom Emmanuel industrialisation plan. The administration working through its Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) committee has attracted huge foreign investments to the state. Akwa Ibom is a sought after destination for investments because of friendly business environment, favourable investment and tax policies, complementary infrastructure and business oriented leadership the state government is providing. Akwa Ibom state is evolving. Emmanuel's aggressive industrialisation has created a diversity in job options and opportunities for youths who studied specialised courses but did not have organisations within their state where their expertise are needed. Today, Akwa Ibom state is on google search as the choice location for the manufacturing of disposable syringe. If you search for "Syringe Manufacturers in Nigeria", Jubilee Syringe Manufacturing Company will be at the top search option and its location on the Google search is No. 1 Jubilee close, off Jubilee road, Akwa, Onna local government area, Akwa Ibom state. From Akwa Ibom's new industrial city in ONNA, millions of syringe, an essential medical consumable is being produced by the largest disposable syringe manufacturer in Africa, Jubilee Syringe Manufacturing Company. The Syringe factory in Awa, which is situated within the same industrial city as the Kings flour, Lions Plywood factory, the electric digital metering solutions manufacturing factory, has earned Akwa Ibom state a place on global industrial map. Outside the Awa industrial city where the big industries are situated, there is also the Itam industrial layout where light industries like the toothpick and pencil as well as plastic wares are produced. Akwa Ibom state is also making a major leap in large-scale agriculture, agro -processing and manufacturing of agro chemicals and fertilizer. There are currently two fertilizer blending plants and three medium-scale rice mills in Akwa Ibom state. The latest mill, Ibom Golden Rice mill, owned by Ibiono Ibom Rice Millers Cooperative Society, services the rice field in Ikot Esen/ Utit Obio, Ibiono Ibom local government area. The mill started production started around December 2019, and runs concurrently with the Agricon rice mill in Ini local government area. There is serious buy -in to government's programmes such as the third season farming which targets large-scale vegetable farming and cassava planting as well as processing of staples like garri and odourless foo-foo. Governor Emmanuel has achieved a lot for Akwa Ibom state through his industrialisation drive within four years plus despite undulating global economy and foreign exchange rates which often hinder FDIs. When the governor started off the industrialisation drive with big tickets industries and manufacturing, part of the criticisms was that his investment ideas and orientation were "highly fallotine", hence will leave out majority of Akwa Ibom people, who do not have the expertise to buy into the administration's direction of development, hungry. This criticism has been proven otherwise. The industrialisation drive of Governor Emmanuel in Akwa Ibom state is holistic, because it takes into consideration the whole gamut of needs of the people. While the big industries are producing industrial goods, the others are producing food. So, there are work opportunities and enough food to eat. No one is hungry in Akwa Ibom state. POLITICAL INCLUSION When politicians talk about political inclusion or the more often used term, 'unity government', in Nigeria, a country whose political system has elevated nepotism and intolerance for opposing political ideologies and views to leadership craft, such politicians are hardly taken serious by the masses. Violence against opposition political parties and opponents, and induced intolerance between members of different political parties are not strange to us. In fact, Akwa Ibom was on media and security watchlist for political violence, politically motivated kidnappings, and assassinations between 2011 to 2015. When Udom Emmanuel sought the governorship of Akwa Ibom state in 2015, one of the cardinal thrusts of his campaign was political inclusion. People who lived in the state and saw the height at which violence against opposition was elevated to, dismissed this pledge as yet another political fluke. "Politicians don't tolerate opposition and opposing views", that was the reaction. Emmanuel saw that something was wrong in the way leadership responded to opposing views at both intra-party and inter-party levels and promised to make a deliberate change. When people dismissed his assertion on political inclusion, Emmanuel's reassuring words were that, he was not making the promise as a "professional politician", but a "professional in politics." Political intolerance and arbitrariness had forced many foundation members of the Peoples Democratic Party, Emmanuel's political party out of sync with leadership in the build up to the 2015 general elections. When Emmanuel won the governorship, as the new leader of the party, he spoke repeatedly and unequivocally against imposition. He supported zoning. At one of the meetings he had with enlarged stakeholders of the party, Emmanuel said, under his watch, "zoning would be followed to the latter". He has matched words and actions on this and that has strengthened the structures and organs of the party, and encouraged those who defected from the party out of frustration due to victimisation, marginalisation and high-handedness to rejoin the party. Intra-party democracy has deepened in the PDP in Akwa Ibom state under Emmanuel's leadership. Many people have posited that the internal peace, tolerance and involvement and respect of the majority opinion of all strata of stakeholders accounted for the overwhelming solidarity Governor Emmanuel enjoyed during the failed, much hyped political hurricane of August 8, 2018, when the former senate minority leader defected. Governor Emmanuel has not reneged on his promise of political inclusion at the inter-party level. Many times he has personally addressed questions and concerns, in the most civil manner, raised by members of the opposition party. For a thousand and one times, in his speeches, the governor has called on members of the lead opposition party in the state who have useful ideas to come forward and share same with the government to move the state forward. This expression has been a frequent charge by the governor, "elections are over, we are now in governance, and we encourage our brothers on the other side of the political divide to join us in developing the state". The Governor has personally shown that he is not paying lip -service on this. In an unprecedented demonstration of political tolerance, he appointed a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and a serving member of the state caucus of the party, Chief Enefiok Ekefre, as his honourary special adviser on mobilisation. Recently, Emmanuel appointed members of the Inter Party Advisory Counicl, IPAC, in Akwa Ibom state, into the 31 local government committees for the disbursement of COVID-19 palliative. There is sincerity of purpose in Governor Emmanuel's pursuit of political inclusion, that is why members of opposition political parties are giving him relevant support openly. In 2019, many members of opposition parties supported his reelection openly because of his disposition to peace and peaceful coexistence in the state. It is unprecedented in Nigeria's political history, at least as far as we can remember, to have a governorship candidate pay a working visit to a sitting governor, whom the candidate lost the election to. This has happened in Akwa Ibom state under Governor Udom Emmanuel. In the the first quarter of 2017, the APC governorship candidate, Mr Umana Umana, now Managing Director of Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority, Onne, Port Harcourt, who was Governor Emmanuel's major challenger in the 2015 election, paid a working visit to Emmanuel. The cordial working relationship which Governor Emmanuel has maintained with Umana and other Akwa Ibom people in other political parties has come pretty useful in development endeavours such as licensing and on going implementation of Liberty Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority in Akwa Ibom state, airworthiness certification for aircraft on Ibom Air fleet, and others. Governor Emmanuel is in a class of his own on political inclusion. To be continued... cc: lalasticlala, seun, mynd44
|
| Crime / Deo-gratias school Proprietor Loses School To Fraud And Indebtedness by Adverts247: 10:10pm On May 19, 2020 |
The proprietor of popular Abuja school Deo-Gratias International School, Dr George Odabi, is currently enmeshed in a huge debt scandal that has cost him ownership of the Deo-GratiasGroup of Schools. According to a top source close to the Odabi’s who pleaded anonymity, trouble started for Dr George Odabi when Deo-Gratias International Group of Schools Ltd acting through her directors including Dr George Gerald Odabi sometimes in 2013 approached Eco-bank Nigeria Plc. for a facility, using the three schools in Games Village, FHA Lugbe and Garki among other properties of the company in favor of Eco-bank to secure a facility to enable it liquidate its indebtedness to GTBank and First City Monument, to upgrade some of the school campuses and secure a large expanse of land at Guzape for a new Secondary school campus with boarding facilities. The Loan: "The company ran into distress through the extravagant lifestyle of Dr George Odabi and defaulted in repayment of the loan/interest on the due date. The loan was restructured at their instance from N1,200,000,000,00 to N600, 000,000.00 . Yet, he failed to abide by the loanrepayment schedule and domiciliation of all school fees to a collection account with Eco-bank but rather engaged in diversion of funds coming into the coffers of the School to other banks.” "After spirited attempts by officials of Eco Bank Plc. to get Dr George Odabi to liquidate its loan fell on deaf ears. The case was taken to Court and by an order of the Federal High Court of 15th June 2016; leave was granted to Eco-bank Plc. to take over the three campuses of Deo-Gratias Schools with the aid of the Nigeria Police and bailiffs of the FHC.” The source further added that Dr George Odabi through his lawyers contested the said order and finally conceded to enter Terms of Settlement with Eco-bank which was subsequently made the consent judgment of the Court. "His lawyers contested the order of the Federal High Court because according to them Eco-Bank Plc. did not give their clients enough notice. The Federal High Court refused to set aside its order and this led both parties to enter into a Terms of Settlement which was adopted and made judgment of the Court with the appointment of a receiver/manager to take over the operations of three schools and agreed that N100,000,000.00k will be paid by the group of school each academic year for six years free of interest and yet Dr. George Odabi frustrated the arrangements with his profligacy leading to the takeover and sale of the Garki School to new owners to liquidates part of the outstanding judgment debt owed Eco-Bank Plc.” Another source who craved anonymity told the reporter that “Out of the three school under receivership, the school at Games village was demolished in 2018 and the campus at F.H.A Lugbe clandestinely sold by one Mr. Osondu Ekekwe in collusion with Kingsley Odabi, Sukki Odabi and Chief Odera Odabi despite the fact that the Receiver/Manager had filed criminal contempt proceedings against them, in fact the situation is grin” the source said. Another source who works with Eco-Bank Plc. and conversant with the transaction stated that Dr George Odabi was evasive for three years despite all entreaties made by the Bank for him to liquidate his loan. "The appointment of a receiver/manager by the court was a huge relief for the bank as Dr Odabi was not forthcoming and displayed criminal tendencies by refusing to domicile the school fees account of the schools with the bank." The Sale: It was also gathered that the receiver/manager acting on the instructions of Eco Bank Plc. secured a buyer for the Garki campus of School. The deal was concluded with the new buyer accepting the offer made by the Bank for the takeover of the Garki campus of the School. A top staffer of the School who does not want his name in print stated that under Dr George Odabi the School was confronted with issues such as poor welfare, inadequate and dilapidated school buses, poor service delivery, non-availability of school uniforms upon request and poor and porous security arrangements.” He further added that workers are still being owed over three month’s salaries and several months on unpaid allowances. “Workers and teachers have been groining over unpaid salaries, and in instances where salaries are paid, some manage to get as little as 20% of their total salary. It was such a terrible situation even though the school boasts of over 700 pupils and students from primary to secondary level." Financial Recklessness: A top staff of the accounts department who confided in this newspaper, stated that Dr George Odabi is the architect of his misfortune due to his profligate lifestyle. She said that on numerous occasions, she had advised Dr Odabi on the consequences of his actions with regards to the indiscriminate disbursements of school funds. “At some point, I was overwhelmed and wondered why on earth, someone would allow such an institution to go bankrupt. The School was doing well in terms of payment of school fees and other charges. However, Dr George Odabi would always direct for the indiscriminate transfer of funds from the school accounts to his accounts and that of his wives and concubines without recourse to the implications of his actions.” “At times, he would instruct us to inform parents to make cash payments for school fees instead of bank deposits. This didn't go down well with some parents, while some obliged. When these cash payments are made, Dr Odabi would send his driver to pick up cash from the school premises to God knows where." Parents Reaction: A parent, Amina Braimoh, said, the purchase and successful takeover of the School by one of the parents of the School is the best thing to happen. “Under George Odabi, we suffered incomplete issuance of books and other study materials to pupils even after complete payment. It was a despicable display of criminal intents and motives. There was a backlog of staff salaries and this consequently affected the teaching standard in the School as most of the best hands left in droves." Another parent, who identified himself as Chinedu had this to say “This is the best news after this coronavirus pandemic! The new owners have a lot do. The old school had no library; the classrooms and laboratories are ill-equipped. But with the profile of the new owners, our children are in safe hands." Widespread jubilation amongst staff: Our reporter gathered that there was widespread jubilation amongst the staff of the School when news filtered in about the takeover by the School by new owners. The staff danced and sang praises to God for the acquisition of the School. An academic staff who pleaded anonymity stated that the exit of Dr George Odabi would bring back the glory of Deo-Gratis school even though the school might experience name change. "The School was on the verge of total collapse. Dr Odabi was reckless and not interested in the success of the School. He used funds from the School to fund his extravagant lifestyle. He didn't bother about the welfare of the staff and students alike as there was a general lack of everything needed in the School. It was indeed a sad episode for Deo-Gratias for some of us that have worked here for a long time.” The EFCC: On April 15, 2014 The Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, arraigned George Odabi along with his company, Deo Gratias International School Limited, Abuja before Justice Peter Kekemeke of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja on a 3- count charge bordering on issuance of dud cheque and breach of trust He was said to have sometime in September, 2013 received a forty million, one hundred thousand naira (N40, 100,000.00) loan from one Mrs. Egbunola Ogungbesan for the renovation of his school but reneged on his promise to pay back. Conviction in the United States:- A further probe by this newspaper into the past of Dr Odabi revealed that he was convicted by a Los Angeles County Municipal Court (CA. for a criminal felony in 1994. A close associate of Dr Odabi, who preferred anonymity, stated that Dr Odabi left the United States of America under questionable circumstances. "Yes, he was indeed charged to Court in Los Angeles in early 1990,s but I am not sure that was why he left the United States. But I can tell you that since he left, he hasn't been able to return to the United States." Records obtained from Los Angeles County Municipal Court (CA), shows that George Odabiwas charged for Criminal Felony In 1994 With Case Number S01607801. In a similar vein, this newspaper gathered from some top associates of Dr George Odabi that his criminal tendencies started way back in 1994 when he was arrested and charged to Court in the United States of America. cc: lalasticlala, mynd44, seun
|
| Phones / Whatsapp Releases Dark Mood For Both Android And Ios by Adverts247: 9:47am On Mar 04, 2020 |
After Gmail, Instagram, Google Maps and other apps WhatsApp finally gets the much-awaited dark mode for both iOS and Android users. The dark mode is now officially rolling out globally. The new dark mode offers shades of dark green, grey and off-white colour theme to the messaging app. The colour of stickers, images, and emojis won't be affected by this mode. According to WhatsApp, the dark mode will apparently go easy on eyes and won't be a strain even if you're use it for a long time in dim settings. Android 10 and iOS 13 users just have to enable the dark mode in the system settings whereas users on Android 9 or older will have to go to the WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Theme > select Dark. GET DARK MOOD FOR ANDROID: https://www.inoutnaija.com/2020/03/whatsapp-releases-dark-mood-for-both.html CC: Lalasticlala, mynd44, seun
|
| Politics / Why US Is Stalling The Repatriation Of $308 Abacha Loot by Adverts247: 1:15pm On Mar 03, 2020 |
…the lies about payment of $100million compensation to Bagudu https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.vanguardngr.com/2020/03/revealed-why-us-is-stalling-repatriation-of-308-abacha-loot/amp/ 1 Like
|
| Politics / Senate President Lauds Governor Emmanuel On Devt, Political Tolerance by Adverts247: 3:13pm On Mar 02, 2020 |
The Senate President, Sen. Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, has applauded Governor Udom Emmanuel on his approach to governance and national development, describing him as the face of the new Nigerian politician. Senator Lawan gave the commendation while speaking at the 60th birthday anniversary celebration and thanksgiving service of Senator Akon Eyakenyi, representative of Akwa Ibom South senatorial district at Destiny International Mission, Uyo, on Sunday. He described Governor Emmanuel as a very decent person, a tolerant leader and a purpose driven administrator who would work across party lines to achieve development objectives. He said the governor is one of Nigeria’s leaders to look up to as he fits into the country's desired new political dispensation. “I want to say something about his Excellency, the Governor [Udom Emmanuel]. As a politician, he is a decent man, very decent; as a practicing politician, he is a very tolerant leader. "Here is one elected leader who believes we should all work together to deliver service to Nigerians. Your Excellency I commend you”. Senator Lawan stated that politics of the new Nigeria, which the 9th Senate stands for, is defined to a large extent, by how to reach a desired destination in service delivery, devoid of partisanship and rancour. "Governor Emmanuel represents such a new dispensation". He said, pointing out that the large turnout of senators at the event, irrespective of party affiliations, is a testimony to the sense of comradeship among the Akwa Ibom contingent in the Senate. He thanked the people of Akwa Ibom state for sustaining the qualitative leadership. In his remarks, Governor Emmanuel thanked the Senate President for leading distinguished senators to celebrate with their colleague, Senator Akon Eyakeyin. He acknowledged the wide acceptance of the Senate leadership, headed by Dr. Ahmad Lawan and described the 9th assembly as one of the most peaceful in the history of Nigeria's democracy. cc: lalasticlala, mynd44, seun |
| Politics / A'ibom Elders Ask NASS To Call Buhari To Order by Adverts247: 11:00am On Feb 28, 2020 |
...Accuse the President of Nepotism Worried by worsening economy and insecurity in the country, Elders in Akwa Ibom state under the aegis of Akwa Ibom Leaders Vanguard, have asked the National Assembly to rise to its constitutional oversight and check excesses of the federal executive arm of government. In a release signed by Senator Anietie Okon; Senator Effiong Bob; Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien; Senator Etang Umoyo; H E. Senator Helen Esuene; Chief (Dr) Emmanuel Ukpong; Dr.(Barr) Emmanuel Umanah ;Professor Emmanuel Onwioduokit; Barr Hogan Ene Okon; Chief Emmanuel Ibiok; Rt. Hon Peter Linus; Dr (Barr) Effiong Osung and made available to newsmen, the group expressed concern over the persistent depletion of our national reserves despite the pretentious anti-corruption stance of the Nigerian State. They questioned what they called “barefaced unbudgeted emergency expenditures” which they said is fast eating a hole in the nation's economy. "Let it be known that the resources as generated mainly from the hydrocarbon deposits in the Niger Delta region has been dubiously channeled into the wasteful prospecting of oil in the Chad Basin and recent day and night construction of Petrochemical Refinery in Daura, Katsina State". The group lambasted what it described as a nepotistic infrastructure strategy, which completely negates the Oath of Allegiance sworn by the President, noting that sudden siting of Institutions including universities, refineries and other federal projects in the president's hometown - Daura, Katsina is against the principle of national interest above private considerations. "While we slumber, the NNPC engages in Federal Government Special Projects” to the tune of N43billion from N16billion in December causing us to wonder why the Federal Government Project is being executed and paid for by NNPC, from revenue it should be remitting to the Treasury. Some of these shrouded subheads like PMS Under Recovery deductions have witnessed 62% increase to N45billion in the same period, what manner of recovery cost the nation so much on a monthly basis. “These ambiguous deductions require explanation even as the locations of the special projects must be identified and duly communicated as published in the February 2020 FAAC Executive Summary". The group therefore urged "the national assembly to brace up to the oversight requirement and demand answers to the myriad of constitutional gaps demonstrated by a bewildered executive arm and its appendages". Also, the elder statesmen called for "Executive orderliness in the dispense of appointments, investment, infrastructure, promotion of genuine security for the common good of Nigeria not just for a part of Nigeria in line with the Oath of Allegiance and Federal Character Principle as enshrined in the current Constitution. They asked the National Assembly to address an immediate review of the skewed elements of the Constitution as it affects Internal Security, Community and State Policing as recommended to allow for States to deploy legal structures instead of the Self-help that the nation has been consigned to. Other impending reviews in Power Generation and Distribution should be handed to the States, appropriate Resource allocation/Revenue sharing to help unbundle the bloated Executive, reduce its huge Governance cost and resulting disenfranchisement of the poor masses of the nation. "Request the NNPC to as a matter of urgency explain the criteria, location and distribution of the so-called Special Projects as none is seen in Akwa Ibom, one wonders why the state has not been considered fit for the location of any NNPC subsidiary". cc: lalasticlala, mynd44, seun 1 Like |
| Health / BREAKING NEWS! First Case Of Coronavirus Confirmed In Lagos, Nigeria by Adverts247: 2:15am On Feb 28, 2020 |
The first case of the deadly coronavirus has been confirmed in Lagos, Nigeria. This was made known by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control via their twitter account. See Below:- Source: https://www.inoutnaija.com/2020/02/breaking-news-first-case-of-coronavirus.html cc: lalasticlala, mynd44, Seun
|
| Travel / Re: A Visit To Oniru Beach, Victoria Island, Lagos. by Adverts247: 1:35pm On Feb 24, 2020 |
Why not try out LEKKI LEISURE it's one of the best beaches in Lagos and the cleanest at that. 1 Like |
| Politics / Akwa Ibom: Group Says Rerun Election Is Victory For Democracy by Adverts247: 8:30pm On Jan 28, 2020 |
Akwa Ibom Liberation Movement, AILM, a foremost sociopolitical group in Akwa Ibom state has described the outcome of the just concluded senatorial/federal and state constituencies rerun election in Essien Udim as victory for democracy and the longsuffering people of the state. This was contained in a press released signed by the secretary of the group, Solomon Abasiekong Esq., reacting to the court ordered rerun. According to the release, the successful conduct of the court- ordered Senatorial/Federal and State constituencies rerun elections scheduled for Saturday 25th January 2020 and the outcome thereof was very significant since it heralded the liberation of the people from a political siege which held them bound for years. Abasiekong stated that "the people of Akwa Ibom have witnessed yet another phase of the irrecoverable decline of Chief Godswill Akpabio’s self centered political career and the end of his vice-grip on the state. Akpabio knew that sooner or later he would be flushed into the cesspool of history after he turned against his people in the course of his unbridled pursuit for power". He observed that as someone, who never actually contested and won a free and fair election, Chief Akpabio may have hoped that defecting to the All Progressives Congress, APC, would better his chances thus he deployed his goons who would eliminate his perceived opponents and scare the electorate into doing his bidding, but Akwa Ibom people showed great courage in the face of threats to life. They when out emassé to remind Akpabio that power truly belongs to the people. "All through the post election litigation, the former senate minority leader strutted about as if he owns the judiciary. His disgraceful interruptions during tribunal sittings and his baseless allegations against Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) amounted to nothing after all. He was humiliated when the Appeal court ordered a rerun rather than accede to his prayers to be declared the winner". He said that before the just concluded rerun election, Akpabio who had earlier withdrawn claiming he was 'engaged on a 'national assignment' also forced his boys to issue a notice claiming to withdraw from the rerun on a flimsy grounds that the INEC REC, Mr. Mike Igini was not trustworthy. "They only confirmed their trepidation of contesting in elections where votes are actually counted". He said. Read the full text of the press release below; AKWA IBOM LIBERATION MOVEMENT cc: lalasticlala, mynd44, seun |
| Politics / Rerun: Akpabio’s Kinsman Carts Away Materials, Abducts INEC Officials by Adverts247: 10:03am On Jan 25, 2020 |
Reports from the field in the court ordered re- run election for the AKwa Ibom North West Senatorial District taking place only in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, today has it that the Minister of NIger Delta Affairs Godswil Akpabio has again unleashed violence in the area. aided by his cousin, Superintendent of Police Idorenyin Akpabio. Giving updates on the election, the acting Secretary of Akwa Ibom State Movement, AILM, a socio-political organization in the state, Solomon Abasiekong Esq, said the entire Akwa Ibom people are disappointed by the minister's actions. He reminded Akpabio that election is not war but a contest of two brothers seeking to serve the masses. He disclosed that armed thugs wielding guns and other dangerous weapons stormed Units 5 and 8 respectively in Ward 11, and carted away voting materials and abducted the INEC officials at the unit. Abasiekong said, the thugs led by Akpabio’s cousin, shot indiscriminately into the air and seized all the materials. “The INEC officials were manhandled and abducted. As I speak, I don’t know where they are. It is very sad why Akpabio will do this to his people and the innocent INEC officials who are only here to do their job”, he said. He called on the international community to take note of what Akpabio is doing with his cohorts. cc: lalasticlala, seun, mynd44 |
| Politics / Mohammed Nma Kolo Congratulates Gov. Sani Bello On Appeal Court’s Victory by Adverts247: 7:45pm On Nov 17, 2019 |
The Special Adviser political and strategy to Niger state Governor, Moh ammed Nma Kolo, has congratulated the Governor Alhaji (Dr) Abubakar Sani Bello over his deserving Judicial victory at the weekend at Appeal, Tribounal in Abuja. The Special Adviser Political and strategy described the Appeal Tribunal verdict as a further endorsement of the purposeful mandate of the governor who is more poised to provide and consolidate on his development agenda for the state. "'The good people of Niger State welcome this judgement as a good development and an opportunity to form new sense of purpose and unity needed to provide the enabling environment needed to tackle developmental challenges, " kolo added. He enjoined the People Democratic Party PDP to use this opportunity to join hand with the Governor to move the state to the next level of development. He particularly recognised PDP for their matirity throughout the duration of the judicial strugle, that has further validated the overwhelming support of the Nigerlites for the second term of the Governor in the last governorship election. According to him, there was no better time than now for them to join hands with the government as Niger state belongs to all irrespective of party affiliations. Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44, Seun |
| Politics / PDP Gubernatorial Candidate, Says It's Time To Move On by Adverts247: 4:22pm On Nov 17, 2019 |
Its Time To Move On Every General knows when its time to move on. He knows when to call off the battle and prepare for the next war. Above all, he knows when he has given the best and it did not yield the expected results. Perhaps, God, who rules in the affairs of men decided otherwise. Ever since I decided to run for the governorship seat of Kogi State, the entire exercise has been trailed by controversies. My character has been maligned and I have been blackmailed and betrayed by many, including some people very close to me. In some other instances I was humiliated. But I did not despair or faint. I took it all in my strides, believing that it is the nature of politics in this part of the world. To prove the genuineness of my ambition I appealed to men and women of goodwill. I spoke on the need for everyone, not only members of my political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to give me a chance. And there is no doubt that we had a good team and one of the best campaigns, spreading to every part of the state. However, reports from the field in yesterday's election has left me very sad. It turned out that I have become the sole reason for a bitter ethnic war. Fathers turned against their children, brothers against sisters and cousins against uncles. This is not to say that there were no genuine voters in yesterday's election. Many of our supporters turned out in droves, eager to effect the change we promised and represent. May God bless and reward them all for the tremendous sacrifice and unprecedented commitment to our cause. Yet, we cannot afford to close our eyes to the reality that stares us in the face. The bitter truth, from reports from the field indicates that our goal may have been abridged midstream. And even though close confidants and acquaintances believe that it is still early to give up, I am old and experienced enough to know when I have been overpowered by a strongman. Yes, we may have been bitter rivals and ran very bitter campaigns. I was particularly hopeful that the election would go my way. But I'm not naive as not to know when I'm losing as well as when I have been defeated. Now that the ovation is still loud and the euphoria of the election is still high is the best time to drop the towel. Having considered all options available to me and irrespective of what actions elders and our party may take in the immediate future, I have come to a conclusion that Governor Yahaya Bello is the winner of yesterday's election, no matter how contrived. As in all contest, a winner has emerged, even the outcome may not be pleasing to us. I hereby congratulate my brother and friend, Governor Yahaya Bello, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). I wish him a fruitful second term in office and pray that some of wrongs and issues which came up during the campaigns would be effectively tackled this time around. It is likewise my advice that Governor Bello should be magnanimous in victory. He should take steps to heal the wounds and take steps to reconcile the state across party lines. Kogi belongs to us all and he must allow all, irrespective of ethnic, religious or other social diversities to coexist in harmony, tolerance and mutual exchange of ideas. We must make Kogi work for all. To all leaders and members of our party, supporters and other well wishers, I thank you for believing in our project and standing till the end. My fervent prayer is that God shall not abandon you at the point of need. Rest assured that I remain eternally grateful for what you have done for me. Above all, let no one consider my stand as an act of cowardice. The late philosopher and music maestro, Bob Marley rightly stated that: "Its he who fights and runs away that lives to fight another day". Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan further counseled that no election is worth the life another human being. For me, this chapter is closed. Tomorrow comes with the morning. There are many victories ahead Engr. Musa Wada PDP Governorship Candidate 17th November,2019 Cc:Lalasticlala, mynd44, Seun 1 Like 1 Share
|
| Politics / Breaking News: Appeal Court Affirms Gov. Sani Bello's Election by Adverts247: 6:29pm On Nov 16, 2019 |
The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja today unanimously dismissed the appeal filed by the PDP and its candidate and upheld the election of Alhaji (Dr) Abubakar Sani Bello as Governor of Niger State. More details to come. Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44, Seun |
| Education / Re: Meet The World's Genius Set To Bag A Degree At Age 9. (photos) by Adverts247: 12:41am On Nov 16, 2019 |
Win N5, 000 easily: Like this post and tag two people to qualify https://www.instagram.com/p/B45NtcsA8nh/?igshid=18tftb23zw7gr
|
| Politics / Re: Thugs Attacked Seyi Makinde In Lokoja (Video) by Adverts247: 12:40am On Nov 16, 2019 |
Win 5K easily: Like this post and tag two people to qualify https://www.instagram.com/p/B45NtcsA8nh/?igshid=18tftb23zw7gr
|
| Politics / Court Of Appeal: Udom Trounces Nsima Ekere Again! by Adverts247: 11:29am On Nov 13, 2019 |
...Orders Nsima Ekere to pay N500,000 as fine to Udom Emmanuel By Morgan Ekanem /Borono Bassey/Emmanuel Sam The Court of Appeal sitting in Calabar today, November 13, 2019, has affirmed the victory of Governor Udom Emmanuel of the PDP in the March 9 gubernatorial elections in Akwa Ibom State. The Appeal was filed against the judgement of the Tribunal delivered on September 5, 2019 at Uyo, which dismissed Mr Ekere's Petition for wanting in merit. The Tribunal had held that the petitioner could not lead credible evidence to prove his claims that the elections were not conducted in substantial compliance with the Electoral Act. Delivering judgement in the Appeal filed by Mr Nsima Ekere, the Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) challenging the re-election of His Excellency, Mr Udom Emmanuel in the March 9, 2019 Gubernatorial Elections, the five-man panel gave her judgement on all the issues set out by parties in the appeal. The Appellate Court first affirmed the decision of the Tribunal rejecting a series of documents filed by the Petitioner at the Tribunal and held that the reasoning of the Tribunal were unassailable citing that the documents which were all public documents and therefore could not be admissible if there were not properly brought as Certified True Copies of the public documents sought to be tendered. Furthermore, on whether the Tribunal was right in holding that the Petitioner/Appellant did not lead credible evidence to prove their case, the Court of Appeal affirmed the Tribunal's judgement and upheld the Tribunal's findings on evidence. The Appellate Court noted that out of the results of twenty one (21) Local Government Areas challenged, the Petitioner did not lead any evidence in prove of their case in eight (  and led very scanty evidence which on cross examination were rendered very impotent in the other Local Governments were they made any effort to prove their claims. The court again held that the decision of the Tribunal was unassailable on that score and therefore affirmed same.The court also agreed with the Lower Tribunal for not relying on documents dumped on the Tribunal by the Petitioners/Appellants without being linked by them to any of the issues raised and canvassed by the petitioner. The court thereupon affirmed the Victory of His Excellency, Mr Udom Emmanuel as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State from the Gubernatorial elections held on March 9, 2019, and awarded the cost of 500,000 naira in favour of the First Respondent to be paid by the Appellants. The lead judgement was affirmed by all the other justices of the Court of Appeal. Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44, Seun |
| Politics / Re: Photos! Update On Minna-suleja Road by Adverts247: 4:13pm On Nov 12, 2019 |
More photos: 1 Like
|
| Politics / Photos! Update On Minna-suleja Road by Adverts247: 4:13pm On Nov 12, 2019 |
Even as it is a federal road, the Niger State Government in the past few weeks has come under immense pressure on the issue of Minna-Suleja road. Well aware that the Federal Government has made it clear that it will no longer payback any state government that fixes federal roads, still Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has gone ahead with the construction of the road. Today the Lambata-Kwakuti section which before now takes well over an hour to travel, is now at the highest possible standard. The Niger State Government has further awarded the same company the contract to continue work from Kwakuti to Chanchaga. Work has fully resumed and has currently reached Gangare village. The Niger State Government is determined to complete the reconstruction of the over 80km of road so as to ease travel from Suleja to Minna. #LoloIsWorking 3 Likes
|
| Politics / Akpabio Can't Win A Rerun Even If It Is Conducted A Tenth Time - AILM by Adverts247: 9:16pm On Nov 11, 2019 |
Akwa Ibom Liberation Movement (AILM), a foremost socio-political group in Akwa Ibom state says Senator Godswill Akpabio Minister of Niger Delta Affairs cannot win a rerun election in his senatorial district even if it is conducted a tenth time. The group in a statement by its Secretary General, Barr. Solomon Abasiekong in reaction to the nullification of the Akwa Ibom North West senatorial district election by the Court of Appeal said Senator Akpabio and his party, All Progressives Congress know that they do not have enough grassroots support to win the rerun. The Court of Appeal in Calabar on Saturday 9th November 2019 ordered a rerun for the senatorial election in Essien Udim, one of the 10 local government areas in Akwa Ibom North West senatorial district. Akpabio who was defeated in the senatorial election with about 36,000 to Engr. Chris Ekpenyong, a former deputy governor of the state, prayed the court to nullify the election. AILM says Akpabio and the APC were celebrating the nullification of the election in Essien Udim local government half-heartedly because they will not win the rerun. "The losers in the election are half-heartedly celebrating the judgment of the Appeal Court ordering a rerun because the APC and its candidate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, know full well that it does not have the grassroots support to win the election even if it were to be conducted a tenth time", the group says. The group challenged Senator Akpabio to prove his political worth in the rerun if he truly won the election, added that the nullification of the election by the Appeal Court has vindicated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and further confirmed reports by obversers that election in Essien Udim, Akpabio's local government was marred by violence and irregularities. AILM has called on the people of Essien Udim local government area to defend the mandate it freely gave to Engr. Chris Ekpenyong and the PDP during the rerun. AKWA IBOM LIBERATION MOVEMENT (AILM) Motto: Together we shall liberate Akwa Abasi Ibom State November 11, 2019 PRESS STATEMENT SENATOR GODSWILL AKPABIO SHOULD PROVE HIS ELECTORAL WORTH cc: lalasticlala, mynd44, seun |
| Politics / Wada: Is Kogi State A Family Fiefdom? by Adverts247: 11:34am On Nov 11, 2019 |
www.nairaland.com/attachments/10546960_screenshot20191111113054_jpeg33e29e0e024495df67566952316ec7ab By Okutepa Adejoh Musa The November 16 gubernatorial election in Kogi State, has elicited a lot of passion, interests, punditry, narratives, and vituperation, both within and outside the Confluence State. The two leading candidates are: Governor Yahaya Bello of the APC, and Engr Musa Wada of the opposition, the PDP. It is no longer news that a majority of Kogites are already polarized, albeit along party lines—some across ethnic gulfs. While democracy offers freedom of choice to citizens, history confers on us, the hindsight of introspection, on the antecedents cum intentions of self-acclaimed change agents, whose sole interest is not for economic and political growth of Kogi State, but building dynasties—and enslaving the entire state in return. A quick check on the major contenders during the PDP primary election points to omnibus fact: that the present attempt to wrestle power from Governor Yahaya Bello, has nothing to do with the betterment of Kogi state, or righting the perceived wrongs of leadership, but an ill-conceived agenda of a family cabal to dominate Kogi politics for decades to come. The candidate of the PDP is Engr Musa Wada, the brother-in-law to the first runner-up in the primary election, Abubakar Ibrahim Idris, who happens to be the biological son of ex-governor Ibrahim Idris- a man who installed the immediate past governor, Captain Idris Wada—the elder brother of Engr Musa Wada. Interestingly, ex-governor Wada, who lost election to the ruling APC even as incumbent in 2015, wanted to be governor again, by contesting the governorship ticket of the PDP with his younger brother, inlaw and son of his erstwhile godfather. Haba! In the spirit of objectivity, there is no constitutional impediments to a family, either by blood or marriage, recycling power amongst themselves, in as much the voters allow them. But everything is wrong, when a family that has not only dominated the political atmosphere of Kogi, mismanaged the resources of a beleaguered state, enriched themselves at the gross expense of the development of the state, and, all of a sudden, turned themselves to "advocates of change"; coming to "salvage" the same state ruined by their untrammeled avarice and kleptomania. To further my narrative that this oligopolistic set of individuals have neither moral rectitude nor sense of altruism, they could not even masquerade their heinous agenda by sponsoring someone else, but had to scrabble for the PDP flag—even among themselves! That is how provincial and eccentric they are. After emerging candidate of the PDP, Engr Musa Wada's first media outing, on an AIT flagship program, Kakakai , was a disaster; undeserving of a gubernatorial candidate. Instead of throwing light on his manifesto—if any, he embarked on a tirade of ethnic triumphing; committing unpardonable blunders in the sojourn. He started with ethno-supremacist sentiment, by alluding that the Igalas constitute 52% voting strength in the state. Nauseatingly as this gaffe sounded, Engr Musa Wada could not discern the level of injury he had inflicted on the collective psyche of other tribes in Kogi. He progressed in error, albeit unknowingly, till the end of ill-fated program. At the end of the interview session, he left an indelible impression on his watchers; a negative one for that matter—that he is not only representing a dynasty of feudal lords, but he is a tribal bigot cum supremacist who is not fit to govern a heterogeneous Kogi state, sitting on tripod of three major tribes, namely: Igala, Ebira and Okun. While the TV program lasted, his body language vis-a-vis mannerisms, smacked of an ethnic fundamentalist on a war conquest, possibly to retrieve "ancestral throne" stolen from his family fiefdom. He wore the aura of entitlement to Lugard House, creating the perception that the current occupier of the position, is an usurper, not qualified to be there in the first place—just for being born a "minority". This was the first red flag! Kogi, as presently configured, ethnically, does not need a tribal chauvinist with a born-to-rule mentality as governor, for peace and mutual coexistence in the state. Even among the Igalas, these same people that have mortgaged the political destiny of the state for years, could not support another Igala man or woman to vie for the governorship seat, simply because they are keen on their family dynasty producing the next governor of the state. Imagine an Ibrahim Idris who ruled the state for nine years, enthroned his successor, Idris Wada, then, after four years of being in political wilderness as a result of bad governance and deteriorated relationship between the duo, decided to make his own son—biological for that matter, the next governor of the same state he plundered. What an impunity! Though the son lost the PDP ticket to his brother-in-law, the attempt by Ibrahim Idris to get a third term through his son or son-in-law is a grave insult on the sensibilities of Kogi citizens—a brazen act of feudalism. In the foregoing context, the Engr Musa Wada candidacy is not only a paragon of oligarchy or epitome of provincialism but exemplar of cronyism. It has more to do with entrenching political interests of self-appointed tribal lords, that have placed parochial family interests above the entire state, than development. These opinionated bourgeoisie, representing a rehash of retrogressive orthodoxies, cannot be allowed to recapture the state's treasury again, in whatever guise. Kogi State is bigger than tribe and religion; let alone myopic interests of few individuals who see the state as their conquered empire. In a highly diversified Kogi State, one family cannot hold everyone to ransom. A vote for Engr Musa Wada, automatically translates to handing over the state to power-starved feudal godfathers, who need the Kogi public purse to resuscitate their suffocating businesses and flamboyant lifestyles. A word, they say is enough for the wise! Okutepa, writes from Odu-Anana in Dekina LGA of Kogi State. Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44, Seun |
| Politics / Akpabio In Dilemma As Appeal Court Rules Rerun In Essien Udim by Adverts247: 10:46pm On Nov 09, 2019 |
* SENATOR EKPENYONG LEADS BY 38, 000 votes * I'll defeat Akpabio again' - Sen. Chris Ekpenyong The minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio has to decide whether to resign his recent appointment and pursue his ambition to return to the senate or to remain as a minister. His dilemma follows the ruling of Appeal Court ordering a rerun of the national assembly election in Essien Udim local government area. The Appeal Court sitting in Calabar, ruled that a fresh election be conducted within 90 days in Essien Udim local government, as a result of irregularities which both petitione and respondent parties admitted in their separate addresses. Although the ruling was clearly in favour of the minister, his supporters found it hard to celebrate because the odds are stacked against their principal. Going into the rerun, Akpabio is expected to register a minimum lead of 38,056 margin to upturn the election of Senator Chris Ekpenyong. Furthermore, the minister is expected to resign his appointment under the law to be eligible to contest election. This is clearly not what the former governor wants. A university lecturer and political analyst, Dr. Chris Inyang, believes Akpabio will rather ignore the ruling than take a chance with an election he is clearly losing. "Akpabio should not make the same mistake the former managing director of NDDC, Mr. Nsima Ekere, made. It is obvious that the present assignment Akpabio is handling presents him with great latitude to expand his influence in the Niger Delta region. Going back to the senate will be an anticlimax and then Akwa Ibom state would have lost out of NDDC twice", he said. He further pointed out that Nsima left NDDC in spite of an extension of his board's tenure from a few months to six years and failed in his ambition to become governor. This time, Akpabio may resign to face a definite loss notwithstanding the outcome of the rerun in Essien Udim. Meanwhile, the incumbent, Senator Chris Ekpenyong maintains that he is not perturbed by the ruling and assured his supporters to remain calm while a date for the election is fixed. “I am very prepared to defeat him again in Essien Udim, let’s go to the field, he has to resign first as a minister in line with the provisions of the constitution,” he declared. "God gave me victory to salvage my people from deceit and poor leadership, and nothing has spoilt that victory,” Sen. Ekpenyong restated. He said with election in one local government area only, all focus and attention would be given to the election and there would be no room for manipulation and rigging, as was noted in the area based on reports of observers and the electoral umpire. “He brought war and federal might, but the people’s might and God’s mighty hand gave me victory. This is another opportunity for the gap of that victory to be expanded,” Senator Ekpenyong added. It was gathered that results obtained from the other nine local government areas show that Senator Chris Ekpenyong leads with 114, 973 votes while Akpabio has 76,917. Akpabio who lost the election to Chris Ekpenyong by 83 ,158 votes to 118 ,215, had approached the Appeal Court to seek the order of the court for the illegal figures he allocated to himself, after losing to Chris Ekpenyong in 8 of the 10 local government areas of the district. The Independent National Electoral Commission had confirmed that only 19,455 voters were accredited in Essien Udim local government area during the election and had rejected the illegally manufactured scores that Akpabio appropriated for himself. This INEC decision was upheld by the National Assembly Elections Petitions tribunal in Uyo, which decided that the 61,329 votes claimed by Akpabio were inconsistent with the number of accredited voters during the February 23 elections. In a related development, the Appeal Court has also ordered that a fresh election be conducted in Essien Udim local government area for the House of Representatives Seat between the incumbent Nsikak Ekong of the PDP and Emmanuel Akpan of the APC. Ekong will also go into the election with the lead garnered from his victory in the other two local government areas of the federal constituency, Ikot Ekpene and Obot Akara. https://www.independent.ng/akpabio-in-dilemma-over-appeal-court-ruling/ 1 Share
|
| Politics / Re: SHOCKING: Kogi PDP Guber Candidate Has Mental Disorder (See Proofs) by Adverts247: 3:27pm On Nov 07, 2019 |
More photos:
|
| Politics / SHOCKING: Kogi PDP Guber Candidate Has Mental Disorder (See Proofs) by Adverts247: 3:26pm On Nov 07, 2019 |
The mental disorderliness record the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in Kogi State, Engr Musa Wada, has emerged. Engr Wada was admitted at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba in 2005 for delusional with distorted speech as a result of substance abuse. The medical report also revealed that the condition runs in the Wada family. He was subsequently admitted for rehabilitation and medication with the patient number 001364. Recall that in the build up to the 2011 elections in Kogi state, documents emerged on the mental state of Capt. Idris Wada with a record of mental disorderliness from the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. The elder Wada’s mental state on admission was one of paranoid delusions and auditory hallucinations according to his medical record. Till date, no medical record from the UCH has confirmed Idris Wada as a discharged patient of the Psychiatric unit. In a report published by The Nation newspaper, an affidavit deposed to by Uchechukwu Clement, a lawyer, stated that contrary to claims by Wada on oath under part B, Article E Question 1 “Idris Wada had at a point been adjudged to be of unsound mind”. •That Idris Ichalla Wada is actually an un-discharged psychiatric patient of the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan. •That Idris Wada was admitted into the psychiatric unit of the UCH Ibadan on 7th April 1976 with Card No. 399346 on referral from Dr. V.O. Anosika of Estate Clinic Group for Schizophrenic illness” •That Idris Wada’s mental state on admission was one of paranoid delusions and auditory hallucinations according to his medical record. •That contrary to Idris Wada’s deposition, Dr. Oyewumi of University College Hospital, Ibadan actually diagnosed him of acute psychotic episodes and paranoid psychosis on 7/4/1976. •That contrary to Idris Wada depositions, Dr. Oyewumi on 24/4/76 at 11:50 a.m actually confirmed that Idris was psychotic. •That again contrary to Idris Wada deposition, it was again confirmed at 4 p.m of the same 24/4/76 that Idris Wada was grossly psychotic. •That his father Haleel Ejiga while attempting to remove him from UCH against medical advice actually disclosed a history of mental illness in the family as a niece of Idris Wada also had it in 1972. •That on 28/4/76, his father, then of upper Area Court, Makurdi, by a letter of discharge against medical advice actually took Idris Wada Hospital No. 399346 away from University College Hospital, Ibadan contrary to the advice of medical staff. •That Idris Wada did not undergo full treatment for his psychotic disorder from UCH Ibadan before his father removed him against medical advice. •That he was not diagnosed as having been of reasonable mind before his father removed him. •That by his father’s letter of 22nd September 1976, Idris Wada was to return for treatment and observation for a period of 6 months from 19th August 1976. •That there’s no record that Idris Wada went back for treatment at UCH. Meanwhile, a Chieftain of of the PDP from Kogi East, Abdulai Umoru, said that his fears are that the running mate to Musa Wada, Sam Aro, maybe aware of Mr Wada’s mental state and in the event that he wins the election may collude with the Speaker of the Kogi state House of Assembly, Prince Mathew Kolawole , to impeach him on health grounds. Thereby depriving Ighala Kingdom with the governorship seat. Other members of the Wada family with mental related illness includes; Abuh Wada the immediate younger brother to Engr Musa Wada, Tukur Wada, Habiba Wada, Abdullahi Wada. An APC chieftain Olorunfemi Obalemo said "How can a state of over 4million people be governed by persons with psychiatric disorder?" Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44, seun 1 Like
|
| Politics / Paris Club, Bail Out Funds Judiciously Utilized In Kogi - Organized Labour by Adverts247: 6:59pm On Nov 01, 2019 |
The Organised Labour in Kogi has expressed satisfaction that the last Paris Club Refund and the latest Bailouts Fund of N30.8 billion obtained by the State Government were judiciously utilised. Labour disclosed this on Friday in a statement signed by the State chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Onuh Edoka and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) chairman, Mr Ranti Ojo and made available to newsmen. The statement said the funds were disbursed in accordance with provisions of the collective agreements between Labour and the State Government which prioritised payment of salaries and pensions above all other competing demands. Labour declared the current standing of the salary situation in the state saying, “As at today, the general position is that most workers have been paid up to October, 2019 at state level. They however, held that Local Government staff, primary schools teachers and pensioners were still expecting their October 2019 salary and pension. “We also wish to acknowledge the early payment of salary/pension in recent times. It is our hope that this gesture of prompt payment of salary will continue even after the November 16”, Governorship election. “It is however important to remind the government that many workers still have arrears in their payment history due to issues arising from the screening which threw them out of the workforce. “We call on the Governor who granted clemency to some categories of workers to urgently find a means of paying them the months that their salaries were withheld while they were sorting themselves out and updating their records”, the statement added. The organised Labour also declared that the Governor Yahaya Bello’s Staff Screening and Verification Exercise as necessary though it brought untold hardship on the workers in its wake. “After in-depth analysis of the entire process up till this moment, we also agree that many components of the Civil Service and Pensions Reforms undertaken by this administration were not only necessary but vitally important to the building of an efficient, effective and virile Civil Service. The leadership of Labour while acknowledging the improvement on the percentage payment to Local Government staff, urge the Governor to restore 100 per cent salaries payment to Council workers. cc: lalasticlala, seun, mynd44
|
| Politics / Gov Emmanuel Pin-Points Industrialization As Elixir For Unemployment, Insecurity by Adverts247: 12:58pm On Oct 30, 2019 |
Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom state has identified building of a viral economy through multilevel industrialization for wealth creation and stemming youth unemployment as panacea to insecurity in the country. The state Governor stated this during a courtesy visit on him by a delegation of the Nigerian Army Finance Corps at Government House, Uyo recently. He used the occasion to thank the Armed Forces for the peace enjoyed in the Country and commended the Commander in chief of the Armed Forces and the Chief of Army staff for putting in place an effective security architecture to combat all forms of security challenges for the well being of the citizens. Governor Emmanuel lauded the visiting army finance corps for initiating efforts to seek alternative sources of funding for its operations, describing the theme of 12th biennial conference, 'Expanding Roles of the Nigerian Army in the Internal Security Operations, Funding imperative' as apt given the present economic situation in the country. He thanked the army hierarchy for the choice of the state for the conference. Governor Emmanuel said his administration has lent support to the army and officers serving in the state, listing such support to include rehabilitation of 80 housing units for the officers at the Wellington Bassey military barracks, Ibagwa - Abak. He assured of additional 80 units of housing in the second phase with the provision of potable water to make life comfortable forresidents in the barracks alongside other incentives to boost the officers morale in their service to the fatherland. Earlier, the General Officer Commanding 6th Battalion Maj.Gen Jamil Sarham who represented the chief of Army Lt.Gen. Tukur Buratai, expressed appreciation to Governor Emmanuel for the support given to officers and men of the Nigerian Army to boost their morale to serve better. He applauded the cordial relationship existing between the army and the citizens, attributing this feat to the sound leadership in the state as well as endearing hospitality of the people. He lauded thestate government for collaborating the army for a strong security architecture in the state, noting that the choice of Akwa Ibom for the 12 th edition of the biennial conference was to further boost the existing collaboration and to key in to the investment expertise of the Governor. Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44, Seun
|
| Politics / Niger State Gov. Refutes Ex-governor's Claim Of Seeking An IDB Loan Of $181 by Adverts247: 10:11am On Oct 27, 2019 |
Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State has refuted claims made by the former Governor of the state Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu that while in office he sought for and got approval for a Loan of 181 million dollars from Islamic Development Bank for the Dualization of Minna- Bida Road. In a statement issued by chief press secretary to the Governor, Mrs Mary Noel Berje described his claim that the money did not hit the State Bank account until he had left office as baseless and a cheap propaganda aimed at promoting his political party preparatory to the 2019 Local Government Elections. Governor Abubakar Sani Bello said his administration will remain steadfast and will not succumb to blackmail especially by a political party that mismanaged the state affairs for sixteen years. On the security Issue, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello reminded the former Governor to get his facts right as security issues must not be politicized pointing out that APC government considers human lives very important and will continue to protect the lives and property of nigerlites and Nigerians by extension. How ever, we all are not un-mindful of the former Governor's witty nature, but the thing with witty men is that they get out of their way while speaking even when it comes to sensitive issues. This is the only explanation as to why former Governor Babangida Aliyu will claim that he secured a $181 million loan at the verge of his leaving office. Since we don’t believe in lies like they do, we will like to put the records straight He (Dr Muazu Babangida) engaged a firm to prepare feasibility report on the project but he never paid a Kobo, which confirmed the assumption that he did that to play politics with the people. Only Babangida Aliyu can call this achievement. The current administration of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello paid the firm. Let us be very clear also: Ex-gov. Aliyu never secured a loan for Niger state from the Islamic Development Bank. It was not until the coming of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello that advancements were made by Niger State Government to obtain such a loan for the purpose of construction and dualization of the Bida-Minna road. It is outrageously ridiculous, even for a "reputable man like Babangida Aliyu, to now claim that he secured such a loan on the verge of leaving office. It is especially insulting to the intelligence of his audience for him to claim that such funds were misappropriated. Anybody with a good sense of judgement should know that the Islamic Development Bank is not like the usual commercial banks that grant loans and permit the receiver to expend the loan at will. Former Governor Aliyu counted on the ignorance of his audience. He must have hoped that they did not know that the Islamic Development Bank does not pay monies into the account of governments after they approve loan for a state. The bank deals, and pays directly to contractors; contractors that they would select after a rigorous and clear international bidding process have been completed. How can any individual invite the current government to account for monies that they cannot even have access to? To secure an international loan, states require the approval of the Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly, but such an approval was never granted, nor was it ever sought by the government of Babangida Aliyu led administration, neither did the State House of Assembly or even the Council he chaired ever deliberated on the matter. He should also know that a number of reports are required by the IDB before such loan is considered, One of such is the Environmental Impact Assessment, this study was neither commissioned nor carried out by the Muazu Babangida administration. Nor was there a Traffic Census report which is required as justification for the dualisation. And nobody remembered any bidding, not even Babangida Aliyu. How can anyone remember what did not happen. His audience should ask him on what terms he secured this loan that is a figment of his imagination. He should explain also how he managed to secure a loan from an international bank without the State House of Assembly being in the know, and without the approval of the Federal Executive Council and National Assembly? Perhaps because we are not asking him to explain how his administration misappropriated funds including Teachers Salary Scheme that never came to fruition or the Minna City Center that never rose even after millions went into them. The Ward Development as well as the 10km roads projects that were smokescreens for embezzlement should be a topic of interest to Mr. Former Governor. As well as the 5-Star Hotel that never came to fruition even after the state funded it, and the disappearance of funds withdrawn from government coffers ostensibly for the construction of Minna Stadium, another one taken to dualise Kafin koro road which disappeared into thin air, how he paid himself over N2B as house rent, and viscously pauperised our local government workers where fraudulently fretted away billions of Naira in the form of deductions of 7.5% of their salaries and monies. Nigerlites must be mindful of, and disregard some unconscious characters who have failed them, and are now trying to warm their ways into people’s hearts with blatant lies. Finally, for the records, the Government of Abubakar Sani Bello, secured the clearance for the loan, paid for Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Report, paid for the Feasibility Report, presented the Traffic Censured Report, got the approval of the Federal Executive Council, got the approval of National Assembly, secured the approval of the State Assembly, and currently, following the approval of National Assembly, the present Governor has written to Federal Ministry of Finance and the Ministry has also written to IDB to validate the loan and IDB has included the project in its 2020 plan. Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44, Seun
|
| Politics / Re: Attah Igala Receives Royal White Rolls Royce Phantom Ahead Of Kogi Election by Adverts247: 7:02pm On Oct 26, 2019 |
More pictures: 3 Likes 2 Shares
|
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (of 11 pages)
(Go Up)
| Sections: politics (1) business autos (1) jobs (1) career education (1) romance computers phones travel sports fashion health religion celebs tv-movies music-radio literature webmasters programming techmarket Links: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) Nairaland - Copyright © 2005 - 2024 Oluwaseun Osewa. All rights reserved. See How To Advertise. 281 |