₦airaland Forum

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from conducting bye-elections into the Edo State House of Assembly, Igbere TV reports.

The high court order was sequel to a suit filed by 14 members-elect of the Edo State Assembly who were ‘prevented’ from the June 17, 2019 controversial inauguration.

The Edo Assembly speaker, Mr Frank Okiye had on Wednesday last week purportedly declared vacant the seats of the 14 lawmakers for allegedly refusing to present themselves for inauguration.

INEC had in December last year said it was still studying a letter from the Edo State House of Assembly demanding that bye-elections be conducted in the 14 constituencies that had purportedly been declared vacant.



But the court while granting an interim injunction on Tuesday barring INEC from filling the 14 seats, ordered that status quo be maintained until the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.

“I hereby grant the following order.

“The defendant herein, the INEC, is restrained whether by themselves, their executives, servants, privies, representative nominees or any other person or persons from proceeding with the bye-election in respect of fourteen seats of the Edo State House of Assembly pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice”, the presiding judge ruled.

The court, therefore, adjourned the case till January 28, 2020, for hearing.

As Iran and the United States of America (USA) gear up for retaliatory and counter-attacks, analysts say the development could lead to a major third world war (WWIII).

If anything is to go by, Igbere TV will now analyze the military strength of both countries and the level of damages to be expected from any war.

Already, hackers claiming to be from Iran have hacked into the American Federal Depository Library Programme (FDLP) website late Saturday.

The development comes hours after President Donald Trump threatened to hit 52 Iranian sites “very hard” if Iran attacks Americans or US assets.

He was speaking days after a drone strike killed Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani and an Iraqi militia leader.

Igbere TV had reported that President Trump claimed the US Army has targeted 52 Iranian sites, while Iran said it had identified 35 targets for retaliatory strikes.

Below is a capability comparison between Iran and the US military as researched by Igbere TV.

Budget:
Iran: $6 billion
US: $716 billion

Troops:
Iran: 523,000
US: 1.3 million

Aircraft:
Iran: 509
US: 13,398

Navy vessels:
Iran: 398
US: 415

Nukes:
Iran: not known
US: 6,185

Missile range:
Iran: 3,000 km
US: Any place on Earth

WORLD WAR III SCENARIO

Iran's potential allies:

• Russia
• China
• Iraq
• Syria
• North Korea
• Lebanon

US allies:

• Germany
• France
• Israel
• UK
• Japan
• Canada
• South Korea
• other NATO

Most powerful militaries:

1. United States
2. Russia
3. China
4. India
5. France
6. Japan
7. South Korea
8. UK
9. Turkey
10. Germany
11. Italy
12. Egypt
13. Brazil
14. Iran
15. Pakistan
16. Indonesia
17. Israel
18. North Korea

Hackers claiming to be from Iran have hacked into American Federal Depository Library Programme (FDLP) website late Saturday.

Users clicking on the were greeted with a ominous black hacked web page from ‘the Islamic Republic of Iran’.

On it is a picture of Donald Trump being hit in the face by an Iranian fist, with blood pouring from his mouth.

Below it are the words, “Hacked by Iran Cyber Security Group Hackers’ and ‘this is only a small part of Iran’s cyber ability.”

On the site the hackers added ‘we are always ready’ and ‘to be continued’. There is also the hash tag of ‘#hardrevenge’.

They posted: “This is message from the Islamic Republic of Iran.

“We will not stop supporting our friends in the regions, the oppressed people of Palestine, the oppressed people of Yemen, the people, and the Syrian government, the people and government of Iraq, the oppressed people of Bahrain, the true mujahideen resistance in Lebanon and Palestine.

“They will be supported by us.”

The development comes hours after President Donald Trump threatened to hit 52 Iranian sites “very hard” if Iran attacks Americans or US assets.

He was speaking days after a drone strike killed Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani and an Iraqi militia leader.

Igbere TV had reported that President Trump claimed the US Army has targeted 52 Iranian sites, while Iran said it had identified 35 targets for retaliatory strikes

The FDLP is a government programme created to make US federal publications available to the public at no cost.

Checks by Igbere TV on Sunday shows that the hackers message which was visible last night has been pulled down and replaced with an ‘Error 520’ message.

Cyber attacks are one way Iran was expected to retaliate for the death of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who died in a U.S. missile attack at Baghdad’s international airport directly ordered by President Trump.

‘Iran hacks US government website’ warning ‘this is just the beginning’

A US government website has been targeted by hackers claiming to be from Iran.

The website for the Federal Depository Library Program, fdlp.gov, showed a picture of Donald Trump being punched in the face, along with a message from ‘the Islamic Republic of Iran’.

Below the President’s bleeding face were the words ‘Hacked by Iran Cyber Security Group Hackers’ and ‘this is only a small part of Iran’s cyber ability’.

The chilling warning said ‘martyrdom was (Suleimani’s)… reward for years of implacable efforts’.

‘With his departure and with God’s power, his work and path will not cease and severe revenge awaits those criminals who have tainted their filthy hands with his blood and blood of the other martyrs,’ it said.

However, a US government spokesperson said ‘there is no confirmation’ this attack came from Iran, the Mirror reports.

It comes after the President warned the US will target 52 Iranian sites if Tehran attacks Americans over the killing of their top general, Qassem Soleimani.

He said the number 52 was symbolic of the number of American hostages taken by Iran ‘many years ago’.

In a series of sinister tweets Trump warned that some of those targets were ‘high level’ and important to Iranian culture.

He said: ‘Iran itself will be hit very fast and very hard. The USA wants no more threats!’

Iran has vowed harsh vengeance over a US airstrike in Baghdad that killed leader of the Quds force general Qassem Soleimani.

...Gov’s Favourite Aides Evicted From WhatsApp Groups

A major crack in the 4+4 re-election group of embattled Governor Godwin Obaseki has emerged after a top figure in the governor’s camp openly berated Obaseki over alleged lopsided appointments in Orhionmwon Local Government Area.

Festus Ese, a top controversial supporter of the Governor in Orhionmwon, had on Friday, January 3, 2020 called for an emergency meeting of social media influencers in the LGA to address the said appointments in the locality.

Governor Godwin Obaseki had recently rolled out over 30 controversial fresh appointments all in the name of Senior Special Assistants on Digital and New Media.

Checks by Igbere TV on Saturday shows that favourite appointees of the Governor have been evicted from major online platforms ahead the Edo 2020 gubernatorial elections.

In a communiqué obtained by Igbere TV on Friday, Orhionmwon media influencers accused the governor of sidelining the local government area in the recent appointment.

They alleged that “no single Orhionmwon youth, social media influencers were appointed in the recent appointments made by the state government.”

The media influencers said “with the efforts of major influencers and grassroot mobilizers in the last general election, Orhionmwon was delivered massively for the ruling party (APC) at all levels.”

The Orhionmwon youths alleged that the local government was being marginalized by Obaseki, while calling for a “fair treatment in human capital and infrastructural development.”

Insisting that the emergency meeting was as a result of "unfair treatment" meted on Orhionmwon by Edo state government, the youths said the meeting was not sponsored by any politician or group.

They, therefore, called on Obaseki to immediately approve the appointment of five Special Assistants and three Senior Special Assistants on Digital Media for Orhionmwon local government.

Abuja Veteran Comedian, Stainless Precious Weds Heartthrob In Uyo (Photos)

...As Foreign Affairs Minister, MC Tagwaye Brothers Appear In Style

Popular Nigeria Entertainer and Abuja-based Comedian, Senator Stainless Precious has tied the knot with his amazingly beautiful Heartthrob, who will now be referred to as Ima-Obong Ndiana Nwaokike.

The delightful traditional wedding ceremony was held at Uyo, Akwa Ibom state on the 31st of December 2019, Igbere TV reports.

The eventful ceremony witnessed the stunning appearance of top rated Nigeria politicians, entertainers, celebrities, event hosts, high-profile executives and especially the stylish presence of Nigeria presidential comedian "MC Tagwaye Brothers" including Minister Of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Amb. Tour Ginika Williams, Mr Efe Ejere etc.

According to our correspondent, the ceremony was filled with colorful events and astonishments by Couples, Guests and Visitors.

The traditional rites was conducted in the presence of the both families, Mr./Mrs. Ndiana-Abasi Udiong of Mbak Etoi in Uyo LGA and Rev./Rev. Mrs. Precious O. Nwaokike from Oru East LGA in Imo state.

The couple made their toast professing that the secret of a successful marriage is love and understanding, as they asked the Lord Almighty to help them uncover these secrets in their marital life.

Stainless Ikechukwu Precious Nwaokike (CFR) is the Chief Executive Officer of Household of Comedian, a leading comedy and event organizing agency. He is also the principal executive and convener of the popular Entertainers Charity Football Match hosted in Nigeria and beyond.

He remains one of the most decorated stand up comedians based in Abuja, an event host, with a charisma of excellence and distinguishing humour.

Stainless Precious has received congratulations and felicitations from friends, family members, fans and followers from around the world as he takes the path to find a wife and obtain enormous and significant favor from God Almighty.

Members of staff of popular online medium, Igbere TV have congratulated their boss Emeh James Anyalekwa, and wife, Chidinma on their 5th year marriage anniversary today, January 1, 2020.

In a statement released on Wednesday and made available to newsmen in Abuja, the Igbere TV employees felicitated with the couple on the new lease of life, renewed hope and transformation of the online medium.

Describing the marriage as one ordained by God, the staff members urged the couple to continue to live in peace and harmony, thanking God for the preserved union.

According to them, “Anyalekwa and his wife of 5 years have always lived a life of philanthropy; they look out for their neighbours wherever they are, especially the less privileged. That is why they have taken us as their family. May God bless them always.”

On the significance of marriage anniversary, the Igbere TV employees said that most marriages are not a bed of roses, “so when you see a couple achieving great heights together, we should commend them to God’s protection and care.”

“It is heart-warming to learn that our boss, Anyalekwa and his ever gorgeous wife have been married for 5 years and it is a good reason to thank God. Our prayer is that God will continue to bless and keep them alive to fulfill their mission on Earth.”

They described the Anyalekwas as unique couple who were bonded together by God to do great things and affect humanity positively.

“Although a man of class, Anyalekwa remains a down-to-earth boss who takes his work seriously. When you combine his qualities with that of his humane wife, you will agree with us that theirs is a partnership made in heaven. We wish them happy wedding anniversary and God’s protection.”

Prominent Nigerians, who learnt of the special day for Mr. Anyalekwa and his wife, have been sending messages of goodwill to the couple.

The marriage of the Igbere TV boss which was consummated in Igbere, Abia State some five (5) years ago, is blessed with beautiful children.

The Edo State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Osazee Osemwengie Ero, has been arrested by the Interpol in far away France.

Igbere TV gathered that the Commissioner, who organized the recently held Edo Festivals (EDOFEST), was arrested on allegations bothering on money laundering.

The sum of $2 million cash was said to have been found on him while the arrest was being effected at the Paris Airport in the presence of the state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.
It was gathered that both the Commissioner and the Governor were on their way from China, where the both were said to have gone for business deals.

Though the news broke the internet on Sunday night, December 29, Igbere TV however gathered that the arrest took place a week back.

But reacting to the development on Monday, Governor Godwin Obaseki said the arrest has nothing to do with him or his government.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie, he said he could neither confirm or deny the arrest of the commissioner.

According to him, “We learnt about the alleged arrest of the Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Commissioner, Hon. Osaze Osemwingie-Ero from unreliable sources on social media and we are unable to confirm either the alleged arrest or what might have led to it.”

“But we can confirm without equivocation that whatever the issues might be, they are totally personal and have nothing whatsoever to do with the Edo State Government or Governor Godwin Obaseki,” he added.

Meanwhile, some citizens of Edo state have called out Governor Obaseki for disowning the state commissioner, asking the governor to work on his release.

A group under the aegis of Orhionmwon Peoples Movement, where the commissioner is from, alleged that the sum found on him was given to him by Obaseki for safekeeping.

“Rather than the Governor to use his good office to ensure the release of the commissioner, Obaseki came to Benin and lied that the arrest has nothing to do with him.”

The group said the most painful aspect of it is that the Governor is busy lying against the Commissioner and not telling the world the main reason he was arrested.

“The Governor is busy saying that the Commissioner was arrested not because of the money that was found with him but because of the offence he committed some years ago while in Italy.”

This action of the Governor, according to them, is to avoid the wrath of people who may feel angry over how Edo money is being looted abroad through the aid of his Commissioner.

They further claimed that the Commissioner has no criminal record or declared wanted before, saying they were surprised that the Governor was diverting attention from the reason he was arrested.

They, however, called on well meaning Edo people to prevail on the Governor to secure the release of their son as "it is unfair for him to treat his best Commissioner in this wicked and heartless manner."

They insisted that they will be left with no other option than to take to street protests if the state commissioner is not released before the end of this year.

Obaseki, an APC governor, is seeking re-election next year. With this development, it is being alleged in some quarters that the governor may have pulling cash abroad to prosecute the elections.

Popular online medium, Igbere TV has congratulated Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, on his birthday Wednesday, December 25, 2019.

The congratulatory message was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Uyo, and signed by the Director of Igbere TV, Emeh James Anyalekwa.

Anyalekwa congratulated Chinedum Orji for “good health and exemplary life” and for devoting his life to God and service to ‘God’s Own State’ Abia.

“On behalf of my family and entire staff members of Igbere TV, I congratulate Rt Hon Chinedum Orji on his birthday; joining his family, friends and associates in celebrating this great day”, he said.

The Igbere TV boss urged the speaker to use his wealth of knowledge, wisdom and experience to contribute to development, especially by mentoring young leaders of Abia.

“It is our sincere prayer that he (Chinedum Orji) succeeds in his assignment as speaker of the Abia state 7th Assembly, and win laurels to the admiration of all Abians,” the communications expert added.

He further congratulated members and principal officers of the Abia State House of Assembly, and prayed to God to continue to grant the speaker wisdom and good health to lead the House.

Anyalekwa urged the Abia state Assembly to continue to work together for the betterment and prosperity of the people and the unity, peace and progress of the state.

The foremost community TV, Igbere TV also pledged its “renewed support and commitment” towards unbiased reportage of “people-oriented programs and reforms” of the Abia State Assembly under Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji.

President Muhammadu Buhari has finally reacted to the 2019 'Man of Integrity' Award conferred on him by popular online medium, Igbere TV.

Buhari was on 28th November, 2019 honoured alongside prominent Nigerians at a well-attended event at Sheraton Hotels, Abuja.

The President was represented by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, who also bagged an award in media excellence.

Reacting in a statement sent to Igbere TV by the presidency, Buhari said he was indeed honoured to have been named man of integrity in the outgoing year.

The statement which quoted the president as saying the recognition was a “great choice”, thanked the organizers for the “kind gesture”, assuring to keep doing what he was doing that earned him the award.

“I am indeed honoured to have been named the 2019 man of integrity by Igbere TV”, Buhari was quoted as saying, adding, “this is a further boost and challenge to my government”.

He called on Nigerian youths not to “compromise their integrity for anything”, asking them to remain focused and dedicated at all time.

The president said the award was an indication that Nigerians were watching and happy with his government, while reiterating his administration’s “fight” against corruption.

The Igbere TV 2019 “Man of the Year” went to Las Vegas-based Nigerian Billionaire Medical Doctor, Dr. Godwin Maduka, while former President Goodluck Jonathan bagged the “Award for Peace and Democracy”,

While the “Best Performing Governor of the Year” Award was presented to Enugu State Governor, HE, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the “Best performing Senator” Award went to Senate President Ahmad Lawan.

The Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi was unveiled as “Best Performing Minister of the Year”, while the award for “Best Performing New Legislator of the Year” went to Rep Benjamin Kalu, Spokesman of the House of Representatives.

Other distinguished award recipients include Oil Magnate and Managing Director, Dozzy Oil and Gas, Sir Daniel Chukwudozie, who was recognised with the “Businessman of the Year” Award title.

Others are, Femi Adesina (Award for Media Excellence), Sen. Ita Enang (Best Executive/Legislative Diplomat of the Year), Abia Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji (Best Performing State Assembly Speaker); Minister Uchechukwu Ogah (Humanitarian Service Award), and Rep Nkeiruka Onyejeocha (2019 Best Performing Female Rep Member).

While former governor of Imo state, Sen. Rochas Okorocha was named “2019 Most Outstanding Personality in Educational Development”, First Lady of Abia State, Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu emerged as “First Lady of the Year”.

Others include Nollywood’s Rose Meurer (Actress of the Year), Innoson Motors (Best Vehicle Manufacturer of the Year), Sir Chikwendu Udensi (Most Outstanding Security Expert of the Year), Chairman of Peace Mass Transit, Dr. Maduka Onyishi (2019 Man of Integrity in Business); Alex Nwankwo of AlexReports (Publicist of the Year), and Cleric Satguru Maharaj Ji (Humanitarian Service Award).

Those also recognized include, SeaHorse Lubricants Ltd (Best Lubricant Manufacturing Company of the Year), Engr. Ajibola Abiola (Media Administrator of the Year), Anyim Nyerere (Humanitarian Service Award), Kaduna North LGA Chairman, Saleh Shaibu (Local Government Chairman of the Year); Gregory University Uturu (Best Private University of the Year), Barr. Philip E. Umeadi Jnr. (Award for Peace and Democracy), First Lady of Kebbi state, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu (First Lady of the Year – Health); and heavyweight champion, Osita Offor alias De Ultimate Commander (Lifetime Achievement Award in Wrestling).

“Due to the recent promotion of some senior officers, it became imperative to deploy them to appropriate appointments to the new ranks.

“Consequently, the Nigerian Army has just released the postings and appointments of the affected officers.

“The posting which was approved by the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen TY Buratai is a routine exercise carried out to reinvigorate the system for greater professional effectiveness/efficiency.

“The highlight of the posting includes the appointment of Maj-Gen EO Ogunkale from Command Army Record Lokoja to Defence Headquarters as Chief of Defence Standards and Evaluation, Maj Gen AO Uthman from Nigerian Army School of Signals, Apapa, Lagos to Defence Headquarters as Director Defence Communications, Maj Gen OO Soleye from Defence Headquarters to Headquarters Command Army Record Lokoja as Commander, Maj Gen YI Shalangwa the erstwhile Director Legal Services ‘Army’ now redeployed to Defence Headquarters as Director Legal Services, Maj Gen DC Onyemulu from Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Oshodi, Lagos becomes Director Armed Forces Simulation Centre, while Maj Gen HI Bature is redeployed from Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command, Minna to Defence Headquarters and appointed Director Liaison.

“Others include; Maj Gen IM Obot to remain at Nigerian Army Resource Centre as Participant Senior Executive Management and Policy Course, Maj Gen BO Sawyer to remain in Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plans as Director Plans.

“Also Maj-Gen LA Adegboye the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division is to remain as GOC 82 Division, Maj Gen MA Masanawa from Army Central Ammunition Depot to Defence Headquarters and appointed Director Innovation and Combat Development.

“Similarly, Maj-Gen G Oyefesobi from Defence Intelligence Agency to Headquarters of the recently created Nigerian Army Special Forces Corps as Commander, Maj Gen MM Bunza, the erstwhile commandant, Nigerian Military School, Zaria, is redeployed to Nigerian Army Education Corps as Corps Commander Education, Maj Gen DH Ali-Keffi from Nigerian Army School of Infantry Jaji to Defence Intelligence Agency and appointed Director of Administration, Maj Gen GO Adesina from Army Headquarters Department of Army Policy and Plans to Nigerian Army Signals School Apapa, Lagos as Commandant while Maj Gen PE Eromosele from National Defence College Abuja to Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering Makurdi as Commandant.

“Others are – Maj Gen KO Aligbe from Defence Headquarters Abuja to Nigerian Army School of Infantry Jaji and appointed Commandant, Maj Gen AB Ibrahim to remain in Army Headquarters and appointed Director Training, Maj-Gen GK Nwosu to remain in Nigerian Army Special Forces School Buniyadi as Commandant, Maj-Gen FB Fakrogha to remain in Nigerian Army Women Corps as Commander Women Corps, Maj-Gen S Idris from Defence Headquarters to Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership Peace Keeping Centre and appointed Commandant.

“Similarly, Brig-Gen JC Ogbonna from Headquarters 81 Division to Headquarters 82 Division appointed Division’s Training Officer, Brig-Gen BH Mohammed from Headquarters Nigerian Army Education Corps to Nigerian Military School, Zaria as Commandant, Brig-Gen GO Omorogbe from Headquarters 4 Brigade Benin to Headquarters Infantry Corps Centre Jaji as Chief of Staff, Brig-Gen AJ Fagge from Defence Space Agency to Ministry of Defence and appointed Principal General Staff Officer to Honourable Minister of Defence, Brig-Gen NI Najaja from 6 Military Intelligence Brigade Port Harcourt to Open Source Intelligence Command as Commander and Brig-Gen AO Quadri from Headquarters 81 Division Lagos to Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command Minna as Director Training.

“Also, Brig-Gen FG Dimlong from 105 Division’s Equipment Support (DES) to 101 DES and appointed Commander, Brig-Gen M Danmadami from Headquarters 3 Division Jos to Office of the Chief of Army Staff as Ag Director Procurement, Brig Gen OJ Akpor from 1 Division Garrison Kaduna to Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna appointed Director Military Training, Brig-Gen BU Yahaiya from Ministry of Defence to Nigerian Army Resource Centre Abuja and appointed Subject Expert South East Asia, Brig-Gen IM Jallo from Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna to 4 Brigade Benin as Commander, Brig-Gen HE Akpan from Army War College to Directorate of Army Recruitment, Resettlement and Reserve and appointed Commander, Brig-Gen O Nwachukwu to remain in Defence Headquarters as Ag Director Defence Information, Brig Gen MK Gara from Army Headquarters Department of Training and Operations to 8 Division Garrison as Commander and Brig-Gen MU Wambai from SI List (SEC 41) to Headquarters Directorate of Legal Services as Acting Director Legal Services among others.

“Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff Lt-Gen TY Buratai whilst wishing all the officers well in their respective appointments charges them to take their new responsibilities seriously and discharge all duties professionally with utmost loyalty to the Service and the Nation. All the appointments take immediate effect.”

Yoruba apex socio-political organization, Afenifere, has lambasted the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, for saying the country’s constitution should be amended to accommodate the Sharia law.

The group described the open call by the CJN that some of the concerns of Muslims should be adopted nationwide as provocative, as well as primitive, red flag and unnecessary, asking Muhammad to immediately retrieve the statement.

In a statement made available to Igbere TV via mail on Monday in Abuja, the group warned the CJN to “stop doing that and be sensitive on account that Nigeria is a plural state.”

Muhammad had on Friday called for the amendment of Nigeria’s constitution to accommodate some of the concerns of Muslims and the Shari’a law, while declaring open the 20th Annual Judges Conference, at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.

But National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Mr Yinka Odumakin, in the statement, said the CJN, giving the level of office he occupies should have understood that a statement like that calls for adequate consideration in a pluralistic society like Nigeria.

Odumakin said this was needed notwithstanding the fact that the CJN had backgrounds in Arabic studies and is purely a Sharia lawyer, pointing out that the statement made by Muhammad indicated pure “clash of civilization in Nigeria.”

“It’s a function of clash of civilization in Nigeria. As a CJN, his background is that he did Arabic studies, he is a Sharia lawyer and so but enlightenment should have told the CJN that for a man that can rise to that level in a system like ours, that this is a plural society and he cannot be making such call without adequate consideration,” he said.

“But you see part of the problems we have is the way people rise to the top, our system just throw people up anyhow otherwise the call ought not to have been made,” the Afenifere chieftain said.

Barely two months to the end of his tenure, Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa state has sacked all political appointees in the state, Igbere TV reports.

A statement sent to Igbere TV via mail by Kemela Okara, Esq., Secretary to the State Government, said the move was to enable the state meet its ”diverse financial obligations”.

According to the SSG, the move became imperative to enable the government give priority to the payment of salaries to Civil Servants, rather than political appointees.

The statement, however, said all appointees whose positions are “critical” to the transition process will be retained henceforth till the end of the administration in February, 2020.

This latest development, Igbere TV reports, comes barely one month after Dickson lost Bayelsa, a PDP-controlled state since the return of democracy, to opposition APC.

The PDP candidate and governor’s anointed, Douye Diri, had lost to APC’s David Lyon in the November 16 governorship election in the state.

Full Statement,

“This is to inform all political appointees of the Restoration Government of His Excellency Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, that as a government in transition we have been battling to meet our diverse financial obligations.

“In seeking to manage these financial obligations it became imperative to give priority to the payment of salaries to Civil Servants who have since been paid their November salaries.

“We have now commenced the processing of political appointee salaries which will be paid in the coming week.

“With effectively one month to go to the end of this government, only political appointees whose positions are critical to the transition process will be retained henceforth to manage this process. We trust that all political appointees appreciate the enormous sacrifices Government has made with the unprecedented number of political appointments made from 2012 to date.

“In the interim, we wish to also state that the government has begun the process of compiling the list of appointees who are by law entitled to receive benefits, with a view to making payment before government finally wins down in February 2020.

“Further, we also use this medium to enjoin our appointees and teeming supporters to hope for the best post election outcome going forward.

“Finally, His Excellency the Governor seeks to use this medium to thank all political appointees for their hardwork and commitment to the Restoration government over the years and especially at this time of transition.”

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SPACE BOOKER

Wife of Zimbabwe’s vice-president, Mary Chiwenga, has been arrested on charges of money laundering and corruption, Igbere TV has learnt.

Mary is also being charged for externalisation of foreign currency at a time she is considering divorcing her husband and vice-president.

A report sighted by Igbere TV on a popular Zimbabwean website, said Mary was arrested by detectives from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC).

The country's second lady has not been seen in public since her husband returned from China where he was hospitalised for over four months.

John Makamure, ZACC spokesman said Mary was detained at a Harare police station as part of investigations into allegations that she was involved in money laundering.

“It’s true that Mary Chiwenga has been picked by Zacc and is assisting with investigations into allegations of money laundering and externalisation levelled against her. That is only what I can tell you” he said.

Chiwenga and his wife are said to have fallen out after the former model allegedly asked the VP to formalise their marriage when he was on his sick bed at a South African hospital.

The former army general who led the military coup that toppled long time ruler Robert Mugabe in 2017 spent the better part of this year battling for his life in hospitals in South Africa, China and India.

When he was flown to China, Mary was allegedly banned from visiting him. On his return to Harare on November 23rd she was not among those that welcomed him at the Robert Mugabe International Airport.

Yoruba apex socio-political organization, Afenifere, has condemned the invading of Sun Newspapers office by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Igbere TV had reported that armed policemen and officials of the EFCC, on Saturday, stormed the Lagos office of Sun Newspapers, marking the building “EFCC, keep off”.

The EFCC had in a statement issued after the operation, attributed their actions to the recent judgement delivered against SLOK Nigeria Limited by the Lagos state High Court.

The Sun, however, faulted the claim by EFCC, saying the newspaper was not a party to the case of EFCC vs. Orji Kalu & 2 others, wondering why its premises should then be marked.

The Newspaper said Slok and Senator Orji Kalu had filed an appeal against the High Court judgement and a hearing date given, wondering why the EFCC would not wait until the matter has been dispensed with at the Supreme Court.

Reacting to the development in a statement made available to Igbere TV, Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, said the EFCC should have considered all pending law suit.

The group said the latest action of the EFCC is only a confirmation of the agency’s lawlessness in the country and abuse of law.

“It is a continuation of EFCC’s lawlessness in the country. They have been acting on whims and caprices, not on the basis of law. The EFCC should have considered the case in court before taking such an action. The EFCC can only do that if there is an order by the court urging it to do so”, Odumakin said.