₦airaland Forum

Mr. Kie Obomanu has been elected as the Chairman, National Forum of State Chairmen, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD). The election which took place after the closing ceremony of the 3rd Anniversary of National Disability Rights Act in Abuja had in attendance the President of JONAPWD, Mr. Abdullahi Usman and States Chairmen of JONAPWD cut across the six geo-political zones of the country.

The election of Mr. Obomanu, who is also the Chairman of JONAPWD, Rivers State Chapter is one of the positive outcomes of the celebration of the third Anniversary of the passage of the Nigerian Disability Rights Act 2018 organised by the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) with support from Ford Foundation.

Appreciating CCD for the successful election, the newly elected Chairman of the National Forum Of State Chairmen Of JONAPWD said “I thanked the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) and their partner Ford Foundation for hosting leaders of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) drawn from all the clusters and from all the geopolitical zones of the country, to brainstorm on 2023 general election and the future of Nigerians With Disabilities.”

“PWDs have the fundamental rights to vote and be voted for during the forthcoming general elections in the country. With the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) blazing the trail in advocating and mainstreaming on issues of Persons With Disability a lot will be achieved in the advancement of the cause of PWDs and in the implementation of the National Disability Rights Act 2018.” Mr. Obomanu said.

He commended the efforts of CCD in the quest for the actualisation of the inclusion of PWDs in the process of governance in Nigeria.

While congratulating Mr. Obomanu and JONAPWD State chairmen for the peaceful election, the Executive Director of CCD, Mr David Anyaele, applauded the election of Kie Obomanu who he noted as a very fearless and irrepressible leader, that is bound to record a lot of achievements for the forum and the entire Disability Community.

“The election of Kie Obomanu who is a Broadcaster, Journalist and Disability Rights advocate signals the beginning of the cohesion and unity of purpose amongst the Chairmen to form a formidable group in the quest for the realisation of laudable objectives garnered towards launching JONAPWD into a new sphere of achievements at the state level.”

“The need for synergy between Kie Obomanu, the Chairman of the National Forum of State Chairmen of JONAPWD and the President of JONAPWD, Abdullahi Aliyu to accelerate the development of the Association, and for the overall transformation of the entire community of PWDs can not be over emphasized” Mr. Anyaele said.

While calling on stakeholders to continue to push until all State Governments in the country sign the Disability Bill into Law and expedite action on it's implementation, Mr. Anyaele reassure the commitment of CCD to continue to support JONAPWD at the National and States Level to ensure the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities

Earlier at the event, the President of JONAPWD, Mr. Abdullahi Usman stated that JONAPWD is proud of efforts made and being made by CCD in promotion of the right of persons with disabilities in Nigeria. He affirmed that JONAPWD would consistently collaborate with CCD in future engagement that pertains to issues of inclusion and PWDs.

“I want to on behalf of the disability community of Nigeria thank and appreciate David Obinna Anyaele for this wonderful gathering, what is in the agenda, we know that if we are able to listen carefully to the lecture that are going to be delivered to us, it will be very important for all PWDs in Nigeria”.

“I want to urge the other organisations of Persons with disabilities to copy what CCD is doing by gathering all PWDs in Nigeria because it covers all the States in the country so that they understand more, when we go back we step down to our community to have more knowledge on what they are suppose do” Mr. Usman stated.


https://premiumnewsnigeria.com/2022/01/24/3rd-anniversary-of-the-disability-rights-act-mr-kie-obomanu-elected-chairman-of-national-forum-of-state-chairmen-of-jonapwd/

The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities ( CCD) is holding a 3 day programme to mark the anniversary of the passage of the bill discrimination against persons with disabilities ( Prohibition ) Act, 2018 , which was signed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Executive director of CCD , Mr David O. Anyaele in his welcoming address applauds the effort of stakeholders who participated in the drafting of the bill and ensuring it's passage.

Part of his statement reads; "Despite the facts that Nigeria is among the countries that signed and ratified the United Nations Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities (UNCRPD) ,saveral administration came and without Establishing any legal frame work to promote the rights of PWDs".

He said "as a result of the negligence , concerned and informed Nigerians with disabilities , Organization of persons with disabilities (OPDs), Civil society organizations (CSOs) and development partners took on the responsibility to crafting the bill and advocating for it's passage at the national assembly".

He said President Muhammadu Buhari finally assented to the bill after several advocacies and lobbying attempt which never saw the light of the day , leading to the fustration of the bill for over 18years.

He said the annual commemoration of the passage aims to bring together major actors in the disability communities , duty-beares and stake holders to review previous years Activities and their impact on PWDs, to identify and build on success stories as well as the gaps that continue to impede the acts adequate and proper implementation among many others.

Prince Clem Ikanade Agba , the honorable minsiter of state , budget and national planning congratulates the centre and people with disabilities , he said the event reflects the need for Inclusiveness of (PWDs) in all works of life knowing fully well the impact of being deprived of rights.

Chief Sharon Ikeazor, the Minsiter of state for environment who also spoke at the event also congratulates CCD and its partner the Ford foundation for putting up the programme

The minister also acknowledge the long journey of 18years of relentless advocacy by various disability rights groups and activists. The Minsiter revealed that the minisitry is working hard towards transiting to a green economy to ensure a conducive environment for the citizenry ,and that persons living with disabilities have a better quality of life.

The 3days event with support from FORD foundation which kick started today in Abuja is to last through till Thursday with participants (PWDs Head of Clusters) drawn from all the geopolitical zone of the country to brainstorm on 2023 general election and the future of Nigerians with disabilities.


https://reportcardafrica.ng/2022/01/18/ccd-marks-3rd-anniversary-of-the-passage-of-disability-right-acts/

The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) holds the 3rd Anniversary of the Passage of the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018.

The Act was assented to by President Mohammadu Buhari on January 17, 2019.

In a press statement signed by David O. Anyaele the executive director of CCD said the theme of the Anniversary which is supported by Ford Foundation, is “2023 General Elections and the Future of Nigerians with Disabilities” will hold from January 18 -20, 2022 at the National Human Rights Commission Conference Hall, Maitama Abuja, by 10am daily.

Parts of the statement reads: "The event is a week-long activity aimed to create awareness on the successes achieved since the passage of the Act, and to stock on efforts of stakeholders towards ensuring the full implementation of the Disability Rights Act, as well as to evaluate the extent of the performance of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities in the discharge of its responsibilities for the education, healthcare and the protection of PWDs Social, Economic, Civil Rights and other related matters".

"The guest speaker is Prof. Ayandiji Aina, Provost, College of Post Graduate School, Babcock University. Other special guest at event include: Prof. Yakub Mohamed, Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Mr. James Lalu, Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD). Participants expected at the event include members of the Opinion Leaders within the disability community; line Ministries, Departments and Agencies, International Development Partners, organized private sector, civil society organisations, and the media amongst others".

"CCD is the premier organization of, and for persons with disabilities that works to promote disability rights, independent living, inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities in development agenda. CCD coordinated CSOs successful Campaign which led to the passage of the National Disability Rights Act. For more about CCD, please visit: www.ccdnigeria.org".


https://premiumnewsnigeria.com/2022/01/16/ccd-holds-3rd-anniversary-of-the-passage-of-the-national-disability-rights-act/

Prof Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr , a former presidential candidate , political lawyer and prolific writer, has said increase in poverty , unemployment and hunger is the reason behind the continue increase of banditry and terrorisim in Nigeria.

Featuring as a guest on a specifical Interview with Cally Ikpe on his online programme titled Violence free world

Prof Chris stated that he is amongst the few Nigerian who believed that president Muhammadu Buhari would have been able to address the issue of insecurity especially as a former retired general.

He said as much as Nigerians expect more from this administration , cautioned needs to be applied to how people pass judgement on security matters , especially when the issue has remained with us over a decade.

He also called on more to be done on the security infrastructure especially on intelligence as those involved are not ghost but people who leaves amongst us and as such citizens must Co-operate to help fight out the menace of insecurity.

" Yes The Essence of Governance is about protection of life and property, security are the core of nationhood but interestingly I believe that things can work better and so I see the cap as half full" he said while responding to question about how well this administration has performed.

He also hailed the present administration especially as to regards with the declaration of bandits as Terrorist , he said the move will help the government trace fundings and also maximally in dealing with the Terrorist.

While declaring his support for Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state for Presidency come 2023 , he said having run for the office of the presidency in 2011 he has fund out a man who have similar vision and aspirations with his.

He said Yahaya Bello holds hope for a new Nigeria.

https://kwararafareporters.com/2022/01/16/unemployment-hunger-and-poverty-reason-behind-rise-in-insecurity-prof-nwaokobia/

Prof Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr, The National Co-ordinator "Got Your Back Nigeria" has described Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state as the face of new generation of Thinkers in Leadership.

Prof Chris stated this in his key Note address on Thursday at the Premier of Adoza ,a short documentary in honour of the Governor by the GYB2PYB Movement a political Support Group.

He said been the speaker at the event where young people have risen to the challenge to birth a new nation were capacity , competency and commitment is the key focus dosent just give hope but summum bonum"

Part of the statement Reads:
"Yes, having identified that my friend and Brother Governor Yahaya Bello is phenomenal and committed to the values they hold dear, the group from Governor Yahaya Bello GYB to President Yahaya Bello PYB fondly called GYB2PYB was born. As we commemorate the first anniversary of this Movement Compatriots, the call to duty is glaring and resounding, and the challenge to make real the promises you hold dear huge".

"Our nation is in dire need of new tendencies and new thinking in leadership. Our nation is calling for new helms men and women with ideas relevant to the challenges of the 21st century. Our nation is calling out her Young People to do a redemptive surgical work on our body politics. And our people are tired of recycling the same generation of leaders. Indeed that reality and more is the reason we are here gathered".

"Governor Yahaya Bello fondly called GYB is the face of the new generation of thinkers in leadership. He exemplifies the competency and the capacity needed to take our nation out of the nadir to promise. He has done wonders in Kogi State, from the turf of Security to the planes of Education, from Infrastructural Development to Youth Engagement, from Agriculture, Food and Rice Production to Skill Training and Acquisition, from improved Medical Facilities to Workers welfare, from running the most resounding gender inclusive administration in Africa to running the State government with the most credible record of financial discipline and decency as attested to by the World Bank, the GYB feats fit the card and GYB is the quintessential leader that Nigerians crave for come 2023".

"The GYB2PYB Movement is that patriotic vehicle that blazed the trail in what has become a national fervency. There is before us today the Youth O'clock fervency, there is the cliche called Youthocracy, there is the Youths For Youths fervency, there is the Got Your Back Nigeria fervency, there is GYB Nigeria, and there are thousands of groups calling out GYB to throw his hat in the ring, and to become the Peoples President come 2023. It is a call to duty, and one that in so many ways GYB has said YES to".

"At 46years of age making him the youngest serving two term Governor in today's Nigeria, GYB has not only shown competency and capacity, he has youth and energy, he is active and vivacious, he has the candour and the presence of mind, he is respectful and humble, and he is adroit and alert. He is urbane, cosmopolitan and patriotic and he fits the call of Nigerians for a President that is sagacious, fit, patriotic, proactive, and attune with the challenges of a highly progressive world. Indeed the mantra across the Nigerian political space is unequivocally from GYB2PYB. And God willing it will come true".

"Compatriots, the challenge before us is onerous, the cross monstrous, the work to be done huge, but be not deterred for where there is a will there is a way. The WILL is evident and we are the WAY. We are that generation that shall berth a nation where the biases of religion and ethnicity shall be swallowed by love, justice, equity and fairness. We are the grail bearers of the long awaited redemption. We are the holders of the promises that our founding fathers envisaged. We are the Stars of the new dawn, and together with the chief vision, mission and purpose bearer GYB we shall make real the promises of nationhood and the greatness of democracy".

"The Short Movie to be premiered today is instructive on three grounds".

"The first is that the middle name of Governor Yahaya Bello, ADOZA means the Father of Nations, the Father of Men and women, and in so many ways this like the Biblical Abraham, and Ibrahim in the Holy Quran have become true. GYB from his University days to his present estate as the Governor of Kogi State has been the Father of Many. He is indeed a manifestation of the truism of the prophetic name ADOZA".

"The second is that in this premiere the GYB2PYB Movement has etched a new script on our corporate canvass as a polity. Today we are honoured to see the person who wants to be President as he is. We are knowing him before a formal declaration for the high office of President, and that is novel and new to this clime, thanks to the initiative of the GYB2PYB Movement, we are taking our politics to new heights".

"And the third is that the name ADOZA shall resonate in many ways forthwith for it defines the moment, it defines GYB and it defines the call of a nation in search of true brotherhood, sustained growth and redemption. Every letter of the name ADOZA speaks to the urgency of now.
A- Adroit and Amazing
D- Dexterous, Deep and Didactic
O- Outstanding and Overwhelming
Z- Zestful and Zealous
A- Alert and Awesome. ADOZA.
Compatriots every word here above used are genuinely descriptive of the person under whose political plumage we today assemble. GYB is the man of the moment and hour, and we completely trust that the quest for a new Nigeria is his unalterable commitment and destiny".

"Finally Countrymen and women, do not fear the political Goliaths of today, take note Folks, to every Goliath there is a David and a season, therefore sustain the fervency, keep the faith and go through the length and the breadth of this nation with the message of hope and faith knowing and believing that together with GYB a new and a better Nigeria is possible".


https://premiumnewsnigeria.com/2022/01/14/2023-presidency-the-choice-of-yahaya-bello-speaks-to-the-urgency-of-the-now-prof-nwaokobia-jnr/

Mr David O. Anyaele, Convener, Coalition of Disability Organisations in Nigeria , mourns the late leader of Coalition of Disability Organization, Mr Obioha Ononugbu.

Anyaele in a tribute , described late Ononugbu as man who lived his life promoting the rights of persons living with disabilities in Nigeria.

The Tribute Reads: “It is very sad to write this tribute when the project on Enhancing Access to Airport for Persons with Disabilities, which Mr. Obioha Ononugbu, committed the Spinal Cord Injury Association of Nigeria (SCIAN) as a core partner is still ongoing”.

“Mr. Ononogbu lived his life to advocate and promote the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities in Nigeria. As the National Chairman of the Spinal Cord Injury Association of Nigeria (SCIAN) Cluster, he played a prominent role since year 2000 in pursuit of a legislation that would protect Nigerians with disabilities against discrimination and other harmful practices. The successful signing into law of the Lagos State Special Peoples Law 2010 by Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN); and the signing of the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 by President Mohammadu Buhari were made possible through consistent support and effective participation of the SCIAN Leader in the lobbying and campaign for the disability laws in Nigeria”.

“The SCIAN Leader was a founding member of the Coalitions of Disability Organisations (CODO). Mr. Ononogbu was one of the leaders of the organisations of persons with disabilities (OPD) that resolved to establish the Coalition of Disability Organisations. In a Communiqué Issued at the Stakeholders’ Forum on the National Disability Bill organised by Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) held at Rockview Hotel, Abuja 22nd May 2014, Mr. Ononugbu signed the resolution on behalf of his cluster for the setting of purpose vehicle to drive the campaign for the passage of the National Disability Act. It was this Coalition that impactfully mobilised OPDs’ support and buy-in that led to the passage of the National Disability Rights Act”.

“As a dogged advocate and campaigner for the rehabilitation and reintegration of citizens with disabilities, Mr. Obioha used his position as the leader of the Spinal Cord Injured in Nigeria to support the physically challenged persons in Nigeria. This was made manifest through distribution of wheelchairs, rehabilitation materials, organising of empowerment programs and support for accommodation to members of his cluster”.

“Mr. Obioha as he is fondly called left us when we needed him most in the ongoing CODO project on access to airports in Nigeria which is being implemented in six States and Abuja FCT with support from the Disability Rights Fund. The goal of the project is that all airports in Nigeria are accessible to all irrespective of ability or disability. It was the pain and agony that Mr. Ononogbu and his cluster group members and all those that use wheelchairs constrained the Coalition of Disability Organisations in Nigeria to embark on this project. Mr. Ononogbu’s dream was to see our airports accessible to persons with disabilities”.

“As a man of peace, the SCIAN Leader was good to all. With his elderly dispositions, he guided most disability rights activists to be focused on the struggle for the emancipation of the disability community in Nigeria”.

Mr. Ononogbu died on December 1st, 2021. He will be laid to rest this Friday, January 6, 2022 at Umu ndi Anyaogu, Umuachama Autonomous Community Amamba, Uzuakoli in Bende LGA, Abia State, the Coalition of Disability Organisations has resolved to keep the legacies of this great man by sustaining the struggle for inclusive society, free from discrimination on the grounds of disability. It is our prayer that God will console his family, friends and the disability community in Nigeria.


https://kwararafareporters.com/2022/01/06/convener-coalition-of-disability-organisations-in-nigeria-mourns-late-mr-obioha-ononugbu/

A political pressure group, “Got Your Back Nigeria” has called out politicians bent on tarnishing the image of kogi state governor ,Yahaya Bello to stop forthwith.

Prof Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr, national coordinator of the group in a press statement expressed displeasure over the campaign of lies against the governor.

He noted than rather than politicians concentrating on how to convince Nigerians to vote for them come 2023 ,they have decided to make the campaign of lies against Bello for their selfish interest.

The statement read: “The New Year is here, and the politics of 2023 appears to have begun in earnest, a bit too late for those whose politics is the person of Governor Yahaya Bello, GYB. They are too busy talking about Bello and never talking about themselves.

“They are too busy throwing mud at Bello and never telling the people what they have in stock for Nigeria. Interestingly, they have made the phenomenal history maker called GYB, their politics”.

“The new year message of many of those seeking the high office of President next year was laden with hysteria, there is for them a certain neurotic frenzy about the person of Governor Yahaya Bello GYB, understandably so as GYB has in so many ways shown that he is ready, willing and able to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari come 2023.

“Unfortunately, every other person running for President appears to have made GYB the song. ‘He is too Young’, ‘His ambition and candidacy is driven by Youthful Exuberance’, ‘Does He Think Nigeria Is Kogi’ etcetera. Get serious folks, and do what GYB is doing, tell Nigerians what you will do as President, and show us your scorecard.”

“The Youths across the country pushing the Youth O’clock fervency and the GYB candidacy must rise up to the challenge and tell the present crop of politicians that youth is not a minus but a plus. We must sing the praise of young people doing profound in our political firmament, and GYB is chief.

“We must also inform that Youth O’clock is not about alienation but a call to inclusive, effective, efficient and effectual leadership. And that in GYB, the Youths have found unequalled competency and capacity, and that supporting GYB for the High Office of President is imperative and patriotic. So do not denigrate youth, learn from GYB and tell Nigerians why you want to be President”.

“Kogi State is the Confluence State. Kogi State is the only State in Nigeria that has as much as 10 Borders (9 States including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja). Kogi State is one of the largest States in terms of landmass. Kogi is mini Nigeria (it is multi religious, multi lingual and multi ethnic). And Kogi State under the watch of Governor Yahaya Bello GYB is a testimony of responsible and responsive leadership. The records are so glaring the blind can see”.

“After 61years of nationhood, Nigeria needs a leader who is sincerely committed to building on the success of the administration he intends to succeed. Buhari has done that with Jonathan’s strides on Infrastructure. Only Governor Yahaya Bello GYB has clearly said that when he becomes President Yahaya Bello PYB he will improve on the profound legacies of the incumbent President. He has said in no uncertain terms that governance is a continuum, and that he will give life and strength to the profound legacies of President Mohammadu Buhari whilst improving and rejigging the sectors needing progressive surgical impact. He is not prevaricating like the others. And he is not hypocritical”.

“When you see the double mouthing Pharisees seeking the high office of President come 2023, please ask them what they intend to do with Security (you know the GYB scorecard on Security). Ask them what they intend to do with Education, Economy, Job Creation, National Unity and Cohesion, Infrastructure et al, GYB’s phenomenal feats are his trump card, not blackmail, perfidy and falsehood”.

“Tell those seeking the office of President to campaign on their merits, tell them to learn from GYB and his team, and predicate the politics of 2023 on issues. And tell them, the Youths want debate on issues, that Nigerians crave a new republic of issues based politics, and that we must get”.

“We are tired of the politics of falsehood, deceit, lies and chicanery. Tell the Cynics that whilst they continue to make hysteria, apologies to Rev. Jesse Jackson, GYB will continue to make history, as we are committed to redefining the fabrics of our politics with competency and capacity rather than mudslinging.

“In the days, weeks and months ahead, Nigerians craving for a New Deal in leadership will find sufficient reasons and cause to stick to and with the phenomenal history maker called GYB as the great strides and feats of his watch over Kogi State shall reach even greater heights in the year 2022. With GYB a more prosperous united Nigeria is assured,” he added.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/01/stop-tales-of-falsehood-deceit-against-yahaya-bello-group/

A Political Support Group Known as “Got Your Back Nigeria has called out politicians whose agenda is purely to tarnish the image of kogi state governor ,Yahaya Bello.

Prof Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr, The national coordinator of the group in a press statement , expressed displeasure over the campaign of lies already flying Yahaya Bello of kogi State.

He said rather than politicians concentrating on how to convince Nigerians to vote for them come 2023 ,they have decided to make the campaign of lies against Yahaya Bello their only project.

In his word, “Yes the New Year is here, and the politics of 2023 appears to have begun in earnest, a bit too late for those whose politics is the person of Governor Yahaya Bello GYB. They are too busy talking about GYB and never talking about themselves. They are too busy throwing mud at GYB and never telling the people what they have in stock for Nigeria. So interesting they have made the Phenomenal History maker called GYB, their politics”.

“The new year message of many of those seeking the high office of President next year was laden with hysteria, there is for them a certain neurotic frenzy about the person of Governor Yahaya Bello GYB, understandably so as GYB has in so many ways shown that he is ready, willing and able to succeed President Mohammadu Buhari come 2023. Unfortunately, every other person running for President appears to have made GYB the song. ‘He is too Young’, ‘His ambition and candidacy is driven by Youthful Exuberance’, ‘Does He Think Nigeria Is Kogi’ etcetera. Get serious folks, and do what GYB is doing, tell Nigerians what you will do as President, and show us your scorecard.”

“The Youths across the Country pushing the Youth O’clock fervency and the GYB candidacy must rise up to the challenge and tell the present crop of politicians that Youth is not a minus but a plus. We must sing the praise of young people doing profound in our political firmament, and GYB is chief. We must also inform that Youth O’clock is not about alienation but a call to inclusive, effective, efficient and effectual leadership. And that in GYB the Youths have found unequalled competency and capacity, and that supporting GYB for the High Office of President is imperative and patriotic. So do not denigrate Youth, learn from GYB and tell Nigerians why you want to be President”.

“Kogi State is the Confluence State. Kogi State is the only State in Nigeria that has as much as 10 Borders (9 States including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja). Kogi State is one of the largest States in terms of landmass. Kogi is mini Nigeria (it is multi religious, multi lingual and multi ethnic). And Kogi State under the watch of Governor Yahaya Bello GYB is a testimony of responsible and responsive leadership. The records are so glaring the blind can see”.

“After 61years of nationhood, Nigeria needs a leader who is sincerely committed to building on the success of the administration he intends to succeed. Buhari has done that with Jonathan’s strides on Infrastructure. Only Governor Yahaya Bello GYB has clearly said that when he becomes President Yahaya Bello PYB he will improve on the profound legacies of the incumbent President. He has said in no uncertain terms that governance is a continuum, and that he will give life and strength to the profound legacies of President Mohammadu Buhari whilst improving and rejigging the sectors needing progressive surgical impact. He is not prevaricating like the others. And he is not hypocritical”.

“When you see the double mouthing Pharisees seeking the high office of President come 2023, please ask them what they intend to do with Security (you know the GYB scorecard on Security). Ask them what they intend to do with Education, Economy, Job Creation, National Unity and Cohesion, Infrastructure et al, GYB’s phenomenal feats are his trump card, not blackmail, perfidy and falsehood”.

“Tell those seeking the office of President to campaign on their merits, tell them to learn from GYB and his team, and predicate the politics of 2023 on issues. And tell them, the Youths want debate on issues, that Nigerians crave a new republic of issues based politics, and that we must get”.

“We are tired of the politics of falsehood, deceit, lies and chicanery. Tell the Cynics that whilst they continue to make hysteria, apologies to Rev. Jesse Jackson, GYB will continue to make history, as we are committed to redefining the fabrics of our politics with competency and capacity rather than mudslinging and tommyrot”.

“In the days, weeks and months ahead Nigerians craving for a New Deal in leadership will find sufficient reasons and cause to stick to and with the phenomenal history maker called GYB as the great strides and feats of his watch over Kogi State shall reach even greater heights in the year 2022. With GYB a more prosperous united Nigeria is assured”. He said.


https://www.arewareportersng.com/we-are-tired-of-the-politics-of-falsehood-deceit-and-lies-against-governor-yahaya-bello-group/

An Ode To The Planet: The Need For A Global Pledge To Make 2022 A Climate Friendly Year

A Step Before Catastrophe.

How brutal and wicked have we been
We encroached ancients lines, We troubled space and ruptured our peace, We messed everything massed by nature for good , We have in so many ways murdered sleep And sleep has become distant.

We tore the atmosphere with cruel emissions, In greed we stretched the limits of space, We pride in our finds and fund despoliation, We unsettle the seas and provoke the atmosphere ,In arrogance we undermine the urgency of now.


The carbons have risen and the planet burns nay Prometheus unbound ,The Trees are felled with impish impunity.
Nature smashed with little refrain for karma, Today we groan having grown careless.

Flood bloodies our space, Wild fires wind down the wild, Hurricane and tornado untamed still
Heat waves wane our joy, Prometheus unbound nay we murdered sleep for in greed we tore nature’s harmony.

We amass waste and lay mass to waste
We defile the atmosphere and think we have time, As the healing hands of nature is numbed by pollution
Our planet groans ,Gradualism will do no good , We must take action and the time is now.

To rebuild our planet and heal the atmosphere is to live
To push climate redemption is creed
To preach about Climate Change and save our universe is gold, To protect the atmosphere is to Save our Planet, To love our World we must keep the climate safe so it doesn’t claim the clime
Be guided.

Thin down the carbons, Grow the greens
Thin down the plastics and the cellophanes, Use Paper
Kill the pollution ,Keep the Planet safe ,For we shall reap what we sow.

Dump the weapons of war and of violence
Raise the platforms of dialogue and peaceful engagement, Unlock the waters of love and wash away the stench of hate, For in War and conflict we lose
And our Planet suffers.

Never hail the War monger or the Armourer,
Lampoon for all times the Holocaust, Shame the violent Praise the peaceful,
For the polluting fume of hate and war is poison to the soul, Let’s Heal our Planet.

Across the Continents ,From Cities to Countries
From Hiroshima and Nagasaki to Burma,
From the Tsunamis of Bali to the wildfires of Brazil,
From the Tonado in Kentucky to the wildfires of Colorado, From the Spills of Nembe to the mess of Ogoniland, The call has and will always be for a more responsible and responsive humanity.

Let’s pamper the Planet ,Let’s keep the Climate Safe
And make a Pledge To a Cleaner universe in 2022, only that way can we stave off the looming catastrophe.

Happy New Year, as we resolve to make our Planet cleaner and safer.

Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr.
GLOBAL INITIATIVE FOR A SAFE PLANET GISP.

chrisnwaokobiajnr@gmail.com

https://authorityngr.com/2022/01/01/an-ode-to-the-planet-the-need-for-a-global-pledge-to-make-2022-a-climate-friendly-year/

Prof Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr, The National Co-ordinator ” Got Your Back Nigeria” has hailed Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State for outstanding performance throughout the year 2021.

In a press statement titled “2021: Indiscriminate of The Mendacious And Malicious Darts”.

Prof Nwaokobia disclosed it was GYB all the way.

“What a spectacular year it was. A year with many twists and turns. A year of benumbing politricks and bewildering politics. A year that saw a mercurial phenomenon on top of his game, nay it was an awesome year for Governor Yahaya Bello GYB and the State of Kogi”.

“How, you may ask? From the high point of GYB’s dogged insistence that Nigeria must interrogate the COVID-19 pandemic and grow indigenous approach to it, to the deployment of the COVID-19 stimulus package into building one of the biggest medical facilities in West Africa. It has been GYB all the way”.

“From running the most successful Youth centric, Youth centred and all inclusive administration in Nigeria, for which so many Awards adorn his stable, to running the most gender sensitive and inclusive administration in the whole of Africa. It has been GYB all the way”.

“From surviving a very wicked and most impish and devious machination ditto the rumoured placing of funds meant for Salaries in Kogi State in a profit yielding account in Sterling Bank, to the World Bank rating of Kogi State as top in fiscal and financial discipline in Governance in Nigeria. It has been GYB all the way”.

“From winning the Sun Newspapers Man of the Year Award to winning the New Telegraph Newspapers Most Youth Friendly Governor of the Year Award. It has been GYB all the way”.

“From the recognition and award for Outstanding Governor in the Area of Education by the Nigerian Union of Journalists NUJ Lagos State Chapter, to the the Award as an Exemplary Leader by the Nigerian Union of Journalists National Chapter, and the Award of the Torchbearer on Security by the Nigerian Union of Journalists Abuja Chapter. It has been GYB all the way”.

“From taking Kogi State from the State where Boko Haram had her IED making factory to the safest State in the entire North. It has been GYB all the way”.

“From taking Lokoja the State capital to a new high where Lokoja is no longer just a capital city but indeed one of the fastest growing cities in Africa. It has been GYB all the way”.

“From clearing the backlog of salaries he inherited upon being sworn in as Governor to not owing Kogi workers, and taking Kogi State to the top of the chart in States that pay Medical and health workers, and indeed her workers as at when due. It has been GYB all the way”.

“From a State that had no functional Rice Mill to receive raw materials from her numerous Rice Farmers to the State with one of the most functional Rice Mills in Nigeria ditto his Kogi State Agricultural Revolution Scheme. It has been GYB all the way”.

“From hundreds of thousands, if not millions of unemployable youths across the State to the State with one of the best Skill Acquisition and Informal Education programmatic, creating jobs and making the seemingly unemployable employable. It has been GYB all the way”.

“From the Kogi State University being one of the least funded Tertiary institution in Nigeria, to the Kogi State University being one of the most funded and improved tertiary institution in the Country. It has been GYB all the way”.

“From ignoring the many mendacious, malicious and perfidious darts of political opponents and their hirelings, to concentrating on governance, and making Kogi a State with 9 State Borders and the Federal Capital Territory, the second safest State in the entire Country. It has been GYB all the way”.

“It has been a year of remarkable strides and deafening success by the remarkable servant leader called GYB. It has been a year of infrastructural highs for Kogi. A year of impact and one of monstrous human capital development. It has been a GYB year of phenomenal feats and achievements in Education, Housing, Security et al. And like 2021, the GYB magic will become even more phenomenal in 2022. You can take that to the Bank”.

“In 2021 GYB shone like a thousand stars in all facets of leadership, little wonder the year 2021 unarguably got him the largest honours and Awards ever to grace the stable of any public office holder in the Country, in one single year. And with his eyes on the ball for national redemption come 2023, 2022 will most definitely be for GYB, Kogi State and the Youth O’clock fervency an OAK (One of A Kind) Year”.

He concluded by saying “Compatriots, I must conclude without an ounce of equivocation that the mercurial phenomenon called GYB will not let you down, he has his eyes on the ball, and for our Dear Country Nigeria, it will be New Deal come 2023, surely”.

“Happy New Year, and God Bless Nigeria.”


https://premiumnewsnigeria.com/2021/12/30/2021-despite-all-the-lies-against-gov-yahaya-bello-he-has-continue-to-perform-excellently-group/

A Political Support group , "Got Your Back Nigera" Has added their Voice in Support of the rejection of the Electoral Bill Amendment by President Muhammadu Buhari.

National Co-ordinator of the group , Prof Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr stated this in a press statement on Friday

Prof Nwaokobia Jnr said Nigerians should push the National Assembly NASS to speedily rework the Bill, and cut Mr President some slack, because he scored the Bulls Eye in that letter to NASS. The National Assembly should humbly and speedily rework the Bill and save the polity the present a'lanta dance.

In the press statement title


"Not Assenting To The Electoral Bill: Baba's 18 Paragraph Letter To NASS Unassailable"

"Cut Mr. President some slack, Dudes".

He said he had patiently followed the raging debate on Mr President's refusal to sign into Law the Electoral Bill. I have wondered why conspiracy theorists will ignore the 18 paragraph unassailable reasons adduced by Mr President. And I am bemused why we are most times more emotive, emotional and partisan than logical.

"Is it possible to rework the Bill in record time and represent it to Mr President for signing without prescribing Direct Primaries in mandatory terms? Is it possible to leave the issues of Primaries to the Parties and not dictate to Parties (which apparently is undemocratic) how their candidates emerge? And is it possible to leave the Parties to choose whether to produce their candidates through Primaries that are Direct, Indirect or by way of Consensus (which are elective protocols in democracy)? If the answer is YES, then why the hoopla".

"What Senior Lawyers, Rights Activists, Partisans and Electoral Reform doyens should and must do is to challenge political parties to internal reforms and not support the prescription by Law of Direct Primaries, you cannot dictate by Law how a Party chooses her candidate, democracy ceases to be where the power of choice is circumscribed, so I am on fours with Mr President on that".


"Some have argued that the Bill is so important that the issues of cost, security, logistics and what have you should not matter. Hmmm, how more emotive and emotional can we be?"

"On the one hand we are complaining that the over 300b naira projected for the next general election may be too much burden, and on the other hand we are saying that it wouldn't matter if we deploy such in supervising Party Primaries, haba, who did this to us? INEC has less than 20000 staff across the Country, and INEC as prescribed by Law must monitor the Primaries of political parties. Do you know that to monitor the Direct Primaries of the APC or the PDP INEC will require at least 168,000 staff each? Who will fund it? Where will the funds come from? Must we in trying to exorcise a demon enthrone ten? We must and should challenge political parties to handle their primaries with the highest level of decorum and not decree by law whether it must be Direct, Indirect or by Consensus".

"On Security, no matter how internal or otherwise Party Primaries are, we shall be hiding behind one finger if we argue that it will not pose serious security challenge, particularly now that our Security Agencies are stretched on all fronts because of the present state of National Security. So before we criticize and cry blue murder, let us benchmark our position with patriotism. The President was completely right in calling for the rework of the Bill on grounds of legality, cost. Security and democracy. And the call must be to NASS to do what is right"

"Finally, to those who have argued that Mr President has declined accent to the Electoral Bill five times before, there were indeed different reasons for that. Interestingly our President has reiterated his willingness to quit power after the mandatory two terms which expires in 2023. He has also sworn to bequeath to Nigeria a new regime of electoral fairness and transparency, in the last Edo and Anambra elections even his fiercest critics were amazed that he did not push a Partisan position. And lastly, Mr President was clear enough in saying why he didn't assent to the present Bill, we must therefore urge and nudge the National Assembly NASS to rework the Electoral Bill and represent same to Mr President in record time for assent".

"To this end, I maintain without an ounce of equivocation, we must cut the President, some slack, and commend his didactic position on the Electoral Bill".

"From myself and all the Many Groups across the Country pushing The Youth O'clock Fervency and the Governor Yahaya Bello GYB Challenge for the Presidency and A New Dawn come 2023 we say Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all".


https://dailytimesng.com/not-assenting-to-the-electoral-bill-babas-18-paragraph-letter-to-nass-unassailable/

Prof. Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr,
The National Coordinator "GOT YOUR BACK NIGERIA", Said the recent kidnapp of the mother of the Chief of Staff to the Kogi State Governor and also the robbery attack some days back are all attempt to discredit the giant stride of Governor Yahaya Bello on Security.

Prof Nwaokobia , Stated this in a press statement on Thursday titled " Kogi And The Wicked Machinations Of Power Mongers"

See Full Statement

Unaguably one of the most powerful products from the Confluence State is the scorecard of Governor Yahaya Bello GYB on Security. Kogi State under GYB rose from being the State in the North Central Zone where the Boko Haram sect had their Bomb IED making factory to become the safest State in the entire North, and from one of the most troubled States in Nigeria to the second safest State in the Country, thanks to the GYB Phenomenon.

With the plethora of Awards and the deluge of Honours that attend the GYB magic in the Confluence State of Kogi to the fact that GYB has unequivocally emerged front runner in the political indices of 2023, we have not been ignorant of the discomfort that the GYB Phenomenon throws up amongst those seeking the High Office of President come 2023. However we are troubled that more than a year to the actual political contestation of 2023 the pathway appears sullied with devious and wicked machinations. Power mongers are desperately at work in so many ways to discredit and damage the scorecard of GYB but they will fail.

We are not unaware of the timeless praxis to wit, "The witch cried last night and the child dies this morning", indeed the discerning would be right to make tenable conjectures, that's what this is about and that's where we are. Within the past Six months the most visible and most celebrated public office holder in today's Nigeria has been GYB. From winning the Sun Newspapers Governor of the Year 2021 Award to winning the New Telegraph Newspapers Most Youth Friendly Governor of the Year 2021 Award. From the Honours by the Nigerian Union of Journalists NUJ Lagos State Chapter to that of the National Body of the Nigerian Union of Journalists NUJ. From the many awards and honours from different Youth Groups across the Country, the Media, and several public oriented platforms to the Award as the Torchbearer on Security by the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Abuja Chapter, it has been GYB all the way.

Do you then wonder why three days ago the mother of the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Kogi State Yahaya Bello GYB was kidnapped by Gunmen at her residence in Kogi State? Everywhere since that act of criminality, the news has been "The Mother of Pharmacist Jamiu Abdulkareem Asuku, Chief of Staff to the Kogi State Governor kidnapped". It has resonated so much because some are desperate to pillory the huge credentials of GYB on Security, and such is clearly and glaringly the machinations of wicked and soulless power mongers seeking albeit in vain to rubbish and diminish the profound scorecard of GYB on Security. But they shall fail, for in the very end good shall triumph over evil.

We pray that no harm befalls the mother of the ebullient Chief of Staff to GYB, we pray for all the victims of insecurity across our nation, we pray for the men and women of our Security Agencies, and we pray for the nation in this time of anomie. We pray that Nigeria shall pull through this period better and stronger. Amen.

Painfully Countrymen and women, some 24hours ago the media was yet awash with news about Robbery in Kogi State, and you wonder how and why Robbery that happens everywhere (this is by no means an excuse for it) would earn so much media attention as though a New Hollywood or Nollywood Action movie has been released, reprehensively someone somewhere appears to be happy with this. So we ask, who is desperate to paint the awesome feats of GYB on Security with soured and tarred brush? Who is giving his feet to rubbish the profound feats of GYB on Security? And why are some so wicked that they must play politics with the lives and the safety of others? Why?

We call on Security Agencies to rise to the challenge and contend with the forces that seek to undermine their success in Kogi State. We encourage GYB to double his efforts and ensure that those who for political premium are desperate to diminish his good work on Security are put to shame. And we urge the media to partner with true patriots in repositioning our nation for good by eschewing devious sensationalism and wistful dramaturgy.

We applaud the Government's renewed commitment to making Nigeria safe, and we salute the great strides of GYB in Kogi State, whilst wishing the members of the Armed Forces and allied Security Agencies the best in the toil to make Nigeria safe. God Bless Nigeria.


https://premiumnewsnigeria.com/2021/12/16/wicked-power-mongers-sponsoring-insecurity-in-kogi-just-to-discredit-gov-yahaya-bello/

David O. Anyaele, Executive Director, Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) , has call on state actors and stake holders to ensure the full implementation of the disability right acts.

Anyaele , stated this in a Press statement on Thursday to mark the international Day of Persons with Disabilities, in his word

"Today is International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a day set aside by the United Nations to promote a better understanding of disability issues with a focus on the rights of persons with disabilities and gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of the political, social, economic and cultural life of their communities. The theme for the 2021 IDPD is “Leadership and Participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world.”. The theme focuses on the empowerment of persons with disabilities for inclusive, equitable and sustainable development as envisaged in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which pledges to ‘leave no one behind’ and recognizes disability as a cross-cutting issues, to be considered in the implementation of its 17 Sustainable Development Goals".


"Since 1992, the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) has been celebrated annually for persons with disabilities on 3rd December around the world. This year’s event is important to us at CCD as it’s the third time we are celebrating this day since the passage and assent by the President of the disability rights Act that is designed to protect more than 31 million citizens with disabilities".


"We are marking this day at a time Nigerians are waiting the assent of the President on a Bill for an Act To Repeal The Electoral Act No. 6, 2010 And Enact The Electoral Act 2021, To Regulate The Conduct Of Federal, State And Area Councils In The Federal Capital Territory Elections; And For Related Matters. The Bill provides for the removal of barrier that hinders citizens with disabilities from participating in the electoral process on equal basis with others. We called on the President Mohammadu Buhari to sign into an Act the Electoral Bill without further delay in order to open space for necessary actions towards 2023 General Elections".


"We are worried that 36 months after the passage of the disability rights act, only 13 State have demonstrated measure to adopt the Act. We commend States like Lagos, Anambra, Ekiti, Ondo, Plateau, Bauchi, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Kogi, Niger, Kwara, and Niger States. We call on the State governments yet to adopt the National Disability Rights Act to do so without further delay. This important because failure in this regard is an indirect endorsement of discrimination and other harmful practices against their citizens with disabilities. It is important for State governments to make inclusion and participation of citizens with disabilities in governance and development programmes a priority, as it is very expensive and difficult to live with disability without government support".


"We wish to commend the National Assembly, in particular Federal House of Representatives for the establishment of the an ad-hoc Committee on Disability Affair with Hon. Miriam Onuoha as its Chairperson. We are calling on the Senate and States House of Assemblies to borrow a leaf from the Federal House of Representatives by establishing similar ad-hoc Disability Committees on disability affairs to ensure that issues of persons with disabilities are given priority at State and Federal level".


"We wish to appreciate the media and specifically your organization for their continued support to the efforts of the disability community towards increasing the voice of the voiceless (Nigerians with disabilities) in our society through inclusive reportage".


"We are concerned that thirty four months after the passage of the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018, citizens with disabilities are still left behind due to none implementation of the Act by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). This is evidenced by the none provision of necessary measures to enhance access to buildings of these MDAs, and inclusion of citizens with disabilities in their programmes and activities".


"We are worried that many States across the Federation are struggling to budget for the integration and rehabilitation of citizens with disabilities, even when they are budgeted persons with disabilities hardly benefit from such provision. However, we commend States like Lagos State, Plateau, Ondo and Anambra States have taken measures to not only pass disability bill, but have taken steps to create offices for disability affairs in their various States".


"We are worried that more that 18 months that President Mohammadu Buhari gave directives to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to pay special attention to the peculiarities of persons with disabilities in the formulation and implementation of their policies and programmes, and where suitable their employment. He also directed that all relevant Government agencies pay special attention to the peculiarities of persons with disabilities in the formulation and implementation of their policies and programmes, and where suitable their employment. We call on heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies to operationalized these directives by the President to ensure the full implementation of the Disability Rights Act".


"Acknowledging that Nigeria has signed the United Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities including it optional protocols, we state that SDGs will not be achieved if state and none state actors continue to discriminate, isolate and marginalize over 31 million Nigerians with disabilities in planning and implementation of the SDGs in Nigeria".


"We urge organisations of, and for persons with disabilities not to relent in their efforts of promoting and creating awareness on the disability issues at Local, State and Federal level to enhance public understanding, as nothing about us with us".


The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) is a not-for-profit making organization of, and for persons with disabilities that works to promote independent living, human rights and social inclusion of persons with disabilities in development efforts. It also works to educate, support and empower persons with disabilities and their families to maximize their potentials. It was established in 2002 in Lagos and incorporated with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja as a charitable organization. CCD successfully led CSOs campaign for the passage of the National Disability Act.


CCDs’ objectives include to initiate and implement programmes, policies and activities geared toward the promotion and enhancement of the welfare of persons with disabilities; To empower or assist in empowering persons with disabilities and regularly access the impact of public policy on human rights and report on same through publications seminars, workshops and lectures; To educate, sensitise, counsel and mobilize persons with disabilities in various areas critical to their survival and progress and support and advocate for respect for the rule of law and due process.

CCD is recognized by Federal and State Ministries, Department and Agencies as a credible NGO working on disability matters. We have over the past eight years sought a redefinition of society’s perception of the plight of persons with disabilities. For more details about CCD, please visit: www.ccdnigeria.org

https://www.arewareportersng.com/pwds-ccd-director-calls-for-full-implementation-of-the-disability-rights-act/

The National Co-ordinator ‘Got Your Back Nigeria’ , Prof Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr , stated that Kogi state is a testament of financial decency and credibility.

Prof Chris , In a press statement on Wednesday said he had repeatedly told Nigerians that Governor Yahaya Bello GYB is clearly the most profound and prolific State Governor in today’s Nigeria.

“We have said that the plethora of Awards and Honours that attend his stable everyday are in attestation of the phenomenal feats of his watch. And we have boasted unashamedly that not only is the GYB magic evidence of the capacity and the competency of the Nigerian Youth to take our nation away from the nadir to promise, but a manifestation of the unequalled commitment of GYB to berth the Nigeria of our dreams”.

“This time our position is not just predicated on the myriad of Awards for good governance that GYB gets daily. It is not based on the deluge of Honours for exceptional leadership from the Media, and Groups across the Country. It is predicated on the attestation by the World Bank of GYB and Kogi State as leading the pack in the States with fiscal discipline and financial decorum. GYB is not only an Accountant and an Auditor, in governance he is a practical manifestation of fiscal discipline and decency”.

“In a World Bank letter dated the 17th of November 2021, and received on the 25th of November, 2021 by the Accountant General Of Kogi State, the World Bank described the 2020 Audited FInancial Statement of Kogi State as a standard for transparency and accountability in the public sector. That is to say that Kogi State shows the way in financial rectitude. And that is to say that GYB is a phenomenon that must be copied and followed where fiscal discipline is required. Do you yet wonder why he is the best bet for the big job come 2023?”

“In the World Bank letter signed by one Deborah Hannah Isser, the States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability Programme (SFTAS) Task Team Leader, Nigeria Country Office, and titled, ‘Nigeria: Review of Kogi State’s Audited Financial Statements (AFS) for the Year Ended December 31, 2020 for State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS)’, the World Bank commended the State for preparing its audited financial statements, in line with accrual basis of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards”.

“It said: “We note that Kogi State’s AFS for the year ended December 31, 2020 has been uploaded on the state’s website as per the SFTAS’ eligibility criteria for FY21. The financial statements were prepared on International Public Sector Accounting Standards accrual basis and the Auditor General of the State has issued an audit certificate with an unqualified (clean) audit opinion on the General-Purpose Financial Statement (GPFS) and a Special Opinion on SFTAS Programme Expenditure Framework during the period”.

“Note that SFTAS is a $750 million programme to reward States for meeting any or all of nine indicators that demonstrate improvements in fiscal transparency, accountability and sustainability. The SFTAS compliance indicators are offshoots of the previous Fiscal Sustainability Plan (FSP) of the Federal Government, where States were to be rewarded for meeting up to 22 targets. And through the letter in reference the World Bank in no uncertain terms have applauded Kogi State for leading the pack in compliance with set rules of Fiscal Discipline and rectitude”.

“Also note that the World Bank has supported the Federal Government in ensuring that States seek to achieve the Fiscal Sustainability Plan FSP, which has now been redesigned as Disbursement Linked Indicators under SFTAS. And the goal is to achieve improved financial reporting and budget reliability; increased openness and citizens’ engagement in budget process; improved cash management and reduced revenue leakages through implementation of State Treasury Single Account (TSA); strengthened Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) collection; biometric registration and Bank Verification Number (BVN) used to reduce payroll fraud. That Kogi State is in compliance with the above parameters puts the GYB Phenomenon head and shoulder above his peers”.

“Other profound feats connected to the Fiscal Sustainability Plan FSP are improved procurement practices for increased transparency and value for money; strengthened public debt management and fiscal responsibility framework; improved clearance/reduction of the stock of domestic expenditure arrears; and improved debt sustainability. Do you yet wonder why Kogi State tops the chart in the servicing of her local debts, and has infact reduced her local debts more than most States in the Country?”.

“Compliance with the World Bank SFTAS programme is part of efforts by the Federal Government to further enhance transparency and accountability in the use of public resources through implementation of the Open Government Partnership, to which Nigeria is a signatory. That Kogi State has not only kept faith with the Federal Government’s quest for fiscal discipline in governance but has met all local and international requirements thereto is glaring and such is the GYB Phenomenon”.

“It is significant to note that the World Bank letter in reference is coming 4months after it issued a letter commending GYB for good leadership ditto the refund of $4.63million surplus funds under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP). Who does that in today’s Nigeria you may ask? But such is the legacy of fiscal discipline that GYB inspires and brings to bear. Do you yet wonder why GYB is the exemplary Leader that fits the call for a New Deal come 2023, do you?”

“More on that unique example in leadership that underscores the refund of the 4.63m US Dollars Erosion Management Fund by GYB, the World Bank in a letter of appreciation, titled, ‘Refund of Surplus Project Funds to the World Bank under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) signed by its Regional Director, Shubham Chaudhuri, stated that Bello’s action made it possible for the organisation to extend its projects to other States. What more do naysayers need? GYB is the quintessential script in responsible and responsive leadership, and this truism is unequivocal”.

“Compatriots we have repeatedly urged and advised that a study of the GYB Phenomenon would do great good to all who seek a New Deal for the masses come 2023. And need we say again that we shall consistently and committedly defeat those whose stock in trade is deceit, falsehood”.

“As we galvanise the old and the young in support of a Leader whose dedication to service and whose penchant for Fiscal Discipline and Responsibility is second to none, we wish our Dear Country the best. God Bless Nigeria”. He said.

http://www.signalng.com/kogi-state-shows-nigeria-that-buharis-administration-is-winning-the-war-on-graft-group/

A Political Support group known as ‘Got Your Back Nigeria’ has lend it’s voice to Condemn what it tagged as “recent attack on the person of Yahaya Bello , governor of kogi State.

In a press release titled “Who is Afraid of Yahaya Bello” the group said it observed with much dismay, the recent drama or altercations between Governor Yahaya Bello (GYB), the young, ever-smiling, gap-toothed, cerebral, focused and courageous leader of Kogi State and the anti-graft agency, EFCC over the alleged diversion and secretly stashed N19.33 billion bailout funds for workers salaries released to the state years back.

Recall that the EFCC claimed the N19.33 billion was domiciled in a fixed deposit account with Sterling Bank PLC, bearing the imprimatur of “Kogi State Bailout Account.” However, the Kogi State Government has insisted, it has no such accounts domiciled with the Bank at the center of the controversy. The narrations make the saga more interesting. But it has placed a heavy burden of clearing the incidental conjectures generated by a tale crafted and circulated by the anti-graft agency.

More intriguing, the EFCC suddenly made a detour by withdrawing the suit filed in court seeking to establish the source and ownership of the about N20 billion bailout funds domiciled in Sterling Bank PLC. I find it completely, incongruent, the EFCC’s multiple explanations of freezing, unfreezing, discontinuation with the case and the return of the said amount to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The Group said it is suspicious that the EFCC , through its spokesperson, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren suddenly expressed the commission’s public disinterest in exposing the source and ownership of the funds, but felt accomplished that it blocked the exit of the funds. Except the EFCC has invented new Laws or operating now on the basis of personal discretion, why is it necessary to back out from such a sensitive investigation of a presumed “executive fraud” after the media blitzkrieg on the matter?

Exposure of financial crimes and its sources assist in deterring others. But in this instance, the EFCC wittingly denied Nigeria this opportunity by arm-twisting itself and pleading that the controversies be laid to rest with the CBN’s custody of the money, persuading itself feebly that it “is expedient for the instant suit to be discontinued and the account unfrozen”.

The group suspect grandeur hatchet job of some covert political antagonists’ at play against GYB to tarnish his public image.

According to the group It appears politicians are desperate to portray GYB as a corrupt politician, Governor and leader before the Nigerian public since he is seeking the 2023 Presidency of Nigeria.


Chabor Musa Nyamgul Jnr , who spoke for the group also said “Can any one of us reasonably imagine that a State Governor could disown such humongous amounts in this period of severe economic crunch? It’s incredible! Ask Rivers State Gov. Nyemson Wike, who instantly claimed ownership of huge sums of monies, in different currencies, the EFCC discovered hidden in a building in Lagos state. He didn’t take a breath before claiming the discovered monies belonged to the people of Rivers state”.

“Is GYB a different personality? Is he being blackmailed or given a bad name in order to smear his reputation and halt his rising political profile in the race for Aso Rock in 2023? Since Nigerian youths officially adopted GYB as the best choice for President come 2023, praying he improves on the profound efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari, the Kogi Governor’s shadows are shuddering many political camps; penetrating rare places; receiving monstrous endorsements from credible stakeholders, Youth Groups and the media across the country. It has caused some extreme anxiety in some persons, who perhaps have elected to trade falsehood and tommyrot against the clear front runner in the race to Aso Rock come 2023”.

“Precisely, GYB’s political outings are causing huge nightmares to many opponents including traditional politicians and perpetual powermongers in Nigeria. Could it be the reason for the recent attempt to demean his person and administration on the plank of the EFCC?”

“Methinks, EFCC’s latter conflicting narratives of same incident and its sudden lack of enthusiasm gives more credence to these obvious conspiracy theories against GYB, pointing to his 2023 Presidential ambition as the main target. But they will fail, because the lies won’t stick”.

“As a public affairs analyst, I am compelled and indeed I find it expedient to add my voice to the discourse that someone, somewhere is afraid of the rising profile of Gov. Yahaya Bello. I can vouch that the EFCC’s baseless hounding of GYB is an apt expression of the morbid fear in some powerful political circles. Certainly, some persons are not comfortable with the 2023 Presidential aspiration of Gov. Yahaya Bello who is being generously called upon to succeed President Mohammadu Buhari”.

“Why am I this assertive of the fear of GYB as the reason for the EFCC gibberish? Such huge sums of money deposited with a Commercial Bank these days would yield amazing interest in millions or even billions of naira. How much did the fix deposit yield on the account discovered by the EFCC, in addition to the original sum of 20b or is N19.33 billion?”

“It’s unrealistic that only the deposited money was recovered. Besides, the operationalization of fixed deposit accounts is for a fixed period. EFCC’s backout against the case would have also explained to Nigerians lucid details such as the terminal date of the deposit account where the N19.33b or is it 20b was found. But it declined. Who is deceiving, who?’

“So, the unassailable truth by EFCC’s poor outing is merely to cushion the path for GYB’s detractors who are apparently against his giant strides in the development of Kogi State, in order to frustrate the intervention of investors, development partners and sow a seed of discord between the Governor and the good people of Kogi state, as evidently, “The Kogi State government had disbursed its bailout loans for the purpose of which it was granted as of October 2019.”

“They can baselessly seek and attempt to drag the personality and reputation of GYB to the mud, but as always they will fail because their lies won’t stick. Glaringly what is indisputable is his manifest beneficial leadership to the people of Kogi. He has worked hard to make Kogi State one of the most peaceful, and devoid of all manner of security threats plaguing other States. And no one can deny that, except the devious and the satanic”.

“Before his divine rescue mission in the state, Kogi was a haven for dastered armed robberies, kidnappings and an extension camp for Boko Haram terrorists who found in the alluring mountains, forests and caves of the confluence State, spots convenient for habitation. Kogi state served as the transit camp for the Haramists and Lokoja the State Capital provided the shield in their quest to make incursions into Southern Nigeria. Today, GYB has turned things around, as Kogi State has become the safest State in the entire North”.

“For years, the forests of Kogi State were Boko Haram’s chambers for manufacturing Improved Explosive Devices (IEDs) on a large scale, which were used to wreck havoc across the country. Without an ounce of equivocation GYB has positively changed the narrative, as no traces of the heinous and violent crimes he inherited are found anywhere in the State. Need I say that not only is Kogi State with 9 borders the safest State in the North, Kogi State is the second safest State in the entire Country”.

“I know like most Nigerians, the conducive security atmosphere in Kogi state has promoted agriculture in the state, further amplified by GYB’s active and exceptional support to farmers. He has inspired and supported young Kogites into massive farming through unique incentives and training, fertilizer supplies, supply of seedlings, and mechanization cum support tools”.

It is the success story of Kogi State under GYB in virtually all sectors that confounds his political foes and critics. I am therefore not astounded that opponents who initially, (ignorantly though), touted GYB as a failed state leader, are wounded internally and have their outer pride gravely bruised that the Governor has excelled in leadership at the state level and is ready and set for the Presidency come 2023. Such is the only sense I can glean from the political interests prodding the EFCC to baselessly bark at GYB”.

“But such scare tricks are not new to us. Alhaji Adoza Yahaya Bello has done his best for Kogi State. And based on popular demand, those who transverse the length and breadth of Kogi State and seen the GYB magic have called on him to sustain the efforts of the Buhari Presidency by running for the top job of President come 2023. So, we expect dissenting voices and deadly plots in the camps of those who oppose the GYB phenomenon, albeit we least expected that demonic falsehood and perfidy will be their trade”.

“In any case, Nigerian youths who are actively backing GYB for the 2023 Presidency have concluded that the scare tricks employed by detractors are too puerile to derail the popular agenda of the masses. Those throwing the proverbial banana peels on his path must be joking and living in self -denial or on some delusional fit, because we are committed to exposing their deceit and chicanery”.

“Straightforwardly, let me end this analysis by pointing out two scenarios’ likely playing out in this macabre dance. It’s either someone is out to destroy the good reputation of the EFCC by that shameful outing on GYB. Or, some persons are desperate to pale into political hiatus by maligning the candidate endorsed by the greatest number of the Nigerian Youth for the Presidency in 2023. Either way GYB Godwilling will remain unscathed”.

“My honest advice to the antigraft agency is that it must avoid the temptation of chasing shadows in Kogi simply because some persons want to stop Gov. Yahaya Bello, as it won’t work. And such should also not be contemplated in other States or on any other leader, as it is capable of eroding public confidence and credibility in the operations of the EFCC. God Bless Nigeria”.

https://premiumnewsnigeria.com/2021/11/25/kogi-vs-efcc-someone-somewhere-is-afraid-of-the-rising-profile-of-gov-yahaya-bello-got-your-back-nigeria/

I have observed with much dismay, the recent drama or altercations between Governor Yahaya Bello (GYB), the youngish, ever-smiling, gap-toothed, cerebral, focused and courageous leader of Kogi state and the anti-graft agency, EFCC over the alleged diversion and secretly stashed N19.33 billion bailout funds for workers salaries released to the state years back.

The EFCC claimed the N19.33 billion was domiciled in a fixed deposit account with Sterling Bank PLC, bearing the imprimatur of “Kogi State Bailout Account.” However, the Kogi State Government has insisted, it has no such accounts domiciled with the bank at the center of the controversy. The narrations make the saga more interesting. But it has placed a heavy burden of clearing the incidental conjectures generated by a tale crafted and circulated by the anti-graft agency.

More intriguing, the EFCC suddenly made a detour by withdrawing the suit filed in court seeking to establish the source and ownership of the about N20 billion bailout funds domiciled in Sterling Bank PLC. I find it completely, incongruent, the EFCC’s multiple explanations of freezing, unfreezing, discontinuation with the case and the return of the said amount to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

I am more scared and suspicious that the EFCC , through its spokesperson, Mr. Willson Uwujaren suddenly expressed the commission’s public disinterest in exposing the source and ownership of the funds, but felt accomplished that it blocked the exit of the funds. Except the EFCC has invented new laws or operating now on the basis of personal discretion, why is it necessary to back out from such a sensitive investigation of a presumed “executive fraud” after the media blitzkrieg on the matter?

Exposure of financial crimes and its sources assist in deterring others. But in this instance, the EFCC wittingly denied Nigeria this opportunity by arm-twisting itself and pleading that the controversies be laid to rest with the CBN’s custody of the money, persuading itself feebly that it “is expedient for the instant suit to be discontinued and the account unfrozen”.

I suspect grandeur hatchet job of some covert political antagonists’ at play against GYB to tarnish his public image. It appears to me these politicians are desperate to portray GYB as a corrupt politician, governor and leader before the Nigerian public since he is seeking the 2023 Presidency of Nigeria.

Can any one of us reasonably imagine that a State Governor could disown such humongous amounts in this period of severe economic crunch? It’s incredible! Ask Rivers State Gov. Nyemson Wike, who instantly claimed ownership of huge sums of monies, in different currencies, the EFCC discovered hidden in a building in Lagos state. He didn’t take a breath before claiming the discovered monies belonged to the people of Rivers state.

Is GYB a different personality? Is he being blackmailed or given a bad name in order to smear his reputation and halt his rising political profile in the race for Aso Rock in 2023? Since Nigerian youths officially adopted GYB as their next President, to continue with the marvelous works of President Muhammadu Buhari, the Kogi Governor’s shadows are shuddering many political camps; penetrating rare places ; receiving frantic endorsements from all stakeholders and the Youths throughout the country. It has caused some extreme anxiety in some persons.

Precisely, GYB’s political outings are causing nightmares to many opponents including traditional politicians and perpetual powermongers in Nigeria. Could it be the reason for the recent attempt to demean his person and administration on the plank of the EFCC?

Methinks, EFCC’s latter conflicting narratives of same incident and its sudden lack of enthusiasm gives more credence to these obvious conspiracy theories against GYB, pointing to his 2023 Presidential ambition as the main target.

Therefore, as a public affairs analyst, I am compelled and indeed, finds it expedient to add my voice to the discourse that someone, somewhere is afraid of the rising profile of Gov. Yahaya Bello. I can vouch that the EFCC’s baseless hounding of GYB is an apt expression of the morbid fear in some powerful political forces. Certainly, some persons are not comfortable with the 2023 Presidential aspiration of Gov. Yahaya Bello who is being generously called upon to step into Nigeria’s main leadership fabric to continue with the good legacies of President Buhari.

Why I’m I this assertive on this angle? Such huge sums of money deposited with a commercial bank these years would yield amazing interests in millions or even billions of naira. How much did the fix deposit yielded on the account discovered by the EFCC, in addition to the original sum of N19.33 billion? It’s unrealistic that only the deposited money was recovered. Besides, the operationalization of fixed deposit accounts is for a fixed period. EFCC’s backout against the case would have also explained to Nigerians lucid details such as the terminal date of the deposit account where the N19.33 was found. But it declined.

So, the unassailable truth by EFCC’s poor outing is merely to cushion the path for GYB’s detractors who are apparently against his giant strides in the development of Kogi state, in order to frustrate the intervention of investors, development partners and sow a seed of discord between the Governor and the good people of Kogi state, as evidently, “The Kogi State government had disbursed its bailout loans for the purpose of which it was granted as of October 2019.”

We can baselessly drag the personality and reputation of GYB into the murky waters of Nigerian politics. Nonetheless, what is indisputable is his manifest beneficial leadership to the people of Kogi. He has worked hard to make Kogi State one of the most peaceful and devoid of all manner of security threats plaguing other states.

Before his divine rescue mission in the state, Kogi was a haven for appalling armed robberies, kidnappings and an extension camp for Boko Haram terrorists who found the alluring mountains, forests and caves of the confluence state, convenient for habitation. Kogi state served as the transit camp for Boko Haramists and Lokojo State Capital provided the shield in their quest to make an incursion into Southern Nigeria.

For years, the forests of Kogi State were Boko Haram’s chambers for manufacturing Improved Explosive Devices (IEDs) on a large scale, which were exported to other parts of the country. But GYB has positively changed the narrative of insecurity in the state, as no traces of the heinous and violent crimes he inherited are found anywhere in the state now.

I know like most Nigerians, the conducive security atmosphere in Kogi state has promoted agriculture in the state, further amplified by GYB’s active and exceptional support to farmers. He has inspired and supported young Kogites into massive farming through orientation, subsidy inputs, fertilizer supplies, supply of seedlings, ceaseless trainings and mechanization support tools.

It is the success story of Kogi state under GYB these years, in virtually all the sectors. I am not astounded that opponents who initially, (ignorantly though), touted GYB as a failed state leader, are wounded internally and have their outer pride gravely bruised that the Governor has conquered leadership at the state level and scheming to saunter into national limelight with a shot at the Presidency in 2023. It is the only sense I can glean from prodding the EFCC to baselessly bark at GYB.

But such scare tricks are not new to us. Alhaji Adoza Yahaya Bello has done his best for Kogi State. And based on popular demand, those who transverse the length and breadth of Kogi State have called on him to sustain the efforts of the Buhari Presidency. So, we expect dissenting voices and deadly plots in the camp of the opposers as experienced now.

In any case, Nigerian youths who are actively backing GYB for Nigeria’s 2023 Presidency have concluded that the scare tricks employed by detractors are too puerile to derail the popular agenda of the masses. The first stumbling block on GYB’s path to success has crumbled independently. With this sign, those insisting on throwing the proverbial banana peels on his path must be joking and living in self -denial or on some delusional exploits.

Straightforwardly, let me end this analysis by pointing out two scenarios’ likely playing out in this macabre dance. It’s either someone is out to destroy the good reputation of the EFCC by that shameful outing on GYB. Or, some persons are desperate to destroy the country by coming forward to challenge a candidate selected by the Nigerian Youths to fly the flag of the Presidency in 2023 and expectedly, coast victoriously into Aso Rock.

And my honest advice to the antigraft agency is that it must avoid the temptation of chasing shadows in Kogi simply because some persons want to stop Gov. Yahaya Bello, as it won’t work. Such actions should also not be contemplated in any other state or on any other leader, as it is capable of eroding public confidence and credibility in the operations of the EFCC.

Akinsanya wrote this piece from Bariga, Lagos.

https://premiumnewsnigeria.com/2021/11/25/who-is-afraid-of-gov-yahaya-bello-by-rotimi-akinsanya/

Prof Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr, the National Co-ordinator of Got your Back Nigeria , has called out the EFCC Spokesman Wilson Uwajaren to desist from misleading the general public and stop embarrassing his Boss Abdulrasheed Bawa over the 20b bailout fund.

In the press statement title "With GYB and Kogi State, The 20b Naira Lie Won't Stick. So Who Wants To Destroy Bawa?"

Prof Nwaokobia asked "Why is Wilson Uwajaren the EFCC Spokesperson bent on embarrassing his Boss Abdulrasheed Bawa and the Commission? Who is beating the sour drum and the foul beat that he has chosen to dance to? Why is he unwilling to tread with caution? And who is paying him to malign Kogi State and GYB Governor Yahaya Bello?"

"The first time the hubris about a certain 20b naira allegedly placed in Sterling Bank by Kogi State was the subject of litigation, Kogi State through very credible sources debunked the falsehood, and a few weeks later the Courts threw the matter away because it was lacking in truth, substance and merit. Unfortunately rather than swallow the humble pie and apologize to the public, to Kogi State and to GYB, the EFCC Spokesperson devised another falsehood, this time, he alleged that Sterling Bank had returned the money to the Central Bank of Nigeria. Can the Bank return monies it does not have to the CBN? Why is the EFCC desperate to deceive Nigerians into believing what is not, and which Piper is playing the tune that the EFCC through her Spokesperson Wilson Uwajaren is dancing to?"

"Yes we accept that politicians can go to strange lengths to defame and or malign their most dreaded and irrepressible opponent, but to use an organization like the EFCC to blackmail, malign, embarrass and spread falsehood is damaging to the Commission and would most likely destroy the integrity of the EFCC and its Chairman, that is why we wonder, who is out to destroy Bawa? Who wants to rubbish the EFCC? And who stands to benefit from the present danse macabre?"

"We have countlessly said that no falsehood, deceit, lies, perfidy and tommyrot targeted at Kogi State and the person of GYB will stick, and we have at various fora made true this promise, therefore to watch citizen Wilson Uwajaren's commitment to deceive and misinform the public regarding a non existent 20b or is it 19.3b laughs, is but stretching reprehensible politics to befuddling heights, must the EFCC through her Spokesperson be drawn into the mucky waters of politics? Why? Who is out to destroy Bawa? And who wants to mess up the credibility of our foremost anti corruption Agency?"

"May we state without an ounce of equivocation, that there was no money in a fixed deposit account with Sterling Bank that was transferred or returned to the CBN".

"That the 20b naira bailout fund now the subject of manifest falsehood by the EFCC was utilized two years ago for the purpose for which it was released, which was the payment of salaries. And that Kogi State does not maintain any fixed deposit account with Sterling Bank from which any monies were allegedly and very falsehood said to have been returned to the CBN".

"Finally, the EFCC must purge itself of such embarrassing over reach. And the Chairman of the Commission Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa must call the Spokesperson Mr Wilson Uwajaren to order knowing that the days of trial in the media and outright falsehood must be made shibboleth".

"As 2023 approaches we shall not suffer fools gladly, we shall in pushing for GYB For President put before the world the competency and the capacity of GYB, and with vehemence we shall shoot down every falsehood, gibberish and perfidy targeted at GYB. God Bless Nigeria". He said


https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/11/no-kogi-n20b-in-any-account-group/

The news making round between the Kogi State government and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has assumed a worrisome dimension. While it has been regarded in some quarters as a manifestation of power play, it must be stated that there is more than meets the eyes in the ensuing saga.

The Kogi State government has alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is doing a hatchet job for some unnamed politicians. I find this rather curious, even on the heels that the EFCC has reportedly returned the sum of N19.3 billion bailout funds allegedly hidden by the state in an account in Sterling bank to the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The position of the Kogi State government with regards to the discovery or existence of such funds is suspect. I am aware that the CBN has not denied receipt of funds domiciled by the EFCC at the bank. That leaves us with no option but to believe that the Kogi State government indeed has a case to answer in the court of public opinion.

Firstly, the said account indeed belongs to the Kogi State government, and signatories to that account are officials of the Kogi state government. Secondly, the sum of N19.3 billion was found in the account, which was meant for payment of salaries derived from a bailout by all intent and purposes. And thirdly, Sterling Bank and the Central Bank of Nigeria have not come out to refute the position of the EFCC with regards to the funds found in the account.

Unless the Kogi State government is not aware that the CBN confirmed receipt of the funds through a letter addressed to the EFCC chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa. The apex bank in the letter referenced. DFD/DIR/CON/EXT/01/099 and dated November 9, 2021, informed the EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, that it had received the money.

The letter read in part, “We refer to your letter dated November 5, 2021, with Ref. No: CR:3000/EFCC/LS/CMU/REC-STE/VOL.4/047 on the above subject and wish to confirm the details of the receipt of the amount as stated below: Bank: Sterling Bank Plc; Amount: N19, 333, 333,333.36; Date of receipt: November 4, 2021.”

I wonder what the Kogi state government is up to regarding the avalanche of denials it has been struggling to put up. Could it be that the Kogi state government thinks Nigerians are gullible and therefore wants to change the narrative and paint a picture of a political witch-hunt? If indeed this is the strategy, it is a very puerile one, and it should be discarded with immediate effect.

The fact remains that the Kogi state government operates an account with Sterling Bank, and funds in that account were bailout funds meant to pay salaries to impoverished workers in Kogi state that have suffered untold hardship in the past six years since the incumbent governor assumed office.

Suppose we all recall that it was in Kogi State that salaries were paid in percentages. In most instances, workers go as long as six months before receiving salaries. It was also in Kogi state that it took the state government almost a year to verify workers. And in the period, wages were not paid to workers.

I think the Kogi state government has not been responsible enough with regards the welfare of workers in the state, and this could be adduced as one of the reasons why during the reelection campaigns, it was on record that a state governor knelt to plead on behalf of the Kogi State government during campaigns.

This is the stark reality on the ground regarding the utilization of funds meant for workers welfare. And to think that the state government can put up a denial instead of apologizing is more demeaning and insulting to the sensibilities of Nigerians unless the Kogi state government wants to deny ownership of the N19.3 billion found in the Sterling bank account that was meant for salary payment.
This brings us to the decadence in leadership in Nigeria. And I recall stating in some forums how the governors of states have become so powerful and carry on like demi-gods in their states. The Kogi story indeed exemplifies it, and it remains a shame. A big shame that the government of Kogi state would be so callous to receive funds meant for payment of salaries and instead elects to put these funds in deposits to yield dividends at the detriment of the workers whose livelihood depends on the stipends they receive as salaries.
I wish to advise the Kogi state government to tender an unreserved apology to the people of Kogi state instead of further misleading the general public by throwing shades at the EFCC. Maybe they think it’s business as usual at the EFCC. They must be reminded that it’s no longer business as usual as a lot has changed under Abdulrasheed Bawa at the helms of affairs.

The Kogi state government must also realize that blackmail and threats do not stand a chance. The only way to remedy the already messy situation is to apologize and give a good account of how many more accounts have such deposits either meant for payment of salaries or provision of infrastructures in the state.

It is, therefore, an insult for the Kogi state government to allege that some politicians are using the EFCC to carry out a hatchet job. This is a tragicomedy from the Kogi state government.

Ibekwe is a public affairs commentator writing from Enugu.

http://www.signalng.com/op-unedited-between-efcc-and-kogi-state-who-is-not-telling-the-truth-by-charles-ibekwe/

The journey to the crowning of the 44th Miss Nigeria is in top gear as the 37 semi-finalists have been unveiled and the organizers have given the general public a chance to contribute to the process of choosing the 18 finalists who will make it into the Miss Nigeria Bootcamp.

From thousands of applications received, the panel of judges were tasked with finding 37 ladies who are uniquely beautiful, passionate about Nigeria and the girl-child, and whose values align with that of the iconic Miss Nigeria Organization. The semi-final auditions were held at the gorgeous Island Breeze Restaurant and Lounge inside Landmark Beach, Lagos.

The contestants were screened by an esteemed panel of judges comprising Bolanle Olukanni (TV personality/talk show host), Paul Ukonu (celebrity photographer), Onyeka Michael Ugwu (former beauty queen/medical aesthetician), and Ezinne Akudo (creative director, Miss Nigeria).

The audition videos of each of the Top 37 contestants have been uploaded on the Miss Nigeria official Instagram handle. According to the creative director of Miss Nigeria Ezinne Akudo who was the 38th Miss Nigeria herself, “the popular votes will account for 20% of the total scores that will get the contestants to qualify for the final round.”

Wednesday morning, the organizers introduced a new twist into the competition by unveiling 3 wild card contestants selected from a pool of nominations from the public on social media. “The 37 Semi-finalists and 3 wild cards will need to get as many people as possible to repost, like, and comment on their videos on social media. The video with the most engagement gets the higher rank, and boosts their chances of making it to the bootcamp and grand finale,” Akudo revealed.

Miss Nigeria, formed in 1957 with the motto, “Empowering Women Beyond Beauty’’, is an annual beauty pageant competition that showcases the positive attributes of Nigerian women. The winner portrays exemplary qualities and serves as a role model for young women in the country.

To see the Top 37 contestants and vote, follow on Instagram. Voting closes today.

https://www.arewareportersng.com/miss-nigeria-unveils-top-37-announces-popular-voting-process/

Prof. Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr, The National Co-ordinator of Got Your Back Nigeria has described Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state as the man fit for the Presidency come 2023.

Prof Chris made this known in a press statement on Thursday in Abuja. He quoted the word of Frantz Fanon .

“Every generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfills it, or betrays it.” – Frantz Fanon.

Prof Chris went further to state that

“In today’s Nigeria only one Public Office Holder appears to wield an unequalled spread of Love and Brotherhood across our geography, nay a charm akin to what we had in the 1992/1993 political contestation that produced the MKO ABIOLA phenomenon”.

“By Jove three decades after the 1993 phenomenon, the new beckons. The present phenomenon like the former is indiscriminate of ethnicity, region and religion. The present phenomenon is concerned about competency and capacity over zoning and or rotation of power. The present phenomenon is the bastion of the Youth O’clock fervency, calling for a New Deal and a New Thinking. And the present phenomenon is the young man called Governor Yahaya Bello, GYB is interested in job creation and in the abolition of poverty as was Chief MKO Abiola of blessed memory”.

“GYB stands for Inclusiveness and gender parity in governance. He is an example of responsible and responsive leadership. And clearly represents the collective aspiration of the Nigerian people for a nation where justice, equity, fairness and Inclusiveness is prime. He did it in the multi religious, multi lingual and multi ethnic State of Kogi which is arguably the strategic microcosm of Nigeria, and he can replicate same in the macrocosm come 2023”.

“In 2020 the Bridge Builder called GYB won The Sun Newspapers Apostle of Political Inclusiveness Award for his unrivaled commitment to gender parity, and for his bold inclusion and appointment of Young People to strategic leadership positions. With 43years as the average age of the Kogi State cabinet do you wonder why GYB is the grail bearer of the call of the Nigerian People for new values in leadership?”

“GYB is unarguably the Bridge between the Old and The Young. As 2023 approaches the very popular refrain Youth O’Clock which represents the trust of the moment and the urgency of now resonates because GYB has thrown his hat in the ring to lead the challenge for a new Nigeria come 2023. In GYB the Youths have found their own, they have elected to identify with their own, and they are ready, willing, and able to reset Nigeria for good”.

“The GYB phenomenon across the nation is the validation of the competency and the capacity of the Young Man who governs the Confluence State of Kogi. And Nigerians old and young are enamoured by the GYB magic. Do you know that in Kogi State GYB has a cabinet that includes Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, Kanuri et al. And do you know that since the creation of Kogi State, GYB though a Muslim was the only Governor to build a Chapel for Christians to worship in the Government House like their Muslim counterparts? Make no mistake, GYB is that broad thinking and urbane Bridge Builder that Nigeria needs come 2023”.

“Need I emphasize the fact that GYB is the best Governor in Nigeria in the area of Gender Equality and Youth Inclusiveness as recognized by a huge platform like the United Nations (UN Women)”.

“Need I state that GYB has made Kogi State the safest State in the North and the second safest State in Nigeria? GYB is that consumate Chief Security Officer of his State who believes in the primacy of lives and property. GYB is competency and capacity combined”.

“Need I tell you that GYB has made Lokoja the capital city of the Confluence State of Kogi one of the fastest growing cities in Africa”.

“Need I tell you that Kogi State under GYB is not owing workers, and that Kogi State leads the pack in the record of States that pay Medical and Health Workers as at when due”.

“Need I tell you that Kogi State under GYB boasts of one of the most functional Rice Mills in Nigeria. The CONFLUENCE RICE mill with a Yoruba, Mr Segun Olonade as MD/CEO has over 5000 workers directly employed by it, and thousands of Rice Farmers across the nation as Suppliers”.

“Need I tell you that the Kogi State Agricultural Revolution scheme is second to none. And this reminds every student of history of the FAREWELL TO POVERTY AND NO TO HUNGER trust of the MKO Abiola 1993 phenomenon. 30years (3 decades) after the GYB Phenomenon is with us, and 2023 shall witness a massive turn around for good. GYB has done it in Kogi and he will do at the centre”.

“Need I tell you that Kogi State has one of the best Skill Acquisition and informal education programmatic which is key to creating jobs and making the seemingly unemployable employable”.

“Need I tell you that with the Kogi State share of the COVID-19 Palliative funds, GYB is 75% done building one of the biggest health facility in West Africa in Kogi State, and that no other Governor presently serving has achieved such feat”.

“Need I tell you that the Bridge Builder and the unifier called GYB was Chief to the truce that ended the food blockade between the North and the South in February”.

“Need I tell you that not long ago along with the Governors of the South West he was key to quelling the fulminating Fulani/Yoruba tiff in Oyo, Osun and Ondo States”.

“Need I tell you that GYB is constantly reaching out to the leaders of the disparate ethnicities that people Nigeria, and that more than anything else underscores the wide support that attends his quest for the high office of President come 2023”.

“Need I tell you that the deluge of awards and honours that attend the GYB Phenomenon, and that the endorsements he garners across the nation are evidence of the acceptability and the credibility of the GYB brand. Without a modicum of doubt, I tell you Nigeria, that together with GYB we shall berth a new dawn for our nation”.

“Finally, do not wonder why Youths across the nation root for GYB. Do not wonder why groups across the 6 geopolitical zones are enthused by the GYB Phenomenon. And do not wonder why GYB resonates across societal stratification. Please wonder why you still believe the falsehood of his detractors and naysayers, then do your research on the GYB Phenomenon, and repent. God Bless Nigeria”. He said


http://www.signalng.com/2023-group-describe-governor-yahaya-bello-as-the-game-changer/

A Political Group Known as Got Your Back Nigeria , has drawn Support for the presidential Ambition of governor Yahaya Bello of kogi State.

Prof. Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr, the convener of the group in a press statement said the many Awards and recognition is a testament of service delivery of Yahaya Bello’s Administration.

“To be the most honoured, the most celebrated and the most recognized Public Office holder in today’s Nigeria is no mean fit. Deservedly so, the man fondly called GYB (Governor Yahaya Bello) redefines leadership in this clime”.

“Love or hate the young man who superintend the State of Kogi from The Lugard House in Lokoja, the fact remains that he is an example in responsible and responsive leadership. And clearly he represents the collective aspiration of the Nigerian people for a New Deal. Do you yet wonder why and how? Please Read On”.

“GYB did not just become the SUN NEWSPAPERS Governor of The Year 2021, in 2020 he won The Sun Newspapers Apostle of Political Inclusiveness Award. And take note, with the owner of The Sun Tabloid one of those seeking the Presidency in 2023, those who allege that GYB buys the Honours and Awards he gets are only jealous and or outrightly fallacious and mischievous. GYB is a gold fish deserving of the Honours he gets, QED”.

“Two weeks ago it was the Nigeria Media Merit Awards NMMA that honoured GYB as a doyen for the advancement of media excellence in Nigeria. Does GYB pay for all of the Honours and Awards he gets? How rich is Kogi State to fund the buying of Honours and still record the glowing feats for which he stands out? Please ask his critics, haters and naysayers”.

“If you do not like GYB, it is your choice, but do not lie against him, do not defame him and do not denigrate the grail bearer of the Youth O’clock Movement, as he clearly stands head and shoulders above his contemporaries in service delivery. If you do some research you may soon become a dye in wool supporter of the phenomenon called GYB. I bet you”.

“In a few weeks or so it shall be the Best Of Nollywood BON Awards, and GYB shall be at the centre of it all. The Awards that have been coming in in droves cut through all spheres and sectors of our national life, so I ask, are they for doing nothing”?

“Those who hate the strides and the courage of the Young dynamic Governor of Kogi State will continue to voice tommy-rot, but the fact remains incontrovertible, he has outperformed his peers, and as a Governor he has recorded Olympic feats in Security, Job Creation, Gender Inclusiveness, Religious Tolerance, Agriculture, Healthcare, Infrastructure etc “.

“The last time I checked, the Nigerian Union of Journalists NUJ Lagos State Chapter had given him an award for enterprising leadership. Indeed it was a Role Model Award for Exemplary Leadership. In the same vein the National Chapter of the NUJ gave him The Role Model in Education award. The NUJ FCT Abuja Chapter conferred him with the Award of the Torchbearer of Security, and what other platform can most credibly and creditably say it as it is? Will the entire assemblage of Journalists from different Press, Electronic and Print decide to deceive?”

“May it be known to all those who loathe and hate the Governor Yahaya Bello GYB phenomenon, that the awards will keep rolling in, because their hate will not blind the eyes of patriots and statesmen to the glowing light and strides of GYB. With GYB we are poised at berthing a New Nigeria that shall make real the promises of democracy. We Can”.

“Are you also aware that GYB was honoured by the Kwararafa Reporters as the Governor of the Year very recently? Are you aware that across the nation the GYB Movement stands tall with hundreds of Awards coming in from established media outfits, YOUTH groups, Civil Society outfits, Corporate Organizations et al? Do you think that they are for nothing? Are they simply about the politics of 2023? Think again. But truly ‘only a tree that bears ripe fruits get stoned’, so we are not troubled about the stones of naysayers, we have vowed however to never allow their lies and falsehood against GYB to stick. As they lie, we shall continue to tell the truth, for the truth only can set us, and indeed our nation free”.

“Youth O’Clock is the trust of the moment and the urgency of now. The Youths have elected to identify with their own, they are ready, willing, able and resolute about the quest for a new deal for our Country. The GYB phenomenon across the nation is the validation of this trust. Young people are saying no to the lies and falsehood consistently woven against their Star Man in leadership. They are saying that the lies out there cannot defeat the truth”.

“And the TRUTH is that GYB is the best Governor in Nigeria in the area of Gender Equality and Youth Inclusiveness, as recognized by a huge platform as the United Nations (UN Women), a research on this will amaze you. As the awards and honours roll in, We Move. So do your facts check and join the GYB Movement today”.

“The TRUTH is that GYB has made Kogi State the safest State in the North and the second safest State in Nigeria. And need I tell you that this feat was achieved despite the fact that Kogi State has 9 borders including the Federal Capital Territory. GYB is that active, effective, efficient and effectual Chief Security Officer that believes in the primacy of lives and property. GYB is the Real Deal”.

“The TRUTH is that GYB has made Lokoja the capital city of Kogi State one of the fastest growing cities in Africa. Do a fact check, and come along”.

“The TRUTH is that Kogi State under GYB leads the pack in the roll of the States that service and reduce/repay their local debts in Nigeria. Thanks to the prudence and dexterity of the helmsman and Accountant cum Auditor with a midas touch, GYB”.

“The TRUTH is GYB’s Kogi State is not owing workers, and Kogi State tops the chart in paying Medical and Health Workers their salaries and emoluments”.

“The TRUTH is that Kogi State under GYB boasts of one of the most functional Rice Mills in Nigeria today. And that the Kogi State Agricultural Revolution scheme is second to none”.

“The TRUTH is that Kogi State has one of the best Skill Acquisition and informal education programmatic which is the key to creating jobs and making the seemingly unemployable employable”.

“The TRUTH is that with the Kogi State share of the COVID-19 Palliative funds, GYB is 75% done in building one of the biggest health facility in West Africa in Kogi State, and no other Governor presently serving has achieved that feat”.

“The TRUTH is that GYB is a unifier and a bridge builder and he has manifestly proven that on several fronts. Mediating the truce that ended the food blockade between the North and the South in February is a testament. Intervening along with the Governors of the South West in quelling the fulminating Fulani/Yoruba tiff in Oyo, Osun and Ondo States is lucid. And constantly reaching out to the leaders of the disparate ethnicities that people Nigeria is halcyon”.

“And the TRUTH about the GYB magic is ad infinitum, do you yet wonder why the awards keep rolling in? Wonder no more, our promise is to keep churning out the WHOLE TRUTH, for the lies against GYB won’t stick. GYB stands out”.

“As the awards for his great deeds and ennobling strides in leadership continue to roll in, Countrymen and women, WE MOVE with 2023 and the high office of President a sure destination. It is YOUTH O’CLOCK Nigeria. Keep faith with GYB. God Bless Nigeria”. He said


http://www.signalng.com/group-drums-support-for-governor-yahaya-bello/

Pastor E.A Adeboye popularly called Daddy GO , the General Overseer , Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) , is set to storm Dunamis International Gospel Centre Abuja , to mark it’s 25th Years Anniversary.

Pastor Dr Paul Enenche , Senior pastor Dunamis International Gospel Centre made the announcement at the end of the first service today.

Pastor Paul who is a spiritual grandson to EA Adeboye ,said 25 years in ministry has been God all the way.

While the programme to kick start the anniversary is set to commence on the 22nd of November, he said Daddy Adeboye will be ministrying live on the 14th which is coming Sunday by 7am to open up the convention

Amongst those to also storm the Ministry during the convention to mark the anniversary is also Pastor David Oyedepo, the General Overseer of Living Faith Church.

Pastor Paul Enenche On May 28, 1996, in the small town of Jos, Nigeria, as a young doctor was at a crossroads of his life. He could relocate to London to be with his beautiful wife, also a doctor; he could visit a prestigious university abroad to step up his medical qualification; or, if he wanted to stay in Nigeria, he had two attractive medical appointments open.

However, he was restless, and decided to take some time to seek God’s Face to lead him from the crossroads. He journeyed to a mountain on the outskirts of Jos to be with God , and there he got the call to go into full Ministry

In November of 1996, six months after the call, Pastor Dr. Paul Enenche and his wife, Pastor Dr. (Mrs.) Becky Enenche, left every plan they had made for their lives and moved to Abuja. Like Abraham, they knew no one there, but obeying the Lord was paramount to them.

Dunamis International Gospel Centre was established on November 10, 1996. The first Sunday service was held at Abuja Centre for Arts and Culture, First Floor, Area 10. Church service was held there for two weeks before the church moved to Abuja Sheraton Hotel & Towers, where worship took place for about 6 months. The church moved to her present site in June of 1997, less than a year after the ministry had started.

In November 2018, the church completed her 100,000 capacity building (The Glory Dome), making her the owner of the largest building with roof in the world. The Glory Dome which is located at their permanent site, The Lord’s Garden, Airport Road, Abuja, was dedicated on Saturday, November 24, 2018.

The Church also holds an annual conference, Power and Glory World Conference, every last week of November to celebrate the Commission’s anniversary.


http://www.signalng.com/dunamis-25-pastor-e-a-adeboye-bishop-david-oyedepo-set-to-storm-glory-dome-abuja/

The Executive Director of Centre for Citizens with Disabilities; Mr David Obinna Anyaele on the 5th of November , 2021 bagged the patriotic leadership award presented to him by the African Voice magazine in recognition of his contribution to humanity and his course to promote inclusion for over 31 million persons with disabilities in Nigeria.

The entourage was led by Mr. Ebenezer Ogunleye, CEO of African Voice Magazine. Others on the entourage are; Diana Omueza, Olawale Oladipupo and Gami Tadanyigbe.

The Award was presented by Mr. Ebenezer Ogunleye who praised the Executive Director for his passion, zeal and commitment to issues and plights that concerns humanity, particularly in his push to make sure that the disability bill was passed into law in 2019. He went further to allude, to the fact that the Executive Director is a worthy recipient and was selected and nominated by worthy Nigerians for the Award.

The Executive Director, talked about the historical journey of the creation of CCD in 2002, he maintained that he remains committed to disability issues, and that he receives the award, on behalf of CCD Board of trustees, staff and volunteers nationwide. He thanked the African Voice Magazine for finding it worthy to give an award to a genuine course.

In attendance also were CCD Staff; Mrs Peace Ezekiel, Ubong Daniel and Humphrey Ukeaja.

There is palpable anxiety in the camp of the APGA Governorship candidate for the November 6 Gubernatorial election in Anambra State Prof. Chukwuma Soludo as his attempt and that of the Leader of his campaign and current Governor of Anambra State Chief Willie Obiano’s well-laid out but repeatedly brazen attempts to bribe election officials and security agencies in charge of the forthcoming election have been exposed by intelligence agents recruited by the European Union and the United States Government to monitor the election.

According to an undercover security source who was involved in the investigation, “the whole operation reminds one of the role of Michael Malone in bursting the Al Capone crime organization” Taking a cue from sting operations such as the ABSCAM sting operation of the late 1970s when the American FBI bursted political corruption rings, the Soludo Campaign had a mole who was a trusted go-between assigned with liaison duties among the conspirators.

It was gathered that Governor Willie Obiano, worried that APGA may lose the election as a result of large scale disenchantment with his administration and the massive decampment of the leadership and members of his party from Ward, State and National levels to APC, agreed with Soludo and Senator Victor Umeh to secure the services of a well-known Anambra Billionaire businessman who resides in Abuja to use his contacts to reach out to INEC officials and security agents charged with the conduct of the election to find ways to compromise the outcome to favour APGA. Governor Obiano is said to be having nightmares of the likely consequences of Soludo losing the election because of the reckless corruption and heavy debts he has burdened the state with.

The Governor was convinced by his Chief of Staff to approach the businessman because the last attempt coordinated by the Governor’s wife Mrs. Ebere Obiano, using an influential National Electoral Commissioner from the South East who acted as a courier to distribute a bribe of $4m to INEC officials and security agencies backfired and is being thoroughly investigated by the Police in Abuja.

The said Abuja businessman went to work and actually coordinated some INEC officials and security agents. It was agreed that the sum of $10m (Ten Million US Dollars) would be distributed to the relevant officers to guarantee victory for APGA. At the final meeting held in a house on Daunbe Street, Maitama Abuja, an account opened in the name of Feroz International Services with the Molos Limassol Branch of RCB Bank Ltd Cyprus was handed over to the businessman for payment of the $10m bribe money.

Governor Obiano and Prof Soludo went to work immediately and on October 19, 2021 the sum of $10m was received by RCB Bank Ltd Cyprus paid by SOLEX CAPITAL from Scotiabank Belize City, Belize. The undercover agent immediately alerted Interpol and a swift investigation began.

In the course of tracing the source of the funds, Interpol discovered that Solex Capital is a shell company incorporated in Belize with Thomas Turnquest and Arthur Rahming as Nominal Directors. Belize has become a notorious tax heaven for providing conduit for wealthy and privileged corrupt political elites who want to hide stolen cash from tax authorities. It was further discovered that the Beneficial Owner of SOLEX CAPITAL is SONAZ INTERNATIONAL with Chukwuma Soludo, Tochukwu Soludo and Nnaeto Soludo as Directors.
SONAZ INTERNATIONAL was registered in Bahamas as an off-shore company by Jamie Sanchez of the secrecy enabler law firm of QUIJANOX ASSOCIATES, Panama. SONAZ also has a registered international address being 50 Brondesbury Park, London NW6 7AT which Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo, being the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria bought on October 20, 2006 for the sum of 2,150,000 Pounds Sterling paid in a single tranche with Title No:MX362301 through Universal Energy Ltd, an off-shore company registered in Isle of Man, another Secrecy Haven.

When it became evident that the $10m paid to RCB Bank Ltd was from proceeds of crime to influence the outcome of the Anambra Governorship election by Governor Obiano and Prof Soludo, Interpol forwarded a request to the bank to flag the account.

Further investigations revealed that SOLEX CAPITAL was used to pay the sum of S11m for the 12 story HOLLOMAN office block located at 333 N. Sam Houston, Pky E. Houston Texas 77060 acquired by Governor Obiano which he has recently put up for sale at the price of $8.1m. SOLEX CAPITAL was also used to acquire an interest in 12100 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles CA 9005 through the Santa Monica based REIT Douglas Emmet Inc. in 2016 for the benefit of Governor Willie Obiano. A part of the $1,818,718 paid for the purchase of 1804 Terrabrooke Private Court, Brentwood, Terrabrooke, Tennessee USA by Governor Willie Obiano’s Chief of Staff Mr. Primus Odili in April 2020 was additionally traced to the Scotiabank Belize account of SOLEX CAPITAL controlled by the Soludos.

As a result of the criminal enterprise being run by the duo of Governor Obiano and Prof. Soludo, the US Government through its Justice Department would soon announce indictments, initiate proceedings to confiscate all properties and funds linked to Governor Obiano and his associates. The US Government and the European Union have  collectively threatened to withdraw the visas of all persons (including members of their families) involved in the bribery scheme and those who would cause violence during the election. Security agents would have arrested Prof Soludo, Mrs. Ebere Obiano, Senator Victor Umeh, Mr. Primus Odili and their cohorts because they have sufficient evidence to commence prosecution but are being careful not to be accused of political witch hunt.

It would be recalled that the Senate Committee on Finance under the chairmanship of the former Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Markafi concluded in its probe panel report that the years of Soludo as the CBN Governor laid the foundation of the current Nigeria financial and economic woes. Soludo’s flaws and financial crimes are far too many. A criminal investigation into his purchase of the African Finance Corporation where he installed himself as Chairman when he was the CBN Governor, found him guilty of gross negligence, poor executive judgment   mismanagement and diversion of Nigeria's seed capital of $462m. Prof Soludo and Mr. Ometoruwa were also accused of round tripping the sums of $750m and $143m in November 2007 and March 2008 respectively through CITIBANK LONDON and UBA NEW YORK for their personal benefits without relevant Board approvals either by the Central Bank of Nigeria or the African Finance Corporation. The Federal Government was advised to take appropriate action against them commensurate with the gravity of their criminal breach of public trust but they escaped the hammer with the death of President Yar'Adua.

Governor Willie Obiano who received N75bn cash on hand-over from former Governor Peter Obi has betrayed the people of Anambra State. He has saddled the state with a debt profile of nearly N150bn. He is in total panic and would stop at nothing including bribery, thuggery and manipulation to install Prof Soludo whom he has used to fritter away the resources of the state for their individual benefits.

The undercover source which bursted their latest bribery attempt maintains that they are still trying to use other contacts to reach INEC and security officials to manipulate the polls with the cash sum of N5bn on the eve of the election because failure would mean long jail terms for the Governor, his close associates and family members.

All attempts to get reactions regarding the bribery scandal from Governor Obiano, his Chief Press Secretary James Eze, Prof Soludo, Senator Victor Umeh and the Director General of the Soludo Governorship Campaign Organization Prof. Chukwulobelu were rebuffed.


https://www.arewareportersng.com/bribery-scandal-rocks-soludos-camp-as-governor-obiano-and-soludo-directly-implicated/

A political pressure group Coalition for True Democracy (CTD) has told the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to reach out to the people with issues of governance instead of spreading empty propaganda against his opponents.

The groups coordinator, Mr. Samuel Okolo stated this while reacting to a statement credited to Soludo, where he accused the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Andy Uba of kidnap of a sitting governor.


He stated that:

“It is obvious that Soludo has short memories, let us remind Soludo and his failed stakeholders of APGA that Sen. Andy Uba is a peace loving man who detest violence. There was a White Paper that came out during that period that cleared him from that allegation”.


Okolo further stated when the event happened Sen. Any Uba was not even in the country.


He said Soludo antics is mere distraction from bringing to the fore issues that will benefit the people of Anambra and that he nothing to campaign with as his party, APGA has failed the state woefully.


He there is every indication to show that Soludo and his party, the APGA have been rejected by the people of Anambra.


According to him, the obsession Soludo has to peddle propaganda against Andy Uba show that it is obvious that the APC is cruising to victory in Saturday's election.


“After weeks of running a shadowy campaign anchored on propaganda and character assassination, the outgoing All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) administration in Anambra State may have finally woken up to reality: that the APC candidate, Uba, is indeed its nemesis”, he said.

https://premiumnewsnigeria.com/2021/11/01/anambra-lies-and-propaganda-not-longer-selling-group-tells-soludo/

Ahead of the governorship election scheduled to hold November 6, Coalition for True Democracy (CTD), has described the government of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra as a colossal failure, which doesn’t deserve commendation. 


In a statement on Monday in Awka, Anambra state, the coordinator of the group, Mr. Samuel Okolo said what APGA has succeeded in taking the state 20 years backward 30 years after its creation.

Okolo queried the APGA’s level of credibility, fairness and performance in the management of the resources of the state, saying that from the inception of the government till date, Anambra is being characterized by alleged mindless looting and diversion of public funds under the watch of Obiano, regretting that the funds should have been channeled to developing the education sector, healthcare facilities, road projects and agricultural grants to farmers in the state to attract monumental and overall infrastructural development in the state.

“Obiano’s government has exhibited high level lack of accountability, which has subjected the state to developmental backwardness”

“We as a political pressure group have done a critical evaluation of this administration and seen the high level of man in humanity to man. Our students every day suffer transportation to and fro from school but we observed that over one thousand busses that were bought for Soludo’s campaign are rotting away. This is allowed because it is looted funds from the airport and other projects of the state so it doesn’t matter”.

Okolo said the level of decay, especially in the state capital, Awka, leaves one wondering what the state government does with the huge resources of the state.

According to him, this administration inherited N75 billion from the Peter Obi’s administration, but APGA allegedly have “squandered" it.

“Wastage of Anambra tax payer’s money will not return APGA and its candidate, Prof Chukwuma Soludo to power as the Anambra electorate are wiser and better informed now more than ever before. Every reasonable person knows that APGA has lost steam under the current leadership. The party has failed woefully over time. The party hasn’t been able to meet the wishes and aspirations of the people who gave them the mandate to lead”.

“Anambra have to be part of the centre. Let be wise, we should have a good leader; Sen. Andy Uba is a leader who has what it takes to lead Anambra to prosperity. He will give us the right access to power and resources”.

https://metrodailyng.com/2021/11/01/anambra-guber-cso-wants-apga-voted-out-says-party-has-failed/

Today the 1st day of November is an auspicious day in the annals of our Country, many thanks to President Mohammadu Buhari who again has blazed the trail in declaring a day in honour of the Nigerian Youth, indeed this feat reminds one of the beautiful spectacle that the signing into Law a few years ago of the Not Too Young To Run Bill, that Law that reduced the Constitutional age for those seeking elective office elicited. In so many ways this moment is a challenge to Youth Action, it is a call to Youth Inclusiveness and Participation in leadership, and more than any time in our history, it is Youth O'clock.

As the youngest serving Governor in today's Nigeria, I must challenge the Youth to rise up, to wise up and to run for public office at all levels knowing clearly that power is never given but taken. I want to urge the young people out there to understand that mediocrity thrives where the smart and the sagacious remain as spectators. The time has come for our young people to take over the soapbox, to challenge for and to campaign for ourselves in the bid to fix our nation for good. No one else can do it for us, and no one else can best fix Nigeria but us.

We must rise to the challenge. We must demand new values in leadership. We must cease to settle for less and we must stand by each other in the battle for the long needed national rebirth. We must refuse to be used as agents of disunity and division. We must aggregate at the altar of national redemption and build values of togetherness centred on justice, equity and fairness. And we must raise new standards that lampoon blackmail, perfidy and falsehood as weapons in our body politic by making issues based politics the new deal. Yes We Can.

Compatriots, as we celebrate today, may leadership across the nation commit to new paradigms of youth Inclusiveness and gender parity. May our young people challenge positively for the soul of our nation. May the old inspire the best amongst our young people to peacefully take over the realms of power. And may our nation prosper under our watch.

As 2023 approaches may our quest for power at the centre be ideas and issues based. May competency and capacity be the basis of the contestation for the lowest and indeed the highest office in the land, and may brotherhood and togetherness centred on equanimity be the linchpin for all seeking to take our nation out of the nadir to promise.

Finally Countrymen and women, we must make the valid quid pro quo for this national recognition a pledge to build a just, fair, equitable, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria for all. This is the minimum, and this is the reason for which I shall be seeking the high office of President come 2023. This is the reason it is Youth O'clock. And this is the challenge before all men and women of Goodwill. May God Bless Nigeria.

Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello.
The Vision Bearer
GOT YOUR BACK NIGERIA
GYB NIGERIA.


https://www.arewareportersng.com/national-youth-day-and-the-intervening-quid-pro-quo-gov-yahaya-bello/

The Anambra State Police Command has described as "fake news" online reprts purporting to be the confession by a gunmen arrested by "security agents" in the state.

The report purported that the arrested gunman accused All Progressives'Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the state, Senator Andy Uba of hiring him to destabilize the state.

The State Commissioner of Police Mr. Echeng Echeng described the story dubbed ”MY GANG WAS PAID MILLIONS BY ANDY UBA TO KILL AND MAIM IN ANAMBRA” as fabricated by politicians saying the Command or other security agencies never arrested such suspect.

The police boss spoke through his deputy Commissioner, Operations, DCP Aderemi Adeoye.

The CP noted that no such suspect was ever arrested by the police or any other security agenciy in Anambra State, saying such reports were concocted by politicians to smear their opponents.

"Anybody can sit in the comfort of his room to write anything just to smear or libel anybody. This is a criminal.offence. Apparently, that was why the author of the fake news attributed their origin to a non-existent medium called "Parrot News, Enugu.

"The social media is used to posting videos clips of confessional statements made by suspects. Curiously, in this case, a transcript was circulated - showing that it was completely fabricated to deceive the public," the CP said.

He reminded that no one is above the law and that if any statement was made with proof against anyone, no matter how highly placed, the person would have been invited for questioning.

The police boss advised the general public, particularly, the people of Anambra State not to panic or be intimidated by such propaganda.


https://www.arewareportersng.com/anambra-hired-killer-story-fake-news-police/

Coalition for True Democracy (CTD) has said it has uncovered a plot to launch an orchestrated propaganda campaign against the Senator Andy Uba in the days leading to the Anambra Governorship election 

The group said one of such attack is a malicious online media publication about a confession of one faceless Elijah Okoh claiming to be working for Sen. Andy Uba.

Coordinator of the group, Samuel Okolo described the report as fake, adding that it  is laughable that some enemies of the state will descend so low to peddle misinformation.

This is just as the Police in Anambra has also denied reports circulating on the social media, which is purported to be a confession by a gunmen arrested by the police, who was said to have been hired by the candidate of the APC, Senator Andy Uba to destabilize the state.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Anambra State Command, DCP Aderemi Adeoye who spoke on behalf of CP Echeng Echeng has described the trending news tagged ”MY GANG WAS PAID MILLIONS BY ANDY UBA TO KILL AND MAIM IN ANAMBRA” as strange as far as the Police in the State is concerned

In a statement on Sunday in Awka, Okolo described the malicious news as evil and said the faceless Elijah doesn't exist anywhere and has nothing to do with Sen. Andy Uba.

According to him, Senator Andy Uba is determined to liberate the state from the shackles of those who have held it bound and those individuals are becoming desperate

He said, "We are watching with great consternation, the orchestrated, deliberate media mischief against the person of Sen. Andy Uba and will stop at nothing to tell the people of Anambra that the said story is been spread by enemies of Sen. Andy Uba and Anambra state".

"It is laughable that some people will condescend so low to attack a man that has been tested and trusted. When Senator Uba was governor of Anambra State he tried his best even though the time was short"

"The question the good people of Anambra should be asking is where has this faceless Elijah been all along. Where was he arrested and which of the police command is he making this statement from?".

Okolo said this among other questions is what Ndi Anambra should be asking at this critical time when the people are to change the feature of the state.

Okolo further described those behind this act  as a bunch of Political brigands whose stock in trade is pilfering and plundering of  the resources of the state.

Okolo assured Anambra that Sen. Andy Uba carries a divine mandate orchestrated by God to liberate Ndi Anambra from the shackles of brigands who are hell bent in exploiting the state.

He urged Anambra people to vote for the All Progressive Congress (APC) and to support Uba resolve to rebuild the Moribund Anambra State.


https://premiumnewsnigeria.com/2021/10/31/group-uncovers-plot-to-launch-media-attacks-on-andy-uba/