₦airaland Forum

The President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nwadein Odozi Nwodozi, has ap­pealed to Ndigbo to apply caution in their quest for actualisation of Biafra. READ MORE http://metrodailyng.com/apply-caution-quest-actualisation-biafra-says-ohanaeze-fct/

The Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has dismissed as un­true the claim of the All Progressives Congress, APC-led Federal Gov­ernment that it has de­feated Boko Haram ter­rorists. READ MORE http://metrodailyng.com/boko-haram-insurgents-not-defeated-says-fayose/

Heavily-armed security operatives on Sunday morning raided the Abuja home of Mary Ekpenyong, an aide to the Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio.READ MORE http://metrodailyng.com/heavily-armed-security-men-invade-abuja-home-ex-governor-akpabios-aide/

The Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has condemned Tuesday’s attack and abduction of oil exploration workers and members of the civilian JTF in the Lake Chad Basin Frontier Exploration.READ MORE http://metrodailyng.com/osinbajo-orders-search-rescue-abducted-oil-workers-lecturer-borno/

Nigerians have been urged to go for periodic screening, especially for colon cancer, which is said to be a huge burden on the country, as it is common among people above 40. READ MORE http://metrodailyng.com/boli-suya-can-cause-cancer-don/

gone

We regret to announce the passing to external glory of our late Brother/Friend Comrade Innocent Ebirim (A.K.A Okadigbo) seasoned Journalist/Activist on the 5th of July, 2017, at the Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital after a brief illness. He was aged 50. Comrade Innocent Ebirim was SA Media to the immediate past Transport Minister, Sen. Idris Umar.

During his life time, Comrade Ebirim was deeply committed to the enhancement of good governance and transparency in Nigeria. He is survived by aged parents, wife and relations.

His Requiem mass will take place at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Karu, on Thursday 20th July, 2017 by 5pm. His remains will be committed to mother earth in his home town Umuezeala-Ama, Ehime Mbano LGA of Imo State on Thursday, 28th July, 2017.

Signed: Comrade Faruk Umar
Chairman
Committee of Friends.

The attention of Citizens Watch Nigeria (CWN) and Transparency Network Centre (TNC), two pro-democracy and pro-transparency groups, has been drawn to the numerous ground breaking and landmark achievements by the Nigerian Army under the proactive and humane leadership of Lt Gen. Yusuf Buratai, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). As the Nigerian Army marks the ‘Army Day’ celebrations, it is pertinent to take stock and look at how far the army has come and in doing this, CWN and TNC endorses the Nigerian Army for the professionalism and various victories achieved so far in protecting lives and property and gives it an excellent pass mark on its stewardship to the nation.

In the press release signed by Omoba Kenneth Aigbegbele, the Executive Secretary of Citizens Watch Nigeria (CWN) and Com. Faruk Umar of Transparency Network Centre (TNC) respectively, they commended Lt. Gen. Buratai for the welfare and training of officers and men, military strategies adopted against insurgents and the institutional capacity building presently taking place thereby giving victory to the present leadership of the army and for its transparent, dogged, innovative and dynamic leadership in the administration of the army. Emphasizing that Nigerians are proud of the professional focus of the army in regards to the safeguarding of the territorial integrity of the nation and the high motivational ‘espirit de corps’ of the men and officers including conforming with the best global practice as it relates to human rights and civility of the army in this democratic dispensation. They posited that the present crop of officers and men are the best wherever they go in Africa and the world due to the human capital development taking place presently and the intensive capacity building never seen in the 150 years of its history.

According to the duo, Lt. Gen. Buratai’s humble, remarkable selfless campaign against the insurgents have yielded fruits and very tremendous positive results indeed including his nationalistic disposition in safeguarding the nation from criminalities, the activities of headsmen and reducing the menace of militancy across the country is notably a landmark achievements to be proud of, which has attracted commendations of all and sundry including Mr. President. He remarked that the present leadership of the army is a key asset in this administration’s fight against corruption, insurgency and the safeguard of lives and property and as such should be commended for modernizing, repositioning, revolutionizing the Nigerian Army for professionalism, respect for democracy and effective service delivery. That the training and retraining of officers has stood the Nigerian Army out while enhanced collaborations with sister security agencies, robust civil military relationships has endeared the army to Nigerians and indeed the world.

Due to Buratai’s avowed determination to provide good welfare packages, enhanced remuneration, the purchase of military hardware and the creation of new military departments in regards to what is acceptable generally, has placed the Nigerian Army above board in all its responsibilities to the nation. The Nigerian army on its own, has also rekindled and pledged its support for the Nigerian constitution and be supportive of the democratic structures of the country in whatever aspect it is called to add value and deepen democracy.

As the Nigerian army basks in the euphoria of a refocused, reformed and repositioned 21stcentury army that prides itself as a super power in the African region, Nigerians and indeed, the international community should lend their support to the army because of its strategic and onerous task of safeguarding the territorial integrity of the nation and also join the army leadership to reinvigorate the fight against insurgents for the socio- economic growth and development of the country.

It further remarked that CWN and TNC registers with great degree of satisfaction and without mincing words, that the current 20th Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai and the leadership of the army with the support of PMB’s administration, have transformed and repositioned the army like never before since its 150 years of existence and therefore deserves more support and commendation for the peace, unity and stability of this nation and we therefore, pass a vote of confidence on the entire leadership of the army for their unprecedented superlative achievements.

An indigenous sociocultural group, under the auspices Good Governance Watch (GGW), noted for its grassroots support for candidates at every election has endorsed the candidacy of Sir. Chukwuma Paul Chukwuka ahead of the forth coming Anambra gubernatorial election.

Describing him as being eminently qualified to govern the state. Chief Maxwell Onyemachi president of Good Governance Watch in a statement issued yesterday called on APC members in the state “to unanimously present Sir. Chukuma Paul Chukwuka ahead of the party primaries.”

“In recent times,” Onyemachi said, “we have identified qualities of a gubernatorial aspirant in Mr. Chukwuka, he is of strong character and proven integrity.

“We wish to affirm our support Sir. Chukwuma Paul Chukwuka, we will work assiduously to ensure that victory is secured both at the party primaries and the elections proper come November 18, 2017. We are optimistic that Chukwuma is the best thing that can happen to Anambra state” the statement said.

He reiterated need for Ndi-Anambra to rewrite the perception about Anambra States’ political terrain seen as turbulent by voting en-mass for Sir Chukwuma.

He said; “Anambra 2017 governorship election is coming with different pictures that will change the wrong perceived impressions about Anambra political behaviour. This new change is surfacing with the appearance of some rare gems, who are bouncing into the politicking ring of Anambra political contest and one of these political juggernauts Sir. Chukwuma.

The statement further attested that his integrity and also his capacity as an enviable captain and his articulate disposition, liberal nature singles him out as the focused and oriented governor Anambra people needs.

“For this reason and more, Good Governance Watch are strongly behind him and urges the good people of Anambra to vote massively for him for a better Anambra State.”

The GGW chief in the statement made reference to the true political situation in Anambra state, bemoaning the fact that with all the human and financial resources that Anambra possesses, it is still very sad to note that the state lacks proper direction from the politicians in the state who have lost sense of social decency in their empty quest for political power despite the effort and wisdom of some notable past leaders who strive to save Anambra from possible political explosion.

By Omoba Kenneth Aigbegbele

The great philosopher Aristotle: (384-322BC) said: ‘Every art and every inquiry, and similarly, every action and pursuit, is thought to aim at some good; and for this reason the good has rightly been declared to be that at which all things aim and according to Adams, John Quincy (1767-1840), the Sixth US President Fiat Justitia, Pereat Coelum: My toast would be, may our country be always successful, but whether successful or otherwise, always right.
Buoyed by an innate desire to serve his country at its most critical time, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen, Tukur Yusufu Buratai, has sprung pleasant surprises to most Nigerians and indeed the world in his leadership of the Nigerian Army as he unfolds a new agenda for the soldiers. Since the general took over the reins of power as the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, the popularity rating of the Army has kept souring to high heavens, and virtually at every instance Nigerians have had cause to assess the Army since President Muhammadu Buhari became President of Nigeria. It is now on the lips of every Nigerian and indeed Africans that Gen. Buhari is walking the talk, as a result of the multi-dimensional reforms he introduced and implemented in the service, which have been the redeeming grace as emphasis is on professionalism, discipline, transparency, accountability and subservience to democratic ethos, norms and patriotism. Africans and indeed Nigerians have so much rated the Army very high as a result of the reforms by Gen. Buratai, who has preached and ensured the entrenchment of the ideals of a disciplined army: respect for civil authority and the safeguard of the human rights of Nigerians. These attributes have become the cardinal ethos of the Nigerian Army no matter where they are, within and outside the country. There is no gain-saying that under the able leadership of Buratai the Army has re-invented itself. He embarked on moral and psychological cleansing of the personnel by refreshing their memories on professional ethics through courses and seminars, and Nigeria today parades a level -headed, disciplined and morally upright breed of soldiers. General Buratai is the soldier’s general, some call him the soldier’s soldier, and others call him the gentleman soldier. But one thing that is endearing to all about him is the gentle smile, calmness he beams every time he appears in public and the mien of confidence and competence he exudes. Within the few days of his appointment in July 2015 as COAS, he joined his men in the trenches, and travelled within the different formations and divisions to boost their morale at the fore-front of the battle against terrorism. He dined with the soldiers at the battlefield and on some occasions broke his Ramadan fast in the trenches with the solders, and in a matter of few months with the right strategy the insurgents were decimated, degraded and routed, and territories were recovered from them. He placed loyalty to the state above his personal interest and he truly treated his troops as his blood all in a bid to give them a sense of oneness and togetherness towards the common goal.
In spite of the daunting challenges, he reformed, refocused and repositioned the Nigerian Army for effective combat readiness in tandem with best global practice, and that is why Nigerian Army today is rated the best in Africa. The COAS’ ingenuity resulted in the creation of a motorcycle brigade that was able to deploy rapidly to combat the fighters wherever they are carrying out the attacks, and this led to Nigerians to start believing in the Nigerian army again with several commendations from in and outside the country; today the story is different.
Buratai, is quietly repositioning the Army into the strongest and most formidable army in Africa by his gradual actualization of his blue-print and road-map of making the Army professionally responsive to Nigerians in the discharge of its constitutional roles and assignments. However, today’s crowning heights of this accomplished infantry general started in 1983 when he was commissioned into the Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, after an exhaustive training at the prestigious Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, as a member of the 29th Regular Combat Course. Over the years, Buratai had carved a niche for himself as a no-nonsense soldier, combatant, administrator, commander and an academic genius in military circles. Therefore, when Buratai laces his boots and steps out on the battlefield, he inspires courage and bravery in his foot soldiers. When they reclaimed Nigerian territories captured by Boko Haram terrorists, he re-defined the essence of existence for many communities and thousands of their inhabitants. He is the harbinger of the message of hope and freedom when he visits Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS) at different camps. The Nigerian Army courageously determined and gallantly led the counter-insurgency that has ended terrorism in the North East and Nigeria today. Militancy in the Niger Delta became a torn in the flesh of the people, manifesting in vandalism and bombing of pipelines or facilities by aggrieved groups in the region, which made the national revenue to drop drastically, had been reversed through the timely intervention and handling of ‘Operation Delta Safe’ and ‘Operation Crocodile Smile’ by the Nigerian Army and guided by a philosophy of the highest military strategy.

Nevertheless the armed bandits terrorizing in some parts of Southern Kaduna were also meticulously dealt with earlier this year with the launch of ‘Operation Harbin Kunama 1 and 2. Apart from establishing a military battalion in the area to enhance security, the troops camped and built a strategic command to reduce the menace to the minimum. The general also deserves commendation for the quick response to tackling cattle rustling menace in the North West, resulting in regular altercation between farmers and herdsmen. The cattle rustlers took the northern parts of the country especially the North West as a playground hampering farming and animal husbandry on a scale that had not been seen before. At the height of their criminality, farmers either paid protection fees to be left alone or face the prospect of being robbed of livestock and other valuables. Buratai’s 35 battalion, 3 Brigade and 1 Division, Nigerian Army, smashed the syndicates under ‘Operation Sharan Daji’ where a lot of them were arrested, dislodged and apprehended. In one of the operations in Katsina State, the notorious cattle rustler, Abubakar Muhammed (aka Gora) and his colleagues, Anas Gora and Bello Sani were arrested. The lightning speed with which the Army under General Buratai rounded the rustlers is a clear indication of the battle-ready Army under his command. These criminals did not only challenge the power of the state to dare them, but operated with impunity and moved about unscathed, but the soldiers ended their madness in months and normalcy had been restored. A lot of these terrorists and criminals had been de-radicalized and given new re-orientation by the Nigerian Army so as to live in the society. And a lot of Internally Displaced persons (IDPS) had also relocated to their former homes within the North East region, and the virtual presence of the soldiers within these locations have boosted the confidence of the IDPs to reside peacefully in their homes.
The Army has intermittently embarked on medical treatments of ailing Nigerians in war -torn communities and the IDPs. A lot of sick Nigerians have benefited enormously from the free medical services and distribution of drugs, all funded by the Army which cut across all the regions that have been affected by herdsmen and Boko Haram’s mayhem. As a result of the proactive leadership of the Army a lot of changes have taken place; the war on insurgency is fast becoming a thing of the past, while captured or kidnapped people are being re-united with their people. A lot of Chibok School girls have also been released to their families, while roads and infrastructure facilities, including electricity, have been built by the Army as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Consequently, while defending the Army’s 2017 budget before the National Assembly that internal insecurity in Nigeria has caused the deployment of soldiers on special assignments in 32 out of the 36 states of the federation, this much task, according to the COAS, has translated into over-sapping the energy of Nigerian soldiers in protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria. Even with this situation, the general has shown absolute obedience to professional ethics, ethos, even in the face of public provocation. Buratai’s preaching and submission to the democratic culture and veneration of “Bloody Civilians” caused for the first time in 150 years, the establishment of the Human Rights Desks. Now the Army firmly punishes its deviant men and officers upon receipt of report of misconduct. Under Buratai, Nigerians are enthralled to see the soldiers move into communities on special assignments and they socialize with the host communities instantly, making friends and gathering intelligence that resulted in the establishment of the Directorate of Procurement and Civil-Military Affairs Department for the first time in the history of Nigerian Army. This relationship between the Army and civilians in the host communities had added much impetus to the fight against insurgents and had also strengthen the resolve of soldiers by creating adequate contingency plans to treat wounded soldiers, rehabilitate and reward them and also compensate families left behind by soldiers that had lost their lives in the battle-fronts.
Under his pragmatic leadership, funds meant for procurement, feeding, medicine and payment of allowances for soldiers fighting the war had been judiciously disbursed, and it is noteworthy to also say that the general has compelled every officer serving in Nigerian Army to declare assets with CCB and the Army now has a yearly auditing of its financial accounts to keep with best practice across the globe.
The people’s general, as fondly called, has boosted the morale and ’espirit de corps’ of the Army like never before by the training and re-training of its officers and men. Little wonder the Nigerian Army was voted the ‘Best Army Defence Agency’ by an online poll conducted recently. Nigerians have affirmed ‘their solidarity and support to the Buratai-led Army as the best security agency in the country, which gave its heart and soul in the defence of Nigerians. The 20th Chief of Army Staff had won so many laurels, awards and honours since he was appointed COAS. The African Students Union (ASU) awarded him the ‘African of the Year Award,’ and in the same vein, the editorial board of an online medium voted for his recognition as “Man of the Month (September, 2016).
Recently the Brazilian Army General bestowed the highest ‘Brazilian Military Order of Merit’ - under the orders of President Michel Temer, on the COAS and also the Coalition of Civil Societies and Media Executives for Good Governance in October 27, 2016, an umbrella body of over 150 NGOs in Nigeria, bestowed on Gen. Buratai the ‘Most Distinguished Chief of Army Staff of the Decade,’ but like the general will always say, that the fight cannot be won alone by the Nigerian Army without the support and backing of the government, other security agencies and the civil populace in particular. He requested everyone to continue to partner, collaborate and cooperate with the security agencies despite daunting challenges in “our collective aspiration to keep Nigeria safe, prosperous and a home for all.” Quoting the words of MacNamara recently, he emphasized that “Security is development, without development there is no security and without security, there is no development.” He said in order for meaningful socio-economic development to take place, security must have top priority, and quoting the words of Alcaeus (620-580 BC): “Brave men are a city’s strongest tower of defence,” he encouraged all to support the Nigerian Army.

Omoba Kenneth Aigbegbele is a strategic brand adviser, journalist, and civil society activist, former Media Adviser to the First Lady of Nigeria (2010-2015); Executive Secretary, Citizens Watch Nigeria (CWN) and President, COCMEGG.

If your woman has a big back side and you’re wondering how to navigate it sexually, here are some of the positions to take, as advised by sexologist, Dr. Jill McDevitt…

• The backwards crush: Put one foot up on a chair, which totally opens up your hips and changes the angle from your standard rear entry position. For easy access and safety, keep one foot on the ground. You can also stand in front of a mirror so you both can watch. READ MORE: http://metrodailyng.com/five-sex-positions-women-big-butts/

The murder case of Joy Odama, a 200 Level Student of Cross River State University of Technology (CRUTECH), last week took a new twist as a Non Governmental Organisation, Basic Rights Enlightenment Foundation (BREF), raises alarm over alleged moves by the Nigerian Police to change witnesses’ statement earlier made. READ MORE: http://metrodailyng.com/joy-odama-ngo-raises-alarm-police-moves-change-witnesses-statements/

The President of the International Nations Commercial Association in Turkey, Abdulkadir Erkahraman has visited the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, in his home town in Isiama Afara, Umuahia, Abia State. READ MORE: http://metrodailyng.com/turkish-diplomat-visits-leader-ipob-nnamdi-kanu-photos/

A pro-democracy and civil rights transparency NGO has applauded the socio-economic reengineering and developmental strides on security, roads infrastructure, education, housing, health care and youth empowerment presently taking place in Anambra State under the indefatigable Governor, Chief Willie Obiano.
Citizens Watch Nigeria (CWN) commends the development oriented governor for his proactive and people oriented policies and programmes and for making agriculture its cardinal focus and pillar that has made the state a rousing model and example in the comity of states.

A press release signed by the Executive Secretary, Omoba Kenneth Aigbegbele, praised the substantial and huge investments made on agriculture by the state as one policy too far, which has made the state today an exporter of rice as a result of enormous expansion in the cultivation of the commodity for consumption and export.

These have really boosted the economy of the state at this time of recession, while Anambra is the one of few states in Nigeria not owing civil servants backlog of salaries due to the foresight, transparency and managerial capacity of the governor. It is on record that the state is now an investment hub for both local and foreign investors which has led to the growth of local industries and internally generated revenue for the state and has opened up access roads to both rural and urban areas built by the state government.

As a result of the growth of economic activities and for the security of lives and property, the state government has acquired more than 10 sophisticated modern fire-fighting trucks to boost the activities of the state fire service and also provided patrol vehicles and security accoutrements to the police and other security agencies in the state to curb crime.

According to the Executive Secretary, the high premium placed on education by Chief Willie Obiano knows no bounds, as he has consistently upgraded existing structures and the building of primary, tertiary institutions that are not lacking in infrastructural facilities and also commissioning modern laboratories so that Anambra state can best compete with their counterpart.

The governor’s 12 enablers in his economic blue print of Anambra of our Dreams, has become a reference point in Nigeria for others to emulate, as from the onset his cabinet has carefully articulated the vision and mission statement of the administration to make Anambra state become the first choice investment destination and hub for industrialization and commercial activities and to a large extent, the governor has achieved these with a commendable economic rejuvenation policy that has made the state, the issue on everybody’s lip today and by operating an open door policy that best suits the grassroots for development and the signing of MOU recently for the building of cargo terminal that will open up the state for employment generation and make it an economic hub of activities in the country.

We endorse his transparent legacies for a modern day state and passes a vote of confidence on the present administration for its policies and called on Anambrarians to support his second term bid as a man who has the interest and development of his people at heart; little wonder the accolades and laurels from far and wide which has endeared Governor Obiano to Nigerians as a shining symbol.

A socio political group under the auspices of Media Rights Agenda (MRA) over the weekend decry the hatchet plan by some individuals who are hell bent dragging former Director General of PENCOM Mrs. Chinelo Anohu – Amazu’s name into public ridicule and odium.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Com. Ishola Ishaka said there are calculated clandestine motives by fifth columnists, mischief makers and agent provocateurs, who have been holding secret meetings at different locations across the length and breadth of Abuja and Lagos respectively to smear the hard earned reputation of the former Director General of Pencom, Mrs. Chinelo Anohu – Amazu.

The statement:

The attention of the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has been drawn to this orchestrated gang up by fifth columnists and disgruntled persons who have an axe to grind with the former DG by digging up an act passed by the former President and the National Assembly to appoint and confirm the former DG of Pencom and make it look as if there is more to it than meet the eyes. They are hell -bent to tarnish the hard earned reputation of Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu who has served the country meritoriously all these years and have shattered the glass ceiling by raising the bar and building investors confidence including paying pensioners as at when due with the cooperation of the present administration.
Media Rights Agenda (MRA) stumbled on a hatchet plan by this disgruntled elements who are envious of her achievements as Pencom DG and are hell bent to settle personal scores while having an axe to grind by dragging her name into public ridicule and odium. Following the above, we are compelled to issue the following statements.
1. That the appointment of the former DG was done in regards to all known laws and principles including equity and justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. That the former President and 7th Senate worked harmoniously in reducing the age limit of an occupant of the office of the DG for merit and competence to assume the office. That the former President and then National Assembly took into cognizance the professional competence, education and experience over age to appoint Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu. MRA called on Nigerians and the international community to disregard the hatchet plot by mischief makers who are envious of the rising profile of the former DG and therefore disregard all the orchestrated media attacks that would be used in the coming days ahead. Nigerians are hereby forewarned of such innuendos.
2. Our investigations revealed that the concocted plan and orchestration is to change and twist the story in public domain, to make it look as if she was appointed from the back door and to also change what transpired between the executive and the legislator in her appointment as the former DG. We have reliably gathered that the hatchet job is to taint and paint what transpired then to assume a new dimension whereas there was nothing of such.
3. MRA views the clandestine plot by the enemies of progress and fifth columnists as mischievous and false with an intent to smear the name of the former DG due to her zero tolerance for corruption and her hard stance not to compromise the pension industry while holding sway as the DG then.
4. MRA urge Nigerians and the media not to be used by the fifth columnists in this mischievous agenda and plot to bring down the name of a youthful Nigerian technocrat who has grown the pension industry from 2.5 trillion fund assets base to 6.5 trillion in less than three years in office. That her achievement speaks volume and as such well -meaning Nigerians should disregard the plot in all its entirety.
5. MRA condemns in strongest terms the plot by media houses who lent their medium to be used by these mischief makers for such hatchet job to denigrate and disparage a woman of substance who have paid her dues forthrightly by turning around the moribund pension industry to what we have today.
6. MRA is sending a note caution and warning to the hatchet jobbers and traducers to desist from denigrating the name of the former DG and advised Nigerians to disregard and distance themselves from these self serving plot to smear the name of Mrs. Chinelo Anohu – Amazu and the National Assembly members who have sacrificed their lives for the growth of the country.
Signed:
Com. Ishola Ishaka
National Coordinator, MRA

By Thomas Olusola

When Nigerians and in fact Kogi State as an entity is about to heave a sigh of relief following the nomination of Professor Stephen Ocheni by President Muhammadu Buhari to represent the state in the federal executive council, some handful mischief makers whose ambition is their stomach and what they will get in the state have decided to pull back the hands of the clock. READ MORE: http://metrodailyng.com/re-kogi-apcs-petition-agonist-prof-stephen-ocheni-matters-arising/

The three key issues that constitute the topic of this presentation – Unity, Diversity and National Development – are among Nigeria’s greatest challenges. Unity has been a scarce commodity among our country’s diverse peoples and communities, as a consequence of the way and manner the country was put together by British colonial authorities and our collective failure as a people to create: READ MORE http://metrodailyng.com/nigeria-crossroads-atiku-abubakar/

The last has not been heard about the upcoming Anambra State governorship election billed for November 2019.
A group, Good Governance Watch, noted for its grassroot support for candidates at every election, has thrown its weight behind the candidacy of Chukwuma Paul Chukwuka , an aspirant under the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC.
In a statement by its National Coordinator, Chief Solomon Ejike, it described Chukwuma as someone with unblemished record. It stated that among all the contenders for the position under the platform of the ruling APC, none has the track record of unblemished success like him.
“Anambra State cannot afford anything less in terms of the right candidate for the position of governor. The path set by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC is such that Chukwuma is the only one who the cap fits. We have seen his track record over the years and have decided to publicly endorse him.”
Chief Ejike said the group has decided to support the aspirant because they believe the youths and people of Anambra will benefit from his wealth of experience; more so as he has demonstrated uncommon commitment to the growth of the state.
The group therefore called on the leadership of APC both at the state and national level to lay aside every sentiment leading to primaries in order to ensure that the right candidate emerges to contest against any other candidate from another party.

The removal of the 23 heads of MDA’s and parastatals few days ago has generated a lot of hue and cry and also elicited support from Nigerians who condemned the sack especially the disengagement of Mrs Chinelo Anohu Amazu, the Pencom DG for having repositioned and transformed the hitherto moribund industry from 2.5 trillion to 6.5 trillion fund assets base in less than three years in office.
Due to the prevailing scenarios and outcry greeted by her ouster and the denouncement by stakeholders, pensioners and industry watchers of the enormous achievements of the Pencom DG and how she was kicked out without following due process, a lot of stakeholders and industry watchers have taken to the media to vent their anger across the length and breadth of Nigeria condemning in strong terms the sack abruptly ending the good governance practice at Pencom.
After monitoring the television interview granted by the SSA on Prosecution to Mr. President, Okoi Obla and Barr. Joshua Enweliku, a legal practitioner on Sunrise programme on Channels Television today, it appears that Mr Obla is unaware of the circumstances at Pencom and should do his research.
In a press release signed by Obong Emma Okon, National Coordinator, Conscience of Nigerian Pensioners (CNP),he endorsed and gave a pass mark/vote of confidence on the former DG for her gigantic remarkable achievements in revamping the pension industry and paying pensioners as at when due but warned against fifth columnists who are peddling falsehood. He added that the former DG brought development to the industry and also boost investors’ confidence including being a source of inspiration to the youths of Nigeria for her hard work and forthrightness, having condemned the way she was removed contrary to the laid down rules and ethics \ acts as stipulated in the Pencom Reform Act of 2014 of disengaging the DG and Commissioners.
That the story being peddled in the media are not the true facts but tissues of lies designed to tarnish the hard earned reputation and achievements of the proactive DG and therefore stated as follows: ‘’The former DG Mrs Chinelo Anohu Amazu did not refuse to leave office but only heard about her removal in the social media without a letter issued to her or written. That she is happy serving her fatherland meritoriously all these years and will be happy to serve in higher capacity if the need arises. According to the release that a letter of disengagement signed by Dr. Habiba Lawal on behalf of the SGF that arrived at about 5.45pmon Friday 21st April, 2017, instructing her to handover to the most senior officer in the Commission which she immediately did and sent on Monday 24th April, 2017, to Mrs Aisha Mustapha who happens to be the most senior officer and whom has since resumed duties and taken charge of the Commission’’.
Our source said that immediately she heard of the announcement in the evening of 13th April , 2017, she sent the company’s secretary/legal adviser to the SGF’s office to collect the letter of disengagement but was informed the letter was not ready. Prior to that, she called her senior management staff to inform them of her removal and also inform them that they should prepare their handover notes and that she was still awaiting her letter to know who she was to handover to. That ordinarily if the letter didn’t come before the announcement on social media, that the letter would have come on the next working day because the DG cannot vacate such a sensitive office not because of her personal interest but in the interest of government and continuity. That why she was still going to the office was to follow due process and rule of law, so as not to leave a vacuum as certain people might take advantage to perpetrate acts against the organization.
According to our source, that the presence of the DSS at Pencom is not because of the removal of the DG, but they are there to protect the organization, maintain law and order and also prevent any acts of lawlessness that will affect the company negatively and that the DG is someone who has carved a niche for herself.
Investigations reaching us are that the ‘’former DG was full of gratitude to Mr President for having served all these years meritoriously at the commission, right from the inception of drafting of the act, becoming the company’s legal adviser before being made the Director General’’. That she was grateful to ‘Mr President for the enormous love, support, encouragement and fatherly figure showed her and even went further to praise him for his patriotic interest in the plight of pensioners and therefore asked the staff to support and join hands with the incoming management to move the industry forward.’
The National Coordinator however thanked Mr President for ensuring that pensioners are paid as at when due and commended the former DG for her sacrifice and reforms at Pencom and wishes her well in her future endeavours and called on Nigerians to join hands with the present administration to move the nation forward.

President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption crusade has been rejuvenated, following the sack of Engr. Babachir Lawal, Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

His removal has been applauded from far and wide. It has rekindled the hopes of Nigerians on President Muhammadu Buhari’s resolve to salvage Nigeria from the clutches of corrupt public officials in high places.

In a press release made available to newsmen in Abuja yesterday by an anti-corruption pressure-group, Coalition of Civil Societies and Media Executives for Good Governance (COCMEGG) and jointly signed by Omoba Kenneth Aigbegbele and Comrade James Okoronkwo, President and Secretary respectively, the group stated that Engr.

Babachir Lawal, the disgraced secretary to the government of the federation almost jeopardized President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-graft war through his corrupt tendencies within the period he was in office, lauding the President for shoving him out of office.

Quoting unconfirmed Aso Rock Villa sources, the group noted that the SGF’s ouster may not be unconnected with the recent removal of the heads of parastatals and MDA’s saying that “Nigerians were particularly pained with the unceremonious removal from office of the Director-General of National Pension Commission (PENCOM) Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu whose tenure witnessed an unprecedented revival of the ailing pension industry whose pension fund asset base was hitherto at 2.5 trillion naira but was grown to 6.5 trillion in less than four years in office. The erstwhile DG according to the group has renewed the confidence of public sector workers and the investing public thereby growing the economy at a period Nigerians are groaning with economic recession.

Furthermore, the group remarked that the transparent leadership of Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu has made the pension industry the darling of investors in Nigeria by raising the standard and breaking barriers from zero level when the industry started to an enviable height worth trillions of naira in capital/asset base due to the prudent and good governance practice of the management.

In addition, the contributing pension scheme which the Pencom DG innovated facilitated the development of the corporate bond market as well as grew Nigerian mortgage refinancing company to 50 billion naira. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu according to the group also increased corporate governance in companies where pension funds have been invested.

The group regretted that she was ill-treated because of her gender and origin being from the marginalized south-east geopolitical zone, appealing to President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately reinstate her as her patriotic disposition to the president’s anti-corruption may have rankled the cabal who recently announced her removal from office without following due process. COCMEGG also believes that her removal was hatched by the cabal to bring their cronies to loot the treasury of not only PENCOM but the entire industry. The group passed a vote of confidence on President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption crusade, urging him not to relent in his avowed commitment to rid our public service of corrupt elements.


Finally, the group noted that the purported removal of Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu as the Director General of PENCOM is mired in illegality and controversy as according to them, no letter has been transmitted to her. It stated that the recent sack of the heads of MDAs/Parastatals is illegal and therefore cannot stand because the author of the bizarre carried out the clandestine act without the blessing of Mr. President

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Aggrieved workers of the National Pension Commission (PenCom) have given President Muhammadu Buhari to reverse the sack of the Commission’s Director-General, Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu. READ MORE: http://metrodailyng.com/pencom-dgs-sack-staff-allege-ethnic-politics-threaten-showdown/

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Following the unceremonious and sudden removal of the Director General
of National Pension Commission (PENCOM) Mrs. ChineloAnohu-Amazu, the
staff of the organization has threatened to down tools if she is not
recalled immediately. According to our sources, Mrs.
ChineloAnohu-Amazu ouster is politically motivated because she turned
the moribund pension industry which before her appointment was a
cesspool of corruption. Within her short stay in office, the Pencom DG
has revived and repositioned our ailing pension sector, having grown
the capital base to over 6 trillion naira.

Industry operators are worried that her sudden removal will destroy
the sector and jeopardize the confidence of pensioners in the system
and stifle investors’ confidence in the pension industry. At a time,
our country is witnessing economic recession, the pension industry has
given our financial system a boost by ensuring that pensioners collect
their entitlements as at when due. It has also rekindled the hopes and
aspirations of workers, investors and shareholders including growing
the economy for the much needed relief.

According to the staff, the recently announced change of baton by the
federal government does not follow due process because before the
incumbent head of Pencom is relieved of his/her appointment, he/she
ought to informedbeforehand. That industry operators are worried that
the recent appointment of the new helmsman runs contrary to the spirit
and letters of Section 21(1) and (2) of the Pension Reform Act, 2014,
and therefore his appointment is null and void. That ordinarily and
statutorily, the former DG ought to be informed of her removal either
formally by the authorities, but sadly in her own case the reverse is
the case.

Our source is also worried despite the superlative performance by the
former DG, she is being crucified because she is a woman and from the
South East geopolitical zone. It is also believed in certain quarters
that certain cabal whose concern is to feather their selfish interest
is taking advantage of Mr. President’s ill-health to feather their
nest.

The staffs are also of the opinion that during the tenure of the
immediate past DG, the organization witnessed an unprecedented boost
in staff welfare and morale including human capital development and
confidence in the pension regulation of the country. Our sources also
emphasized that her zero-tolerance for corruption may have led to her
ouster and as some vested interest keen on hijacking the key agencies
of government were unhappy with her transparency and dogged commitment
to President MuhammaduBuhari’s crusade against corruption. Observers
also believe that she may have incurred the wrath of the cabals who
have taken over the reins of government.

Nigerians are of the view that the recent change of baton is shallow
and not in tandem with President MuhammaduBuhari’s avowed commitment
to a corrupt-free Nigeria where the wishes and aspirations of teeming
Nigerians who believe that the youths are leaders of tomorrow should
be given opportunity to prove their mettle as evidenced by
ChineloAnohu’s sterling stewardship of Pencom.

According to industry watchers, the said appointment of a new Director
General runs foul of all known principles and ethics of best
management practice as operators are now been made the regulators by
this new appointment. This is fraught with irregularities as the new
helmsman will compromise his office to further their selfish interest.
It is also on this premise, that the staff, industry operators and
stakeholders are aggrieved that the said new appointee does not have
the pre-requisite qualifications and experience to continue the
massive transformation of Pencom by the immediate past helmsman whose
sole ambition was to drive the industry to the greatest height in the
world.

In the same vein, a pensioner lamented their fate saying after a woman
of substance and impeccable character has been removed before her
tenure. That, what is the hope of retirees and pensioners in Nigeria
now the wolves have taken over the pension sector? Industry watchers
are of the opinion that the highest level of management dexterity and
patriotism exhibited by Mrs. Anohu has been rubbished by her sudden
removal.

Finally, the staff threatened and gave a 48 hours ultimatum to the
Federal Government to recall the former Director General or face grave
consequences

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Former governor of Nasarawa State Alhaji Akwe Doma, the former Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Timothy Anjide and former Accountant General Dauda Egwa have prayed a Federal High court in Lafia to discharge and acquit them in the money laundering charges files against them by the federal government.
The Federal Government through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had slammed a 10 count charge of money laundering on the defendants. ‎
After nearly seven years of legal fireworks, the prosecution brought its case to a close, after it called nine 9 witnesses and tendered several documents majorly payment vouchers issued during the tenure of the defendants in the performance of their lawful duties.
It would be recalled that the prosecution witnesses during cross-examination admitted that all the payment vouchers were pre & post audited in line with the relevant financial regulations and there was no audit query on any of the vouchers.
Specifically, the 9th prosecution witness who is an operative of the EFCC and was involved in investigation also admitted that none of the alleged funds was traced to the defendants, their family members or any company associated to them.
Consequently, the defendants' lead counsel, Mr. OLalekan Ojo made a no-case-submission to the trial judge, Justice Agatha Okeke.
A no-case-submission is an application filed by a defendant to show the court that the prosecution has not linked him or her to the commission of the offense contained in the charge.
Arguing the application on March 15, counsel to Akwe Doma, Mr. Ojo submitted that the prosecution had not established a prima-facie case against his client.
According to Ojo, the defendants no case submission was in line with the provisions of Section 303 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act that requires “sufficient evidence” in establishing a prima facie case against the defendants.
"We, therefore, submit with respect that up to the close of the case of the prosecution, neither the prosecution through any of its witnesses, (PW1 to PW9) nor by documentary evidence has established any prima facie case of criminal conversion of the alleged sums against the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants. All the prosecution witnesses called, did not in any way link the 1st, 2nd and 3rddefendants to the alleged offence during their tenure as the Governor of Nasarawa State, the secretary to the state government and the accountant-general of Nasarawa State between May 2007 and May, 2011.
"Indeed, PW9 emphatically stated under cross examination, in the proceedings of 28th February, 2017, that none of the funds that are subject of this case was linked or traced to the personal accounts of the defendants or to the accounts of any company connected to the defendants," Ojo said.
‎Meanwhile, Justice Okeke adjourned the suit till 27th March 2017 for ruling on the No-case-submission.

By: Angula Jessica
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