President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the incoming Ministers would be giving targets to work with, Igbere TV reports.
Igbere TV had reported that the Ministers-designate would be officially sworn in and issued portfolios next week.
Disclosing the latest development via his verified Twitter handle, Buhari said such targets would be tied to each Minister's portfolio.
Igbere TV reports that the President added that the implementation of each target would be monitored by Office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation.
He was, however, silent on whether the Ministers would be sacked if they fail to meet such targets or not.
“The incoming Ministers, who will be sworn in next week, will receive clear implementation targets tied to their portfolios”, he said.
“We will ensure these targets are complied with; performance will be monitored by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation”, Buhari added.
Wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari has departed Saudi Arabia for Nigeria, Igbere TV reports.
Igbere TV had reported that the First Lady was in in the Asian country to observe the 2019 Hajj.
She was filmed in Mecca stoning the “devil” in a video sighted on her Instagram page by Igbere TV.
The stoning the “devil” rite always follows after leaving mount Arafat where Muslims seek for forgiveness.
Aside the Nigeria's First Lady, other notable Nigerian politicians were also spotted in Saudi for 2019 Hajj.
President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan; Speaker of the House Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; and the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Muhammed, were among such pilgrims, reports Igbere TV.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo has berated Senator Shehu Sani for calling on the All Progressives Congress (APC) to zone 2023 Presidency to the South-West, Igbere TV reports.
Igbere TV reports that the group said the South-East deserves the Nigeria number one position, having not produced a President before now.
The former Senator representing Kaduna Central had called on the ruling party to zone the Presidency to the South-West in 2023, while making a case for the APC national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
But in a statement made available to Igbere TV by Spokesman of the group, Chuks Ibegbu, he noted that “this type of thinking is responsible for the current state of the nation”.
According to him, “after the North, it’s the turn of the South-East to produce the next President.”
Ibegbu also accused the Nigeria army, the police and other security agents of impunity, which he said led to the Taraba shooting, the killing of Shiite members in Zaria, pro-Biafra activists and hundreds of innocent Nigerian citizens across the country.
“Unfortunately our so-called politicians care less over these killings and are only interested in their pockets and positions”, he said.
He warned of the consequences of impunity and called on the judiciary to discharge their duty “by sending killers to jail,” noting, “many hoodlums and killers were recruited into our security forces and we are paying for it now.”
A Lagos State Customary Court has dissolved a 35-year-old marriage between a husband and wife over alleged defamation of character, Igbere TV reports.
Igbere TV gathered the names of the couple, on Wednesday, as Mr Abolore Lawal and Ms Shakirat (both of Lagos residents).
According to a statement in the Court sighted by Igbere TV, Lawal said his wife, with whom he has had three children, maligned his reputation by calling him a “thief.”
He said the wife made the “false allegations” against him in the presence of his co-workers.
“She accused me of embezzling money meant for payment of arrears and promotion, which was not true,” he wrote.
The 57-year-old father of three also said that his wife also accused him of infidelity.
“I have never been unfaithful to my wife but she keeps accusing me of extra martial affairs”, Lawal added.
He, therefore, urged the court to dissolve their marriage, insisting that he was no longer interested and that the love he once had for his wife had faded.
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, President of the Court, Adeniyi Koledoye, said the estranged couple showed signs that they were tired of the marriage.
“The respondent did not appear in court in person to defend the accusations raised by the petitioner”, he said.
“It is sad that the marriage that has produced young children in which the couple should be enjoying with their grand children, now found displeasure in each other.
“Since both parties consented to the dissolution of their marriage, this court has no choice than to dissolve the marriage”, the Court added.
“The court hereby pronounces the marriage between Rahman Lawal and Shakirat, dissolved today, both of you henceforth cease to be husband and wife.
“Each of you should go on his or her separate ways unmolested, the court wishes both of you well in your future endeavor”, Judge Koledoye concluded.
The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) better known as Shiites, has alleged that their leader, Ibraheem El-Zakzaky and wife, Zeenat, are no longer safe at the Indian hospital where they are undergoing treatment, Igbere TV reports.
Igbere TV had reported that the cleric and his wife were flown to India on Monday following a Kaduna Court ruling last week after many years in detention.
The group on Wednesday said information reaching them was that El-Zakzaky was given two hours ultimatum by the Nigerian government to sign and agree that he was a criminal before any doctor would attend to him.
Addressing journalists in Abuja at a press conference monitored by Igbere TV, the Secretary General, Academic Forum of IMN, Abdullahi Muhammad Musa, alleged that the Nigerian government through the security operatives that escorted them to India “acted in contrary” to what was earlier stated in the Kaduna High Court.
He said the government had “devised” new types of plots to frustrate his (El-Zakzaky’s) doctors from offering emergency treatment to them.
According to him, the operatives refused to allow the doctors the cleric requested to treat him and his wife.
“Sheikh Zakzaky in an audio clip from the hospital indicated that the security agents are colluding with foreign security agents believed to be working for the interest of America government thereby violating the Nigerian court ruling.
“Even before he arrived at the hospital, we gathered from a competent source that officials of the American embassy in India instructed management of the hospital not to admit Sheikh there for the treatment.
“The source added that even as the doctors were enthusiastically waiting to receive the Sheikh to save his life, the American secret agents have threatened the hospital officials not to go ahead to treat the Sheikh at the hospital.
“It is mandatory for the Nigerian government to immediately do the needful and allow Sheikh Zakzaky to see his doctors and shun all interests of any entity that does not care for the well being of Nigeria and humanity at large,” he said.
He, therefore, called on the international community and all those who facilitated El-Zakzaky’s travelling to India for treatment to prevail on the Federal Government to “stop playing with his life”.
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has disclosed that the cold war between him and his predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, would soon be over, Igbere TV reports.
He disclosed that he has met with Oshiomhole and that efforts are being made to resolve issues which he said were created by third parties in the state.
Igbere TV reports that the governor gave this indication on Monday, when he called at the Iyamho residence of the former Labour leader and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In his special Sallah message to the Muslim community, Obaseki had enjoined all citizens to eschew bitterness and rancour and work for the development of all of Edo State.
The governor may have demonstrated this with his visit to the Party Chairman and his mother, Hajia Aishetu Oshiomole, in spite of the obvious differences between both men.
During the visit, Governor Obaseki expressed his delight at the support he received from the Muslim community and reiterated his commitment to the transformation of Edo State and the empowerment of all its people.
Igbere TV reliably gathered that the visit was facilitated by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, who doubles as Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum; and his Kaduna State counterpart, Nasiru El-Rufai.
The trio are part of the Peace Committee constituted by President Muhammadu Buhari in his efforts in seeing that all issues surrounding the crisis are addressed.
A member of the Peace Committee told Igbere TV authoritatively that efforts are on top gear to ensure that all grey areas are addressed ahead Edo 2020.
“We had to make him (Obaseki) see reasons for the peace moves. We went to see the National Chairman uninvited, we know he won't reject us since it's a festive (Sallah) season and Sallah means peace”, he said.
He was, however, silence when asked if Obaseki would be issuing a fresh proclamation for the Edo State House of Assembly, with the recent moves.
Those in the governor's visiting team include the Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu; Secretary to State Government, Osarodion Ogie; Chief of Staff, Taiwo Akerele; Edo APC Chairman, Anselm Ojezua; Speaker of the Edo state of Assembly and some lawmakers in the state.
Watch the movement Obaseki’s convoy drove into the former governor’s compound and exclusive pictures from the visit, as obtained by Igbere TV.
ABUJA — The efforts by Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Kalu to see an end to erosion problems in Abia State, has finally paid off following intervention moves by the Federal Government, Igbere TV reports.
Kalu representing Abia North Senatorial District, had sought FG’s intervention in the state following the level of damages done by erosion in some parts of his Constituency.
In a letter exclusively obtained by Igbere TV, entitled: “Request For Urgent Intervention in the Erosion Prone Areas of my Senatorial District”, the former governor had written specifically to Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to Government of the Federation, SGF.
A response letter from the Federal Government through the Ecological Fund Management Committee, showed that the government had graciously approved the request.
“I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated 10th July 2019, on the above subject matter and to inform you that your request has been captured in Ecological Fund Office data bank for further necessary action”, the acknowledgement letter partly read.
The letter dated July 18, was signed by Engr. F. O. Okeke, the Director, Soil Erosion and Flood Control Department, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ecological Fund Office.
A follow-up letter by the Abia North Senator, dated July 18 and addressed to the SGF, further revealed that the Federal Government had captured the affected areas in its projects.
“You may wish to recall following my request on the above subject matter in your organisation which has duly been captured in the Ecological Fund Office data bank...”, the letter read in part.
While thanking the SGF for his support, the two-time Governor of Abia further requested for approval of more erosion prone areas in future projects.
“I write to request for your urgent intervention, as erosion has continuously ravaged and devastated the entire Senatorial district with total near collapse on the affected areas which are: (a) Abiriba and Ohafia Highway in Ohafia LGA; (b) Elu/Amaekpu/Ugwueobenzu Hospital Road Ohafia LGA; (c) Nkporo Ubibia Itumbuzo Ring Road; (d) Bende Town, Bende LGA.
“I further solicit for your kind intervention to save the sinking communities by approving the reconstruction of these gully affected areas in the next intervention budget”, Senator Kalu wrote.
“I look forward to meeting you in person to explain in details the deteriorating state of my Senatorial district.
“Please find attached photocopy of the intervention request letter from the Ecological Fund Office”, the Senate Chief Whip concluded.
“Thank you and please accept my warm regards from me and my family.”
The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, on Monday, marked the 30th anniversary of the death of football star, Samuel Okwaraji, Igbere TV reports.
Igbere TV reports that Okwaraji died while playing for Nigeria at the National Stadium, Surulere, August 12, 1989.
NFF shared a video in memory of the late footballer, in a tweet obtained by Igbere TV from @theNFF.
“We still feel and respect the labours of our heroes past, and we want to say today, being the 30th year that Late Okwaraji passed on while playing, we still feel the sacrifice and patriotism that he showed, playing for this great country. And we have learnt great lessons from that patriot, even as we continue to use his attitude to guide young talents”, Amaju Pinnick, president of NFF said in the video.
“It’s been 30 years since this real and true Nigerian Patriot passed on while on duty for the country. Keep resting in peace, Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji. #WeRememberSam”, the tweet further read.
Apart from being a footballer, who played for Nigeria, Okwaraji was also a lawyer who had Masters in International Law from the Pontifical Lateran University, Rome.
Born on May 19, 1964, Okwaraji died on the field after suffering heart attack, as the Ambulance brought in to evacuate him reportedly refused to start.
Nigeria has lost yet another pilgrim to the cold hand of death in far away Saudi Arabia, Igbere TV reports.
Igbere TV gathered that the victim died while attempting to rescue another pilgrim after carrying out the first throwing of pebbles at Jamarat.
This brings the total number of deaths involving Nigerian pilgrims, so far, to six.
Igbere TV had reported that two Lagos female pilgrims slumped while on their way to Jamarat, but one of them survived while the other gave up the ghost before getting to the hospital.
The latest victim, whose name is Lawal Mulikat Shade, 56, is a native of Ikirun, Osun State.
“She came for the Hajj through Oshodi-Isolo Local Council Development Area with Passport Number A09878948”, an Hajj official, who confirmed the incident, told Igbere TV.
According to medical report, the late pilgrim was hypertensive.
Dr. Hakeem Abdul-Lateef, another Hajj official who collaborated the report, said the board was working with Saudi authority and the deceased family for burial arrangements at Masjid Al Haram, Mecca.
The Saudi Ministry of Health had earlier said it established more than 16 health centres in the Jamarat area to provide health care to the stone throwers.
While praying for the repose of the soul, Dr. Abdul-Lateef cautioned stone throwers who are incapacitated as a result of health challenges, to send fellow pilgrims to do so on their behalf.
EXCLUSIVE: Buhari drops Ita Enang as National Assembly aide, picks replacement
President Muhammadu Buhari has dropped Ita Enang as his aide on National Assembly Matters (Senate), PREMIUM TIMES has learnt.
Mr Enang, a former senator from Akwa Ibom state, was appointed a special adviser to Mr Buhari during the president’s first term.
He has continued to act in that capacity in Mr Buhari’s second term, even when his appointment, like that of several other aides, has not been renewed.
A source close to the Presidency told PREMIUM TIMES, Sunday evening, that President Buhari has dropped Mr Enang as his aide on National Assembly Matters.
The president has picked Omoworare Babajide, a former senator from Osun state, as Mr Enang’s replacement, the source said.
The belief in the Presidency is that Mr Enang did not perform well in managing the relationship between President Buhari and senators in the eighth Senate, despite being a former senator himself, PREMIUM TIMES learnt.
The relationship between President Buhari and the Bukola Saraki-led Senate was characterised by deep animosity.
Mr Saraki was elected a senator in 2015 under the same party — the All Progressives Congress — with Mr Buhari, but the two parted ways politically.
Mr Saraki later defected to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and became a critic of the Buhari administration.
“He (Enang) didn’t have the temperament to deliver anything substantial,” the source said of Mr Enang’s performance as Mr Buhari’s aide.
“Despite the experience he has and the senators being his former colleagues, he could not resolve the frequent crisis the senators were having with the president.”
The source said Mr Enang may, however, be compensated with another position – possibly the president’s adviser on Niger Delta matters.
The new appointment is among those to be announced this week by the presidency.
Mr Enang’s spokesperson, Essien Inyang, told PREMIUM TIMES on Monday he was not aware the former senator had been dropped by the president.
The Presidency did not respond to telephone calls on Monday seeking comments.
Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to declare a state of emergency due to the security challenges facing the country, Igbere TV reports.
According to him, the state of emergency once declared, will enable the federal government squarely tackle the high rate of insecurity in Nigeria.
Igbere TV reports that Soyinka made the call on Thursday in Akure, Ondo State capital, at a Conference held to celebrate his 85th birthday, tagged: “Wole Soyinka, DO Fagunwa and the Yoruba Artistic Heritage.”
The Nobel Laureate also said that the most appropriate measure to take in view of the insecurity ravaging the whole of South West was to declare a state of emergency across the region.
“As regards the insecurity in the South West, there is an emergency. There should be a declaration of security emergency throughout the land and measures taken accordingly”, he said.
“There are many directions of security lapses, you know it here, especially in Ondo State, it is a calamity throughout the whole nation. There is an emergency,” Soyinka added.
Prof. Soyinka said that governors, especially those in the South West geo-political zone, must work assiduously toward tackling the menace of insecurity.
He expressed gratitude to Ondo State Government for celebrating his 85th birthday and the completion of the ‘Dome’ which he said was meant to celebrate art and culture.
Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, on Thursday, paid a visit to the family of late Chimaobi Uzoukwa who was shot dead by a soldier in Aba, Igbere TV reports.
Igbere TV had reported that Nwaogu, a 'Keke' driver, was killed by soldiers stationed in the Ogborhill axis of Aba for allegedly failing to give N100 bribe.
Already, the Nigerian Army (NA) has arrested the killer solider who shot and killed the motorcyclist, even though the NA earlier denied the involvement of its men.
The killer solder, Igbere TV learnt, was arrested with two other soldiers at the Ohanze army check point in Obingwa.
The solider identified simply as Aliyu was arrested alongside two other of his colleagues who were on duty when the incident took place.
Governor Ikpeazu, during the visit, promised to take care of the welfare of the deceased’ infant children and the immediate family.
The Nigerian Army has arrested the killer solider who shot and killed a motorcyclist in Aba, the commercial city of Abia State, Igbere TV reports.
Igbere TV had reported that a 'Keke' driver, identified as Mr. Chimaobi Nwaogu, was “killed” by soldiers stationed in the Ogborhill axis of Aba for failing to give N100 bribe. Though the NA had initially denied involvement of its men.
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has, however, visited the family of the deceased to commiserate with them over the loss of their son.
The killer solder, Igbere TV learnt, was arrested with two other soldiers at the Ohanze Army Check point in Obingwa, Abia State.
Prophet Chukwuemeka Odumeje of the Lion of Mountain of Holy Ghost Intervention Deliverance, has set Monday, August 19, 2019, to walk on water, Igbere TV reports.
Igbere TV reports that the Anambra based controversial clergyman says he hope to achieve the feat just like Jesus Christ did in the Holy Bible.
Chukwuemeka who has come under several attack over his style of worship, says he will replicate Jesus Christ walking on water Miracle at the River Niger in Onitsha.
Igbere TV learned that he also invited journalists and the general public to come and witness the event live on 19th August, 2019.
Reno Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has berated the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for not arresting President Muhammadu Buhari over his WAEC certificate.
Igbere TV reports that Omokri, a strong critic of the Buhari administration, also attacked the president over the controversies surrounding his certificate, comparing him to ‘Yahoo boys.’
He said the EFCC is quick in arresting fraudsters who use fake pictures to deceive women in romance scams but overlooks Buhari, who, according to him, uses a picture to deceive Nigerians that he has a WAEC/GCE Certificate.
Omokri, who shared an image of President Buhari with his colleagues during his days at Cambridge School, wondered how the president could not preserve his WAEC certificate but was able keep pictures.
Omokri tweeted, “General @MBuhari, how come you were able to keep this PICTURE, but you were not able to keep your CERTIFICATE.
“What type of country is this? TERMITES ate the Chief Justice’s CERTIFICATE and a PICTURE represents the President’s CERTIFICATE! #BuhariIsAYahooMan.”
Comparing the President to Yahoo boys, the former presidential aide, added, “@OfficialEFCC arrests Yahoo boys who use fake pictures to deceive women in romance scams.
“But what about a Yahoo General who uses a picture to deceive Nigerians that he has a WAEC/GCE Certificate? General @MBuhari, where is your certificate? #BuhariIsAYahooMan.”
Tension is currently mounting in Akoko South East Local Government Area of Ondo State following the murder of a Police Inspector in the area, Igbere TV reports.
Igbere TV gathered that the slain officer identified simply as Lasisi, was shot dead at a check point on Ise-Akoko-Isua road, border towns to Kogi and Edo states.
It was gathered that the hoodlums went away with his gun after killing the officer.
A police source who accompanied the late inspector told Igbere TV that the rest officers at the checkpoint were lucky as they escaped unhurt.
He said the remains of the deceased has been deposited at the morgue of Ipe Akoko General Hospital in Ondo State.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Femi Joseph, who confirmed the incident, told Igbere TV that men of the command were already on the trail of the hoodlums while an investigation into the matter had begun.
A former Editor at Daily Trust Newspaper, Mr. Ibrahim Dan Halilu, has been arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, Igbere TV has learnt.
Igbere learned that Halilu, ex politics editor for the news outfit, was picked in Kaduna State on Monday over a Facebook post supporting the activities of the #RevolutionNow movement.
The journalist is not the first to be arrested by the secret police over the movement. Convener of the group and publisher, SaharaReporters, Omoleye Soworu, was picked by the DSS on Saturday at his Lagos residence, Igbere TV had reported.
Similarly, two journalists with the news outfit (Victor Ogungbenro and Tosin Olajuwon) were picked at different locations in Lagos and Ondo States during today's #RevolutionNow protest, with the Lagos office of SaharaReporters under heavy surveillance.
Operatives of DSS, Igbere TV gathered, stormed Mr. Halilu’s residence in Kaduna State, at about 2am Monday night and whisked him away in a ‘commando’ style.
A quick look at Halilu’s Facebook timeline by Igbere TV, showed that he endorsed and supported the activities of #RevolutionNow led by Omoyele Sowore, in a lengthy post.
The post reads: “I feel I should share because it resonates with me. If resonates with you too, please share until all oppressed people of Nigeria get the message and domesticate it. This is #Not the Nigeria of My Dream.
“Somebody asked me why we need a revolution now, this was my reply: The aim of the revolution is to challenge the uncommon hardship why we have 16m children on the street; challenge why we have become the poverty capital of the world; challenge why we have 20 persons with corrupt cases as federal legislators and would-be Ministers.
“We need to restructure the country. We need to put an end to trillions spent on electricity while we live in darkness and pay estimated bill for electricity and meters. Why do we have huge oil reserves but our refineries are dead and we are re-importing what we exported as crude oil? It is time to ask why those in government travel abroad for medical care when they have left our hospitals dilapidated; why they send their children to school abroad when our children learn under mango trees.
“We are revolting against the continuing killings that have left 20,000 Nigerians dead while those in office move around under state paid security and do nothing. We are revolting against the because over a thousand Nigerians soldiers killed by Boko Haram have been secretly buried without identifiable graves, dignity or honour. $16m was purportedly spent on mosquito nets but our children die daily from malaria. $320m Abacha loot was purportedly distributed to the poor. Where is the verifiable list? N500bn was purportedly distributed to the poor as so-called Trader-moni. Where is the verifiable list?
“…With divine grace, God gave us about 40 natural resources spread across the length and breadth of the country. No country on mother earth is as blessed! The persons destroying Nigeria in and out of government are less than 10,000. For how long will the 201 million of us be silent? Forever? It will be sheer stupidity and very unfair of us to be silent and bequeath today’s sorry Nigeria to our children. For how long shall we continue to endure bad leadership from certificate forgers, election riggers, ritualists and yahoo politicians, hoping upon hope for a better tomorrow when things get worse by the day? We are too rich to be poor. We are too blessed to be a mockery of the world!!! No!!!”.
Friends of the journalist have taken to social media to react to the development, with many many criticizing the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration and the DSS.
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted the request of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to freeze an account belonging to the Bauchi State government, Igbere TV reports.
Igbere TV gathered that the account 0998552074 domiciled with First City Monument Bank (FCMB), is being investigated for alleged fraudulent transactions.
The presiding judge, Justice Taiwo Taiwo, while granting the request on Monday, urged the anti-graft agency to put the Bauchi govt on notice of the order within 21 days.
IGBERE (ABIA STATE) — Monarchs in Igbere Community have donated a parcel of land to Emeka Ikwechegh, for the construction and donation of a free Hospital in the Community, Igbere TV reports.
Igbere TV had previously reported how Ikwechegh promised to build and equip an ultramodern Hospital to cater for the health needs of residents of the Community and nearby villages.
He made the pledge while playing host to thousands of residents of the Community who had thronged his house upon his return to Igbere from his abode.
Igbere TV gathered that the Monarchs donated the land when they paid a courtesy visit to the philanthropist in his Igbere country home, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State. The land is located beside Ibina Hall, Onu-Ibina, in Igbere.
Emeka Ikwechegh has been in the news lately for his act of benevolence and philanthropic gesture.
He had recently launched a monthly salary scheme for all widows in Igbere Community upon his return home.
Just last week, Ikwechegh awarded full scholarship to over 180 indigent pupils and students of selected primary and secondary schools in Igbere Community.
Emeka Ikwechegh, from Igbere, is a renowned philanthropist and business mogul who served as Special Assistant to former Chief of Staff to Abia State Governor, Hon. Mascot Kalu, in 2007 under the leadership of Senator T. A. Orji as governor.
Speaking with Igbere TV, Ikwechegh said “this is just the beginning”, hinting that he had more to offer his people of Igbere, in Bende LGA of Abia.
He said the Monarchs opted for the Hospital when he hosted them and demanded to know what the immediate needs of the Community were.
“I hosted the Traditional Rulers and appreciated them for the good works they have been doing. I informed them that I intend giving back to my Community and asked them what they would prefer I do”, Ikwechegh said.
“We settled for the Hospital and out of their magnanimity, they immediately provided me a land space where the project will be executed. I didn't pay a dime for it.”
While revealing that work had begun at the site, Emeka Ikwechegh added that the Hospital should be ready in six months.
“By the special grace of God, we have started the project and hopefully before the end of six months, we should be done with it and formally hand over the Hospital to my people, the good people of Igbere Community”, he added.
Asked why he had chosen to return home to assist his people, even when he may not have any immediate political ambition, Ikwechegh declared: “I have been a child of circumstances. I lost my both parents at the age of 4 and growing up has not really been easy. I have gone through many hard times with my family and other siblings. So I felt it's the right time to return home and give back to my people, touch lives, help those that are not privileged enough to afford daily living, those that are not privileged enough to afford good health care or quality education. So that's basically my reason of coming (home).”
All is now set for the maiden edition of the much anticipated Igbere TV Awards.
Consequently, Hon. Mascot Uzor Kalu, has been appointed Chairman of the Awards Committee.
Mascot Kalu, younger brother to ex Abia Governor and Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Kalu, is the All Progressives Congress candidate for Aba North and South Federal Constituency in the 2019 general elections. He has also served as Chief of Staff to former Governor of Abia State, Senator T. A. Orji.
The Executive Director of Igbere TV, Emeh James Anyalekwa, who revealed this to newsmen on Monday in Abuja said the choice of Mascot Kalu was based on his pedigree as a young Entrepreneur whose vast experience and exposure will be instrumental in putting up a world class Awards as envisaged by the management.
The Igbere TV Awards Committee has Mr. Godfirst Festus, a Cambodian based philanthropist as Vice Chairman, and Emeh James Anyalekwa as Secretary.
Other Members of the Committee include Ifeanyi Okali, the Editor-in-Chief of both ABN TV and Online Media Practitioners of Nigeria (OMPAN); Alex Nwankwo, Popular Abuja based publicist and founder, AlexReports; Queen Nelly Mbonu, Miss Nigeria 2019 (Tourism); Mcwary Tracy, founder, Tracy Mcwary Foundation; Ogochukwu Isioma, Wisdom Nwedene, and Ayobami Sadiq.
According the the press release by Anyalekwa, some of the categories to be awarded are:
Governor of the Year Minister of the Year Senator of the Year Rep. Member of the Year Speaker of the Year Airline of the Year Bank of the Year GSM Company of the Year Automobile Manufacturer of the Year And over 50 other categories.
Anyalekwa further revealed that nomination for the awards shall be open to the general public, while shortlisted finalists will be voted for by the Nigerian public to decide the eventual winners.
The maiden edition of the Igbere TV Awards will take place at the prestigious Sheraton hotel, Abuja, on Thursday, November 28, 2019.
In the statement, operators of Igbere TV News reiterated that the event will be the best of its kind.
“This maiden edition promises to be inspiring, motivating, entertaining, educative and all encompassing. We have loads of activities to captivate and blow your mind. We have interesting categories to accommodate everyone in the Igbere TV 2019 Awards. You don't want to miss it”, the statement read.
The Igbere TV awards recognizes excellence, achievers, performance, humanity and philanthropy. It is awarded to individuals and corporate bodies who have distinguished themselves in their chosen fields.
This maiden edition is expected to be graced by Senators, Ministers, Governors, celebrities and Captain of Industries.
Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 presidential election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, says he will keep reacting to national issues despite being asked by the ruling party to stop doing so.
Igbere TV reports that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had, in a statement, berated the former vice president with a warning to desist from issuing public statements as though he was the president.
Describing the actions as felonious, the APC threatened to move against Atiku Abubakar for portraying himself as a “shadow” or “alternative president.”
Reacting in a statement made available to Igbere TV on Sunday, however, the PDP chieftain said he will keep speaking up for Nigerians who have become victims of President Muhammadu Buhari’s ‘grand cluelessness’.
In the statement issued by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku said the Buhari administration had not responded to a report by the UNDP which stated that 98 million Nigerians were living in multidimensional poverty because he was yet to make a remark on it.
He taunted President Muhammadu Buhari for saying he had lifted five million Nigerians out of poverty between 2015 and 2019.
Atiku said the Buhari administration was living in denial and relying on propaganda, and only becomes responsive when he comments on issues.
‘’On July 10, the United Nations reawakened Nigerians to the brutal reality of how poorly the Gen Muhammadu Buhari administration has managed the nation’s economy with a damning verdict that 98 million Nigerians live in multi-dimensional poverty,’’ he said.
‘’Like it is typical of General Buhari and his handlers, they didn’t make any comment about the scary statistics coming from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
‘’Perhaps, one reason they didn’t want to comment on the report is because it is factual – Nigerians in the past four years indeed live in multi-dimensional poverty.’
‘’The other plausible reason they didn’t deem it fit to respond to the report is because Atiku Abubakar has yet to make a remark on the report. If the only reason why the Buhari administration will react to the affliction it has brought on Nigerians is for Atiku to call the nation’s attention to how bad things have gone in the country under the slumber of General Buhari, Atiku will more than always, be ready to stand and speak up for the millions of countrymen and women who have become victims of his (Buhari’s) misrule and grand cluelessness”, the statement added.
Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike has sacked the Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Prof. Blessing Chimezie Didia, Igbere TV reports.
Also sacked is the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Magnus Oruwari.
In a statement sent to Igbere TV by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Rivers State, Dagogo Adonye Hart, he said the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Opuenebo B. Owei will now act as Vice Chancellor.
The statement which did not disclose reasons for the sack of the VC and his Deputy, announced the suspension of the ongoing employment exercise at the university.
Full Statement,
“Rivers State Governor and Visitor of the Rivers State University, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has relieved the Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Prof Blessing Chimezie Didia of his appointment with immediate effect.
“Also relieved of his appointment is the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Magnus Oruwari.
“Accordingly, Governor Wike has approved the appointment of Professor Opuenebo B. Owei, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) as the Acting Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University.
“The Governor has also suspended the ongoing employment exercise at the university.
“Furthermore, a committee has been set up to investigate the employment exercise and report to the Rivers State Governor in two weeks.”
Former Nigerian Senator, Shehu Sani has reacted over the arrest of the Convener of #RevolutionNow protest, Omoyele Sowore.
Igbere TV had reported that security operatives suspected to be from the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested the former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, over the planned Aug. 5 protest.
Sowore, who is also the publisher of Sahara Reporters, was arrested early Saturday.
The publisher posted a distress tweet around 1:25 am, saying “DSS invades Sowore’s.”
Reacting over the arrest on his Twitter handle, Senator Sani, who represented Kaduna Central wrote;
“The ruling political elites are allergic to the freedoms they once stood for; Are fearful of the rights they once stood for; Are reneging on the ideas and principles of justice they once fought for and are subscribing to the autocracy they once despised and denounced.
“Our democracy is a block of ice floating on warm waters.The sponsored protest and attacks on the @AmnestyNigeria stands condemned.The arrest & detention of @YeleSowore is needless. I join the call for his release #FreeSowore.”
A former presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party (ACP), Oby Ezekwesili has reacted over the arrest of the convener of #RevolutionNow protest, Omoyele Sowore.
Igbere TV had reported that security operatives suspected to be from the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested the former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, over the planned Aug. 5 protest.
Sowore, who is also the publisher of Sahara Reporters, was arrested early Saturday.
The publisher posted a distress tweet around 1:25 am, saying “DSS invades Sowore’s.”
Reacting in a series of tweets, the former Education Minister described the arrest as unconstitutional, while condemning the Buhari led federal government.
Ezekwesili wrote: “Hmmmm. @AsoRock ought to know that they cannot sustain this unconstitutional habit of repression against #CitizensRights. All these persistent acts of @NGRPresident to shrink the Public Space with rabid level of intolerance for dissension will surely fail. #FreeSoworeNow!
“All well-meaning Nigerians should stand with @YeleSowore and defend his constitutional right and freedom to protest any matter of Governance that worries him. Mr Sowore’s convening of Citizens to protest Poor Governance - via #RevolutionNow - is Constitutionally guaranteed.
“If our @NGRPresident @MBuhari & FG @AsoRock are not completely out of touch with the reality of distress of majority of Citizens of this country, they would handle @YeleSowore‘s right to convene #RevolutionNow wisely. Many of us his fellow #OfficeOfTheCitizen stand with him.
“I therefore join the voices of all well-meaning Nigerians to ask @AsoRock @NGRPresident @MBuhari to: #FreeSoworeNow!#FreeSoworeNow!!#FreeSoworeNow!!!#FreeSoworeNow!!!#DefendCitizenSoworesRight to Speech and Protest captioned #RevolutionNow #IStandWithYeleSowore.”
Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 presidential election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has reacted over the arrest of the convener of #RevolutionNow protest, Omoyele Sowore.
Igbere TV had reported that security operatives suspected to be from the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested the former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, over the planned Aug. 5 protest.
Sowore, who is also the publisher of Sahara Reporters, was arrested early Saturday.
The publisher posted a distress tweet around 1:25 am, saying “DSS invades Sowore’s.”
Reacting over the arrest, Atiku said freedom of speech was not only constitutionally guaranteed but remains a substructure of democracy.
He tweeted: “Freedom of speech is not only constitutionally guaranteed, it is the substructure of our democracy. These kidnappings in the guise of arrests stands condemned.”
Governors in Northwest Nigeria on Thursday said herdsmen, bandits and cattle rustlers have been “fully forgiven”, Igbere TV reports.
The governors also said that the aforementioned persons have been granted full amnesty.
Igbere TV reports that Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina made the disclosure at the end of a one-day security meeting with security agents, vigilante, volunteer groups, herdsmen and farmers on Thursday in the state.
He said that bandits and herdsmen have been asked to drop their weapons, adding that no vigilante group should attack or kill any herdsman ever again.
“As from today, no vigilante group member or volunteers should attack or kill any herdsman, as sacrifice must be made by both sides to ensure peace reign.
“Herdsmen and their families should be allowed to go about their normal businesses, attend markets and worship places without molestation provided they don’t carry arms.
“Those bandits who rustled animals from communities should immediately return them to the government or Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association.
“Bandits should surrender their weapons and immediately release all those kidnapped and now under their custody.
“We are happy that we have seen some releases of kidnapped victims from Zamfara and other states”, the governor said.
On his part, Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State said all states in the region would provide grazing reserve for the herders for them to settle in one place in the zone.
“We are concerned that herders are always roaming around with their animals thereby exposing themselves to different kinds of hazards,” he said.
“The governors took a uniform measure, you should also take a uniform decision not to rustle animals, kidnap or kill anyone. You should immediately release all people in your custody in order to show the world that you have truly repented.”
Politics › JUST IN: Buhari Sets Targets For Incoming Ministers by BleedingPen(op): 7:57pm On Aug 14, 2019
