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 Politics › Gov Emmanuel Harps On Accountability, Diligence In Public Service by Blogsphere(op): 8:01pm On Aug 21, 2020 |
* INAUGURATES CHAIRMEN OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS *SWEARS-IN 2 COUNCIL CHAIRMEN Governor Udom Emmanuel has harped on accountability and diligence in public office. The governor made this known while administering oath of office on six Chairmen and Members of Boards and Commissions as well as swearing in of two Local Government Chairmen and their vice at Banquet Hall, Government House Uyo. Governor Udom Emmanuel charged the two chairmen and their vice to be creative, transparent and accountable in office. According to the governor, “one of the defining moments or elements of this administration is transparency and working hard to meet the needs of the people, you have to be transparent you have to give your very best, grassroot is local government and I expect you to discharge your duties in a manner that is just, proper and accountable”, he noted. Governor Emmanuel while addressing board members charged them on changing the social reorientation of the people emphasizing on the need for a new direction in education policy that can reduce unemployment and qualitative education which will impact the right virtues amongst our students in schools. “Those who are in charge of education have a lot to do, I want to believe the quality of our education should be able to teach our people the right virtues because once you get it wrong at the teachers level what they impact will be terrible it is not only to teach but teacher should be able to impact knowledge, attitude and character on our people so that they can in turn influence what we are getting in the society please you have a major role to play to change some of those decisions from what we use to know and completely if possible abolish cultism 100% in our tertiary institution” he stated. The State Chief Executive who frowned at poor attitude of some teachers to work, stressed on discipline as a means of achieving results and noted that Corp members serving in the State will be deployed to schools during their year of service as part of providing adequate manpower in the schools. He however advised political appointees not to yell to fetish practice of swearing to diabolical oath before assuming public office as it will only lead to a bad end. The newly sworn in Chairmen are: Hon. Nsikak Udo- Eket Local Government Area and Rt. Hon. Sunday Isokobo- Ibeno Local Government Area, the Vice Chairmen are Pastor Joshua Ekpe-Eket and Mrs. Ethel Henry- Ibeno The Commissions and their Chairmen are: Akwa Ibom Civil Service Commission- Mrs Ekereobong Samuel Umoh Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Commission- Barr. Godwin Umoh while Boards are, Uyo Capital City Development Authority- Hon. Enobong Uwah, Akwa Ibom State Secondary Education Board- Rt. Hon. (DR.) Ekaette Ebong Okon, State Technical Schools Board- Hon. Godwin Udom, and Board of College of Education, Afaha Nsit-Barr. Bassey Dan Abia Jr. Cc: Mynd44 1 Like
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| Politics › NBS Labour Force Report Shouldn't Be Politicised, Says AILM by Blogsphere(op): 11:03pm On Aug 18, 2020 |
...Commends Gov Emmanuel on job creation A foremost sociopolitical group in Akwa Ibom State, Akwa Ibom Liberation Movement - AILM, has frowned at attempts to politicise the recent Labor Force Statistics : Unemployment and Underemployment Report’ published by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), saying it is uncharitable to use it as a yardstick to measure the performance of present state administration. AILM, made this known during a press briefing in Uyo, yesterday. The group which commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for creating an array of job opportunities through public private partnerships, business support schemes, agricentrepreusnhip programmes, and wondered how the agency arrived at its highly contentious conclusions on a state that has, for the past five years, been consistent in creating direct and indirect employment opportunities for it's citizens. According to the group's Secretary General, Mr. Darlington Udobong, "unemployment is a global phenomenon which got worst during the Covid-19 pandemic. This problem predates the current administration as such it is uncharitable to attempt to politicise such report, given the superlative track record Governor Udom Emmanuel has in rigorously pursuing policies that stimulate economic growth, provide job opportunities and create wealth for Akwa Ibom citizens". While acknowledging the importance of NBS and its routine reports, the group decried attempts by mischief makers to use such statistical data, which has severally been shown not to reflect the reality on ground, to engage in fruitless debates and arguments. "Going beyond unproductive debates on social media over NBS report, it is on record that since his emergence in 2015, Governor Udom Emmanuel has worked assiduously to put tangible projects that has greatly reduced unemployment in the state. "So far, more than 18 industries are operating or would soon begin operation in the state, including the Jubilee Syringe factory, King Size Flour Mill, Metering Solutions Company, Ibom Agricon Rice Mill, St. Gabriel Coconut factory, Ibom Airlines and others with capacity to employ thousands directly and create indirect job opportunities for thousands more. In addition, the Ibom Deep Seaport alone has capacity to employ well over 100, 000 citizens. All these are projects handled by the Udom Emmanuel administration to tackle unemployment. " Udobong reasoned that since Akwa Ibom state government started its industrialisation drive, it has become a hot spot for employment seekers from all over Nigeria. "The NBS report may also be pointing to the rate at which the state is growing. For years, the state has witnessed mass immigration of youths from across the country seeking to be gainfully employed in several industries created by the state government. In the light of this, even NBS would concede that favorable working conditions in Akwa Ibom state has led to an influx of job seekers in to the state thus increasing so called unemployment in the state while reducing the unemployment rate in their states of origin." He questioned the timing of release of the report as well as some variables used in assessing unemployment in states, noting that by releasing such report at this moment of nation wide uncertainty the agency is insensitive to effect its report will have on the morale of Nigerians who are at the moment battling to survive a life altering contagion. Similarly, "if one of the parameters used to calculate unemployment rate is that one 'is seen as unemployed if you did absolutely nothing at all or did something but for less than 20 hours during the reference week', then the report is faulty since it erroneously lumps together employees on work leave, vacation, sick leave etc, but are earning monthly salaries and refers to them as unemployed". The group's Secretary General further concluded that high unemployment rate in states of the federation is prove that federal government which takes the highest chunk of the national cake has failed to create a healthy environment for businesses to thrive and inflow of foreign direct investment so that jobs can be created. He pointed to the protracted federal government projects scattered all the state including Ibom Deep Seaport, Lagos-Calabar- Uyo railway, East-west road, Calabar-Itu Road and several others which would have helped in creating employment in the state. He therefore called for true fiscal federalism where states are allowed to independently manage their resources to fund their economic growth and development. Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44 1 Like |
| Politics › Akwa Ibom LG Elections: PDP Intensifies Preparation, Screens Over 500 Aspirants by Blogsphere(op): 1:46pm On Aug 17, 2020 |
The Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has geared up efforts in preparation for the October local government elections. On Saturday August 14, the party concluded its two-day screening exercise for over 450 councillorship aspirants and over 70 chairmanship aspirants across all 368 wards in the 31 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State. The screening, which was conducted in line with Covid-19 preventive protocols, was held at the newly inaugurated permanent state secretariat of the party in Atan Offot, Uyo, as entry into the secretariat premises was strictly for the aspirants and invited party officials. Addressing the aspirants, the state chairman of the party, Obong Udo Ekpenyong, assured them of fairness and justice, while tasking them to conduct themselves orderly in the course of the exercise and beyond. Earlier, Obong Ekpenyong in a meeting with members of the screening panel, charged them to exhibit maximum fairness in discharging their duty and to promote the ideals of the party including internal democracy, during the exercise. The party's Appeal Panel is expected to sit on August 16, before names of cleared aspirants are published ahead of the primaries next week billed to hold Wednesday August 19 and Saturday August 22 for councillorship and chairmanship tickets respectively. The 2020 local government polls in Akwa Ibom State is slated to hold on October 31, across the state, according to Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC). Faithful of the party are optimistic of total victory as was recorded in the 2017 local government elections. cc: mynd44
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| Crime › Islamiyya School Teachers In Niger Convicted 22 Years For Defiling Minors by Blogsphere(op): 10:56pm On Aug 16, 2020 |
Two Islamic teachers who were convicted for defiling four under-aged girls in their Islamiyya school, bursts in tears as they were sentenced to 22 years jail term by a Minna Chief Magistrate Court II. The two Islamic teachers, Hassan Bilyaminu and Abdullahi Bilyaminu were convicted by Hajiya Hauwa Baba Yusuf, on two count charges which bothered on the act of gross indecency and sexual abuse. According to the first information report (FIR), made available in court by the police prosecutor, Sgt Bello Mohammed, and obtained by CAPITAL POST, the offences were punishable under the section, 285 of the penal code law and 19(2) of the Child’s right law of Niger State 2010. The charge read in part: “That on the 2nd of August, 2020, one Lawal Idris of Tudun Nasira area of Maitumbi in Minna, represented three others, and reported that on 31st of July, 2020, you Hassan Bilyaminu and Abdullahi Bilyaminu lured four of the girls whose ages ranges between 6 and 11 years old pupils of your Islamiya, into your house and used your finger to rub and inserted it into the minors’ vagina one after the other. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); “During the police investigation, you confessed to the commission of the crime. “You are hereby suspected to have committed the above offences.” When the charge was read to them by the presiding Chief Magistrate, Hajiya Hauwa Baba Yusuf, they all pleaded guilty to the offences and pleaded for leniency that they were tempted by the devil (Shaitan). At this point, the police prosecutor, Sgt. Bello Mohammed prayed the court to convict them by invoking section 157 of the criminal procedure code (CPC). While convicting them, she said each of the convicts admitted to the two-count charge of gross indecency and sexual assault against the four under-aged girls whose ages range from 6 to 11 years old. “They went ahead to described vividly how they perpetrated the act by luring these innocent girls into their room and inserting their fingers into their private part. “This act is indeed grossly indecent and an assault that will leave a permanent and gruesome memory in the mind of these little girls. “One wonders what people like the convicts derived from assaulting and defiling little girls. This has gone berserk, they must be more to this pandemic of sexual assault on little children. “For the society to be able to curtail this ugly trend, the full wrath of the law must be brought on the convicts. “I hereby sentence the accused as follow: “For the first accused, Hassan Bilyaminu who sexually abused one girl is to spend 7 years imprisonment, while the second accused, Abdullahi Bilyaminu, for sexually abused 3 girls, he is sentenced to 5 years on each of the girl and in all is to serve 15 years jail terms. They have 30 days to appeal”, the Magistrate ruled. Immediately they were convicted, people in the court hall were thrown into confusion as the two convicts wept profusely. Amid uncontrollable tears, the Police waded into bringing the situation under control and they were led into a waiting van that drove them away. cc: mynd44 |
| Politics › Where Does Obaseki Go From Here? By Temilorun Asorobi by Blogsphere(op): 9:43pm On Aug 15, 2020 |
When the axe dropped on the re-election bid of Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State recently, it cut so deep that healing from it before the governorship poll in September 19 would be a miracle akin to zero coming up on a roulette table with the last try. Last Thursday, the long-drawn Edo House of Assembly crisis reached a crescendo with the impeachment of the factional speaker, Frank Okiye, by 17 lawmakers. It is a 24-member House with Okiye and nine others loyal to Obaseki hitherto calling the shots while the remaining 14 lawmakers were not inaugurated and their seats controversially declared vacant by the Okiye-led minority. Alas, three of Okiye’s nine supporters, including the deputy speaker, Yekini Idiaye, later joined the 14 lawmakers to make a total 17, yet, Idiaye was promptly and crudely impeached by Okiye and his six-man team. It was all part of the mischievous machination of a power-drunk governor. But events played out contrary to Obaseki’s draconian plot. Shortly after the inauguration of the 17 lawmakers, Obaseki caused the roof of the Assembly complex to be removed while heaps of sand and gravels for a purported renovation were dumped at the gate, therefore, preventing entry or any decent sitting by the lawmakers. The lawmakers, then, beseeched the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, to intervene and he wrote to the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, asking him to provide adequate security for the lawmakers to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order. The timely call by the AGF sounded the death knell on Obaseki’s second term bid and for those, who believe in karma served as a comeuppance for his blasé injustice against legitimately elected lawmakers. For many weeks after the Assembly ought to have been inaugurated in 2019, Obaseki refused to initially order a proclamation, in line with constitutional provisions, to clear the way for the inauguration and constitution of the seventh assembly. This reluctance, which would later snowball into an open confrontation, was reportedly predicated on the governor’s belief that he did not have enough foot soldiers in the Assembly as against the number loyal to his predecessor and former national chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. His deliberate dithering caused further depletion in the number of the lawmakers loyal to him and he vowed that the doors of the assembly would remain shut for as long as he desired. This elicited outrage from well-meaning Nigerians, who warned him against what he was doing as unconstitutional and that it had dire political consequences. Still, no amount of intervention or appeal could sway Obaseki. Like a dog fated to loss and misfortune, it would not hear the whistle of the hunter. Obaseki had made up his mind to deny the good people of Edo State adequate legislative representation while fighting his benefactors to the finish. When he eventually inaugurated the house, he exempted a majority of the duly elected lawmakers and enabled illegality to run and reign. He forgot that the bread always falls on the buttered side; that he who sows the wind will inevitably reap the whirlwind. Now that he is self-destruct and fighting the battle of his political life, with the consequent distraction from electioneering, Obaseki has, conversely, traded a sound, issue-based campaign for brigandage, where he is a neophyte. September 19 is almost a foregone conclusion for Obaseki. It takes not much to see this. What should have been a two-horse race between him and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the APC has become a home run for the latter, who opinion polls and popular sentiments favour. The consensus now is that despite his incumbency, Obaseki is the architect of the misfortune that has truncated his re-election bid in midstream. Without any political structure or understanding of the political terrain, Obaseki, then an aide of Oshiomhole was piggy-backed to the Government House by his principal, who swore by everything he held sacred that Obaseki would take the state beyond the point he did. In his eight years as governor, Oshiomole did his best, wresting the state from the misrule and wanton mismanagement of state resources from the PDP government that had been in power since the return to a democratic dispensation in 1999. He assumed office at a time the state revenue was so low but with high expectations from the people. But with sheer commitment and sound economic policies, the fortunes of the state were turned around. Within his first term, Oshiomhole raised the IGR of the state from N300milion to over NI.6 billion; and embarked on a massive infrastructure renewal of the state, building hundreds of kilometres of new roads, schools and hospitals among others. During electioneering in 2016, even Obaseki said, “Given the high level to which Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has taken Edo State, going forward, the state needs a governor that is game-ready, one that will hit the ground running. I believe I am that person by the grace of God.” He also promised to build, consolidate, sustain and improve on the achievements recorded by Oshiomhole’s government. That, perplexingly, was the point of departure. Obaseki was never grounded in the politics of the state, in fact, there were insinuations that he barely knew his way around Benin City, the state capital much less the hinterlands, but Oshiomhole did not listen to all of the leads that forewarned him. In his estimation, the re-engineering of the state economy, which Obaseki and the team at the Edo State Government Economic and Strategy Team (EST) effectuated was enough to convince him that he could be trusted. Oshiomhole, a redoubtable labour activist, who had spent over three decades in the trenches advocating and agitating for better remuneration for Nigerian workers, stomped the nooks and crannies of the state, propagating the ideals of his presumptive successor, assuring the people that he was qualified and capable of taking the state to another level of development. Oshiomhole campaigned as though his life depended on it and Obaseki won without any input into the entire electioneering process. All that was required was his presence and at best, a vote of thanks. Now that he was actually expected to experience what it means to campaign for a governorship election, he has short-circuited the process and done his second term bid a devastating damage that has ultimately foreclosed whatever chances he and his soap-opera cheer-leaders thought he had on September 19. *Asorobi, a public affairs analyst, lives in Lagos cc: mynd44 1 Like 1 Share |
| Politics › Akwa Ibom PDP Begins Screening Of Aspirants For LG Elections by Blogsphere(op): 2:49pm On Aug 15, 2020 |
... State Party chairman assures of transparency, fairness. The Akwa Ibom state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Friday commenced the screening of aspirants as part of her preparations for the forthcoming October 2020 local government elections in the state. The screening exercise, which began on the Morning of Friday, August 14, and will end on Saturday August 15, 2020 is taking place at the newly commissioned permanent secretariat of the Party, Atan Offot, Uyo. Chairmanship and councillorship aspirants from Eket Senatorial District were the first to appear before the panel on Friday while aspirants from Uyo Senatorial District took their turn afternoon of the same day. Aspirants from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District are expected to be screened on Saturday, 15 August, 2020. Speaking, the state chairman of the PDP, Hon. Udo Ekpenyong commended the aspirants and party officials on the peaceful conduct of the exercise so far, noting that the PDP in Akwa Ibom state will continue to remain as model and pacesetter in conduct, actions and handling of issues of Party politics in the country and beyond. Mr. Ekpenyong further reiterated the commitment of the Party under his leadership to engage in action and pursue policies that will deepen the footprints of success which the PDP in Akwa Ibom State is known for in the state, adding that the leadership of the Party will ensure that the ideals of fairness, transparency and integrity are upheld throughout the screening process. "Like I mentioned during my inauguration, the PDP in Akwa Ibom under my leadership will channel results-oriented efforts into ensuring that we engage in actions that will keep our Party on the path of election victories. Our decision to initiate and sustain a robust grassroots mobilisation strategy remains absolute. From the unit to the wards, to the chapters to even the state level, we will expand our coast to ensure the state continues to stay as a PDP stronghold", Hon Ekpenyong hinted. The Akwa State Ibom State PDP helmsman commended the Leader of the Party in the State, His Excellency Governor Udom Emmanuel for what he described as the visionary, forthright and purposeful leadership he has brought to bear in the Party since his assumption of office, stressing that this has been the reason for the peace and attendant successes the party has enjoyed in Akwa Ibom State through the years. He reechoed the resolve of the party under his watch as State Chairman to offer ancillary support to the Governor Udom Emmanuel-led administration towards the realization of the Completion Agenda. In line with Covid-19 precautionary measures, the Party has ensured only aspirants and authorized Party officials are allowed entry into the premises as well as enforcing the use of face mask, maintenance of social distancing during the exercise and other stipulated measures. Meanwhile, an appeal Panel which will help to handle any complaint arising from the screening exercise is to sit on Monday, August 17, 2020 from 10am at the PDP State Secretariat Complex, Atan Offot, Uyo. cc: mynd44 |
| Politics › Gov. Emmanuel Restates Determination To End COVID-19 In A'ibom by Blogsphere(op): 4:47pm On Aug 14, 2020 |
Gov Emmanuel restates determination to end Covid-19 in A'Ibom ...receives five ambulances from BUA foundation Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel has restated his administration’s total commitment to be decimating coronavirus in the State even as school resumes for exit classes. Governor Emmanuel stated this while taking delivery of five ambulance buses and One Hundred Thousand facemasks donated to the State by BUA Foundation at Government House, Uyo. He said already, the effort of the State Government in fighting the pandemic has paid off hence there will not be any complacency on the part of the Government. The Governor promised to deploy the ambulance buses to the different local government areas of the State in line with his administration’s policy of ensuring that every part of the State is well equipped for eventual medical emergency. He also hinted that the facemasks will be sent to schools for students in exit classes who have resumed for examinations. The Chairman, BUA Foundation, Abdul Rabiu represented by the Director of the Organization, Dr Aliyu Idi Hong commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for his passion and creativity in the fight against Covid-19, expressing shock at the revolution witnessed in the health sector as if the Governor had premonition of the pandemic. The former minister of health hinted that it was in appreciation of the governor’s effort that the organization decided to support him to completely win the fight against Covid-19. He said such successful approach should be emulated by other governors so that Nigeria can totally be free of the disease. Earlier on arrival, the BUA Foundation delegation was received by the Secretary to State Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, Commissioner for Health, Professor Augustine Umoh and his Information and Strategy counterpart, Comrade Ini Ememobong as well as the Honorary Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Dominic Ukpong. Receiving the guests, the SSG hinted that Governor Udom Emmanuel is committed to sustaining a healthy population in the State which informs the massive investments in healthcare infrastructure in the State. He noted that it was a great feat for the governor to accomplish all that in the sector even during interstate total lockdown induced by Covid-19, and that Governor Udom Emmanuel does not only lead the fight from the front but lived ahead of Covid-19. cc: mynd44 |
| Politics › Magu: How FCMB Misled Salami Panel Over Prophet Omale by Blogsphere(op): 9:05pm On Aug 09, 2020 |
Bank CEO admits error of false posting of N573m into cleric’s church account The Salami-led panel probing allegations of corruption against suspended EFCC Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Magu, was stunned on Thursday when the MD/CEO of FCMB, Adam Nuru, told the panel that there was an error over the reported posting of N573 million into the church account of Prophet Emmanuel Omale. The bank CEO was invited by the panel, following the alleged report that the cleric laundered money for Magu and used the proceeds of the said N573million to purchase property for him in Dubai. Narrating what transpired, Nuru said, “On January 16, 2016, we made a return to NFIU which indicated that there was a transaction of an inflow of well over N573million. (N573,228,40). “This return was said to be in favour of Divine Hand of God Prophetic Ministries Account No 1486743019. “After that report, we conducted an investigation and discovered that the lodgement which we reported to NFIU was an error. “The error was as a result of the fact that we were using a bank application called Pinnacle-7. However, we migrated from that application to a newer version called Pinnacle-10. “Usually, when the bank intends to migrate from one application to another, we utilize weekends to carry out the exercise. The migration involves moving all the balances of customers from the previous application to the new application. The account of the Divine Hand Ministries was moved during that migration. “In that branch, we have 983 accounts (Banex). The credit balance in all the 983 accounts domiciled came to the aforesaid amount. It was that balance of N573million that was wrongly posted as an inflow into Divine Hand Ministries as reported to NFIU. “ This error was not peculiar to Divine Hand of God Prophetic Ministries alone but was also ascribed to 27 other accounts.” When asked why it took the bank about 4 years to discover the error, the CEO responded that the bank just realized the blunder upon invitation by the panel.” Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44 1 Like |
| Politics › Re: Speed up Tagwai Dam Road, Niger Infrastructure Committee tells contractor by Blogsphere(op): 8:13pm On Aug 08, 2020 |
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| Politics › Speed up Tagwai Dam Road, Niger Infrastructure Committee tells contractor by Blogsphere(op): 8:12pm On Aug 08, 2020*. Modified: 9:28pm On Aug 08, 2020 |
Speed up lowcost-garima Road, Niger Infrastructure Committee tells contractor Governor Abu Sani Bello’s determination to address the challenge of road infrastructure in the state has received applause from all parts of the state, and the government is working very hard to ensure that the ongoing projects are of the highest possible standard. Chief of Staff, Alh. Ibrahim Balarabe Kagara who chairs the Infrastructure Committee this evening in his usual unscheduled visit to project sites, was at Tunga Lowcost-Garima Road in Minna to inspect the ongoing asphalt laying of the last part of the road. He was also at Tungan Goro-Tagwai Dam road to inspect the ongoing reconstruction of the road. Alh. Balarabe expressed satisfaction with both works, especially the Garima road, and urged the contractor handling Tagwai Dam Road to speed up the work so commuters can move in comfort. #LoloIsWorking Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44
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| Politics › Uyo Ward 9 PDP Stakeholders Zone Councillship To Ibiaku-offot by Blogsphere(op): 11:04pm On Aug 05, 2020 |
UYO WARD 9 PDP STAKEHOLDERS ZONE COUNCILLSHIP TO IBIAKU-OFFOT ...PRESENTS ASPIRANT TO PARAMOUNT RULER FOR BLESSING Ahead of the 2020 Local Government Council election, stakeholders of Peoples Democratic party, PDP in Uyo Ward 9 (formerly Ward 7), have zoned the councillorship seat to Ibiaku-Offot village. The decisions which were taken after series of deliberation among stakeholders at the Ward Center, St. John Primary School, Eniong, this evening, were captured in a communique signed by all Ward Executives of PDP and other stakeholders including the Leader of Uyo Legislative Council, Hon. Nathaniel Sebastian nIdoh, who represents the Ward. The communique read in parts, "that every stakeholder is bound by the time honoured zoning arrangement existing among the 11 villages in the Ward namely Ewet, Eniong, Anua, Ekpri Nsukara, Ikot Ekidio, Ikot Anyang, Ikot Antuen, Ibiaku Offot, Use Offot, Use Attai and Ekamba Nsukara, which has existed since the return of democracy in 1999 and has help these villages to coexist in peace with another, grow in unity, brotherliness and exchew political rancour. This zoning must stand. "...in line with the admonition of His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel, that all existing zoning arrangements should be respected. Accordingly, the existing zoning arrangement where the 11 villages were divided into three (3) political zones namely Zones A, B and C remains valid. With this laudable arrangement, the councillorship seat rotated to all political zones in the Ward and returned to Zone A, which is currently occupied by Hon. Nathaniel Udoh, the Leader of Uyo Legislative Council. "That during the recently concluded PDP Ward Congress, it was agreed that for the 2020 Local Government election the councillorship slot should go to a village in Zone B that has never produced a councillor before". Furthermore, the communique stated "that following the already established zoning template stakeholders have unanimously agreed on a consensus that within Zone B since Akamba Nsukara has produced the Ward Chairman and Ward Woman Leader. Also, Use Offot produced Hon. Joseph Asuquo Edem as councillor just as Nsukara Offot produced Hon. Edet Bassey Asuquo as councillor. Therefore, it will be fair and just to give the councillorship slot to Ibiaku Offot village which has never held any elective position before". In addition, the communique stated "that stakeholders considered the loyalty, dedication and contributions of one Elder Sunday Jimmy to the electoral successes of PDP in Ibiaku Offot village since 1999 till date. Elder Jimmy and his family have remained steadfast to the party and have earned the respect of everyone in the Ward. "However, since he is advanced in age, it was unanimously agreed that his son, Otuekong Sunday Jimmy, an equally dedicated and loyal PDP faithful in the village, contest in his place. The choice of Otuekong Jimmy to replace his father has been endorsed by all the major PDP stakeholders in ward 7, now Ward 9 across all Zones and Villages." They maintained that Uyo Ward 7 PDP, now Ward 9 stakeholders have taken pains to deliberate and negotiate on the councillorship seat before reaching this all binding concensus to sustain peace, harmony and ehnance unity in the Ward as such the consensus should be respected by all within Ward 7 PDP, now Ward 9 as well as by chieftains and stakeholders in the entire Uyo Chapter of PDP. After the consensus was reached, the stakeholders moved in unison and took Otuekong Sunday Jimmy, the councillorship aspirant, to the Paramount Ruler of Uyo, Edidem Sylvanus Effiong Okon for formal presentation and blessing. The royal father, who is from the Ward, commended the unity and brotherly understanding shown by elders and stakeholders in reaching such a consensus. He appealed to everyone to queue behind the one selected by stakeholders for the sake of peaceful and rancour free election. He blessed the aspirant and assured him that the people are solidly with him. Below is the full COMMUNIQUE THE ZONING ARRANGEMENT ON COUNCILLORSHIP IN WARD 7 MUST STAND. A COMMUNIQUE BY UYO WARD 7 PDP STAKEHOLDERS FORUM, AFTER A MEETING HELD AT WARD CENTER, ST. JOHN’S PRIMARILY SCHOOL, ENIONG OFFOT, UYO ON WEDNESDAY AUGUST 5, 2020. In view of the announcement of time table for 2020 Local Government Election by Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission, AKISIEC, stakeholders of Peoples Democratic party, PDP in Uyo Ward 7, met at the Ward Center, Eniong Offot on Monday August 5, 2020 to deliberate on modalities for the election of a councillor to represent the Ward in Uyo Local Government Legislative Coumcil and resolved as follows: 1) That every stakeholder is bound by the time honoured zoning arrangement existing among the 11 villages in the Ward namely Ewet, Eniong, Anua, Ekpri Nsukara, Ikot Ekidio, Ikot Anyang, Ikot Antuen, Ibiaku Offot, Use Offot, Use Attai and Ekamba Nsukara, which has existed since the return of democracy in 1999 and has help these villages to coexist in peace with another, grow in unity, brotherliness and exchew political rancour. This zoning must stand. 2) That in line with the admonition of His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel, that all existing zoning arrangements should be respected. Accordingly, the existing zoning arrangement where the 11 villages were divided into three (3) political zones namely Zones A, B and C remains valid. With this laudable arrangement, the councillorship seat rotated to all political zones in the Ward and returned to Zone A, which is currently occupied by Hon. Nathaniel Udoh, the Leader of Uyo Legislative Council. 3) That during the recently concluded PDP Ward Congress, it was agreed that for the 2020 Local Government election the councillorship slot should go to a village in Zone B that has never produced a councillor before. 4) That following the already established zoning template stakeholders have unanimously agreed on a consensus that within Zone B since Akamba Nsukara has produced the Ward Chairman and Ward Woman Leader. Also, Use Offot produced Hon. Joseph Asuquo Edem as councillor just as Nsukara Offot produced Hon. Edet Bassey Asuquo as councillor. Therefore, it will be fair and just to give the councillorship slot to Ibiaku Offot village which has never held any elective position before. 5) That stakeholders considered the loyalty, dedication and contributions of one Elder Sunday Jimmy to the electoral successes of PDP in Ibiaku Offot village since 1999 till date. Elder Jimmy and his family have remained steadfast to the party and have earned the respect of everyone in the Ward. However, since he is advanced in age, it was unanimously agreed that his son, Otuekong Sunday Jimmy, an equally dedicated and loyal PDP faithful in the village, contest in his place. The choice of Otuekong Jimmy to replace his father has been endorsed by all the major PDP stakeholders in ward 7, now Ward 9 across all Zones and Villages. 6) That Uyo Ward 7 PDP, now Ward 9 stakeholders have taken pains to deliberate and negotiate on the councillorship seat before reaching this all binding concensus to sustain peace, harmony and ehnance unity in the Ward. Therefore this consensus should be respected by all within Ward 7 PDP, now Ward 9 as well as by chieftains and stakeholders in the entire Uyo Chapter of PDP. 7) That Ward 7 PDP, now Ward 9, stakeholders continue to pledge their loyalty and support to the leader of our great party, His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel, for his inspiring leadership and pray for God's protection and guidance on him as he continues to steer the ship of Statehood to a safe destination. Signed: |
| Politics › Senate Clears OMSL Of Alleged Illegal Activities At Secure Anchorage Area, Lagos by Blogsphere(op): 11:46am On Aug 04, 2020 |
The Senate has cleared Ocean Marine Solution Limited (OMSL) of allegations of illegal security activities at the Secure Anchorage Area (SAA) of the Lagos Ports. The Senate resolution to that effect was passed on Wednesday, December 18, 2019 consequent upon the consideration of the report on the investigation into the allegation by the Joint Committee on Navy, Marine Transport and Finance. The Senate said that OMS should be commended for its genuine national interest in investing over $400 million into the security at the SAA in particular and the Nigerian waterways in general. This, according to the Upper legislative chamber of the National Assembly, the OMS did “by providing the needed platforms and logistics for the Nigerian Navy to effectively perform 24/7/365 patrol operations as well as to provide the required protection for vessels waiting to berth at the Lagos Ports.” It stated that since “no fraud is found in the operations of the OMSL and is operating at no cost to Government, OMSL should be allowed to continue its operations at the SAA until such a time when a better and more cost-effective system is put in place by the Government.” Read below the full details of the resolution as issued by the Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly and the full report of the Joint Committee on Navy, Marine Transport and Finance: cc: mynd44
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| Politics › Let Obaseki Stew In His Own Juice - Adekunle Bademosi by Blogsphere(op): 5:21pm On Aug 03, 2020 |
Many factors will stand against the re-election of the outgoing governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki at the September 19 governorship election. But very importantly, his decision not to carefully select those he picked as enemies and refusal to heed the advice of unbiased Edo indigenes, who urged him not to escalate his political war with his predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiohmole, would haunt him. Rather than bury his ego, Obaseki did not only fight Oshiohmole, he ended up pissing off most of the prominent leaders in the state and notable members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and started building his own political structure that could not even survive the party primary selection stage of the nomination process. Perhaps, when the governor narrowed down on a very prominent Edo son, businessman and renowned philanthropist, Captain Idahosa Okunbo, as the possible choice for his replacement, he did not hesitate to launch a desperate and aggressive smear campaign against the retired commercial pilot. Obaseki’s resort to taking his fight to Okunbo would definitely have negative consequences on his second term ambition for obvious reasons. One, it gave him up as a desperate politician. Two, he pissed off a lot of Edo indigenes, because they considered the oil magnate an easy going individual, who does not deserve to be humiliated and thirdly, it portrayed the governor as a disrespectful person. This is more so because Okunbo said it repeatedly that he was never interested in the Edo governorship. But the man Obaseki chose to attack has an impeccable personality and also enjoys a lot of goodwill among his people. Little wonder, one Hon. Marvelous Zibiri, who was believed to be acting the governor’s script said, had described Okunbo in unprintable names, because of an encounter the businessman had with the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in 1995 and for which he was exonerated. Although Zibiri later recanted and apologised profusely, his deliberately careless statement soon released a floodgate of reactions that nearly consumed him, such that the governor’s camp, believed to have instigated him, also immediately abandoned him and left him to his fate. Then another one, Adaze Emwanta, wrote equally false narratives about Okunbo in what confirmed that the governor’s men had been assigned to start the character assassination project against him. He was very embarrassed by how recklessly the governor targeted him and so also were his friends from home and abroad. The people were amazed at the deluge of falsehood that was maliciously created to destroy his hard-earned reputation and lower it before the general the public all in the name of politics. Okunbo had narrated that in 1995 during the era of General Musa Bamaiyi as the NDLEA Director-General, a petition was written to the anti-drug agency, querying how he came about his wealth and acquisition of choice properties. But he immediately instituted a legal action against the NDLEA in a case with charge No: MOT/L/163/95 at the Miscellaneous Offences Tribunal, Lagos. It was concluded that the prosecution had not made out a prima facie case to warrant him to even defend himself, and as such, was discharged and acquitted of all charges on a ‘no case’ submission. “I’m wondering what I had done wrong to deserve these reckless, false and malicious attacks on my person from individuals associated with the incumbent administration,” Okunbo lamented during the attack on him. Though he said he had endured deliberate character assassinations from people he described as “beasts of no gender,” an apparently disappointed Okunbo added: “I would no longer gloss over any intentional mischiefs that do incalculable harm to my person, name, business and brand.” Many Edo State indigenes did not take kindly to the governor’s course of action. A number of them came to the open, not only to defend the person of Okunbo, but to also condemn the orchestrated and coordinated attacks. The people were collective in the description of Okunbo as a man of impeccable integrity. Admonishing those running the errands of attacking Okunbo, a lawyer and Apostle of Edo renaissance, Daniel Osa-Ogbegie said, "if one is sent an errand of a slave, one should carry it out as a child (a freeborn).” He meant that they were doing the wrong thing and should not just do it because they were pushed to do so. Just as the Latin word: Vox populi, vox Dei, meaning the voice of the people is the voice of God, a long list of people from different walks of life had come out to vouch for Okunbo’s impeccable integrity. Former House of Representatives member, Hon. Sunny Aguebor, who described him as a man of integrity, said the attack on him was baseless and unfounded. “You have built a name and business empire for yourself over the years. You are a man of strong character. Sir, I advise you to kindly disregard the cheap, malicious character assassination. It does not deserve your precious time. My father told me only a tree with fruits attracts stones. You are a big tree with so many fruits, so stones are expected,” Aguebor urged Okunbo. Also, reacting to the attacks on Okunbo, a lawyer and Assistant Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Mrs. Bisi Idaomi, assured the philanthropist that the people of the state would take up his fight if the governor’s men do not desist from peddling further falsehoods against his person. Idaomi said: “Here is a man, who does more for our people, leaders, students, women from Edo extraction than those in the present Edo State government – sending one of your aides to insult and peddle falsehoods about our son would be resisted by the ordinary Edo man and woman within the ambit of the law. This is a firm promise.” To another former House of Representatives member, Hon. Samson Osagie, Okunbo is as an inestimable asset in Edo’s socio-cultural and economic framework saying, “Those whose official duty is to malign and pull down others usually don’t go far in life. We must continue to extoll our own frontline generals in business, politics, administration and in all facets of human endeavours. “For those with power today, remember there is nothing permanent in life, not even our positions today. We stand with Captain Hosa at this moment of the ineffectual attempt of some carpet beggars and unfriendly people to undermine his humanity,” he said. The publisher, Mid-west Herald and former Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Orobosa Omo-Ojo, also lent his voice to the discussion. He eulogised Okunbo’s sterling records as a youngster. He said he had been “tested and polished by the vagaries and the whimsical arbitrariness of Nigeria’s economy and political uncertainty. Like precious metals, the storm only brought out your gem!” Others like Hon. Razak Edo-Osagie said Okunbo’s intimidating and progressive profile has been a source of worry to some, including his friends. Also, Hon Festus Ebea and many more commentators assured him that the people would resist any attempt to malign him. The prevailing scenario was aptly captured in Osa-Ogbegie’s response to Emwanta where he said, “Wẹ will nọt accept Godwin Obaseki's recourse to strangulation of the businesses and politics of Ẹdo sons and daughters anymore. There are better ways of playing politics without all these shows of desperation and aggression. “It is gratifying to note that a majority of Ẹdo people is pleased with Captain Idahosa Okunbo. I am sure the palace is also pleased with him. God Almighty and Enikaro oghe Ẹdo hia will continue to serenade him with all good things.” This is a brief capture of how people responded to attacks on Okunbo by the Obaseki-led government. It showed that the people didn’t want their son messed up in the otherwise intractable political war between Obaseki and Oshiohmole and that is the general feeling among a majority of the people and so it has to stop. Despite the advice not to do so, the governor successfully made an enemy with Okunbo and that is one enemy too many, because though he is not a politician, he enjoys a huge support among the people of the state and that support is now working in the favour of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu. The governor’s predicament would have been minimised if he had taken heed of the advice of the Okanlete of Esan Land, Major General Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd), who as far back as early 2019, warned him to desist from going into the election, quarrelling with those that supported him to win his first term election. He suggested that instead, he should forge a working alliance with them. But the governor felt otherwise. He added more enemies to his battles. And when he began to receive torrents of endorsements for second term and acknowledgment of good performance by his so-called supporters, Esekhaigbe (rtd) told Obaseki that the endorsements were not enough to win him a reelection. He said any attempt for the governor to alter the political structure on which he came to power would have negative impacts on his reelection. "He (Obaseki) should be conscious and resist the temptation of being misguided by the assumed support of many political soldiers without weapons. It is obvious that the political class in the Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) is yet to realise the need for genuine rapprochement between the Governor and his predecessor. “Every well-meaning APC stalwart should support the state party chairman towards this rapprochement, as they must be conscious of the fact that Edo State is not a one-party state. This is not the time to play the ostrich and subterfuge is not a virtue. "I am not convinced the governor has enough ammunition from these drumbeats of war and proliferation of endorsements. The imminent battle is a needless one as it fails the requirements of jus in belloand jus ad bellum (a just war and a justification for war).” Surely, Obaseki is aware that he has a very formidable opponent in the person of Ize-Iyamu, whose ambition is a response to calls by notable leaders, who consider him capable of putting his wittiness to work in policy formulation, ensuring more even distribution of wealth, proper management of human and natural resources. Although the jury is already out, it is only proper to let an irreverent and ungrateful Obaseki stew in his own juice. September 19, here we come! *Bademosi wrote from Okpella, Edo State cc: mynd44 |
| Politics › Hadiza, You Need To Do Soul-searching by Abdulmumuni Nureni-bello by Blogsphere(op): 4:12pm On Aug 02, 2020 |
Isn’t it an irony that Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo, a self-effacing, patriotic, hardworking, sincere and compassionate individual, has been continuously drawn out of his beautiful and enviable private life, just because a pretentious cartel that feigns to ‘hate money’ but lives a life that only money – perhaps illicit money – can sustain wants what he has? It therefore belies logic that a private individual, who has continued to invest his hard-earned money into staggering, commendable philanthropy, to ultimately improve the cause of humanity, is the target of the sudden attacks of some people, both on the political and business fronts. But that’s easy to decipher, anyway. They desire what he has, not just in terms of money or influence, but good deeds, character and sound upbringing. Even the Holy Book talks about the spirit of envy and victimisation. It condemns it, because it’s evil; not of the Lord. The latest spin against this illustrious son of Bini Kingdom was from the stable of the Editor, Saturday title of the THISDAY Newspapers, Yemi Adebowale. It’s been a long time I read a title editor of a major national daily plunge cheaply into the arena with mutilated facts, discarding every iota of circumspection. First, this was disturbing somewhat, because journalism, like a few other great callings, is guided by basic and simple rules, however, considered by its practitioners as golden. Thus, for a title editor of a major and prominent national daily, balancing accounts is sacrosanct, whether it is a column, analysis, feature or basic news story. But, in the event, that your facts had not been confirmed, the rule says, leave out. You cannot claim to be under any form of pressure to the detriment of the credibility of your company and the hard earned reputation of other people, whom you can only aspire to be. Pray you get any close. However, after researching into Adebowale’s kind of person, it was not disappointing to learn from some of his colleagues, both within and outside the newspaper company, how he is wired. He accords details and research no respect. One would be committing same offence to, therefore, reel off some of the commentaries about him. But to the THISDAY management, there’s a lot to do to help him. The likes of Adebowale requires periodic re-training to measure up to standard in every definition of the word, if he must start to live up to billings. That said, it is also disturbing to note that anyone would be back in this station and on this very matter over the Secured Anchorage Area (SAA) of the Lagos Waterways, managed by the Ocean Marine Solutions Limited, a going concern owned by Captain Hosa and which has lived up to its reputation over the last 14 years. There’s no debating the fact that the Managing Director of Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala-Usman has more than an official interest in the SAA and does not hide it except for the likes of Adebowale, who would rather gloss over the obvious but focus on sheer pizzas and flashes – without any substance whatsoever. Even if the renowned love of Hadiza’s life was a stakeholder in the sector and wanted everything to go his way, did it mean others with equally critical stakes in the sector and the Nigerian project should be destroyed on account of the billionaire in question? Let’s revisit the facts again, perhaps, for the record. There’s no gainsaying the fact that the cooperation and support provided by the Ocean Marine Solution Limited (OMSL) to the Nigerian Navy in securing the Lagos delineation of the nation’s waterways has been the biggest relief savoured in recent time against unceasing pirates’ attacks, which in turn has boosted revenue significantly. Anyone would appreciate this more, when the situation is juxtaposed with the experience of investors and stakeholders in the Port Harcourt axis of the waterways, the home state of the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, where the pirates have continued to have a field day, without as much a resistance from any security architecture put in place and designed for such purposes. But in Lagos, with the cooperation and support that the OMSL has continued to give to the Nigerian Navy, the state now has its Secured Anchorage Area (SAA) sufficiently protected, a situation that is not only encouraging to investors but has further motivated stakeholders to function more effectively. It’s bad enough that some stakeholders had earlier approached the NPA leadership on the need for better security funding for the Lagos waterways, to which it replied it could not muster the amount of money in question, before they turned to OMSL for this effective and mutual cooperation, which has continued to yield desired results. This also informed why stakeholders in the industry frowned at a recent order, which allegedly came from the Hadiza-led NPA, threatening to arrest and sanction operators at SAA. That was to say the least, disturbing and counterproductive. The stakeholders even wrote a letter to that effect to the president, Muhammadu Buhari, and had it published in some of the major national dailies. On the contrary, as a function of procedure and protocol, assuming there were allegations of infractions, which must be entered properly for record purposes, the right thing to do would have been to report the development to the Nigerian Navy, which in turn, would investigate such claims and take appropriate action to stem the tide. But to sit in the comfort of her office and out of sheer vendetta, victimisation and favouritism, dish out orders to the Navy to arrest vessels they were meant to protect, not only questioned her understanding of the operations of that sector but also spoke to getting unduly involved in a purely business and security concerns. To think that the agency under Hadiza has no alternative security architecture in place in the event that the frustration of OMSL continues, the resort to rethinking the allegations of sabotage in the many attacks by the pirates might be inevitable. To support this position, which her spin-doctors were blinded to, not only did the Senate clear OMSL and give it a clean bill to continue with its good work of assisting the Nigerian Navy to protect the Lagos waterways by providing the much-needed logistics after listening to the submission of stakeholders; the OMSL has also enjoyed commendation from foreign partners for doing an irresistibly good job at the Lagos waterways. In addition, the submission by Captain Hosa on the operations of OMSL at SAA during the Senate hearing was so stellar that he left the chambers with his shoulders high and other stakeholders as well as the legislative committee members proud of him. He knew the issues and sold them conveniently without resorting to lies or cheap blackmail. Therefore, to fault Adebowale’s submission that Hadiza "came to the job with a reform agenda, largely, to block leakages of revenue and stifle contractors from taking advantage of the NPA to line their pockets with money due to the federal government", the opposite has been the case. He would do well by doing some soul-searching. Sadly, Hadiza came to the job with crass immaturity and gross inexperience in a highly technical turf and rather than take the pains to learn the intricate nuances, she’s been preoccupied with just one agenda: to protect the business concerns of an individual, known in the industry as the love of her life. How is that doing the job of the federation entrusted to her or executing a reform agenda? There’s no way to spin this, picking on Captain Hosa alone is a clear indication that there’s more to it. Adebowale mentioned some other interests but not the names of those behind them. He, however, went all out depicting Captain Hosa in his compromised mindset, because Adebowale thought the retired commercial pilot was his pay master’s problem at NPA. As an editor of the category that THISDAY generously but erroneously placed Adebowale, he would have saved himself some embarrassment, if he had spoken to other stakeholders, say in LADOL and the BUA Group and asked how much of victimisation they had so far suffered in the hands of Hadiza, just because she was and is still determined to protect the interest of just one man. I’m sure they would speak to him off-the-record to, at least, cure his poisonous ignorance. It was, therefore, not surprising in any form or shape that people, who were supposed to supervise as well as guide a delinquent and irreverent MD would also go on a national television to corroborate lies and fictions, only to justify their premeditated plans against an innocent man, who is legitimately doing his business and following the laws of the land. The interesting thing is that the heads of both the ministry and the agency are products of the approval of the Senate, the same way the senate had given SAA a clean bill of health to continue with its operations. We either live by the laws of our land or quit when we are too big to be guided by them. Captain Hosa has chosen to be a patriotic Nigerian, who would do right and seek justice, wherever and whenever his rights are impugned. The current play at SAA is not an exception. He is by far more of a blessing than those, who are abusing their privileged positions today. But tomorrow, when they are no more, posterity would speak to their records too, in clear unmistaken language. *Nureni-Bello wrote from Abuja cc: lalasticlala, mynd44 |
| Travel › Gov Emmanuel Expands Investment In Aviation As Ibom Air Acquires Fifth Airplane by Blogsphere(op): 4:32pm On Aug 01, 2020 |
Gov Emmanuel expands investment in aviation as Ibom Air acquires fifth airplane Governor Udom Emmanuel has fulfilled his promise to expand the fleet of the state owned airline - Ibom Air with acquisition of the fifth airplane. Few weeks ago, when the governor took delivery of the fourth aircraft, he noted that plans were underway to make Ibom Air dominate the aviation industry in Nigeria and the entire Africa continent in terms of services, professionalism and quality of aircraft. He stated that the safety standards of Ibom Air remained unbeaten, and the hygiene regulations the best. "We want to really dominate this industry with our services, the quality of our aircraft and the quality and professionalism of our own personnel. “We have people to sell; we have services to sell and we have the best of the best of the aircrafts to sell,” Emmanuel said. Ibom Air announced the addition of one more aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ900, to her fleet. The management of the airline went public with news of the arrival of the new aircraft in the early hours of Saturday 1st August, via her official Facebook page. The airline says the new aircraft, with registration number 5N-BXO, arrived Lagos from Calgary, Canada at 00:05 am local time, Saturday morning, (1st August, 2020). “After delays occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic, Ibom Air is pleased to finally receive it’s fifth Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft, the second of the two additional aircraft purchased in December 2019.” “With the arrival of this aircraft, our modern and efficient fleet grows to five aircraft and Ibom Air continues to operate the youngest fleet amongst Nigeria’s airlines. This fleet strategy is in line with our vision to be a world-class African regional airline”, the airline announced. Ibom Air which began commercial operations last year, flying Uyo to Abuja and Lagos, just last month began operations to Calabar, Cross River State. Recall that Ibom Air took delivery of the airline’s fourth Bombardier CRJ 900 aircraft in Lagos from Calgary, Canada at 10:48 pm local time, Tuesday evening (05 May, 2020). Ibom Air operates the lowest average fleet age amongst Nigeria’s airlines. This fleet strategy is in line with the company's vision to be a world-class African regional airline. A key benefit of Ibom Air’s very modern fleet of Bombardier CRJ 900 aircraft is that they all come fitted with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters. HEPA filters are high-intensity filters that do not just filter dust, but effectively capture greater than 99% of the airborne microbes in the filtered air, including microscopic particles such as bacteria and viruses. Cabin air in HEPA equipped aircraft generally pass through the filters 20-30 times per hour, removing contaminants and greatly enhancing the quality of air in the cabin. Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44
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| Politics › Group Set To Partner A'ibom Media On Peace Advocacy by Blogsphere(op): 11:54am On Aug 01, 2020 |
As A'Ibom SA on Local Media says peace building must start from homes A pro-peace group, Partners for Peace in the Niger Delta, P4P, has made known its intention to partner media in Akwa Ibom State in its advocacy for peace building in communities across the state. This formed part of the group's agenda when it paid a courtesy visit to the Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Media, Akparawa (Prince) Emmanuel Sam, in his office at Government House, Uyo , on Friday July 31, 2020. In his remarks, Prince Sam thanked the organization for the laudable initiative which seeks to bring sustainable peace to communities and states in the region. He stated that what Niger Delta needs now is total peace and unity in order to pursue the growth and development of the region. "We don't want to manage peace, we need total peace in the Niger Delta and the leaders and stakeholders must play a major role. "Akwa Ibom is the most peaceful State in the region, we thank God for giving us a peaceloving leader in the person of His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel, who has demostrated that politics can be played without strife, violence or kidnapping. "The governor has done a commendable work in building peace and rehabilitating communities that were engulfed in crisis. As the National Leader of Akwa Ibom Liberation Movement, AILM, I'm happy to partner with another group whose objective aligns with ours. "One of our roles is to advocate for sustenance of the peace we are enjoying under Governor Udom Emmanuel even after he has left office. In the course of our work, we've however discovered that there are a lot of dysfunctional and broken homes and this affects the peace in our communities". He stated. Prince Sam also pointed out that to achieve peace in the Niger Delta it is important to discourage young men from joining cultism, indulging in abuse of illicit drugs and dissuade politicians from arming youth for political thuggery. He made an appeal to the organization to go beyond peace building to investigate the root cause of conflict in families and seek to correct it through sensitization. He therefore indicated interest to join the group in propagating peace and development in communities across Akwa Ibom State and other parts of the region. Earlier, in his address, National Coordinator of Partners for Peace in the Niger Delta, High Chief Pius Akomolafe ( Ondo State rep), informed the Special Assistant on Local Media, Akparawa Emmanuel Sam, that the group is a network supported by Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) with a mission to build social capital around peacebuilding and equitable economic development by amplifying the voices of positive actors. Akomolafe further disclosed that the group has representatives from all the states in the region with expertise in various fields of endeavour that are relevant to the peace building, adding that their work involves intervening in volatile and war prone communities in the Niger Delta to ensure peace, mitigate conflict and prevent criminalty. The group is currently embarking on a conflict resolution and peacebuilding project in Itu Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State. "We have identified relevant stakeholders to help our organization succeed and we are here to equest for media partnership in propagating our message of peace to communities in the state". He said. Also speaking, the National Secretary of the group, Pastor Edewor Egedegbe (Delta State Rep) commended the SA on Local Media on his contributions to peace in the state through media relations. He promised that the group will make efforts to address the root cause of crisis in order to sustain he peacebuilding endeavour and congratulated Akparawa Emmanuel Sam for coming on board the group while pledging to work with him to achieve set goals and objectives. High point of the event was the acceptance of Akparawa (Prince) Emmanuel Sam into the Partnership for Peace in the Niger Delta by the National Coordinator, High Chief Pius Akomolafe, who said a date will be set aside for the reception and presentation of award to the former as an ambassador of the group. Part of the delegation of P4P included Mrs. Loretta Ahuokpeme - Deputy National Coordinator (Rivers State Rep), Amb. Peace Edem - Deputy National Secretary (Akwa Ibom State Rep), Efio-Ita Nyok - Research and Documentation Officer (Cross River State Rep), Nancy Wodu - National Treasure (Bayelsa State Rep), Kingsley Kefe - National Financial Secretary (Edo State Rep), Tina Anya - National welfare Officer (Imo State Rep) and Pastor Theophilus Torty - National PRO (Abia State Rep). Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44 1 Like
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| Politics › A'ibom PDP Is A Model Of Party Politics In Nigeria, Says Gov Emmanuel by Blogsphere(op): 9:38am On Jul 31, 2020 |
Tasks new Party Leadership on Dedication, Loyalty Governor Udom Emmanuel, the Akwa Ibom State leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has said that his party is a model to be emulated by all others across Nigeria. The governor made the remark at the state-owned international stadium, Nest of Champions, while commending the peaceful organization and transparency in the conduct of the state party congress and the seamless transition of leadership on Thursday July 30, 2020. He described Akwa Ibom PDP as a model of the party in Nigeria and indeed an ideal of democracy and party politics. According to him:- “PDP in Akwa Ibom State is a model of the PDP and party politics in Nigeria. Officials of INEC are here with other observers, let them tell me which state they gone to whose party congress will be as organized, orderly, peaceful, transparent and cohesive as what you’ve seen today in Akwa Ibom.While congratulating the incoming executives of the party, the governor harped on dedication and loyalty, charging them to prove themselves faithful as those entrusted to anchor the affairs of the party for the next four years. He thanked the outgoing Chairman of the party in the State, Obong Paul Ekpo and members of his Executive Committee, for leading the party to victory in two consecutive elections describing him as gift a to the PDP in Akwa Ibom State. He challenged the incoming executives to learn from the Paul Ekpo-led Committee and ensure that the party handed over to them remains intact and only gets better in four years. “I really want to thank the outgoing Chairman of this Party, Obong Paul Ekpo. Wherever you see good followership and good leadership, it is not by accident, it means they must have done something right consistently over time. "Whenever things come the way they came in our state over the past eight years, God will always send a man. God sent us people, not just Paul Ekpo, but the entire state executive of our party who had piloted the affairs of this party for these past years. So I really want to thank the Paul Ekpo-led Committee of this party and I believe we have a lot to learn”. He said. The Akwa Ibom State Chief Executive urged citizens to keep to measures that would prevent them from the COVID-19 pandemic and not wait to experience the infection or see people that have gone through the scourge before taking caution. Meanwhile, State Congress of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), witnessed the emergence of a 39-man Executive Committee, with Obong Udo Ekpenyong, former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, as Chairman. Declaring the outcome of the congress on behalf of the National Working Committee of the PDP, the Chairman of the five-man Congress Committee, Mr. Eric Nwakana, praised the party leadership and faithful in the state for the peaceful conduct of the congress. Nwakama said 39 candidates were screened and cleared to stand the election, with 3845 delegates duly accredited to do the voting. He declared Hon. Udo Ekpenyong, having scores 3840, with 5 votes voided Chairman-elect, with 38 other unopposed candidates returned elected into various offices of the party in Akwa Ibom State. The Akwa Ibom State PDP Chairman-elect, Hon. Udo Ekpenyong, in his acceptance speech, thanked the leader of the party in the state, his predecessor, party faithful in the state and the delegation from the party’s National Working Committee for the confidence reposed in him and ensuring a hitch-free process for his emergence. Ekpenyong stated the objectives of his administration is to include promoting the ideals of the party in the state through inclusion, wide consultations, sustained dialogue and enduring partnership, while reaffirming his loyalty to the People’s Democratic Party. The outgoing Chairman and Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee for the Congress, Obong Paul Ekpo, expressed heartfelt gratitude to God and the entire PDP family in Akwa Ibom State for the support that saw to his successful tenure and peaceful transition and prayed for the continuous and increasing strength of the PDP in Akwa ibom State and beyond. cc: lalasticlala, mynd44
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| Christianity Etc › Prophet Emmanuel Omale Sue NAN For Over Report On Ibrahim Magu by Blogsphere(op): 7:38pm On Jul 27, 2020*. Modified: 8:03pm On Jul 27, 2020 |
Emmanuel Omale, a Nigerian cleric, made good a threat he issued through his counsel few days ago by serving court processes on the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and a reporter with the agency, Isamalia Chafe for an alleged defamatory report claiming he bought a landed property worth N573 million in Dubai on behalf of the suspended EFCC boss, Ibrahim Magu. In a Writs of Summons seen by this newspaper, the claimant, Emmanuel Omale, said he has been damnified and claims jointly and severally against the Defendants as follows: The sum of N1, 000,000,000.00 (One Billion Naira) being exemplary, aggravated, special and general damages for libel contained in the publication with the caption – “HOW MAGU USED PASTOR TO LAUNDER RE-LOOTED FUNDS ABROAD - REPORT” which publication was posted on the 1st Defendant’s website – www.nannews.ng by the 2nd Defendant on the 11th day of July 2020 which was falsely and maliciously published by the Defendants of the Claimant in the way of his public and private life. He also prayed that the court issue an "An Order compelling the Defendants to publish a public apology specifically and wholly retracting the said libellous article in any 3 (three) daily Newspapers having nation-wide circulation in Nigeria and accessible to the public on the internet. "An Order of Injunction restraining the Defendants, their servants or agents from further publishing or causing to be published the said words complained of or any other words, having such defamatory effect on the Claimant. The claimant also said the defendants ( News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and a reporter with the agency, Isamalia Chafe) knew as a fact that the statement they made of and concerning the Claimant is false and bereft of any iota of truth. "There is no Report whatsoever linking or indicting the Claimant of the crime of money laundering, aiding or abetting Mr. Ibrahim Magu or any other person whatsoever with money laundering or the commission of any crime whatsoever. "There are no petitions in which the name of the Claimant were referred to with respect to any allegations of criminality against Mr. Ibrahim Magu, or at all. NAN had published a presidential committee report that audited the EFCC between 2015 and 2020 stating that Mr Omale was used ”as an instrument for the embattled EFCC boss to launder money”. Mr Omale, who is the General Overseer of ‘Divine Hand of God Prophetic Ministries International’, Abuja, requested the government-owned newspaper to retract the publication ”which had severely injured his reputation, character and calling.” The cleric, however, said that he does not own a foreign bank account as indicated in the report. He is, therefore, seeking N1 billion in damages adding that he only visited Mr. Ibrahim Magu in a hospital in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, sometime in March 2020. Mr Magu is currently being interrogated by a panel headed by Ayo Salami, former president of the appeal court over allegations of corruption and insubordination levelled against him. The allegations were made by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami. |
| Politics › A'ibom Has Spent N3 Billion On Fight Against Covid-19, Says Gov Emmanuel by Blogsphere(op): 3:19pm On Jul 26, 2020 |
A'Ibom has spent N3 billion on fight against Covid-19, says Gov Emmanuel * Set to build 49 ICUs before 2023 * Speaks on school resumption, tax relief, succession plan Governor Udom Emmanuel has revealed that Akwa Ibom State government has so far invested over N3 billion in ensuring citizens survive the Covid-19 pandemic. The Governor made this revelation while speaking during his regular live citizens’ feedback program, 'Governor Udom Speaks', streamed on both electronics and social media platforms across the globe, on Saturday July 25, 2020, in Uyo, the AKwa Ibom State Capital. According to him, in order to ensure that Akwa Ibomites can access the best health care, three more containers filled with medicals equipment and supplies have been acquired and delivered to the State. Government is ensuring that both suspected and confirmed cases are fed and treated free of charge throughout their stay in hospital, all 43 cottage and general hospitals have been provided with basic Covid-19 training and kits to improve handling of cases before they are transferred to Isolation Centers. In addition, a new PCR laboratory has been completed and is awaiting the NCDC certification. Also, assorted food items have been procured for the second round of palliatives distribution to the very poor across the 31 local government areas of the State. Government is building a new oxygen plant at the Isolation Center, Ituk Mbang that would attend to 300 patients simultaneously, as well as building a state-of-the-art toilet tissue factory and others. The Governor announced that his administration intends to up the ante in providing accessible and affordable medicare to Akwa Ibom people everywhere in the State. "My target is that we have 49 functional ICUs before we leave office. Recall that I said while revamping some of our hospitals that ' there could be a condition where 30 minutes reach to a hospital matters', lo and behold coronavirus came!” He disclosed that the State has entered the stage of community spread, appealing to citizens to protect themselves and comply with government safety protocols at public places and social events. "We are at a stage of community transmission, and what that means is that you must protect yourself. At this moment, everything is important. Dont ignore even a sore throat. Don't wait to realise that coronavirus is real when it is too late". He said. He however cleared the air on recent update by NCDC, saying since the pandemic hit the country, the State has recorded just seven deaths of those who tested positive to the virus. He admitted that there has been additional 4 deaths recorded since the last interview, but not on a single day. "It is not as if they all died in one day, but it is just because that is the time that NCDC decided to update its records. All those cases were brought in to our facilities when their conditions were very bad". Speaking further on the new PCR laboratory, he said it will boost testing. "I am glad to inform you that the State has activated the second PCR lab and it is 100% ready. We are only awaiting NCDC certification. So be rest assured that we will soon step up the testings in the State. Now that we have a second laboratory, we will have more testings carried out". He promised. On the strategic repositioning of state post Covid-19 economy, Governor Emmanuel harped on agriculture, saying this would ensure food security, create job opportunities, enhance growth and boost establishment of agro allied cottage industries. The State Chief Executive spoke at length about reopening of schools in the State. He said "we are soon going to announce the resumption dates for schools. We are beginning from the JSS 3 and SS3. We want to de-fog the schools before we allow the children to return. "The Ministry of Education is monitoring the West African Examinations Council to know when the exams are holding so that they will ensure that the students resume and acclimatise long enough before exams commence. While answering questions from viewers, the Governor reiterated that he does not have an anointed successor. "I am not that kind of Governor that will seek a third term through a surrogate. I am also not that kind of Governor who wants to rule for 24 years. Trust me to know that your Governor can only support someone who genuinely has the interest of the state at heart". He expressed disappointment with the poor handling of development of oil bearing states especially Akwa Ibom State by federal government and international oil companies. "Our State produces the oil and contributes significantly to the economy of the country. But I'm yet to see any meaningful development brought to our State. I have not seen any significant presence of those who explore our oil. "Even ExxonMobil feels too reluctant to pay tax. So what we can do to help ourselves, is to encourage those who are willing to partner with us to develop our State.” The Governor admitted that although announcing tax relief will affect the State's internally generated revenue, it was a necessary measure to support small and medium enterprises to recover from Covid-19 economic shock. On the fate of capital projects, Governor Emmanuel appealed to citizens to bear with government as it focuses on ensuring the State survives the scourge. He reassured citizens that all projects will be looked into once the situation improves and the rain subsides. Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44 1 Like |
| Politics › Defamation: Idahosa Okunbo Serves Notice On Edo Government by Blogsphere(op): 7:03am On Jul 22, 2020 |
Defamation: Capt. Hosa Serves Notice On Edo State Government To Seek Redress In Court Chairman of Ocean Marine Solution (OMS), Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo (Capt, Hosa), has served notice on the Edo State Government of his intention to proceed against it in court for libelous and defamatory publications against him by the State Government. In a letter by his Counsel, Dr Oladapo Olanipekun (SAN), dated July 20, 2020 and referenced EM/OAG/02/2020, addressed to the Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Yinka Omorogbe, Capt. Hosa demanded a retraction of the said publications. He also demanded that the State Government and/or its representatives should cease and desist from making any further libelous and defamatory publications against him. Not done, the billionaire businessman demanded the sum of N2 billion for the “embarrassment, inconvenience, losses and damages done to his person, character and interests” as a result of the “mischievous, malicious and misleading publications.” In the four-page letter, Olanipekun said that:- “On Monday, 20 July, 2020, publications captioned “Okunbo, Oshiomhole making plans to disrupt Edo governorship elections”, appeared on pages 26 of The Punch and 53 of THISDAY.According to him, “You are aware that our client is one of the most prominent citizens of Edo State and, indeed, a foremost Nigerian. He is an accomplished businessman, whose interests and achievements, transcend Edo State and Nigeria. “Through hard work, excellence and the rare business acumen, our client has built and nurtured a diverse and vast business conglomerate, spanning different spheres of the Nigerian economy. “Edo State is one of the primary beneficiaries of our client’s industry. He invests significantly in the welfare of the State and he employs several hundreds of Edo indigenes in his many businesses. “Our client has been meticulous in building his career with the hallmarks of diligence and integrity. His peace-loving nature has received global acclaim. Hence, he was recognized with a global peace award in 2019 by the Chairman of the Order of Lafayette awards in Geneva, Switzerland. “We could refer to an endless list of numerous awards and achievements certifying our client as a man of integrity, industry, means and peace. It is instructive that some of these awards were conferred on our client by institutions based in Edo State. He is a respected Nigerian and philanthropist, who is held in high esteem within and beyond the shores of Nigeria.” He stated further:- “As a remote and direct result of the false, inaccurate, misleading and libelous publications, our client has been inundated with several enquiries from different parts of the world by concerned associates, clients, investors, friends and family members, demanding explanation and clarification about the criminal insinuations of the publications.Olanipekun added:- “The publications have caused considerable distress to our client, putting his distinguished and illustrious reputation at risk. In particular, you are aware that as with most businesses, our client’s businesses thrive on goodwill.Olanipekun continued:- “Premised on the foregoing, we have further instruction of our client to demand a retraction of the publication and an unreserved apology.https://leadership.ng/2020/07/22/capt-hosa-serves-notice-on-edo-gov-demands-n2bn/ 7 Likes 1 Share
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| Politics › Accolades Continue To Pour In, On Governor Udom Emmanuel At 54 by Blogsphere(op): 4:16pm On Jul 21, 2020 |
Accolades continue to pour in, on Governor Udom Emmanuel at 54 Eminent Nigerians have continued to send their goodwill messages to Governor Udom Emmanuel who recently turned 54. One of such, came from immediate past President and Commander-in- Chief of the Armed Forces the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GCFR.) In his goodwill message, the former President extolled Governor Emmanuel’s leadership skills. “ You are a patriot who has shown considerable commitment to the growth and development of our dear nation. As a governor, you have been steadfast in seeking to improve the lot of your people and build a prosperous AKwa Ibom State. I urge you to continue with your development agenda and inspiring leadership style which has helped to cultivate friendship across party lines and divides.” Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44, seun |
| Politics › Re: Oniba Of Iba-elect Joins Youth In Community Clean-up Exercise by Blogsphere(op): 1:25pm On Jul 21, 2020 |
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| Politics › Oniba Of Iba-elect Joins Youth In Community Clean-up Exercise by Blogsphere(op): 1:22pm On Jul 21, 2020 |
Dr. Sulaiman Adesina, Oniba of Iba-Elect, has described the environmental sanitation programme organized by youths of Iba community in Lagos as a necessity, timely as there have been predictions of heavy flood in the country this season which cleaning up drainages could help reduce. The monarch-elect showered encomiums on the community youths for thinking out of the box in making meaningful contribution to the development of the community. Oniba said iba youths of those times are different from now as they are thinking on positive development in the community rather than wrecking havoc and at the same time disturbing the peace of the community. Meanwhile, Sulaiman reiterated the need for a secondary school and a market for the community, citing the instance of the fact that none of them had their secondary school within the community. Speaking also, Iba Community Youth Leader, Chief Lamidi Oseni explained that the programme is a joint efforts of the youths in the community in order to have a safe and clean environment. Lamidi noted the imperativeness of the environmental cleaning as health is a sine qua non to wealth. The Leader emphasized the sustainability of the environmental cleaning as the community youths are in one accord in supporting the incoming ruler to achieve a smooth operation. While speaking on the security of the community, The Leader said that effective collaboration between the youths and the leaders in the community has been the major driver of the rancour-free situation in the community; hence, peace and tranquility. cc: mynd44
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| Politics › 41 Patients Receive Support From Ailm On Udom Emmanuel's 54th Birthday (photos) by Blogsphere(op): 1:47pm On Jul 12, 2020 |
Two mothers of multiple birth children at Saint Luke's Hospital Anua, and 39 other patients in Akwa Ibom state have received financial support to offset their hospital bills. The financial support was given by Akwa Ibom Liberation Movement, AILM, a foremost sociopolitical group in Akwa Ibom state to some indigent patients at Saint Luke's Hospital Anua Uyo; General Hospital, Iquita Oron and; General Hospital Ikot Ekpene, in celebration of the 54th birthday of Governor Udom Emmanuel. One of the patients at General Hospital, Iquita, Oron, who benefited from the outreach by the group was discharged from the hospital more than a fortnight ago according to the hospital management, but she could not pay her outstanding bill of N5000, hence she could not leave the hospital. Presenting the cash donation to the benefiting patients at General Hospital, Iquita, Oron and Saint Luke's Hospital, Anua, Uyo, National leader of Akwa Ibom Liberation Movement, Akparawa (Prince) Emmanuel Sam said the group chose to celebrate the governor's birthday with people in need in hospitals across the three senatorial districts of the state. Akparawa Sam, who is the Special Assistant on Local Media to Governor Udom Emmanuel, said members of the movement were pleased to use the governor's birthday to reach out to some Akwa Ibom people. "As a group, we have visited three hospitals, one in each of the three senatorial districts, and have paid the bills of some patients. This is our own birthday gift to the governor", he said. Akparawa Sam added that Akwa Ibom Liberation Movement which exists to mobilise people and build a community-based leadership network through them, to promote and entrench good governance, raise strong awareness on political justice and strengthen citizens' participation in governance. Presenting the group's donation to patients at General hospital, the Deputy National leader of Akwa Ibom Liberation Movement, Prince Mendy Archibong, encouraged the patients to be hopeful of a quick recovery. Archibong, who is the Managing Director of Goodtime Group of Companies told the patients that Governor Udom Emmanuel loves them that is why he has always encouraged everyone who wishes to celebrate him on his birthday to channel such funds to people in hospitals and others in need. Beneficiaries of the reach out and management of the hospitals visited lauded the group and wished the governor a happy birthday. Mothers of the multiple birth children, Mrs Ekemini Effiong, and Mrs Uduak Joseph Asuquo, who received N20,000 each thanked Akwa Ibom Liberation Movement for her charity towards them and their children. Others who benefited from the outreach at General Hospital, Ikot Ekpene, Mr Bruno Silas Obot and; Mr Akaninyene Isidore, Secretary General, Joint Association of Persons With Disabilities, Akwa Ibom state as well as Mrs Ekaette Ekpenyong Nyong at General Hospital, Iquita, wished Governor Udom Emmanuel, a happy birthday. In separate remarks, management of three hospitals visited during the outreach lauded members of AILM for the gesture. The AILM team was received by the compound nurse, Mrs Eno Eno Udoh at at Saint Luke's Hospital, Anua; representative of the Chief Medical Superintendent Dr Daniel Edidiong, at Genera Hospital, Ikot Ekpene; and Dr Okpo Enefiok at General Hospital, Iquita, Oron. cc: lalasticlala, mynd44 1 Like
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| Politics › Special Report, Governor Udom Emmanuel: A’ibom’s Profound Leader At 54 by Blogsphere(op): 10:10am On Jul 11, 2020 |
* Salvages A'Ibom economy from national recession, debt overhang * Diversifies economy via industrialisation, Aviation devt * Harps on enduring peace, unity, political inclusion * Wages a winning battle against Covid-19 By Emmanuel Sam THE MAN OF DESTINY Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel emerged as a fulfilment of God’s promise at the appointed time when Akwa Ibom people yearned with great expectations for a leader that will return the State to its once peaceful, united and progressive path. Since May 29, 2015, Gov. Emmanuel has led the State with great sense of purpose. It is therefore pertinent in this special report, commemorating his 54th birthday, to present highlights of his journey to fulfil destiny as a manager of God’s own piece of real estate. Sometime in 1988, young Udom Emmanuel was full of ambitions for a good future. He had set out his career plans immediately when he graduated from the University of Lagos. Emmanuel studied Accounting and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree (B.Sc Accounting) with a second class upper grade; and this provided the launch-pad to his career. Although his dreams were quite profound, he first had to perform the compulsory one year of national service after his graduation. In 1989, Emmanuel was called up for his one-year national youth service. During the service programme, he was posted to the Lagos office of PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC). Armed with a rich curriculum vitae adorned with a job experience from a multinational company, Emmanuel did not have to saunter all over the streets of Lagos in search of employment. Rather, he was made offers by several organizations. Eventually, he settled to work with Diamond Bank Limited. He later joined Zenith Bank Plc in 1996, six years after the bank was established. At Zenith Bank, he imbibed the vision of the organisation, striving to ensure it achieved its mission of leading the Nigerian and global markets with a technology-driven range of financial services. Emmanuel grew rapidly with the nascent bank, emerging its pioneer Manager of Lagos Central Branch. Since then, his over 17 years of financial services experience were mostly spent in an organisation he loved and thrived in. True to the Biblical axiom: “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men”, Emmanuel’s hard work and sacrifice marked him out for honour right from a very young age. Speaking about himself on a television programme in 2015, Emmanuel who had just been elected Governor of Akwa Ibom State said “I was already sitting on the board of profit-making companies at the age of 35. At the age of 40, I was already sitting on the board of 12 corporate bodies, including a group. At the age of 40, I was [on] the board of one of the best banks on planet earth. And there is nobody at that level that will go home with a salary of less than $1 million per annum.” With these achievements in his kitty, Emmanuel was getting ready for the assignment God prepared him for in Akwa Ibom State. RISING TO FAITH OF GREATNESS As at 2015, the economy of Akwa Ibom State was at the crossroads when Governor Udom Emmanuel took over the helms of affairs. On the day he was sworn in, the price of crude oil, Nigeria's biggest revenue earnings, had dropped to $27 per barrel, with production capacity standing at less than 800,000 barrels per day. In effect, the misfortune was that the revenue of the State slumped phenomenally, such that the new administration became almost cash-strapped. The falling revenue was not the only clog. The administration inherited N64.5billion debts owed to commercial banks as of May 29, 2015; with the debt servicing obligation standing at N3.5billion per month. The government was expected to pay N3.5billion monthly for debts owed by the previous administration, from its net allocation which ranged between N7.6billion and N9.6billion in the third and fourth quarters of 2015. With the financial outlook which was blinking red and constantly pointing to more uncertainties in the months ahead, peoples’ hope that the Emmanuel’s administration would do anything tangible waned. At that point, the five-point agenda and the industrialisation of the State which the governor promised looked more idealistic than practicable. While hope got dimmer, Governor Udom Emmanuel sprang surprises. He showed expertise and dexterity in financing priority projects of the government. To ensure that the government did not shut-down due to suffocating bills - inherited debts and the rising wage bills due to the recruitment of about 5000 people into the civil service by the Akpabio administration on the eve of its exit - Udom Emmanuel did three things. One, he worked and got the N64.5billion debt restructured and converted into Central Bank of Nigeria bonds. Under the bond, the debt servicing obligation changed from N3.5billion per month to N850million per month, spread over a period of 20 years. Two, the administration introduced a project financing policy called Alternative Project Funding Approach (APFA). Though this worked on two prongs, the popular prong was that the State would guarantee loans for its contractor to execute a project, thus allowing the State to pay for the project in tranches. "The approach relieved pressure on government purse and saved extra cost that would have arisen from price variation over a period", Mr. Akan Okon, who was Commissioner for Finance in the first year of the Emmanuel’s administration, said. Three, the Internally Generated Revenue collection mechanism was reformed; automation and e-receipts replaced manual collection. The administration promoted financial discipline and was noticeably frugal in spending. Governor Udom Emmanuel came with a five-point development agenda for Akwa Ibom State. The agenda comprised job creation, poverty alleviation, wealth creation, economic and political inclusion, and infrastructural consolidation and expansion. The key driver to this agenda was industrialization. From the first day the administration started off, the governor worked hard and revamped moribund industries, built new ones and attracted foreign investors who built a number of industries which the state could not have had the financial requirements to undertake. Before the end of his first term, 15 industries were manufacturing different products including paints, syringes, toothpicks, pencils, fertilizer, plastic wares and others. ONLY GOD During the transition to his second term in office, when many friends turned enemies and betrayal was rife, Governor Udom Emmanuel made a profound statement, which revealed the secret of his calmness and later became the slogan of his re-election campaign. He said “all is well with us as far as this union, this body is concerned and we leave the rest into God's hands and then we will see what God wants to do. This is God's own state; we restate and reaffirm our faith in God and God alone”. It is only a leader with a deep relationship with God that could have made this statement with sincerity. Eventually, there was no bloodshed, politically motivated killings or kidnappings throughout the electioneering period. The governor won convincingly on the strength of his faith in God, overwhelming peace in the State and the goodwill he enjoy from Akwa Ibom people across political party lines, who clamoured to return him to office. HEALTH CARE DELIVERY, FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19 Once again, Akwa Ibom people made the right choice by re-electing Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel in 2019 because as soon as he was sworn in, the world was faced with another apocalyptic challenge – the coronavirus and the State relied on his quick wits to pull through. The governor seems to have anticipated the double disaster of a slump in oil price and a dire health challenge when he worked tirelessly to diversify the state economy and focused on growing a non-oil sector while also putting a lot of investment in improving the state health sector. There is no gainsaying the fact that before the current global crisis, Akwa Ibom state was on its way to becoming an international business hot spot in the West African subregion. The state recorded a whooping N24.8 billion, an all-time high in IGR in 2019 and was bound to break that record this year. It made pioneering efforts on several fronts with enviable business models and world-class concepts which would help the state feed its people, employ its teeming population and build a robust economy. In transforming the state healthcare system, the governor focused on providing optimum service delivery. He put in remarkable effort towards refurbishing secondary health care facilities across the state, fitting them with state-of-the-art equipment and salvaged Ibom Specialty Hospital from rot. He also embarked on training of health workers and recruiting more to replace those retiring. It would not be out of place to state that Governor Udom Emmanuel prepared the state to weather the difficulties of present-day Nigeria. Accordingly, Governor Emmanuel’s response to the global pandemic is not informed by fear nor panic, but with carefully weighed steps he is taking Akwa Ibom state through the most difficult period in her history, keeping her safe and thriving. More so, as a state chief executive officer, he sees the big picture and knows that if we are to survive, we must not allow emotions becloud our reasoning rather we must take steps to remain on top of the situation as much as possible. In keeping to this policy, the governor has built a 300-bed capacity isolation center/Emergency Operating Center at General hospital, Ituk Mbang fully equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to fight the virus and any other communicable pathogen. This is in addition to similar centers at the state owned Multi-specialty hospital- Itam, Infectious disease hospital – Ikot Ekpene and State Secretariat Annex - Uyo. Thus while many states were shutting down, Akwa Ibom state was able to bring in the new Aircraft even in the midst of the gloomy economic situation. The 90-seater Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft brought the number of airplanes in Ibomair fleet to four. In addition, the governor constructed a taxiway at the Victor Attah International Airport, engaged in full upgrading of Airfield Lighting System at the airport as well as constructed commercial terminal building at the airport. POLITICAL INCLUSION AND PEACE Another remarkable feat by the Udom administration is political inclusion, peace and unity among various ethnic nationalities living together in the State. He has fulfilled his promise to reachout to everyone not minding tribe, religious or political affiliation. In response to Governor Emmanuel’s extension of the olive branch to the opposition, on Thursday, November 21, 2019, eleven (11) bonafide members of the All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom state who are stakeholders of the party in their own right, published a full page message of congratulations to Governor Udom Emmanuel. The message which was duly signed by the APC members was in solidarity with Governor Udom Emmanuel’s Appeal Court victory. It noted that “under the first four years of the Udom Emmanuel’s administration, Akwa Ibom State has experienced sufficient peace and tranquillity. The government and persons in charge of instruments of the State have not used same to hunt down the opposition or any person who disagreed with them politically. This has interestingly created a mutual and warm political relationship between members of different political parties across the state aside from fostering brotherliness and the spirit of sportsmanship.” Soon after that publication, state chairmen of nine political parties under a group called “Forum of Uruan Political State Party Chairmen” were on a courtesy call to an appointee of Governor Udom Emmanuel, chairman of Akwa Ibom Roads and Other Infrastructure Maintenance Agency, (AKROIMA), Prince Godwin Ntuk Udeh, Ph.D. The forum went to reaffirm their support to Governor Udom Emmanuel, having earlier during the 2019 election declared support for Governor Udom Emmanuel’s second term. Also, within the same period, Governor Udom Emmanuel announced the appointment of a state caucus member of the APC, Elder Enefiok Ekefre, as his honorary special adviser on grassroots development. These experiences and the mutual political relationship between the ruling party and members of opposition political parties are rare in the state’s political history. Members of opposition parties in state have seen Governor Udom Emmanuel as their own, a man they can work with, a man they trust beyond political differences and affinities. Governor Udom Emmanuel came up with political inclusion as one of his five points agenda. Some people had merely dismissed him on this, describing it a pretentious cloak to make him and his administration look good before the wide majority of Akwa Ibom people. However, in his second term, Governor Emmanuel, has openly demonstrated that he meant every word when he declared in his inauguration speech, that the “fleeting passion of politics” should not be allowed to “break the cords of our brotherhoo“As I said in my victory speech, I extend again my hands of fellowship and bond of friendship to my brothers and sisters on the opposite side of the political divide. I call on them to join me in building a State that we all, irrespective of political affiliations will be proud to call our home”. cc: lalasticlala, mynd44
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| Health › Support Fight Against COVID-19, Group Urges Nigerians by Blogsphere(op): 11:33am On Jul 09, 2020 |
New Nigeria Collective has expressed concern over the rising cases of coronavirus in the country. NNC, in a statement, warned Nigerians to take personal responsibility and observe all the safety protocols. Part of the statement read, “We, as a concerned entity in Nigeria, have taken judicial notice of the unceasing rise in the number of new cases of COVID-19 and we have come to the realisation that the growing development, apart from being a confirmation of the fact that the country might have entered the second wave of the pandemic attack, it also speaks largely to the failure of people to consciously taking personal responsibility. “There’s no debating the fact that the country could not be locked down for good, it is thus expected that at some point in the attempt to tame the spread of the virus, there would be a systematic easing up of the lockdowns from country to country, a manifestation of which is currently assuming shape in the country.The group urged Nigerians to support the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha. It added, “Unfortunately, the climbing numbers of new cases significantly point to one thing and it is the fact that as citizens, a majority of the people had not been taking personal responsibility by observing the safety protocols as advised by medical experts.cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44
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| Celebrities › Re: Top 10 Artiste Managers In Nigeria (no. 2 Has Managed Legends) by Blogsphere: 5:11am On Jul 08, 2020 |
PlugBlogng:This article belongs to Naijaloaded, try and give credit. |
| Politics › Olowu, Civil Society Coalitions Advocate For Synergy Among Security Agencies by Blogsphere(op): 3:13pm On Jul 07, 2020 |
Nigerian Army’s Day Celebration: Olowu, Civil Society Coalitions Advocate For Synergy Among Security Agencies Olowu of Kuta, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adekunle Oyelude Makama, Tegbosin 3, and coalition of civil society organizations have advocated for synergy among the security agencies in order to defeat the Boko Haram and other criminalities bedeviling the country. Olowu, who address the media after an interface with the coalition of civil society organizations in Lagos on Monday in commemoration with the Nigerian Army’s Day Celebration, said there’s need for synergy and intelligence sharing among the security agencies in order to always nip in the bud any form of crisis that will result to national upheaval. Reading the 10 points communique after the meeting, the monarch maintains that there’s always need for confidence building between the army and the civil populace in order to flush out miscreants and other undesirable elements from our community. He, however, stressed the need for effective and efficient communications by the army hierarchy. Olowu explained that the civil society and army relationship should be strengthened, adding that there is need for the group and Nigerian Army to work together for perception management. Other recommendations are professionalism of the army, increased budget allocation, discipline and ethics should be strictly adhered to in order to serve as deterrent to ‘bad eggs’ and fifth columnists and making recruitment process open and transparent in order to attract the best that the country can offer from time to time amongst other. We wish the Nigeria Army a successful army day celebration and congratulate the chief of Army staff LT General Tukur Yusuf Buratai on the milestone Achievements so far. Signed LIST OF THE CIVIC SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS DURING THE ONE DAY NATIONAL DISCOURSE ON MILITARY/CIVIL RELATIONS IN COMMEMORATION OF THE NIGERIAN ARMY DAY’s CELEBRATION WITH OLOWU OF KUTA, OBA ADEKUNLE OYELUDE MAKAMA, TEGBOSUN 3 , HELD AT RADDISSON BLU HOTEL, ISAAC JOHN, GRA, IKEJA ON SUNDAY 5th JULY 2020. SN. NAME. ORGANIZATION. PHONE NO 1. Gbenga Soloki CADV. 2. Rasaq Dosu. GDI. 3. Declan Ilekaire GDI. 4. Alex Tehinse. Good Governance. 5. Funmi Ajayi CHSR 6. Nike Ajayi Comm Women Initiative. 7. Sina Loremikan Campaign Against Impunity . 8. Richard Akinnola Media Law Centre. 9. Moye Loremikan M & B Initiatives. cc: lalasticlala, mynd44
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| Politics › Akwa Ibom Government Organises Capacity Building Workshop For Civil Servants by Blogsphere(op): 9:20am On Jul 07, 2020 |
AKWA IBOM GOVERNMENT ORGANISES CAPACITY BUILDING WORKSHOP FOR SENIOR CADRE CIVIL SERVANTS. BY: Abasiama Umoh The Akwa Ibom State Government through the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning in collaboration with the office of the Head of Civil Service, has organized Capacity Building Conference and Workshop for Senior Cadre leaders on GL 10- 12 from critical Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs in Akwa Ibom State Civil Service. The Workshop which commenced on Tuesday, 23rd June, 2020, is expected to run in batches for three weeks, as three sets of participants are expected to participate in the Workshop. Declaring the Workshop opened at the Conference Hall, Watbridge Hotels and Suites, His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel emphasized that, the need for critical attention to be given to the Capacity Building of Civil Servants for effective service delivery in the State has hugely become compelling and a key factor of development in his Completion Agenda. His Excellency, Governor Emmanuel posited that, " that Japan rose from the arteries of defeat after the Civil War and in a few short years became the second largest economy in the world which is just being surpassed recently by China was due to the diligence and professionalism the Civil Service brought to bear in their job execution processes. Same applied to Singapore under Lee Kuan Yew. We can make our Civil Service the envy of other states. We should not be bound by perceived wisdom or the molds and layers of convention. We should try new angles to serving our people and have their interest at the centre of all our engagements" "Let me start by thanking our highly admired and respected resource person in this event, the affable and hugely cerebral motivational speaker per excellence, Prof. Vincent C. Anigbogu, for agreeing to conduct this exercise. Americans have a saying that, you are what you eat and drink. Put differently, a leader is as effective as the people he surround himself with. If he or she is surrounded by people who lack capacity, intellectual rigour or analytical skills, such a leader would be experiencing diminished output on the part of his or her lieutenants. It is therefore a welcome development that this seminar is taking place at this time when the distillation of my legacies are beginning to be condensed, when the completion agenda would be executed to its logical conclusion. I am glad that participants in this retreat are men and women of calibre, desirous to learn new approaches to solving problems, applying ideas and thoughts that are not defined by conventional wisdom or belief. Though people have the erroneous impression that, the Civil or Public Service is populated by those who do not professionally, emotionally or even spiritually affect the success of the system, l want to humbly disagree. I am sure and hopeful that, at the end of this exercise, participants would be reinvigorated and re-energized with new vistas of job deliverables. I am therefore pleased to declare this training open" Governor Emmanuel averred. Representing His Excellency, Secretary to State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, stated that, the post COVID - 19 report that was submitted to the Governor identified few infractions in the attitudinal orientation of the citizens, hence, recommended attitudinal shift of the citizenry as a most urgent need to reposition Akwa Ibom State to properly weather the post COVID - 19 economic hardships, thereby making this training to be timely and apt. In his words, "Today marks a milestone in His Excellency's Completion and transformation agenda, given that he has consistently steered the ship of excellence service delivery in Akwa Ibom State as clearly demonstrated in the approval of this all important Conference for Senior Cadre Civil Servants in the State. Let nobody say that Civil Service as it where is for the unenterprising, or for the mediocre, or is for the not sufficiently taught, that is absolutely false. There are very intelligent people, very smart people in the Civil Service who also work hard. There is a great difference between working hard and working smart. Working smart, success is guaranteed, but working hard success is a 50% probability. The resource person for this event does comprehensive Human Capacity training. It is a wholesome training to make all of you better people. What you would gain in this training will help in your post retirement. It will be of great good to you. It is absolutely for your own good, to make you become creative to be able to do your job well and get tasks accomplished on time". Speaking further, Dr. Ekuwem, explained that, as evidenced in the ongoing Workshop, government has constantly proven that part of its fundamental objectives is the development of a knowledge driven workforce that would largely draw its strength from new methodologies and innovativeness towards achieving more. Adding that, it is his strong conviction that, the Capacity Building would be one that will affect not only the Akwa Ibom State Civil Servants, but the entire state and generations to come, as Akwa Ibom people begin to change their mind set. "Never you be comfortable with any status quo, that is mediocrity. Never settle for how long you have been doing it. It is not about how long they have been doing it, it is about how well you have been doing it. You have to be a creative worker. That is the essence of what His Excellency, the Governor is doing. Learn how to challenge the status quo, think outside the box, do not settle for less. Be the best, that is what the governor desires from you, that this state must have the best workforce in this nation. Dr. Ekuwem reiterated. The Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien, in his speech averred that, with a Workshop of this magnitude, the attitude of Civil Servants in the State to work and productivity shall experience unprecedented shift. Addressing participants, the Commissioner, Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, Prof. Victor Inoka, expressed gratitude to His Excellency, the Governor for graciously approving the Workshop. Informing that, the Workshop is designed to strengthen the leadership and management skills of participants for the achievement and sustenance of the Dakkada vision of His Excellency, the Governor. Prof. Inoka reiterated further that, at the end of the training, participants are expected to demonstrate leadership skills as well as emotional intelligence and critical thinking skills towards innovative and creative problem solving in the Civil Service. While also welcoming participants to the event, Prof. Inoka thanked the Head of Civil Service for the partnership and all the Permanent Secretaries from critical Ministries, Departments and Agencies, for releasing participants to attend the Workshop. In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, Dr. (Mrs) Valerie Obot, appreciated His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel for his magnanimity in approving and making the Workshop a reality towards revolutionizing Workforce in the State. She also appreciated the Secretary to State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem for finding time to grace the occasion of the opening ceremony of the Workshop. "Permit me to also salute the tenacity that has been demonstrated by the Honourable Commissioner for Labour and Manpower Planning, my Commissioner, Prof. Victor Inoka, for being able to interpret the vision of His Excellency in reengineering workforce in the State". Dr. Obot posited. While charging participants from the different MDAs, Dr. Obot urged them to properly harness the training thereby justifying the huge investment on them by His Excellency, the Governor. cc: lalasticlala, mynd44 |
| Politics › RE : Ganduje Makes Truth A Casualty In Proxy War With El-rufa'i by Blogsphere(op): 12:29pm On Jul 06, 2020 |
RE : Ganduje Makes Truth a Casualty in Proxy War With El-Rufa'i By Bala Dogo Kachiya It shocks me and all other Kaduna people who read a piece written by one Danjuma Musa (pen name of course), over a Press Statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kano State, one Mr Abba Anwar, about a claim that Kaduna state governor Mr Nasiru El-Rufa'i copies strategy on how to fight against drug abuse, from the Kano state governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. What is more catchy with devastating influence, is the first paragraph of that piece, which shows how frustrated and liquidifying the author and his henchmen men are over the dethronement of the then Emir of Kano City, Muhammadu Sanusi II. There was no point of making any reference with Sanusi's removal and the press release issued by Anwar, on this matter. That paragraph alone shows how biased the whole piece would be. Musa, as the name given to the author, is challenged to tell us what are the glaring impacts of Kaduna State Bureau of Substance Abuse, Prevention and Treatment, that was said to be established by governor El-Rufa'i since 2016? Ganduje's far reaching achievement was his ability to move the state from being number one on the list of the states with drug abuse to BECOME NUMBER SIX on the list! This is an excellent disposition of a committed leader!!! Take it or leave it. Let the author of that piece tell us how that Agency gets to the root cause as Ganduje was able to made a breakthrough, even without similar body. The Task Force Agains Drug Abuse in Kano, that Ganduje instituted during the early days of his administration, earlier than 2016, performed wonderfully well, to the extent that, Kaduna Agency had to borrow so many leaves in its modus operandi. My reader should go and see how it all started. So for any other person to stand up and make this factual appraisal about Kaduna copying Kano, is not anything that deserves movement of an eye brow. Not to talk of making frustrating arguments and link them with the removal of Sanusi II, from the throne of Kano City Emirate. How many times did Kaduna Agency destroyed such substances and of what worth in terms of Naira and Kobo? Governor Ganduje's efforts are always being appreciated by experts and authorities that are concerned with the fight against drug abuse and all other substances. Just read what the Commandant of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kano, Dr Ibrahim Abdul said, during an occasion referred to by Anwar's press release, that, "When governor Ganduje assumed the mantle of leadership, Kano was the first in the list of states with drug abuse. But because of what the governor has been doing to safeguard his state, Kano is now the 6th in the list. This is highly commendable by all standard." Such accolades are many in Ganduje's circle. Of which he was acknowledged within and outside Nigeria. Just go and ask those agencies that are responsible for the fight against counterfeit drugs and drug abuse. Nobody is lying about anything. We live in a world where the whole universe is on our palm. I challenge the author of that piece to make possible clarification and workable suggestion on this argument, when markets and business areas that accommodate so many youth are crushed by state government on one hand. And on another hand, same government comes up with what it thinks and refers as anti drug abuse agency. How can these strange bed-fellowed-positions work positive for the state? Is this state really serious and interested about fighting drug abuse? Is there anything worth emulating from that state? While on the other side of the coin, you have another state that created a Task Force fighting counterfeit and drug abuse and at the same time empowered over a Million youth and women. And at the end of it all, her position of number One drug abuse state drops to NUMBER SIX. Does this state get strategies worth copying or not? Not to talk of reinvigorating Reformatory Centres. Go and check the composition of Ganduje's Task Force Against Drug Abuse and El-Rufa'I's State Agency Against Drug Abuse and see who is really serious about what he is doing. Go and check their achievements within these years under study. So also it is absolutely necessary to understand that window show Walk/March Against drugs is not and cannot be an alternative to seriously planned commitment in this all-important fight. To show you how upside down that write-up is, the author doesn't even understand who he was facing. Is it the Chief Press Secretary or the NDLEA Commandant? In his piece he says, "The Commandant of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Kano office, Dr Ibrahim Abdul, THE SOURCE OF GLARING MISINFORMATION (emphasis mine), can be pardoned for peddling in falsehood." He continued "For his education (referring to NDLEA Commandant, Kano office), Kaduna state doesn't have Special Adviser on Substance Abuse, but a Director General, in charge of the agency." My point of argument is this, is this writer challenging Anwar or the Commandant of the NDLEA? It appears he doesn't know who among the duo should be challenged. The many mixed-ups and bleaky face of his piece, shows glaringly how upside down policies could be in a given state. From the grapevine we have three vital discoveries. First and foremost, the piece uses Danjuma Musa as a pen name. The real author is highly placed than the name given. Secondly, if the write-up didn't serve the intended purpose, the NDLEA Commandant would be forced to retract the disclosure. And thirdly, technology would be employed to put the name of another state on the moving lips of the Commandant, so that it could sound and look as if the Commandant was making reference to another state, which pronunciation goes very similar with Kaduna state. Kachiya writes from Kaduna
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| Politics › Kassim Afegbua: Obaseki Remains A Bad Omen For PDP by Blogsphere(op): 3:46pm On Jul 05, 2020 |
I have been inundated with phone calls by those who felt my last week outburst against my party's guber candidate was rather harsh. Rather than controvert my submissions, they tend to pander to undue sentiments to rein me into dropping my gauntlet.https://tell.ng/again-afegbua-takes-obaseki-pdp-to-the-cleaners/amp/?p=21795&__twitter_impression=true 22 Likes 4 Shares |
| Christianity Etc › Sunday Service: Join Daddy Adeboye (live View) by Blogsphere(op): 9:38am On Jul 05, 2020 |
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBCaFY6rgH4 https://www.inoutnaija.com/2020/07/sunday-service-join-daddy-adeboye-live.html
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