₦airaland Forum

Akwa Ibom state government has approved a tax holiday for all categories of tax payers in the state in a bid to cushion the adverse effect of the Coronavirus pandemic on people and businesses.

Governor Udom Emmanuel gave the approval on Friday during the State Executive Council meeting, directing the state ministry of finance is to work out modalities for immediate implementation of this decision, according to the government's spokesperson.

Briefing government house correspondents at the end of the meeting, Commissioner for Information, Sir Charles Udoh, said the decision was in line with the World Bank requirements for giving out grants and support to state governments as well as a decision taken at the Governors' forum for grants and reward to cushion the effects of COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

“Major decisions taken today (Friday)/include the approval to commence a process of working out modalities for implementation of tax relief to tax payers in Akwa Ibom State for 2020 tax year.

"This is in consideration of the adverse effect of COVID-19 pandemic and in line with the requirement of World Bank for grants and support to state governments.

"It is also a decision reached at the Governors' forum for grants and reward to cushion the effect of COVID-19 pandemic ."

Details of the waiver is being worked out by the Ministry of Finance and will be published in due course”, Sir Udoh stated.

Udoh disclosed that the council also considered report on leadership training for senior civil servants to be sponsored by the State Government as well as commissioning of blocks of flats constructed by the state government under the second phase of Barracks Rehabilitation Initiative for the Nigerian Army at the Six Amphibious Battalion, Wellington Bassey Barracks, Ibagwa, Abak, and announced that the blocks of flat would be due for inauguration in two weeks.

The Information Commissioner said the council also received report of a Memorandum of Understanding signed to settle an age - long boundary dispute between Nung Oku Ekanem and Afaha Obio villages in Onna local government area.

On the reopening of schools, the Commissioner said exco directed the incident management committee on to work out protocols and guidelines for resumption of schools and present same to the council for consideration.

“Exco also deliberated on school resumption and of course has not arrived at a final conclusion but the Commissioner for Health, Dr Dominic Ukpong and the State COVID-19 Management Committee have been mandated to workout modalities for resumption.

"If you recall before the partial reopening of churches we had to go through certain processes and protocol, here we are also going through the same process to ensure that no individual is endangered and the lives of our children and even the teachers are not endangered”.

cc: lalasticlala, mynd44

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Netflix recently added Elevator Baby to their growing list of Nigerian movies. It quickly became the number 1 movie suggestion for nigerian Netflix subscribers for weeks, so, I had to watch. And of course, drop a review. Enjoy! *wink*

Synopsis:

A chance encounter brings a brash, priviledged young man and a semi-illiterate pregnant woman together. They get stuck in an elevator and she goes into labor. 2 lives hanging in a balance, and fate leaves it to the unlikely young man to save the day.

Cast:

Timini Egbusun (Oluwadamilare Williams) Handsome, stylish Timini is one to look out for in this film.
Method acting is not as easy as it looks and he's been working really hard in movies, and dang! He's fine, but some of his lines in Elevator Baby fell flat in tone, and not with the right amount of emotional connection. The passion was there but not enough to go with some of his actions. Working with Toyin sure pushed him to give more, especially in his scenes with her, cos her energy is a viiiiiiibe!

Toyin Abraham (Abigail) Outspoken, versatile onscreen legend brought EVERYTHING to this role!
My oh my Toyin, I can only say 'Perfect casting'. 'My name is Abigail!'
Cept for one kinda watery line about Glo being the 'best network...'(It could have been better written or skipped entirely) her actions and inactions were exemplary.

Shaffy Bello (Mrs Williams) Elegant Lady to the stars! She was the perfect mum for Dare. You could feel everything she felt. From worry to anger to betrayal, pain and back to excitement... She owned the role.

Yemi Solade (Doctor Williams) warm memories of him from Superstory coupled with his evergreen onscreen presence makes him a totally relatable character.

Yemi embodied everything a middle aged, Nigerian, VIP doctor could be. From him dozing off in his living room to sprouting medical jargon to Dare over the phone, he was an enjoyable character.

Blessing Obasi (Secretary) Now this is your typical Nigerian secretary brought on screen. The right amount of sas, little dash of crankiness, coupled with a small dose of unprofessionalism (leaking company gossip to bestie) you just have to love her character. She brought life to the role.

Ijeoma Aniebo (Nana) Ije with the lovely smile! Dare's off and on girlfriend was all sugar and spice in this movie. You could feel her sincerity as a caring person. You may just notice some of her lines going flat without the acurate emotions to back them up, but her energy and actions, you can't but admire.

Blessing Onwukwe (Madam) Blessing exudes a personality of a classy woman, comfortable in her skin and at peace with life in general even after having to climb up 13 flight of stairs! Her reaction to Abigail's betrayal was spot on. Remarkable!

Sambasa Nzeribe (Stevo) He is hawt, I repeat: he is Haaaawwwwt! But his acting is even hotter to watch. His character just absorbs you and leaves you BELIEVING everything he says cos you know he is you or that your ride or die male friend who may be a little on the wild side but down to earth. He made a really good best friend for the eccentric Dare. Muah!

Samuel .A. Perry (Broda Shaggi) I know right? You're surprised too! His real name sounds like Samuel .L . Jackson! He's just your favorite 'abgero'. His appearance in this movie just brings in the right amount of comedy and the typical Nigerian handyman character you just hate but love and can totally relate to. Good job, Shaggi.

Emem Ufot (Jide) So many wonderful actors in this movie, but Emem has to be a favorite! Dang. Jide 's character as Dare's friend and hypeman is one well done. He's so silly, you can't but laugh, chuckle or smile at every action, line, or movement he makes. The bummed out Friend every boy group seems to always have... Emem embodied him ACCURATELY.

The writer brings a simple story to life with complicated twists and turns. A good show of Nigerian night life, social, economic and political vices.
You'll spot some corniness with some overly patronizing lines and actions but overall, it's a fun movie to watch, especially with friends.

Have you seen this movie?

What were your thoughts?

Please comment and rate the movie below;

STORY
ORIGINALITY
PREDICTABILITY
DIRECTING/PRODUCTION
ACTING

Source: https://rhdesignsng..com/2020/07/elevator-baby-review-by-rhd.html

cc: lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

Niger APC Pass Vote Of No Confidence On Chairman, Secretary, Treasure, Appoints 3 Others In Acting Capacity

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On Thursday, a meeting of 22 APC local government Chairmen sacked the State Chairman of the party, Engineer Jubril Imam, Secretary of the party, Barrister Mohammed Liman and the Treasurer, Dr Shafi Abdulsalami.

The meeting which was held in the state capital had over 85 per cent of the members of the State Executive Committee of APC including 22 out of 25 APC local government chairmen, 25 secretaries and 27 out of the 33 members of the executive committee.

The state Chairman was replaced with Alhaji Aliyu Saidu Galkogo, Assistant State Youth leader, Sulaiman Abdullahi replaced Alhaji Mohammed Liman as Secretary while the Treasurer, Dr Shafi Abdusalami was replaced by Saidu Madaki from the Wushishi local government area of the party.

cc: Lalasticlala, seun, mynd44

Alhaji Suleiman Adeshina "Jafo Authority" gets Kingmakers nod as new Oniba of Iba

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The announcement of the demise of Lagos First-class monarch, The Oniba of Iba, Oba Goriola Yishau Oseni, who went to join his ancestors on the 25th of May 2020 after a successful 45 years reign after ascending the throne of his fore-fathers at age 31, threw the whole of Iba town into mourning, as they are yet to recover from the irreplaceable loss.

After his demise, the race of who occupies the highly coveted traditional stool is currently building up as two prominent branches of the ruling house in Iba; namely, the Oduntan ruling house who produce the late Oba Gorila Oseni and past 5 successive kings and the Idowu Balogun Branch of the Idomila ruling house.

The race to who occupies the throne is open as the court has stated it clearly that; the Idowu Balogun ruling house is to produce the next Oniba of Iba. Sources disclosed that; kingmakers have endorsed Popular Lagos transport boss and hospitality guru, Alhaji Suleiman Adeshina with the sobriquet Jafo Authority, ( Chairman NNAMORA) Lagos State Chapter.

"He is a top contender from the Idowu Balogun branch of the Idomila ruling house of Iba town. Indigents of Iba town have rallied their support as well as kingmakers who have thrown weight behind him to take the Awori kingdom to the next level with his administrative prowess.

Recall that years ago, there have been several litigations filed before the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, over the eligibility of the Idowu Balogun branch of the Idomila ruling house as a credible and authentic member who can also nominate and produce kings.

According to Suit No. ID/134/2010, presided by Honourable Justice L.A Okunnu, the claimants; Alhaji Liadi Busari, Mr Sakiru Suberu, Mr Mojidi Obanla Asade, Nureni Laidi Busari and Joshua Arowolo against the defendant; Late Oba Goriola Oseni, regarding the eligibility of Idowu Balogun rulling house as being recognised in Iba town.

According to evidence gathered by the honourable court, as claimed by the claimant that; former Oniba Oba Ajiboye had two sons. The older was Idowu Balogun and the younger was Oduntan which later metamorphosed to the royal lineage in Iba. According to the claimants, they avered that; Idowu Balogun was never the son of Oba Ajiboye, rather he came to live in the royal household with Oba Ajiboye. They further claimed that he was a brother to Madam Taiwo Ogudeyi, married to the royal household. They also claimed Idowu Balogun's original name was Idowu Ogundeyi. They claimed the legitimate son of Oba Ajiboye was Oduntan.
Oduntan's three children were Orootam, Shonibare and Oseni who are the legitimate candidates to ascend the throne.

After several legal tussles between the two ruling houses, Justice Okunnu on the 3rd of July 2018, gave a judgement, pronouncing Idowu Balogun's branch of the Idomila ruling house as a legitimate arm of the royal family. He bestowed them with equal rights and eligibility to present a candidate for Oniba stool. The judgement further barred the Oduntan arm of the ruling house from presenting a candidate after presenting past five successive Oba in Iba town.

cc: lalasticlala,mynd44

Governor Willie Obiano has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing Dr Nnaemeka Ewelukwa the chief executive of the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading plc (NBET), popularly known as the Bulk Trader.

“You couldn’t have appointed a more qualified, competent and reform-minded technocrat for the job”, Governor Obiano said in the letter to Buhari, according to a statement in Awka today by the the Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, C. Don Adinuba.
The Minister of Power, Engineer Saleh Mamman, announced two weeks ago President Buhari’s approval of Dr Ewelukwa as replacement for Dr Marylyn Amobi, also from Anambra State, whose five year tenure will end on July 24.

“It is self-evident that the president recognizes the critical role of the NBET in the electricity value chain in Nigeria and so went for the best to help move the entire power sector in a different direction”, Chief Obiano declared.

Dr Ewelukwa, the NBET general counsel until his appointment, has been involved in Nigeria’s power sector reform for at least 10 years, having worked at the Presidential Task Force on Power (PTFP), headed by Professor Bart Nnaji before he was appointed the Minister of Power in July, 2011, and led the greatest revamping of Nigeria’s perennially problematic power sector.

As the pioneer NBET general counsel and secretary, he led the team which negotiated with independent power producers on power purchase agreements (PPAs) and thus enabled huge investments from the private sector into Nigeria’s electricity generation business.
Governor Obiano observed that the new NBET CEO played a key role on the team which identified serious legal, regulatory and policy constraints to the development of Nigeria’s electricity and suggested ways to overcome the challenges.

“Due to the exceedingly impressive work done by such outstanding technocrats as Professor Nnaji and Dr Ewelukwa, the British and American governments, among others, assisted Nigeria to develop the critical power infrastructure”, noted the governor who also recalled how such global firms as General Electric of the United States, Siemens of Germany and Daewoo Heavy Industries of South Korea took an unprecedented interest in the country’s power sector.

Chief Obiano described Ewelukwa as “infectiously humble and principled, a team player and farsighted leader with a good international exposure, key leadership requirements in today’s globalized world”.

The governor said he is confident that Dr Ewelukwa would bring glory to Nigeria the way a number of Anambra indigenes given critical national assignments discharged their duties.

“The whole nation”, he stated, “remembers with nostalgia the fantastic work done since the restoration of democracy by such sons and daughters of Anambra State like Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo as the Central Bank governor, Professor Dora Akunyili as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) Director General; Engineer Ernest Ndukwe as the CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Mrs Oby Ezekwesili as head of the Due Process Office before becoming the Minister of Solid Minerals and later Minister of Education; as well as Engineer Emeka Eze as the Bureau for Public Procurement Director General”. 

Son of a leading academic lawyer, Ewelukwa studied law at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, before proceeding to the London School of Economics to specialize in international business law and Queen Mary College of the University of London where he took a doctoral degree in privatization of state-owned enterprises and reform of the Nigerian power sector.

Author of three authoritative books on electricity transactions, the new NBET CEO is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. 

cc: lalasticlala, mynd44

Apparently, this writer is the only Independent Candidate around, occupying a position of neutrality or, shall we say, an escape from partisanship? It is a position of peace, which recognizes that the writer has to spend the rest of his life with himself.

He must, therefore, be in a position to see, and say, things as they really are, irrespective of the political party and no matter whose ox is gored.

Sadly, elections in Nigeria have taken on the toga of war. The Commanders are many but General Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole has been at the centre of the theatre of war. Besides the carry-overs from the 2016 war, he is the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC. Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. As we speak, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is parading two expired but totally contradictory video tapes on him, waiting to entrap him in self-reversal and portray him as an unsteady character.

The two video tapes are from the 2016 campaigns. In the first, Oshiomhole is seen condemning Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu (POI) who was the candidate of the opposition PDP to the pit of hell. In the second, he is seen praising Godwin Enogheghase Obaseki, GEO, who was the candidate of the APC to the high heavens.

Today, the two combatants have switched positions. The PDP thinks Oshiomhole must posses a lot of points to repaint the new combatants. The task before Oshiomhole is simple. It is only a nitwit that will refuse to reverse himself in the face of new superior information.

From our profound knowledge of Oshiomhole, he is a humane human. He is one man who is allergic to oppression. He could also be an extremist – he either likes you too much or he hates you too much – no midway!

Contemporary history is replete with men with Oshiomhole’s character trait – men who will either like you too much or hate you too much. When they like you, they will carry you on their head; and if you even kill their dog, they will not be annoyed. But if they hate you, they hurt you.

We have also found that such men go very high in their chosen career but they hardly attain the highest level of their desired career. The reason is simple: Relationships are like the chickens – they come home to roost. In turn, people also either like them too much or hate them too much. At the beginning of the contest, they are seen as slightly ahead of their opponents. But they end up loosing. They don’t get the swing votes. The swing votes are from the undecided voters.

Our late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo was in this category. He spent a good part of his adult life, trying to become the President of Nigeria but all he attained was what Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu aptly described as “The best President Nigeria never had”.

For instance, a man like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe knew from the very beginning, “It is a principal error in politics to trust a reconciled enemy”, but when he fell out with Dr. Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe, he didn’t lock the door tight against him. Rather, he kept the door ajar.

The same could not be said about Chief Awolowo during his disagreement with Chief S. L. Akintola. It was over and out!

That was how Chief Awolowo lost a cream of fine politicians – Prof Opeyemi Ola, Olaiya Fagbamigbe, the renowned Akure Publisher, etc., to the NPN in 1983.

Baba was not tolerant and would not give anyone a second chance.

Across the Atlantic, Senator Edward Kennedy spent a bulk of his adult life trying to clinch the Democratic Party ticket for the US presidential race, particularly after the death of his elder brother, John Fitzgerald Kennedy; but he was always beaten to the second position at the primaries. The book he probably wanted to write had earlier been written by Adlai Stevenson.

Adlai Stevenson secured the Democratic Party ticket for the US presidency in 1948 and 1952 but on each occasion, he was beaten by his Republican Party opponent. He gave up the race and wrote a book, “How to come second”, which was an instant Best Seller.

We can imagine that at the opening of the 2016 campaigns, Oshiomhole was ready for battle, fully equipped with what he thought he knew about GEO but totally bereft of ideas about POI until someone whispered to him that some time ago, POI gave somebody an acid bath. He was not given time to ask the supplementary question – how, what, why and when. The new information was enough for him and that was what he took to war.

On the contrary, Oshiomhole did not require any background check on GEO – a man who was with him virtually every day until bed time; a man who followed him to every meeting with an empty file jacket, with his two hands tied to the back in the manner of absolute obeisance; and one man who was going to take over from him and start from where Oshiomhole was going to stop. Evidently, those fake information were what Oshiomhole had in his war chest.

The truth is constant; and the truth crushed to death shall rise again. It did not take long for Oshiomhole to know he had been deceived all along. It soon became clear that the acid bath could have been in self-defence. He would be a moral idiot that would be attacked by armed robbers and if he had a fill doze of COVID-19, he fails to pour it on them.

Even at that, the offence in question had expired. The framers of our Constitution were wiser. They realized that like drugs and medications, offences must have expiry dates. Ten years in the life of a man is a long time.

That explains why they provided in Section 66(1)(d) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, that an offence has a life span of 10 years. This runs across the entire Constitution as qualification for any political office. Oshiomhole soon realized that he was unfair to POI for canvassing an offence that he might have committed more than 30 years before 2016.

How did this devoted Catholic feel in the face of all this? He confessed and prayed for an opportunity to do it all over again, particularly as GEO has disappointed him full circle. The man Oshiomhole thought was coming to start from where he stopped had not lifted a finger in performance after three and a half years. Evidently, 2020 is answered prayer and pay-back time.

Now, the die is cast. Why should Oshiomhole not freely tell the new truths, even where it means self – reversal! Self-reversal in good conscience is not a vice but a virtue.

In all this, one thing is clear: The PDP is taking a bad risk and it needs deliverance. In the face of stainless, eminently qualified aspirants, they are adopting a heavy baggage that was dumped by another party as their candidate – all because of the power of the purse. As they say in the colloquial, when money talks, nobody walks. The people who rejected this man are still around; and the reasons for his rejection are in the market place!

Again, the PDP should have known that this candidate is not running to win. Rather than engage in the serious business of campaign, this man will rather squander the precious time as a last chance for pursuing perceived enemies!

Since our return to democratic experiment in 1999, PDP was in power in Edo State until 2008, with virtually nothing to show for it. After its fall in 2008, it is over and out! PDP can never return to power in Edo State.

The only exception here could come in the form of an occasional accident such as that which GEO now foists on them by default. Again, this four and a half months punctuation can only be a coma – neither a semi colon nor a full stop. Elementary English grammar teaches us that the semi-colon is stronger than a coma but not as strong as a full stop.

Ask GEO and his men what their chances of defeating POI are in this contest; they will tell you that they have beaten him before and they will do it again. But do they realize that the configuration has charged? Although sociologically, no man sees himself as dead, GEO and his men are engaged in an exercise in self-delusion.

Sadly, we are in once more for a very dull campaign period – call it a monologue, if you wish! We see one side that is heavily loaded, loaded with vibrant young men – eloquent in delivery, adepts in political engineering; and political craftsmanship. Above all, they are men who have something to point to as past achievements in the service of the people.

Yet, there is a second side that is totally vacuous filled with men of “where the belly points”. True, who the gods would kill, they first make mad. GEO has done again what he knows how to do best. In not wanting intelligent people around him, he left his few First Eleven behind on some Mission Impossible. Some of these men were to prevent APC from using the Direct Primaries to pick their gubernatorial candidate. Others were to sustain the Suspension Order on Oshiomhole.

Almost simultaneously, a few hours after GEO and his crew departed to PDP, the APC held the most successful primaries ever, using the Direct Primaries mode of election. And the same Executive of Ward 10, Etsakor West lifted the suspension earlier slammed on Oshiomhole. The Legal implication of this is that the yoke of suspension on Oshiomhole had been removed from him before the National Working Committee, NWC, of the APC was dissolved.

Anything that is lightly got is little valued. In 2016, GEO rode to power on the back of Oshiomhole. But today, the tide has changed. He now has to work twice as hard to be half as good as he was in 2016!

Will the result still be the same? Will it be wake and see or wait and see? William Shakespeare has a superior answer here, “Oh time, thou must untangle this, not I, It is too hard a knot for me to untie”.

For all we know, never again shall we campaign like there is no tomorrow. Rather, we must campaign as if tomorrow is around the corner. And, indeed, it is. Our campaigns must be issues-based; and devoid of mudslinging character assassination, insinuations and innuendos. It’s goodbye to the smear tactics of yesteryears and welcome to a new dawn!

By Hon. Josef Omorotionmwan

E-mail:joligien@yahoo.com

June 30, 2020

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Abubakar Malami, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, has been accused by a whistleblower, John Okpurhe, of refusing to pay him the reward after exposing over $1 billion government money hidden in Unity Bank Plc.

In a letter dated June 22, 2020, written to President Muhammadu Buhari by his lawyer, Aliyu Lemu, the whistleblower said the account was secretly being operated by the Nigerian Ports Authority to illegally collect revenue from vessels.

He said upon discovery, he informed the Office of the AGF in line with the whistleblower policy of the secret account and an agreement was signed.

The agreement stated that Okpurhe would be entitled to a reward if the information provided turned out credible.

The whistleblower said after playing his own part, the AGF’s office began to play games.

The letter read in part: “Pursuant to the whistleblower policy of the Federal Government, our client approached the Office of the AGF with confidential information in respect of hidden public funds concealed within a commercial bank in Lagos contrary to the Treasury Single Account policy which requires all public revenue or funds to be domiciled in the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“Our client presented the Office of the AGF with qualifying information on a cloned account with the Nigerian Ports Authority which was being used to illegally collect revenue from vessels by the signatories who are no longer in the service of the NPA.

“Upon establishing that our client’s information qualified under the whistleblower policy, the Office of the AGF signed a whistleblower agreement with our client through his appointed counsel- Mamman, Maiyaki & CO.

“The information provided by our client eventually led to the exposure of the hidden/concealed funds in Unity Bank Plc to the tune of $1, 034, 515, 000 (One billion, thirty four million, five hundred and fifteen thousand dollars only).”

The whistleblower said the Office of the AGF had been making flimsy excuses as to why the reward was not paid.

He said the Head of Asset Management and Recovery Unit, Ladidi Mohammed, informed him that the matter was in court and the plans had changed.

He added:-

“On the next day, one Ms. Bunmi who deputises for Mrs. Mohammed, called our client and asked him to come alone without a lawyer. Upon arrival, she informed our client that there was no pending matter in court on the account.”

The whistleblower said he was told that because the money involved was huge, the Office of the AGF recommended a private firm with which he should enter into a contract to help him get the funds.

The whistleblower said upon the insistence of the AGF’s office, he was made to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the company to forfeit 60 per cent of his reward.

He said in a dramatic twist, his lawyer was attacked by armed policemen in his office who robbed him and made away with the original copy of the agreement signed with the AGF.

Okpurhe called on the President to quickly intervene as failure to pay him could compromise the whistleblower policy and affect public trust in the government.

cc: lalasticlala, mynd44

By Emmanuel Sam

The fight against Covid-19 has not distracted Governor Udom Emmanuel from his focus on diversifying the economy of Akwa Ibom State, driving the State towards self reliance and less dependence on funds from federal government. His vision is to push the frontier of development in the non-oil sector of the economy.

Early in his first tenure, the Governor had identified several low hanging fruits in the sector, one of which is agriculture, and he expects to earn rapid return on investment for the State. His investment in vegetables production, cassava, poultry, oil palm, cocoa, coconut and other crops have paid off ensuring food security, providing job opportunities and providing raw materials for agro allied industries now dotting the State's landscape.

During the 31st anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State, Governor Udom Emmanuel declared, “we are diversifying our economy and placing emphasis on agriculture. We are producing food to feed our people through our investments in agriculture. Akwa Hatchery is working and producing, the Cassava mills are in operation across the State.”

The Governor has redoubled efforts by consolidating on those aspects that have shown promise. For instance, since the State undertook cultivation of vegetables in a controlled environment ( Green House) it has not looked back. Its effort has attracted accolades from many prominent Nigerians including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who praised the Governor on his consistency in pursuing agricultural initiatives like the green house project.

According to the former president, "the green house project initiative is exemplary in agricultural production of staple food products and raw material for cottage industries processing as well as meaningful steps to ensuring food sufficiency in the State, adding that investments of the Akwa Ibom government in the agricultural sector was worthy of emulation by other state governments in the country."

Similarly, in an effort to consolidate on the gains of the cocoa reintroduction programme by the Udom administration, the State government this month, June 2020, distributed 500,000 cocoa seedlings and other farm inputs to cocoa farmers in the State. The exercise which reportedly marked the flag-off of the new cocoa planting season, will further encourage farmers to plant more thereby boosting the ranking of Akwa Ibom State as cocoa producer in Nigeria.

This was revealed by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Women Affairs, Dr Glory Edet, during the presentation of the seedlings to cocoa farmers on behalf of Governor Udom Emmanuel, at Odoro Ikpe Cocoa Nursery Farm, Ini Local Government Area.

According to Edet the Governor’s support to cocoa farming has made the State the largest cocoa producing state in Nigeria. She stated that “beyond ensuring abundance in cocoa production, Akwa Ibom State now has the best variety of cocoa in the country. The Governor has ensured that agro chemicals are distributed to the farmers to ward off pests. Fertilisers and sprayers have also been provided to the cocoa farmers to increase their yields".

Furthermore, investing in commercial cultivation of coconut has been a burning passion of this administration. While many were contented with local consumption of the miracle nut, the Governor saw a whole new world of opportunities in it. Part of his vision, when he flagged of the St. Gabriel Coconut Oil Factory on May 24, 2017 was to create a totally new industrial hub in the State relying on the coconut value chain. This vision is materializing with the completion of the factory located in Ikot Ekpuk, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area. However, there is need for locales, indigenous entrepreneurs and investors to buy into this great opportunity. The factory has a capacity of processing between 300,000 to 1 million coconuts daily. This is a clarion call on every community in the State to start cultivating coconuts in order to become part of the supply chain.

As a global financial expert, Governor Emmanuel is poised to establish a new avenue where Akwa Ibom State can earn foreign exchange. His decision to ramp up production of cocoa and coconut is very strategic. According to marketwatch.com, the worldwide market for coconut oil is expected to grow by roughly 4.5% over the next five years, reaching 4900 million USD in 2024 from 3760 million USD in 2019. Also, as at June 24, 2020, the International Cocoa Organisation, ICCO, pegged the price of cocoa bean at 2170.44 USD per tonne. Considering the value of coconut oil and cocoa bean in the international market, one would see clearly where Governor Emmanuel is driving the State economy to.

In the area of food security, the policy thrust of the Udom administration to ensure that 80% of food consumed in the State is produced locally, paid off during the brief state by state lockdown as a result of the ravaging Covid-19 pandemic. The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, who heads the State Covid-19 Management Committee, announced that all the palliative provided to the people would have been practically impossible in the face of the lockdown across the country, if the Governor had not invested in the production of staples including flour, rice and garri.

Buoyed by these many successes in the agriculture sector, Governor Emmanuel is taking on yet another challenge. This time, the Governor wants to increase the number of career farmers in the State. This is a challenge because most people engaged in farming, do so at subsistent level. However, the Governor is determined to change that with the recent flag off of farmers' enumeration exercise by the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation, AKIICORP.

The Governor, who was enumerated as the number one cocoa and plantain farmer in the State, has assured that with the exercise, agriculture would become a major driver of the State's economy and bring to an end over-dependence on government for survival. He maintained that there is need for the people to harness the resources in the State and create wealth out of agriculture.

With this latest move, Governor Emmanuel has made it clear that his administration will continue to push the frontier of State development relying on a very dependable sector - agriculture.

cc: lalasticlala, seun, mynd44

COVID-19: NIGER STATE GOVERNMENT REDUCES TAX PAYMENTS TO CUSHION ECONOMIC IMPACT

As part of measures to cushion the economic impact of the Coronavirus pandemic in the state, the Niger State Government has approved the reduction of Tax payment in the state.

This was stated in a State wide Broadcast by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmed Matene on behalf of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello.

The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ibrahim Matene said the Tax reduction takes effect from 24th of June, 2020 to 31st March, 2021.

He said the filling date of annual tax returns by all businesses and individuals have been extended to 30th September, 2020 while the filling of monthly PAYE returns by businesses has been granted 10 days extension beginning from the 10th to 20th of every month.

He also stated that the penalties and interests on late fillings, payments, and remittances as well as default on Tax liabilities have been reviewed downward to 5% percent for penalties and 10% percent for interests charges.

He further said Government has granted 50 %percent reduction on all the rates as contained in the Harmonized Agricultural Produce and Livestock Fees Collection Regulation Act 2019.

Payments in four (4) installments have been granted to all Tax payers in the Small Medium Enterprises SMEs and the Informal sector.

He assured that all the Agencies responsible for collection of Tax have been notified on the development, hence anyone shortchange should forward their complaints to the office of the Secretary to the state government.

He however urged the general public to continue to adhere strictly to all COVID-19 protocols by the State Taskforce on COVID-19.

cc: lalasticlala, mynd44

Thank You for Electing Me

By Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu

First and foremost, I give thanks to God Almighty for the successful conduct of the primaries and the safety of all our members, including officials of all agencies, who took part across the state.

I thank the leader of our party, the All Progressives Congress, President Muhammadu Buhari for his fatherly disposition and democratic stance that set the stage for a free and transparent contestation devoid of institutional bias, favoritism, or imposition of any kind.

I am also grateful to the national leadership of the APC for the courage displayed and the commitment to democratic ideals that have distinguished our party and made it appealing to millions of Nigerians across the country. The bold insistence on adherence to the constitution of the party, even amid immense pressure, was a great show of leadership that served as a reminder to all that the APC is a party founded on sacred values central to its growth and survival.

My grateful thanks also go to the Edo State Traditional Council led by Our great King, Omo' N' Oba N' Edo Uku Akpolokpo, The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II for the fatherly counsel and important interventions. I wish to reiterate my deep respect and undying loyalty to the institution.

To the election committee chaired by His Excellency, the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma for organizing a primary election that allowed the members of our party in the state to elect a candidate in a responsible, safe, fair, and transparent process, I convey my deepest gratitude.

From the start, with the adoption of the direct mode of primary, our party showed its recognition of the peculiarity of the times we are in and its commitment to complying with all regulations and guidelines in place to ensure that our people are protected from danger, specifically the coronavirus disease.

Today, because of the hard work of the committee, the cooperation of INEC, observers, and all security agencies, that desire got full expression as members of our party, whose conduct was admirable and responsible, participated in a primary that will form a point of reference to all on how to practice democracy without compromising safety procedures in the fight against a viral disease.

I am grateful to everyone for their support, most especially my fellow aspirants who shunned the politics of bitter opposition and displayed the level of maturity and sportsmanship never before seen in the history of this country.

Against an incumbent government that tested the resolve and unity of our party using morally bankrupt tactics without any regard for the rule of law, we were able to prevail because Dr. Pius Odubu, Hon. Osaro Obazee, Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi, General Charles Airhavbere (rtd), Hon. Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, Hon. Saturday Uwuilekwe and Professor Ebegue Amadasun showed great leadership and fought a good fight premised on the shared understanding that we are all on the same side, confronting and seeking to undo the many failures of an administration that betrayed our people and the values of our party.

I am very grateful to them and I look forward to working with them as we return to the streets and homes of our people, to restore and strengthen their hope and faith in the party, the All Progressives Congress, and return Edo state back on the path of development and growth.

Today’s victory is not for me alone. It is a victory for democracy, for the rule of law, and for our party, the All Progressives Congress. To everyone who played a part in making it possible; to my family, my campaign team, support groups at home and in the diaspora, members of our party, and all Edo people, I say thank you.

Receiving your endorsement and nomination to represent our party in the Governorship election is one of the greatest honors of my life. I find myself joyous but as well aware of the faith reposed in me by you all. Most importantly, I feel the weight of that trust and the great need not to disappoint all of you who deemed me worthy of the honor to fly the banner of our great party and be your representative at the polls.

The agenda remains SIMPLE in the literal sense of those alphabets as I renew my pledge to devote myself to moving this state forward by bringing new ways and innovative methods in: Security and Social Welfare, Infrastructural Development and Urban Renewal, Manpower Development and Training, Public-Private Partnership, Leadership by Example, and Employment Creation and Social Empowerment Scheme.

This time, we must get it right. And the work to make this a reality must continue with revitalized passion and zeal. Our victory today is only the beginning. We must now all come together, renew our loyalty to the party, and march with sturdy strides on this new path that beckons.

Fellow party members, thank you once again for your confidence in me and support. I assure you, and the people of our state, that you will not be disappointed.

May God bless you all.

cc: lalasticlala, mynd44

It is no longer news that Gov Abu Sani Bello is channeling the state’s scarce resources to one of the most neglected and certainly one of the most important sector in the state: Road infrastructure.

Recently, His Excellency approved the sum of N6 billion to RAMP to carryout double surface dressing of selected but critical rural roads in the state. An unprecedented fit in the history of our rural roads.

The roads which are either completed or are at an advanced stage are:

1. Kutigi - Tashan Hajiya road (55.32Km)

2. Suleja-Abuchi- Izom road (21Km)

3. WuyaSuman- Lemu road (37Km)

4. Kampanin Bobi- Bangi road(88.70Km)

5. WuyaKantin-EtsuTasha road(11.20Km)

6. Old Gawu - FarinDoki road(21.97Km)

A friend who visited his village, EtsuTasha, few days ago and spent less than 10minutes from the main road sent me the video below appreciating the Governor for a job well done.

According to him, before now this road took him over 40mins and this stress is accompanied by him visiting the mechanic upon return.

#LoloIsWorking.

- By Abdullberqy U Ebbo

cc: lalasticlala, mynd44

.. says State's Medical Facilities represent future of healthcare in Nigeria

The Director General of Nigerian Center for Disease Control, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, has adjudged the Emergency Operating Center in Akwa Ibom State as the best in the country.

Dr. Ihekweazu and officials of World Health Organisation (WHO), who were in the state on a working tour of health facilities over the weekend, commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for its investment in healthcare and building institutional capacity to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

They qualify the facilities in the state’s Emergency Operations Centre as best in the country and medical facilities across the state as representing the future of healthcare in Nigeria

He expressed satisfaction over the state-of-the art facilities and quality of personnel available in the state and assured that the Federal Government and the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 will be pleased to deepen collaborations with the state.

The NCDC boss extended the gratitude of the Federal Government and the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 to people and government of Akwa Ibom state and thanked the health workers for their very hard work over the past few months of the outbreak.

Speaking after inspecting the Ibom Specialist Hospital and the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) the Akwa Ibom Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), Dr. Ihekweazu said “this is actually a joint mission with the WHO. ...coming to Akwa Ibom today has really been such an eye opening experience, both at Ibom Specialist Hospital and this EOC that will be opened on the 23rd of June. I think we were jointly pleasantly surprised at the opportunity this presents to the country. This will probably be the best EOC in the whole country, by the time its fully operational”.

“The say seeing is believing, so we have really gone round from Ibom Specialist Hospital to the EOC, which I think it’s been an incredible job in terms of response to COVID, but really those facilities represent the future of healthcare in the country”,

he added.

Assuring that his team will soon be in the state to work with the Akwa Ibom EOC and establish synergy in line with NCDC’s drive towards networking all EOCs in the country with the national EOC in Abuja, through which a constant communication path will be established, he said he look forward to really collaborating, strengthening the already existing strong collaborations between the Federal Government, the Presidential Taskforce, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and the good people and government of Akwa Ibom State.

Also speaking at the Ituk Mbang Isolation Centre for Quarantine and Prevention of Infectious Disease, where the PCR Laboratory is situated, the NCDC Director General expressed great pleasure over the investment of the state government combatting COVID and taking responsibility for the health of the citizens of the state.

In his words:-

“the most exciting part for me is seeing this laboratory; seeing how it’s been well kitted, the expertise of the colleagues that are working here and their deep knowledge of the process. I'm really happy to bring Akwa Ibom into the national network of molecular laboratory capacity which is really what we are trying to build. We want to see every state have a molecular laboratory capacity and Akwa Ibom has really demonstrated what is possible, when there is a political will, investment in health and when the leadership of a state is taking the health of the citizens very seriously”,

Dr. Ihekweazu said.

Dr. Ihekweazu said the COVID-19 contagion being an unprecedented situation in the country, as it is world over, his team in Abuja has been making efforts to support every state as much as possible, but that a state like Akwa Ibom has made the job a lot easier by showing willingness and capacity to do for themselves what they need, adding that he was pleased to see the state government put the healthcare of citizens in front of its political agenda.

“I'm really impressed by the hospital facilities I have seen and think we are ready to manage patients, but I think the most exciting thing for me just seeing this laboratory seeing how well it has been kitted, the expertise of the colleagues that are working here already, their deep knowledge of the processes”

the NCDC boss stated.

The Officer in charge of World Health Organisation in Nigeria, Dr. Fiona Braka, said the WHO team was happy to be part of the visit, which she described as enlightening. She lauded Akwa Ibom State Government for investing in healthcare, not just as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but to boost institutional capacity in healthcare delivery.

Hear her:-

“It’s been very enlightening going around to see the isolation facilities and the capacities that are there, the lab capacity and how the state has used the opportunity of the COVID response to build institutional capacity, not just for responding to this outbreak, but thinking beyond. We are quite pleased with the human resource capacities in the state. We are also impressed with the data management capacity, the innovative ways of looking at the data, the alerts the Call Centre and how the entire loop of the response is managed. I think these are best practices that we are taking from here”.

However, Braka said the message from WHO is that this outbreak is still on the increase. According to her, the highest peak of cases globally, 150000, being recorded on Friday, June 19, indicates that the pandemic is still on.

Speaking on behalf of the State Government, the Secretary to the State Government and Chairman, Akwa Ibom State COVID-19 Management Committee, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, expressed the gratitude of the government and people of Akwa Ibom State to the NCDC and WHO teams for the visit to the state and for painstakingly going round to appreciate the vision of the Governor Udom Emmanuel-led government in the state.

Dr. Ekuwem also appreciated the kind words and commendations of the NCDC Director General the WHO Lead. He said the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has always given priority attention to the health of the citizens and remains committed to ensuring a healthy state, hence the outbreak meeting the state as if she was prepared for it. He therefore assured that the momentum of response to the pandemic in the state will be sustained.

cc: lalasticlala, mynd44

Niger State Environmental Protection Agency(NISEPA) disinfected the Minna Medium Prison to help keep the Covid-19 Virus out of the environment.

In continuation of the exercise to help keep Covid-19 Virus our of the State, the Niger State Environmental Protection Agency(NiISEPA) today carried out disaffection exercise at Bida Medium Correctional Facility.

The exercise started in Minna Medium Correctional Facility yesterday and next will be Kontagora.

We Will Implement The Post COVID-19 Economic Reconstruction Committee Recommendations - Gov. Emmanuel

Governor Udom Emmanuel says the state will commence the implementation of recommendations of the Post- Covic 19 Economic Reconstructions submitted to him recently.

Speaking Sunday during the live radio and television interview monitored by our reporter, the governor disclosed that he has already made his executive summary on the post COVID-19 Economic Reconstruction of the state and promised to do everything possible to begin implementation of those recommendations.

“There are plans to have the recommendations activated, especially the low hanging fruits so that the people can begin to reap the benefits," he said.

Mr. Emmanuel wondered why Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, PHEDC is frustrating his effort in ensuring Akwa Ibom people have access to power at least 21 hours everyday.

He noted that there is no single day Ibom Power Company does not generate 115megawatts of electricity, yet PHEDC would not distribute power to Akwa Ibom people.

“I have enough power to give our people minimum of 21 hours but the PHEDC people are not helping us. They keep taking our power but keep telling us that our people are not paying bills and they refuse to give them power.”

Mr. Emmanuel expressed concern over the closure of schools , but assured residents of the state that once there is green light in conquering COVID-19, schools will reopen.

"I am really concerned about the education of our children. Not all parents can afford the smart phones for online learning. And I am not so sure and satisfied that the Radio school programme is sufficient especially for all the final year pupils and Students who are going to write WAEC.

“ We are looking for local solutions. We will localize the intervention. Once we are able to come out with a local solution to this pandemic, we will open up schools. We are still studying the COVID-19 curves.

“I am really concerned about the education of our children I can't allow our children to stay out of school for such a long time. I want our medical team to localize a solution on how we can open up schools, " the governor said.

On the newly commissioned Il300-bed isolation Centre,, the governor revealed that the facility is well equipped with modern amenities with Professors of Virology working in the place, adding that right from the day his administration commissioned the isolation centre, the state has received two more containers of medical facilities with medical researchers also requesting to use the laboratory for research.

Governor Emmanuel explained that his administration is insinuated with requests from Akwaibomites in the diaspora who are desirous of coming back home to add their own quota to our developmental strides." The guy running the fertilizer blending plant in our State came in from the USA.

“Today, the fertilizer plant is the one feeding, not only the State, but the entire South South. So if you want to come in, please show us the area you want to help us with and we will be ready to give you the necessary support.”

Gov., Emmanuel reiterated that the coconut Plantation and Refinery is 100% owned by the State Government, adding that components are currently in the port in the Onne, and unable to get to the state because of Covid-19 lockdown.

"Even when we bring them in, we need to bring in experts, because the technology is that of four different countries. They need to come and install them and also train some of our people on the technology."

He warned residents of the state that curfew starts from 8PM to 6AM, adding that anybody caught around that time will be treated as criminal.

cc: mynd44

A’IBOM COMMENCES COVID-19 TESTING IN ITS NEW PCR LABORATORY

...HEALTH WORKERS COMMEND GOV EMMANUEL

The newly certified Akwa Ibom State category 3 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) inbuilt laboratory at the Infectious disease unit/Isolation centre of the General hospital Ituk Mbang has commenced the testing of COVID-19 cases.

The PCR lab approved last week by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Friday, June 12, received its first batch of 22 COVID-19 samples.

The samples were received by a team of Laboratory personnel led by Professor Tatfeng Mirabeau,a Consultant molecular biologist, department of medical laboratory science, Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State.

Samples from suspected cases from Akwa Ibom were hitherto taken to Irrua Specialist Hospital in Edo State for testing and this procedure took not less than 48 hours before the results were released.

The lead consultant of the PCR, Prof. Mirabeau said, “the establishment of the Laboratory in the state has guaranteed testing of suspected COVID-19 samples and fast release of results.

“I commend the Akwa Ibom State Government led by Governor Udom Emmanuel, for putting up one of the best of such laboratories in the Country without any external assistance”.

He said that whereas other PRC labs in the Country test only covid-19, the laboratory in the state would avail patients several other laboratory services while on admission.

The consultant commended the commissioner for works, Mr Ephraim Inyang-Eyen for his sincerity and commitment towards translating the vision of Governor Udom Emmanuel at the isolation centre.

He said the Akwa Ibom PCR laboratory was the 31st to be approved by the NCDC.

The head the of Public Health Laboratory services in the State, Mrs Idongesit Udoh who was also present during the arrival of samples, thanked the State Government for this laudable feat.

She said the state government was doing its best in the containment of the disease and advised anyone with symptoms of the virus to report to the appropriate Medical Facility for testing and management.

Also speaking, Mr king Joseph Umana, a medical laboratory scientist who was saddled with the responsibility of conveying the samples to Irrua, recounted the risk involved in taking samples from Akwa Ibom State to Edo State which he said included: risk of contracting the infection and security challenges.

He expressed appreciation to the Staff and Management of Irrua Specialist Hospital Laboratory for the warm reception that the Akwa Ibom team enjoyed throughout the period samples were taken to the facility and specifically thanked Governor Udom Emmanuel for constructing and equipping the State PCR Laboratory which he said had brought him relief.

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

Re:Nasiru El-Rufai’s lockdown and the spoilers at the door- Salihu Tanko Yakasai

By Salihu Tanko Yakasai

I was highly surprised when I came across a piece with the above caption that appeared in the online edition of the Vanguard newspaper of Wednesday 3rd June 2020 pseudonymously penned by Rotimi Fasan.

Apart from the blatant misrepresentation and misinformation contained therein, the article is pregnant with sheer blame-game, opprobrium and aspersions against Kano State, its government and its good people aimed solely at hoodwinking the unsuspecting reading public.

What is more painful is that in all intents and purposes, the 19-paragraph article is an exercise in futility aimed at politicizing a serious health issue, it also shows lack of in-depth factual knowledge of the realities on the ground.

The “writer’s” politicization of the already uncoordinated fight against the Covid-19 pandemic is a clear disservice to the nation.

While Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State has been making efforts to contain the pandemic without making any public fuss and is averse to apportioning any blame to others, others have resorted to using the pandemic to cast Kano State and his person in poor light in order to score a cheap political goal as if their future political success hinges on this. To say the least, this is unjustifiable, indefensible and arrantly unjust!

Why the “writer” has singled out Kano State out of the other 34 states and the FCT as a spoiler has baffled every discerning and unbiased reader to the core. In short, this article is a public relations stunt that has clearly failed to hit the target and this rejoinder is not aimed at paying the “writer” in the same coin but to clear his misrepresentation and misinformation for the sake of the present and posterity.

Before I address some of the issues raised in the article, it is very apropos to highlight that the Covid-19 virus surfaced in Kaduna State on 28th March 2020 before the index case was recorded in Kano State on 11th April 2020, an interval of two weeks, and the state government did not blame any state or individual for the spread of the virus.

Just as the index case in Kaduna contracted the disease elsewhere, so also the index case of Kano, along with the majority of the cases in Kano. As Muslims, we consign our affairs to the Almighty Allah Who decrees whatever will happen to His servants.

The “writer” should have been dispassionate enough to have consulted his friends in Kano (if he has any) in order to get firsthand information on the numerous measures taken by the state government to curtail the spread of the virus even before the first index case was recorded in the state after the patient had visited Lagos State and Abuja.

In Kano State, the government had taken all necessary measures to prevent the spread of the disease in the state even before the index case was recorded which included the closure of all public schools, establishment of a Taskforce Committee on Covid-19 under the chairmanship of the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, the Appeal Fund Committee (the first State to do so) headed by the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano to assist the victims and provide relief to the poor, the closure of all public offices, closure of all schools, the banning of passenger buses coming to the state even before the federal government banned inter-state travels, the 1-week lock-down of the state which was subsequently extended many a time, the provision of isolation centres for the quarantine and treatment of the patients, the closure of markets and banning of religious congregations in mosques and churches, the setting up of several mobile courts to prosecute violators, among others.

Even before the federal government took additional strict measures including the banning of inter-state travels, Gov. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje personally spearheaded the interception of some vehicles with passengers coming into the state including, from Kaduna State.

How did these vehicles pass through the state in broad daylight or did they emanated from the skies to land at the borders of Kano? Do they expect Gov. Ganduje to go to Kaduna or any neighbouring State to enforce the ban?

In fact, tens of vehicles laden with passengers were intercepted at Kano State borders and many were turned back or later fined by the many mobile courts established by the state government to prosecute the violators of the lockdown order. Is Ganduje expected to police all the borders of other neighbouring States as well? If as the ‘writer’ claims that Ganduje has failed to enforce the lockdown in Kano preventing people from going out or coming in, is Ganduje also expected to go to Kaduna and other neighbouring States to prevent people from going in or coming out of those States?

The “writer” should have done his homework well to have realized that the violation of the lockdown order is a nation-wide phenomenon in view of the nature of our society and interstate borders. I have seen many crowds of people in Lagos, Abuja and other states in violation of the lockdown, but they were not castigated by the “writer.” It seems what is good for the goose is not good for the gander! The football match in Kano state mentioned by the “writer” was a one-time thing, neither organized nor sanctioned by the state government but by some youth and security agents promptly arrested some people for the violation of the lockdown.

On the issue of almajirai, the “writer” was also off the mark by a wide margin. It should be recalled that the 19 northern state governors agreed to ban street begging especially by almajirai and to repatriate them to their respective states of origin.

It may interest the “writer” to know that Kaduna State is the first to repatriate 30,000 almajirai to their states of origin and it did so without adherence to protocol, neither were they tested for Covid-19. For example, Kaduna State did not officially hand over any almajirai to Kano State government officials but dumped them at motor parks and out of the almajirai dumped in Kano State some later tested positive of the coronavirus.

However, Kano State government did not publicly blame Kaduna State government over this which shows the maturity, decorum and foresight of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Unlike Kaduna State, Kano State officially hands over all repatriated almajirai to the officials of their states of origin after making sure that they do not have any Covid-19 symptoms. In fact, the would-be repatriated almajiris are usually camped, fed and treated for any diagnosed ailment before they are repatriated to their states of origin. So the argument that Kano State government intentionally or knowingly repatriates almajirai infected with Covid-19 virus does not hold water a bit.

Why should Kano State play the role of a spoiler as alluded by the “writer” still beats my imagination for in what way will we profit from this.

Harming any fellow human being especially a neighbour is against the injunctions of all divine religions and His Excellency, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje will be the last person to intentionally sanction the spread of a debilitating disease like Covid-19.

It is pathetic that despite all the measures taken by the federal and 36 state governments, the Covid-19 cases have increased to about 11,166 cases as at 4th June 2020 with Lagos State, Kano State and FCT Abuja having 5,440, 970 and 763 cases respectively while Kaduna State occupies 7th position with 297 cases.

If Kano State or any other state for that matter had been a spoiler as wrongly alleged by the “writer”, the Kaduna State figure might have been much higher. In this respect, His Excellency, Malam Nasir El Rufai deserves our commendation for his efforts to curtail the spread of the virus in Kaduna State.

Lifting of the ban by Kano State government on religious gatherings was not arbitrary but after due consultations with stakeholders and the state was not the first in the country to lift the ban. Even in countries like the US, Italy, Spain, Britain and Brazil, to mention but a few, where the highest number of cases and mortalities due to coronavirus are being recorded, the strict lockdown and banning of social gatherings, the authorities in these countries have to relax these restrictions.

So, to blame Kano state for not enforcing full restrictions on religious or social gatherings is not only mischievous but unfounded, because for the duration of the lockdown in the State, almost all the mosques and churches suspended holding religious gatherings.

What the country needs at this trying period is not passing the buck and politicization of serious issues like the current pandemic but concerted and coordinated efforts to save humanity from this serious health challenge.

If we did not blame the Italian citizen who was the first to bring the virus to our shores or Ogun State, does not blame its neighbourly sister, Lagos State, for the spread of the disease, then there is no basis to accuse anybody or government of being a spoiler for this is an unnecessary diversion which will not augur well for the country. This unwarranted and unnecessary blame-game needs to cease forthwith for the sake of humanity. Let me end this piece with a quote by George Washington Carver who says “Ninety-nine percent of all failures come from people who have a habit of making excuses.”

Salihu Tanko Yakasai is the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor of Kano State.

cc: lalasticlala, seun, mynd44

Communities Rubbishes Claims Of Central Youth Body, Defends OMS, Other - The Liberator

Host communities of OML 30, Cluster 11, in both Burutu and Warri South West Local Government Areas of Delta State have rubbished claims by a certain youth group under the aegis of Central Youth Body of Warri, Excravos, Burutu and Forcados that operators of the facility, Ocean Marine Solutions Limited has not done any empowerment to  indigenes of the area. 

In a press statement signed by the leaders representing communities constituting OML 30 such as Fidelix Atutu, Engr. Don Dickson Ogugu, Comr. Yerin Golo, Chief Jeremiah Iyepade, Comr. Ebikeme Angodideke, Pst. Phillip S. Fianka, Chief Prince E. Onaro, Comr. Burutu Mozu, Mr. Yerin Joel, Mr. John Ekerefe, Double Chief Felix Ebah 

Capt. Alex Yelemu, Elder Odeh Alfred as well as Comr. Godfrey Tukpa that represented Diebiri/Batan, Ofougbene, Yeye, Obotobo 1 & II and oil rich Ogulagha communities, a copy of which was sent to The Liberator Newspaper earlier today. 

The host communities which caught across Burutu and Warri South West Local Government Areas of Delta State have defended the security firm and its Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Capt. Hosa Okunbor for subleting surveillance contracts to indigenes of the host communities, stressing that those benefiting from the company are all bonafide indigenes of the communities. 

Speaking further, the leaders had noted that beside doling out pipeline contracts to indigenes of the host communities, Ocean Marine Solutions Limited had also empowered youths from the said communities and beyond that are receiving salaries on a monthly basis as employment. 

They maintained that it is not fair for anyone or group of persons to have come up with such untrue and blackmailing method to malign a company that is doing well and calling beneficiaries from the area strangers. 

However, they had particularly called on the Federal Government, Delta State Government, the concerned local governments councils and members of the general public to completely disregard such group of people. 

The statement reads in full below:-

"The said purported Central Youth Body of Warri, Excravos, Burutu and Forcados in Burutu Local Government and Warri South West Local Government Areas of Delta State does not have the host communities mandate in cluster 11, OML 30 Transforcados pipeline 

"The self acclaimed Central Youth Body does not know the true picture of what and what is going on in Transforcados pipeline OML 30.

"Concerning the said publication by this self acclaimed youths who are not even recognised in the host communities where this operation is taking place in OML 30 Transforcados pipeline. 

"The Federal Government of Nigeria, Delta State Government, the Chairmen of Warri South West and Burutu Local Governments should be aware  that OMS has legally engaged the host communities and has done the needful by giving employment slots/jobs to the youths of the host communities, therefore, there is no youth restiveness that is likely to cause crisis in the said concerned area where OMS is running the surveillance contract. 

"The only thing that might likely bring issues if not urgently addressed is the use of Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited to cancel and terminate the indigenous grass cutting/local surveillance contractors and workers in Transforcados pipeline, OML 30 which the leaders of various communities, Delta State Government and Heritage in a joint meeting held at Government House, Asaba resosolved that Heritage should with immediate effect reaward such contracts back to its original beneficiaries from the host communities which Heritage has not been able to fulfil.

"As far as we are concerned leaders of the host communities in OML 30, this is the only thing that is causing tension which might likely cause issues if Heritage fails to reversed the contracts back to their original indigenous contractors. 

"It has come to our attention that the self acclaimed Central Youth Body that the publication made by Engr. Don Dickson Ogugu is a false publication that he was bribed by someone is a big lie, we are reiterating that the publication made by Engr Don Dickson Ogugu is the true story of the issue which led the host communities leadership to resolved that the general public and security agencies should completely disregard the publications made by the various groups and the Warri, Excravos, Burutu and Forcados Central Youth Body. 

"That whoever that welcome or give attention to the aforementioned bodies does so at their own risks as they have no  tangible right to speak on behalf these host communities in OML 30."

cc: lalasticlala, mynd44

Niger Infrastructure Committee Inspect More Projects As State Govt Expend N6b On Rural Roads

The Niger state Infrastructure Committee has paid an inspection visit to about 3 Rural Access Mobility Project (RAMP) projects of Niger State Government.

Speaking at an inspection site, he Coordinator of Ramp, Mr. Hassan Estu said the Niger state government under the leadership of Alh. Abubakar Sani Bello has expended N6B on rural roads. 

He added that over 235km of rural temp roads are undergoing double coat surface dressing and that it is being solely financed by Niger State Government.

The Infrastructure Committee led by Hon. Ibrahim Balarabe also visited the Wuya-Suman-Lemu.(37km) raod, Wuya-Kanti Etsu-Tasha (11km) road and Kutigi-Tashan-Hajiya(55km) road. 

Commenting on the job done so far, the committee chairman expressed satisfaction on the ongoing work on the Wuya-Kanti road, and also made certain observations on the Etsu-Tasha road.

He also directed that work be stopped until the observation have been corrected before the contractor may continue.

The work on Kutigi Etsu-Tasha road got a positive commendation from the committee.

cc: lalasticlala, mynd44

Civil servants from grade level 7 above to resume work
 
Governor, State of Osun, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, on Thursday, announced new set of guidelines that would guide the second phase of the gradual reopening of the state’s economy, following the lockdown imposed by the government in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

He also said all major markets would remain shut, while other markets would be opened but operators must ensure physical distancing and use their face masks, including observing all other precautionary measures in accordance with the established protocols of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC.

The governor had on Wednesday ordered the reopening of worship centres, but insisted that adherents of the two religions would only enjoy one hour of worship each on Friday and Sunday respectively, effective Friday, June 5, 2020.

Apart from the reopening of mosques and churches, the governor has further relaxed the curfew earlier imposed on the state. The new curfew will now be from 9 pm to 5 am daily.

He, however, noted that these new measures would be for just two weeks in the first instance, just as he reiterated that the state's boundaries remain closed. 
  
In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ismail Omipidan, the governor noted that the total lockdown earlier imposed on the state from Friday to Sunday has now been eased for the next 14 days in the first instance.

He was, however, quick to add that, notwithstanding the easing of the lockdown, the ban on political, public, religious and any kind of gatherings under whatever guise remains in force.
 
The governor while thanking the people of the state for their support and cooperation during the period of the lockdown, also enjoined them to ensure the new measures on the gradual reopening of the economy are strictly adhered to.
 
He added that it was imperative to do that so that the state does not lose the gains it has so far recorded in the fight against the deadly Coronavirus in Osun. 

Oyetola also urged religious leaders to constantly remind their followers that the fight against Covid-19 is not over and all hands must be on deck to support the fight against the pandemic.

“As you are all aware, the Federal Government few days ago lifted the ban on religious activities in the country. We have, therefore, lifted ours too after our meeting with religious leaders on Wednesday with specific guidelines.

“In furtherance to that, we have also further relaxed our curfew, as part of measures for the gradual reopening of our economy. Civil Servants on level 7 and above should go to work within normal office hours, while each department should work out and alternate working hours for workers on grade levels 1 to 6,”

the governor was quoted to have said.

cc: lalasticlala, mynd44

The Niger state Infrastructure Committee has paid an inpesction visit to Rafi LG where Tungan Bako road is currently being constructed by the Governor Sani Bello led administration.

Led by the Chief of Staff Hon. Ibrahim Balarabe Kagara, the ongoing 11km road construction and a bridge has for decades remained in disrepair thereby making it almost impossible for the community to transport their farm produce to markets.

When completed, being the largest farming community in Rafi, having the bridge and the road fixed will improve the affair of marketing of the farmers.

Rafi LG chairman and the village head of the community appreciated the visit expressing gratitude to Governor Abu Sani Bello for not abandoning them.

In showing appreciation, the community head gifted the committee 8 chickens, a ram and a big cow.

cc: lalasticlala, seun,mynd44

Niger Infrastructure Committee Task Contractors On Completion Of On-going Road Projects

The Niger state Infrastructure Committee has expressed concern over the handling of Kagara township roads and Bunu-Genu road by contractors.

Speaking at the meeting held with MD of Enerco company, the company handling construction of Kagara township roads, the Chief of Staff urged the contractors to complete the project within the stipulated time in the contract. 

On their part, Enerco promised to address these concerns after being given 3days to go back to site.

Further, the committee also engaged the company handling the Bunu-Genu road and an understanding was reached on how the job should be completed in time.

Also, a decision was reached that work should resume at once on the 4 number roads in London street which has also stayed longer than necessary.

The committee came to a conclusion on the City Gate to Chanchaga road for repairs to start in earnest.

cc: lalasticlala, seun, mynd44

Ibrahim Balarabe Kagara, the Chairman of the Infrastructure Committee in Niger state has said the 6.5km Zungeru access road which began from Zungeru bypass to Zungeru main town has been completed and will be commissioned for use soon.

Mr Kagara who is also the Chief of Staff, expressed satisfaction at the quality of the work and the timely manner of its completion when he led members of the committee on an inspection visit to the construction site.

Commenting on the project, Wushishi LG Chairman, said the road has been neglected for decades, and on behalf of his people, he expressed happiness at Governor Bello’s Restoration Agenda that saw a once un-motorable road built and brought to standard.

The Committee Chairman urged the people of Zungeru to exercise a little more patience over the situation of electricity promising that that too will soon be history just as the road.

Commissioners of Finance, Justice, Works and Infrastructure and Budget and Planning were all part of the entourage. Others are Perm Secs of Finance, Works and Infrastructure, Procurement, Director, Civil Engineering, Ministry of Works, DG, SOU, ICT and PE, Coordinator, Legacy Projects and SPA to the Chief of Staff.

COVID-19 TESTING BROUHAHA: THE NEED FOR NCDC TO PROBE

By Auwal Garba Tarauni.

Ordinarily and in an ideal situation, the health sector should not be toyed with a bit due to its criticality to the lives and wellbeing of the people of any society. In fact, the survival, progress, tranquility and sustainability of any society depend squarely on how sound in mind and body the people are. That is why, in almost all societies, the health sector is accorded top priority through the provision of human, financial and material resources for effective and efficient healthcare services to all and sundry without any primordial consideration.

Equally worth-noting is that health professionals are expected to exhibit the highest level of professionalism, expertise and other ethical values on and off duty and any aberration or violation of the ethics of the medical profession is met with stern sanctions and penalties.

With the current outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, the whole world is now thrown into a chasm resulting in many socio-economic quagmires because this is one of the greatest health challenges facing countries; social life has been disrupted and economic activities brought to a grinding halt. In fact, the scale of the problem cannot be easily quantified and it will take some time before life returns to normal and many years before national and global economies fully recover.

Kano State, by virtue of its large population and being the commercial nerve centre in the west African sub-region, has now become an epicenter of the Covid-19 pandemic in northern Nigeria and it is the second state in the federation with the highest number of confirmed Covid-19 cases now approaching the 1,000 mark. This is despite the huge resources committed by the state government and other public-spirited individuals and corporate bodies to the fight against the spread of the dreaded virus in addition to the numerous containment measures equally put in place.

At present, there are three Covid-19 testing centres in full operation in Kano State at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital that can handle about 90 samples a day and the 180-capacity centre at Bayero University, Kano. In addition, the President of Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has donated a 400-capacity testing centre at Muhammad Buhari Specialist Hospital and has began running tests though it is currently being upgraded from 400  samples per day to a thousand samples per day, while the Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji Abdusamad Isyaku Rabi’u has also donated huge material and financial resources worth billions of Naira to the state government. These two centres handle the testing of suspected cases from Kano and two other neighbouring states and this is the crux of this piece as the testing exercise is now mired in controversies over alleged corruption in the guise of incentivization by officials from the two neighbouring states so that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) can wade into the issue and probe the allegations of corruption and other unethical practices being levelled against the management of Bayero University, Kano Covid-19 testing centre.

There is no doubt that the management of Bayero University, Kano deserve a tap on the back for establishing the centre and fabricating a ventilator as part of the institution’s valuable contributions to the current fight against the pandemic. Actually, I do not have enough words to commend the Vice Chancellor of BUK, Prof. Yahuza Bello who heads the Kano State Taskforce Committee on Covid-19 for complementing the efforts of the state and federal governments toward curtailing the spread of the debilitating disease. Bravo to you and your management team, Sir.

However, the problem lies with how the BUK Covid-19 testing centre is being run as it is alleged that the person heading it nurses some grievances against the state government to the extent that samples from Kano State are not tested in good time while the ones from our two neighbouring states are tested with despatch. The allegation is that officials from the two other states bribe their way and their samples are promptly tested while the ones from the epicenter are not given equal treatment thus shrouding the whole exercise in controversy. This unethical incentivization of the testing exercise is manifest corruption which will not augur well to the current fight against the pandemic. To say it mildly, this is a sabotage!

It seems the grudges nursed by Prof. Isa Abubakar, the Director, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Research, Bayero University, Kano stems from the refusal of Kano State government to acquiesce to his request to be appointed the head of the Risk Communications Committee under the Kano State Taskforce Committee on Covid-19 which his principal, the BUK Vice Chancellor, Prof. Yahuza Bello is heading the palliatives Committee to the admiration of all stakeholders.

The state government’s decision not to appoint him was not informed by ill-feelings, sentiments or bias against the person of Prof. Isa Abubakar. Rather, the state government, in its wisdom, decided to appoint the District Head of Ajingi and Sarkin Yakin Kano, Alhaji Wada Aliyu Gaya because he has been acting creditably well in a similar capacity in the State's successful efforts on the Eradication of Polio and his experiences garnered over the years have proved valuable to the operations of the current Risk Communications Committee on Covid-19 in the state.

So, if these allegations are true, which I believe to be, an independent body should be established to come up with all the facts behind them so that appropriate measures should be taken because this is an issue of life and death. To resort to taking bribe at this trying period is a great disservice to the state and humanity at large. Particularly more so, is that this is a serious disservice to the hundreds of health workers on the frontline who sacrifice their lives, health and wellbeing toward saving the lives of others. 

It is indeed pivotal to the response in terms of both containment of spread and case management to have a timely laboratory result available. At present, many patients quarantined in isolation centres in Kano State are having traumatic experiences due to this unwarranted delay in the release of their results by the BUK Covid-19 centre as the confirmation of their Covid-19 status takes many days sometimes upto a week because of these alleged underhand dealings. Lack of getting test results in time is frustrating to both health care workers and patients as well. It also slows down the mapping of where cases are and responders by way of contact tracing.

It is, therefore, of utmost necessity for the NCDC that shoulders the financial burden of Covid-19 testing including training of personnel and payment of  their allowances throughout the country, to institute an independent panel of investigation in order to unravel the controversies surrounding the conduct of the Covid-19 testing exercise at the BUK centre. This will not only nip in the mud the allegation of corruption through incentivization by officials from the two neighbouring states that patronize the BUK centre, but will go a long way in serving as a deterrent to others. If the true issue is unearthed and the allegation established, appropriate sanctions or punishments should be meted against any culprits.

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44

Good Governance Assembly (GGA) a foremost sociopolitical group in Akwa Ibom state, has uncovered a sinister plot to sponsor campaign of calumny against the governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel.

GGA revealed that it has obtained an exclusive intelligence concerning an evil plot by certain politicians in Akwa Ibom State to sponsor a media campaign aimed at smearing and besmirching the sterling character of the Governor, Udom Emmanuel has been uncovered.

According to press statement by the group's President General, High Chief Aniekan Essien, who met with some media men in Uyo, Sunday, "we have obtained an exclusive and incontrovertible details received, a group of journalists were approached in Lagos by certain politicians in the State with the expressed assignment to write spurious, libellous and false stories about the Governor.

The evil plot according to the details available is aimed at smearing the image and character of the Governor.

"The journalists, who were approached with huge sums of money to execute the evil plot, however, turned down the evil assignment. We were shocked and morally outraged that a fine gentlemen who is seen as a highly successful governor, educated, urbane, worldly and who is working so hard to industrialize the State and change the mind-set of the people; a decent gentleman blessed with Christian values and orientation, a man of peace and development could be so vilely targeted, just to settle political scores.

It is outrageous and morally reprehensible and our conscience would not allow us to be used to bring down the image of this fine and capable leader and gentleman.

The group applauded the governor for focusing on developments in the state

"When we saw the news in the media about the addition of a new aircraft to the fleet of Ibom Air, the development that is taking place all over the State, even the proactive handling of the Covid-19 pandemic by the governor, and other great achievements recorded by him across sectors, we rose to expose the agents of darkness who were bent on publishing falsehood and blackmail-laden stories on the governor".

"We categorically state that this is a sad commentary on the state of our politics; that a fine gentleman like the governor should be a target for smear campaign just for political purposes, this is very sad and unfortunate and we want to alert Nigerians about this style of ugly and depraved politics".

The group disclosed that although the plan has failed, "we are however, aware that they are shopping for media hirelings who may be willing to do their evil bidding. So, we are telling Nigerians now that any smear campaign on the person of Governor Udom Emmanuel, is the handiwork of desperate politicians from the State and should be dismissed.

"Governor Udom Emmanuel deserves applause and not doses of calumny or sponsored false stories in the media. This brand of politics must be rejected by the people”

. The statement read.

cc: lalasticlala, mynd44

Deo Gratias International School, Garki Sold As Bank Moves To Sell Mabushi Campus

A letter written by directors of Deo Gratias International school to Ecobank has dismissed claims by George Odabi that Deo Gratias International school Garki has not been sold.

Apart from a consent judgement of the Federal High Court in suit no: FHC/L/CS/723/16, a letter dated 18, July, 2017 and signed by the directors granted Ecobank permission to sell both the school situated at Plot 93, Katungo street, Cadastral zone A03, Garki, Abuja and property known as Hollywood situated at plot 931/932, cadastral zone B06 Mabushi District, Abuja to settle the George Odabi's indebtedness to Ecobank.

"To this end, take this as our instruction to sell the property known as Deo Gratias int'l schools situated at Plot 93, Katungo street, Cadastral zone A03, Garki, Abuja and property known as Hollywood situated at plot 931/932, cadastral zone B06 Mabushi District, Abuja at the best market price to settle the outstanding settlement agreement sum of N600,000,000 less any money paid through the sweeping accounts domiciled with your bank"

the letter stated.

Meanwhile, a parent in the school who spoke with our reporter forwarded a screen shot of a message to parents by Mr Odabi "...our secondary school will continue at our Hollywood Campus while our primary school will continue at our Sunnyvale Campus we also have our Games Village..."

However, reacting to these letters by the Directors, a parent, Obiora Eze said:-

"Why is this man taking parents for a ride when he knows that his Mabushi school too will be gone soon? He cant continue to live in self denial.

The Garki school has been sold and bought. Instead of apologizing to us so that we can move on collectively, he is busy laying false claims and bandying documents that have no bearing with the issue at hand.

We are all living witnesses to how the police, the bank and even individuals harrassed and traumatised our children after taking the school generator away over George Odabi's indebtedness."

Sources at the school have confirmed a mass resignation among the teaching and non teaching staff of Deo Gratias. "Over 18 members of the academic staff led by the Principal have resigned and may offer their services to the new owners.

Others are just waiting to see if their 5 month unpaid salaries will be cleared before taking their leave. Infact, even the Chief Security Officer of the school is at large. A close associate of the Odabi's said.

cc: lalasticlala, mynd44

By Yakubu Yusuf

Through words and clear actions Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has always emphasized the importance of respect for the Judiciary.

This is why it came as no surprise to those who know His Excellency when he deflated the expectations of some of his party members when he swore in Mallam Safiyanu Yahaya of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the Chairman of Magama Local Government Council.

This was in obedience to Minna High Court 5 ruling which quashed the election of Salihu Ubandoma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the elected Chairman of Magama local government in the November 30, 2019 local government election on the ground of pre-election offense and declared Safiyanu Yahaya winner.

Of those who were not only members of the APC but also of the PDP who expected that the Governor will behave as others before him have behaved.

History of Niger State will accept–in contestably– the right of place of Governor Bello as a respecter of due process, as a defender of the principles of democracy and as an upholder of the rulings of the judiciary.

As far as this government lasts, Nigerlites will go to court in sure confidence that they will always get justice even if the rulings cannot be reconciled with the interest of the government, the Governor or his party, the APC.

cc: lalasticlala, seun, mynd44

Group accuses Akpabio of looting NDDC funds for 2023 presidential ambition

A group, Good Governance Advocates Nigeria (GGAN), have accused the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, of using his position to perpetrate fraud in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The group in a statement sent to journalists on Saturday, May 23 and signed by its spokesman, Uduak Essien, said the NDDC has recently found itself enmeshed in corruption of quantifiable magnitude, due to the activities of the minister.

According to the group, ''there is currently an attempt to cover up a 40 billion naira fraud by the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of NDDC, and in achieving such, their desperation led to flagrant abuse of the constitutional laws guiding our nation as they secretly wrote to the National Assembly seeking for virement to cover up for the many extra-budgetary spending and fraudulent contract awards that have brought the commission to its knees in the last six months.

''This act, which clearly contravenes the provisions of the law, is meant to cover up for numerous contract scams the IMC has specifically been accused of perpetrating.

The Act for Positive Transformation Initiative, a Non-governmental Organisation, had earlier this week raised an alarm over the ploy of the IMN of NDDC to cover-up the N40 billion allegation before the National Assembly.

The GGAN further alleged that another alleged fraud of N16.2bn involving a company has surfaced.

''

The alleged fraud case was investigated by the office of Auditor General and the company was not only indicted but mandated to make a refund of increment payment of N16.2bn to the coffers of the Federal Government.

''The company was found guilty of inflation of contract sum and massive payment for services not rendered. This alleged fraud and that of the N40bn depressingly happened under the watch of Akpabio and the NDDC IMC,''

the group said.

The statement continued:-

'

These series of fraud perpetrated in the NDDC according to the former Acting Managing Director, Dr Gbene Joy Nunieh who was relieved of her duty by the supervising Minister is said to be masterminded by Senator Godswill Akpabio, and her defiance to cooperating and swearing an oath got her fired by the Minister.

''These looting of the NDDC resources is reportedly to enable Godswill Akpabio fund his presidential campaign in 2023, an inordinate ambition set to be built on the back of the Niger Delta people with resources earmarked for the development of their region.

''As a result, we hereby call on the National Assembly to stand firm and be resolute as regard this investigation, in the best interest of the Niger Delta people and Nigerians at large.

''The presidency should also as a matter of urgency examine the many financial atrocities of Godswill Akpabio and take appropriate actions before he soils the integrity of Mr President.''

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

1. Introduction:

Godswill Akpabio, Hon. Minister, Niger Delta Affairs has dominated the news so far in 2020 for all the wrong reasons. The Corona Virus Pandemic is only slightly ahead for obvious reasons.

Why has Akpabio been so controversial? Indeed, the President deserves an international award for his uncommon patience with Akpabio given all the embarrassment caused to his administration.

Of all the Ministers in Buhari’s Cabinet, Akpabio stands out like a sore thumb and is currently tasking the President’s restraint. Why is decorum so difficult for him to maintain? In the recent past, he operated as Lord and Master; oppressing the Akwa Ibom people mercilessly and absolutely without question.

A simple matter of constituting a new Board for the NDDC was made to look impossible to achieve. The President of Nigeria forwarded names to the Senate for approval as required by law. The names were duly approved.

Then Akpabio came up with this whole idea of Interim Management Committee! Why was it considered impossible for the Senate-approved Board to undertake the Forensic Audit? The first IMC prepared grounds for the Forensic Audit. Then the Acting Managing Director, Dr. Joi Nunieh was sacked for reasons now emerging as her refusal to accept juju oath-taking!

The new IMC headed by a Professor and former classmate of the Honourable Minister is in charge now. He also fortified the IMC with the addition of two persons, thus making it appear as though Dr. Nunieh was not the issue but the need to expand and be more representative. How has that helped accountability?

There is the issue of US$200 Million left in the Dollar Account of the NDDC y the Nunieh led IMC. It has been depleted now. Then there is the perennial issue of the Headquarters Building.

Some N16 Billion has further been spent against Government regulations. Again N40 Billion is reported to have been spent on unauthorised disbursements! And then, as if to tender some defence, the new IMC claims to have spent N22 Billion as against the N40 Billion alleged. What a defence?

2. Questions:

The IMC was designed to prepare grounds for Forensic Audit and then quit. Technically speaking, having transmitted the relevant documents to the Auditors, the IMC ought to have been dissolved and a permanent, independent Board sworn in. Some of the questions now begging for answers are:

a) What difference does it make if the NDDC-IMC spent (misappropriated) N22 Billion Naira in 3 months and not N200 Billion? How does that exculpate the IMC from the allegations of irregular selective payments for jobs not cleared by the Forensic Audits?

Is it not shameful that while the Minister goaded the IMC to make selective payments for jobs not cleared by the forensic audit, it failed to meet recurrent obligations to students on NDDC scholarships in foreign institutions?

b) Is it not an affront to the anti-corruption crusade of the Buhari Administration for the IMC to have made selective payments for the NDDC Headquarters building, supply of Lassa Fever kits, etc. when these projects had not passed through the integrity test of the forensic audit?

c) The directive of the Minister that substantial payments be made, including the payment of N22 Billion conceded by the management, for whatever purpose for jobs not cleared for payment by the Forensic Report; does it not compromise the outcome of the Audit and undermine the authority of the President over this Minister?

d) The Audit process, having been sabotaged by the Minister and the IMC and caused embarrassment to the President and the National Assembly, what measure of punishment does the Minister deserve in the circumstance?

e) In the light of the Minister’s implication in some of the contracts, whether it makes sense to insist that he should continue to supervise the project?

f) Concomitantly, whether the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should continue his perceived policy of restraint in the face of this barbaric rape of the NDDC, the only interventionist hope of the Niger Delta Region till, what now amounts to eternity?

3. The Essential Akpabio:

Akpabio is a very ambitious person. He had shown ambition from his days in Secondary School. In the University of Calabar where he read Law, he showed promise as the Speaker of the Students Union Parliament. He leveraged on all these in his Political career. He is also a Schemer of dangerous proportions. He would identify his target and eliminate every obstacle to that achievement. He would use Machiavellian tactics to arrive at his destination. He has always had the ambition to become the President of Nigeria.

Some of his buildings in Uyo, Lagos and Abuja are fashioned to evoke prestige, in his quest to become the President of Nigeria. From those who have worked very closely with him, he is intellectually lazy and acts on impulse. His miscalculations are always disastrous. He has no stamina for long suffering, independent project conception or any long term planning. His quest for gratification and vain-glory is legendary.

How else does anyone rationalise the fact that he is the only Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a Chief of Staff, just like the President? Even the Vice President has no Chief of Staff! Upon the demise of Abba Kyari to the dreaded Corona Virus, Akpabio flew a kite. Dubious publications emerged from all corners of the Social Media suggesting or in some cases nominating Akpabio to succeed the late Chief of Staff to the President. He overrated himself! He does not believe anybody else exists.

He recoiled under the backlash. His Social Media boys changed tactics and abandoned the inglorious campaign. His close associates are steadfast and insist that he will still take a shot at the Presidency but would settle for the Vice Presidency in the hope that an opening by some providence, might open for him to emerge as the President. Surely, he needs money for the endeavour. Who does not know that it costs billions of Naira to get close to the Presidency?

4. Some Insights:

Akpabio’s idol was Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. Of course for the wrong reasons! Tinubu is well known to be a builder. He is loved by his people for his peculiar Human Capital Development. Tinubu has produced a few Governors in Lagos and elsewhere. His foundation membership of the APC, long-suffering and influence in the Party is respected. Akpabio is a Gate-Crasher to both the PDP and the APC. He reigned as Emperor of Akwa Ibom and installed Governor Udom in spite of the violence that characterised the 2015 General Elections. He expected Udom to kotow to him in every respect and thereby compromise good governance. Udom disappointed him there and is the source of the unending friction between him and the Akwa Ibom State Governor. Akpabio’s appointment as a Minister was God-sent. His means of vain-glory and ostentatious living was almost extinct.

Akpabio’s penchant for scandalous upward revision of contracts is legendary. He started what is now a monumental waste of Akwa Ibom State resources in the name of The Tropicana Project. The project was originally estimated to cost N33 Billion. As at 2012, He had revised it upwards to a whopping N120 Billion! He knew all along that the project was a white elephant conduit pipe never intended for delivery. He awarded the contract to an entertainment company with no engineering experience.

5. Lamentations of Akwa Ibom People:

It is heart-warming that some Akwa Ibom persons and groups have lent their voices against the embarrassment caused by Akpabio to our dear Akwa Ibom State and the Federal Government. Is he the only Minister?

Akwa Ibom people have been thoroughly humiliated by the financial improprieties discovered under his watch at the NDDC. The impression was already being spread that the scrutiny of the interventionist agency was being masterminded by non Akwa Ibom persons and groups solely to insult the Akwa Ibomites. Nothing could be further from the truth. Some of the sponsored articles by persons and groups affiliated to Akpabio make that suggestion. Some even imagine that Akpabio is the only Minister that can reasonably emanate from Akwa Ibom State. What insult! We have had Ministers from Akwa Ibom in the past and they made us proud. There is nothing sacrosanct about Akpabio and his office. There are fantastic materials from which the President can make his choice of Minister from Akwa Ibom State and they will deliver.

6. Proclivity for Violence:

This subject has become imperative in the Dr Nunieh’s personal safety alarm raised specifically to the Inspector General of Police. She warned that Akpabio should be held responsible in the event of any danger to her person.

This should not be discounted as pedantry. There is a frightening pedigree. What is more, the Reformed Niger Delta Avengers (RNDA) had issued a warning by their publications of the 7th May, 2020 to all those distracting Akpabio from his ministerial role to steer clear or continue at their peril. The threat did not go unnoticed. Akpabio was Governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2007-2015 (8 years). Under his watch as the Chief Security Officer of the State, it was pure hell. The following scenarios played out:

a) Senator John Udoedehe. He contested the Governorship elections in 2011 under the ACN against Governor Akpabio. He was one of the first victims of Political intolerance. So many of his supporters were hounded down and killed in Uyo and Ikot Ekpene where he had gone for his rallies. He was subsequently arrested in Abuja and arraigned at the FCT High Court on trumped up charges. These facts are in the public domain and available on the internet.

b) Chief Sunny Udom, the Director-General of the APC Governorship aspirant in Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Umana Okon Umana was the target of political assassination in his office. He held a press conference on Thursday the 8th May, 2014 in which he highlighted the fact that one of the assassins lost a finger in the process of indiscriminate gun shots. Some security agencies to which the incident was reported had dismissed the report as mere armed robbery by the local Police. There was no condemnation or any interest by Akpabio the Governor. The APC candidate was then his immediate past Secretary to the State Governor.

c) Engr. Albert Ukpanah, a well-known opponent of Governor Akpabio’s 2015 Senate ambition was strangled to death in his residence in Abak, Akwa Ibom State on the 5th of March, 2014. The Government did not show any interest and the matter went cold.

d) In December, 2013, Hon. Umana Okon Umana himself was the target of hired assassins when he received threats at his Uyo residence. It is instructive that contemporaneous with that threat, His Excellency, the then Governor ordered the withdrawal of his security details. This was widely reported in the press. That matter was promptly reported to the Police in Uyo.

e) Her Excellency, Mrs. Comfort Ewang: wife of a former Military Administrator of Ogun and Rivers States, Group Capt. Sam Ewang, was abducted by kidnappers who reportedly demanded that her husband rescind his decision to contest the 2011 elections. She was released after her abductors had secured a heavy ransom.

f) Madam Philomena Udonwa, a retired civil servant; a grandmother of over 70 years, and mother of a Singapore based Marine Engineer and Governorship aspirant, Iniekong Udonwa, was kidnapped. Her son was shot at, in a failed assassination attempt, but escaped with bullet wounds. Once again, the kidnappers allegedly demanded that Engr. Udonwa rescind his bid to contest the 2011 Elections as a pre-condition for his mother’s release. Madam Udonwa was not lucky after-all. She was abused, murdered, stripped naked, and abandoned on a lonely rural road.

g) Mr Mike Eduok, the brother of the former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Nsikak Eduok, was kidnapped, over his brother’s perceived opposition to Akpabio’s tyrannical governance, pre 2011 elections.

h) Barr Umo Udonwa, slated to take over as the State PDP Chairman, was murdered in shrouded circumstances. He was a close ally of prominent members of the opposition to Akpabio.

i) Elder Paul Inyang, a PDP stalwart also billed for the State PDP Chairmanship, was shot dead in the premises of his church. Inyang was the associate of the opposition duo of ex-Governor Victor Attah and Senator Udoedehe, on account of Akpabio’s high handed administration of the State. It soon became clear that Elder Inyang had shifted his political allegiance after he began to hold meetings with key opposition members. Clearly, Paul Inyang’s murder was not unconnected with his allegiance to the opposition.

j) GENERAL EDET AKPAN: a former NYSC Director and prominent Akwa Ibom son, was kidnapped after a reported disagreement over sale of shares of Universal Energy Resources (Akwa Ibom indigenous oil servicing company) of which he (Akpan) was Chairman. The General was in Church and other innocent worshippers in the church premises were murdered. He was released after a ransom was paid and subsequently relieved of his office.

k) OKUIBOM RJ OBOT: The most senior Ibibio monarch on earth was gruesomely murdered in his palace.

l) THE EKPENYONG BROTHERS. Engr. Emmanuel (aka Submarine) and his brother Matthias (aka Mbota), were murdered in the family quarry site. Knowledgeable sources claim the brothers refused to sell. Fabian (the surviving sibling), was framed for the murder of his brothers by the State Government, after he had identified two of the actual killers. He was detained for several months and later released for lack of evidence.

m) Dr Chris Ekong, an Economist and University teacher and former Commissioner for Youth and Sports, and later Economic Development, was framed for complicity in a kidnap case, detained for over two years but later discharged and acquitted of the charges. He was a subject of relentless persecution.

We have taken pains to demonstrate the infamy that was the lot of the Akpabio Government. It is, in the circumstance, unwise and indeed stupid to ignore any sign of threat to violence as raised by Dr. Nunieh.

CHIEF JACOB ESHIET

Chairman, Akwa Ibom Solidarity Front
267, Oron Road, Uyo

cc: lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

The proprietor of popular Abuja school Deo-Gratias International School, Dr George Odabi, is currently enmeshed in a huge debt scandal that has cost him ownership of the Deo-GratiasGroup of Schools.

According to a top source close to the Odabi’s who pleaded anonymity, trouble started for Dr George Odabi when Deo-Gratias International Group of Schools Ltd acting through her directors including Dr George Gerald Odabi sometimes in 2013 approached Eco-bank Nigeria Plc. for a facility, using the three schools in Games Village, FHA Lugbe and Garki among other properties of the company in favor of Eco-bank to secure a facility to enable it liquidate its indebtedness to GTBank and First City Monument, to upgrade some of the school campuses and secure a large expanse of land at Guzape for a new Secondary school campus with boarding facilities.

The Loan:

"The company ran into distress through the extravagant lifestyle of Dr George Odabi and defaulted in repayment of the loan/interest on the due date.

The loan was restructured at their instance from N1,200,000,000,00 to N600, 000,000.00 . Yet, he failed to abide by the loanrepayment schedule and domiciliation of all school fees to a collection account with Eco-bank but rather engaged in diversion of funds coming into the coffers of the School to other banks.”

"After spirited attempts by officials of Eco Bank Plc. to get Dr George Odabi to liquidate its loan fell on deaf ears. The case was taken to Court and by an order of the Federal High Court of 15th June 2016; leave was granted to Eco-bank Plc. to take over the three campuses of Deo-Gratias Schools with the aid of the Nigeria Police and bailiffs of the FHC.”

The source further added that Dr George Odabi through his lawyers contested the said order and finally conceded to enter Terms of Settlement with Eco-bank which was subsequently made the consent judgment of the Court.

"His lawyers contested the order of the Federal High Court because according to them Eco-Bank Plc. did not give their clients enough notice. The Federal High Court refused to set aside its order and this led both parties to enter into a Terms of Settlement which was adopted and made judgment of the Court with the appointment of a receiver/manager to take over the operations of three schools and agreed that N100,000,000.00k will be paid by the group of school each academic year for six years free of interest and yet Dr. George Odabi frustrated the arrangements with his profligacy leading to the takeover and sale of the Garki School to new owners to liquidates part of the outstanding judgment debt owed Eco-Bank Plc.”

Another source who craved anonymity told the reporter that “Out of the three school under receivership, the school at Games village was demolished in 2018 and the campus at F.H.A Lugbe clandestinely sold by one Mr. Osondu Ekekwe in collusion with Kingsley Odabi, Sukki Odabi and Chief Odera Odabi despite the fact that the Receiver/Manager had filed criminal contempt proceedings against them, in fact the situation is grin” the source said.

Another source who works with Eco-Bank Plc. and conversant with the transaction stated that Dr George Odabi was evasive for three years despite all entreaties made by the Bank for him to liquidate his loan.

"The appointment of a receiver/manager by the court was a huge relief for the bank as Dr Odabi was not forthcoming and displayed criminal tendencies by refusing to domicile the school fees account of the schools with the bank."

The Sale:

It was also gathered that the receiver/manager acting on the instructions of Eco Bank Plc. secured a buyer for the Garki campus of School. The deal was concluded with the new buyer accepting the offer made by the Bank for the takeover of the Garki campus of the School.
A top staffer of the School who does not want his name in print stated that under Dr George Odabi the School was confronted with issues such as poor welfare, inadequate and dilapidated school buses, poor service delivery, non-availability of school uniforms upon request and poor and porous security arrangements.”

He further added that workers are still being owed over three month’s salaries and several months on unpaid allowances.
“Workers and teachers have been groining over unpaid salaries, and in instances where salaries are paid, some manage to get as little as 20% of their total salary.
It was such a terrible situation even though the school boasts of over 700 pupils and students from primary to secondary level."

Financial Recklessness:

A top staff of the accounts department who confided in this newspaper, stated that Dr George Odabi is the architect of his misfortune due to his profligate lifestyle.

She said that on numerous occasions, she had advised Dr Odabi on the consequences of his actions with regards to the indiscriminate disbursements of school funds.

“At some point, I was overwhelmed and wondered why on earth, someone would allow such an institution to go bankrupt. The School was doing well in terms of payment of school fees and other charges.

However, Dr George Odabi would always direct for the indiscriminate transfer of funds from the school accounts to his accounts and that of his wives and concubines without recourse to the implications of his actions.”

“At times, he would instruct us to inform parents to make cash payments for school fees instead of bank deposits. This didn't go down well with some parents, while some obliged. When these cash payments are made, Dr Odabi would send his driver to pick up cash from the school premises to God knows where."

Parents Reaction:

A parent, Amina Braimoh, said, the purchase and successful takeover of the School by one of the parents of the School is the best thing to happen.

“Under George Odabi, we suffered incomplete issuance of books and other study materials to pupils even after complete payment. It was a despicable display of criminal intents and motives. There was a backlog of staff salaries and this consequently affected the teaching standard in the School as most of the best hands left in droves."

Another parent, who identified himself as Chinedu had this to say “This is the best news after this coronavirus pandemic! The new owners have a lot do.

The old school had no library; the classrooms and laboratories are ill-equipped. But with the profile of the new owners, our children are in safe hands."

Widespread jubilation amongst staff:

Our reporter gathered that there was widespread jubilation amongst the staff of the School when news filtered in about the takeover by the School by new owners. The staff danced and sang praises to God for the acquisition of the School.

An academic staff who pleaded anonymity stated that the exit of Dr George Odabi would bring back the glory of Deo-Gratis school even though the school might experience name change.

"The School was on the verge of total collapse. Dr Odabi was reckless and not interested in the success of the School. He used funds from the School to fund his extravagant lifestyle.

He didn't bother about the welfare of the staff and students alike as there was a general lack of everything needed in the School. It was indeed a sad episode for Deo-Gratias for some of us that have worked here for a long time.”

The EFCC:

On April 15, 2014 The Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, arraigned George Odabi along with his company, Deo Gratias International School Limited, Abuja before Justice Peter Kekemeke of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja on a 3- count charge bordering on issuance of dud cheque and breach of trust

He was said to have sometime in September, 2013 received a forty million, one hundred thousand naira (N40, 100,000.00) loan from one Mrs. Egbunola Ogungbesan for the renovation of his school but reneged on his promise to pay back.

Conviction in the United States:-

A further probe by this newspaper into the past of Dr Odabi revealed that he was convicted by a Los Angeles County Municipal Court (CA. for a criminal felony in 1994.

A close associate of Dr Odabi, who preferred anonymity, stated that Dr Odabi left the United States of America under questionable circumstances.

"Yes, he was indeed charged to Court in Los Angeles in early 1990,s but I am not sure that was why he left the United States. But I can tell you that since he left, he hasn't been able to return to the United States."

Records obtained from Los Angeles County Municipal Court (CA), shows that George Odabiwas charged for Criminal Felony In 1994 With Case Number S01607801.

In a similar vein, this newspaper gathered from some top associates of Dr George Odabi that his criminal tendencies started way back in 1994 when he was arrested and charged to Court in the United States of America.

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