...Attributes Pockets Of Violence In Idah, Dekina, Ankpa, Others To SDP

The Independent Observer Mission in Kogi State Gubernatorial has scored the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) high over the conduct of the November 11th exercise.

In its report made public today, the observers described the election that produced Alhaji Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as transparent, free, and fair.

In the 20-page document presented by its leader, Princess Ajibola, the observers said the exercise was generally peaceful with high security presence and voter turnout across the state.

Giving a breakdown in each local government area, the observers, however, admitted that pockets of violence were experienced in Idah, Dekina, Ankpa, and three others.

The group blamed the Social Democratic Party for the slight breakdown of law and other as well as other hitches experienced in these areas.

"The November gubernatorial elections in Kogi State was generally peaceful with low incidents of violence," the report concluded.

"In areas where violence was experienced, the security forces brought it under control.  We observed that the election was credible and transparent.

"The outcome of the election is a reflection of hard work and political calculations and strategy which saw the candidate of the APC Alhaji Usman Ododo emerge victorious.

"On the day of the election, there was a massive turnout of voters in Kogi Central and Kogi East as a result of the ethnic dimension the election took.  Voters in the two senatorial zones of Kogi Central and West voted massively for the candidate of APC.

"This gave him victory over his opponents.  The Independent Electoral Commission and the security forces must be commended for conducting one of the most peaceful and credible elections in the history of Nigeria’s elections.

"It is on record that Kogi State recorded the lowest case of electoral violence in the off-cycle election among three states where the election was conducted with 14 incidents.

Good Governance: Group set to reward best performing Nigerian leaders


A group, the Markolima Consultancy Academy (MACA) has announced plans of rewarding best performing Governors, Ministers and members of the National Assembly next year


The Program Manager, Nigerian Good Governance Award, Chief (Mrs) Mimi Adzape-Orubibi, made the announcement at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja.


She said the awards are targeted at public office holders in the country who have distinguished themselves.


According to Adzape-Orubibi, the essence is to "encourage those who are doing well to do more and those who are not doing well to sit up. "


She noted that awardees will be selected through research, practical analysis, and online voting which shall be televised live on Channels, AIT, TVC, and other media platforms with the first round of voting, research, and analysis of the nominee's stewardship commencing on 1st November.


Adzape-Orubibi added: "Nigeria belongs to all of us therefore, we should not just be good at criticizing our leaders, we should motivate and encourage them too and that is the reason MACA has stepped forward to change the narrative.


"MACA is a consultancy center for leadership, a nonpolitical organisation based here in Abuja, Nigeria, and fully registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) with the board of directors that seeks to partner with government agencies and institutions to:


"May I therefore use this opportunity to briefly commend the brain behind Nigerian Good Governance Award Comr. Isaac Mtom the CEO/ Managing Director Markolima Consultancy Academy for this wonderful initiative.


"I wish to inform you that MACA has put all machinery in place to reward and award public office holders in Nigeria who are doing well in their various positions of responsibility in the first year in office.


"The best-performing governor's award category will look at the impact of government policies on security, education, healthcare, social welfare, infrastructure development, youth, and women empowerment amongst others.


"That of Ministers will Xray the implementation of government programmes, policies, and initiatives by the ministers in their respective ministries.


"While the category of the National Assembly members will focus on impacts on their constituencies in the area of constituency projects, number of bills and motions on the floor and empowerment schemes by the legislatures ".


Comrade Isaac Mtom, the MACA Managing Director who unveiled the award to the media said the group has a collective responsibility to have a new Nigeria of its dream.


" It is about times we team up with our leaders for the development of this country they need our support to succeed.


"Let us encourage those who are doing well in leadership positions irrespective of religion or political differences.


"For us to have a new Nigeria we must accept to take risk and as well be united, its important we put sentiments aside for better Nigeria" he said

The immediate past governor of Zamfara state and also the minister of state for defence, Alhani Bello Matawalle, has said his successor, Governor Dauda Lawal and his commissioners lack the understanding of government.

Alhaji Matawalle was reaction to allegation by the Governor Dauda led administration that some misleading documents were published showing "how former Governor and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, approved 100% payment of over N1b for fencing, landscaping, and furnishing of Governor's lodges in 14 Local Government Areas, even before the project began."

In a statement issued in Abuja, through the coordinator of his media office, Alhaji Ibrahim Dosara, Matawalle said rather than face governance and protect amd secure the lives of Zamfara residents, he is busy engaging in fault finding to mislead the general public with false publication.

Dosara said, "Well, if despite the number of consultants Professors in the government being led by a "(Dr)" could not understand the essence of governance in the protection of lives and property of the citizens and to initiate projects for the development of the state, but rather leading the government in desperate faults finding, deceitful and misleading the general public, to be convinced at all cost in tarnishing the hard-earned reputation of the former Governor Matawalle, it is then very unfortunate.

"In his attempt to ridicule the former Governor, Gov Dauda Lawal has gone out of his way to commit perjury. This time around, Governor Dauda Lawal used old pictures of various projects executed by the former Governor to deceive and mislead the general public in his latest publication that cuts across both traditional and new media platforms.

"It is very annoying and disappointing that a government being headed by a "(Dr)" and ran by Conaultant Professors, are always committing perjury in an attempt to indict and tarnish the hard-earned reputation of a man who proved his worth and intergrity before the general public, as he is being celebrated and honoured left, right and centre with various merit awards.

"I am not surprised however, that the Gov is trying to cover up his failure to discharge his primary responsibility if securing lives amd property by diverting the attention of the general public from his incompetence to provide good governance."

By Nnanna Morgan


Love or hate her, Betta is bettering humanity. She is using her platform to advance common good. She is not new to service. Young, energetic and passionate, she is full of dreams. She is creative and innovative. And she has proven these times without number. She is a go-getter. Anything she touches, turns to gold. She is one with Midas touch.


Appointing her to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation as Minister by the Tinubu administration is therefore a right decision. She is a round peg in a round hole. Her experience and exposure qualify her thus. As former Commissioner of Health in Cross River State, Betta proved her mettle. She showed capacity. When in the role as National Woman Leader of the APC, she exhibited resilience. On the two aforementioned positions, she discharged her jobs creditably and professionally. Today, she is a leading light to womanhood. She is an everyday example of brain and beauty. 


With her, realising the fundamental objective principle of State policy which states that ensuring the welfare and security of citizens will be the objective of government is achievable.  At her Ministry, Betta has continued to show uncommon determination, zeal and obligation to the wellbeing, welfare and security of Nigerians. She loves Nigeria. She thinks her country. This is why in less than 3 months after being appointed minister, she has not only hit the ground running; she has already left indelible marks for which history will be kind to her.


As Dr. Betta Edu takes charge of the Ministry, Nigerians are upbeat. This is more so that her successes are already being widely felt.  Is anyone surprised? Her journey from a young Student Leader to National Party Leader and a Federal Minister sparks hope. Her story is truly inspirational. Her appointment has generated optimism and enthusiasm among Nigerians. She is evidently regarded as a blessing to Nigerian youths and the hundreds of thousands of N-Power beneficiaries who are looking to her for strengthening the social investment scheme and restoring their hopes. And she has not failed. 


Not only has she revamped the Social Investment Programme (SIP), she has renamed it the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, thus connecting it to the President’s agenda. The main objective is to provide monthly stipends to 15 million vulnerable households to improve their standard of living and alleviate the effect of economic challenges, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies. In order to enhance transparency and prevent the previously identified issues of fraud associated with the programme, she has completely restructured it to exclusively admit individuals with biometric identification. This stringent condition ensures a precise focus on those who are authentically less privileged. Her determination to reach the disadvantaged knows no limits. Betta is making an impact on the nation whilst giving her citizens profound confidence. Not only is she using her platform to advance common good, she is proving herself to be a keystone for growth and development in the country with distinct accomplishments. 


It, therefore, comes as no surprise that her outstanding performance in the Ministry is leaving a lasting impression. Even the naysayers cannot deny the significant strides she has made. Her training and exposure have been nothing short of impressive. The various degrees she has obtained in Medicine and Public Health from distinguished international institutions like the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine among others undoubtedly played a crucial role in her achievements. Her journey exemplifies the concept of preparedness meeting opportunity, as she defies conventional expectations to lead alongside seasoned men and women.


The Igbo adage which says that a child that washes his/her hands clean will sure dine with the Kings has Betta in mind. She has washed clean. She is foresighted. A super visionary! Who else would believe a woman born in 1986 could become such a personality of influence, charting a unique course for her generation; and has emerged as a leader in her own right. While many of her peers are searching for employment, she has taken on the role of gatekeeper and protector for them, advocating for the vulnerable in many ways. As a champion of equality, equity, economic justice and political stability, Betta stands for the vulnerable-children, youths, women, poor and the aged. Betta is good, BETTER and Best.


Nigeria is proud of Betta’s contributions. She is indeed a rising star and her prominence is undeniable. As she marks another year in her life journey, we say 37 HEARTY CHEERS to her. At the end, she will be remembered and honoured as an indisputable icon. She will be remembered as a distinguished woman known for her unyielding determination, courage and unwavering resilience. History will record her as one with a heart of gold-who came, saw and conquered. May the sun continue to shine brightly on her path as she, alongside President Tinubu, reshape history and rekindle hope among Nigerians and global populace. 


Kudos to a great woman of inspiration. Ride on Honourable Minister of the Federal Republic. March on. Accomplish more for us.




Nnanna Morgan is a Public Affairs Analyst and resides in Lagos.

Save Nigeria Movement, a front line civil society organisation (CSO) in Abuja has denounced a media campaign including calls for nationwide protest against the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Monitoring Development Board (NCMDB) boss, Engr. Kesiyi Simbi Wabote by one Joshua Abah, an imposter using the hard earned reputation of the organisation to dupe and defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a strongly worded press statement signed by Rev Solomon Semaka, Convener of SNM, the group insisted that Joshua Abah is not even remotely affiliated with the organisation and wondered what he wanted to achieve by dragging an innocent man's name in the mud using a structure that's well known for constructive engagements.

Part of the statement reads, "let it be clear that we do not know Joshua Abah, he is not affiliated with us and we did not authorise any publication or a planned protest against Engr. Simbi Wabote. Due diligence carried out after our attention was drawn to the empty allegations purportedly made by Jackson Ude revealed that Wabote is innocent and just a victim of continued vendatta and cheap blackmail which must be disregarded by all well meaning Nigerians"

The CSO sent a stern warning to persons interested in Engr. Wabote's office and are scheming to push him off to look elsewhere and stop the distraction and blackmail, adding that nothing will stop the workaholic gentleman and patriot from finishing his tenure and even getting reappointed because of his visionary leadership posturing.

"Credible intelligence at our disposal indicates that, some person's with vested interests have budgeted millions of naira to tarnish the good image and works of the NCMDB boss by leveraging on the reputation of credible CSOs and media houses. It is unpatriotic to use criminal elements to discredit honest leaders who are toiling day and night to serve the people. We condemn this Machiavellian tactic and we will never support those who think they can rise by pulling others down", the statement added.

The CSO similarly urged Nigerians to disregard any and all statements emanating from Save Nigeria Movement which are signed by the notorious Joshua Abah, alleging that he has been impersonating different organisations and cashing out on their brands reputation but that very soon, the law will catch up with him.

According to the statement, "the public must disregard comments and utterances by Joshua Abah. He is a well known imposter and criminal who's on the run from security agencies but we shall not rest until he is arrested and prosecuted for all the falsehood and pain he has caused unsuspecting Nigerians. Already, security agencies are on his trail and his criminal enterprise will soon be closed down while he rots in jail"

Rev. Solomon Semaka, through the press release disclosed that the Executive Secretary of NCMDB has been absolved of all the baseless allegations leveled against him both from competent courts within and outside the country and should not be dragged into needless squabbles that will impinge on the development agenda he is presently pursuing.

"We have great confidence in the current management of NCMDB. The legal victories won by Engr. Simbi Wabote against blackmailers at various courts is a clear statement that the gentleman is focused and dedicated to developing local content and growing the Nigerian economy. What he needs now is our moral support and not distractions. We therefore pass a vote of confidence on his administration and urge Nigerians to give him their maximum support".

Philip Agbese, an accomplished conflict manager, security strategist, human rights activist, and public affairs analyst, currently serves as the elected representative for the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo federal constituency of Benue State, Nigeria. He has an extensive background in law, strategic communication, and media.

Born into Agilaland's royal family on February 25, 1987, in Ado Local Government Area, Agbese embarked on his educational journey at LGEA Primary School Agila in 1992. After completing his primary education in 1998, he pursued his secondary schooling at the Federal Government College, Ugwolawo, Kogi State. His pursuit of knowledge led him to the University of Ilorin, where he earned a degree in Biochemistry between 2005 and 2009. Furthering his academic achievements, Agbese moved to the United Kingdom in 2015, obtaining a law degree from Middlesex University London, an MBA from the University of Chichester in 2020, and a master's degree in human rights law from Middlesex in 2021. He also holds a Diploma in Freelance Journalism from the British College of Journalism, London.

Throughout his career, Agbese has been associated with impactful organizations. He served at the Centre for Social Justice, Equity, and Transparency from 2012 to 2015. As a Principal Partner at Preventive Diplomacy in Geneva, Switzerland, Agbese has contributed to conflict resolution efforts. He established Global Amnesty Watch in London in 2015 and subsequently founded The Nigerian News Group, a media organization, in 2016. His influence extends to the realm of literature, with his contributions as an author of numerous books and articles, both locally and internationally.

Agbese's political journey began with active participation in student politics while studying in Nigeria. He held positions in the Senate and the National Association of Idoma Students (NAIS) during his time at the University of Ilorin. He entered mainstream politics in 2019 under the All Progressives Congress (APC). After securing the party's nomination, he clinched victory for the Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu federal constituency seat in the 2022 elections, triumphing over contenders from the People's Democratic Party and Labour Party as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission in February 2023.

Agbese's legislative agenda reflects his core strengths and interests. He emphasizes defense, national security, education, human rights, communication, and sustainable development goals. As one of the youngest parliamentarians in history, he commits to championing youth interests and concerns.

Beyond politics, Agbese is known for his philanthropic endeavors, particularly in his constituency and the Northeast region. His contributions have earned him the traditional title of Okanga Agila in his homeland.

The Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN) has urged President Bola Tinubu to reverse the nomination of Mr. Joseph Utsev as Minister from Benue State.

The group, which made this known at a Press Conference on Thursday in Abuja, said the appointment negates the Principle of Federal Character enshrined in the Constitution.

The President of GICN, Barr. Edward Omaga, therefore, called on the President to appoint "another qualified person from the Idoma/Igede ethnic group which has been suffering extreme marginalization in the hands of the Tiv people since 1976 when Benue State was created."

He, however, said that GICN will approach a court of competent jurisdiction in the coming days to seek redress should the President fail to act.

"We note with displeasure that nepotism on the part of government at all levels is waxing stronger, as the Federal Character Principle which is enshrined in Section 14 (3) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution to eliminate bias against certain sections of the country has been jettisoned," Omaga said.

"Although there have been strong arguments that more emphasis should be placed on competence while making appointments into public offices, we submit that the government must ensure that our unity in diversity is not sacrificed on the altar of competence. The recent appointment of one Mr. Joseph Utsev as Minister from the Tiv speaking part of Benue State when Dr. George Akume – his kinsman holds sway as Secretary to the Government of the Federation negates the Federal Character Principle.

"We reject the appointment as it is inequitable, unfair, and unjustifiable in its entirety. The Ministerial position ought to have been given to the Idoma/Igede ethnic group, which is the second largest in Benue State by population. We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reverse the appointment of Mr. Joseph Utsev immediately, otherwise, we will approach a court of competent jurisdiction in the coming days to seek redress."

Hon Philip Agbese (APC-Benue), the Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, has assured Nigerians that the Green Chamber will thoroughly monitor the distribution of palliatives by the Federal Government.

Agbese spoke today during an appearance on AIT's Kakaaki in reaction to President Bola Tinubu's recent nationwide broadcast.

In his address yesterday, President Tinubu unveiled measures to cushion the effects of the economic downturn caused by fuel subsidy removal.

Among many others, he approved N100 billion for the procurement of 3000 20-seater buses fueled by Compressed Natural Gas to ease the high cost of transportation.

The President also said his administration would energise micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and the informal sector as drivers of growth with N125 billion.

He added that the sum of N50 billion would be spent on conditional grants to one million nano businesses between now and March 2024, explaining that the government’s target was to give N50,000 each to 1,300 nano business owners in each of the 774 local governments across the country.

Welcoming the initiative, Agbese said Nigerians will gradually feel the positive impact of some of the recommendations and resolutions made by the House leadership under Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas.

For instance, he said the planned upward review of the national minimum wage was discussed in the House and members agreed to give swift ascent once transmitted to the National Assembly.

Agbese said members also deliberated on the provision of buses, investment in critical social and economic infrastructures as well as support for the manufacturing and agricultural sectors.

He, however, said the House has resolved to set up a committee to see the effective and efficient implementation of these measures.

The Deputy Spokesperson assured that the House under the leadership of Rt Hon Abbas will continue to engage the Executive on other possible interventions to put smiles on the faces of citizens.

"The issue of palliative was raised on the floor, we debated on it and sent our recommendations to the executive and the president has acted on that," Agbese said.

"We are not going to stop there. When we return to the parliament, we will continue to engage the executive to make sure that things are done in the right direction. We've resolved to commend some of the interventions of the President.

"As part of our oversight function, the House has resolved to set up a committee to monitor the distribution of palliatives and ensure that they get to the masses. We will also monitor the effective implementation of fuel subsidy removal.

"We will be alive to our constitutional obligation to effectively monitor all entities of government responsible for the deployment of these palliatives. The ultimate is to ensure speedy delivery, equitable distribution, and transparency at all times".

Agbese, however, urged Nigerians to see this as a necessary sacrifice for the greater good of the nation.

"We have also agreed that this is a necessary sacrifice that we all have to make for the greater good of our nation," he appealed.

"I want to assure Nigerians that there will be light at the end of the tunnel".

..CSO alleges a gang up

....dismisses call for protests

...passes vote of confidence in Tinubu, DSS Leadership

A Civil Society Organization, Save Nigerian Movement (SNM) has insisted that the recent call for the sack of the Director General of the Department of State Security (DGSS) Mr. Yusuf Magagi Bichi is the handiwork of high profile criminal suspects who are currently undergoing trial for various crimes of multiple dimensions. Describing such calls as a desperate bid by criminal elements to hoodwink Nigerians and curry public sympathy against the service in particular and the federal government in general.

SNM in a statement signed by its Convener, Rev. Solomon Semaka noted that the call was a reckless ploy and afterthought deployed by powerful criminal suspects undergoing trial in line with the rule of law"

" These individuals have resorted to smear campaign against the federal government apparently in a bid to evade justice and stamp their feet and take control of the system "

"These high profile and very powerful criminal syndicates already in custody have deployed their enormous financial war chest in a battle of vendatta against the service at the detriment of national security and Nigerians.

"As a frontline Civil Society Organisation committed to promoting democracy and societal values, we deem it necessary to condemn the purported call for the sack of the leadership of the DSS and threats of a nationwide protests by those we consider as crisis entrepreneurs who always avail themselves to be bought by wealthy criminals at the detriment of Nigerians.


"It is troubling that some Nigerians have sold their conscience to the same corrupt elements that impoverished us while in public office, indulging in all forms of criminality instead of service to the nation. The allegations made by these crisis entrepreneurs against Bichi and the DSS are baseless to say the least and a clear case of corruption fighting back.

" We have no doubt that this is a sinister plan to blackmail the federal government and its security agencies especially the DSS from going on with some high profile corrupt cases it is currently handling including that of the former Central Bank Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, the suspended EFCC chair just to mention a few.


"We must emphasize and warn these criminal elements that using their criminal wealth ,influence and faceless groups to sponsor campaigns of calumny against the DSS is an old trick and Nigerians must not fall for it. It is shameful that some greedy Nigerians have teamed up with enemies of the country just because of selfish financial gain" . This is a clear case of corruption fighting back to overwhelm the state.
"The DSS must do its job and refrain from falling for cheap blackmail as they strive to ensure national security".


The group maintained that the DSS under Yusuf Magagi Bichi has demonstrated commitment to maintaining internal security and should be commended rather than attacked by sponsored elements emphasizing that Nigerians have confidence in the ability of DSS to effectively prosecute all criminal elements who try to undermine Nigeria's national security no matter how highly placed.


"We urge Nigerians to question the motives behind the faceless groups and lawyers who only seek justice for the wealthy regardless of their heinous crimes against humanity and the nation. Under normal circumstances, these groups should instead be fighting for the interests of the poor but the reverse is the case, this is curious and suspect", the statement added.


The group passed a vote of confidence on the DSS and its leadership and urged Nigerians to disregard the so-called protests and remain focused on efforts aimed at stabilizing the country and building a secured and prosperous nation for all Nigerians.

The Managing Director/CEO of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko, has been dragged to the Federal High Court Kaduna over allegations of fraud and financial misconduct. 



Bello-Koko is also accused of gross abuse of office, misappropriation of public funds and money laundering while serving as Executive Director, Finance and Administration as well as MD/CEO of the NPA between January 2015 till date. 



In a suit filed by Comrade Isah Buta, the National Coordinator of Arewa Progressives Forum (APF), through his lawyers Messrs LAWRENCE IJIMDIYA & ASSOCIATES, the Chairmen of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Code of Conduct Bureau, as well as the Attorney-General of the Federation/ Minister of Justice and CG, Nigeria Immigration Service were named as Defendants. 



The suit filed on 18th July, 2023 with Number FHC/KD/CS/78/2024 and sighted by journalists partly said that Bello-Koko,  "the 1st Defendant abused his offices as Executive Director, Finance and Administration as well as Acting Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to massively amass wealth which he deployed to acquire choice properties in the United Kingdom.



"Specifically, the 1st Defendant used two BVI-incorporated shell companies namely; Coulwood Limited (Registration Number: 1487897) and Marney Limited (Registration Number: 1487944) to secretly register a total of 6(six) properties. 



"The Plaintiff states that based on Punch online newspaper report of 18th October 2021 the EFCC was supposed to investigate the 1st Defendant alongside other top politicians in Nigeria following revelations that he operated foreign accounts which he did not declare to the Code of Conduct Bureau when he served as Director of Finance and Administration before becoming Acting Managing Director of NPA.



"The Plaintiff further states that the 1st Defendant may have hidden his ill-gotten wealth in tax havens such as Antigua and Barbuda, Trinidad and Tobago, and the British Isle of Man using the said foreign accounts to evade paying taxes to the Nigerian Government.



"The Plaintiff states and shall contend during the trial of this suit that in 2022, an Investigative Report released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) indicted Koko for being involved in N829, 000, 000 (Eight Hundred and Twenty-Nine Million Naira) fraud through kickbacks and money laundering activities.



"The EFCC probe report exclusively obtained by Sahara Reporters in April 2022 revealed that the 1st Defendant after being investigated was found to have received N829, 000, 000 (Eight Hundred and Twenty-Nine Million Naira) from NPA contractors, and in cash sums from individuals and companies.



"At the time the report was done, the 1st Defendant was the acting Managing Director of the NPA. Following the suspension of Hadiza Bala Usman as the Managing Director of NPA by President Muhammadu Buhari, the Presidency announced the 1st Defendant as her replacement in an acting capacity.



The Plaintiff sought the following reliefs from the Honourable Court: 



"A DECLARATION that the 1st Defendant ought to have been arrested and prosecuted by the 3rd Defendant by virtue of its own (3rd Defendant’s) financial profiling and report on the financial misconducts or improprieties of the 1st Defendant specifically on his gross Abuse of Office, Misappropriation of Public Funds, Fraud and Money Laundering contrary to Sections 18 (4) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the 7th Schedule to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) while serving as Executive Director, Finance and Administration as well as Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) between January, 2015 till date.



"AN ORDER DIRECTING the 3rd Defendant to arrest and prosecute the 1st Defendant based on the financial profiling and report on the financial improprieties of the 1st Defendant particularly as it relates to offences on Abuse of Office, Misappropriation of Public Funds, Fraud and Money Laundering contrary to Sections 18 (4) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the 7th Schedule to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended while serving as Executive Director, Finance and Administration as well as Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) between January, 2015 till date.



"AN ORDER DIRECTING the 4th Defendant to arrest and prosecute the 1st Defendant in the light of his overwhelming indictment for offences bordering on failure to declare his assets, Abuse of Office as well as abuse of his oath of office in violation of the 7th schedule of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended.



"AN ORDER DIRECTING the 5th Defendant to arrest and prosecute the 1st Defendant for the indicted offences bordering on Abuse of Office contrary to the 7th Schedule to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended while serving as Executive Director, Finance and Administration as well as Acting Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) between January, 2015 till date.



"AN ORDER MANDATING the 6th Defendant to revoke the International Passport of 1st Defendant and restraining him from traveling out of Nigeria to take refuge in either London, Dubai, Canada, United States of America or any other part of the world wheresoever to give room for his speedy arrest and prosecution by the 3rd and 4th Defendants for the offences bordering on Abuse of Office, Misappropriation of Public Funds, Fraud and Money Laundering contrary to Sections 18 (4) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the 7th Schedule to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) while serving as Executive Director, Finance and Administration as well as Acting Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) between January, 2015 date.



"COST in the sum of N200,000,000 (Two Hundred Million Naira) to cover expenses incurred by the Plaintiff for initiating this suit."

 


No specific court and date have been fixed for hearing of the suit yet. Attempt to reach the NPA boss Mohammed Bello Koko being the star Defendant in the suit proved abortive as his telephone lines were switched off.

A Civil Society Organization,  Save Nigeria Movement (SNM) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be wary of the desperate antics of former governor Dave Umahi to foist his younger brother on the people as minister from  Ebonyi state. 


The CSO in a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja and signed by it's convener Rev Solomon Semaka also urged the President to ensure Inclusive peace in the south east.


The pro democracy group noted that even though it remained apolitical, it was incumbent on the organization to offer interventions on political decisions that pose a threat to democracy and the people. 


"Following concerns raised by wide media reports of attempts  led by former governor Dave Umahi and now senator to nominate his younger brother Austine Umahi as Minister in President Tinubu's government,  it has become necessary to highlight the selfish tendencies of the Umahi family and their desperation to turn Ebonyi State into a family dynasty.  


"While we recognize the right of every citizen to hold public office, it is morally necessary to censor the implications of contemplating injustice let alone promote same by people who should promote fairness and justice and equity among their people.


"Let it be on record that anyone who seek to promote injustice and greed such as has become the pattern of the Umahi's threatens the already fragile situation  in Ebonyi and the South East .


"Our findings on this subject matter particularly reveal that Austine Umahi is the younger brother of the the immediate past governor of Ebonyi State who wielded much influence in the politics of the state and region during the 8 year tenure of his elder brother Gov Dave Umahi; now a serving Senator.


"Recall that former Gov Dave Umahi after two terms in office as governor in the build up to the 2023 general election ran for the Presidential ticket of the APC  but lost to incumbent President Tinubu.



"How he transformed from the Presidential contest to successfully run for Senate in the same election year is still a subject of special inquiry by all democrats". However, various media reports have detailed how the former governor snatched the Senate ticket from Mrs Ann Angom who was rightly declared winner by the law courts when Austine Umahi withdrew from the Ebonyi South senate race.


"It is an open secret that when Dave Umahi failed to clinch the APC Presidential ticket, his younger brother Austine Umahi, now tipped as Minister indeed let go of the Senate ticket for his elder brother Dave. 



"How else could the state be privatized? Ms Ann Angom, the second runner up during the said Primary election approached the court and got judgement: Delivering  judgement on the matter, Justice Fatun Riman, cited Section 115 of the Electoral Act, 2022, saying the governor was not an aspirant and cannot participate in the election or pre-election matters of the All Progressives Congress as regards the Ebonyi South, whose primary held on May 28, 2022.



"But the rest they say is now history; using all manner of crude tactics including sanctioning the suspension of the rightful owner of the party ticket, after Austin Umahi withdrew , followed by threats and intimidation, fmr Gov Dave Umahi found his way into the Senate where he seeks to compensate his younger brother and consolidate the family grip on power to the detriment of others.


"Mr President , former Gov Dave  Umahi alongside his younger brother Austine Umahi who is now tipped for a possible ministerial appointment in your cabinet because of self interest and greed has  done and continue to do everything within reach to maintain a stronghold on the public purse and the people using intimidation and ill gotten wealth. 


The group further noted that the development has led to the sorry state of affairs in the state.


"The Umahi's are not the only people in  Ebonyi State let alone the South East; if Mr President is made to believe by the former governor that no one else is competent except the Umahi's, then Mr President must have a rethink, " the group insisted.



The group expressed confidence and believes that Mr President is a true democrat and would not allow himself to be misled by the inordinate ambition of a single family especially as this act of desperation widens the uncertainties around growing insecurity in Ebonyi State and the South East region in general

…accuse him of deploying N100m for smear campaign

As the Enugu State Governor, Mr Peter Mbah and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) disagreement over the authenticity of his certificate continues, a group, Freelance Journalists Federation has advised the governor to desist from sponsoring groups and individuals to throw tantrums on the NYSC and its Director General.

The group in a statement signed by its convener, Richard Oduma said the advice became necessary following findings it made that the Governor had deployed N100 million to be used for publications aimed at attacking the personality of the NYSC DG and the institution.

According to the group, it was curious that the media has continued to write unabated on a matter that is already in the law courts for determination.

“The spate of sponsored publications against the NYSC and its management could suggest that the Governor is foreseeing imminent failure in the courts and tribunal, thus, resorting to the deployment of state resources to lure journalists to castigate the integrity of the NYSC.

“As a group concerned about the sanctity of the journalism profession especially as it relates to promotion of good governance and defense of human rights, we are compelled to intervene on this issue. Worried by our findings that a whooping sum of N100 million has been deployed to influence journalists and columnists to write stories attempting to absolve the governor of Enugu State and castigate the NYSC and its management.

“We are particularly worried that governor has embarked on this trajectory by going personal and irrational against the law rather than concentrating on providing good governance within the time he is in office. We urged journalists to avoid the temptation of allowing themselves to be used by politicians to fight personal interests as it negates the essence of journalism.

“The governor should, as a matter of fact, inject the funds used to fight imaginary enemies for the good of the government and people of Enugu State. It is regrettable that he will spend his few days in office fighting vain and selfish cause with the state resources”, the group stated.

It further averred that if the governor fails to heed to its advice, it will be compelled to doubt every certificate he has tendered and consequently, probe every credential he parades.

“Governor Mbah should use the resources at his disposal to pay backlog of salaries, pensions and other entitlements of retirees as well as address the several other developmental issues requiring funds rather than plundering the state resources in a bid to intimidate the NYSC and its management”, the group added.

They called on the general public to sieve whatever publications made by compromised civil society groups and other individuals against the NYSC and allow the judiciary to adjudicate on the matter.

*Why Nnamani's unhappy with Mbah


*Why Chimaroke is uncomfortable with the endorsement


Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, and former governor of the state, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, have fallen out, it has bern authoritatively reported.


Although insider sources said all had not really been well with their relationship since Mbah’s emergence as the governorship candidate of the PDP, the final straw that broke the camel’s back was the recent endorsement of Mbah by Barr. Sullivan Chime.


It is recalled that Chime, while hosting Mbah to an interactive session with businessmen and leaders at his Enugu residence last weekend, endorsed the PDP gubernatorial candidate, noting that “Mbah is the best Enugu State can offer now” as Enugu did not need a career politician as governor at the moment.


“When we were working with Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, Mbah wasn't a politician. Peter Mbah is still not a politician.


“I have had interactions not just with him (Mbah), but also Frank Nweke, Chijioke Edeoga, and to me, looking at the field, Peter Mbah is the best, credible candidate Enugu can offer now.


“I have no reservations whatsoever in endorsing and supporting him. I believe, knowing Peter Mbah too well, that he will not disappoint Enugu”, he said.


However, former governor Nnamani is not taking it lying low.


“Yes Chimaroke was very angry on seeing the viral video, and he complained bitterly, calling Mbah a betrayer and also saying he now knew those influencing Mbah’s actions since he picked the PDP ticket. He described Chime as a paperweight whom he made, but who betrayed and nearly destroyed him both economically and politically. He said that Mbah’s close ties with Chime was a conspiracy against him and now showed why Mbah had refused to recognise the Ebeano structure or even the slogan throughout his campaigns. He equally said it was high time he phoned that young man, as he referred to Mbah, and put him in his proper place”, our source revealed.


Why Nnamani's unhappy with Mbah


Sources, however, said that the break-up was long expected as there were strains in the relationship all these while, only that it was managed and shielded from the public.


Mbah’s original sin, according to impeccable sources was the appointment of Ikeje Asogwa as the Director-General of Enugu PDP Campaign Organisation, over and above Shere, who was Nnamani’s choice. Shere was, however blocked by Mbah, who insisted on Asogwa instead.


Shere is a very close ally of Nnamani and one of the remnant ardent Ebeano disciples. He was Secretary to the State Government in Nnamani’s administration and also former governorship candidate of the defunct People for Democratic Change (PDC) founded by the ex-governor after Sullivan Chime forced him out of the PDP.


“It was learnt that Nnamani protested to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, but Mbah still insisted on Asogwa, as he could not adduce any good reason it shouldn’t be Asogwa. The governor then said it was better to allow Mbah’s choice since he is the one funding the campaign”, the source said.


Meanwhile, insiders said that Nnamani’s real grouse with Ikeje Asogwa dates back to the latter’s tenure as the General Manager of the Enugu State Housing Development Corporation under the Sullivan Chime administration. It was gathered that after the former governor closed the Enugu Zoo and converted it to estate property, he kept some of the plots to himself. However, Asogwa, upon his appointment, converted them to government plots and sold them off to private individuals.


“Chimaroke Nnamani has never forgiven Asogwa and making him Campaign DG was more like adding salt to an injury”, the source stated.


Furthermore, Chimaroke opposed the appointment of one Nana Ogbodo as the spokesman of the campaign organisation even though he is from Akpugo, Nnamani’s neighbouring village in Nkanu West LGA.


Ogbodo and Nnamani, it was gathered, are sworn enemies dating back to Chimaroke days as governor. Although previously close, their relationship became irreversibly soured after Nnamani bulldozed Ogbodo’s duplex at Trans Ekulu and converted it to a refuse dumpsite overnight following a disagreement. All efforts to reconcile the two men have not yielded fruits.


Nnamani equally opposed Hon. Ogbuefi Ozomgbachi’s appointment into the Campaign Council.


Nnamani was said to have told Mbah that appointing Asogwa and Ogbodo into such strategic positions was like serving him (Nnamani) wild hemlock and swore never to participate in the Mbah or Enugu State PDP’s campaign until both men were removed. However, Mbah stuck to his gun.


True to his words, Chimaroke did not participate in Mbah or PDP’s campaign for a day. He did not also attend the Enugu East Senatorial Zone Endorsement Rally where all the who-is-who in Nkanu land, including former governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo and former Senate President and APC chieftain, Senator Ken Nnamani endorsed Mbah as the zone’s sole governorship candidate.


It is also insinuated that these must have also informed the ex-governor’s decision to not only pull out of PDP campaign, but also openly campaign for Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to the annoyance of Enugu people and Igbo in general who overwhelmingly preferred Mr. Peter Obi.


“Those in the know believe it was part of Nnamani’s efforts to hit back at Mbah because it is common knowledge that Mbah served in his government and that he supported Mbah ahead of the PDP primary election. So, those who are angry with him may likely cast a protest vote against Mbah”, said an insider.


But the last straw that broke the camel’s back was Sullivan Chime’s endorsement of Mbah, and he is particularly peeved at Chime’s lecture to Mbah on how to dismember what remains of Ebeano philosophy and structure as he, Chime, did during his tenure.


Meanwhile, some PDP members, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said they only found out about the cold war between the duo during Mbah’s town hall meeting in Nkanu West.


“Although Senator Nnamani returned from Abuja, he failed to show up at any of Mbah’s four town hall meetings in his Nkanu West LGA. He was instead expecting Mbah to pay him homage at his Ojiagu Agbani country home after the whole exercise, but Mbah snubbed him and headed back to town.


“Many of us (party members) who left to Nnamani’s home to receive Mbah were surprised to hear that he was already on his way to Enugu. From then many started to suspect that all was not well” another source revealed.


Why Chimaroke is uncomfortable with Sullivan, Mbah Alliance


Although Chimaroke singlehandedly made Sullivan Chime, who was his Special Adviser, Legal and later the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, governor, they fell out soon after the election.


Even before he was sworn in, Chime was said to have told banks and permanent secretaries not to honour any further directive for financial expenditures and releases until he was sworn in.


Also whereas it was agreed that Dan Shere would be nominated the minister for Enugu State, Chime was said to have reneged and nominated Fidelia Njeze instead, causing serious friction between him and his former boss, Nnamani.


On assumption of office, Chime cleared out many of the Ebeano surrogates and appointed many non-career politicians to man the government.


He made veiled statements on this while endorsing Dr. Mbah at the weekend.


“All the contestants - Edeoga for Labour, Frank Nweke for APGA, and all the contestants, and even that of APC, Uche Nnaji, all played a role under Chimaroke Nnamani. We were all part of the Ebeano Family because from 1999 to 2007, it was like there was no other political party in Enugu. The governor then chose to have everybody answer Ebeano so almost everybody that held public office in Enugu State, including me was part of the Ebeano family.


“But just like Mbah rightly said, once you take your oath of office; once you say, 'so help me God', it's your business, not Ebeano.


"If you were here from 2007 to 2015, I'm sure you would remember that you never heard about Ebeano. We decided it was PDP all the way. I told them during my administration that the government is not about Ebeano; that we can do that during politics and politicking, but during governance, Ebeano should disappear. That was what we did. And I am sure that's what Peter Mbah will do. So, I don't see Dr. Mbah coming up with one funny name. I don't also see him putting Enugu in the hands of God. By the Grace of God, if Mbah becomes the Governor of Enugu State, politics will disappear, governance will begin, and the process of rebuilding Enugu State from where I left it will start”, Chime said.


Nnamani is, however, angered and feel threatened by the statements. He was said to have described Mbah and Chime as rebels and swore to teach them some political lessons. Our sources quoted Nnamani as saying that although he always knew Mbah to be independent minded, his association with Chime makes Mbah’s case a hopeless one.

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party is an eagle with very large wings, and whoever clings to the wings will fly with him unceasingly.

So many unexpected events happened on the day of the presidential election that people did not care who the candidates were for the senate and house of representatives under the Labor Party. As such, the wings of Peter Obi
https://multiplatform.news/2023/03/06/peter-obi-is-an-eagle-with-large-wings-whoever-clings-to-it-fly-unceasingly/

The result on the INEC port uploaded so far shows that Labourty is the winner of the presidential election, according to the tweet on Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed’s (STAN) Twitter handle, #ObiDatti2023
https://multiplatform.news/2023/03/06/breaking-results-obtained-from-irev-portal-shows-that-peter-obi-is-the-winner-of-the-2023-presidential-election/

Enugu lawyers petition EFCC


More facts are emerging on how the governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Enugu State, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, walked himself into a N2 Billion magazine scandal to fund a long-nursed gubernatorial ambition.

Edeoga, who was Commissioner for Local Government Affairs in the first tenure of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi from 2015 to 2019, it was gathered, came up with the idea of a publication called “Enugu LGAs News”, which he presented to subscribers and the public as state-owned magazine.

On its official social media handles and website, the magazine is boldly promoted as a “State Magazine, established in 2015 to encourage robust citizen participation in the governance process, to show proper accountability and transparency”.

Consequently, being state-owned, the 17 local governments funded the magazine through the compulsory release of N1.5 Million on a monthly basis, purportedly to the Ministry of Local Government, superintended by Edeoga. This comes to about N25.5 Million monthly.

However, rather than the promised transparency and accountability, the magazine, unknown to the governor, local government chairmen, and members of the public, was a grand design by Edeoga to feather his own nest and governorship project

For instance, it was gathered that rather than passing through the banking system, the N1.5 million was remitted to the Ministry of Local Government Affairs in cash.

Because Edeoga advertised himself as the governor’s ‘brother’, everybody was afraid to challenge him or speak up to the Governor. He also intimidated council chairmen and other politicians as the heir apparent and governor-in- waiting.

The brazen extortion allegedly ran into more than N2 Billion in his 48 months as the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and another 34 or so months as the Commissioner for Environment.

However, upon his redeployment to the Ministry of Environment at the beginning of Ugwuanyi’s second tenure in 2019, it was discovered that the magazine’s ownership had already been transferred to Rivers and Time Communication Limited, a limited liability company, the reason it was not handed over to the Ministry of Local Government Affairs.

“Everything about the magazine disappeared once Edeoga left the State Ministry of Local Government, only for the magazine to reappear later as privately owned. It soon emerged that Edeoga, who is a lawyer, had tied all the legal loose ends to seal and mask his personal ownership of the magazine, and he rebuffed all entreaties from his successor, Chief Peter Okonkwo”, a staff in the information unit of the Ministry told our correspondent on condition of anonymity.

However, a search conducted at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to unveil the new owner, Rivers and Time Communication Limited, showed that the company with CAC certificate number 324176 was registered by Hon. Edeoga on 7th November 1997 with himself and his younger brother, Eugene Edeoga, as the two Directors, each holding of 500,000 share capital.

Instructively, Rivers and Plate was registered while Edeoga was the Council Chairman of Isi-Uzo LGA.

Also, the certified true copy of the incorporation documents from the CAC showed the company’s registered address as No. 17A Onoh Crescent, GRA, Enugu. Findings at the Ministry of Lands and Housing revealed that No. 17A Onoh Crescent, GRA, Enugu was acquired by Edeoga in August 1997 while he was the Executive Chairman of Isi Uzo LGA.

Furthermore, the registered office address and operational headquarters of the magazine as printed on the various editions since the takeover of the company is No. 21, Prof Ofili Ugwudioha Street, off Ibusa Road, Independence Layout, Enugu.

Interestingly, findings showed that the magnificent, double-wing opulent mansion was acquired by Edeoga in 2018 while he was the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs.

“The truth is that Edeoga bamboozled all of us. So, if he said the governor directed that we fund magazine production, we sheepishly had no reason to doubt him because he craftily sold the falsehood that he was very close to the governor. But it was after the PDP governorship primary that the scale fell off our eyes. We were fooled and swindled all these years.”, a former council chairman mourned.

Meanwhile, further findings showed that Edeoga oversaw the management, running and production of the magazine as a private business but under the guise of a government-owned magazine.

This was in contrary to extant laws and Code of Conduct for public servants.

A cursory look at the masthead of the editions of the “Enugu LGAs’ News Magazine” as regularly published on its masthead, Edeoga’s name is conspicuously as the Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of the board, which means that instructions and communication directly flowed from him.

This same method of funding and management continued even while Edeoga had left to the Ministry of Environment, while fellow commissioners, council chairmen, chief executives of government parastatals, contractors and friends of the government were tricked to place adverts and special reports, as Edeoga smiled to the bank.

Moreover, a visit to printing presses in Enugu, where the magazines were printed revealed that a 1,500 copies of the magazine were usually printed at the cost of between N1.8 Million and N1.9 Million per edition, which translated to roughly N2 Million per edition. At most, each edition of the magazine was printed at cost of N23 Million and this went on for 34 months.

It is recalled that Edeoga is a veteran journalist and chaired the House of Representatives Committee on Information in the 4th National Assembly between 1999 and 2003.

So, findings equally showed that Edeoga hid under the guise of recruiting an editorial and reportorial team for the so-called Enugu LGAs’ News Magazine to assemble a crack squad of fellow veteran media professionals, spin doctors, propagandists, essayists, ghost writers, hatchet men and raucous social media foot soldiers to drive his governorship campaign. This explains the viciousness of Edeoga’s attacks on perceived political opponents, including former benefactors like Governor Ugwuanyi, in his bid to succeed the incumbent.

Some of those are people like Dr. Don Eze (the Managing Editor of Enugu LGAs News Magazine), Malachi Ochie, Emma Ikwueze, Chris Chime, Egbuna Akpa, Reuben Onyishi, Ifeanyi Ogenyi, Francis Edeh, Shepherd Iyioku, among others.

However, someone like Rueben Onyishi had since parted ways with Edeoga since he discovered that they were misled into joining Edeoga as the governor’s purported anointed successor, a story they had no reason to doubt at the time.

Meanwhile, Edeoga’s magazine saga has been described as a brazen act of impunity and throwing caution to the wind.

“Section 1 Part 1 of the Fifth Schedule and Section 209 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), unambiguously provides that a public officer shall not put himself in a position where his personal interest conflicts with his duties and responsibilities. But there is a clear conflict of interest in all these.

By all these actions, Edeoga put himself in an untenable position where his personal interest conflicted with his public duties and responsibilities, pressurising, browbeating, and arm-twisting local governments and individuals for subscription in the name of their respective local governments, while the monies were going into private pockets, was a criminal act and an act of reckless corruption

“The Nigerian Constitution is also clear that public officers shall not engage or participate in the management or running of any private business, profession or trade except farming. So, he should pay for it”.

Meanwhile, in a petition dated November 8, 2022, listing alleged corrupt practices by the Labour Party governorship candidate, the Enugu Lawyers Anti-Corruption Network has asked the EFCC to wade in to probe the alleged malfeasance by Edeoga.

“THE EFCC Chairman is urged to give urgent attention to this monstrous corruption perpetuated under Edeoga’s watch and bring those responsible to book” the eight-page petition signed by the Secretary of the group, Chief Obiora Eze Nwankwo concluded.

Three days to the general elections,  the Benue Youth Forum, BYF have backed Governor Samuel Ortom's decision and also endorsed the candidature of the Labour Party presidential candidate ,  Peter Obi for the coming election. 


The BYF after an expanded Town Hall Meeting in Makurdi said the group has decided to queue behind Governor Ortom who has seen the light and is leading the state to the path where its penury shall be over.


The President of the BYF, Terrence Kuanum in his submission after the meeting said the meeting was imperative due to the urgency to put some things in perspective ahead of the 2023 general election, beginning with the presidential and national assembly polls this Saturday.


"As you are all aware, we have been in the trenches for over seven years now, fighting the course of our people who have become endangered and targets of incessant attacks by Fulani militiamen.


"Within the period under review, we have been called names by some naysayers within and outside the state. We have suffered a series of verbal attacks, faced unprecedented intimidation and molestation by security operatives detailed by our enemies to protect them. But we have remained undaunted.


"It is also on record that we have never relented in shouting to the ears of those who we expect to care that our people are facing the threats of going into extinction due to the heinous activities of sponsored and well-protected terrorists who are bent on eliminating us and annexing our ancestral lands.


"Even those in authority, especially at the centre, have tagged us alarmists and rabble-rousers because of our insistence on ensuring that our people are allowed to stay in their ancestral homes and do their farming and other activities without  any fear.


"Sadly, the attacks have not abetted as the Fulani militia who have sworn not to obey the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of Benue state are constantly on rampage, killing villagers in their sleep and attacking even those in internally displaced persons, IDPs camps. What could be more callous?


"Most worrisome is the fact that the terrorists are enjoying the sympathy of some Fulani elites including the former emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido who was dethroned for indiscipline, corruption and incitement of the people to violence in Kano and other parts of the north.


"All these and other factors necessitated this town hall meeting which, as I said earlier, was convened to look at issues dispassionately and take a position. The meeting had youths from the three senatorial zones of Benue State and vital resolutions were reached" he said


Kuanum said the BYF will mobilize its members across the state to participate actively in the 2023 elections and shall ensure that youths are not involved in any act of violence during the polls;


" The Forum wants the political class to avoid any attempt at using the youth for violence as that would not be in the best interests of the system and peaceful elections;


" The Benue Youth Forum urges all Benue People to go out an exercise their franchise responsibly without fear of molestation;


"The security agencies and electoral officials should be professional in the discharge of their duties to enable people make their choices and have their votes count. Any attempt to subvert the will of the people shall be resisted.


"The BYF is solidly behind Governor Samuel Ortom's endorsement of the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP Peter Obi for the presidential election as only Mr Obi is disposed to tackling the plethora of challenges facing the country and Benue in particular.


" We reiterate our support for Peter Obi's candidature and make it bold to say we are going out in our numbers come Saturday, February 25 to cast our votes for him to give him the well-deserved mandate to drag Nigeria out of the abyss.


"We urge the people of Benue to shun the other presidential candidates, especially Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP who has on different occasions, justified the killings in Benue as he has no intention of putting an end to the incessant massacre of the people if elected, even though we are sure that he has no chance of winning the election.


"The BYF also calls on Benue people to vote Governor Ortom for the Benue North-West senatorial seat as well as other PDP candidates in the national assembly elections.


"The Forum implores the electorates to beware of those who are romancing with enemies of the state and show their anger at the ballot by voting only those who are interested in the security and welfare of the people.


"We also advise the people to shun those who have promised to cede our ancestral lands to Fulani herders and  vote Rt. Honourable Titus Uba of the PDP in the Governorship election and other candidates of the party for the House of Assembly polls come March 11, 2023.


"There is no doubt that this election is about the survival of our people and the future of the country. We cannot fold our arms and watch our people being misled into making mistakes that shall cost us more years of anguish.


"Once again, let's vote Peter Obi for President, Samuel Ortom and other PDP Senatorial candidates, as well as the House of Representatives and State Assembly candidates. We are convinced that Titus Uba is the right person for the 2023 Governorship of Benue State" he said

This is to let you know that the election will stand and will not be postponed, and the presidential election comes up on February 25, 2023.

All Muslims and Christians are encouraged to come out in mass to vote for Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Labour Party, on February 25, 2023.

It is recommended that you come out early for accreditation, wait, and vote.

Those who have not yet received their PVC but have the proper voter slip should bring it with them so that they can be accredited to vote.
https://multiplatform.news/2023/02/19/all-muslims-and-christians-looking-for-a-new-nigerian-for-their-childrens-future/

Guber primaries: Youths caution REC and Benue APC to desist from further illegalities


The Benue Youths Forum  BYF has called on the resident electoral commissioner in the state and the All Progressives Congress , APC to desist from further illegalities in the conduct of its guber primaries


The Court of Appeal sitting in Makurdi had last monday nullified the gubernatorial primary election of the APC, in the state.


The Court ordered the party to conduct a rerun election in 11 out of the 23 Local Government Areas within 14 day of its judgement.


The President of the BYF , Terrence Kuanum who spoke to newsmen in Makurdi said such illegalities if not checked have the  tendency to plunge the state into crisis and affect the youths particularly, negatively.


"You are all aware that the APC in Benue state conducted a governorship primary that was said to be in gross non-compliance with the electoral act and other extant laws, a situation which made the appeal court to nullify the primaries and call for a rerun in eleven local governments of the state.


"When the party was on the way to shooting itself on the foot, we drew their attention to the pit ahead of them and called for caution. But they rather called us names, including tagging us as politicians. And when the party eventually held the questionable primaries and it started generating resentment among their governorship aspirants who claimed they were not aware of any primaries, we suggested that they reverse the process and do the right thing as specified by the law especially as they were still within the INEC time frame for conduct of party primaries which elapsed on 9th June, 2022. Rather than commendations we received spikes from the APC only for our stand to be vindicated when the court nullified the process.


"Now that the nomination of Mr Hyacinth Alia has been nullified by the appeal court, the APC has moved on to another leg of illegality by proposing to conduct a rerun on the 1st and 2nd of February. This move of the APC is against 2 backdrops - first and foremost being that the INEC calendar for conduct of party primaries has elapsed since the 9th June, 2022 and secondly, Prof. Terhemba Shija has activated a process of appeal to the Supreme Court which requires maintanance of status quo ante bellum until the Apex Court delivers a final decision on the dispute and between the disputants.


"The APC must also be made aware that Section 82 of the Electoral Act, 2022 specifies that political parties must serve a notice of primaries to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC at least 21 days before the conduct of a primary election. More so, Section 29 of the Electoral Act is explicit that the names of duly nominated candidates must be conveyed to INEC at least 180 days before election. 


"As it stands, the APC is clearly warming up to again, flout the electoral act and other extant laws of the country. This is because the election is less than 60 days away and the planned rerun which is in itself another illegality is coming barely a week after the appeal court ruling which is now been further appealed to the Supreme Court.


"INEC regulations on political party primaries also makes it mandatory that upon a request, aspirants are entitled to have certified true copies of the register of party members to be used as mode of accreditation in a direct primary. We are aware that in spite of evidence of such request, the party has refused to make such bulky certified true copies available to the aspirants. This is a recipe for chaos as every Tom, Dick and Harry is capable of infiltrating the process and claiming to be eligible to vote. 


"Stemming from the above, our main concern is that majority of the followers of the APC in Benue are youths and we can't fold our hands and watch the party continually derail them and expose them to acts capable of causing breach of public peace, law, order and due process and causing rancour in the polity just because of the desperation of some unpopular politicians who have penchant for disobeying laws and regulations" he said 


The BYF further reiterated its call on the APC not to cause any crisis in the state, especially as the matter is now at the Supreme Court and the windows for primaries are already closed by INEC, except in the event of death or voluntary withdrawal of a candidate like the case in Abia, where a primary shall be conducted due to the demise of a governorship candidate.


"We also want the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue not to be dragged into the mud like his predecessor who midwifed the process now dubbed "yahoo yahoo" primaries of the APC in Benue state. We say that because the immediate past REC in spite of our repeated warnings allowed himself to be cajoled into enabling the APC to sit the law on its head, and they are now paying for the indiscretion of a KM 4 failed politician who has made the state chapter of their party his personal estate.


"We believe in the ability and professionalism of the current REC to stay faithful to extant laws governing our electoral processes. In this wise we therefore expect him to guide the APC properly. We also expect the national headquarters of the INEC in Abuja which was served with relevant appeal processes respecting the proposed rerun to maintain adherence to the rule of law and fidelity with its own INEC calendar which mandates that party primaries must be conducted on or before 9th June, 2022. We urge it to resist pressure or temptation to be caught up in the murky waters of the APC's internal malfeasance. The best thing to do is to allow the appeal process initiated by Prof. Terhemba Shija to run its full course rather than indulge the APC in more shenanigans.


"It is also imperative to warn Benue youths across the state to shun the antics of greedy and desperate politicians who would want to use them negatively for their political gains as the APC is planing to do.

 

"We enjoin the security agencies and the National Headquarters of INEC to ensure that the APC members in Benue don't take the law into their own hands by doing that which the laws forbid. 


"For the people of Benue, we advise them to avoid any unlawful gathering organised by the APC in the name of rerun primaries to prevent any unforseen situation that may be potentially harmful, as we are aware of the tendency for the planned charade to become violent.


"We once again, say it loud and clear that the APC are responsible for their ordeal in Benue state and should desist from further illegalities and acts capable of causing a breach of public peace and order as that would be portraying us all state as a state of people given to lawlessness" he said

The Benue youth forum have advised the All Progressives Congress, APC in the state to stop playing politics with the security of lives and properties in the state. 


The President of the forum, Terrence Kuanum in a statement issued in Makurdi said tje group is saddened by the unfortunate press conference addressed by some persons in the Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress  APC in which they made some senseless allegations in addition to spitting on the graves of Benue people killed by Fulani herdsmen.



He said the forum wouldn't have bothered to respond to a shameless outing; but the fact that the APC veered off the lane of politics into justifying, once again the killing of innocent people in Benue communities by the marauding Fulani militia, we deem it necessary to put the records straight.


"We are aware that the APC in Benue state has at various times justified the killings in Benue communities and openly declared their support for the killer-hersmen perpetrating the atgcks. The leader of the party in the state, Senator George Akume has been in the forefront of urinating on the graves of slain Benue people by mockingly saying they were killing themselves. So we are not surprised at their renewed zeal to take their insensitivity a notch higher by accusing the State Community Volunteer Guards and Livestock Guards of cow rustling and causing the recent killings in Makurdi, Guma and Gwer-West local governments.


"The Benue Youth Forum takes exception to those unguarded and inciting utterances by the APC which has all along been making frantic efforts to frustrate the efforts to end the invasion of Benue communities and massacre of people in their sleep by those merchantsof death.


"The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom and other well meaning stakeholders including the Benue Youths have been unrelenting in ensuring that peace returns to the state, but the desperation of the APC to thwart the move for political gains have been the major clog in the wheel of progress in that direction.


"It is sad that while people of good conscience from all parts of the country and beyond are speaking up against the incessant bloodshed in Benue, some failed and frustrated politicians from the area are bent on justifying the mayhem just to gain political relevance which has left them long ago.


"We want to put it on record that the Fulani Socio-cultiral group called Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, an affiliate of the APC had threatened to violently resist the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of the Benue State government and they have made good their vow by unleashing terror on the people since the law came into effect in November 2017.


"Curiously, the APC in Benue has never come out to condemn the Fulani terrorists who have killed - and are still killing - thousands of people, displacing others and creating a huge humanitarian crisis in the area. Even the APC-led Federal Government has done little or nothing to curb the ethnic cleansing in Benue. Instead, President Muhammadu Buhari ignored the real issue on ground and once told Benue people to learn to live in peace with their neighbours, implying that the Benue people were being killed for their refusal to accommodate tbose who live with them. That is indeed unfortunate.


"That the APC in the state has shamelessly accused Governor Ortom of raising and encouraging cattle rustlers is the height of assault on the sensitivity of those who have lost loved ones due to the dastardly acts of Fulani herdsmen who enjoy the endorsement of the APC.

"We know that the APC in Benue are out to distract attention from the ruling of the Appeal Court sitting in Makurdi which nullified their questionable governorship primaries which was dubbed a "yahoo yahoo" process even by an appeal panel set up by the party's national leadeship. But it is foolhardy to embark on that using the lives of Benue people to play politics.

"When the APC violated the electoral law in conducting their "yahoo yahoo" governorship primaries in the state, the Benue Youth Forum called for a reverse of the undemocratic move. But they wouldn't listen. Now that the appeal court has cancelled the shenanigan, they prefer to go to the market naked and dance on the graves of innocent people.

"We once again advise the APC to channel their self-inflicted frustration elsewhere and stop playing dirty politics with the unfortunate security situation in the state.

"The Forum calls on the good people of Benue to utterly reject the party which has no value for their lives and has resorted to mocking those killed by Fulani terrorists. We reiterate our support for the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards and the Livestock Guards in the discharge of their duties.

"We urge them to ignore those elements of darkness who are bent on discouraging them by painting them black and falsely accusing them of cattle rustling" he said

Benue Youths cry out, says electoral worth of Ortom cant be diminshed by any "failed professor 

The Benue Youth Forum has cried out loud that the Electoral value of  Government Samuel Ortom of Benue state cant be diminished by "any failed Professor"

The youths in a statement issued by its President,  Terrence Kuanum in Makurdi said it read with nausea a miserable writeup by one idle character called Pita Agbese wherein he made another miserable but failed attempt to diminish the worth of Governor Samuel Ortom and the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Benue state, Rt. Hon. Titus Tyoapine Uba.

The group said In that unco-ordinated piece by the man who is himself unco-ordinated and has no record of achievement even in his private life, the confused man who is alien to Benue politics made some unsavoury comments against both Governor Ortom and Rt. Hon. Uba in a manner typical of his irresponsible show of shame.

"It is curious that a man who has no electoral or voting value and neither votes nor participates in the electoral process in Benue or anywhere else in Nigeria is claiming to know who shall win or lose the 2023 election in the state.

"The sadist called Agbese must be aware that while Ortom has a record of tremendous achievements as the governor of Benue state, Rt. Hon. Uba is known to have led the most peaceful House of Assembly in the history of the state.

"We want to place it on record that Ortom and Uba have enjoyed and are still enjoying massive support of Benue people and that shall translate to electoral victory despite the antics of a failed man who has taken delight in being used as a cyber thug of a political party.

"Equally shocking is the shameless act of mocking Hon. Uba over his recent health condition. That Agbese took a swipe at a man because of his health condition goes a long way to expose how empty the cyber thug is and the extent to which he can go in questioning even God.

"The Benue Youth Forum therefore calls on the Benue people to ignore the foolish invectives of the acclaimed social media influencer who has yet to publish even a pamphlet as an academic.


"The BYF also challenges the said "Professor" to present his own track record in public and private life or desist from vain shenanigans that would do his sponsors no good after all.


"We reiterate our resolve to support Governor Ortom, Rt. Hon. Uba who have carve a niche for themselves and are enjoying the overwhelming good will of the people which shall culminate in unprecedented victory at the polls during the 2023 election" they said

IPOB: Group withdraws support for Obi over alleged link with separatist terrorists

...urges Nigerian youths to do the same...


The National Peace Movement has withdrawn its support for Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate, Peter Obi over his "blatant refusal to condemn the atrocious activities of the terrorist separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)" in the southeast region of the country.

The movement also urged Nigerian youths to reject candidates with pro-separatist ideology.

Recall that Obi became heavily linked to terrorist separatist group, IPOB, and its militia unit, Eastern Security Network, ESN after he avowed never to condemn the group despite its heinous crimes and the federal government's proscription. The former Anambra state governor further compounded reports that he is the patron of the group when he declared that he lives with members of the terrorist separatist group.

Now, the National Peace Movement in a statement issued in Lagos on Thursday by its National Co-Ordinator, Revd Arome Johnson, has called on Nigerians youths, to stop further mobilization for the Labour Party flagbearer following his failure to weigh in on the worsening attacks on the electorates and electoral infrastructure in the southeast by IPOB and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

The movement pointed out that IPOB and ESN are also assassinating citizens that they perceived as opposed to their anticipated forceful takeover of the government at the federal level by Peter Obi, being of the same ethnic extraction as them and in pursuit of their realization of the defunct Biafra republic.

"Our movement is worried that Obi has avoided condemning IPOB/ESN’s atrocious crimes even when each successive attack makes it clearer that the terrorists/separatists are bent on jeopardizing the General Elections in his home region. Obi’s silence over this unfolding development, therefore, suggests that his anticipated pathway to the presidency does not include emergence through a popular vote, which makes him a dangerous anti-democratic force," it stated.

"Furthermore, Obi's campaign has done nothing to distance his candidacy from the online rants of pro-IPOB/ESN accounts Social media accounts that had run IPOB propaganda online are the ones now campaigning for Peter Obi, a clear indication that the relationship between the Labour Party candidate and the terrorists is systematic rather than random.

"We note that in addition to staying mute in the face of the threats posed to the General Elections by his kinsmen, the Labour Party presidential candidate has taken his support for the terrorists further by structuring his campaign activities in the southeast region to align with the damaging sit-at-home blockade declared by IPOB and enforced by ESN/unknown-gunmen. A confirmation of this is evident in how Peter Obi’s campaign avoided scheduling any engagement for Mondays, the day that the terrorists enforce the sit-at-home.

"Consequently, we now know that Obi has placed his ambition above the unity, safety, and corporate integrity of Nigeria, above the blood of innocent citizens being shed by IPOB/ESN across the southeast, and above successfully conducting peaceful and fair elections. We also find it alarming that Obi has in the last couple of weeks garnered endorsements from treacherous individuals that have a history of pitching Nigerians against each other along ethnic and sectarian lines, which is a red flag that he would subjugate other regions of Nigeria to the southeast," the statement added.

The movement tendered an unreserved apology to Nigerians, especially to families that have been bereaved or impacted by IPOB/ESN’s criminality in recent months, for supporting Peter Obi’s presidential bid in the last few months.

It explained that its earlier support for Obi assumed that he was the best among the lot but after realizing that he has refused to condemn IPOB/ESN’s rising criminality in the three months and has rather become sympathetic to the separatist group, it, therefore, called on other groups that believe in Nigeria to "withdraw their support for Obi and candidates seeking other posts but support separatist ideology in the country."

The movement advised the Nigerian youth to stop further mobilization for Peter Obi as he has persistently failed to demonstrate that he can stop being a patron of separatist terrorists.

...Sues For Cooperation From Stakeholders

Announces Interdenominational Rally For Successful Census ....

As preparations for the forthcoming national census gathers steam, the college of Bishops ,Imams and Clergy Councils (CBICC) have passed a vote of confidence on the management of the National Population Commission (NPC)for it's commitment to the successful conduct of the census slated later in the year.

In a press conference at the Charity House Abuja on January 4, and signed by the group General Secretary Bishop Abel king , the clergy noted with satisfaction the level of preparedness of the commission under the leadership of Alh Nasir Isa Kwara .
" Nigerians are anxiously awaiting a successful outing because the commission has demonstrated capacity to deliver on her mandate within the time frame and resources available"

"We all agree that census is a precursor to national development and Nigeria is long over due for an accurate census which is the only way to gather reliable and accurate data for sustainable development " the group maintained.

Giving further insights on the importance of national census to the development of the country , the clergy noted that all over the world civilisation can only be possible with effective and reliable data . " It is this accurate data that attracts international donors, investors , both and local and foreign as well as help goverment with the distribution of resources and key infrastructure . "Without accurate data, there can be no meaningful development the group insisted.

"The forth coming census gives Nigerians the opportunity to be counted in order to fasttrack development "

As clergymen with direct roots to the masses , we understand our role in creating awareness among our people to actively participate in this historic exercise so that government can have the needed statistics to offer dividends of democracy"

"The overall success of the 2023 national census exercise is a collective responsibility of all Nigerians beyond ethnicity, tribe and religion " our involvement as clergy in creating awareness for the census among our people is a national call to duty and this forms the basis for the media briefing today" We must take back the message to our people in mosques churches, and everywhere to ensure that we get it right at the end of the exercise"

Read Also: Okorocha denies joining PDP

The group comprising of both Islamic and christian clerics announced a special day of prayer rally for the commission to succeed in the forthcoming census exercise" we have to come back here and pray in solidarity for a successful national census slated a few months away " we will invite you and fellow Nigerians accordingly "

While commending president Buhari for his tremendous support to the Commission , the group noted that the census exercise will be one of Buhari's greatest legacies bequeathed to this generation of Nigerians " A credible census will place us on a whole new pedestal for sustainable development"

"We call on all stakeholders, media , civil society ,students , labor unions and all compatriots to join in the sensitisation of the masses in order to make the best of the exercise".

...Sues For Cooperation From Stakeholders

Announces Interdenominational Rally For Successful Census ....

As preparations for the forthcoming national census gathers steam, the college of Bishops ,Imams and Clergy Councils (CBICC) have passed a vote of confidence on the management of the National Population Commission (NPC)for it's commitment to the successful conduct of the census slated later in the year.
READ ALSO: https://newsreal.com.ng/2023-census-clergy-commends-npc-management-on-preparations/

In a press conference at the Charity House Abuja on January 4, and signed by the group General Secretary Bishop Abel king , the clergy noted with satisfaction the level of preparedness of the commission under the leadership of Alh Nasir Isa Kwara .
" Nigerians are anxiously awaiting a successful outing because the commission has demonstrated capacity to deliver on her mandate within the time frame and resources available"

"We all agree that census is a precursor to national development and Nigeria is long over due for an accurate census which is the only way to gather reliable and accurate data for sustainable development " the group maintained.

Giving further insights on the importance of national census to the development of the country , the clergy noted that all over the world civilisation can only be possible with effective and reliable data . " It is this accurate data that attracts international donors, investors , both and local and foreign as well as help goverment with the distribution of resources and key infrastructure . "Without accurate data, there can be no meaningful development the group insisted.

"The forth coming census gives Nigerians the opportunity to be counted in order to fasttrack development "

As clergymen with direct roots to the masses , we understand our role in creating awareness among our people to actively participate in this historic exercise so that government can have the needed statistics to offer dividends of democracy"

"The overall success of the 2023 national census exercise is a collective responsibility of all Nigerians beyond ethnicity, tribe and religion " our involvement as clergy in creating awareness for the census among our people is a national call to duty and this forms the basis for the media briefing today" We must take back the message to our people in mosques churches, and everywhere to ensure that we get it right at the end of the exercise"

Read Also: Okorocha denies joining PDP

The group comprising of both Islamic and christian clerics announced a special day of prayer rally for the commission to succeed in the forthcoming census exercise" we have to come back here and pray in solidarity for a successful national census slated a few months away " we will invite you and fellow Nigerians accordingly "

While commending president Buhari for his tremendous support to the Commission , the group noted that the census exercise will be one of Buhari's greatest legacies bequeathed to this generation of Nigerians " A credible census will place us on a whole new pedestal for sustainable development"

"We call on all stakeholders, media , civil society ,students , labor unions and all compatriots to join in the sensitisation of the masses in order to make the best of the exercise".

Rev Solomon Semaka.

There is a saying that it is easier to destroy than to build. This saying applies to almost every aspect of human life from reputation, to business and even in the field of administration. It takes effort and time to build functional institutions and structures. It equally takes time to bring about reforms and correct institutional anomalies. Human life generally from conception to childbirth takes both divine and human efforts. Very few people have the patience, talent and creativity to make things happen due to the sacrifices required to plan, strategize, deploy resources and follow up on policy implementation and goals. The majority of public office holders are either bereft of ideas or simply prefer to plunder and sabbottage public interest through
dubious means.

The current Executive Secretary of the Joint Admission and Matriculation (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede belongs to a distinct category of public servants with numerous achievements to his credit both in his current beat at JAMB , and the academia where he left tremendous impact.

Established since 1978 to facilitate admissions into tertiary institutions of higher learning through a unified platform, JAMB under the current leadership has discharged its statutory duty in a manner that can only be described as professional and accountable. From the era of pencil-to-paper test administration with few candidates and few examination centres across the nation, the examination body has delivered credibly beyond expectations via innovative technology. This has earned it respect and acclaim from students, parents and tertiary institutions. The continued surge in the number of Nigerians taking the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) has not changed the effectiveness of the Board to deliver professionally. The Board had over time and up till now maintained a standard that has never been questioned by stakeholders in the academia. Building upon foundation laid by his predecessors, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede is even doing more to safeguard and protect the integrity of the Board even as he has digitally transformed all operations of JAMB in recent times.

In times past, the coordination between Universities and JAMB for admitting students was shrouded in secrecy and opaqueness. It wasn't a conspiratorial secret but it wasn't open to public understanding. Many people who took JAMB in the 80s and 90s didn't even know their admission letters first came from JAMB before the Universities ratified same. Many people got admissions but didn't know on time or didn't know at all. Under the administration of Prof. Ishaq, students can follow up on their admission processes via the instrumentality of Information Communication Technology as introduced by the current leadership. Universities also have dedicated platforms for interfacing with the Board to ensure that admissions are given in a transparent and policy-specific manner. Resource verification and the approval of new courses in conjunction with other relevant agencies have never been swift before now. Cut-off marks are collectively agreed upon by the Board and tertiary institutions in a consultative manner that leaves no one out of the knowledge of things. Indeed the periodic consultation with stakeholders in formulating the Board's policy has no doubt smoothened the operations of the examination body. The regularisation of admissions for those who got admitted through other processes has helped to coordinate and harmonise databases for the benefit of tertiary institutions and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). That's the essence of having patriotic leaders to man strategic institutions. JAMB under the current management team have no doubt made a positive impression with Nigerians.

JAMB, a statutory examination body with a meagre budget and huge expenses, the board under the visionary leadership of Prof Ishaq Oloyede has devised cost saving strategies and deployed technologies that have turned the Board into a robust organization tilting towards becoming a self sustainable institution with the capacity to run its operations without too much burden on the federal government. The total migration to digital operations has reduced paper consumption, sundry operational and printing costs which hitherto gulped the institution billions of naira. The adoption of Computer Based Test (CBT) technology and the introduction of smart cards for checking results have reduced costs so drastically and enhanced ease of conducting examinations . Even the JAMB syllabus which used to be a bulky print out is now digitized on a disc. While a few Nigerians might question JAMB's motive to generate and even remit billions of revenue into the nation's treasury, it is to the credit of JAMB under the current leadership that instead of diverting the surplus after every examination season, they choose rather to remit it back into the federations account. Whereas statutory revenue generating agencies fall short of this expectation , JAMB is setting a pace in accountability and transparency .

JAMB under the current leadership has continued to inspire confidence in all stakeholders. For the first time, the Board under the current management has created innovative platforms to monitor and evaluate the conduct of her examinations. It is indeed commendable that JAMB has incorporated all key stakeholders like Vice Chancellors, seasoned academics, Media and members of the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the conduct of the annual examinations. Apart from town hall meetings and consultations, Prof. Ishaq and his team have developed a culture of regularly briefing members of the public on developments and progress made at the Board. This is how institutions established to serve the interest of people should function in a democracy. By running an open-door policy, the Executive Secretary is letting all Nigerians know that he's not on a self serving mission but to reform the Board. Prof Ishaq listens and takes good counsel from all concerned stakeholders. He has also demonstrated that there's nothing to hide unlike what happens in many other agencies.

JAMB under the current management has enjoyed the goodwill and support of Mr. President in the discharge of their duties through motivation and support from the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu. The synergy and cooperation from the supervising ministry must be commended. Never has there been a conflict of interest or a dispute between the Board and the Ministry of Education as was in the past. JAMB has become a standard for comparison with other agencies under the Federal Ministry of Education. By far JAMB has outperformed other examination bodies in the country not because of the quantum of operations but because of the vision and tenacity of its leadership. Nigerians are happy that amidst all hardships, at least one agency of government is functioning optimally and professionally.

There's no need over flogging the fact that there exists a very cordial official relationship between JAMB and the National Universities Commission (NUC) on one hand and the National Commission for College Of Education (NCCE) and National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) on the other hand. This relationship is healthy for the education sector and our young Nigerians whose desire for higher education the Board seeks to make possible and seemless. So far so good and we hope that JAMB will continue to work closely with institutions both federal, state and privately owned to continue to harmonize admissions and sustain quality and standards for all academic programmes across the country.

Prof. Ishaq has done well not just in the area of technology and innovation. He has also invested heavily in staff development and welfare. Of course, conducting examinations in all the states and local government areas in the country is not an easy task. It requires extra hands to make it effective, which means more jobs and that's what JAMB under Prof Ishaq Oloyede has succeeded in doing through interagency cooperation to enhance conduct of her examinations .The training and retraining of staff of JAMB especially in recent times have ensured the seamless operation of all CBT centres, offices and dedicated infrastructure. The welfare of staff has also received a boost under the new management. With a motivated labour force, the sky is the limit for JAMB. With the morale and leadership direction at the Board, it won't be long before JAMB will absorb some underperforming sister agencies as a strategy to accelerate innovation in the education sector.

For his strides in transforming, reforming and setting an unrivalled standard in JAMB, Prof Ishaq Oloyede deserves to be awarded this year's National Productive Merit Award. He deserves to be conferred with an award for digital excellence and a national honours award for his foresight and vision. Ours must not only be a culture of criticisms and attacks but we must learn to sing and honour our heroes and heroines. It is also necessary at this juncture to call on other sister agencies to emulate the efforts of Prof. Ishaq and strive to cut costs using the best technologies for higher productivity and efficiency. Tertiary institutions of learning should also look inwards and consider outright digitisation of all operations to enhance efficiency as pioneered by JAMB.

Semaka is the Author of Security, Politics and Economy ; A documentary in Honor of President Buhari & Convener Save Nigeria Movement.

The All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate for the House of Representatives in Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, Philip Agbese, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to sign into law the NYSC Trust Fund as a parting gift to the teeming youths in the country. 


Chief Philip Agebese stated this at an interactive session with journalists after a visit to the presidential villa in Abuja as part of his consultations and preparations for the forthcoming elections. 


“The long-anticipated signing of the NYSC-Trust Fund Bill into law, considered by stakeholders to be the masterstroke to unemployment in the country, is before our amiable president. We are confident that Mr President will sign the bill into law given the numerous benefits that would accrue to the country." 


"The NYSC Trust Fund is a product of painstaking efforts to address youth unemployment in the country. This much has been articulated by the various stakeholders in the country towards our drive to address youth unemployment. We must understand that the NYSC Trust Fund, when signed into law, will remain one of the notable legacies of the Muhammadu Buhari administration.” 

 

He further added that the Muhammadu Buhari administration had devoted substantial attention to youth development in the country over the years. 


“One of the things you can’t take away from President Muhammadu Buhari is the fact that he is at home with the teeming youthful population in the country. This has been evident in the various youth development initiatives introduced over the years, and the signing into law of the NYSC Trust Fund into law would be the icing on the cake.” 


"We have seen how instrumental the youths, particularly those undergoing the mandatory one-year youth service, have been invaluable in the country's socioeconomic development. For example, during the Covid-19 pandemic, corp members contributed immensely to halting the virus's further spread through notable initiatives." 


"The youths can do more given the right atmosphere and motivation, and that is what the NYSC Trust Fund will do; the youths will have access to funds to turn their dreams into tangible realities. Jobs will be created; crime rate will reduce drastically, amidst other numerous benefits the NYSC Trust Fund will bring to the country.” 


"I must add that the NYSC Trust Fund, when signed into law, will be an enduring legacy in the nation. In the years to come, it would have solidified Nigeria's unity in many ways. It would also address a major critical problem: the "lack of funds for startups which has stood as a setback in the journey of many youths." 


When asked about the challenge of implementation after signing the NYSC Trust Fund bill into law, he stated that there are provisions in the bill that addresses those concerns. 


"There are multilayers of checks to ensure that funds are adequately utilized transparently and accountable. Remember that there will be a board charged with the utilization of funds. Membership of the board will be drawn from a diverse background of people with an impeccable track record in administration." 


"Remember that the National Assembly and stakeholders adequately scrutinized the bill. Those concerns were raised and addressed. So, there should be no cause for alarm. It is a departure from the past, and I can tell you that when signed into law, the NYSC Trust Fund will serve as a reference point for youth development in the African continent and beyond.” 


It would be that recalled that both chambers of the National Assembly recently passed 'A Bill for an Act to Establish National Youth Service Corps Trust Fund to provide a Sustainable Source of Funds for the National Youth Service Corps, Skill Acquisition, Training and Empowerment of Corps Members, Training and Retraining of the Personnel of the National Youth Service Corps, Development of Camps and NYSC formations and Facilities therein; and for Related Matters.


The NYSC Trust Fund Bill is currently awaiting presidential assent.

::: IN THENIGERIAN NEWS FLASH :::
December 23 2022 (MORNING)

Criminals won't stop 2023 elections, FG assures Nigerians

https://thenigerian.news/2022/12/23/criminals-wont-stop-2023-elections-fg-assures-nigerians/

FG seeks minimum wage compliance, begins implementation

https://thenigerian.news/2022/12/23/fg-seeks-minimum-wage-compliance-begins-implementation/

2023: Tinubu vows to remove fuel subsidy, improve security, electricity

https://thenigerian.news/2022/12/23/2023-tinubu-vows-to-remove-fuel-subsidy-improve-security-electricity/

Fresh Anap poll skewed to encourage Obi’s supporters – Keyamo

https://thenigerian.news/2022/12/23/fresh-anap-poll-skewed-to-encourage-obis-supporters-keyamo/

2023: My visit to Tinubu not political – Osinbajo

https://thenigerian.news/2022/12/23/2023-my-visit-to-tinubu-not-political-osinbajo/

Police neutralise 11 terrorists in Zamfara, recover weapons

https://thenigerian.news/2022/12/23/police-neutralise-11-terrorists-in-zamfara-recover-weapons/

Court declares Abacha as Kano PDP Gov candidate

https://thenigerian.news/2022/12/23/court-declares-abacha-as-kano-pdp-gov-candidate/

Court dismisses suit seeking to remove Abiola as PRP presidential candidate

https://thenigerian.news/2022/12/23/court-dismisses-suit-seeking-to-remove-abiola-as-prp-presidential-candidate/

Court affirms judgment voiding Al-Mustapha’s candidacy

https://thenigerian.news/2022/12/23/court-affirms-judgment-voiding-al-mustaphas-candidacy/

Taliban treatment of women may be ‘crime against humanity’ – G7

https://thenigerian.news/2022/12/23/taliban-treatment-of-women-may-be-crime-against-humanity-g7/

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News Beyond Boundaries

Plans by Support Groups sympathetic to the CBN Governor,  Godwin Emefiele, to stage massive protests which may turn out to be violent have been uncovered.


 Dependable sources privy to the meeting organised by the duo of Toochukwu Ohazuruike and Godwin Meliga at Rockview Hotel, Abuja late Monday night disclosed that the protests are targeted at the DG of DSS.


 The source stated that "at the end of the meeting, it was resolved that the next protest starting from Wednesday 21st December will be massive and mother of all protests". He went further to say that, "through out this week, we agreed to protest from Wednesday till Friday. We are ready to protest on Friday. We want those going for Jumat to join us. It is a Bichi Must Go protest". 


 The meeting, among others, allegedly affirmed to stage the protests in Abuja and other select cities such as Kaduna, Port Harcourt, Ababa,  Lagos and Kano all in a bid to show solidarity for Emefiele and his monetary policies at the CBN. Some of those that attended the meeting also disclosed that it was suggested that the protesters would present a picture of support for the President and March to the Ministry of Justice, OSGF and other strategic public offices calling for the removal of the DG DSS, Alhaji Yusuf Bichi. 


Furthermore,  the planners  agreed to use the hurriedly organised Coalition of National Interest Defenders, CNID, a group of self acclaimed activists cutting across tribal and professional groups to carry put the protests.  Sources at the CAC have confirmed that CNID is unregistered and therefore not a corporate body. However, the planners are reaching out to many groups in order to make the situation very tense for possible breakdown of law and order. 


While the meeting was said to have agreed to contact Imo Ugochinyere Ikenga alleged to be the central coordinator of the protests,  close sources revealed that Ikenga is a close ally of Emefiele who he (Ikenga) had helped to organise similar support protests in the past. There indications that when the group reached to Ikenga he promised to get to them after he had concluded arrangements with a supposed sponsor alleged to be Emefiele.  


Instrustively, Emefiele is said to have strong contacts with the civil society organisations many of who he paid to organise rallies during his botched presidential aspiration. 


The CSO sources confirmed to our correspondents that the groups were heavily mobilised by fronts working for Emefiele for the international press conference that held on Monday, 19th December. One of such persons noted that, "our people were well sorted out. We will show them pepper. We will take the fight to them". It was disclosed that those working for Emefiele are young and energetic polititicians some of whom are from the PDP. For instance, Imo Ikenga and Godwin Meliga are seeking election to the Houses of Representatives and Assembly in Imo and Kogi States respectively. Meliga was noted to have expressed interest in working for Emefiele so he could deploy his proceeds to his election funding. 


It would be recalled that Abuja was on Monday, 19th December rocked by protests staged by a coalition of  groups that accused the DSS of instituting a court case against the CBN Governor over allegations of terrorism financing. The Coalition held a press conference during which it called for sack of the agency's Director General.

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