₦airaland Forum

I wonder how Muslims cope with that their religion... I just wonder

All I know is this is the Nation Newspapers designed to serve Tinubu's interest... in fact he writes the news himself.

Drive for peace and priority for workers welfare have been identified as the reasons behind the achievements recorded by Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, this was the assertion of the Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives,Hon. Toby Okechukwu.


Hon Toby who represents Aninri/Awgu/Oji River at the green chambers made this known in a recent interview, according to Toby, Gov. Ugwuanyi's determination to ensure peace in the coal city state created the enabling environment for commercial and other economic activities to thrive in the state. He adjoined the state Governor's commitment to worker's welfare which includes the prompt payment of salaries as part of the reasons for the Governor's sterling performance in the state.


In his words :" Enugu state is first and foremost, is a PDP state which is good and we have also had good governors. The magic of what inspires the Governor is his drive for peace and you can see that in Enugu if you say peace it is not good, go and check violence."


He continued " The beauty of peace we have in Enugu is that it enables the governor to perform. Peace guarantees a climate environment where people want to come to the state to carry out their various economic activities and whatever he/she does at least they are certain that it is safe and when citizens are aware their properties are safe it will aid the government to perform better.


On workers welfare and infrastructure; he said: "Aside from the Governor's infrastructural interventions and strides, if you check the judiciary he has transformed them. The state schools have gotten attention, even in the road sector. He is a Governor that is focused on education. The prompt payment of salaries is a top priority for him, though the Governor has expressed the view that should not be praised for paying salaries, that it was what he was elected to do.What the Governor should be commended for is the payment of 13 months salary to the workers that is, giving them extra month pay in a year during December. So he has done well in creating a healthy environment in the state.


On his achievements as House a member of the lower parliament Toby enumerated his Youth empowerment programmes in the areas of Agriculture. He mentioned that asides making laws, the need to get the youths meaningful engaged were among his priorities.


He said " Our aspiration is to represent and to make laws that will get the youths usefully engaged. Recently; we trained over fifty people in "Aquaculture" and established a demonstration farm where they can practice and have a gestation period of six months . We also trained them on how to make feeds and how to fertilize fish eggs ; they taught the entire value chain of fish production.


We also invited special trainers from the Federal College of marine technology from Lagos and trained them for about a week. We also got them exposed to opportunities for funding like the Central Bank funding , Anchor borrowing. These areas we have been working on in terms of empowering the people. I have since realised that you can't dash people out of poverty, you can't dash people free money and bring them out of poverty, he concluded.

https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/12/01/why-ugwuanyi-has-excelled-as-enugu-governor-reps-deputy-minority-leader-hon-toby/

Group acquires over 30 hectares for industrial park

The Government of Niger State initiated modalities to partner ‘Lee Group,’ a foreign investment Group in the areas of Agriculture, Transport and Mining in the State.

The Foreign Investment Group in its bid to further demonstrate commitment towards its interest has already acquired over 30 hectares of land in Suleja for the purpose of developing a Suleja Industrial Park for vehicles assembling and other businesses.

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello who led the State Government Officials in a virtual meeting with Mr Lee and other top management Officials of the Lee Group, expressed delight with the level of interest shown by the Foreign Investment Company to invest in the State.

Bello in his interaction assured the investors of ,Government’s readiness to ensure investors succeed in the State, adding that his administration is ready to provide the investors with the enabling environment that will lead to growth and development of the state and the country at large.

He expressed his desire at ensuring that the Lee group succeeds and in order to attract more investment partners to the state.

Lee Group is a diversified group of companies with interest in various sectors.

The group has been involved in several businesses in Nigeria since 1962.

The Commissioners for Investment Dr Mustapha Jibrin and that of Justice Barrister Danmallam participated in the virtual meeting alongside other officials in investment.

https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/12/01/niger-govt-partners-foreign-group-to-develop-suleja-industrial-parkbusinesses/

Jigawa State Government has spent over N3.6 billion to provide free health care delivery services for expectant mothers and children below five years in the last four years, Governor Muhammadu Badaru Abubakar has said.

He spoke yesterday at the Dutse General Hospital, Dutse at the launch of the state’s contributory health care programme. Abubakar said: “This administration has spent N900 million annually in the provision of free health care services to expectant mothers and children below five years in the last four years.”


He added: “Considering challenges in the health care services, particularly families, low income individuals and other vulnerable segments of the society, especially with the high cost of health care services, the government has increased its monthly funding from N15 million to N75million.”

The governor said the services covered expectant mothers, children under five years, accident victims, correctional inmates and boarding students across the state.

He said: “The contributory health care scheme is a further effort in ensuring an overall objective of healthy and productive population through access to comprehensive, appropriate, affordable, efficient, equitable and quality essential health care.”

https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/12/01/residents-rejoice-as-jigawa-governorbadaru-launches-insurance-programme/





https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/12/01/residents-rejoice-as-jigawa-governorbadaru-launches-insurance-programme/

Kenneth Udeh, Abia

Members of the Federal House of Representatives Honourables Nkeiruka Onyejeocha and Benjamin Kalu have been appointed as the Chairpersons of the Abia-North and Bende LGA All Progressives Congress caucus respectively.

Their appointments were ratified and announced at separate inaugural meetings of the expanded Abia State APC Caucus held at Camp Neya, Igbere.

The decision to appointment of Hon. Nkeiruka was reached on Monday following an unanimous agreement of all members present at the inaugural meeting of the caucus presided by the Senate Chief Whip Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, held at his Camp Neya country home Igbere Abia State.

Being the inaugural meeting, the expanded caucus had in attendance current and former members of the State and National Assemblies from Abia-North extraction including Zonal party executives and other party Stakeholders within the zone.

Prior to Nkeiruka's emergence, a motion for her nomination was moved by the state's party secretary, Mr. Perfect Chinasa Okorie and was seconded by the publicity secretary of the party in Abia-North,Comrade Idika Ebin, this was followed by an unanimous
voice vote by other members present in concurrence to Nkeiruka's nomination and subsequent ratification as the Abi-North APC caucus Chairperson.

Rendering her acceptance speech; the Deputy Chief Whip of the green chambers expressed her gratitude for her appointment, she specifically thanked Senator Kalu for presenting her for nomination to the caucus, while also giving assurances to work with all members for the party's fortunes in the entire state.

In her words " I am grateful to be saddled with this position and this calls for more work. Let me also express my gratitude to the Senate Chief Whip , Senator Orji Uzor Kalu for fronting my nomination, he remains the overall leader of our party in this state. This is clarion call to rescue this state from its bad state and we can only achieve this by taking over the state come 2023."

Asides, the Senate Chief Whip Senator Orji Kalu, Spokesperson of the House of Representatives(Bende Federal Constituency),Hon. Benjamin Kalu others who attended the meeting include: Abia -North Zonal Chairman,Hon. Chris Aja, DIG Azubiuke Udah (Rtd) , members of the Abia House of Assembly;Barr. Emeka Okoroafor ( Isiukwuato) , Hon. Chijioke Chukwu (Bende), Chief Chidiebere Ude, Hon. Chibuike Jonas, Bar. Emeka I.U. Kalu, Dr. Maduekwe Ukaegbu, Abia State APC secretary Mr. Perfect Okorie, Hon. Frank Osita Chuks , all former Chairmen of Umunneochi, Ohafia , Arochukwu and umunneochi Local Governments respectively.


In a related development,Hon. Nkeiruka's counterpart and fellow colleague at the green parliament, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, also emerged as the Leader of Bende APC caucus in Abia-North Senatorial zone.

The appointment of Kalu who is also the Spokesperson of the House of Representatives was announced at the expanded Abia State APC Caucus meeting at Camp Neya, Igbere, Abia State, by the Chairman of the party in the state, Hon. Donatus Nwankpa, on Sunday.

Nwankpa acknowledged the robust and determined efforts of the APC caucus led by former Governor of Abia State and Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Kalu, in repositioning the party in the state.

Nwankpa stressed that the APC is strategising ahead of the 2023 general elections, adding that the choice of Kalu as the spokesman of the caucus was borne out of his robust experience.

He described Kalu as dogged, bold and forthright.

In his words: “At the caucus meeting of Abia State APC caucus, it was resolved that Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Spokesman of the House of Representatives and Member of House of Representatives (Bende Federal Constituency), be appointed as the Spokesman of the APC caucus in Abia State.

“He has the political experience and intellectual capacity to discharge his duties and responsibilities professionally without bias.

“He is a round peg in a round hole.

“Indeed, he is fit for the job.

“Kalu has demonstrated his capability as the spokesman of the House of Representatives by complementing the efforts of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, in steering the affairs of the House of Representatives.

“We are optimistic that he will repeat the same feat as spokesman of the APC caucus in Abia state.”

The newly appointed spokesman, while appreciating the leader and members of Abia State APC Caucus for his new role, promised to live up to expectations in the discharge of his responsibilities.

In attendance at the meeting were Senator Orji Kalu, Senator Chris Adighije, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu, Chief Emeka Nwogu, Hon. Nkiru Onyejocha, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Hon. Donatus Nwankpa, Dr. Alex Otti, Chief Nyerere Anyim and Hon. Acho Obioma among others.

https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/11/30/hon-nkeirubenjamin-get-apc-leadership-appointments/

Chief Whip of the Senate and highest ranking elected political office holder of All Progressives  Congress (APC) in the South East,  Senator Orji Uzor Kalu on Sunday,  welcomed frontline Chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and immediate past commissioner of finance , Hon. Obinna Oriaku and former commissioner of works and Transport, Hon. George Nnana Kalu to the APC .



The duo were officially welcomed to the APC after decamping from the PDP in Camp Neya,  countryhome of Senator Kalu 



Obinna Oriaku hails from Owerri nta in Mbutu community of Isiala Ngwa South Local Government while Nnana Kalu hails from Amogudu Abiriba,  Ohafia Local Government  Area. 


 Presenting the broom to Hon George Nnana Kalu, the Senate Chief Whip said, 

"Up till last night, he was a member of the PDP and  he has   chosen to follow the moving train and I will want to also decorate  the former commisioner of finance here today and give him broom too . We are working and this is our state and we will take over the state. We started the state and we will take over the state. 


"I have the mandate of the national chairman of APC,   His Excellency Governor of Yobe state , to continue cultivating new members into this party. We welcome you, former commisioner for works and transport of Abia State, you are welcome to our great party. We give you this broom to sweep out all the evil in the state.  


Speaking further,  he said " I am also using this opportunity to warn and appeal to the state government;  no body who has chosen to be a member of the APC should be  harrased. Nobody who have  on his own chosen to belong to any political party should be tormented. We did not do that and we don't expect anybody to do that.  We will follow  the law to pursue such cases  and I dont want to hear that property owned by APC members are revoked . I am sure Governor Okezie is  educated and well  civilized and would not do that  and I call on his aides to be very careful too. Some of them worked with me and they know we play politics without bitterness and I expect them to respect the sanctity of democracy which is the freedom of association." the former Governor said 



Addressing the press after indoctrination,  Hon George Nnana Kalu who called Senator Kalu the  democratic leader of Abia state thanked him for welcoming him back to the party 


"We all worked under you and you performed and we are ready to work again. Thank you for this opportunity that is given to me to join this party and make this party great. "  He said 




In his speech,  Obinna  Oriaku noted that his joining the APC is not accidental but well thought out plan .


His words,  " His excellency, our dear leader, today is another wonderful day. I am most greatful for having me under your roof and giving me the first broom which symbolises sweeping and cleansing of what has been defined as the problems of our state and I  am quite convinced that the only way to redeem our state is by joining APC. Not by accident, it was a well thought out process and I am convinced that with what we are seeing  today , we will win Abia in 2023.

https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/11/29/breaking-sen-kalu-officially-welcomes-gov-ikpeazus-commissioners-to-apc/

Kenneth Udeh,Abia


The ambience of Arochukwu community Local Government Area located in Abia North of Abia State adorned a merrily look on Saturday as the Chief Whip of the Senate ,Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, performed the groundbreaking
for the construction of 2km road in the local government.


The road which extends from Arochukwu to Ihechiowa is the first to be officially flagged off out of the 19 road projects currently being constructed by the Abia North Senator.


Speaking at the 2km road sited in Ikwun ward in Arochukwu, Senator Kalu enjoined the indigenes who gathered in their numbers to witness the ground breaking event to be thankful to the President Buhari administration for approving and making available funds for the road projects. The Chief Whip lamented the failures of past administrations and legislative representatives to execute any single project in the Senatorial zone.


He said " This is just a road flag off, out of the nineteen road projects spread across our zone. Let me commend the contractors handling the project because they are executing it swiftly in line with the required quality. I also want to thank our President who is making funds available for these road projects.


"I believe you have all seen the difference between the present government and the past government. We may not be perfect but we have demonstrated that we have the yearnings of the people at heart. I recall just last here during campaign I couldn't pass through this road and I gave my assurances to you people that within the first year; that the road will be constructed. I am glad that today my promise has been fulfilled". He continued "This is just the first year; you can only imagine the quantum of projects we would have executed and completed before the next three years, Kalu concluded.


Expressing his gratitude on behalf of the indigenes , Chief Joe Ezearo a former Chieftain of the All Progressive's Grand Alliance (APGA) who decamped to the All Progressive's Congress (APC)on the same day , revealed that dividends of democracy of this nature informed a major part of his decision to join the APC. He thanked Senator Kalu for facilitating the project to the community as well as other eighteen road projects.


The day's exercise was preceded with a ceremony which had more than 500 members of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ikwun ward of Ihechiowa in Arochukwu have decamped to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State.


Speaking while receiving the new members to the APC family, the Chairman of the state party caucus and Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu said the APC has the interest of the people at heart and assured that the party would win the state in 2023 general election.


Sen Kalu congratulated the decampees for joining the APC and extolled one of the defectors, Chief Joe Ezearo for his doggedness and belief in President Muhammadu Buhari.


He charged them to work hard for the continuous growth of the APC and asked the new members not to regard themselves as new members rather they should see themselves as stakeholders of the party.


Speaking earlier on behalf of all other defectors, Chief Joe Eze Aru said it's was honour to be received in the APC by the Chief Whip of the Senate himself.

He said he has always secured victories for his former party in his ward , adding that his joining the APC now means that these victories will be secured for the APC in subsequent elections.


"The same goodwill and strength that I have always used to defeat my opponent is the same strength that I am bringing into the APC" He said


Also Speaking , the state Chairman of the party, Hon. Donatus Nwapka noted that the decamping of the large numbers is part of the party's ongoing exercise as the ruling and largest party in Africa

" We are glad to welcome all the new members. Our new member Joe Ezearo is a wonderful person; he is an accomplished technocrat in the construction industry. He is a very creative and innovate person. The party recruits people who are well respected and enjoy mass support from the community for the purpose of making a good change in Abia States.


"Your joining our party; means a lot not just for the fortunes of the local Government elections but for the party which is now the fastest growing state chapter of the party in Nigeria. We are also inviting all like minds and creative minds and all who have passion for good governance , not selfish interest to join our party and support us to make a change in Abia State.

https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/11/28/senator-kalu-flags-of-road-projects-in-abia-north-indigenes-rejoice/

That's only right thing to do !

Governor of Ebonyi State and new member of the ruling All progressive's Congress (APC), Engr. David Umahi has this evening (Sunday) met with the Senate Chief Whip and Southeast leader of the APC Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.


Both leaders are currently meeting at a private dinner in Abuja , where the Governor hosted the Senate chief whip and the highest elected political office holder from the southeast.

Senator Kalu arrived,the venue in Abuja at exactly 7:pm and was ushered to meet the Umahi who had already arrived the venue ; both pairs; week visibly excited to sight each other, they pleasantries made straight to their tables and chatted on.

The meeting dispels media reports that the Governor's defection to the APC from the PDP may have created discord between him and Senator Orji Uzor-Kalu.


Recall, that barely two days after Governor Umahi formally joined the APC, there has been media reports that Umahi's defection to the APC may have led to disquiet amongst Southeast party stakeholders.


The reports were also heightened following the absence of some notable political figures of the party from the southeast which include at his formal defection which held on Thursday, November 19.



However; Senator Kalu in a telephone chat on Saturday in his reaction, dispelled the speculation of a possible faceoff between him and the governor following his absence from Umahi’s official defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC held in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.


Kalu said the national leadership of the party contacted him being a leader of the party in the geopolitical zone and that he explained that he could not attend the event due to a national assignment he handled.

The meeting is currently ongoing.


Details later…


https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/11/22/breaking-gov-umahi-meets-sen-orji-kalu-hosts-him-to-dinner/


See Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QJZ9kwbVGo

Defection: Consult S’East APC leaders, Kalu tells Umahi

The Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has advised Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State to consult widely with other leaders of the All Progressives Congress in the South-East geopolitical zone for necessary strategies.

Kalu, who is one of the leaders of the APC in the region, gave the advice while speaking with our correspondent in Abuja on Saturday.

He was reacting to a possible faceoff between him and the governor following his absence from Umahi’s official defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC held in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, on Saturday.

Kalu said the national leadership of the party contacted him being a leader of the party in the geopolitical zone and that he explained that he could not attend the event due to a national assignment he handled.

He, however, clarified that there was no love lost between Umahi, Rochas Okorocha, Hope Uzodinma, Ogbonnaiya Onu and him.

He said, “As the leader of the All Progressives Congress in the South-East, the chairman of the party called me and I told him that I was not going to attend the official defection of Governor Dave Umahi from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC because the President of the Senate had asked me to preside over a committee on the 2021 budget.

“The Nigerian budget is more important than the official declaration ceremony. I’m very happy that Governor Umahi has defected. I have already called and congratulated him for defecting. I don’t have any issues with Governor Umahi.

“I helped in the development of the security architecture which the governor is implementing to tackle insecurity in the state. I will host Umahi to a dinner in my house tomorrow (Sunday). Some media reports of a possible faceoff between Umahi and me is trash.

“I want him to consult other leaders like Ogbonnaya Onu, Rochas Okorocha, Hope Uzodinma and others. We are united and we are very happy to receive Governor Umahi and we are still expecting more governors.”

Source PUNCH

https://punchng.com/defection-consult-seast-apc-leaders-kalu-tells-umahi/

Prof Akin Osuntokun, political scientist and renowned strategist served as political adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and was also a director of the Presidential Campaign of the People’s Democratic Party in 2011.

In this no-holds-barred encounter with Sunday Sun, he came to a damning conclusion that nothing good can come from the President Mohammadu Buhari-led government because its leadership is rooted in incompetence.

He spoke on other critical issues including: restructuring, 2023 presidency, EndSARS protest, and its aftermath. Excerpt:



There are different views on the #ENDSARS protest, some say it was as a result of the anger of the people on what is happening in the country today while some others are saying that it was a ploy to disorganize the government of the day. I don’t know your view on this?

It’s ridiculous that anybody can come to the conclusion that it is directed to unseat the government. We all know, who of those leaders of the protest can you identify in that note? Does any of the leaders conform to this notion of having this ulterior agenda I don’t know how anybody can come to that conclusion from what we all saw and what we all knew happened. Was the protest not hijacked by hoodlums? So, if they wanted to conspire and think like that will it end up in such a manner as it did? I don’t know how anybody could have come to that conclusion. From what we saw they were specific in what they wanted, so I don’t see how anybody could have come to the conclusion that it was targeted at unseating the government, but how will they accomplish that? Are they working with some military officers or top politicians I don’t know, of course, nothing points to that. I can’t see the logic in it.

So, how do you see the freezing of the accounts of some of those alleged sponsors as some are claiming that officials of the government are seizing their passport?

Well, I think they are just using a sledgehammer to kill an ant. This government is incompetent in anything it does, so I shouldn’t even be surprised that they are reacting in such a blind manner to what has happened. They gave an account of all that they received. The last time I read anything about them as regards their account they stated specifically what they will use the outstanding balance for, for the care of people who were injured, for burial or for compensating people, etc. Look, they were that specific, and if the purpose is as transparent as that, where is the need to start chasing them around, freezing their account, or seizing their passport. These guys are not in any way a threat to the government in any shape or manner so I don’t know on what basis they are being harassed. Look, as I said the money they received, they stated what the money is used for and the balance, what they intend to do with it, is any of the purposes they itemized politically subversive? There is nothing that they have done on the account that they operate that indicates any threat to the political stability of a country or points to terrorism. For me, their response is one more demonstration of their gross incompetence in anything they do, so I should not be surprised. If anything, the lesson they should learn from it is that the delegation they sent around the country if they are serious about it they should go round the country listen to what the people are saying and what they want. As at today, there are serious calls for restructuring not only by the opposition parties, but by other well-meaning Nigerians. For instance, the resource person for the Arewa and the Northern Elders Forum are categorical in support of restructuring just as anybody from the Middle Belt. The same is also in the views of their columnists, they have more or less come to the same conclusion that restructuring is the key and have even gone ahead to suggest a return to 12 states structure that General Gowon created in 1967. So, I hope they have come to that conclusion, as well that the only viable option for Nigeria now going forward is restructuring. The government is collapsing, we now have a bankrupt government that can hardly fund payment of salaries let alone capital expenditure, so we have got to a stage in which the government has become bankrupt politically and economically and we have to find a response, despite how negative. It is not an amendment that the Nigerian constitution needs, it’s a replacement. We need to replace it. If you find yourself in a hole you don’t keep digging you try and extricate yourself from that hole. The only means available now for Nigeria to extricate herself from this hole is restructuring. Even the Vice President was saying, somewhere in the US, and I hope he was quoted out of context that what Nigeria needs is not restructuring, but competent leadership. I hope that when he says that he should look in the mirror and look at the reflection from the mirror. How can he say that competent leadership is what we need, so how have they provided it, with the structure that we have? Even as incompetent as they are there is an element of dysfunction about the federal constitutional structure that will undermine the capacity of any government to govern effectively.

So, you mean that the National Assembly that is doing piecemeal constitution amendment is just wasting time?

The National Assembly is another tragedy of this country. What they have revealed of themselves is not an indication of a National Assembly that can do this country any good. If you’re spending $100million to refurbish a building that has been refurbished repeatedly as at the same moment that this country is going through this economic strangulation and they are paying themselves an average of N1million to N1.5 million per day, so what good can we get from them? Every set of new legislatures they buy themselves the latest SUVs in town. I don’t expect anything good from this National Assembly. What they are doing is just to convince people that they are doing something. They cannot review the Constitution without the concurrence of the states in the country, so people are just over-estimating their role in the amendment of the Constitution.

A lot of people are already strategizing for 2023 although it is still far, but politically it is near. Different geopolitical zones are also reaching out in their bid to produce the president in 2023. What is your position on this and your region of preference if any?

It is mindless of any politician in Nigeria today who wishes Nigeria well, who believes in the unity of this country, to dispute the Nigerian presidency with the Southeast. It should be conceded to them. How do you explain if in the next round of election somebody else maybe, from the Southwest, that would just have finished the position of vice president for eight years that had the presidency from 1999 to 2007 and compared to a part of the country that has not had that? From a position of logic and rationale, the Southeast should have it. It’s just a reflection of how degenerate the system has become, but of course, this is subordinate to the more important issue of restructuring. Won’t you have a country in 2023 before you even talk of becoming the president? That is why restructuring is key now. If you have a country in crisis and in fractions in 2023 who will be thinking of where the president will come from? For me, it makes no sense for anybody to dispute it with the Southeast.

How do you react to the latest inflation index? Many have argued that it’s a global phenomenon that even in other countries the economy is going down?

They can deceive themselves that it is a global issue, that the economy can go into recession and all that, but the situation of Nigeria is worse than that with or without the global pandemic, the price of oil which Nigeria solely rely on as a source of revenue has crashed and, of course, on top of it is the economic mismanagement on a large scale of this government. There can be no doubt that this government; this President Buhari-led government has the worst reputation on corruption. Look at what they are doing on the so-called oil subsidy? Have they not just borrowed $33 billion, you are borrowing $33 billion to renovate National Assembly, is that what a serious government does and also $500 million for the Ministry of Information that adds no value to the country and billions of dollars to construct railway to a country outside Nigeria. What is the agenda for? So, like I said, they are simply using the global pandemic as an excuse for their fundamental problem of sabotage and incompetence. This government from every standard in its rating is incompetent.


https://www.sunnewsonline.com/nobody-can-dispute-presidency-going-to-southeast-in-2023-prof-akin-osuntokun/

Still wonder how this girl copes with this grandpa...

Kenneth Udeh,Abuja


Calls for a final end to the dreaded cervical cancer disease has been championed by the First Ladies of Nigeria under the auspices of First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC).


FLAC which consists of wives of Ten Nigerian Governors , expressed with great worry that according to records Nigeria has one of the highest numbers of Cervical cancer worldwide.


The Governors wives noted that In 2008, there were an estimated 14,943 new cases and an estimated 10,403 deaths from cervical cancer in Nigeria.


According to a statement issued on Friday, FLAC revealed that the increased rate of Cervical Cancer in Nigeria was as a result of its weak healthcare system, poor advocacy , poor orientation and non access to vaccines.


The group however expressed optimism that prompt vaccination of girls 15 years of age and regular screening of women could assist in eliminating the scourge from Nigeria.


The statement read in full; "In August 2020, for the first time ever, the world resolved to eliminate a cancer: by passing a resolution in the World Health Assembly, 194 countries took a stand against cervical cancer and committed to eliminating. For Nigeria and other countries in the developing world where the burden of the disease lies, the notion while an extremely welcome one, is a tall order considering the state of healthcare delivery in these countries and the production rate of vaccines.


"Nigeria has one of the highest numbers of Cervical cancer worldwide. In 2008, there was an estimated 14,943 new cases and an estimated 10,403 deaths from cervical cancer in Nigeria (Source: GLOBOCAN 2018). Research shows that poor awareness with an underlying weak healthcare system that lacks a screening policy and accurate diagnostic tools are the major contributors that account for the high morbidity and mortality associated with the disease.


As First Ladies of States in Nigeria, working on cancer issues through our individual Non-Governmental organizations across the six geopolitical parts of the country, we are confronted daily by cancer patients with limited treatment options. The main roles of our coalition ‘First Ladies against cancer (FLAC), is advocacy to increase awareness, access to cancer care, influencing policy changes in Nigeria with the collective aim of reducing the cancer burden in the country. As such, we saw the rationale behind the call by WHO to eliminate Cervical cancer and align with it.


For countries to be on the path towards cervical cancer elimination, the new global strategy calls for achieving the following targets by 2030:

90% of girls fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by 15 years of age;

70% of women screened twice in their lifetime, using a high-performance test

90% of women identified with cervical disease receive treatment (90% of women with precancer treated, and 90% of women with invasive cancer managed).


This science of the strategy while clear and simple enough, presents a number of challenges for us in Nigeria. HPV vaccine is a vital tool in the elimination of cervical cancer as it stops the cancer from developing. By giving the HPV vaccine to all young girls before they reach 15 years of age, it means in the next 20 to 30 years, there will be no cases of cervical cancer. In order to achieve this, Nigeria needs to incorporate HPV vaccination into the National immunization program, one of the key advocacies that FLAC has been pushing for.


Nigeria has finally committed to the introduction of HPV vaccine into the immunization programme by the first quarter of 2021 but millions of doses are needed and there is doubt availability will meet global demand. Ironically, High income countries despite having lower incidence of cervical cancer have more access to these vaccines while countries like Nigeria struggle to get the required numbers. Albeit a show of financial strength, there is a lack of prioritization based on disease prevalence by vaccine manufacturers. Thus, the pharmaceutical industry must contribute to efforts towards elimination efforts by not only bringing down the cost, but by considering disease prevalence when selling. Big pharma must join the global effort to eliminate cervical cancer by producing and supplying the required number doses within a rapid timeline and offer it to low- and middle-income countries at a fair price. This was done with HIV drugs and the race to obtaining a vaccine for COVID is evidence that with the right commitment, equitable and increased vaccine access can be achieved.


Secondly, to achieve elimination, precancer screening and treatment must also be available and accessible. The WHO strategy calls for using a high-performance test and although women in the developed world have access to these tests, women in Africa are often left to be tested with lower quality methods. In Nigeria it is common to screen for cancer by applying household vinegar on the woman’s cervix. When done properly by the healthcare worker, this method can help and FLAC regularly conducts screening exercises using these methods. However, high quality tests known as “HPV tests,” are more reliable. They are important for improving the ability to detect the disease early but access to these HPV tests remains poor.


The third aspect of the strategy is treatment for cervical cancer. This is probably the biggest challenge we have in Nigeria. With a population of approximately 200 million people, Nigeria needs over 100 more cancer treatment centres to adequately provide quality cancer treatment in the country.


In addition to this, the cost of cancer treatment is beyond the reach of the average Nigerian, 70% of whom pay for healthcare out of pocket. We have found that cancer causes catastrophic spending that places severe strain on our patients and their families. Although we have successfully advocated for inclusion of most of the continuum of cancer care in our National health insurance (NHIS), majority of our female population still lack health insurance. We are certain that by fully implementing the universal health coverage, cancer control can be improved.


As a group, we recognize that partnerships work and it is important that agencies multinationals and NGOs working on eradication of Cervical cancer enter into viable and sustainable partnerships to ensure the success of all efforts at all levels. Practical strategies include technical assistance, capacity building and sharing of best practices and innovations. At FLAC, we are committed to using our voices and platform to continue our advocacy for sustainable results and we call on the world to join us to win this fight.


Committing to the elimination of cervical cancer will ensure women no longer suffer and die from a preventable and curable disease. It’s a choice to restore women’s dignity, to de-stigmatize women’s healthcare, and to confront the injustices reflected in the unequal burden of disease that affects women in the developing world. This may be a long journey, but the time to act is now. By doing so, we can leave behind a great legacy for the next generation, so that they can live in a world free of the unnecessary pain caused by this cancer.


"With the world’s recent adoption of the resolution to eliminate cervical cancer, Nigeria faces a choice. If we act now, the country could be among those to finally eliminate an avoidable cancer , concluded the statement.


Members of the FLAC are 10 Governors wives. They include: NigerState Governor Dr Amina Abubakar Bello, Wife of Ondo State Governor Mrs Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu, Wife of the Kebbi State Governor Dr Zainab. Shinkafi Bagudu, Wife of the Cross river State Governor Dr Mrs Linda Ayade, Wife of the Ekiti State Governor Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, Wife of the Enugu State Governor Mrs Monica Ugochi Ugwuanyi, Wife of the Kwara State Governor Mrs Olufolake Abdulrahman and Wives of former Governors of Ogun,Kwara and Oyo States in the persons of Mrs Olufunso Amosun,Mrs Omolewo Ahmed and Mrs Florence Ajimobi.

But honestly; why is this case so?? Imo girls are very beautiful no doubt but I discovered they most igbo mine don't like dating them not to talk other marry. They only date them to flaunt but not for marriage. As the General secretary of Igbo students association back in school of noticed this . It got to a point some of these girls from Imo had to deny they state of origin to at least see a guy to date.

Unlike other villages in the other states in the east where there is no how you won't find a traditional wedding to attend in a week, you barely see traditional wedding occasions in Imo villages.

It was Orji Kalu that made this same Enyeama become what he is today in football ; when Orji Kalu managed him as. Keeper when he was playing for Enyimba.

So why is he pretending like he doesn't understand the reality. To start with Enyimba is owned by the "Government" you can't poach the Government to buy it's property except if the Government itself declares it's intent to sell which is impossible.

Also in Nigeria we politicize everything I tell you if Orji Kalu attempts to buy Enyimba the same people that are asking him to buy it will be same people that start raising so many issues.

The members of the PDP caucus of the National Assembly from Ebonyi State, on Wednesday, disowned the state Governor, David Umahi, who has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.

The leader of the Ebonyi State PDP caucus in the National Assembly, Senator Sam Egwu, who read the position of his colleagues at a press conference in Abuja, said none of the lawmakers would defect with the Governor.

They described the Governor’s action as insensitive , unacceptable and selfish, they further described reasons given by Umahi for his action as untenable.

Addressing journalists Senator Egwu, said that although the caucus believed the the Presidency should be zoned to the Southeast region in 2023 , but political parties should not be compelled to do so.

The statement read in full ;

“We wish to address our fellow PDP memebers and other well meaning Nigerians on the defection of the Governor of Ebonyi state , Chief David Umahi from the PDP to the APC.

For the sake of clarity we wish to state categorically that not single member of the PDP caucus at the National Assembly is defecting to the APC .

The three Senators and five House of Representatives members remain proud card carrying memebers of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) the platform under which we contested and won elections in 2019.

The major reason given by Umahi for defecting from the PDP to the APC is now in public domain which is that the PDP has not been fair to the people of the Southeast and the issue of zoning the Presidency and Vice – Presidency.

While we support that it is then turn of the Southeast to fly the Presidential flag of any of the Presidential flag of the major political parties come 2023 , yet we consider it “inpolitic”, “indecent” and “unwise” to give ultimatums and conditionanlties in a bid to secure zoning. Indeed if there is any person who should remain eternally grateful to the PDP , that individual ought to be the Governor “David Umahi” a man who was appointed the state Chairman of the PDP , made deputy Governor of the PDP administration and was elected for two terms under the banner of the PDP as Governor, he’s younger brothers were elected to principal offices of the PDP , one Austin Umahi as the Southeast Zonal Chairman of the PDP and another Mr. Maxwell Umahi as the deputy state Chairman of the PDP .

As democrats we concede Chief Umahi’s rights to join any political association of his choice, However as Federal Lawmakers , we are not unaware of the supreme court descion that candidates are products of their political parties. What it means is that political office holders are not at liberty to migrate from one political platform to another ,especially when there is no division in their party .

We wish to use this opportunity to thank the leadership of our great party, the PDP for their prompt action in dissolving the wards , local Government , State and Zonal structures of the party in Ebonyi state and the announcement of state caretaker team . We also wish to the teaming memebers and supporters in our various constituencies who have remained undaunted to be committed to their membership of the PDP we also wish to thank tu3 Southeast caucus and indeed the entire PDP family of the National Assembly, we thank you all and may God bless Ebonyi state and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.



https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/11/18/breaking-ebonyi-pdp-senatorsreps-disown-umahi-reminds-him-of-court-action/

Some Nigerians like to cry foul and it's one of the reasons why the Government wants to regulate social media.

No1 is I am 101% sure that AMAC would have served them demolition notices or even quit notice before now.

No2 Lands in Abuja have already have the design of buildings which you must adhere to. But Nigerians don't like to obey the rules and when the Government clamps they begin to cry for needless sympathy.

No3 ; They were not even trying to demolish the building the space down was emarked as a parking space.

From Kenneth Udeh, Abuja

As the December 18, 2020, local government election draws near, the Abia State Government and the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC), have been warned by the South East National and State Assembly Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that the state may witness another wave of #ENDSARS protest if the election is not credible.

The caucus also urged the State Government and the Chairman of ABSIEC, Prof Mkpa Agu Mkpa to uphold the tenets of democracy in the conduct of the local government polls, raising concerns that anything short of credible polls in the state might set the recipe for a resurgence of violent protests in the state.

The legislators implored the State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, to emulate President Muhammadu Buhari who kept his word towards ensuring a free, fair and peaceful election in Edo State.
They further emphasised that although the ruling party lost the election, the result was accepted and it was adjudged peaceful and credible.

Rising from a crucial meeting in Abuja, the parley which had the presence of the Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu; Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu; the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Nkeiru Onyejeocha; the Deputy Minority Leader, Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Chukwu Chijioke and Hon Emeka Okoroafor, disclosed to reporters that the APC in the state were ready and willing to participate in the election.
Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, Hon Kalu disclosed that APC members met to strategise and to also ascertain the position of the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Kalu being the leader of the party in the state if the party would be participating in the election.
“We believe that we have a leadership structure in Abia State as the election for local government for councillors and chairmanship is fast approaching. We decided that it is proper that we come and discuss with the Chief Whip to know his position, whether or not the party will be fully participating in the election,” Hon Kalu said.
Kalu also said: “It is normal for people to start electioneering campaign at the grassroots, but you needed the nod of the leader for us to hit harder and today, we have gotten that. We have deliberated on our concerns and we have also strategised on going forward.

“This is not the end of the meeting. We are going to meet severally and Abia people are going to feel our impact because the engine room of the party in the state is actually within this area and the people you are seeing here today. We going to make sure that we galvanize and network. We are going to make sure that our voice is heard in the coming election.”

On her part, Hon Onyejeocha harped on the urgent need for the state governor and ABSIEC to ensure that the polls were free and fair.
Onyejeocha further stated that the electorates were better informed, even as she said that people would not tolerate any form of electoral malpractice.
“The issue is not about trust, but very simple. The people have to elect those that will represent them and all of us have gone through elections and we know when an election is free, fair and credible. That is what the APC is saying, if the state Government wants to conduct local government elections.

“I don’t care what has been happening before. It will shock you that we have credible information that the governor said he is going to conduct a free, fair and credible election and that is why they are going through primaries.

“So, for me, it is not an issue of trust. We have to have faith in the system and show our readiness that we are going to have this election. We are pushing and also supporting them to do the right thing no matter who wins. If someone from the PDP wins, we shall support the person and if someone from the APC wins, we shall also support the person.

“We are not going to prevent them from conducting this election in previous ways. It is no longer game as usual. Things are changing and of course, you can see what had happened early this month when the youths protested. These are people that you initially took for granted that they were not going to speak out; so everyone is speaking out and I believe that the government should know that this is not a time to do things the same way and so, Abia people are believing that their leader here will push for free, fair credible election and I know that things are changing and I am sure that the government will do the needful,” Onyejeocha said.

Senator Kalu also charged the State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, to emulate President Buhari’s commitment in the conduct of Edo election, which he said, although APC being the ruling party lost the election, it was adjudged free and fair.

The Chief Whip emphasised that though the state has enjoyed peace under the Ikpeazu, the people may result to violence by dealing with electoral officers involved in malpractices.
“My advice to the state governor and professor Mpka is for them to do the right thing so that we shall continue to live in peace in our state. I am appealing to them and I would appeal to the Commissioner of Police, the Director of State Security Service and other security agencies in the state to make sure that they put adequate security in place on the 18th of December. My only appeal to the ABSIEC chairman and the Governor is to provide all the required materials so that they will be authenticated by all parties and nothing less than that will be done. They know Nigeria is not the same and it is not going to be the same.

“They saw what President Buhari did in Edo State. He allowed a free and fair election to go on and they defeated our party and we accepted the defeat. So, I want to appeal to them, if it means that I lead a peaceful march to go and appeal to the governor in the state and the Chairman of ABSIEC to do the right thing by conducting a free, fair and credible election, I will do it.

“We just want the right thing to be done. It is not a warning, it is an appeal. In five years of Governor Okezie’s tenure, the state has been peaceful and there has been no bloodshed. We should continue living in peace and it is a good example of democratic process. The beauty of democracy is that somebody must lose.

“If as a party, the APC loses, we shall congratulate them. But we must lose by due process. The materials would be an issue and I warn their electoral and returning officers to follow due process because the boys might pursue them to their houses if they don’t do the right thing or even pursue their families which we don’t want to happen. We want them to do the right thing with the cooperation of the security agencies and everybody will be satisfied,” Kalu concluded.


https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/11/14/abia-lg-polls-abia-risks-fresh-endsars-protest-if-polls-are-flawed-nass-tells-absiec/

You're crippled yet you brought not one but four children into this world, that alone is wickedness ...

Most sad is that she already passed before ooo

Speaker House of Representatives,  Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila on Tuesday paid a private visit to Chief Whip of the Senate ; Senator Orji Uzor Kalu to celebrate Mrs. Ifunanya Kalu who clocked a year older on Monday,26th October . 



Gbajabiamila was received by Kalu and his wife,  Ifunanya at exactly 5 PM  in their Abuja residence.  


It will be recalled that Mrs Kalu was celebrated by notable Nigerians and received tons of ecomiums from family, friends, business and political associates who converged at her Abuja residence to celebrate with her.


Speaker , Gbajabiamila who was in Lagos during the celebration was the only principal officer in National Assembly that was not present in the event .


 President of the Nigerian Senate ; Senator Ahmed Lawan had during the event  described  Mrs Kalu  as "shining example" to many women.




Senator Lawan  graced the event alongside the deputy President of the Senate  ; Senator Ovie Omo Agege . The Senate President extolled the roles played by Mrs. Ifunanya in the life of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu . He pointed out how supportive she was during the six months incarceration of Senator Kalu at the Kuje correctional custodial centre.



 Mrs Kalu's birthday celebration was preceded by a Holy Mass celebration held at the private Catholic chapel at the Aso-Villa residence of the Kalus , where they were joined by immediate family members and friends. The mass was officiated by Rev Fr Mike Okonkwo and Fr Francis Mario at Kalu’s Catholic Private Chapel .


The birthday reception which was expected to be a low key celebration  attracted the attendance of various dignitaries drawn from the business and political sector.


They include; the leadership of the upper and lower legislative arms led by Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan; also among the dignitaries was the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege; the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Honourable Ahmed Idris Wase and the Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi.


Also present were a former Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and immediate past Governor of Imo State, Rt Honourable Emeka Ihedioha; former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama and his wife, Sulola; the Minister of Power, Mamman Saleh; the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige; the Minister of State, Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.

The roll call also included  serving and former senators and Members  of the House of Representatives. Amongst them were the Deputy Senate Leader, Ajayi Borrofice, Rochas Okorocha, Sam Egwu, Chukwuka Utazi, Akon Eyakenyi, Elisha Abbo, Peter Nwaoboshi, Chimaroke Nnnamani, Michael Nnachi, Umar Sadiq, Chris Adighije, Lee Maeba, Uche Ekwumife, Nkechi Nwaogu, and Hon. Benjamin Kalu among others.

https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/11/03/breaking-rep-speaker-gbajabiamila-visits-orji-kalu-celebrates-wifes-birthday-2/

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