*UPTH CEASED DEAD BODY OF A 9YEAR OLD BOY FOR MORE THAN ONE YEAR OVER UNPAID 50K DEBT.*

Mrs Chiaka a single mother, and the mother of 9year old Late Master Praise Chiaka has cried out calling on the management of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, UPTH to release the dead body of her son for burial. Speaking to newsmen in Port Harcourt on Friday 29th December, 2023, the grieved woman said her son, late Praise died in August 20, 2022 in UPTH and was taken to the UPTH mortuary, the hospital has refused to release the remains of her son to her over 50k unpaid bed fee.
Mrs Chiaka said she has written to the hospital management pleading for a waiver as she can't afford N50,000 to pay but no response, according to her she spent alot on her son's health but the boy couldn't survive.
She also claimed to have been denied access to see her late son in the mortuary.
UPTH is yet to respond to this claim by Mrs Chiaka.
Orinews will keep you updated.

UNIVERSITY DON SUPPORTS THE CORONATION OF EZE OMENI OHA IN OMUDIOGA COMMUNITY.

The celebration of the 2023 boxing day in Omudioga community, Emohua Local Government of Rivers State was compounded by the Coronation of Chief(Engr) Samuel Amadi as Eze Omeni Oha 1 of Omudioga and his Immediate Induction into the Omudioga Clan Council of Chiefs and Traditional Rulers Council.

Chiefs, Owhor Holders, Stakeholders and Youths from across the 9 communities in Omudioga gathered at the compound of the celebrant for his affirmation as a Chief in the community.
Chief Godspower Igwe, Who doubles as the Chairman of Omudioga Clan Council of Chiefs and Traditional Rulers Council led other Chiefs to the epoc event while Chief(Oha) Jonathan Amadiekwe led the Owhor Holders.

Eulogizing the celebrant in his sitation was Dr. Charly Igwe, a prominent son of the community who is the Bursar of the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State. Dr Igwe recounted he severely benefited from Chief Samuel Amadi and confirmed his benevolence and philanthropic gestures are beyond borders, saying the emergence of Samuel Amadi as a chief in Omudioga is long overdue.

Mr Okereke, a flourishing business man was the chairman of the occasion with the support of Chief Bestman Okachukwu, a philanthropist and a senior civil servant.

The Acting Chairman, CDC/Ogbakor Omudioga, Mr Humphrey Ndalu and his executives where present at the event.

LADY FUBARA ADVISES PARENTS TO PROMOTE LOVE IN THEIR HOMES

Wife of Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Fubara has advised parents to devote more time to inculcate the right attitude in their children in appreciation to God who has entrusted them in their care.

Lady Fubara gave the advice when she visited University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital and Rivers State University Teaching Hospital all in Port Harcourt to felicitate with babies born on Christmas day in these Hospitals on Monday.

The governor's wife who shared gifts to the babies born on Christmas day and other children in the wards visited, thanked God for the safe delivery of the children and congratulated their parents and the hospitals.

"My message to all mothers is to appreciate that, God has laid a lot of things in the hands of women and God expects us to manage our homes in love and unity" she said, noting that training our children with the fear of the Lord is an obligation.

"Just as it is saddled on the husbands to provide for the family, it is also the woman's duty to support her husband to build the family in love and in unity."

Speaking further, Lady Fubara said that Christmas is a very important event in christendom and urged Christians to emulate the life of Christ in all ramifications.

"Christmas is the time that we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. So, as Christians, it is very important for us to also show what it means to be a Christian, you have to behave Christlike."

Parents of the babies born at the Rivers State University Teaching, Mr and Mrs Akaningene Okechukwu Edah and the mother of the one born at University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Mrs Lilian Ifezue expressed gratitude to the wife of Governor Fubara for coming to share in their joy and blessing their babies with gifts.

Afro beat start, Davido arrived Port Harcourt last night for the Plugged festival concert.
Before heading to the venue of the event, Davido and his team paid a Courtesy call to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike at his country home, Rumuepirikom, Port Harcourt.
Davido also visited Governor Sim Fubara at the state Government House Last night.

NOTICE OF VACANCIES IN THE RIVERS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY UNDER SECTION 109(1)(G) AND (2) OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA 1999 (AS AMENDED) AND REQUEST FOR CONDUCT OF FRESH ELECTIONS IN THE 25 STATE CONSTITUENCIES IN THE RIVERS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY

I write to formally bring to your notice vacancies in the seats of the under-listed constituencies and membership under Section 109(1)(g)of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

The under-listed members who represented the respective Constituencies indicated against their names jointly and severally decamped from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under whose platform they were elected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the day 11th of December 2023, As a result, by Section 109 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and by Resolution of the House at the 90th Legislative Sitting of the Rivers State House of Assembly held on
Wednesday. 13th day of December 2023, their seats were declared vacant.

Consequently, I write on behalf of the Rivers State House of Assembly to kindly request for a by-election to be conducted to fill the vacant seats in the
Rivers State House of Assembly.

Signed:
Rt Hon (Barr) Ehie Edison Esq, DSSRS
Speaker 10th Rivers State House of Assembly.

Orinews

Rivers State, like many other states in Nigeria, needs to prosper. The state has been plagued by continuous infighting which has led to a bad reputation and a lack of investment, subsequently leading to more unemployment. It is time for a change, and that change must come from within.

Lining up behind gladiators is not a feasible long-term solution. The people of Rivers State need to have the power to choose their own leadership. This can only be achieved if we make personal sacrifices and put the interest of Rivers State first.

The Governor, Deputy, and all House of Assembly members should resign, and a new election should be held. This may seem drastic, but it is necessary to resolve the governance crisis in the state. The new election will give the people of Rivers State the opportunity to choose their leaders and start a new era in the state.

This action will save Rivers State from the heavy economic, political, and social distrust that it is already suffering. It is time to develop a new culture of trusted leadership where leaders keep their promises, are trustworthy, and truly love the people. They must also have the courage to develop the state.

Whoever wants to govern Rivers State must always place the interest of the state first in all dealings and agreements. As Christians, we are mandated to honor all vows, even if it hurts us. Therefore, we must never enter into agreements that are detrimental to the interest of Rivers State.

Leaders must show gratitude to all who helped them because ingratitude is a great sin. They must stand on the foundation of trust, love for the people, righteousness, and keeping their promises. These are the qualities that we need in our leaders to build a prosperous Rivers State.

All Rivers people must put God first if we hope to build a prosperous Rivers State. We must pray for our leaders and hold them accountable. We must also work together to build a better state for ourselves and future generations.

In conclusion, Rivers State needs to prosper, and the path to prosperity lies in the hands of the people. We need to invoke the doctrine of necessity and hold a new election to choose our leaders. We need leaders who are trustworthy, love the people, and are courageous enough to develop the state. We must also put God first and work together to build a prosperous Rivers State.

https://www.facebook.com/justice.ori.9

Two wrongs can't make a right.
Joining her to do what you think is wrong won't help matters. Do your work and avoid open confrontation because she may use it to do more harm.

"It was wrong for Sim Fubara to shade Wike Publicly"
~ Reno Omokiri tackles Rivers State Governor.

Reno said 'I am not sure Fubara was wise to shade Wike publicly. No matter what has happened between them, he still got to where he is because God used Wike to lift him. It is spiritually and morally wrong for anyone to hurl invective, whether apparently or subliminally( at your benefactor. Wike may be overbearing, but at least his bullish personality got you where you are. It shows crass, not class.

This would hardly happen amongst the Yoruba. And look at where they are today. Godfatherism is bad. But when you go into a royal marriage, you don't expect a usual marriage.

Ogun and Lagos states have a larger budget than many African countries. Yet, their Governors were and are still loyal to their godfather. Harry S Truman was made US President by his godfather, Robert E. Hannegan. It happens. If we are to be honest, how is godfatherism different from mentorship? You can manage such relationships and not let it damage your Government.

Kogi, Lagos, and Rivers are the most expensive states in Nigeria, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

NBS’s November latest Consumer Price Index disclosed that the All-Items Inflation rate is the highest in the three states.

Accordingly, the report stated that
Kogi (33.28 per cent), Lagos (32.30 per cent), and
Rivers (32.25 per cent).
States recorded the prices on a year-on-year basis.

Meanwhile, Borno (22.47 per cent), Katsina (24.91 per cent), and Plateau (25.53 per cent) recorded the slowest rise in Headline inflation on a Year-on-Year basis.

On a month-on-month basis, however, November 2023 recorded the highest increases in Kano (3.55 per cent), Kebbi (3.34 per cent), Borno (3.24 per cent), while Taraba (0.74 per cent), Anambra (1.00 per cent) and Enugu (1.18 per cent) recorded the slowest rise in Month-on-Month inflation.

Narrowing the analysis to food inflation in November 2023, on a Year-on-Year basis, Kogi was highest (41.29 per cent), Kwara (40.72 per cent) and Rivers (40.22 per cent), while Bauchi (26.14 per cent), Borno (27.34 per cent) and Jigawa
(27.63 per cent) recorded the slowest rise in food inflation on a Year-on-Year basis.

On a Month-on-Month basis, however, in November 2023, food inflation was highest in Cross River (4.37 per cent), Edo (3.95 per cent) and Rivers (3.91 per cent), while Anambra (0.63 per cent), Oyo (0.91 per cent) and Bauchi (1.00 per cent) recorded the slowest rise in inflation on a Month-on-Month basis.

The University of Port Harcourt has released more outstanding degree results. 461 degree results from the College of Health Sciences and Faculties of the University were released on Thursday 14th December, 2023.

The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Owunari Georgewill posted this on his verified LinkedIn page referring to it as goodnews for the University, students and their parents and guidance.

https://www.facebook.com/justice.ori.9

The University of Port Harcourt has released more outstanding degree results. 461 degree results from the College of Health Sciences and Faculties of the University were released on Thursday 14th December, 2023.

The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Owunari Georgewill posted this on his verified LinkedIn page referring to it as goodnews for the University, students and their parents and guidance.

https://www.facebook.com/justice.ori.9

A Faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly Lawmakers Led by Martins Amaewhule Held Separate Plenary Session Today, Frowns At The Demolition Of The State House Of Assembly Complex By Governor Sim Fubara.

They also passed the State Assembly Autonomy Bill into law.

https://www.facebook.com/justice.ori.9

A former Niger Delta militant leader, ASARI DOKUBO has alleged that the President BOLA TINUBU-led federal government is the worst ever.

ASARI, in a viral video clip on Wednesday, said some Niger Delta people, particularly the Ijaw ethnic group, are already angry with the present government.

The former militant, who was a staunch supporter of TINUBU and the All-Progressives Congress, APC during the electioneering season, lamented that he earlier assured the Ijaw people that the government would perform well.

He, however, alleged that the present situation has indicated that the TINUBU administration is a nightmare for the Ijaw people.

ASARI opined that the political crisis rocking the Rivers State is serving as a litmus test for President TINUBU’S administration.

Why President Tinubu Prioritizes Senior Citizens Rights In Renewed Hope Agenda- Betta Edu

Nigeria's Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, has reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's determination to accord dignity to senior citizens by giving them a new lease of life inline with the Renewed Hope Mandate.

Speaking Tuesday at the National Senior Citizen Centre's, (NSCC) maiden Programme and Services Fair in Abuja, the Minister said Seniors Citizens are adequately factored in all the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.

According to her, "the federal government is mainstreaming older persons into social protection programs, Health and Social Care; building senior centres to promote social connections and care among older persons, encouraging recreation and intergenerational cross learning"

The Minister disclosed that her Ministry was working in tandem with its mandate to support NSCC to evolve Multi-purpose Cooperatives to cascade the indigenous ventures and auxiliary productive activities of older persons within communities to expand the inclusion of more numbers and ensure access to micro-loan schemes and markets.

"The Ministry is also working in the area of its mandate to ensure older persons receive social support, peculiar to their age-specific challenges – notably the mitigation of absolute poverty among very poor and vulnerable older persons through the Grant for senior citizens. Dr. Edu added.

She described the fair as an innovative effort by NSCC to promote the needed awareness and understanding of its mandate, its strategic approach to delivering outcomes for the different target sub-populations of older persons, with their peculiar challenges and to exploit the economic growth opportunities they present.

Dr Edu applauded the Centre's initiative to set aside a day for the viewing of its programs and services, which, she said, it has not only developed through processes and mechanisms that enable older persons and stakeholders’ participation in the conduct of national needs assessments but also in the program conceptualization, designs and the pilot and the monitoring and evaluation phases.

"I believe this FAIR will promote positive attitudes about ageing and older persons, and encourage increasing policy shift towards equity and more inclusion of older people in all sector programs" the Private sector need to come into the space to support the various initiatives” she maintained.

Earlier in her address, the Director-General of the Centre, Dr. Emem Omokaro said the fair was geared towards sharing NSCC’s innovative and transformative actions aimed at improving quality of life and wellbeing for older persons.

Omokaro said the centre is also to make the human rights and business as well as economic growth case for equity and inclusion of older persons in sustainable development through the Centre's exhibitions.

Enumerating the challenges facing senior citizens in Nigeria, Dr. Omokaro stated:"Older persons’ right to equality, dignity non-discrimination, lack of income Security, Psychosocial wellbeing, lack of appropriate healthcare, independence, participation etc are majorly affected by ageism - negative stereotypes, prejudices and discrimination of older persons on the bases of age.

"Also, the overarching pessimistic message of ageing is that older persons are non-contributing rail members of society and economic burden. Other challenges are exacerbated by ageism leading to exclusion and heightened vulnerabilities"

The DG further lamented that older persons experience discrimination in social protection systems and humanitarian emergency mechanisms which manifest respectively in inadequate pension benefits, lack of access to affordable healthcare, limited social assistance, and right assistance and support for those in need.

Highpoint of the event attended by the UN representative, and other development partners was the launch of "Older Persons Indegenous Craft and Skills Empowerment Programme for Sustainable Community Development in Nigeria" by the Minister, Dr Betta Edu.

Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair (ANIPR),
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Honourable Minister, FMHAPA.
12/12/2023

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPROVES LEADERSHIP CHANGES IN THE AVIATION AND AEROSPACE DEVELOPMENT SECTOR

In line with his determination to bring world class standards to Nigerian Civil Aviation in consumer protection and the promotion of the wellbeing of Nigerian passengers and other sectoral stakeholders, President Bola Tinubu has approved the suspension, removal, and replacement of the following Chief Executive Officers under the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development:

(1) Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr. Kabir Yusuf Mohammed has been removed from office and replaced with Mrs. Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku as the substantive Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.

(2) Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Mr. Tayib Adetunji Odunowo has been removed from office and replaced with Engr. Umar Ahmed Farouk as the substantive Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.

(3) Director-General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Engr. Akinola Olateru has been removed from office and replaced with Mr. Alex Badeh Jr. as the substantive Director-General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau.

(4) Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu has been removed from office and replaced with Prof. Charles Anosike as the substantive Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.

(5) Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Capt. Alkali Mahmud Modibbo has been removed from office and replaced with Mr. Joseph Shaka Imalighwe as the Acting Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), pending the appointment of a substantive Rector, in accordance with Section 13(2) of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology Act, 2022.

(6) Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Musa Shuaibu Nuhu has been suspended from office to enable the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct an unfettered investigation into the activities of the suspended Director-General and other senior officials in the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority. Capt. Chris Najomo assumes office as the Acting Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority immediately.

Furthermore, President Bola Tinubu approves the commencement of a diligent process to be conducted by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development to recruit a substantive Vice-Chancellor and other principal officers of the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU).

The President anticipates that the new leadership across this critical sector will uphold the safety, convenience, and comfort of the Nigerian people as primary and sacrosanct in all of their administrative activities. Due to the high cost of underperformance in the sector, the President demands the immediate establishment of world-class policy design, implementation, and regulatory frameworks to reposition the sector in alignment with his Renewed Hope Agenda.

All of the above-mentioned directives of the President take immediate effect.


Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

December 13, 2023

RIVERS STATE 2024 BUDGET STATEMENT:
PRESENTED TO THE RIVERS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY.

BY HIS EXCELLENCY SIR SIMINALAYI FUBARA GSSRS,GOVERNOR, RIVERS STATE,
(13TH DECEMBER 2024).

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members, distinguished guests, ladies, and gentlemen.

2.It is my pleasure to be before this hallowed chamber today to present our state’s budget estimates of Revenues and Expenditures for the fiscal year 2024.

3.Before I proceed with my presentation, I wish to, again, thank God for the special opportunity to serve our people as their elected Governor.

4.We thank our dear President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his special interest in the peace and progress of Rivers State and the bold steps he has taken to revamp the nation’s economy and sustainable development across the country.

5.We are also grateful to the good people of Rivers State and the progressive members of the State House of Assembly for your continuing support and prayer for the success of our administration.

6.We assure you that we will never take your trust and confidence for granted. We will remain faithful to our oath of office and do the best we can to advance the aspirations of our people for good governance, peace, security, and inclusive development.

7.Our spirit is high; our determination is forever strong as we remain focused on delivering on our mandate in an honest, accountable, just, and fair manner to all parts of the State and all segments of society.

8.Under our watch, no part of the State will be neglected in our development agenda; no one will be left behind in the distribution of resources and opportunities.

9.We reaffirm our commitment to working closely with the State House of Assembly to fulfil all our promises and take Rivers State to greater heights of peace, progress, and prosperity.

10. Mr Speaker, recall that we launched the construction of the Port Harcourt Dual Carriage Ring Road as a flagship project to accelerate the socio-economic development of our State. Julius Berger has since mobilized to the site and work on this multi-billion-naira project has begun.

11. In line with our consolidation mantra, we have in the last six months, completed many of the uncompleted projects we inherited from the immediate past administration, including roads, hospitals, and schools, while those not yet completed, have reached advanced stages of completion.

12. Some of the completed roads include Oyigbo – Okoloma Road, Alode – Onne Road, Botem-Gbene-Ue-Hiro Road, Mgbodahia internal roads, Ogbo-Uhugbogo-Udiemude Road, Omoku-Aligwu-Krigene road, Eneka internal roads, Ogbakiri internal roads, and Omagwa internal roads.

13. Other roads, which construction is proceeding very well include Ahoada-Omoku dualization, Emohua-Tema junction dualization, Umuakali – Eberi road, Alode-Ebubu-Eteo junction road, Egbu-Ehuda internal roads, Elelenwo internal roads, Rumuepirikom internal roads, phase 2, Bori city internal roads, the Ngo section of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo unity road, and the Opobo ring road and electrification projects.

14. On education, we have delivered Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borokiri, Government Secondary School, Eneka, Government Secondary School, Emohua, Government Secondary School, Okehi, Comprehensive Secondary School, Alesa – Eleme, Government Secondary School, Ataba, and the 10,000 capacity University of Port Harcourt Auditorium. The hostel and auditorium projects at the Yenagoa campus of the Nigerian Law School are also almost completed.

15. Our commitment to healthcare delivery remains strong. Already, we have delivered the Professor Kelson Harrison Hospital, the Dental, Maxillofacial, Ear Nose Throat and Ophthalmology Hospital, and several primary healthcare centres across the state.

16. To accelerate the delivery of affordable housing, we have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with TAF Global Africa and turned the sod for the phased development of 20,000 units of houses in the State.

17.This is another signature project of our administration, which is targeted at creating new model cities within Obio/Akpor and Ikwerre Local Government Areas of the State with enormous socio-economic benefits to the State and our people.

18. On sports development, we have opened the Real Madrid Football Academy for full academic and football training activities with the admission of the first batch of students. We have also rehabilitated the indoor basket hall and pitch at Niger Street, Port Harcourt.

19.We are poised to stimulate industrialization by creating an enabling business environment to attract investors to invest in the different sectors of the State’s economy.

20.To this end, plans are underway to organize the first Rivers State Investment Summit in decades to work out an investment and industrialization road map for the State.

21.We have also approved three bills: the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency Bill, the Rivers State Youth Entrepreneurship Development Trust Fund Bill, the Rivers State Electricity Bill, and the Rivers State New Towns Development Bill, which are critical to accelerating investments, job creation, energy security, economic empowerment, and the socio-economic advancement of the State when passed into law.

22.Furthermore, we have concluded arrangements to launch the N4,000,000,000.00 seed fund in partnership with the Bank of Industry to support small and medium-scale enterprises across the State at a single-digit interest rate.

23.We have also entered into a memorandum of understanding with an investor to build a modern spare parts market in the State.

24.We appreciate the relevance and importance of the civil service to the development of the State through effective implementation of government policies and programmes.

25.Consequently, our commitment is to strengthen and motivate the civil service for optimal and responsible performance through regular promotions, payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities, and the provision of a good working environment.

26.Accordingly, we are happy to report that we are up to date in the payment of salaries and pensions to our civil servants and concluded the promotion exercise for our mainstream civil servants and other staff, except those without functional governing boards, such as the secondary school teachers and health to legally conduct the exercise, will be done as soon as we constitute the governing boards.

27.We have restored water and installed new lifts at the State’s Secretariat complex to improve sanitation and ease access to the higher floors of the complex.

28.Since we came on board, we have spent over 6 billion naira to pay the gratuities backlog to retired civil servants. Again, our commitment is to ensure that we clear all areas of gratuities owed to civils by previous administrations.

29.Also, the recruitment exercise of 10,000 workers into the State’s civil service is almost completed and successful candidates will receive their engagement letters as soon as the report from the State’s Civil Service Commission is ratified by the State Executive Council.

30.Finally, we have worked with security agencies, local governments, and community leaders to keep our State peaceful, safe, and secure. This is an achievement we will continue to further improve and sustain throughout the yuletide and beyond.

31.Mr Speaker, I have highlighted some of our achievements in policies and projects as a relatively young administration implementing a budget and programmes we inherited from the immediate past administration.

32.As we government, we are satisfied with the modest mileage we have gained in implementing our blueprint despite the prevailing economic hardship and the political challenges and distractions we faced since the inception of our government.

33.Nevertheless, we can assure our people that the tempo of governance and delivery of services in our priority areas of investments and economic growth, infrastructure delivery and job creation, education, healthcare and human capital development, agriculture, and food security will gain traction and accelerate with speed and vigour in the new year.




2023 BUDGET PERFORMANCE REVIEW

34.Mr Speaker, a total revenue of 755,666,987.238 was projected for the 2023 fiscal year. This sum included a supplementary estimate of 200,000,000,000.00, which we accessed for the exclusive purpose of funding the construction of the Port Harcourt Ring Road project.

35.The breakdown of the 2023 budget was as follows:

(i) Recurrent Expenditure:N175,249,692,201.00
(ii) Capital Expenditure:N380,417,395,037.00
(iii) Supplementary capital estimates:N200,000,000,000.00
Total:N755,666,987.238.00

36.As of October 2023, the total actual receipts from all sources, was approximately 66% performance on the revenue side.

37.There were encouraging improvements in internally generated revenue receipts as against the projections for the year, while the performance of recurrent expenditure was 100%.

THE 2024 BUDGET ASSUMPTIONS

38.Mr Speaker, Honourable Members, the 2024 budget, christened Budget of Promise is based on the following assumptions:

(i) oil price benchmark of $70 per barrel;

(ii) oil production rate of 1.5 million barrels per day; and

(iii) exchange rate of #750/US as projected by the Federal Government.


THE 2024 BUDGET SIZE
39.The total projected revenue for Rivers State for the 2024 Fiscal Year is N800, 392,485,433.01 billion. This is constituted as follows:

(i) Recurrent Expenditure:=361,598,242,570.85
(ii) Capital Expenditure=410,266,485,090.64
(iii) Total:=800,392,485,433.01

FINANCING THE 2024 BUDGET
40. The financial sources of the 2024 budget are as follows:

1. Internally Generated Revenue - 231,057,836,945.00

2. Statutory Allocation - 68, 458,610.00

3. Mineral funds - 145, 526,581,463.00

4. Value Added Tax - 55, 650,000,000.00

5. Refunds Escrow, Paris/ECA - 1, 200,000,000.00

6. Refunds from bank charges - 1, 500,000,000.00

7. Excess Crude Account - 1, 700,000,000.00

8. Exchange rate gain - 1, 200,000,000.00

9. Forex equalization - 3, 000,000,000.00

10. Other FAAC - 5, 000,000,000.00

11. Asset sales - 20, 000,000,000.00

12. Capital receipts - 9, 879,557,210.00

13. Proposed internal/external grants - 24, 570,000,000.00

14. International Credits - 2, 000,000,000.00

15. Bonds - 237, 000,000,000.00

16. Internal loans - 235, 000,000,000.00

17. Prior year Balance - 6, 934,784,872.01

TOTAL = 800, 392,485,433.01

RECURRENT EXPENDITURE

41.The Recurrent Expenditure is projected to be spent as follows:

1. Personnel Emolument - 99, 588,939,939.39

2. New Recruitments - 28, 924,562,980.61

3. Overhead costs - 18, 871,623,339.00

4. Grants,contributions & subsidies - 7,908,000,000.00

5. Counterpart pension scheme - 15,000,000,000.00

6. Gratuities/Death Benefits - 77,850,000,000.00

7. Monthly pensions - 30,240,000,000.00

8. Domestic loans interest - 32,420,734,367.60

9. Foreign loan interest - 536,709,798.04

10. Domestic loan, principal repayment- 26,018,966,086.70

11. Foreign loan, principal repayment - 5,081,731,374.51

12. FAAC Deductions- 12,865,723,913.00

13. COT/Charges/General Admin - 5,000,000,000.00

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE

42.The capital allocation of 410,266,485,090.64 represents about 51 per cent of the total budget projections for the fiscal year 2024.

SECTORAL ALLOCATION OF THE CAPITAL BUDGET

43.The sectoral allocation of the capital budget is as follows:

1. Governance - 161,742,835,256.27

2. Information & Communication - 2,234,273,168.00

3.Public Administration - 13,852,493,641.59

4.Finance and Planning - 7,779,818,293.13

5. Agriculture - 20,311,574,254.53

6. Infrastructure - 128,003,540,952.66

7. Commerce and Investment - 1,787,418,534,40

8. Culture and Tourism - 1,381,187..049.31

9. Education - 40,426,441,994.74

10. Health - 30,555.506,748.20

11. Social Development - 10,155,787,127.27

12. Environment & Sustainable Development - 8,449,614,889.89

13.Judiciary - N 5,646,617,642.76

The 2024 Budget Policy and Objectives

44.Hon. Speaker, the overall policy objectives of the 2024 budget are to promote economic development in the State through inclusive growth, the provision of critical infrastructure to support economic, business, and social activities, and the creation of an enabling environment for private sector-led industrialization, job creation and poverty reduction.

45.We will strive to address the challenges of socio-economic inequalities by ensuring improved access to quality and affordable education, healthcare, water, electricity, housing, social investments, gender empowerment and social inclusion.

46.This accounts for the reasonably high allocations in the 2024 capital budget to infrastructure, education, healthcare, social development, environment, sustainable development and agriculture.

47.With these funds, we will build more road networks to interconnect the State, rehabilitate, equip, train and staff all dilapidated primary and secondary schools, build technical and vocational education centres, and allocate more funds to our tertiary schools to improve the quality of teaching, learning and research.

48.We will also rehabilitate, equip and staff dilapidated primary healthcare facilities, restore, equip, and staff all our general hospitals, complete, equip and staff all five zonal hospitals, implement socially beneficial healthcare schemes, and introduce social investment schemes to fight poverty, social exclusion, and gender discrimination.

49.Given the importance of the judiciary in the advancement of the rule of law, economic growth, and social accountability, we have also improved the allocation for the funding of the judiciary, law, and justice sectors in this budget to achieve effective and speedy dispensation of justice in the State.

50.We will ensure that accessed local and international credits are used only for capital projects that would benefit economic growth, give attention to the completion of ongoing projects before embarking on new ones, and grow the economy through targeted investments in areas of comparative economic advantage, including commercial agriculture, electricity generation, renewable energy, oil and gas, housing, and sports development.

51.We will also provide our young people with the skills and tools they need to succeed in the 21st-century economy and to ensure that education and healthcare are accessible to all regardless of background and means.

Conclusion
52.Mr Speaker, Honourable Members, thank you again for your patriotism and dedication to the service and advancement of the State.

53.The budget we have put forward reflects our commitment to responsible financial management and our dedication to the progress of our State and the well-being of our people.

54.Our priorities are clear: to secure our State, foster sustainable economic growth, create opportunities for all, invest in the future, and ensure our collective prosperity.

55.As we all know, the security and well-being of the people are the reason we are in government. The budgeting process is fundamental to the realization of this fundamental objective of state policy.

56.We recognize the challenges we face as a State and the pointless efforts to frustrate and sabotage our government even before we get started. As you know desperate situations call for desperate measures. I assure you of our determination to weather the raging storm strategically and responsibly.

57.Mr Speaker, I, therefore, commend this budget to the House of Assembly for your consideration and speedy passage.

58.Thank you for your kind attention. God bless you all; God bless Rivers State.

The Rivers state APC Caretaker Chairman, Tony Okocha on Tuesday described the court order restraining Martin Amaewule faction of the Rivers state Assembly from siting by Justice Monima Danagogo as fragrant abuse of court process.

The CTC chairman made this known while speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt on the recent development, stating that the party will not take any intimidation of its members as the new lawmakers defected to the party.

He blasted the judgement referring to it as “a jankara judgement” accusing the judge of bias and threatening to report the judge to the NJC.

“You are witnesses to the return of the era of jankara judgement in Rivers state…the said Justice Danagogo is the younger brother of Chief Tammy Danagogo who currently serves as Chief of Staff to the Governor”.

He further said “we know this is a ploy to allow the Governor present the budget to the 4 lawmakers and we will not sit and allow this happen

Okocha threatened that the party will petition the judge to the NJC if he didn’t retrace his step and called on the state governor to stop hearting up the politics.

FG completes a sample of one & two bedroom houses. To Build 1Million Shleters For very poor, IDPs & refugees Across Nigeria As Humanitarian Minister Inpects houses.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu has announced the federal government readiness to build renewed hope low-cost shelters for the very poor, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees across Nigeria.

This special project, according to the minister, was in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's commitment to providing dignified shelters for the poor, internally displaced persons and refugees in the country. This is one of the ways of addressing multidimensional poverty in the country.

The Minister made this known during an inspection of prototype shelters of two sample houses (one bedroom & two bedrooms) at Idu village.

She opined that both samples were built by the local people in that community for themselves, using local materials in ten days and very cost effective,this will be applicable across Nigeria.

She said the government wants to achieve the project in a record time because lots of IDPs exist in different parts of Nigeria, and they need a befitting shelter they can call their homes. Recently, IDP camp was burnt down in Borno state. Benue had millions without shelter due to the farmers-Herders clash.

Dr. Edu said
"what is also interesting about the project is the fact that we want to introduce the solar energy to it so that the shelters are not dependent on the National Grid, but they can use the solar energy to provide at least the basics such as bulb light, electricity for charging their phones and do their basic things with in the locality".

The Minister further stated that Mr. President directed that the shelters be built by the local community to provide them with skills and economic empowerment, as well as the dignity of owning their houses which the built by themselves under strict supervision by professionals

" The project is not a contract or to be built by a contractor.The local community will be given the dignity of building the house they will live in. They will see it as their project, they will own it, and they will not vandalise or destroy it. "
"To ensure quality control, the construction of the houses will be supervised by professional architects, engineers and support from the Federal Ministry of Works"

Dr. Edu said that the shelters will be built in Benue, Borno, Zamfara, Yobe,Cross River,Ebonyi Lagos Adamawa Bayelsa, and other states that have large numbers of IDPs, Refugees and extremely poor Nigerians.
According to her, the ground braking ceremony of the houses was done in Benue State, where the building of forty shelters was flagged off.

She also disclosed that ground clearing has been concluded in the 10 hectares of land in Benue while blocks mounding and preliminary work like digging is ongoing.

Rhoda Ishaku Iliya
Deputy Director Information,FMHAPA
11/12/2023

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NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE MANAGEMENT APPROVES THE PROMOTION OF 357 JUNIOR OFFICERS

1. The Management of the Nigeria Customs Service has approved the
promotion of 357 Men of the service from the ranks of Customs Assistant I (CAI)
to Inspector of Customs (IC). This significant decision was ratified during the 7
th
Management meeting of 2023, chaired by the Comptroller General of Customs
Bashir Adeniyi MFR, on December 1, 2023.

2. The comprehensive promotion list encompasses both the General Duty (GD) and Support Staff (SS) personnel who excelled in the 2023 promotion
exercise. The breakdown of promoted officers is as follows: AIC to IC (246) GD,
AIC to IC (37) SS, CAI to AIC (39) GD, CAI to AIC (27) SS, CAII to CAI (7)
SS, CAIII to CAII (1) GD.

3. This strategic advancement mirrors the visionary leadership of the
Comptroller-General, emphasising motivation, recognising excellence, and
rewarding diligence within the service.

4. In extending his heartfelt congratulations, the Comptroller-General urges
the newly promoted Men to redouble their efforts in fulfilling the service
service’s core mandates of Revenue Generation, Suppression of Smuggling, and
Trade Facilitation.

ABDULLAHI MAIWADA
Chief Superintendent of Customs
National Public Relations Officer
for: Comptroller General of Customs
December 9 2023.

Shiloh: I became minister after Oyedepo laid hands on me – Betta Edu

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, has recounted how the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, prayed for her to become a minister in the country.

Edu said that Oyedepo prayed for her after she expressed ambition to become a minister at the church’s annual programme, Shiloh, in 2022.

“Last year at Shiloh 2022, I prayed and told God that by the next time I come for the next year’s Shiloh, I want to be a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“On the last day of Shiloh, just as I was walking out, I saw Papa, Bishop David Oyedepo, and I went to greet him and meet him as usual and I whispered to him, ‘Papa, I need you to pray for me.

“I have just one prayer request now’. And he said, ‘What is it?’ I said, ‘I want to come back to Shiloh 2023 as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’. He put his hand on my head and he said, ‘It is done’. I stood up and I left.

“I came today to return all glory to God that inspite of all odds, today I’m a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. One of the youngest in the Fourth Republic.

“People my age, are not at the Federal Executive Council of Nigeria in this Fourth Republic. But today, I can boldly stand here to say, ‘God did it’. I came to return all glory to God.”

The Senate screened and confirmed Edu as one of the ministers in early August. Prior to her nomination, she held the position of National Women Leader for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), making her one of the youngest ministers in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet at 37 years old.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/12/shiloh-i-became-minister-after-bishop-oyedepo-laid-hands-on-me-betta-edu/amp/

WIKE FLAGS OFF REHABILITATION OF ROADS IN ASOKORO DISTRICT, ABUJA

~ JUSTICE ORI.

...SPEAKS ON COMPLETION OF VICE PRESIDENT’S RESIDENCE.

1. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has flagged off the resurfacing and rehabilitation of existing roads in the Asokoro District of the FCT.

2. Conducting the flag-off exercise at the AYA round-about in Abuja on Thursday, December 7, 2023, the Minister disclosed that the rehabilitation project was part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

3. He added that the President has given a marching order to the FCT Administration to do everything humanly possible to ensure that the city of Abuja becomes what it should be, stressing that the President is committed to the welfare and upliftment of the lives of residents of the FCT.

4. Barrister Wike also disclosed that the FCT Administration will soon flag off the resurfacing of roads in Maitama and Wuse Districts of the FCT and assured that the projects would be completed before May 29, 2024 during the first year anniversary of Mr President in office.

5. The FCT Minister who noted that the FCTA has available funds from revenue generated internally and the federal allocation, to carry out the road rehabilitation exercise, also pledged his commitment to the delivery of the mandate of the President in the FCT.

6. Stressing that the FCT Administration will not be distracted by critics of government policies, the Minister insisted that the FCT Administration has taken the decision to do what is best for the generality of people as mandated by the President.

7. Speaking on the recent demonstrations against some of the policies of the FCT Administration, Barrister Wike said the administration will remain focused and courageous in taking decisions favourable to residents of the FCT.

8. He said “The policies you make, it may not favour some people, but what is important is the generality of the people, not few people who benefit at the detriment of others”.

9. Speaking on the construction of the Vice President’s residence which has been a subject of public discourse, the Minister clarified that the contract was awarded in 2010 by the Federal Government to Julius Berger, at the cost of N7 billion, adding that the project was abandoned for 13 years.

10. He said the FCT Administration, as a responsible government is duty bound to complete the project to avoid the wastage of tax payers’ money, adding that the project has duly been sent to the Bureau of Public Procurement, with the approval of the President, for the final nod of how much will be spent.

11. The Minister said, “People should not be sentimental and telling lies. We did not award that contract. All we are merely doing, because of our policy of not leaving other project to be abandoned, we felt we should continue with those projects”. He therefore called for the support of FCT residents for the policies and programmes of government.

12. Also speaking on the imperative of the road rehabilitation exercise, the Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud said FCT roads over the years have suffered the effect of time and usage, leading to portholes, uneven surfaces and general deterioration.

13. She said the rehabilitation of the roads mark a significant step towards revitalization of infrastructure and enhancing the overall quality of life of FCT residents, saying that it reflects the commitment of the FCT to safety and economic prosperity.

14. Noting that improved road surfaces mean safer journeys for commuters in the FCT as well a reduction of accidents and vehicular damages, Dr Mahmoud added that the exercise will also improve the pride and beauty of the communities in the FCT. She commended the FCT minister for the bold steps taken to carry out the rehabilitation works and called for the understanding of road users during the period of the exercise.

15. In their separate remarks, the Chairmen, Senate and House of Representatives Committees on FCT, Senator Ibrahim Bomai and Hon. Aliyu Mukhtar Betara, respectively promised to cooperate with the FCT Administration to ensure the success of all projects in the FCT.

16. On his part, the MD Arab Contractor - the construction company in charge of the project, Engr. Mohammed El-Edaros thanked the FCT Minister for his support and also assured that the project would be completed within schedule

17. Dignitaries present during the exercise include the Chairmen of Abuja Municipal and Kwali Area Councils, Christopher Maikalangu and Danladiu Chiya respectively, Chairman, FCT Council of Chiefs and the Ona of Abaji, Alhaji Adamu Yunusa, the FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola, the Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmed, Mandate Secretaries, Directors and other senior officials of the FCT Administration.

PHOTOS) by FEMI ADENIY

Forbes names Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iwela as the most powerful Woman in Africa.

Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has been ranked as the most powerful woman in Africa on Forbes.

In its 20th annual ranking released on Tuesday, Forbes showcased a diverse array of influential figures, spanning CEOs, entertainers, politicians, philanthropists, and policymakers.

According to the rankings, Ms Okonjo-Iweala, a prominent Nigerian, is positioned at 87th place in the Most Powerful Women in the world list, surpassing Mpumi Madisa, a South African businesswoman at 88th.

Joining this distinguished list are Tanzanian President, Samia Hassan at the 93rd spot and Nigerian media mogul and philanthropist, Mo Abudu at 98th.

The most powerful woman in the world for 2023 was bestowed upon Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission for impactful policy and budgetary decisions that wield significant influence, shaping the lives of 450 million people across Europe.

Christine Lagarde holds the second position as the European Central Bank President, steering Europe’s monetary policy during a period of elevated inflation.

Following closely is U.S. Vice President, Kamala Harris in third place, with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni securing the fourth spot.

Forbes names Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iwela as the most powerful woman in Africa.

Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has been ranked as the most powerful woman in Africa on Forbes.

In its 20th annual ranking released on Tuesday, Forbes showcased a diverse array of influential figures, spanning CEOs, entertainers, politicians, philanthropists, and policymakers.

According to the rankings, Ms Okonjo-Iweala, a prominent Nigerian, is positioned at 87th place in the Most Powerful Women in the world list, surpassing Mpumi Madisa, a South African businesswoman at 88th.

Joining this distinguished list are Tanzanian President, Samia Hassan at the 93rd spot and Nigerian media mogul and philanthropist, Mo Abudu at 98th.

The most powerful woman in the world for 2023 was bestowed upon Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission for impactful policy and budgetary decisions that wield significant influence, shaping the lives of 450 million people across Europe.

Christine Lagarde holds the second position as the European Central Bank President, steering Europe’s monetary policy during a period of elevated inflation.

Following closely is U.S. Vice President, Kamala Harris in third place, with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni securing the fourth spot.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the kick-off of two programmes targeted at alleviating the impact of the fuel subsidy removal – the Presidential Conditional Grant Programme and the Presidential Palliative Loan Programme. This was revealed in a recent press release issued by the Honourable Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, CFA.

In the Presidential Conditional Grant Programme, the Federal Government will disburse a grant sum of N50,000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira) to nano businesses across the 774 local government areas in the country.

The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) will collaborate with State and Local Governments, Federal Legislators, Federal Ministers, Banks and other Stakeholders.

According to the statement, eligible nano business beneficiaries should be willing to provide proof of residential/business address in their local government area, and
provide relevant personal and bank account information, including Bank Verification Number (BVN) for verification of identity.

For the Presidential Palliative Loan Programme, the Federal Government will likewise disburse N75 billion to Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) across various sectors and N75 billion specifically to Manufacturers. The loan shall be administered to the beneficiaries at a single-digit interest rate of 9% per annum.

While MSMEs can access loan facilities up to N1 million with a repayment period of three years, manufacturers can access up to N1 billion to access financing for working capital with a repayment period of 1 year for working capital or five years for the purchase of machinery and equipment.

MSMEs and manufacturers can apply for the loans by submitting their application on the portal provided for the programme. The facility would be accessed through their banks, and applicants would be required to meet the risk assessment criteria of their respective banks.

As part of its commitment to promote economic development, entrepreneurship and financial empowerment, the Federal Government believes these initiatives will encourage entrepreneurship and job creation.

WIKE SEEKS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY'S APPROVAL TO SPEND N61.6BN

The Minister of the federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, sought the approval of the National Assembly to spend N61.6 billion 2023 supplementary budget.

Wike made the appeal when he appeared before the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on FCT at the National Assembly complex in Abuja.

He said that the supplementary budget was to accommodate additional inflows comprising receipts from Paris Club Refund, Pay As You Earn (PAYE) Tax Liabilities, and Special Intervention Funds.

Other sources are Internationally Generated Revenue (IGR) and the Infrastructure Support Fund, leading to a revised budget of N641.3 billion as against the N579.7 billion earlier budgeted for 2023 financial year.

He said that the funds if approved would be channelled towards completion of priority projects in the infrastructure sector.

The minister added that the projects, if completed, would improve ease of transportation, provide gainful employment for the citizenry, and achieve positive impact on the citizens in general.

“In order to complete prioritised projects and programmes, I planned to apply a funding plan that guarantees payments to the contractors on a monthly basis, following payment of mobilisation as applicable.

“Balances thereon, are to be paid through the issuance of Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO) against the IGR of the FCT Administration.

“Unfortunately, provisions for some of the projects identified as priority are either insufficient or not provided in the FCT 2023 Statutory Appropriation,” he said.

Providing the breakdown of the supplementary budget, the minister said that N25.8 billion was from Paris Club Refund, and N14.3 billion as refund of Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System/PAYE tax liabilities.

Others are five billion naira as special intervention fund, N9,4 billion IGR and seven billion naira from infrastructure support fund, amounting to N61.6 billion.

He identified some of the priority projects, such as the resurfacing of existing roads and remedial work, phase I and II and completion of road B6, B12 and Circle Road in Abuja Central Area.

Other projects are full scope development of arterial road N20, from Northern Parkway to Outer Northern Expressway and construction of Southern Parkway from Christian Centre to Ring Road I.

The funds would also go into the rehabilitation and expansion of Outher Southern Expressway from Villa Roundabout to Osex/Ring Road I Junction, including four interchange and provision of access road to Kabusa Garden Estate.

Other projects to benefit from the supplementary budget include the completion of the Vice President residence awarded since 2010 but abandoned due to lack of funds and construction of cultural centre and millennium tower.

Also included is the rehabilitation of National Christian Centre and National Mosque and provision of mass transit buses and rehabilitation of existing and serviceable ones among others.

The minister said that the projects would be completed before May 29, 2024, and would be inaugurated among the deliverables of President Bola Tinu’s one year in office.

“I wish to crave for the committee’s kind consideration passage of the above proposal as a supplementary statutory appropriation to the 2023 Statutory Appropriation Act of the FCT passed by the National Assembly and signed by Mr President,” he pleaded.

The Chairman of the House Committee on FCT, Mr Muktar Betara, commended Wike for his passion to develop the territory.

He, however, urged the minister to reconsider the uniform fees pegged as charged for obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy.

He stressed that people living in Asokoro, Maitama, Wuse and others should not pay the same fees as those in satellite towns.

Also, the Chairman Senate Committee on FCT, Mr Ibrahim Bomai, also lauded the minister’s initiative to complete ongoing projects while other issues like security, education and health was provided for in the 2024 budget.

Ahead of Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu’s formal declaration of his governorship ambition today (Monday), Eterno Hotels in Benin City has cancelled his booking to use the hotel.

The hotel, located in the Government Reserved Area, Benin, is owned by a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state.

Shaibu was contacted by the management of the hotel that the space was no longer available for his use while his money was refunded. The hotel management was said to have told the Shaibu group that another group, ‘Obaseki finishing well group,’ had paid for the same venue.

One of Shaibu’s loyalists, said that: “We found this very preposterous that we were contacted by the hotel management that a group had paid for the same venue for a programme slated for 7 a.m. same date.

 “We know where this is coming from. Whatever their plans to frustrate our declaration will definitely fail. They are jittery over Shaibu’s declaration and popularity.”

Church Cancels Wedding after discovering that Bride to be was already Pregnant in Aba.

The Wedding between Mr Isreal Kennedy and Miss Rose scheduled to hold today Sunday 26th November 2023 at Assemblies of God Church No 15B Ikot Ekpene road Aba in Abia State was cancelled by the Church board after finding out that the bride to be was already Pregnant.

Assemblies Of God as a foremost Pentecostal Church forbids bride to be ,from getting pregnant before their Church Wedding Day.

A family member who confirmed the development to Blogger Promise Uzoma Okoro said after conducting pregnancy test on the bride to be, the church “found out that she was pregnant and announced that the wedding is hereby cancelled”

It was further gathered that both the Bride to be and the Groom to be was Subsequently Suspended in accordance with the Constitution and Byelaws of the Church.

Credit: Justice Ori

37 year old Daniel Akpeyi wants a return to the super eagles of Nigeria ahead of the Afcon in January.

He said he wants to help Nigeria solve their goalkeeping crisis.

37-Year-Old Daniel Akpeyi Wants To Takeover His Spot In Super Eagles.

“I think I’m better than yesterday. Today is better than yesterday, I will help the super eagles solve the goalkeeper crisis in the team n help them win the Afcon " Akpeyi told Super Eagles of Nigeria reporters in South Africa

"Now the competition is coming - I love it. What we need in the Super Eagles is strength plus experience. The younger ones with this will now know, they're not there for jamboree,

Guys, would you like Daniel Akpeyi to be recalled back to the super eagles of Nigeria?

Catholic Priest Remanded In Prison For Allegedly Impregnating a Teenage Girl in Anambra State.

An Awka Chief Magistrates’ Court, otherwise known as the Children, Se*ual and Gender-Based Violence Court of Anambra State, has remanded a Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Nwaigwe Stephen to the Nigerian Correctional Center, for allegedly r*ping and impregnating a teenager.

The priest was also accused of forcefully taking the pregnant minor to Benin City, Edo State, where she was delivered of her baby, but police investigation revealed that the whereabouts of the said baby is still unknown.

The offence of s*xual intercourse with a minor, is punishable under section 34(2) of the Child’s Rights Law of Anambra State, 2004.

It could be recalled that Fr. Nwaigwe was among the priests expelled by a popular Catholic Faith-Based Religious Congregation in Orlu, Imo State, known as the Two Hearts of Love Congregation” (Ugwu Nso) in 2018, for alleged misconducts inimical to the image of the order.

It was learnt that the priest had met the teenager at the St. Albert The Great Catholic Church Parish, Obosi, Anambra State, where he was invited for a religious church programme.

Meanwhile, according to the victim, while answering questions in court during remand proceedings on Monday November 20, 2023, the priest took her from her parents to live with him when she was 14 years old, promising to sponsor her education, while she equally served as the priest’s cook. She added that not long after she moved into the priest’s house, he started forcing himself s*xually on her, saying that Rev. Fr. Nwaigwe continued doing it until she became pregnant at the age of 17.

The minor further stated that when she informed the priest about her pregnancy, the priest took her from Ihiala, Anambra State, where they lived, to somewhere in Benin City, Edo State to the house of a man and woman who the priest introduced to her as his brother and brother’s wife.

“But when I gave birth to my baby at a native birth attendant’s house in Benin City, I was told that the baby d*ed and when I made efforts for them to show me the d*ad baby, they said it has been buried”.

When Court asked if she had been gang-raped before, the minor noted, “While on our way to Benin City, father told me to say that I was gang-raped. But I have never been r*ped before, except the ones he (father) did to me in his house”.

Also, during remand proceedings, the Police prosecutor informed the court that there was a probable cause to order the remand of the priest; witnesses were bound over to appear before the High Court to give evidence, whenever the case would be mentioned.

However, the defence counsel applied for bail of the defendant, urging the court to exercise his disrection of bail in favour of the defendant, while citing Sections 13(3), 71(3), 72 and 73 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) of Anambra State, 2022, as well as, Sections 35 and 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as Amended.
He also prayed the court to grant bail to the priest in most liberal terms; assuring the court that Rev. Fr. Stephen Nwaigwe would never jump bail, if granted.

But, in a vehement opposition to the bail application by the defence counsel, the police prosecutor prayed the court to refuse bail to the clergyman, stating that the case before the court was an offence against a minor who was supposedly under the spiritual guardianship of the defendant.

The prosecuting police officer emphasised that the defendant had since been suspended by the authorities of the Roman Catholic Church, noting that the claim that the defendant had serious health challenge to warrant being granted bail, was never certified by a qualified medical personnel, as required by the ACJL, 2022. According to the police prosecutor, the defendant could jump bail and leave the country without standing his trial, if granted bail.

Ruling on the bail application, the presiding Chief Magistrate, Genevieve Osakwe, stated that the case before the court was an offence punishable with life imprisonment, regretting that the offence of r*pe against minors was becoming rampant in the society.

She warned that the court would not fold its hands to watch the society decay, irrespective of whose ox is gored. The court gave numerous instances of similar offences which had appeared before it in the past, mentioning specifically, a case involving a-75 year old man who also allegedly r*ped a minor and was accordingly remanded.

In the light of the above stance and other submissions by the honourable court, on point-of-Law, the defendant, Rev. Fr. Stephen Nwaigwe was accordingly remanded in the Correctional Center, even as the court urged him to seek his bail at the High Court.

Meanwhile, the Presiding Chief Magistrate ordered the Prosecuting Police Officer to transmit the original case file to the office of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Anambra State. She therefore adjourned the case to the 6th day of December, 2023, for report of compliance.

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Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu will on Monday 27th November, 2023 officially declare his interest to run for the Edo State Governorship Seat in 2024. A statement by the Philip Shaibu campaign organization which was signed personally signed by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu invites the General public for the official declaration of interest on Monday in Edo State.

Shaibu’s ambition has put him at loggerheads with his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki, who is believed not to be disposed to his deputy taking over from him.

At the height of the face-off, Shaibu approached an Abuja High Court to stop Obaseki and the Edo State House of Assembly from impeaching him. He later withdrew the case after the intervention of well-meaning individuals.

However, Shaibu remains ostracised and currently has his office outside the Government House in the GRA in Benin.

Shaibu has been consulting and meeting with politicians and the media on his intention with the latest being his meeting with journalists in Abuja over the weekend and it was gathered that a similar meeting would be held in Lagos on Tuesday.