Stern looking security operatives on Tuesday morning took over the complex of the Ondo State House of Assembly.

With about 10 vans belonging to the men of the Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, the security operatives mounted strategic locations within and outside the Assembly.

Meanwhile, journalists who were at the complex to monitor the day’s proceedings were turned back by the security personnel.




One of the security operatives told  Inform Nigeria exclusively that the directive was given by the leadership of the house.

He added that only three journalists from government-owned medium will be allowed to cover the proceedings.

The sitting might not be unconnected with the plan to begin impeachment proceeding against the embattled deputy governor of the state, Agboola Ajayi.

https://www.inform.ng/post/impeachment-scare-as-loads-of-policemen-storm-ondo-assembly

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Rev Yakubu Pam as the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), according to a statement by Presidenial spokesman Garba Shehu. 

Born on 20th February, 1960 in Gyel, Jos South LGA of Plateau State, Rev Pam holds a first degree in Christian Education.

As an ordained Minister, Rev Pam brings to the position more than 30 years of leadership experience in the Christian community, coupled with a deep understanding of promoting inter-religious harmony and conflict resolution in the northern parts of the country.

The cleric has held many leadership positions in the Church, including Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) of Northern Nigeria (which includes the 19 Northern States and Abuja) from 2016 to date, Vice President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, 2013 to date and District Superintendent, Jos mainland Assemblies of Nigeria, 2010 to date.

He also served as Chairman, Plateau State Inter-Religious Council; and Chairman, Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Committee, Plateau State.

His appointment took effect from 26th June, 2020 for a period of five years.

President Buhari urges the Executive Secretary NCPC to sustain his reconciliatory pre-disposition in his new position.

https://www.inform.ng/post/president-buhari-appoints-rev-yakubu-pam-executive-secretary-ncpc

THE WIKE THAT I KNOW

By Paulinus Nsirim

Several comments, interpretations, narratives and theories have greeted the recent letter written by Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike of Rivers State to President Muhammadu Buhari, expressing the sincere appreciation of the Rivers State Government and people to Mr. President, for approving the sum of N78.9 billion to the state, as refund of monies expended by the State on federal projects in the state.

Most of these responses have either been mischievous, absurd, totally misleading and some even trying to conjure and configure fabulist narratives, celebrating the mystique and magical influence of the power of money on the human psyche.

But the most remarkable of these is the one written by Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity, titled: WIKE VINDICATES BUHARISTS.

To be sure, Femi Adesina's opinion on any topic immediately attracts considerable attention and commands tremendous weight, not just for the fact that he has been a seasoned journalist over the years, but indeed in recognition of his status as the Special Adviser to Mr. President Buhari on Media and Publicity; which makes him one of the recognized spokespersons of our President, whose views unequivocally represents the opinion of the Presidency in all matters.

It is therefore, in due cognizance of this latter responsibility and authority of his portfolio, that one must appreciate and commend Femi Adesina for his endorsement of Governor Nyesom Wike's decision to thank President Buhari for approving the refund of N78.9 billion to Rivers State, and also the quite remarkable request for the President to oblige Rivers State with a State visit.

Of course, Femi Adesina's admiration of Governor Nyesom Wike and his bold Thank You letter are embedded copiously in his article, though couched in the unerring profiling of the Rivers Governor in some lyrical passages and in some truculent, pro-Buhari obsessiveness in others.

The point needs to be made unambiguously, that the Rivers State Government, by way of emphasizing what Governor Wike rightly stated in the letter, appreciates the magnanimity of President Buhari,with profound gratitude and deep sincerity.

It was Aesop, the legendary Greek fabulist and writer of fables, who said that "Gratitude is the sign of noble souls." There is certainly no doubt that one man who stands tall and proud, courageous and fearless with great nobility in today's political space, is definitely Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.

For instance, what Femi Adesina describes as "crying wolf" and "pontificating" is nothing more than the ability to say and do things which other people are too frightened or lily livered to say or do; what we refer to in Nigeria as "dying in silence. "

What Mr. Adesina surely knows is that one virtue that Governor Wike possesses is courage. He has never hesitated to call anybody out including the President, his own party members and even multi-nationals operating in Rivers State, whenever the need arises and Adesina himself, has already agreed, by confessing to responding to some of these wolf cries in his write up, that these calls were necessary at the time they were made.

If Governor Wike's courage to speak up when others are silent and cowering in fear, leads to the approval of the refund of the N78.9 billion which the Federal Government owes Rivers State, then the expression of gratitude that recognizes and appreciates such appropriate magnanimity is the highest form of nobility.

Like Mr. Femi Adesina rightly pointed out in his essay, the Federal Executive Council (FEC), chaired by President Buhari, approved the REFUND of N148 billion to five states in the country for repair of Federal roads, for which Rivers State got N78.9 billion. But that is not even half the story.

For the avoidance of doubt and to set the records straight, it will be germane at this juncture to tell the true story of the refund and set the records straight, as presented by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, once and for all.

Giving a background to the reimbursement, Lai Mohammed had explained that the decision was sequel to a huge bill sent to the federal government by the entire 36 states of the federation in 2016, seeking a refund of funds they expended on the repair of some federal roads in their respective states.

He said: “You will recall that in 2016, 36 states of the federation sent a very huge bill to the federal government, asking for compensation for money that they have expended on federal roads. This prompted Mr. President to set up a committee to go and verify the claims of these 36 states, whether indeed, these projects were actually constructed. Were they completed in line with the federal government standards?

“At the end of that exercise by an inter-ministerial committee, chaired by the Minister of Works and Housing which also had ministers of education, transportation (and immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi), minister of finance, minister of state for works, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and permanent secretary, cabinet office as members, the committee recommended that the federal government should refund N550,364,297.31 billion to 31 of the 36 states, after they were convinced that, yes, indeed, the projects were completed and they were federal government roads.

“But the claims of five other states – Cross River, Rivers, Ondo, Bayelsa and Osun – failed on the grounds that they did not do proper documentation and the committee felt they needed proper documentation. So, the committee went back with new terms of reference to ensure that the claims of the five states were in order. That is why the BPP is on the committee.

“So, at the end of the exercise, the committee now reported that the five states – Cross River with 20 roads and one bridge will get a refund of N18,394,737,608.85; Ondo with six roads to get a refund of N7,822,147,577.08, and Osun with two roads and one bridge to get a refund of N2,468,938,876.78.

“Others are Bayelsa with five roads and one bridge to get a refund of N38,040,564,783.40 and Rivers with three roads and three flyover bridges is to get a refund of N78,953,067,518.29.”

From the above therefore, three important points stand out for particular interest and reference, viz:
1. The money is neither a generous loan gift or a desperate bailout package as people like Femi Adesina are shaping the narrative to sound, but a REFUND of monies already spent by Rivers State on Federal projects.
2. Rivers State was initially denied the refund until proper documentation was provided; a situation which many Rivers watchers will recall, prompted the Minister of Works, Babatunde Raji Fashola, to visit Rivers State in March this year.

3. Rivers State got the approval for the amount of refund simply because Rivers State did the most comprehensive, qualitative and enduring projects.

For record purposes, let us state clearly that President Buhari has the authority to visit any state he wants to in Nigeria, whether he is Invited or not. He is the father of the nation and Rivers State enjoys a candid, honest and robust relationship with the present Federal Government, especially the presidency.

On August 19, 2017, Governor Wike was among the dignitaries that welcomed President Buhari after 103 days in London where he received medical treatment for an undisclosed illness.

While naysayers were busy misinterpreting the gesture, Governor Wike explained that no sane person would not be happy that his sick President was back home.

Recall alsonthat Governor Wike was the first PDP Governor to congratulate President Buhari after his second term election victory was upheld by the Supreme Court in September last year. Indeed, the warm, cordial, respectful relationship between President Buhari and Governor Wike, captured in several widely circulated photographs, of the President's visit to Rivers State to commission the international wing of the Port Harcourt international airport speaks volumes.

We need not also remind Mr. Adesina that as far back as February 2017, when Governor Wike was not even up to two years in Office, he had already been christened "Mr. Projects" by none other than the Vice President himself, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who not only affirmed that Rivers State was an important state to Nigeria and the Federal Government, but has since endeared himself to Rivers State and Governor Wike.

This brings us nicely to the part of the letter where Governor Wike unequivocally appeals to President Buhari to honour Rivers State with a Presidential state visit and we ask Mr. Femi Adesina: 'what is wrong with the Rivers State Governor inviting the President for a state visit. Is he not the Father of the nation again. Is Governor Wike not one of his children?

Considering the fact that the approval for the refund was also made for monies expended by Rivers State for Federal Projects, isn't it equally apt that Governor Nyesom Wike should invite Mr. President to come and at least see the work for which the refund was made? Indeed, it will also provide Mr. President the grand opportunity to see first hand, the amazing and fantastic infrastructural wonders which Governor Wike is delivering in Rivers State. This is absolutely the right thing to do by a grateful recepient.

Governor Wike has aptly pointed out that the decision to thank Mr. President and the appeal to invite him for a state visit was not a personal one, but a collective decision taken by the State Executive Council, to assure Mr. President that all is well with Rivers State and Rivers people are quite happy with him for approving the refund.

Like Femi Adesina correctly noted in his article, the N78.9 billion cannot be the reason for Governor Wike's thank you letter and invitation to Mr. President. According to him: "I don’t think so. Rivers is by no means a poor state. The amount is handsome, no doubt, but the state is oil rich, and can hold her own when it comes to finances. I don't agree less with Adesina because Governor Wike does not speak from both sides of his mouth and does not play to the gallery. His moral upbringing makes him to speak the truth at all times not minding whose ox is gored.

Finally, it is important to commend Mr. Adesina for articulating and justifying the decision of Governor
Wike to thank Mr. President and invite him to Rivers State. There is absolutely no doubt, as he so succinctly pointed out, that millions of Buharists would have actually advised the President not to approve the refund to Rivers State, and while many of them are still wailing and bellyaching at the President's magnanimity, the icing on the refund cake is the chagrin and consternation, which even Adesina admits, has greeted Governor Nyesom Wike's letter in their camp.

While Rivers people will not complain that the money was actually reduced from the original amount and that it even took so long for President Buhari's fairness and justice to touch Rivers State, while he has been fair and just to other states, we are all still very happy and grateful that this approval for refund has been made, finally.

Attempts by people like Adesina to make political capital out of the genuine stance of a statesman will not be bought by well-meaning Nigerians.

What makes Adesina's grandstanding more worrisome is that he will never comment or let the world know how much the South-West States received as refund for federal projects executed in that part of the country.

Governor Wike's letter of appreciation and appeal for a presidential state visit is thus a clear indication that what the people thought was lost has now been recovered. All is well that ends well and Rivers people are happy.

For the avoidance of doubt, the letter to Mr. President was delivered to Aso Rock, three weeks before it was published.

Governor Wike is not like Adesina who knows how to speak from both sides of his mouth. In 2008, he said this about the Chief of Staff to the President: "Gambari enslaved himself to please his paymasters. Now 13 years after, the shackles are still tied around his neck, threatening to asphyxiate him. What an eternal lesson for fawning bootlicking grovellers to learn. Old sins indeed have long shadows."

Now that Gambari is Chief of Staff to the President, people have been asking if Adesina still sees Gambari's sins' shadows or he(Adesina) has turned to a bootlicking groveller?

There is no doubt that he is currently savouring the office of Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity as a compensation, having used his positions as former Editor-In-Chief of The Sun Newspapers and President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors to feather his own nest.

Adesina should be told that no amount of political mischief will turn Governor Wike from a hero to a villain in this matter.

The Wike that I know cannot be swayed by pecuniary interests. He will always stand for the truth and defend the interests of Rivers people.

Nsirim is the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Rivers State

https://www.inform.ng/post/the-wike-that-i-know-by-paulinus-nsirim

The brickbats over the propriety or otherwise of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu handing over to his estranged deputy, Agboola Ajayi, continued on Saturday as the latter insisted on taking over the reins of government as acting governor.

Governor Akeredolu on Tuesday, personally disclosed he had tested positive for COVID-19 but allayed the fears of the people of the state, especially his supporters he was fit to work from self-isolation.



Following this development, some supporters of the deputy governor have commenced a social media pressure on Governor Akeredolu to hand over to Ajayi.

Ajayi two weeks ago, defected to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to run for the governorship ticket of the party even as he insisted he will not resign his position as deputy governor.

But the State Government over the weekend made a formal declaration foreclosing the consideration of handing over governance to Ajayi.

The Commissioner Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo, said aside from the loss of trust and alleged treachery on the part of the Deputy Governor, governance was not grounded as Akeredolu remained active in the line of duty.

Ojogo’s position notwithstanding, the deputy Governor insists Governor Akeredolu remained partially incapacitated and had no choice than to hand over the reins of governance to him. Ajayi gave the Governor a 21-day ultimatum to effect the process.

In a statement issued and signed by his media adviser, Allen Sowore, the deputy governor took a swipe at the governor for not living up to his exalted legal profession as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

Curiously, Sowore’s statement, in what looks like a u-turn, came less than ten hours after Tope Okeowo, Ajayi’s press secretary issued one giving indications that he(Ajayi) was not prepared to step in for Governor Akeredolu since he was not incapacitated.

Sowore’s said in the statement: “Ordinarily, one expects Mr Governor to bring to bear on governance his background as a lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, (SAN). But it is rather surprising and worrisome that the Governor has chosen the part of perversion of justice, by allowing his close aides to go astray in a matter of constitutionality.

“Section 190(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) is apposite in the prevailing constitutional aberration in Ondo State. On our part, we will continue to pray fervently for Mr Governor’s quickest recovery.

“However, it should be noted, that Mr Governor is at liberty to handover or not within 21 days after which the constitution becomes operational.

“Ostensibly, the refusal and failure of Mr Governor to handover the running of government to his deputy, while he is temporarily incapacitated in self- isolation, underscore his absolute disregard for our nation’s supreme document, 1999 Constitution (as amended) as well as the tenets of rule of law.

“The Governor’s position is a spite on the Ondo State people and a direct assault on the provisions of the constitution which he swore to uphold.

“Governor Akeredolu’s deliberate mounting of obstacles to smooth running of government machinery while he’s in self-isolation as a result of the fact that he has been tested positive for the COVID-19 privileges the hypocritical nature of Ondo State government’s war against the ravaging pandemic”, the deputy Governor’s aide said in the statement.
https://www.inform.ng/post/covid-19-agboola-gives-akeredolu-21-days-ultimatum-to-handover-to-him

The PDP national working committee has appointed the Governor of Rivers State, H. E. Chief Nyesom Wike as the Chairman of Edo State Governorship Election National Campaign Council.

The deputy chairman is Adamawa State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Fintiri.

Details Later....

https://www.inform.ng/post/pdp-appoints-wike-as-chairman-of-edo-state-governorship-campaign

France Prime Minister, Edouard Philippe, and his entire government have submitted their resignation letter to President Emmanuel Macron.

France Prime Minister, Entire Government Resign
France Prime Minister, Entire Government Resign
In a statement, Macron’s office said Philippe had handed in the resignation of the government, but that the current cabinet would remain in charge of governmental affairs until a new team was put in place.



In France, the president — the main political figure — selects the prime minister, who then forms the government.

As such, the resignation paves the way for a cabinet reshuffle.

Al Jazeera reports that No reason was given in the short statement issued on Friday, but a cabinet shuffle had been widely expected after Macron promised to chart a new course for the last two years of his term.

In French government reshuffles, the prime minister tenders his or her resignation before cabinet appointments but can still be renamed to the position.

It was not immediately clear whether Philippe would be called upon to form the new government.

https://www.inform.ng/post/french-pm-cabinet-resign

The Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, has revealed what may have made the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, change his opinion about his (Adesina) principal.

Wike had recently thanked President Buhari, describing him as indeed a President of every state of the Federation and all Nigerians.



Wike stated this in a letter he addressed to the President, thanking him for releasing the sum N78.9 billion belonging to the state.

The Buhari-led Federal Executive Council, FEC had approved the refund of over N78billion to Wike government being the money spent on the maintenance of federal roads in the State.

The approval for the refund was made at the third virtual Federal Executive Council meeting at the State House, presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.

However, in a lengthy article, he entitled, “‘Wike Vindicates Buharists’, and published on his website on Friday, Adesina said that Wike may not have praised the President because of the money but because fairness and justice have touched him (Wike) in a positive way.

According to him, it could be that the Rivers Governor had been playing a curious kind of politics all along, but has realized himself.

He wondered why Wike, who had never accepted a presidential visit from the APC-led government would suddenly start seeking for one.

Again, he declared at another time, talking of the President: “We are the only state that the Federal Government refused to pay us our money used to execute Federal projects, because I don’t go to see him in the night, and I won’t go. He is not my friend, he is not doing well…”

He added, “When about 20 people were killed on New Year Day 2018, in Omoku area of the state, and the President wanted to visit, Wike demurred.

“The circle has turned fully round, and Governor Wike is inviting the President to visit. He says he’s ‘a President for every State of the Federation and all Nigerians.’ Wonderful!

“Some people say it is N78.9 billion that is working, and the governor is clearly inebriated by that windfall. But I don’t think so. Rivers is by no means a poor state.

“The amount is handsome, no doubt, but the state is oil-rich, and can hold her own when it comes to finances. I rather choose to believe that Governor Wike had been playing a curious kind of politics all along, and now, fairness and justice have touched him in a positive way.”

https://www.inform.ng/post/wike-is-a-repentant-buharist-adesina

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has spoken about his alleged plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Wike is a leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he was elected into office as the governor of Rivers State.

Wike is known as a critic of President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC.

But that narrative changed lately when the governor sponsored an advertorial in national newspapers, wherein he appreciated President Buhari for approving the repayment of N78.9billion as funds spent by Rivers State on federal roads.

In the open letter of appreciation, Wike also appealed to Buhari to visit the state so as to see the projects being executed by his administration.

Following the publications, there were speculations that Wike was romancing the president as part of plans to join the APC.

But, Wike has debunked all the rumours, describing them as lies being peddled by people who love to play bad politics.

While featuring on an AIT live programme on Wednesday morning, Wike asked what purpose he would be joining the APC for when he was already on his second term as the governor of Rivers State.

“You know what I went through to win my second term. What else will I need to join APC for, is it to get a ticket for a third term or to get a presidential ticket?”

“You know when people don’t have anything to do, they go on social media to say all sorts of things,” he said.

Wike clarified that when other states received the fund for federal roads they constructed in 2018, Rivers was not included.

He recalled how he complained to the President, the late Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari and the Minister of Works, Babatunde Raji Fashola.

He said now that the fund had been approved, he and his state executive council decided to appreciate the President and other members of his cabinet, saying the main letter had been sent to Buhari three weeks ago before the advertorial.

The governor said people should learn to appreciate, saying his letter to Buhari was a mere appreciation with no intention to romance him or to join the APC

https://www.inform.ng/post/wike-debunks-rumoured-defection-to-apc

The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency has announced a new price band of N140.80 to N143.80 per litre for Premium Motor Spirit, also known as petrol.


The PPPRA, in a circular dated July 1, 2020 to marketers, said, “After a review of the prevailing market fundamentals in the month of June and considering marketers’ realistic operating costs, as much as practicable, we wish to advise a new PMS pump price band of N140.80-N143.80 per litre for the month of July 2020.

“All marketers are advised to operate within the indicative prices as advised by the PPPRA.”

The agency had on May 31, 2020 announced a price band of N121.50 to N123.50 per litre for the product.

Sources at the Abuja headquarters of the agency said the rise in petrol price for July was primarily due to the increase in global crude oil prices, as PMS had been deregulated.

https://www.inform.ng/post/breaking-fg-increases-price-of-fuel

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked the Ondo State deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi, to toe the path of honour and resign from office honourably following his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP.

The Zonal Publicity Secretary (Southwest) of the party, Ayo Fadaka, who spoke on Channels Television programme ‘Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, said Agboola should resign from office since he can longer cooperate with the Governor who put so much trust in him.



Fadaka, who said there must level of standard people must keep even in politics, stressed that politics is not as bad as the way it is being played by desperate politicians.

He noted that the manner some politicians play politics suggests to the world that politicians in the country do not have conscience, adding that there are still politicians with conscience around.

The PDP spokesperson stressed that it is up to the Governor and the APC to do an appraisal whether they still have a running mate in Agboola Ajayi as the deputy governor now in the PDP.

He said:”Impeachment is expected to be initiated if it is considered that person to be impeached has committed high crimes against the system. But again, with the decamping of Agboola can it be construed to be high crime against the state?

“The constitution says that for every Governor that will contest, he should have a running mate and that’s why there is always a deputy governor to assist the Governor. The Governor picked Agboola Ajayi, the PDP was not part of whatever they were doing when they decided to run with each other

“And if they still feel comfortable running with each other, we do not want to have an input into it. Ordinary, it is up to Agboola Ajayi to do what I think is honourable by resigning himself if he feels he could no longer cooperate with the man who placed a level of trust in him to assist him in doing his job.”

Fadaka also called on bigwigs in other parties who have ties with the PDP to return to the party, adding that the PDP is always happy to gain back a lost soul.

https://www.inform.ng/post/resign-honorably-for-defecting-to-pdp-sw-pdp-tells-ondo-deputy-governor

The National Caretaker Committee/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee of All Progressive Congress has released zoning arrangement for the party’s national convention coming in December.

Recall that the party at its extraordinary meeting of National Executive Committee, dissolved its national working committee and appointed a Caretaker Committee in its stead.

According to the zoning arrangement, the Northeast, where Governor Mai Mala Buni, the Caretaker Chairman hails from, will retain the position of National chairman.

Also the National Secretary has been zoned to the southeast zone, while the southwest is to produce the next national publicity Secretary of the party.

Find below the full zoning arrangement;

APC 2020 Extraordinary Zoning Arrangement for the Forthcoming National Convention.




1.Positions for North – East Zone

(a) National Chairman
(b) North – East Zonal Vice Chairman
(c) National Woman Leader
(d) Deputy National Publicity Secretary
(c) Deputy National Legal Adviser
(f) Zonal Youth Leader
(g) Zonal Woman Leader
(h) Zonal Special (Persons With Disability PWD) Leader
(I) Ex- officio

Positions for North – West Zone

(a) Deputy National Chairman – North
(b) National Organising Secretary
(c) North – West Zonal Vice Chairman
(d) National Financial Secretary
(e) Deputy National Welfare
(f) Deputy National Publicity Secretary
(g) Zonal Youth Leader
(h) Zonal Woman Leader
(i) Zonal Special (Persons With Disability PWD) Leader
(j) Ex-officio

Positions for North – Central Zone

(a) National Legal Adviser
(b) National Auditor
(c) North – Central Zonal Vice Chairman
(b) Deputy National Secretary
(e) Deputy National Youth Leader
(f) Zonal Organizing Secretary
(g) Zonal Youth Leader
(h) Zonal Woman Leader
(I) Zonal Special (Persons With Disability PWD) Leader
(j) Ex- officio

Position for South – West Zone

(a) National Treasurer
(b) South – West Zonal Vice Chairman
(c) Publicity Secretary
(d) Special (Physically Challenged) Leader
(e) Zonal Organizing Secretary
(f) Zonal Youth Leader
(g) Zonal Woman Leader
(h) Zonal Special (Persons With Disability PWD) Leader
(i) Ex-officio

Position for South – South Zone

(a) Deputy National Chairman – South
(b) South – South Zonal Vice Chairman
(c) National Youth Leader
(d) Deputy National Organising Secretary
(e) Deputy National Auditor
(f) Zonal Organizing Secretary
(g) Zonal Youth Leader
(h) Zonal Woman Leader
(i) Zonal Special (Persons With Disability PWD) Leader
(j) Ex-officio

Position for South – East Zone

(a) National Secretary
(b) National Welfare
(c) South – East Zonal Vice Chairman
(d) Deputy National Organising Secretary
(e) Zonal Organizing Secretary
(f) Zonal Youth Leader
(g) Zonal Woman Leader
(h) Deputy National Treasurer
(I) Zonal Special (Persons With Disability PWD) Leader
(j) Ex-officio

https://www.inform.ng/post/apc-zones-party-chairman-to-ne-secretary-to-se-publicity-to-sw

THISDAY findings showed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) met the yesterday deadline for the submission of the names of their governorship candidates and their running mates for the election.

APC submitted the name of Mr. Osagie Ize-Iyamu and Hon. Gani Audu as the governorship candidate and the running mate respectively.


A staff of the ruling party told THISDAY: “Yes, the name of Ize-Iyamu and his running mate have been submitted to INEC.”

Similarly, PDP also yesterday submitted the names of Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, as its governorship candidate, and Hon. Phillip Shaibu as the running mate.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, confirmed the submission in an interview with THISDAY.

“Yes, we have submitted the names of our governorship candidate and his running mate. We submitted around noon through e-submission as designated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).


“We downloaded the designated forms and filled the form 001 and the governorship candidate and the deputy governorship candidate filled their academic details and thereafter we uploaded the forms to the INEC portal,” Ologbondiyan stated.

© Thisday

https://www.inform.ng/post/apc-pdp-beat-deadline-for-submission-of-names-to-inec

IGP moves Rivers CP to Force headquarters, redeploys 2 others
Mohammed Adamu, Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, has ordered the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Bolaji Salami, to restore the security details of the state’s deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi, with immediate effect.

The directive was contained in a letter issued to the Ondo Police Commissioner through the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Department of Operations, Force headquarters Abuja.


Inform NG exclusively obtained a copy of the letter on Monday morning with Ref. No CB: 2002/DOPS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL/77/168.

The letter was signed on behalf of the IGP through Mr Austine Agbonlahor, Assistant Inspector-General of Police.

Ajayi had last week Wednesday raised the alarm that security details attached to him and his office were withdrawn by the Nigeria Police Force in the state.

He specifically accused the Commissioner of Police of working on the instructions of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to withdraw the officers

https://www.inform.ng/post/igp-adamu-orders-security-details-of-ondo-deputy-governor-to-be-restored

The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, awarded the sum of N15 million against the Nigeria police over the alleged killings of three members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN).


Justice Taiwo Taiwo, in his ruling, also instructed the National Hospital, Abuja, to immediately release the three corpses in its morgue.

Justice Taiwo added that each of the applicants must be paid the sum of N5 million as compensation for the killings.

The judge, however, did not grant the prayer that the Nigeria police should tender an apology in two national newspapers.

the Inspector General of Police is the 1st respondent while the medical directors of National Hospital, Abuja, and Asokoro District Hospital are both 2nd respondent in the four separate charges.

Suleiman Shehu, Mahdi Musa, Bilyaminu Abubakar Faska and Askari Hassan were alleged to have been killed by agents of the first respondent on July 22, 2019 while on a peaceful protest over the detention of Islamic Leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.

While the bodies of Suleiman Shehu, Mahdi Musa and Bilyaminu Abubakar Faska were alleged to have been deposited at the National Hospital, Abuja, the body of Askari Hassan was alleged to have been kept in Asokoro District Hospital.

The applicants who are said to be brothers of the deceased in the suit, are Ibrahim Abdullahi, Ahmad Musa, Yusuf Faska and Said Haruna respectively.

https://www.inform.ng/post/court-orders-police-to-pay-n15m-for-killing-shiites-members-in-abuja

https://www.inform.ng/post/covid-19-fg-gives-update-on-school-reopening

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, has disclosed why the federal government is reluctant in reopening schools in the country

NCDC’s Head of Risk Communication, Yahya Disu said poor public perception and compliance to health protocol on COVID-19 prevention was responsible for government’s refusal to reopen schools.



Disu spoke during a webinar hosted by Plan International Nigeria’s Country Director, Hussaini Abdu, with support from the European Union, UN, over the weekend.

He maintained that reopening of schools will further spread the virus, hence they must remain locked.

Disu explained that children were at risk of contracting the virus due to their inability to comply with the protocols.

He said: “The risk perception by the public is still very low and it’s because our population structure consists mostly of youth who may have the disease and not have symptoms.

“Reopening schools will further spread the disease. If there is a good level of compliance, then we could consider school reopening.

“School children are likely not going to comply and it could spread the disease among them as majority of our pupils go to school in vehicles and the transport sector is known to have a poor record of compliance.”

The federal government had shut down schools as measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria.

A few days ago, the Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba had said majority of parents were against the reopening of schools.

The Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has said he is not nursing the ambition of running for the office of the President of Nigeria. Gov. Wike stated this while featuring in a television programme monitored in Port Harcourt.

He said the speculations linking him to presidential ambition were distractions. He further said, “Right now, I am focusing on delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Rivers State.

“Recall that in 2018 and 2019 when I was supporting my friend, Aminu Waziri Tambulwal, it was speculated in the media that I was going to run with him. That was my first tenure, and I had not even completed it and they wanted me to give that away.

“To clear every speculation, let me state that I am not going to run for the office of the President of Nigeria for now. I am concentrating in developing Rivers State. I am not a party to anybody saying that the problems in PDP is about 2023.”

Commenting on a former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar’s aspiration to contest for the presidency 2023, Wike said it was a fundamental right that could not be denied.

On zoning of PDP presidential ticket to the North, Gov. Wike said the National Executive Council (NEC) of the party had not taken a final decision.

He explained that, “We will come together to resolve issues because we are a family. Outsiders cannot do things that will divide us. What we are interested in now is how we can remain united to take over power from APC that has failed Nigeria.”

https://www.inform.ng/post/2023-i-have-no-presidential-ambition-wike

...Nobody Takes Yahaya Bello's Petty Lies Serious


The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) describes the outright lie by Kogi state Governor Yahaya Bello, that some PDP governors are planning to cross over to the crisis-ridden All Progressives Congress (APC), as childish, laughable and pathetic.

The party says such peddling of falsehood explains why nobody in Nigeria and beyond takes Governor Bello seriously.

The PDP lampooned Governor Bello's claim as a desperate attempt to divert public attention from the imminent mass exodus from the APC.

Nigerians are aware that among the ranks of APC governors, Governor Bello has no personal relationship with up to three of his colleagues. No APC governor is ready to associate with Governor Bello openly. In other words, not up to three APC governors take him seriously.

Moreover, Governor Bello has no relationship of any sorts with any governor elected on the platform of the PDP. His current delusion, on national television, about PDP governors, is driven by his usual character of engaging in petty lies.

It is however imperative to state that nobody abandons a cruising liner, which the PDP represents, to jump into a sinking ship like the APC.

It is public knowledge that the APC is disoriented; having sleepless nights and holding endless meetings because they are losing members in droves to the PDP, as most of their key leaders are already on their way out ahead of the collapse of the APC.

Unfortunately, Governor Yahaya Bello knows that he has no space in any other political party. No party will accept him after the collapse of the APC. He will therefore not mind telling brazen lies to create the impressions that the APC is still breathing.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary

https://www.inform.ng/post/defection-pdp-slams-kogi-state-governor-for-being-petty

Osun State Police Command on Friday paraded five suspected rapists, including a 50-year-old, man, Adeleye Fayemiwo, who allegedly defiled his 13-year-old daughter.

Speaking to journalists, the state’s police commissioner, Mr Undie Adie, said Fayemiwo and other four suspects were arrested following complaints against them.

Fayemiwo admitted having with his daughter, but said he committed the act under the influence of alcohol and pleaded for mercy.

He said, “I am a farmer and the girl is my daughter. I told her to cook for me but she refused. She used to sneak to my room and demand sex. The day we had sex, I took beer and mixed it with hot drink. I did it under the influence of alcohol. Her mother had left me. I have a wife, but the girl will always come to me at night to ask for sex.”

The police boss said one 28-year-old Oyerinde Oyeniyi of Mokuro Area, Ile-Ife, was arrested for having unlawful carnal knowledge of his landlord’s 11-year-old daughter.

Adie, who expressed displeasure over the rising rape cases in the state, said, “One Isiaka Adeyounbo of Ayelabowo Street, Ile-Ife dragged a 16-year-old girl of the same address into his house and had unlawful carnal knowledge of her.

“Upon information received from the complainant, suspect was arrested while victim was taken to hospital for medical examination and treatment.

“One Eronse Balat of Eleyele, Ile-Ife, was also arrested for having carnal knowledge of his 23-year-old niece. Also, 30-year-old Adeoye Makinde of Isona Street, Ilesa, lured a 13-year-old girl of the same address into his house and attempted to have unlawful carnal knowledge of her.”

 https://www.inform.ng/post/she-asked-for-it-says-man-arrested-for-sleeping-with-13-year-old-daughter

A former governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has confronted former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his recent claim that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is an example of ‘order and constitutionality’.

Atiku had taken to his Twitter page in the heat of the crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress on Wednesday to claim that “The PDP has been an example of the order and constitutionality needed to sustain genuine democracy in Nigeria.

“I pray that the order, discipline and constitutionality, which we, as a party have exemplified, should guide institutions of our democracy, especially other political parties. Without law and order, a party cannot provide law and order to Nigeria,” he concluded in the post on social media.

Reacting to Atiku’s claim in a statement issued on Thursday, after the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) dissolved its National Working Committee (NWC), Lamido said that the PDP has no moral right to make such statement.

He said; “I think PDP has lost the moral authority to make this claim.”

“We only need to reflect on our individual roles to discover how hallow this claim is. Self-interrogation can bring out the character in us,” Lamido added.

https://www.inform.ng/post/law-and-order-sule-lamido-tackles-atiku-for-saying-pdp-is-examplary

The current National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been dissolved.

This formed part of decisions taken on Thursday at the ongoing meeting of the APC National Executive Council at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The party took the decision to dissolve its NWC based on the recommendations of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The President also called for the immediate suspension of all pending litigations involving the party and its members, as well as the ratification of the party’s governorship primary election recently conducted in Edo State.

He condemned the recent crisis within the party, stressing the need for members to enforce party discipline.

President Buhari, therefore, appointed Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, to head the new Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee for the party.

The governor was immediately sworn in at the meeting by the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami.

https://www.inform.ng/post/apc-upholds-edo-primary-suspends-litigation-against-ize-iyamu

Mr. Kenneth Imasuagbon, the only Peoples Democratic Party governorship aspirant vying for the ticket of the party with Governor Godwin Obaseki in Thursday’s primary has announced his withdrawal from the race.

Though, Imasuagbon has stepped down from the contest where 2,229 delegates will choose the PDP gubernatorial flagbearer, voting will still go on for affirmation of Obaseki’s candidacy

https://www.inform.ng/post/obaseki-emerge-pdp-sole-aspirant-for-edo

The governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ministers may have joined forces in alliance with President Muhammadu Buhari to tentatively seal the ousting of Adams Oshiomhole from the leadership of the party. A minister close to President Buhari was reported earlier this week to have cautioned that he will not speak yet on the conflicts ravaging the APC. The minister was previously linked to a force in the APC plotting the removal of Oshiomhole from the party’s leadership.

Several other ministers were gathered to be working clandestinely mobilizing support for the APC NEC meeting scheduled for Thursday convened by Victor Giadom who President Buhari endorsed as APC acting national chairman after the ousting of Oshiomhole by the Court of Appeal.



The national chairman has been the major stake of APC national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, in the ruling party since the alliance. The stake has now be taken away, and currently held by a political actor close to a prominent minister in President Buhari’s cabinet.

Meanwhile, Director-General of Progressives Governors Forum, Salihu Lukman, who coordinates the organizational structure of the APC governors, has intensified mobilization of committed APC members and leaders to queue behind President Buhari for the success of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting scheduled for Thursday in Abuja under the guise of resolving the conflicts ravaging the ruling party in an obvious asymmetric party patronage and stakes among the legacy parties.

Lukman in a statement on Wednesday, declared: “with all the confusion as to who is our presiding officer, coupled with the fact that the most important structure that is saddled with the responsibility of convening meetings of all organs of the party is fractured and entangled in webs of legal cases, it is either the confusion is allowed to continue and eventually end with the demise of the party, or our leaders find a way to save the party.”

The president’s endorsed APC acting National Chairman, Victor Giadom, convened the NEC meeting with the backing of President Buhari on Thursday. It is obvious that ACN could have weak representation with the exclusion of Oshiomhole at the Thursday meeting.

https://www.inform.ng/post/nec-apc-governors-ministers-back-buhari-abandon-tinubu

Disputing members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NWC) are about now explaining their roles before the police authorities at force headquarters, Abuja in what some personal of the force see as “sustained breach of peace,” by NWC members at APC Secretariat.

This followed the invitation to the NWC members by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, who also ordered that the party’s National Secretariat be sealed henceforth from NWC members.



A party source disclosed the order to seal the Secretariat against the NWC members was issued last night to the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Wuse 2.

The NWC members according to our source have allegedly ignored provisions of the constitution of the party, the latest in a serial infraction being the nomination and swearing-in of Mr Worgu Boms as National Deputy Secretary, by South South National Vice Chairman, Hilliard Eta.

Boms was purportedly nominated by APC Rivers State allegedly without impute from states in his Zone as prescribed by the party’s constitution.

Following the suspension of Comrade Oshiomhole by the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja, the party has been enmeshed in a crisis of leadership.

While Chief Giadom is laying claims to the position of the National Chairman in Acting capacity, some of his colleagues in the NWC said the former governor of Oyo State Senator Abiola Ajimobi, who is indisposed, is the Acting National Chairman

In the entire imbroglio, nobody has reckoned with the primacy of the position of Lawal Shuaibu, the Deputy National Chairman, North of the party

https://www.inform.ng/post/why-we-sealed-apc-secretariat-police

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Tuesday sacked Mr Allen Sowore, Special Assistant on New Media to the embattled Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi.


Akeredolu announced the decision in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olusegun Ajiboye.

Recall that Agboola Ajayi had been at loggerheads with his boss, Akeredolu, before he finally resigned from the All Progressives Congress, APC, and joined the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Ajayi had maintained that he remains the Deputy Governor of the state despite his resignation from the All Progressives Congress.

the statement advised Sowore to submit all government’s property in his possession to the Chief of Staff to the Governor with immediate effect.

https://www.inform.ng/post/ondo-crisis-akeredolu-fires-sowore-relieves-him-of-his-job

The crisis between Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and his deputy, Agboola Ajayi, took another twist on Tuesday morning when heavily armed policemen stormed the premises of the state's House of Assembly to provide cover for lawmakers plotting to impeach Ajayi.

The Ondo deputy governor had on Sunday defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress to the Peoples Democratic Party, raising concerns in the political circle in the state.




A source at the Assembly, who confirmed the situation to our correspondent, said workers at the legislative complex were currently scampering for safety.




"We woke up to see policemen in our complex this morning manning strategic positions. I overheard one of them saying they were asked by the Commissioner of Police to stay here. 

"There has been plans to impeach the deputy governor since he defected to the PDP on Sunday and the presence of the policemen is to provide cover for some of the lawmakers loyal to the governor to carry out the job.

"I have found my way out of the complex while other workers are running away in order not to be affected."

https://www.inform.ng/post/policemen-takeover-ondo-assembly-members-plot-deputy-governors-ouster

Former PDP House of assembly candidates, who contested the 2019 EDHA election and are currently in the All Progressives Congress (APC) have congratulated Pastor Osagie Ize-iyamu on his emergence as the Edo APC candidate.



In a statement issued by the group's Chairman, Hon. Cornelius Amhiegbereta in Benin, through it's Publicity Relations Officer, Hon Prophet Emmanuel Ojo Akhigbe-Agge, the candidates said they have never been in doubt of Ize-Iyamu's leadership dexterity and managerial acumen.


While thanking leaders and stakeholders of the APC for their unalloyed support during the entire direct primaries process conducted under a peaceful atmosphere, they commended the chairman and committee members of the primary election, Senator Hope Uzodimma for overseeing the most transparent primary poll in the history of the country despite the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic.

The group appealed to leaders and members for their continuous support towards ensuring that the former APC National Deputy Chairman, South-South becomes Governor of Edo state.


The co-signatories of this communique include:

1. Hon Cornelius Amhiegbereta, Esan South East Constituency


2. Hon Clifford Inegbedion, Esan West Constituency

3. Hon Obaro Rasak, Akoko Edo Constituency 1


4. Hon Prophet Emmanuel Ojo Akhigbe-Agge, Owan West Constituency


5. Hon Hillary Ozogo Owan East Constituency


6. Hon Odiana Eriata Igueben Constituency


7. Hon Andy Bayo Amunega, Akoko Edo Constituency 11


8. Hon Obamwonyi Obadigie, Orhionmwon East Constituency


9. Hon Pat Ero Omokaro, Ikpoba Okha Constituency


10. Hon Abu Abdulganiyu, Etsako East Constituency


11. Hon Osikhena-Boih Donald, Etsako Central Consituency


12. Hon Francis Osabuohien Orhionwon South Consituency


13. Hon Addeh Isibor Esan North-East Constituency 1.



https://www.inform.ng/post/edo-ex-pdp-candidates-felicitate-with-ize-iyamu-over-apc-nomination

David Lanre Mesan is an idea strategist, digital enterprise strategist, startup advisor and many others. The serial entrepreneur popularly known as DLM who started from a humble beginning has grown into reckoning with his effort in helping business leaders around the globe achieve digital development that drive business growth. In this interview, he speaks about his life and lessons therein.

Most successful businessmen in the world today are said to either have some level of connection to make it or have started from the scratch. In your own story, what is it like from the beginning?



David Lanre Messan popularly known by the insignia DLM is originally an Idea Strategist, then, evolved into becoming a digital enterprise strategist, serial entrepreneur, startup advisor and angel investor. I am committed to helping entrepreneurs and business leaders around the world develop digital enterprise models, raise funds and drive growth.

I was raised by my humble parents; headteacher father and a West Africa merchant mother in the suburb of Lagos. I come from a family of 6, my mom, dad and 3 other siblings. We are a humble family that is contented with whatever we have and we never joked with learning.

I attended Green Pastures Nursery and Primary School where I obtained my primary school leaving certificate; Mushin High School where I obtained my SSCE papers. DLM also read Mass Communication at Lagos State Polytechnic; Marketing Strategy, Nexford University; Disruptive Strategy, Harvard Business School; Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Scalabl Global Academy.

You have a wonderful family with your mother’s business as your starting point in life.

My mom is a business woman who understood how to multiply money. She is a caterer learning by merchant by attitude. She travelled across the west coast selling smoked fish and locally ran a canteen that fed thousands of people in Ejigbo, Lagos. From her, I picked up the knack for entrepreneurship. I have helped her sell different things ranging from food to doughnuts etc.

What are those values inculcated into you by parents that shaped what you are today?

My parents are not rich but they raised me like we are from a rich home and fundamentally taught me the need to be contented and work hard. They exposed me to the power of curiosity and exploration from an early age and that helped me to become conceptually insight driven which is a cardinal characteristic of an Idea Strategist.

I developed myself to become an Idea Strategist by investing over 13000 hours in the course of 3 years or so just like Malcolm Gladwell will say 10000 hours will make you an expert in anything. I learnt the art of entrepreneurship from my mom and the science behind intelligence and application of knowledge from my father. These values have shaped me a great deal.

Could you explain to us the journey of your career development and how you weathered the storm to get to where you are today?

My life journey is filled with a lot of self-development, trial and errors, learning, unlearning and re-learning. I remember in 2001, I vowed never to be like where I am coming from and I understood that the only way out will be knowledge, so I did everything to seek knowledge.

I read most of my father’s books starting from ‘Think and Grow Rich’ by Napoleon Hill and then had to hawk gala in traffic so I can make money to buy internet night browsing time at cybercafé, so that I can read and explore the new world of information and opportunities. I later took a teaching job that paid me more and enabled me to spend more time at cybercafés just to learn how to become an Idea Strategist. Some websites like Mindtools.com and Entrepreneurs.com really helped.

I also was following the leadership newsletters of John C Maxwell which really helped me to understand leadership. From these efforts, I started a social project in secondary schools called (Lifeguard Youth Concerns) that focused on teaching abstinence, entrepreneurship and leadership to senior students.

I also got the opportunity to enroll for LEAP Africa Youth Leadership Programme in 2006 and this really helped me a great deal. My focus on the ultimate goal kept me waking up and pursuing my dreams.

Through my project, I was selected in 2005 by MTV/Staying Alive Foundation as a finalist; was rated one of 100 best authors by the WorldBank in 2006 out of 1900 authors in the world, for sharing my ideas on how I plan to solve community problems. In 2007, I founded Green Yaggy, a project under my first company, Infinite Impact, to help democratize the process of starting a business and accessing technology opportunities.

I was able to impact directly the lives of over 250 youths and indirectly 5000 youths and these earned me a place as African Business Leaders Forum (ABLF) 101 Young African Leader in 2007 and in 2008, I won the LEAP Africa Nokia Top 10 Youth Leadership Award. In 2011, I was selected as a pioneer global shaper of the World Economic Forum (WEF) and grew to become the community’s curator in Lagos and a contributor at various programs of the World Economic Forum and Grow Africa. In 2014, Green Yaggy tried to collaborate with MasterCard through a third processor to launch a youth oriented financial inclusion project but it failed.

That is what has become agent banking now in Nigeria but it is okay. Beyond this, I have founded other companies that have positioned me as an Idea Strategist where I have raised over $7million for small businesses and have provided strategy for growth for over 250 businesses and startups in the country.

I have written papers on digital enterprise integration for international magazines and have spoken on various international platforms on strategy, fundraising digital and business growth cutting across the United States of America, Dubai, Iran, Turkey, United Kingdom, India, etc. In Nigeria, I have spoken on various enterprise topics at over 200 top events such as Junior Chamber Conferences, RISE networks, Lagos State Government etc.

In the course of my career, I was appointed Communications Consultant to Lagos State Public Service Staff Development Center and have worked with some top politicians providing technology strategy and grassroot insights and then worked for 5 months as Senator with the World Business Angels Forum.

I am currently on the international scene serving as an International Partner for Nigeria with World Business Angels Investors Forum (WBAF), Turkey; Scalabl Global Ambassador for Africa and a community organizer for Harvard Business School Online. Harvard Business School recently published an article on my works on their website as recognition for what I do as a strategist.

An interesting part of my career journey was when I made my first 3million naira at age 23 as an entrepreneur, grew it to about 30million at age 25 and lost it all in business the same age. One thing that never left me was the template to make another million. That was a highlight for me.

I have also built a brand name in the international community with key bodies spread across the Middle East, North America, South America and Africa through my fundraising campaigns for businesses in Africa, especially Nigeria.

I have explored the business world, the entertainment industry, the political space etc and now I am just focused on helping people and businesses to go digital through my new-found company, FirstFounders Inc.


Obviously, people inspire people: who are those or maybe a person that influenced your life, career growth and has stood by you in life?

Unfortunately, I cannot point one person who stood by me but I follow so much everything Richard Branson does and have learnt a great deal through Virgin emails received from him and his books. Pastor Poju Oyemade of the Covenant Nation is of immense insights and his teachings have guided me a lot in business and spiritual things. Beyond that, I am my biggest inspiration and God is my greatest guide.

The journey of life is continuum: what are your projections into the future, drawing from where you are now?

I am focused on raising digital entrepreneurs, going forward, teaching them how to leverage on the digital transformation wave going on in the world now and how to make impact and profit from it. I want to help business leaders capture new value by transitioning their traditional business models to a robust digital enterprise models that help them experience increased revenue, operational efficiency and agility and strong internal capabilities that put them forward in the new future. The goal is to achieve all these through my digital entrepreneurs and I will launch several digital businesses across key sectors of the economy.

What lesson of life would you give your admirers and how to stand out against all odds?

My biggest advice to anyone, is ‘know thyself and understand the magnanimity of your purpose’, so when the challenges come, you will understand that it hits differently. You must know if you are a maize type of person or a bamboo type of person. A maize dream will manifest in 3 months but a bamboo dream will manifest in 7 years…just know thyself in order to have capacity to manage chaos. In summary, be Patient with your dream and never stop hitting the spot you felt the juice will come out from.

Can you share with us about your new outfit and your plans in the Post COVID-19 era?

FirstFounders led by myself have been helping several entrepreneurs across the world and Nigeria transition their business models from traditional to digital. We have invited to series of trainings in India, Turkey, Iran, USA, UK and of course here in Nigeria where I provide valuable insights and practical know-how on what to do to adapt to the change COVID-19 has brought forward. FirstFounders is a digital enterprise builder leading a robust digital transformation for traditional businesses and new startups. We are helping companies build digital businesses by using the technology required to create new value through developing digital business and operating models, customer experiences and the internal capabilities that support the core operations of the businesses we handle.

We understand that “Successful organizations operate with a clear business direction, using a vision and roadmap that define the way forward. Together with clients, FirstFounders redefines how to be digital at scale—reimagining processes, redesigning ways of working and re-engineering process infrastructure, to activate operational agility, efficiency, and business growth.

We help envision and build better products and experiences, developing go-to-market approaches and inventing disruptive new business models—all to generate new growth, meaningful differentiation, and real economic value. Our core focus in leading digital transformation cuts across people, processes and technology.


https://www.inform.ng/post/i-had-n3m-at-23-n30m-at-25-and-lost-all-afterwards

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has called to condemned the action of the Ondo State Commisioner of Police, Mr Salami Bolaji in stopping the movement of the Ondo State Deputy Governor based on his rumoured defection from the APC.

Speaking to the Press at the Rivers State Governmemt House, Governor Wike said it's unfortunate the country has "deteriorated to the level we don't know our limits." In questioning the anti democratic action of the Police Governor Wike asked what business should a Commisioner of Police have with partisan politics.

The Governor also said since the Inspector General of Police removed a Commisioner of Police from Rivers State because of Caverton Helicopters he had called the Inspector General of Police to know what would be done to the partisan Commisioner of Police who stopped the Deputy Governor of Ondo State based on a rumour he wants to defect from the All Progressive Congress. He bemoaned the decline in the Police as he said it's unfortunate "the police has reduced themselves to where politicians would send them to stop a Deputy Governor from moving out."

Speaking on the Nigerian Governor's Forum Governor Wike explained that the inability of the Forum to act in situations like this is a key reason he criticised the forum. He said "when they removed my aides the Governor's Forum was silent now a Deputy Governor is being harrassed." "The man has a right of freedom of association and he has immunity." "We are not Govs forum of APC, we are Governors forum of all the political parties that have Governors. How can a Commisioner of Police stop a Deputy Governor on a purported rumour he is defecting ?." "I totally condemn it".

Addressing the silence of certain Human Rights Activists who he said are deceptive in their activism, Governor Wike asked;
Where are the human rights activists?
Where are people like Femi Falana?
"Today i call Femi Falana, where are you? Look at the Police stopping a Deputy Governor on the rumour that he is going to defect. Look at what is happening in Ondo State."

He said although this is happening close to Falana's home and concerns his region he wouldn't speak because the matter is in Ondo State and the Governor of Ondo State is his friend. He said he is not showing concern for Human Rights in Ondo State but when it concerns Rivers State he is quick to speak against actions taken to protect lives of people in the State.

Governor Wike who explained that his statement was not about the individual involved but "if things are continually done like this the country can't move on."

He further stated that this is not what is supposed to be as "no one knows where we are heading to in this country, we have different laws for different people. We have different rules for different people."

https://www.inform.ng/post/ondo-wike-blast-igp-falana-over-harassment-of-deputy-governor

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers has suspended a former Deputy National Secretary, Victor Giadom, over alleged acts of gross infractions of the party’s Constitution.

Livingstone Wechie, the Media Adviser to the Acting Chairman of APC in Rivers, Igo Aguma, confirmed the suspension at the weekend.



He said the suspension was following report of a fact-finding committee set up by the party.

He said: “The committee recommended that Victor Giadom be immediately suspended from the party and every party activities for his numerous infractions of the Party Constitution and conduct, which have brought the Party irredeemable disrepute.

“That Victor Giadom should immediately write a letter of apology to the party and same should be published in three national Newspapers.

“The Committee report which was presented to our state Executive Committee meeting was accepted and adopted as the position of the APC in Rivers state”.

https://www.inform.ng/post/rivers-apc-suspends-former-deputy-national-secretary

EDO STATE 2020 GUBERNATORIAL PRIMARY (CANDIDATE NOMINATION)

STATE CONGRESS ELECTORAL COMMITTEE:

The National Working Committee (NWC) of our great party has approved the nomination of the following party members and leaders to serve on the GUBERNATORIAL PRIMARY ELECTORAL COMMITTEE.

The Committee is mandated to elect our Party's Flagbearer in Edo State, for the upcoming 2020 Governoship Election in the State.

COMPOSITION:

1. HE. Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed (Chairman)
2. HE. Engr. 'Seyi Makinde (Member)
3. HE. Bello Mutawallen Maradaun (Member)
4. Dist. Sen. Lilian Uche Ekwunife (Member)
5. Hon. Solomon Bulus Maren (Secretary)

The exercise is scheduled for Thursday June 25, 2020 in Benin City, Edo State.

Congratulations.

Col Austin Akobundu (rtd).
National Organizing Secretary


https://www.inform.ng/post/pdp-appoints-bala-muhammed-to-lead-edo-primary

Edo Primary Election of APC Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State and the General public are hereby informed as follows:


1. That the process of election of the candidate of the party shall commence at 8.00 am on Monday 22nd June 2020 at the various wards in all the Local Government with strict compliance with Edo State’s extant law prohibiting gathering of more than twenty people.




2. Not more than eighteen persons including Presiding Officers and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) observers shall be at ward voting centre at any point in time.




3. There shall be simultaneous accreditation in batches as aforesaid until all eligible members have cast their vote without violation of the State’s Covid-19 regulations.




4. Not more than eighteen persons shall be in attendance for the announcement of results at all ward centres and collation of results at all levels including the state collation.




5. All members of the party and Members of the public are enjoined to be peaceful and comply fully with the State’s Covid-19 regulations.


Signed


Senator Dr Ajibola Basiru
Secretary, Edo State Governorship Primary Election Committee.

https://www.inform.ng/post/apc-committee-for-edo-primary-releases-guidelines