₦airaland Forum

Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday, January 31, 2018, adjourned further hearing in a case involving a former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode and others to February 28, 2018.

Fani-Kayode is standing trial alongside a former Minister of State for Finance, Senator Nenadi Usman, Danjuma Yusuf and a company, Joint Trust Dimensions Limited, on a 17-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N4.9billion.

At the resumed hearing today, counsel to Fani-Kayode, Norrison Quakers, SAN, told the court that his client was suffering from a heart- related ailment.

Quakers further stated that he was informed by Fani-Kayode’s wife that her husband had been taken to hospital.

Fani-Kayode’s counsel assured the judge that he would obtain the medical report and make same available to the court before the close of work today or tomorrow, Thursday, February 1, 2018.
Consequently, Quakers sought an adjournment of the matter, which was granted by the judge.

However, the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, drew the attention of the court to Section 396, sub-section 4 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, which states that “no party will be entitled to more than five adjournments in a particular criminal case.”

Oyedepo also urged the court to note that Fani-Kayode had taken two adjournments since the trial commenced.

Justice Rilwan Aikawa adjourned the case to February 28, 2018 and March 1 and 2, 2018 for continuation of trial.

http://nghubs.info/court-adjourns-fani-kayodes-n4-9bn-fraud-trial-to-feb-28/

Lalasticlala mynd44

The Nigerian Army has commenced Construction of road into heartland of Sambisa Forces amigst Counter Insurgency Operation.

According to a tweet by the Nigerian Army, the construction of the road is because of the determined efforts of making Sambisa forest a habitable and also training ground.

The Nigerian Army is hoping for the completion of the constructions into main heartland of the forest and adjoining towns.

NGHUBS had also gathered that, the Nigerian army has commenced in earnest construction along Gwoza-Yamteke-Bitta road, as well as the reconstruction of the road from Gwoza-Yamteke-Bitta-Tokumbere, leading into Sambisa forest.

See photos as obtained by NGHUBS below

http://nghubs.info/nigerian-army-commence-construction-of-roads-into-sambisa-forest/

Lalasticlala mynd44

An indication that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) might deploy electronic collation and transmission of results in the 2019 General Elections emerged on 30 January, when the Commission’s Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu formally asked the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for assistance to attain the goal.



In an unprecedented move, Prof. Yakubu led some Commission members and Directors to the NCC headquarters in Abuja where he declared: “The time has come to electronically collate and transmit election results.”

After a warm welcome by the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta and his team of top management staff, Prof. Yakubu reiterated INEC’s commitment to deepening the introduction and deployment of technology in elections.

He said: “the Commission introduced and deployed the biometric voter register in the 2011 General Elections and the Smart Card Reader (SCR) in the 2015 General Elections. The time has come to electronically collate and transmit election results. We are convinced that by doing so, results will be transmitted faster and more accurately from the Polling Units to the various collation and declaration centres.

“In several re-run and bye-elections conducted since the 2015 General Elections, the Commission has deployed the electronic collation and transmission platforms on a pilot basis. More recently, we conducted simultaneous electronic and manual transmission of results in some major elections. We are planning for full deployment this year in the Governorship elections in Ekiti State in July and Osun State in September. Thereafter, we intend to deploy the system in the 2019 General Elections.”

But to achieve this objective, Prof. Yakubu averred that it was imperative for the Commission to discuss with the telecommunications operators in Nigeria. While INEC possesses the hardware and had already developed the software, he affirmed, the Commission would have to rely on the operators for the transmission of both the figures and the scanned images of result sheets.

He however assured all Nigerians: “while we will transmit the raw figures from the Polling Units, scanned images of the result sheets will also be transmitted electronically in addition to the physical copies given to political party agents at each Polling Unit and each level of collation. Therefore, there will be paper trail against which the integrity of electronically-transmitted figures can be compared and verified.”

In order for INEC to finalise its preparations, Prof. Yakubu implored the NCC to facilitate a meeting between INEC and the telecommunications operators to provide the Commission with the combined network coverage map for all operators in the country, including network strength that could help INEC deploy its e-collation system successfully.

The proposed meeting, he further explained, would discuss data security in the course of transmission of results in order to safeguard the security of the process.

Another issue to be discussed, he stated, is the possibility of the NCC facilitating the provision and registration of exclusive SIM cards with special numbers for use in the Smart Card Readers.

“These numbers, he noted, “should be registered in the name of INEC, instead of the current practice of using cards sourced from the open market and registered in the personal names of our officials. This will help in the management of database and dataset of the allocated numbers. It will also help to guard against the delisting of the SIM cards when they are not active for a prolonged period of time. Doing so will also enable the encryption of information thereby providing additional security in the course of transmitting both data and image.”

The INEC Chairman added: “we would like the NCC to facilitate discussion with the operators on ways of enhancing their corporate social responsibility to Nigeria’s electoral process. An immediate area of interest to INEC is how the operators can help in voter education and publicity. Towards the 2019 General Elections, we would like the operators, in collaboration with INEC, to send bulk SMS and possibly voice messenger as well on the imperative of peaceful elections, the collection of the Permanent Voter Cards by registered voters and directional information on the location of Polling Units for easy access to voters.”

Responding, Prof. Danbatta assured the INEC Chairman that the NCC was committed to free, fair and credible elections. He said: “We will bring to bear, our wealth of experience in the area of information and communications technology expertise in ensuring that the 2019 elections meet with the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians. We are about to witness what has never happened. We will be active participants. We will offer our operational experience to ensure that we obtain the desired results.”

The two organisations immediately set up a technical committee, comprising members from both sides to work out the details of the collaboration.

http://nghubs.info/inec-partners-with-ncc-on-electronic-collation-transmission-of-election-results/

Lalasticlala mynd44

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) today January 30, 2018 arraigned one Mahmoud A. Sadiq before Justice Lawan Wada of the Kano State High Court on a one count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence.

The accused person allegedly obtained the sum of N410,000 (Four Hundred and Ten Thousand Naira Only) from the complainant under the pretext that the said money was to secure him a job at the Umar Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina.

Upon receipt of the petition, the Commission swung into investigation which later revealed that the accused person is not a staff of the University as he claimed, rather, he is a contract staff of Federal College of Education, Katsina.

The accused person pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him.
Counsel for the prosecution, Musa Isah requested a date for hearing in view of the plea of the accused person.

The defense counsel I M Sheik, moved a bail application for his clients, which was granted in the sum of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira Only) and two reliable sureties.

The case has been adjourned to March 27, 2018 for trial. The accused is to be remanded in prison custody pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.

http://nghubs.info/efcc-arraigns-fake-university-lecturer-for-fraud/

I just dey observe all this presidential aspirants

Interesting

Lalasticlala mynd44

The Nigerian President Mohammadu Buhari on Tuesday departed Addis Ababa, Ethiopia after his participation at the 30th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.

See photos as obtained by NGHUBS below

http://nghubs.info/photo-news-buhari-departs-addis-ababa/

Lalasticlala mynd44

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, January 26, 2018, secured the conviction and sentencing of two oil marketers, George Ogbonna and Emmanuel Morah, owners of Rocky Energy Limited, before Justice Latifat Okunnu of the State High Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.



The duo alongside one Adamu Maula, owner of Downstream Energy Sources Limited, had been re-arraigned on April 1, 2014 on an amended 26-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretences, forgery, uttering and use of false documents to the tune of N789.6 million fraud.

They had claimed to have imported 10, 862 metric tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, for which they were paid the sum of money by the Petroleum Support Fund, PSF.

However, investigation revealed that the defendants had made the claim using forged documents.

Counsels to the defendants, in separate no-case submissions, had urged the court to dismiss the charge against their clients for lack of merit.

However, in the course of the trial, the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, had presented 11 witnesses, including Abdulrasheed Bawa, an investigator with the EFCC, who all gave evidence in the case.

Delivering his judgment, Justice Okunnu sentenced the both Ogbonna and Morah to eight years imprisonment each.

The judge also ordered the convicts to return the money they fraudulently collected to the Federal Government.

Maula and his company, Downstream Energy Sources Limited, were, however, discharged and acquitted by the court.
In his reaction to the judgment, Jacobs thanked the court for allowing justice to prevail during course of the trial.

http://nghubs.info/two-bag-eight-years-jail-term-for-n789-6m-oil-fraud-2/

Lalasticlala mynd44

While driving for women is banned in some countries, in Nigeria women can drive and thus require to adopt some safety tips for a safer driving. Women have some don’ts to ensure a safer driving and a safer road

Never breastfeed a baby while driving: rather pull off the road and take care of that precious life

Never make up while driving: this is somehow common among women and this makes a woman driver lose concentration while driving, avoid it

Let your phone rest while driving: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and other social apps can wait till that journey is concluded

Pregnancy does not exempt you from using seatbeat: endeavour to use your seatbelt in a most convenient way….

Tieing headgear, adjusting dresses and jewelry: these acts look unimportant but they interfere with concentration while on wheels

Emotional sentiments: thinking of those pending domestic issues and other considered important unsettled issues: women are emotional and exhibit this unintentionally however this can interfere with concentration while driving.

http://naijacarlovers.com/index.php/2018/01/30/women-and-driving-the-donts/

Lalasticlala mynd44

President Muhammadu Buhari has emphasised the need to curb the flow of terrorism financing.

Speaking at the meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Saturday, under the theme, “Towards a Comprehensive Approach to Combat the Transnational Threat to Terrorism,” the President said:

“The need to curb the flow of terrorism financing cannot be over-emphasised. Concerted efforts must be made to not only dismantle the network between transnational organised crimes and terrorist organisations, but also to block the payment of ransom to terrorist groups.”

President Buhari said Nigeria remained committed to supporting counter terrorism efforts within the African Union and the United Nations, while recalling the UN Resolution 1373 which stressed that “any person who participates in the financing, planning, preparation or perpetration of terrorist acts should be brought to justice.”

The Nigerian leader called for resolute and coordinated initiatives by developing an African Union data base of persons or groups and entities involved in terrorist acts for use by law enforcement agents.

According to him, “Nigeria believes that the timely establishment of this tool at the continental level will be strategic in this fight.”

President Buhari, while expressing Nigeria’s grave concern over the increasing threats posed by transnational terrorism and the attendant humanitarian crisis, also condemned in the strongest terms the continued activities of the terrorist groups in Africa, and around the world.

He called for more concerted action by the African body and the international community to address the global scourge.

In doing that, the President noted that the conditions that are conducive to the spread of extremism, radicalisation and terrorism must first be addressed. Similarly, he said collaborative measures must be taken to disrupt the recruitment of terrorists, their financing networks and the movement of foreign fighters.

President Buhari disclosed that Nigeria has enacted domestic anti-terrorism laws that also deal with related issues such as kidnapping, drug peddling and gun-running. He, however, noted that, “Terrorism cannot be defeated only through military force and law enforcement measures. We need to adopt a multifaceted approach of good governance, economic development and creation of job opportunities for our youth.”

Linking terrorist activities to climate change, the President reiterated Nigeria’s “important call for global action to support the recharging of the Lake Chad Basin,” which has shrunk by over 80 per cent and has impacted negatively on the livelihood of millions of people in the countries of the Basin.

According to him, “There is considerable evidence that the environmental state of the Lake contributed to the radicalisation of jobless youth who joined Boko Haram.”

In their submissions, the Chairperson of the AU Peace and Security Council, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt, the African Union Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, and the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, agreed on the real threat of transnational terrorism, and the need for global efforts to curb the negative trend.

GARBA SHEHU
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 27, 2018.

http://nghubs.info/terrorism-financing-must-be-curbed-says-president-buhari/

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has accused the Kogi state governor Yahaya Bello of recruiting Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE) holders to replace sacked 150 lecturers of the Kogi State University.

According to a statement by Prof Ike Odimegwu, the zonal coordinator of the Owerri zone, he accused the Governor of taking actions capable of destroying the Nigerian University Education ridiculing her certificates in the global community.

Odimegwu said, “This arrogant display of power and abuse of office by Mr. Yahaya Bello speaks volume about the extent to which some political office holders could go to crush perceived opposition in their bid to emasculate and enslave Nigerians so as to fulfil their ambition towards destroying the public education system.

“After the sack of the over 150 seasoned lecturers, Mr. Yahaya Bello resorted to the recruitment of unqualified individuals such as laboratory attendants, members of the National Youth Service Corps, NCE holders and even undergraduate students to replace them.

“These actions of Mr. Yahaya Bello amount to gross violation of International Labour Law, the Constitution of Nigeria and all known best practices in the university system”.

ASUU Owerri Zone comprises Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli; Federal University of Technology, Owerri; Imo State University, Owerri; Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

http://nghubs.info/ASUU-accuses-kogi-gov-recruiting-nce-teachers-to-replace-sacked-lecturers/

Lalasticlala mynd44

The convener of the Bring Back Our Girls campaign Aisha Yesufu has reacted to former president Olusegun Obasanjo’s letter to Buhari warning him against running in 2019.

Aisha in series of tweet called President Buhari a serial looser as well as beckoned on Nigeriann to focus on dethroning APC and PDP of power in 2019 rather than on former president Olusegun Obasanjo.

She wrote:

A ‘Serial” writer wrote to ‘serial’ loser and ‘serial” sycophants have been at each other’s throats.
“When would we learn to focus on the message and not the messenger?

“When would we focus on Nigeria and not individuals?

https://m.facebook.com/aisha.yesufu.1/posts/1805142032853984


http://nghubs.info/aisha-calls-buhari-a-looser-as-she-reacts-to-obasanjos-letter/

Lalasticlala mynd44

The Abia state government led by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has warned Abia residents against littering of the streets and dumping of refuse into drainage systems.



According to a statement by Chief John Okiyi Kalu, the Honorable Commissioner For Information in Abia state and made available to NGHUBS, this act which is predominant in Aba and Umahia is unacceptable.

He warned all those involved in such act to desist from doing so as well as warned those who constructed illegal structures to dismantle them .

The statement read

“Public Announcement

“The Government of Abia State notes with displeasure the continuing littering of streets, dumping of refuse into drainage-ways and construction of makeshift structures on top of gutters at Aba and Umuahia cities.

“This unacceptable behaviour by individuals is unfortunately common along the newly reconstructed roads.

“Those involved in these unsavory practices are hereby advised to immediately desist from such and dismantle all illegal structures built on top of drainage-ways or face the wrath of the law.

“The Landlord Associations in the state, particularly at Aba, are by this notice called upon to ensure that gutters in front of houses on all the newly constructed roads are kept clean at all times as relevant Government agencies will soon commence arrest and prosecution of any landlord who defaults.

“Operatives of the Traffic and Indiscipline Management Agency of Abia state (TIMAAS) and other relevant agencies are also by this announcement directed to fully deploy to the affected streets and roads to enforce relevant state laws.

“The task of keeping Abia State clean and maintaining a healthy environment is the responsibility of all.

Chief John Okiyi Kalu
Honorable Commissioner For Information”

http://nghubs.info/abia-state-government-warns-against-littering-of-streets/

Lalasticlala mynd44 more photos

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared the commitment of his administration to the completion of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity for the development of the riverine communities in the area.

Addressing journalists after inspecting the ongoing construction of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity Road on Friday, Governor Wike expressed confidence that the road will get to Opobo-Nkoro Local Government Area in May and also to Ikuru town in Andoni Local Government Area within the same period.

He stated that the early morning inspection of the road was necessitated by the complaints of stakeholders from Andoni Local Government Area during a solidarity visit to him.



He said though the contractor is working on the two aspects of the road, he has directed them to commit more personnel and equipment to speed up work for the early completion of the road.

“The contractors are working on the road, though the people don’t understand the processes required. But I have directed that more personnel and equipment be deployed to the site”, he said.

The governor expressed satisfaction with the quality of piling works, road stabilisation and earthworks that have been carried out by the contractor.

He said: “By the Grace of God, the road would be completed as scheduled. All promises made to the people will be fulfilled.



“The essence of government is to bring happiness to the people and that is what we are doing. We are ensuring that all local government areas have access to the dividends of democracy “.

Governor Wike assured that funding of the road will be maintained to ensure consistency in delivery.

Commenting on the dualization of Sakpenwa-Bori Road, Governor Wike expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done so far. He said the road will be completed in May. The governor also inspected the Woji-Akpajo Bridge and Road.

Earlier, the Project Manager of Raffoul Nigeria Limited, Mr Tony Astafan assured the Rivers State Governor that necessary equipment will be deployed to reach expected milestones.



He said the company has deployed more equipment and manpower to make the required difference on the two aspects of the road within two weeks.

Chairman of Raffoul Nigeria Limited, Mr Hanna Raffoul assured the Rivers State Governor the company will live up to the expectations of the people.

Governor Wike was accompanied on the inspection of construction of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity Road by the State Commissioner of Works, Rt Hon Dum Dekor.

http://nghubs.info/governor-wike-declares-commitment-to-the-completion-of-the-ogoni-andoni-opobo-nkoro-unity-road/

Lalasticlala mynd44

The AREWA Youths Consultative Forum has reacted to former president Obasanjo’s letter to Buhari warning him against running for president in 2019.
According to a statement released by the president of Arewa Youths Consultative Forum, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, he lauded former president Obasanjo for his courageous demands.

Shettima said

““Obasanjo is saying what people like us saw from inception. We saw it coming earlier than now. We felt patriotism does not mean if government favours you, you cannot be objective. Being objective means even if it is your father that is doing something strong, you should summon courage to say it is right or wrong.

“To me, I strongly believe that the only way you can show you love Buhari is to tell him the simple truth, which we did long before now but when we advised him how to do better than the previous governments, we were tagged Buhari’s enemy by his blind followers who felt whatever he does is right.

“It is not done that way because, government is like a barrack. Anybody can be there. “This is democracy. It is about the people. Your primary responsibility has to be the welfare of the people. Anything short of that is a total failure.

“You cannot torture people in the name of governance. people are dying because of hardship.if You do that, you waste all the goodwill. The blind followers will follow you.

“We felt that if Buhari fails, it is the north that has failed.We feel the pains of Nigerians. According to him, even though president Obasanjo did not do better when he was in office, his message cannot be ignored.

“It is not because Obasanjo is better than Buhari but the message is Important. Obasanjo is the architect of what we have today. His words are important than him.

“I commend him for his courage. He should have said that before now. The time Buhari should have performed he was complaining. So many people have spoken. Hali Na’Abba has spoken.They cannot all be Buhari’s enemies”, he said.

http://nghubs.info/arewa-youths-reacts-to-obasanjos-letter-to-buhari/

Lalasticlala mynd44

Controversial Nollywood actor Uche Maduagwu will be tying the knot with his colleague Chika Ike.

Uche Maduagwu made this revelation via his Instagram page claiming that many ladies will be jealous of his choice of life partner.

He said he is marrying Chika Ike for her zeal of achieving greatness and not waiting for a man to do so.

He wrote: “My new year resolution is to marry @chikaike. I know so many other girls would be jealous now, but I am sorry my heart is already made up. I am not trying to marry her because she is beautiful, as there are so many beautiful girls in Nigeria. I want to marry her because she has proven to the world that what a man can do, a woman can also do better. This beautiful daughter of Zion started from nothing, but look at where she is today. Some girls feel they can never be successful in life without a man in their life. In fact, most beautiful girls nowadays have this belief that the only way to climb the ladder of success in life is by having a wealthy man in their life. chika Ike has proven them wrong; she is an inspiration to other girls because she believes in hard work, and that is what has taken her to the level she is in life today. This is why the biggest actor in Nigeria has decided to marry her this year. Please, am I being too emotional?”

http://nghubs.info/uche-maduagwu-to-wed-chika-ike/

Lalasticlala mynd44

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Gombe Zonal office on Monday, January 22, 2018 arraigned the a former minister Sarah Ochekpe alongside Evan Leo Sunday Jitong and Raymond Dabo before Justice H. M. Kurya of the Federal High Court ,Jos, Plateau State, on two-count charge bordering on money laundering.

Ochekpe was a former Minister of Water Resources during the tenure of former President Goodluck Jonathan, while Evan and Raymond were the state deputy director for Goodluck/Sambo 2015 election campaign and former Acting Chairman of PDP, Plateau State respectively.

They were alleged to have received the sum of N450million out of N23billion brought to Fidelity Bank Plc through cash and wire transfer by some oil companies and former Petroleum Resources Minister, Diezani Alison Madueke, to influence electorates and the outcome of 2015 Presidential Election.

Investigations showed that after receiving the money in their custody, the headquarters of Fidelity Bank Plc used its state branches to channel the distribution of the election loot through CBN to individual states of the Federation.

Specifically on the March 26, 2015, the sum of N450million were withdrawn from CBN by Fidelity Bank Plc Jos main branch and it was handed over to the defendants in cash after they signed for collection.

Though the defendants claimed that they handed over the money to late Senator Gyang Pwajok, the Plateau State PDP Governorship candidate in 2015, but they failed to provide any evidence to support their claim.

Count one of the charge reads:

“That you, SARAH RINGIM OCHEKPE, EVAN LEO SUNDAY JITONG, RAYMOND DABO and MRS DIEZANI ALISON MADUEKE ( NOW AT LARGE) sometimes in March, 2015 at Jos, Plateau state of Nigeria within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without going through the Financial Institution, did conspire amongst yourselves to accept cash payment of the sum of Four Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N450,000,000.00) from MRS. DIEZANI ALISON MADUEKE through Fidelity Bank Plc which sum exceeded the amount authorised by Law and thereby committed an offence contrary to the provisions of Section 18 (a), Section 16 (1) (d) of the Money Laundering (prohibition) Act 2012 (as amended) and Punishable under Section 16 (2) (b) of the same Act.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge.

In view of that, the prosecution counsel A. M. Muntaka asked a date for trial and also urged the court to consider the provision of Section 396 (3) of the administration of Criminal justice Act, 2015 to give an acceleration hearing by adhering to day-to-day trial.

The defence counsel, S. G. Odeh, applied for bail of his clients which was granted by the court on self recognition; but with the caveat that the bail bond be countersigned by the defence counsel.

The case has been adjourned to 13th and 14th February, 2018 for trial.

http://nghubs.info/%e2%80%8befcc-docks-former-minister-two-others-for-n450m-election-bribe/

Lalasticlala mynd44

Tricycle operators in Enugu State under the auspices of Association of Tricycle Riders Transport Union yesterday unanimously adopted Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as their gubernatorial candidate for the 2019 governorship election in the state

The jubilant tricycle operators, who came out in their numbers, made the declaration during an interactive meeting with the governor, held at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, stating that they “are fully committed to your second term in office” for his good works in the state and commitment to their welfare.

The transporters added that Gov. Ugwuanyi has shown them love and tremendous support through various interventions that have helped to ameliorate their sufferings, such as the reduction of “the price of local government tolls from N100.00 to N50.00”.

Presenting his address, the State Chairman of the Association, Comrade Benjamin Ejiofor Ikah described Gov. Ugwuanyi as “an epitome of freedom” and thanked God for using him to impact positively on the lives of the lowly in the society.

The state chairman prayed God to grant the governor “the wisdom of Solomon to continue with the good works he has started in making Enugu State better for the citizenry”, pledging that when the processes for the election commences, the union will mobilize and join the campaign train of the governor to all the nooks and crannies of the state.

Responding, Gov. Ugwuanyi who described the interactive meeting as a “strategic partnership”, appreciated the tricycle operators for their goodwill, solidarity, prayers and support to his administration.

The governor noted that the meeting offered him another opportunity to thank God and commend the transporters for their cooperation and the vital roles they played towards the peaceful and crime-free Christmas and New Year celebrations in the state.

He informed the transporters of his administration’s plan to initiate an empowerment scheme for them, similar to the one for traders in the state, to assist and make their lives more meaningful.

Gov. Ugwuanyi, who approved the request made by the union for the introduction of Riders Permit as obtainable in some states, to save them from further “harassment” in the hands of security agents, also urged those who have not obtained their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVC) to go and register with Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be eligible to vote during the general elections.

http://nghubs.info/enugu-tricycle-operators-endorse-gov-ugwuanyi-for-2nd-term/