₦airaland Forum

More

... Reiterates support for Ugwuanyi's re-election

... Extols gov's leadership virtues

The Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria (AMEN), Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka on Sunday declared that there is no vacancy in the Enugu State Government House in 2019, stressing that Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has done excellently well in office and deserves a second term.

Fr. Mbaka poured encomiums on Gov. Ugwuanyi, describing him as "a good, kindhearted, humble, peace-loving and God-fearing leader", who has judiciously managed the lean resources of the state for the benefit of the people.

The Catholic priest also described Ugwuanyi as "the best Governor so far in Enugu State", adding that he is "an epitome of peace; a sanctuary of conflict resolution and model for rural and urban development".

The cleric, who spoke at the Adoration Arena in Enugu during the Thanksgiving Mass for the governor’s recent victory at the Supreme Court, thanked God for giving the people of the state such an outstanding leader, saying this is the first time since he became a priest, that the state is experiencing peace.

He maintained that Gov. Ugwuanyi is prayer answered, appreciating the people of the state for their unflinching support and prayers for the governor, especially while the protracted legal battle lasted, emphasizing that "it is a Mass of Thanksgiving to God".

Mbaka further stated that Ugwuanyi was "the only governor that pays workers' salaries before the 25th of every month", disclosing that when most states could not pay salaries as a result of the recent federal allocation sharing deadlock, the governor paid, accordingly.

Commending Gov. Ugwuanyi for the security in Enugu State, Fr. Mbaka stated the feat was achieved because of "the reign of peace" in the state and the governor's faithful role as "a good shepherd".

While applauding the governor "for managing the public wealth judiciously and Godly" for the equitable development of the entire state, the outspoken priest prayed against any plot over the governor's re-election in 2019, saying: "I pray to God that this good man with intimidating humility will continue to govern Enugu State till 2023.

"Our governor, God has opened doors for you, no man can close it. Those who are following him should continue to follow him, he is a good man. We have one candidate for the governorship seat in 2019 in Enugu State in the name of Gburugburu (Ugwuanyi). We are begging him to come and complete the good works he has started in Enugu State. Enugu State is behind him. The church, students, teachers, traditional rulers, Adoration Ministry, many others are also behind him.

"I therefore, advise those who want to contest against him to please consider other elective positions", he said, while commending the governor for constructing "for the first time" the road that leads to the Church in Emene, Enugu.

Responding, Gov. Ugwuanyi, who expressed gratitude to the Ministry for its support and unceasing prayers for the success of his administration, noted that it was as a result of God's mercies and special grace that the victory at the Supreme Court was achieved.

Gov. Ugwuanyi recalled that the Adoration Ministry was his first port of call in search of God's grace "when this journey to usher in people-oriented governance in our dear state" began.

According to him, "today, I return to this place, once again to thank our dear able God, who in his Mercies has given us victory at the Supreme Court".

While committing the forthcoming elections of 2019 into God's hands, trusting that the good Lord will surely grant him victory again, as "He did for us in 2015", Gov. Ugwuanyi reassured the people of Enugu State that he will continue to walk in His Light and manage the affairs of the state with the fear of God.

He therefore, called on those who contested the election with him to join hands in moving the state forward.

http://thepunditng.com/no-vacancy-in-enugu-government-house-fr-mbaka-declares/

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (right) with the Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria (AMEN), Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka (left) and the bouquet bearer, Miss Chinazor Nwakwor, during the Thanksgiving Mass for the governor's recent electoral victory at the Supreme Court, held at the Adoration Arena, Emene, Enugu, yesterday.

Nigeria’s foremost civil rights activist, writer and public affairs analyst Segun Awonsaya also known as Segalink today released a statement blasting Nigeria’s President Buhari for destroying democracy in Nigeria and gave 25 Reasons why Nigerians should be worries about President Buhari’s disdain for democracy.

Mr Segun Awonsaya in a statement sent to journalists expressed his sadness for the current condition of Nigeria’s democratic institutions. Mr Awonsaya said that Nigeria’s democracy had never been this abused since the emergence of the 4th Republic in 1999. He stated that the Buhari led APC Presidency has been the most oppressive, repressive and dictatorial government since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.

Mr lamented that the Executive’s disrespect for the parliament and judiciary which are equal arms of Government has set a very dangerous precedent for the future as he and many Nigerians have continuously witnessed the harassment of judges and the political witch-hunting of the National Assembly leaders as they emerged against the wishes of the Presidency, something that had never happened in Nigeria’s democratic history.

Mr Awonsaya described President Buhari’s Nigeria a mockery of democracy, a nation disconnected from the foundations of the rule of law, equality, and federalism on which the nation’s constitution was drafted in 1999.

In the statement, the Segun Awonsaya described President Buhari’s led Nigeria as a model of "How Democracies Die", something to be taught in history books.

The President’s constant attacks on the National Assembly and it’s leadership is Mr Awonsaya’s focal point and he lists them below-

25 Reasons Why Nigerians should be worried about President Buhari’s disdain for Democracy:


1. The President clearly breached Section 80 of the Constitution, which stipulates that all government spending must be appropriated by the legislature, when he gave anticipatory approval for the  withdrawal of $496m from the Excess Crude Account to purchase Tucano Jets that wont be supplied till the year 2020. The Presidency failed to address this breach when accused and claimed that due process would have slowed down the acquisition of the jets, surprisingly, the jets would not be delivered until 2020.

2. The President failed to fully investigate and prosecute the invasion of the National Assembly by thugs led and sponsored by a Senator Senator Omo Agege who is supposedly loyal to the ruling party, which led to the theft of the Senate’s mace and the injury of seven National Assembly workers who were brutalized by the thugs.

3. The Presidency authorized the siege on the houses of the Senate President and the Deputy Senate President, while coordinating a legislative coup with a minority group of Senators, to avoid the defection of members from the APC. By this singular act, the Presidency exposed themselves to Nigerians the length of desperation it would go to keep power.

4. The President withheld his assent to the Electoral Amendment Bill — for selfish reasons — despite the fact that this amendment would have greatly improved our electoral processes through the use of technology in the collation and transmission of results. Instead, the Presidency backed a petition led by INEC against election reordering.

5. As the Minister of Petroleum, the President has breached Section 80 of the Constitution by overseeing the unauthorized expenditure of over N216billion by the NNPC for illegal subsidies, under the guise of 2017 “operational costs.’

6. The President has disregarded the principle of separation of powers, with his insistence on keeping Ibrahim Magu as the Acting EFCC Chairman, despite the fact that he failed confirmation twice, based on two reports presented by the Directorate of State Security (DSS), an agency of the Executive, that said he was unfit for public office.

7. The President has presided over a government that is known for its systematic harassment and humiliation of perceived political opponents and people with contrary opinions including the Legislature and Judiciary by the police and other security agencies.

8. The President has failed to hold accountable or sanction the actions of his appointees that choose to continuously endanger and ridicule the nation, despite a Joint National Assembly resolution that called his attention to the fact.

9. The President has failed to get Heads of Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) to defend their budgetary proposals on time, thereby frustrating efforts of the National Assembly to pass the budgets on time.

10. The President has demonstrated a failure to show sincerity in the fight against corruption. He has been selective by not prosecuting his appointees that have pending cases, despite a Joint National Assembly resolution that called his attention to the fact.

11. The President has failed to take immediate and consistent steps to contain the growing level of unemployment and poverty in Nigeria especially now that oil prices are high — despite a Joint National Assembly resolution that called his attention to the fact.

12. The President has failed to sanction the heads of law enforcement agencies, who appear helpless over the killing of innocent Nigerians but indulge in consistent framing up of perceived political opponents of the President and outright disregard for constitutional authority, both executive and legislative.

13. The President has a preference for circumventing the law. First, he demanded to have emergency powers in his first few months in office. Later, he signed and authorized Order 006 to give him powers outside the provisions of the EFCC Act and ICPC Act — as well as the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and the Criminal Code.

14. The President has consistently failed to adhere to Resolutions of the National Assembly and court orders on the unconstitutional incarceration of citizens of the Federal Republic, like Ibrahim El-Zakzaky and Sambo Dasuki.

15. The President’s appointment of the Service Chiefs is in violation of the Federal Character Principle that is enshrined in the Constitution that the members of the National Assembly swore to uphold and the Federal Character Commission Act passed by the National Assembly and signed into law —  which seeks to ensure that appointments to public service institutions fairly reflect the linguistic, ethnic, religious, and geographic diversity of the country.

16. The President’s failed attempts to harass and intimidate the leadership of the Senate, by bringing up bogus charges against them in the Code of Conduct Tribunal; falsely accusing them of forging the Senate rules without any evidence; and attempting to implicate the Senate President, through the Police, in a serious robbery incident, thereby politicizing the criminal investigation.

18.  The President has failed to investigate the coordinated affront on parliaments across the nation and has demonstrated complicity, with the use of the Security agencies under his control, to prevent lawmakers from participating in their legislative duties — thereby leading to bogus impeachment of presiding officers.

18. The President has presided over the unnecessary and constant defamation and disrespect of the National Assembly by his appointees, thereby deliberately destroying our nation’s democratic institutions.

19. The President has presided over the drastic reduction of the security details of the Senate President, the Speaker, the Deputy Senate President, Deputy Speaker and selected Senators all in an effort to coerce these presiding officers to do his bidding.

20. The President has been complicit in the outright failure of security agencies to provide security to some serving legislators who have dissenting views. This has led to a situation whereby certain legislators cannot visit their constituencies due to threats of violence. 

21. During the 2018 budget signing, the oblivious President threw the National Assembly under the bus by highlighting some expenditures that were amended. This is despite the fact that the National Assembly and its committees on appropriation, worked closely with his Ministers of Finance and Budget & National Planning before authorizing these expenditures.

22.  Nigeria has a potential to raise up to or more than N15trillion in independent revenue through its various revenue generating agencies. Despite this fact, in 2017, the Senate discovered that the President was presiding over the intentional breach of Section 21 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act by not ordering 38 MDAs of the Federal Government to submit their budgets to the National Assembly through their supervising Minister.

23.  Despite the social and security challenges in the country, the President has failed to assent to the following critical Acts passed by both chambers of the National Assembly: the Corporate Manslaughter Bill, the Dangerous Drugs Bill,  the National Child Protection and Enforcement Agency Bill and the Police Procurement Fund Bill, which was aimed at making the Nigerian Police better equipped to address present day challenges as well as other constitutional amendment bill.

24. The President has consistently incited members of the public against the National Assembly through his public statements. There are several examples. One of them was the speech he made during the signing of the 2018 budget. The other was during his last visit to Bauchi State where he made derisive remarks over the call for more engagement with lawmakers in order to reduce areas of disagreement between the two arms of government.

25. The President publicly commended — thereby endorsing — the action of an APC Governor who maliciously demolished the house of a Senator from his state just to settle political scores and demonstrate his ability to deal with political opponents.

Mr Awonsaya finishes by stating that -

It is clearly evident that Nigeria’s President has no regard for the rule of law, one of the fragile tenets of Nigeria’s democracy. This president must not be allowed to continue to degrade our democratic institutions because of his ambitions.


http://thepunditng.com/25-reasons-why-nigerians-should-be-worried-about-president-buhari-s-disdain-for-democracy-by-segalink/

Yesterday, reports came that Senator Akpabio was decamping and leaving the PDP For the APC.



He took time to visit the President, Muhammad Buhari this morning

http://thepunditng.com/pictures-of-minority-leader-senator-akpabio-in-london-this-morning/

More

…As Enugu Youth Parliament endorses governor for second term

The Arewa Youths Forum on Saturday honoured Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State with an Award of Excellence in recognition of the existing peace and good governance in the state.

The Northern forum, conferred the award on Gov. Ugwuanyi during a mass rally organized by the Enugu State Youth Parliament in Enugu, where the governor was endorsed for a second term in office.

In a remark by its youth leader, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo, the forum described Gov. Ugwuanyi as a peace-loving leader and great achiever who deserves to be honoured by his people and beyond.

Alhaji Gambo also applauded the Enugu Youth Parliament for the endorsement rally for Gov. Ugwuanyi, saying: “We are preparing him for 2023”.

He added that the governor’s peaceful disposition is a boost for national integration, stressing that this dream of our founding father can only be fully achieved through peaceful co-existence, “irrespective of our ethnic nationalities, cultural and religious differences”.

“Let me therefore acknowledge the presence of other Arewa youths and Nigerians here present to witness this important event taking place in the Coal City state. I am here to present this Award of Excellence to the only one and performing governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Gburugburu)”, he said.

Endorsing Gov. Ugwuanyi for re-election, the enthusiastic Enugu Youths said they were highly impressed with “the kind of peace we enjoy in Enugu State” and the governor’s commitment to the task of addressing the problems of the state, amicably and satisfactorily.

In an address delivered by the clerk of the association, Barr. Okechukwu Ani, the youths also lauded the governor for his administration’s giant developmental strides both in rural and urban areas with the “poor federal allocation that has been coming down to Enugu State since the inception of your administration”.

They equally commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for other people-oriented programmes of his administration that have impacted positively on the lives of the citizens of the state, expressing delight at the level of job creation for the youths by the state government.

They said: “Your Excellency, Enugu State Youth Parliament and its members across the states have unanimously agreed from the wards, local government and state levels that we will continue to use every necessary effort to support your administration, come 2019”.

Gov. Ugwuanyi, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Barr. Uwakwe Ukuta Azikiwe, thanked the association and the Arewa Youth Forum for the great honour and reiterated his administration’s commitment to the enhancement of the welfare of the youths as future leaders.

http://thepunditng.com/arewa-youths-honour-ugwaunyi-for-peace-good-governance/

Residents of Abor community, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, Thursday, dismissed media report that some of them were planning to commit suicide following the intention of the state government to acquire their ancestral land.

They said there was no iota of truth in the publication.

Addressing journalists at the residence of the oldest man in the community, Ichie Idenwagu Charles, the chairman of Amaezike village, Ichie Offo Uchenna said the alleged suicide attempt was “a creation of mischief makers and blackmailers”.

Accompanied by other elders of the community and youth leaders, Uchenna said contrary to claims by the Ngwuagu village, the said land was a subject of litigation before an Enugu High Court prior to the inception of the present administration, adding that their rival neigbouring village had been trespassing on the property against the order of the court.

The community leader said the Enugu State Government was intervening towards an amicable settlement of the land dispute involving the two villages.

While giving insight into the controversial land, he said, “My community is not having any issue with the Enugu State Government and nobody is threatening to commit suicide anywhere, contrary to the media report. The land in question belongs to Ngwuagu and Amaezike villages. The land has been a subject of dispute in court since 2006.

“We beckoned on the State Government to mediate and assist us as father to settle the problem we are having over the land. Our neighbouring village, who are now laying false accusation aganist the state govermnent, went there, parcelled the land, cancelled our previous perimeter survey. They went there started building house and selling the property to individuals, neglecting court order. The court told us to farm and not to build houses.

“But they disobeyed the court and even threatened to kill any one of us from Amaezike that visits the land. They sold the land, they are not living there as they falsely alleged.

“So, that is why we begged the State Government to come and settle this case between brothers, so that everybody will live in peace and unity in Abor.”

On suicide claims, Uchenna emphasized that, “There is no committing of suicide anywhere, they are just using it to blackmail the State Government and attract cheap popularity.

“I repeat, nobody is committing suicide, our ancestral home is in Abor, Udi Local government area, that land in question is a grass land that belongs to two of us.

“Whoever is laying that accusation against the Government has to be questioned because what they are doing is to deliberately castigate the government of the people.”

http://dailypost.ng/2018/08/02/enugu-community-denies-reported-suicide-alleged-forcedul-land-acquisition/

Supporters of the expelled senator of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Buruji Kashamu, on Thursday dared the national leadership of the party, as they organised a rally in Ogun State, to present aspirants of the party in the forthcoming 2019 elections.
The rally took place at the party’s Ogun headquarters located along Presidential Boulevard in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital, with thousands of party members across the 20 local government areas in attendance.
Mr Kashamu, a senator representing Ogun East, has been having running battles with his party and was recently expelled alongside three other chieftains of the party in the state.
Mr Kashamu, a supporter of erstwhile national chairman of the PDP, Ali Sheriff, was expelled alongside Bayo Dayo, Segun Sarki and Sanimu Sodipo; all from Ogun State.
Mr Dayo was a factional chairman of the PDP in Ogun. He headed the faction of the party loyal to Mr Kashamu.
Mr Kashamu is wanted in the U.S. for drug-related offences. He has repeatedly claimed he is innocent and has resisted moves to extradite him.
In May, the appeal court ruled against Mr Kashamu, signifying a possibility he could be arrested, before extradition commences.
At the rally on Thursday, security operatives on ground faced a herculean task while controlling the large number of party supporters who stormed the secretariat with placards in support of the 69 aspirants eyeing various political offices at the next polls.
Mr Bayo, who was axed alongside Mr Kashamu, in his welcome speech, declared that he remains the authentic chairman of the party.
He said the National Chairman of the party, Uche Secondus ”was clownish in decision to suspend him and two others”.
”The Secondus leadership is insane to have suspended us. The leadership is criminal to have flouted the court judgment which affirmed me as the authentic chairman of the party in the state. There is one PDP in Ogun State (of) which I am the chairman,” he said.
He urged the police to arrest Mr Secondus and others, adding that, ‘his leadership is cash and carry. I am not a factional chairman. The only PDP in Ogun State is headed by me. We are the only constituted authority to present candidates for election, and we shall organise free and fair primaries”.
Mr Kashamu also spoke at the rally.
“I can confirm that I remain in PDP. Any illegal pronouncement of my expulsion is a sheer waste of time,” he said

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/ssouth-west/278711-kashamus-supporters-dare-pdp-organise-rally-for-aspirants.html

Lalasticlala
Mynd44
Dominique

Nigeria's 36 States ranked in terms of progress, from best to worst, 2018.

(Africa Report, July/August 2018)

https://twitter.com/OnlyAfricaFacts/status/1023647203825475584?s=19

This was the state as at 2015

it is said that youths are the leaders of tomorrow but when is tomorrow going to come? The Nigerian political landscape is filled with people who a lot will describe as misfits or those who are not in tune with what the ordinary Nigerian wants.

It is to this end, a young Nairalander by the name Adesoji Gabriel Omoboriowo (Sojiboy) is poised to try his legs in the murky waters of politics by contesting to represent Ijero in the Ekiti state house of assembly.

He says his throwing his hat into the ring is to bring good and fair representation to his people and to also make sure that the people of Ijero have a voice and bring them to where they deserve to be in Ekiti and the nation.

With the APC's Fayemi voted back into government house at Oke-Ayoba, he seems certain that he can bring change that will lead to progress to Ijero from June 2019

Lets support one of our own and start a change

More.

More

Ahead of 2019 general election, the people of Enugu West Senatorial District have opted to purchase the Peoples Democratic Party's governorship nomination form for Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, in reconfirmation of their earlier endorsement of the governor's re-election.

The Deputy President of the Senate, Prof. Ike Ekweremadu, conveyed the unanimous decision of the zone to Gov. Ugwuanyi at the inauguration of Gburugburu Movement Awgu Local Government Area and endorsement rally/civic reception in honour of the governor by the enthusiastic people of the council, who defied rainfall to participate in the rich and colorful event.

Senator Ekweremadu reassured Gov. Ugwuanyi of "the total support of the entire Enugu West Senatorial District".

He added that nobody from the district would contest against the peoples' governor, stressing that he has performed very well in office and deserves a second term, accordingly.

It would be recalled that the people of Enugu North Senatorial District had in their recent endorsement rally for Gov. Ugwuanyi, equally agreed to purchase his party's nomination form, in appreciation of his remarkable achievements in office.

Enugu State is truly in the hands of God. #amokelouis

http://thepunditng.com/people-of-enugu-west-offers-to-buy-guber-nomination-form-for-ugwuanyi/

More

Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (middle) with the Chairman of the state's Economic Advisory Committee, Prof. Monsignor Obiora Ike (3rd right); UNICEF Representative, Mrs. Zuby Okolo (right); Chairman of state's Internal Revenue Service, Prince Emeka Odo (3rd left); Amb. Fidelia Njeze (2nd right); Prof. Osita Ogbu (4th left); Chief Chilo Offia (left); Amb. Fidel Ayogu (2nd left), and others, during a one-day retreat for key policy players of the state on new development plan for robust economic growth, held in Enugu, yesterday

…Tasks key policy makers on fresh development plan

…As UNICEF commends his initiative

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has disclosed his administration’s plan to adopt new strategies towards stepping up actions that would meet the developmental needs of the people of the state.

Gov. Ugwuanyi stated that his administration has in the last three years raised the bar in both infrastructural and social development, which has left indelible marks on the citizens of the state, as well as entrenched peace, political stability and good governance. He said that these were actualized through boosting of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) base.

The governor, who spoke during a one-day retreat for all key policy makers of the state organized by UNICEF in partnership with the state government pointed out that the programme was “designed to review the Policy Thrusts of Sectors in Enugu State” with a view to guiding the development of an Economic Blueprint and Growth Plan for the second tenure of his administration.

He explained that “This Growth Plan is indeed, a vision for the future of Enugu State, as it will state what we intend to achieve in the next 4 to 5 years”, and appreciated members of the state’s Economic Advisory Committee for facilitating the retreat and for the selfless service they have continued to render to his administration in the form of advice.

Speaking, the representative of UNICEF, Mrs. Ruby Okoro, commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for his administration’s commitment to the rapid socio-economic development of Enugu State, saying that the initiative will “address strong development issues in the state”.

Gov. Ugwuanyi further explained that his administration has in the past three years developed and reviewed the state’s Medium Term Implementation Plan (MTIP) and Sector Plans to ensure proper alignment of policies and budget, stating that the government “has decided to develop a growth plan that will sustain our efforts towards making Enugu State one of the four most economically and self-sufficient states in Nigeria”.

According to him, “We have boosted the IGR base to provide more funds for capital development in the state; built and rehabilitated key infrastructure; empowered our youth and women; secured lives and property of our people to ensure peace and political stability; improved institutions and systems for quality service delivery; secured the future of our children; fought against social discrimination and corruption as well as prudently managed the lean resources of the state”.

Gov. Ugwuanyi, who expressed gratitude that “God has truly been wonderful to us”, revealed that the new development plans will in addition to what have been achieved, focus on poverty reduction/wealth creation; healthy and productive citizens; highly educated and skilled workforce; youth empowerment and employment”.

Others include, “urban/city renewal/upgrade; peace and security; citizens with the right attitudes, aptitudes and values; responsive, inclusive and accountable governance and economic /fiscal expansion”.

To achieve the above goals, the governor disclosed that his administration intends to adopt the strategies of “improving urban/rural infrastructure; upgrading more rural communities to urban status; increasing agricultural productivity; making Enugu State an investment destination; promoting early childhood education; promoting science, technical and vocational education”.

The strategies also include, “promoting effective waste management/renewable energy; developing a robust health system; promoting housing development and urban planning; improving institutions and systems for good governance; increasing investment through PPP for expanding the IGR base of the state, and promoting technology based courses in our Tertiary schools”, among others.

While expressing confidence that his administration will achieve the goals, since it has placed Enugu State in the hands of God, Gov. Ugwuanyi charged the key policy players, such as members of the State Executive Council; Permanent Secretaries; Heads of state’s Agencies and Institutions, to bring to bear their expertise and experience towards the actualization of the laudable programme to meet the emerging needs of the people of the state.

Other speakers at the event, namely the Chairman of the Enugu State Economic Advisory Committee, Prof. Monsignor Obiora Ike and a member of the Committee, Chief Loretta Aniagolu, also emphasized the significance of a new robust economic development blueprint for the governor’s second term in office.

They equally commended the governor for his outstanding achievements in office so far and urged the participants to take advantage of the retreat to make meaningful contributions towards the rapid growth and development of the state.

http://thepunditng.com/enugu-gov-ugwuanyi-sets-new-agenda-for-robust-economic-growth/

Senator Shehu Sani has been rumoured to be out of the ruling APC but last night after meeting the president along with other APC senators, he said he was glad about the reconciliation process and that he believed in the leadership of president Buhari and the chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomole.

The APC senators were led by the Senate leader, Senator Lawan to Aso Villa where the meeting held

Watch Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bx1uZpAioOI

http://thepunditng.com/i-beleive-in-the-leadership-of-president-buhari-and-oshiomole-shehu-sani/

The United States of America on Wednesday said it is carefully watching the developments in Nigeria’s politics.

The U.S. government said it strongly believes in elections and democratic process globally including in Nigeria.

The Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, David Youn‎g, made his government’s position known to journalists in Kaduna.

Mr Young also called for neutrality of the police and other security agencies in the country.

According to him, his country believes democratic process goes hand in hand with basic freedoms and fair treatment for all according to the rule of law.

‎”We are all watching very carefully the political development in Nigeria in the last two days,” he said in apparent reference to the defection of dozens of federal lawmakers from Nigeria’s ruling party, APC, on Tuesday.

There were also instances of security siege on the two presiding officers of the Senate on Tuesday, ostensibly to prevent them from presiding over the Senate on that day. Senate President Bukola Saraki eventually maneuvered his way to the Senate where he presided over the defection of 14 senators, majority to the opposition PDP. His deputy, Ike Ekweremadu could not due to the siege on his home.

“I want to reiterate very strongly the United States Government’s position about elections and democratic process. This ‎implies in Nigeria and indeed all around the world,” Mr Young said.

“In all countries, my country believes very strongly that democratic process goes hand in hand with basic freedoms and fair treatment for all according to the rule of law.

“So, importantly, matters of rule of law goes hand in hand with transparency and justice which include neutrality of police and security agencies.

“Again, United State is a partner with Nigeria and we strongly believe in the principles of free, fair, transparent and credible democratic process and elections‎ before, during and after elections,” he said.

Mr Young was on a fact finding trip to Zamfara, Plateau and Kaduna states over the ongoing security challenges in those areas.


Source: https://allafrica.com/stories/201807260015.html

Nigeria’s Attorney-General, Abubakar Malami, has told the police that there was no evidence that linked Senate President Bukola Saraki and Kwara State Governor Abdulfattah Ahmed to the armed robbery attack that left 31 persons dead in Offa, Kwara State, in April, PREMIUM TIMES can now confirm.

Mr Malami advised in a June 22 letter to the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, that the police would need to ramp up their investigation and also painstakingly explore all critical areas before identifying the Senate President as a suspect in the carnage, much less filing charges against him.

Yusuf Abdulwahab, Mr Ahmed’s chief of staff who was amongst state officials arrested for allegedly conspiring with the prime suspects, was also cleared, with the prosecutor saying “no evidence is credible enough to sustain any charge based on any offence known to law against him.”

The attorney-general’s office said only six prime suspects should be charged to court for armed robbery and murder which could draw capital punishment upon conviction. Olalekan Alabi, a personal assistant to Mr Ahmed, was also recommended for trial, but only on lesser charges of illegal possession of arms.

Mr Saraki hinted at the existence of the letter on Monday night as part of a fierce response to Mr Idris’ latest summon to him. The Senate President said the invitation, which he was asked to honour by 8:00 a.m. today, was unnecessary because the Director of Public Prosecutions had already informed the police that there were no sufficient bases to keep dragging him into the armed robbery investigation.

“I am aware that following a request made by the Police on June 13, 2018 to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) of the Federation had written a legal advice dated June 22, 2018, in which he stated on page 5, paragraph (f) that “For the Senate President and the Kwara State Governor, this office is unable to establish from the evidence in the interim report a nexus between the alleged office and the suspects,” Mr Saraki said in the Monday night statement.

At least five banks were raided and substantial amount of cash carted away when armed robbers stormed the polytechnic town on April 5. The police initially said 17 people were killed in the attack, including nine police officers, but continued to revise the figure upwards, apparently as some of those receiving treatments for critical wounds were passing on.

PREMIUM TIMES obtained a copy of the letter on Tuesday, which was signed for Mr Malami by DPP Mohammed Umar and confirmed exactly what Mr Saraki disclosed.

Mr Umar examined the crime and the suspects the police lined up in their first information report submitted to the attorney-general’s office for prosecution, and came up with legal and technical suggestions about how to properly build a case that would not be discarded at a glance when the potential criminal trial gets underway.




“For the Senate President and the Kwara State Governor, this office is unable to establish from the evidence in the interim report a nexus between the alleged offence and the suspects,” the prosecutor said.

At least 12 suspects were arrested at multiple locations within the first week of the attack. Six weeks later, the police said they had taken two more suspects into custody, including the alleged mastermind Michael Adikwu, after a composite CCTV picture of the suspects was circulated by the police.

The police identified a picture one of the robbery suspects took with Mr Saraki at his daughter’s wedding last year as a key evidence that linked the Senate President to both the suspects and the crime.The police also said one of the vehicles used by the suspects had a dummy number plate with Mr Saraki’s name inscribed on it.

Also, some officials of Kwara State government were also arrested and one of the vehicles allegedly used in the robbery was found in the home of a commissioner. All the state officials denied allegations, and some were later released without charges.

Mr Saraki was initially invited for questioning in early June, but this approach was later abandoned by the police who asked him to turn in a written response to the allegations instead. The police had been largely mum about the matter, until the sudden invitation that was circulated.

In his statement Monday, Mr Saraki said he denied all allegations of involvement in the planning or execution of the robbery in his June 7 statement to the police. .

The Senate President said the police were a key actor in an elaborate, federal government-backed scheme aimed at railroading him into remaining at the ruling All Progressives Congress.

“This plot aimed at compelling me and my associates to stay in a party where members are criminalised without just cause, where injustice is perpetrated at the highest level and where there is no respect for constitutionalism is an exercise in futility and it will fail,” Mr Saraki said.


The scenes that played out throughout Tuesday largely confirmed Mr Saraki’s fears that the police were being used to executive a devious political gambit, PREMIUM TIMES found.

The Senate President had recently been freed of false and anticipatory assets declaration charges after a lengthy trial that lasted nearly three years..He insisted throughout his trial that the charges were politically-motivated and would not stand.





The first indication that the robbery investigation might have been politicised emerged when the Kwara State judiciary demanded that the suspects who were arrested and taken to Abuja over the case should be returned to the state. The institution said the state chief prosecutor had already concluded preliminary findings and had notified the court of a criminal proceeding into the case before the police abruptly seized the suspects.


While the suspects were being transferred to Abuja, Mr Saraki fired a preemptive short, alleging that the police wanted to use the suspects to implicate him. After spending days in police custody, the suspects allegedly confessed that Mr Saraki was their sponsor.

Mr Ahmed, whom the Senate President said tipped him off about the police ploy, also strongly denied all allegations he sponsored the suspects.


Authorities in Kwara contradicted the alleged confession, saying all the suspects wrote statements following their arrest in Ilorin and none of them mentioned Mr Saraki, much less incriminating him.

For the police to avoid a similar outcome with the latest allegations, they would need to work harder, the attorney-general’s office warned.

The three-pronged blanks that the police must sufficiently fill before bringing charges against Messrs Saraki and Ahmed include whether the planning and the execution of the robbery attack were carried out at their instance, knowledge or approval; whether the weapons used for the robbery attack were supplied by either of the top politicians; and any other areas that may assist in establishing that they were aiding and abetting criminal activities.


The prosecutor also said the police would need to conduct deeper investigation before any charges could be brought against Mr Abdulwahab.

Police spokesperson Jimoh Moshood did not return PREMIUM TIMES requests for comments between Tuesday and Wednesday. Mr Umar declined comments about whether the police have updated their findings since receiving his letter in June.

Fine-tuning Grey Areas

The attorney-general’s office used the larger parts of the letter to rubbish some of the facts submitted by the police and went on to offer tips on how to build a water-tight case against even the prime suspects.

The six suspects recommended for trial were: Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Adeola Ibrahim, Salawudeen Azeez, Niyi Ogundiran and Mr Adikwu. The prosecutor said they should be charged with the offences of criminal conspiracy, armed robbery and culpable homicide punishable with death.

The confession the suspects allegedly provided to the police could be used to build up evidence against them in court, the prosecutor said. He also suggested that items stolen by the robbers from the affected banks and other places would further aid in investigation, adding that ballistic tests and forensic examination should be conducted.




But in a damning rebuke of the manner with which the police handled the investigation, the prosecutor said the particulars of the crime submitted against the suspects were contradictory.

“The weapons used in the attack were different from those allegedly carted away from the police armory,” Mr Etsu said for instance.

In another case, “Michael Adikwu’s voluntary statement was not attached to the file and should not be so,” the prosecutor said.

Curiously, the prosecutor said the police should ensure that the suspects are available to face trial. This appears a subtle acknowledgement of the raging controversy around some of the suspects, especially Mr Adikwu who was alleged to have been killed in custody.

Mr Adikwu was reportedly dismissed as a police corporal following his arrest in 2012 on alleged criminal offences. He was charged to court in Kwara State for compromising police operations and releasing armed robbery suspects. He reportedly escaped from prisons in 2015 and joined armed robbery gangs.

It was not immediately clear whether he was found guilty and convicted by the court or whether he escaped from prison while still in remand as his trial was underway. PREMIUM TIMES could not immediately confirm whether he has a lawyer.

The police fiercely rejected claims that Mr Adikwu had been killed in custody to hush details that could expose potential anti-Saraki conspiracy within the police, but declined repeated demands to parade him once again for Nigerians to know he is still alive.



Premium Times

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/277780-offa-robbery-agf-malami-clears-saraki-says-police-lack-evidence-against-senate-president.html

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (left) being entertained by students of Early Dew High School, G.R.A, Enugu, when residents of the area organized a civic reception to honour and endorse him for a second term in office, yesterday

By Abdulwahab Abdulah

LAGOS — THE chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Lagos, Mr. Moshood Salvador and 10 others have been remanded in prison custody over alleged murder of the party chairman in Apapa council area, Mr. Adeniyi Aborishade, last Saturday.

Salvador, who was ordered to be remanded in custody by Magistrate A. Komolafe after he was arraigned at the Yaba Magistrate Court, was charged on the two-count information of conspiracy and unlawful killing punishable under sections 233 and 223 of the criminal law of Lagos State 2015. The accused persons have since pleaded not guilty to the offences preferred against them by the police.

Subsequently, they were ordered to be remanded in Ikoyi prisons pending the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, advice. Others charged along Salvador, are Kehinde Fasasi, Rotimi Kujore, Fatai Adele, Ismaila Abiola and Amos Fawole, Victoria Falowo, Mukaila Odukoya, Oropo Isaac, Mohammed Abu Babangida and Ugochukwu Nwoke.

The court has adjourned the matter till August 27, 2018. The arraignment and detention of the accused persons came as the Lagos chapter of the PDP, through its solicitors, Jefferson & Co, urged the state Police Command to carry out thorough investigation into the killing of Aborishade. It also faulted the state Police Public Relations Officer’s statement alleged to have portrayed the state PDP and its leaders as gang of hooligans.

In the letter by Mr. K. O. Osinowo to the Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal, it stated that five of those people detained and charged alongside the accused persons-Kehinde Fasasi, Rotimi Kujore, Fatai Adele, Ismaila Abiola and Amos Fawole for murder are innocent party leaders. They reported the shooting of the deceased to the police, in order to apprehend the criminals that carried out the dastardly act. It stated that the five people are the complainants who now turned to “principal suspect” by the police.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/07/court-remands-lagos-pdp-chair-salvador-others-over-murder/

As seen on his twitter handle, he says he has left APC but he has not joined the PDP.

This brings the number of PDP to 48 while APC still has 52

There was excitement in Enugu State on Monday as 200 lucky traders emerged winners of the 5th raffle draw of the second phase of the state’s Traders Empowerment Scheme conducted simultaneously across the 54 registered markets in the state.

Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration in February 2017 launched a monthly empowerment scheme for genuine traders in the state to assist them grow their various businesses for all round economic growth. One thousand two hundred (1200) traders won N50,000 each accordingly for the year under review.

Following the successful conclusion of the first phase, the state government in March this year re-launched the widely cherished scheme with a bumper package that was double the initial amount.

Consequently, the amount earmarked for the scheme was increased from N60 million annually to N120 million, while the number of beneficiaries was also raised from 100 per month to 200. The number of participating markets was equally expanded from 37 to 54, to give more traders, especially those in the rural areas, better chances of participation.

Participating at the 5th draw held at Afor Iwollo Market in Ezeagu Local Government Area, Gov. Ugwuanyi said that the event marked “yet another milestone in our quest to empower traders in Enugu State”.

The governor stated that the 2,400 traders who are expected to win in the scheme at the end of the 12 months’ duration, cut across all traders living in the state, irrespective of their origin, religion and ethnicity. He added that the winners are expected to use the N50,000 they will each receive, “to promote their various businesses and help promote all round economic growth in the state”.

Gov. Ugwuanyi explained that the repackaged scheme took place simultaneously in all the 54 participating markets in the state and produced 200 winners each of whom will receive the sum of N50,000, adding that only genuine traders who are present and participated in the draw will have the opportunity to win.

He therefore, reiterated his administration “unwavering commitment” to improving the standard of living of the people and to ensure that more opportunities for growth and rapid development are extended to every corner and to every class of the society.

While congratulating the excited traders who won in the 54 participating markets, the governor urged them to use the money judiciously and for purposes that will ensure the full realization of the objectives of the scheme.

http://thepunditng.com/excitement-as-ugwuanyi-empowers-200-traders-at-monthly-raffle-draw/

By Louis Amoke

The recent inauguration of the ancient and historic Milliken Hill road, Ngwo, Enugu, newly reconstructed and modernized with street lights and other safety measures by Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration, did not only stir jubilation in the state, it also rekindled the people’s confidence in good governance and participatory democracy.

Constructed between 1909 and 1928 by the colonial government, the all-important hilly, undulating road which was hitherto neglected for many decades has today become a centre of attraction and a new bride for motorists driving into the Coal City state through the Onitsha-Enugu federal expressway.

Interestingly, the good news is that the federal road, which was closed a few weeks ago for total rehabilitation by Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration has been reopened to traffic as an alternative route for travelers plying the intractable Ugwu Onyeama section of the Ontisha-Enugu federal road into Enugu City.

Bounded by a deep valley and beautiful pine trees that showcase the beautiful green nature of the Coal City, the long neglected snaking Milliken Hill road also abounds with other natural endowments and a rich heritage that upholds its fame as a key tourist attraction, which needs to be cherished and protected for generations yet unborn.

As a monumental edifice built close to a century ago, the winding hilly road has over the years kept faith with history in terms of what it symbolizes to an average Igbo man.

According to history, British tourists on their way to the Middle Belt from Awka in 1908 sighted the hill at Ngwo, Enugu. In appreciation of its natural, beautiful outlook and anticipation of the inherent mineral potentials drew the attention of the colonial government in Lagos. Consequently, a team of mining engineers was reportedly sent down to Enugu in 1909 to prospect for silver in the hill. They struck coal instead. It was also reported that the discovery of coal attracted the Europeans to settle on top of the hill at Ngwo now known as “Hilltop”, and subsequent construction of the Milliken Hill road which was named after the head engineer, who designed the historic road.

Propelled by this noble vision and the need to protect and preserve the enduring legacy bequeathed to the Igbos in particular and entire country in general, by the colonial masters, and in keeping with his administration’s urban renewal agenda, Gov. Ugwuanyi in spite of the nation’s economic crunch, embarked on the reconstruction of the 12-kiliometer 9th Mile- Ekochin-Ngwo-Milliken Hill-New Market federal road. The project’s peak of attraction is the Milliken Hill section, which was completely reconstructed after being fortified with concrete retaining walls, jersey-kerbs and street lights for its lifespan enhancement and safety of road users.

The giant infrastructural rebirth of Enugu’s Milliken Hill road is not only legendary and novel but also a display of exemplary leadership by the people’s governor, who has continued to remember the long-neglected and abandoned areas of the state.

It is on record that Gov. Ugwuanyi's administration has in the last three years spent over N45 billion on road construction and reconstruction across the length and breadth of the state, covering about 300 kilometers.

This act of governance is borne out of dedication to service, political will and commitment to the wellbeing of the people in fulfillment of the dreams and aspirations of the founding fathers of Enugu State.

On the Milliken Hill road, kudos must therefore, go to Gov. Ugwuanyi for spearheading such a momentous and time-honoured intervention laced with vision and passion for the safety of road users and protection of the state’s rich heritage. His footprints on the hill will remain indelible as history will, no doubt, forever remember him for reinvigorating the spirit and vision of the initiators and executors of this landmark project for the service of mankind.
No wonder, the jubilation and excitement that greeted the reopening of the road to traffic by the governor after its reconstruction and modernization. The colourful event which took place at the entry point of the hill beneath the quarters of the miners at Iva Valley and Onyeama Coal Mines, a few poles away from the popular Enugu New Market, saw a large turnout of jubilant residents of the state, including leaders and members of the religious and traditional institutions, market men and women, motorists, “okada” and “keke” riders, and the governor’s teeming supporters, among others, who took to their dancing steps, praising him for his remarkable feat.

Speaking on behalf of the visibly enchanted residents, the leader of the host community and former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Chief Dubem Onyia expressed gratitude to Gov. Ugwuanyi for keeping faith with his promise to reconstruct and modernize the road with street lights and other safety measures. Chief Onyia noted that the road was symbolic and very significant to the people of Ngwo, Enugu State and the entire Igbos, appreciating the governor for his prompt intervention. The community leader equally pointed out that the governor has wiped out their tears for good, maintaining that no government had reconstructed the road after it was built by the colonial masters.

According to him, “Today, you (Ugwuanyi) have wiped out the tears of not only Ngwo people but also the Igbo people. Since the colonialists built this road, no government has ever reconstructed it until now.” He, therefore, reassured the governor of the people's unflinching support for his re-election in 2019.

Adding his voice of heartfelt appreciation, the Executive Chairman of Enugu North Local Government Area, Hon. Emma Onoh commended the governor for his courage and vision in reconstructing the road for the overall interest of the people of the state and beyond.

Inaugurating the road, Gov. Ugwuanyi, who was overwhelmed by the outpouring of gratitude and excitement, stated that the project was a "great infrastructural asset and rich heritage of our coal city state".

Describing the Milliken Hill section of the 12-kilometer road as "our natural roller coaster", the governor disclosed that "no road in our environment affords tourists and motorists the beautiful view of Enugu that this road offers".

According to him, "I stand here today with joy in my heart, buoyed by the happy faces of Ndi Enugu, to inaugurate this reconstructed, historic legacy, the Milliken Hill road; a renowned tourist attraction which history is consistent with coal discovery in our state in the early 20th century.

"The great excitement that greeted the reconstruction of this legacy road is therefore consequential and our gratitude, most profound, goes to God Almighty for affording us the means and commitment to deliver this project."

He, therefore, urged motorists to drive slowly and safely with caution through the meandering road, to cherish the natural green beauty and panoramic view, the undulating road offers.

The people’s governor, as the inscription on one of the billboards erected on the road reads: “FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE AT MILLIKEN HILL, HISTORY WILL FOREVER REMEMBER YOU”. The good people of Enugu State and beyond will continue to appreciate this cherished legacy and other numerous giant strides of your people-oriented administration. Enugu State is truly in the hands of God!

·Amoke writes from Enugu State

http://thepunditng.com/ugwuanyis-indelible-footprints-on-enugus-milliken-hill-roa/

CC: mynd44
Dominique
Lalasticlala

more

Investors in the capital market continue to show disinterest in Zenith Bank, as the attempt of the lender’s Group Managing Director, Ebenezer Onyeagwu, and Chairman, Jim Ovia, to save the firm’s falling share fail to convince shareholders.

Year-to-date, Zenith Bank share has lost -8.54% value in the capital market, according to Prime Business analysis, which means an investor who paid N25.15 million to buy 1,000,000 shares of the firm at the start of January at N25.15kobo per share, has lost N2.15 million in investment.

So lack of growth prospects in Zenith Bank is forcing shareholders of the firm to sell off their shares at lower price than they bought it, in a bid to save what’s left of their investment in the bank.

Aside from investors losing part of their investment to the sell off, it has also reduced Zenith Bank’s market valuation to N722.11 billion as at Thursday, against the N789.62 billion held early January – this is a loss of N67.50 billion in six months.

In order to prevent the continuous fall in Zenith Bank share value, the management have been buying large volumes, with Jim Ovia buying 2,000,000 shares between May 9 and May 11, through his investment company, Quantum Zenity Securities & Investment Limited.

The CEO, Onyeagwu, has also been busy in the capital market, purchasing 12.10 million shares last month. Note that the acquisition of shares by top directors at a firm is some management’s way of luring the capital market into buying or demanding for their share.


However, Ovia and Onyeagwu’s acquisition wasn’t convincing enough to investors, considering Zenith Bank share depreciated by -4.16% at the end of May, reflecting heavy investor pessimism, holding believe that the share will still fall.

Ovia, has also been affected by the downward trajectory in Zenith Bank, losing N10.88 billion in the last six months, as his investment in the lender dwindled to N116.42 million, from N127.30 billion.

While Onyeagwu lost N142.10 million during the same period, with his funds in Zenith Bank crashing to N1.52 billion, below the N1.66 billion he held, if all his investment in the last six months in the bank is pegged with current market price of N23.

AutoJoshNG:
A PSP truck, filled with waste had been parked at Thomas Bus stop, Ikorodu, Lagos for over 5 days.

And this could lead to Cholera outbreak.

What’s your say on this?

https://autojosh.com/truck-filled-with-waste-parked-at-thomas-ikorodu/

Lalasticlala
Mynd44
Ishilove
Marpol
Semid4lyfe
Obinoscopy
Seun

hi, I cant access my mail. please follow back so i can reach you

More

Enugu Clean Team Project at work for a cleaner and healthier Enugu State.

Truly, Enugu State is in the hands of God! #amokelouis

When does this drama end?

Imagine acting out Luke 22:62 yesterday
And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.