₦airaland Forum

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) senatorial candidate for Imo East in the 2023 general election, Mr Chyma Anthony, has hailed the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to extend the ongoing continuous voter registration (CVR) exercise initially slated to end at the end of June, 2022.

Anthony was reacting to the statement by the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters, Hon Aishatu Jibril Dukku, who disclosed this while briefing lawmakers on the committee’s efforts to ensure the implementation of a House resolution yesterday in Abuja.

In a statement he issued in Abuja, Anthony said the decision to extend the registration date is a welcome development and urged youths of Imo East senatorial district and Imo State to take advantage of the extension to get registered to enable them participate in the 2023 general election.

He urged INEC to ensure that more men and equipment are deployed to speed up the capturing time and to reduce fatigue among the eager Nigerians willing to be part of the electoral process next year.

“This is a golden opportunity for our people especially our youths that have shown unprecedented enthusiasm in the 2023 general elections.

“I want to charge all the youths of voting age in Imo East (Owerri Zone), Imo State and all over Nigeria to come out for this important exercise if they truly are hungry for good governance and better future,” said Anthony.

The APGA candidate also cautioned youths against selling their votes to politicians who do not mean well for them.

Member representing Takai/ Sumaila federal constituency of Kano state, Hon Shamsudeen Bello Dambazau has announced his decision to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) under the leadership of Engr Dr Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.

Dambazau who did not site the reasons for his defection, however said unfortunate development within the APC in the state necessitated the recent move.

In a terse statement released to journalists, he stressed that sincere sacrifices have to be made in a bid to solve "deep rooted national problems", hence the need to move on.

"Today, I Hon Shamsudeen Bello Dambazau has formally decamped to the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) under the leadership of Engr Dr Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, a man of Integrity and respect.

"This came after due consultations with my team and Supporters.

"However, Unfortunately, recent developments within the Party make it almost impossible to continue participating and making productive contributions to the advantage of the party and the people of my constituency.

"Our national problems are deep rooted and require that we all make sincere sacrifices towards rescuing our constituencies, states and country at large.

"My commitment to rescuing my constituency and Kano State remains firm even if the routes vary.

"I wish to extend my apprecition personally for the opportunity to serve within the party but it is time I move on to where our interests align." The statement said.

As the race for various offices in the governing All Progressive Congress (APC) gets underway in the nation's capital, a chieftain of the party, Barrister Audu Suleiman has said that Mr Felix Morka who is vying for the position of National Publicity Secretary should be withdrawn from the race.

He alleged that Morka had corruption issues in the United States of America.

In a statement on Saturday in Abuja, Barr. Suleiman added that having Morka as member of APC National Working Committee (NWC) would mean an indictment on it and the fight against corruption by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government.

"It is true that he is a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) like other well meaning Nigerians who wants the betterment of the country.

"Just as Nigerians believe that APC is fighting corruption, the likes of Morka who have in three times gone to jail in the United States of America are not suppose to be voted for in any elections," he said.

He added that Morka was not suppose to be part of APC's executives.

This, Suleiman said was especially because Nigerians believe the party was fighting corruption and should not be associated with anyone that had been indicted.

He therefore asked that Morka be withdrawn from the race, least he drags the APC into court litigation.

"I am using this opportunity to inform the national ruling party to withdraw him from the race because he is presently facing a corruption case in one of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

"The Court has served him notice and we all believe that the court would soon entertain the case.

"So allowing him to be the mouth piece of the ruling party would amount to not fighting corruption," he said.

...As Supreme Court seals fate of 74 degeristed political parties

The Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has been commended for his sanitization of the electoral process. 

The commendation is coming, following the Supreme Court ruling whichever  affirmed the deregistration of 74 political parties by the INEC. 

Reacting to the Supreme Court judgement,  Mr. Moses Kor, Executive Director, Credible Election Advocates said the INEC led by Mahmood Yakubu has worked to ensure that the electoral process is sanitised.

He said, "With 18 parties now, Nigerians can have a wide choice to express their democratic rights yet it would not be unwieldy unlike when there were 91 political parties. Furthermore with the technological innovations the Commission has made, signs a clear that the 2023 general election will be credible, free and fair."

Justice Ejembi Eko of the apex court in his ruling earlier on Friday had upturned the judgment of the Court of Appeal and reinstated the judgment of the Federal High Court delivered by Justice Anwuri Chikere that deregistration of the political parties was proper.

This decision followed arguments canvassed by INEC that it was not granted fair hearing by the Court of Appeal which it alleged raised issues on it own and did not give the Commission a chance to respond thereby denying it the right to fair hearing.

By this decision, Nigeria now officially has 18 political parties. This is the number that survived following the deregistration of the 74 parties.

Speaking at the premises of the Court, Constitutional lawyer, Obed Agu said issue of fair hearing is very fundamental in every matter in court and any trial that denies a party of fair hearing is bound to be upturned on appeal. 

According to him, counsel to the political parties ought to have urged the court of Appeal to allow parties address it on the issue raised by the court on its own knowing that a judgment of the Appeal Court on that basis can be upturned.

Built on the unprecedented success of its first edition, the Akwa-Ocha fashion show has again made a second debut.

The second edition which took place on 4th December, 2021 at Sweet Spirit Hotel, Okpanam Road, Asaba in Delta State gathered eminent sons and daughters of Anioma nation, clothed with spectacular designs that were made strictly from Akwa-Ocha.

The Akwa-Ocha Fashion Show is basically a programme aimed at rebranding, and preserving the cultural heritage of the people of Anioma by fostering creativity through the use of Akwaocha attire.

The convener, Anthonia Oguah who described the cultural fashion show as a tourism stated that the fashion show is targeted towards creating global awareness, recognition and acceptance of the Akwa-Ocha in the international fashion industry for economic breakthrough.

The event also showcased the best of Anioma personalities thereby encouraging unity and progress of the Anioma people worldwide.

Chairman Of the occasion was , Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei a former speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, and the current executive director maritime , labour and cabotage services at NIMASA, a patriot son of Anioma nation, and lover of the Akwa-Ocha,

Other special guest of honour includes Chief Mrs Josephine Kachikwu the Ochiligwe of Onicha-Ugbo as the mother of the occasion, High Chief Mike Nwaukoni the Iyase of Ogwashi-Uku kingdom as Father of the day, Prof. Mrs Stella Chiemeke the V. C of Delta State University Agbor as the Keynote speaker for the Occasion, Barr. Eugene Uzum the Director-General of the Delta State Orientation Bureau, also, Chief Mrs Theodore Giwa-Amu the Omeifeoma of Ahaba as Grand Matron for the occasion, His Royal Majesty, Obi Kikachukwu Afamefune, Royal Father of the day. While the Odogwu Abi- Ebuo 1 of Amai Kingdom, Sir Dele Omenogor is the patron of the occasion.

Nigerian youth international football star, Abba Bichi Jnr, has lined up sporting activities as part of events to mark this year’s birthday celebration.

Abba Bichi birthday event, would see youth competing in football tournament, snooker, Paintball, Archery at the Wakanda Paintball Arena Zone 5 on Sunday, December 19th 2021

The events which is sponsored by BMC and Cubana Group would see winners take home mouth-watering prizes.

Speaking ahead of the events, the former Nigerian U-17 stars, Bichi said that the event was aimed at giving back to the society and also give youth the platform to showcase their talents.

“The sporting events is set up to give back to the society and to give the youth a platform for them to showcase their talents. The event is strictly by invitation, everyone willing to attend or participate in the games should reach out to the contact information on the flyer. All stalls are free as well."

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has emerged winner of the best federal institution for its outstanding impact on the realization of human rights in Nigeria.

The prestigious award was bestowed on the Agency by the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, in an award ceremony on Friday in Abuja.

The award ceremony holds annually on the 10th of December in commemoration of the International Human Rights Day; the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly.

This year’s edition of the awards ceremony, which has 'Equality' as its theme, recognizes federal and state institutions as well as civil society organizations that have in the last 12 months contributed immensely to the realization of human rights in the country.

Specifically, the NHRC awards are in three categories; Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Governors and Civil Society Organisations that have distinguished themselves in the advancement of human rights in Nigeria.

The Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, Dr. Salamatu Hussaini Sulaiman said the aim of the Awards was to recognize the efforts of institutions and individuals and encourage them to do more.

She disclosed that the commission will increase the number of Award categories in 2022 to take care of human rights defenders and development partners as separate categories.

Commenting on the award, the Executive Director of NPHCDA, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, expressed gratitude for the recognition of the agency’s efforts.

"I want to recognize the council of the National Human Rights Commission because it takes great leadership to envision such Awards that recognize institutions and individuals for the work that they are doing. It is with such a recognition that you also encourage people to continue to do all of those good works that preserve and promote human rights," Shuaib said.

He also reiterated the Agency’s commitment to improving the health and quality of life of Nigerians. “Access to healthcare is a fundamental human right and over the years we have made considerable efforts at improving this access through the pursuance of our nine mandates. Our utmost aim remains to ensure that every Nigerian is healthy.”

The Executive Director dedicated the Award to the management and staff of NPHCDA, saying they are the frontliners when it comes to health service delivery to Nigerians.

Other Awardees include the Governors of Borno and Rivers States, Prof. Babagana Zulum, and Nyesom Wike.

Ahead of the national convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) slated for February 2022, all the national chairmanship aspirants will on Thursday gather in Abuja to speak on their ideas of moving the party forward in preparation for the 2023 general elections.

The eleven prominent chairmanship aspirants include; former Deputy National Chairman of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) Saliu Mustapha, former governor of Nasarawa state Senator Tanko Almakura, former governor of Borno state Senator Alimodu Sheriff, current Senator representing Niger East Mohammed Sani Musa, former governor of Zamfara state Abdulaziz Yari and former governor of Bauchi state Isa Yuguda.

Others include; Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs Senator George Akume, Mr. Sunny Moniedafe, former Borno governor, Senator Kashim Shettima, former Gombe State governor, Senator Danjuma Goje and Mohammed Saidu Etsu.

A statement released Sunday in Abuja by the APC Press Corps, signed by the chairman of the Annual Public Lecture Summit, Babatunde Ayeni, said a prominent chieftain of the party and Director General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON) Osita Okechukwu, will deliver a keynote paper titled: "APC Beyond 2023: The tasks ahead - The Role of Stakeholders."

The event slated for 16th of December, 2021, will be chaired by the Chairman, Caretaker Extra-Ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), and Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni.

The maiden edition of the summit was held in December 2020 with the Director-General of the Progressive Governors' Forum (PGF) Salihu Moh. Lukman as the guest speaker.

Ayeni said the annual public lecture summit, with the theme, "Towards Ensuring Enduring Democracy", is a platform designed by the APC Press Corps to contribute to the intellectual development of the nation's democracy.

Ayeni said: "The summit aims at providing workable templates for good governance and serves as a medium for deepening democratic norms and institutions by engaging key players in politics, public administration, academia, and economy.

"Reports and suggestions on the lecture will be made available to the party and interested members of the public.

"The National Chairman, Caretaker Extra-Ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), and Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni will be the Chairman of the occasion."

The organiser added that this year's edition of the summit is designed to avail all the national chairmanship aspirants opportunity to share their views, present their plans and programmes on how to move the party forward even as contenders in the forthcoming National Convention slated for February 2022.

UFC Welterweight world champion, Kamaru Usman, will lead other renowned mixed martial arts fighters for the first ‘Face Off’ MMA fight night in Lagos.

The Mixed Martial Arts Reality Television Show which is organised by 5FIVE 4Four Limited, the creator and producer of The AFRICAN KNOCKOUT (AKO), would take center stage on January 7, 2022 at the Grand African BallRoom at Lagos Continental Hotel.

Mr. Rayan Fayad, Director, 5Five 4Four Limited said that series of elite fight events was powered by the UFC welterweight World Champion Kamaru “The Nigerian Nightmare” Usman and would also feature MMA fighters from Nigeria and Africa, celebrities and special guests.

The event is aimed at creating a new trend of high-end activations in West Africa by merging sports and entertainment in an internationally proven concept, promoting the emerging MMA culture in Africa, and especially to its fans and enthusiasts in Nigeria.

Commenting on the event, Fayad stated that, “We are proud to organize the first of a kind high-end MMA event in Lagos in the presence of the Champ bringing exciting fights as part of a rich entertainment program organized as per world class standards. The fights will be managed by a certified team of officials with top health and safety measures to ensure the wellbeing of our fighters. This edition marks the genesis of a journey with our partner, Kamaru Usman, towards leaving perennial mixed martial arts imprint in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.”

The event will provide the opportunity to watch and interact with the Champ live in Lagos for the first time, while promoting Lagos State as the MMA hub of Africa.

With the acclaim of MMA as the fastest-growing sport in the world’s history, Africa is not left out of the mix as MMA has become more popular with Nigerians particularly with the emergence and dominance of two Nigerian born World Champions Kamaru “The Nigerian Nightmare” Usman and Israel “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya.

The first ‘Face Off’ Fight Night will feature series of activities leading up to the AKO Show Season 2, including an opening press conference with Kamaru Usman, fighters face off, 5 professional MMA fights featuring AKO Season 1 and other fighters, electrifying music, entertainment breaks, luxury items giveaways and many more.

He further stated that COVID-19 protocols would be strictly adhered to.

It should be noted that 5Five 4Four Limited is an African oriented MMA promotion company and the producer of the African Knock Out (AKO) show, with the mission to promote African talents and help develop MMA into a major sport in Nigeria and Africa.

Barring any last minute changes in plan, all is now set for the Word of Faith Christian Centre, Abuja  to celebrate her 21st anniversary with the theme: ‘Living A Victorious Life In This Present Evil Age’.

The anniversary scheduled to hold in the church premises at plot 695 Yellow Duranti, Close, Off Oladipo Diya way, Durumi, Abuja, will start from Friday, December 3rd through Sunday December 5th.

According to a release made available to newsmen by the church,  the joyous event will feature  open heavens on Friday at 6pm, ladies time out on Saturday at 3pm, couples time out on Sunday at 6pm, and a series of impactful programmes lined up for the anniversary.

The church is therefore inviting the general public to come and join in celebrating the awesome God.

"It is imperative that in these turbulent times that the world and indeed the nation is going through, people draw nearer to God if they must live a victorious life” said a spokesperson.

The Word of Faith Christian Centre Abuja is an installation of the Fountain of Wisdom Ministries, whose mandate is to create a forum where God's people can flow with Him in understanding. This mandate is operationalized by saving the lost, churching the unchurched, and getting believers in Jesus established in the knowledge of God's word.

"This anniversary therefore, gives people a fresh opportunity to reconnect with God in this terrible times" the statement said.

Fountain of Wisdom Ministries was birth by the obedience of Rev Mike Kola Ewuosho and his wife Rev Mrs Ewuosho.

With the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affecting migrant workers in several ways, which includes losses of jobs and incomes; exposure to infection without or limited personal protection equipment, Trade unions in Africa say they are desirous to develop new strategies on how to ensure rights of migrant workers are protected.

As part of their committed bid to develop these new strategies and improve their engagements on migration governance, trade unions in Africa under the umbrella of the African Trade Union Migration Network (ATUMNET) will in early December converge on Dakar, the Capital of Senegal.

The meeting is part of ATUMNET's continuous bid to build the capacity of trade union organisations in Africa on better engagement skills around labour migration, especially in post Covid-19 pandemic era.

The meeting which has the theme, " Migration in the times of COVID-19: African Trade Unions re-strategizing to be more effective" will allow members of the ATUMNET to gain new information, skills, and knowledge necessary for advancing their engagements.

African trade unions have been at the forefront of mobilizing and speaking for labour migrants whose vulnerable situations have now been made worse due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to a statement by ATUMNET Secretariat, the two-day meeting will recalibrate African trade unions' migration governance engagement in more focused and direct ways that will make them real and effective voices and champions for labour migration governance in Africa.

Speaking on why the trade unions are considering rejigging their strategies, comrade Akhator Joel Odigie, Deputy General Secretary of the ITUC-Africa pointed out that COVID-19 has meant trade unions need to engage in sharper and imaginative ways if they are to make tangible and effective contributions to labour migration governance.

He also opined that specialisation in the areas of engagement is helping, adding that, "already, we are seeing a steady increase in the role and efficiency of the African Union made possible in part by the willingness to genuinely embrace the whole-of-stakeholders and whole-of-society approaches. Trade unions want to plan better in how to engage State Actors and Development Institutions.

Further, he hinted that African trade unions will be doing more to build a robust and effective alliance with other Non-State Actors across borders.

According to him, this is why this meeting will be having more Civil Society Organisations(CSOs) participation.

He said, "We shall also be having participants from allies in Asia and migrant workers themselves. Further, COVID-19 affected women differently and more adversely compared to men. This is why our meeting will also focus on how to improve protection for female migrant workers. We shall be seeking this solution by working with the women themselves.

Comrade Akhator Odigie alluded to the strategy to improve working relationships with the UN Migration Network. This is why this meeting will be inviting and utilising the technical support of the organisations that make up this network and those assisting in the implementation of the Joint Labour Migration Provramme (JLMP).

Nigerian number one, Joseph Imeh and Edward Marylove has emerged champions in the men’s and women’s singles of the 3rd edition of VEMP National Open Tennis Championship.

At the blockbuster finals decided at the National Tennis Centre, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on Saturday, saw Imeh outclassed Adehi Oche in two straight sets 6-2, 6-4 in the Men’s singles final.

Imeh received N500,000 while Oche 250,000 as runner-up.

In the women’s event Edward Marylove overpowered Aitegbusi Aanu 6-2, 6-2 earlier in the women’s singles final.

Edwards won a prize money of N2500,000 the first prize money while Aiyegbusi received N125, 000 as runner-up.


Both Imeh and Marylove who were Dala Hard Court champions in Kano has now won two national championships in less than three weeks

The duo of Joseph Imeh and Bikom Albert edged Mohammed Musa and Sylvanulls Ajang 6-2, 7-5 (3) to emerged champions of the men’s doubles events.


Edward Marylove and Aitegbusi Aanu were crowned champions in the women’s doubles event after they outlasted the pair of Omotayo Blessing and Aderemi Omolade 6-7 (5) 6-1, 10(5) in grand style.

In the wheelchair event, Alex Adewale dispatched Wasiu Yusuf 6-4, 6-2 in the men’s game as Kafaya Omisore see off Shodende Foluke 6-1, 6-2 in the women’s final played at the tennis courts, National Stadium in Lagos on Friday.

No fewer than 224 athletes has begun title chase in the 3rd edition of the VEMP National Open Tennis Championship.

The national open organized by VEMP Limited in conjunction with Nigeria Tennis Federation(NTF) which serve-off yesterday would climax Saturday, November 13, 2021 at the National Tennis Centre, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.


The tournament is being bankrolled by VEMP Limited with a whopping N6.5m for grab as N3, 250,000 the total prize money for the men’s and N3, 250,000 for the women’s events.

The tournaments which saw players across the country will see athletes battle for the ultimate prize in four categories namely Men’s Singles, men’s doubles, Women’s Singles, and Women’s doubles.


There will be three days of qualifiers for men which are in a round of 64 while that of women will be round of 32 with ITF bronze-badge referee, Saidu Musa as tournament director.

The main draw for men and women is 32 while the men’s double will also be a round of 16 draws. The women’s double will be a round of 16.


No fewer than 6 Outdoor Courts will be used for the Games as Slazenger has been selected as official ball of the tournament.

The president of Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) Ifedayo Akindoju commended the VEMP Limited for their great contributions towards the development of Tennis in the country adding that the tournament shall be guided by the rules established by the International Tennis Federation and the Code of Conduct of the NTF.


“We want to commend the efforts of VEMP Limited for their contribution to Tennis in the country, the athletes are full ready to give their best and as a federation we will ensure a successful tournament” he said.

Recall that the 2nd edition of the VEMP Open in 2019 saw both Sylvester Emmanuel and Oyinlomo Quadre emerged champions in the men’s singles and women’s singles respectively, as they are expected to defend titles at the start of the main tournament on Monday.

*risks US visa revocation

There is palpable anxiety in the camp of the APGA Governorship candidate for the November 6 Gubernatorial election in Anambra State Prof. Chukwuma Soludo as his attempt and that of the Leader of his campaign and current Governor of Anambra State Chief Willie Obiano’s well-laid out but repeatedly brazen attempts to bribe election officials and security agencies in charge of the forthcoming election have been exposed by intelligence agents recruited by the European Union and the United States Government to monitor the election.

According to an undercover security source who was involved in the investigation, “the whole operation reminds one of the role of Michael Malone in bursting the Al Capone crime organization” Taking a cue from sting operations such as the ABSCAM sting operation of the late 1970s when the American FBI bursted political corruption rings, the Soludo Campaign had a mole who was a trusted go-between assigned with liaison duties among the conspirators.

It was gathered that Governor Willie Obiano, worried that APGA may lose the election as a result of large scale disenchantment with his administration and the massive decampment of the leadership and members of his party from Ward, State and National levels to APC, agreed with Soludo and Senator Victor Umeh to secure the services of a well-known Anambra Billionaire businessman who resides in Abuja to use his contacts to reach out to INEC officials and security agents charged with the conduct of the election to find ways to compromise the outcome to favour APGA. Governor Obiano is said to be having nightmares of the likely consequences of Soludo losing the election because of the reckless corruption and heavy debts he has burdened the state with.

The Governor was convinced by his Chief of Staff to approach the businessman because the last attempt coordinated by the Governor’s wife Mrs. Ebere Obiano, using an influential National Electoral Commissioner from the South East who acted as a courier to distribute a bribe of $4m to INEC officials and security agencies backfired and is being thoroughly investigated by the Police in Abuja.

The said Abuja businessman went to work and actually coordinated some INEC officials and security agents. It was agreed that the sum of $10m (Ten Million US Dollars) would be distributed to the relevant officers to guarantee victory for APGA. At the final meeting held in a house on Daunbe Street, Maitama Abuja, an account opened in the name of Feroz International Services with the Molos Limassol Branch of RCB Bank Ltd Cyprus was handed over to the businessman for payment of the $10m bribe money.

Governor Obiano and Prof Soludo went to work immediately and on October 19, 2021 the sum of $10m was received by RCB Bank Ltd Cyprus paid by SOLEX CAPITAL from Scotiabank Belize City, Belize. The undercover agent immediately alerted Interpol and a swift investigation began.

In the course of tracing the source of the funds, Interpol discovered that Solex Capital is a shell company incorporated in Belize with Thomas Turnquest and Arthur Rahming as Nominal Directors. Belize has become a notorious tax heaven for providing conduit for wealthy and privileged corrupt political elites who want to hide stolen cash from tax authorities. It was further discovered that the Beneficial Owner of SOLEX CAPITAL is SONAZ INTERNATIONAL with Chukwuma Soludo, Tochukwu Soludo and Nnaeto Soludo as Directors.

SONAZ INTERNATIONAL was registered in Bahamas as an off-shore company by Jamie Sanchez of the secrecy enabler law firm of QUIJANOX ASSOCIATES, Panama. SONAZ also has a registered international address being 50 Brondesbury Park, London NW6 7AT which Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo, being the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria bought on October 20, 2006 for the sum of 2,150,000 Pounds Sterling paid in a single tranche with Title No:MX362301 through Universal Energy Ltd, an off-shore company registered in Isle of Man, another Secrecy Haven.

When it became evident that the $10m paid to RCB Bank Ltd was from proceeds of crime to influence the outcome of the Anambra Governorship election by Governor Obiano and Prof Soludo, Interpol forwarded a request to the bank to flag the account.

Further investigations revealed that SOLEX CAPITAL was used to pay the sum of S11m for the 12 story HOLLOMAN office block located at 333 N. Sam Houston, Pky E. Houston Texas 77060 acquired by Governor Obiano which he has recently put up for sale at the price of $8.1m. SOLEX CAPITAL was also used to acquire an interest in 12100 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles CA 9005 through the Santa Monica based REIT Douglas Emmet Inc. in 2016 for the benefit of Governor Willie Obiano. A part of the $1,818,718 paid for the purchase of 1804 Terrabrooke Private Court, Brentwood, Terrabrooke, Tennessee USA by Governor Willie Obiano’s Chief of Staff Mr. Primus Odili in April 2020 was additionally traced to the Scotiabank Belize account of SOLEX CAPITAL controlled by the Soludos.

As a result of the criminal enterprise being run by the duo of Governor Obiano and Prof. Soludo, the US Government through its Justice Department would soon announce indictments, initiate proceedings to confiscate all properties and funds linked to Governor Obiano and his associates. The US Government and the European Union have collectively threatened to withdraw the visas of all persons (including members of their families) involved in the bribery scheme and those who would cause violence during the election. Security agents would have arrested Prof Soludo, Mrs. Ebere Obiano, Senator Victor Umeh, Mr. Primus Odili and their cohorts because they have sufficient evidence to commence prosecution but are being careful not to be accused of political witch hunt.

It would be recalled that the Senate Committee on Finance under the chairmanship of the former Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Markafi concluded in its probe panel report that the years of Soludo as the CBN Governor laid the foundation of the current Nigeria financial and economic woes. Soludo’s flaws and financial crimes are far too many. A criminal investigation into his purchase of the African Finance Corporation where he installed himself as Chairman when he was the CBN Governor, found him guilty of gross negligence, poor executive judgment mismanagement and diversion of Nigeria's seed capital of $462m. Prof Soludo and Mr. Ometoruwa were also accused of round tripping the sums of $750m and $143m in November 2007 and March 2008 respectively through CITIBANK LONDON and UBA NEW YORK for their personal benefits without relevant Board approvals either by the Central Bank of Nigeria or the African Finance Corporation. The Federal Government was advised to take appropriate action against them commensurate with the gravity of their criminal breach of public trust but they escaped the hammer with the death of President Yar'Adua.

Governor Willie Obiano who received N75bn cash on hand-over from former Governor Peter Obi has betrayed the people of Anambra State. He has saddled the state with a debt profile of nearly N150bn. He is in total panic and would stop at nothing including bribery, thuggery and manipulation to install Prof Soludo whom he has used to fritter away the resources of the state for their individual benefits.

The undercover source which bursted their latest bribery attempt maintains that they are still trying to use other contacts to reach INEC and security officials to manipulate the polls with the cash sum of N5bn on the eve of the election because failure would mean long jail terms for the Governor, his close associates and family members.

All attempts to get reactions regarding the bribery scandal from Governor Obiano, his Chief Press Secretary James Eze, Prof Soludo, Senator Victor Umeh and the Director General of the Soludo Governorship Campaign Organization Prof. Chukwulobelu were rebuffed.

As world leaders converge in Glasgow for COP26 climate change summit, Africa’s foremost newspaper on environment and climate change, NatureNews, has rolled out plans for first year anniversary of its platform, https://naturenews.africa/

According to a statement signed by Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Aliu Akoshile, the event which will feature the unveiling of ClimateAfrica magazine, and presentation of the Hero of Environment Actions for Development (HEAD) awards will hold on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.

He said the chairman of the occasion is Emir of Dutse and Chancellor, Sokoto State University, Alhaji Nuhu Muhammad Sanusi, while the anniversary guest speaker is Prof. Mark Mwandosya, Chairman, Stanbic Bank Tanzania Limited and former Minister, Ministries of Environment, Water Resources and Irrigation, Republic of Tanzania.

The statement says the maiden edition of the ClimateAfrica will be launched by former Chairman, Standard Chartered Bank Limited, Alhaji M. I. Yahaya, following a review to be done by the Head of Mass Communication, Baze University, Abuja, Associate Professor Abiodun Adeniyi.

The anniversary event is expected to be graced by many dignitaries including ministers, heads of parastatals and chieftains of civil society organisations.

NatureNews, Africa’s leading independent newspaper on the environment, climate change and sustainability, was conceived in 2016 to amplify the African voice in the global conversation on climate change.

The website was launched on October 1, 2020 as Nigeria marked her 60th independence anniversary.

The refusal of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to pay an advertisement debt of N12.9 million more than one year after some Newspaper houses published the said advertorials has again been brought to the fore by the affected journalists.

The centrespread advertorial, titled, “Report of the Screening Appeal Committee for Edo state Governor, Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki submitted Saturday 13th June 2020 to the National Working Committee NWC at the Party’s National Secretariat” was published on Friday, 19th June, 2020 in several newspapers.

The material was placed by the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole-led NWC through the Publicity Directorate of the Party.

There was also a full page advertorial published on the same day showing the University of Ibadan degree certificate tendered to the screening appeal committee by Gov. Obaseki who had been disqualified from participating in the party’s Edo state Governorship primary election.

However, following a trouble-shooting emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee NEC of the party, the Oshiomhole-led NWC was sacked days later on June 25.

In its place, a Caretaker/Extraordinary National Convention Committee was then appointed, with Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State named as its Chairman. Mr Buni was for several years National Secretary of the APC until his election as governor in 2019.

The party's current posture on the advert debt led to the sack of one of the reporters covering the party.

Others are also facing several disciplinary measures, with two of them placed on half salary while another has had his salary completely stopped since January 2021 as part of measures to offset the debt of the governing party.

All efforts by the affected journalists to get the party to tread the path of honour by offsetting the debt have been met with a brick wall as an aide to Gov. Buni is said to be frustrating such moves.

One of the affected journalists who pleaded anonymity said, with his salary stopped by his organization, he finds it difficult to pay his bills as a husband and father.

He said; ”As a result of the refusal of the APC to pay the advert debt, my office thought I wasn’t pushing hard for the money to be paid. It was as a result of that they stopped my salary. I have not been paid since January this year and you know the implication of that on a man that has a family to look after.”

While the National Secretary, Sen John James Akpanudoedehe was said to have recommended that the party pays the debt in two installments, an aide to Gov. Buni was said to have opposed the recommendation, describing the money as a “bad debt” that cannot be paid.

However, when the aide was reminded by the affected journalists that the Caretaker Committee also met unpaid legal debts running into hundreds of million but which was later paid by the Buni-led committee, he kept mute.

Another journalist affected by the advert debt said, “We don’t even know if we are making headway or not. One of Gov. Buni’s personal assistants has made sure that the debt is not paid. He insisted that the money was a bad debt. He is the major stumbling block to the payment. He should know that nothing lasts forever and as a religious man, I know that all debts will be paid whether in this life or in the hereafter.”

He said the party is notorious for refusing to pay advert debts, recalling how the APC as an opposition party had in 2014 placed an advertorial in some Newspapers and refused to pay, save for the personal intervention of Mr Bolaji Abdullahi who became the spokesman of the party after it had assumed power in 2015.

The Middle Belt Journalists Forum, MBJF, is shocked of the reported disappearance of one of its Members, Tordue Salem, on Wednesday, October 13, 2021.

Salem, who works with Vanguard Newspaper, a Tiv native from Benue state reportedly was sighted at Garki area, Abuja on the evening on the day he was last seen after which he seemed to have disappeared.

The MBJF in a statement on Monday signed by Jonathan Ipaa and Oikeke Igado-kure, president and secretary respectively, urged on the nation's security agencies to step up their intelligence and ensure the safe return of "our dear professional colleague."

"Certainly this act is not acceptable that in the heart of the Federal Capital Territory, a man could disappear without trace.

"We urge members of the public with useful information to avail such to our security operatives to enable them unravel the mystery of the disappearance of the Journalist.

"For us at MBJF, we have been on edge these past few days over the strange disappearance of our colleague, Mr. Tordue Salem.

"The MBJF therefore called on its members and the general public to be hopeful, prayerful and offer any leads that could prove useful in resolving the impasse."

The Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, (RIFAN) has reacted to allegation of lack of focus and misplaced priority levelled against it.

In a statement published by an online platform and attributed to one Shariff M. M Alhassan, the leadership of the Niger State chapter of RIFAN was accused of diversion of fund meant to boost rice production for personal comfort of certain members and their cronies.

A statement signed by RIFAN spokesman, Niger State chapter, Comrade Ibrahim Yusuf, however disproved the allegations.

Comrade Yusuf maintained that there was no iota of truth in the report which  he described as misleading, unverifiable with intent to discredit the association.

He said:" The attention of our forum has been drawn to the unverifiable allegations against the coordinator of Rice Farmers Association Of Nigeria,  Niger State chapter,  in a publication purportedly written  by one  Shariff M. M Alhassan .

'RIFAN  as a critical stakeholder in the affairs of the nation,  we consider the allegation as a mere tale orchestrated to discredit us.

"It's on record that Niger RIFAN remains the leading state in terms of rice production and the  Ministry of Agriculture and other state and federal government intervention agencies  food  can attest to this fact.

"We challenge the  Shariff M. M Alhassan to name the warehouse the rice he claimed were procured were   stored by RIFAN Niger state or any actual corruption practice indulged by the association.

"We again restated our position that the report was meant   to create rancor in our rank  and misinform the public and good people of Niger State. Why did the reporter not make efforts to hear our own side to balance his sensational report which  we believe was meant to pursue a sinister motive?"

The association further "called on the public to disregard this purported tale as we remain focused and committed in boosting local rice production  in Niger state.

"It's noteworthy to state that the pragmatic leadership of Niger State RIFAN has  earned  it  accolades in terms of  numerous awards . We again use this opportunity to commend the entire membership of Niger State RIFAN for their  several efforts to make Niger State RIFAN successful."

The forth coming Abuja Literary and Arts Festival (ALITFEST21) will offer multiple workshops and a bootcamp which will empower participants with skills and know-how that would lead to improved writing quality, networking, publishing, earning and overall capacity building, the organizers have said.

The event which is hosted by the Abuja Literary Society [ALS], and the fourth in the series, will hold a virtual workshop for selected participants while the bootcamp and poetry grand slam where participants will win a total of N700,000 in award and grants, with support by Hamu Legal, will take place physically in Abuja.

Participants are expected to send in two samples to the organizers on submissions@alitfest.com with the festival hashtag and preferred workshop as the subject of the mail as a requirements to be part of the masterclasses which are slated to hold between September 25 and October 2, 2021.

Similarly, the Intensive Bootcamp for creatives which will cover legal issues, leveraging digital media, fundraising, storytelling and pitch competition will hold on October 1, and participants can win a total grant of N350,000 with the support of Omaplex Law Firm.

Speaking on the event, the Festival Director, Teniola Tayo said the workshops are designed to help strengthen creatives, adding, "We've lined up these workshops in line with our theme for this year 'Making Art Work'. This is because we're really passionate about helping creatives earn more from artistic pursuits. We're grateful to our partners for making this possible."

Giving further details she explained that the writing workshop tagged “Writing for a living” will hold on September 27, while the Poetry Workshop tagged “Staging Poetry” will hold on the 28 of September, with the screenwriting workshop; and creative workshop titled “How to become an NFT artist and make money” holding on the 29 and 30th September, respectively.

The ALITFEST is an annual celebration of the arts and literature from across the country and continent. Since its inception the festival has explored insightful themes and presented workshops aimed at developing participant’s capacities.

About N6.5million would be won at the 3rd Edition of the VEMP National Open Tennis Championship.

The tournament is being sponsored by VEMP Limited with a whopping N3,250,000 the total prize money for the men’s and N3, 250,000 for the women’s events.


The national open organized by VEMP Limited in conjunction with Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) would serve-off from Thursday, September 24 to Saturday, October 2 2021 at the National Tennis Centre, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.


The tournament which is expected to attract about 250 players across the country will see participants battle for the ultimate prize in four categories namely Men’s Singles, men’s doubles, Women’s Singles, and Women’s doubles.

There will be three days of qualifiers for men which are in a round of 64 while that of women will be round of 32 with ITF bronze-badge referee, Saidu Musa as tournament director.


The main draw for men and women is 32 while the men’s double will also be a round of 16 draws. The women’s double will be a round of 16.

No fewer than 12 Outdoor Courts will be used for the Games as Slazenger has been selected as official ball of the tournament.


Speaking ahead of the tournament, Chairman Caretaker Committee of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), Ifedayo Akindoju, commended the VEMP Limited for their great contributions towards the development of Tennis in the country adding that the tournament shall be guided by the rules established by the International Tennis Federation and the Code of Conduct of the NTF.

“We want to commend the efforts of VEMP Limited for their contribution to Tennis in the country, the 3rd edition was supposed to hold last year but it couldn’t due to scheduling issues, but we are glad that the game can go on this year.


“All the players are expected to sign-in on the site also provide their proper means of identification: National Identity Card or Drivers Licence Or International Passport or Voters Card, we have also put up measures to ensure that COVID-19 protocol is observed throughout the duration of the tournament,” he said.

Recall that the 2nd edition of the VEMP Open in 2019 saw both Sylvester Emmanuel and Oyinlomo Quadre emerged champions in the men’s singles and women’s singles respectively, as they are expected to defend titles at the start of the tournament.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) declared in Lagos on Thursday that 27.4 million Nigerians earn below N100,000 per annum.

It said the figure represented 48.9 per cent of persons living in poverty in the country.
It made the declarations at the launch of a report entitled: “The Ignored Pandemic: How Corruption in the Health, Education and Water Sectors is Plunging Nigerians into Poverty.’’

Presenting the report, Dr Elijah Okebukola, Senior Research Fellow at the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria, an arm of the ICPC said the report’s survey covered the six geopolitical zones of the country.
The report states that 27.9 per cent of Nigerians living in poverty (more than 15.6 million) earned between N100,000 and N200,000 per annum.

It states that 10.7 per cent earned between N201,000 and N300,000 per annum while 12.5 per cent earned more than N300,000 per annum.
“Poor people are victims and not perpetuators of corruption in the health, education and water sectors.
“States did not have documented policies for helping people living in poverty or people earning low income to have access to healthcare, education and water.

“Even if these policies existed, they were not known to public officers who serve the people living in poor neighbourhoods,’’ Okebukola said.
According to the SERAP Report, 79 per cent of people living in poverty (more than 44.3 million Nigerians) relied on personal wells or boreholes for water supply.

The report showed that 34 per cent of people living in poverty, about 19 million Nigerians, did not use government’s medical facilities at all.
The report added that 5.2 per cent of people living in poverty (more than 2.9 million Nigerians) who went to government medical facilities were denied medical treatment in the last one year.

It also noted that 4.2 per cent (2.3 million) of people living in poverty had not received any direct poverty alleviation donation or support from government in the past one year.
SERAP declared that in spite of the absence or inadequacy of learning tools and infrastructure, people living in poor neighbourhoods believed that good quality education was provided in their schools.

The report recommended the amendment of the 1999 Constitution to recognise the socio-economic rights of Nigerians to quality healthcare, education and clean water as legally enforceable human rights.
It also recommended an increase in investments in public health, education and water services and an improvement of transparency and quality of information in government budgets.

SERAP also called on relevant anti-corruption agencies to jointly investigate and prosecute public officers allegedly involved in corruption in the education, healthcare and water sectors. (NAN)

By Ukeme Mathew Inyang

Why and how he found his way into APC is a story for another day. Some say he was hunted by his treacherous tendencies while in the Senate; others say, it was an escape route from prosecution by the anti-graft agency for alleged corruption charges. We were told that his fervent plea to join the party was rebuffed by members of the Party familiar with his over-bearing tendencies and capacity for betrayal. Behind the rigorous negotiations, all we saw and can recall was a picture of Senator Akpabio taken with President Muhammadu Buhari while the later was on a visit to London. Akpabio was photographed full body bent forward from the waist with head bowed in obeisance and submission in a handshake with President Buhari. That encounter with Mr. President in the UK perhaps marked the acceptance and entrance of Senator Akpabio into APC. A highly regrettable event that adherents of the Party now described as a poisoned chalice to the party.

Barely a few days thereafter, precisely on 8th of August 2018 Senator Akpabio was formally received into APC by the then National Chairman of the Party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole alongside the National Leader of the Party Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a large and colourful ceremony at Ikot Ekpene township plaza. At the reception, Comrade Oshiomhole, in the hysteria of the moment and insensitive of the peculiarity of Akwa Ibom APC declared both Akpabio and his wife leaders of the Party in the state. Following thence, the seed of discord was sowed in Akwa Ibom APC as things began to fall apart.

In a statement by a former Governor, Obong Victor Attah, the revered statesman expressed reservations and disappointment over the acceptance of Senator Akpabio into the APC family. He averred that APC had 80% chance of winning the 2019 governorship election in the state but with Akpabio’s defection and acceptance into the Party, that likelihood was reduced to below 50%. He said; “if APC manages to win Akwa Ibom, it will be in spite of Akpabio and not because of Akpabio”. Akpabio’s negative influence, his unguarded and loquacious comments and the retributions for the sins and hurt he inflicted on others while in government/power has continued to trail him in his new political abode. His threat of “war saw war” and boast to win the 2019 general election for APC in 3hours tuned out a ruse and a disservice to the party.

As the APC candidate for Akwa Ibom North-East (Ikot Ekpene) Senatorial district in the last general elections, Akpabio lost woefully to the PDP candidate, Engr. Chris Ekpenyong whom pundits didn’t give any chance of winning because of Akpabio’s purported popularity. His defeat in the 2019 election seemed the lowest ebb in his political career as reported by his erstwhile political associates whom he accused of deserting him. However, like a cat with nine lives, Akpabio bounced back in controversial circumstances when he was unbelievably appointed Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and made the supervisory Minister of the NDDC. His appointment was greeted with opprobrium in many circles by politicians who thought Akpabio was underserving of the office having just been admitted into the party at the expense of capable and existing members of the party in the state.

As Minister, Akpabio rebound his political career amidst controversies with the leadership of the Senate regarding the composition of the NDDC Board and allegations of humongous financial corruption in the Commission. Akpabio survived a scandalous corruption investigation by the Senate that left his image and reputation as a public officer severely bruised and damaged. Pundit posit that his anti-corruption posturing and forensic audit mantra may have spared him a presidential hammer further to President Buhari’s interest to clean the rot that had characterized the NDDC.

For two years, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and supervisory Minister of the NDDC has managed the commission as a personal estate with a sole administrator hand-picked by him with the liberty to deal as he wishes without a substantive Board to regulate activities of the Commission. Under this arrangement, the Minister is the supremo devoid of the involvement of actors from the participating states and other stakeholders of the Commission.

Contrary to expectation, Akpabio has failed to live up to his prospects as a Minister of the Federal Republic in an APC government whose additional responsibility according to the Party constitution is to support the party administration. His support for the party is abysmal and nothing to reckon with. During the APC membership registration exercise, the Minister did not make any contribution to facilitate the exercise in the state. He has also chosen to remain aloof refusing to collaborate with the party while pursuing his private agenda in the on-going party congresses. His ward and chapter are without functional Party offices which raises concerns about his interest and commitment to the party.

Since its founding in 2014, Akwa Ibom APC has been sustained under the colligate leadership of principal actors (in no specific order) like Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, Mr. Umana Okon Umana, Obong Nsima Ekere, Group Captain Sam Enwang (Rtd), Senator Ita Enang, Otuekong Chief Don Etibet (CON) and others. These set of leaders were responsible for building and sustaining the party until the eve of the 2019 general elections when Senator Akpabio was admitted into the Party. As predicted by Obong Victor Attah, in spite of the groundswell of its membership and available logistics support, APC performed below expectation at the election winning only one State Assembly seat through court pronouncement.

Like a ship wrecked by storm, the centre could no longer hold as the party appeared to have gone into disarray until the appointment of Senator John James Akpanudoedehe (Ph.D) as the Secretary, Caretaker Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) in mid-2020. Regrettably, while the rest of the leaders and party members rejoiced over Senator Udoedehe’s appointment, Senator Akpabio exclusively appeared disheartened and silently queried the appointment. Reports say he claimed not to have been consulted prior to such appointment being made. Consequently, Akpabio has remained contemptuous of the National Secretary and his office refusing to attend several stakeholders meeting convened by the Party with the Secretary and other leaders in attendance.

In his characteristic manner, rather than join hands to work with others he came to meet in the Party, Akpabio has designed for himself ostensibly within the APC family a political agenda and programme that suits his interest and future political career. In that regard, he initiated and launched a political group named; Akwa Ibom Democratic Forum (ADF) with memberships and structure across the state that he uses to further his political interest. Akpabio publicly identify with and sponsors activities of ADF. At a public event of ADF, Akpabio admitted that ADF was a non-partisan political group with membership opened to persons with different political persuasion and not necessarily restricted to APC members. He said the object and mantra of ADF was to produce a “dependable leader” for Akwa Ibom state come 2023. Interestingly, ADF has blatantly rebuffed an appeal by the state chapter for all APC oriented or associated support groups to come forward and register/identify with the party for synergy and coordination. With NDDC monies in his pocket and access to power in Abuja as Minister representing Akwa Ibom state, Akpabio perpetrates his private agenda under the banner of Akwa Ibom APC without recourse to the party. Federal appointments within his reach and empowerment programmes at the NDDC are filled only by his core loyalists with disregard to other members of the party.

Perhaps, Akpabio’s quest to impose “a dependable leader” who will govern Akwa Ibom state come 2023 is fuelled by his accustom desire and past unrestricted access to the state treasury during his tenure as Governor. If allowed or given the opportunity, who would not want to continually sit on the saddle of a horse knowing how discomforting sitting on other parts is. The political tussle in Akwa Ibom APC as recently manifested is largely induced by Akpabio’s refusal to work with others, his desire to usurp the party and take charge as leader and his inordinate desire to impose a “dependable leader” on the state.

Amongst other postulations by political pundits, Akpabio’s game plan as predicted by analyst are his contention to (i) emerge leader of APC in the south- south geo-political zone that will fairly dispose and position him for consideration as the Party’s candidate for President or Vice President as the case maybe, (ii) to take charge and deliver Akwa Ibom state not necessarily to APC but to any other political party he may again defect to in the near future and (iii) in the worst case scenario position himself by whatever means to return to the senate in 2023. Rumours are rife that he is preparing to defect to PDP anytime soon.

Has anyone ever pondered why Akpabio is intolerant and unwilling to cooperate and work with other political leaders from the state? One would have expected Senator Akpabio to work amicably with senator John Udoedehe as the National secretary, particularly coming from his home state. But sadly; arrogance, pomposity, self-fishiness and greed often comes into play. As a two term PDP Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Akpabio ensured that he directly or surreptitiously denied potential Akwa Ibom sons and daughters access to the presidential villa. He also ensured that no Akwa Ibom son held any position in the party that may challenge his powers and authority on matters concerning Akwa Ibom at the National level. That’s Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio; a leopard that cannot change its skin.

In Akpabio’s current scheme to seize the soul of the party in order to throw-up a dependable governorship candidate in 2023 he first sought to declare himself leader of APC in the state. His numerous attempts in that regard met with a brick wall being that as a fresh entrant into the party, he met others on ground and needed to shelve his ego to work in unison with others. Failing, Akpabio resorted to making unguarded statements about the Party and creating tension within its rank and file using his foot soldiers in ADF as vessels for destabilization and fractionalization of the party.

The height of Akpabio’s private scheme and divisive tendency came with the just concluded Party ward congresses where Akpabio working in contradistinction with the party in collaboration with his separatist group (ADF) sought to sack the state caretaker committee and install a parallel structure unknown to the constitution of the party. ADF for inexplicable reasons appeared unprepared for the ward congresses which held in the 329 wards of the state on July, 31st 2021. ADF members were seen parambulating the party office in Uyo as the congresses were on-going at the respective ward centres.

In desperation and pursuit of a secret agenda, they formulated in their imagination and whims lists of wards executive officers purporting same to represent the ward executive list of APC in the state.
This was after Senator Akpabio and his accomplices had carried out extensive negative media campaign contesting alleged impropriety in the conduct of the ward congresses, instituted a pending suit and appeared before the Ward Congress Appeal Committee to ventilate their grievances. Notwithstanding the imperfections in their actions and without necessarily waiting for the ruling of the Ward Congress Appeal Committee, Akpabio’s group in total violation of the directive of the Party claimed to have inaugurated members of the Party’s ward executive officers in a close ceremony at a private location in Uyo. This was ofcourse, without authorization by the Party that is yet to make official pronouncement for the publication of names of the winners at the respective ward congresses across the country.

This last-ditch effort by Akpabio and the alleged inauguration of a spurious ward executive officers is an affront to the Party and a “poke in the eye” of the National leadership of the Party. Those who admitted Senator Godswill Akpabio into APC should better come and clean the mess he has created for the Party in Akwa Ibom state. What manner of impunity that an officer appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari could so audaciously and callously challenge actions undertaken by the party wherein President Buhari is the leader?

OBITER

It was in this state that Akpabio made a boast as Governor, that he crossed off one’s name and replaced same with another for presentation to INEC as the senatorial candidate for Akwa Ibom North-East senatorial District. In 2015, Akpabio as Governor singularly, nominated the 26 PDP candidates for the AKHA elections, ten PDP candidates for the Federal House and 3 PDP senatorial candidates. Against all odds, Akpabio singularly threw-up Udom Emmanuel as Governor. Heavens did not fall and Akwa Ibom survived his autocracy and strong-arm politics. The only difference now is that Akpabio is at the receiving end. Power is transient; the rich also cry.

The Executive Director of Extractive360, Mrs. Juliet Alohan Ukanwosu, has described the recently enacted Petroleum Industry Act 2021 as a development in the right direction.

Commending President Muhammadu Buhari for signing the Petroleum Industry Bill into law, she explained that the development will bring to an end the many years of stagnation and investment drought in the Nigerian oil sector.

She explained that “For almost 20years that the law was in the making, Nigeria lost investment opportunities to new frontiers in the continent. Investments worth billions of dollars were diverted to other countries, existing investments were moved out in some cases.
“This is because the oil majors were not ready to hold on to their money and wait for you to make a decision, especially where Nigeria was no longer the darling in Africa. Other countries had within the period put in place a more predictable fiscal environment. So the natural thing was for them to attract the right investment.”

At a time when the world is gradually moving away from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources, it was high time Nigeria had its oil reform law in place and make good use of the years left of the oil age, which is put at around 40 to 50 more years.

Since the PIB was assented to, Extractive 360 has observed the pushback against the law, particularly over the 3percent provided for the host community fund. While we agree that the oil producing communities deserve more funding and development, let us not totally dismiss the benefits derivable from the entire law because of concerns over the host community funding element.

“We should not lose sight of the overall benefit of the law to the Nigerian oil industry and the economy in general, we must give the law a chance at reforming our oil industry and usher in a healthy legal environment, investment inflow and more job opportunities for Nigerians."

However, Extractive360 is concerned that despite the enormous work done by CSOs in pushing for the passage and assent of the PIB, no civil society organization was named among the implementation committee by the president.

“Civil society organizations in their role as demand side actors have been unrelenting over the years, consistently demanding passage and assent to the PIB. Now that we eventually got it done, it is expected that at least a representative of the civil society should have been named among the implementation committee. This is not too late, the president can still correct this omission,” Ukanwosu said.

Nigeria’s opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has scored Imo State as the most dirtiest environment in Nigeria.

The Publicity Secretary of PDP Imo State chapter, Ogubundu Nwadike, in a statement on Tuesday, lamented that the sustainable dirtiness of the state under Governor Hope Uzodimma’s watch has made it most likely that there may be breakout in the State of a special variant of the COVID-19 pandemic, that will be known as “Imo-Covid”.

The party also lamented that the state government has succeeded in making areas like Douglas Road, Mbaise Road, Okigwe Road, Orlu Road, Fire Service, Egbu, Orji, IMSU, Bishop Court, Works Layout, World Bank, Port Harcourt Road, Old Owerri and New Owerri and ….

Read more: https://naturenews.africa/pdp-scores-imo-most-dirtiest-environment-in-nigeria/

The recent invitation of the former Senate President, Bukola Saraki  has been described as a move to gag the opposition ahead of the 2023 general elections.
 
Hafiz Michika stated this even as he said that no amount of pressure will break Sen. Saraki’s in his quest to see that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) takeover the reigns of government.
 

Speaking  to journalists in Abuja, Michika, who is a House of Reps hopeful and the son of first civilian governor of Adamawa State, Saleh Michika, said that even as the former Senate President’s persecution at the code of conduct tribunal did not hold water, the current move will also “fall like a pack of cards”.
 
“ It is very clear, the current move is to gag the opposition. The current administration is afraid of the political capabilities and capacity of the former Senate President especially in the gains of the reconciliatory efforts within the PDP.
 

“We’re confident that just as the first attempt did not work, this second move will also fall like a pack of cards. They cannot weaken Saraki's resolve for a virile opposition.” He said.
 
As senate president between 2015 and 2019, Sen. Saraki spent a considerable time facing allegations of corruption and false declaration of assets. He was acquitted by the Supreme Court in June 2018.

His nomination as the 4th Ologbotsere of the Warri Kingdom in 2017 was one the Itsekiri people never took calmly. It was greeted with protests that rocked the foundation of the kingdom for days.

Ayiri’s nomination was said to have been rejected for reasons bothering integrity and loyalty to the cause of the ethnic nationality.

The protesters vowed to defend the ancient prestige of the kingdom than to live to see it taken over by personalities that are not worthy of leading it.

One of the leaders of the protests then, Weyimi Agbateyinero, asked then Olu to reconsider his stance and appoint qualified persons taking into cognisance the tradition and belief of the people.

“Persons so nominated in the selection and nomination of Ologbotsere fall short of all known traditional standards and requirements paraded by previous occupants of such chieftainship in terms of age, integrity, intellectual capability, status, etc,” Agbateyinero reportedly said.

Four years down the road, fears nursed by the protesters have come to pass; not only has Ayiri desecrated the tradition of the Itsekiri kingdom, but he also went further to use his title to arrogate and allocate to himself, the entitlements of the people.

As the name signifies, Ologbotsere is the traditional Prime Minister of the kingdom, who has as one of his functions, to preserve and protect the traditions of the people.

The question begging for answers right now is, with the aforementioned shortcomings of a man, who will take him seriously for haven suddenly realised the need to preserve and protect the traditions he has so desecrated?

Perhaps, he is in another round of his voyage to destroy what the people have seen as reasons to change for the better.

When the opportunity came to give him a piece of their anger, the people who had waited patiently for years and armed with his actions and tendencies unbecoming of the Ologbotsere position didn't waste any time when the opportunity presented itself the people showed him the way out.

Now, Ayiri, has resorted to all forms of tactics, using the crude way of name-calling and pulldown syndrome, including casting aspersions on the person of the Olu designate.

Nobody, certainly not Prince Tsola Emiko is going down with Ayiri for all the atrocities he has committed over the years against the Itsekiri nation since he was erroneously gifted with the title of Ologbotsere.

Perhaps, he needs to be schooled that a man whose providence has entrusted unto the people cannot be said, not even on assumption, to be an interloper in the sense that he was born of a Blue Blood.

Royalty flows in him (Emiko), not only was his father preceded over the affairs of Warri Kingdom as the 19th Olu, but his grandfather was also.

Lately, Ayiri suddenly saw the need to be protective to adhere strictly to the traditions of the people he has desecrated, even with the recent naming of the Olu designate.

Once beaten, twice shy, it is a popular adage well known to those that have taken caution as their watchword. The Itsekiri are now well aware of Ayiri’s antics to fall for it again.

It is time he needs to realised that the people are fed up and tired of his shenanigan and economic strangulation of the same people and culture he pretends to defend.

Perhaps, Ayiri needs to be told that he can only be taken seriously now if he starts accepting the fact that the people have made their choice and voice known on Prince Tsola Emiko as the Olu designate.

Nigeria has been ranked second country in the world with 38 million people practising open defecation, United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) stated.

Marie-Pierre Poirier, the Regional Director for West and Central Africa, (UNICEF) revealed on Monday in a press statement made available to Guardian news in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital.

Read more
https://naturenews.africa/nigeria-ranks-second-country-practising-open-defecation-unicef/

Cashew is a multipurpose crop that is mainly cultivated for the nuts’ consumption, medicine and source of income for top producing countries of the world.

It is also one of the high export crops in Nigeria which is expected to add value to the food chains of the country.

The investment of cashew ranges between 30 to 40 percent within 3-5 years of cultivation, this shows that cashew farming is a profitable business, but the potentials of the Nigerian cashew nut value chain have not been fully utilized even though it is a profitable enterprise.

Read more
https://naturenews.africa/economic-health-impacts-of-cashew-crops/

About 96 players grouped in 8 teams will lock horns for the 2021 edition of the Abba Bichi Football Unity Cup title.

The 2nd edition of the Abba Bichi Unity Cup will come under spotlight from Monday 26th to Tuesday 27th July 2021 at the Ahmed Musa Sports Centre in Kano State.

According to the former Nigerian Golden Eaglets Star, Abba Bichi, said the tournament is aimed at building peace, supporting and grooming talents to become football professionals in the country.

“The whole tournament is about building up a friendly and peaceful place in the society. To groom talents and support them financially, also providing them with the professional football experience.

“This is to show the whole country that a young person like me is taking these steps so why are others lacking behind, I mean other billionaire Nigerian professionals’’.

He also revealed that the first edition of the Unity Cup was a huge success as participated players had moved to the next level in their footballing career.

“The first edition was a huge success, so many players used the tournament as a springboard in moving their professional football career forward. Hopefully, we should unearth more young stars who would surpass the last edition achievement and seal huge contracts at the end of the second edition”.

Meanwhile, Abba Bichi has become the first youngest Nigerian footballer to be verified on Twitter and TikTok with thousands of followers, following his outstanding personality which serves as an inspiration to other younger generation all over the world.

It is no longer news that the 36-year-old Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko, who emerged as the Olu designate will be crowned as the 21st Olu of Warri in a ceremony at Ode-Itsekiri expected to host eminent first class traditional rulers and dignitaries across the country.

The coronation of the new King slated for the 21st of August, 2021 enjoy the blessings and support of the majority of Itsekiri's worldwide has become a talking point in Warri Kingdom and the South/South region.

Since the blue blooded Emiko emerged as the Olu of Warri designate, an air of peace and excitement has enveloped the oil rich Warri Kingdom and its people.

Residents of Warri kingdom are already in joyous mood as they prepare to witness yet another coronation of their new King.

The incoming amiable King had in the last few weeks undergone traditional rites ahead of his coronation. He is required to fulfil these rites before stepping into the traditional stool of his forbearers.

A resident of Warri, Eugene Tuoyo, said the excitement in Warri and its environs ahead of the new Olu's coronation is noticeable.

He said indigenes of Itsekiri are happy that their new king will soon be crowned.

Fred Misan, another resident of Warri, said he is looking forward to the ceremony because it is usually a rare event that brings joy to the people.

He said the joyous mood in Warri metropolis and neighboring Itsekiri communities was one that will herald peaceful reign of the new monarch.

Recall that shortly after his emergence as the Olu of Warri designate, top personalities across divide sent congratulatory messages over his emergence.

Mrs Bola Elohor, a Special Adviser to the Chairman of Warri South Local Government said, "First and foremost, I want to felicitate with the new king on his enthronement. I must say our expectations are very high as he ascends the throne of his forefathers. We want the peace and unity that have been existing to continue among the Itsekiri people. We don't want any division. He should try and make sure that there is peace in our land, and that peace should be sustained."

Emiko was born on April 2, 1984 to Ogiame Atuwatse II, the Olu of Warri and Olori Gladys Durorike Emiko, in Warri, Nigeria.

He received his early education at the NNPC Primary School, Warri and there, he proceeded to Adesoye College, Offa, Kwara State, for his secondary education between 1995 and 2001.

Not satisfied with only a post-primary education, the young prince then proceeded to the Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America from where he earned a Bachelors of Arts degree between 2002 and 2006. He majored in International Studies & Political Science, even as History & Economics were his subsidiary areas of specialisation.

In 2007, the young prince returned to Case Western Reserve University from where he obtained a Master of Science in Management.

He returned to Nigeria in 2008 for the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and served in the Public Affairs Department of National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS).

Between 2009 and 2010, he worked as an officer at the Shell Nigeria Closed Pension Fund Administrator (SNCFPA) and Sahara Energy between 2010 and 2012 as a Government Relations Officer.

As an entrepreneur, Tsola Emiko is the founder of Noble Nigerian Ltd and Coral Curator Ltd. He is a Director at the Ocean Marine Security Ltd as well as at the Gulf of Guinea Ltd and Vessellink Nig Ltd.

A loving and caring husband, his majesty is married to Ivie Uhunoma, and the relationship is blessed with children.