PVC Collection: Imo Govt Declares Two Day Holidays For Workers

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PVC Collection: Imo Govt Declares Two Day Holidays For Workers

Arising from the first Executive Council meeting this year on Wednesday, January, 25, 2023, presided over by Governor Hope Uzodimma, the Imo State government declared Thursday (January 26) and Friday (January 27) public holidays to enable workers to collect their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) for the coming elections.

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Briefing newsmen after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Chief Declan Emelumba said the public holiday affects mainly Imo workers in the Civil and Public Service and that those involved in essential services like the banks, electricity workers, and others so designated are not involved.

The Commissioner for Information was flanked at the briefing by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Success Prosper Ohaghaya, that of Digital Economy and E-Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, the Chief Political Adviser and Head Political Bureau, Barr. Enyinna Onuegbu, Special Adviser on Strategy and Development, Hon Pat Ekeji and the Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser to the Governor, Mr. Oguwike Nwachuku.

Emelumba also  said that there will be free medical outreach for Imo indigents beginning from January 27, 2023 at some designated locations and hospitals in the State.

“The outreach will take care of all forms of ailments/illnesses including surgeries and it will be free of charge.To authenticate the activities of the medical mission government also approved that Imo Health/Medical Personnel will be part of the team.”

The Commissioner informed that the Skill-up Imo project by the Imo State Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government will be having the graduation ceremony of their first set of trainees in two weeks time.

“The good news is that some Hi-tech Companies are already standing by to come and interview some lucky graduates soonest,” Emelumba said adding that “currently the interest is high and participation is still open and government has asked Imo people to come and register.”

Also, the Commissioner said that the EXCO noted with joy the conferment of an honour on Governor  Uzodimma by the Nigerian Military at the end of their last West African Social Activities (WASA).  “This is in recognition of the Governor’s tremendous efforts in the fight against insecurity in Imo State,” Emelumba explained.

On a sad note, however, the  Commissioner informed that the burial of the former Deputy Governor of Imo State,  Engr. Ebere Udeagu will be on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at his country home in Ihube Okigwe, in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.

The Commissioner informed that the corpse of the late Deputy Governor will be brought to the Sam Mbakwe Exco Chambers Government House, Owerri for last respect by the government of Imo State before proceeding to his country home.

Gunmen Kidnap Chawai Traditional Ruler In Kaduna State

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Gunmen Kidnap Chawai Traditional Ruler In Kaduna State

Gunmen have abducted Chief Joshua Ahmadu, the District Head of Chawai in Kauru Local Government of Kaduna State.

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Ahmadu’s abduction was confirmed on Wednesday by Mr Abel Adamu, President, Chawai Development Association (CDA).

Adamu, in a statement signed by Mr Raphael Joshua, Public Relations Officer of CDA, said that the traditional ruler was kidnapped Tuesday night “by unknown gunmen who invaded his house at Zambina”.

“It was reported that the kidnappers stormed the house of the traditional ruler in their numbers around 9:30 p.m. and took him away,” Adamu was quoted as saying.

The CDA President was further quoted as expressing dismay over the situation while assuring residents that CDA was working hard to ensure that the victim was released unhurt.

“Already, relevant authorities and heads of security operatives on special duty in the chiefdom have been duly informed and have already swung into action to rescue the traditional ruler.

“We are calling on all sons and daughters of Tsam land to pray for the safe return of the district head.”

The statement challenged youths of the chiefdom to always take communal security seriously so as to avert such breaches.

“We have to be on our feet to ensure the land is safe.

“It’s unfortunate that at this critical time, the youths, who ought to be the communal force to guarantee security across communities, are not ready to work in collaboration with security personnel to secure the land,” he lamented.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Tsam Chiefdom has suffered lots of abductions and attacks by bandits and kidnappers lately.

Some of the incidences have led to the loss of lives while large sums had also been paid to rescue kidnapped victims.

The CDA boss appealed to government to direct security agencies to ensure that the district head was rescued and released “unconditionally”.

NAN learnt that the personnel of the Police Area Command in Kafanchan had since visited the family of the victim and assured relations of its readiness to “do everything possible” to rescue the traditional ruler.

The lake Chad Niamey Conference is over now. What next for the region? – By Baba Abdullahi Machina

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The lake Chad Niamey Conference is over now. What next for the region? – By Baba Abdullahi Machina

It is imperative to note that the Lake Chad Niamey Conference builds on the efforts that have been made following commitments from the two previous conferences outside the region- the 2017 Conference in Oslo the capital city of Norway and the 2018 Conference in Berlin Germany. The 2017 Conference in Oslo marked the first time that the international community came together to address the crisis in the Lake Chad Basin region, and it resulted in several commitments to provide humanitarian assistance and support for peacebuilding efforts. This was followed by the 2018 Conference in Berlin which built on these commitments, with a renewed focus on addressing the root causes of the crisis and strengthening the resilience of affected communities.

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The 2017 and 2018 conferences set the stage for the Niamey conference by highlighting the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to addressing the crisis in the Lake Chad Basin region. The Niamey conference specifically emphasized the importance of locally-led initiatives and the need to address the root causes of the crisis, such as poverty, climate change, and violent conflict, as well as on the rights and needs of internally displaced persons and refugees. To follow through on these commitments, it will be essential for the international community and the governments of the Lake Chad Basin countries to work together in a coordinated and sustainable manner. This includes ensuring that the $500 million announced at the conference is disbursed in a timely and effective manner and that it is directed towards locally-led initiatives that will have the greatest impact on the ground. It also requires a multi-faceted approach that includes economic development, social services, and peacebuilding efforts.

Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the rights and needs of internally displaced persons and refugees are respected and protected. This includes ensuring that they have access to basic services such as food, shelter, and healthcare, as well as providing them with the support they need to return home or to rebuild their lives in a new location.

Conclusively, the Lake Chad Niamey Conference is the latest effort in a series of conferences that have been held in the past outside the region to address the crisis in the Lake Chad Basin region as the conference builds on the commitments made in the previous conferences and emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive and coordinated approach, locally-led initiatives, addressing root causes, and protecting the rights and needs of internally displaced persons and refugees though there has been concerted effort to return the IDPs to their respective home by Borno State government in Nigeria, the state that shared borders with Lake Chad Basin countries of Niger, Cameroun and Chad and badly affected by the Boko Haram crisis that separated across the region and created Humanitarian crisis and insecurity and posed greater threat to stability of the region, economically, socially and politically in last eleven years of the crisis and such the real test will be how the commitments made at the conference are translated into concrete actions that will make a difference in the lives of the people affected by the crisis in the region and it is worth noting that the Conference has been a step forward in addressing the crisis in the region, but it is only the beginning as the international community must ensure that resources are directed to where they are needed most, address the root causes of the crisis, and respect the rights and needs of internally displaced persons, refugees in the region and only by working together in a coordinated and sustainable manner can we hope to bring lasting stability to the region and improve the lives of millions of people affected by the crisis and ultimately, the success of the conference will be measured by the impact it has on the lives of the millions of people affected by the crisis in the Lake Chad Basin region. Therefore, the international community and the governments of the region must now work together to turn the commitments made at the conference into action, and to ensure that the humanitarian and social-economic needs of the people of the region are met holistically.

Baba Abdullahi Machina writes from Machina and can be reached via babamachina1990@gmail.com

Over 50 Fulani Herders Killed In Airstrike In Nasarawa State

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Over 50 Fulani Herders Killed In Airstrike In Nasarawa State

Information reaching 247ureports.com indicates that no fewer than fifty Fulani herders in Nasarawa State were confirmed killed in an airstrike in Ekye Development Area of Nasarawa State. The airstrike occurred in the early morning hours [6:30am] of January 25, 2023.

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Unconfirmed but credible source indicate over 65 were killed in the airstrike. The source claims that the airstrikes was carried out by an unidentified helicopter suspected to originate from Benue State.

The corpses were buried in a mass burial ceremony in Doma Local Government – amidst large crowd.

It was learnt that fulani herders identified the attackers are from Benue State. As gathered, the fulani community are preparing for a large protest at the government house.

The Police Pubic Relations Officer, DSP Ramhan Nansel could not be reached for comment.

Meanwhile, it is recalled about one week ago, Doma people were thrown into pandemonium following the abduction of six primary school pupils in Al-waza community. The unknown gunmen invaded Local Government Education Authority primary school.

APC Suspends LGA Tour Over Assassination Of Sole Administrator Of Ideato North

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APC Suspends LGA Tour Over Assassination Of Sole Administrator Of Ideato North

Following the assassination of the Sole Administrator of Ideato North Local Government Area, Chris Ohizu, the Imo state governor Hope Uzodinma has ordered the suspension of the LGA tour/ Town Hall meetings fixed for this week.

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In a press statement signed by the party’s state publicity secretary Cajetan Duke says the death of the Sole Administrator is painful and unwarranted.

The party also use the opportunity to condole with the family of Hon. Ohizu and other Imolites who have lost their loved ones to this politically – motivated insecurity situations in Imo state

The statement said “As a party, we will continue to support effort of the state government and all relevant security agencies in Imo to bring the perpetrators of these atrocious and despicable crimes to book.”

The statement adds that an updated tour Schedule will be released in due course.

The late Sole Administrator was kidnapped along with two others on Saturday in Ideato North and was killed on Sunday despite paying six million naira ransom for his release. Nothing has been heard about the other two people kidnapped with the late Sole Administrator.

Unknown Gunmen Kill APC Ward Chairman, Kidnap 5, In Imo

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Unknown Gunmen Kill APC Ward Chairman, Kidnap 5, In Imo

There seems to be no end in sight to the spate of killings in the state.

Reports reaching 247ureports reveal that Gunmen on Tuesday night killed the ward chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Umuchoke ward in Okwe in the Onuimo Local Government of Imo State, Christian Ihim and kidnapped five other chieftains of the ruling party in the community.

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Eye witnesses say the attackers shot repeatedly into the air forcing the villagers to flee.

Apart from killing and kidnapping the APC chieftains, the gunmen also invaded a neighbouring community called Okwelle and also kidnapped a female member of the APC identified as Onyinyechi Egenti.

The slain chairman is said to be a former aide of the immediate past national Organising secretary of APC, Emma Ibediro.

This is the latest in a series of attack on Onuimo by gunmen. On December 15, gunmen killed the Labour Party candidate for the Onuimo LGA state House of Assembly election, Christopher Elehu, after burning down his house in Okwe community.

Buhari Responds To Tanko Yankasai: “My Support For Asiwaju Bola Tinubu Is Unquestioned”

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Buhari Responds To Tanko Yankasai: “My Support For Asiwaju Bola Tinubu Is Unquestioned”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ON ALHAJI TANKO YAKASAI’S QUESTIONING OF THE PRESIDENT’S SUPPORT OF APC AT THE FORTHCOMING ELECTION

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“Alhaji Tanko Yakasai is unknown to the All Progressives Congress, APC. Everyone is entitled to their view, but what we do know is that his insight in a recent interview does not come from within the party or the President’s team. His support for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is welcome although it is difficult to see what value it will add.

“He is right to highlight his experience as a senior citizen, a leader in government and ability to reach out across divides are strong foundations for the highest office.

“But Yakasai’s questioning of the loyalties of President Muhammadu Buhari stands in sharp contrast to the actions of the President. Only on Monday, he was out at a rally in Bauchi supporting the flag bearer of the party. Presidential duties permitting, he is scheduled to make further appearances at campaign events in the coming weeks.

”His support for the party’s candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is unquestioned.

“If this wasn’t on TV, Yakasai’s unwise comment on the issue would have been dismissed as a misquotation. But he was live on TV.

“On this one against President Buhari, no one should take him seriously.

“Perhaps times are hard and the old man needs a bit of help.”

–

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

January 25, 2023

N450 fraud: Court Adjourns Ex-Minister Bulama’s Till March 21

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N450 fraud: Court Adjourns Ex-Minister Bulama’s Till March 21

Justice Fadima Murtala Aminu of the Federal High Court sitting in Damaturu, Yobe State, has adjourned the trial of a former Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Abdul Bulama till March 21, 2023 for continuation of trial.

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The Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is prosecuting Bulama on a seven count charge of criminal conspiracy and money laundering to the tune of N450 Million (Four Hundred and Fifty Million Naira).

Bulama was re-arraigned on Monday, November 8, 2021 alongside Hon. Mohammed Kadai, a former Commissioner for Integrated and Rural Development in Yobe State, Abba Gana Tata, Muhammad Mamu and Hassan Ibn Jaks.

The ex-minister allegedly received the said sum from Diezani Alison-Madueke, a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, to influence the outcome of the 2015 Presidential election as the Coordinator of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2015 Re-election Campaign Committee in Yobe State. Kadai was Deputy Coordinator, while the other three defendants were members of the committee.

Count one of the charges reads, “That you, DR. ABDU BULAMA, HON. MOHAMMED KADAI, ABBAs GANA TATA, MUHAMMAD MAMU AND HASSAN IBN JAKS on or about the 27th day of March, 2015 at Damaturu, Yobe State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did agree among yourselves to do illegal act, to wit: conspiracy to commit money laundering and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 as amended”.

Upon re-arraignment, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the all the counts, thereafter, counsel for the prosecution, Mukhtar Ali Ahmed presented three witnesses.

 

At the resumed hearing today, counsel for the fifth defendant M. Tatama through a letter asked for an adjournment on the grounds that he was before the court of Appeal Abuja Division for pre-election matter.

 

Justice Aminu, in a bench ruling, adjourned the matter till March 21, 2023 for continuation of cross examination of the third prosecution witness, PW3.

 

It will be recalled that the defendants were first arraigned on Friday, May 29, 2018 before Justice Hammada Isa Dashen of the Federal High Court, Damaturu, Yobe State, on a 7-count charge of criminal conspiracy and money laundering to the tune of N450 Million.

During the trial before Justice Dashen, the prosecution counsel Mukhtar Ali Ahmed presented six witnesses and tendered several documents that were admitted in evidence by the court.

At the close of the prosecution’s case, the defendants opted for a “no case submission” and their prayers were granted by Justice Dashen as they were discharged and acquitted.

Dissatisfied with the ruling, the EFCC approached the Appellate Court to set aside the decision of the lower Court.

on March 3, 2021, the Appeal Court in its judgment upheld the argument of the EFCC that the Lower Court erred in law by discharging and acquitting the defendants.

The appellate court ordered that the case be returned to the Federal High Court and assigned to a judge other than Justice Dashen, to be heard de novo.

EFCC Arraigns Former NSITF GM, One Other, For N60m Fraud

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EFCC Arraigns Former NSITF GM, One Other, For N60m Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned a former General Manager and Head of Legal Services of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF, Sir Adebayo Adebowale Aderibigbe and one Ogundele Mura Yisa-Yemi  before Justice O.A Musa of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT,  High Court, Jabi, Abuja.

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Aderibigbe,   Yisa-Yemi, a principal partner at M.Y. Ogundele & Co Legal Practitioners, were arraigned  on  three-count charges  bordering on conspiracy and obtaining the sum N60, 400, 00 ( Sixty Million our Four Hundred Thousand Naira) by false pretence.

YEMI OGUNDELE

One of the counts reads “ That you, Ogundele Mura Yisa-Yemi (Principal Partner, M.Y. Ogundele & Co Legal Practitioners) between 2014 and 2016 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did corruptly give the aggregate sum of N60,400,000(Sixty Million, Four Hundred Thousand Naira) to one Sir Adebayo Adebowale Aderibigbe(whilst being a public officer as GM/Head Legal Services of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund) on account of a contract awarded to you as consultant for Processing and Regularizing of TITLE DEEDS AND SURVEY PLANS FOR THE PROPERTY OF THE FUND AT ERA VILLAGE OTO-AWORI. IJANIKIN, BADAGRY EXPRESSWAY, LAGOS, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8(1) (a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under Section 8 (11) (b) of the same Act.”

Another count reads “ That you, Sir Adebayo Adebowale Aderibigbe (whilst being a public officer as GM/Head Legal Services of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund), between 2014 and 2016 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did corruptly receive the aggregate sum of N60,400,000(Sixty Million, Four Hundred Thousand Naira only)  from one Ogundele Mura Yisa-Yemi ( Principal Partner, M.Y Ogundele & Co, Legal Practitioners) in relation to a contract awarded to Ogundele Mura Yisa-Yemi as consultant for PROCESSING AND REGULARIZING OF THE DEEDS AND SURVEY PLANS FOR THE PROPERTY OF THE FUND AT ERA VILLAG, OTO-AWORI, IJANIKIN, BADAGRY EXPRESSWAY, LAGOS and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8(1) (a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and Punishable  under Section 8(1) (b) of the same Act.”

They pleaded “not guilty” when the charges were read to them.

Counsel to the 1st  and 2nd  defendants , J.A. Karon and I.O. Salawudeen prayed the court to grant their clients bail, while EFCC’s counsel,  Faruk Abdallah did not oppose the bail bids, but prayed the court to set terms that will ensure that the two  defendants  present themselves for trial. “If the court should grant bail, we urge the court to impose terms that will ensure that the defendant comes to trial”, he said.

Justice Musa thereafter granted the defendants bail in the sum of N50million (Fifty Million Naira) and one surety each in like sum.  The surety should be a Deputy Director in a Federal Ministry. Also, sureties should deposit their letters of appointment and clear pictures of their residences showing them standing in front of their residences.

The judge adjourned the matter till February 21 and 23, 2023 for trial.

Gov Ikpeazu Mourns Ikonne

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Gov Ikpeazu Mourns Ikonne

Press Release

It is with a heavy heart but total submission to the will of God that we announce the passing of our Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2023 general elections, Prof Eleazar Uchenna Ikonne, which sad event took place in the early hours of today at the National Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness.

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While we condole with the family of the late Professor of Optometry, the PDP family and Abians in general, we pray God to have mercy on his soul, grant him eternal rest and give everyone affected by his unfortunate demise the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

As a mark of honour to our dear departed brother, I hereby direct that all flags in Abia State PDP offices be lowered and flown at half mast while all campaign activities for the party at all levels be suspended until Monday, 30th January, 2023.

I urge all PDP leaders and members to remain calm as we navigate through this difficult period together.

Signed:

Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, PhD
Executive Governor,

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