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Pensioners Protest Over Non-Payment Of Pensions In Kano

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Kano Bans Movies Promoting Cross Dressing, Thuggery
Kano

Hundreds of retired civil servants have thronged the Kano State Government House over unpaid N30.900 billion accumulated pension.

The pensioners, who started their march from the Audu Bako Secretariat to Government House Kano, carried placards with several inscriptions like “Monthly pension deductions must be stopped”, “Pay us our pension arrears”, “Resume compliance to pension laws”, “Pension our deducted benefits and monthly pension is non-taxable by law, why deduct on it?”

Speaking, Kabiru Ado Minijibir, the state Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, who was there in solidarity with the protesting pensioners, said, the state owes 32,600 pensioners accumulated N36.900 billion unpaid arrears.

He said, as of June 2022, 18,111 pensioners were unpaid, adding that this problem has resulted in the deaths of many while others have taken ill with no money to settle hospital bills.

Minjibir explained that the refusal by many government agencies and parastatals to pay 17 percent of deducted pension money has now reached over N60 billion.

The NLC Chairman prayed that government would henceforth stop the illegal deductions of pensioners’ money, which he noted contravenes the 2016 Pension Law which prohibited deductions of pensioners’ funds and has mandated agencies and parastatals to pay their due as at when due.

“We also hope that Government would set aside special funds to commence the immediate payment of the unsettled N30.900 billion funds, and also ensure that the unwarranted cut in thier money immediately stopped.

“Failure to this might results in the pensioners taking the last option which is legal action, but we know and believes that Governor Ganduje has his people in his heart as can be seen in the monthly payment of pension allowances and salaries”.

Responding the State Head of Service and who is also the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mallam Usman Bala, reminded that the accumulated unpaid pension arrears could be traced to the Government of Senator Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau and Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso which Governor Ganduje inherited.

He said it is not a story that Governor Kwankwaso uses the pension money to build houses in the state to the detriment of the pensioners and the houses are now there laying fallow without anybody using them.

“But despite all these negative tendencies, our government now is paying monthly Pension allowances and also tried in paying some gratuity, but one should know that the Nation is facing serious cash crunch and Kano is not exceptional,” he said.

He assured that the problems emanated from the fact that so many civil servants have retired from the service, leaving a vacuum in non-remittance of pensions to the pension funds, but Government in its wisdom is now employing over two thousand new civil servants to fill the vacuum and ensure monthly deductions.

Any Chinese Military Flights Into Taiwan’s Airspace, Will Be Treated As ‘First Strike,’ Defense Minister Says

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Any Chinese Military Flights Into Taiwan's Airspace, Will Be Treated As ‘First Strike,’ Defense Minister Says
Chiu Kuo-chen

Chinese fighter jets or drones that intrude into Taiwan’s territorial airspace will be regarded as a “first strike,” Taiwan’s Defense Minister warned Wednesday, as the island seeks to step-up its defenses in response to Beijing’s military pressure.

Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng made the remarks while addressing lawmakers on the threats posed by China’s recent spate of escalatory measures, which has seen Chinese warplanes and drones fly near to the self-governing island.

Chiu did not specify how Taipei would respond if People’s Liberation Army aircraft breached the territorial limit, defined as 12 nautical miles (22.2 kilometers) from the island’s shores.

“In the past, we said we won’t be the first to strike, which meant we will not fire the first shot without (China) firing artillery shells or missiles first,” Chiu Kuo-cheng said.

“But now the definition has obviously changed, as China used means such as drones. So we have adjusted, and will view any crossing of aerial entities (into Taiwan’s territorial airspace) as a first strike,” Chiu said during a meeting of the Legislature’s Foreign and National Defense Committee.

Earlier this year, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen said the island’s military would take “necessary and forceful countermeasures as appropriate” against what she called Chinese gray zone warfare tactics, including “drone harassment.”

“We will not give China the pretext to create conflict. We will not provoke disputes and we will be restrained, yet that does not mean we will not counteract,” Tsai said.

Pressed by lawmakers Wednesday, Chiu said Taiwan’s military “definitely has its red line” when it comes to the island’s defense, and stressed that the military will launch “countermeasures” once the red line is crossed, without specifying what the red line is and what those countermeasures will be.

CNN has reached out to China’s Foreign Ministry for comment and is waiting for a response.

Taiwan lies fewer than 110 miles (177 kilometers) off the coast of China. For more than 70 years the two sides have been governed separately, but that hasn’t stopped China’s ruling Communist Party from claiming the island as its own – despite having never controlled it.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has said that “reunification” between China and Taiwan is inevitable and refused to rule out the use of force.

Tensions between Beijing and Taipei are at the highest they’ve been in recent decades, with the Chinese military holding major military drills near the island.

Following the visit of US House of Representative Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan in early August, China stepped up military pressure tactics on the island, sending fighter jets across the median line of the Taiwan Strait, the body of water separating Taiwan and China.

For decades, the median line had served as an informal demarcation line between the two, with military incursions across it being rare.

But Chiu said Beijing has “shattered” that understanding.

He said China has “changed the status quo” and is “establishing a new normal.”

Chiu’s statement adds to the complicated security situation across the strait, following recent remarks by US President Joe Biden that US military personnel would defend Taiwan if the Chinese military were to launch an invasion of the democratically ruled island.

Under the “One China” policy, the US acknowledges China’s position that Taiwan is part of China, but has never officially recognized the Communist Party’s claim to the self-governing island of 23 million. The US provides Taiwan with defensive weapons, but has remained intentionally ambiguous on whether it would intervene militarily in the event of a Chinese attack.

According to the US intelligence community, China is actively attempting to build a military capable of taking over Taiwan – even in the face of US support for the island.

Earlier this year, CIA Deputy Director David Cohen said that while China’s leaders would prefer to gain control of Taiwan through “nonmilitary means,” they want the country’s military to have the capability to take control of the island by 2027, should such a decision be made.

Hazard Is Very Important Player For Belgium – Martinez

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Hazard Is Very Important Player For Belgium – Martinez
Eden Hazard

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez has hailed Real Madrid winger, Eden Hazard as an important player for the national team and is looking forward to unleashing the talent of the 31-year-old on opponents during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Hazard has found game time hard to come by this season with only three games for Los Blancos (the white) in Laliga.

According to Rtbf Martinez maintains that Hazard is a key player for the Red Devils of Belgium despite his seeming decline at Real Madrid.

“Is Eden Hazard still an important player for the national team? Yes, 100 percent,” Martinez said.

“I think his experience, his influence on opponents, the way he’s still beating players, he’s creating a real threat.

“For me, it’s a profile that is one of the best in the world in terms of being able to play.

“But now we have to wonder if he can play 90 minutes, or seven matches in a short period. It’s very different and his situation can change enormously over the next five weeks.”

Hazard has scored 33 goals in 122 appearances for Belgium. He has scored one goal and recorded one assist from four appearances in all competitions for Real Madrid this season.

Belgium are in Group F of the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Canada, Croatia, and Morocco.

Belgium’s best performance at the FIFA World Cup was in Russia 2018 where they finished third after defeating England 2-0 in the Third- Place playoff at Krestovsky Stadium Casablanca on July 14, 2018.

Why Qatar 2022 World Cup Will Be Like No Other In History – Beckham

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Why Qatar 2022 World Cup Will Be Like No Other In History – Beckham

England Legend, David Beckham, has suggested that the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar will be like no other edition in the history of the greatest football showpiece, for obvious reasons.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup will take place in the Middle Eastern nation of Qatar between November 20 and December 18, 2022. It is the first time that the FIFA World Cup will take place in the latter part of a year.

Beckham who is a Qatar 2022 ambassador believes that players will arrive at the mid-season World Cup full of energy.

“I was lucky enough to play in three World Cups and I know that I went into each of those World Cups playing probably 50 to 60 games in the season,” Al Jazeera quoted Beckham as saying.

“Players are coming into this World Cup after playing 25 games. So they will be arriving fresh and excited. Their energy is going to be at the top level, so I think what you’re going to see on the pitch is probably like no other World Cup.”

Aside from economic reasons, hosting the FIFA World Cup will further boost the development of football in Qatar.

This will be Qatar’s first appearance at the World Cup since the Qatar Football Association (QFA) got affiliated with FIFA in 1972. The Maroon of Qatar is currently ranked 48 by FIFA.

Qatar is in Group A at the 2022 FIFA World Cup together with Senegal, Ecuador, and the Netherlands.

Keyamo Justifies Tinubu’s Absence, Say He Is Not President

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Keyamo Justifies Tinubu's Absence, Say He Is Not President

The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council spokesman, Festus Keyamo, on Thursday, said the party can’t continue defending its presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, whereabouts every minute.

He said Nigerians were misconstruing the issues at hand, adding that though Tinubu is APC presidential flagbearer, he is yet to become Nigeria’s president.

With that, Keyamo said, the party, Tinubu, and the presidential campaign council would not be issuing press statements to explain the former Lagos State governor’s whereabouts.

Keyamo, who is also the Minister of State for Labour Employment, stated these while appearing on Arise TV’s The Morning Show on Thursday.

The PUNCH had reported on October 3 2022 that Tinubu explained he is strong and healthy while dismissing the rumour that he is dead. He also dismissed claims that he had withdrawn from the presidential race.
In a tweet accompanied by a video showing him working out on a fitness bike, he wrote, “Many have said I have died; others claim I have withdrawn from the presidential campaign. Well… Nope.

“This is the reality: I am strong, I am healthy and I am ready to serve Nigerians from Day One.”

But when queried on Tinubu’s whereabouts on Thursday, Keyamo said, “My information about our candidate is that he is hale and hearty. That is the information I get this morning. He is out of the country and he will be back in a matter of days. It is as straightforward as that.

“There is no controversy and no indication that there should be cause for concern. I do understand that he is a candidate for an election but we should also understand that he is not a president too.

“And to issue a statement every minute as to his whereabouts? the standard is not as high as being the president of Nigeria. He is just a candidate. Yes, he has some responsibilities towards the electorates and I do agree, but the standard is not as high as a president in office who could at every point in time issue statements as to his whereabouts.

“We are not going to live our lives for the opposition and mischief makers. I know there are some genuine concerns and inquiries, but there are also mischief makers. For those who are genuine like you, I think you should be satisfied when a campaign council spokesperson comes on air and say he (Tinubu) is hale and hearty. If you probe further, then it is mischievous.

“I spoke with Seyi (Tinubu’s son). The son is with him and the son says “daddy is okay” and that is our discussion this morning.”

Japan Defeat Super Falcons 2-0 In Friendly Game

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Japan Defeat Super Falcons 2-0 In Friendly Game

Former women’s World Cup champions Japan maintained their superiority over the Super Falcons of Nigeria with a 2-0 win in Thursday’s international friendly game in Kobe.

It is now the third consecutive win for Japan over the Super Falcons in their four meetings.

Also, the Falcons have now lost their last five games. The last time they won a match was in the quarter-finals of this year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in July.

Among notable Falcons players in action against Japan were Ifeoma Onumonu, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Rasheedat Ajibade, Osinachi Ohale, Ngozi Okobi, Uchenna Kanu, Michelle Alozie, Ashleigh Plumptre, Christy Ucheibe.

Also in action were former Falconets stars like Flourish Sabastine, Esther Onyenezide, Deborah Abiodun, and Jumoke Alani.

After a goalless first half, Japan scored two quick goals thanks to a brace from Mina Tanaka.

The deadlock was broken in the 64th minute after Tanaka brought down a floated set piece with her chest before slotting past Nnadozie.

And in the 68th minute, Tanaka got her second as she converted from the penalty spot after Ohale brought down a Japanese player who was through on goal.

Both Falcons and Japan will feature at next year’s FIFA women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

We Are Fulfilling Every International Standard Of Law Enforcement – EFCC

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EFCC Arraigns Couple Over N410m Fraud In Kano
efcc

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has assured Nigerians of its unwavering commitment to its mandate and vision of a Nigeria free of economic and financial crimes through the use of its Establishment Act and other existing laws.

The anti-graft agency reiterated its commitment via a statement issued on Wednesday.

According to the EFCC, all of its operational activities are always in line with global best practices.

The statement continues, “Issues of arrest, detention, arraignment, and prosecution of suspects are handled in accordance with the Commission’s Standard Operating Procedure.” The EFCC is fulfilling every international standard of law enforcement in all its ramifications.

“On this note, members of the public are enjoined to ignore any blackmail, campaign of calumny, tissue of lies, and other ploys being employed by corrupt elements to cast aspersion on the good works of the Commission. The EFCC will continue to keep faith with its mandate and strengthen every legitimate activity of individuals, groups, and organizations.

“All the outreach contacts of the Commission are always open for inquiries, complaints, and petitions.”

The EFCC issued the statement after Tuesday’s #EndEFCC protest embarked upon by some youths in Delta State turned violent and bloody.

The protesters alleged incessant harassment, molestation, and arrest by officials of the anti-graft agency.

The protest, which caused serious commotion and panic took place at the Otovwodo junction of the Ughelli community, Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

It allegedly involved suspected internet fraudsters, popularly known as ‘Yahoo Boys.

According to reports, more than three youths were shot by personnel of the state command of the Nigeria Police Force.

Osun State House of Assembly Launches Parliamentary Website

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Osun House of Assembly Launches Parliamentary Website

On Wednesday, Timothy Owoeye, the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, launched a website where people could access details about the legislature and the proceedings at the plenary.

Owoeye, while speaking during the formal inauguration of the platform held on the premises of the House of Assembly in Osogbo, harped on the importance of the facility being a critical tool to improve the interaction between the lawmakers and their constituents.

Additionally, he said that the platform would help legislators carry out their duties more effectively and efficiently. He also urged young people in the state to become interested in politics and take part in the democratic process.

He said, “Of all the items listed on the 7th Assembly legislative agenda, it is the e-parliament that is pivotal to all others. A functional e-parliament enables clusters
and dwellers living in rural areas to gain better access to their legislators.

“Citizens, who by unconventional design are cut off from political debate, are provided the opportunity to form their own opinions, as well as participate. In this regard, e-parliament facilitates healthy constituent representative relationships by helping the parliament to be more responsive to the interests and diverse views of their constituencies in a democratic state.”

Speaking on behalf of Kimpact Development Initiative, the facilitator in charge of the Osun Assembly’s e-parliament, Mr. Oluwafemi Adebayo, said the facility would promote citizen, legislator’s interaction.

UNN Academics Hails Gov. Ugwuanyi’s Giant Strides In Education Sector

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Gov Ugwuanyi Approves Release Of Enugu Civil Servants 2021, 2022 Promotion
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi

The leadership of the Faculty of the Social Sciences, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) on Wednesday visited Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State at the Government House, Enugu, to appreciate him for his administration’s giant strides in the education sector in spite of the State’s lean resources and the economic, security and public health challenges bedeviling the country.

Led by the Dean, Faculty of the Social Sciences, UNN, Prof. Ike Onyishi, the academicians commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for the establishment of the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Eno, Enugu State, describing the medical university as one of the legacy projects the governor will be remembered for after his tenure. He said that the SUMAS is a worthy project which “is going to live after all of us.”

Prof. Onyishi expressed delight at the quality of massive structures at the permanent site of the State Medical University (SUMAS), constructed by the Ugwuanyi administration, stressing that they are amazing.

The Dean assured Gov. Ugwuanyi of their support towards the success of the medical university, adding that the inherent benefits of the educational establishment are enormous, especially, its proximity to the UNN, its socio-economic development of the affected rural communities as well as its ability to provide more opportunities for numerous students in the country seeking to study medical courses.

Prof. Onyishi, on behalf of the Faculty of the Social Sciences, UNN, thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for appointing one of them, Prof. Aloysius Michael Okolie, as the Vice Chancellor of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Prof. Malachy Okwueze as the Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Enugu and Prof. Uche Eze who is the Commissioner for Education, among others.

He acknowledged the existing peace and security in Enugu State entrenched by Gov. Ugwuanyi, pointing out that the unprecedented feat has made it possible for education and development to thrive in the state.

The erudite professor stressed that “Enugu is one of the safest states in the country and the safest in the South East,” maintaining that the governor has been proactive in responding to security issues in the state.

The Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Enugu, Prof. Okwueze, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Eze, the Vice Chancellor of ESUT, Prof. Okolie, Prof. Fab Onah, Prof. Lawrence Amazue, Prof. T.C Nzeadibe, Prof. Uche Nnadozie, Prof. Leonard Ugwu, Rev. Fr. Dr. Emeka Ngwoke and Dr. Sam Ugwu were among the leadership of the Faculty of the Social Sciences at the event.

During the visit, a delegation of the ‘UNN Staff Support Group for Gburugburu’ equally applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for his administration’s transformational programmes in the university town of Nsukka, Enugu North Senatorial District and the state in general.

They unanimously endorsed the governor’s bid to represent Enugu North Senatorial District in the National Assembly on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The group, comprising academic and non-academic staff of the UNN, also endorsed the PDP governorship candidate in Enugu State, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, his running mate, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, the party’s candidate for Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, Chief. Engr. Vita Abba and the candidate for Nsukka West Constituency, Hon. Amos Amadi Agbo, pledging to mobilise the electorate in the university community to vote for them overwhelmingly at the polls.

Speaking, the Coordinator of the UNN Staff Support Group for Gburugburu, Godwin Okechukwu Asadu, told Gov. Ugwuanyi that the staff are major beneficiaries of his administration’s developmental projects in the university town of Nsukka, which he said are (projects) unprecedented.

Disclosing that “this is the first time the University of Nigeria Nsukka is having a support group for a sitting governor,” the group’s coordinator stressed that Gov. Ugwuanyi deserves their support and votes because of his outstanding achievements, humility, fear of God and peaceful disposition.

They paid glowing tribute to the governor for establishing the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Eno and attracting the Federal Polytechnic, Ohodo, Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, stating that the remarkable feats have supported the legacy of the late legendary Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, who attracted the UNN to Nsukka town.

In their separate remarks, the group’s Secretary and Publicity Secretary, Mike Ogbobe and Dr. Saint Ngwoke respectively, joined the academicians from the Faculty of the Social Sciences, UNN, in thanking Gov. Ugwuanyi for appointing educationists from the university into sensitive government positions including the principal officers of the SUMAS.

They said that the governor’s decision in that regard has brought so many laurels to Enugu State in the education sector and has equally helped his administration in actualising its policy thrust.

The group reassured Gov. Ugwuanyi that they will rally support for him, Barr. Mbah, Barr. Ossai, Engr. Abba and other PDP candidates in 2023, revealing that they are prepared and committed to actualising their mandate.

In another development, the members of ‘Gburus Committee for Senate’ led by the Chairman, Barr. Kester Kaunda Ekwueme, paid a solidarity visit to Gov. Ugwuanyi at the Government House, Enugu, where they equally declared their support for the governor’s senatorial bid in 2023.

Comprising members from other senatorial districts of Enugu State, the group explained that they are poised to ensure that Gov. Ugwuanyi emerges victorious at the poll, adding that their broad-based outlook is borne out of their conviction that the governor is not only going to represent Enugu North Senatorial District in the National Assembly but also the entire state.

In his address, Barr. Ekwueme informed Gov. Ugwuanyi that “we are here to appreciate you, show our unwavering support for you today, tomorrow and forever and thank you for the good works you are doing for the people of Enugu State,” adding: “Because of your peaceful nature, you have given the people of Enugu State the gift of peace and Enugu is the most peaceful state in Nigeria.

“Your Excellency, you have empowered and transformed the lives of very many ordinary indigenes of Enugu State like no other leader in the state has done before.

“We see the emergence of Dr. Barr. Peter Mbah as the PDP gubernatorial candidate and all other PDP candidates for the 2023 general election as the will of the people, the will of God.

“Your Excellency, you are a great leader and you have redefined the dynamics of Enugu politics. There are lots of high quality infrastructural developments going on in Enugu State but the one that I describe as the game changer that has capacity to level the playing field is the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Eno.

“You believe in human capital development and that is very fundamental to the growth of any individual and any state and this is why I describe you as a transformational and charismatic leader, a role model any reasonable person would like to be like.

“Your Excellency, the purpose of this committee is to mobilise support for you, campaign for you, have a bond with you, a covenant with you and promise you that we shall do everything humanly possible. I repeat, we shall do everything humanly possible to ensure a landslide victory come 2023 Enugu North Senatorial election. We can’t wait to celebrate the victory.

Lending his voice, the secretary of the group, Francis Onyeke spoke in the same vein, reiterating that Gov. Ugwuanyi has “set a standard with proven leadership track record of some unique project profiles in addition to sustaining the legacies of our past leaders combined with resplendent, sumptuous giant strides and multifaceted monumental tasks cutting across the 17 local government areas of Enugu State that earned you the nickname Mr. Project.”

The group’s patrons, Chief Engr. Abba (the PDP candidate for Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency) and Dr. Dan. Shere (former Secretary to the State Government); the Chairman of Nsukka LGA, Hon. Barr. Walter Ozioko; and the party’s candidates for Nsukka East and Nsukka West constituencies, Barr. Mrs. Christiana Onah and Hon. Agbo, respectively, witnessed the event.

Nigeria Was Premature For Independence In 1960, Still Celebrating Mediocrity 62 Years After — Udensi

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Kaduna Military Air Crash: Deliberate, Fraudulent Human Error Responsible For Most Air Mishaps In Nigeria — Udensi
Sir Chikwe Udensi

Interpol Systems Consultant and security expert, Sir Chikwe Udensi has said Nigeria was not ripe at the moment it was agitating for Independence in 1960, saying it ought to have remained under colonial rule a little longer.

He said the Independence in 1962 has brought nothing in terms of development, rather mediocrity, insisting that those celebrating the Oct 1 Independence are ignorant of what they are celebrating, recommending rather they should engage in sober reflection.

“We were not ripe for Independence, it was not time for us to be independent. Independent of what? We found ourselves in a situation where we were agitated for Independence but 62 years after, look at where we are” he told a radio presenter at a programme, Open Parliament streamed live by ABN TV in Umuahia on Wednesday.

He said if the colonial masters had the privilege of managing resources Nigeria has generated from crude oil, the country would have been a better place than it is at the moment.

“Go to South Africa, they were crying that there was apartheid, they were crying that they were being penalised, but today their system is functioning and functioning well. The environment is good but look at Nigeria.

“With all these years of our Independence, we have nothing to show for it. Those who are celebrating the Independence have not known what they are celebrating, we ought to be in a serious sober reflection, we need to be sitting down and counting out losses,” he submitted.

While insisting that he has no regret holding his opinion, the APGA chieftain and governorship aspirant in Abia said countries, where the colonial masters were allowed to stay for a longer period, have a more functional system.

According to him, freedom without benefit has no value, maintaining that where there is freedom and no progress, it is not worth it and not worth mentioning. “For 62 years, Nigeria has retrogressed, we have gone backward, for 62 years, we are in calamity,” he said.

He blamed both the leadership and followership for the country’s woes, accusing the followers of not being decisive in choosing the right leadership at every particular time.

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FG Announces Dec 25, 26, Jan 1 Public Holidays

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The Federal Government has declared Thursday, December 25 and Friday, December 26, 2025, as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day. The government also...

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