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2023: No Hiding Place For Criminals In Ebonyi – Gov. Umahi

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Umahi kicks Off Dualisation Of Ekpoma-Auchi-Okpella-Okene-Ajaokuta Expressway
Dave Umahi

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has said that there will be no hiding place for criminals in the State.

Umahi stated this during the occasion to mark Nigeria’s 62nd independence anniversary on October 1 and 26th anniversary of the creation of Ebonyi.

He also revealed that those behind the killings in Ebonyi were known gunmen and would be exposed by the Closed-Circuit Television installed in different parts of the State.

According to him, a new video surveillance would soon be launched to further expose crime and criminality in the State.

Umahi said, “We created and fortified Ebubeagu security outfit, which has at least 4,000 officials, paid monthly to provide intelligence and add value to the security architecture of Ebonyi.”

Umahi also promised residents of the State a peaceful general election in 2023, adding that his government will not discriminate against any party during the poll.

The governor, however, warned that he would give “resistance that is proportional” to any party that would be found wanting.

Umahi said that the anniversary of this year’s celebration “called to mind the labours of our heroes’ past and the efforts of sustaining the unity of purpose and shared vision in the nation’s democratic journey”.

He said, “Our special felicitations go to the father of the nation, President Muhammadu Buhari, for being supportive of the realisation of the aspirations of the State.”

President Buhari To Honour Abba Kyari, 2Baba, Okonjo-Iweala, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, Others

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President Buhari To Honour Abba Kyari, 2Baba, Okonjo-Iweala, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, Others

President Muhammadu Buhari is set to confer the 2022 National Honours Award on his late Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, and the 436 others.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, and the Director General of the World Trade Organisation, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala also made the list.

It was gathered that conferment is slated to hold on October 11 at the State House in Abuja.

On the list, sighted by PREMIUM TIMES, five persons were listed for the award of the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger, 5$ listed for Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic while 67 for the Commander of the Order of the Niger.

Others include 64 for Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic, 101 for Officer of the Order of the Niger, 75 for Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, 56 for Member of the Order of the Niger, and eight for Federal Republic Medal.

Adesina and the WTO boss, Okonjo-Iweala, would be honored with the OON and the GCON respectively, with Kyari getting posthumous honour.

Serving and former governors, serving and former presiding officers of the National Assembly, serving and former Chief Justices of Nigeria, and serving and former members of the National Assembly are also included in the list, with serving and former service chiefs, traditional rulers, retired public servants, lawyers, philanthropists, businessmen, ministers and members of the academia not excluded.

Other recipients of the GCON are the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan; the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kayode Ariwoola, his predecessor; Tanko Muhammad, and the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General; Amina Mohammed.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that prominent on the list of recipients for CFR included the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; Chief of Defence Staff, Lucky Irabor; former Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, and Appeal Court president, Monica Mensem, and former Army Chief, Tukur Buratai.

Others are the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali, his predecessor, Mohammed Adamu, Emir of Lafia, Sidi Bage, and Tor Tiv, James Ayatse, amongst others.

Nominees in this category of the OFR include the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Ignatius Kaigama, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, Nasiru Bayero, and Muiz Banire, as well as Ishaq Bello, Aliyu El-Nafaty and Kehinde Aina, among others.

In the OON category, the nominees include lawmakers Alhassan Doguwa, Muktar Betara, Ndudi Elumelu, and Nkiruka Onyejeocha. Others are a former Permanent Secretary, Sunday Echono, the Nigerian Bar Association President, Yakubu Maikyau, Sarki Abba, and Sabiu Yusuf, among others.

In the MFR category, Sanusi Lemu, late Deputy IG Joseph Egunike (posthumous), Haliru Nababa, and singer Burna Boy made the list.

Others are Simon Shango, Billy Okoye, Akwa Okon, and Emeka Agbanari, amongst others, while 2Face Idibia, Shehu Othman, Teni the entertainer, and Abubakar Maikano made the MON list.

Nigeria @ 62: We Must Strengthen Resolve To Task Of Nation Building, Rep. Onuigbo Urges

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Rep. Onuigbo Calls For Reorganisation Of The United Nations
Rep Sam Onuigbo

The member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/South Federal Constituency of Abia State, Rep. Sam Onuigbo has felicitated with Nigerians at the occasion of the country’s 62nd Independence anniversary.

Rep. Onuigbo in a goodwill message on Saturday said the Independence celebration is a moment to celebrate Nigeria’s hard-won freedom, reflect on the journey, and map out a plan for future growth.

The lawmaker urged Nigerians to “strengthen our resolve to continue to build a nation of prosperity where peace and justice reigns.”

His message read in part, “At this stage of our existence, we are not uninformed of some challenges which have weighed us down. But, we will not despair for as the great Martin Luther King Jnr said, “we must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope”.

“Nation-building is a process, and while our journey has been beleaguered by challenges such as disruption in education, unemployment, economic downturn, terrorism, climate change, collapsing infrastructures, and many more, these are challenges we have continued to surmount over the years with resilience.”

He urged countrymen not shy away from the challenges, but face them head-on with awareness, a sense of responsibility, and unity of purpose.

Ganduje Warns Politicians Against Truncating Nigeria’s Democracy

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Abdulahi Ganduje

Ahead of the 2023 general elections and lifting of the embargo on political electioneering campaigns, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State has cautioned politicians to be wary of anything capable of destabilizing and truncating the nation’s democracy.

This was as he said democracy is far better than a military regime.

The Governor made the call during the celebration of Nigeria’s 62nd Independent Anniversary in the state.

He warned the politicians to shun hate speeches, political violence and thuggery among others.

According to him, “We are about to kickstart the electioneering campaigns, I appeal to politicians to shun hate speeches, political violence and thuggery. Because this is not what we inherited. No matter how bad it is, democracy is far better than a military regime in terms of the development and dividend of democracy we witnessed. We appeal to politicians that we are all brothers.

“They should not do anything that is capable of destabilizing the nation’s peace during the election. So we are hoping that they will cooperate so that election will be conducted peacefully.

“We appeal to all stakeholders to continue to accord the state government the necessary supports to ensure we deliver our mandates.

“We assure you of our relentless efforts to ensure reign in the state but we appeal for your support and cooperation as it is a collective effort,” Ganduje said.

He appealed to Nigerians on the need for peaceful coexistence and tolerance in the state and country as a whole irrespective of their diversity and differences.

Ganduje boasted that his administration has delivered dividends of democracy to the state ranging from the construction of roads, bridges, infrastructures, and youth employment among others.

“We have carried out several projects in the state. We constructed bridges and roads linking up local governments and rural areas.

“On aspect of youth empowerment, we have built a skill acquisition centre for empowerment of youths in such a way that they will don’t have to depend on white collar jobs. The centre will be commissioned soon by President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Similarly, we could recall a Memorandum of Understanding between the state government and Peugeot to train about 1,000 of our youths in automobile engineering. So far, we have about 700 trained and the remaining 300 are about to go for the training any moment from now.

“We have also constructed ultra modern cancer centre which is about completion. The President is also expected to commission the centre,” Ganduje however stated.

At His Last Independence Message As Governor, Ikpeazu Thanks Abians For Their Support

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At His Last Independence Message As Governor, Ikpeazu Thanks Abians For Their Support
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu

The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has sent a warm message of congratulations to the people of Abia State on the occasion of the 62nd Anniversary of the independence of our country, Nigeria.

Governor Ikpeazu is grateful to the Almighty God for his benevolence to our country and to our State, especially at trying moments that have bedeviled our nation and buffeted us from practically all sides.

The Governor notes with gratitude that this will be the last independence anniversary of his administration and expresses his deepest gratitude to the people of Abia State for their support these past years, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Onyebuchi Ememanka said in a statement.

He added, “Governor Ikpeazu expresses his faith and confidence in the future of our country and believes strongly that the 2023 elections will mark a major turning point in the affairs of our country in our march towards sustainable development.

“Governor Ikpeazu congratulates Mr President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the entire people of Nigeria on our 62nd Anniversary Celebrations.

“Governor Ikpeazu charges Abians to pray for sustained peace in our state, especially as we get ready to commence full blown electioneering campaigns. The Governor reminds political actors that the preservation of the peace and security of the people of our state must remain the major focus and that no ambition of any politician is enough to warrant or justify chaos and disorder in our state.

“Governor Ikpeazu wishes the people of Abia State a peaceful Independence Anniversary Celebration and restful holidays.”

Reject Those Who Use Religion As Tool Of Weapon, APC Tells Nigerians At Independence

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Abdullahi Adamu

The ruling All Progressives Congress APC has felicitated Nigerians on the occasion of the country’s 62nd Independence Anniversary, cautioning that ahead of next year’s general election, Nigerians must reject politicians whose favourite pastime is a resort to weaponizing ethnic and religious sentiments.

“We must reject and hold accountable those that seek to weaponize our diversity to foment hate and strife, and wreak violence on our people”, the party said in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka.

The party said it honours the great architects of Nigeria’s independence for their labour and tenacious faith in the transformative power of freedom that birthed a nation founded on the bedrock of unity, peace and collective aspiration to infinite greatness.

“Our Party is thankful for 62 years gone by and confident that our finest hour is yet ahead of us. Our priceless unity as one people nourished by our diversity is at the core of our unfailing strength and remains our best hope for a more vibrant future.

“Despite existential challenges, our commitment to unity, peace, safety, security and happiness of our people remains unassailable and above all other interests and considerations. As Ronald Reagan once said, ‘peace is not the absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.

“The tireless sacrifices of members of our armed forces and other security agencies in the defence and protection of the lives and liberty of our citizens continue to be awe-inspiring, and we owe them a special debt of gratitude, prayers and support.

“Proudly, our citizens shine indomitably in all spheres of human endeavour at home and around the world, winning laurels and bringing honour to us all. Our Party and government will continue to implement programs of reform and innovation that help our citizens unleash their abundant talents, create wealth and contribute even more to nation-building.

“President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has made significant strides in the fight against graft, revamping and diversifying the economy, curbing insurgency and emerging crimes, promoting positive values in our national life, strengthening our democratic institutions and processes, and restoring respectability to our international standing. We praise the resilience of our people and reiterate the commitment of our Party and government to do more to improve the living conditions of all Nigerians.

“We wish to use this auspicious occasion to thank Nigerians for their highly valued support for our great Party and sustained confidence in the APC-led government. We look forward to next year’s general election with optimism and urge Nigerians to vote massively for our Presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and all other candidates of our Party as we strive to deepen democracy and good governance in our country”, the ruling party added.

Trust PDP Again, Atiku Begs Nigerians

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Atiku Most Prepared Candidate For Nigeria’s Presidency – Ex-VP Sambo
Atiku Abubakar

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, on Saturday said Nigerians can trust the main opposition party again.

PDP had held sway at the national level for 16 unbroken years, before being defeated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015. The main opposition party also lost to the APC in 2019.

But speaking in Gombe State after commissioning the PDP campaign secretariat in the state, Atiku said the main opposition party may have made some mistakes in the past, but it is ready to correct those mistakes and provide good governance for Nigerians.

The former Vice President was received by a crowd of supporters in Gombe State and he arrived at the state airport at exactly 10:45 am on Saturday aboard his private aircraft.

Thereafter, hundreds of vehicles loaded with supporters drove to the airport to receive the PDP presidential candidate.

The supporters with banners and posters thronged to catch a glimpse of the arrival of Atiku, chanting his name.

In response, Atiku waved in delight at the cheering supporters before departing the airport in a long motorcade.

He was accompanied by some members of the PDP, including Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, former governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu and some lawmakers.

He first attended a wedding ceremony at the palace of the Emir of Gombe State where a large number of his supporters turned out to welcome him.

Thereafter, he commissioned the newly constructed campaign office located opposite the office of the deputy governor of Gombe State.

Atiku said he was elated by the turnout, adding that his administration will among other things focus on reuniting Nigeria and transforming the economy.

Rep. Benjamin Kalu Greets Nigerians At Independence, Urges Political Participation

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Rep. Benjamin Kalu Greets Nigerians At Independence, Urges Political Participation
Rep. Benjamin Kalu

Member representing Bende Fed. Constituency of Abia State, and the Spokesperson, House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu has congratulated the people of his constituency and Nigerians at large at the 62nd Independence anniversary of the country.

Rep. Benjamin Kalu Greets Nigerians At Independence, Urges Political Participation

In a congratulatory message on Saturday the lawmaker urged Nigerians to become actively involved in advancing the country’s democracy through nation-building, most especially by participating in electing credible leaders who have what it takes to effect visible transformation of our nation.

Regardless of the challenges that confound us, we must not lose hope or fall short in our efforts to surmount these struggles in unity and determination,” the lawmaker said in a congratulatory message.

He also reaffirmed his dedication to the mandate given to him by the people of Bende Federal Constituency, “whose love and support I have enjoyed while discharging my duty of delivering the dividends of democracy”.

The journey ahead will require men and women of integrity, capacity, and a heart for the people to deliver quality leadership. I, therefore, urge us all to prepare earnestly for the forthcoming elections and ensure our voices are heard by voting in credible leaders who can lead Bende forward and restore our national pride.”

Gov. Ikpeazu Pays Backlog Of Salaries Owed To Doctors

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Gov. Ikpeazu Pays Backlog Of Salaries Owed To Doctors
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu

The members of Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) ABSUTH chapter, have applauded Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu for paying seven months salary arrears to them in one tranche.

Disclosing the payment of the arrears to newsmen in Umuahia, the President of ARD ABSUTH Aba, Dr Nnamdi Erondu, confirmed that members of the association in Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), Aba, received seven months payments each with a promise by the Governor to ensure that the remaining outstanding will be paid.

We are happy to inform members of the public that we are back to work at the Teaching Hospital in Aba and they can come to access our usual quality medical services. The Governor has done well to keep his promise to our members and we are hopeful that he will handle the rest as quickly as possible. All our members are back to work and ready to deliver quality service to Abians”, he said.

On accreditation of the teaching hospital, Dr Erondu assured that the members will work with the authorities to ensure that all relevant issues are quickly resolved for the benefit of students and members of the public.

Okali Salutes Abia CP, Agbede On Promotion To AIG Rank

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Okali Salutes Abia CP, Agbede On Promotion To AIG Rank
Ifeanyi Okali with CP Janet Agbede

The Director ABN TV, Mr. Ifeanyi Okali has felicitated with the Commissioner of Police Abia Command, CP Janet Agbede on her elevation to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG.

Okali in a congratulatory message on Saturday described the promotion as well-deserved.

He extolled the CP for being outstanding in the performance of her duty which according to him has greatly brought sanity to the state.

“I congratulate this fine officer on her promotion to the rank of AIG. It is well deserved going by the enviable track record she wields as a fine cop and crime fighter.

“Her tenure as the Commissioner of Police in Abia has improved the security situation, reducing crime to the barest minimum.

“I wish her success in her new rank,” he said.

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