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2023 Election: Reverend Chris Okotie Ask Tinubu, Atiku And Others To Step Down, Wants To Succeed President Buhari

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The Founder of Household of God Church, Reverend Chris Okotie, has asked political parties’ presidential candidates to step down for him in his bid to take over from President Buhari.

This is as he also urged Buhari to hand over to him as Interim President in 2023, noting that he was the right person to right the wrongs in the country.

The cleric made the call on Sunday while addressing journalists at his Church, Oregun, Ikeja when celebrating his 63rd birthday anniversary.

Explaining the rationale behind his request, Okotie noted that he had proposed to become the interim president because that was the “solution” for the country’s challenges.

According to him, we are blessed as a nation with all human and natural resources yet we are not moving forward. Through my government, everything will be alright.

“I want to appeal to all presidential candidates to withdraw from the race and allow me to come in as the interim president. I want to implore Asiwaju to support my government for the betterment of the country and I also want to tell Obi that the system that introduced him cannot take him anywhere, because he cannot operate in the system we have now. All the presidential candidates should support me to succeed President Buhari as the interim president.

“We must also rise above tribe and religion because there is an imbalance in the country and we are not practising federalism instead, what we are practising is a presidential system of government. Since 1999, things have been declining because the presidential system of government we are practising has failed us.

“We must get rid of the National and State Assemblies because maintaining each member cost the country billions of naira. Some of the standing committees at both assemblies are not useful to the country, they are only representing themselves, not the populace.

“For the best of the country, both assemblies should be scrapped and the money for maintaining them should be used for something else. What we have in Nigeria today is the government of the party, by the party and for the party.

“Ministers and the Commissioners should also be expunged because Nigeria’s democracy has been hijacked by the elite for their interest and they are deceiving the downtrodden who don’t know anything. And the most important of all is our constitution. It should be changed to a people-oriented constitution, not the military one we have now. After the change, we can then restructure the country for the better.”

On his plans for the country after becoming the interim president, Okotie said, “If I am made the interim president, our government will be a transparent one and we will redirect the steps of the youth who are into internet fraudsters and turned them to better persons in the society and empower them.

“While a young person with inclination to technology advancement will ensure financial accountability of government and each state will have control of their national resources. First, we emulated the British and now we are copying the American style of democracy that didn’t take us anywhere.

“The presidential system of government has failed us woefully. We should enable professional associations constitutionally to acquire legislative power as a replacement for the removal of the legislature from our political system.

“And we should also embrace the concept of aboriginal democracy, that is a government from the people, for the people and with the people. This is distinct from the current experience of political parties which is the government of the party, the party and for the party.

“My government will be that of National Reconciliation and Reconstruction. The interim government shall address aberrations and anomalies in the polity. I want to implore all Nigerians to join hands in the conversations that would enable a transition to an interim government at the end of President Buhari’s administration”.

Presidential Amnesty Programme Trains Additional 450 Ex-Agitators

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Amnesty Trains Additional 450 Ex-Agitators

Amnesty Trains Additional 450 Ex-Agitators

The Presidential Amnesty Programme has disclosed that additional 450 ex-agitators have been deployed to facilities in the Niger Delta to learn the business of oil spill response, cleanup, and remediation.

The programme, it said, was in line with the novel Train, Employ, and Mentor scheme introduced by its Interim Administrator, Col. Milland Dikio (retd).

This was stated by Dikio while addressing the ex-agitators after the second batch of the Basic Orientation Course organized for the former agitators in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

While harping on the importance of wealth creation and employment generation in the region, Dikio said aside from the training on oil spill cleanup, others were sent to acquire skills in solar engineering, plumbing, electrical installations, marine, metal, and woodworks.

The amnesty administrator urged the beneficiaries to take their training seriously to enable them to become employable, establish their own companies that would help them cater to their families and contribute to the economy of the Niger Delta region.

Dikio said, “You’re going to be deployed to learn and then add your own knowledge and skill to making the environment of the region better. We want to clean up our environment not only for ourselves but for our children and grandchildren.

“I want to urge you to take the training seriously. Anything you’re doing, do it well and you will see the result.

“What you will become tomorrow is what you decide today. You can learn from the experiences of all those who have made it today.

“This training facility where you are is owned by a young man. He didn’t achieve it in one day, it took him years but he was focused and determined to succeed”.

Earlier, a prominent ex-agitator, Pastor Nature Dumale Kieghe, shared his experience with the beneficiaries, saying he became a success story because of his resolve not to go back to his old ways.

“I was rejected by even my own family members because of my lifestyle. I was a lost child. No one could ever believe that I could be saved but here I am today with so much to show for turning around from my evil ways.

“I have traveled around the world, speaking to people about the dangers of engaging in destructive acts. You too can be like me if not better” Kieghe stated.

WAFCON 2022: Super Falcons Looking Beyond South Africa – Oshoala

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Paris 2024 Qualifier: Oshoala Cleared To Face Banyana Banyana

WAFCON 2022: Super Falcons Looking Beyond South Africa – Oshoala

Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala says the team is looking beyond facing rivals South Africa at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The Nigerian ladies will do battle with the Banyana Banyana in their opening game of the competition.

Debutants Botswana and Burundi are the other teams in the group.

The Super Falcons defeated the South Africans to win their ninth title in Ghana four years ago.

The Super Falcons have however bowed twice in the last three meetings with Banyana Banyana since 2018 but the Barcelona star insists her side is underestimating no side, including Desiree Ellis’ team in their quest for another record-extending 10th continental crown.

“I don’t think the opening game is a decider of the tournament, and by the way, its not only South Africa we will be facing. It’s a whole tournament,” Oshoala told CAFOnline.com.

“We are not going to be seated talking tough about just one team [South Africa]. Obviously, they are a very strong team, a very competitive one as well. Maybe the mindset of our team and theirs may not be the same, but we have the likes of Cameroon, Morroco, and other great teams in Africa to face.

“We are just basically focused on working on ourselves and we are not so bothered about playing South Africa. When we get to the phase of playing them, we will cross it.”

The Super Falcons will face South Africa in their opening game of the competition
at the Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat on July 4.

Manchester United, Arsenal In Two-Way Battle For Abraham

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Manchester United, Arsenal In Two-Way Battle For Abraham

Manchester United, Arsenal In Two-Way Battle For Abraham

Manchester United and Arsenal are serious about bringing Roma striker Tammy Abraham back to England.

The former Chelsea forward has enjoyed life under Jose Mourinho in the Italian capital, bagging 27 goals in 53 games as Roma won the inaugural Europa Conference League.

Il Corriere Dello Sport says Abraham is happy in Rome and does not want to leave.

They also reported his agent Neil Fewings receives £345,000 for every transfer window Abraham stays at the club.

Chelsea has not expressed interest in resigning Abraham yet but they will be able to resign him for £69m in 2023 by activating a buyback clause in his contract.

 

Lukaku Set To Complete Inter Milan Return Today

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Lukaku Set To Complete Inter Milan Return Today

According to multiple reports in Italy, Romelu Lukaku will complete his return to Inter today (Monday) as the Serie A giants and Chelsea will hold a new, decisive meeting.

Lukaku pushed to return to Inter after a disappointing spell at Stamford Bridge under Thomas Tuchel.

According to the primary Italian media, there’s no doubt he’ll wear the Nerazzurri shirt again in 2022-23.

Il Corriere Dello Sport and Tuttosport claim that the former Manchester United striker’s return to Inter is virtually a done deal but add that the two clubs will reach a final agreement today.

According to Gazzetta, Inter President Steven Zhang will try to lower Chelsea’s request, but the Serie A giants are expected to welcome the striker back on a €10m loan plus €2m add-ons.

Lukaku scored 64 goals in 95 appearances during his two-year spell with the Nerazzurri between 2019 and 2021. He returned to Chelsea in a €113m deal a year ago but only managed 15 goals in 44 appearances under Tuchel.

 

Police Nab Suspected Cultists Marking Anniversary, Initiation In Delta

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Suspected cultists
Suspected cultists

The Delta State Police Command has arrested 51 suspected cult members belonging to the Eiye confraternity.

They were apprehended while carrying out an initiation of new members and also celebrating their anniversary within the premises of a hotel in Ogwashi-Uku Aniocha South Local Government Area of the state.

Parading the suspects at the premises of the anti-cultism unit of the force in Asaba, the state police public relations office, Bright Edafe said the suspected cult members were rounded up by operatives of the command’s Buffalo Patrol Team.

Following a tip-off, the operatives stormed the initiation venue, the suspects on sighting the police took to their heels, while some of them shot at the police.

Those who fled were given a chase by the team and the suspected cultists were arrested with two cut-to-size locally made guns, one expended cartridge and the Eiye confraternity regalia.

The police spokesperson said further investigations have commenced, adding that with those found wanting upon completion of investigation will be charged to court.

Alleged Fraud: Criminal Charlatans Like Onny Igbokwe Who Thrive In Blackmail, Fraud Should Be Ignored — Chief Okeke

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Alleged Fraud: Criminal Charlatans Like Onny Igbokwe Who Thrive In Blackmail, Fraud Should Be Ignored — Chief Okeke
Mr Onny Igbokwe
Alleged Fraud: Criminal Charlatans Like Onny Igbokwe Who Thrive In Blackmail, Fraud Should Be Ignored — Chief Okeke
Mr Onny Igbokwe

House of Representatives candidate for Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency of Abia State on the platform of All Progressives Congress APC, Chief Daniel Okeke has taken a swipe at one Mr. Onny Igbokwe for sponsoring what he described as blatant falsehood against him, urging members of the public to ignore the said publication.

Mr. Igbokwe had in the said publication in which he masqueraded as a “whistle-blower” accused the trio of Senator Dr. Emmanuel Onwe a Senatorial candidate in Ebonyi, Chief Okeke and one Mrs. Ilomechizine of deceiving the Presidential Amnesty Programme, that they had fishery, poultry and rice farms for the delivery of the projects, a situation under which they entered into a contract bid and won a contract to the tune of N482, 422,500.00.

According to Igbokwe who called himself a whistle-blower, the contract is for the training of 90 Niger-Delta Youths on Rice, Fish, and Poultry Farming for a duration of six months who are beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Program, PAP under the Niger-Delta Youths Empowerment Project.

Alleged Fraud: Criminal Charlatans Like Onny Igbokwe Who Thrive In Blackmail, Fraud Should Be Ignored — Chief Okeke
Onny Igbokwe

He however alleged that the trio have no prerequisite qualification to bid for the contract. He, therefore, sees their winning during the bid process as a deception, calling for their prosecution in a petition.

Chief Okeke however sees Mr. Igbokwe’s outcry as the weeping of a “fraudster” whose criminal plans were thwarted, describing Igbokwe as a habitual blackmailer whose stock-in-trade is to malign, dupe people and perpetrate fraud for which he (Igbokwe) in the past narrowly escaped being jailed.

Narrating what transpired, Chief Okeke said there is no shadow of truth in Igbokwe’s allegation.

He said, “Onny Igbokwe (Ikemba)has a Senator friend from Ebonyi. His name is Sen. Onwe who has a business idea on farming and Mr. Igbokwe introduced him to a lady (Mrs. Ilomechizine) who has contact with Presidential Amnesty Program (PAP) office and Sen. Onwe was able to defend the job through his presentation and bid thereafter and he was awarded the contract

“Before then they had no company competent enough to handle such a job so Ikemba (Mr. Igbokwe) approached me for my company which I agreed and released to them.

“Last January, they came to me for account opening and Mr. Igbokwe insisted we must use his own account officer not knowing he had a plan.

“We allowed him but surprisingly we found out that he changed the bank mandate and made himself sole signatory, a document which I have and can tender as well.

“When I noticed this, the next thing I did was to remove his name as a signatory because he breached the trust we had with him. Confidence was lost because it this particular suspicious move.

“Thereafter he became angry because his plan to commit fraud was busted and he couldn’t nurse the frustration. Don’t also forget, Sen. Onwe had already promised to share 50/50 of the proceeds with him after the execution.

“But being someone who was nursing a criminal intent of absconding with the money, even though he had no input in the project, he wasn’t satisfied so he resorted to blackmail,” Chief Okeke told ABN TV.

Chief Okeke further alleged that when an unholy alliance between Mr. Igbokwe with the domiciled bank was discovered, the funds were transferred to another dedicated account.

It was at this time that Mr. Igbokwe, according to Chief Okeke felt that he and others had made away with the money, leading Mr. Igbokwe to write a petition to the Amnesty Office, accusing the trio of fraud and not ready to do the said job.

Chief Okeke while insisting that he was not part of the job execution rather, his company was just used, a service for which he charged 5 percent of net as owner of the company.

He added that Mr. Igbokwe has gone ahead to forward a proposal, requesting for the payment of the sum of N84,950.000 as amount due to him so that he will withdraw from the contract deal.

Chief Okeke while counseling Mr. Igbokwe to shun fraud noted that he (Igbokwe) almost landed in the prison some years back over a similar incident involving top officials of Zinox Technologies Limited in which Onny Igbokwe, Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, Zinox Group, and Technology Distribution, Chris Ozims, and a director of Technology Distribution, Folashade Oyebode; the chief executive of Ad’mas Digital Technologies Limited and Pirovics Engineering Services Limited, one Princess O. Kama, and some officials of Access Bank PLC were accused of hijacking a contract belonging to an Ibadan-based IT firm, Citadel Oracle Concept Limited.

He, therefore, denied any complicity in the alleged contract and urged members of the public to ignore Mr. Igbokwe and his publication which he said is a sponsored blackmail to malign him.

Several attempts to get Mr. Igbokwe’s reaction on the allegation proved abortive as his phone lines were unreachable at the moment of filing this report.

Abaribe To Buhari: Your Fairness Only Benefits Northern Nigeria

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Abaribe To Buhari: Your Fairness Only Benefits Northern Nigeria

Abaribe To Buhari: Your Fairness Only Benefits Northern Nigeria

The former Senate Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe, has slammed President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government over alleged regionalism.

Abaribe accused Buhari-led government of being fair only to the Northern part of the country.

Featuring on Arise TV, the lawmaker said the current administration had downplayed non-northern region.

He said, “The APC government-led by President Muhammadu Buhari was not fair. He was totally unfair to the people, who are not from what he claims is his own place.

“At the time I was saying that, I was talking for the rest of Nigeria and I will continue to advocate for Nigeria.”

Abaribe also explained why he ignored the All Progressives Congress, APC, after he dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The lawmaker said he chose the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA due to his ideology.

He said: “If I was non-ideological, I would go to APC.

“If you have the major ideology, it will now be the conservative APC and the progressives non-APC.

“I’m still in the non-APC, so I’m ideologically-inclined that I will not be part of the hegemony.”

Akwa Ibom North West: Ex-DIG Ekpoudom Weeps As APC Substitutes His Name With Akpabio’s

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Udom Ekpoudom
Udom Ekpoudom

Former Deputy Inspector General of Police, Prince Udom Ekpoudom, has expressed dismay over the submission of the names of the three All Progressives Congress, APC, candidates to fly the party’s flag in the senatorial seats in Akwa Ibom State to Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The candidates include Senator Godswill Akpabio, Dr. Emaeyak Ukpong and Martins Udo-Inyang for Akwa Ibom North West, North East and South senatorial districts respectively.

But the name of the former police boss was missing from the list, having been substituted with that of Akpabio, the immediate past Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.

Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Mike Igini, had declared the primaries that threw up Akpabio as null and void and not known to the commission.

Former deputy speaker, Dr. Uwem Udoma, Director General of DIG Udom Senatorial Campaign Organisation, advised the supporters to remain calm despite the political twist.

According to him, “INEC had publicly acknowledged that it never monitored primary that allegedly produced Senator Akpabio after he lost the APC presidential primaries. In view of the fact that the senatorial primary for Akwa Ibom North West senatorial district lawfully held on May 27, 2022, where Ekpoudom emerged the winner and was at no time cancelled, nullified or declared inconclusive to warrant a rescheduled election.”

Udoma expressed hope that the national umpire would do the right thing, as “Ekpoudom’s name shall lawfully be on the ballot for 2023 general election.”

But the media and publicity directorate of Akpabio Senatorial Campaign Organisation was quick to call on the retired police officer to accept the verdict, if he has the interest of the party at heart and join hands to ensure the victory of the party at the forthcoming polls.

The statement expressed shock at what it described as the “consistent defiance of DIG Udom Ekpoudom (retd) to court order and decision of the leadership of APC in the face of the hollow claim.”

It explained that the Stephen Ntukekpo-led state executive was the one recognised by the party and that all authorisation pertaining to congress should have emanated from him and his executive, “otherwise, the outcome would be deemed to be illegal, illegitimate and mere bogus claim.”

Gani Adams Writes UN, Others, Says No Part Of Nigeria Is Safe Anymore

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Gani Adams
Gani Adams

Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, has called on the United Nations and other international organisations to urgently intervene in the rising insecurity in Nigeria, saying “No part of Nigeria is safe again.”

The Yoruba war general stated this in a letter addressed to the UN Secretary General, Mr António Guterres, and copies sent to the European Union, African Union, United States State Departments, the International Association for Religious Freedom in the United Kingdom, Council on Foreign Relations and other international organisations.

This was the second letter that Adams would be writing as a similar letter directed to the same organisations was written about the same time last year.

In the letter entitled, “Avoiding a replica of the Bosnian War in Nigeria,” he warned that the present insecurity if not tamed could consume the whole country.

He noted that what happened in the defunct Yugoslavia, which led to the balkanisation of that country “Is becoming like a child’s play in Nigeria.”

The letter read in part, “Pitiably, terrorists moving from northern Nigeria to the South are being embraced, encouraged and empowered by powers that be in Nigeria.

“I am raising this alarm now because the effect of this dangerous trend may ultimately balkanise Nigeria and affect sub-Sahara Africa.

“Similar alarm was raised in defunct Yugoslavia and sadly, nobody put in check the pogromists whose actions led to the massacre in that geographical location

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