Reps Move To Evacuate 4,000 Nigerian Students Trapped In Ukraine

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February 24, 2022

A 45-year-old man, Timothy Akinsanya, on Thursday appeared before an Ede Magistrates’ Court, Osun, over alleged destruction and malicious damage to a maize farm worth N60 million.

Akinsanya, of no fixed address, is facing a three-count charge bothering on conspiracy, breach of the public peace, and malicious damage.

The prosecutor, Insp Rasak Lamidi, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on June 7, 2021 in Egbedi area of Osun.

Lamidi said the defendant conspired with others now at large, to set fire on a maize farm belonging to the complainant, Oba Abdulazeez Olaniyi.

He said the defendant maliciously damaged acres of maize farm worth N60 million.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened sections 517 and 81 of the Criminal Code Cap 34, Vol. II, Laws of Osun, 2002.

The defendant pleaded not guilty.

The defence counsel, Mr Naheem Adekilekun, prayed the court to grant his client bail in the most liberal terms.

The Magistrate, Mrs R. Oladipo, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500, 000 and two sureties in the like sum.

Oladipo said one of the sureties must be a civil servant on grade level 12, while the other should be a relative to the defendant.

She adjourned the case until April 25, for hearing.

(NAN)

It’s Unnecessary To Mount Pressure On Buhari To Sign Electoral Act Amendment Bill — Uzodinma

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February 24, 2022

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, — Hope Uzodinma

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma has described the pressure mounted on President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the amended electoral bill as unnecessary.

The National Assembly had in January transmitted the reworked Electoral Bill to Buhari for assent. However, the president is yet to sign the document, forcing some civil society organisations to converge at the Unity Fountain in Abuja on Tuesday to condemn the delay. The development has also triggered debates in the political space.

But Governor Uzodimma, who briefed reporters in Owerri the state capital on Wednesday, said the 1999 constitution as amended has defined the process of signing a bill into law.

“I don’t understand the anxiety and propaganda of trying to force and blackmail the president into signing the electoral act without following the constitutional dictates by ensuring that he will study the electoral act,” Uzodimma said.

“He has the mandate of all of us, over 200 million Nigerians. He will study the act and if there are things in his opinion he considers not in the best interest of the people, he has to address it. All these social clubs and anxieties here and there is not the best thing.

“I think we should allow the president to do his job. We have seen people making utterances here and there that the president must sign. The Constitution has expressly defined the process of making laws and none of those processes has been violated.”

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Arochukwu State Constituency Seat: Youths Pressure Kalu To Contest

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February 24, 2022

Ahead of the 2023 General Elections, Youths in Arochukwu Local Government has called on the former National President of Ihechiowa Development Union and a business mogul, Chief Emeka Kalu to contest for the Abia State House of Assembly seat in the constituency.

Arochukwu State Constituency Seat: Youths Pressure Kalu To Contest — Chief Emeka Kalu

The youths who were in his country home, Atan Ihechiowa in Arochukwu Local Government Area to confer on him an Exellence award under the umbrella of Arochukwu Local Government Youth Movement says the award stems from his leadership qualities and described him as “chief servant of Arochukwu LGA”.

The youth president, Mr. Richard Onoh who spoke on behalf of the youths said his philanthropic gestures to the people of the area and his love for youths is admired, and urged him not to relent in his goodwill.

According to them “Firstly, we came to identify with you on your Landmark achievements in Ihechiowa. Which includes building a court for the good people of Ihechiowa, payment of tuition fees for indigent students, among others.

The Association considers you worthy to be honored and by this gesture encourages you to do more. We hereby call on you to come and contest for Arochukwu State Constituency in the forthcoming 2023 General election”.

In a strong resolution, the youths among others vowed to throw their weight behind him if he considers their request, and will make available posters and banners for the electioneering campaigns.

In their separate speeches, the Councilor Representing Ikwun Ward 2 in Arochukwu Legislative Council, Hon. Martins Kalu, Women Leader, Atan-Ihechiowa Development Union Home Branch, Elder Mrs. Nkwocha Eke, and High Chief Gabriel Nwakanna described Chief Emeka Kalu as a benevolent man who single-handedly constructed an ultra-modern Magistrate Court for the people while all nooks and crannies of Ihechiowa have benefited from his Annual youths and women empowerment and scholarship Programmes, noting that he is trustworthy, dedicated, hardworking, sincere in all ramifications and has impacted lives positively.

Responding, the Immediate Past President General Ihechiowa Development Union, Chief Emeka Kalu who was elated at the confidence bestowed on him by the youths said he was overwhelmed by the honour and the Award which he said will spur him to do more for the people.

On their request for him to contest for the State House of Assembly seat, Kalu said he considers it as an honour but will consult widely and get back to the youths in due time.

Other Executive Members of Arochukwu Local Government Youth Movement in the entourage include Comrades Simeon Kalu, Micheal Anthony Oduije, Njoku Amah Achor and Philip U Kalu.

Chief Emeka Kalu, was born into the family of Late Abel Kalu Nmeri of Atan Ihechiowa in Arochukwu L.G.A, Abia State about five decades ago. He is an ordained Elder of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, a titled Chief of Ihechiowa, and an astute businessman.

His businesses span from importation to the hospitality business. He is the MD / CEO of Excellentia hotel Ltd Aba and Squash Nigeria Ltd Lagos and Abuja. He’s married with kids.

See more photos below…

Andy Uba Was Never APC Candidate In 2021 Anambra Governorship Election — Appeal Court

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February 24, 2022

The Court of Appeal, Abuja on Wednesday upheld the judgment of the Federal High Court which set aside the candidacy of Andy Uba as the flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the recent governorship election in Anambra State.

In a unanimous Judgement delivered by Justice Danlami Zenchi, the appellate court dismissed the appeals brought by Andy Uba and the APC against the judgment of the trial court for lack of merit.

Justice Zenchi held that the panel considered all the issues raised by the appellants in the two appeals and resolved all the issues against them. The court agreed with the submissions of the counsel to Moghalu, Chris Uche, dismissed the appeals, and affirmed the decision of Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court delivered on December 20, last year.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, of the Abuja division of the Federal High Court, had in his judgment that was been challenged at the Court of Appeal, held that Uba was never a candidate in the poll having emerged from an illegally conducted primary election by the APC.

Ekwo held that the plaintiff, George Moghalu, succeeded in proving that the APC did not conduct a valid primary election which Mr Uba claimed to have won as the party’s flag bearer in the November 6, 2021 election. Consequently, he ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to delete Uba’s name from its record as a candidate in the election.

Justice Ekwo equally ordered the APC to refund to the plaintiff N22.5 million he paid for expression of interest and nomination forms since the party failed to conduct a valid primary. Andy Uba had emerged as the candidate as the APC’s candidate at the primary election held on June 26, 2021.

But in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/648/2021, Moghalu, an aspirant in the APC primary election, challenged the process and the outcome of the primary election.

Moghalu contended that the APC did not comply with the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 and the APC’s regulations and guidelines in the conduct of its governorship primary in Anambra State.

Meanwhile, the November 6 election has since been won by the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Charles Soludo, who was inaugurated in March.

In the suit, Moghalu urged the court to determine whether a political party that fails to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act (2010), the party’s constitution, and its guideline, can validly field a candidate for the election.

The plaintiff’s lawyer, Chris Uche, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), informed the court that his client’s grouse was that the “so-called primary election”, which produced Mr Uba as APC’s candidate for the Anambra governorship poll, breached the Electoral Act and the APC guidelines for the conduct of the exercise.

In his arguments, Uche referenced a report by officials of the INEC which allegedly declared that the primary election did not take place up till 5.30 p.m. when its officials left the primary election venue.

This report, according to the plaintiff’s lawyer, corroborates his client’s claim that the APC did not hold a valid primary in Anambra State. He prayed the court to declare that, by virtue of the APC’s alleged non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 and the party’s regulations and guidelines in the conduct of its primary in Anambra State, Uba “is not a candidate at the said 6th November 2021 gubernatorial election or at any subsequent postponement”.

The plaintiff equally asked the court to declare that the APC was bound to comply with all the relevant legal provisions in the conduct of its primary election after having demanded and received N22.5 million from him and 13 other aspirants.

He also asked the court to, among others, declare that having allegedly failed to comply with the relevant applicable laws, the APC had no candidate for the governorship election. He, therefore, urged the court to order the party to refund the N22.5 million he paid for the expression of interest and nomination forms.

Furthermore, he asked the court to grant a perpetual injunction to restrain Mr Uba from parading himself as the candidate of the APC in the (then) forthcoming election.

“An order of mandatory injunction compelling INEC to delist the APC and Uba from the list of political parties and candidates for the election,” Moghalu added.

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Postponed National Congress: Wike Mocks APC

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February 24, 2022

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, has mocked the All Progressives Congress, APC, over its postponed national convention.

Wike said a party that cannot organise its convention should be viewed as lacking the ability to rule the country.

The governor spoke at the special grand reception organised to celebrate the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, by Imo State PDP Chapter at Kanu Nwankwo Sports Complex, Owerri, yesterday, according to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kelvin Ebiri.

Wike said such inability as shown by the APC was another proof for Nigerians to rely in denying the APC any place of governance both at the federal level and in any state of the federation in 2023.

He said: “Nigerians are angry because the party (APC) at the national level is a failure. It’s a failure to the point that it is ruling Nigeria with tension. Ordinarily to sign the Electoral Act, they keep on postponing it everyday and Nigerians are tired.

“A party that cannot hold a national convention is it a party that can rule Nigeria? Ordinary convention, a party in power cannot hold one. Look at how we did our own. That is to tell you that PDP is the party that should rule Nigeria. This is the party that will rule Imo State too.”

Wike enjoined members of the PDP in Imo State not to succumb to any form of intimidation against them by any party, adding that days of such intimidation are gone.He emphasised that one of the reasons for attending the reception was to tell them of the need for PDP to strategise and reclaim the governorship of Imo State because the sitting governor has failed already.

Wike said: “The only mistake that we will make to allow the man to come back is for us not to work together, and we will not make that mistake. “Now, all of us must unite. If there is no party, there will be no governor. If there is no party, there will be no president.

“Let nobody fear, nobody can intimidate us. Can you be intimidated? All that time has passed when somebody that carried fourth will come first. It will never happen again.

“But if you want us to take back Imo State in the next election, all of us must work together. We are ready to support you to take back Imo State.”

Meanwhile, Chairman, Board of Trustees, BOT, of the party, Senator Walid Jubril, acknowledged the huge work done by the leaders of the party to ensure it waxes stronger.

Hon. Nkole To Chair Presbyterian Church Umuahia 2022 Ecclesiastical Opening On Saturday

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February 24, 2022

Member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia federal constituency, Honourable Uko Nkole will on Saturday chair the ceremonial opening of the ecclesiastical activities of Presbyterian Church of Nigeria Umuahia Presbytery.

The event which will also witness fundraising of Presbytery office complex will feature award ceremony and holy communion.

The event will avail all the parishes of the Presbyterian Church in Umuahia to thank God for the outgone year and pave way for other activities as scheduled by the leadership of the church to take place.

Speaking with ABN TV on Wednesday, the Minister in charge of Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Mission Hill Parish Umuahia and Secretary Planning Committee Umuahia Presbytery Ecclesiastical Fundraising Committee 2022, Rev. Ibe Uduma Obasi said the event which has as the theme, The Royal Priesthood seeks to celebrate God’s faithfulness.

The annual event will provide the opportunity for the church to pray for Nigeria, leadership of Abia State and its people.

He added, “It’s usually a very interesting moment when we celebrate victory over the year 2021 and what God has done for us in the year 2022. It promises to be mind blowing and enriching by God’s grace.”

At this year’s event, no fewer than 11 Presbyterians have been shortlisted to be honoured with award of recognition for their selfless services to the church as a way of appreciating them for supporting the growth and development of the church.

Rev. Obasi noted that the award is designed to encourage such members to continue with the good works they have been doing as well as to encourage others.

The event which will take place on Saturday, February 26, 2022 will hold as Saint Peters Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, No. 17 Abiriba Street Umuahia, Abia Stateat 11am.

The fundraising will help the church to erect an office complex in Umuagu, Umuahia from within and outside the church.

Putin Launches Full Scale Invasion Of Ukraine With Massive Air Strikes, Warns President Biden To Keep Off

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February 24, 2022

Russian forces have unleashed an attack of Ukraine on the orders of Vladimir Putin, who announced a “special military operation” at dawn, amid warnings from world leaders that it could spark the biggest war in Europe since 1945.

Within minutes of Putin’s short televised address, at about 5am Ukrainian time, explosions were heard near major Ukrainian cities, including the capital Kyiv.

The scope of the Russian attack appears to be massive. Ukraine’s interior ministry reported that the country was under attack from cruise and ballistic missiles, with Russia appearing to target infrastructure near major cities such as Kyiv, Kharkiv, Mariupol and Dnipro.

“To anyone who would consider interfering from the outside: if you do, you will face consequences greater than any you have faced in history. All relevant decisions have been taken. I hope you hear me,” he said.

FG To Unlock Over N1tr Road Funding – Fashola

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February 24, 2022

Tinubu’s Intervention Not Needed In Ondo, Rivers — Fashola — Babatunde Fashola

The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), on Wednesday, said the Federal Government plans to unlock domestic funding for road infrastructural development to the tune of N1 trillion.

It will be through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), he said.

He noted that through the ministry’s tax credit scheme, big organisations like the Dangote Group, BUA Group, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company are contributing to the funding pool for development of road infrastructure.

The minister spoke in Abuja during the opening of the request for proposal (RFP) bids on the highway development management initiative (HDMI) value-added concession.

He said the ministry has shortlisted 18 bidders for the construction of 12 highways across the country.

The 12 roads to be concessioned under the first phase of the HDMI are: Benin – Asaba, Abuja – Lokoja; Kaduna – Kano; Onitsha – Owerri – Aba; Sagamu – Benin; Abuja – Keffi – Akwanga; Lokoja – Benin; Enugu – Port Harcourt; Ilorin – Jebba; Lagos – Ota – Abeokuta; Lagos – Badagry; and Kano – Shuari – Potiskum – Damaturu.

He said: “What we have today is the bid opening ceremony for the highway development management initiative (HDMI).

“We are now nearing two years, and this is what those who advocate for PPPs must keep their eyes on.

“This is just how long it takes to make the broth. It is a long process, but can also be very rewarding. We have followed all the rules.

“When we started in 2015, all that was available to fund road infrastructure in this country was the 2015 budget of N18 billion.

“We have raised SUKUK from 2007 of N100 billion; the first SUKUK that was issued is N250 billion to strengthen 66 roads.

“We have innovated and initiated tax credit schemes which have brought on Dangote, NNPC, NLNG, BUA Group and GZ Industries to contribute to constructing our road infrastructure.

“We have also innovated and recovered some of our common patrimony taken out of this country and taken overseas.

“President Buhari has recovered some of those monies; they have come into the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund, and that has also expanded the width of assets and resources to roads.

“We are now at a very important milestone again, another type of PPP – highway assets concession where 12 roads (I believe) are under consideration. I think about 17 or 18 shortlisted bidders.”

Fashola said the ministry was collaborating with other agencies like the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Department of State Services (DSS), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to ensure that the contractors do not only comply with tax laws, but are credible, and without liabilities.

The Bureau of Public Enterprises and the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), while commending the Ministry’s drive towards infrastructural development in the country, assured it of continuous support.

A total of 75 firms completed the application for the Value-Added Concession, which applies to the 12 selected federal highways for concession.

Following the evaluation process, 18 firms were shortlisted to progress to the next phase of procurement.

The Request for Proposal was advertised and the 18 bidders were required to respond to this request following a period for studies and due diligence on the selected routes of their choice.

The deadline for submission was at midnight February 22.

Declare Identified Terrorist Leaders Wanted, Senate Tells Buhari

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February 23, 2022