CAN Says It Never Endorsed Gov. Yahaya Bello As Presidential Candidate

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February 2, 2022

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday said he doesn’t think anyone is more qualified to become Nigeria’s President other than himself.

Wike, who spoke from Port Harcourt during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, said based on his records as Minister as well as the governor of the oil-rich state, he has the requisite experience to govern the country.

“For somebody of my kind and record, a governor and a minister, I don’t even see anybody who will tell me that he is much more qualified than me, I don’t think that is possible,” Wike said.

“Assuming today I want to run for the office of the President, what quality do you think I do not have? Why do you think I cannot provide the right leadership for Nigeria to move forward?

“It is not good for anybody to say ‘my aspirant is the best of the aspirants. I don’t think so. All I preach is that people should talk on issues. Nigeria has a problem. If they have given you the opportunity, what are you going to do to make sure that Nigerians benefit?”

Besides the 2023 general elections, Governor Wike also spoke about the activities of the immediate past government in Rivers State.

He recalled that when he came into power in 2015, there was no handover note from his predecessor on the true state of affairs in Rivers.

Channels TV

I’m Yet To Receive Notice From EFCC Over Alleged N2.9bn Fraud — Okorocha, Accuses Uzodinma Of Spreading Fake News

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February 2, 2022

Twenty-four hours after news broke that the Economic Financial Crimes Commission had filed a N2.9bn fraud case against a former governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, the politician’s spokesperson, Sam Onwuemeodo, on Tuesday said that the anti-graft agency had yet to serve his principal.

In a statement in Owerri, Onwuemeodo alleged that the media handlers of the state governor, Hope Uzodinma, broke the news about the charge against Okorocha shortly after he (Okorocha), in a press conference in Abuja, declared his interest to vie for the post of the president on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2023.

Onwuemeodo said the news was meant to kill the joy of a “very successful presidential declaration” by Okorocha.

Okorocha’s aide insisted that no amount of political witch hunt by the state governor, Hope Uzodinma, would stop his principal from becoming the next president if God had sanctioned it.

The statement read, “It may be interesting for patriotic Nigerians, both at home and in the Diaspora, to hear that the story of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, taking Senator Rochas Okorocha to court over N2.9 bn fraud allegation came from the media handlers of Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, as breaking news. We read the story from them.

“And they had waited until the end or an hour, after the world press conference Okorocha had over his interest to run for the office of President in 2023.

“They had wanted to inject virus into that wonderful and exciting outing and the reason, they had waited for the event to come to an end before the nauseating braking news from Gov Uzodinma’s media campaigners.”

He added, “As we write, Okorocha is yet to be served of the EFCC case. But those who knew about it were in a hurry to give it out as breaking news.”

I’ll Declare My Ambition At The Right Time, Atiku Says As He Visits IBB

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February 2, 2022

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, yesterday, visited former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, retd.

The meeting lasted for about an hour and was held behind closed doors.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Atiku said he visited Niger to commiserate with the government and people of the state over the recent attacks by bandits.

His words: “I only came on a courtesy visit to the governor and to commiserate with him and people of the state over the incessant banditry in Niger state.

“I just discussed with the governor on the insecurity in the state and from what I heard, it is a very serious and pathetic situation and it is most unfortunate.”

When asked about his presidential aspiration, the former VP said: “I have only come on a visit; I will let you know about my presidential ambition at the appropriate time.”

SWAT, RRS Commanders, Deputy PPRO, 60 Others Promoted In Abia Police Command (Photos, Video)

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February 1, 2022

No fewer than 63 officers of Abia State Police command benefitted from the recently concluded promotion exercise by the Nigeria Police Force, ABN TV reports.

Among those promoted include the state commander of SWAT, Eleazar Chijioke who before now was a Chief Superintendent of Police promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police, Rapid Response Squad, RRS commander, Johnbull Obiogoru who before now was a Superintendent of Police, SP promoted to Chief Superintendent of Police and his second in command who was also promoted from the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police to Superintendent of Police.

Others include the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer of the command, James Chibuko who was promoted from Deputy Superintendent of Police to Superintendent of police, and many more.

Speaking with ABN TV on Tuesday, the PPRO of the command, SP Geoffrey Ogbonna gave the breakdown of those promoted to include one ACP, two CSP, 16 SP, 44 ASP1.

The police Spokesperson while noting that the promotion is to the glory of God charged the promoted officers to uphold professionalism and ethics which was the basis for their promotion.

AMONG THOSE DECORATED ARE;

1. ACP ELEAZAR CHIJOKE NWOKOMA

2. CSP ACHEM IBRAHIM

3. CSP JOHNBULL OBOKOWHO OBIOGURU

4. SP BALARABE H. MOHAMMED

5. SP CHIBUEZE O. NJOKU

6. SP NWACHETAM R. CHUKWUDI

7. SP JAMES CHIKE CHIBUKO

8. SP CHIGOZIE E. UGWU

9. SP SHEHU SHAZZALI

10. SP INYANG MARK OKOLI UYOUYO

11. ASP ABAA NDUBUISI

12. ASP OGE CHUKWUEMEKA ODUMA

13. ASP ODA FRIDAY NNABUIKE

Academic Activities Resume At MOUAU As NASU, SSANU End One Week Warning Strike

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February 1, 2022

Michael Okpara University Of Agriculture ASUU Rejects FG's Consolidated Academic Salary Structure

Non-Academic Staff Union, NASU and Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities, SSANU of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, MOUAU on Monday ended their one-week warning strike with the resumption of academic activities.

This strike ABN TV gathered is a result of the failure of Federal Government to reconstitute the university’s Governing Council and the non-resolution of the issues between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and its Education counterpart on who takes control of universities of Agriculture in the country.

The non-constitution of the Governing Council of the university has affected workers’ welfare, Including the ratification of promotions in 2019.

This has caused NASU to disturb the university community through the issuance of the warning strike which came to an end Monday.

“This inefficiency or neglect on the part of the Federal Government has put MOUAU into disarray, absence of peace and tranquility in the university environment”, a staff of the university lamented.

“Let the federal government do what they are supposed to do. Let them reconstitute the board and be categorical on what ministry controls the university of agriculture in the country. That is our major problem”, another said.

A new Governing Council of the University emerged last year following the expiration of tenure of the immediate past one but yet to be inaugurated since September.

This the workers say has halted management decisions that now affect them.

The university Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe could not be reached for his comment.

Bill Seeking Monthly Payment Of Rent In Abuja Passes Second Reading In Senate

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February 1, 2022

The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill seeking to regulate rent payments in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja for the second reading.

ABN TV reports that the proposed legislation, sponsored by Senator Smart Adeyemi (All Progressives Congress, APC, Kogi State), specifically seeks to stop yearly advance payment of rents and compel house owners to collect rent monthly in arrears.

Adeyemi said many properties in Abuja were empty because of the outrageous rents placed on them.

“Many residents of FCT are finding it very difficult to cope with huge rent payment, the reason many of the houses built for such purpose are empty.”

He said some landlords always insist their tenants pay one year or two years’ rent.

“That is wrong. There are many tenants whose salaries are competing with their rents because they live in cities like Abuja,” he said.

Speaking on the issue, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi (APC, Niger), described the proposed law as people-centred and urged his colleagues to support its passage.

Jennifer Breaks Silence Over Crash Of Her Marriage To Atiku, Says Divorce Not Because Ex-VP Married Another Wife

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February 1, 2022

One of the wives of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Jennifer has said rumours making rounds that she divorced from her marriage to the former number two man in the country because he married additional wife is false,

While acknowledging the right of Mr. Atiku to marry another wife as a Muslim, Jennifer in a statement said the bone of contention borders on long-standing differences and her continuous stay in the United Kingdom.

She further stated that some of the friends of Mr. Atitu have intervened to resolve the issues but could not.

According to the estranged wife, former VP Atiku Abubakar has also made efforts to retrieve property earlier given to her in Asokoro Abuja while that of Dubai is currently a matter under litigation.

She said, “When I asked him, where will I and the kids stay when we come to Nigeria?’, he told me that since I am the one that asked for a divorce, I should find a place to stay, and subsequently, I moved out.”

She further accused the former VP of denying ever giving her the Abuja and Adamawa property for which she tendered documents proving her ownership of it.

Read the full statement below:

For some time now, especially in the last few weeks, there has been a whole lot of rumours and in circulation about the state of my marriage to his Excellency Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the Waziri Adamawa, GCON. The stories got more vicious as they continued to circulate. I deem it necessary to defend myself against the calculated propaganda to malign my character and position me in a bad light and damage my name. Without resorting to nonsensical talk, I would address the two key issues at hand:

(1) That I asked for a divorce because His Excellency got married again.

(2) That I sold his Excellency’s house in Dubai.

That I asked for a divorce because His Excellency got married again
• On June. 26, 2021, I asked His Excellency to grant me a divorce in light of the breakdown of our marriage. And, during that period, I told his Excellency that I remain at his Excellency’s service to continue to assist him in his activities even If I am no longer married to him. Suffice it to say that several friends of his Excellency tried to mediate in this matter. I thank them most graciously and remain grateful for their efforts, Peter Okocha, Senator Ben Obi, Tunde Ayeni, Captain Yahaya, and Senator Ben Bruce.

• The core reason for the divorce was disagreement over my continued stay in the United Kingdom, to look after my children and several other long-standing issues. I needed to play the role of a mother at this time to the children who have gone through the absence of both father and mother growing up; especially, with the passage of my elder sister who used to look after them. Furthermore, in light of COVID-19 times, choosing to stay with the children was non-negotiable. And, in line with Northern culture, the new wife takes up the baton so I can also focus on giving the kids more care.

• Despite not informing us officially according to northern/Islamic culture, I knew about his Excellency’s new wife from the time Excellency was dating her and when his Excellency eventually married her. I have graciously invited our new wife to my son’s wedding in Dubai in 2018 without any ill feelings and congratulated his Excellency when our new wife gave birth.

• I was already aware that His Excellency had gotten married to our new wife but that did not deter me from supporting His Excellency and indeed, we went through a most rigorous electioneering campaign and garnered massive support for his election in 2019.

• That His Excellency married a new wife was never the cause of our problem as many have said. His Excellency is a Moslem and I have never questioned him about his wives or intended.

I hope this brings this issue to rest as I did not leave the house because of his new marriage.

Moving out of the matrimonial Home in Asokoro and Yola

The matrimonial home in Asokoro where we reside was gifted to me by him even before we moved into that home from a previous residence. Indeed, His Excellency caused his Private Secretary to process the DEED of assignment documents for the house, which he did and handed me the documents. I then commenced processing the title to the property.

• During the initial mediation discussion, Excellency denied that he gifted the house even after I showed him the document with the signatures of his aide, his Excellency asked me to give him the deed of gift. “When I asked him, where will I and the kids stay when we come to Nigeria?”, he told me that since I am the one that asked for a divorce, I should find a place to stay, and subsequently, I moved out.

• His Excellency further gave orders to have my nephews living with me in the house ejected within an hour of his order and gave orders that I and my family members are not allowed to enter the house. Hence, during my last visit to Nigeria in December 2021, I stayed at a hotel. I have long released these assets to him and hereby reiterate that thee titles are at his disposal to pick up whenever he deems fit.

Dubai Home
• There has been a lot of speculation on the Dubai home. For a while now, I had purposely stayed away the Dubai until I took custody of that property September 2021 after his Excellency reneged on his word to give the current value of the said property in exchange. When I came to Nigeria, in early September, 2021. I asked to have a private conversation with His Excellency. During that conversation, I informed his Excellency that once I get back to the United Kingdom, I will go to Dubai and take over the house. He subsequently departed for his medical trip to Germany refusing to address any of the issues I privately wanted to conclude with him outside of third parties.

• I subsequently travelled to Dubai, and took custody of the said property. Once I did that, on 18 September 2021, His Excellency sent me a text and I quote: “I hear you have moved to Dubai to take over the house. I am still in Germany for my medicals. Make sure all my properties including (redacted) are intact so I can collect all my properties. I wish you well’.

• I responded to him: “Excellency, I am left with no other option as we need to get on with our lives amicably. I hope your medicals are coming up good. I wish you well too’.

• On 19th September, 2021 in response to his text that I am not being amicable and I quote ”Good morning, with due respect, Excellency, I told you on Saturday before you left for Germany, that I was going back to UK, take [our son] back for his test, then come to Dubai. I reiterated that day the need for an amicable resolution. I maintain that stance and remain at your service Your Excellency’.

• Further on Tuesday, 21 September, 2021, I asked His Excellency in another text whether he wanted me to pack up his clothes and give them to Rahim (his driver) since the driver on his instructions was moving his cars. I also asked Excellency in that text whether he wanted me to have Rahim pack up his office. Then his Excellency sent me a text back and asked: ‘So it’s true you have sold the villa?’

• Subsequently, His Excellency sent the driver to take possession of all the cars.

The truth subsists with regard to the Dubai house. I will make no further comments on it because it is the subject of litigation filed by his Excellency against me.

I need to also put on record that if I wanted to take His Excellency assets, I would not have returned to him his property documents in Abuja and Jos and document, allowed the driver to collect his cars, gave up the house in Asokoro, and Yola.

The last time I was in Nigeria I called to have the Asokoro and Yola documents delivered to him. It was never picked up and I still state that Excellency is free to send someone to have the documents picked up anytime he deems fit.

Okorocha Officially Joins Presidential Race, Vows To Beat Buhari’s Record

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February 1, 2022

I Didn’t Sue FG For N1bn Over Home Invasion Says Rochas Okorocha

Former Governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha on Monday officially declared his intention to run for the presidency of Nigeria, saying he will beat the record of President Muhammadu Buhari.

He disclosed this on Monday during a World Press Conference in Abuja.

Okorocha while speaking concerning the performance of the Buhari-led administration commended him and said Nigerians cannot blame him for the problems in the country.

He, however, boasted that he will beat the President’s record.

“Buhari has done well, but he will never wish to be the best. I will beat Buhari’s record a billion times,” Okorcha said.

He stated that the problems of Nigeria are bigger than the resources available and that the country needs a leader who can create wealth and turn things around. He, however, stressed that his administration will be better than President Buhari’s a billion times.

He added that the Igbos are the only people who have businesses across the different geopolitical zones of Nigeria and the stance of the Igbos runs contrary to the agitation championed by the Proscribed Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB).

The lawmaker, who represents Imo West Senatorial District, said his leadership would usher in a new Nigeria where youths would be given the chance to develop their skills and contribute to the development of the country. According to him, his leadership will make education free for all Nigerian children to ensure that everyone is educated.

“My heart bleeds because of that boy in Maiduguri or Katsina that cannot go to school. I’m not satisfied when poverty becomes the order of the day. Many countries have tagged us as the poverty capital of the world, I do not agree,” he said.

“The truth is that we are a great nation and time will come when it will be made manifest. To the youths, If I become your president, I will hand it over to the next generation. I’m not not-too-young-to-run and not too old to run, I’m only 57.

“We have 14 million out-of-school children. I will declare free education, it is something I have done.”

Spiritualists Who Support Bandits With Juju, Prayers Arrested In Katsina

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February 1, 2022