PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING 6. L-R; President Muhammadu Buhari, Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, President of the Senate Dr Ahmad Lawan, Speaker Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, Gen Yakubu Gowon, Former Head odf State Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, Former President, Dr Ebele Goodluck Jonathan, former CJN Hoj Justice Belgore during the Council of State Meeting Head at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023
President Muhammadu Buhari is currently chairing a meeting of Council of State at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, ABN TV reports.
PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING 9. L-R; Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Mrs Folasahde Yemi-Esan, SGF Mr Boss Mustaha, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN, President Muhammadu Buhari, Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, President of the Senate Dr Ahmad Lawan, Speaker Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila during the Council of State Meeting Head at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING 7A&B. L-R; President Muhammadu Buhari, Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, President of the Senate Dr Ahmad Lawan, Speaker Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, Gen Yakubu Gowon, Former Head odf State Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, Former President, Dr Ebele Goodluck Jonathan, former CJN Hoj Justice Belgore during the Council of State Meeting Head at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023
The meeting which started at 10:12am after the rendition of the national anthem is being attended by former heads of state and presidents, including Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd), Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd) and Goodluck Jonathan. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, joined online.
Others who join virtually include Governor of Sokoto State and Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Aminu Tambuwal, Governor of Kebbi State and Chairman of Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Abubakar Bagudu, Governor of Plateau State and Chairman, of Northern States Governors Forum, Simon Lalong.
The rest are governors David Umahi, Ebonyi, Yahaya Bello, Kogi, Ademola Adeleke, Osun, Abubakar Badaru, Jigawa, Dapo Abiodun, Ogun as well as Benue State deputy governors Benson Abounu, Nasarawa, Emmanuel Akabe, and Enugu Deputy governor.
Two former Chief Justices of the Federation, Alfa Belgore and Mahmud Muhammad are in attendance.
In attendance physically are Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, and Head of Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi-Esan
The National Council of State is an organ of the Nigerian government whose functions include advising the executive on policy making.
The meeting is expected to discuss national crises including petrol and naira scarcity, insecurity and others, ahead of the general elections.
Also present and awaiting their turn to brief the council are Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Alkali Baba, Commandant General, Nigerian Security, and Civil Defence Corps, Hammed Audi and Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele on the preparation for the February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections as well as March 11 governorship and state houses of assembly polls and new Naira notes respectively.
PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING 3B. L-R; Former President Dr Goodluck Jinathan, Former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon and President Muhammadu Buhari during the Council of State Meeting Head at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING 1A&B. L-R; President Muhammadu Buhari, Former Head of State Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, Former President, Dr Ebele Goodluck Jonathan and Former Head of State Gen Yakubu Gowon during the Council of State Meeting Head at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING 00A&B. L-R; Former Head of State Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, Former President, Dr Ebele Goodluck Jonathan, Former Head of State Gen Yakubu Gowon. and President Muhammadu Buhari during the Council of State Meeting Head at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING 0A&B. L-R; President Muhammadu Buhari, Former Head of State Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, Former President, Dr Ebele Goodluck Jonathan and Former Head of State Gen Yakubu Gowon during the Council of State Meeting Head at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023
PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING 1A&B. L-R; President Muhammadu Buhari, Former Head of State Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, Former President, Dr Ebele Goodluck Jonathan and Former Head of State Gen Yakubu Gowon during the Council of State Meeting Head at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING AB. L-R; Former President Dr Goodluck Jinathan, Former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon and President Muhammadu Buhari during the Council of State Meeting Head at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023
On May 26, the APC declared Emenike the winner of the governorship primary in the state.
On November 11, Binta Nyako, a federal high court judge, sacked Emenike and ordered INEC to recognise Ogah as the party’s governorship candidate in the state.
Both APC and Emenike had filed separate appeals challenging the verdict delivered by Nyako.
Dan Eke, another aspirant, also filed an appeal challenging the judgment of the trial judge that recognised Ogah’s candidacy.
In December 2022, the court of appeal sitting in Abuja affirmed Emenike as the party’s candidate.
In the unanimous verdict, Olabisi Ige, who led the appeal court panel, read out the names of the party members sent by the APC national secretariat to conduct the governorship primary that produced Emenike, affirming that the exercise was valid.
Another candidate, Dan Eke, also filed an appeal in which he contested the trial judge’s decision to recognize Ogah’s candidacy.
The court of appeal in Abuja confirmed Emenike as the party’s nominee in December 2022.
Olabisi Ige, who presided over the appeal court panel, read aloud the names of the party members appointed by the APC national headquarters to oversee the governorship primary that produced Emenike and affirmed the validity of the process in the unanimous decision.
Prominent Abians on Saturday filed out for a fitness exercise tagged, “Road Walk Festival & 1k Man Match”, which is aimed at creating awareness on the need to keep feet to prevent hypertension, keep good body weight, improve mental health and well-being.
Among those who participated at the exercise in Umuahia, Abia State capital include, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, member representing Isiala Ngwa North/South Federal Constituency, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Stanley Ohajiriuka, and Rt. Hon. Martins Azubuike who was also a former speaker of the state Assembly.
The event was a collaborative effort between Extreme Fitness With De Latinos and the Peace in South East Project (PISE-P).
Other prominent Abians who participated include, Mr. Emmanuel Okenini (Bello), CEO De Latinos Foundation, Hon Emeka Nwogu, former Nigerian Minister, Hon. Sam Onuigbo, former member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency And many others
It was also aimed at fostering unity and togetherness in Abia as well as raising awareness on the need to promote peace in the region.
In an astonishing display of generosity, His Royal Majesty King Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, Founder and General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries (OPM) and Ihie 1 of Ikwuorie Autonomous community, has gifted a brand new Range Rover Sport (HSE) to a lucky individual, Mr Kenneth Nwachi, the special Assistant on Special Duties and media assistant.
The recipient, who wishes to remain anonymous, expressed their shock and gratitude upon receiving the luxurious vehicle, which marks the second car gifted to them by the benevolent King Apostle.
In addition to the car, King Apostle Chibuzor has pledged to provide a monthly allowance of 50,000 for fuel.
The recipient has called on friends and well-wishers to join them in thanking King Apostle Chibuzor and praying for his continued long life, wisdom, and prosperity.
The Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN) Abia State Chapter is set to host an exclusive chat with the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, today, Saturday, May 4, 2024.
The event, which will take place at the Sun Heaven Hotel in Umuahia, Abia State, promises to be an insightful and engaging discussion with the Deputy Speaker, covering various topics of State and national interest.
Stay tuned for live updates and reports from the event!
Some eminent northern leaders Friday cautioned against allowing the United States and the French governments to relocate their military bases from the Sahel to Nigeria.
In an open letter to President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the National Assembly, the leaders said the federal government should not succumb to such pressure.
Those who signed the letter include Professor Abubakar Siddique Mohammed of the Centre for Democratic Development, Research and Training (CEDDERT), Zaria; Professor Kabiru Sulaiman Chafe, a former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, representing the Arewa Research and Development Project (ARDP), Kaduna; Professor Attahiru Muhammadu Jega, who is a former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); Professor Jibrin Ibrahim from the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Abuja; Auwal Musa (Rafsanjani) of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CCISLAC) Abuja; and Y. Z. Ya’u from the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), Kano.
According to the letter, the American and French governments have allegedly been aggressively lobbying Nigeria, along with other Gulf of Guinea countries, to sign new defence pacts that would allow them to redeploy their troops, expelled from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.
The signatories expressed concern that Nigeria, being the most strategically located among the Gulf of Guinea countries, may succumb to this pressure, thereby jeopardising its defence and internal security.
“The recent expulsion of French and American troops from Niger due to their perceived ineffective presence raises questions about the efficacy of hosting foreign military bases”, the citizens said in the open letter.
They also argued that the primary goal of these bases, ostensibly to combat terrorism in the Sahel, has not been achieved, as terrorism has only escalated since those camps were established.
“It is important to clearly state that there are only dangers and no gains from such military operations.
“The American operations in Niger Republic, for example, were ostensibly to pre-empt and uproot terrorists from the Sahel region. The result has so far been quite unimpressive, if not a complete failure.
“It is apparent that the presence of American troops and other intelligence personnel in Niger Republic is not serving any useful purpose. This is for the simple reason that terrorism, far from abating, has risen dramatically since the US began its operations in the region,” they said.
They also cautioned against compromising Nigeria’s sovereignty and independence for short-term strategic alliances that may have dire long-term consequences.
They added that hosting foreign troops often leads to increased prices and living costs in local areas, disproportionately affecting the lower-income population.
“Environmentally, the construction and operation of military bases can lead to significant degradation of the local environment. This includes deforestation, soil erosion, water contamination, and loss of biodiversity, which are detrimental to agricultural communities and indigenous populations. The long-term environmental damage could further hinder economic opportunities and sustainable development,” they said.
The presidency and the National Assembly have yet to make any public comments on the open letter.
The Katsina State governor, Dikko Radda, has accused some security personnel and government officials of aiding banditry which he says has now turned into a “business venture”.
“Now it has turned out to be a business venture. A business venture for the criminals, some people who are in government; and some people who are in security outfits, and some people who are responsible for the day-to-day activities of their people,” he said on Friday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today. “These are so many reasons why we are unable to bring banditry to an end.”
In recent years, criminal gangs known locally as bandits have repeatedly raided places mostly in rural areas in the northern region, abducting many and killing others.
President Bola Tinubu has made reducing insecurity one of his priorities. Many have attributed the insecurity to politics. But Governor Radda says poverty and injustice are major drivers.
”The issue of the hypothesis behind political motive as responsible for banditry is not true,” the Katsina State governor said.
According to him, many youths in the north are recruited into banditry with a mere N500.
As part of moves to tackle the region’s insecurity, some northern governors were on a trip to the US. Though they came under heavy criticism for the meeting with many wondering why it was not held in Nigeria, Radda has said they were only invited to the parley.
“The meeting was not at the instance of the selected governors of northern states but it was at the instance of the United States Institute of Peace. They were the people who invited us; they hosted us for the meeting. We were invited to sit with them so that we could bring about lasting solutions to the problems that are affecting our people,” he said.
Governor Radda said the trip gave the governors fresh insights into insecurity in the region.
“Ten governors were in the United States, Washington D.C and we had a symposium with the United States Institute of Peace so that we can bring about ideas that will end insecurity that is worrying our people and is a major problem to the subnationals and they carefully chose the governors of the places affected by banditry and kidnapping,” he said.
“All of us sat for three days and we were able to cross-fertilise ideas and interact with all stakeholders that are involved in bringing about lasting peace and security globally,” the Katsina governor said.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has expressed happiness over the return of investors and businesses in Aba and other cities of Abia State, attributing it to the administrative dexterity of the State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti.
Speaking during a visit to the Governor in his home country, Umuehim, Nvosi in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government of the State on Friday, Kalu said that Abia is back in the news for the good reasons, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Levinus Nwabughiogu said in a statement.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin KaluGovernor Alex Otti
The Deputy Speaker he said reiterated his support for the governor, calling for synergy between his office and the state government for speedy development of the state.
He said: “You are doing well. I am here to tell the whole world that you are doing well. I came to tell him that Abia is now in the news for good reasons. We are gradually recovering our dignity, raising our shoulders because of your selfless approach to governance. And you are living your pledge. We want to build Abia for all because we know you are passionate about rebuilding Abia. We would not bother you. I came to renew my pledge that Benjamin Okezie Kalu will support this administration.
“As long as you are working for Abia people and we are seeing it, we will stand by you, come rain, come sunshine. What are we looking for in leadership if not to impact lives? You are an accomplished man. You are not looking for a big name because you have earned it before coming into politics. Passion and patriotism are your watchwords. You are raising our State to measure well amongst the comity of States and we are seeing the signs that you will take us to that promised land.
“I am happy that businesses are not shrinking. That under your administration, businesses are having confidence to expand. We may not understand the economic significance that investors are bringing in money to expand so that they can increase employment rate for the people. It’s good news for Abia State and I will shout it to the rooftops so that investors can come. With that, the unemployment rate will reduce. The trumpet I am blowing today is that Abia is good for business and the investors are coming back to Abia and some of us who ran away from Aba going back. Let us know where we can come in. This is my State and you are my governor. We don’t have another one.
“Before now, House of Representatives members, the Senate and the State worked in silos but we don’t want that again. We want to change the narrative. When I make my contributions from Abuja, you bring yours from the State and we meet someone. It’s Abia that will benefit. The credit is yours as long as God keeps you on that seat. You are focusing on the real issues and getting them solved. No pettiness. I have seen some of the projects. We will make out time for a project tour.”
Kalu urged the Governor to be focused and turn deaf ears to distractions, urging the people to be patient.
“There will be distractions but be focused. I sat down to analyze your approach. Your approach is do a general work for the people first before individuals. You didn’t tell me anything. We didn’t have this conversation but I know your approach is to first work for the generality of the people before you reach out to individuals. So, I am asking Abians to be patient. There is selflessness in this governance. So, be patient. Anyone who played one role or the other, please, be patient. You are not forgotten. It will be well. Let’s join hands together, for once, and build Abia all of us will be proud of. He can’t do it alone and he knows”, he said.
Recalling that Otti was once a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Kalu said there was still a room for him in the party.
“You are not on my party again though I am regretting it. But I want you to know that the people who are people are also from different political parties. They are people who love what we are doing. The majority of us here are the members of your former party. And we miss you. You only miss a good man not a bad person. So, Labour Party members should be careful. If you don’t make this man happy, he is going back to his parent party. Labour Party people, be careful. If you don’t put your houses in order, this man has a home. I will not allow you to mess him up. If you don’t pull him very strong, I will pull him. I have a very long rope. This is the truth.
“For me, I am standing by you. Let’s build Abia but I am praying that the problem in the Labour Party will continue if they don’t want to resolve it but for you, there is still a room in APC”, Kalu said.
The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) National Chairman, Alahaji Mugaji Abrahim Olaniyi, led a delegation of members on a visit to the Abia State Commissioner of Police, CP Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, at the Command Headquarters in Umuahia.
The meeting, which took place at about 2:00 PM, focused on the upcoming PCRC election and acknowledged the Abia State Police Command’s efforts in community policing, professionalism, and crime prevention.
The Commissioner of Police and his management team expressed their gratitude and welcomed the National PCRC team, reaffirming their unwavering support for the committee’s initiatives.
This courtesy visit highlights the collaborative relationship between the PCRC and the Nigeria Police Force, working together to enhance community policing and ensure public safety in Abia State.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, says Nigeria is ready to commence local automobile manufacturing before the end of the year.
At the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers and the Nigerian Automative Manufacturers Association’s meeting in Abuja, Uzoka-Anite said funds to grow the nation’s automotive industry have been made available to local manufacturers.
According to her, it was vital to source made-in-Nigeria vehicle materials locally.
She seized the occasion to inform all stakeholders, including manufacturers, dealers, regulatory bodies, and other players in the automobile ecosystem, to key into the Nigerian Automotive Development Policy, and start making the desired contribution to the nation’s economy.
The African Association of Automotive Manufacturers is an organisation dedicated to the industrialisation and development of the automotive sector across Africa.
It works with governments to shape policies, attract investors, and support the economic potential of the continent, by promoting sustainable and affordable mobility solutions.
The association primarily serves the automotive industry, including manufacturers, investors, and policymakers. It is based in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The Nigerian Army has announced the commencement of recruitment applications for Non-Tradesmen and Women.
This is contained in a post on the official X handle of the Nigerian Army on Friday, stating that the application which is free, starts from 3rd May – 7th June.
Non-tradesmen and women are those who wish to join the Nigerian Army but have only the certificate from their Senior School Certificate Examination.
The post reads: “This is to inform the general public & all interested applicants that online application for 87 Regular Recruits Intake for Non-Tradesmen & Women has commenced.
“Application starts from 3rd May – 7th June 2024.
“Application Is Free at http://recruitment.army.mil.ng. Shortlisted candidates will participate in the State Recruitment Screening Exercise scheduled from 20th June – 3rd July 2024.
“Recruitment into the Nigerian Army Is FREE, Beware of Fraudsters.”
Interpol Systems Consultant and security expert, Sir Chikwe Udensi has urged the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti to separate the good work he is doing in the state from unfounded allegations against his predecessor, Okezie Ikpeazu.
He expressed worry over the laxity at which the state government is treating the alleged embezzlement of N107 billion Abia money by the immediate past government, wondering why the governor has not presented evidence to back his claim.
Governor Otti while speaking to some Abia people in the United States recently said, “N79.3 billion naira was paid to seven Contractors for contracts that were not executed at all. Another 15.9 billion almost 16 billion was paid to 63 contractors with no supporting documents anywhere. Another 13 billion naira was paid to two contractors for contracts that do not exist out of these figures, and 10 billion naira was on September 25, 2020, paid to some contractor for the construction of Abia State Airport.”
In his reaction during a live programme on Love FM and ABN TV, Udensi, a chieftain of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) said he is not taking the state government very seriously in such allegations, saying there are pieces of evidence to prove that similar allegations made by the same government in the past have proven not to be true.
“Some of the organizers of the Governor’s Trip to America are very close to me and known to me. What I asked for is the full record of the whole proceeding, not just what the Governor said. However, I’m a bit disturbed that a matter like this is being treated with trivial attitudes. I’m concerned that N107 billion is alleged to have been embezzled and we’re talking about some contractors and using native knowledge to go and locate the airport. We must get serious.
“107 billion? By now we should have commenced a full investigation and all those who are responsible for such heinous arrangements should be in detention if the proper process is taken. What do I mean by proper process, the crime is said to have been committed in Abia State, the alleged suspects are all in Abia State, the investigation was done in Abia State, then the announcement of the results of the investigation was done in the United States of America,” he said.
He added, “You recall that when the governor came in, he indicated that he’s going investigate the regimes that were before him. We were expecting an investigation from 1999 to 2023, but he chose only the Ikpeazu administration to investigate.
“You’ll recall that on open parliament, I criticized it because I was not comfortable with it. When you seem to specify your level of interest, people may become suspicious of what actually your interest is.
“Again given the fact that everybody must remain innocent until proven guilty, you cannot insist by any imagination that anybody is a criminal. Look at what’s happening in social media right now, the trial is going on social media.
“In Investigation, when you see any of the security agencies start media trial on a case, then they have no case. Go and check it, go and check records. Once they leave the court where you ought to take your matter to and go to the media, you’re playing to the gallery and people like us cannot take you seriously because nothing can be eviler than an accusation that denies the accused the right of defence,” he said.
Udensi frowned against what he termed media persecution of the immediate past government, instead of judicial prosecution, stressing that if anybody is accused, in all honesty, they are allowed to defend themselves before anybody can come out and call them evil.
He said that the fact that he is not in agreement with certain decisions and actions of the Alex Otti-led administration does not mean that the administration is not doing well in the area of Infrastructure and went ahead to commend the Governor for the achievements so far.
“Let’s look at the things that have happened in Abia State, there are things that make me not take all those records I see seriously because I personally have reasons to question some of the things that are being done in my state. That doesn’t mean that my Governor is not doing well in the area of Infrastructure. I’ve commended him because he’s doing very well in the area of Infrastructure, but there are things that ought to be done and done properly.
“You remember that about 5,000 ghost workers were found, the Governor himself announced it and we said for 5000 ghost workers to be collecting salaries in Abia State without working is a heinous crime. Billions were being paid to them according to the Abia State government and we said, these ghost workers in Abia State are being paid through a bank account, let’s have the bank account.
“It should be published so that first of all, we can make a mockery of those whose names are there. Nobody can open an account with the necessary requirements like BVN etc. So, these 5,000 ghost workers, how were they being paid? Were they being paid cash? Let’s find out that we have an honest disposition of a government that will give proper information.
“That’s why some of us are very skeptical about the 107 billion that has gone to the press for prosecution. We were told that we’ve cleared nine years of arrears of pension, only for us to realize that only %40 were being paid to them for the past nine months. What they’re doing right now is the balance of %60 which is what they owed throughout the nine months that they’ve been in government.”
