Arewa Youths for Peaceful Coexistence has tackled the elder statesman and bigwig of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Edwin Clark, for condemning the defensive actions of the partys national secretariat in favour of the 27 PDP lawmakers of Rivers State.

The group in a statement by its national chairman and the Abuja chapter chairman, Hon. Haruna Bature and Hon. Ogah Okpanachi, said Chef Clark as an elder, ought to play an advisory and mediatory role in the political crisis in Rivers, rather than taking sides with the sitting Governor.

It, however, called on Chief Clark to retract his letter, apologise to the parties mentioned in the letter and assume the proper fatherly and mediatory role expected of him as an Elder Statesman.

The statement said: Attention of the Arewa Youths for Peaceful Coexistence has been drawn to the letter written by Chief Edwin K. Clark condemning the defensive actions of the Acting National Chairman and National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alh. Illya Damagun and Sen. Samuel Anyanwu in favour of the 27 PDP Lawmakers of Rivers State.

We are greatly shocked and disappointed by the toxic hatred and bitterness expressed in the letter against the defensive actions of Alh. Illya Damagun and Sen. Samuel Anyanwu and the FCT Minister, Chief Barr. E.N. Wike in favour of the 27 PDP lawmakers of Rivers state.

We wonder why the elder statesman, Chief Edwin K. Clark who is supposed to be a mediator between the two factions suddenly lost touch with his status, and role and threw caution to the wind by taking sides with Governor Sim. Fubara to sacrifice the 27 PDP lawmakers forgetting that all the parties in this crisis are bonafide and prominent indigenes of Rivers State whose interests must never be sacrificed for another.

The legal technicalities of the alleged defection of the 27 PDP Lawmakers of Rivers State have been severally challenged and judgments passed in favour of the 27 PDP Rivers state lawmakers at the Federal High Court and Court of Appeal, and therefore expected the elder statesman to have chosen the path of peaceful mediation and reconciliation to give proper closure to the issues in contention.

We categorically wish to state that the actions of Alh. Illya Damagun and Sen. Samuel Anyanwu properly informed the Court that the position of the party is to give all the parties in Rivers State Crisis fairgrounds to litigate their matters in court without fear or favour and should never be condemned for such actions.

Finally, we wish to remind Chief Edwin K. Clark that all the parties in the Rivers State crisis especially the FCT Minister, Chief Barr. E.N. Wike has fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which cannot and must never be compromised or sacrificed for any petty personal or regional sentiments.

We are therefore calling on Chief Edwin K. Clark to immediately retract the letter, apologise to the parties mentioned in the letter, and assume the proper fatherly and mediatory role expected of him as an Elder Statesman, the statement read

The Peoples Democratic Party, on Tuesday, tackled the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, over his Monday declaration that the All Progressives Congress would capture Abia State come 2027.

A video shared on social media by Kalu on Monday captured him saying that as the number six citizen, it was inappropriate for his state to be ruled by the Labour Party.

He vowed that Governor Alex Otti of the Labour Party would be unseated, adding that Otti would be the only and the last LP governor to govern Abia State.

This will be the last time that a Labour governor will govern Abia State. The next governor of Abia State will be APC. I say this without mincing words, Kalu said.

He said he had told Otti privately and publicly that an APC governor would take over from him in 2027.

How it will happen, I dont know, but I know it will happen, Kalu said.

But in a statement on Tuesday, the opposition PDP tackled Kalu, accusing him of turning history upside down by projecting a narrative that is clearly false, and must be debunked on other to set the records straight.

In the statement signed by the head of its media team, Elder Abraham Amah, the Abia PDP said being the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives did not give Kalu the right to speak for the people of Abia State.

The PDP said it was disturbing that Mr. Ben Kalu has wrongly appropriated the rights to speak for the good people of Abia State.

Being the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the one who represents Bende Federal Constituency does not mean that he has suddenly become the mouthpiece of the people of Abia State or the Igbo nation.

It is imperative to remind Mr. Kalu that his position as Number 6 in the national order of precedence is not something to boast about because it clearly shows the ignominy with which the APC has treated the Igbo nation. He should be reminded that there are six geopolitical zones in Nigeria, and the fact that the South-East placed 6th, and last position is a clear indication that the APC government at the centre does not regard the Igbo nation highly.

The PDP said Kalu must be reminded that the Igbo fared better politically when the PDP was in power at the federal level.

During the reign of the PDP at the centre, the South-East was better compensated with the position of the Senate President, the third position in the order of national precedence, and none of the five Senate Presidents from the South East ever tried to railroad or corralled the entire Igbo nation to the PDP. Beyond that, the South-East occupied other important positions in the PDP government like the Minister of Finance, Chief of Army Staff, Nigerian Ambassador to the United States and Canada, and other important positions that the APC government has denied the Igbo South-East in its nine-year reign, the PDP said.

According to the PDP, the Igbo people are Republican in nature, and nobody tells them what to do, especially when it involves following the bandwagon of a party that has subjected Nigerians, especially the Igbo nation, to untold poverty and hardship.

The opposition party advised Kalu to concentrate on doing his job as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, and should desist from making statements that put the Igbo nation to ridicule.

Gov. Alex Otti of Abia says he plans to put in place an innovation and technology-driven civil service fit for the demands of the 21st century in the state.

Otti made this pledge while receiving a delegation of the British High Commission to Nigeria at his Nvosi country home in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia.

The delegation was led by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery.

The governor said that he was doing his best in the civil service sector to prepare the workforce for the future.

Otti, who said Abia people were highly innovative, energetic and industrious, thanked the British high commissioner for funding the training of more than 500 Abia civil servants on digital skills.

“We are very happy to receive you; we thank you for making the decision to come.

“We want a civil service that is ready for the future, ready for technology and ready for innovations.

Otti said he has been de-risking Abias business environment in the past 14 months for full private -sector participation through provision of power, road infrastructure, security, among other basic needs.

“We came prepared with some solutions in terms of strategies; we have put a lot of things together.

“For us, governance is about the welfare of the people; it is about making the people happy and that is why we support the private sector”

The governor said that the South East Governors were collaborating to take advantage of regional integration for the overall development of the region.

He said the South East Governors Forum was thinking towards regional railway lines to promote trade and other economic activities.

Earlier, Montgomery commended the significant improvement in resource management, digital compliant civil service and improved infrastructure recorded under Otti within 14 months in office.

Montgomery, who is also the UK Permanent representative for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), assured of partnering with Abia in the digital space.

He also said the British High Commission was ready to partner with the state government in areas of trade, energy, transportation, technology, manufacturing and other areas of interest for job creation.

The event was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Head of Service, several commissioners and other government appointees including the graduands of the digital training.

National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, has threatened to shut down the power sector if the President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Joe Ajaero, is arrested.

The Intelligence Response Team, IRT, arm of the Nigerian Police Force, NPF, had Monday, August 19, invited Ajaero, for questioning over Criminal Conspiracy, Terrorism Financing, Treasonable Felony, Subversion and Cybercrime.

NUEEs Acting General Secretary, Igwebike Dominic, while reacting in a statement, said that NUEE noted with utter dismay the political machinations surrounding the police invitation of its General Secretary-cum-President of Nigeria Labour Congress Comrade Joe Ajaero as a purported fall out of the politically-motivated investigation into an alleged trump up charges of terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy and treasonable felony against him.

The statement noted that it was not only embarrassing, but childish and clueless for the Federal Government of Nigeria to take to the antics of witch-hunting, harassment, intimidation and name-calling instead of coming out openly to apologize to the Congress and its leadership for the unlawful invasion of NLC National headquarters few days ago.

According to the statement, the choice by the Government to stifle labour and free speech in the country as a tool to compel Nigerians to continue to suffer in silence in the face of government policies that were not favorable to the people was quite deplorable.

The statement said, Those in government, especially elected leaders, should be mindful of their actions in times like this, if they have the love of the country at heart.

It emphasised that it was so painful to see this happening in a democracy where it is supposed to be Government of the people, by the people and for the people, lamenting that what Nigerians have is simply the government of the selected few, for themselves against the people.

The NUEEs Acting General Secretary noted that it was a blatant abuse of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and International Labour Organization Conventions especially convention 87 and 98, was unacceptable and would be vehemently resisted.

The Union condemned in its entirety what it called Governments interference in the Labour movement through the weapons of intimidation and official harassment of Labour Leaders, in the country, warning that in the event that Comrade Ajaero is arrested, they will have no choice but to go with the NLC directives.

NUEE called on their National, Zonal, State and Chapter leadership to commence immediate mobilization of their teaming members in Generation, Transmission and Distribution to withdraw their services in the event that Comrade Joe Ajaero is arrested.

They also called on the Federal Government to tread with caution as the entire Nation was angry and heated up already because of the hunger and hyper-inflation in the land.

According to NUEE, The rights of citizens must be respected and guaranteed if the country must move forward.

Terrorism financing: NLC mobilises for nationwide strike over Ajaeros invitation

Following the ongoing face-off between it and Nigeria Police, the leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress has asked its members to be ready to commence a nationwide strike if need be by midnight of Tuesday.

The labour centre said in a communique issued after its emergency National Executive Council in Abuja that it had directed all the state chapters and affiliates to mobilise workers for an indefinite strike from midnight if anything happened to the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, who was invited by the police for questioning over terrorism financing allegation.

The police invitation to Ajaero comes weeks after policemen conducted a night raid on the NLC national secretariat in Abuja.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, while justifying the raid, said the police were on the trail of one of the terrorists who masterminded the crisis in Sudan.

The police added that the raid was to search for seditious materials in connection to the recent nationwide #EndBadGovernance or hunger protest, which turned violent in parts of the country, particularly in the North, where some protesters were seen waving the Russian flag and demanding President Bola Tinubus resignation.

On Monday, the police said Ajaero should appear for questioning at 10 am over allegation of terrorism financing and treasonable felony.

But the NLC National Executive Council convened an emergency for Tuesday morning to weigh the situation.

Rising from the meeting, the NLC leadership, in their communique, said they viewed Ajaeros summon as a clearly unfounded and politically-motivated investigation.

In the communique signed by NLC Deputy President, Ado Sani Minjibir, the congress warned that it will not hesitate to take all necessary actions, including mass protests and industrial actions, to protect the integrity and independence of the labour movement.

The NEC directs all affiliates and state councils to immediately commence the process of mobilising their members across the nation.

The congress will not hesitate to take all necessary actions, including mass protests and industrial actions, to protect the integrity and independence of the labour movement.

If anything happens to the President of the Congress or any other leader of the congress in furtherance of these tendentious allegations by the state;

NEC puts all its affiliates and state councils alert to proceed on indefinite nationwide strike action by 12:00 midnight today.

The NLC also called on all civil society allies and the general populace to stand in solidarity with the union at this critical moment.

The meeting expressed grave concern that rather than extending the demand by the congress for the earlier invasion of its national headquarters by security agencies, the Nigeria Police has chosen to embark on this spurious and fortuitous journey of intimidation, harassment, and witch-hunt.

This is nothing but a travesty and a blatant attempt to stifle the voice of the working people and their leadership, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the International Labour Organization Conventions 87 and 98.In light of this, the NEC of the NLC resolves as follows, it said.

NLC said that it had decided to honour the police invitation as a responsible labour centre committed to the rule of law and due process.

It however added that it would not sit idly while the rights and freedoms of its members and leaders were trampled upon with impunity by the state.

The NLC shall honour the invitation extended to its President by the Nigeria Police but will demand for extension of time given the nature of the invitation.

However, we wish to state unequivocally that this does not in any way legitimise the baseless allegations levelled against him.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), says it recorded a significant increase in remittance inflows of 553 million dollars in July.

According to a statement issued by CBNs Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Mrs Hakama Sidi-Ali, the all-time high remittances represents a 130 per cent increase from the corresponding period in 2023.

Sidi-Ali said that the figure represented the highest monthly total inflows on record, and reflects ongoing efforts by the apex bank to enhance liquidity in Nigerias foreign exchange market.

According to her, the substantial growth in remittance receipts is attributable to policy measures introduced

by the CBN to enhance liquidity in Nigerias foreign exchange market.

These measures include granting licences to new International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs), implementing a willing buyer-willing seller model, and enabling timely access to Naira liquidity for IMTOs.

Diaspora remittances are a crucial source of foreign exchange for Nigeria, supplementing both foreign direct investment and portfolio investments.

The CBNs initiatives have supported continued growth in these inflows, aligning with the institutions objective of doubling formal remittance receipts within a year, she said.

She said that the increase in remittances was a strong testament to the success of the CBNs ongoing efforts to bolster public confidence in the foreign exchange market.

The director said that it was an indication of efforts to strengthen a robust and inclusive banking system, and promote price stability, which is essential for sustained economic growth.

Recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that Nigerias year-on-year headline inflation rate slowed in July for the first time in 19 months.

This is a clear indication that the CBNs monetary policy tightening measures are delivering results.

The CBN anticipates that these measures will contribute to achieving its broader objective of maintaining stability in the foreign exchange market, she said.

Sidi-Ali said that the apex bank would continue to monitor market conditions and adjust policies as necessary to enable greater remittances flow into Nigeria.

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) on Tuesday arrested the Permanent Secretary of the Kano Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ibrahim Kabara, along with the State ALGON Chairman and interim Council Chairman of Tarauni Local Government, Abdullahi Bashir.

The duo and five other individuals were detained in connection with alleged corruption in the procurement of drugs and medical equipment for Kano States 44 local governments.

The commission has also invited the Managing Director of Novomed Pharmaceuticals, Musa Garba, and the nephew of former Kano State Governor Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, for questioning as part of its ongoing investigation.

According to the PCACC, the arrested officials are suspected of breaching the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission Law, the Public Procurement Law, and the Financial Management Law.

The allegations revolve around the awarding of a contract for the supply of drugs and medical equipment, reportedly conducted in violation of statutory provisions and without obtaining the requisite consent and approval from Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf.

A source close to the commission disclosed that Abdullahi Ibrahim Bashir, the ALGON Chairman, has confessed to directing the illegal payment of ₦402.6m for the procurement. Of this amount, ₦347.7m was allegedly paid by 38 of the state’s local governments before the Commission launched its investigation.

The actions taken by these officials were in clear contravention of the law, said the source, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the investigation. They bypassed necessary protocols and proceeded with the contract without proper authorization.

The arrested officials, who were brought to the commissions office at 11 AM on Tuesday, were still in custody as of 11:15 AM, undergoing intensive questioning by the commissions operatives.

The PCACC has vowed to continue its investigation into the matter, promising to uncover the full extent of the alleged corruption.

We are committed to ensuring that all those involved in this illegal act are held accountable, the source added.

Controversy erupted late Tuesday following conflicting reports on the Court of Appeals decision regarding the impeachment of Philip Shaibu, the Deputy Governor of Edo State.

Initial reports suggested that the Court of Appeal had upheld the decision of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which quashed Shaibus impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly.

According to the earlier reports, the appellate court affirmed Justice James Omotoshos ruling, which voided Shaibus impeachment for lack of fair hearing and ordered his reinstatement to office.

The court also reportedly set aside the appointment of Omobayo Godwins as the new Deputy Governor.

However, the Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon Charity Aiguobarueghian, refuted the reports, describing them as false and misleading.

Despite this, Shaibu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) celebrated the purported ruling, with Shaibu expressing gratitude to God, the people of Edo State, and Nigerians.

He hailed the judgment as a victory for democracy and the judiciary.

The APC also welcomed the judgment, emphasizing that it highlighted the insensitivity of Governor Godwin Obasekis administration and its disregard for due process and the constitution.

A press statement by the state publicity secretary of the APC, Peter Uwadiae-igbinigie said, This victory is a testament of the insensitivity of Governor Godwin Obaseki to due process and absolute regard to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which he swore to uphold.

The APC Edo state chapter is proud that today, the Deputy Governor of the state has found it worthy to trace his political fame back to the party which has helped to galvanized and repositioned him as an icon of modern democracy which he has doggedly and gallantly fought for in Nigeria.

While you journey through the remaining part of your tenure as an APC Deputy Governor, the party offers its sincere accolade of support and encouragement to doing that which you are well known for, that is upholding the genuine tenet of democracy which is sacrosanct in civilized climes.

But Aiguobarueghian told newsmen that There was a suit instituted by Shaibu during the impeachment process to stop it, the case was before Justice Egwuatu, while the matter was ongoing, he was impeached and the new deputy governor applied to strike out the case that as deputy governor he is not interested in pursuing a case.

Philip Shaibu went and filed a motion asking that his name as Philip Shiabu should be used instead deputy governor of Edo State, he also asked that the case should be converted from originating summons to writ of summons, the court granted both applications so it was that motion that the court granted that we went to the Court of Appeal for, it was an interlocutory appeal, we went to the Court of Appeal to challenge that order changing the name to Philip Shaibu, while all these were going on, he filed another suit in his own name and that suit was taken to the court of Justice Omotosho and Justice Omotosho on the 17th of July now declared him winner in the later suit that was filed in his name and Edo State House of Assembly filed an appeal against that judgment, the Attorney General of Edo State also filed another appeal against that judgment.

All three appeals came up today (Tuesday) and we now withdrew the interlocutory appeal against Justice Egwuatu’s ruling, it is that ruling that he is now saying he won, meanwhile that ruling did not declare him the deputy governor.

Against that substantive suit that Justice Omotosho declared him winner, the appeal processes were served on him in court and he has five days to reply and we were given another five days to reply to his response. That is when the suit will now be taken and a decision will not be taken. The decision has not been taken on the impeachment case.

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Peter Obi, the Labour Partys presidential candidate in the 2023 election, participated in the International Leaders Forum (ILF) held in Chicago.

The ILF, in its 11th edition, runs alongside the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Illinois from August 19 to 22.

This forum, organized by the National Democratic Institute (NDI), has been held every four years since 1984. It gathers prominent global politicians and policymakers to observe key aspects of the American democratic process.

Peter Obi shared that he was invited along with two other prominent Nigerians and approximately 200 distinguished political leaders from over 91 countries, including former heads of government.

We were invited to take part in the 2024 International Leaders Forum (ILF) on the sidelines of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois, from August 19-22, 2024, Obi posted on X.

He expressed his gratitude to Senator Thomas Daschle and the NDI Board for the invitation, emphasizing the importance of the ILF in providing leaders from Africas developing democracies with a platform to exchange experiences and learn from one another.

In addition to Osinbajo and Obi, former Senate President Ken Nnamani was also among the invitees. The Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, was reportedly invited as well, though it remains unclear whether he attended.

The Democratic National Convention began on Tuesday, featuring notable speeches from figures like Hillary Clinton, former U.S. Senator, Barack Obama, former U.S. President, and Michelle Obama, former First Lady, all advocating for Kamala Harris, the Democratic Partys presidential candidate.

A member of the House of Representatives, representing the Ideato North South Federal Constituency of Imo, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere has called on the Nigerian Police force to channel their energy on curbing the worsening insecurity in the country rather than inviting the President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on baseless, unfounded claims that hes involved in terrorism financing.

The Police had on Tuesday, extended an invitation to Comrade Ajaero over a case of alleged criminal conspiracy and terrorism financing. The invitation has generated outrage from the citizens with the labour body threatening to embark on a nationwide strike and protests.

Reacting, Hon. Ugochinyere, whos the spokesperson of the opposition coalition Lawmakers, stated that its clear to everyone that the NLC President didnt commit any terrorism or murder, saying that any move by the police to detain him might lead to citizens coming back to the street to protest.

Speaking from personal experiences in the past, the lawmaker whos the Chairman House Committee on Petroleum Resources Downstream recalled that he has been through such situations in the hands of the security agencies.

Calling for the invitation to be withdrawn, Hon. Ugochinyere urged the Police to focus on tackling insecurity in various parts of the country.

He said: “Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC President didnt commit any terrorism or murder challenge, drop it, so you dont bring people back on the street and create confusion for the President.

“If you want to help President Tinubu go and chase out these bandits in the forest. Find out why crude oil is still being stolen. You dont help the President by inviting NLC President and accusing him of murder and treason. Stop it!!!!!

“The President needs help, there’s insecurity, thats why theres economic hardship, thats why food products are high. Thats the real terror that you need to deal with not Comrade Ajaero.

“I have to advise the Nigerian police, theres no basis for this now, what Nigerians need now is more enhanced security, more involvement of security agencies in quelling security challenges across all parts of the country instead of inviting the President of Nigerian Labour Congress for a chat over his involvement in terrorism.

“These are old strategies that people can decode; from someone who has been through it, this same police force invited me multiple times and charged me multiple times. Based on my personal experience, I think this invitation should be withdrawn, the country is at a difficult moment now.

“I know Comrade Ajaero and I know hes not involved in any terrorism. We are trying to find a way to maintain stability and navigate these economic challenges; the Nigerian police should Channel their energy on oil production, what the oil thieves are doing, etc. They should focus on wiping out the bandits and criminal elements.

“I’m urging the Inspector General of Police, dont let your era be known with what you use to have, dont get involved in that. The biggest thing I know you can do for the President that I know you love is to find a way to energize the Police Force to go after all these criminal elements in different parts of the country”, Hon. Ugochinyere urged.

Notable Nigerians from different walks of life have been celebrating the governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma over his award for good governance by the prestigious Michael Okpara Leadership Prize.

Uzodimma who is also the chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum will today in Abuja receive the Premier’s Grand Prize, Gold Plaque Category award from the Michael Okpara Leadership Prize ” for his vision and programs for good governance and development in Imo state”

The governor, who will also be the keynote speaker at the event, will deliver a paper on the topic “Service Above Self: Lessons from the Leadership Philosophy of Dr. Michael Okpara.” ”

Labour leaders, business moguls, traditional rulers, the clergy and members of the academia have all risen in unison to applaud Uzodimma for the award ,describing it as well deserved for the quantum development he has wrought in the state.

They were particularly impressed that an organisation with Michael Okpara imprimatur is honouring Uzodimma for his selfless service in the mould of that of the late Premier of Eastern Region

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in an emotional tribute to Uzodimma, described him as a man who has emptied himself to God to be used for good governance in Imo state .

In a congratulatory message to the governor signed by the chairman, Rev. Dr. Eches, CAN, said the award was a testament to Uzodimma’s unprecedented and massive infrastructure and human capital development in the state.

It noted that just like Okpara, the Imo governor is focused on the transformation of the state, hence his policies and programmes aimed at the industrial and agricultural revolution for the good of the people.

In their tribute, the traditional rulers said they were not surprised that Michael Okpara Leadership Prize found Uzodimma worthy of the award.

” The Governor took after the late Premier and our own Sam Mbakwe. We are proud that what we have been witnessing, the development of our rural communities, other Nigerians, and groups have also noticed. So, naturally, we celebrate our governor for the award, Eze Ambassador Damian Emeada Obianigwa of Isi Ihiteowerri wrote on behalf of his colleagues.

They congratulated Uzodimma for bagging the award and urged him to continue to render selfless service to Imo State and Nigeria.

Similarly, labour organisations, including the Nigeria Labour Congress, Nigeria Union of Journalists, and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, have felicitated Governor Hope Uzodimma over the award.

The NLC, Imo State chapter described the award as highly merited, saying that one of the indices of good governance was actually the welfare of the people ” which the governor has excelled”

” Imo workers couldn’t be happier for this meritorious and deserving award to the most worker friendly governor in Nigeria,” they wrote.

Imo Journalists, on their part, said the Michael Okpara Leadership Prize merely confirmed what the people of the state have experienced since 2020 when Uzodimma emerged governor.

According to them, the people of Imo State have been bombarded with dividends of democracy ranging from durable roads, quality health care, and education, while Imo has become the fastest growing economy East of the Niger.

Billionaire businessman , Chief Tony Chukwu, industrialists, Chief Charles Amadi, and Chief Cliff Nzeruem, and former Federal Lawmaker,Chief Jerry Alagboso also spoke glowingly of Uzodimma and why he deserved the Michael Okpara Leadership Prize award.

Chief Tony Chukwu described Uzodimma as a pragmatic, result oriented, and focused leader whose inspirational leadership has impacted directly on the people of the state.

He said the award was an acknowledgement of the superlative performance of the governor in office and urged Uzodimma to leverage on it to gear up for more service to Imo State and Nigeria.

On his part, Chief Alagboso who represented Orlu,Orsu and Oru East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives lauded the Dr Michael Okpara Foundation and Verbatim Media Group for their vision in identifying a man of vision for the Okpara Leadership Prize honours.

He noted that after Dr. Michael Okpara and Chief Sam Mbakwe, Uzodimma has come to represent selfless leadership encapsulated in good governance and accountability in Igboland.

” Your Excellency, many of us who have known you over the years can attest to your commitment and dedication to selfless service just like the late Dr Okpara. You have become a beacon of hope and development. Your industrial masterplan will certainly make Imo the envy of all, “Alagboso concluded.

A former Deputy Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Hartford Oseke, is dead.

Hon. Oseke was said to have slumped and died during a routine exercise at the Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, Anambra State.

Reports indicate that he collapsed and was rushed to Apex Hospital Awka in an attempt to revive him, but unfortunately, he passed away before medical intervention could succeed.

At Osekes country home in Umuawulu, Awka South Local Government Area, relatives were seen in deep mourning, with many remaining too grief-stricken to comment publicly on the tragedy.

Members of the State House of Assembly, who had served alongside Oseke, paid tribute to him as both a colleague and a unifying force within the Assembly.

One member, who preferred to remain unnamed, described Oseke as a good man and a uniting force during his tenure in the Assembly.

I cannot make an official statement for now because it is left for the Speaker of the Assembly to do that, and you know that Oseke was his set at the Assembly, the member told New Telegraph.

But all that I can say is that he was a good man and a uniting force while he was at the hallowed chambers of the State Assembly, he added.

Hon. Oseke served two terms in the Anambra State House of Assembly, representing the Awka South 2 State Constituency.

During his second term, he served as the Deputy Speaker of the state legislative body.

The Nigerian Senate has failed to name one of its Committee Rooms after the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, in compliance with a resolution it adopted on 20th March, 2024.

Ibadan South senator, Sharafadeen Alli had sponsored a motion urging the Senate to immortalize the late first class monarch who was also a Senator from 1999 to 2003.

The motion which was supported by two lawmakers from Oyo State, Senators Yinus Akintunde, Oyo Central and Addulfai Buhari, Oyo North, recalled that the late monarch was the Senate Committee Chairman on National Planning.

They said the motion to immortalize the Olubadan was to retain the memory of good leadership which he exemplified.

The motion recalled that the monarch spent two years on the throne, having been coronated on the 11th March, 2022, before his death on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

The resolution was eventually adopted by the Senate.

However, checks by DAILY POST on Monday indicated that the Senate has failed to implement the resolution as no Committee Room has been named after the late Olubadan.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Committee on Senate Services, Senator Sunday Karimi, could not be reached for comments on Tuesday.

Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, President, Joe Ajaero has turned down the invitation from the Nigeria Police Force.

Ajaero explained that he turned down the invitation due to other engagements.

He disclosed this through a letter from his lawyers, Falana and Falana Chambers.

The Police has summoned Ajaero over alleged criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion and cybercrime.

However, a letter addressed to the Inspector General of Police by Ajaero’s lawyers said the invitation came late.

Parts of the letter read, “We are solicitors to the Nigeria Labour Congress and its President, Joe Ajaero, on whose behalf we write this letter in respect of the above subject matter.

“We have the instructs of Ajaero to inform you that he is unable to honour your invitation on Tuesday, August 20 in view of the fact that your invitation letter was received by him yesterday.

“He has an engagement that had been fixed before the receipt of the invitation letter”, the letter stated.

A panel of stakeholders comprising Senior Advocates of Nigeria and notable activists on Tuesday in Abuja, charged the incoming Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to be prepared to sanitize the judiciary to restore public confidence in the arm of government.

The panellists at a roundtable discussion lamented that the judiciary is currently in the woods with a battered image that must be totally reformed in the interest of justice delivery. At the roundtable discussion where a five-point agenda was prepared as a guide for the CJN nominee, were two professors of law, Ernest Ojukwu, SAN and Samuel Erugo, SAN, human rights activist Aisha Yesufu and other justice stakeholders. Amongst others, they charged Kekere-Ekun to be prepared to reform judicial appointments in such a way and manner that nepotism and favouritism would have no role to play again Similarly, the stakeholders want the incoming CJN to rise to the challenge of arresting the issuance of conflicting judgments and orders by courts of coordinate jurisdiction in the interest of the judiciary and people. The panelists further charged the new head of the judiciary to focus on discipline and accountability as a way of restoring public interest in that arm of the government.

They also suggested that the CJN nominee carry out surgical operations in the handling of election petitions and political cases which they held had dampened the belief of Nigerians in the judiciary with the sad experience of the recent past.

The stakeholders also want Kekere-Ekun to reform the Supreme Court itself in such a way that only cases of national importance would be lodged at the apex court while minor matters should be made in the reform to terminate at the lower courts.

Speaking at the event, Executive Director of Tap Initiative, Mr Martin Obono, observed that the National Judicial Council (NJC), which oversees the appointment of judges has recently come under heavy criticism, especially with the outgoing CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, accused of appointing his family members and relatives as well as children and relatives of former justices into the bench.

While alleging that the Council disregarded its guidelines over recent appointments, Obono claimed that there have been reports of insider subversion of the applicable rules governing judicial appointments, such as the reported appointments in one instance of a candidate who scored zero in the NJC interview.

He urged the new CJN, to commit explicitly to a policy of restoring integrity and merit to judicial appointments, stating that achieving this would entail the introduction of transparent processes of selection, advertisement of judicial vacancies as well as in nomination of candidates, interviews, shortlisting and final selection.

The Federal Government has inaugurated a 10-member committee to enforce the recent Supreme Court ruling that granted financial autonomy to local governments in Nigeria.

On July 11, the apex court declared that it is unconstitutional for state governors to hold onto funds meant for LG administrations.

Five weeks on, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, set up the inter-ministerial committee to implement the verdict.

Disclosing this in a statement on Tuesday, the Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, said Akume would chair the committee.

Other members joining Akume are the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Member; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning; Accountant General of the Federation; Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria CBN; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance; Chairman, Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission; Representative of State Governors; and, Representative of Local Governments.

The committees primary goal is to ensure that local governments are granted full autonomy, allowing them to function effectively without interference from state governments, he said.

This move is in line with President Bola Tinubus efforts to give appropriate implementation to the provisions of the Constitution, which recognizes local governments as the third tier of government.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara on Tuesday received the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), BoT members in a move to put to rest months of speculations that he had left the party.

The delegation included the BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara; former Chairman, Ahmed Makarfi; elder stateman, Olabode George and Senator Abdul Ningi.

The governor was rumoured to be the strength behind the sudden popularity of the Action Peoples Party (APP) whose secretariat was struck by an explosive a week ago.

According to the delegation, their visit to Rivers State was in search of peace and making strong old alliances.

But, addressing the leadership and members of the PDP Board of Trustees who visited him at the government house in Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara said he doubted his membership in the party.

However, he said the visit by the BoT has offered some conviction that he is still recognised as a member.

“But, so far, what is important this afternoon is that we are still members of the party, and the owners of the party have visited us.

“So, for those people outside who are carrying all sorts of rumour and propaganda, at least, this visit will put that propaganda to rest, and to tell the world that we are and we still remain members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)”, he said.

The Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara while speaking with the governor said the party is scared of losing Rivers State to strong opposition members.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ordered the former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello to present himself for arraignment.

The Appeal Court also restrained the former governor from taking any further actions regarding the charges against him until he has been formally arraigned.

In a unanimous judgment delivered on Tuesday by Justice Ken Amadi, the Court allowed the appeal filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the judgment of Hon Justice Isah Abdullahi Jamil of the Kogi State High Court in a fundamental right case filed by Bello in February 2024.

The court found that the appeal by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Jibrin Okutepa on behalf of the EFCC is meritorious and described as scandalous the judgment of the lower court when it held that the purpose of the case instituted at the trial Court was to shield the Yahaya Bello from his criminal trial.

In reaching its verdict, the appellate court adopted the two issues raised by the Respondent. The court held that the learned trial Judge had the Charge in FRN VS. ALI BELLO & ANOR, FHC/ABJ/CR/550/2022 in his hand, but still set Yahaya Bello free, under the guise of enforcing his fundamental rights.

The Court also relied on the earlier decision of Justice Olubunmi Oyewole JCA in EFCC vs. Alh. Yahaya Bello, CA/ABJ/CV/413/2024 to reiterate that No Court has the power to preclude a law enforcement agent from performing its statutory functions.

On the whole, the Court agreed with the submissions of the EFCC and held that the appeal is meritorious and is therefore allowed.

Importantly, the Court further held, that: In view of the provision of Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, the Respondent in this appeal, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello is hereby ordered to appear for his arraignment in Charge No.: FHC/ABJ/CR/550/2022, FRN VS ALI BELLO & ANOR, before taking any other step in this matter. In Feb. 2024, the former governor approached the Kogi State High Court to stop his arrest. In a suit to enforce his Fundamental Human Rights, Justice Jamil had specifically granted an order of injunction restraining the Commission from arresting or attempting to arrest the former governor.

The Police Command in Lagos State has confirmed the death of a 58-year-old unnamed man while embarking on a spiritual fast.

The commands spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

Hundeyin said that the incident happened in Alagbado axis of the state on Monday at about 600 a.m.

He said the deceased younger brother, whose name was not also mentioned, reported the incident at the Alagbado Police Division at about 7 p.m. on Monday.

According to him, the younger brother said his brother died while allegedly undergoing 19 days of dry fasting.

Hundeyin said, No foul play suspected, family demands to convey the corpse for burial.

President Bola Tinubu has appointed a new management team for the Niger Delta Power Holding Company.

The Presidency announced the appointments on Monday in a statement signed by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, titled, President Tinubu appoints new management team for the Niger Delta Power Holding Company.

The new members of the management of the company are Jennifer Adighije as managing director/chief executive officer; Abdullahi Kassim as executive director (generation); Bello Bello as executive director (networks); and Emmanuel Umeoji as executive director (corporate services).

Others are Omololu Agoro as executive director (finance and accounts), Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama as executive director (strategy and commercial), and Steven Andzenge as executive director (legal services).

The new NDPHC CEO holds a masters degree in Wireless Networks & Telecommunications from Queen Mary University of London, UK, and a bachelors degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering from the University of Lagos.

Ngelale said Tinubu expected the new members of the management of the company to deploy their expertise and experience to drive NDPHCs mandate of effectively managing the National Integrated Power Projects.

Organised Labour has called on Nigerians to be patient with the Federal and State Governments following the delay in the implementation of the new minimum wage.

This was even as the workers union absolved the Federal Government of any wrongdoing, saying it would be unfair to conclude that there was a deliberate attempt to avoid paying the new minimum wage.

The Deputy President of Nigeria Labour Congress Political Commission, Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, stated this in an interview with our correspondent on Monday.

President Bola Tinubu signed the new minimum wage into law on July 29 after meeting with leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria.

Our correspondent reported that only seven other states Kano, Kwara, Ogun, Borno, Jigawa, Ondo, and Abia have set up implementation committees for the recently approved N70,000 minimum wage.

The states yet to raise implementation panels are Plateau, Kebbi, Sokoto, Nasarawa, Bayelsa, Delta, Osun, Ekiti, Zamfara, Benue, Enugu, Taraba, Gombe, Kogi, Enugu, Adamawa, Niger, Anambra, Imo, Ebonyi, Oyo, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Katsina, Kaduna, Cross River and Yobe.

So far, only Lagos and Edo claimed to have started paying the minimum wage.

Meanwhile, Adamawa government has also joined the growing list of states willing to pay the new wage on Monday.

Ndubuaku, however, insisted that it was important to let people know that there might be a slight delay as a result of the processes involved in the implementation of the N70,000 wage.

Nevertheless, the union leader expressed optimism that the process may be concluded by the end of August.

He said, “We have no reason to suspect that (deliberate delay). In a real sense, signing the wage is just a small component of the main activity. There is something we call consequential adjustment. That involves the calculation of the minimum wage from level one, step one. From there, we will move from stage one to 13 all the way to level 16.

“So it is something that may take some time. Again, they are not going to compile them alone. There are templates for compiling it. But they must also carry us along. I believe you are aware there is a committee that is supposed to carry out the necessary adjustments. We expect it should be completed before the end of the month”, he added.

Amid the mounting controversy, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has clarified that it has not paid fuel subsidies to anybody in the last nine years.

Chief Financial Officer of the company, Alhaji Umar Ajiya made the clarifications on Monday in Abuja.

His clarification comes amid reports that the country is still paying fuel subsidies despite President Bola Ahmed Tinubus government announcement of its removal in May 2023.

However, Ajiya said the NNPCL was only taking care of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) importation shortfalls between the company and the federation.

“In the last eight to nine years, the NNPCL has not paid anybody a dime as subsidy, no one has been paid kobo by the NNPC Ltd. in the name of subsidy.

“No marketer has received any money from us by way of subsidy.

“What has been happening is that we have been importing PMS, which has been landing at a certain cost price and the government tells us to sell it at half price.

“So the difference between the landing price and that half price is what we call shortfall.

“And the deal is between the Federation and NNPCL to reconcile, sometimes they give us money, so there is no money exchanging hands with any marketer in the name of subsidy”, he said.

This comes weeks after the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Abubakar Bagudu explained that NNPCL is using fuel subsidy savings to sustain the products current pump price.

Recall that the firm was reported to demand an N2.6 trillion foreign exchange differential claim from the Nigerian Government for fuel importation between August 2023 to June 2024.

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, has said the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, should allow its members access to the depot to end the ongoing fuel scarcity in three to four days.

The Chairman of IPMAN, Shino Amoo at Apapa Depot, disclosed this on Tuesday in an interview on Channels Televisions program.

His comments came as fuel scarcity bites harder on Nigerians in Lagos, Federal Capital Territory Abuja, and other major cities.

Reacting to the situation, Amoo explained that fuel scarcity has been a recurring decimal because NNPCL stopped the supply of petrol to oil marketers in higher volume, which cannot go round their distribution channels.

“Before now NNPCL gave oil marketers a higher volume of petrol, all of a sudden, they abandoned that pattern, prioritizing Depots and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria, DAPPMAN and Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, MEMAN.

“They are giving small volume of the product, which cannot take care of petrol distribution either to urban or rural areas. We cannot even access the product.

“If NNPCL wants it to work and work well effectively, NNPCL can take a depot in Apapa or Oghara or anywhere and allow IPMAN access to petroleum products effectively.

“If we are picking from the depot, I can assure you that fuel scarcity of a thing will be zero in the next three to four days, because we will deliver the product to urban and rural areas”, he said.

Recall that NNPCL said that it is working round the clock with stakeholders to solve current fuel scarcity caused by distribution challenges.

The leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress has threatened to down tools nationwide in the event that the Nigeria Police detains its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero.

The union handed down the threat on Tuesday morning at its headquarters, shortly after holding an emergency National Executive Council meeting to discuss the invitation of the NLC President by the police over allegations of terrorism financing.

The NEC resolved that Ajaero should honor the police invitation but noted that their legal adviser should seek more time for the NLC President to appear before the police authorities.

Comrade Ado Kabiru Sani, the Deputy President of the NLC, enjoined the nations workforce to remain on standby for further directives should the police act contrary to their expectation of detaining Ajaero.

His words: As a committed labor center, we will honor the invitation of the police because we are not a faceless organization, but we are working with our lawyer for an extension of time.

“In the event that the President is arrested, all workers will down tools immediately. We should wait for further directives from our leadership”

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPC Ltd.) has called on members of the public, especially jobseekers, to discountenance rumours of employment slots for sale.

In a statement obtained by our correspondent, Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd, stated that there is no iota of truth in the insinuations that it has employment slots on offer to anyone who wishes to buy.

He described such as antics of fraudsters who want to take advantage of unsuspecting applicants.

It cautioned that as a responsible corporate entity, recruitment into the company is a straightforward process and does not involve the sale of slots or inducement of any kind.

It also warned that anyone who pays money to anyone for any job in the company does so at his or her own risk.

“The company states that there is no iota of truth in the insinuations that it has employment slots on offer to anyone who wishes to buy, describing such as antics of fraudsters who want to take advantage of unsuspecting applicants.

“It cautions that as a responsible corporate entity, recruitment into the company is a straightforward process and does not involve sale of slots or inducement of any kind.

“It warns that anyone who pays money to anyone for any job in the company does so at his or her own risk.

The Igbo community in the midwestern state of Michigan will hold its Igbo Day and the first New Yam Festival in Detroit City on Saturday, August 17.

The festival will feature “authentic Igbo cuisines, masquerades, cultural music, and a cultural competition”, according to the president of the Igbo Cultural Festival of Michigan (ICAM), Gabriel Ugwu.

Sponsored by Mabel Hotel in Asaba, headquarters of Nigeria’s Delta State, the 2024 ICAM will be held at the nothwestern campus of the Wayne County Community College, West Detroit.

“We are lucky to have as our special guest Professor Bart Nnaji, the chairman of the Geometric Power group and former Minister of Power”, observed Ugwu.

“Nnaji, who has also been the Minister of Science and Technology, was officially named a Distinguished Professor of Industrial Engineering in the United States, the first Black person to be so honoured in American history.

“Since he left the United States in 2004 to set up the Aba Independent Power Project at the request of the then President of the World Bank, James Wolfosohn, and the then Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who is now the Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), to enable Aba to realize its full potential as the headquarters of indigenous technology, we could not have thought of a better person to serve as our special guest on this occasion than the globally respected industrial engineering professor who has already arrived from Nigeria”.

According to sources in Geometric Power, Nnaji accepted the invitation because Detroit is synonymous with industrial engineering, his core area of expertise.

“Detroit is the headquarters of General Motors, Ford Motors, and Stellantis, the three leading American auto manufacturers”, said the sources who revealed that Nnaji is impressed that the organisers of the Igbo New Yam Festival in Michigan want Nigerians in the United States and those at home to fuse technology and culture.

According to the sources who asked for anonymity because they were not authorised to the media on the issue, Nnaji himself is fascinated by how the love of the arts by Steve Jobs, co-founder and chairman of the Apple Corporation, resulted in the development of Apple products.

Jobs studied calligraphy for six months at Reed College in Portland, Oregon, and this reflected in the great and unique aesthetics of Apple’s first computer in the late 1980s, conferring a huge competitive edge on Macintosh.

Jobs’ fascination with music gave rise to iTunes, which changed technology and the music industry worldwide.

“One important lesson Nigerians need to learn from the 2024 ICAM is that culture, technology, and entrepreneurship must go together”, declared Ugwu.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has condemned the kidnapping of 20 medical students in Otukpo, Benue State en route the annual convention of the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students in Enugu.

Egbetokun said the reprehensible act was truly appalling, callous and unacceptable

A statement on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said: “In a display of unwavering commitment to the rescue, safety, and well-being of the young Nigerians, the IGP has ordered the prompt deployment of a substantial number of human and technical resources to augment the manpower of the Benue State Command, and ensure swift rescue of our beloved students.

“This initiative encompasses the mobilization of additional tactical units from the FID-STS and FID-IRT, the deployment of advanced helicopters and drones, as well as the use of specialized tactical vehicles to facilitate the search and secure the safe return of the victims.

“The Nigeria Police Force stands with the victims and their loved ones during this challenging time, and we are committed to ensuring the safe return of the students.

“The Inspector-General of Police reiterates the zeal of the force to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of the perpetrators and others alike, as the Nigeria Police Force is determined to sustain the fight against crimes and criminality, most especially kidnapping of Nigerians.

“The IGP equally appeals to the general public to provide useful information and actionable intelligence that may aid the ongoing investigation and the rescue operation. Individuals with relevant details are encouraged to contact the nearest police station or the state’s command control number or the FHQ via Pr***********@po****.ng and other help lines.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its mission to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians, and it will continue to work tirelessly to maintain peace, stability, and the rule of law throughout the country”.