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Tinubu to send Minimum Wage Bill to NASS next week

Tinubu

Barring any last-minute change, President Bola Tinubu will be transmitting the New National Minimum Wage to the National Assembly next week.

The transmission of the Executive Bill to the National Assembly will be after the President meets with the leadership of the Organized Labour on Thursday.

It would be recalled that President Tinubu had met with the leadership of organized labour on Thursday last week over the minimum wage issue.

The Tripartite Committee of the new National Minimum Wage had submitted two separate figures to the President following the disagreement among the different stakeholders.

While the government team and the organized private sector had offered N62,000, the organized labour made a demand of N250,000.

President Tinubu upon the receipt of the committees report, had promised to meet with the relevant stakeholders to harmonize the figure before transmitting the executive bill to the National Assembly.

Briefing State House correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting, presided over by President Tinubu at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said that the President will transmit the executive bill after the meeting with the organized labour on Thursday.

He also stated that the executive will send what he described as an amendment to the 2024 budget to the National Assembly.

According to him, the amendment would take care of the new minimum wage among other things.

FG to begin Immigration, Fire Service recruitment August

Immigration

The Federal Government has said the next stage of the recruitment exercise for the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Federal Fire Service would begin in August.

The Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, Jaafaru Ahmed, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Ahmed added that the Board would conclude the recruitment exercise, which was billed to end on June 15, 2024, will now end before the end of September.

He said, The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board wishes to inform the general public that it will commence the next stage of the recruitment exercise in August, and will conclude the exercise before the end of September 2024.

Ahmed announced that all shortlisted candidates would be duly notified of the next stage of the recruitment exercise through their contact details.

The Secretary, however, apologised for the inability to complete the exercise as earlier scheduled due to manpower audits carried out by services under the Board.

He added, The board wishes to apologise for its inability to complete the process by 15th June 2024, as earlier intended.

This is due to a nationwide manpower audit exercise carried out in the Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Fire Service and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, which was just recently concluded.

All shortlisted candidates will be duly notified of the next stage through their phone numbers and email addresses.

High food prices will soon come down, Minister assures Nigerians

Market

The Minister of State for Agriculture, Aliyu Abdullahi, has assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is working to address the high cost of food prices in the country.

The minister stated this yesterday during an interview on Channels Televisions programme, Sunrise Daily.

According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigerias food inflation rate stood alarmingly high at 40.1% in March 2024, pushing the prices of essential commodities beyond the reach of millions of Nigerians.

Speaking during the programme, Abdullahi admitted that there is food insecurity in the country but assured Nigerians that the government is addressing the situation.

The minister added that the prices of commodities will soon come down as a result of several programmes and interventions by the Federal Government.

He said, You will see a lot of programmes trying to dampen [reduce prices] the situation.

Agriculture has a time frame. Now, a lot of production is ongoing. We are in the rainy season and if you look at the fields, there is a lot of cropping going on. Those croppings are not food.

They will only translate to food after three months. So, until then, this story you are talking about will continue.

The minister added that the country had, in the past, relied more on rainy-season farming and needed to take the dry season more seriously.

We realised over the past few years that we have not been taking our dry season agriculture seriously, he added.

PDP hasn’t abandoned Fubara… …Backs BoT chair against state of emergency

Fubara

The Deputy National Legal Adviser of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Okechukwu Osuoha, has faulted the partys former National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, over his claims that the PDP had abandoned Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.

Gov. Fubara has been engrossed in a battle of political survival following a move by the 25 lawmakers loyal to his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, to impeach him.

The PDP former Spokesman, had in a recent media outburst, said Gov. Fubara could not be faulted if he felt that PDP had abandoned him, adding that not even the 2023 presidential candidate of the party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, had deemed it fit to pay Fubara a solidarity visit.

But Osuoha who spoke with newsmen faulted Ologbondiyan over the thaught that PDP had abandoned Fubara, saying that such claims cannot be substantiated.

He said: The burden of proof rests upon him (Ologbondiyan). How can he say PDP abandoned a candidate they sponsored and he became a Governor? The party did not abandon anybody. The party has about 13 Governors and they are all coming around, and they relate well with all the organs of the party.

He is our state governor. We cannot abandon him unless he does anything to the contrary. The party will not abandon him just as a parent will not abandon his child.

The Deputy National Legal Adviser, recalled that recently, the Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party, Senator Adolphus Wabara, conveyed the partys position on the political crisis in Rivers when he declared that PDP will not tolerate any state of emergency in Rivers State.

Senator Wabara, had advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, not to succumb to any pressure by mischief makers behind the crisis in Rivers State to declare state of emergency in the oil-rich state.
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He had also called for the immediate withdrawal of police personnel that barricaded the Council headquarters in the state, following the expiration of the tenure of the former Council Chairmen

Wabara had warned that the crisis in Rivers was capable of consuming the entire country if no carefully handled, advising President Tinubu not to take any action that could further worsen the situation.

Osuoha said that the partys position as expressed by the BoT Chairman, had not changed, adding that the rule of law must be respected and Fubara allowed to govern the state as the its Executive Governor.

Recently our Boat Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara spoke up, and I totally adopt his position. We are in a democracy and democracy thrives by the rule of law. PDP wont accept any declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State. Our BoT Chairman will also visit him soon.

Whats playing out in Rivers is that they are desecrating our democracy. Its a matter of interests. For example, the expiration of the tenure of Local Government Chairmen is provided for in the law. And if the tenure of the Chairmen expires, there is no tenure elongation.

The Governor is the Chief Executive Officer of the state and he is in charge of the state. So, if he decides in the interim, to appoint caretaker committee to hold forth, is that the reason any person should call for declaration of state of emergency?

Those people calling for state of emergency in Rivers should be investigated. Who are those behind the troubles in that environment? Could it be they want to use it as excuse to call for state of emergency so that everywhere will come to a standstill? Thats not proper!

There should be no state of emergency in Rivers. They should obey the law. Let there be peace in Rivers State. The Governor is the Governor of the state with Executive powers. He should be allowed to bring development and dividends of democracy to the people. Whats playing out there is all about peoples interest.

The former Commissioner, however, noted that elected political office holders should rapport well with their party leadership and its organs.

No parents can abandon their child but that child should be responsible and play along. A governor is supposed to be aligning well with the party and always relating with the party Chairman and all the organs of the party; sponsoring the party because party is not a limited liability company. Its an association.

People sponsor the party, thats why they are called stakeholders. So, you play along with the party because it gave you the platform to become Governor. There is no individual candidate in Nigeria yet. Everything revolves around the party.

Robber falls into well after raiding students hostel

Robber

An armed robbery suspect, simply identified by his nickname, Bob Jay fell into an open well on Friday night after he and other gang members raided students hostel in Unicross, Okuku campus.

The robbers, according to a student of the school who gave her name as Regina, attacked students in their hostel at about 12 midnight and carted away laptops, phones and money and after the robbery, one of the hoodlums fell into an open well while trying to escape with their loot.

“They were many that came around 12 midnight. They robbed all the students in the Okuku hostel. They stabbed one student, broke the head of another with a stick before escaping with phones, laptops and other valuables”, She said.

 

She said the well was used by students to fetch water to bathe and wash clothes and has no cover.

Nobody knew that one of the robbers fell into the well until dawn when students went to fetch water and saw the man inside dead. They raised alarm and the community people came and took him out and was identified as one of the robbers and some people said his name is Bob Jay from Mbube, a neigbouring village.

 

She said the police were alerted and they came and took the body away. She said no other gang members identified yet since the robbers phone fished out of his picket is blur.

Kidnapped journalists freed, taken to Abuja

Bandits have freed the two abducted journalists and family members in Kaduna State, on Saturday, after spending seven days in captivity.

Our correspondent reports that two journalists The Nations Abdulgafar Alabelewe and his Blueprint newspapers counterpart, AbdulRaheem Aodu, and their wives as well as children were released on Saturday night by some bandits.

The bandits had in large numbers invaded their Dahono Community in the Millennium City axis of Chikun Local Government Area of the state around 10:30 pm.

Alabelewe is also the current chairman of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kaduna State Council.

Announcing their release, the Chairperson of the Kaduna Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Asmau Yawo-Halilu, said the two journalists and their families have been released. Yawo-Halilu thanked the National Security Adviser, Director-General of the Department of State Services, Inspector-General of Police, Kaduna State Government as well as the NUJ National President.

She said, Dear esteemed colleagues to the glory of God Almighty, our colleagues, Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Abduraheem Aodu, and their families have been released.

The Council extends her profound gratitude to the office of the CP, Kaduna State Command, office of the NSA, the DG, DSS, the Inspector General of Police, Kaduna State government, the NUJ President and all well-meaning Nigerians that prayed along with us during the trying time.

We will soon announce when they will join us in Kaduna so that we could visit, rejoice and glorify God with them.

Meanwhile, our correspondent could not ascertain whether or not a ransom was paid but gathered that the two journalists and their family members were rescued close to Abuja. A source, who confided with our correspondent, said, They were rescued by security operatives this afternoon and close to Abuja.

They are being taken to Abuja for debriefing and seek medical attention before they would be possibly reunite with their families.

Abducted former NLC president, Shamang, freed

Gunmen have released former leader of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr Takai Shamang, who was abducted on Friday, July 5, 2024.

Recall that gunmen invaded Shamangs country home in Biniki village in Kaura Local Government of Kaduna State and took away the 78-year-old former unionist.

According to reports, one of his daughters, Mrs Grace Abbin, confirmed her fathers release via a post on her WhatsApp status.

To God Almighty be the Glory. My family lack words to appreciate everyone of you for the safe return of our daddy, comrade Elder Takai A. Shamang, she wrote.

She, however, did not state the circumstances of his release and whether a ransom was paid. Shamang is the President and Founder of Gantys Aid for Widows, Orphans and Needy Foundation, popularly known as GAWON Foundation.

He was also a former President General of the National Union of Electricity and Gas Workers, now the National Union of Electricity Employees, between 1982 and 1989.

PDP clarifies stance on Rivers court case, denies appeal

The Peoples Democratic Party has refuted claims of filing an appeal in an ongoing court case within Rivers State.

The case, identified by Suit No: PHC/2177/CS/2024, involves a restraining order issued by the Rivers State High Court.

The partys National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, confirmed this in a statement on Sunday.

The PDP said, The attention of the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to a purported Appeal filed at the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division with respect to Suit No: PHC/2177/CS/2024 wherein the PDP is reportedly listed as Appellant. The PDP National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, also confirmed the partys stance in the statement, adding, We categorically state that the PDP did not file the said appeal at the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division.

The statement further clarifies that the partys legal matters are handled exclusively by the National Legal Adviser, encompassing its organs, chapters, and officials.

This authority is established under Section 42 of the PDPs Constitution (as amended in 2017), he said. Our Party had in a Public Notice published on January 17, 2023, notified the public that nobody, Authority, Office or Organ other than the National Legal Adviser has the competence to file or engage external solicitors to file or handle cases on behalf of the Party. The notice further specifies that any such engagement requires written authorization from the National Legal Adviser, outlining details of the case and relevant terms. The PDP has distanced itself from the unauthorized appeal and maintains its position on the ongoing court case in Rivers State , Ologunagba emphasised.

The Court of Appeal, sitting in Port Harcourt, dismissed two appeals instituted by the sacked Local Government Chairmen loyal to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The appeals, marked CA/PH/137M/2024 and CA/PH/145M/2024, were filed by the former Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro LGA, Enyiada Cookey-Gam, and six others, challenging the decisions of the High Court regarding the elongation of their tenure.

Bala declares for Azuzii Ward councillorship under APC, Promises Effective Representation

Hon Usman Salees Abba popularly know as ‘Bala’ on Saturday, July 13th, declared his intention to contest for the councillorship of Azuzii Ward III, Owerri Municipal Council, under the All Progressive Congress, APC, promising to ensure effective representation of the area if elected. The event drew large crowd of party members and outpouring of support for the aspirant.

Addressing the gathering, Bala, noted that Azuzii Ward III being the most populated and important among the eleven wards in the municipality deserves the best person to represent it at the council as the home of all the ethnic groups in the country, including Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba. According to him, the existing peace, unity and love in the area under his tenure would be strengthened, while addressing the developmental needs of the ward.

His words: “I am here to work for Azuzii Ward III and I am here to carry everyone along with the intention of moving the ward to a greater height. I have various projects to execute for Azuzii Ward III in line with our challenges. These projects included provision of water and community policing because we have problems at the mechanic village, New Market, West Ends and in some other areas. I have sat down to articulate these challenges with the resolve to address them.”

The APC aspirant while thanking those at the rally for their support and encouragement, further assured them that other needs of the ward, including infrastructural and human empowerment would receive adequate attention. He disclosed his preparedness to work collaboratively with the council chairman and others to ensure that Azuzii Ward III gets its due share from the council for desired transformation, while urging them not to relent in their support for them to reap the benefits.

Reacting, the Owerri Municipal APC Chairman, Hon Onyekachi Ibezim, while appreciating Hon Usman Abba (Bala) for making himself available to represent the area, added that the party was open for any aspirant to actualize his/her ambition. He maintained that the party has not endorsed any person among the aspirants seeking for nomination, positing that such responsibility lies with the APC members in the ward to choose a candidate of their choice, as he charged them to play by the rules.

On his own, a frontline aspirant for the Owerri Municipal chairmanship, Prince Evans Anozie, while lauding Bala for his decision to contest, emphasized the importance of unity and progress in the party. He aligned with the position of Owerri Municipal APC chairman, Hon Ibezim about members choosing their candidate.

Meanwhile, the Director General of Bala Campaign Organization, Ismalah Ayo, noted that the large turnout at the event was indicative that Hon Usman Abba was the choice of the people, hence would emerge victorious at the APC primaries and the general election. He promised to deliver the aspirant, while describing him as a good man who is generous and always concerned about the welfare of others. Mr. Ayo used the opportunity and advocated for transparency during the exercise.

Pledging support for Bala, Alhaji Audu Ajaara who led the Hausa Community to the declaration, said that Azuzii Ward III would experience transformation if the aspirant emerged victorious, urging all to support him. Others who spoke included, Hon Ambrose Nkwodimma, former Owerri Municipal SOLAD and APC chairman in the ward, Mr. Austin Ezeocha among others, while Alhaji Hamza Abdullahi, APC women leader, Mrs. Angelina Onukogu and others were part of the event.

Why I sited ultra-modern Pharmaceutical Factory in Orlu community _CEO Dr. Unogu

Dr Unogu

…pleads for gov’t assistance on road, electricity

By Jude Onyenedogha

The Chairman, Chief Executive Officer of Evergreen Pharmaceutical factory, Ndiowerre Village, Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, Pharmacist Dr. Okechukwu Unogu has revealed that in the face of doubting odds, he was buoyed by passion and resilience to site the company in Orlu Local Government Area.

Dr. Unogu made this disclosure in his address during the visit of the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru to the factory, Wednesday, during which he pleaded with the Imo State Government to come to their aid by constructing the Morning Star Road leading to the company and provision of electric power.

He said the decision to site the factory in the area was not an easy one, as it is a proven fact that Pharmaceutical manufacturing requires nearness to sister companies such as; packaging manufacturing companies, cartoning companies and vendors for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) and excipients, Pharmaceutical manufacturing machines and servicing instruments/equipment.

He listed some of the gigantic equipment installed to make the factory a reality in the rural area to include; Construction of a 35,000 liter capacity diesel underground storage tank, importation of Monstrous Caterpillar Generators and heavy-duty trucks from the USA, importation of huge DHPE Plastic Blow machines, among others.

The CEO enumerated some challenges confronting the factory to include; the astronomically plummeted exchange rate, the unfathomable skyrocketed diesel price.

He said, “I cannot help admitting that I have experienced moments of doubt regarding my decision to locate this factory in Orlu, given numerous odds militating against its survival”

The C.E.O however took solace in the fact that products of the factory are in high demand in foreign countries like; Chad, Mali, Niger and host of others, even as the current production capacity has not been meeting the demands and orders for their products.

“We have embarked on expansion projects to be able to meet the requirements. We are scheduled to receive another lineup of machineries that are guaranteed to triple our workforce which is currently estimated at about 300, at our outlets in Owerri, Onitsha, Kano and Lagos.

In their separate responses; the deputy governor who was represented by the Special Adviser to Imo State Governor on Industry, Hon. Emma Dike, Member representing Orsu in Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Uche Agabige, chairman of the occasion, Dr. Cyril Okafor, Chairman, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Dr. Ajiero Nobert, described the pharmaceutical factory as one of a kind, which if given the needed boost, will contribute maximally to the overall development of Imo State.

They disclosed that Governor Hope Uzodimma has a deliberate design to develop Orlu which entails security, good roads, quality power supply, among others, assuring that the factory will benefit maximally from the largesse.

The dignitaries disclosed that Governor Uzodimma has taken advantage of the deregulation of power generation and distribution by the federal government, to initiate an Independent Power Plant project in Ohaji Egbema which promises to guarantee regular power supply to Imo State, starting from January 2025, promising that the Evergreen Pharmaceutical factory will be among the first set of beneficiaries.

In particular, the representative of the deputy governor promised to do a technical report to the governor, the deputy governor and Commissioner for Industries on the prospects and challenges of the company, promising that the Morning Star Road and other rural roads in the area will receive attention, as the state government is now focusing attention on rural development, especially in Orlu.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Managing Director of the factory, Chief Declan Unogu said the visit of the deputy governor signifies a pivotal moment for the industry, as the management strives towards achieving the organizational goal of contributing to the development of “our community.

“Your insight and encouragement today has inspired us to redouble our efforts in contributing positively to the economic and social fabric of Imo State. We look forward to continued collaboration and partnership with the state government”.

The Chairman, CEO of Evergreen Morning Star Pharmaceutical Factory, Pharmacist Dr. Okechukwu Unogu, formerly presenting his address to the representative of the Deputy Governor, Hon. Emma Dike, for onward delivery to the deputy governor.

Southeast ‘ll not protest against Tinubu, we are not aggrieved –Uzodinma

Governor Uzodimma

The governor of Imo state, Dist. Senator Hope Uzodinma has warned Southeast youths to resist calls for protest against the government.

He stated that such protests are pioneered by enemies of the country, and aimed at destabilizing the national government.

The governor gave the warning in Abakiliki, the capital of Ebonyi state, during the grand finale of the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign for local government election.

According to him, the people of the region have no reason to protest against the incumbent government, stressing that the Federal Government and President Bola Tinubu are working hard to bring lasting solutions to the economic challenges the people are facing. Uzodimma appealed to the people to give the government more time to work and fix the challenges.

He said: To the youths of Southeast, because we are on the path of growth, our enemies are trying to disorganize national government.

They will come to you, they want you to protest, ask those who want you to protest where are their children. Why must you be the one to protest and to protest against what? This government is our government, the government of President Bola Tinubu is our government. So, nobody from Southeast will protest. We are not aggrieved, we have hope Whatever they say, this government is barely one year in office. Yes, we are aware of the hardship, we are aware things are hard, but I promise you that the President is working so hard to release money to the people, to deliver infrastructure to the people and to release and increase food security to the people. Follow your leaders, work with your leaders.

Police discover shallow graves of kidnapped victims

The Ogun State Police Command said it has discovered the shallow graves of 71-year-old farmer, Adekunle Ifelaja, and Ogunyemi Femi, who were allegedly killed by suspected kidnappers in the Ijebu-Igbo area of Ogun State.

This follows the arrest of two members of a seven-person criminal gang, Chukwuma Bartholomew and Igwe Monday, who are believed to be responsible for the abductions and murders of the victims.

The spokesperson for the command, Omolola Odutola, informed our correspondent on Saturday that the arrest occurred just five days after the anti-kidnapping squad killed two suspected kidnappers in a gunfight and rescued several victims, including Indian nationals.

THE LOUNGE: Engaged To A Girl I Gang-R?ped In School – Should I Confess My Involvement0.00 / 0.00

Regarding the exhumation of the deceased’s bodies, Odutola stated that the suspects, after confessing to the crime during interrogation, led the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, and the anti-kidnapping squad to the forest in Ijebu-Igbo.

She said, “They are responsible for kidnappings and abductions that have been recorded in the Ijebu-Igbo area. They kidnapped their victims, demanded ransom from their family members, and then killed them.

“They then took them to a forest in Ijebu-Igbo, where they dug a shallow grave and buried them. They were arrested by our anti-kidnapping squad after a thorough investigation, which led the team to the hideouts of the criminals on June 28, 2024, in Ijebu-Igbo.

“After their confession, the suspects took the CP and members of the anti-kidnapping units to the forest where they buried the victims to exhume the corpses.”

PUNCH Online reported that on November 23, 2023, the suspects, part of a criminal syndicate, stormed the home of 34-year-old Femi on November 23, 2023, abducted him and took him to an unknown location.

The gang allegedly made a video of Femi and sent it to his family to demand ransom.

According to the police, the suspects killed the victim despite receiving the ransom from his family.

Similarly, after abducting the elderly 71-year-old farmer at Oke-Sopen in Ijebu-Igbo on December 31, 2023, the suspects reportedly recorded a video of the septuagenarian man and sent it to his family via WhatsApp, demanding a ransom for his release.

According to the police, the farmer was killed and buried in one of the shallow graves despite the payment.

Naval Chief tasks personnel on physical, mental alertness

Nigerian Navy

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, has urged personnel of the Nigerian Navy to place premium on their physical and mental health alertness to enhance operational readiness.

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, has urged personnel of the Nigerian Navy to place premium on their physical and mental health alertness to enhance operational readiness.

Ogalla, represented by the Chief of Administration, Rear Adm. Kenneth Ezete, gave the advice after the Second Quarter Route March covering 10 kilometers on Saturday in Abuja.

According to him, the reason for the exercise is to ensure that officers and men are physically fit for the naval job that they have been assigned to do.

“It is also to promote comradeship and for the citizens or the populace to know that they have a navy that its personnel are physically fit to carry out their assigned tasks.’’

The CNS said that the quarterly March was a routine exercises held in all naval formation across the country Nigeria.

He assured Nigerians to continue to expect the best form the navy in the ongoing fight against insecurity and criminality in the country, especially the fight against oil theft.

He commended the personnel for the impressive turnout and the display of fitness by the officers and men during the march.

“I congratulate and thank all of you for the effort you have made in this exercise,” he said.

Police commence e-Central Motor Registry July 29

The Nigeria Police Force says it will begin the enforcement of the digitalised Central Motor Registry (e-CMR) from July 29.

The Nigeria Police Force says it will begin the enforcement of the digitalised Central Motor Registry (e-CMR) from July 29.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who disclosed this in a statement yesterday in Abuja, called on users to comply by registering their vehicles.

Adejobi said the e-CMR was to enhance the security of lives and property, rejuvenate and digitalise motor vehicle registration system to bolster safety and security framework in the country.

According to him, the e-CMR is an advanced, real-time online repository of motor vehicle data, designed to support police investigations, operational activities, and combat vehicle-related crimes, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and armed robbery.

The police spokesman said the transition to a digitalised system would streamline the documentation and verification processes for vehicle ownership and related transactions.

“With the e-CMR, services such as change of ownership, change of license number, change of engine and change of chassis/body would become seamless.

“The system will ensure the validation of vehicle genuineness and ownership, enhance the ability to track and recover stolen vehicles effectively.

“It will also, prevent the purchase of stolen vehicles by innocent buyers.”

He said the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Olukayode Egbetokun, had, prior to the planned enforcement, ordered full publicity of the e-CMR to intimate the public of the requirements, processes and the enforcement procedures.

“Members of the public are to obtain the digitalised e-CMR certificate online at https://cmris.npf.gov.ng.

“For further inquiries, individuals can contact the CMR Command Centre at FHQ Abuja on 08117777666, 09169892000) and FHQ Annex Lagos on 08117777555, 09169891000.

“Technical support is also available at cm*****@np****.ng,” he said.

Adejobi called for the understanding and support of Nigerians and residents on the initiative.

He said that the Nigeria Police would remain committed to leveraging technology and strategic approaches to enhance public safety and national security.

Adejobi said the enforcement of the e-CMR was necessary to ensure a safer and secure environment for vehicle ownership and decimate the trend of vehicle theft.

The police spokesman said this would be achieved by reducing the possibility of selling stolen vehicles in the country.

He urged owners and users to embrace and key into this initiative promptly for optimum safety and security. (NAN)

Nigerian-born UK council boss, Bayo resigns after drink-driving

Bayo Dosunmu

Nigerian-born Bayo Dosunmu, Lambeth Council’s chief executive, has quit after being charged with drink-driving and drug possession offences.

Dosunmu is accused of fleeing the scene of a car crash in Westminster at the end of June.

The 46-year-old from Hammersmith was arrested on suspicion of failing to stop, being in charge of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, possession of class A drugs, and driving without insurance.

Following the arrest, Lambeth Council stated that Mr. Dosunmu would be taking some time “away from work.”

On Wednesday, a town hall spokesman confirmed that he will officially leave the £185,000-a-year post from next week.

“Bayo Dosunmu has stepped down as chief executive of Lambeth Council with effect from Monday, July 15, 2024,” a spokesman said.

Bayo Dosunmu

“Fiona Connolly is currently acting chief executive, and the council will shortly begin the process to recruit a permanent chief executive.”

A Met Police spokesman said: “Bayo Dosunmu, 46, of Hammersmith, was arrested on Sunday, June 23, in the Westminster area. He was charged on Monday, June 24. He will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, August 1.”

Dosunmu received a salary of around £185,000 a year as boss of the Labour-run local authority, plus extra payments for acting as the borough’s returning officer during elections.

He was appointed Lambeth’s chief executive in 2022, having previously served as the borough’s deputy chief and strategic director for resident services.

Before that, he was an executive director at Homes England and assistant chief executive at the Homes and Communities Agency.

He also served at a senior level in a range of civil service roles, including for the Welsh Government and the Olympic Delivery Authority.

LG autonomy: S’Court judgment conspiracy against democracy – Afenifere

Afenifere

The pan-Yoruba socio-political association, Afenifere, has condemned the judgment of the Supreme Court which granted total financial autonomy to the local governments in Nigeria.

The Supreme Court on Thursday declared it unconstitutional for state governors to hold funds allocated for local government administrations.

The court further declared that a state government has no power to appoint a caretaker committee and a local government council is only recognisable with a democratically elected government.

Afenifere, in a statement on yesterday, by its leader and the National Public Secretary, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, and Prince Justice Faloye, described the apex court judgement as a mere judicial conspiracy.

The statement was titled ‘Tinubu and the grand conspiracy against democracy and true federalism in Nigeria.’

According to the group in the statement, the judgement was against the principle of true federalism.

It added that the Supreme Court had played to the gallery.

Rescuers recover first body from 2 buses hit by landslide in Nepal

Rescuers in Nepal on Saturday recovered the first body after a landslide swept away two buses, pushing them into a raging river a day earlier, authorities said.

The buses, carrying more than 50 people, fell into the Trishuli River, which was swollen by continuous rainfall over the past few days as heavy monsoon downpours turned their waters murky brown, making it even more difficult to see the wreckage.

The body was that of a man and was found some 50 kilometers (31 miles) from where the buses fell, said government administrator Khima Nanda Bhusal. He added that rescuers found a bank card and were in the process of identifying the man, whose body was transported to a nearby hospital.

Rescuers are now expanding their search area toward the southern region from the landslide area where the man’s body was found, Bhusal said.

Weather conditions improved Saturday, and search teams were able to cover more ground in the hunt for the missing buses and passengers. Heavy equipment had cleared much of the landslides from the highway, making it easier to reach the area.

Soldiers and police teams were using rubber rafts, divers and sensor equipment to try to locate the buses.

Three people were ejected from the buses and were being treated in a nearby hospital.

Nepal’s rivers generally are fast-flowing due to the mountainous terrain. Heavy monsoon downpours in the past few days have swollen the waterways.

The buses were on the key highway connecting Nepal’s capital to southern parts of the country when they were swept away Friday morning near Simaltal, about 120 kilometers (75 miles) west of Kathmandu.

A third bus was hit by another landslide Friday morning a short distance away on the same highway. Authorities said the driver was killed, but it was not clear if there were other casualties.

Death toll from floods in India rises to 90

The death toll from the floods caused by heavy rains in northeast India has increased to 90.

With seven more deaths, the death toll in flood in Assam has mounted to 90 so far, said Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA).

In a statement issued by the officials of the Indian Disaster Management Unit, it is stated that there is a possibility that the number of dead will increase due to the deterioration of the situation.

The Indian Meteorological Department had earlier issued a red alert due to the occurrence of natural disasters in the northeastern states of the country.

The monsoon rains continue regularly in India from June to September and every year, they cause a lot of losses in this region.

The storm and rain have caused the water level of the Brahmaputra River to rise, damaging agricultural crops and displacing thousands of people.

Kremlin warns of Cold War echoes as US plans missile deployment in Europe

Kremlin

The Kremlin has warned the deployment of US missiles in Germany could make European capitals targets for Russian missiles in a repeat of Cold War-style confrontation.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov spoke of a “paradox” in which “Europe is a target for our missiles, our country is a target for US missiles in Europe.”

“We have enough capacity to contain these missiles but the potential victims are the capitals of these countries,” he said, speaking to Russian state television channel Russia 1.

Peskov also hinted that such a confrontation could undermine Europe as a whole.

“Europe is not living its best moment. In a different configuration, a repeat of history is inevitable,” he said when the channel’s anchor Pavel Zarubin pointed out that the Cold War had ended with the Soviet Union’s collapse.

The White House announced on Wednesday during a NATO summit that it would periodically station long-range weapons including Tomahawk cruise missiles in Germany from 2026 as a deterrent.

“Exercising these advanced capabilities will demonstrate the United States’ commitment to NATO and its contributions to European integrated deterrence,” the White House said.

The Kremlin criticised the move, accusing Washington of taking a step towards a new Cold War and of directly participating in the conflict in Ukraine.

Russia’s defence ministry said on Friday that Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov held a telephone call with his US counterpart Lloyd Austin where they discussed lowering the risk of “possible escalation”.

NATO countries — spearheaded by the United States — have bolstered their defences in Europe following the start of Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine in 2022.

UK: Man arrested in Bristol over bodies found in suitcases

Police in the United Kingdom on Saturday arrested a man in connection with the deaths of two men whose remains were found in two suitcases, authorities said.

The 34-year-old was detained in the early hours in the Bristol area of western England, the same city where the crimes took place.

Armed officers held the man at Bristol’s main railway station before he was taken into custody, police said.

He was due to be questioned in London later on Saturday, as the city’s Metropolitan Police has taken over the investigation.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine of Scotland Yard said: “This is a significant development in our investigation and I would like to thank the public for their support.”

A police statement said: “Extensive enquiries are ongoing, however at this stage police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.”

Police were called to Bristol’s Clifton Suspension Bridge at around midnight on Wednesday, after receiving reports of a man behaving suspiciously. However, the man left the scene by the time police officers arrived.

According to police, the man discarded two suitcases near the iconic bridge, which was built in 1864 by pioneering engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and is a major tourism draw for the city.

Police later said the suitcases contained the remains of two men and that the main suspect had traveled from London with the bags.

The victims have not yet been formally identified but both are believed to be adults.

One autopsy was deemed “inconclusive,” while a second post-mortem examination remains ongoing.

More human remains were found on Friday in a western London suburb..

Those remains are believed to be connected to those found in the suitcases, police said.

Forensic officers were seen working behind the cordon at the crime scene in London on Saturday morning.

Police had earlier identified a 34-year-old Colombian national as someone they wished to interview.

A 36-year-old man was arrested in southeast London on Friday. But he has since been released without charge.

At least eight killed in shootout during Somalia prison breakout attempt

At least eight people have been killed after gunfire erupted between security forces and inmates at a prison in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu.

The confrontation broke out on Saturday at the city’s main prison when armed inmates attempted to escape, prompting an exchange of fire that left five prisoners and three soldiers dead, said Colonel Abdiqani Khalaf, spokesperson for the Somali army’s custodial corps.

“Violent elements tried to stir terror in the central prison,” said Khalaf.

Eighteen other prisoners and three soldiers were wounded in the incident, he said. No prisoners escaped.

Security sources said that the inmates who had attempted to escape were from al-Shabab, the al-Qaeda-linked group. Having obtained weapons, they had launched what appeared to be a well-orchestrated escape plan.

Somalia National Television reported that security sources had “concluded an operation”, in which “terrorists who were sentenced to death attacked prison guards”. The five slain prisoners were “terrorist inmates”, it said, posting on X.

Security forces have concluded an operation in #Mogadishu Central Prison where terrorists who were sentenced to death attacked prison guards. The security forces neutralized five terrorist inmates involved in the incident. pic.twitter.com/O6rEMKZJc4

Locals reported hearing grenade blasts and gunfire. “There was an explosion inside the prison and a heavy exchange of gunfire followed,” Abdirahman Ali, a witness, told the news agency AFP.

“I called my brother who is a member of the prison guards, and he told me that several al-Shabab inmates secretly obtained weapons and grenades and tried to escape,” said Shuceyb Ahmed, another witness.

Al-Shabab has been fighting to topple the fragile central government in Mogadishu for more than 17 years, carrying out numerous bombings and other attacks in the capital and other parts of the country.

Throne, others destroyed as fire guts Emir Sanusi’s palace

A fire outbreak has reportedly occurred at the palace at the Gidan Rumfa, where the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Lamido Sanusi, is currently occupying.

Our correspondent gathered that the fire outbreak, which happened on Friday night, around 11 pm, was set by yet-to-be-identified persons.

A source, who spoke with newsmen, said the palace located at Kofar Kudu, where the Emir sits every Monday for the court, was seriously affected by the fire.

The source added that the throne, air conditioners, and other valuables were destroyed in the inferno.

“It was the palace at Kofar Kudu. You know the palace has an entrance from inside while the main entrance is from the front (outside). The key was forced open, and what was suspected was that they broke in, set the fire and locked the door.

“The throne, air conditioners and other valuables in the palace have been destroyed,” the source said.

However, the Chief of Staff to Emir Sanusi, Dan Buram Kano, confirmed the incident in a statement made available to reporters in Kano on Saturday.

He said, “On Saturday, July 13, 2024, morning, a fire incident occurred at the outer court of His Highness’s Palace, Kofar Kudu. Fortunately, there were no casualties, and the damage was minimal.

“The palace is taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of the palace and its occupants. We are also investigating the cause of the fire and taking steps to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.

IPOB cautions South-East govs against grazing reserves

Army personnel in Nepal carry out a search operation after a landslide swept two buses off the highway and into a swollen river near Simaltal, about 120 kilometers (75 miles) west of the capital, Kathmandu, July 13, 2024.

The Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB), has warned South-East governors against setting the region on fire by allocating lands for grazing reserves to the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, (MACBAN).

Emma Powerful, the spokesman of IPOB, in a statement yesterday, cautioned the governors against mortgaging the safety of the people of the region.

A statement by Powerful reads: “The Noble family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), led by Mazi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu wish to caution the Eastern Governors to shun the recent demand from Miyetti Allah for the governors to allocate grazing reserves in their respective states to them. No governor should mortgage safety and security by allocating land for RUGA in disguise.

“The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is asking the Southern and Middle Belt Governors to reject the demand for grazing reserves by the Fulani Miyetti Allah organization in Nigeria.

“IPOB will resist any form of land grabbing, change of demography, and conquest ideology in any disguise. All we are saying is that there shall be no grazing reserve for Miyetti Allah in Biafra Land.”

Uzodimma declares Nigeria common patrimony, welcomes Senator Anyim to APC …Aligns with S’ Court judgement, as Ebonyi set for LG election

By Jennifer John

Imo State Governor and leader of the All Progressives Congress APC in the South East zone, Senator Hope Uzodimma has described Nigeria as “our common patrimony, with Igbos major stakeholders.

Uzodimma made this assertion in his address during the grand finale of All Progressives Congress (APC) LGA rally in Ebonyi State and official reception of former Senate President, Anyim Pius who decamped to the party (APC).

He expressed overwhelming joy that South East politicians who he described as “our first eleven”, who had been on the bench “are now coming into the field, so we can score early goals”.

He described Senator Anyim Pius as a man with national recognition, who understands the dynamics of national politics and has contributed his own quota towards national development, “and today, through alignment and realignment, we a trying to create a political force that will defend and bring the entitlement of our people”.

He urged members of the party in Ebonyi State to go out on coming Saturday and cast their votes, to elect credible men and women who will pilot the local government administration in the state.

Uzodimma aligned himself with the ruling of the Supreme Court that local governments in the country must be ran with democratically elected leadership, saying, “It will strengthen democracy, encourage inclusiveness, take power to the people and make our democracy more meaningful”.

Uzodimma made it clear that people of South East will never get involved in any protest against the federal government, as they have hope of better tomorrow, adding, “the President is working so hard to release money, infrastructural projects, increased food security for the people”.

In his address, Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru enthused that the APC was deeply rooted in Ebonyi State, adding that the state has enjoyed an enormous support of the party, which has translated to the tremendous achievements of his administration.

On the local government election coming up on July 20, he said the party conducted credible and transparent primary election, which led to the emergence of credible candidates who have the capacity to win elections as chairmen and Councillors during the LGA election, across the 13 LGAs and 171 Electoral Wards of the state.

Speaking, the national chairman of APC AbdulahiGanduje expressed delight that Senator Pius Anyim saw reasons and joined the national ruling party, calling on other prominent politicians in the five states of the zone to follow suit, so the zone will take its rightful position in national politics and reap the abundant benefits.

Making his remarks, former Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David Umahi said there is no politician worth his onion in Ebonyi currently who is not in APC, courtesy of the governor, Francis Nwifuru. He said the present governor “has consolidated our dream of bigger Ebonyi State”.

He urged leaders of APC in the South East, especially the Imo and Ebonyi State Governors not to rest on their oars until all the political ‘big fishes’ in the South East are caught for the APC and all states in the South East come under the umbrella of the party.

Abia ALGON hails S/C, on LG autonomy ruling

By Henrietta Ashikodi

Hon. Ibe Michael Nwoke, a former Abia State chairman of the forum of Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON, has expressed satisfaction over the supremecourt ruling on autonomy for Local Government Administration adding that his advocacy for local government funds to be remitted directly to their accounts and managed accordingly cost him his job.

Nwoke, who spoke on behalf of the chairmen shortly after the ruling by the supreme court, described the ruling as a vindication for most of them who fought for the independence of the local government administration in Nigeria.

He expressed appreciation to God that at long last he has been vindicated by the judgement adding that the granting of full autonomy especially the over ruling of states joint accounts with local governments was a hard reality that has come true.

He said, “recall when I was the ALGON Chairman in Abia State, one of the reasons I was removed was because I personally fought for the autonomy of local government administration as an elected chairman in the last adminstration.

“I queried why an elected chairman would answer to a stooge of the governor and some of my entitlements were withheld till date but am happy that today history has vindicated me and full autonomy granted to local governments in Nigeria.”

“We must appreciate President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for this great feat. Indeed posterity would be kind to him for this singular act”.

He said the judgement is not just the best judgement by the judiciary that has offered a ray of hope for the masses who yearn for even development across their local governments but a wake up call to those aspiring to be elected into that position as excuses would no longer be tolerated for lack of performance.

He maintained that with power now returning to the people, anyone who could not perform for the number of years elected would also be voted out by those who elected them in the first place.

“This ruling today now opens up the space for even development of our local communities. I am most excited that the judiciary looked at the issues raised critically and saw the need to grant full autonomy to local governments.

“What this means is that excuses for non performance owing to undue interference by state governors would no longer be tolerated as the chairmen are now accountable to their people and not governors.”

“It also returns power to the people to decide who would pilot their affairs over a period of time”, he added.

The forum also commended president Ahmed Bola Tinubu for supporting the call for local government autonomy in Nigeria and prayed God to grant him more wisdom in the coming years.

They also used the forum to urge the national assembly to expedite actions on the amendment of the constitution to allow the Independent National Electoral Commission conduct Local Government elections while abolishing the powers of the state Government Electoral Commissions.

ALCON called for speedy implementation of the judgement as well as conduct of local government elections across the 774 local government areas of the federation.

Abia ex-Rep lauds Otti for paying compensation to indigenes

By Henrietta Ashikodi

The former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Sam Onuigbo has commended Governor Alex Otti for the payment of compensation to the community whose lands would be used for the building of a Federal Secretariat in Abia State.

Hon. Onuigbo said he visited Governor Otti on the 20th of June last year, less than one month after he assumed office, to update him on projects that God helped him to facilitate when he represented the people of Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency.

The former federal lawmaker who spoke to newsmen on the 11th of July, after a meeting with Governor Otti in his Nvosi Country home in Isiala Ngwa South LGA, said that he facilitated some Road projects and the building of a federal secretariat in Abia State.

He revealed that the failure of the previous government to pay compensation to the community whose lands were earmarked for the project hindered the Federal Government from commencing the building of the secretariat.

In his words, “based on those things, it was such a good feeling that when I listed some of those roads, the governor mentioned to me that he already had a plan to work on the road from Ossah to Okpara Square. Because I informed him about a road that was supposed to move from Amachara to Ossah and then going down to Umudike, which is called Umuahia-Umudike 16-Km Dualization project:.

“So he now told me he was already working on it, developing the plans, trying to determine the compensation cost and all that this was on the 20th of June last year, less than one month after he assumed office. So, I was quite thrilled that he had such wonderful plans”.

“And then I also informed him of other things including the federal secretariat which by the grace of God, I facilitated but it was difficult for the last administration to pay the needed compensation to the community.

“I informed him about all these in addition to the road from Umuahia-Ikwuano-Ikot Ekpene, which I also facilitated and he took interest in these things.

“And, also, the skills acquisition center at Apumiri Ubakala in Umuahia. So, when these things were mentioned, including another road that is coming from Achingala-Umunwawa to Ubakala. He said he was going to take them up one-by-one”.

Imo LG elections: APC Pegs Chairmanship, Councillor forms at N3m, N1m

By Sampson Uhuegbu

Ahead of the forthcoming Imo Local Government elections, the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state, has announced the commencement of sales of expression of Interest forms for those contesting for election as Local Governments’ Chairmen and Councilors.

This was made known yesterday, July, 12, 2024, by leadership of the party during their meeting with all the the aspirants that are vieing under the APC, which took place at the party’s State secretariat, along Okigwe road, Owerri.

Number of aspirants for the seats have continued to increase ever since the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission, ISIEC pronounced September, 21, 2024 as date for the conduct of the Council polls.

The Imo State All Progressives Congress, APC Chairman, Mr. McDonald Ebere, while addressing them, explained that the exercise is going to be a free and fair election.

“I want to let you know that the forthcoming polls are going to be conducted transparently”.

The meeting attracted so many stalwarts of the party who had declared interests to contest for the Councillor and Chairmanship seats now that the Supreme Court has cleared the coast for the Local Governments to be in charge of the funds.

IMO LG election: Ihitte stakeholders meet on way forward …Sets up committee on harmonization

By Senator Onyekwere

As a date has been announced by the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission and the increased frenzy of Political activities, the Local Government Stakeholders of Ihitte Clan in Ihitte Uboma Local Government Area (LGA) recently met at the instance of the Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Ozo Obinna Ogwuegbu, a son of Ihitte Clan to discuss on the way forward and to take steps to ensure it is fully in compliance with the, Governor Hope Uzodinma’s efforts in ensuring proper grassroot representation of all segments of the state in governance in consonance with its 3R Agenda.

The meeting which was well attended by the stakeholders in Ihitte, including former and present appointees of Governor Uzodimma offered opportunity for them to proffer ideas and suggestions on consolidating the age long zoning arrangement in the Local Government, to ensure peace,equity and justice in the emergence of an Executive Chairman.

The stakeholders during the meeting resolved to set up a committee that will look into the zoning formula holistically.

Speaking during the meeting the state Commissioner For Water Resources, Ozo Obinna Ogwuegbu, said that the committee has the mandate to harmonize the zoning formula for the position of the Executive Chairman of the council.

Ogwuegbu stressed the need for the Committee to make good consultation on the zoning formula, to enable them present a blueprint that will solve the issue without any of the five Wards feeling short changed.

He noted that the meeting offered an opportunity for him to hear from the stakeholders of Ihitte Clan concerning the zoning arrangement for the position of Executive Chairman of the council.

The commissioner who acknowledged that the fact remains that it was the turn of Ihitte Clan to produce the next elected LGA Chairman,however noted that Ihitte must be grateful to the Governor for the love and concerns he has for Ndi Ihitte by supporting him.

He further urged the eminent sons and daughters at the meeting to remain appreciative to the state Governor Hope Uzodimma for his developmental projects in Ihitte Uboma and called on them to support the present administration.

He urged them to remain civil in going about their campaigns and to remember always that the Governor Hope Uzodimma is the Leader of the Party not only in Imo State but in the entire South East zone.

In his speech the Immediate Past Chairman of the All Progressive Congress(APC) Ihitte Uboma LGA Chief Friday Obasi said that the purpose of the meeting was to brief the Commissioner about the zoning arrangement for the position of the LGA Chairman.

Chief Obasi stated that the meeting will go a long way to ensure that what happened during the 2023 House of Assembly election will not repeat itself and made it clear that it is the turn of Ihitte Clan to produce the next elected Chairman.

Also Speaking the president of Ihitte Primier Organization , Chief C.C Anyanwu pointed out the organization has intervened on the issue of zoning, adding that it is the turn of Ihitte to produce the next elected Chairman, with particular reference to Umuihi or Atonaerim.

Chief Anyanwu noted that there has been an existing zoning formula in the area which stipulates how the position of the LGA Chairman will be rotated among the political zone in Ihitte Uboma.

The present Chairman of APC in Ihitte/Uboma,Chief Innocent Chibundu who led the Ward Chairmen and Secretaries of the Party from the five Wards in Ihitte, thanked the Hon. Commissioner for being transparent in his actions and for also carrying the Party along.

Those present at the meeting included: Chief Peter Orji a former Commissioner for Works in the State,Chief Chima Keke,former appointee,Hon. Marcel Ogwuegbu ,a former Chairman, Imo State Independ Electoral Commission, Lady Blessing Nwoba, presently Managing Director of Imo MicroFinance Bank, Chief Ambrose Onuoha, former NULGE National President,Hon Callistus Agomuo ,Lady Meg Amobi, a Woman Leader,Lady Amaka Nwankwo present Apc woman Leader, Hon Okey Ogwuegbu, former Commissioner,Imo State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon Okey Ozuronye, a former Commissioner, Imo State Oil Producing Commission, and a host of other leaders.

Imo Deputy Governor, Speaker Olemgbe, others to attend Broadoak Schools graduation ceremony today

The much desired qualitative education in the nation’s institutions of learning would receive a boost today, Saturday, July 13, 2024 as a three-in-one strong player and stakeholder in the education sector, The Broadoak Schools holds it’s 13th graduation ceremony, 15th moving-up ceremony and 2nd passing out ceremony at the institution’s premises.

Highly authoritative invitation endorsed by the Founder and Chief Executive of the institution, Dame Nkeiruka Happiness, indicates that the event which holds at Plot 4, The Broadoak Crescent, Federal Housing Estate, MCC/Uratta Road, Owerri, Imo state, commences by 10 Am.

In tandem with the institution’s policy of ensuring sound moral upbringing and spiritual rejuvenation, the three-pronged event which would attract high profile personalities from all walks of life, is billed to commence with the schools annual thanksgiving interdenominational church service.

Among dignitaries coming to graze the occasion are the deputy governor of Imo state, Her Excellency, Dr Mrs Chinyere Ekomaru, the Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Chike Olemgbe, Imo state Commissioner for education, Prof Johncliff Nwadike, Hon Chief Chukwuma Ekomaru ( SAN ), Dr Emmanuel Abraham

A press statement leveraging on the programme of the event hinted that there would be a variety of displays by learners.

Imo Teachers are paid, promoted regularly- Education Commissioner …Blames Communities for delapidated schools’ buildings

By Chikamnayo Imo

No wonder the interests for teaching jobs in Imo have continued to be on the rise, inspite of the fact that there are other sectors applicants should be eyeing for possible openings.

Against this backdrop, the Imo State Commissioner for Education (Primary and Secondary Schools), Professor Johncliff Nwadike, disclosed that teachers in the State are paid their salaries and promoted regularly.

Nwadike attributed the development to the Imo Governor, Hope Uzodimma’s love for education and passion towards ensuring the State continues to excel in the education sector, for the interests of Imo children and for development.

“Imo teachers now get double promotions and their gratuities as and when due. Supervision, monitoring, discipline and engaging the students positively are necessary in school system. Our ministry is a busy one”, he said.

The Education Commissioner who disclosed this while fielding questions from the media, in Owerri, also said the State government has perfected plan to build Technical Schools in each of the local government Areas of the State, in order to, according to him, enhance skills among the students.

Nwadike further said, that the names of shortlisted applicants for the Primary schools teaching jobs are going to be published soon: Immediately, he noted, Governor Uzodimma finalizes going through and names are released, it would be followed by employment of over Five Thousand (5,000) Secondary School teachers.

He frowned at the deplorable state of schools’ buildings in the rural areas of the State and however blamed communities for abandoning their responsibilities for the government to do.

If the roof is blown off, they wait for government to come and fix it, a window gets removed, they want government to assist, school gate gets broken, they start crying out for help. There are little ones they can do and government can now come in,” he said.

INEC explains recognition of Njoku as APGA chairman, cites court orders

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has stated that the affirmation and recognition of Chief Edozie Njoku as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) was in obedience to court orders.

Professor Yakubu, speaking through his counsel, Ahmed Mohammed, told Justice Mohammed Madugu of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Bwari Division, that the decision was also to purge himself of the committal order placed on him by the court.

This revelation came during a committal proceeding against the purported erstwhile chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Oye, who narrowly escaped being committed to prison for contempt of court.

Justice Madugu had, on 9 November 2023, found both Oye and Yakubu in contempt of a court order issued on 10 May 2023. This order stemmed from a suit filed by two APGA national officers, Otumba Camaru Ogidan and Alhaji Rabiu Mustapha, seeking to enforce a Supreme Court judgement regarding APGA’s leadership tussle.

INEC’s lawyer, Ahmed Mohammed, informed the court that the Commission had reviewed the Court of Appeal judgement delivered on 28 June 2024, which affirmed Njoku as APGA’s National Chairman.

“The Commission came out with a decision extract in compliance with the two judgements of the Court of Appeal, and which we undertake in court to serve all the parties that the commission has fully complied with the judgements; And has restored the name of the 2nd plaintiff/applicant in its website as National Chairman of APGA,” Mohammed stated. He also promised to file the meeting extract where the decision to recognise Njoku was made.

Initially, the court was set to sentence Victor Oye for contempt, as he had not taken steps to purge himself. However, Oye’s lawyer, Victor Agunzi, filed a motion for a stay of the Appeal Court judgement, citing an ongoing appeal at the Supreme Court.

“What we filed at the Court of Appeal is a motion for stay of judgement of June 28, and what we filed here in this court is that in view of the appeal at the Supreme Court, and motion for stay, my lord should stay further proceedings,” Agunzi argued.

Justice Madugu adjourned the case to 28 October for the hearing of Oye’s motion.

Senate rejects proposal to use gold to boost external reserves

SENATE

The Senate has rejected a bill seeking to use gold to shore up the nation’s reserves in defence of the economy.

The bill sponsored by Senator Sani Musa ( APC, Niger East) titled “ Foreign Exchange (Control and Monitoring) Bill, 2024 (SB. 353)” was thrown out after debates by lawmakers who opposed it.

Musa stated that the bill was read for the first time on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.

He noted that the bill sought to repeal the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provision) Act, Cap. F34, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and establish a Foreign Exchange Market in Nigeria, to make provisions for the control, monitoring, and supervision of transactions conducted in the Foreign Exchange Market.

The Niger lawmaker stated that the objective of the bill sought to “ To establish a foreign exchange market.

“To provide for the regulation, monitoring, and supervision of the transactions conducted in the market and for related matters.

“To contribute to the sound development of the National Economy by striving to facilitate foreign transactions and to maintain an equilibrium of balance of International payments.”

He added that the bill would also move to stabilise the value of the currency by ensuring the liberalisation of foreign exchange transactions; – To maintain an equilibrium of the balance of International payments, and – To stabilize the value of the currency by ensuring the liberalisation of foreign exchange transactions and other foreign transactions by revitalising market functionality.“

He said that the bill attempts to expand Section (1) of the existing Act to incorporate three new provisions to make for clarity and to empower the Central Bank of Nigeria to administer, control, and manage all dealings and transactions concerning foreign exchange matters.

Musa said, “The newly introduced clauses will enable the CBN to determine the basic exchange rate of purchase and sale of foreign exchange.

“Clause 6 of the Bill introduces New Sub-clauses (2), (4) and (5) which require authorised dealers to: Render returns to the CBN on sources of foreign exchange over $10,000 and utilisation of same, and obtain prior approval of the CBN when seeking to import foreign currency notes.

“Part Ill of the Bill makes elaborate provisions for the grant of a license to carry on business dealings in foreign exchange. In this part, provisions were made for refusal of license, suspension or revocation of license, review and appeal, etc.

“Clause 18 (1) (a) and (b) were added to expand the scope of dealers in the market and where funds are purchased from the Bank. The market rate may be subject to rules and regulations prescribed by the Bank. “

He submitted, “The operation of domiciliary account shall be as prescribed by the bank and the powers of the CBN have been widened to prescribe how foreign exchange may be accepted for the payment for goods and services in Nigeria.

“Mr President the future of any nation is a function of her ability as a nation to manage its economy efficiently and optimally. Intrinsically linked to the wellness of a country’s economy is the state of its Foreign Exchange Market usually regulated by a foreign exchange regime.”

USAID plans N115bn investment to tackle Nigeria’s electricity challenges

The United States Agency for International Development and the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Powehaver signed a memorandum of understanding to unlock N115 billion investment in the country to tackle electricity challenges.

In a statement on Wednesday by the Power Ministry, the MOU was signed by USAID’s Nigeria Mission Director, Melissa Jones, and the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power, Mahmuda Mamman.

Accordingly, the investment was part of a US government grant-funded technical assistance program intended to support power sector development and reforms in Nigeria.

“Today’s goal is to strengthen collaboration between USAID and the Federal Government of Nigeria and to provide a framework for our partnerships with other key actors, including state and local governments, the electricity generation and distribution sectors and the off-grid sector. It is laudable and timely,” Jones stated.

Speaking on the investment in Nigeria, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, expressed gratitude for USAID’s continued support toward ending Nigeria’s power sector challenges.

“This partnership with USAID is a significant milestone in the journey towards achieving a sustainable and reliable electricity supply for all Nigerians. Together, we will tackle the longstanding challenges in the power sector, ensuring transparency, enhancing market liquidity, and accelerating our transition to clean energy solutions,” he stated.

“The ministry is committed to ensuring these interventions deliver tangible benefits to all Nigerians, promoting economic growth and sustainable development,” it stated.

The development comes as Nigeria’s power sector challenges across distribution, generation and transmission sectors have continued to fetter.

This is because more than 85 million Nigerians have no access to grid power, and many have suffered from unreliable power supply decades after privatization in 2013.

2024 Imo LGA polls: You must exhibit diligence, transparency, ISIEG boss charges staff

Charles Ejiogu

The Chairman of Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC), Chief Charles Ejiogu has read the riot act to the entire workforce of the Commission, insisting that they must exhibit uncommon diligence and transparency in the discharge of their statutory responsibility to the numerous publics of the Commission.

Chief Charles Ejiogu stated this during the routine interface with the twenty- seven (27) Electoral Officers. He charged the EOs to shun corrupt tendencies during the upcoming party primaries, as they would, on behalf of the Commision, ensure mandatory compliance in line with relevant Sections of the 2022 Electoral Act as amended, which stipulates that the electoral management body is duty-bound to observe all Primary elections.

Charles Ejiogu

Chief Charles Ejiogu enthused that ISIEC’s presence during the primaries would lend ample credence to the quest of fostering internal democracy on the part of registered political parties.

While responding on behalf of the Electoral Officers, MrLivinusOkpara (EO for Orlu LGA) assured the management and staff that the Elecoral Officers would not let the Commission, government and good people of Imo State down.

The interface, which took place atthe Commission’s operational Headquarters, had in attendance, the six (6) Commissioners, Administrative Secretary, HOD- operations, HOD- Party Monitoring and HOD- Voter Education.

My comment on Imo LGA elections misconstrued, Imo NULGE President refutes media report

Okey...

The Imo State President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Charles Okey Okere, has expressed displeasure over a media report (Not this medium) allegedly attributing to him a statement of the unreadiness of political parties for the forthcoming September 21 Imo State local government elections, noting that he was misinterpreted in order to make catchy headlines.

Comrade Okere, was reacting to the publication, through a statement he issued and obtained by this medium.

He wondered how some sections of the media would seek to stir up controversies through disinformation, instead of communicating effectively towards promoting peace, unity and development in the society.

The NULGE boss, who described the said report as sensational journalism maintained that NULGE which he leads in the state is only concerned with the welfare of members who are civil servants, and for no reason be dragged into political matters which the publication aimed at. He advised that inquiries and clarifications about the LGA elections should be channeled to the electoral umpire, ISIEC, Political Parties and not the union.

Comrade Charles Okey Okere

He added that since assuming office, he had diligently explored ways of improving the working conditions of the members of the union in Imo State with the support of other state officers, declaring that such efforts are already producing good fruits, hence fulfilling his electoral mandate and continued outpouring of confidence in him and support from Imo NULGE members.

“I am not comfortable with a report in Leadership Newspaper which misinterpreted my comment on the forthcoming Imo LGA election during an interaction with some newsmen. I insisted that sensitization of the electorates was the duty of Political Parties, Electoral Umpire and the Press, not the union. In my words, ‘…..any Political Party that is not willing to educate and sensitize the electorates on their civic duties during elections is not ready for election”. How does the statement mean that Political Parties are not ready for elections. Such a headline could cause confusion, as well as put me in a bad light. This sensational journalism should be ignored by the public.

Let me state for records that we, the members of NULGE, both at the state and national levels are civil servants and not politicians. We have our rules of engagement as government employees, hence we do not interfere in partisan politics. So, I am using this opportunity to express my dissatisfaction with that report, and to urge the public to disregard it,” the statement read in part.

Notwithstanding, Comrade Okere, through the release, commended Governor Hope Uzodimma, for his bold step towards conducting local government elections in the state, describing such as a step towards the desired Local Government autonomy. He opined that the gesture would not only deepen democratic process at various localities, but fast track development at the grassroots.

The NULGE boss who pledged support and loyalty to the state government, recalled that the union is in partnership with government in community development and improved workers’ welfare, among others. He thanked the governor for his magnanimity towards the LGA workers, revealing that Governor Uzodimma is a listening leader who was even reconsidering the report of the verification panel, which excluded some staff from salaries on the grounds of irregularities in their employment process after pleas from the union.

We’ve commenced processes of taking over electricity market in Imo -Power Commissioner

By Jennifer John…

The Commissioner for Power and Electrification, Engr. Nwabueze Oguchienti had said that the state government has commenced the processes of taking over the electricity market in the state, as a result of the recent constitution amendment, as it relates to the electricity Act of 2023.

He said the Act bestowed power on state governments to generate and distribute electricity in their individual states.

Oguchienti disclosed this while fielding questions from newsmen after the official issuance of interim license to Urashi Electricity Distribution Company Ltd

“It is a journey that has clearly started, I can assure you that in the next one year, it will be a different story in the state, because His Excellency is very much committed to changing the narratives of power supply in the state.

According to him, as soon as the constitution amendment was passed, the Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma took the bull by the horns and put in place, the necessary legal framework and constituted the Imo State Electricity Regulatory Commission, which has the mandate to regulate the electricity market in the state and issue licences to the operators.

In his address, the chairman of Imo State Electricity Regulatory Commission Engr. Sam Nwire said the issuance of an interim license to Orashi Electricity Distribution Company places Imo State as one of the forerunners in the the issue of electricity generation and distribution in Nigeria, as a result of the new Electricity Act.

He said reason for the interim license was because there is a limitation to the issue of license in the order given to them by NEC.

“Based on that, we felt that since we are not ready to have done all we are supposed to do as a Commission, within the allowable six months, we found a window in the law that gives us a permission to issue what is known as interim license, which ideally has no difference with the license, just the issue of not having a full tenure”.

Earlier in his address, the General Manager of Orashi Electricity Distribution Company, Engr. Valentine Obumeyan said their mission was to work towards steady electricity supply in the state, in line with the vision of the governor, adding, “We at Urashi Electricity Distribution Company are ready to give him all the support he needs”.

He said management of the company already has a master plan, to ensure that the mandate is adequately executed, describing the presentation of the license to them as a very important milestone in their master plan.

Allegations of sexual harassment against DPO, New Owerri Unfounded, mischievous -PPRO

The Imo State Police Command is aware of an online publication by Sahara Reporters on 10/07/2024, captioned; “Police Community Official Accuses Imo State DPO of Sexual Assault, Harassment of Female Officers” wherein allegations of sexual assault, harassment and intimidation of female officers were purported against the Divisional Police Officers (DPO) of New Owerri, by one Chief Ogumba Onyeaghala who claimed to be a member of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) of New Owerri Division.

This was contained in a Statement issued in Owerri yesterday by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer(PPRO), Henry Okoye, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).

The Statement said: “After conducting a thorough investigation, the Command wishes to inform the general public that the allegations leveled against the DPO as contained in the petition are unfounded, malicious, and mischievous.

To begin with, the said Chief Ogumba Onyeagahala is not a member of PCRC New Owerri Division as he alleged in the petition. His address and phone numbers on the petition are fake. Hence, all efforts to reach out to him to substantiate his allegations proved abortive.”

“More so, the PCRC New Owerri has written a disclaimer to the Commissioner of Police, distancing itself from the purported allegations against the DPO, noting that the Divisional PCRC has on several occasions commended the DPO for his remarkable leadership style and proactive efforts in safeguarding the lives and properties of the residents of New Owerri as it remains one of the safest areas in the State.

The officers whose names appeared on the petition and other principal officers serving at New Owerri Division have been interviewed separately and they unequivocally stated that the contents of the petition were entirely false, revealing further that they enjoy a cordial working relationship with their DPO. That he is a disciplined and dedicated officer who is highly committed to discharging his duties professionally, without any gender discrimination or harassment.”

“It is crucial to state that contrary to the allegations made by the Sahara reporters in the Publication, the Police Public Relations Officer was never contacted to get the Command’s reaction on the said issue before publishing a very sensational report that borders on the conduct and reputation of the DPO.

Without any ambivalence, the Command views the publications as a deliberate and concerted attempt by mischief makers to dampen the reputation and morale of the Divisional Police Officers as well as the already established confidence he has built in the minds of the residents of New Owerri. Efforts are in progress to apprehend the originator and purveyors of the misleading publication.”

Okoye further said: “The Command calls on the general public, particularly the residents of New Owerri to disregard the mischievous publications and continue to support the DPO in his quest for public safety. Media print correspondents are advised to always verify their news content before publishing, as all forms of misinformation and misleading content might cause disaffection to the public.

To this end, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, reaffirms the Command’s unalloyed dedication to discharging its constitutional mandates while ensuring that its personnel are protected from any form of sexual harassment and gender discrimination.”

Israeli soldiers routinely shoot, execute Palestinian civilians in Gaza

Israeli forces routinely executed Palestinian civilians during military operations in the Gaza Strip, according to testimonies of army soldiers.

Six soldiers, who spoke with Tel Aviv-based website +972 and Local Call news site, said troops shot at civilians simply because they entered an area defined by the army as a no-go zone.

If we see someone in a window looking at us, he is a suspect. You shoot, one soldier said. Various sources said orders given to soldiers to shoot without restrictions gave them a way to blow off steam or relieve the dullness of their daily routine.

Im bored, so I shoot, an Israeli soldier recounted. I personally fired a few bullets for no reason, into the sea or at the sidewalk or an abandoned building.

Another soldier said the Israeli military would open extensive fire on seemingly unpopulated or abandoned areas for no reason.

Such orders would come directly from the commanders of the company or battalion in the field, another soldier said.

Describing the approach used in Gaza, a soldier stated, Shoot first, ask questions later. That was the consensus No one will shed a tear if we flatten a house when there was no need, or if we shoot someone who we didnt have to, he added.

The soldiers also described how the corpses of dead Palestinian civilians were left to decay and be eaten by stray animals.

According to them, the military hid these bodies before the arrival of international aid convoys so that images of people in advanced stages of decay dont come out.

Two of the soldiers also testified to a systematic policy of setting Palestinian homes on fire after occupying them.

Flouting a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire, Israel has faced international condemnation amid its continued brutal offensive on Gaza since an Oct. 7, 2023 attack by Palestinian group Hamas.

More than 38,200 Palestinians have since been killed, mostly women and children, and over 88,000 others injured, according to local health authorities.

Nine months into the Israeli war, vast tracts of Gaza lie in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water, and medicine.

Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, whose latest ruling ordered it to immediately halt its military operation in the southern city of Rafah, where over a million Palestinians had sought refuge from the war before it was invaded on May 6.

Elephants kill tourist in South Africa after he tried to get close to take pictures

A Spanish tourist reportedly has been “trampled to death” by elephants in South Africa after he tried to get close to them to take pictures.

The fatal incident involving the 43-year-old man happened at the Pilanesberg National Park outside of Johannesburg, officials told the AFP.

“Reports suggested that the man stopped the vehicle… and went closer to the elephants to take pictures,” police spokesman Sabata Mokgwabone told the news agency, with authorities adding that the tourist was in the company of his fiancée.

The North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB) told the AFP that a female elephant then charged at the man and “he was unfortunately not able to escape or evade the elephant, which was now joined by the whole herd, and was caught and trampled to death.”

“The elephants moved away immediately from the scene without any aggression toward the nearby vehicles and eventually disappeared into the bushes,” the agency added.

NWPTB Chief Conservation Officer Pieter Nel said the female elephant became “agitated” by seeing the man approaching the herd and that its normal for them to try to “defend the young ones.”

“Lots of tourists are oblivious to the dangers and do not realize how dangerous these animals can be,” Nel said.

The tourists fiancée and two other women that were traveling in his vehicle reportedly were unharmed.

Officials at Pilanesberg National Park recommend visitors driving through the area keep their windows closed and not leave their vehicles, according to the AFP.

LGA Polls: Chief Uzodimma charges Oru East aspirants to get ready, to play according to rules of the game

The Chief of Staff (General Services) Hon. Chief Ferdinand Uzodimma has charged Oru East Political Aspirants for the September 21 Local Government election in Imo State to get ready and put their axe together play the game according to the rules, devoid of bitterness, rancor and acrimony.

The Deputy Chief of Staff (General Services) gave the charge at the Oru East All Progressive Congress (APC) Stakeholders Meeting held at Oru East Local Government Headquarters Omuma in Imo State.

He reminded the participants that the Shared Prosperity Government of Senator Hope Uzodimma has demonstrated transparency, accountable, equity and fair play in governing the State and he is poised towards making sure that the same transparency is replicated in the forthcoming Local Government election in Imo State.

He emphasized the need for APC party members to stand firm and identify with the party structure at the grassroot as the umbrella party for their aspirations.

The D-COS (General Services) warned against seeing the forthcoming Local Government election as a do or die affair, but to play safe and see everybody as brothers and sisters, exhibiting love in their heart for one another remembering that at the end of the day they still come together as one family.

He commended the Leadership of Oru East APC for organizing the Stakeholders meeting and ensuring its success and promised of his continued support to the activities of the party in his locality by giving his humble advice and assistance when the need arises.

In his welcome remarks the APC Oru East Local Government Chairman Hon. Alban Almasat welcomed the participants and thanked them for turning out in mass to honour the invitation.

The Chairman informed them that the meeting is aimed at exchanging ideas and interacting on the need for a smooth and peaceful Local Government election in Oru East noting that it is necessary because they are same brothers and sisters and after the election they will still come together to look at their faces and congratulate each other.

He expressed his commitment to a level playing ground for all aspirants stating that all aspirants of APC will continue to be APC members and should expect equal treatment from the party administration in the Local Government.

The party Chairman sincerely thanked the Governor for appointing some of their illustrious sons which include; Commissioner for Rural Development and Community Empowerment Chief Ifeanyi Oruh, the Deputy Chief of Staff (General Services) Hon. Chief Ferdinand Uzodimma, the Sole Administrator Oru East LGA Hon. Nnamdi Oparaigwe among others to enviable positions to among other things, represent the interest of their people at the State level and give them sense of belonging in addition to empowering the Oru East grassroot with social amenities and infrastructure.

In another development the Deputy Chief of Staff (General Services) Chief Ferdinand Uzodimma has warmly welcomed the former Sole Administration of Oru East Hon. Nyerere Ogbonna who was on a courtesy visit to his office in Government House Owerri.

Hon. Ogbonna said that he came to visit Deputy Chief of Staff to congratulate him on his appointment to the enviable position of Deputy Chief of Staff and commend him for starting well.

He recalled that the Deputy Chief of Staff is a tested and trusted politician that has held many political appointments and done well in those capacities both in Oru East and Imo State in general where he made his people proud and expressed confidence that the Deputy Chief of Staffs wealth of experience and performance in the past éarned him the appointment by the Governor of the State.

He therefore thanked the Governor for appointing Chief Ferdinand Uzodimma (a round peg in a round hole), noting that what they owe him is prayers that God will give him the wisdom to pilot the affairs of the State.

He reminded the Chief of Staff of the need to remember his people and carry them along in the policies and programmes of the State saying that the position he occupy,s is for the good of his people.

He recalled the role the Deputy Chief of Staff played at a penultimate meeting held in their Local Government headquarters and the fatherly advice he gave to party members and aspirants and prayed God to continue to endow him with more wisdom.

Responding, the Deputy Chief of Staff (General Services) thanked the former Interim Management Committee Chairman (IMC) of Oru East for the visit and assured him of using his good offices to ensure their inclusiveness in the affairs of the State.

He reminded Nze Nyerere that their Leader the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma is a man of vision who loves his people and is always ready to help and assist them.

He told Nyerere and his team that the Governor has not forgetting his people, he knows those who worked for him and knows how to compensate them because he is a man of gratitude who is always passionate.

He recalled how the Governor has achieved a lot of things since assumption of office in 2020 ranging from infrastructural development, education, health, digital economy and skills, empowerment of less privileged and the vulnerable as well as political appointments.

Chief Uzodimma reassured his visitors and promised to always carry them along, telling them that he operates open door policy and is ready to always accept them and listen to their problems, handle the ones he can and bring others to the attention of the Executive Governor.

He reiterated the call on OruEast to continue to support and associate with the Governor their son wherever he goes he will go with them and promised not to disappoint and thanked the Governor for his appointment and prayed the Almighty God to continue to guide and lead him a right.

Be born again to overcome the world, Onunji advises

A fiery and renowned Prophet of God and General Overseer of True Believers Assembly Church, Reverend Eric Obi Onunji, has advised that those who want to overcome the devices of the devil and live eternal life in heaven must be “Born Again of God”.

He clearly said that a man “born only of a woman” cannot understand, and comprehend properly the devices of the devil as to overcome, and that such person is doomed and is heading to eternal destruction.

The Prophet and reverend gentle man, who was ministering on Sunday, on the topic, “Born to Overcome”, at Nnorie headquarters of the True Believers Assembly, in Ngor Okpala local government area, Imo State, said that a person must be born of the living God in order to overcome the devil and its works so as to live eternal life in heaven.

And without being born of the Word of God, he stated, that such a person cannot inherit everlasting life, and “this is why, you must be born of God after you have been born of your mother”

Reading Job 14:1,2 and Ecclesiastics 2:22,23, the Prophet preached that a person has few years to live here on earth and also few years to labour and upon all he labours to acquire money, riches and wealth, legitimately or illegitimately , his years and stay on this planet earth are full of challenges and troubles.

And at the end, he or she will leave all he/she has laboured to acquire and die to face judgment because there is going to be judgment of God after death, he said .

He informed the congregation to live a godly lifestyle and that living a godly life will “help you to overcome the world and the devices of the devil”.

He went on to read, 1John 5:4 “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith”.

To this, Reverend Eric, preached, that those who are born of the living God, born from the Word of God, that God gives them the power and grace to overcome the evil challenges in this world, and as such, “you need to be born again to inherit everlasting life prepared for you by the almighty God in heaven”.

He went on, “you need to overcome anger, sickness always, drunkenness, bribery and corruption, cheating, stealing of private and public funds and property, you need to overcome envy, covetousness, fear and eternal death “.

According to him, every Christian needs the Holy Spirit to overcome native doctors, witches and wizards, principalities and powers, rulers of darkness of this world, as well as spiritual wickedness in high places.

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