Ex Bosses Of Daily Trust, Daily Times Make Kogi Governor-Elect Inauguration Committees

January 9, 2016

Former Chief Operations Officer/CEO of Daily Trust newspapers, Alhaji Is’aq Ajibola has been appointed as chairman of the media and publicity subcommittee of the inauguration plans for the governor-elect of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
Also the former Managing Director of Daily Times of Nigeria, Dr. Onukaba Adinoyi-Ojo was appointed chairman of Contact and Mobilization committee of the inauguration plans.

According to the statement from the governor-elect, membership of the media and publicity committee is made up of Dr. Yakubu O. Suleiman as Secretary while Prince, Abdulkareem Onyekehi, Abdulazeez Lucky Momoh, Dayo Thomas, Halimat Salihu (Big mama), Isah Abubakar, Joel Odaudu Minister are members.
Other members are Mohammed Dawood, Fanwo Kingsley, Abdulkareem Amodu, Petra Akinti, Mohammed Raji, Hajiya Nana Ofu, Umar Isah, Suleiman Abdulmalik, Saka Seid and Jude Salawu.
The statement named Alhaji Yahaya Maiyanga as Secretary of Dr. Onukaba’s Contact and Mobilizatio committee.
Members are Hon. Kabiru Ajanah, Hon. Abdullahi Bello, Hon. Idris Lawal, Hon Taofeek Isah, Hon Mohammed Tinko, Hon Ozigi Asema, Abdulazeez Jimoh Abobo, Alaga-Kowa Peter, Alh. Haruna Isah and Deborah Isuguzo.
Others are Abdulrahim Ohiare, Otumba Johnson Dare, Rotimi Tella, Abdullahi O. Rasheed, Abdulkadir Yahaya, Idris A. Abdulrazak, Hajiya Asiya Suleiman, Abogu John, Nda Aaron, Dan Ogbole, Umoru Usman, Tunde Solomon, Tanko Sule, Kayode Adebayo, Asmau Gogo Omolori and Najeem Tope
Othe committees and their membership are as follows:
Finance,Budget and Planning Committee:
1. Mr. John Anda Chairman
2. Makinde Oyebode Secretary
3. Alh. Oseni Yakubu member
4. Engr. Abu Ohere member
5. Mr. FrancisAudu samuel member
6. Yahaya Dahiru member
7. Hajiya Khadijat Bello member
8. Ahmed Usman Ododo member
9. Adams Onota member
10. Musa Usman member
11. Hon. Osune Shaibu member
12. Hon. Malik Teina member
13. Hon. Hassan Yusuf member
14. Benjamin Amodu member
15. Ayuba Nana member
16. Kudirat Bello member
17. Oyisi Okatahi member
18. Akpara Paul member
19. Abdul Adama member
20. Bala Salisu member
21. Ayo Abereoran member
Accommodation and Logistics Committee:
1. Nasir Isah Ohiani Chairman
2. Gbenga Ashagun Secretary
3.Emmanuel Aledare member
4.Thomas Offor member
5. Gbenga Oluade member
6. Abdulrahman Otohinoyi member
7. Abdulsalam Ohida member
8. Haruna Yusuf member
9. Salihu Ibrahim member
10. Enema Paul member
11. Hadiza Zubair member
12. Abdulmalik Obadaki member
13. Jibril Ibrahim (Jibo) member
14. Engr. Muhammad Lawal member
15. Segun Modeyin member
16. Adams Jimoh member
17. Razak Ogirima member
Protocol and Entertainment Committee:
1. Rt. Hon. Clarence Olafemi Chairman
2. Arome John Olofu Secretary
3. Salihu Sanni Ogu member
4. Mustapha Akaba member
5. Alh. A. K. Bello member
6. Hon. Mohammed Abdullahi member
7. Lamidi Salihu member
8. Baba Yusuf member
9. Mahmud Director member
10. Ibrahim Aliyu member
11. Daud Suleiman member
12. Madam Musili member
13. Sunny Alabi member
14. Yunusa Tenimu member
15. Romanus Egweni member
16. Salihu Akawo Saidu member

17. Alh. Hussein Yusuf member

18. Khadijat Khadir member
19. Hajia Hajara Saleh member

20. Hajiya Hafsat Ariba member

21. Mercy Okee Ejura member
22. Barr. Jamilat Abu member
23. Bolanle Amupitan member
24. Musa O. Sandramember
25. Omali Eleojo Daisy member
27. Adesina Olarewaju member
28. Bolufemi Rahim member
29. Rokpo Asala member
30. Tuesday Abimbola member

Security and Intelligence Committee:
1. Abubakar Suleiman Chairman

2. Major Aliyu Abdullahi (Rtd) Secretary
3. Abdulmalik Suleiman member
4. Brig. Gen Tijani Saidu (Rtd.) member
5. Alh. Ibrahim Akonyi member
6. Akinola Abdulrazaq member
7 Mr. Ahmedy Attah member
8. Arome Adoji member
9. Hon Umar Kasco member
10. Chief Olumide Ajibade member
11. Mr Joseph Omuya member
12 Hon. Chogudo Musa member
13. Mohammed Auwal Imam member
14. Hassan Onoduku member

15. Malik Aminu (Mali)member

16. Hussein Suleiman (Funky) member
17. Yakubu Raji member
18. Usman Umoru member
19. Ismaila Idris member
20. Alhassan Adavize member
21. Niyi Ejubunu member
22. Dare Laraitan member

Venue and Organization:
1. Hon. Simeon Achuba Chairman
2. Barr Deedat Salami Secretary

3. Ibrahim Adoga member
4. Yemisi Moses member
5. Alh. M.J Alabi member
6. Hon Abdullahi Bello (Dollar) member
7. Chief Richard Asaje member
8. Hon. Folusho Ibrahim member
8. Augustine Ugbaje member
9. Abdulazeez Usman member

10. Adams Obansa member

11. Aliyu Adogu Bello member

12. Ejiga Monday member
13. Maryam Suleiman member
14. Friday Niccodemus Adejoh member
15.Usman Kentmember
16. Funmi Olumodeji member
17. Aliyu Olumiyan member
18. Idris Ibrahim member
19. Hassan Ohmozi member
20. Michael Ajibade member
21. Engr. Zubair Dada member
22. Adams Ovoro member
23. Hajia Asibiti member
24. David Abiodun member
(7)Medical and Emergency Committee:
1. Dr. Ahmed Atta Chairman
2. Pharm. Idris Bello Secretary

Dr. Yahaya Ogirima member
4. Dr. Yusuf Adinoyi member
5. Dr. Audu Usman member
6. Abdulmalik Okirivati member
8. Engr. Basit Musa Eneji member
9. Ahmed Rufai Muhammed member
10. Abubakar Bomboy member
11. Barr Bala Abdullahi member
12. Rahman Alli member
13. Kabiru Minna member
14. Unekwu Adaji member
15. Ismaila O. Salihu member
16. Dr. Isah Adagiri Yahaya member.
The main committee is headed by Senator Dino Melaye with Hon. Suleiman Kokori-Andul as Vice Chairman and Hon. Benjamin Ikanni Okolo as Secretary.
The governor-elect, Alhaji Yahaya Bello is expected to be sworn-in On January 27 in Lokoja, the state capital. [myad]

FA Cup: Morrison Rescues West Brom

Greenbarge Reporters

January 9, 2016

West Brom manager, Tony Pulis had James Morrison to thank for an equalizer in the fifth minute of stoppage time that prevented his side from losing at home to second-tier Bristol City.

After substitute Saido Berahino gave West Brom 67th-minute lead, goals from Jonathan Kodjia and Kieran Agard put Bristol City in charge, only for Morrison to secure a 2-2 draw at the death.

Aston Villa’s wretched season continued as they were taken to a replay by fourth-tier minnows Wycombe Wanderers following a 1-1 draw at Adams Park — their 16th successive game without victory.

Eleven points adrift of safety at the foot of the Premier League table, Villa took a 22nd-minute lead through Micah Richards, only for Joe Jacobsen to equalise with a penalty early in the second half.

Villa captain Richards went over to speak to frustrated Villa fans at the final whistle and manager Remi Garde said: “It was brave of him to do that.

“As professionals, we have to face our responsibilities — not only Micah, me and all the players.”

Bolton Wanderers, bottom of the Championship and at risk of bankruptcy, narrowly escaped succumbing to the day’s biggest shock as Darren Pratley’s scrappy 87th-minute goal earned them a 1-1 draw at fifth-tier Eastleigh.

The lowest-ranked team left in the tournament, Eastleigh had gone ahead in the 51st minute via an own goal by Bolton’s French defender Dorian Dervite.

Manchester United face lower-league opposition later on Saturday in the form of third-tier cup specialists Sheffield United, who reached the League Cup semi-finals last season and the FA Cup last four the year before.

Liverpool were taken to a replay by fourth-tier Exeter City on Friday, Brad Smith’s 73rd-minute equaliser sparing Jurgen Klopp’s youthful side from an ignominious exit. [myad]

Obasanjo Bags MA Degree At Open University, 5,000 Others Due For Graduation

Greenbarge Reporters

January 9, 2016

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has finally completed a Masters of Arts Degree in Christian Theology from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) which he resuscitated when he was in power. over 5,000 other students have also completed their courses and are due to graduate next week.
Obasanjo, who went through the course under the School of Arts and Social Sciences, studied at NOUN Abeokuta study centre. His two supervisors are Professor Isaac Ayegboyin, Head of Department of Religious Studies, University of Ibadan and Dr. Philip Tachin, lecturer in Systemic Theology Department.
It was learnt that the former President concluded his studies during the 2014/2015 academic session, though the title of his MA project has not been made public.
The graduation ceremony scheduled for Abuja next would attract stakeholders, including the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, official of the National Universities Commission as well as associates of Chief Obasanjo.
With the MA degree, the former President is now set to acquire PhD degree. He had promised to go for his PhD when he was registering for his Postgraduate course in Lagos on September 30, 2014.
The Management of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has concluded arrangements to host the 5th Convocation Ceremony of the University.
The ceremony, which is slated for Friday and Saturday, 15th and 16thJanuary, 2016, will hold at the permanent site of the University, University Village, 91 Cadastral Zone, Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway, Jabi, Abuja.
Meanwhile, a statement signed by the NOUN Director, Media and Information, Dr. Ronke Ogunmakin said the convocation lecture with the topic ‘’Open and Distance Education and Socio-Economic Development’’, would be delivered by Prof. Nuhu Yaqub, Vice Chancellor, Sokoto State University, on Friday, January 15th, 2016. The lecture would be chaired by Prof. Sulaiman Elias Bogoro, Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND).
According to her, on Saturday, January 16th, 2016, the convocation ceremony would feature the conferment of certificates, diplomas, bachelor degrees, post graduate diplomas, masters and honorary doctorate degrees on thousands of graduates, who have been found worthy in character and learning and other deserving individuals.
Ogunmakin noted that the hosting of the 5th convocation at the permanent site of NOUN in Abuja, afforded the institution, the opportunity to inaugurate the Senate Building, which is the main administrative block of the university, the specialist hospital of the university sponsored by TETFUND, as well as the facilities meant to house the School of Health Sciences, which has already relocated to Abuja from Lagos.
She said that at the convocation ceremony, the first Chancellor of NOUN, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Ambassador Lawrence Okolio Chikezie Agubuzu of Olo Kingdom, Ezeagu Local Government Area, Enugu State, would also be installed.
Soon after he left office, former President Obasanjo enrolled in NOUN and graduated in 2009 and on Tuesday, September 30, 2014, he registered for MA in Christian Theology. After his registration many prominent followed his foot step and enrolled in NOUN. [myad]

Jim Nwobodo Dumps Anglican For Catholic, A Day After Dumping PDP For APC

Greenbarge Reporters

January 9, 2016

Former governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo has dumped both his party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as well as the Anglican Communion for the Catholic Church.

Senator Nwobodo went ahead today to wed his many years heartthrob, Patricia in the Catholic Church. He had wedded her in the Anglican Communion in the early 80s when the late Abubakar Rimi performed the duties of best man.

Nwobodo, hitherto, was a staunch Anglican. He single handedly built the multi-million naira St. Mathew’s Anglican Church in his hometown, Amechi, Awkunanaw in the 70s.

He fell out with the leadership of the Anglican Communion when his son, Ifeanyi died‎. The burial site of his son generated a big controversy.

This pitched the former governor who insisted that the his son would not be buried with his expanse compound but be buried in a land close to the compound. [myad]

APC Accuses PDP Of Plan To Blackmail Anti-Corruption Agencies

Greenbarge Reporters

January 9, 2016

The All Progressives Congress (APC), has accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), of using “orchestrated attacks on the hugely successful war against corruption being waged by the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration” to blackmail anti-corruption agencies.

A statement by the party’s National Secretary, Mai Mala Buni, said that the APC was “aware of the plot by the PDP and their agents to stampede and blackmail anti-corruption agencies over ongoing corruption cases being investigated.”

It said that the opposition party could not dictate to it how it should go about the “legitimate duty of catching looters of public funds.”

The statement reads: “In three orchestrated press statements issued on Friday, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and Ekiti state governor, Ayodele Fayose among others, alleged plans by the APC and President Buhari’s administration to silence the opposition through a selective anti-corruption fight. Also, the acting National Chairman of the PDP, Uche Secondus, on Friday accused the APC of attempting to turn the country into a one party state.

“The APC urges anti-corruption agencies not to be distracted by these syndicated and coordinated attacks and continue to employ all legal and legitimate avenues to bring to book all looters of our common wealth.

“It is clear that the PDP is out of sync and out of step with the generality of Nigerians on the clamour to bring to book all looters of public funds. The days of impunity are over. The PDP and treasury thieves must pay for the recklessness and shocking mis-management of public funds perpetuated under the defunct 16-year PDP rule.”

The APC expressed satisfaction that despite desperate and shameless attempts by the PDP and its agents to discredit the President’s anti-corruption efforts, they have not been able to stop the war from being won.

“The PDP camp in baseless allegations accuses the president of a selective anti-corruption fight while members of the APC ‘with serious corruption allegations go about their businesses’. The PDP camp in continuation of its laughable conspiracy theories also speaks of ‘a calculated attempt to decimate and silence the opposition’ through the anti-corruption fight and an attempt to turn the country to a one-party state.

“The position of the APC has not changed. For the umpteenth time, if the PDP has any proof of corruption against any APC member as alleged, we advise that they approach any of the anti-graft agencies constitutionally mandated to handle such cases.

“The ongoing war against corruption is not selective. Anybody guilty of corrupt practices must face the law. The political will and sincerity of purpose of the present administration to tackle corruption from the roots to the upper echelons no matter whose ox is gored is unwavering.

“We advise individuals being investigated on corruption charges to cooperate with investigators instead of declaring innocence on newspaper pages and other media outlets.

“Again we state that the PDP and their agents do not have the luxury of dictating how the present administration and anti-corruption agencies carries out its legitimate duty of catching looters of public funds, as long as it conforms with the rule of law.

“On the allegation by the acting PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus that the APC is attempting to foist a one-party system on the country, such idle chat does not deserve a response.” [myad]

Arsenal, Man City Zoom To Next Level In FA Cup Competition

Greenbarge Reporters

January 9, 2016

Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud scored as Arsenal started their FA Cup defence by coming from behind to defeat Sunderland 3-1 in the third round today.

Arsenal were joined in round four by Premier League title rivals Manchester City, who won 3-0 at Norwich City, but Southampton and Newcastle United were both eliminated and West Bromwich Albion survived a huge scare.

Sunderland took a 17th-minute lead at the Emirates Stadium through Jeremain Lens, but Joel Campbell equalized eight minutes later before second-half goals by Ramsey and Giroud gave Arsene Wenger’s men victory.

Premier League leaders Arsenal are seeking to become the first team to win three FA Cups in a row since Blackburn Rovers between 1884 and 1886.

A side showing five changes fell behind when Lens picked Laurent Koscielny’s pocket and fired home, but minutes later Theo Walcott teed up Campbell to tuck away the equaliser.

Substitute Ramsey made it 2-1 in the 72nd minute after a one-two with Hector Bellerin and Bellerin then teed up Giroud for Arsenal‘s third goal four minutes later.

Manchester City strolled through at Carrow Road, where Sergio Aguero put the visitors ahead in the 16th minute with a driving run and emphatic shot.

Aguero set up 19-year-old strike partner Kelechi Iheanacho for City’s second goal on the half-hour and substitute Kevin De Bruyne wrapped up victory 12 minutes from time.

Southampton and Newcastle both fell at the first hurdle, but could at least console themselves that they were beaten by fellow Premier League teams.

Wilfried Zaha’s 68th-minute goal gave Crystal Palace a 2-1 win at Southampton, while Troy Deeney punished a loose back-pass from Georginio Wijnaldum to give Watford a 1-0 home victory over Newcastle. [myad]

I’m Confident Buhari Will Fight Corruption To Stand-Still – Soyinke

Greenbarge Reporters

January 9, 2016

Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has expressed confidence that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration would fight corruption to stand-still.

Soyinka, who spoke today when the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed visited him at his home in Lagos, said that the level of exposure concerning corruption under the Buhari administration showed that government is really tackling the vice.

According to him, the country had never had corruption exposed at this scale before, saying: “we have not had a case where it had been alleged and increasingly proven that money supposed to be spent on defending ourselves, our nation, our neighbourhood, has been shared among individuals.

“We never had experience where we were in a state of critical emergency where children are being kidnapped under our noses.

“Never had there been in a situation where we are helpless and our soldiers are sent to the front to defend our very existence and we are not backing them up with conduct that shows integrity and commitment.

“Because of these reasons, corruption is really desperate and has chosen to fight back, but I am confident that corruption will be resolved.”

Professor Soyinka advised the Federal Government not to relent in its effort at bringing all those who looted the nation’s treasury to justice, adding that it should not be cowed by deliberate attempts to frustrate the anti-corruption crusade.

He described as “insulting,” news accusing him of engaging in corrupt practices, stressing that he is ready to face appropriate legal authority if properly invited.

Soyinka decried the deplorable condition of the National Arts Theatre in Lagos, and said that a Private-Public-Partnership may be the solution for the resuscitation of the national monument.

On his part, the minister expressed the government’s resolve to develop the arts industry.

He said that the ministry is currently strategizing on how to tap into the opportunities and potentials in the culture and arts industry to create jobs for Nigerian youths. [myad]

Metuh’s Arrest Angers Ekwerenmadu, Warns Against Disregard For Rule Of Law

Greenbarge Reporters

January 8, 2016

The Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, has expressed anger over the arrest and continue detention of the national publicity secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, warning against disregard for the rule of law under the guise of anti-corruption war.

Ekweremadu, in a statement today by his media aide, Uche Anichukwu, said that though PDP is in support of genuine anti-graft crusade, but decried a situation where such crusade becomes a calculated attempt to silence the opposition while members of the ruling party with serious corruption allegations go about their businesses.

According to the number two man in the Senate, the continued detention of Metuh is a recipe for throwing Nigeria into authoritarianism and an attempt to gag the opposition which he said is unhealthy for democracy.

“An anti-graft trap that catches only members of the opposition and those with axe to grind with the government of the day is compromised.”

Ekweremadu called on the nation to denounce and resist the prevailing situation where people are held in custody against the directives of the courts and laws of the land, saying that there would be no justice without the rule of law. [myad]

Cardinal Okogie Accuses Oritsejafor Of Making Mockery Of Christian Religion

Greenbarge Reporters

January 8, 2016

“And look at how they are making mockery of themselves and making mockery of ‘religion’. Is that religion? My brother, I must tell you this; CAN leadership today is zero. CAN has no leader.”

These were the views of the former president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, in an interview he granted Premium Times.

The cleric said that it was shameful that Pastor Ayo Ortitsejafor decided to abandon his office as a man of God for politics and deepened himself in politics, with an open support for former President Goodluck Jonathan.

“Thank God you are talking to one of the founders of CAN, and I was there as their leader for eight years. Then, the whole country knew that CAN had a leader, not by my own might, but by God. Because what we were doing then, we had only one voice. But the problem we have now is that people are struggling for power in unrighteous way. And because he is struggling for power, he can do little or nothing.

“And we didn’t buy the position. But this time around, because they are rushing to be in power, nobody obeys them. And look at how they are making mockery of themselves and making mockery of ‘religion.’ Is that religion? Today, they are with the federal government. We saw the writing on the wall when we left. The very first person that took over started romancing with Obasanjo. Then one or two CAN presidents tried their best before it got to this present CAN president, Oritsejafor. This is not right. Look at how Oritsejafor has fallen, from grace to grass.”

He also condemned Oritsejafor over his link with the $9.3 million smuggled abroad purportedly to procure arms and seized by South African authorities, saying: “they are ready with their moneybags. Where did they get the money from? Where did they get the $9.3 million that has been seized by South Africa from? They said it was to buy arms. We have to be very careful in this nation. What is the man (Oritsejafor) looking for? If you call yourself a man of God, then you should rely on God. Why should he be jumping up and down? But because he was not elected, not chosen by God, that is what is happening. Today, he wants to build a university, tomorrow he wants to be something else, next tomorrow he wants to be like other people.” [myad]

Enugu Governor Appoints Online Publishers’ President Council Chairman

Greenbarge Reporters

January 8, 2016

President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), Malachy Agbo was one of the prominent indigenes of Enugu state that were today, appointed chairmen of the local government caretaker committees.

The state governor, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who inaugurated the committees for the 17 local government councils in the state, asked them to live within their respective council areas even as he also directed all them to brace up for a government that place great emphasis on fiscal discipline in view of the peculiar situations confronting each of their council areas.

Only three of the former local government council chairmen, including Prince Cornelius Nnaji of Enugu East local government, Mr. Afam Okereke of Nkanu West council area and Cornnel Onwubuya of Uzo-Uwani local government council were retained.

Other chairmen of the council caretaker committees include, Professor Rose Onah for Nsukka, Ekwe Chidi from Aninri, Igwe Isaac Chukwudi – Enugu North, Sunday Ugwu – Enugu South and Fred Ezenwa – Ezeagu. Others are Malachy Agbo – Igbo-etiti,
Uwake Ezeja – Igboeze North, Fidelis Odoh – Igboeze South and Benjamin
Edeoga – Isiuzo among others.

The governor emphasized the imperative of the new helmsmen domiciling in their local government council areas, saying that the era of running the local government system from hotels is over in the state.

The governor reminded them that government and the people of Enugu State expect good results from them. He thanked the out-gone chairmen and the councilors for the service they rendered in their respective capacities, wishing them well in their future endeavours. [myad]

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