Communal Clash: Cross River Gov Ayade, Dethrones 2 Traditional Rulers

June 28, 2022

Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State has dethroned and de-certificated two community heads, Obol Lopon of Nko, Obol Etim Ayomobiand, the clan head of Oyadama, Ovarr Vincent Erena, with immediate effect, over communal clash between Nko youths and Onyadama community of Abi Local Government Area at the weekend.

A statement today, June 28 by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Linus Obogo, said that Governor Ayade ordered Nko community to produce six soldiers believed to have been killed or missing. The youths had allegedly shot and critically wounded an army commander sent to quell the communal clash.

The state Security Council, made up of all service commanders, presided over by the governor had been meeting since yesterday, Monday morning over the killings and violence which had claimed lives of civilians and soldiers.

Sources said that Nko youths had allegedly shot an army commander on Saturday evening alongside six other soldiers, accusing them of taking side with their opponents. The soldiers were reported to have called for reinforcement from Edor Barracks in Ikom, leading to killings and burning of houses.

The youths accused soldiers of going from house to house, killing residents.

The government ordered the army to sustain its operation in Nko community until those behind the shooting of the six military personnel were produced or fished out.

The government also ordered the forfeiture of the land in dispute for greater public interest.

“The ownership of the disputed land has been revoked and taken over by the state government for overriding public interest,” the statement said.

But former special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, who hails from Ugep, a neighbouring community, has called on the army authorities to withdraw and stop wreaking havoc on Nko.

Meanwhile, former minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Usani Usani who is an indigene of Nko, said that he would continue to make efforts to restore peace.

2022 Hajj: Saudi Turns Down Nigeria’s Request For Additional 5,000 Slots

Editorial staff

June 28, 2022

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has said that its request for 5,000 additional Hajj slots has been turned down by the Saudi Arabian authorities.

The commission also said that its request to waive officials who are above 65 years was also rejected and as a result, officials who are above the 65 years of age are banned from this year’s hajj.

NAHCON, in a statement said that despite the high powered delegation led by the Commissioner of Operations, Alhaji Abdullahi Magaji Hardawa after an official request were made before now, to actualize the offer, it was turned down.

“The visit became especially important to lessen Private Tour Operators’ genuine outcry over shortfall in number of clients they would be able to accommodate for the Hajj. It was also targeted at managing pressure of other Nigerians desperate to be participants in the season’s pilgrimage.

“Hence, NAHCON’s formidable team of representatives as well as the strong presentation made by our Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, to the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, unfortunately, the promise could not be fulfilled.

“Therefore, Nigeria’s Hajj industry is left with its initial allocation of 43,008. In view of this, NAHCON wishes to solicit the understanding of those aggrieved due to the failure to be counted among this year’s successful Haji applicants. NAHCON beseeches them to accept it as the will of The Almighty and look forward to next opportunity if God spares our lives. The Commission has done its best but the Almighty has decided the rest.

“Indeed, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, the NAHCON Chairman and other NAHCON management members, did their possible best to make sure that slots were distributed equitably. “It was however clear right from the start that not everyone who is qualified would make it to this year’s Hajj due to the relative low number of allocated slots.

“The Commission is aware of the agitation from all its publics, to wit, the States Pilgrims Welfare Boards, subscribers through the Hajj Savings Scheme, Private Tour Operators, including its own staff as well.

“NAHCON management is consoled because it did not ostracize any group in the distribution of available Hajj seats, but of course, not all would be successful, because, the Commission was working within the boundaries of what was available.

“Yet, management understands the frustration of many who were desperate to participate in this year’s pilgrimage after two years of blockade. As people of faith we should remember that Hajj is a divine call that one would answer at the destined time; no matter one’s wealth, health status, age or free time.

“NAHCON assures those unable to proceed for the Hajj that their Hajj fare deposits are untouched and safe. Thus, the Commission will order release of their monies to them without delay should they request for a refund. If they decide otherwise, they should be rest assured that they will not be short changed in anyway. Similarly, NAHCON had sought for waiver for Hajj officials above 65 years of age who due to their relevance to the Hajj operation, their presence in Saudi Arabia is crucial. This request too was turned down by Saudi Arabia. Hence any official above 65 years is exempted from participating in the 2022 Hajj duties. While soliciting for the understanding of all concerned and indeed the general public, the Commission sincerely regrets all the inconveniences as well as all such obvious/likely losses associated with the incidences highlighted above.”

Nigeria On Its Way To Manufacturing Trucks, Cars, Weapons, Aircraft, Others – Osinbajo

Editorial staff

June 28, 2022

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has seen the prospect of Nigeria manufacturing own vehicles, clean energy trucks and cars, weapons, armoured mobile platforms and aircraft.

Professor Osinbajo, who spoke late last night, June 27, at the 5th National Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Awards Dinner held at the Presidential villa, Abuja insisted: “we have all it takes.”
According to the Vice President the energy and creativity of young Nigerians, is already guaranteeing the prosperity of the country “and provide jobs and opportunities for the millions of youths coming into the job market yearly.

He said that the these MSMEs tell the story of the country’s great economic future, saying: “we are set to manufacture our own vehicles, clean energy trucks and cars, and we are on course to manufacturing our own weapons, armoured mobile platforms and aircraft. We have all it takes.”
“I believe that MSMEs in technology and manufacturing especially in the clean energy or green economy deserve special mention. I am convinced that this sector will be crucial in global industrial development in the coming years and will leapfrog Nigeria to economic prosperity.”
The Vice President commended some of the winners in particular, adding: “the first is Thinkbikes Limited, the winner of the BOI Award for Excellence in Manufacturing founded by Tolulope Olukokun, which produces solar and battery-run bikes that can go up to 50 kilometres on a single charge.
“The second is Phoenix Renewables Ltd, the winner of the NITDA Award for Excellence in Innovation, founded by Mustapha Abubakar Gajibo. The company designs and builds electric and solar-powered cars, tricycles and also vehicle and engine parts.
“The vehicles are now deployed for public transportation in the Maiduguri metropolis. By April they had conveyed over 21,000 passengers. I had the singular pleasure of driving one of the electric cars when I visited the Phoenix Renewables stand at the Borno MSME Clinic.
“The third is the Clintonel Advanced Engineering Centre, Access Bank MSME of the Year Award winner, founded by Tochukwu Clinton Chukwueke. The company builds high precision parts, moulds, medical equipment, and auto engine parts.”
The Vice President reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to supporting small businesses by providing the enabling environment for them to thrive.
He said that the improvement in the value of prizes given to award winners from an initial one star prize car in 2018 for the MSME of the Year winner to 10 cars in all categories in 2022, “is to underscore the significant improvement that has been built between the private sector and the Federal Government over the years.”
Professor Osinbajo then announced arrangements for the establishment of MSME Shared Facility projects comprising the Kaduna State Tomato Paste Production Hub and the Ogun State refurbished Adire market.
“Other facilities are now being established in Gombe, Bauchi, Kebbi, Ebonyi, Delta, Nasarawa, Ekiti, Abia and Kano States.”
The high point of the event was the presentation of prizes to winners in the various categories including deserving States such as Edo for best State in Shared Facility; Imo for best State in Fashion; Borno for emerging State in Innovation and Ogun for best State in MSME Policy.

Buhari Is Now ‘Great Collar Of The Order Of Prince Henry,’ Portuguese National Honour

Greenbarge Reporters

June 28, 2022

The President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa will, this week, decorate his Nigerian counterpart, President Muhammadu Buhari with that country’s national honour of ‘Great Collar of the Order of Prince Henry.’
The honour is part of the activities lined up by the Portuguese President, who personally invited Buhari to his country.
The Nigerian President, who leaves the shores of Nigeria for Portugal today, June 28, according to a statement by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, will also join his host to chair an enlarged bilateral meeting and witness the signing of some agreements bordering on issues of mutual concern.
Garba Shehu said that President Buhari will also visit the Portuguese Parliament and hold discussions with its president, Dr. Augusto Santo Silva, as well as the Prime Minister of Portugal, Antonio Costa.
He said that in the course of the visit, the President is scheduled to address a Forum of Nigerian and Portuguese businessmen and hold separate meetings with select Portuguese Chief Executive Officers and prospective investors to Nigeria.
President Buhari will also participate in the United Nations Ocean Conference, which began in Lisbon on Monday, June 27, and runs till July 1.
The Conference, co-hosted by the Governments of Kenya and Portugal and supported by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), aims to accelerate the adoption of science-based innovative solutions to challenges facing oceans and the global marine ecosystem.
The Nigerian leader is also expected to engage members of the Nigerian community in Portugal on matters affecting them and developments at home.
The statement said that the President will be accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Adeniyi Adebayo; Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare and Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami.
Others are National Security Adviser, Maj-Gen Babagana Monguno (rtd); Director General, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amb. Ahmed Rufa’i Abubakar and Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) Honorable Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
The statement said that Buhari will return to Abuja on Saturday, July 2.

APC Presidential Hopeful Jets To France For Meetings

Greenbarge Reporters

June 27, 2022

Presidential Candidate and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asíwájú Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has travelled to France for a meeting, sccording to his media handler, Tunde Rahman.

Tunde said in a statement that Tinubu left for France today, June 27 shortly after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The statement did not elaborate on the kind of meetings the APC Presidential flag bearer would hold in France, but that he would return to Nigeria soon.

Tunde said that earlier before his departure, Tinubu attended the public presentation of a book titled ‘Mr. Speaker’ and launch of legislative mentoring initiative in commemoration of the 60th birthday of Speaker of House Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.

He recalled that immediately after he was elected as the Presidential candidate, Tinubu embarked on a series of thank you and reconciliation visits to those who contested against him at the party’s primaries, including the seven aspirants who stepped down for him.

National Population Commission Begins Trial Census, Ahead Of 2023 National Census

Greenbarge Reporters

June 27, 2022

Preparatory to the 2023 population and housing census scheduled for April 2023, the National Population Commission (NPC) has commenced Trial Census in nine of Cross River state’s 18 local government areas.

The Federal Commissioner, representing the state on the NPC Board, retired Navy Captain Charles Ogwa, who spoke today, June 27 in Calabar, Cross River State, said that the state level training workshop for field personnel for the Trial Census is ongoing and that the training would last till July 8, 2022.

“The Trial Census is to be conducted from July 11 to 24, 2022. The House numbering/listening will take place from 11th to 16th July, to be followed by validation of Enumeration Areas frame from 17th to 19th July and Enumeration of personnel from 20th to 24th July, 2022.

“The Trial Census in Cross River State will be conducted in one supervisory area in Nine(9) local government areas of the State with three(3) LGAs selected in each of the three senatorial districts.

“The LGAs that will be covered are Bakassi, Calabar Southern and Odukpani for the South Senatorial district; Yakurr, Obubra and Boki for the Central senatorial district, while in the northern Senatorial district, the chosen LGAs are Bekwarra, Ogoja and Obudu.

“The Commission is determined to successfully conduct the Trial Census in our quest to deliver a credible, reliable, acceptable and verifiable Census to the nation.

“The Commission will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the Trial Census is carried out meticulously, professionally and scientifically to provide a good foundation for the smooth conduct of the 2023 Population and Housing Census.”

The Commissioner said that the Trial Census is not the actual Enumeration of the Population for 2023 and as such its outcome will not form the basis of the 2023 Census result.

Asked whether scheduling the main Census exercise in 2023 would not interfere with next year election, the Commissioner said the Council of State, which fixed April for the housing and head count, believed that by that period every election-related issues may have been sorted out and that the census will only precede the swearing in.

Describing the Trial Census as “a dress rehearsal,” Ogwa called for cooperation with the field enumerators to allow them move freely within the communities.

“I also solicit for the provision of adequate security for enumerators and their equipment during the Trial Census and urge you to respond truthfully to inquiries from enumerators.”

Source: Blueprints.

Zamfara: Constitution Does Not Give Governors Power To Use Police – General Irabor

Greenbarge Reporters

June 27, 2022

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor, has said that the constitution of the country does not give state governors power for the use of Police and other armed forces in any situation.

Reacting to the order by the Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle to the people of the state to bear arms for the purpose of defending themselves against bandits, General Irabor said that such order was ill conceived, and that the armed forces and other security agencies are there to handle the challenges.

The Chief of Defence Staff, who spoke with newsmen today, June 27 on the matter at the opening of the Joint Exercise for the National Defence College and War Colleges of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, code named “Exercise Grand Nationale,” in Abuja, said that he is yet to understand the basis for asking the citizens of Zamfara state to bear arms.

“If what I read is true, I do not also think that the governor has the power to instruct the commissioner of police to issue licenses, because the commissioner of police does not have the powers to issue licenses.”

General Irabor emphasized that the armed forces is only an instrument of policy implementation and does not take instructions from state governments, adding that the constitution gives rights and powers only to the Commander-in-Chief for the use of the armed forces.

He said that in this circumstance, it is the responsibility of the Attorney General of the Federation to look at the constitution and the laws to see whether the governor had such powers.

“I believe that, in my view, it is not the right way to go.

“Of course, there are actions that members of the security agencies and the armed forces, in particular, the police and other security agencies, are doing to address insecurity in Zamfara and environs.

“Beyond that, of course, there are other legal issues, other issues of governance, issues that the government could have addressed using the instrumentality of the law that are available for him to bring greater peace and security.

“But like I said, I do not intend to say much about it, but I believe that the Federal Government, using the Attorney General, will look at the details of that press release and give further instruction.

“I believe that what we are doing in Zamfara and of course, across the states of the federation, is in deference to the provisions of the constitution.

“So, we are there because we are there to give support to the civil authority, in this case, the police.

“We do not need to restate what the issues are that have led to the deployment of military across the country but then, like I said, we are doing the very best to ensure that peace returns to every part of the country,” he said.

Source: PRNigeria.

Buhari To Ag. CJN: Welcome To Judicial Hot Seat

Greenbarge Reporters

June 27, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari in a handshake with the New Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon Justice Olukayode Ariwoola during his swearing-in at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, today, June 27. Photo by Sunday Aghaeze.

New Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon Justice Olukayode Ariwoola

Nigeria’s Chief Judge, Tanko, Resigns: Justice Ariwoola Takes Over

Greenbarge Reporters

June 27, 2022

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad has resigned.
Information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online said that the CJN resigned on health grounds.
Impeccable sources at the Supreme Court anonymously confirmed the development.
Recalled that sometimes last year, Justice Tanko Muhammad travelled to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates to treat an undisclosed ailment.
His resignation comes on the heels of a protest letter by his brother justices of the Supreme Court over poor welfare service.
Meanwhile, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola has been slated to be sworn-in today, June 27 as the next Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) in place of Justice Tanko Muhammad.
CJN’s spokesperson, Ahuraka Isah, who eventually confirmed the resignation of his principal, Justice Tanko Muhammad, said that the swearing in of the new CJN would be done by 11am.

2023: Those Who Left APGA Will Be Disappointed – Anambra Gov, Soludo

Greenbarge Reporters

June 26, 2022

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has said that those are dreaming of winning the 2023 general elections in the Southeast under new parties apart from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) will be disappointed.

Soludo, who described such politicians as jokers, stressed that those who joined the Labour Party (LP) like its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, will just labour in vain in 2023.

,The Governor, who addressed APGA members at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area, wondered that a party without a councillor has nothing to offer, insisting that APGA remained the most formidable party in the State.

Some notable politicians in the State, including the former National chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, left the party to join LP to realize his senatorial ambition, after alleging that leaders of the party ganged up against him to make sure he did not pick the senatorial ticket.

Soludo said: “It is sad that the people that left had to leave, why would one leave a party he had laboured to build? It is not good to labour in vain.

“However, they are not contesting elections. The election in Anambra is between APGA and other political parties. APGA remains the third in Nigeria as the country inches closer to the 2023 general elections.

“Elections are not done on WhatsApp or the Internet. You have to be on ground. APGA is on ground here and everywhere. How can a party that does not have a councillor want to compete with us?

“We are strong and we are growing stronger, stand a real chance in Abia, we will compete in all places vigorously.

“We shall campaign when it starts, and by the time we enter January next year, we will know those that are still contesting.

“Our victory will be resounding this time, but we will not take anything for granted, Anambra people will see.”

1...442443444...2,444 Page 443 of 2,444