How Corruption, Illicit Financial Flow Are Devastating Africa – ICPC Boss, Prof Owosanoye

March 22, 2022

Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Professor Bolaji Owosanoye, has submitted that “endemic” corruption and illicit financial flows by Politically Exposed Persons (PEP), and the inability of member States of the sub-regional block, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to meet the requirements of the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption, has continued to devastate Africa, most times arousing military coups.

Speaking in Abuja at the 5th General Assembly of the National Anti-Corruption Agencies in West Africa themed: “The Role of Regional Economic Communities in the Implementation of the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption,” Professor Owosanoye, said: “we are all aware that corruption is a significant contributory factor to Africa’s underdevelopment. One can surmise that the inability of our institutions to fully implement our individual mandates and by implication the regional treaty obligations is a contributing factor to the resurgence of unconstitutional take over of government within the West African sub-region.”

This was even as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Bawa Abdulrasheed, linked security challenges in the sub-region to corruption.

“As you may be aware, the ECOWAS sub-region is threatened by existential security challenges which may not be unrelated directly or indirectly to corruption.

“We must, therefore, intensify efforts to stem the spate of illicit financial flows in the region including illicit flows by Politically Exposed Persons (PEP).”

Obiano Left Almost Empty Treasury, But N400 Billion Debt, Gov Soludo Cries Out

Editorial staff

March 22, 2022

Anambra State governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has lamented that his predessor, Willie Obiano, who handed over power to him less than a week ago, bequeathed a paltry sum of N300 Million and huge N400 Billion for him as as at December 2021.

Professor Soludo, who spoke today, March 22, 2022 on Arise TV, said that his government is still taking the inventory of the financial dealings by his predecessor, especially other financial details from January to date, adding that the details will be made available as soon as possible because they’re public documents.

Presidency Holds PDP Responsible For Any Violent Uprising To Destabilize Nigeria

Greenbarge Reporters

March 22, 2022

The Presidency has said it will hold the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) responsible for any violent uprising aimed at destabilizing the country.
“The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has given itself away as being interested only in the destabilization of the country, peradventure it could then sneak its way back to power.
“Less than 24 hours after the Department of State Services (DSS) raised alarm about sinister plots by some elements to cause disorder in the land, using the energy crisis as a smokescreen, the PDP issued a statement, saying; “Our party fears that the situation is getting to a boiling point and can trigger a nationwide agitation that might be worse than the October 2020 EndSARS if not addressed immediately.”
In a statement today, March 23, the Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on media and publicity, Femi Adesina asked: ” which patriotic political party or organization ever threatens its country with anarchy, social upheaval and disorderliness, except one still smarting from its snout being yanked from the honeypot, as happened to PDP in 2015?”
Adesina reminded “the now tepid opposition party” that it was Nigerians that gave it the boot seven years ago, and that the same Nigerians have not forgotten the travails they experienced, at a time the country was awash with money.
According to him, during the PDP era, there was no power and infrastructure, even as insurgents ran riot round the nation, with the collective patrimony of all Nigerians looted blind.
“Those same Nigerians are not ready for another PDP misrule, not now, and perhaps not for a long time to come.
“Rather than plot and encourage agitation worse than October 2020 EndSARS, which it may well be conceiving, the PDP should work for harmony and cohesion in the country, if it ever understands such concept.
“EndSARS signified murder, mayhem, mass destruction, even cannibalism. PDP now wishes Nigeria something worse.
“A presidential aspirant of the PDP has warned that the party would die by 2023, unless it wins the Number One position in the country. And die it would, if the party wishes the country nothing except something worse than EndSARS.”

Ohanaeze Youth Describes “Undue Desperation” Of Atiku As Threat To Nigeria’s Unity

Editorial staff

March 22, 2022

The youth wing of apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), has cautioned former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to drop his presidential ambition in the interest of the Nigerian nation.

The group frowned at what it described as “the undue desperation of Atiku Abubakar to pick the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic party PDP,” saying that such move is a threst to the unity of the country.

The National President of the group, Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, who spoke to newsmen today, March 21 in Owerri, the Imo State capital, emphasized that Atiku’s desperation would instigate Nigeria’s disintegration.

Comrade Igboayaka, who quoted Atiku to have said that, “PDP can’t afford to lose 2023 presidency”, stressed that the former Vice-president ought to know that “if PDP dare give him ticket in 2023 against South-East aspirants, the party will not just lose the election, but it will be an evidential call for total disintegration of Nigeria.

“Atiku Abubakar should go to the history line of PDP formation from G34 led by Dr Alex Ekwueme before it became a political party, to ascertain that South-East has paid the ultimate sacrifice in PDP more than any other zone in Nigeria.”

He emphasized that South-eastern people had contributed in formation, building, as well as sustaining PDP as the biggest party in Africa, saying: “Atiku Abubakar’s call to contest in PDP is a call to interrupt the unity and peace in Nigeria and such move will lead to national political disaster, anarchy and tribal crises that will sink Nigeria.

“If PDP denies a South-easterner presidential ticket, the only thing over 50 million Igbo youths must ensure is to keep Nigeria one by massively voting APC presidential candidate from South-East, and no PDP office/flag from ward level to state level will stand erect in South-East. We’ll fight PDP like Yakubu Gowon did to keep Nigeria one.

“PDP must avoid using Atiku Abubakar, Aminu Tambuwal and other selfish presidential aspirants that are not from South-East to disintegrate or cause Nigeria her national unity,” Igboayaka maintained.

“It’s derogatory that Atiku Abubakar boasted how he used Ben Obi and Peter Obi as running mates, Atiku Abubakar should know that if any Nigerian desires to see Nigeria as the ‘Giant of Africa’ as proposed by Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe (Zik of Africa), then it’s high time he dropped his presidential ambition and support a credible and competent presidential aspirant from South-East to build the Nigeria of Zik vision.

“Atiku Abubakar must awaken his human consciousness and realise that among the six geo-political zones in Nigeria, South-East gave him the overwhelming highest votes, which led the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to nick-name South-eastern people 5%. Therefore, it is historical that Atiku Abubakar and PDP family is owing the South-eastern people a reciprocation gratitude in 2023 presidential election.”

WAEC Bans 35 Secondary Schools In Rivers From SSC Examinations

Editorial staff

March 22, 2022

The West African Examination Council (WAEC) has banned no fewer than 35 secondary schools in Rivers State from presenting candidates for the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) Examination over their involvement in examination malpractices.
A letter signed by the Deputy Registrar/Zonal Coordinator for Head of National office of WAEC, S.D. KUM was forwarded from the State Ministry of Education to the affected schools for the notice of the public.

According to the letter, schools affected by the ban will not register candidates for the examination until further notice.
Schools listed in the letter are EL-Olam global academy, Ogbogoro; Rehoboth Int’l Secondary School; Christ Secondary School, Norwa; Midland Int’l Christian Sec. Sch, Port Harcourt.

Others are Rootway Compre. College, Port Harcourt; Charry Compre. Sec. Sch, Port Harcourt; Millennium High School, Port Harcourt; Sonny Memorial College, Diobu; Sit-up International School, Oyigbo; Rich-Model Secondary School, Oyigbo; Excel Comprehensive College, Okrika; Victory High School, Port Harcourt; Atlantic Heralds High School, Port Harcourt; Nigerian Christian Comp. College, Asarama; John Wesley College, Bori.
Unique International Sec School, Etche Ranjeny’s High School, Ogale Nchia Eleme; Baptist Vocational College, Ahoada; Community Secondary School, Ido; Community Secondary Sch, Baranyowa Dere; Community Secondary School, Kono Boue; Community Secondary School, Kpean; Comprehensive High School, Sii Khanna Kono Secondary School, Kono; Community Secondary School, Baen; Community Secondary School, Ngo-Uyeada; Community Senior Secondary Sch. Abam-ama; Community Secondary School, Ban Ogoi; Tua-Tun Community Sec. School, korokoro; Joinkrama Giris Secondary School, Joinkrama; Western Ahoada County High School, Ahoada and Community Secondary School, Ebubu Eleme.

Source: Tribune.

I Withdrew Stay Of Execution Case From High Court: Not Struck-Out – Ebonyi Gov

Editorial staff

March 21, 2022

Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, has said that he voluntarily withdrew the application for stay of execution from the Federal High Court Abuja, as against the news making the rounds that the case was struck out giving an impression that he had lost out.

Umahi said he took the decision because he had already appealed the judgment, which sacked him and his deputy from office.

According to him, what the Federal High Court did was to strike out the application for stay of execution.

In a statement today, March 21 by Umahi’s spokesman, Francis Nwaze, the governor said that he and his deputy voluntarily withdrew the application for stay of execution, since the matter had been entered at the court of appeal and records of proceedings also transmitted to the appellate court.

The statement called on the public to disregard wrong interpretations and insinuations from some “mischievous” quarters about the proceedings of the Federal High Court on Monday which struck out the application for stay of execution filed by Umahi and his deputy.

The statement reads in part: “Governor Umahi and his deputy, Barr. Igwe, having appealed the judgment of the Federal High Court of March 8, 2022, on their defection to All Progressives Congress through their team of lawyers led by Chukwuma Machukwu-Ume, SAN did inform the court for a withdrawal of their earlier application for stay of execution.

“The above was because an appeal has been entered at the court of appeal and records of proceedings have been transmitted to the appellate court.

“On the notice above, Emmanuel Ukala, PDP counsel, did not oppose the application.

“Consequently, Ekwo struck out the application following confirmation that a valid appeal had been entered at the Court of Appeal, Abuja division, challenging the verdict on them and at this point, the Federal High Court, from which the appeals emanated, ceased to have jurisdiction to entertain any matter on those cases.

“Let me equally confirm that a valid application for stay of execution has been made at the Court of Appeal which now has jurisdiction over the case and we urge the good people of Ebonyi State and supporters of our Presidential Hopeful and the Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David Umahi to remain calm, avoid being distracted as we are on a divine mandate and the court remains the final hope of a common man just as we are optimistic that we shall get victory in the end.”

2023: Northern Group Vows To Rise Against Atiku, Other Northerners Seeking Presidency

Editorial staff

March 21, 2022

A northern group known as Arewa Coalition for Rotational Presidency (ACRP), has advised politicians from the region, in their own interest, to shelve the idea of seeking the presidency in 2023 general election.

The group vowed that it would “practically rise” and mobilise against all presidential candidates from the North that dare contest under any political party.

In a statement jointly signed by ACRP Chairman, Abdullahi Biu and Secretary Hamza Malumfashi, the coalition said: “In the interest of peace, equity and justice, more so, that the North has been in power for eight years, the idea of the North even contesting the highly exalted position of President should be immediately jettisoned.

“All those that picked nomination forms, especially from the PDP, should step down if they are true democrats. As a group of democrats from the 19 northern states, we strongly believe in the principle of equity and fairness as a panacea for peace, progress and, thus, our resolve supports rotation of power to our brothers in the South.

“It is against this background that we are advising all political parties, especially the two major parties, APC and PDP, to field only southern candidates.”

This is coming against the background of the move by the 2019 Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party and former Nigerian Vice President, Atiku Abubakar to contest the Presidency under the same party in 2023. Atiku had already purchased the party’s nomination form at N40 Million.

Atiku, in a statement by his media office, said he will officially declare his intent on Wednesday, March 23 at International Conference Centre, Abuja, claiming that his resolve to contest followed several months of consultations with stakeholders across the country and in the diaspora, as well as all organs of the PDP.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles, In Ghana, Play Goalless Draw With Ghana In Qater 2022 Playoffs

Editorial staff

March 21, 2022

The Super Eagles played a goalless draw with today, March 25 in the first leg of their 2022 FIFA World playoffs at the Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi Ghana.

The Black Stars dominated the opening exchanges, but were unable to break down the Super Eagles defence.

Francis Uzoho produced a stunning save to deny Afena Gyan in the 33rd minute.

Victor Osimhen had Nigeria’s first shot on target in the 38th minute but was saved by Joseph Wollacott.

Rangers midfielder wasted another chance five minutes later.

The pattern of play continued after the break with the Black Stars in total ascendacy.

It was the Super Eagles who carved out the best chance of the half.

Moses Simon was put through on goal by Kelechi Iheanacho but his effort was saved by Wollacott.

Both teams struggled to carve out meaningful chances afterwards.

The second leg will be played next week Tuesday at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria.

Source: Prompt news online.

Gov Soludo Declares First “War” With IPOB Over Sit-At-Home On Mondays For Workers

Editorial staff

March 21, 2022

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, who assumed office days ago, has declared the first war with the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB) over the sit-at-home on Mondays to the workers in the State.

The governor, who reacted to the IPoB’s directive, ordered all public servants in the state to start reporting to work on Mondays, like other weekdays or face the music.

It would be recalled that since the resumption of trial of the leader of the IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, the group had called for a shutdown of businesses on Mondays, but later rescinded it.

Despite the rescinding of the decision by the separatist group, there have been fear of attacks on those who go to work, leading to the continued stay at home every Monday.

In some parts of the state, Saturdays have been adopted as working days, including schools and banks as a replacement for Monday.

But in a move to return Monday to a normal working day, Professor Soludo today, March 25, through the Head of Service, Barrister Theodora Igwegbe ordered workers to always ensure they are at their duty posts on Mondays.

In a circular dated today, 25th March 2022, which was signed by Igwegbe and sighted by DAILY POST, Soludo warned that absence from work on Mondays will attract sanctions.

Part of the memo read: “Following the need to reposition the service for better performance and productivity, His Excellency, the governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has directed that henceforth, all public servants should report at their places of work every Monday as every other weekdays.

“Consequently, absence from work on Monday, or any other workday without any approval will be viewed as serious misconduct, which will attract appropriate sanctions. This directive takes immediate effect.”

Soludo had last year, lamented the continued boycott of work on Mondays in the South East, saying that the zone loses an estimated N19.6 billion every Monday.

During his inaugural speech as governor, last two weeks, Soludo had extended an olive branch to all armed groups, saying he was ready to engage them in a round table discussion.

He lamented that many criminals now hide under freedom fighting to perpetuate criminality.

We May Be Heading To 3rd World War If…, Ukrainian President Warns

Greenbarge Reporters

March 21, 2022

Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, has warned that the current military conflict between his country and Russia would end in a third World War if President Vladimir Putin of Russia fails to come to the negotiation table.

President Zelensky said that he is ready to meet Putin on the negotiation table but warned that if the attempts fail, it could mean the ongoing war would lead to “a third World War.”

“I’m ready for negotiations with him,” the President said, adding that he has been ready for the meeting for the last two years and insisted without negotiations between him and his Russian counterpart, the war will not end.”

He said that said that if there is just one percent chance for the conflict to stop, both sides should grab the opportunity, adding that more innocent people are being killed on a daily basis.

“But, unfortunately, our dignity is not going to preserve our lives. So, I think we have to use any format, any chance in order to have a possibility of negotiating and the possibility of talking to Putin. But if these attempts fail, that would mean that this is a third World War.”

Source: CNN.

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