Asiwaju Tinubu’s Presidential Storm Gathers Momentum As Associates Mobilize

January 14, 2021

The Presidential storm of the National Leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu gathered great momentum yesterday, January 13 as his political associates stormed Ibadan to intensify mobilization for him.

The allies in attendance, drawn from the Southwest zone of the country include former and current Speakers of State Houses of Assembly in the geo-political zone. At the last count, no fewer than twenty current and past Speakers in the States’ Assemblies in the region were in attendance at the meeting.

The attendees include Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, former Speakers of Osun State House of Assembly, Mojeed Alabi and Najeem Salam, former Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Asimiyu Alarape and former speakers from Ondo and Ekiti, among others.

The Lagos State House of Assembly speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, who convened the meeting said that all former and current Speakers in the region had taken it upon themselves to support Tinubu’s presidency in 2023, and had formed Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) Foundation to break the shackles of poverty in the country.

The Lagos State Speaker said that although, Bola Tinubu has not given the go-ahead to kick-start his interest in the presidency, there is a need to deliberate on “this all-important issue on behalf of Tinubu.”

He called on all attendees at the meeting to go back to their respective states to set up the template that would see to the actualisation Tinubu mandate.

Speaking on the essence and resolutions made at the meeting, the National Coordinator, BAT Movement, Ambassador Aliyu Saulawa emphasized that the movement is ready to ensure power shift to the Southwest and to be clinched by Tinubu.

“What was resolved at the meeting include, that power must shift to the South and that the Southwest must produce the next president.”

Source: The Nation.

Lawyer Allegedly Steals N15.7 Million He Won For His Client In Court

Editorial staff

January 14, 2021

A legal practitioner in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Bardi Robert is now in the net of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly converting the sum ofN15.7 Million he won for his client Igwe Ugochukwu in court to his personal use.

Bardi Robert allegedly received the judgment fund in three tranches – N10,000,000, N737,187, and N4,975,000.

According to the EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, in a statement today, January 14, said that the suspect allegedly eloped with funds awarded by Rivers State High Court.

Uwujaren said that the alleged accomplice, Obinna Friday Egwom, is still at large, adding however that the suspect would be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.

I Believe Igbo Can Achieve Collectively Defined Objectives Without Malice – Ohanaeze Boss

Editorial staff

January 13, 2021

The new President-General of apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Professor George Obiozor, has expressed his belief in achieving the objectives which Igbo race hold dear without malice to anyone, “but with diplomatic dexterity, decency, candour and decorum.”

In his message of appreciation today, January 13, to his fellow men and women who elected him to the exulted position, Professor Obiozor said: ”my dream type of leadership is leader/manager model, using the most and best available efficient persons and instruments to achieve Igbo collectively defined objectives. I believe this can be done without malice but with diplomatic dexterity, decency, candour and decorum.

“I know this is no easy decision on the part of Ndigbo or even my humble self. But I promise you all and my God, that I shall take up to the best of my ability to tackle the challenges and the responsibilities that come with the hallowed office with honour, dignity, dedication, decency and decorum.”

Professor, who is the former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States of America said: ”my most compelling necessity was service, a timely and crucial service at one of the most critical times in Nigeria’s history with dire consequences, particularly for Ndigbo as a national entity.

”Indeed, not only has governance become both difficult and complex in Nigeria, but downright an existential threat to Ndigbo in particular. The Igbo dilemma in Nigeria has come at last. And the time requires a very careful and delicate skilled manager in the relationships between Ndigbo and other Nigerian nationalities especially the national power elites. This requires a mature and experienced person with a capacity to build enough consensus to define and defend the interest of Ndigbo.”

Professor Obiozor added: ”four points priority agenda for Ndigbo are security, economy, education, peace and reconciliation.

”Ndigbo must be safe at home and abroad. Ndigbo must never again be victims of circumstances they did not create nor can they control. Security of Ndigbo, young or old will be a priority in my tenure. And security does not come alone, it comes with justice. Therefore, we must always seek justice, equity and fairness no matter how difficult or how long it takes to achieve them.”

For successful and continuous progress and prosperity of Ndigbo all over the world, Obiozor said he would ”continue with religious zeal and commitment” the South-East Economic Stabilisation fund established by his immediate predecessor, Chief John Nnia Nwodo.

On education, he promised to work with Igbo-speaking state governors to revamp the education system because ”the neglect of education has nearly thrown Ndigbo into incremental irrelevance in Nigerian politics and other national events.”

He appealed for the support of Ndigbo to achieve these objectives, adding:”we must make peace among ourselves. We must engage in healing Igboland, spirit of reconciliation and harmony among Ndigbo. Peace must reign in Igboland.”

Retired Soldiers Occupy Finance Ministry In Abuja, Demand Payment Of Pension, Others

Editorial staff

January 13, 2021

Retired Nigerian soldiers occupied the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja, demanding payment of their pension arrears.

They also demanded a stop on all deductions on the pension of all retired medical officers as well as the inclusion of officers who fought during the civil war on the military pension scheme.

The ex-servicemen are appealing to the Federal Government to approve the payment of minimum wage arrears accruing to them between 2019 till date.

A representative of the retired soldiers, Anthony Agbas, who delivered a letter to officials at the Ministry of Finance during the protest today, January 13, said that they have fought for the country and deserve payment of their pensions.

He said that they are hopeful that their demands will be met without further delay, following the peaceful protest.

Leave Bishop Kukah Alone, Presidency Tells Muslim Group over Quit Notice

Editorial staff

January 13, 2021

The Presidency has cautioned Muslim group which issued quit notice on the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, over his remarks considered to be offensive to Muslims in the country, to leave him alone.

“The reported ultimatum by a group based in Sokoto, Muslim Solidarity Forum, calling on the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Right Reverend Matthew Hassan Kukah, to tender an unreserved apology to the entire Muslim Ummah over his recent malicious comments against Islam, or quietly and quickly leave the state, is wrong because it is not in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Under our constitution, every citizen has the right to, among others, freedom of speech and expression, the right to own property and reside in any part of the country, and the right to move freely without any inhibitions. Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity.”

A statement today, January 13 by the senior special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, admitted however that Bishop Kukah’s Christmas message greatly offended many people but that it is wrong for Muslim groups to issue quit notice to the cleric.

Garba Shehu insisted that the bishop has the right to practice his faith and politics anywhere in the country and that issuing him a notice to quit Sokoto is against the constitution.

The statement read: “The reported ultimatum by a group based in Sokoto, ‘Muslim Solidarity Forum,’ calling on the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Right Reverend Matthew Hassan Kukah, to tender an unreserved apology to the entire Muslim Ummah over his recent “malicious comments” against Islam, or quietly and quickly leave the state, is wrong because it is not in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The right for all religions to coexist is enshrined in this country’s constitution. The duty of the government, more so, this democratic government, is to ensure that the constitution is respected. But all must respect the rights and sensitivities of their fellow Nigerians.

“Father Kukah has greatly offended many with his controversial remarks against the government and the person of the president, with some even accusing him of voicing anti-Islamic rhetoric.

“On matters such as these, responsible leadership in any society must exercise restraint.

“Knee-jerk reactions will not only cause the fraying of enduring relationships, but also the evisceration of peaceful communities such as Sokoto, the headquarters of the Muslim community as beacon of pluralism and tolerance. The Sultanate has historically had good relations with followers of all faiths. That is why Father Kukah was received on his arrival in Sokoto with friendship and tolerance.

“Under our laws, groups or factions must not give quit notices, neither should they unilaterally sanction any perceived breaches. Where they occur, it is the courts of law that should adjudicate. Unilateral action is not the way to go.

“Groups such as the Muslim Solidarity Forum must be seen to share and uphold the country’s multi-religious principles. And individuals like Father Kukah must respect the feelings of his fellow Nigerians in his private and public utterances.”

Polaris Bank Moves To Reward Customers N26 Million In Savings Promo

Editorial staff

January 13, 2021

Polaris Bank has put up New Year plans to announce the first set of winners of its on-going nationwide savings promotional campaign, known as ‘Save & Win.’ The bank said that the sum of N26 million will be won by lucky customers.

A statement from the bank said that reports from branches of the bank across Nigeria indicate an overwhelming participation in the promo by Nigerians, adding that it consists of existing and prospective customers of the Bank, who are desirous to emerge winners and make 2021 a memorable one.

Polaris Bank commenced the nationwide ‘Save & Win’ promo campaign last November to reward and empower its loyal and prospective customers by giving away N26,000,000.00 with winners picked through a transparent electronically generated process that will be supervised by regulatory institutions.

The Bank seeks to raise eight millionaires who will receive N1million each while 180 lucky customers will be rewarded with other cash gifts of N100,000 each.

The promo is aimed at making millionaires of everyday Nigerians by encouraging current and prospective customers of the Bank to save minimum incremental of N10,000 monthly for any three (3) consecutive months within the promo period, starting from November 2020 to April 2021, to qualify and be part of the winners of the promo.

The first draw, which will herald the first set of winners, will be announced next month, February. On that day, the first 60 winners of N100,000 each will emerge from the six (6) geo-political zones, plus one Millionaire.

The same process will be repeated in March while the month of April will be for the Grand-finale leading to the emergence of sixty winners of N100,000 each across the six geo-political zones and six ‘Millionaires’ of N1,000,000.00 (one million naira) each, across the six (6) geo-political zones, bringing the entire draw to a total of 188 winners.

The Managing Director/CEO of the bank, Innocent C. Ike, expressed satisfaction with impressive number of participants in the promo and restated: “the essence of the initiative is to give back to customers and encourage savings amongst Nigerians.”

He said that the campaign is a reward for the traders, artisans, public servants and indeed professionals who in spite of the challenging times, are able to put aside some money.

He reiterated that in tough times such as we are now, there is a compelling need to save, not only to win a prize, but also to plan for the rainy day.

Savings Account accessibility is simple and swift in Polaris Bank. Prospective customers can dial *833*0# on their phones to follow the prompt or simply create or reactivate their own savings account from their devices by visiting https://accounts.polarisbanklimited.com/opening/ or any of the Bank’s branches across the country.

NECO Releases SSCE Results, De-Recongnizes 12 Schools Over Cheating

Editorial staff

January 13, 2021

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has released the internal Senior Secondary School Examination (SSCE) results with a two per cent increase of candidates who made five credits and above in all subjects.

The Council also de-recognized 12 schools for their involvement in mass cheating and whole school cases of malpractice.

The Registrar, Professor Godswill Obioma, who announced the results today, January 13 at the NECO Headquarters in Minna, listed the schools de-recignized as four in Adamawa, two in Kaduna, two in Katsina, two in Niger, one in Taraba and one in FCT.

He said that 24 supervisors were blacklisted for various offences ranging from poor supervision, aiding and abetting, connivance with non candidates to write answers on chalkboards.

Source: The Nation.

NNPC Vows To Focus More On Gas, Condensats, For Revenue Growth

Editorial staff

January 13, 2021

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has vowed to focuse more on gas, condensate and other revenue streams to tackle the revenue challenge arising from the OPEC+ production cut arrangement.

The Group Managing Director of the Corporation, Mallam Mele Kyari, made this known today, January 13 at the ongoing virtual Gulf Intelligence “Global” UAE Energy Forum 2021.

According to him, gas had proved to be a steady and reliable revenue stream during the height of Coronavirus pandemic in 2020.

Mallam Kyari said that gas production and utilization would remain a key priority for the Corporation in 2021.

He reiterated the commitment of the NNPC to abide by the output cut agreement of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies aimed at stabilizing the global oil market.

Mallam Kyari said that despite the negative effects of the production cut on government revenue, it is the best step towards redeeming the value of hydrocarbon resources at the global market in the interest of all.

The NNPC boss, who spoke on the topic: “Outlook for Africa/Nigeria’s Oil & Gas Sector in Post-Covid Era,” said that the Corporation is hopeful that by the end of the year, demand for crude oil would pick up and there would be a marginal increase in output.

Earlier in his presentation, the Minister of Energy & Agriculture, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Engr. Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, appealed to all oil producing nations not to flood the market with crude oil.

He said the UAE is at the moment more concerned about balancing the market forces of demand and supply in the global market than growing market share.

For Now, January 18 School Resumption Date Not Changed – Task Force On Coronavirus

Editorial staff

January 13, 2021

The National Coordinator of the Presidential Task Force on cornavirus, Dr. Sani Aliyu has said that the January 18 date for resumption of schools across the country has not changed at least for now.

Dr. Aliyu, who spoke when he featured in a Television Continental (TVC) program in Abuja, said that schools would resume on January 18 unless the Federal Ministry of Education comes up with a new directive on the matter.

“On the resumption of schools, I just want to make a clarification, what the minister said on Monday was that they were going to review the date. He didn’t say that they were going to change the date. He said they will review the situation and let the nation know.

“So, for the moment, it is still January 18 until the Ministry of Education comes back either with an alternative date or reconfirm that.”

The Federal Government had last year, ordered schools across the country to resume from the Christmas and New Year holiday on January 18.

Many states in the country had initially ordered the indefinite closure of the schools over the spike in coronavirus cases.

The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, had said at the PTF briefing yesterday, January 11 that the Federal Government would review the January 18 date for resumption of schools across the country.

Women In Global Health Name 4 Nigerian Nurses, Midwives For Global Award

Editorial staff

January 13, 2021

Women in Global Health (WGH), have nominated four Nigerians, among 100 outstanding women nurses and midwives’ leader as part of activities to mark the 2020 International Year of the Nurse and Midwife.

In a statement on its website today, January 12, WGH said that the 100 women were chosen for heroism and service amidst global health challenges.

The Nigerian women who have been listed for the award are Mary Agholor, Edidiong Asanga, Emmanualla Inah and Onyinyechi Madu.

WGH said that Agholor, born and bred in Ile-Ife, Osun State by Delta State parents, was the first Nigerian nurse to become a broadcaster as she founded the Nightingale Radio as a platform for nurses to speak out and express themselves, and to also serve as an information hub for nurses and nursing body, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).

On Edidiong Asanga, WGH said that she was the first and only nurse/midwife in Akwa Ibom State, who combined American and Nigerian sign languages for the care of hearing-impaired patients.

“Asanga has been a surgical nurse, midwife, and even legislative intern carrying out health policy analysis. She’s highly experienced and sensitive nurse-midwife with an exceptional record of providing stellar medical and emotional services to all kinds of patients.”

On Emmanuel Inah, WGH said that as practicing nurse and midwife, the school sent few of them to rural villages where none of them could neither speak the native language nor understood the culture, practices and beliefs.

WGH said that Susan Madu was named “community hero” because her dedication deeply impacted the local midwifery nursing community, as well as the broader global health ecosystem.

Madu was also said to have contributed regularly to courses, healthcare, and movements at the grassroots level to improve access to quality healthcare through extensive research and intervention schemes.

“She participated extensively in research and community care work that positively impacted the lives of the poor and underprivileged in rural communities of Imo State, Nigeria. As a nursing officer at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, Bauchi State, she was involved in activities at Cholera Treatment Centre to create awareness and carry out research on the 2014 cholera outbreak.”

Source: Daily Sun.

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