Arthur Eze Asks Igbo To Forget About Presidency In 2023

July 13, 2020

Billionaire oil magnate, Prince Arthur Eze, has asked Igbo people from the Southeast to forget about the presidency in the 2023 election, stressing that it will take God for an Igbo man to become Nigeria’s President.

Prince Arthur Eze, who spoke to newsmen today, July 13 in Ukpo, Anambra State, during a church service, noted that Igbo people do not love one another and are not united.

He therefore advised the Ndigbo not to crave for a President of Igbo extraction but a President who would champion their interest irrespective of his tribe.

He said that he would support a good leader as Nigerian President irrespective of the person’s ethnic group.

“For the Igbo to be President, they must love themselves. Do they love themselves? The North is very kind. If you go to northern Nigerian, you will see churches everywhere. There are churches in Kano, Sokoto, Kaduna, Abuja and others yet they say there is hatred. Do we (Igbo) love ourselves?

“Only God can make an Igbo man President. We shall pray to God to find an Igbo man who has character to help people. I would prefer someone who has conscience; somebody who will remember me. I don’t care where you come from.

“I went to the North, they didn’t know who I was. They gave me $12m for the construction of Kano TV in 1980. I didn’t have one naira then. It was the same thing in Katsina, Borno and Kaduna. Then, they put me in oil business. They didn’t care where I came from. Tell me any Igbo man who can do that?”

Source: PUNCH.

Tension In Anambra As Youths Pull Down 150 Houses Over Land Dispute

Editorial staff

July 13, 2020

Irate youths have reportedly destroyed no fewer than 150 uncompleted buildings in Oba, in the ldemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The structures, belonging to members of the Udodimma Estate Landlords Association, were allegedly pulled down today, July 13 following a dispute on the land.

Speaking to newsmen, the President General of the Udodimma Landlords Association, Frederick Chukwu, said that members of the group bought the land from the original owners.

Chukwu who called on the state Governor, Willie Obiano, to intervene said: “nobody told us that the land was in contention or any kind of dispute, neither did anybody come to disturb us since seven years ago when we bought it and started building.

“We were surprised that some people from Okuzu Mbana community, particularly a very rich man from the community, sponsored the destruction of our houses, making us incur losses of over N1bn on the over 150 ongoing building constructions.”

Reacting, the Chairman of Okuzu Mbana village, Chino Anachuna, denied knowledge of the association.

“The people claiming to be members of the association knew they were in the wrong hands, but were assured of protection by the people who were illegally selling land to them.

“We were shouting that time, but they connived with the people selling land to them to beat and use weapons on our people, because they compromised all security agents that could come for them.”

Source: Punch

We’ll Hold Tinubu,, Others Responsible If Southwest Fails To Clinch Presidency In 2023 – Afenifere

Editorial staff

July 13, 2020

The Afenifere Renewal Group(ARG), has vowed to hold key leaders in the Southwest responsible if the Yoruba nation fails to capture the position of President in the 2023 presidential election.

Among such key leaders, according to the group, are Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, Chief Akande, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, General Alan I Akinrinade, Professor Banji Akintoye, Senator Femi Okurounmu, Senator Ayo Fasanmi, Chief Afe Babalola(SAN) and others.

The group’s Publicity Secretary, Prince Michael Ogungbemi, who spoke to newsmen today, July 13 in Ado Ekiti, after a meeting, said: “ARG had met and we had concluded that the Yoruba nation is ready to lead Nigeria. We have a blueprint that we can present to any presidential candidate that can bring better democratic governance to all Nigerians.

“The southwest is ready to take over. We have human and material resources. The political leaders must go on consultations. We have six geopolitical zones, Southwest is just a block. Tinubu must lead this block. Also, Luckily, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who is the NGF Chairman, is from the southwest. “They must move for a united family to clamour for the presidency for the southwest and produce a unified front. If they can speak with one voice, we will actually clinch this ticket, because it is our turn.

“We can’t go into that race with a divided house.”

The group advised the leaders to urgently convey a meeting of the progressive politicians in the zone “so that we can be United. If we have a candidate that is acceptable to both the North and the South, we will surely win. “But Yoruba nation will blame Tinubu, Fayemi and Akande if the southwest fails to clinch the ticket.”

The ARG said that Tinubu, party’s pioneer Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande and the Chairman, Nigeria’s Governor’s Forum, Dr Kayode Fayemi should deploy their strategic positions to unite the zone and clinch the presidential ticket that may be zoned to the South in APC.

The socio-cultural and political body also advocated what it called “classical restructuring” of the country that would correct the highly entrenched lopsidedness in all zones and ethnic groups in phases.

The ARG Chief said that the country can’t run away from restructuring, adding that it remains the best panacea for peace and unity among diverse Nigerian citizens. “Nigeria needs to be restructured, but what we need is classical restructuring, it might not be holistic for now. With restructuring, governance at the state will be healthier and more benefiting, the running of the states will be healthier.

“Governance under the presidential system is very powerful and costly, but with power residing in the states and local governments, things will be better. We must have a roundtable referendum to achieve this. It is not to satisfy certain groups, it will bring geometric progressive order because we have not been moving at the right pace”.

Beyond NDDC Forensic Audit, By Horatius Egua

Editorial staff

July 12, 2020

It was yet another shocking revelation, at the Senate hearing, at the National Assembly, on the trouble Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), that the Interim Management Committee (IMC) led by Professor Pondei Kemebradikumo allocated about N1.3 billion to themselves as palliatives since the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic.

As a Nigerian, I am not surprised at this very kind gesture the IMC team did to itself, after all, they have the yam and the knife and at liberty to give to themselves whatever size of the tuber of yam.

When at the behest of the Covid-19 different arms of government and even nongovernmental agencies began to set up committees to raise fund to tackle the pandemic, I was worried because I saw in it an avenue for dubious public and private individuals to make quick monies for themselves. And that fear I expressed some months ago is beginning to crystallize into realities. The National Assembly members are already clenching fists for fisticuffs with those who are the managers of the Covid-19 fund.

Back to the NDDC N1.3 billion palliatives package. The revelation at the Senate Committee probing the NDDC is to say the least a betrayal of the trust reposed on the IMC by President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerians people. With all the shenanigans that characterized previous board and management team one would have thought that the Pondei IMC would be different but alas no! They have again revealed that a leopard can never change its spots.

This act of betrayal by the NDDC management team cast a huge doubt on the capacity and sincerity of the IMC in conducting and supervising the forensic audit put in place by the President on the NDDC. You cannot give the IMC that has been accused over and over again of corrupt practices and financial indiscipline to oversee this all important forensic audit designed to make past managers of the Commission account for decades of money wasted and stolen.

It is unfortunate and wicked for the NDDC IMC to set aside such homogeneous sums of money for palliatives for itself when the Niger Delta region and its people wallow in poverty with no concrete projects to point to except clearing of water hyacinths and waterways.

The action of the Pondei led IMC shows the insensitivity and wickedness of the team to the plights of the oppressed Niger Delta people.

Well I hope this revelation by the MD himself won’t be treated as a political banter and one that will be swept under the table like others before it after financial gratifications have exchanged hands. I know that President Muhammadu Buhari will not allow this to happen under his government and I trust the Senate President Dr Ahmed Lawan will also not allow this to happen. The people of the Niger Delta deserve to know what happens to the monies allocated to them by the Federal Government through the NDDC for the development of their region.

The time has come for those who sit atop the billions of naira allocated to the Niger Delta people are called to account for them. This is the time for NDDC managers and others entrusted with huge sums of money to build infrastructure and provide palliatives for the Niger Delta people to open the books to the people of the region to know how much has been allocated for projects in the region and how much has been spent and on what projects. The time for allocating billions to clear just waterways, water hyacinths and such other trivial projects in the region should be halted with immediate effect. The time has come for NDDC manager to open the books and account for every kobo allocated to the Commission. This should go beyond Just any Forensic Audit . It should be about the Peoples Audit. If this is not done, it would imply that the NDDC is not for the ordinary people of the region but for a few privileged Individuals who have turned the Commission into their private ATMs.

It is unfortunate that the period of genuine agitation for the development of the region has gone because a few powerful nitwits in the region have hamstrung with ill-gotten wealth the ligaments that bind the people together. it is right now difficult for people in the region to come together to pursue a common front.

It is sad to note that even the youths who are expected to be at the vanguard of agitation for infrastructure development in the Niger Delta have become tools in the hands of the rogue manipulators just to protect their personal investments. These youths no longer have the moral strength and the collective will to resist the brutal rape of the region by these thieves and vampires because they have been compromised financially.

I won’t be surprised if tomorrow a few disgruntled elements from the Niger Delta region are handpicked to lead fathom protests to the National Assembly calling on the Senate President and other principal officers of the National Assembly to resign for daring to voice opposition to the massive stealing and looting of the common Niger Delta patrimony, just for a bowl of fisherman soup!

How can we grow as a people and garner the needed support to create a region that will be the envy of the world if we continue like this?

It is on record that past and present governors from the region have over the years collected huge sums of money running into trillions of naira from 13% derivation and other sources for the development of the Niger Delta but fretted them away on personal desires. Curiously they have not been called to account for their misdeeds. They still walk freely and jostle for political powers in the region without shame! The norm now is: steal plenty and give out a little and your sins will be forgiven. People now believe that that is the norm and that calling for accountability is out of place.

Can anyone then blame those who would also want to collect their part of the cake? It is very very sad to note that the natural resources from God, which should have been used for the common good of all have become the source of palliatives for a few heartless elements who are privileged to oversee the affairs of the NDDC. Sad and very very sad indeed!

Horatius Egua is the Publisher, The Bridge News (www.thebeidgenewsng.com)

Hope Of People With Bow-Legs, Bent-Knees, Bad Teeth Joining Nigeria Police Dashed

Editorial staff

July 11, 2020

Nigerians who want to make career in Nigeria Police Force but have some physical defects, such as bow-legs, knock-knees, bent-knees and bad teeth cannot do so as the Force commenced the recruitment of constables nationwide.

A statement today, July 11 in Abuja by the Force spokesman, Frank Mba emphasized that persons with bow legs, knock knees, bent knees, and gross malformation of teeth were not eligible for recruitment into the service.

Others who are similarly disqualified from entering the Force include persons with amputated body parts, defective eyesight, and speech impediment. Pregnant women are also disqualified from the recruitment exercise.

The notice said that applicants must be within the ages of 17 and 25 and must possess a minimum of five credits in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination in not more than two sittings.

“Interested candidates must have a functional email address and National Identification Number.

The online application would be open from July 14 2020, to August 23, 2020.”

We Have Not Approved Paxherbal For Coronavirus Cure – NAFDAC

Editorial staff

July 11, 2020

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has made it clear that it has not approved a Paxherbal product or any herbal mixture for the treatment of coronavirus.

The Director General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, today, July 11 described as inaccurate, the reports that the agency NAFDAC has approved a Paxherbal product “specifically for treating symptoms associated with Coronavirus.”

Adeyeye explained that no clinical study has been done on any of the products to prove claims of efficacy and that until a clinical study is done in a scientific manner, no herbal medicine manufacturer can claim effectiveness to treat coronavirus associated symptoms.

“Once the product is able to meet all requirements, a listing status is granted with a clear DISCLAIMER that states clearly that claims have not been evaluated by NAFDAC.

“The applicant can arrange for clinical trials that will involve the use of human subjects in order to prove efficacy or claim for treatment following laid down procedures and with the approval of NAFDAC.

“Most of the applicants that submitted herbal medicines that are currently undergoing processing have been issued compliance directives to provide additional information or/and evidence of Good Manufacturing Practice or environment fit for the production of the medicines.

“Paxherbal applied for Listing of Pax Herbal Cugzin capsule 290mg which was approved by NAFDAC and Listed as “Safe to use.

“The applicant claimed that it is an immune booster and an anti-infective. However, as part of the labelling of the product, and in line with global practice, a Disclaimer is on the product label which clearly states that the claims have not been evaluated by NAFDAC.”

Academic Staff Caution Against Proliferation Of Universities In Nigeria Without Funding

Editorial staff

July 11, 2020

File photo: Students sitting on the floor to receive lecture at one of the Nigerians universities

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has cautioned state and federal governments against the proliferation of universities in the country without adequate provision for funding..

The National President of ASUU, Professor Biodun Ogunyemi, at a Town Hall Meeting in Jos, Plateau State today, July 11, said that some of the universities being established by both federal and state governments are needless.

“Federal and State Governments are establishing universities without adequately funding them. For instance, why do we need a university of transportation, or that of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)? All these can be taken care of by the existing public universities.

“So, proliferation of university education will not help us; it is grossly affecting the quality of education in the country.”

Professor Ogunyemi regretted that state governments have made the setting up of universities a constituency project, rather than centre of development, adding if care is not taken, university education in the country would go into comatose just like the current state of primary education system.

“What we see today is that state governments have turned the establishment of universities to constituency project; every governor wants to have a university in his constituency. This is really sad, and if we are not careful, university education will collapse like the public primary schools in the country.

“So, what ASUU is really fighting for is to stop the total collapse. Our demands are not selfishly motivated.”

ASUU President advised federal government to fix public universities, saying that by so doing, such institutions can be spinners of revenue generation.

He advised government to implement the recommendation of the union based on the Needs Assessment Report of 2012 and other demands of the union.

The town hall meeting attracted students, parents, teachers, journalists, lawyers and religious leaders, among others, as participants.

Source: NAN.

Buhari Insists On Common Position On Asset Recovery To Fight Corruption In Africa

Editorial staff

July 11, 2020

File photo: President Muhammadu Buhari at Anti-Corruption Summit in London, United Kingdom 2016.

President Muhammadu Buhari has called on African leaders to ensure the immediate actualization of the Common African Position on Assets Recovery (CAPAR), as the continent celebrates Anti-Corruption Day today, July 11.

In a letter to South Africa’s President and Chairman of African Union, Cyril Ramaphosa, the Nigerian leader asked for a re-commitment to the anti-corruption war by leaders on the continent to engender an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens, representing a dynamic force in the international arena.

The President lamented that the massive corruption being perpetrated across the national governments has created a huge governance deficit that had in turn, created negative consequences that have worsened the socioeconomic and political situation in Africa.

The letter by President Buhari reads in part:

“As Your Excellency is aware, the continental fight against corruption has been premised on an irreducible minimum that can pave the way for Africa’s transformation. In this effort, the emphasis has been on the continent’s collective determination to forge resilient partnerships among our national governments, civil society organizations and other interest groups, such as women, youth and the physically challenged, to ensure improved socio-economic, political and security development and ultimately, the improvement of our continent.

“The concern of the African Union is that the massive corruption being perpetuated across our national governments, has created a huge governance deficit that has in turn created negative consequences that have worsened the socio-economic and political situation in Africa.

“Your Excellency may recall that these continental concerns led our colleagues at the African Union, to appoint my humble self as the African Union Anti-Corruption Champion. I believe that the efforts and focus of the Nigerian Government at home, partly informed this decision as well as the need for Africa, as a continent, to recommit herself to the fight against corruption and the imperative to free resources for meaningful development.

“I am, therefore, in full support of the call for the issuance of a continental message to commemorate this day, on July 11, 2020, to re-commit the African Union to the continental fight against corruption, including through a robust approach to assets recovery, hence the need for a strategic framework on a Common African Position on Assets Recovery (CAPAR).

“Happily, in February 2020, at the 33rd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union in Addis Ababa, CAPAR was adopted. In my view, the African Union must go beyond the mere annual celebration of the Africa Anti-Corruption Day by moving swiftly to operationalize the African Common Position on Assets Recovery by all member states. This is an excellent way to drive Africa’s Agenda 2063, for an ‘integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens, representing a dynamic force in the international arena.’

“As current Chair of our Union, I sincerely commend to you, this suggestion that seeks to call our leaders in Africa to recommit ourselves to this very important task of reclaiming our continent from the vice of systemic corruption.

“Please accept, Your Excellency and Dear Brother, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

War On Corruption: Magu, Others Are Not Immune – Presidency

Editorial staff

July 11, 2020

The Presidency has made it clear that in fighting corruption, no one, not even the embattled former Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu is immune.

“Under this President (Muhammadu Buhari) and Government, this is our mantra and guiding principle. There are no sacred cows, and for those who think they have a halo over their heads, their days are also numbered.

“Mr. Magu was not immune – and regardless of the obvious embarrassment that potential acts of wrongdoing by him, given the office he held, may appear for the government.”

Senior Special Assistant to the President on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement today, July 11 reacting to a series of documented allegations against Magu, said that no government in the history of Nigeria would have moved to bring into the light and public domain such an allegation.

“We must realize that the fight against corruption is not a static event, but a dynamic and ever evolving process, in which the EFCC is just one actor; and as we continue to work towards improving our democratic process so shall every institution of ours also embark on that journey of evolution.”

Garba Shehu said that following a preliminary review of the allegations leveled against Magu and several other members of his staff, there were grounds for a detailed investigation to be conducted.

“As is the proper procedure, when allegations are made against the Chief Executive of an institution, and in this case an institution that ought to be seen as beyond reproach, the Chief Executive has to step down from his post and allow for a transparent and unhindered investigation.

“The EFCC does not revolve around the personality of an individual, and as such cannot be seen through the prism of any individual.

“Therefore, the suspension of Mr. Ibrahim Magu, allows the institution to continue carrying out its mandate without the cloud of investigation hanging over its head.

“The EFCC has many good, hardworking men and women who are committed to its ideal and ensuring that the wealth of our country isn’t plundered and wherein there is an act of misappropriation such person(s) are brought to justice.”

The Presidential spokesman said that Magu is being availed the opportunity to defend himself and answer the allegations against him, adding that under the laws of Nigeria, every citizen is presumed and remains innocent until proven guilty.

According to him, what is important is that there must be accountability and transparency, stressing that every government officer must prepare to be held to account.

“This is the building block in the fight against corruption, the establishment of the concept of Accountability and the recognition of the Rule of Law.

“Those who see Mr. Magu’s investigation, as a signal that the fight against corruption is failing, have unfortunately, missed the boat.

“There is no better indication that the fight is real and active than the will to investigate allegations in an open and transparent manner against those who have been charged to be custodians of this very system.”

Immigration Stops 58 Medical Doctors Trying To Sneak Into UK From Nigeria

Editorial staff

July 10, 2020

Nigeria Immigration Service boss, Muhammad Babandede

The Nigeria Immigration Service has stopped 58 doctors, who attempted to sneak into the United Kingdom from Nigeria, on an aircraft with registration number ENT 550.

The Public Relations Officer of the Immigrarion service, Sunday Jamess, in a statement today, July 10, said that the doctors had no visa for entry into the United Kingdom.

“The 58 medical doctors were refused departure in line with Section 31 subsection 2a and b, on powers conferred on the Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service by the Immigration Act 2015, to prohibit departure of any person under the conditions stated in the Act.

“The chartered flight approved for landing in Nigeria was to carry 42 medical doctors for a training program but they were 58 with only two having visa for entry into UK, a situation that calls for refusal of departure.

“The Nigeria Immigration Service as the agency saddled with control of entry and departure from Nigeria of persons will not allow individuals or groups of well-educated Nigerians who should know the procedures for travelling out of their country and the requirements, which include having a valid visa for entry into a destination country to leave.

“This is to avoid refusal of entry and repatriation back to Nigeria amidst COVID-19 pandemic and spreading of same as well as flouting the Federal Government’s directive on restriction of international flights unless for essential reason as approved by government.

“There is no official communication to the Service from the Ministry of Health in Nigeria or any known medical body notifying the NIS of the travel of this number of medical doctors. The aircraft has departed for London without the medical doctors.

“The Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Muhammad Babandede, is taking this opportunity to advise Nigerians to always adhere to travel protocols and ensure they have valid passports with valid visa to the country they intended travelling to before going to any airport, seaport or land border control to avoid refusal to depart.”

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