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  • Uzodimma Dissolves Imo State Cabinet

    Uzodimma Dissolves Imo State Cabinet

    Governor Hope Uzodomma of Imo State has dissolved the State Executive Council and sacked the Local Government Area Chairmen.

    The governor disclosed this on Tuesday during a state executive council meeting at the Sam Mbawke Executive Chambers at the Government House, Owerri.

    Those affected included the Secretary to the State Government, Commissioners, Special Advisers and Senior Special Advisers, the Chief of Staff, and the Chief Press Secretary.

    While dissolving the cabinet, Uzodomma thanked his former appointees for their contributions towards the success of his administration during his first term in office.

    He said the dissolution has become necessary to rejig the new administration for optimum performance and new direction and to meet up with the realities of the moment.

    The governor also apologised for any wrongdoing to any appointee during his first tenure and promised to carry everyone along in his second tenure in the interest and development of the state.

    Uzodimma is expected to constitute a new cabinet by sending commissioner-nominees to the state assembly for confirmation.

    Governor Uzodinma and his deputy, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, on Monday, took their oath of offices at the Dan Ayiam Stadium in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

    President Bola Tinubu, ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo, the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Speaker of the House of Representative Tajudeen Abbas, and other All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains were among those in attendance.

  • FCC Chair, Secretary: Lawyer urges President Tinubu to enforce Court Judgement

    FCC Chair, Secretary: Lawyer urges President Tinubu to enforce Court Judgement

    An Abuja based legal practitioner, Mr Festus Onifade, has called on
    President Bola Tinubu, to correct the appointment of the Federal Character Commission (FCC)’s chairman and secretary by the previous government.

    This was contained in a certified true copy of a letter to President Tinubu, in Abuja, Wednesday, that was copied to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Sen. George Akume, and Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

    On April 28, 2020, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Muheeba Dankaka as FCC chairman for a five-year tenure and was confirmed by the Senate on June 2, 2020.

    Buhari also approved the appointment of Bello Tukur as FCC’s secretary on April 14, 2017, and was reappointed on March 12, 2021, for a term of four years.
    While Dankaka is from Kwara, Tukur hails from Taraba; the duo coming from the northern geopolitical zone.

    Meanwhile, in a letter dated Jan. 16 and titled: “Appeal to Mr President to Safeguard the Integrity of Federal Character Commission,” the constitutional lawyer prayed the president to give effect to the court judgment.

    The letter reads; “It is against this background that we make this appeal to you sir to give effect to the judgement of the court by appointing persons from different geo-political zones who will represent the diversity recognized in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Amended).

    “Mr. President sir, it may not have come to notice that the morale of staff is at all-time low and this singular incident has caused a lot of resentment among staff of the commission.

    “This is particularly because the commission itself is guilty of the infractions it was constitutional and statutory created to remedy.
    “Sir like the popular saying ‘remove the log in your eyes, before the log in mine.’

    Mr. President Sir, your timely intervention will remedy this anomaly and restore the commission back to performing its constitutional and statutory functions efficiently.

    “It will also restore confidence of Nigerians in this administration as a government of inclusion, endearing hope in governance, and giving every Nigerian a sense of belonging.”

    Onifade, in a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/709/2021, sued the president, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), FCC, Dankaka and Tukur as 1st to 5th defendants respectively at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

    In the originating summons dated and filed on July 19, 2021, the lawyer sought a declaration that “the president is bound to observe and comply with the provision of Sections 7 and 8 (1), (2) (a) (b) (c) of the Third Schedule, part 1 of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended) in the appointment of persons to the office of the Chairman and Secretary of FCC.”

    He also sought an order directing the president to immediately dissolve and reconstitute the FCC’s board in accordance with the laws.

    Justice Inyang Ekwo, in his judgment on Nov. 22, 2023, declared that the appointment of Dankaka and Tukur from the northern region was unlawful.

    FCC Chair, Secretary: Lawyer urges President Tinubu to enforce Court Judgement

    By Vivian Michael, Abuja

    An Abuja based legal practitioner, Mr Festus Onifade, has called on
    President Bola Tinubu, to correct the appointment of the Federal Character Commission (FCC)’s chairman and secretary by the previous government.

    This was contained in a certified true copy of a letter to President Tinubu, in Abuja, Wednesday, that was copied to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Sen. George Akume, and Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

    On April 28, 2020, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Muheeba Dankaka as FCC chairman for a five-year tenure and was confirmed by the Senate on June 2, 2020.

    Buhari also approved the appointment of Bello Tukur as FCC’s secretary on April 14, 2017, and was reappointed on March 12, 2021, for a term of four years.
    While Dankaka is from Kwara, Tukur hails from Taraba; the duo coming from the northern geopolitical zone.

    Meanwhile, in a letter dated Jan. 16 and titled: “Appeal to Mr President to Safeguard the Integrity of Federal Character Commission,” the constitutional lawyer prayed the president to give effect to the court judgment.

    The letter reads; “It is against this background that we make this appeal to you sir to give effect to the judgement of the court by appointing persons from different geo-political zones who will represent the diversity recognized in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Amended).

    “Mr. President sir, it may not have come to notice that the morale of staff is at all-time low and this singular incident has caused a lot of resentment among staff of the commission.

    “This is particularly because the commission itself is guilty of the infractions it was constitutional and statutory created to remedy.
    “Sir like the popular saying ‘remove the log in your eyes, before the log in mine.’

    Mr. President Sir, your timely intervention will remedy this anomaly and restore the commission back to performing its constitutional and statutory functions efficiently.

    “It will also restore confidence of Nigerians in this administration as a government of inclusion, endearing hope in governance, and giving every Nigerian a sense of belonging.”

    Onifade, in a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/709/2021, sued the president, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), FCC, Dankaka and Tukur as 1st to 5th defendants respectively at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

    In the originating summons dated and filed on July 19, 2021, the lawyer sought a declaration that “the president is bound to observe and comply with the provision of Sections 7 and 8 (1), (2) (a) (b) (c) of the Third Schedule, part 1 of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended) in the appointment of persons to the office of the Chairman and Secretary of FCC.”

    He also sought an order directing the president to immediately dissolve and reconstitute the FCC’s board in accordance with the laws.

    Justice Inyang Ekwo, in his judgment on Nov. 22, 2023, declared that the appointment of Dankaka and Tukur from the northern region was unlawful.

  • Seun Kuti Knocks Super Eagles Over Performance At AFCON

    Seun Kuti Knocks Super Eagles Over Performance At AFCON

    Afrobeat sensation Seun Kuti has voiced his disappointment over the perceived lack of commitment from Super Eagles players during national duty. 

    Following Nigeria’s underwhelming 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Kuti took to Instagram to express his concerns.

    Kuti dismissed players’ claims of underperformance due to financial motivation, asserting that many are already financially stable and not dependent on payments from the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).

    “Nigerian footballers are not patriotic. They are more interested in their oyibo clubs and the glams. They might say it’s because the national football body doesn’t treat them well, but it’s our duty to do well for Africa because it is ours,” Kuti stated.

    He emphasized the disparity in focus, pointing out the contrasting dedication exhibited by European teams in major competitions. 

    Kuti urged Nigerian footballers to display the same level of seriousness during international events as they do at their respective clubs.

    “I watched Super Eagles last game. Do you guys watch the Euros and World Cup? Don’t you see how European teams enter fields? Don’t you see how focused their players are? Even Nigerian footballers, when they are at their clubs, they are always focused. But when they come to the Nations’ Cup, they are unserious. African footballers are the craziest of athletes. I’m sorry to say this.”

  • Seyi Makinde Reveals Cause Of Ibadan Explosion

    Seyi Makinde Reveals Cause Of Ibadan Explosion

    Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, says two people were killed in the explosion which took place in Ibadan, the capital of the state, on Tuesday night.

    Makinde said the explosion, which injured 77 people, was caused by illegal miners who stored explosive devices in one of the buildings in the Bodija area of Ibadan.

    “We visited the scene of the explosion which occurred at about 7.44 pm yesterday, 16 January 2024 in Bodija, Ibadan,” the governor said.

    “This unfortunate incident resulted in death and injury to residents in the vicinity and also affected properties. We have already deployed first responders and all relevant agencies within Oyo State to carry out comprehensive search and rescue operations.”

    He said preliminary investigations by the security agencies revealed that “illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija had stored explosive devices there which caused the blast”.

    Makinde said the investigations are ongoing and all those found culpable for this will be brought to book.

    The governor said the rescue operations will continue throughout the night.

    “Earth-moving equipment, ambulances, emergency lights, and security were deployed to the scene of the incident,” he said.

    “The wounded and injured are being treated and moved to public and private hospitals within Ibadan. Medical personnel are on standby at these hospitals to provide all needed assistance to the injured. We have visited UCH to see some of those injured during the incident.”

    Condoling the families of those who lost lives and properties to the explosion, Makinde said “in total, we have 77 injured victims so far, most of whom were treated and discharged and 2 fatalities. May their souls rest in peace and may God give their loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss”.

    Makinde assured residents that the state government would take care of the medical bills of all victims of the blast.

    “We will also be providing temporary accommodation for those whose houses were affected and ensuring that they are supported to rebuild their lives,” he said.

    “I urge all residents to please call 615 for any emergencies they may be experiencing at this time and to remain calm and stay away from the immediate scene of the incident to allow rescue operations to be carried out without interference.

    “We are grateful to the first responders, security personnel and all those who are at the scene to assist with the rescue operations as well as the medical personnel taking care of the injured.

    “Please say a prayer for those who have been affected by this disaster as we continue with the rescue operations.”

  • New Jersey To Return $8.9m Looted Under Jonathan To Nigeria

    New Jersey To Return $8.9m Looted Under Jonathan To Nigeria

    Jersey’s Royal Court has ruled in favour of returning stolen assets valued at £6.9 million ($8.9 million) to Nigeria.

    The decision comes after Jersey’s Attorney General issued a forfeiture notice in November, asserting that the funds, deposited in a Jersey bank account, were likely misappropriated by Nigerian government officials in 2014.

    The illicit transfer of funds was reportedly disguised as government-sanctioned contracts for arms purchases during Boko Haram incursions in Nigeria between 2009 and 2015.

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was in power between 2010 and 2015. It will also be recalled that a lot of controversy had surrounded the purchase of weapons in the fight against insurgency with the then National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki, being accused of diverting funds meant for security equipment.

    Also in late 2014, a private jet belonging to the-then President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, was arrested in South Africa with $10m cash, which was allegedly meant for the purchase of military weapons.

    The Jersey court found that most of the funds, initially intended for legitimate arms deals, had been diverted through foreign bank accounts and shell companies linked to the former ruling party in Nigeria.
     
    Jersey’s Attorney General, Mark Temple KC, noted the collaboration between Jersey and the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the recovery process.

    Temple stressed the effectiveness of the 2018 Forfeiture Law in combating corruption and restoring funds to victims of crime. Plans are underway to negotiate an asset return agreement with the Nigerian government.

    He said: “This case again demonstrates the effectiveness of the 2018 Forfeiture Law in recovering the proceeds of corruption and restoring that money to victims of crime.

    “I now intend to negotiate an asset return agreement with the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

  • UK Govt Increases List of Organizations that Can Sponsor Nigerian Immigrants

    UK Govt Increases List of Organizations that Can Sponsor Nigerian Immigrants

    The United Kingdom government has released a revised list of companies and organizations authorized to sponsor skilled immigrants applying for temporary worker visas from Nigeria.

    The official website, as of January 12, 2024, reveals a significant increase, with a total of 99,856 approved companies, marking a notable rise of 31,226 from the previous count in January 2023, which stood at 68,630.

    The list spans various industries, including technology, commerce, education, media and advertising, and engineering, among others.

    The UK government, in an announcement on its website, detailed the categories of workers these sponsors are licensed to support, including charity workers, skilled workers, creative workers, global business mobility: senior or specialist workers, and international sportspersons.

    Aspiring individuals are encouraged to visit the companies’ websites to explore available job opportunities.
    The companies listed are:

    1. RSS Express Ltd T/A Ledbury Fuel Service Station
    2. IECC Care (Independent Excel Care Consortium Limited)
    3. AboutCare Hastings Ltd
    4. £ ESS Ltd
    5. Architect UK Ltd
    6. Home Accommodation Services Ltd
    7. Ur Eaz Ltd
    8. Infiniti Limited
    9. Brunswick Stores Limited
    10. Plus Care Ltd
    11. 003 Ltd
    12. 0086 Ltd
    13. 00Nation Limited
    14. 01 Accounting Services Ltd
    15. 012 Global Ltd
    16. 023 Ltd
    17. 0xA Technologies Ltd
    18. 1 Ace Training Limited
    19. 1 and 1 Rougamo Limited
    20. 1 and 5 Tech Ltd
    21. 1 Answer Insurance Services Ltd, among others.

    This move is expected to enhance employment opportunities and foster international collaboration between the UK and Nigeria in various sectors. Interested parties are urged to explore the expanded list for potential job openings and sponsorships.

  • William Troost-Ekong Insists Super Eagles Can Still Do Well In 2023 AFCON

    William Troost-Ekong Insists Super Eagles Can Still Do Well In 2023 AFCON

    Super Eagles of Nigeria vice-captain, William Troost-Ekong is adamant that the players possess the proper mindset to do well in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    William Troost-Ekong stated this following the Super Eagles’ abysmal performance in their opening game at the 2023 AFCON which ended in a 1-1 draw against lowly-rated Equatorial Guinea.

    During the game, Troost-Ekong and his teammates had to fight from a goal down to grab a 1-1 draw courtesy of a header from the team’s talisman, Victor Osimhen.

    This terrible start from the three-time winners of the tournament has raised fear in the minds of football enthusiasts ahead of their second group stage game which is against the hosts, Ivory Coast on Thursday.

    Hence, Jose Peseiro’s men are currently under pressure ahead of their clash with the hosts, who already lead Group A with three points after winning their opening game 2-0 against Guinea-Bissau.

    After the 1-1 draw on Sunday, the attitude of the players towards winning a fourth AFCON title was questioned, but Troost-Ekong said they were not unaware of the task ahead as he confirmed that the team had a meeting ahead of their next game.

    “We’ve spoken about this so much, we have Kenneth (Omeruo) and (Ahmed) Musa who have won the AFCON with us and they told us exactly how that journey was. Some of the guys like myself, who were there in 2019, also explained exactly how it was to get to the semi-final and take the bronze,” William Troost-Ekong said.

    “You know in football, it’s not always when you want something that you get it. The other teams too, you have to respect them as well.”

    As it stands, the Super Eagles must not be defeated when they face Ivory Coast on Thursday. A draw or a win will keep them comfortably in the competition.

    If they beat Ivory Coast, a draw against Guinea-Bissau on Monday will be enough to seal a place in the round of 16. But if they lose to Ivory Coast, they must beat Guinea-Bissau and hope that Ivory Coast beat Equatorial Guinea.

  • Hoodlums Attack UNILAG Bus During Convocation

    Hoodlums Attack UNILAG Bus During Convocation

    The management of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State, has announced that unidentified miscreants vandalized the school bus.

    The varsity noted that the hoodlums, during the attack, stole gowns intended for its graduates for the 54th convocation ceremony scheduled to hold on Tuesday (today).

    Graduates have been mandated to pay N15,000 to obtain the convocation gowns.

    However, amid preparations, reports emerged that some graduates who made the payment received a notification from the university administration stating that the distribution of the gowns had been halted due to the vandalism committed by the unknown criminals.

    “We regret to inform you that the distribution of SPGS academic gowns is now suspended. Sadly, the remaining gowns were stolen, and our bus vandalised this afternoon,” the university’s email to one of the graduates read.

    Confirming the development, a lawyer who identified himself as Malachy Odo, said he had received the identical notification from the school through text messages subsequent to his payment of the fee designated for the gown collection.

    “I paid 15k for convocation gown yesterday and this is what UNILAG just sent me. This country is not a real place,” he noted.

  • Surge of Kidnappings: FCT Minister Summons Emergency Meeting

    Surge of Kidnappings: FCT Minister Summons Emergency Meeting

    In response to the alarming surge in violent crime within the nation’s capital, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has initiated a crucial emergency security meeting.

    Recent incidents involving brazen bandit operations, including the tragic killing of several residents, including a 13-year-old Secondary School Student, have prompted heightened concerns.

    Addressing the gathering, Minister Wike reassured FCT residents about their safety, emphasizing the government’s commitment to providing security forces with necessary resources to combat the rising insecurity.

    The closed-door summit, presently in session, brings together heads of security agencies in the FCT, key officials from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), council chairmen, and traditional rulers.

    Stay tuned for more updates on this developing situation.

  • AFCON 2024: Equatorial Guinea Coach Insists His Mission Is Not Over After Drawing With Nigeria

    AFCON 2024: Equatorial Guinea Coach Insists His Mission Is Not Over After Drawing With Nigeria

    The head coach of Equatorial Guinea, Juan Micha, has insisted that his team has an incomplete mission despite doing the unthinkable against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

    On Sunday, January 14, the Super Eagles were expected to beat lowly-rated Equatorial Guinea in their opening 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) encounter.

    To the dismay of most football enthusiasts, the Super Eagles had to come from a goal down to draw 1-1 in front of over 8,000 spectators at the 60,000-capacity Alassane Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium.

    Jesus Owono of Equatorial Guinea made over six fantastic saves to deny Victor Osimhen and the rest clear goalscoring opportunities. Due to his performance in the game, he won the best player of the match award.

    Despite the rave their performance has generated, the Equatorial Guinean coach refused to describe the outcome of the match as an accomplishment.

    He told reporters after the game that he and his team will continue to strive toward their aims for the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.

    He said, “I think this selection that I lead is prepared day by day to compete in this tournament.

    “I am lucky to know the details of football, having been a high-level player.”

    Coach Micha added: “Our mission is not complete, we still have a lot to do.

    “We are in a group stage, this is the first match. We will try to reach the next stage before seeing what happens next.”