The Trade Union Congress on Saturday said the suspension of its October 1 nationwide strike was a temporary move. It noted that it remained conditional upon the fulfillment of the promise by the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to fulfill the conditions enlisted in the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Federal Government and the Organised Labour.
Labour also dismissed the claim by governors that they would not implement the demands in the MoU between the Federal Government and the organised labour on the grounds that governors had rolled out palliatives for state civil servants and residents before the MoU was signed.
The National Deputy President of the Trade Union Congress, Tommy Etim, made these known in an interview with our correspondent in Abuja on Saturday.
Sunday PUNCH reports that the organised Labour and the Federal Government had signed a 15-point agreement in the MoU, which was made public on October 1, 2023.
Speaking on reports that governors might not implement the terms of the agreement, Etim stated, “That is not possible. Anyways, the truth is that we have reached out to our people in the states to meet with them. Letters have also been sent to that effect.”
On the progress reached so far with the government, the labour leader said, “The 30-day ultimatum we gave to them is still in place. We have given them time and we are sure they are working. What we did was just a suspension. When you suspend a strike, you can kickstart it without further notice. We have done our part and we are waiting for them to play their part.”
[Punch]
The crisis between the Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Rt Rev Godfrey Onah and his priest, Rev Fr Paul Obayi, famously known as Fr Okunerere, continues to attract diverse reactions.
Obayi is the spiritual director of the Okunerere Adoration Ministry, Nsukka, Enugu State.
DAILY POST reported that Fr Obayi, who runs a similar prayer ministry like Mbaka, revealed that the church authority in the diocese was oppressing him.
He had alleged that he gave everything to the church, yet the church wanted to strangle him.
“The church is my vineyard, I love the church, I love my Nsukka (Catholic) church, I love the bishop, I love the priests, I love them, but they are oppressing me.
“I give everything to the church, yet the church wants to strangle me. But it can’t happen!
“Since the church doesn’t want me again, I am leaving the Catholic Church any moment from now,” he said.
He alleged that some priests, who claimed to be acting on the order of the Bishop, broke the entrance gate to the Adoration Ministry.
His outcry has remained subject of controversy on social media, with people taking various positions.
Mbaka, who is known for not keeping quiet, has then spoken out, warning those oppressing Obayi to desist or face the consequences of their actions, which he termed ‘sin against the Holy Spirit’.
The fiery cleric, who said his fellow priests always abandoned him whenever he faced similar oppression, noted that he would always stand out.
He demanded that Obayi should be shielded from what he described as ”attacks and forces of darkness, whims and caprices of hawks, vultures and serpents”.
In a veiled attack on the Bishop, Mbaka said, ”When you have not verified what a man of God is doing, you begin to blackmail and misinterpret it.
“Has anyone given you people an assignment? Know when you have crossed the boundary. Are you God? Why are you an impostor?’
”If you people shut down Okunerere adoration ministry, the demons he cast will follow you people. I want the world to hear this voice. These are the children given to me; I am their senior brother.”
According to the cleric, ”We need more soul-winners like Father Okunerere. You beat a child and asked him not to cry. Who are you? God ordained all that you are. And if you take the authority God gave you to oppress his messenger, heaven will take away what it has bestowed on you. You better repent”.
Mbaka lamented that many other priests were in anguish and bleeding over the treatment meted out on them by church leaders.
He said many left the seminary burning for God, but the fire was always regrettably extinguished once they were ordained priests.
He declared: ”I am talking to Nsukka people. I am not talking to any individual. Nsukka, as a people, if you keep quiet and Father Obayi is nowhere to be found, before such a good thing like him comes to you people, those who will die because of it would be many. I know that what I have spoken will raise so much dust.
”Father Obayi may not be the best, but he’s good. He has done so well in winning souls to God. He should not be messed up. Those who should shield this young man from attacks and forces of darkness should not pass him to the whims and caprices of hawks, vultures and serpents.
”Father Obayi should not be exposed to predators. The chief shepherd of that diocese should protect that young man. Obayi should not be compensated with sorrow and should not be handed over a dead child.
”But I will warn my brother priest not to be tempted into leaving the priesthood. Let him be courageous, let him be steadfast, let him be resolute. His labours will never be in vain.
”I have been trying to get him through the phone, but I have not. I saw the thing on social media, so I am replying through social media. Jesus in the Eucharist is the one you should look to. He will keep you, Father. He will shield you from the valleys of shadows of death. He will preserve you.
“Don’t forget you have dealt tortuously with many demons, so they cannot leave you unharassed. The devil can use many people to attack you back.
”Those who are doing these things to Obayi should know he is not supposed to cry for you people. The good thing that came to Nsukka. The people of Nsukka, you kept quiet? Are you people saying it does not concern you? There is someone you lose, and heaven’s wrath and anger will be upon you when you can no longer find him.
“Do you people even know what’s happening to you people? Nsukka people, be vigilant!
”Galatians 6:17 says, ‘’Henceforth, let no one trouble me. I bear in my body the wounds of Jesus’. Don’t trouble Fr Obayi anymore; allow him to concentrate, focus, dedicate himself to the work of God, and be used as a deliverer, as a healer. Allow him to sacrifice himself – he has been sacrificing.
”I know Father Paul so deeply. If there is a place where he is falling short, let him be corrected. But he has done well in many areas. And the people of God love him. Let nobody be jealous of him. You cannot do what he’s doing.
”If such a man could leave the occult world and come into Christianity, and he would be bullied in his Christian family, where would he now run to? The Bible says the foundation, once destroyed, what shall the just man do? (Psalm 11:3). Because the sceptre of the wickedness shall not rest on the land allotted to the just. Otherwise, the just will be forced to put a hand in evil.
”Those who brought poverty and hardships in the land, nobody has done anything to them. Nobody has done anything to the wicked ones in the society. Meanwhile, the messenger of God has been made to cry in the house of God for nothing.
”It is easy to attack me, and I will endure, but you cannot attack a fellow prophet, and I will be silent. Listen, whoever is doing this thing to Obayi, he should not cry for you people again.
”You know, during my trying time, many priests kept silent. It is not so now. I am speaking under the mandate of the Holy Spirit. Stop bullying men of God.
”Why do you people hate those who can pray? Why do you hate those who are anointed in a charismatic way? Where do you belong? Nsukka, are you people silent? Let nothing happen to Father Paul. Every town would not be dumb. The Catholic Church is not a dumb church.
“He should be encouraged. He needs our prayers and support. He needs our love. He is a real man of God. Where he did not do well, he should be corrected but should not be caused to be bleeding in the church.
”The Catholic Church is passing through a tsunami. We are losing our members in millions to Pentecostals and gifted priests who will become magnets to pull the snatched-away members back, taken away by idol worshippers; many have gone into cultism and occultism, and we are losing our members; many have no leadership trust in the leadership of the church anymore, I am talking about the reality; instead of planning on soul-winning and proper evangelization.
”If you people shut down Okunerere adoration ministry, the demons he cast will follow you people. I want the world to hear this voice.
”What is the problem? You are free to misunderstand me when you hear this, but heaven will dismay you if you exceed your boundaries. I don’t want to know who you are. Evil is nothing but evil. You people should stop killing the church. We need soul-winners like Father Okunerere, more of that.
”Not just Father Okunerere, there are other priests who are in anguish and lamentation. A Rev. father does not marry and has no child. So, we need prayers for our priests.
”In the future, the Catholic Church in Nigeria will begin to look for people like those that they are killing now, but it will be difficult to get them.
“Beware, Jesus said that every sin could be forgiven, except the sin against the Holy Spirit.
“When you have not verified what a man of God is doing, you begin to blackmail it and misinterpret it. Has anyone given you people an assignment? Know when you have crossed the boundary. Are you God? Why are you an impostor?
”Let me stop here because I know these things I have said will raise many other issues. You can come out if you have the strength. In many dioceses, many priests are bleeding. They came out from the oven of the seminary hot with anointing, ready to pray and work and be holy, and they would be messed up.”
Recall that Mbaka has had several running battles with his Enugu Catholic Bishop, Most Rev Callistus Onaga, over his ministry’s activities.
The last was in June 2022 when the Adoration Ministry was shut down on the order of the Bishop.
The Bishop, in a letter he personally signed, and addressed to ‘All the Clery, Religious and Lay Faithful in the Catholic Diocese of Enugu’, banned all the members from having anything to do with the Adoration Ministry.
The letter said, “In the light of the happenings in the Catholic Adoration Ministry Chaplaincy Enugu, capable of undermining the Catholic faith and teachings and after several fraternal corrections and admonitions to Fr. Ejike Mbaka, the Chaplain of the Ministry.”
“Having given him pastoral directives and guidelines for the Ministry Chaplaincy, which he persistently violated.
“In fulfilment of my pastoral duties as the Chief Shepherd with the obligation to promote and safeguard the Catholic faith and morals in Enugu Diocese, I hereby prohibit all Catholics (clergy, religious and lay faithful) henceforth from attending all religious and liturgical activities of the Catholic Adoration Ministry until the due canonical process initiated by the Diocese is concluded.
“My decision is based on the fact that some of the teachings and utterances of Fr. Mbaka at the Catholic Adoration Ministry are not consistent with the teachings and faith of the Catholic Church,” Onaga said.
This was in reaction to the issues involving Mbaka and the then presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi.
Recall that the priest had during one of the adoration programmes declared that Obi, who he described as “a stingy man”, would not win the election.
About four months after the ministry was shut down, it was announced that Mbaka had been sent to the monastery.
It was further disclosed that the new Chaplain of the Adoration Ministry Chaplaincy is Rev Fr Anthony Amadi.
Mbaka’s followers, however, kicked against the decision and Fr Amadi was prevented from assuming duty by adorers as Mbaka’s followers are fondly called.
In January this year, Mbaka was allowed to resume his ministry’s activities.
[DailyPost]
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) say they killed another man in Gaza suspected of masterminding the large-scale attacks by Islamist Hamas.
Billal Al Kedra, commander of Hamas units in southern Khan Younis, was killed in airstrikes the previous evening, according to an IDF statement on Sunday morning.
Other Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists were also killed, the IDF said.
The latest news came after the IDF said it had killed two other men they suspect of masterminding the Hamas attacks.
The IDF attacked more than 100 Hamas military targets in Zeitoun, Khan Younis and western Jabalia, it said, hitting operational command centers, military facilities, dozens of launching pads for anti-tank missiles and observation posts.
Command centres of the Islamic Jihad terrorist organisation were also hit, the IDF said.
Hamas is classified as a terrorist organization by the EU, the United States and Israel.
[ThisNigeria]
Tens of thousands of people gathered for pro-Palestinian demonstrations across the UK amid growing international concern over the situation in Israel and Gaza.
Marchers filled the streets of central London on Saturday as thousands also gathered in Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh, and other parts of the UK.
Demonstrators carried flags and flares and chanted pro-Palestinian slogans as marchers heard calls for world leaders to condemn Israel’s actions.
It comes as thousands of Palestinians attempted a mass exodus from northern Gaza after Israel’s military told them to evacuate before an expected ground invasion.
The UN, human rights groups, and others have been among those expressing deep concern about the impact of Israeli action on civilians as the death toll continues to rise amid airstrikes and a siege on the territory.
The renewed violence came after an attack last week by Palestinian militant group Hamas left hundreds of Israeli civilians and soldiers dead.
More than 1,000 officers were deployed by the Metropolitan Police before Saturday’s demonstration in the capital, with police saying in advance that anyone showing support for Hamas may face arrest.
Certain areas of London were covered by a Section 60AA power, which requires a person to remove items that might be used to conceal their identity, such as masks, until the early evening.
As marchers arrived in the thoroughfare and made their way to a stage outside the prime minister’s Downing Street office, chants of “Rishi Sunak, shame on you” and “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” rang out among the crowd.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman earlier this week urged police chiefs to consider whether that pro-Palestine slogan could amount to an offence, while also suggesting that waving Palestinian flags could in some contexts be seen as illegitimate.
The Met confirmed that as of 5:30 pm, seven people at the demonstration had been arrested for a number of alleged offences including one person on suspicion of causing criminal damage.
“There have been small pockets of disorder; flares, bottles, and fireworks have been thrown at police,” the force said in a post on social media.
Before the demonstration, the BBC’s headquarters in London was daubed in red paint as pro-Palestinian group of Palestine Action accused the broadcaster of having “blood on its hands” over its coverage.
The BBC has also faced criticism in recent days from senior ministers for maintaining its editorial stance not to describe Hamas militants as terrorists.
In Edinburgh, thousands of people staged an impromptu march to the Scottish Parliament, marching from The Mound, where the protest was held, and down Edinburgh’s Royal Mile before taking the knee in solidarity with Palestinians caught up in the conflict.
The UK government has been steadfast in its support of Israel, with ministers calling on police to use the “full force of the law” against shows of support for Hamas or bids to intimidate the UK’s Jewish community.
Amid concerns about the scale of the Israeli response, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Friday that the country has “every right to defend itself” from Hamas attacks but stressed that civilian safety must be “paramount in our minds.”
But 12 aid agencies, including Oxfam, Action Against Hunger, and Action Aid, called on Sunak and Foreign Secretary James Cleverly to use the UK’s influence to help bring an end to the violence.
(dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The leadership of the Christ Apostolic Church in Nigeria (CAC) has called on its members across the federation to desist from travelling in branded vehicles.
The call was made by the church’s General Secretary, Pastor E. Mapur through a circular to all CAC regional district supervisors and pastors on Friday.
The circular further directed each church assembly to engage the services of armed mobile police officers if they wished to travel in their branded vehicles.
It read, “The rate at which kidnapping incidents of church members, especially in branded vehicles/buses of the church, has become a source of concern to the church authority. The most recent is the incident of the Christ Apostolic Church Oke-Igan choir, whose members were abducted in Ondo State.
“I am directed to mandate every assembly in Christ Apostolic Church that henceforth any Assembly/District/Zone/DCC that wishes to travel in their branded buses/vehicles must ensure that the services of armed mobile police officers are engaged.
“The church cannot afford to see its members experiencing such a traumatic situation again. We urge all ministers in CAC to take this instruction with every seriousness. May the Lord continually protect all members of the church and indeed Nigerians.”
This directive came after about 25 choristers of the church were kidnapped by gunmen on September 29 at Ifon, at Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State.
While the police rescued eight of those abducted within a few hours, the remaining members regained their freedom on Friday, October 6, after their families paid a sum of N50m ransom to the abductors.
[Newsguru]
Cuppy (Florence Otedola), Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, Ibukun Awosika, H.E Akinwole Omoboriowo Ii, Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, Others Present at The Maiden Edition of WIMBIZ London Conference
AdminWomen in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), a non-profit organization with a 22-year track record of inspiring and advocating for women in leadership positions, held its Maiden London Conference, “Limitless: Embrace the Infinite,” on October 5th, 2023. The Conference took place under the vibrant Hilton London Kensington and was eagerly anticipated by attendees.
The day commenced at 8:30 AM, with the venue buzzing with activity as participants gathered for what promised to be an exceptional event. Registration began with a palpable sense of anticipation.
The Conference opened with a warm welcome address by Kemi Adewole, the London Conference Planning Group Chair. She urged attendees to embrace their limitless potential, challenge boundaries, and dare to dream boldly. She emphasized the importance of resilience and determination in overcoming obstacles and highlighted WIMBIZ’s global perspective in empowering women beyond Nigeria in its 22nd year.
Bisi Adeyemi, Chairman, Board of Trustees, WIMBIZ, welcomed everyone to the Conference and spoke on the importance of the WIMBIZ Conference. She said, “We have consistently hosted the WIMBIZ Annual Conference for 21 years. Our Conference has attracted different speakers from different sectors.” The Conference has undoubtedly become a platform that brings together professionals from various sectors.
Ibukun Awosika, Co-Founder of WIMBIZ, delivered a powerful speech on the importance of having excellence and building strong values to achieve unlimited potential. She emphasized that it is the daily efforts and actions that lead to limitless outcomes.
Dignitaries, including the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, emphasized the importance of clear-cut objectives and their need to be attainable, precise, and time bound.
Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, Senior Adviser, Special Project & Strategic Relations to the Group President, Dangote Industries Limited, discussed the significance of networking, especially for women aspiring to grow in their careers or businesses. She praised WIMBIZ as a global hub for networking and encouraged women to continue networking.
His Excellency, the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, ably represented by Hon. Damilola Yusuf, Commissioner for Business, Innovation & Technology, Kwara state, reaffirmed WIMBIZ’s commitment to women’s empowerment, highlighting Kwara state’s achievements in achieving 52% political representation and promoting female education.
The Conference featured three plenary sessions:
- “LIMITLESS COLLABORATIONS: BORDERLESS NETWORK”:Panelists discussed working together toward a common goal, being open to suggestions, and its significance in outstanding leadership and followership.
- “LIMITLESS VENTURES: SOARING OVER SETBACKS”:This session explored overcoming setbacks and how they can propel individuals in the right direction when handled correctly. Panelists shared insights and personal stories of resilience.
- “HEALTH & WELLNESS SESSION”:The panelists emphasized the importance of a sound mind and health by prioritizing health and regular doctor appointments.
Hansatu Adegbite, Executive Director of WIMBIZ, expressed gratitude to the speakers, delegates, panelists, guests, vendors, partners, and sponsors - Cuppy Foundation, MTN Foundation, Wakanow, Firstbank, ABS Foundation, Alpha Childcare, Lifecard, Eduspace, Stability & Sustenance, Brains & Butter, Lara Cameron-Cole and our Media Partners, for making the Conference a resounding success. She urged participants to prepare for the WIMBIZ Annual Conference in Lagos, Nigeria.
The event concluded with an unforgettable after-party featuring DJ Cuppy (Florence Otedola), who encouraged everyone to embrace their uniqueness and leverage creativity as a superpower.
About WIMBIZ:
Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) is a non-profit organisation that has, over the last 22 years, implemented programs that inspire, empower and advocate for a greater representation of women in leadership positions in the public and private sectors.
Contact:
WIMBIZ Communications Team
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
+234 810 639 6789
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Audi, has ordered the immediate deployment of undercover security agents to schools and host communities in the North-West zone and other parts of the country to protect the schools from attacks by bandits.
The Commandant directed the undercover agents to work with the states ministries of education to achieve the desired result of ensuring safer schools in the country.
Over 200 NSCDC personnel, local vigilantes and other stakeholders drawn from the seven states in the North-West geopolitical zone participated in the five-day special training programme under the safe schools initiative handled by the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre.
The National Strategic Plan on Safe Schools Initiative is also designed to mobilise synergy among security agencies, especially in the areas of evidence-based collaboration, coordination and cooperation.
The strategic plan is based on the whole-of-society approach with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps as the lead agency.
“The Corps is also hosting the headquarters of the Centre, saddled with the responsibility of coordinating safety and security response for schools and host communities in collaboration with all security agencies and other relevant stakeholders." The commandant General said.
“The Centre is the first of its kind in Africa; available records indicate that no other country has this kind of facility with the sole responsibility of providing safety and security prevention and protection measures for schools and host communities.”
He said in view of the recurring attacks and violence in schools in the country, the task ahead of the centre was enormous.
"It requires effective synergy and collaboration from all stakeholders including the Federal, State and Local Governments
“It is also pertinent to state that the Standard Operating Procedure of the Centre provides for creation of state coordinating centres and local government response centres for effective and seamless operation.
“It is for this singular fact the I respectfully present on behalf of the centre, the request for the kind consideration for allocation of an existing structure within each of the state capitals in the North-West to serve as the safe school coordination centres,” he said.
The CG told the participants that the task ahead of them was enormous.
“Be reminded that aside being ambassadors of the centre, you are equally the foot soldiers who are in direct contact with the members of schools and host communities,” he said.
The leader of Yoruba Self-determination Movement Prof. Banji Akintoye has stated that President Bola Tinubu was not responsible for the freedom of Yoruba nation agitator Chief Sunday Adeyemo (aka Sunday Igboho) from Benin Republic contrary to claims by some Igbo militant leaders.
Recall that Igboho regained freedom in Benin Republic last week after months of restriction in Benin Republic where he was arraigned for his agitation in Nigeria.
Akintoye, in a statement by his spokesman Gani Alagbala, explained that contrary to claims in a viral video by an unnamed Igbo militant leader that President Tinubu should release Nnamdi Kanu the same way he released Igboho, the President had no hand in Igboho’s freedom.
Kanu, who is the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is standing trial in Abuja and is being detained by the Department of State Security (DSS).
Akintoye’s statement read in part: “Although we will not fault our Igbo brothers, nor criticise them for seeking the freedom of their leader NMK in any way, we must set the record straight. The Nigerian authorities and administration under the presidency of Bola Ahmed Tinubu had no hands in the release and total freedom of our frontliner Chief Sunday Adeyemo (a.k.a Igboho).
“We give the credit to God Almighty, then the efforts of our leadership in this Yoruba Nation Struggle supported by well-meaning friends at home and abroad.
“This has been a tedious and tasking process, but we give glory to God that granted us success in Sunday’s freedom at last.
“We strongly deny the involvement of any politician or officials of the Nigerian government in all these processes, for simply there was none.
“Our appreciation again goes to Benin Republic government for not denying us justice at last , despite any political pressure.
“And we wish our Igbo brother Mazi Nnamdi Kanu a quicker release from incarceration.”
Rep. Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, highlighted that the South-Eastern region is facing a substantial economic downturn and notable disruptions in business operations due to the enforced “sit-at-home” directive by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra.
This concern was expressed during a courtesy visit by the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) executives in Abuja, headed by Abdulrashid Yerima, the president of the group.
Mr. Kalu pointed out that the South-East geopolitical zone suffers significant financial losses, ranging from N10 billion to N13 billion, particularly in the transportation sector, with each weekly “sit-at-home” day.
“When they sit at home in the South-East, the South-West, South-South, North-West, North-East, and North-Central are not sitting at home,’’ Mr Kalu said.
He also observed that the whole country suffers when SMEs in the South-East suffer, saying, “Prices of goods and services will suffer if there is insecurity in the land.”
Mr Kalu promised a legislative commitment to address concerns raised earlier by the visitors.
“We must examine existing laws that are not SMEs-friendly. That way, we can address some of the economic challenges facing the country via SMEs,’’ he said.
Mr Kalu promised to work with NASMEs for growth, adding that the 10th National Assembly would support its course with positive legislation.
He said recent data indicated that SMEs accounted for 48 per cent of national GDPs in emerging economies, just as the World Bank had declared that SMEs played a pivotal role in job creation.
Earlier, the NASME president appealed to Mr Kalu to facilitate laws supporting the growth of SMEs in Nigeria.
The Federal Government on Saturday said that the World Bank will soon release the $1.5bn concessionary loan to support budget funding soon.
The Minister of Finance, Wale Edun confirmed the development during a press briefing on the sidelines of the annual meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Recall that in 2020, the World Bank also approved a $1.5bn credit facility for Nigeria to enable it bridge budget funding gap for the pandemic year when the country faced sharp fall in oil prices and the economy jumped into a difficult recession.
Speaking on the new loan, Edun confirmed ongoing talks with the World Bank for the loan and added that the money will likely be released soon.
Edun who said the loan request will possibly be discussed as the Federal Executive Council meets on Monday, added that it will come with a near zero interest rate, dousing concerns around rising debt service obligations.
He said, “Talks with the World Bank on $1.5 billion budget support, is correct. The World Bank is the number one multilateral development bank for helping developing countries fund own projects and programs. It has free money through International Development Association (IDA).
“It has this for the poorer countries and right now I think we qualify as one of the countries that are almost in the normal window of the World Bank funding but also some concessionary IDA funding.
“That means that effectively, the interest rate will be zero. Therefore, there is no stigma at all attached with qualifying for a World Bank funding to help finance development.
“In this particular case, its long been in the pipeline, and we are hoping that that funding will come through soon. A lot of hard work is being done. There’s a Federal Executive Council meeting on Monday that should be able to discuss this as well as other initiatives for financing of reasonable term.
“We’ve talked about the high costs of money, but the World bank money is the cheapest.”
On the priority of government, he said the key focus remains providing a better life for all Nigerians.
The Minister added, “The various discussions we have had with institutions such as the International Monetary and Finance Committee (IMF), the International Finance Corporation, the Islamic Development Bank and the British Government, to name a few, show that domestic revenue mobilization is a critical component of Nigeria’s long-term path to sustainable development finance.
“The Nigerian economy is not immune to these global headwinds and the overall geopolitical fragmentations. Fiscal consolidation remains the preferred policy option for many countries, so that buffers can be built after long years of stimulus.”
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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), says one of its major concern in the conduct of the Nov.11 Kogi governorship election is the prevailing security challenge in the state.
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman, INEC, said this when he visited the Kogi Local Government (LGA) office of the commission, in Kotonkarfe during a visit to the state to monitor mock accreditation in Lokoja on Saturday.
Yakubu said that the commission was working with the security agencies to provide secured environment for peaceful and credible election.
“Wherever you go in Nigeria, you are sure to see two government offices. One is INEC. You will see an INEC office in the LGA headed by an electoral officer, an Electoral Officer (EO). You will also see the police office headed by a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for the local government.
“So, we are everywhere working together. And I’m happy that we are working together as we prepare for the elections,“ he said.
Yakubu advised the Electoral Officers (EOs) in the state to follow the standard template for logistics deployment at Registration Area Centres (RACs), as well as work with security agencies, for the election to commence in Polling Units (Pus)at 8.30a.m.
“My advice to you is that you have to use the standard template for this election.
“I am glad to hear that all the non-sensitive materials have been received in your local government. And I’m sure it’s the same story in other local governments as well.
“But it’s not only the receipt of the material that is important. You have to batch them so that they go into the box per polling unit.
“So, on election day, as you move to the super RACs or the RAC centers, you will then move to the polling units,” he said.
Yakubu added: “We are giving our words to Nigerians that we must open polling units at 8.30 am on the dot. Therefore, you must activate the RACs. If you don’t activate the RACs we can’t actulise the commencement of the votes at 8.30 am.
“You must activate the RACs with security and I am happy that you are working in partnership with them.”
He commended all the INEC staff and security agencies in the state.
Earlier speaking, Mr Hassan Musa, the Electoral Officer, Kogi Local Government Area (LGA) office, Kotonkarfe, said that the preparations for the election was in advance stage.
Musa said that the LG office had already received all the non-sensitive materials for the election and was working with security agencies for a peaceful election.
He said that in the next few weeks the commission would round the RACs centres in the LG to monitor the preparations.
“We have received virtually all the non-sensitive materials for the election and we have successful dispatched them to PUs level and we are good to go. We don’t have any shortfall for now.
“What we are waiting for is sensitive materials. As you know sensitive materials come few days close to the election . More so we are having cordial relationship security agencies and they are doing their best to address places that have security challenges.
“We have received virtually all the non-sensitive materials and we have successfully dispatched them to PU levels. And we are good to go, sir. We don’t have any shortfall for now.
“What we are waiting for is the sensitive materials, which normally come a few days before the elections,” he said
He added: “Also, we are having a very cordial relationship with the security personnel. We are meeting with them, as you can see. We even hold a brief meeting with them every day and they are doing their best to crop down places that have security challenges.
“We have also met with transportation unions, waiting to sign MoU with them. ”
Yakubu used the opportunity to plant a tree in the premises of the INEC office for peace election, before proceeding to visit some PUs where mock accreditation was held in Lokoja.
[Newsguru]
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BOT) has called for the immediate resignation of Senator Samuel Anyawu as the National Secretary of the party.
ThisNigeria reports that Anyawu is the PDP flagbearer of the 2024 Imo gubernatorial election.
In a letter addressed to the acting National Chairman of the Party, Iliya Damagun and signed by the acting Chairman of the BOT, Adolphus Wabara, the board stated that it was unconstitutional for Anyawu to remain the party’s secretary while in the Imo governorship race.
The BOT then called on the PDP NWC to ensure that Anyawu steps down from his position immediately.
ThisNigeria reports that the NWC had stated that Anyawu remained the Secretary of the party, despite calls for his removal.
A statement issued by the committee read “The attention of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to a statement by a group mischievously purporting that the NWC has relieved our Candidate in the November 11, 2023 governorship election in Imo State, Senator Samuel Anyanwu of his elected position as the National Secretary of our great Party.
“The NWC states in very clear terms that the claim by the group is completely false as the NWC did not at any time relieve or contemplate to relieve the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu of his position.
“The NWC therefore strongly condemns the action of this group which is obviously the handiwork of those who intend to embarrass, cause disaffection and division in our party in their attempt to distract the PDP, our Candidate, Senator Anyanwu and the people of Imo State in the quest to rescue the State from the stranglehold of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The NWC states and cautions that no matter how strongly an individual or group feels about an issue, resorting to fabrications, lies and claiming of a non-existent decision by the NWC is highly condemnable.”
“The PDP urges Nigerians, particularly our teeming members and supporters in Imo State to disregard the said false claims as Senator Anyanwu remains the National Secretary and Candidate of our Party in the November 11, 2023 Governorship election in Imo State.
“The NWC charges the PDP in Imo State to remain united, focused, at alert and continue to resist the antics of suprressive forces which are bent at distracting our Party in the march to victory on November 11, 2023.”
[ThisNigeria]
The Ondo State House of Assembly on Saturday distanced itself from reports that it has suspended the impeachment process of the state Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The House in its reaction vowed to carry on with the impeachment in order to determine the veracity or otherwise of the monumental allegations of gross misconduct against the Deputy Governor.
The lawyer of the House, Femi Emodamori revealed this stand in a statement released on Saturday.
The statement reads, “Our Client, the Ondo State House of Assembly, has brought some distorted news story stating that it had “suspended” the impeachment of the State Deputy Governor, to our attention.
“The House reaffirmed that it has not “suspended” the impeachment process as inaccurately reported, and will carry same through to a logical conclusion in order to determine the veracity or otherwise of the monumental allegations of gross misconduct against the Deputy Governor.
“Impeachment is a constitutional process clearly outlined in section 188 (1)-(11) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and our Client has meticulously complied with all the stages leading up to the obligation placed on the State Chief Judge to set up a 7-man Panel to investigate the allegations, as stipulated in Section 188(5) of the Constitution.
“The notice of allegations of gross misconduct was signed by 11 members of the House and presented to its Speaker on 20th September, 2023 in strict compliance with Section 188(2) of the Constitution, which requires at least one-third of the 26 House members to sign and present the notice to the Speaker. That is the first stage in an impeachment process.
“The Speaker, in turn, served the notice on the Deputy Governor on 25th September, 2023, and also caused same to be served on all the other members of the House, in strict compliance with the same Section 188(2) of the Constitution which requires him to do so within seven days. That was the second stage.
“The third stage, as stated in Section 188(3) of the Constitution, requires a two-thirds majority of the members to pass a motion within 14 days after the notice of allegation(s) of gross misconduct was first presented to the Speaker, for the investigation of the allegation (s) and request the State Chief Judge to set up the 7-man Panel to investigate same.
“Our Client meticulously complied with the said Section 188(3) of the Constitution. In fact, 23 out of its 26 members (more than the minimum two-thirds majority required) passed that motion on 3rd October, 2023.
Section 188(5) of the Constitution further states that after the motion is passed by the two-thirds majority, the Speaker should formally request the State Chief Judge to set up the Seven-man Panel.
“The Speaker diligently complied with this on the same 3rd October when the motion was passed.
“It was at this stage that His Lordship, the Honourable Chief Judge of Ondo State, replied the House, stating that he received an ex parte Order which the Deputy-Governor secured from the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court on 26th September 2023, ‘restraining’ his lordship from setting up the Panel, pending when the Court would hear all the parties in the case to determine the merit of the application or the case filed by the Deputy-Governor.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 188(10) of the Constitution clearly states that “The proceedings or determination of the House or Panel or any matter relating to such proceedings or determination shall not be questioned or entertained in any court”, and there are too many judgments of the highest courts in Nigeria affirming that no court has the jurisdiction to dabble into an impeachment process, as long as the House of Assembly complies with all the constitutional process.
“The Honourable Chief Judge himself stated in his widely reported reply to my Client, that his lordship was not unmindful of the above provisions of Section 188(10) of the Constitution and even quoted it verbatim.
His lordship however stated that as a Chief Judge, he would prefer that the ex parte Order, which his lordship believes “tied his hand”, should first be vacated or set aside. The Chief Judge obviously prefers to err on the side of caution.
“The position of our Client, therefore, and contrary to the inaccurate press report, is that in spite of their reservations about the position of the Honourable Chief Judge in the face of the clear provisions of Section 188(10) of the Constitution and the judgments of the appellate courts stating that no court has the power to question or entertain any matter relating to the impeachment, they would, for now, show sufficient understanding of the delicate position the Hon. Chief Judge has found himself, by promptly taking the necessary legal steps to vacate or quash the order and/or the entire suit at the Federal High Court, in order to untie the hands of his lordship and proceed with the impeachment to a logical conclusion.
“The general public would recall that a similar suit instituted by the same Deputy Governor on the same subject matter at the Ondo State High Court was dismissed on 10th October, 2023 for constituting an abuse of Court process, following a preliminary objection which we filed on behalf of our Client.”
[NaijaNews]
Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, has urged Biafra agitators to uphold a 40-day ceasefire.
Ohanaeze said the ceasefire is aimed at securing the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The Factional Secretary General of Ohanaeze, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said the ceasefire should start from October 31.
In a statement he signed, Isiguzoro said there are ongoing talks behind the scenes on the possibility of Kanu’s release.
According to Isiguzoro: “To facilitate progress in this matter, Ohanaeze Ndigbo urges Biafra agitators to uphold a ceasefire for a period of 40 days, refraining from any offensive aggression starting from October 31, 2023.
“Maintaining discipline among the Biafra agitators is crucial to ensuring the cessation of all offensive acts for the designated 40-day period.
“By doing so, the ongoing conversations behind the scenes will have the necessary environment to provide the desired solutions for the release of Nnamdi Kanu. Ohanaeze Ndigbo reminds Ndigbo of our Igbo idiom, “Every soup has a peculiar way of licking it,” emphasising the importance of engaging with relevant authorities through diplomatic channels as the most effective means of achieving the desired results.
“We implore Ndigbo to exercise patience during this challenging time. We acknowledge the pain and hardships endured by the people of the Southeast since the incarceration of Nnamdi Kanu.
“As custodians of our land, we assure ourselves and our people that positive outcomes are anticipated following the November 2023 Imo State Governorship elections. The release of Nnamdi Kanu will be a surprise package for the Southeast.”
The body also appealed to Nigerians Kanu might have offended to extend forgiveness and allow the greater interests of Nigeria to prevail.
“The restoration of peace and security in the Southeast is of utmost importance and requires the collective involvement of all stakeholders.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo remains committed to working behind the scenes, galvanising all relevant parties to achieve this essential objective,” he added.
[DailyPost]