Transform South-East Into Dubai – Ohanaeze Tasks South-East Governors

 

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has urged the President-elect, Bola Tinubu and incoming state governors of the Southeast to transform the region into the “Dubai” of West Africa.

Ohanaeze’s Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, made the call in response to a proposed move by Southwest states to launch a regional railway line and electricity projects.

Isiguzoro said Tinubu’s administration and those of the incoming governors should establish rail lines across Owerri, Onitsha, Awka and Abakaliki.

Speaking with DAILY POST, Isiguzoro said: “Ohanaeze is calling on the new governors from the Southeast and that of Imo and Anambra to take drastic measures to ensure that rail line passes through Owerri, Onitsha, Awka, and Abakaliki.

“Ohanaeze is taking a lead role in ensuring that there is a rail connection from the commercial nerve centre of the Southeast, Aba, to Owerri to Onitsha where there is a dry seaport.

“But there is no connection between Enugu to Abakaliki. We are challenging the new governors to ensure that by January 2024 we must have achieved 80 per cent of these regional railway lines and electricity.”

He also said further: “We want to congratulate the Abia State Governor for building a geometric power plant in Aba through Professor Nnagi which has been providing electricity for the SMEs and lighting up Aba and its environs.

“We also commend the Ebonyi State governor for the International Airport that would create employment and business opportunities for the people of the state. We are looking at these industrial revolutions that, if properly managed by the incoming administration of Southeast governors, like the regional railway and electricity designed by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, will transform the Southeast into Dubai and the centre of attraction of West Africa.”

According to him, this agenda cannot be achieved without the support of the incoming Tinubu administration.

Isiguzoro added: “Ohanaeze is urging our people to stop the spirit of antagonism which has turned our region into a horrible place. Most of the marginalisation cry is done by external factors.

“We must end the marginalisation mentality and have a productive mentality. We should form alliances with the moving train.”

https://dailypost.ng/2023/04/30/transform-southeast-into-dubai-ohanaeze-tasks-tinubu-seast-govs/

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NNPC Ex-GMD, Yakubu Sues EFCC, CBN, GTB Over Alleged Non-Release Of $9.8M

Andrew Yakubu, former Group Managing Director, GMD, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, has sued the EFCC, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and the Guarantee Trust Bank, GTB, over alleged refusal to release his 9.8 million dollars after a court judgment.

Mr Yakubu, through his counsel, Ahmed Raji, SAN, filed the suit before Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court, Abuja.

The originating summons, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/231/2023, was dated and filed on March 8, with EFCC, CBN and GTB listed as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively.

Justice Ahmed Mohammed had, on March 31, 2022, discharged and acquitted ex-NNPC GMD of money laundering charge.

Justice Mohammed held that the EFCC failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt but the anti-corruption agency had appealed against the judgment.

Mr Yakubu, in the suit, asked whether “the court did not become dominus litis of the respective sums of $9,773,200 and £74,000 belonging to” him when same was put in issue, and in evidence before the court in charge number: FHC/ABJ/CR/43/2017 between Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Engr Andrew Yakubu, and in respect of which judgment was delivered on the 31st of March, 2022.”

He said if the question was answered in the affirmative, he further asked whether the EFCC ought to still have in its custody his seized monies after a sister court gave a judgment in his favour on March 31, 2022.

Mr Yakubu, therefore, asked whether the monies ought not to be released to him forthwith, or paid into an account under the control of the registry of the court, pending the outcome of the appeal lodged by the EFCC against the said judgment.

He sought an order directing the defendants to immediately release the monies to him in view of the court judgment.

Alternatively, he sought an order directing them to immediately transfer the said monies into an account under the control of the FHC chief registrar or into an account to be operated by the chief registrar, the EFCC and him, pending the determination of the appeal.

But the EFCC, in a notice of preliminary objection, prayed the court to dismiss Yakubu’s application.

In the motion dated March 20 and filed April 12 by Faruk Abdullah, the anti-graft agency argued that the suit constituted an abuse of court process.

It said that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

The commission said it also relied on the earlier processes filed before the court where it raised jurisdictional issues and urged the court to strike out the entire suit

In the affidavit in support of the motion deposed to by Sambo Mayana, a detective with the commission, EFCC averred that most of Yakubu’s depositions did not reflect the correct position of the case.

It said that an appeal had already been file in appeal number: CA/ABJ/CR/653/2022.

Besides, it said that there were other appeals arising from the case pending at the Supreme Court with appeal number:. SC/CR/241/2020, between the Federal Government and Yakubu, and appeal number: $C/CR/223/2020 between Yakubu and FG.

The EFCC argued that while parties were awaiting date for hearing of case SC/CR/223/2020 at the Supreme Court, Yakubu brought an application before the apex court to direct the commission to deposit the monies in a bank account to be managed by the registry of the Supreme Court.

It said Mr Yakubu, by this present suit, replicated his application at the Supreme Court and seeking same to be determined by this count.

The EFCC urged the court to discountenance Yakubu’s application and uphold its preliminary objection in the interest of justice.

https://dailynigerian.com/andrew-yakubu-sues-efcc-cbn/

Previous Thread:
https://www.nairaland.com/7056123/andrew-yakubu-court-acquits-ex-nnpc#111530266

All Known PDP & APC Members Are Not Welcome In LP”

All known PDP and APC members are not welcome in Labour Party” this billboard reads.

I wonder what state this is?

I would want to guess it’s Abia where power has gone into the hands of Labour Party and career politicians would want to migrate their so they can continue having a bite of the public pie.

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Court Convicts False Emergency Caller, Uzuokwu Solomon, In Lagos

The Magistrate sitting at the Samuel Ilori Magistrate Court Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos has yesterday convicted one Uzuokwu Solomon of the two counts charge preferred against him by the State.

Magistrate Bambo Odueke committed him to a month imprisonment with an option of a fine and a month of community service that includes campaign against false calls within the jurisdiction of the State. Whereas the convict opted for the fine.

The Magistrate who tempered justice with mercy passed the minimum sentence of the law on him after the defendant showed remorse and wasted no time of the court by pleading guilty to breaching the public peace and making hoax Fire emergency call.

The ruling also follows the court's acknowledgement of the noble firefighting profession and the effective service delivery of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service that required the encouragement of all and sundry.

The Director, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs. Margaret Adeseye expressed her delight at the swift prosecution of the case to serve as a deterrent to other misguided citizens who are in the habit of making false calls and misleading emergency responders.

Adeseye also used the occasion to note the seemingly reduction in false calls since the advent of the case and pledged to work with the culprit in using his community service as another medium to reach a large audience among other efforts being champion by the Agency.

Recall the culprit had reportedly placed a call on Friday, April 14, 2023 at 17:35 hours to Harmony Estate, Langbasa, Ajah, Lagos and reported a Fire emergency within the estate leading to the dispatch of the Lekki Phase II fire Service Station. On arrival of the Fire crew at the estate, every efforts to trace the acclaimed Fire outbreak proved abortive.

He however first appeared in court penultimate Wednesday, April 19 which was adjourned till today for the conclusion of the matter in record time to ensure that justice is not denied.

Agboola Ololade
Deputy Director, Public Affairs,
Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service
April 28, 2023.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Crk2ZTLLjmY/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D


See previous thread here: Lagos Government To Prosecute Uzuokwu Solomon, False Emergency Caller

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Buhari: In Eight Years, We Equipped Security, Subdued Terrorists, Bandits

President Muhammadu Buhari has disclosed that his government since inception in 2015 has succeeded in adequately equipping the security agencies, as well as subduing the activities of terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements in the country. 

Speaking in Abuja Thursday at a ceremony attended by two former leaders of the country, Gen. Yakubu Gowon and Dr Goodluck Jonathan, the president declared that upon his assumption of office in May 2015, the nation’s security situation was greatly challenged by the activities of violent non-state actors. 

According to him, “Today, I am pleased to specially note that the situation has tremendously improved and I wish to also proudly highlight that we have made remarkable progress in the fight against insurgents, militants, oil bunkers, kidnappers and other criminal elements in the country.

This administration has achieved a remarkable transformation of the military in the areas of fighting power, training, operations, manpower, remunerations and medical services.These are in addition to maintenance efficiency, accommodation and expansion of forces. The improvements in these areas have collectively enhanced the Army’s capacity to effectively carry out its constitutional mandate.’’

He noted that the robust plan to improve the security architecture of the country had been realized, with the upgrading of hardware, building of facilities, training, and equipping of staff and officers, and structuring of a welfare system that caters for more than 50,000 children of fallen heroes. 

The president said he instituted the recruitment of 60,000 soldiers into the Armed Forces, and thousands graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy and other security institutions to tighten security. 

Buhari presented 81 new, symbolic flags to the various units of the Nigerian Army. 

His words: “As an administration, we have demonstrated commitment to increasing the strength of the Armed Forces in my resolve to secure the country’s challenges. It is instructive to state that from 2015 when I was sworn in as the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria, I facilitated the recruitment of over 60,000 soldiers from Depot Nigerian Army aside from thousands commissioned from the Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna.’’ [/b]

The president, who endorsed 81 flags for the various units of the Army, noted that the fighting power of Nigeria’s military was at a low ebb as of May 2015, adding that: “However, seven years later, its fighting power has increased significantly making it fourth in ranking among African militaries as against seventh in 2015.’’

He said interventions and yearly budgetary allocations to the Army, between 2020 and 2022 alone, had been able to procure hundreds of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles, Troops Carrying Vehicles, utility vehicles, tanks, and Armoured Personnel Carriers to augment those earlier procured. 

From 2017 to 2022, significant numbers of new fighting and utility vehicles along with supporting artillery guns, machine guns, rifles and corresponding ammunition were acquired and inducted into various theatres of operations. This translates to a significant increment in the Army’s equipment holding since 2015.

“With the significant improvement in the fighting power as a result of the procurement of equipment and mission-specific training, the Army was empowered to rejig its operations. Accordingly, the Army has restructured the conduct of its operations to meet current realities. 

The quantum of platforms inducted into the Army since 2015 had enabled troops to take the battle to the terrorists and criminals, particularly in the North-east resulting in the recapture of territories hitherto held by the insurgents,’’ the president stated.

Buhari told the gathering of top security chiefs, traditional rulers and top government officials, who witnessed the ceremony, that the creation of the Army Aviation was one of the major aspects of the ongoing expansion process in the Nigerian Army.

The quantum of platforms inducted into the Army since 2015 had enabled troops to take the battle to the terrorists and criminals, particularly in the North-east resulting in the recapture of territories hitherto held by the insurgents,’’ the president stated.

Buhari told the gathering of top security chiefs, traditional rulers and top government officials, who witnessed the ceremony, that the creation of the Army Aviation was one of the major aspects of the ongoing expansion process in the Nigerian Army. 


According to him, “The renewed vigour for the operationalization of the Army Aviation emanated from a strong desire to effectively tackle contemporary security challenges across the country. This unit, when fully operationalized, will provide rapid deployment, close air support, casualty evacuation and prompt delivery of logistics supply, among other roles.”

The president said the efforts of the administration paid off with records of unprecedented successes, evident in the increased number of neutralized insurgents and those that voluntarily surrendered alongside their families for deradicalization and rehabilitation through Operation Safe Corridor. 

According to him, “The renewed vigour for the operationalization of the Army Aviation emanated from a strong desire to effectively tackle contemporary security challenges across the country. This unit, when fully operationalized, will provide rapid deployment, close air support, casualty evacuation and prompt delivery of logistics supply, among other roles.”

The president said the efforts of the administration paid off with records of unprecedented successes, evident in the increased number of neutralized insurgents and those that voluntarily surrendered alongside their families for deradicalization and rehabilitation through Operation Safe Corridor.

According to him, “The renewed vigour for the operationalization of the Army Aviation emanated from a strong desire to effectively tackle contemporary security challenges across the country. This unit, when fully operationalized, will provide rapid deployment, close air support, casualty evacuation and prompt delivery of logistics supply, among other roles.”

The president said the efforts of the administration paid off with records of unprecedented successes, evident in the increased number of neutralized insurgents and those that voluntarily surrendered alongside their families for deradicalization and rehabilitation through Operation Safe Corridor. 

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2023/04/27/buhari-in-eight-years-we-equipped-security-subdued-terrorists-bandits-other-criminal-elements/

LP Is Going Into Extinction: Prophet Olujobi Warns Sanwo-olu, Others

Prophet Bisi Olujobi on Friday shared his vision on happenings that may occur in Nigeria in the coming months.

The cleric, in a statement, commented on the Labour Party (LP), Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Queen Silekunola Naomi.

Others are Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun, Ladi Adebutu and Leke, son of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCC) leader, Pastor Enoch Adeboye.

“The present Labour Party will go into extinction…in a matter of time,” declared the General Overseer of Wisdom Church of Christ International in Ketu, Lagos.

The septuagenarian said Governor Sanwo-Olu’s second term will bring about “more improvement”, but advised him to be wary of “praise mongers”.

“He should not segregate any tribe. Some people would want to mislead him into doing that, especially segregating the Igbos, who didn’t vote for him during the election.”

On Adeboye’s son, Olujobi said he would enter “spiritual confusion” and needs fervent prayers “as there are thick conspiracy against him”.

The clergyman predicts the attacks will manifest in the nearest future and take a new dimension “immediately his father passes on”.

On Queen Naomi, he said she has no chance with any other man than Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi whom she had a child with; “Any step aside this will result in tragedy.”

Olujobi, however, prophesied Naomi and the traditional ruler will reconcile, while “other women with the Ooni will evaporate one after the other”.

On Ogun politics, he said though Adetutu has “a crown on his head,” he will not have an upper hand in his legal action to unseat Ogun governor, Dapo Abiodun.

Speaking on Sudan, the prophet stated that the war is targeted at East African countries, urging the continent’s leaders to unite and serve with the fear of God.

“Many blood will still be shared. I see the war lingering for another two years. Uganda, South Sudan, Eritrea and Ethiopia will be affected, except they pray and work harder”, he noted.

https://dailypost.ng/2023/04/28/prophet-olujobi-says-lp-going-into-extinction-warns-sanwo-olu-rccgs-adeboye/

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Frank Lampard, Expected To Stay As Interim Coach Until The End Of The Season

Chelsea plan has not changed despite poor results. Frank Lampard, expected to stay as interim coach until the end of the season. 

Negotiations between Chelsea and Mauricio Pochettino continue in order to complete the agreement.

Remember, Frank Lampard has become the first Chelsea manager in the club's 118-year history to lose his first five games in charge.

Lampard returned to Stamford Bridge on April 6 for a short-term spell until the end of the season following the dismissal of Graham Potter.

However, matters certainly haven't gone to plan so far, and Lampard has now broken an unwanted record, as reported by The Mirror.

Source: https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1651971799003824130?t=RZmHPHsLezb06bODIn_UUw&s=19

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Yea