Clement Nwabuko

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Why PDP Should Suspend Planned Inauguration Of Silas Onu’s As Ebonyi State Chairman – Tochukwu Okorie Reveals

Why PDP Should Suspend Planned Inauguration Of Silas Onu’s As Ebonyi State Chairman – Tochukwu Okorie Reveals

Abuja – Mr. Nwokpoku Sunday Jude, PDP member and on behalf of Eight Hundred and Ninety Six (896) other aggrieved members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State, has called on the party to suspend the planned illegal inauguration of Silas Onu as the Chairman of Ebonyi State PDP pending the determination of the appeal already entered by the Court of Appeal Abuja Division in the interest of peace and cohesion of the party in the state.

The State Chairman of the party, Tochukwu Okafor made the call on Monday in a statement he signed and made available to newsmen in Abuja.

Tochukwu said the demand became necessary against the backdrop of the press statement dated 2nd May, signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon Debo Ologunagba to the effect that Silas Onu will be inaugurated tomorrow, 3rd May, 2022 as the state Chairman of the party.

In a petitioned submitted to the party Headquarters in Abuja on Monday (today), by the law firm Anwan Chambers & Co – Counsel representing Mr. Nwokpoku Sunday Jude and 896 other aggrieved members of the PDP, titled: URGENT NEED TO RESCUE PDP IN EBONYI STATE BY NOT INAUGURATING SILAS ONU AS THE CHAIRMAN OF EBONYI STATE PDP PENDING THE DETERMINATION OF THE APPEAL ALREADY ENTERED BY THE COURT OF APPEAL ABUJA DIVISION, AND DEMAND FOR IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION OF THE INAUGURATION OF SILAS ONU AS THE CHAIRMAN OF EBONYI STATE PDP WHICH IS SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE TOMORROW THE 3RD MAY, 2022, AS CONTAINED IN A STATEMENT SIGNED BY HON. DEBO OLOGUNAGBA, THE NATIONAL PUBLICITY SECRETARY OF PDP, reminded the party that Mr Okoroafor Tochukwu Okorie is still the authentic elected Chairman of PDP in Ebonyi State.

The petition reads in part:

Above subject matter referred……..
Sequel to an earlier instruction of our client Mr. Nwokpoku Sunday Jude, PDP member and on behalf of Eight Hundred and Ninety Six (896) other aggrieved members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State, we hereby reserve the pendulum and re-incontrovertibly state we healthily represent them all in all matters.

Pertaining to the immediate suspension of the inauguration of Silas Onu as the Ebonyi State PDP Chairman and it’s auxiliary Court injunction so to do vis-a-vis the pending Appeal at the Court of Appeal Abuja Division.

We are fully abreast of the Judgement of the Federal High Court Abuja delivered on the 13th April 2022 in suit No: FHC/Abj/is/1319/2021 wherein Mr Okoroafor Tochukwu Okorie who was duly elected by the party during it’s Congresses in 2021 was removed on the ground that he submitted his application form three (3) days after the deadline for the submission of the said form. This is technicalities taken too far by some sycophant/moles in the Ebonyi State PDP where aspirations in APC is very glaring and will do whatever it takes to use the instrument of litigation to scuttle the relative peace Ebonyi State PDP has enjoyed over the years.

see full details of the petition to the party:

THE NATIONAL WORKING COMMITTEE, (NWC)
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
Plot 1970 MichealOkpara Street,
Wadata Plaza,
Wuse Zone 5,
Abuja

ATTN:
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, (NEC)
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
Plot 1970 MichealOkpara Street,
Wadata Plaza,
Wuse Zone 5,
Abuja

SUBJECT: RE: URGENT NEED TO RESCUE PDP IN EBONYI STATE BY NOT INAUGURATING SILAS ONU AS THE CHAIRMAN OF EBONYI STATE PDP PENDING THE DETERMINATION OF THE APPEAL ALREADY ENTERED BY THE COURT OF APPEAL ABUJA DIVISION

DEMAND FOR THE IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION OF THE INAUGURATION OF SILAS ONU AS THE CHAIRMAN OF EBONYI STATE PDP WHICH IS SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE TOMORROW THE 3RD MAY, 2022 AS CONTAINED IN THE PRESS STATEMENT DATED 2ND MAY 2022 SIGNED BY HON. DEBO OLOGUNAGBA THE NATIONAL PUBLICITY SECETARY OF PDP.

Above subject matter referred……..

Sequel to an earlier instruction of our client Mr.Nwokpoku Sunday Jude,PDP member and on behalf of Eight Hundred and Ninety Six (896)other aggrieved members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in EbonyiState, we hereby reserve the pendulum and re-incontrovertibly state that we healthily represent them in all matters-

Pertaining to the immediate suspension of the inauguration of Silas Onuas the Chairman of Ebonyi State PDP and its ancillary Court injunctions so to do vis-à-vis the pending Appeal at the Court of Appeal Abuja Division

We are fully abreast of the Judgment of Hon. Justice A. R. Muhammed of the Federal High Court Abuja delivered on the 13th April 2022 in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1319/2021 wherein Mr. OkoroaforTochukwuOkorie who was duly elected by the party during its congresses in 2021 was removed on the ground that he submitted his application form three (3) days after the deadline for the submission of the said form. This is technicalities taken too far by some sycophant/moles in the Ebonyi State PDP whose aspiration in APC is very glaring and will do whatever it takes to use the instrument of litigation to scuttle the relative peace Ebonyi State PDP has enjoyed over the years

It is instructive to query who is behind the said Silas Onu? Is he related to the former Governor of Ebonyi State (Engr. David Umahi), is he a plant a farmer is trying to plant in the farm of PDP to scuttle the chances of PDP in the coming election in Ebonyi State?

Sir, the People Democratic Party (PDP) has been one single party since the creation of Ebonyi State which every tom, dick and Jerry can attest to this fact which was breached by Engr. Dave Umahi whom the Federal High Court Abuja removed as the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State through the application of the party PDP.

Sir, you could recalled that the Judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja has not been obeyed even when the party (PDP) has forwarded His Excellency Rt. Hon. IdumaIgariwayname in obedience to the said judgment of the Federal High Court Abuja, but till date the inauguration of Rt. Hon. IdumaIgariwayhas not taken place, the reason INEC gave is that there is a pending Appeal at the Court of Appeal, Abuja. That’s the law as it stands till date, it has not changed.

However, the said judgment has been appealed and the Appealentered since 18th April 2022. Attached and marked annexure “AN-1” is the Notice of Appeal for your on spot reference please.

It is pertinent to set the record straight and for the avoidance of doubt. The facts of the matter are as follows:

That PDP conducted its congresses and elected ward, local government. State and national officers.

That PDP also elected statutory delegates who will elect flag bearers for the party in the 2023 General Elections through indirect primaries.

That there are two (2) electing bodies for delegates when it is indirect primaries; the statutory and 3-man delegates. The 3-man delegates are elected across the number of political wards in each State and is ad-hoc. See the provision of the PDP Constitution

In the case of Ebonyi State which the PDP Constitution made provisions by providing for (statutory and 3-man delegates) which should be invoke in this circumstance pending the determination of the Appeal over the State Chairmanship position to avoid repeat of Zamfara State APC saga.

It is to be noted that Mr. TochukwuOkafor was duly and validly elected by the party during its congresses in 2021 before a member of the same party who also contested and was rejected by the party members approached the Court to challenge the wish of the party members who has spoken through their vote by means of technicalitiesviz; that Mr. Tochukwu submitted his application form three (3) days after the deadline for the submission.

It is to be noted that the date set for deadline of the submission of the PDP Chairmanship application form was a public holiday (1st October National Day) which Mr. Tochukwu submitted his application on the next day being working day.

The said judgment has since been appealed by the PDP on the ground that the matter was an internal affairs of the party and that Silas Onu had not exhausted the internal mechanism for dispute settlement in the party before approaching the Court as encapsulated in the PDP constitution which is the supreme guide of all members of the party. The Court of Appeal has entered the Appeal and is yet to communicate the date of hearing the appeal to parties.

The law duly provides that ’nothingshould change during the pendency of an appeal.’This is subsumed in the Latinism lis pendent lite nihilinnovetur.
It is our respectful opinion that the far-reaching legal consequences that attends actions taken pendent lite are well known in Nigeria and well covered by case law. See the Supreme Court decision in Akinkugbe V. Ewulum Holdings Nigeria Limited (2008) 12 NWLR (Pt.1098) 375 at 383 holding 10

ALTERNATIVE TO INAUGURATION OF SILAS ONU IN VIEW OF THE PENDING APPEAL AT THE COURT OF APPEAL, ABUJA

LEGAL POSITION/PDP CONSTITUTION

In view of the position encapsulated in the PDP constitution as regards 3-man delegate congress/election which is usually authenticated by the state chairman of the party and since the position of chairman is in dispute and the Appeal having been entered, we suggest that to avert the repeat of Zamfara State 2019 experience the issue of 3-man delegates being part of the delegates election of the party flag bearers scheduled to hold from 7th May, 2022 be suspended

The delegates’ election can be conducted without 3-man delegates and it does not invalidate the result of the primary election. The statutory delegates serve for the primary where there is no 3-man delegate.

This is a precedent because it happened is Anambra State in the last governorship election and currently three states (Ebonyi) and other Two (2) states has been suspended by the party from conducting 3-man delegates congress.

However, the party (PDP) having short itself on the leg by suspending 3-man delegates is now been influenced through the backdoor by one moneybag masquerading in Ebonyi State to reinstate and conduct the congress before the primaries.

Suffice to put that failure to suspend the inauguration of Barr. Silas Onu will tantamount to an affront to the judiciary

Suffice to put that if the inauguration is allowed to take place tomorrow the 2nd May, 2022, the implication is that it will undermine the chances of PDP as this will create factions in the party since the case is still pending at the Court of Appeal Abuja Division.

Our clients remained loyal party faithful who will do whatever it takes legally to ensure justice for the members of PDP family in Ebonyi State and the big family (PDP) all over Nigeria

Against the backdrop of the above detailed information/guidance, we crave your respectful indulgence to stall or suspend the inauguration slated for tomorrow in line with the press release of 2nd May, 2022 attached herewith as Annexure “AN-2” in the overall interest of the party PDP
We urge the NWC and NEC to avert the unavoidable litigation which is loading in the overall interest of the party and the vision of reclaiming the lost states to PDP.

N/BCORAM; we trust you will agree with us that an injunction can be sought at any time and whatever inauguration carried out can be set aside which may put the party (PDP) in a very big risk of not producing a valid Governorship aspirant etc.

We hold ourselves out as fully representing our client Mr.Nwokpoku Sunday Jude,PDP member and on behalf of Eight Hundred and Ninety Six other aggrieved members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi Stateand will not hesitate to invoke the wrath of the law if this timely demand is treated with no iota of respect.

We thank you for your kind courtesies and trust that you will be accordingly guided always

Yours Faithfully,

Chief O. U. Orji Esq.
Chief U. U. Umoanwan Esq.
(Notaries Public)
Benjamin C. Ogbamgba Esq.
Joseph E. Abutu Esq.

CC.
THE NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, PDP
THE NATIONAL PUBLICITY SECRETARY, PDP
CHIEF J. K. GADZAMA SAN
CHIEF MIKE NZEKHOME SAN
J.S. OKUTEPA SAN
S. T HONS SAN & CO.

Pray For Peace, Stability in this Period of Workers’ Day and Id el Fitr Celebration – IPCR To Nigerians

Pray For Peace, Stability in this Period of Workers’ Day and Id el Fitr Celebration – IPCR To Nigerians

Abuja – The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on Nigerians to pray for peace and stability as Nigeria joins the rest of the world in celebrating this year workers’ day and Id el Fitr celebration.

The Apex peace organisation has also asked Nigerians to pray especially in this period of electioneering for a peaceful conduct of 2023 general elections.

The Peace Research Agency which is also a think-tank of the Federal Government on peace and conflict resolution, with the mandate of promoting and building peace, added that what the country needs at this point of our trying moment is uniting against the evil forces that are undermining our peaceful cohesion.

This statement wishes to remind Nigerians that development is a product of peaceful co-existence, therefore, citizens should stand on the side of peace and remain law-abiding in the face of these challenges. As patriotic citizens who truly believe in the destiny of this country, we should rise up to the occasion to take up this civic responsibility in moving the nation forward.

As the nation celebrates Id el Fitr which marks the end of Ramadan, Nigerians should take a sober reflection, and connect their hearts to God in the spirit of the season for the restoration of our dear country.

The Institute wishes to further note that it is not unmindful of the security challenges facing the nation, but it is not unsurmountable because President Buhari is already showing the political will to ending the security challenges.

As Nigerians travel across the country to commemorate these festivities, the security agencies have guaranteed their commitment in safeguarding the highways for the safety of commuters.

The IPCR also uses the occasion to salute Nigerians for their patience and resilience in the face of difficulties. The Institute further salutes the courage and selfless service that the military, the police and other security agencies have demonstrated in restoring Nigeria on the dreams and vision of its forebearers.

The Institute assures the gallant security forces of the IPCR’s continued support, and collaboration with them to always provide the soft approach to rid-off Nigeria’s current security challenges and restore it back on the path of sustainable peace and development.

Nigerians are therefore enjoined to use the occasion of these celebrations to pray for peace and development in our country.

Remain Dogged, Unrelenting – Army Chief to Troops

Remain Dogged, Unrelenting – Army Chief to Troops

Abuja – The Chief of Army Staff, Gen Faruk Yahaya has called on troops in the north east to remain dogged and unrelenting as eid- El fitr approaches.

Farouk made the call while on routine operational visit to the JTF OPHK to assess the level of successes recorded thus far.

The Nigerian Army disclosed this via it’s official Twitter handle on Sunday.

The tweets read:

COAS TO TROOPS IN THE NORTH EAST AS  EID-EL-FITR APPROACHES -“Remain Dogged, Unrelenting”…on routine operational visit to the JTF OPHK to assess the level of successes recorded thus far, called on troops to be more decisive in routing the criminal elements from their enclaves.
The COAS General Faruk Yahaya was conducted round on inspection of some combat equipment recently revamped using the Nigerian Army Electrical Mechanical Engineers Corps repair capability. 

Gen Yahaya arrived the theatre of operations in  company of some principal staff officers, where he was given an update on the ongoing Operation DESERT SANITY & Operation LAKE SANITY.  He expressed satisfaction with the successes so far, urging them to remain vigilant & proactive.

IWD: Labour Rights Critical To Inclusive Development – NHRC Scribe, Tony Ojukwu

Abuja – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged government at all levels to observe international best practices in handling labour related matters.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission Tony Ojukwu SAN stated this as Nigeria joins the rest of the global community to commemorate the 2022 international workers day (IWD).

According to the statement signed by Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Deputy Director Public Affairs, Ojukwu stated that prioritising the rights of workers is critical given that human resources remain the drivers of development in any clime.

He further stated that entrenching good working relations between employers and employees both in government and private sectors in Nigeria will bring about industrial harmony rather than suspicion, tension and strike which all come with their attendant negative tolls on the society.

Chief Tony Ojukwu (SAN) observed that Nigeria as a Member of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), cannot afford to renege on the acceptable standards of relationship with the workforce.

The Chief Human Rights Officer opined that it is interesting to note that Nigeria as a Member of the ILO has always deployed dialogue as a mechanism for addressing disagreements and grievances involving Labour, adding that continuing in that manner will not only portray the nation in good light but also reinforce the confidence of workers in the government.

On the current strike embarked upon by Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and three other labour unions, the NHRC Boss enjoined the federal government to expedite action to resolve the current impasse with ASUU so as not to further endanger the right to education of the university students who have lost an academic year as a result of the unfortunate strike.

“Incessant ASUU strike has continued to constitute a major threat to the right to Education of students of our tertiary institutions especially the public Universities where the grater population of our youth attend”.

The human rights Czar regretted that the University strikes deform qualitative and productive education for the Nigerian youth and consequently, “education which is regarded as the fulcrum for national development is truncated” he lamented.

He said the ongoing ASUU strike has also taken an ugly toll on the lives and livelihood of family members of the affected lecturers as most of them reportedly find it difficult to cope with the basic responsibilities of taking care of their families.

The Executive Secretary is therefore using the opportunity of the IWD to call on the government to call the ASUU back to the negotiation table, pointing out that while the union cannot have all their demands met at once, the government could intervene to urgently take care of the most disturbing demands, pending when more resources are available to do more.

According to the learned Senior Advocate of Nigeria, it is not in doubt that most of the demand being made by ASUU are genuine, saying that merited allowances, improved facilities and infrastructures are not in any way bogus expectations that cannot be taken care of, considering the positive effects these will have on our universities.

He stated that the preference of University Transparent Accountability Solution (UTAS) to IPPIS by ASUU is something that the government could look into with a view to possibly making some necessary adjustments that will be favourable to both parties.

He called on all the parties to use the opportunity of this year’s IWD to resolve all issues outstanding on the strike and get the students back to schools and stop the further violation of right to education and development of the students.

Illegal refinery: Senate mourns death of 110 persons at explosion site in Imo 

Illegal refinery: Senate mourns death of 110 persons at explosion site in Imo 

…As Lawan urges FG to take immediate action to end looming disaster 

Abuja – The Senate, Wednesday, mourned the deaths of those killed by an explosion at the site of an illegal refinery in Abaezi community, Ohagi-Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State on Friday, April 22, 2022.
The decision to do so was reached sequel to a point of order raised by Senator Rochas Okorocha representing Imo West Senatorial District. 
Okorocha, while relying on order 42 of the Senate Standing Order, 2022 as amended, informed his colleagues during plenary that the incident led to the death of 110 persons.
According to him, the tragic incident has thrown the state into mourning. 
He disclosed that the explosion was caused as a result of illegal refining.
The lawmaker, called on the Federal Government to consider a legislation to provide for local technology for artisanal and modular refinery considering the gap in Nigeria’s refining capacity. 
Commenting on the incident, the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, underscored the need for local refining of petroleum products to boost the nation’s revenue.
He, however, called on the federal government to take prompt action through the introduction of regulatory policies to prevent disasters associated with the illegal refining of crude oil in Nigeria.
Lawan said, “We cannot in any true sense benefit in a practical way from the oil and gas resources we have in Nigeria if we don’t add the value of refining it.
“Of course, we know what it means as at today, even though crude oil sells for higher, but because we have to import the refined products, the increase in price at the international market does not seem to confer any advantage to our country.
“So, that speaks volumes that we have to refine our petroleum products in Nigeria if we would have to enjoy the benefits of an endowment like that.
“[And] for Nigerians who get engaged and involved in this kind of illegal refining activities, I think government will have to take action.
“It is for government to come to decision on how we should be able to deal with this illegal activities. 
“On one hand, we may encourage private participation, in fact, that is the best way to go. But illegal refining again, at the moment, is causing a lot of damage to our country.
“So, it is a very dicey situation, but we have to utilise the ingenuity of our citizens who are creative and innovative, but in a much regulated way, so that we don’t experience these kind of disasters.”
The Senate, thereafter, observed a minute silence to mourn the victims of the explosion in Imo State. 

Senate amends Terrorism Act, prohibits payment of ransom to kidnappers

…adjourns plenary till May 10

The Senate has passed a bill seeking to amend the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2013, and to prohibit the payment of ransom to kidnappers in Nigeria. 
The passage of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2013 (Amendment) Bill, 2022, followed the consideration of a report by the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters.

The report was laid by the Committee’s Chairman, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), before consideration.

Bamidele, in his presentation, said the bill seeks to outlaw the payment of ransom to abductors, kidnappers and terrorist for release of any person who has been wrongfully confined, imprisoned or kidnapped. 

According to the lawmaker, “the overall import of this bill is to discourage the rising spate of kidnapping and abduction for ransom In Nigeria, which is fast spreading across the country.”

He disclosed that in the memoranda presented to the Committee, plethora of issues relating to the subject matter of terrorism and terrorism financing in line with global best practices were raised. 

He assured that the amendment to the Terrorism Act would set standards and regulatory system intended to prevent terrorist groups from laundering money through the banking system and other financial networks.

He added that, “having policies in place to combat financing of terrorism will surely reduce or eliminate privacy and anonymity in financial and other sundry transactions as it relates to the subject in our society.” 

He explained further that the need to comprehensively review the Terrorism Prevention Act arose from the unfavorable ratings of Financial Act Task Force (FATF) recommendations of Nigeria’s Mutual Evaluation Report and consequent placement of Nigeria in FATF’S International Cooperation and Review Group Process with its impending sanctions on Nigeria’s economy.

He stated that the National Task Force on improving Nigeria’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regime in Nigeria, proposed improvement on the Act in order to address the deficiencies noted in its provisions so as to align with the required standard as obtainable in other jurisdictions.

He emphasised that the proposed repeal and enactment Bill was geared towards improving the effectiveness of countermeasures against terrorism, terrorism financing and proliferation financing.

The lawmaker noted that the repeal is aimed at providing adequate framework for improved international collaboration, inter-agency cooperation and freezing of terrorist funds/assets. 

Bamidele said that, “the passage of this Bill will save Nigeria from being included among countries in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List with its attendant negative consequences, which might ultimately result to international sanctions that would affect the image of the country in the comity of nations.”

The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, in his remarks after the bill was passed, said the bill would compliment the federal government’s efforts in the fight against insecurity when signed into law by the President. 

He said, “It is our belief here in the Senate, that this bill, by the time signed into an Act by Mr. President, will enhance the efforts of this government in the fight against terrorism, kidnapping, and other associated and related vices.

“This is one piece of legislation that can turn around not only the security situation in Nigeria, but even the economic fortunes of our country.

“We have done so much as a government, in terms of infrastructural development across all parts of this country, but because security situation is not the kind of situation that we all want, this tends to overshadow all the tremendous and massive developments in our country. 

“I believe that the Executive will waste no time in signing this bill into law, and it is our hope that this additional piece of legislation will achieve the purpose for which it has been worked upon by the Senate, and, indeed, the National Assembly and, for the reason for which it would also be signed by Mr. President. 

“Let me make it very clear here, that the fight against insecurity, whether it is kidnapping, terrorism or whatsoever, is not the sole role of a government.

“The contribution and support by citizens is essential, because our security agencies need vital and critical information against terrorism and other things that make life difficult for us.”

The bill was passed by the chamber after it scaled third reading on the floor.

The Senate, thereafter, adjourned plenary session till May 10, 2022, for the Sallah break. 

2023: See Why Emir Of Dutse Endorsed Amaechi For President

2023: See Why Emir Of Dutse Endorsed Amaechi For President

Abuja – As the Minister of Transportation and frontline Presidential aspirant, Rt.Hon. Chibuike Amaechi continues his political consultations in the North, the Emir of Dutse, HRH Alh. Nuhu Mohammadu Sanusi has described the Minister as the best man for the country’s number one seat.

The Emir who made the remarks at his Palace in Dutse, Jigawa State, Tuesday, said his convictions were predicated on the Minister’s performances both as a former Governor and as a Minister.

He recalled that Amaechi as Governor of Rivers State fought insecurity to a standstill and also improved the lots of the masses.

He said, ” In Nigeria, we are always carried away by tribal, political and other issues but there’s a Nigerian that I know , and Amaechi is a true Nigerian who is detribalized. He provided a place for Muslims for worship in Rivers State which I understand are been destroyed after he left, he endured all the humiliations targeted at making the Muslims feel unwanted in Port Harcourt, and I also know that God will reward him.

” In this country, we are faced with distress, and part of it is by our own making, not the government. What are these issues? Job opportunities, fighting corruption, Infrastructural development and social vices such as armed robbery, banditry and so on. These are the problems that are facing our country today. My knowledge and understanding of this gentleman man, Chief Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Transportation is that he has what it takes to fight insurgency. He did mention one; that when he was Governor, that there was criminality and other vices and he was able to control it.

” I am sure he would do this better now if he becomes the President. With all the resources available, he would use it to fight insurgency and other vices that are affecting us , particularly here in the North.

” He is a bridge builder and he is a man who is always meeting people. About 16 years ago, this Council decided to adopt children from Rivers State, particularly from his local government area, Ikwerre, we adopted the 16 children, put them in school with my own children, most of them are graduates, some are married now, and when I told him, he was very grateful and I have high regard for him and I have confidence in his capabilities, so he knows what to do, he is not a new hand, and he won’t bother himself buying houses and building houses, and so, he is fully most qualified for the job”, he said.

Explaining further about Amaechi, the Emir noted that it takes a man with good leadership qualities to respond swiftly to the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

” When I had about the train going to Maradi, I called Amaechi to ask why the train was not passing through Dutse, and he told me that he would do something about it. And this gentleman, three months later was able to get the approval for Dutse to be included in the Kano-Maradi rail line, this is the Rotimi Amaechi that I know, and I hope you will come back like you brought Buhari two times here to campaign for him, we hope the next visit will be when you clinch the seat”, he said.

Earlier, Transportation Minister Chibuike Amaechi said he was at the Emir’s Palace to solicit for support of the Emir and people of Dutse in the fourth-coming APC Presidential primaries . Amaechi assured the Emir that if given the support, he would see to the commencement of the Kano-Maradi rail project which tranverses Dutse.

Amaechi also stressed that the issue of insecurity which is currently affecting the country would be a thing of the past.

” We have been friends when I was a Governor and it continued till date. I have a lot of connection with Jigawa, therefore, I will not commence my activity, my search to seek the support of Nigerians to vote for me to be the President without coming to Jigawa to see you (Emir) and the people of Jigawa State to support me and also say that we will ensure that the rail that comes to Dutse will start within the period that we are in government” , he said.

Handover Passengers’ Identification To Technology Firm – FG Directs NRC

Handover Passengers’ Identification To Technology Firm – FG Directs NRC

Abuja – The Minister of Transportation, Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has directed the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to handover tickets and passengers identification to Secure ID, the company in charge of the E-Ticketing platform for Abuja-Kaduna rail service, to reduce crime and avoid security crises on the route.

Amaechi disclosed this when the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) presented the Full Business Case Certificates (FBC) for Lagos-Ibadan and Itakpe-Warri E-Ticketing service to the Ministry of Transportation, Wednesday.

According to him, the introduction of the E-Ticketing platform for Abuja-Kaduna had increased the generated revenue from about 100million Naira to 400million Naira monthly,  successfully blocking revenue leakages.

“The benefits of the E-Ticketing is that we rose from 100million Naira to 400 million Naira per month, which is an improvement, we have been able to do something that will eliminate leakages.

“On the issue of  ticket racketeering, I have spoken to the person in charge of Abuja-Kaduna to take over the identification process from NRC. Because what the National Assembly told me was that NRC doesn’t cross-check the ID of passengers on the tickets, and the ticketing company had wanted to do it, but they have not gotten the approval from NRC.

“So I have told NRC to allow them do it, so that we match faces with the names. It’s not all about crime alone but it’s also security. So if we release it to the technology outfit, eventhough we cannot eliminate 100 percent crime and corruption, it will reduce the danger of having to run into security crises, so that we know that what we are battling with is not crises in our terminals but on the way and I believe that, that also will be sorted out as we go to cabinet for approval of the security gadgets.”

Earlier, Mr. Michael Ohiani, the Acting Director-General of the ICRC said that the concession is for ten years which will generate over 140 billion Naira during the period and also create over 3000 direct and indirect jobs.

“The concession is for ten years,  it is going to generate over 140billion Naira to the Federal Government,  most importantly it will also create job opportunities for over 3000, direct and indirect jobs. 

“The next phase is for the Honourable Minister to take it to the Federal Executive Council for approval and the Ministry of Justice will now clear it,” Ohiani said.

Ugbawka: Hon Nnaji Makes Case For Establishment of Federal University of Agriculture

Ugbawka: Hon Nnaji Makes Case For Establishment of Federal University of Agriculture

Abuja – The establishment of a Federal University of Agriculture Ugbawka, in Nkanu East Local Government of Enugu State will help boost agricultural production in the Southeast and the nation at large.

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, Honourable Nnolim Nnaji, stated this on Monday during a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Agric Colleges and Institutions on the Bill for the establishment of Federal University of Ugbawka.

Honourable Nnaji who represents Nkanu East/West Federal Constituency of Enugu State in the Federal House of Representatives in his opening remarks as the sponsor of the Bill stressed that Ugbawka as one of the food baskets of the Southeast region needed the institution to boast agricultural production capacity in the zone.

According to him, “in the whole Southeast, you have two main popular brands of rice, Abakaliki rice and Ugbawka rice. Ugbawka rice is often referred to as Uncle Ben’s rice because of its quality “.

He noted that the university when established would improve knowledge and technology in agricultural production for the people of southeast and the nation in general.

Honourable Nnaji thanked the committee and the leadership of the House of Representatives for all their supports to the Bill and assured that the community and Nkanu East Local Government as well as the State Government were all in support of the Bill.

The two prominent leaders and representatives of the community, Chief Rex Onyeabor and Comrade Fidelis Edeh who made presentations on behalf of Ugbawka people praised Honourable Nnaji for sponsoring the Bill assuring the committee on Agric Colleges and Institutions as well as the House of Representatives that the entire community and the local government were enthusiastic about the proposed university.

They both agreed that agriculture has gone beyond subsistent to knowledge and scientific base in order to boost production adding that the advantages of the institution to the Southeast region and the nation could not be overemphasized.

Comrade Edeh also presented a document signed by the leaders of the community to prove the community’s willingness to host the institution and provide all the supports needed for its take off when the Bill is eventually signed into law.

NASS: Kalu’s Bills to establish Fed Polytechnic,College of Education gets first/second readings

FCT (Abuja) – The Bills for the establishment of a Federal Polytechnic , Abiriba and the Federal College of Education, Arochukwu both in Abia North of Abia State have been granted first and second readings respectively by the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday.

The educational bills sponsored by the Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu received the legislative assent of the members of the Red Chambers during Wednesday’s plenary following  unanimous voice votes in favour of both bills.

Recall that the second passage of the proposed Federal College of Education, Arochukwu Bill comes a day after it passed first reading following its presentation to the Senate by Abia-North Senator , Orji Kalu on Tuesday.

Leading the debate on the Bill , Kalu pointed out that the objective of the Bill is to amend the Federal Colleges of Education Act Cap F8 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, in order to pave way for the establishment of the Federal College of Education Arochukwu, Abia State by upgrading the existing Abia State College of Education (Technical) Arochukwu, to Federal College of Education. 

Urging his colleagues to support its second reading  the former governor recalled that previous attempts in the 7th and 8th Assemblies to upgrade the existing facilities at the Abia State College of Education(Technical),Arochukwu to become a Federal Tertiary Institution failed due to the absence of a Bill which seeks to Amend the Federal Colleges of Education Act, which this bill seeks to address.

 
He said “The Bill technically consists of 3 Clauses namely: Amendment of Federal Colleges of Education Act Cap F8 Cap N143 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, Amendment of first schedule to the Principal Act and Citation. We would by passing this Bill for further legislative process  bring the dreams and aspirations of not just the good people of Abia State but all Nigerians, to have access to good federal government tertiary education.

Stressing the importance of the institution to the  Nation’s educational system, Kalu said the proposed College of education will produce competent Teachers for secondary schools in the country.
“We desire to have this Bill passed into law because education is highly valued and considered as a social service. We know that it is a tool for change, growth and acts as a steering engine for national consciousness and development. 
“Therefore, no nation or society can strive to function effectively in the absence of education without proper collaboration with education and information to produce skills, knowledge, competencies, and as well enhance the development of human potentials to promote technology, Kalu concluded.”

Lending his support to the Bill, Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Ajayi Boroffice stated that the establishment of the college of education would increase the number of qualified Teachers to teach in secondary schools in the country. Boroffice also advocated for the establishment of a secondary schools commission to discourage uncertified Teachers from practicing in secondary schools. 
He said the existing College (Technical) provides limited access that by expanding the scope to a Federal College of Education barricades will be removed.

In his contribution Senator Adamu Aliero( Kebbi Central), rallied the Senate to grant the bill second reading, Aliero said that establishment of the Federal College of Education will incur less financial burden since the human and infrastructural resources are already in existence.

“Unlike most of the other bills seeking the establishment of educational institutions that usually incur a lot of costs, this one is already in existence. What the sponsor of this bill ( Senator Orji Kalu) is asking us to do is to upgrade the institution. The facilities are already there , the teachers are already on the payroll, the structures are also there, if it is upgraded as time goes on there might be need to add more. This is a very straightforward bill and I believe no one will be opposed to its second passage and I urge my colleagues to support it since it has no serious financial implications, Aliero said.
The bill passed second reading after it was put to a voice vote by Senate President Ahmad Lawan.
Earlier on Wednesday the Senate granted first reading to a bill  for the establishment of a Federal Polytechnic Abiriba. The bill titled “Federal Polytechnic Act (Amendment) Bill , 2022 (SB. 980) is fronted by Orji Kalu.