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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it is determined not to postpone the 2023 general election at the eleventh hour on account of logistics. INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who disclosed this at the inauguration of the Electoral Logistics Committee (ELOC) in Abuja at the weekend said the commission was mobilising every national asset including the armed forces and the police and starting the engagement early. The nation’s electoral body also noted that some of the critical materials for the election had started arriving. Yakubu said the establishment of the committee was borne out of the commission’s effort to ensure the speedy and safe delivery of huge quantities of sensitive and non-sensitive materials for the 2023 general elections. He said the logistics for the clearance, handling, custody, delivery, and distribution of enormous quantities of election materials is the biggest operation Nigeria undertakes every four years. For effective coordination, h

The member representing Aniocha/Oshimili federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Ndudi Elumelu, has called on the federal government to dredge rivers Niger and Benue and its tributaries as long-term solution to perennial flooding in the country. He stated this at the weekend when he visited flood victims in the six internally displaced persons (IDP) camps located within the federal constituency, urging the victims to see their present situation as a temporary setback Elumelu, who is also the minority leader of the House, prayed and glorified God with the victims and made a donation of N21 million for their upkeep, revealing that arrangements had been concluded for the provision of relief materials for the flood victims to enable them go back to their various communities when the flood would have receded. “I felt that as a servant of the people, I should come and feel the pains inflicted on them by the ravaging flood, which not only displaced them from their ancestral

Apparently wary of the growing popularity of the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, ahead of the 2023 general election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the former Anambra State governor of splitting the opposition in the country. It alleged that all those campaigning for Obi are working for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu Tinubu. Spokesman of the PDP presidential campaign council, Dino Melaye, called on Obi to “come back home” to support Atiku in order to stop the continuation of APC in government. In a statement he issued yesterday in Abuja, Melaye noted that Obi does not have the capacity to unite the country. He also called on the chairman of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Mohammed Buba Marwa to subject all the presidential candidates to a drug test. Melaye, who admitted that Obi is depleting Atiku’s votes, claimed that Obi would not win the presidential election because the Labour Party does not

The United Kingdom yesterday issued a warning to its citizens that terrorists were planning to attack the United States. The UK in a travel advisory said the terrorists are “very likely to try to carry out attacks in the USA. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners, crowded areas, and transportation networks. You should monitor media reports and be vigilant at all times.” The US and the UK had warned of possible terrorist attacks in Nigeria. The UK government in an updated advisory said on its website that “The main threat comes from individuals who may have been inspired by terrorist ideology to carry out so-called ‘lone actor’ attacks targeting public events or places. Attacks could take place with little or no notice.” Sequel to this alert, the UK government said the US might deploy security agents in public places forestall possible attack. “The US Department of Homeland Security provides public information about credible threats. Expect an increa

Barely one week after United States Billionaire Elon Musk formally took over Twitter after an acquisition worth $44 billion, the former CEO of microblogging website, Jack Dorsey, has launched a new social media platform, “Bluesky”. Dorsey’s Bluesky has garnered over 30,000 users in just two days after the announcement of the new app. Reports say that Bluesky gives creators independence from platforms and developers and the freedom to design, allowing users to choose their experience as it gives users control of their algorithms. Elon acquired Twitter in April and completed the process of ownership on October 27 after which he reportedly fired some top executives of the company to herald a new dimension in the company.

~ As NASS standing committees shun appropriation c’ttee The December deadline given by the National Assembly to pass the 2023 Budget is under threat as all standing committees that are supposed to submit their reports to the Appropriation Committee failed to appear before it yesterday. The appropriation committee has only two weeks remaining to revert to the Senate for further action but all the committees which were supposed to submit their reports on Friday failed to show up. The committees that failed to appear before the appropriation committee headed by Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North) are: Upstream, Downstream, Gas, Cooperation and Integration and Capital Markets. Even though the Senate is working hard to maintain the January – December budget cycle, the Senate Committee on appropriations had no option than to adjourn its maiden meeting from yesterday to Monday due to non-appearance of subcommittees to hand in their reports. Chairman of the committee, Senator Barau Jibrin, said the

~ As Buhari commits to welfare, well-being of all Nigerians | Bayelsa govt faults minister. As the ravaging floods finally recede across the country after weeks of havoc, the natural disaster has recorded about 40 percent increase in the figure of internally displaced persons (IDPs), bringing the number of IDPs to about 5 million from 3.4 million as contained in 2021 Displacement Tracking Matrix carried out by (UNHCR) Matrix Index as well as the International Organization of Migration (IOM). Federal commissioner of National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Imaan Ibrahim, who disclosed the increasing effect of climate change and particularly the debilitating effect of floods across the country, has led to significant loss of many lives, properties and livelihood. She spoke at an event marking the National Day for Displaced Persons (IDPs) with the theme: “Journey so far, future of durable solutions,” at the presidential villa, Abuja. Speaking on

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has paid glowing tributes to the iconic Igbo leader and founding father of APGA, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who would have been 89 today, November 4, 2022. Ojukwu, popularly known as Ikemba Nnewi, was born on November 4, 1933 and died on November 26, 2011, at the age of 78 In a fitting tribute to mark the posthumous birthday of the late leader, Governor Soludo described him as an officer gentleman, an accomplished statesman and a leader with uncommon vision.  The Governor enthused that Chief Odumegwu-Ojukwu was one leader who never wavered nor prevaricated in his quest for a just and equitable society for all, irrespective of religion or region of birth. Professor Soludo stated: “Yours was a life of transparency in service and dedication to the ideals of justice and fairness to all. “Your recommendations for an egalitarian society where no one was given a second-class treatment, remain instructive to us as a nation a

The Police in Lagos State have declared one Uzochukwu Obumneme Arinze wanted over his alleged involvement in homosexual activities. Uzochukwu, who hails from Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, is said to have been reported to the police by neighbors in his Amuwo Odofin Main Land residence in Lagos State. It was gathered that the suspect, who sources said has been engaging in homosexual practices was reportedly caught in the act, while having the illicit affair with a fellow man in a birthday party, on 10th October, 2021. The source hinted that “we have been monitoring his activities for quite some time. His neighbours always reported that male friends always visited Uzochukwu.  Among the friends that frequently visited was one Okey, who is now in police custody.    "Uzochukwu and two other gay partners whose names are not mentioned, managed to escape; while Okey and one other who claimed to be a photographer, were arrested on 10th October, 2021. Meanwhile, the pol

The embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has dragged the Federal Government to the Supreme Court over his continued detention. Kanu, in a three-ground of appeal he filed through his team of lawyers led by a frontline constitutional lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, is challenging the ruling of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, which had on October 28, stopped the execution of its judgment that quashed the terrorism charge the  FG preferred against him. He maintained that the appellate court erred in law when it proceeded to hear and determine an application for a stay of execution of judgment in a criminal appeal, brought under Order 6, Rule I, of the Court of Appeal Rules, 2021, and Section 17 of the Court of Appeal Act of 2004, and thereby occasioned a miscarriage of justice. According to the IPOB leader, both the Court of Appeal Rules 2021 and the Court of Appeal Act, 2004, did not make any provisions for a stay of execution of a Court of Appeal

In what appeared to be a reprisal probably to make up of for the loss of five governors, popularly known as the G-5, the presidential candidate of opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, is currently in talks with five governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Disclosing the development to newsmen yesterday, the Atiku/Okowa presidential campaign organisation said the APC governors who are friends with Atiku have been consulting with the former vice president on how to support him. According to the PDP campaign team, the five APC governors are willing to jump ship because they believe Atiku has a more believable manifesto and better experience to manage Nigeria. One of the spokesmen of the PDP campaign team and former national publicity secretary of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan, who gave the hint, told our correspondent that the move is ongoing just as the APC presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, believes he can attempt to leverage on the situation withi

To men of good will and passion for the service of our Lord Jesus Christ, we hereby invite you to the fund raising ceremony of St. Philips Parish Church, Nnewi holding at the church premises on Sunday, 13th November, 2022.  This event will be to raise funds for the church project and facilitate the project of our Lord Jesus Christ here on earth. Convener : Amb. Hon. Charles Nwonye

The youth wing of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has again raised talarm over the activities of some unscrupulous elements who are using the name of the group for mischievous purposes.  Ohanaeze spoke in reaction to a statement being circulated on social media attributed to one Igboayaka Igboayaka who claimed that the Delta State Governor and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Vice Presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa was owing Ohanaeze N200m.  However, in a statement made available to journalists on Friday by the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, said that it was desperation and mischief taken too far for anyone to make such claims.  While warning that the Ohanaeze should not be used for such spurious and paid jobs, Okwu said there was nothing like N10m monthly dues in Ohanaeze, let alone Okowa owing accumulation of such dues.  In his words, “To set the records straight, there is nothing like payment of N10m du

  Suspended National Youth Leader of the Labour Party, Anslem Eragbe has insisted he remains the youth leader of the party, noting his suspension is illegal. Eragbe said that the constitution of the party did not give the National Chairman, Julius Abure the power to “unilaterally” suspend any executive member. He said this when speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Thursday. According to him, his suspension was outside the provisions of the party’s constitution as it did not pass through the National Executive Council of the party responsible for such role. Eragbe also noted that the allegations levelled against him were incorrect, saying all his actions got the approval of Abure. He said, “Let me say this quickly, we operate under the laws, there are things we shouldn’t be seen doing. I do not accept my suspension because it is illegal. I am the National Youth Leader but not withstanding because of the appeals everywhere, this matter is being looked into within

Muhammad Abubakar, the Minister of Agriculture, says the country is going into intensive dry-season farming beginning from December, to make sure there is continuous production of food on the land. The minister said this in Abuja on Thursday when he appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture Colleges, Research Institutes, and Universities to defend the 2023 budget. He said, “there is a slight elevation of commodities, that is a world phenomenon. But we are doing everything on our own to see what we can do to bring down the prices”. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Munir Danagundi, said records available to the committee indicated that the budget released in 2021 and 2022 had been very impressive. He said most of the research institutes and universities had satisfactorily utilised the funds allocated and released by government, while commending their effort for the achievement in spite of some challenges. He said the committee was ever ready to a

The proposed second runway for the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja will cost about N72 billion, the national assembly has stated. Speaking on the sideline at the oversight function of the national assembly committee on Aviation at the airport, the chairman House committee on Aviation, Nnolim Nnaji said the cost of the new runway is put at N72 billion and this will involve a lot of logistics. Hon. Nnaji explained that the cost covers lightening, infrastructure, buildings and the construction of the 4.2 kilometres of runway. He also said the runway will be the longest in West Africa if completed and commended the minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika for the project. Nnaji said “We have been expecting this construction to take off because we are aware that we have been funding budget to accommodate for the second runway which is very important to this country. Abuja being the capital of Nigeria with an aggressive infrastructural development and economic activities, we feel that i

The Apex Socio-cultural youth Organisation of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Ohanaeze Youth Council, (OYC) has urged Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa the Vice presidential candidate of PDP to resolve his extant differences with the Igbo race before begging for their support. Comrd. Igboayaka O Igboayaka National President Ohanaeze Youth Council on Thursday 3rd October 2022 described Okowa's address to Ndigbo in Kaduna on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, as a mere political pretence. It could be recalled that Gov. Okowa, the Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), had in a report by Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo in punch online News, assured NdIgbo that the PDP government under Atiku Abubakar would ensure they are properly placed in government. Okowa stressed that with Atiku as President in 2023, "it is the surest way for the Igbos to become the next President in Nigeria," he promised, as therefore, solicited the support of Igbo worldwide for the actualization of the Atiku/Okowa pre

  The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has advised the federal government to desist from what it described as “executive rascality and impunity.” This came on the heels of the recent verdicts by the courts ordering the immediate release of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and "the refusal of the APC led Government of President Muhammadu Buhari to adhere to the order". The national president of OYC, Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka while addressing newsmen, accused the All Progressives Congress, (APC) led government of indiscriminate involvement in rascality and impunity since its emergence in 2015. Igboayaka admonished the federal government to shun every "atom of executive egoism, rascality and impunity but promptly comply with the terms of the judgment, because no region or tribe will survive, if they lead the country to 1967 to 1970 ugly history that took place in Nigeria.” He called for political interve

Rivers State Executive Council (SEC) has approved the release of N78 billion for the completion of ongoing projects in various sectors and flagged off new ones. The approval was given yesterday at its meeting presided over by Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike at the Government House in Port Harcourt. Briefing journalists after the meeting, the commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Isaac Kamalu, said the approval was made to ensure that ongoing projects were not left uncompleted by the contractors for lack of fund. He said, “The Rivers State Government has released the sum of N78billion for payment of ongoing projects and flag off of new projects across all the local government areas in the state. “Again, the government has specifically released the sum of N1.8bn representing 80 percent of the capital provisions for the judiciary in the 2022 budget for the services of the Rivers State Judiciary.” Also, the commissioner for Health, Prof. Princewill Chike, said the Ministry

  In a veiled reference to past activities of some powerful persons purportedly wielding strong influence in the Buhari presidency, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has vowed not to condone any form of cabal under his watch. He said if elected the next president of Nigeria, his government will not be manipulated by any group of persons intent on controlling the affairs of state. The VOA Hausa, on its website, defined ‘cabal’ as “an English word frequently used in Nigeria to indicate that a coterie of politicians, and not the president, dictate the affairs of government.” Recall that wife of the president, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, had openly alleged that a cabal was controlling state affairs in Aso Rock, an allegation the president  debunked in an interview with the VOA in 2019. Vowing not to allow any cabal to detect the tune in the corridor of power if  elected president, Atiku told the VoA Hausa service in an interv

  Imo State University teaching hospital orlu has graduated another Set of Medical Doctors. This becomes the 5th set of medical doctors, so far, in the close to 3 years of the administration of Governor hope Uzodimma. It should be noted that this is the first time in the history of IMSUTH that 5 sets of Doctors, totalling over 250 new doctors have been graduated in less than 2years by any administration, in the State. This is Imsuth 14th set of doctors and this 5th set under His Excellency Hope Uzodimma, means other earlier sets spread across the administration of Governors Udenwa, Ohakim, Okorocha and Ihedioha, with a backlog accumulated for over 20years. It will be recalled that Governor Hope Uzodimma facilitated the reaccreditation of the Department few months into his administration and has gone ahead to see to the birthing of new Departments in the medical college, to enable the institution maximize it's admission capacity and fully utilize the facilities at her disposal to tr

The Nigerian police will later today present an award to the Executive Governor of Imo State His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma. In a letter conveyed to the Governor, the Inspect-general of police Alkali Baba Usman noted that the award is in recognition of Governor Uzodimma's support for the Nigerian police and his contribution to National security. The IGP expressed hope that the award will encourage the Governor to continue to support the Nigerian police.  It would be recalled that on Monday this week, President Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister of police affairs and the IGP all commended the Governor for his contribution to national security. #HopeNewAndElectronicMediaCentre

  The Anambra State Director General of Atiku Abubakar and Ifeanyi Okowa campaign organisation, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has made a firm statement about delivering Anambra state for Atiku and Peoples Democratic Party PDP in the 2023 presidential election.  Okonkwo made the assertion at the inaugural meeting of Anambra State presidential campaign council held in Awka, Anambra state capital, on Tuesday. “I did not accept to be DG of Atiku/Okowa campaign council in the state because I am a PDP member. I accepted because I know that Atiku has the solution to greatest need of Ndi Igbo which is restructuring. For Atiku, the issue of restructuring is beyond a political statement." “As soon as the restructuring is activated in Nigeria, we would have been to solve 50 percent of Nigeria's problems. The issue of agitation is  because of lack of justice, fairness and equity and the manner we have administered this country over the years,” he said. According to him, Nigeria needs some one lik

As the campaigns for the 2023 polls gather momentum, three of the leading presidential candidates yesterday gave indications of how they would revive Nigeria’s failing economy. Presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen. Bola Tinubu, said the cooperation and support of the private sector was required to implement the reforms in his economic master-plan. Tinubu said this at the APC’s campaign council town hall meeting and dialogue with the Business Community yesterday in Lagos. He noted that during his tenure as governor of Lagos between 1999 and 2007, his administration developed a largely successful blueprint. He explained that the success of his tenure turned the state into a safer, more prosperous place for any legitimate ventures irrespective of person, religion, region or ethnicity. The APC presidential candidate commended the efforts of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, saying that the government performed with patriotism and commitment

Nigeria’s first Aviation Minister, Mbazulike Amaechi is dead. He was a prominent member of the Zikist Movement.  He died this morning in his home town of Ukpor in Anambra State, aged 93. The statesman who was popularly known as The Boy Is Good, recently led a delegation of prominent Igbo leaders to Aso Rock where he made a case for the detained leader of the Indegenous People of Biafra IPOB, Nnamdi KANU.

The Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has reaffirmed his commitment  and advocacy for a free, fair and credible election. The Governor stated this as Imo State played host to President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) and dignitaries from other parts of the country for the flag-off of the Police Senior Officers conference in the State themed: The Imperative of a Nigerian Police Strategic Plan For A Peaceful Elections. The Governor commended the Nigerian Police for choosing Imo as their host State and appreciated the President for his support and the efforts of the Police and the sister agencies in the restoration of peace and enabling environment for the National gathering. Speaking on the theme of the event, Governor Hope Uzodimma suggested that the candidates should be made to shun violence and challenge their differences in the Court. The Governor appealed to the Federal Government and the private Sectors to support the Police Force especially in their welfare, provision of logistics

The Transaction Committee Chairman of Idemili South LGA, Hon Iyom Amaka Obi has applauded the governor of Anambra state Prof Charles Soludo for his giant strides in the state, especially in the areas of human capacity development, and rebuilding of road infrastructure in the state.  She said this recently in an interactive chat with journalists in her office at Ojoto, the headquarters of the LGA.   She stressed that going by the recent developments in the state, especially in the areas of road construction, youth empowerment and employment that the governor has done well, and solicited for the support of Ndi Anambra , as Anambra is about to turn into a construction site once the rains subside.   She said that since her assumption of duty as the Transition Committee chairman of Idemili South, that she has ensured that the environment is kept clean in line with the vision of the state governor. This she said has led to the employment of road sweepers who in turn has helped in keeping the

An NGO, the Mass Movement for Good Governance(MMG) has been unveiled in Anambra. The event which took place at the popular ofala plaza had in attendence over 2000 people from all walks of life. MMG plans to empower over 1000 youths in Anambra from October 2022 to March 2023, This is squeal to a recently signed partnership agreement with HZS Biotechnology International, a Chinese firm based in Lagos Nigeria. The founder and convener of the group, Hon. Chukwuemeka Peter Erobu(Ochiagha)in an interactive session with newsmen in Nnewi after the unveling of the brand stressed that the group is a Non Governmental Organization and a pressure group which has been in existence for the past three years, and the group is presently in 13 states of the federation, with strong presence in the South South, South East and South West, with the mandate to ensure good governance at all strata of government across board, through the support of candidates with track records over the years.   He said that th