Look elsewhere for co- conspirators; Ekiti Assembly Tells Ojudu

The attention of the Honourable Members of Ekiti State House of Assembly has been drawn to a statement made by former Senator Babafemi Ojudu on a programme of New Cruse F.M 92.7, Ikere Ekiti on June 27, 2020. The former Senator claimed that some unnamed members of Ekiti State House of Assembly are sending to him, 'documents of wrongdoings by the Ekiti State government under Governor John Kayode Fayemi'. 

Ordinarily, we would not have dignified the erstwhile Senator with a response, but because of the evil ramifications of human minds and the possibility of some gullible minds believing his lies, he should not be allowed to go away with his blue murder and barefaced lies.

There's no doubt, this is a red herring from a persona that has been variously described as 'anger and conspiracy' in motion; whose trademark is blackmail and unquenchable knack and ability to trade anything for pecuniary benefits. 

We, as a House and  with all emphasis at our disposal categorically state that there's no member of our respected Assembly that has any relationship with the ex-Senator.

 We are men of integrity. We're a set of focused representatives of our people, who cannot be swayed by a character like Ojudu who prefers to rule in hell than serve in paradise.

We give the Senator blank cheque to come out with his facts and the personalities involved in his concoction and tissue of lies.

With our knowledge of the performance and relevance of the former Senator in Ekiti politics, the regular question our people have always asked him is: Senator Ojudu where are your masses?

The 6th Assembly is too focused in making laws for the good of our people. We are doing this in active collaboration with the other arms of government especially the Executive arm. The Five Pillars Agenda of the government of Dr. Kayode Fayemi is too sacred that we cannot be distracted by a incurable cynic like Senator Ojudu.

We're indeed glad that all the efforts of good governance have been made possible by the enabling laws emanating from the House. They are yielding positive results, despite the general dwindling financial resources.  Everybody can see these except the ostrich among us, like the Senator. 

The roads infrastructure are there for everyone to see: Oye-Otun; Aramoko- Erijiyan; New Ado- Iyin Road; Airport project; Agbado-Omuo; Ilupeju-Igbemo etc. Only in the week the contract for the dualisation of Ado-Akure road, influenced by the Governor was awarded by the Federal Executive Council. 

We therefore advise Senator Ojudu to look elsewhere for his cotravellers in his trademark game of divide and rule. Everyone is too aware of his character to take him serious. We can only wish him goodluck on his road to Golgotha, which is already signed, sealed and delivered.

Signed:

Hon. Yemisi Ayokunle 

Chairman, House Committee on Information 

27-06-2020

Nigeria records 684 new coronavirus cases, total now 23,298

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed 684 new cases of COVID-19 in the country, bringing the total number to 23,298.

The NCDC made the announcement on Friday night via its Twitter handle.

“684 new cases of #COVID19Nigeria; Lagos-259 Oyo-76 Katsina-69 Delta-66 Rivers-46 Ogun-23 Edo-22 Osun-22 Ebonyi-21 FCT-20 Kaduna-16 Ondo-10 Imo-9 Abia-9 Gombe-5 Plateau-4 Bauchi-4 Ekiti-2 Anambra-1.”

COVID-19: EKITI STATE CASE UPDATE

Ekiti State Government can confirm that three (3) of the samples sent to the State molecular laboratory has returned positive results of the #COVID19 virus infection.

Two (2) previous cases have also been discharged. 

Moremi Clinic - By- Erelu Bisi Fayemi

In April 2019, I was invited to a seminar at the Ekiti State Ministry of Justice by the State Attorney-General, Hon Wale Fapounda. The seminar was about how to focus efforts on the needs of survivors of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV). Wale, my husband, and I go back a long way with regards to our human rights journey. We used to be young, idealistic human rights advocates, fighting for a world that is fair and just for all. The three of us have been involved in many initiatives around the world and across Africa, working on human rights issues, trying to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Since our training ground was social justice movements, we have also been keen to provide a connection between civil society organising and politics and governance. All the laws, policies and action coming from Ekiti State on GBV at the moment is the result of this history we all share. At the seminar I mentioned, Wale invited an old friend, Ms Itoro Inaba, Founder of the Mirabel Center in Lagos, to talk to us about the need for a one-stop facility that could provide a full range of services for survivors of GBV. Such places are known as *Sexual Assault Referral Centers* (SARC) and they are usually given operational names relevant to the local context. We all agreed that we needed such a resource in Ekiti State, and we proceeded to work on it. From that event, every time I gave a speech on GBV within our outside the State, I would talk about the forthcoming SARC. 

We had wanted to get it up and running before November 2019, but things kept getting in the way, a lack of resources being key. We were offered a few small rooms in the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) to start off with, but we turned up our noses because we wanted a much bigger facility. We asked for, and were allocated, some land next to the Funmilayo Olayinka Diagnostic and Wellness Center based at EKSUTH. We agreed to start with whatever the University could give us and then raise money to build the permanent structure. We started identifying various team members and providing training for them. We were operating an ad hoc SARC already, because survivors of GBV were being identified, treated and supported through the legal process on an ongoing basis. In December 2019, Barrister Seyi Ojo who had been the lead person on the SARC project, went to attend a training program on the management of SARCs in Abuja, alongside another colleague from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Ekiti State. Seyi came back so excited and full of ideas about how to proceed. It turned out to be her last official assignment because she slipped away from us on December 24th 2019 due to complications from Sickle Cell Anaemia.  We were all devastated, and of course our plans were put on hold. 

Just was we began looking into the project again, COVID19 struck and the lockdowns began. During the COVID lockdowns, like in other places, there was a spike in GBV reports and the various responders in the State tried their best, but were still working with minimal coordination. In April I called an emergency meeting of the *Gender Based Violence Management Committee*, which I Chair, the body responsible for implementing the GBV Law in Ekiti State. We agreed that we needed to proceed with the SARC as soon as possible, and we would start with whatever we had. For seven weeks we all worked non-stop, calling in all kinds of favours. On June 23rd, the Ekiti SARC was declared open and we named it the *Moremi Clinic*. Two days before we opened the SARC, I got the wonderful news that we have successfully raised the money required for the building we were hoping for. This will be ready by October at the latest.

The *Ekiti State Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)* is a free, one stop, survivor-centred initiative that prioritises the rights and needs of survivors of sexual violence. The SARC aims to foster a supportive environment where a survivor’s rights are respected and where she is treated with dignity and respect. 

*Moremi Clinic*, will provide medical assistance including use of rape kits, screening and preventive treatment for HIV and sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy prevention, collection of forensic evidence, screening for drugs where drink spiking is suspected, and providing a medico-legal report. Professional workers will meet anyone attending the Centre, explain all the processes and ensure informed consent to the forensic examinations. Examinations are conducted by a team of forensically trained female examiners. The Moremi Clinic will also be involved in:

* • Collection and management of relevant data: Primary data will be generated from SARCs for reporting rape and/or dealing with its immediate aftermath, in order to improve Criminal Justice System responses.

* • Counselling and psycho-social support will be available for survivors and others who have been sexually assaulted at any time in their life. 

* • Information, support and counselling for parents, family members and partners.

* • Education and information for community or professional groups.

* • Support for going through the legal process

* • Collaboration with other government agencies for prevention, protection and care.

The Ekiti SARC will also provide services for child victims of sexual abuse, for which there are special provisions to note. On June 5th 2020, HE DR Kayode Fayemi, Governor of Ekiti State, signed the Sexual Violence against Children (Compulsory Treatment and Care) Law, 2020. Every child victim of sexual violence is entitled to free, immediate and adequate treatment in any Hospital in Ekiti state. Under the provisions of this law, no hospital in Ekiti state must reject or refuse care or treatment of any child who is reported to have been sexually assaulted. Failure will result in the payment of a fine of a steep fine. Any Hospital who fails to report any case of child victim of sexual violence it receives to the nearest police station and any other government or non- government organizations relevant to child care or welfare will upon conviction be liable to a fine as well.

COVID-19: Nigerian govt hints on another lockdown, gives reasons

The Nigerian government has hinted on ordering another lockdown across the country.

Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, said ordering another lockdown won’t be out of place, considering the increasing number of COVID-19 cases across the country.

The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 stated this during the Thursday’s daily briefing of the committee.

He stressed that the way Nigerians are romancing the virus was an indication of danger in the nearest future.

According to Mustapha: “This is the time to lock down if it were within my power. This is the time to lock down because I can see the attitude of people romancing with COVID-19.

"The daily increase in confirmed cases, the federal government feels a sense of frustration because we can see glaringly the danger ahead and you can see the level of recklessness on the part of people who should know better.”

The N-Power portal opens for applications today 26th June, 2020

Are you unemployed and between the ages of 18-35? Do you want to contribute in building a skilled Nigerian workforce?

Since 2016, the Nigerian Govt. has upskilled over 500,000 beneficiaries through N-Power. Apply and get skilled for the jobs of the future.

Some people have attempted registration. Please NOTE that your registration is null and void. It doesn't count till the portal opens at 11.45pm tonight. 

 Following instructions are a vital component of the N-Power Programme. They are there to protect you.

Apply for Power! 11.45PM today

Nigeria records 594 new COVID-19 cases, 549 total deaths

The spread of Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) in Nigeria touched a new milestone as the latest statistics provided by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control reveal Nigeria now has 22,614 confirmed cases.

On the 25th of June 2020, 594 new confirmed cases and 7 deaths were recorded in Nigeria, having carried out a total daily test of 2,047 samples across the country.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, announced the figure on Thursday via twiiter.

NCDC said Lagos State recorded 159 cases, while Delta State followed with 106 cases.

The tweet reads,“594 new cases of COVID19Nigeria;

Lagos-159
Delta-106
Ondo-44
FCT-34
Edo-34
Oyo-33
Kaduna-33
Enugu-28
Katsina-25
Imo-22
Adamawa-15
Ogun-12
Osun-11
Abia-8
Rivers-6
Nasarawa-5
Bauchi-5
Niger-5
Kebbi-4
Ekiti-3
Plateau-1
Taraba-1

Ajimobi: We’ve lost a star, says Fayemi

The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has mourned the death of the immediate past Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, who passed on Thursday, aged 70.

Dr. Fayemi in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, described Ajimobi's death as a personal loss to him, and a  huge loss to the people of Oyo State in particular and Nigeria in general.

"We have lost a star' said Fayemi who added that Ajimobi's death was a painful one not only to the family but to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on which platform the deceased had a remarkable tenure as Governor of Oyo State.

Fayemi described Senator Ajimobi as an accomplished professional, a respected politician and astute administrator, who reached the pinnacle of his professional and political careers by dint of hard work, courage and brilliance.

Fayemi said Ajimobi's memories would continue to live with him as a friend and brother as well as a dutiful family man and political leader who was ever there for his family, associates and the people he led.

Describing Ajimobi as a "man of history," Fayemi said the deceased etched his name in the annals of Oyo politics by being the first governor to be re-elected to office in the Pacesetter State.

He described Ajimobi's two-term tenure as a golden era which recorded execution of people-oriented policies and landmark projects.

The Governor noted that Ajimobi excelled in the private sector and reached the pinnacle of his career as Managing Director of a prominent oil company before venturing into politics, where he equally made some remarkable achievements.

Fayemi said: "We have lost a star. A man of honour and a statesman.  But we are consoled that Governor Ajimobi lived a good life, made his mark in his chosen fields, lifted many and left a good name and legacies of honour and industry. We shall surely miss him.

" On behalf of my family, the government and people of Ekiti State, we commiserate with his immediate family, the government and people of Oyo State and pray that God will grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and grant his soul eternal rest."

Yinka Oyebode 

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

BREAKING: Liverpool win Premier League title after Chelsea defeat Manchester City

Liverpool have won the 2019/2020 Premier League title.

Liverpool's 30-year wait for a top-flight title is over after Manchester City lost 2-1 at Chelsea to confirm the Reds as Premier League champions.

Jurgen Klopp's side needed one victory to seal the league but City's failure to win means they cannot be caught.

It is Liverpool's 19th top-flight title and their first since 1989-90.

BREAKING: Ex-Oyo Governor Ajimobi dies at 70

Immediate past Oyo Governor Abiola Ajimobi is dead.He was said to have died of COVID-19 complications at First Cardiology Specialist Hospital, Lagos.

He was 70.A source close to the former Governor told The Nation that Ajimobi breathed his last at about 4pm.

Oyo House of Representatives member, Akin Alabi, also tweeted: “Forever in my heart.”Ajimobi was the first Oyo governor to win a second term in office.

He governed between 2011 and 2019.

BREAKING: APC dissolves National Working Committee

The All Progressives Congress has dissolved its National Working Committee.

The decision was reached at the National Executive Council meeting held on Thursday.

Bashir Ahmad, an aide to the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), tweeted, “Following the recommendation of President Muhammadu Buhari, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been dissolved.”

Details later…

BREAKING: APC National Secretariat sealed again

For the second time this week, the National Secretariat of All Progressives Congress (APC) has been sealed off by Police operatives.

As early as 9am, two hillux patrol vans and two Peugeot 604 cars were stationed at strategic positions around the secretariat.

Party staff, who had arrived early, were asked to move out of their offices.

The Nation gathered that the seal off was at the instance of the Inspector General of Police.

The Commissioner for FCT Police Command was directed to ensure that nobody was allowed into the premises.

Hon. Victor Giadom led National Working Committee (NWC) on Tuesday got the Presidential backing to convene National Executive Committee(NEC) which holds today virtually from the Presidential Villa.

The Senator Abiola Ajimobi led NWC faulted the convocation of the NEC, which was described as illegal.

It said it won’t attend the NEC despite the expected presence of President Muhammadu Buhari. (The Nation)

EKITI PUNCTURES EX-SENATOR OJUDU AND NATION NEWSPAPER’S MISLEADING STORY

 

The attention of the general public is being drawn to a misleading publication by the Nation Newspapers online with headline “Fayemi’s failed mission to Villa with Giadom”, published in the online edition of the Nation Newspaper on Wednesday, June 24th, 2020.

The falsehood, we gathered reliably, was fabricated by a senior aide of the Presidency and a former Senator, Babafemi Ojudu, and planted in The Nation Newspaper, after it was rejected by some State House Correspondents, who rebuffed the former Senator for the misleading and malicious story.

It is on record that Senator Ojudu, in his desperate bid to rubbish Governor Fayemi, had told his close associates that he would battle Governor Fayemi, who is also the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) with falsehood and cheap blackmail in his nefarious attempt to destabilize APC in Ekiti State.

While Ojudu has the right to continue to tread the path of perfidy which has been his lifestyle from time immemorial, we least expected the Nation Newspaper, a leading national daily whose motto is “Truth in Defence of Freedom” to buy into such cheap blackmail in form of an unverifiable report, without due regard to the principles of fairness. This is more so that modern technology has made the business of news gathering and editorial checks a lot easier, especially if the mission is about public good.

For the purpose of clarity, it is important to state that the Nation’s report was clearly a misleading one designed to cast aspersion on the person of Governor Fayemi and create an impression that the NGF Chairman is an unwanted visitor at the Villa. The largely unsubstantiated report was filled with bile, childish and unexplainable fury that signified nothing, just like a tale fit only for the tabloids.

We therefore implore the general public to disregard the highly illogical concoction that was served as an exclusive story.

In setting the record straight, we hereby state unequivocally that Governor Fayemi had no plan nor reason to see Mr President on Tuesday late afternoon as maliciously presented in the Nation’s report. The Governor, had earlier seen Mr President at noon in company of three of his colleagues - Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Governor Simon Lalong (Plateau) and Governor Badaru Abubakar (Jigawa). Also present at that meeting were the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof Ibrahim Gambari and Honourable Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.

Governor Fayemi was in the villa later in the afternoon to see the COS and State Chief of Protocol (SCOP).

The Ekiti State Governor was never denied any opportunity to see President Buhari as he did not ask to see the President and neither did he go with Chief Giadom. 

We are aware of surreptitious efforts to demonise and blackmail Governor Fayemi on account of the challenges the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is undergoing.

We have tried not to join issues with the barrage of falsehood, personality attacks and campaign of calumny against Governor Fayemi on social media in the last two weeks because it is not in Dr Fayemi’s character to engage in unintelligent rabblerousing in the media. As a principled democrat, Dr Fayemi is committed to fighting for the principles of democracy within the political party he laboured with other notable Nigerians to birth. It is normal for political leaders to be in disagreement, but it should not lead to campaigns of calumny based on falsehood.

Governor Fayemi’s position on the APC crisis has been to consistently subsume his views in the position of the Progressives Governors Forum as expressed by the Chairman. He has not spoken on the party crisis in any public forum but continue to urge all members and lovers of the party to exercise restraint and support the leader of the party, President Mohammadu Buhari and other leaders desirous of resolution to give peace a chance.

We implore the Nation Newspaper and other media organisations to be wary of unfounded stories wrapped as “exclusives” by disgruntled elements like the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Mr. Babafemi Ojudu who are now masquerading as news sources.

 

Signed

Yinka Oyebode

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ekiti State

24-06-2020

JUST IN: Buhari backs Giadom as APC Acting National Chairman

President Muhammadu Buhari has registered his support for the deputy national secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Victor Giadom, to preside over the party’s virtual National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.

Speaking through his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, on Wednesday afternoon, the president said he would attend the NEC meeting because “the law is on the side of Victor Giadom as Acting National Chairman.”

“The President has received very convincing advice on the position of the law as far as the situation in the party is concerned and has determined that the law is on the side of Victor Giadom as Acting National Chairman.”

“The President has received very convincing advice on the position of the law as far as the situation in the party is concerned and has determined that the law is on the side of Victor Giadom as Acting National Chairman.

“We urge the media to stop promoting manufactured controversies and to not give any further room for mischievous interpretations of the law on this matter.

“In addition to the President, the Giadom meeting will, hopefully, be attended by our Governors and the leaders of the National Assembly,” Mr Shehu disclosed on his Twitter account. ( Premium Times)

APC members playing opposition role hypocrites - Biodun Akin-Fasae

ADO-EKITI- Pioneer Secretary of Alliance  for Democracy now All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti state, Chief Biodun Akin-Fasae has cautioned aggrieved members against blowing the current internal crisis in the party out of proportion .

Fasae, who expressed sadness over  development also bemoaned the approach of the agitators for allegedly plotting to pull the entire  party structure for no just cause.

Speaking with journalists  in Ado-Ekiti, Chief Fasae disclosed that the most disturbing scenario was the ongoing alleged attempt to recruiting innocent members of the party into their selfish agenda.

The APC chieftain disclosed  that elders in the party were concerned with events in recent time as regards the party in the last few weeks, assuring that, ” things will change very soon and you will see.”

“Some aggrieved members have taken the fight to the ridiculous level of saying what the opposition could not say against our governor. To me, that is the highest level of hypocrisy. But sitting down in a corner and trying to be the face of opposition in the party, it won’t  be easy” he warned.

“Those who have personal grouse with Fayemi are recruiting innocent members to fight their  cause. Right from  the onset, some of them have vowed to cripple Fayemi’s government. So, it is not surprising today, there is rampaging war against Ekiti. They are behaving like Boko Haram fighters. Agreed, nobody ,knows everything. If you are not invited to government now, it does not make the governor a dictator. Ekiti is a small state. In terms of resources, land and population”, Fasae posited. 

Fasae who is the  Publicity Secretary of Afenifere  in the state said all aggrieved members should explore the laid down internal mechanism of the party in resolving their grievances rather than working for the downfall of the APC.

“We can still employ the windows of opportunity. We should encourage him not to drive rough in the rough political terrain. We must manage our ego in order to jeopardise.

Fasae explained that leadership of the party was aware of some concerns raised by members but assured them that reconciliation moves have begun for all members to be on the same page ahead of the 2022 governorship election.

“The house of this party must not fall , the walls must not  be broken. We will not allow any body to desecrate the office of the governor and government the people of Ekiti brings into power.”

“I want to advise our people and aggrieved members to do less of talking in the public and support the government in giving back to the people of the state. We should not allow the platform of the APC to be weakened. Let everyone who is aggrieved approach the leadership of party to resolve all contending issues.”

He stressed the state governor,Dr Fayemi has been fair to all part members since inception in 2018, saying everybody could not be appointed into government.

He urged the governor as the leader of the party to extend hands of fellowship to the aggrieved by calling an elaborate meeting where all grievances will be discussed.

“We must say this that the governor is doing better now compared to the first term. Every aspects of the state is facing  development, investors are in the state now, except some people are blind. However, we should encourage him to do better, there is room for improvement that is a fact”, he said.

Edo PDP Primaries: Court strikes out suit to stop Obaseki from contesting

Justice Emmanuel Obile of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has struck out an application by a Governorship aspirant of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihiama seeking to stop Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki from participating in the party primaries scheduled for Thursday.

Justice Obile struck out the suit after all the parties in the matter agreed to resolve their issues.

Edo State Peoples Democratic Party Governorship aspirant, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihiama had asked for an out-of-court settlement in his suit to stop Governor Godwin Obaseki from participating in the primaries of the party.

Ogbeide-Ihiama made the application through his Lawyer, Ferdinand Ogbeh SAN, to settle out of court when the matter was heard before Justice Obile of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt.

The PDP governorship aspirant had asked the court to restrain Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki from contesting the party primaries after vowing not to step down for him

NSA, IGP, others meet northern govs on insecurity

The National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (retd.), has led some security chiefs to meet with state governors from the northern part of the country over the spate of insecurity in their states.

Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, disclosed this to State House correspondents on Monday night.

Matawalle also said the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, among others attended the meeting.

The meeting was held on Monday.

Recall that Monguno had, after a meeting Buhari had with security chiefs last week, told journalists that he was mandated to meet with the governors with a view to ending the nation’s security challenges.

Matawalle said his mission to the Presidential Villa was to meet the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof Ibrahim Gambari, on the same matter.

He said, “We have discussed extensively about the issue of insecurity in northern Nigeria, not just Zamfara State.

“Today (Monday), we met in the National Security Adviser’s office with northern governors and the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies.

“We discussed seriously on the issue of insecurity and the Chief of Staff invited me to brief him about insecurity in my state, which I did.

“We have discussed about it and understand where we are going. Zamfara State Government and the security are doing their best to ensure we contain insecurity.”

The governor suggested the carrot and stick approach as one of the ways to tackle insecurity.

The Punch

Nigeria records 452 new COVID-19 infection

Nigeria yesterday recorded 452 new cases of COVID-19, bringing to 21,371 the number of confirmed cases in the country.

Announcing the new cases yesterday, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said Lagos recorded 209 new cases, Oyo, 67; Delta, 37; Ogun, 36; Federal Capital Territory (FCT), 22; Abia, 20; Enugu, 16; Bauchi, 15; Kaduna and Ondo, eight each; Osun, seven; Imo and Benue, three each and Borno, one.

Eight deaths were recorded from the virus on Tuesday bringing the total number of confirmed deaths from the virus to 533.

All the reporting states already had at least a case of the virus.

As of Tuesday, 35 states and the FCT have recorded at least a case of the disease. Only one state, Cross River, is yet to report any case of the virus.

Ghana President Calls Buhari, Apologises Over Demolition Of Nigerian Mission

President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana has called President Muhammadu Buhari Over the demolition of the Nigerian High Commission in Accra.

In a telephone conversation on Tuesday, Akufo-Addo expressed his sincere apology over the unfortunate incident that has sparked reactions from the Nigerian government.

This was confirmed in a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.

The Ghana leader assured President Buhari that he has directed a full investigation into the matter, assuring that justice will be served.

Meanwhile, some suspects linked to the demolition have been arrested and will be arraigned in court.

It will be recalled that a businessman who claimed ownership of the land housing the Nigerian mission reportedly moved with security personnel to demolish some portion of the staff quarters.

Although the demolition took place on Friday, the man was said to have shown up the previous week with some pieces of evidence to support his claim and began to knock down the fence surrounding the building.

A source at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Channels Television that the action of the man was not opposed, adding that the Nigerian High Commission petitioned the Ghanaian Government about it, but there was no response.

Following the incident, many Nigerians including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila have condemned the action.

(Channels Television)

Obaseki: Wike Pulls Out Of PDP Reconciliation Committee For Edo Guber Poll

Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, has pulled of the reconciliation committee set up to resolve the various camps in the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of Thursday governorship primary of the party.

Wike also warned the national leadership of the party and governors to handle the crisis that would soon rock the party in the state with care, if not, it will snowball into more dangerous crises than what is happening in the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor announced his withdrawal from the reconciliation committee on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

He said he had decided to pull out of the committee following accusation that he was behind the court order allegedly restraining Governor Godwin Obaseki from participating in the party’s governorship primary slated for Thursday June 25 in Benin.

Wike accused some members of the PDP National Working Committee for allegedly acting like tax collectors and sycophants since the defection of Obaseki to the party.

He said, “I told them that in Edo State, we must handle the issue carefully and carry everybody along. They must respect human beings and not behave like tax collectors. They said because an order was obtained from a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, then I am responsible.

“I have had sleepless nights to resolve the issue in Edo. The Governors of Edo, Adamawa, and Delta states know what I have done to resolve the issues. As a result of this senseless accusation, I have pulled out of Edo State settlement.

The Governor said his integrity matters most on the matter, adding that he has directed his lawyer to write a national daily on a publication allegedly made against him on Tuesday.

Wike said, “They (NWC) are tax collectors. Let them challenge me and I will come out with facts. Nobody will rubbish me by raising false accusations against me. I will fight back.”

“I am brought up not to accept injustice, and that is why I keep speaking out on national issues. Nobody in PDP can intimidate Rivers State.

“Nobody can threaten me because I said things must be done constitutionally. I will always continue to satisfy my conscience. From now on, I want to concentrate on the development of Rivers State”, Governor Wike added.

Education ministry presents proposal to NASS on Schools reopening

The Minster of State for Education, Mr Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba on Tuesday presented to the National Assembly a proposed date for the reopening of schools across the country as a post COVID-19 measure.

He made the presentation during a meeting with the Senate Committee on Basic and Secondary Education on the ministry’s plans for pupils who have been forced to stay at home following the outbreak of the COVID – 19 pandemic.

While noting that government had said that schools for some categories of students would be reopened soon, Nwajiuba said that giving a tentative date would result to misrepresentation by the public.

“We said we are going to experiment with some people and these are children from exit classes.

“In the document we have provided, we have suggested how we can move our education sector forward in this pandemic period.

“We don’t want to make it known at this period so that some people will not take our proposal for guidelines for schools reopening.

“This is because people publish fake guidelines every day which I always come on air to debunk. What we have now is a proposal.

“Even if the Senate has not called us, we would have come to you to discuss with you because we have already discussed with the House of Representatives.

“The documents were presented to you so that you can criticise and make inputs as major stakeholders”.

He, however, expressed concern over the decision of Oyo State Government to reopen its primary and secondary schools in spite the current rising cases of Coronavirus infection in the country.

Nwajiuba wondered why the government of Oyo state which was currently battling with increase cases of new infections, should be eager to throw open the gates of its schools when its neighbouring states, were employing caution.

He said, “Why is Oyo state talking of reopening schools when it has just started recording increase cases of Coronavirus infection.

“Just beside Oyo is Ogun which was part of the three states under the FG’s lockdown since April is not talking about schools reopening.”

Vice Chairperson of the Committee, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, who presided over the meeting, expressed the fears that the academic calendar could be distorted in public schools where no visible arrangement was being made to teach the children at home unlike their private schools counterparts.

She said public schools students were made to rely on educational programmes on radio and television stations whereas they tune to stations showing cartoons whenever there was no adult to guide them.

Eyakenyi said that children in public schools had no access to online classes like their counterparts in the private schools.

She noted that the arrangement regarding radio and television stations was not working.

“Even when the students in the cities have access to education programmes on radio and televisions, what of those in the villages? What do we do so that we don’t shut them out?

“If government can give guidelines for the reopening of churches and mosques, stakeholders in the education sector could also hold a meeting with the government to agree on guidelines for schools reopening.

“All we need to do is to come up with measures that would ensure the safety of both the students and their teachers.

“We can design a plan that would make sure that not all the students resume at the same time. We could probably start with the exit classes.

“We could have the numbers of students that would go to school in both the morning and afternoon sessions.

“We have to be innovative in our approach to save our educational sector in this country because nobody knows how long the virus will be with us.” (NAN)

Erelu Bisi Fayemi flags off Ekiti Sexual Assault Referral Centre

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi launched the Ekiti Sexual Assault Referral Centre (Moremi Clinic) today, Tuesday 23rd June, 2020, at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital in Ado-Ekiti.

Erelu Bisi Fayemi who frowned at  the alarming rate at which young girls and women are being molested sexually of late, said the centre would be a succour for the victims.

"The centre would give emergency treatment and care  for sexual victims, and would offer legal aid for them as well".

"The Centre would also provide  counseling for the victims, psychosocial support and all the necessary support needed.

She urged the public to direct all those who need the services available, to visit the Centre for immediate treatment and counselling.

 Her Excellency stated that the Centre would be replicated across all the sixteen Local Government Areas of the State, for prompt response and treatment.

She promised that the permanent site of the Centre  would be ready before the end of September, to the applause of all present.

The Chief Medical Director of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Professor Kayode Olabanji, assured the Wife of the Governor, that he would deploy medical personnel with the required passion and drive, to man the Centre.

The Commissioner for Information and Values Orientation, Aare Muyiwa Olumilua, promised to give the Centre the necessary awareness needed, for the benefit of the victims of such sexual assault.

Other dignitaries who graced the launching are: Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Honourable Wale Fapohunda, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Chief Mrs. Moji Fafure, Permanent Secretary Ministry Of Health and Human Services, Dr.(Mrs) Folake Olomojobi, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Woman affairs and Social Development, Dr. Mrs. Eunice Oladimeji.

 

Also present was Grip Initiative , a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) pioneered and represented by Barrister (Mrs) Rita Ilevbare.

Oyo spent about N3b in fighting COVID-19, raised N378m cash

Oyo State Government on Tuesday said it has spent N2.779 billion in the ongoing fight against novel coronavirus.

The Government said the N378million cash raised from willing donors including individuals and corporate donors is still intact in the dedicated accounts but that all the expenditures so far are from the state coffers.

The Government gave the update through the State Commissioner of Finance, Mr Akinola Ojo while addressing Newsmen at the Governors’ Office, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan.

According to Ojo, while N900 million was spent on palliatives and seedlings for affected farmers, about N370 milion was spent on the Infectious Disease Centre, Olodo.

Additionally, the commissioner who was flanked by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr Taiwo Adisa said N453million has been spent on security and securing the state borders on the right against covid-19, N156milliin to be paid to healthworkers, including volunteers and medical and health workers as allowances.

Also, he said the sum of N118m was given to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan as support, N321million used in buying ambulances to support the ministry of health and N614 spent on reagents, consumables, tests and cost of treating the patients in the state.

He noted that the state has also got a reassurance of the Federal Government through the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for financial support of N100million but which is still been awaited.

Ojo said overall, the cash and materials donations received so far by the state from the various individual and corporate donors currently stands at N1.177billion saying the Coalition Against Covid-19 (CaCovid) alone donated items to the tune of N250milion. (The Nation)

Why we deployed men to APC Secretariat, by Police

The Nigeria Police has said it deployed personnel to the National Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure there was no breakdown of law and order as the two factions of the party remain at daggers drawn.

According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Frank Mba, the presence of its personnel at the secretariat was not to seal off the place but to prevent any untoward situation within and around the premises.

“Personnel of the Nigeria Police Force have been deployed to the National Secretariat of the All Progressive Congress, located at Blantyre Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja. The deployment is a proactive move by the Force to maintain peace and ensure there is no breakdown of law and order at the Secretariat.

“The presence of police personnel at the Secretariat is not to seal-up the Complex as has been reported in some quarters but rather to prevent any untoward situation within and around the APC National Secretariat.

” Members of the APC as well staff of the Secretariat are therefore at liberty to conduct their legitimate businesses, in and around the Secretariat as always,” the statement read. (The Nation)

Akeredolu wants to impeach me – Deputy Governor

Ondo Deputy Governor Agboola Ajayi has raised the alarm over moves by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to impeach him.

Ajayi resigned from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) where he hopes to contest the governorship election.

Ajayi who insisted on no resigning his position said Governor Akeredolu planned to impeach him through illegal and unconstitutional means.

He said the ‘illegal’ impeachment would be carried out through financial inducement of members of Ondo Assembly to the tune of N10m each.

Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Babatope Okeowo, Ajayi alleged the Assembly complex has been besieged by men of the Nigeria Police while lawmakers that do not comply were prevented from entering the complex.

According to the statement: “We wish to state that the deputy governor is a tested politician of note, who is not unprepared for this type of kangaroo and infamous move from the desperate and drowning governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu and his group.

“By joining People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Agboola Ajayi has not committed any impeachable offence. He has only exercised his constitutional right of freedom of association. Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) provides as follows:

“Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and in particular, he may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any association for the protection of his interests.

“For the avoidance of doubt, we state unequivocally that the Governor and his allies do not have and cannot muster the requisite majority in the House of Assembly for the removal of the Deputy Governor under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 in any free, fair and transparent process.

“We remain undaunted in the move to throw off the combined weight of those kneeling on the neck of Ondo State. Our state shall not be allowed to suffocate. At the appropriate time, the people of Ondo State shall decide the right person, who will serve as the arrowhead of the bid to save the state from the nepotistic clique kneeling on her neck.”

Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor has directed all his sacked aides to resume duties in private capacity as his personal aides.

He advised them to return all government properties in their possession to the appropriate quarters within 24 hours.

Reacting, Ondo Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo described the allegation as the height of perfidy and another pernicious warp from an intellectually challenged and treacherous personality.

“Knowledge cannot be procured, but only be acquired. For anyone to aver that lawmakers have been financially induced is a gross display of emptiness.

“It becomes more laughable when such comes from someone who had boasted about having majority members in the Assembly. Clearly, while the Executive led by Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN does not believe in inducement, it is left for our very reputable Legislative Arm to either confirm or debunk this spurious allegation,” he said.

(The Nation)

Nigeria Police seals APC secretariat

The Nigeria Police has again sealed off the National Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja.

Based on the order of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, the operatives stormed the premises on Tuesday.

Adamu will meet the two opposing camps of National Working Committee (NWC) at the Force Headquarters today, The Nation reports.

The IG order through the FCT Commissioner of Police, to the APC Chief Security Officer, directed the NWC members to stay away from their building.

A follow-up order is expected after Adamu’s meeting with the NWC camps.

JUST IN: 13 More Imo Lawmakers Test Positive For COVID-19

JUST IN: 13 More Imo Lawmakers Test Positive For COVID-19

Details later…

Plan to reopen schools by Oyo insensitive, says Fed Govt

OYO State government’s decision to reopen schools from June 29 is insensitive, the Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba said on Monday.

He warned that such decision if taken could raise COVID-19 infection figures in the state.

As of 10pm on Monday, Oyo ranked fourth on the table with 621 active cases from the 912 infections figures, confirmed in the state by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

The minister expressed concern over the Oyo government’s plan during the briefing by the Presidential Task Force on COVID -19 Control in Abuja.

Oyo state Governor Seyi Makinde had reeled out plans to reopen schools, worship centres and others against Federal Govenrment’s directive on closure of schools.

Nwajiuba, who said the Federal Ministry of Education did not give out any guideline to the state government to reopen schools, noted that governors have as their primary responsibility to secure the lives of their citizens, in the face of a pandemic.

He added that like all other sub-nationals, governors were under the Constitution of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Stressing why government cannot reopen schools at this time, the minister noted that reopening of schools could lead to the exposure of teachers, pupils, drivers, cooks, vendors, their family members and friends to the dreaded virus.

The minister said: “Out of the 774 local government areas in Nigeria, there are actually few local governments with a lot of this burden and therefore it is easy to get the perception around the edges of the country that some things are not happening because they are not happening within our immediate locality.

“But we must appreciate that the primary purpose of governors is the security of his citizens. Public health is key and primary and in that primary security delivery, they (governors), are always extremely cautious in making any pronouncements around this because the education sector holds the largest number of infrastructure in the country; a good 138,000 primary schools around the country.

“There are clearly 600 all kinds of institutions awarding certificates all around Nigeria there are just lots of it. And at any given time in Nigeria, there are two million people attaining one form of education or the other.

“For you to even begin to decide to unleash this in the public in the face of a pandemic is to be a very bit insensitive.

“The least we can do at the moment is to keep our children, our most priced assets, the future of Nigeria under lock and key first. When we are sure that it’s safe to release them, gladly we will.”

Nwajiuba also said the ministry was in discussion with examination bodies on how final year students could sit for their exams.

He said similar meeting was held in the Gambia on Monday to decide the fate of students waiting to write the West African Examination Council (WAEC).

The minister also said the students would be expected to reconvene for a revision session ahead of the final decisions on WAEC.

He said: “We have finished meeting with WAEC; they are communicating in Gambia at the moment. When we get feedback from them we are struggling to see how we can bring the exit year children briefly to come to a revision session ahead if whatever these assembles have agreed.

“Parents should be rest assured that we will do this with utmost care and only in places where we can be able to institutionalise and be able to use the facilities to be able to help these children.”

On the outcry by parents on payment of school fees in private schools, the minister appealed to school proprietors to desist from doing so.

He urged them to approach the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for salary support.

(The Nation)

COVID-19: Nigeria records 675 new cases as total rises to 20,919

Nigeria’s tally of confirmed COVID-19 cases rose to 20, 919 on Monday as 675 new infections were announced by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

Seven deaths were recorded from the virus on Monday, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths from the virus to 525.

This was announced by the Nigeria Center for Disease Control on its Twitter handle.

“On the 22nd of June 2020, 675 new confirmed cases and 7 deaths were recorded in Nigeria

No new state has reported a case in the last 24 hours.”

Till date, 20,919 cases have been confirmed, 7109 cases have been discharged and 525 deaths have been recorded in 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The 675 new cases are reported from 21 states- Lagos(288), Oyo(76), Rivers(56), Delta(31), Ebonyi(30), Gombe(28), Ondo(20), Kaduna(20), Kwara(20), Ogun(17), FCT(16), Edo(13), Abia(10), Nasarawa(9), Imo(9),Bayelsa(8), Borno(8), Katsina(8), Sokoto(3), Bauchi(3), Plateau(2)

Court Stops Obaseki From Taking Part In PDP Primary

Governor Godwin Obaseki has been stopped by a Federal High Court from participating in the governorship primary of the Peoples Democratic Party.

The primary election is scheduled for 25 June.

The ban order was given 22 June by Justice E.A. Obile of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt.

It was based on a motion ex parte filed by a PDP member, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama.

Joined in the suit are Prince Uche Secondus, the PDP, Independent National Electoral Commission, chairman of the party screening committee, Kingsley Chinda and other members of the committee.

Obaseki, an APC renegade, was named as the eighth defendant in the case.

The applicant is seeking a court order to restrain Secondus and the party from allowing Obaseki to buy the forms for the primary, other than those who bought the forms within the timetable initially published for the election.

Justice Obile granted the interim injunction as requested.

The PDP, mindful of the legal minefield announced a waiver for Obaseki, to enable him to participate in the primary election, even though he joined the party only on Friday 19 June last week.

The party also reconvened the Chinda screening committee which had ended its assignment on 5 June

The committee specially screened Obaseki on Saturday 20 June.

All the parties in the case were to be served via substituted means.

Substantive hearing in the case has been adjourned till Wednesday 24 June.

Fayemi signs revised Appropriation bill of N91.128bn into law

….as Ekiti reduces 2020 budget by 27 percent.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on Monday, signed the Revised/Supplementary Appropriation Bill of N91.128bn into law, in response to the prevailing economic challenges occasioned by the unprecedented fall in the price of crude oil and other prevailing economic indices.

Dr. Fayemi, assented to the revised/Supplementary Appropriation bill at the Conference Hall, Governor's office, in line with Covid-19 protocol, which permits very few numbers of attendees, with strict observance of physical distancing.

The bill, according to the Governor, reflected the downward review of the initial budget of N124.724,869,355.85k to N91,128,996,482.10k. 

This, he said, was made up of a recurrent expenditure of N59.63bn and capital expenditure of N32.65bn, representing a ratio of 55:35 percent, in response to the exigency of the State finances and the current economic realities.

Dr. Fayemi explained that the revised/supplementary budget becomes expedient, as a result of the outbreak of  Coronavirus, which "dealt a debilitating blow on our macroeconomic projections," making the initial budget which was prepared in the "underlying assumption of relative stability of major macroeconomic parameters", unrealistic.

He said: "The pandemic rendered our economy prostrate with an unprecedented fall in the price of crude oil in the global market. The volatility in the oil price coupled with the reduction in oil production, and devaluation of the Naira to the Dollar, made our revenue projections for the 2020 Budget unrealistic."

"To mitigate the effects of the pandemic on our economy, it becomes imperative to review our 2020 budget, and prepare a supplementary budget which would be responsive to our time and circumstances."

"Consequently, 2020 budget was put together to ensure that our meager resources was committed to critical areas of the economy as follows: Health and Environmental Response, interventions with a view to improving the standard of living of the people, ensuring food security in the Agricultural sector, improving the ease of doing business, and other multi-sectoral Responses."

Speaking further, the Governor disclosed that the budget was designed to also focus on critical legacy projects, after taking into cognisance the dwindling revenue accruing to the State from the federation account.

Revealing that the Revised/ Supplementary budget incorporated the guidelines for the State Fiscal Transparency and Accountability (SFTAS) Programme-for-Result, Dr Fayemi stressed that the current economic situation does not give room for "frivolities" but sacrifice, charging all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and other stakeholders to maintain budget discipline in the execution of the budget.

The Governor, commending Members of the House of Assembly for expediting action on the passage of the financial bill, revealed that the budget was the outcome of a wider community and public engagement.

The brief ceremony was witnessed by the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Funminiyi Afuye, Deputy Speaker, Hon. Hakeem Jamiu, members of the State House of Assembly, Secretary to the State Government, Biodun Oyebanji, Head of Service, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, and other Stakeholders.

Earlier in his address, the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Funminiyi Afuye, said the revised/supplementary budget was passed by members of the House of Assembly, following due consultation with relevant MDAs and other stakeholders, in cognisance of the current economic reality of the country as affected by the outbreak of Coronavirus.

POLICE RESCUE ABDUCTED PHILIPPINO LADY LURED TO NIGERIA BY SUPPOSED LOVER

...Advises on a more cautious use of the Social Media

 The Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni has advised on a more cautious use of the social media by members of the public.

The IGP’s advice comes against the backdrop of the successful rescue of a 40yr old Philippino lady, Irene Torento Panas by Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command at Neke-Uno Village, Enugu East LGA, Enugu State.

The Philippino was rescued six (6) months after she arrived Nigeria from the Philippines in an apparent but unsuccessful search for love.

Irene Torento Panas, an Accountant by profession and a native of Manila in the Philippines arrived Nigeria in November 22, 2019 on a visit to one Chukwudi Odo ‘m’ 54yrs of Enugu Ezike in Igbo-Eze North LGA of Enugu State whom she met on Facebook on 8th March, 2017.

The visit which was originally intended to be for 10-days however turned out to be a full case of abduction following Chukwudi Odo’s refusal to allow her return to her country against her will. She was held incommunicado by the suspect, Chukwudi Odo.

The victim who was critically ill at the time of rescue was successfully rescued by police operatives attached to the Unity Police Division, Ibegwa Nike, Enugu State led by the DPO, SP Siga Malgwi, following a tip-off from some members of the public in the area.

She was immediately taken to the hospital for medical attention where she was admitted from 5th June to 16th June.

Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspect, Chukwudi Odo deliberately lured the victim into the country with the aim of confining her, sexually abusing, and extorting money from her.

The IGP, while enjoining members of the public to tread cautiously in their use of the social media, warns against any abuse of the cyberspace noting that such criminal acts will not go undetected and unpunished by the Force.

Meanwhile, the Force is already in contact with the Embassy of the Philippines in Nigeria so as to reunite the victim with members of her family.

Osagie Ize-Iyamu emerges Edo APC governorship candidate

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has emerged the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant for the September 2020 election in Edo state.

The chairman of the Edo primary election, Hope Uzodinma of Imo state declared Ize-Iyamu winner of the direct primary defeating Pius Odubu and Osaro Obazee.

A breakdown of the election result:

A) Edo South Senatorial District:

1. lkpoba-Okha LGA – Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu = 1,581. Osaro Obazee = 67. Dr. Pius Odubu = 99.

2. Oredo LGA – Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu = 1,902. Osaro Obazee = 308. Dr. Pius Odubu = 67.

3. Orhionmwon LGA – Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu = 1,750. Osaro Obazee = 171. Dr. Pius Odubu = 418.

4. Ovia Northeast LGA – Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu = 1,650. Osaro Obazee = 70. Dr. Pius Odubu = 124.

5. Ovia Southwest LGA – Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu = 1,668. Osaro Obazee = 79. Dr. Pius Odubu = 108.

6. Uhunmwode LGA – Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu = 1,394. Osaro Obazee = 183. Dr. Pius Odubu = 274.

7. Egor LGA – Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu = 1794. Osaro Obazee = 53. Dr. Pius Odubu = 81.

B) Edo Central Senatorial District:

1. Esan Central LGA – Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu = 1,333. Osaro Obazee = 114. Dr. Pius Odubu = 170.

2. Esan Northeast LGA – Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu = 1 467. Osaro Obazee = 139. Dr. Pius Odubu = 176.

3. Esan Southeast LGA – Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu = 1,400. Osaro Obazee = 144. Dr. Pius Odubu = 205.

4. Esan West LGA – Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu = 1,455. Osaro Obazee = 162. Dr. Pius Odubu = 220.

5. lgueben LGA – Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu = 1 300. Osaro Obazee = 178. Dr. Pius Odubu = 251.

C) Edo North Senatorial District:

1. Etsako Central LGA – Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu = 1 333. Osaro Obazee = 238. Dr. Pius Odubu = 326.

2. Etsako East LGA – Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu = 1,529. Osaro Obazee = 105. Dr. Pius Odubu = 196.

3. Etsako West LGA – Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu = 1,754. Osaro Obazee = 150. Dr. Pius Odubu = 262.

4. Akoko-Edo LGA – Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu = 1,335. Osaro Obazee = 185. Dr. Pius Odubu =262.

5. Owan East LGA – Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu = 1,606. Osaro Obazee = 162. Dr. Pius Odubu = 230.

6. Owan West LGA – Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu = 1,537 Osaro Obazee = 216. Dr. Pius Odubu = 307.

President Buhari meets APC governors over crisis

President Muhammadu Buhari is in a closed-door meeting with governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State House, Abuja.

The President summoned the governors to the meeting as part of efforts to resolve the leadership crisis in the party.

The ongoing meeting is coming after Sunday evening’s meeting between Buhari and the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan. Lawan had hinted that the president would lead a push for settlement of the crisis within the APC.

Those at the meeting are Chairman of Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu; Chairman of Northern Governors Forum, Simon Lalong, and Governor of Jigawa State, Abubakar Badaru.

We will Enrol 400,000 Beneficiaries- N-Power

...N-Power reveals when registration portal will open, how to apply

 

N-Power, Federal Government’s youths empowerment programme, on Monday, disclosed that its registration portal would be opened this week.

The scheme disclosed that 400, 000 beneficiaries would be selected upon registration.

N-Power made the disclosure via a tweet on its official Twitter handle.

“This week, the N-Power portal will re-open for registration. 400,000 beneficiaries will be taken from the application pool,” it said.

The scheme also disclosed to intending beneficiaries requirements they must meet before applying.

“Here are some tips to get ready

“Get your BVN ready.

“Ensure you are are not an existing employee in any organization.

“Application is online.”

Recall that the Federal Government had scheduled June 26 for the enrolment for Batch C beneficiaries of the N-Power Programme under the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP).

BREAKING: Fire guts Oba market in Benin

There was a fire outbreak at the popular Oba Market in Benin, Edo State .

The PUNCH gathered that the fire started midnight and efforts to put it out are ongoing as of 09.00 am on Monday.

The cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained as of the time of filing this report.

Federal Fire Service Zone K tweeted, “ At about 1 : 00hrs this morning Men of Federal Fire Service Zone K Edo command turned out to combat a raging inferno at Oba market ring road Benin city Edo State. 

In attendance are Nigerian Army , Nigerian Air force, NPDC , and UNIBEN fire service .”

(PUNCH)