Some southern leaders under the aegis of Citizens Network for Peace and Development in Nigeria (CNPDN) have appealed to organisers of #EndBadGovernance protest to shelve the planned protest.
In a statement on Wednesday, July 24, by its national coordinator, Ralpheal Okorie the leaders noted that the present economic challenges were not peculiar to Nigeria, explaining that it is a global challenge.
President Tinubu had pleaded with the organisers to shelve the protests and give his administration more time to execute people-oriented programmes.
The leaders said their fear is that the planned protest scheduled for August 1, 2024, may be hijacked by hoodlums and other miscreants, who may turn the exercise into violent uprisings.
They also called on Tinubu to address the nation and allay the fears of Nigerians on what the administration was doing to meet the demands tabled by the protesters.
The statement read: “On planned nationwide protest, we have called on the conveners of the planned protest to stop it and that protests all over the world have never been used to solve a problem.
“The situation in Nigeria is not peculiar to Nigeria alone, and it is a global nature. We are using this medium to advise our teeming youth not to join in the protest because protests of this nature will naturally be hijacked by miscreants.
“The real intention will not be achieved. Again, we also want to call on Mr. President to address the nation if possible to calm frayed nerves, knowing that he has the best of intentions for our dear country.”
Lawmaker representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah has appreciated President Bola Tinubu for signing the Southeast Development Commission Bill into law.
In a statement, Senator Ubah praised the President’s commitment to addressing the region’s development challenges and fostering unity.
He noted that the passage of this bill marks the culmination of the Southeast’s tireless efforts as championed by the Senator and other lawmakers to establish a development commission that will address the region’s critical needs.
He also commended President Tinubu for paving the way for meaningful collaboration between the Southeast and the federal government, ensuring the region’s growth and prosperity.
“On Wednesday, 4th October 2023, at plenary, the Southeast Development Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (SB.129) which was sponsored by me passed the First Reading.
“This fresh version of the Bill is aimed to establish a Commission that will focus on the development of the Southeast region of Nigeria which has been historically marginalized and has faced various challenges in terms of infrastructure, healthcare, and economic development”
The Southeast Development Commission Bill aims to establish a commission responsible for managing funds allocated from the Federation Account for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads, houses, and other infrastructural damage suffered by the region due to the civil war.
The commission will also tackle ecological problems and related environmental or developmental challenges in Abia, Imo, Enugu, Anambra, and Ebonyi states.
July 22nd is Gbenga Ashafa’s day. In celebrating his life’s journey, I find it to be an honour and a privilege to reflect on his contributions to society over three decades. For a man who has spent more than half of his eventful life in the service of people, state, and country, July 22nd has never been just another birthday anniversary. It is a day set aside for the celebration of his excellence, dedication, and commitment to public service. I am often reminded of his big shoes and the fact that he has distinguished himself as a public administrator, whose impact on Lagos State and the federal front remains indelible. His public service journey, when examined through the lens of his various roles, showcases a career marked by efficiency, change, and significant process improvements. As Executive Secretary, and later Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Lands Bureau, he brought about policies that streamlined operations surrounding the issuance of title documents and enhanced service delivery in land administration.
His tenure as Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District (2011 – 2019) was an interesting period. During his two terms, he was not only a legislator but a forward-thinking leader. He sponsored bills and motions that addressed critical issues and worked to bring about positive change for his constituents. His role in sponsoring the first cohort of young energy professionals into the Lagos Energy Academy (in partnership with Siemens) is evidence of his devotion to youth empowerment and encouraging innovation. The weekly empowerment programmes at his constituency office on CMD Road in the Ikosi area were moments of bonding and sharing. I saw the genuineness of empathy as he gave artisans, technicians, widows, trade unions, orphans, and other vulnerable groups of people various tools of trade to either start businesses or boost their existing ones. I think that his devotion to MSMEs underscored his belief in the potential of every Nigerian to contribute to societal development, no matter how little their capacity in the present.
As MD / CEO of the Federal Housing Authority (2020 – 2024), his leadership was instrumental in revamping FHA’s estates, providing quality housing, and enhancing the living standards of Nigerians. He wasn’t all about brick and mortar development but about building communities and creating environments where families could thrive. His focus on sustainability and long-term planning ensured that these estates would benefit and serve generations to come.
Since stepping back from public service in 2024 to embrace his roles as a grandfather, loyal party man, and philanthropist, my father has continued to exemplify the spirit of service. His philanthropic endeavours have touched many lives and reaffirmed his dedication to creating a better society. Whether through educational scholarships, healthcare initiatives, or community development projects, his work and donations have continued to make a difference where it matters most. His involvement in various charitable causes showcases his longstanding belief in the power of giving back and supporting those in need.
As his son, I am immensely proud of his public service record and the enduring impact of his work. Senator Gbenga Ashafa is a man whose life’s work continues to inspire and uplift those around him. His journey is far from over, and I firmly believe that his wealth of experience and dedication to service will see him continue to contribute to Nigeria’s progress in even greater capacities. Happy Birthday, Dad. Your legacy is not just in the positions you have held but in the lives you have touched. Here’s to many more years of health, happiness, and continued service to our beloved nation. May your journey of impact and service continue to inspire us all to strive for excellence and to make meaningful contributions to our communities and country. Most important of all, as my father, you’ll always have my honour, profound respect, and admiration.
A priest in the Enugu Catholic Diocese, Rev. Fr. Linus Okwu, has reportedly flogged women, girls and other choir members of his church for allegedly failing to clear grasses within the church premises.
Okwu, who is the parish priest of St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church, Agbani in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, allegedly whipped the parishioners, comprising mothers, young men, ladies and teenagers.
Trouble was said to have started when the angry priest, armed with canes, interrupted a choir practice in his parish and demanded an explanation on why the church field was yet to be cleared.
Not satisfied with the responses he got, he ordered the choir members to kneel and started flogging them mercilessly.
One of the victims who pleaded anonymity said she went home with bruises.
She further stated that the shock would continue to live with her for a lifetime.
The source said: “The Priest, who was visibly furious while addressing the choir members told us that since we hardly comply with the teaching and instruction of the church, that he would apply the stick approach to ensure compliance.
“I was sitting on a row of seats where teenage members of our choir were, so, when he started flogging, I withdrew to the back seat with the hope that he wouldn’t flog adults and mothers amongst us, but to my surprise, he flogged everybody, including myself.
“When I tried to put up resistance, he told me that if my father flogs me at home when I wrong him, he also reserves the right to whip members of his congregation as the father of the church if they falter. I was badly bruised when he finished with me.”
Our correspondent attempted to contact the director of communication of the Enugu Catholic Diocese, Rev. Fr. Anthony Aneke, but he was not available.
The Rivers state government has promised to make its position on the new N70,000 minimum wage known to members of the public.
The government in a statement signed by the chief press secretary to the governor, Nelson Chukwudi, however, denied a report claiming that Governor Siminialayi Fubara promised to pay civil servants N80,000 minimum wage.
“The Rivers state government will make its position on the issue known in due course,” the statement said.
Describing the report as fake news, the statement said its response was to correct the impression it would have created in the public’s minds, especially civil servants in the state.
“The general public, particularly civil servants in the State, are advised to discountenance the false claims in the online media platform,” it added.
Edo state women under the umbrella of League of Women Voters in Edo State (LOWVIES), Edo Women’s Justice Network (EWJN) and Benin Women’s Forum (BWF) have pledged support for Monday Okpebholo, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the September 21 governorship election in the state.
The women also vowed to stop the legacy of mismanagement in the state under the PDP-led administration.
At a joint meeting and media briefing on Monday, July 15, LOWVIES, EWJN and BWF scored the Obaseki-led PDP government low in health, education, agriculture, energy and electricity
The women spoke extensively about the activities of Governor Godwin Obaseki, pointing also to the danger of electing PDP again in Edo state, saying Edo people are disappointed over the state of infrastructure and that Governor Obaseki is a man in decline who has lost his political grip in the state.
The women aired their views on the strengths and weaknesses of the candidates. While expressing joy about Okpebholo’s honesty and ability to govern Edo State, they also declared that; the APC candidate is on track to win the September 21 governorship election and maybe win it by a landslide.
‘’A new type of leadership is needed in Edo State. Everything is going Monday Okpebholo’s way. We are standing by him as the state’s best choice to remove the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from Edo State Government House’’.
Corroborating the conversation, the Chairperson of League of Women Voters in Edo State (LOWVIES), Mrs. Doris Idahosa described the APC gubernatorial candidate as a charismatic leader with a strong moral belief of how things should be. “Monday Okpebholo is the perfect person for the governorship job. He represents a moving target determined to push the frontiers of excellence in both the rural and urban areas.
“The APC candidate is brilliant, accessible and will make the difference in the politics and development of the state” they said. The women praised Edo youths for the decreasing level of tolerance for poor performance by PDP elected and appointed officials in the state.”
‘’We don’t want another transactional leader in Edo State. Godwin Obaseki lost sight of the ideals of good governance. Monday Okpebholo is willing and ready to return Edo State to the path of greatness and recover the lost years’’
“Monday Okpebholo is a large-hearted philanthropist, a reputable humanist and a God-fearing individual. He has the capacity to drive the state in the direction that we want it. So, he is just the natural choice of the people” the women said.
The statement also underscored Okpebholo’s performance and leadership qualities. “The APC governorship candidate is a man of action and few words. He believes in performance and has been tested and proven over the years. His track records speak for him, he doesn’t believe in talking too much”
The women also commended the youths and traditional rulers in the state for supporting the gubernatorial ambition of the APC candidate, saying Okpebholo would empower the people, improve business environment and uphold the values of communal harmony that make Edo State a unique model for us all.
“Monday Okpebholo is a very thorough man with deep religious values. He will ensure the unity of the state, drive productivity and growth, raise the standard of living in the state and improve the lot of everyone. He will lead the state to the next level, run an open government with accountability standards, upgrade existing roads, and ensure that all roads in the state have adequate drainage systems to aggressively check the menace of flooding and erosion’’.
‘’Monday Okpebholo will ensure lasting peace through security and good governance, decent education, adequate medical care and affordable housing. Agriculture will witness turn around. Youth employment and women empowerment will be given attention. Rapid results will be achieved in the economic sector” the statement added.
Twenty years after his ordeal in the hands of the Nigerian Navy, friends, family and eminent Nigerians, yesterday, gathered to celebrate former Chief of Training and Operations at the Navy headquarters, Rear Admiral Francis Agbiti (Rtd.), in Abuja.
The event was not only the unveiling of a book titled, AGBITI: Admiral, Patriot and Gentleman, written by Fabian Owoicho but was also an opportunity to reminisce on the travails of the retired Naval Officer while in service, as many poured out encomiums on his innocence and patriotic service to the country.
Agbiti, a native of Adoka in Benue State, was in 2004 implicated in the missing popular vessel, known as M.T. African Pride, leading to his summary court martial and his eventual victory at the Supreme Court.
Foremost Constitutional Lawyer, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), said it took the grace of God and the strong judicial system in Nigeria at the time, for the retired Naval Officer to get justice at the Supreme Court.
“We are here today to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. They call it MT African Pride, that’s the name of the vessel. But the trial was African shame. It was a shame to even what we call the trials in the military, before the military tribunal. We saw it. We witnessed this, witnessed everything with our naked eyes.
“Inhumanity of man to man, injustice melted by fellow officers, to their superior or subordinates officers to their superior, and also his own colleagues, his peers within the military. They just wanted him out.
“The essence of this gathering today is also to plead with us in Nigeria or as Nigerians and also powers. That power is transient. They used power against this gentleman. I was there, I saw it all. The government of the day used power against him. They wanted to get rid of him by all means and at all cost.
“They were even threatening him, threatening him not to appeal to the Supreme Court, that they would get rid of him.
“But we thank God, for the eminence, for the superiority of justice. Had there been no law, had there been no institution of the judiciary? It would have been worse than animals. You have read that book, the animal farm would have been worse than what happened in the animal farm.
“But thank God for the institution of the judiciary. Thank God for the men, for the characters that empanelled the Supreme Court, or the men that constituted that panel of the Supreme Court that adjudicated on his matter. It didn’t take them minutes. They were asking even the prosecuting counsel, will you oppose this appeal? They were referring him to pages of the records. Are you sure even the panel was properly constituted? Are you sure this evidence should have come in? Are you convinced even about the arraignment? Are you convinced about the way and manner they stood on the constitution of Nigeria even under the military enactments?
“And at the end of the day, Supreme Court came to the unanimous conclusion that everything done to him was a nullity. The Supreme Court didn’t go further to consider even the evidence, which, you know, there was no evidence at all. There was nothing. Everything was concocted.
“But then legally, Supreme Court said and agreed. Constitutionally, the Supreme Court agreed with us. It was a nullity. So it might be you, it might be me”, he said.
Olanipekun tasked Nigerian lawyers to continue to uphold the tenet of selflessness and humanitarian, urging those in power to rule with the fear of God.
He said,: “The essence of what I said today is that we lawyers should be more appreciated by the society than what the society thinks about us. Lawyers are very sympathetic, they are very empathetic, they are humans. And also they appreciate the travails of their clients.
“But more often than not, people believe that lawyers are suckers, that they are always looking after money.
“The gentleman, the patriot, the officer mentioned it today that we did not appear for him because of money, but because we believed that he deserved justice.
“Now, the essence of it all is that in this country we should be reflective. We should look back at what we have, where we are coming from, where we are today, what we want our country to become tomorrow.
“I made reference to some lines in the national anthem – Oh God of all creation, grant this one request – that we will be a nation where no man is oppressed; that our flag shall be our symbol, should be a symbol of justice and truth, of honesty.
“Let us live to the wordings, to the content, to the tenor, to the spirit, to the aim, to the ambition, to the aspiration of the wordings of the national anthem.
“And I want to, as a senior citizen of this country, plead with all of us, those in power today, those of us who are there also today, we must not support evil.
“And to those of us in the legal profession, I want to plead that we must at all times be bold enough, particularly in criminal matters, to defend our clients. We should be polite to the courts, we should be humble in our presentation, but we must be firm”.
On his part, Retired Real Admiral Agbiti recounted how he was framed up by his subordinates and peers twenty years ago, during his military career and how Chief Olanipekun came through for him, thanking God for putting his enemies to shame.
He urged the judiciary to make justice available to all that deserves it, devoid of any considerations.
Agbiti said, “My suggestion is that, they should strive to become good, so that justice will be for all without partiality and without consideration of status of individuals. That’s what I would say.
“So justice by itself is very good. If it is not justice, he could not have defended me down to Supreme Court for us to win. And what I need to state here, is that the Justice at the Appeal Court, he told me that I had no ground of appeal, but God of justice, when he ran into trouble, he also sought for appeal, but he was told that he had no ground of appeal.
“So justice is from the throne of God. If you do injustice, God is angry with you. And if you do justice, God will be happy with you and he will bless you. So that is what it is about our justice system.
“I’m from Nigeria Navy. What I will tell you, as Flag Officer Commander, I think, more than anyone else, I arrested more illegal ships involved in crude oil theft and the refund.
“And some other officers, like you heard the testimony of Rear Admiral Apochi. There are very many good officers pursuing the interest of a national wellbeing.
“And corruption, it has to be fought headlong. But I dare say that the current approach will not do us much good because it is being politicized. Those that are involved, they are the rich people. They are the politicians, not the military. The military are there to protect the national interest, to defend the national interest. Not the military, but the rich and the politicians.
“And like I testified over there, it was the son of the power that be, that was involved in that M.T. African Pride. But the innocent had been persecuted. So corruption has to be stemmed from above and let it be sent to the classroom”.
Ex-Militant leader, Alhaji Dokubo-Asari and the University of Groningen, Netherlands are partnering on environmental preservation in the Niger Delta region.
The collaboration was reached when the institution’s research team visited Dokubo’s Obuama residence in Rivers State.
The collaboration, according to a statement by the ex-militant leader’s media team “holds the potential to inform global resource policies, and promote the well-being of indigenous communities impacted by resource extraction activities. By integrating historical context and local perspectives, this research aims to contribute to more sustainable and equitable resource management practices worldwide. The University of Groningen, with a rich history spanning over four centuries, prides itself on excellence and has been associated with notable figures like Nobel Prize laureates Ben Feringa and Frits Zernike.
“The university is renowned for its groundbreaking research that addresses contemporary social issues, bridging the gap between various fields of study and connecting science with society. Their current research areas include Energy, Healthy Ageing, and Sustainable Society, with recent studies focusing on topics such as environmental sustainability, conscious living, and the impact of climate change on wildlife.
“Led by Dr. Dumebi Obute, the visiting team from the University of Groningen is conducting a comparative study on resource extraction, its environmental implications, and the adaptive strategies of indigenous communities affected by extensive resource exploitation. Their journey has taken them to various parts of Africa, including South Africa, Zambia, and Nigeria, to investigate large-scale extraction industries like mining and crude oil production.
“Recognizing Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo Asari’s prominent role in advocating for resource control and environmental preservation in the Niger Delta region, the research team sought his expertise and insights. Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo Asari, known for his global advocacy on these interconnected issues, was seen as a valuable source of historical knowledge and practical experiences in handling resource-related challenges.”
Angry women in Bekwarra Local Government Area in northern Cross River State have staged a peaceful protest against the activities of cattle herders who they alleged are destroying their farm lands, and crops, especially cassava.
The women who were seen waving fresh tree branches and leaves, lamented the level of devastation caused by the herdsmen who allowed their cattle to overrun their cassava farms thus making it increasingly difficult to process garri and sell, which is their main revenue source.
In tearful protests, the women who conversed in their local dialects, charged the herders to vacate their community for destroying their cassava farms.
They therefore called on the Federal Government to intervene on their behalf.
Speaking separately with The Nation, Senator Jarigbe Agom, representing Cross River north, and Honorable Peter Akpanke, representing Obudu Obanliku Bekwarra Federal Constituency as well as the State lawmaker, Charles Omang Esq, sued for calm, while also assuring that the situation would be resolved amicably.
“I have forwarded videos of the insecurity in that area to the Governor, Deputy Governor, and I am meeting with the State Commissioner of Police to resolve that issue. When we resume plenary on the 16th of July, I will bring it up to the attention of the Assembly,” Omang assured.
An indigenous leading energy company, with a strategic focus on Nigeria, Seplat Energy Plc, has unveiled two more Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) laboratories at Edo Boys’ High School and New Era College, both in Benin, Edo State.
The Director of External Affairs and Social Performance, Seplat Energy, Chioma Afe, who was represented by the energy giant’s Senior Manager, Corporate Social Investment and Performance, Esther Icha, noted that the laboratories were supported by the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL)/Seplat Energy Joint Venture (JV).
Afe said: “Our commitment to education is unwavering, and we are thrilled to collaborate with the Edo State Ministry of Education to provide quality education in the state.
“These STEAM laboratories are designed to foster the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovative skills among the students, preparing them for the challenges of the 21st century.
“The STEAM approach to learning is a holistic and interdisciplinary initiative that encourages students to explore the connections between different subjects, igniting their curiosity and creativity.”
Edo Commissioner for Education, Dr. Joan Oviawe, who was represented by the Functioning Permanent Secretary, Edo Ministry of Education, Ero Ugiagbe, in her remarks, stated that Seplat energy’s commitment to empowering the next generation was truly commendable.
Oviawe said: “The three STEAM laboratories that you (Seplat) have built and equipped are testaments to your dedication to innovation and education. Your generosity will have a lasting impact on the lives of countless students, providing them with the platform to exploit, learn and bloom.
“Your contribution to the development of STEAM education in our community is invaluable. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Seplat for this remarkable feat. Your investment in our future is a beacon of hope and a reminder that collective effort can lead to remarkable achievements.”
The Principal of Edo Boys High School, Christy Ebewele, and her counterpart of New Era College, Osaretin Uwaifo, appreciated Seplat energy and the NNPCL for generously donating the state-of-the-art facilities to their schools.
Ebewele and Uwaifo also assured that the facilities would be put to maximum use, and to achieve the purpose for which they were provided.
