Tinubu unveils S’East peace initiative, pledges commitment.

Tinubu unveils S’East peace initiative, pledges commitment.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured of his determination to utilize all available resources to ensure lasting peace and security in the South-East geo-political zone of the country.

President Tinubu gave the assurance in Bende, the headquarter of Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, while unveiling the logo of the Peace in the South-East Project, a strategic platform for the restoration of peace in the South-East region, envisioned by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.

The unveiling was part of activities to mark the civic reception, thanksgiving and homecoming by the Deputy Speaker.

Addressing Nigerians from all walks of life, who graced the occasion, President Tinubu, represented by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, commended the convener of the peace project, Rt. Hon. Kalu, and expressed his understanding that no one comprehends the experience of the community better than the people themselves.

The President therefore expressed his determination to involve all and sundry in bringing peace to the South-East.

He said, “We are the custodians of our pen, the architects of our potentials and the guardians of our ambitions. I must commend the convener of this historic event, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, for being in tune with time, in tune with our reality and in tune with his heart, in taking this time for a lasting peace in the South-East sub-region. His heart in this geo-political zone stands as an enduring economic power house, it is an integral part of our nation’s economy, each region complements the other; each part of this union orchestrates Africa’s largest economy.”

Tinubu averred that “it is this collaboration, this interplay of strengths that fuels our collective progress. It is this complex relationship that has kept us standing for over 63 years as an independent nation against all odds.”

Shettima informed that President Tinubu has been concerned about the extensive economic devastation inflicted by non-state actors on the region since he took office, stating that Tinubu is actually aware that his administration’s commitment to Nigeria’s future remains incomplete as long as the country grapples with sinister operations of economic saboteurs who masquerade as advocates for Ndigbo, stating that this is why Tinubu is “determined to utilize all available resources to ensure that peace we are establishing in this region is not cosmetic; and we cannot guarantee unless all of us see through propaganda that has become weapons against our unity.”

The Vice President added, “Each of us here is aware that what has held the South-East to ransom is in a threshold of the good people of the region, not other Nigerians from other parts of the country. The problem we are here to resolve as a community, as an Umunna (brothers) is a creation of certain criminals, who do not represent the interest of Ndigbo and Nigerians.

“Mr. President knows better than all of us and that is why he has never held any group accountable, but in fractions of law-breaking individuals. Peace is indelible in a democracy we have all chosen. We know that the South-East has weathered too many storms, but the current economic stagnation has shaken the foundation of this beautiful region and we are not going to sit back and watch the fire burn beyond while we tarry.

“We are here to extinguish the fire permanently. Because we have been facing an exacting violence to force our citizens to sit at home from their comfort zones and only breaking the law. They are counting down to the end of their economic sabotage.”

The VP further assured, “We are here to guarantee the return to the South-East unparalleled economic life. We know that those who disrupt peace in the South-East, along with the forces operating in situation of dangerous political agenda, are attempting to undo the hard work of millions of our heroes past. We know that we can’t revert this catastrophe unless we involve you because, you are our eyes and ears; you are our legs and mouth in this land.

“Today, we stand united to permanently declare, ‘enough is enough.’ While we acknowledge the necessity of the coordinated intervention to combat this menace, the confidence that our government shall not rest until it fulfills its pledge to mitigate the crisis we inherited. We arrive at a time when our future stood on the threshold of an uncertain future.

“We gathered here today because we have realized that unless we address the intricate web of security challenges handed down to us, our development agenda in this region shall remain elusive. The seeds of progress can only survive in the fertile soil of peace and security. This is why we take immense delight in the collaboration of all stakeholders in an initiative such as Peace in the South-East Project, to ensure that the shield of insecurity in this region, even in this time around, is established in the landscape of aspiration.

“We are here today because we are all Ndigbo, we are all umunna (brothers). We are here because our destiny is intertwined in an unbreakable pot. We are here because whatever affliction that befalls the people of Bende reverberates through the hearts of the compatriots all over the country alike. We are here because we have been given the mandate to guarantee the safety of your lives and property.

“I implore each of you here to regard us as your umunna. We are brothers and sisters, striving for a nation that serves us all and together we must collaborate as a team to overcome the things that shared humanity and unity.”

Declaring the South East peace resolution, the host governor, Dr. Alex Otti, said Abia is happy to have Rt. Hon. Kalu as its son.

The governor read out the PISE-P affirmation, which stated, “We, the people of South-East hereby declare that peace is what we stand for as a region. We declare peace for prosperity, we declare peace for progress. We stand for peace in the South-East as a catalyst that will drive growth in all sectors of the economy and rekindle the confidence of future generations. We declare that peace is better – ‘Udo kama,’ made this day, the 29th of December, 2023 at Bende, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, South-East Nigeria, before the President and the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. So help me God!”

Speaking on behalf of his brother governors, the Chairman, South East Governors’ Forum and governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, commended Rt. Hon. Kalu for the brilliant idea of the peace project for the South-East, saying that anything that would bring peace to the South-East is very dear to Ndigbo.

Uzodimma added that South-East governors, in liaison with Ohanaeze Ndigbo has convoked a security summit to bring peace into the region, following the security threats that started in 2021.

He enthused, “In recognition of that initiative, our brother, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Kalu, as part of programmes marking his homecoming, has also initiated this programme of peace project. It is indeed, a very welcome idea which must be commended.”

In his goodwill message, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, said the event is important because the peace of the South-East zone is by extension, the peace and progress of the entire Nigeria. He said that Rt. Hon. Kalu’s effort to restore peace in the region is noble and well intentioned, maintaining that it is borne out of deep love and profound concern over the rise of insecurity, which has affected the region negatively.

Recalling that the South-East used to be the fastest growing economy in Africa, leading in trade and commerce, the Speaker stressed the need for adopting multi-faceted approach, including inclusive governance, to handle it; calling on political leaders in the region to adopt the peace project and engage governments to address the agitations of the people.

The convener and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Kalu, who was full of appreciation for the support he got from all and sundry, noted that PISE-P is a five-year peace building and development initiative, designed to address the complex socio-economic challenges and security issues facing the South-East region of Nigeria and called for partnership with all to achieve peace in the region.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the occasion and Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, stressed that the greatest desire of the people of South-East at present is peace; appreciating the convocation by Rt. Hon. Kalu and expressed the hope that peace has started in the South-East.

The event featured conferment of chieftaincy title of ‘Omeziri Ndigbo’ on President Tinubu, presentation of awards of commendation to various political leaders, including the Vice President, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, as well as the symbolic release of pigeons to signify peace in the South-East region and displays from various cultural groups.

The event also attracted the presence of governors of the South-East zone, members of National Assembly, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, first class traditional rulers, including: the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, Emir of Bichi, Nasiru Ado Bayero and Chairman Abia Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Linus Nto Mbah, among other revered royal fathers and other important dignitaries from the South-East.

102,650 Edo residents to benefit from FG cash transfer.

102,650 Edo residents to benefit from FG cash transfer.

The Edo State Government has said that 102,650 persons in 1,969 communities across the 18 local government areas of the state will benefit from the second phase of the ‘Renewed Hope Cash Transfer’ of the Federal Government.

The General Manager, Social Investment Programme in the state, Yuwa Aladeselu, said this at a one-day refresher training of local government cash transfer facilitators in Benin City on Wednesday.

Aladeselu said the Renewed Hope Cash Transfer of the Federal Government is under the National Social Safety Nets Project Scale-Up.

The Edo State SIP boss, who said the state governor, Godwin Obaseki, was interested in any intervention that would help or provide succour for the poor and vulnerable, noted that the state had a social register of over 1.6 million persons.

She added that about 314,000 households were captured in the register which also includes persons living with disability, among others.

In her remarks, Head, Edo State Cash Transfer Unit, Flora Bossey, said over 12,108 beneficiaries were enrolled and paid during the first phase of the programme implementation in the state in 2022.

Bossey said 40,647 beneficiaries had been paid N25,000 across the 18 local government areas in the state, including those who have bank accounts, that were drawn from both the National Social Register and Rapid Response Register.

She said the cash transfer was in line with the vision of the Federal Government to provide 15 million poor and vulnerable Nigerians under the Expanded National Social Safety Nets Programme Scale-Up.

She added that the scale-up was designed to support new beneficiaries for economic shock response cash transfer in urban areas.

Bossey also said the programme includes the Extended Regular Cash Transfer in rural areas across the country as well as transfers to existing beneficiaries that were yet to reach 12 cycles of payment to cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy.

On his part, the Enrolment Officer/ Beneficiaries Management Officer of the National Cash Transfer Office, Mohammed Adams, said the training was to ensure that the facilitators find the biodata of a total of 101,404 persons who do not have valid bank accounts and enrol them to receive the renewed hope cash transfer.

“All beneficiaries will receive their funds directly through interoperable transactional accounts/wallets thus leading to significant financial inclusion of the beneficiaries.

“We all know that times are hard; this intervention is to deliver support to those who need it most,” he said.

He, however, enjoined the facilitators to do their best to find the beneficiaries and capture them for the programme, noting that no one should be left behind.

Ekiti Assembly Speaker, Rt Hon. Aribasoye Commends Members and Legislative Bureaucrats for Unwavering Dedication.

Ekiti Assembly Speaker, Rt Hon. Aribasoye Commends Members and Legislative Bureaucrats for Unwavering Dedication.

Ekiti State House of Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Stephen Aribasoye has commended the Members of the Seventh Assembly and the legislative bureaucrats for their dedications and commitment to the growth and development of the Legislative Service and charged them to put in their best to service in year 2024.

The Speaker who was in a joyous mood appreciated God for His mercy so far. He welcomed everyone to the new year through a declaration that year 2024 would be a year of continuous progress for all and as well commended the Governor of Ekiti State Mr Biodun Oyebanji for his support to the 7th Assembly adding that development of Ekiti State should be a collective responsibility of all and sundry.

Rt Hon. Aribasoye used the prayer session held at the Assembly Complex to ushered in the New year to highlighted the landmark achievements of the Seventh Assembly under his leadership within the last six months in office which includes establishment of Staff Loans Board, Procurement of New Laptops and printers and other valuable office equipments for the use of the staff.

He said the House is working on how to replace the old Microphones in the Hallowed Chamber to Digital Microphones in no distance time, while brand new Coaster Bus have been purchased for the running of the activities in the legislative arm of government.

The Speaker solicited for more support from the Assembly bureaucrats and promised to collaborate with the Executive arm of government to restore the dignity of the legislative service and to make it a pride of place.

Earlier, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Tolu Ige, the Clerk of the House Mr Tola Esan commended the Rt Hon Aribasoye and the other members of the 7th Assembly for working together as a team to make legislative arm better, they enjoined the staff to remain focused and be diligent in the New year. 

Meanwhile, a guest minister at the event, Government House Chaplain, Pastor Segun Awolumate, who took his message from the book of Psalms 18 : 25-26 sermonised on "Giving according to whom you are" he admonished the congregations to strengthen up before the Lord in order to experience better glory and blessings in the year.

Similarly, a Muslim cleric, Alhaji Abdul-Rasak Yusuf in his message urged the people to always give thanks to God without minding the situation around them and that they should fear God in all their dealings, particularly in this new year 2024.

Others who lend their voices in appreciating the Speaker were the Chairman Assembly Service Commission, Hon Kayode Ajayi Fasakin and the Trade Union Leader, Chairman Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) Ekiti State Chapter, Comrade Gbenga Oluwajuyigbe commended the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Hon. Aribasoye for his yeoman's services towards taking the legislative arm to an enviable feat in the comity of State.

Aiyedatiwa suspends caretaker chairmen in Ondo.

Aiyedatiwa suspends caretaker chairmen in Ondo.

Ondo state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has suspended caretaker chairmen of the 18 local government areas and 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDA).

The caretaker chairmen are to remain suspended until the case is determined by the court.

An Akure High Court presided over by Justice Yemi Fasanmi had granted an interim injunction filed by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which sought to restrain late governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu from inaugurating any person or persons not democratically elected as member(s) of caretaker committees to administer the affairs of the local councils and the LCDA pending the determination of the interlocutory Injunction in this suit.

Justice Fasanmi later barred the caretaker chairmen from operating after they resumed office on the excuse that they had been sworn in before the order was granted.

Aiyedatiwa’s suspension of the caretaker chairman was contained in a letter by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and signed by Alonge Adewale.

The letter read: “It has come to the notice of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs that despite the suspension of all recently appointed Caretaker Committee members for Local Government (LGAS) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the State by a Court of competent jurisdiction, some individuals in these former positions are still parading themselves in that posts.

“Consequently, I have been directed to request the Heads of Local Government Administration (HOLGAs) in all the LGAs/LCDAs to immediately assume responsibility as head of their respective Local Government Areas/ LCDAs in acting capacity pending the resolution of all Legal matters relating to this subject.”

The letter asked the suspended Caretaker Chairmen to submit, without delay, all assets and properties of the LGAs/LCDAs.

But one of the caretaker chairmen who pleaded anonymity said they had earlier secured a stay of execution against the court order.

He said the case would linger till the Supreme Court adjusted it.

The caretaker chairman said they were shocked that Aiyedatiwa refused to obey the order for a stay of execution.

SuperSport will not broadcast AFCON 2023 – Multichoice.

SuperSport will not broadcast AFCON 2023 – Multichoice.

Multichoice, the parent company of DStv, revealed on Wednesday, January 3, that the popular satellite TV service will not be airing the upcoming AFCON 2023 tournament.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Multichoice stated that SuperSport TV failed to secure the broadcasting rights, leaving millions across Africa scrambling for alternative ways to watch the continent’s biggest footballing event.

The statement reads: “SuperSport Channel will not broadcast the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 scheduled for January 13th – February 11th, 2-24, because the channel has not secured the rights to broadcast the tournament.

However, AFCON 2023 games will be available through our partner broadcast stations on Free to Air (FTA) channels.

Multichoice Africa remains committed to ensuring football fans across Africa continue to enjoy unrivaled access to entertainment and football games available on DStv and GOtv platforms including, the Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, Zambian Super League, and many more of football’s most prestigious competitions.”

The 34th edition of the CAF AFCON will get underway on 13 January in Ivory Coast as 24 nations eye the biggest prize in African football.

Gov. Adeleke reads riot act to cabinet members.

Gov. Adeleke reads riot act to cabinet members.

Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun has read riot act to his cabinet members on service delivery.

Adeleke also set up a monitoring and evaluation unit for quarterly performance review of cabinet members.

A statement by Mr Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment on Wednesday in Osogbo, quoted the governor as making the remarks while addressing the maiden State Executive Council meeting.

Adeleke also directed council members “to redouble their efforts in service delivery to the people.

“We should note particularly that 2024 is a critical year for this administration.

“By December, we will be reaching the mid-term. We must move fast in the implementation of our sectoral plans.

“You all must work hard in your various ministries to achieve set goals.

“Kindly be informed that I have set up a discreet monitoring and evaluation team to prepare quarterly reports on ministries and assess performance of members of the cabinet.

“Even though you did not sign a performance bond on assumption of office, you will henceforth be evaluated on your service delivery.

“We will not hesitate to remove from office any appointee that fails to deliver based on Monitoring and Evaluation reports,” he said.

Adeleke urged the cabinet members to focus on serious state matters rather than lobbying around issues of personal benefits.

Also, the council approved the appointments of six new traditional rulers in the state.

The statement said all the appointments were with immediate effect.

In addition, the council approved the elevation of 11 more traditional rulers in Osun state to a Part II (Recognised) Status of the Chief Law, Cap 25, Laws of Osun state, 2002.

(NAN)

No apologies for supporting Diri’s re-election, says Jonathan.

No apologies for supporting Diri’s re-election, says Jonathan.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan said he has no apologies to offer anybody for endorsing and supporting the re-election of Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, in the November 11, 2023, off-season governorship polls.

Justifying his decision, Jonathan said it was the right thing to do as the governor had the support of the majority of the people of the state to continue in office.

He spoke during the Thank-you visit of Diri and a high-powered delegation to him at his residence in Yenagoa, on Tuesday.

A statement issued by Diri’s Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, on Wednesday, said the wife of the former President, Patience , was also on hand to receive the governor and his entourage.

Diri, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, was announced the winner of the election after polling 175,196 votes to defeat his closest rival, Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress who polled 110,108 votes.

Jonathan explained that he publicly endorsed Diri’s candidature during the campaigns because of his visionary leadership demonstrated in handling the affairs of the state.

He said the governor deserved to be re-elected for his developmental efforts, particularly for ensuring peace and stability in the state.

The former president said, “I did what I did during the governorship election and I have no apologies to anybody because I know that the governor and his team were doing very well, especially in the area of peace and stability of the state. At a time, l became very worried.

“I have not said others did not do well. After all, I was also governor for a little less than one and a half years and also had my challenges.

“Since Diri came on board, the excesses of cult groups, particularly in Yenagoa, have reduced reasonably. If we must move forward, first and foremost, we must handle the issue of security in order to attract investors. I saw that the governor and his team have a vision and he needed to be encouraged to do another four-year term.”

He charged the governor to do more to meet the high expectations of the massive support base for his Prosperity Administration, adding that “to whom much was given, much was expected.”

Responding, Diri appreciated the former president for his support and endorsement, which contributed to the PDP’s victory at the polls.

The governor expressed optimism that Jonathan would have more roles to play in reconciling people in the country and the African continent to ensure peace and development.

He said, “Your endorsement of a sitting governor was more than billions of naira. And so, having secured that endorsement, we were very sure of victory. We are here to say a big thank you, as that has brought stability in the state.

“So, with the kind of peace and security we have in our state, Bayelsa is ready for private investors to come in.”

Diri also thanked President Bola Tinubu for ensuring a peaceful, free and credible election in the state.