Fubara hails God, Tinubu, Wike for victory at Supreme Court.

Fubara hails God, Tinubu, Wike for victory at Supreme Court.

Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed his gratitude to God, President Bola Tinubu and the minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for his triumph at the Supreme Court.

The governor declared his resolve to remain committed to the purpose for which he was elected as governor saying nothing would distract his governance.

Fubara restated his commitment to governance on Thursday while reacting  to the Supreme Court’s affirmation of his election as the governor of the state.

He said his triumph at the apex court had laid to rest the legal battles that added to the distractions his administration grappled with in the last eight months.

Fubara expressed gratitude to God for His help and to President Tinubu for his fatherly role concerning the internal crisis and the litigation against his election.

The governor in a statement signed by his special assistant, media, Boniface Onyedi, also extended gratitude to Wike, whom he described as his “Oga”, for all his support.

The governor called on everyone to join hands with his administration to build a competitive state that would be reckoned with as truly prosperous in all ramifications.

He said: “About an hour ago, the Supreme Court revalidated our mandate in the election. It is a victory for the entire State.

“It is important for us to note that we need this victory to consolidate the purpose of governance. Prior, we have had a few distractions here and there.” 

“And the good news that came to us this morning is a refreshing  strength that will encourage us to continue the good works in governance.

“We have a dream of making it a highly competitive State that will measure, if not up to Lagos but close to becoming like Lagos. We can only achieve this in an atmosphere of peace.

“So I am calling on everyone, not just on our internal issue but those members from other parties, the issue is settled, come and let’s build the Rivers State of our dream.

“We will continue to protect and provide the basic needs of governance to everyone who is doing business and who lives in Rivers State.

“We would address our State very soon on the victory, but for now, let everybody be happy that one elephant is out of the road, the other one, by God’s help, will be resolved amicably and the family will be one.”

APC Women Forge Spiritual Bonds for Governor Oyebanji’s Success in Office.

APC Women Forge Spiritual Bonds for Governor Oyebanji’s Success in Office.

A group of women from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, have been holding monthly prayers for the success of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and his wife.

The women, who are from the 13 wards of Ado-Ekiti, gather every last Thursday of the month at Mountain No.5, Eggroll Villa around Falegan in Ado-Ekiti to pray for divine support and protection for the governor and his family.

The prayer group, which started before Governor Oyebanji’s election in 2022, is a demonstration of their devotion and commitment to his leadership and vision for the state.

The women said they moved their prayer venue from Aso Rock along Ikere Road, where they used to pray, to the current location because the former place was turned into a hotel and relaxation centre, which distracted them from their spiritual focus.

They also recalled that during the election period, they relocated their prayer to Ori Oke Ezekiah in Erio Ekiti, where they prayed fervently for Governor Oyebanji’s victory, which they said was a result of their prayers.

Since then, they have not relented in their prayers, and have extended them to support his second-term ambition, which they said they are confident of, as they have received a revelation about it even before the general election in 2022.

One of the members of the prayer group, Mrs. Bose Adebiyi from Ward 11, said the monthly prayer is very important and impactful for the state, as it attracts God’s blessings and favour for the governor and his administration.

She explained that the women are loyal and faithful to Governor Oyebanji, and will continue to support him until he completes his constitutional eight years in office, and even beyond if he endorses a successor.

Mrs. Adebiyi also pointed out that they were not expecting any reward or compensation from the governor, but are only praying for him to continue his good work, especially in the payment of pensions and gratuities, which many of them are enjoying.

Another member of the prayer group, Mrs Oluranti, said that they were encouraged by some party leaders and members, who are also from Ado-Ekiti, to keep up their prayers, as they believe in their effectiveness and power.

She said that the women are proud of Governor Oyebanji, and respect him for his achievements and humility.

Mrs. Oluranti noted that the monthly prayer for Governor Oyebanji and his wife by the APC women from Ado-Ekiti is a show of their unwavering commitment and admiration for him and a sign of their profound impact on the state.

Ekiti Govt Orders Proper Physical Demarcation as Epe/Osan Land Dispute is Resolved.

Ekiti Govt Orders Proper Physical Demarcation as Epe/Osan Land Dispute is Resolved.

The Ekiti State Government, has directed the office of the Surveyor General to commence the process of proper physical demarcation between Epe and Osan Ekiti, Moba Local Government area, as the towns deployed internal mechanisms to resolve their protracted land dispute.

The communities, had last year withdrawn their land case pending before the government and set up a Land Dispute Resolution Committee, headed by Prof. Ayan Adeleke and Prof. Wole Adebayo to spearhead a peace initiative, through which the matter was resolved amicably.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, who interfaced with the stakeholders in Ado Ekiti, praised the leadership of the communities for being magnanimous to shift grounds, leading to speedy resolution of the crisis.

In her accolades, Mrs Afuye, said the towns had been able to lay a strong precedent in boundary resolution process in the state, by their decision to settle the crisis using internal mechanism, rather than relying on government .

“Let me commend you for being magnanimous and large -hearted. All lands belong to God. I want other communities who are having similar crisis to emulate this extreme show of understanding between these two towns.

“I want the stakeholders to meet with the Surveyor General, who will lead other government’s experts to visit the site and do proper physical demarcation and this will be done soon.

“Let the love and unity you have exhibited over time continue to persist. You have nothing to gain in acrimony”.

As contained in the report of the committee presented by Prof Wole Adebayo, the two communities consented to put the boundary at River Alagada and River Ose after concessions were made from both sides.

“We appeal to the government to come to the site promptly and do the physical demarcation that we have agreed on and this must be done in record time.

“There is no point fighting over land, we have always been good neighbours. Peace has begun to reign and we appreciate the government for giving us the opportunity to serve and proffer solution to this crisis”.

Aligning with the position canvassed in the report, the Elepe of Epe, Oba Atolagbe Olakanye and Olosan of Osan, Oba Tajudeen Jimoh, said the two communities, had agreed on a common boundary that can engender peaceful co-existence between them.

The monarchs commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration for being keen about peace and security in all towns, saying this accounted for why the land tussle was resolved amicably.

I won’t betray you, Adelami tells Aiyedatiwa after confirmation by Ondo Assembly.

I won’t betray you, Adelami tells Aiyedatiwa after confirmation by Ondo Assembly.

Ondo State Deputy Governor nominee, Okayide Owolabi Adelami, has promised not to betray Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for the confidence reposed in him.

Adelami, a retired Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly, spoke shortly after he was screened and confirmed by the Ondo State House of Assembly.

He said he would not disappoint the people of the state.

Clerk of the House, Jaiyeola Benjamin, esrlier read a letter sent to the House by Governor Aiyedatiwa for the consideration of the nominees for the vacant position of a deputy governor.

Speaking during Thursday’s plenary, Speaker Olamide Oladiji said the confirmation was sequel to the submission and consideration of a report by the House Selection Committee.

Deputy Speaker of the House, Prince Abayomi Akinruntan, who submitted the report, recommended the confirmation of the appointment of Adelami.

Akinruntan noted that Adelami responded to all questions raised by the Committee in a very eloquent and explicit order.

He said the Deputy Governor nominee has an understanding of the position as well possessed the required academic qualifications, physically, mentally and emotionally stable and fit to accomplish the task.

Majority leader of the House, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, moved the motion for the report to be considered and the nominee be confirmed and was seconded by Felix Afe representing Akoko North West 2.

Speaker Oladiji pledged the Assembly support to the Executive to enable the people enjoy more democracy dividend.

Adelami, on his part, thanked Governor Aiyedatiwa for nominating him.

He promised not to betray his emotion and also promised to do everything at his disposal to function effectively.

I Perceive Education as Inalienable Right of Every Ekiti Child, Says Oyebanji.

I Perceive Education as Inalienable Right of Every Ekiti Child, Says Oyebanji.

....Commissions SGDs' Projects.

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has declared that his administration respects education as a non-negotiable right of every Ekiti child, promising to deploy every resource available to expand access to universal basic education in the state.

Oyebanji said this on Thursday, during official commissioning of a block of three classrooms and a borehole under the Sustainable Development Goals at Ilupeju Community Nursery and Primary school, Ikere Ekiti.

The Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said the facilities were conceptualised to guarantee quality education through conducive teaching and learning atmosphere for pupils and teachers.

Oyebanji noted his administration had invested hugely on education through policies that can shore up school enrolments and bolster the welfare of teachers to be able to deliver optimally.

"The projects we are commissioning today will play vital roles in fulfilling our shared interest and common goals in promoting Sustainable Development Goals in our community. 

"Education serves a s a bedrock of knowledge , and with the completion of these classrooms we are instilling SDG-Goal 4, which stands for quality education in our community.

"Access to clean water and education are basic human rights, and through these facilities, we are addressing critical needs of mankind in our community".

Speaking specifically about potable water provision, which stands for SDG goal 6, Oyebanji said access to this facility improve the health of the citizens, reduce morbidity and mortality rates as well as increased life expectancy of the populace .

"This facility is not only for the benefit of pupils and staff, but also for the neighbourhood. Let me therefore stress that it is the responsibility of the school community, PTA and Ilupeju Community residents to see to the maintenance and security of the project that will alleviate the challenge of acute water shortage in the environ".

In his submission, the Special Adviser to the Governor and Director General, SDGs' Office, Prince Adewole Ajakaye, stated that the projects form part of the ingenuous ways through which Governor Oyebanji intends to make learning more conducive in schools.

Ajakaye saluted Oyebanji for providing the facilities he believed will add panache to quality of academic delivery, appealing to the school management to strictly maintain the facilities .

The Education Secretary, Ikere Local Government, Mr. Femi Buraimo, revealed that public schools in the council have been recording good numerical strength in terms of school enrolments due to facilities and personnel being provided by government.

"Let me bring to your notice that due to the qualities of facilities and personnel available in public schools, children in private schools are being withdrawn to join public schools in Ikere Ekiti. 

"As at the last count , primary schools in Ikere Local Government have increased from 40 to 63. More schools will still be established by government to accommodate more children, Governor Oyebanji gave us the assurance when he met with all Education Secretaries last week and asked about our problems, which was happening for the first time in history".

Applauding the governor for the gesture, the traditional ruler of the community and Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado , appreciated the Governor for prioritising education through operation renovate all schools and provision of clean water.

"What the governor has done is a challenge to all of us. Try and maintain all these facilities and see that quality education is being offered here to justify whatever the governor has done".

Falana withdraws suit challenging Polaris Bank sale.

Falana withdraws suit challenging Polaris Bank sale.

The Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday dismissed a suit filed by human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), challenging the sale of Polaris Bank.

Justice Lewis Allagoa dismissed the suit following an application filed by Falana, who was the plaintiff in the matter, seeking to discontinue the suit.

Falana had filed the suit marked HC/l/CS/87c/23 against the Central Bank of Nigeria and Polaris Bank Nigeria Ltd.

In his originating summons, he asked the court to determine “whether, by the provisions of Section 42(2) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act 2020, and Public Procurement Act, 2007, the CBN could validly sell Polaris Bank for N50bn having earlier revitalised same for N1.3tn.”

He also sought a declaration that the purported sale of Polaris Bank by the CBN on October 19, 2022, was illegal and violates the Public Procurement Act, 2007; and the provisions of the Banks and Other Related Institutions Act 2020.

At the resumed hearing of the matter on Wednesday, Falana announced an appearance for himself; while Augustine Okafor appeared for the CBN and Olabisi Makanjuola for Polaris Bank.

Falana informed the court that he was discontinuing the suit following the takeover of Polaris Bank by the Federal Government.

According to him, the Federal Government, having found that the sale of the bank was illegal, had decided to take over the bank.

In response, the CBN’s lawyer, Makanjuola, said since the parties had already joined issues, the court should dismiss the suit rather than strike it out.

Reported that a suit struck out can be refiled, while one dismissed cannot be refiled.

The CBN’s lawyer also contended that Falana had yet to pay the N200,000 awarded against him by the court at the last hearing.

In his response, Falana said the defence counsel should rather thank him for opting to withdraw the suit.

After listening to the lawyer, Justice Allagoa said Falana would not be punished because he filed the suit in the interest of the public.

The judge subsequently dismissed the suit.

PDP closes Edo form sale, rakes in N235m from 11 aspirants.

PDP closes Edo form sale, rakes in N235m from 11 aspirants.

The Peoples Democratic Party has amassed N265m from the sale of Nomination and Expression of Interest forms to 11 Edo State governorship aspirants.

The Nomination Form was sold for N30m, while the Expression of Interest Form was N5m. However, the party made the Expression of Interest Form free for female aspirants and those with disabilities.

According to a schedule released by the party, the sale of forms ends today (Thursday), while the party will conduct a congress on February 22 to decide which of the aspirants to pick as the candidate for the September 21, 2024 Edo State governorship election.

The PDP began the sale of forms on January 17, 2024 and fixed January 27 as the deadline for submission by the aspirants.

Checks on Wednesday by our correspondent showed that 11 aspirants had so far purchased the forms picked up at the PDP national headquarters, Wadata Plaza, Abuja. Among them were two females, who paid only for the N30m Nomination form.

The aspirants who have purchased the forms are the Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shuaibu; a former Chairman of Sterling Bank, Asue Ighodalo; and Blessing Igbinedion, daughter of Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion.

Other aspirants are Anselm Usiose Ojezua, Felix Akhabue, Martin Uhomoibhi, Umoru Hadizat, and Omoregie Ihama.

It was learned that the PDP had chosen the indirect primary mode to select its Edo State governorship candidate.

A high-ranking member of the PDP National Working Committee, who spoke to Newsmen anonymously, said “The PDP will not zone its ticket in Edo State. The NWC has also approved delegates and three ad hoc, indirect primary.

“It means members will elect delegates at ward and local government levels. These delegates will then move to Benin, the state capital, on February 22 to elect our party’s candidate.”

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, assured aspirants of a level playing field, stating, “What the aspirants and Edo State stakeholders should expect from our party is a free, fair, credible, and acceptable primary that the PDP is known for.”

Ologunagba in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH stated, “Edo State is a PDP state, and we will maintain it. So, we will not disappoint our members; the party leadership will follow due process and we are very sure that people will support our party in Edo State. We are ready.”

On the question of reducing the number of aspirants, he said, “What we do is always to have a conversation. The issue of pruning the number of aspirants will not come up because these are processes that will come up among members, and I am sure that is going on. So, we are prepared for the primaries, and the more, the merrier. It will be a fair process, and there will be no rancour.”

Meanwhile, ahead of the January 29 deadline for the sale of forms by the All Progressives Congress, the party has garnered N250m from the sale of Nomination and Expression of Interest forms to five aspirants for the Edo election.

The APC sells its Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for N10m and N40m, respectively.

The aspirants who have purchased the forms are a former Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba; a two-term governorship candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu; a former Chairman of the APC Edo State, Dr. David Imuse.

Others are Emmanuel Momoh and Senator Monday Okpebholo.

The party has fixed February 17, 2024 for the primary to elect its flag bearer for the September 21, 2024 poll.