EU sanctions Venezuelan VP, 10 others over election abuses

The EU on Monday hit the Venezuelan vice-president and 10 other officials with sanctions over rights abuses and irregularities in the re-election of President Nicolas Maduro, which the bloc condemned as "neither free nor fair".

Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez is the most senior member of Maduro's government targeted by the travel bans and asset freezes, while other top cadres are sanctioned for grave human rights transgressions including torture.

The 28 EU states pledged last month to "swiftly" punish Caracas with sanctions over the May reelection of Maduro, which returned him to office until 2025. The poll was boycotted by the main opposition and denounced as a sham by the United States and many of Venezuela's Latin American neighbours.

"The persons listed are responsible for human rights violations and for undermining democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela," the European Union said after its 28 foreign ministers backed the move at a meeting in Luxembourg.

"The elections held in Venezuela on 20 May 2018 were neither free nor fair and their outcome lacked any credibility as the electoral process did not ensure the necessary guarantees for them to be inclusive and democratic."

The EU also called for fresh presidential elections in Venezuela in line with international standards and for the release of political prisoners.

Venezuela reacted angrily, condemning the EU for "meddling".

 The foreign ministry in Caracas said it "categorically rejects the continued aggression and meddling of the European Union, which constitutes clear interference in the sovereign affairs of our country."

In January, Europe added seven senior Venezuelan officials including the interior minister to its sanctions blacklist, after earlier enforcing an embargo on weapons and equipment that could be used for political repression.

Alongside Rodriguez, former vice-president Tareck El Aissami is also sanctioned for his role overseeing the Venezuelan intelligence service, where the EU said he was responsible for "serious human rights violations... including arbitrary detention, politically motivated investigations, inhumane and degrading treatment and torture".

The UN rights chief on Friday called for an international investigation of atrocities in Venezuela, condemning the government's refusal to investigate security officers over the killing of civilians.

Venezuela's economy has collapsed into chaos under Maduro since 2013, with falling oil prices leading to chronic shortages of food and medicine and hundreds of thousands of people fleeing the country.

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Results Of APC National Convention

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday announced some of the results of its elective National Convention ongoing at the Eagles Square in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

After a long process, Chairman of the National Convention Committee, Governor Abubakar Mohammed (Jigawa State), revealed the names of candidates that have won their elections so far.

Earlier, former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole was affirmed the new APC National Chairman by members of the party while and 17 aspirants won other offices unopposed.

Here are some of the results announced so far;

Bolaji Abdullahi – National Publicity Secretary

Sunday Chukwuma – Deputy National Financial Secretary (polled 2,613 votes)

Adamu Fanda – National Treasurer (beat three other aspirants by 2,891 votes)

Ado Oguta – Deputy Legal Adviser (won by 1,454 votes)

Hillary Ekpe – National Vice Chairman (South-south) (won by 2,320 votes)

Emmanuel Omachukwu – National Vice Chairman (South-east) (won by 2,839 votes)

Jacob Chukwuma – National Financial Secretary

Inuwa Abdulkadri – National Vice Chairman (North-west) (won by 1,552 votes)

George Mohgalu – National Auditor

Isah Mabuchu – Deputy National Auditor (won by 2,675 votes)

Victor Geidam – Deputy National Secretary (won by 3,498 votes)

Mustapha Salihu – National Vice Chairman (North-east) (won by 3,834 votes)

Lawal Shuaibu – Deputy National Chairman North

Emma Ebediro – National Organising Secretary

Nduka Ayongo – Ex-Officio (South-south)

Aminu Tumnaga- Zonal Woman Leader

Blessing Onuhua- Zonal Woman Leader (South-east)

David Okumba – Zonal Secretary (South-south)

Zuera Bakare- Zonal Woman Leader (North-west)

John Uwede – Zonal Secretary (South-east)

Timothy Amah – Zonal Organising Secretary (South-east)

Femi Ibedeyi – Zonal Organising Secretary (South-west)

Ade Fadileri – Zonal Organising Secretary (South-south)

Shuaibu Abdulrahman – Zonal Organising Secretary (North-east)

Gabriel Osuori – Zonal Youth Leader (South-south)

Onyeka Osimeka – Zonal Youth Leader (South-east)

Laoke Olanrewaju – Zonal Youth Leader (South-west)

Abubakar Sa’adu – Zonal Youth Leader (North-west)

Kasim Bello Maigari – Zonal Youth Leader (North-east)

Abubakar Shuaib – National Youth Leader

Afeez Bolaji – Deputy National Youth Leader

Salamatu Umar – National Woman Leader

Onye – Deputy National Woman Leader

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Court Grants Nnamdi Kanu’s Co-Defendants Bail

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to the co-defendants of the missing leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Justice Binta Nyako had earlier on February 20, 2018, ordered the separation of Kanu’s trial from that of the rest of his co-defendants, as the IPOB leader’s absence from court continued to halt progress in the case.

The co-defendants who now face three counts of treasonable felony,  are Bright Chimezie; National Coordinator of IPOB, Mr Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugw and David Nwawuisi all members of IPOB.

Ruling on their fresh bail applications which they filed following their re-arraignment on March 20, 2018, Justice Nyako, said the applications succeeded on health grounds and the number of years they had spent in detention.

She also noted that one of the defendant’s, Bright Chimezie, had earlier been granted bail by the Federal High Court in Uyo in May 2017 but the Department of State Service (DSS) which at the time, was holding him in custody refused to release him.

She said the defendants had spent an average of three years in custody when the maximum penalty for the offences they were charged with if convicted, ranged from five to seven years.

In granting them bail Justice Binta Nyako imposed on the four defendants conditions similar to the ones she attached to the bail granted Kanu in April last year (2017).

One of such conditions included that they were barred from granting any press interview or participating in any form of gathering or rally.

In addition, she ordered them to produce two sureties each in the sum of 10 million Naira.

The defendants are also expected to report to the Commissioners of Police in their various states of residence every two weeks.

The trial was then adjourned till November 14, 2018

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Delegates Clash At APC National Convention Despite the heavy security presence

Some delegates at the ongoing All Progressives National Convention have engaged each other in a free for all.

Trouble first started among delegates from Imo State before spreading to the Delta State delegates.

While the clash between delegates from Imo was brought under control by security operatives after a while, that between the Delta delegates was more intense with chairs being hurled and several people sustaining injuries.

It was gathered trouble began when a group loyal to Imo State Governor Rochas arrived at the stand reserved for Imo delegates and ordered others loyal to his deputy, Eze Madumere, to vacate the seats.

The order was resisted leading to fisticuffs with the private security of the governor allegedly getting involved with some people forcefully removed.

Just as security officials were trying to bring the situation under control the delegates from Delta State got engaged in an even more violent brawl.

The brawl was allegedly between supporters of O’Tega Emerhor and a former governorship candidate in the state, Great Ogboru.

According to delegates from the group, the faction loyal to O’Tega Emerhor had stepped out to eat but was stunned when they returned and found out that they had been unseated by another faction.

Their attempt to take their seats back ended in violence.

This occurred despite the heavy security presence at the venue of the convention which has President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and the who is who of the party.

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Okorocha’s Group Beats Up Hillary Ekeh led Delegates @APC National Convention

The pro-rescue mission supporters of the Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha who were not accredited at the ongoing National Convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, were seen beating Imo State APC Chairman, Chief Hillary Ekeh led delegates to the Eagles Square venue of the National Convention of APC. 

Chief Hilary Ekeh, the State Working Committee of the Imo APC, LGA, Ward and elected delegates were duly screened and accredited, and given a pass-tag by the organisers and stand at Imo pavilion for the ruling party's national convention as against the wish and desire of the State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, who frowned at the development, prompting his thugs led by his deputy chief of staff, uju kingsley to go for a kill, beating Imo sons and daughters on the side of Hilary Ekeh before the world media, an embarrassing situation indeed.

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APC CONVENTION: POLICE DEPLOY 5000 PERSONNEL, 2 HELICOPTERS, 6 ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS

Diversion of traffic from Eagle Square takes effect 10pm Friday

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, has ordered the deployment of 5000 personnel, two helicopters and six Armoured Personnel Carriers to maintain security during Saturday’s All Progressive Congress (APC) National Convention at the Eagle Square, Abuja.

The Force Public Relations Officer (PRO), Moshood Jimoh, in a statement Friday, said Idris directed the implementation of a robust security arrangement to ensure a secured and hitch-free convention.

He said: “A total number of Five Thousand (5000) Police oPersonnel comprising, the Police Mobile Force (PMF), the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Special Protection Unit (SPU), the Explosive Ordinance Department (EOD), the Police Mounted Troop, The Dog Section (K9), the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (FCIID), The Police Air-wing and the Force Armament Unit have been deployed under the supervision of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Department of Operations, to ensure adequate security for all the accredited participants at the convention. Security coverage have been provided also at all the accreditation centres.

“In addition, two Police Helicopters, Six Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) are already deployed for the security of the convention. Personnel of other security and safety agencies are also being deployed to complement the Nigeria Police Force in ensuring adequate security and a hitch-free convention.” Jimoh said that only accredited delegates and accredited party officials bearing the APC clearance/identification tags will be allowed into the venue.

He also stated that personnel of all Security and Safety agencies deployed for the security of the convention must also wear the certified identification tag conspicuously at the venue. He further explained that only one aide will be allowed to follow their principals into the venue of the convention The Force PRO warned all unauthorised individual(s) and group(s) who have no business with the convention to steer clear of the venue.

According to him, the full weight of the law will be applied on any person or group of persons who try to disrupt the orderliness and conduct of the convention.

Jimoh also remarked that the personnel deployed are under strict instruction to be civil, polite but strict and firm in the discharge of their duties during the convention.

Against this backdrop, he said there will be diversion of traffic from all the routes to the Eagle Square from Ahmadu Bello Way, Shehu Shagari Way and other Roads leading to the venue of the convention.

“ Road users and other members of the Public are advised to use alternative routes. The diversion of traffic will take effect from 2200Hrs of 22nd of June, 2018 till the end of the convention,” he said

He also gave out dedicated lines for any member of the public with complaint or observation on security issue to call for immediate response.

- Thisday

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OKOROCHA AND DESPERATION

Information reaching me now alleged that the Okorocha led Rescue Mission Government has loaded over 100 buses carrying 12 persons each from Ugwumba campaign office and IICC with thugs, touts and some women to Abuja for APC National Convention. 

According to an undisclosed source they were advised by His Excellency Owelle Anayo Rochas Okorocha to mobilize a minimum of 2000 people. That this is his last fight and that he cannot afford to loose out.

They were advised to do everything humanly possible possible to enter the convention Arena and demonstrate and cause an uncontrollable fracas that all the media houses will cover and air live.

It was also alleged that Chief of Staff to the Governor of Imo State Ugwumba Uche Nwosu advised them identify the members of the coalition and the LGA Chairmen and secretaries from Imo State and blocked them in order to prevent their entrance to Eagle Square Abuja. 

They were also told to throw uncooked eggs to any stakeholder from Imo who is not in support of the Governor. That by messing up their dresses they will be forced to go and change and by the time they will come back it will be difficult to enter the venue thereby disenfranchising them. 

They were also advised to verbally abuse the party leaders and call them proactive names and wait for any reaction and if any, the person should be given the unexpected beating of his life. 

They further advised that if it does not go their way, they should join YAN led by Godstime to demonstrate around Aso Rock and party Headquarters

 

 

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Messi's Argentina on brink of World Cup exit as France qualify

Argentina's Lionel Messi looks set for an early World Cup exit

Lionel Messi's World Cup hopes hung by a thread on Thursday after Argentina were humbled 3-0 by Croatia on a dramatic day at the World Cup that saw the European side join France in the knockout rounds.

Argentina knew they had to win in Nizhny Novgorod after their disappointing 1-1 opening draw against Iceland but instead collapsed in the second half to leave their campaign in tatters.

A horrendous mistake by goalkeeper Willy Caballero and two further goals from Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic mean the two-time former champions have to rely on an unlikely sequence of results if they are to progress in Russia.

It was the heaviest defeat for the two-time world champions in the first round group stages of a World Cup tournament since they lost 6-1 to Czechoslovakia in 1958.

The result spelt another night of misery for Barcelona star Messi, who missed a penalty in Argentina's opening match against Iceland.

Croatia midfielder Luka Modric celebrates after his side's 3-0 victory against Argentina

In stark contrast, his eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who last month won his fifth Champions League winner's medal, has already scored four goals in Russia and looks a shoo-in to win his sixth world player of the year award.

Croatia sit at the top of Group D with six points. Iceland have one point, the same as Argentina, and Nigeria have no points, but both teams have a game in hand on the South Americans.

It's the first time that Croatia have progressed past the World Cup group stages since their third-placed debut in 1998. 

France, who won the tournament on home soil that year, earlier joined Russia and Uruguay in the last 16 with a 1-0 win against Peru, who cannot now progress from the group stage after two defeats.

- France qualify -

Paris Saint-German star Kylian Mbappe tapped into an empty net in the 34th minute in Yekaterinburg and the South Americans were unable to respond.

Mbappe is now the youngest French goalscorer at a World Cup, aged 19 years and 183 days, beating David Trezeguet's record of 20 years and 246 days.

Denmark, also in France's Group C, stayed on course for the knockout rounds after drawing 1-1 with Australia in the early game of the day in Samara.

Christian Eriksen's half-volley was cancelled out by Mile Jedinak's VAR-assisted penalty after Yussuf Poulsen's handball, giving Denmark four points, while Australia are stuck on one point.

Kylian Mbappe (right) celebrates his goal against Peru at the World Cup

 

Australia coach Bert van Marwijk said the "last piece of the puzzle" -- goals -- was missing for his side who had several chances to win the game, leaving their survival hanging by a thread.

"We had chances to win and we deserved to win, so I'm disappointed," the Dutchman said.

"The last part of the puzzle is that we must make the difference by scoring one goal more than the opponent."

- Russia celebrate -

Russia have defied pre-tournament predictions that they would struggle by qualifying for the knockout round for the first time since the Soviet era. They will be joined by Uruguay, condemning Mohamed Salah's Egypt and Saudi Arabia to an early exit from Group A.

Morocco will also be leaving Russia after the first round following their defeat by European champions Portugal, who are level with Spain on four points at the top of Group B.

Former England captain David Beckham has tipped England to play Argentina in the World Cup final after a positive start against Tunisia.

"I think obviously my choice would be England to win the competition, but that's me being biased and passionate about my country," Beckham said.

And former FIFA president Sepp Blatter said he believes the World Cup should return to England when Europe next gets its turn to host the tournament.

Blatter has arrived in Moscow to attend matches at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin despite being banned from the game for alleged corruption during his 17 years at the head of world football.

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Hillary Ekeh, Imo APC Chairman Declares Prince Eze Madumere Mfr the Leader of IMO APC

Okorocha has chased himself out of APC.

The newly elected and inaugurated Chairman of Imo state All Progressive Congress, APC, Hillary Ekeh, has decribed Gov. Rochas Okorocha as one who has chased himself out of the party, according to him, Okorocha taken the party to court is enough prove that the governor is against the progressive party. 

Ekeh, made the disclosure when he led the state excos of the party with some leaders on a solidarity courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor Imo State,Prince Eze Madumere, IN his country home Achi Mbieri, Mbaitoli LGA, of the state. 

According to him, Okorocha was running the party as his personal business, describing him as an "Emperor " who never meant well for the party, " Taking the party to court means that he has chased himself out of the party". He affirmed Hillary Ekeh, said that Okorocha has lost the trust of the leadership of APC both in the State and at National level, as he declared Prince Eze Madumere, as the leader of the party in Imo state,  " Madumere is the governor we know and see now". He said

Stressing that Coalition was formed to liberate the party and Imolites from the shackles of Okorocha's leadership style of governance, emphasising that with the kind of jubilation experienced in the State when Okorocha lost out of the APC congresses held in Imo state,  is a testimony that shows normalcy has returned to the party and Imo state at large.  In addition, that the governor will still lose out in Saturdays National Congress of the party.

The Deputy Governor, Madumere, thanked the party executives and leaders for their visit, stressing that they fought  a good fight, urging them not to relent in supporting the APC Coalition group, as he said that no propaganda will stop them for achieving their goal.

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Governor Rochas Okorocha Builds & Hands Over Multi-Million Naira Office Complex To Imo NUJ

CALLS FOR SACRIFICE ON THE SIDES OF LEADERS & JOURNALISTS.

Governor Rochas Okorocha has handed over a multi-million naira office Complex his administration built for the State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, to its leadership, calling for sacrifice both on the side of the leaders and also on the side of the media Practitioners.

Handing over the key of the office Complex to the Chairman of the State Council of NUJ, Sir Innocent Igwe during the media Summit organized by the Union weekend, the governor said, the disturbing impression in the Country that every leader is bad or corrupt is not good for our nation, adding that such impression does not augur well for the nation’s leaders especially outside the shores of the Country.

According to him, there are good leaders just like you have good Journalists in the Country, stressing that there are also bad leaders and bad media Practitioners, stating that the problem is not in leadership or in journalism but in certain overtures all hands must be on deck to tackle.

His words “The theme of the Summit, Media and Credible leadership, is apt even though I would have preferred a theme like, Media and Leadership or Credible Media and Credible Leadership, because credible media practice gives room for credible leadership. Most of the times, leadership remains the focus on everyone’s mind and everyone tends to look at leadership and not looking at the factors that make leadership”.

He continued “We need to start presenting our leaders in the right light instead of presenting them as devils. Leaders that would make history are those leaders who make sacrifice. The strength of a leader lies in his ability to make sacrifices”.

For him “The media must look at the intentions of any leader to make sacrifice. I salute President Muhammadu Buhari because one obvious trend of our leaders is primitive accumulation of wealth, but Buhari has insisted on denying himself the comforts of life and makes sacrifice to pursue corruption. I see that as commendable”. 

The governor noted, “The challenges we have today is as a result of communication gap between the govern and the governed which would have been nipped in the bud. Journalism is a noble profession and I urge all of you to have an open mind while dealing with issues. There is nothing wrong with journalism or media practitioners but there is something wrong with not having an open mind to issues and digest before coming out with your reportage”.

On the office complex he built for NUJ, the governor said “This place is not meant for any governor in power or any government in power. This is for all Imolites. So, we must give equal opportunities to all Political aspirants especially those aspiring for one position or the other in Imo State. I will advise that from time to time you create opportunities for aspirants to meet the Press to sell their products and to tell who they are to the rest of the public and you can also create a space for debate”.

Sam Onwuemeodo
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

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APC Convention: NWC meets to ratify Delegates list on Tuesday

Barring any last minute changes, the Chief John Odigie-Oyegun-led National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress will on Tuesday meet to take a final decision on the list of delegates and candidates for the June 23 national convention.

It was gathered in Abuja on Sunday that this is coming on the heels of tension generated by speculations that the Governor Rochas Okorocha-led Screening Appeals Committee had disqualified the three aspirants vying for positions zoned to the South-East.

The three persons are: the incumbent National Organising Secretary, Senator Osita Izunaso, the National Auditor, George Moghalu and the National Vice-Chairman (South-East), Emma Enekwu.

A top ranking member of the party’s National Working Committee who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, said, the Imo State governor disqualified the three persons who had earlier been cleared by the screening committee based on a “frivolous” petition.

The party leader, however, explained that unknown to the governor, the final decision on the list of delegates and contestants remains the prerogative of the NWC.

The source said, “It is unfortunate that the chairman of that committee (Okorocha) doesn’t seem to understand his mandate.

“The appeals committee does not have the power to ban or disqualify anybody. Its assignment is restricted to dealing with appeals emanating from the conduct of the convention but because he has a score to settle he thinks he can disqualify people by fiat.”

However, when our correspondent contacted Emma Eneukwu on the telephone, he said, “It (disqualification) is not true. Does he (Okorocha) have any right to disqualify me? For what! It’s not true.”

Speaking in a similar vein, the APC National Auditor, George Moghalu, told Our correspondent on the telephone “I am not aware of it, besides, the (screening appeals) committee has no such powers.”

When contacted, the Secretary of the APC National Convention Committee, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), told one of our correspondents that the function of the screening appeals sub-committee was limited to reviewing cases of those who were screened out by the screening committee.

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President Buharis Govt Approves #185 Billion For Contruction Of 14 Roads

Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday approved N185. 276 billion for rehabilitation, construction, and repairs of 14 roads.

Special Adviser on Media and publicity to the President Femi Adesina, who briefed reporters after the meeting, was accompanied by Minister of Health Prof. Isaac Adewole, Minister of Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah and Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami.

He listed the roads as “Gwoza – Damboa – Goniri – Ngamdu Road in Yobe/Borno States by Hajaig Construction Nigeria Ltd. at the cost of N34.608 billion, Mayo Belwa – Jada – Ganye – Torngo Road in Adamawa by Messrs Triacta Nigeria Ltd. at the rate of N22.699bn"

“Ado – Ifaki – Otun – Kwara State border in Ekiti State at the rate of N6.002 billion, Repair Makurdi bridge in Benue State by Messrs AG Visio Construction Ltd.N4.617 billion, Ihugi – Korinya -Wuse -Ankor in Benue State Datum Construction Ltd N15.641 billion."

“Gbagi – Apa – Owode in Badagry Lagos State by Messrs Smithcrown Nigeria Ltd.at NN4.366 billion, Construction Ijebu Igbo – Ita Egba Owonowen in Ogun and Oyo Statesto Messrs DC EngineeringN9.833 billion, Dualisation of Jattu – Fugar – Agenebode in Edo Phase II by Mothercat at N7.506 billion."

“Makurdi – Gboko – Wannune – Yander Section 1 in Benue State to Messrs Rockbridge Construction Ltd. at the rate of N18.669 billion, Old – Enugu – Poth Harcourt Road at Agbogugu – Abia border Spur by Messrs Setraco Ltd. at N13.933 billion, Rehabilitation of Umulungbe – Umoka Road at N6.249 billion."

“Amokwu – Ikedimkpe – Egede – Opeyi Awhum Road in Enugu State to Messrs IDC Construction N21.729 billion, Rehabilitation of Nkwu Inyi – Akpugoeze in Anambra State Anbeez Services at N2.595 billion, Construction of Sabon Birnin – Tsululu – Kuya – Maradi Junction road in Sokoto by Messrs China Zhonghao Nigeria Ltd N4.354 billion.”

He also said arrangement had been finalized for the President to sign the 2018 Appropriation Bill into law next week.

Enelamah said FEC approved the construction of phase two of the industrial training fund center in Abuja at a cost N6.5 billion.

He added that “The importance of this is that the ITF is one of the most important agencies of government when it comes to vocational training and skills acquisition and Abuja is a very important center of training for ITF.

Prof. Adewole said Council approved Draft Food Safety and Quality Bill and the Food Safety Institutional Reform working document.

According to him, Council also approved a Draft National Tobacco Control Regulation.

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IMO APC LGA CHAIRMEN AND STATE EXCOS TOOK OATH OF OFFICE

The newly elected LGA Chairmen and State Excuse of Imo state APC were sworn in yesterday, 13/06/2018 by the State Chairman Dr. Hillary Ekeh. Which was witnessed by representatives of the APC National Working Committee. 

Dr. Hillary Ekeh who congratulated them and also advised them to work hard in their new office. He further charged them to make sure that there is peace in all their different LGA's of the state. 

While addressing them, he also asked them to insure that they bring back those members of the party who has gone astray while pursuing their personal interests.

Let me still thank all the members of the allied forces for fully recovering as well as dissociating Imo State Chapter of APC from the bad and Anti-People's Policies of the Rescue Government of Owelle Rochas Okorocha.

 

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IKEDURU PDP REJECTS IJEOMA NWAFOR, INSIST ON HON. NWAWUBA AS BEST OPTION IN 2019 By Samuel Nwokeocha

The Ikeduru PDP Ward Executives yesterday at the residence of Chief Victor Assams at Ugiri-ike Ikeduru LGA in one United voice rejected the aspiration of Mrs. Ijeama Ann IJay Nwafor to contest for Mbaitoli/Ikeduru House of Representative in 2019, insisted that for the general benefit of Majority of Mbaike people, Hon. Henry Nwawuba is the best choice to Mbaike.

This recent development emerged at a meeting conveyed by four (4) Ikeduru East political jobbers who trade good governance for personal gain.

In their opening remarks, the spokes Man for the 4 political traders Chief Victor Assams told the party executive's that he brought Hon. Nwawuba in 2014 and led him to victory in 2015. He said Hon. Nwawuba have consistently disobeyed his views and the decisions of the party leaders especially on areas of finance, contracts, jobs placement other grains that suppose to come to him and other Ikeduru PDP leaders.

"Four of us seated here have agreed under oath to stop Nwawuba Henry in 2019 with Mrs Ijeoma Nwafor. I brought Henry to you people, I know Henry more than any of you, and am here to tell you that Henry is not Loyal. He failed to keep our agreement and I have decided to dethrone him the way I enthroned him in 2015".

At this point the party executive's rebooked him, saying that "it is insulting for Assam's to see them as his trading commodity to sale at will". The party executive's started chanting " Nwawuba, Nwawuba, Nwawuba ka anyi ga ezooo, ma on a ejeje ma onayoayo Nwawuba ka anyi ga ezoooo". The song continued until everybody left the venue of the meeting.

The 4 political Jobber's now resolved to involve other Ikeduru PDP leaders in their failed project which they have started calling.

The executives before departing the venue of the meeting, agreed that 2nd term is the key element in sharing accord reach by Mbaitoli and Ikeduru in 2007 and it is only Hon. Nwawuba that can go for one more term before the position will return to Ikeduru in 2023.

They said Ikeduru can not afford to service the personal interest of few self acclaimed leaders in 2019. They thanked Chief E. C Iwuanyanwu for granting them the opportunity to individually chose who to support at all positions for the forth coming primaries.
"IKEDURU IS ALREADY SAVAGED"

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Top 10 Leadership Qualities that Make Good Leaders By Sarmad Hasan

Everybody defines leadership differently but I really like the way John C Maxwell defines leadership, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” Irrespective of how you define a leader, he or she can prove to be a difference maker between success and failure. A good leader has a futuristic vision and knows how to turn his ideas into real-world success stories. In this article, we take an in-depth look at some of the important leadership qualities that separate good leaders from a bad one.

HONESTY AND INTEGRITY: The 34th President of United States, Dwight. D. Eisenhower once said, “The supreme quality of leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office.” Honesty and integrity are two important ingredients which make a good leader. How can you expect your followers to be honest when you lack these qualities yourself? Leaders succeed when they stick to their values and core beliefs and without ethics, this will not be possible.

CONFIDENCE: To be an effective leader, you should be confident enough to ensure that other follow your commands. If you are unsure about your own decisions and qualities, then your subordinates will never follow you. As a leader, you have to be oozing with confidence, show some swagger and assertiveness to gain the respect of your subordinates. This does not mean that you should be overconfident, but you should at least reflect the degree of confidence required to ensure that your followers trust you as a leader.

INSPIRE OTHERS: Probably the most difficult job for a leader is to persuade others to follow. It can only be possible if you inspire your followers by setting a good example. When the going gets tough, they look up to you and see how you react to the situation. If you handle it well, they will follow you. As a leader, should think positive and this positive approach should be visible through your actions. Stay calm under pressure and keep the motivation level up. As John Quincy Adams puts it, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” If you are successful in inspiring your subordinates, you can easily overcome any current and future challenge easily.

COMMITMENT AND PASSION: Your teams look up to you and if you want them to give them their all, you will have to be passionate about it too. When your teammates see you getting your hands dirty, they will also give their best shot. It will also help you to gain the respect of your subordinates and infuse new energy in your team members, which helps them to perform better. If they feel that you are not fully committed or lacks passion, then it would be an uphill task for the leader to motivate your followers to achieve the goal.

GOOD COMMUNICATOR: Until you clearly communicate your vision to your team and tell them the strategy to achieve the goal, it will be very difficult for you to get the results you want. Simply put, if you are unable to communicate your message effectively to your team, you can never be a good leader. A good communicator can be a good leader. Words have the power to motivate people and make them do the unthinkable. If you use them effectively, you can also achieve better results.

DECISION-MAKING CAPABILITIES:

Apart from having a futuristic vision, a leader should have the ability to take the right decision at the right time. Decisions taken by leaders have a profound impact on masses. A leader should think long and hard before taking a decision but once the decision is taken, stand by it. Although, most leaders take decisions on their own, but it is highly recommended that you consult key stakeholders before taking a decision. After all, they are the ones who will benefit or suffer from your decisions.

ACCOUNTABILITY: When it comes to accountability, you need to follow the approach highlighted by Arnold H Glasow when he said, “A good leader takes little more than his share of the blame and little less than his share of the credit.” Make sure that every one of your subordinates is accountable for what they are doing. If they do well, give them a pat on the back but if they struggle, make them realize their mistakes and work together to improve. Holding them accountable for their actions will create a sense of responsibility among your subordinates and they will go about the business more seriously.

DELEGATION AND EMPOWERMENT: You cannot do everything, right. It is important for a leader to focus on key responsibilities while leaving the rest to others. By that, I mean empowering your followers and delegating tasks to them. If you continue to micromanage your subordinates, it will develop a lack of trust and more importantly, you will not be able to focus on important matters, as you should be. Delegate tasks to your subordinates and see how they perform. Provide them with all the resources and support they need to achieve the objective and give them a chance to bear the responsibility.

CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION

What separates a leader from a follower? Steve Jobs, the greatest visionary of our time answers this question this way, “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” In order to get ahead in today’s fast-paced world, a leader must be creative and innovative at the same time. Creative thinking and constant innovation is what makes you and your team stand out from the crowd. Think out of the box to come up with unique ideas and turn those ideas and goals into reality.

EMPATHY: Leaders should develop empathy with their followers. Unfortunately, most leaders follow a dictatorial style and neglect empathy altogether. Due to this, they fail to make a closer connection with their followers. Understanding the problems of your followers and feeling their pain is the first step to become an effective leader. Even that is not enough until you work hard and provide your followers with the suitable solution to their problems.

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WAEC AND NECO EXPO

What is the Nigerian government doing about websites like this which have elevated crime to a business that can be advertised?

How on earth would a secondary school student read, if there are websites that offer WAEC and NECO questions and answers days before the actual dates of the exams at #400 per subject?

If after six years in school, one cannot write WAEC and NECO examinations independently, then it means that education in Nigeria is a waste.

It's high time we tagged WAEC and NECO officials to posts like this so that they would quit feigning ignorance over the existence of these criminally audacious websites!

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