Imo State Government Recruitment for Consultant (Building Design)

The Imo State Government of Nigeria through the Imo State Market Development Committee invites eligible consultants to express their interest in providing the service below:

Job Title: Consultant - Building Design

Project ID No. ISMDC 001
Location: Imo

Detailed Description
The lmo State government of Nigeria through the lmo State Market Development Committee intends to engage Building Design Consultants on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement to Design and Remodel Ekeukwu Market Owerri to an Ultra Modern Market with the following:

• Lock up Shops
• Open Stalls
• Truck Park
• Car Park
• Modern Toilet facility
• Sanitation Equipment
• Police Post
• Clinic
• Union Office/Meeting Hall
• Banking Halls

The Objective of the Project:

• Design of Architectural Drawings, Engineering Drawings, Bill of Quantities and other bidding documents.

Application Closing Date
12.00 noon on Friday; 28th August 2019.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates/constants should submit detailed Expression of Interest indicating their qualifications, description of similar assignments, and experience in similar assignments. etc.).

Three copies of Expression of Interest must be packaged in sealed envelopes clearly marked "Expression of Interest as a Building Design Consultant to Carry Out Architectural Design, All Engineering Design, Bill of Quantities and other bidding documents, also Monitor the Project from inception to Completion", and left in the appropriate Tender Box at:
The Secretary,
lmo State Market Development Committee,
No. 18 Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Avenue,
Beside 4040, Area H,
New Owerri,
Imo State.

Important Information/Notice

• A consultant will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the State Public Procurement Law No.12 of 2010
• Interested consultants may obtain further information at the address above during office hours of 8:00am - 5:00pm on Monday - Friday
• All EoIs will be opened immediately after the deadline in the conference room in the presence of bidders in attendance.

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HANDOVER NOTES: GOV IHEDIOHA ISSUES DIRECTIVE FOR COMPLETE HANDOVER IN 24 HOURS

Governor Emeka Ihedioha has given an order to the Permanent Secretary, and Head of Service, under Okorocha, to prepare all the necessary documents and hand them over to the SSG, and Chief of Staff, before midnight on June 4th. He gave this directive at the swearing in ceremony of the new Chief of Staff and Secretary to the State Government. 

“I direct Head of Service and Permanent Secretary, to ensure a complete handover of all government properties, the last administration utilised on behalf of Imo people to SSG and Chief of Staff of Imo state government. I want the process to be completed by midnight tomorrow.

“I spoke to Imo people that we will start work we will resume work. We will give no excuses of not performing. We will give dividend of democracy irrespective of the status of the state of facilities I inherited.

“The government that ended was not prepared to handover or ready to receive us. I thank Imo people for receiving us and we shall serve the state with the fear of God.”

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Ihedioha Swears-in Uche Onyeagocha Monday June 3rd, Meets Head of Service, Permanent Secretaries, MDA Heads

GOVERNMENT OF IMO STATE

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Ihedioha to Swear-in Secretary to the State Government, meet Head of Service, Perm Secs, MDA heads Governor Emeka Ihedioha CON, will swear-in the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Uche Onyeagucha.

The event will take place on Monday, June 3, 2019 at the Exco Chamber, Government House, Owerri, by 9am. Also invited to a meeting with His Excellency are the Head of Service, Imo State Civil Service and all Permanent Secretaries scheduled to hold as follows;

Date: Monday, June 3, 2019

Venue: Exco Chambers, Government House, Owerri

Time: 9am

Invitees are please requested to be seated by 8:45am.

In the same vein, His Excellency will meet all the Heads of Agencies of the State Government same day and venue by 12noon.

Invitees are requested to be seated by 11:30am.

Signed

Chibuike Onyeukwu
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

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The Documentary Gov Okorocha will never play on Channels TV

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Osun Election: Appeal Court Upholds Oyetola’s Victory, Sets Aside Tribunal’s Judgment

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has set aside the judgment of the Osun State Governorship Election Tribunal which nullified the victory of Governor Gboyega Oyetola.

Delivering the lead judgment on Thursday, Justice Hannatu Sankey set aside the entire proceedings of the Tribunal because of its ‘faulty composition’.

She added that ordinarily the matter should be returned to the lower Tribunal but because it was a post-election matter where time cannot be expanded or elongated, the court cannot make an order of retrial.

Justice Sankey also resolved the remaining 11 issues in the appeal in favour of the appellant who is the Osun State governor.

According to her, the petitioner did not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that there was substantial non-compliance to the Electoral Act by the absence of the ballot paper records.

The judge, therefore, set aside the judgment of the Osun State Governorship Election Tribunal delivered on March 22, returning Senator Ademola Adeleke as the governor of Osun State.

She made no order as to cost.

The judgment was upheld by four of the five justices of the panel.

While there were four majority judgments upholding the appeal of Governor Oyetola, while Justice George Mbanmba gave a dissenting judgment.

The majority judgment was on the ground that the lead judgment of the Tribunal was delivered by Justice Peter Obiora who did not participate fully in the proceedings of the Tribunal.

However, Justice Mbanmba said the allegation that Justice Obiora did not attend all the sessions of the Tribunal was a mere hearsay.

He explained that the records of the court indicated that the judge did participate in the hearing because he signed at the beginnings of the days’ proceedings.

Justice Mbanmba, thereafter, dismissed Governor Oyetola’s appeal with a cost of N200,000 against the appellant.

The appeal court also upheld the appeal filed by the All Progressive Congress (APC) on the same issues in a four to one majority judgment with a dissenting judgment from Justice Mbamba who maintained the same position.

In the lead judgment, Justice Datti Yahaya settled the appeal in favour of the APC and was supported by four of the five-man panel.

But Justice Mbamba held that parties with common interest should file a joint appeal, noting that filing separate appeals was an abuse of court process which adds to the work of the appeal court.

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We are in arrears in salaries, pensions payments, Imo State tells court

The Imo State Government has told a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja that it was currently owing salaries and pensions.

Also, one of the state’s bankers, Zenith Bank Plc, has disclosed that it gave Imo State Government a N10billion loan in 2016, which it was yet to be fully repaid.

The information are contained in court papers filed by Imo State and Zenith Bank in reaction to a garnishee proceeding initiated against the state governor and three others by a firm, E. F. Network Nigeria Limited and Mr. Gideon Egbuchulam.

F. Network and Egbuchulam are, by the garnishee proceedings, seeking to attach all funds owned by Imo State and three others in banks, including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), for the purpose of satisfying the N1.05billion judgment given by the Supreme Court on March 8, 2019 against the state governor and three others.

The Supreme Court, in the judgment, given against the Governor of Imo State of Nigeria, the Attorney General, Environmental Transformation Committee and the Ministry of Petroleum and Environment, affirmed an earlier judgment of the Court of Appeal, which upheld the judgement given in favour of E. F. Network and Egbuchulam by a High Court of Imo State.

On April 17, 2019 Justice Bello Kawu of the High Court of the FCT,in Kubwa heard an ex-parte motion by E. F. Network and Egbuchulam and granted garnishee order nisi, ordering the 17 banks listed in the motion to show cause why the garnishee order should not be made absolute.

It is in reaction to the order of April 17 that the Imo State Government, Zenith Bank and some other banks filed affidavits, giving details of their financial dealings with the state.

In the document filed for the state and three other judgment debtors, the Attorney General, Milithus Nlemedim (SAN) prayed the court not to make absolute, the garnishee order nisi it granted on April 17 this year.

In a supporting affidavit deposed to by Christopher Izima, the judgment debtors stated that: “Imo State Government is presently in arrears of salaries and pensions of civil servants. “The grant of the garnishee will bring untold hardship to the entire citizenry and government of Imo State.

“All money’s appropriated in the Imo State Appropriation Law are in the custody of public officers.

“The judgment debtors strongly dispute the sum of money claimed as interests by the judgment debtors in this garnishee proceedings. It was not properly and correctly computed.”

They queried the competence of the garnishee proceedings, which they described as an abuse of court’s process, claiming that the judgment creditors had initiated a similar proceedings before another court.

The judgment debtors urged the court to decline jurisdiction, claiming that the applicants failed to obtain the consent of the Imo State Attorney General to initiate the garnishee proceedings.

Zenith, on its part, sought to be excused from the proceedings, claiming that the state government was indebted to it.

In an affidavit deposed to by Solomon Unamka, Zenith Bank stated that: “The 3rd garnishee (the bank) was served with an order nisi made by this honourable court on 18th April 2019.

.

“Further to the service of the said order nisi, the 3rd garnishee conducted a search on its records and hereby states as follows:

“The judgment debtor, Imo State Government is heavily indebted to the 3rd garnishee to the tune of over N9,400,000,000 as it has a credit facility from the 3rd garnishee.”

Unamka said the state got an “Excess Crude Account backed loan” of N10billion from Zenith Bank on 26/01/2016, with a tenor of 240 months.

He added that Imo State also maintains with the bank, a loan account: 3700236696, with a current balance of N9,422,588,166.78.

“The balance in the account: 3700236696 cannot be attached because the 3rd garnishee has right of set off on the said account.

“The 3rd garnishee humbly seeks to be discharged from this proceedings by this honourable court,” he said.

In its response, Guaranty Trust Bank said none of the judgment debtors has account with it, but that it has an account with the name: IMSG Internally Gen Reve (IGR).

GTB stated that, although the current balance in the account was N64,997,774.44k, the money is already “subject of earlier extant garnishee orders in six other cases of the 17 banks ordered by the court to show cause, almost all of them have responded, with many claiming that the judgment debtors do not maintain accounts with them.

When the case came up on May 3, 2019, Justice Kawu agreed with Nlemedim to first hear the objection filed by the judgment debtors.

Lawyer to the applicants, Anthony Agbonlahor did not object, but sought time to reply to all the responses filed by the garnishees, particularly the objection by the judgment debtors.

Justice Kawu consequently adjourned to June 25 for the hearing of the objection.

THE NATION

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EFCC Storms IMSU Alliances - Arrests Suspects, Carts Away Cars

Earlier today operatives of the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) stormed Flora and Faith Villas in Okwu-Uratta Students' Alliance (OSA), Okwu-Uratta Community of Imo State University, Owerri and arrested about 10 suspects, Duru Victor confirms.

Sources claim the swoop by the men of the EFCC took place in the wee hours of the day, around 4:00am. Men of the EFCC were reported to have carted away with some cars (Benz) belonging to some of the suspects while rounding-up about 10 suspects.

Reacting to the operation, the President of Okwu-Uratta Students' Alliance (OSA) Comr. Precious Godwin aka Dr. Lens has frowned at the incident and actions by the men of the EFCC.

In a statement made to Correspondent Duru Victor when contacted, he accused the EFCC of intimidation and infringing on the fundamental human rights of the students who are only going about their normal businesses.

He called on the state government and the state police to look into the matter and ensure that the innocent students are returned to their lodges and hostels in one piece.

In a similar vein and in commando-like fashion men of the EFCC also stormed Bishop's Court and Aladinma alliances for suspected "Yahoo boys and 419ers".

As of the time of filing this report the arrested students haven't been returned to their lodges.

#Duru_Victor_reports

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TINUBU WON’T BE PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA –BODEJO, MIYETTI ALLAH President.

The North should retain power in 2023. 

National President, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Abdullahi Bodejo, has dismissed the possibility of the former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu succeeding President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023. In this interview with The Sun, he spoke on a number of issues and stated that power will still remain in the North after Buhari.

What is your reaction to the claim by some people that Buhari having won his election is indifferent to all these killings?

People can say all sorts of things. If Buhari is not concerned about the situation, why did he direct the Army to go there to stop the killings? Even we, sometimes, we are not happy the way the president is giving directive to go there and operate. He should make sure that the real criminals there are fished out and dealt with. The truth is that some people who lost the last election are saying all kinds of things and they will never say Buhari is doing well. But I know that Buhari is trying to do the right things; remember that Buhari will not go and carry out his orders himself in the bush where all these things are happening.

Do you agree with those who insist that all these killings are because of the high level of poverty in your region and that Buhari is not doing enough to reduce the scourge?

Is Buhari the governor of Kebbi, Kaduna, Borno and other parts of the North? The governors get allocations and they should all use that to tackle the problems of their state. It is only the Federal Government that people can make a noise about. The president is in charge of the Federal Government; let the governors also take charge of their states.

Some prominent voices in the North are already projecting that after President Buhari that power will not come down to the Southern region; do you support the North retaining power in 2023?

Yes, power is going to remain in the North. Tell me one person in the South that is nationally accepted that can rule Nigeria like Buhari? The people who made Nigeria what it is today are from the North. People like Awolowo and Zik tried but where are such people in the South now? That time, they were patriotic and they did not allow themselves to be deceived with the issues of religion and ethnicity. They were patriotic and they believed in Nigeria. But most of the people now from the South who say they want to be president of Nigeria are not patriotic. They are selfish. Most politicians from the North are concerned about the unity of Nigeria and how to keep the country together, and not what they will gain from the position. God forbid that some kind of people would start ruling the country; I see some people that if you give them power, they can just concentrate everything in one area.

 You are by implication saying that if a Southerner takes over from Buhari that he may just concentrate appointments and infrastructural developments in the South but that is the same thing the president is being accused of with regards to privileges to the North

Let me tell you the truth; in Nigeria, nobody can operate like Buhari. Even if another president comes from the North, he will not be able to lead like Buhari. He gives the people a sense of belonging and not considering anybody as more important than the other. He does not consider people based on tribe, royalty, status and so on; everything he does is based on merit. Nobody can copy or replicate what Buhari is doing.

From the way you are sounding, is it that you do not believe in the rotation of power between the North and South?

Do you know that if you go to some parts of the South, if they see an Hausa man, they would say he is a Boko Haram member or derogatorily, they will say ‘Onye Hausa’. That kind of hatred has been there among some Southerners. It will be difficult for the Igbo to rule this country because they have something in their mind that is not good. The country is more than a tribe coming to hate some ethnic region, religion and so on. They should know that Nigeria is one.

The South West has been supporting Buhari, and power brokers from the region were instrumental to the formation of the APC and the President’s victory in 2015. Why are you not in support of power going to the South West?

You are talking about 2015; it has passed and is now history. Remember that former President Olusegun Obasanjo ruled the country for eight years. In 2019, the South West gave Buhari 50 per cent of their votes and you say they should be supported to be president. They played real politics in 2019. I am not a politician but they played the real game of politics in 2019. They divided their votes 50/50 for the two major parties. Nobody should say the South West made Buhari to win. No; Buhari won the election clearly and he was voted by all Nigerians who love him. Nobody should come out to say, he is the person that made Buhari to win. Even spirits voted for Buhari in the election.

Do you know that without the former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Tinubu, Buhari would not have made it in 2015?

I have told you that 2015 is now history. Even me talking to you now, do you know the role I played in 2015? People played all manner of politics in 2015 and Tinubu was not the only person. What I know is that Tinubu cannot be the president of Nigeria. That is the truth.  He is very old and maybe older than President Buhari. Some people see Tinubu like one big masquerade but he is not. Some think that he is the Yoruba leader but he is not. He is also like Obasanjo; some people see the former president as a small god but he is not. In my last interview before the election, I said it that Obasanjo has only one vote like any other person. What happened? Did it not turn out like that? Everybody’s eyes are already open now. If Tinubu is recognized by the Yoruba people as their leader, why did Buhari score 50 per cent there? Why did he not ask them to give him like even 60 per cent at least? Tinubu has failed and that is the truth. Or are you telling me that Tinubu did anti-party activities by telling the South West to share the votes 50/50 to APC and PDP? - The Sun

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Imo State Polytechnic Relocated to Ehime Mbano By Governor Rochas Okorocha

Following the establishment of Imo State University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at the premises of the Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo, with campus at Aboh/Ngor Okpala, the Imo State Polytechnic is hereby relocated to Ehime Mbano with a campus at the site of Ahiara Polytechnic, Ahiara, and another campus at the site of the Imo State University of Medical Sciences pending their recognition.

The Imo State Polytechnic campus, Orlu is named Bishop Shanahan Polytechnic, Orlu with a campus at the site of Mbonu Ojike Polytechnic, Arondizuogu.

And to ensure the smooth-take-off of these laudable new institutions, the following persons are hereby appointed as members of the Governing Councils.

A. IMO STATE UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

VICE CHANCELLOR: 

PROF. PETER AKANWA

CHAIRMAN:               

REV. FR. WENCESLAUS MADU cmf

MEMBERS

1.PERMANENT SECRETARY,

MINISTRY OF FINANCE

2. PERMANENT SECRETARY,

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

3.PERMANENT SECRETARY,

TERTIARY EDUCATION

4.OWERRI ZONE                    -         

OKENZE SYLVESTER OBINNA

5.OKIGWE ZONE                   -         

HRH EZE EMMANUEL IBECHI

6. ORLU ZONE                         -         

HON. JERRY OKOLI

7.TRADITIONAL                    -         

HRH EZE I. OBIEFULE

In the same vein, the following persons have been appointed as members of Bishop Shanahan Polytechnic Orlu, and Imo State Polytechnic Ehime Mbano, respectively:

B. BISHOP SHANAHAN POLYTECHNIC ORLU

RECTOR: PROF. ALOYSUIS ONYEKA

CHAIRMAN: DR. (MRS.) UCHE EJIOGU

MEMBERS

1.PERMANENT SECRETARY,

MINISTRY OF FINANCE

2.PERMANENT SECRETARY,

 MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

3.PERMANENT SECRETARY,

TERTIARY EDUCATION

4.OWERRI ZONE                 -         

HON. CHINYERE UWANWU

5.OKIGWE ZONE                -         

EMMA NWOSU

6.ORLU ZONE                      -         

CHIEF FESTUS ANWIAGU

C.IMO STATE POLYTECHNIC EHIME MBANO

RECTOR:DR. KINGSLEY .I. EKECHUKWU

CHAIRMAN:HON. INNOCENT EKE

MEMBERS

1.PERMANENT SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF FINANCE

2.PERMANENT SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

3PERMANENT SECRETARY, TERTIARY EDUCATION

4. OWERRI ZONE                    -         

HON. (MRS.) EGO IBEH

5.OKIGWE ZONE                   -         

HON. JOY MBAWUIKE

6.ORLU ZONE                                 

ALHJI OZO

Sam Onwuemeodo

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

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Court Set To Commit Guaranty Trust Bank’s MD Segun Agbaje and Its Chairman Mrs Osaretin Demuren To Prison Over Contempt Charge.

The Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Segun Agbaje, Its Chairman Mrs Osaretin Demuren and the Company Secretary Erhi Obebeduo are set to physically appear before the Federal High Court Awka to show cause why they should not be committed for contempt and sent to prison for their willful, deliberate, wanton and unlawful violation of the subsisting Orders of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court, Awka division and or for interfering with or obstructing due administration of Justice as epitomized by acts of hooliganism, thuggery, extreme lawlessness and condemnable impunity exhibited by them on the 29th and 30th of March, 2019 and on the 1st of April 2019.

The relief is contained in an application filed before the court by Counsel to Innoson Nigeria Ltd, Prof McCarthy Mbadugha ESQ against Guaranty Trust Bank on its acts of thuggery, extreme hooliganism and outright lawlessness in breaking into all the properties of GTB which have been distressed and seized by the Court bailiffs/sheriffs while executing a writ of fifa issued by the Court.

It should be recalled that Prof McCarthy Mbadugha ESQ obtained from the Court the requisite leave and necessary process for levying execution- the writ of fifa against GTB who failed to obey the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal’s Order affirming the Garnishee order absolute issued by the Federal High Court Ibadan in Suit No: FHC/L/CS/603/2006- ordering the bank to pay Innoson Nigeria Ltd the judgment sum of N2.4 Billion with a 22% interest, per annum, on the judgment sum until the final liquidation of the judgment. The Judgment debt of N2.4Billion has an accrued interest of over N6.7Billion as at today, thereby resulting in the total outstanding judgment debt being over N9 Billon as at today.

However, GTB through acts of thuggery, hooliganism, lawlessness and outright impunity committed in the company of thugs and hoodlums procured by the cited parties- Segun Agbaje, Mrs Osaretin Demuren, Erhi Obebeduo -obstructed the Court bailiffs/Sheriffs from executing the orders of the Court and also un-distressed and released from seizures all the properties of the banks seized and attached by the bailiffs/Sheriffs. These acts were in furtherance and in realization of the bank’s Press Release on 29th March 2019 that the execution is illegal and fraudulent and that it will resist it by any means necessary. 

Innoson Nig Ltd through its counsel Prof McCarthy Mbadugha Esq in its Motion on Notice has sought the following prayers among others;

- An ORDER of this Honourable Court commanding and or mandating the appearance of the cited parties on a day, date, time and venue as may be deemed fit by this Honourable Court to physically appear and show CAUSE why they should not be  committed for contempt and sent to PRISON for the wilful, deliberate, wanton and unlawful violation of the subsisting Orders of this Honourable Court and or interfering with or obstructing the court’s due administration of Justice as epitomized by acts of hooliganism, thuggery, extreme lawlessness and condemnable impunity as exhibited on the 29th and 30th of March, 2019 and on the 1st April, 2019.

- AN ORDER that the acts of thuggery, extreme hooliganism and outright lawlessness  of the garnishee/debtor and or the parties cited in this application in breaking into all the properties of the garnishee/debtor distressed, attached and seized by the bailiffs/sheriffs of the Honourable Court pursuant to a writ of fifa issued by the Honourable Court for that purpose and retrieved those properties, undistressed as well as released them from attachment and or seizure amounts to a grievous contempt of this Honourable Court of the worst specie.

- AN ORDER that the acts of thuggery, extreme hooliganism and outright lawlessness of the cited parties in obstructing and in stopping the Sheriffs/bailiffs of the Honourable Court from attaching, seizing and distressing the properties of the Garnishee/Debtor amounts to wilful and contemptuous violation of the subsisting orders of this Honourable Court as well as obstructing and interfering with the course of justice and due administration of justice.

- AN ORDER denying the Garnishee/Debtor, the cited parties - contemnors - or any other person affiliated or related to them, their counsel further or other audience or an opportunity to seek judicial intervention or palliatives before this Honourable Court – or any other Court of the Federal High Court until they purge themselves of contempt.

Cornel Osigwe

Head Corporate Communications

Innoson Group

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Senate rejects motion to declare Kogi oil producing State

The Senate, Wednesday stood down the motion seeking to recognize Kogi State as an oil producing State.

It also suspended further discussion on the motion for the Federal government to include the state among oil-producing states with all benefits and privileges.

This development followed an adopted motion sponsored by Senator Isaac Alfa representing Kogi East Senatorial district titled, “Need to recognize Kogi State as an Oil Producing State”.

Alfa in his lead debate explained that oil exploration commenced in Ibaji as far back as 1952 in the villages of Odeke, Echeno, Ihile, Anocha/Uchuchu, Omabo, Ikah, Iregwu and Ujeh, all in Ibaji community of the present day Ibaji Local Government Area of the state by Shell BP (now SPDC), Elf (now Total Fina Elf) and AGIP Energy.

Further, the lawmaker recalled that the three companies collectively drilled 25 exploration wells, 2 appraisal wells and 8- core drill wells in the entire Anambra Basin out of which majority of the wells fall within Kogi State.

Also, Alfa added that the exploration of oil activities in the state and part of Anambra basin was later abandoned until July 18, 2001 when former late Governor Prince Abubakar Audu wrote to the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Abuja to remind him of earlier discovery of crude oil at Odeke, Echeno and Anocha communities in Ibaji local government of the State.

The Senate, Wednesday stood down the motion seeking to recognize Kogi State as an oil producing State.

It also suspended further discussion on the motion for the Federal government to include the state among oil-producing states with all benefits and privileges.

This development followed an adopted motion sponsored by Senator Isaac Alfa representing Kogi East Senatorial district titled, “Need to recognize Kogi State as an Oil Producing State”.

Alfa in his lead debate explained that oil exploration commenced in Ibaji as far back as 1952 in the villages of Odeke, Echeno, Ihile, Anocha/Uchuchu, Omabo, Ikah, Iregwu and Ujeh, all in Ibaji community of the present day Ibaji Local Government Area of the state by Shell BP (now SPDC), Elf (now Total Fina Elf) and AGIP Energy.

Further, the lawmaker recalled that the three companies collectively drilled 25 exploration wells, 2 appraisal wells and 8- core drill wells in the entire Anambra Basin out of which majority of the wells fall within Kogi State.

Also, Alfa added that the exploration of oil activities in the state and part of Anambra basin was later abandoned until July 18, 2001 when former late Governor Prince Abubakar Audu wrote to the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Abuja to remind him of earlier discovery of crude oil at Odeke, Echeno and Anocha communities in Ibaji local government of the State.

But Senator Chukwuka Utazi representing Enugu North differed on the prayers of the motion.

He said, “We agreed that instead of dissipating energy and quarreling, the three states should combine and make a presentation on a common front. That the three states should be declared oil producing and the percentage worked out.

“We brought this issue here and after deliberation, this Senate directed the committees on Petroleum, Upstream to look into this issue with the boundary commission to solve the problem”.

Also, deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu in his contribution corroborated Utazi’s contribution.

He said, “I will like to align myself with Senator Chukwuka Utazi. This matter has been visited, and I had expected him to either speak to senator Dino Melaye who is a more experienced Senator to give him proper guidance or even seek the guidance of the Rules and Business committee on what has happened on this matter.

“Our order paper today is very heavy with items; I think we should do ourselves a world of good to advise our friend and colleague to humbly withdraw the motion so that we can look at other issues on the course list (order paper).

“But the truth of the matter is that even if we had not discussed the matter before, we cannot by any stroke of imagination come up with a motion to declare any State oil producing, otherwise we can wake up one day and say that the whole of Nigeria is oil producing. So, I want to appeal to my colleague to withdraw the motion.

“Since the National Boundary Commission is already handling the Matter as he admitted in the body of his motion, we cannot take over the job of the boundary commission”.

It was on the above consideration that Senate President, Bukola Saraki hit the gavel in approval that the key prayer of the motion is suspended.

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BREAKING: Shi’ites Break Into National Assembly, Chase Armed Policemen Away

Members of the movement were initially peaceful in their conduct although they were chanting anti-government songs from outside the gate. But the situation turned awry when some of them suddenly descended on the gate, shaking it vigorously until they succeeded in forcing it open, almost causing a stampede because of the crowd.

There is pandemonium currently at the main gate of National Assembly in Abuja as members of Islamic Movement Of Nigeria (IMN) popularly known as Shi’ites have forced their way into the assembly complex and chased away armed policemen on duty. 

The protesters besieged the National Assembly in continuation of protests to commemorate the 68th birthday anniversary of their spiritual leader, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, who has been in detention since 2015.

Members of the movement were initially peaceful in their conduct although they were chanting anti-government songs from outside the gate.

But the situation turned awry when some of them suddenly descended on the gate, shaking it vigorously until they succeeded in forcing it open, almost causing a stampede because of the crowd. 

Some of the policemen attached to the gate tactically took to their heels, as the protesters trooped in with chants of 'Allahu Akbar'.

 

It took the appeal of leaders of the movement to stop the crowd from advancing into chambers of the assembly proper.

Despite provocation by the protesters, the Police remained calm and peaceful and only pleaded with them not to go into the chamber.

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Wole Soyinka Explodes In Deep Anger, Mentions Obasanjo, Jonathan, As He Moves Against Buhari’s Government

Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has taken a swipe against former and present Nigerian leaders including Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, and President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Nigerian poet, who was awarded the 1986 Nobel Prize in Literature, slammed President Muhammadu Buhari, for his “slow response” in dealing with the terror caused by the Fulani herdsmen, across many parts of Nigeria.

He said that Buhari has failed on the security threat posed by the herdsmen, adding that, he was repeating the mistakes of his Predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan, in not dealing with the Boko Haram menace, in a timely and adequate fashion.

“The man dies in all who keep silent in the face of tyranny”, he said.

Soyinka appeared on the BBC’s Hardtalk programme, which was anchored by Zeinab Badawi and monitored by Post Nigeria.

Reacting to Badawi’s question that he backed Buhari in 2015, describing the ex-Army General as a “reformed Democrat”, Soyinka disclosed that Buhari “won by default” in 2015, because it was difficult to back Jonathan, and which meant supporting a continuation of the corruption associated with that regime.

“As it happened, yes, I did use that expression ‘born again democrat.’ When somebody competes in an election three, four times and persists, he must believe in democracy… the circumstances in Nigeria, the fact that Nigerians have shown the military what a huge failure they were makes it possible for one to identify the possibility of exceptions when they seem to behave like Democrats.

“But in any case, I kept emphasizing that Nigerians had a very difficult choice and as I said, it was between the devil and the deep blue sea,” he said.

Asked to comment about the 2019 presidential election, he said, “The 2019 election is one of the most depressing elections we’ve been through. Talking for myself, it wasn’t possible for me to make a choice for the simple reason that both candidates (President Muhammadu Buhari and Atiku Abubakar) had histories – one immediate, one past – which made one look for alternatives.”

On security, Soyinka criticized Jonathan’s ineffective response to Boko Haram but placed the blame for failing to nip the problem in the bud, at the feet of Olusegun Obasanjo, who was President, from 1999 to 2007.

He said: “Obasanjo contributed to the emergence of Boko Haram, by not preventing the first Governor in one of the Northern States, from establishing a “theocratic State”.

Soyinka maintained that the President failed to act because he was “compromised” by his ambition to continue in Office beyond the second term limit.

He was, however, silent about why Buhari’s response to the killings of the herdsmen was so inadequate and said little about how the problem could be tackled effectively.

The Playwright also stated that his generation has failed Nigerians as the dreams people of his generation had about the country had not materialized.

Soyinka gave the above response when he was asked: “Has your generation of older Nigerians failed the people?” The Nobel laureate said;

“Yes, I believe so. I compare today with the dreams and aspirations we had when we all rushed home after studies abroad. We considered ourselves the renaissance people that were going to lift the continent to world standards, competitors anywhere. It hasn’t happened.” 

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Okorocha Lead Rescue Mission Family Abandons Chike Okafor, Support Tinubu's Choice

It surprising and shocking, to note that members of the Rescue Mission Family ably led by His Excellency, Governor Rochas Okorocha instead of showing solidarity to one of their own, Hon Chike Okafor who is contesting for the speakership seat of the Federal House of Representatives, had rather thrown their support to the Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu endorsed South West candidate of the All Progressive Congress, Femi Gbajabiamila.

While it was reported in the media yesterday that Okorocha’s Son-in-law, UCHE NWOSU had urged members of the rescue mission government elected to the House of Representatives to support APC and President Buhari's choice candidate, stating that if the President has endorsed Femi Gbajabiamila, they should queue behind him, which is to him the best thing to do.

Today again, an Owerri based newspaper reported that the three elected members of the House of Representatives under the APC/AA alliance, namely Kingsley Chima Uju, Paschal Obi, Ugonna Ozuruigbo have endorsed the Femi Gbajabiamila project as against the South East agitation for the speakership of the House of Representatives, more so when of one them and a very important member of the rescue mission family, Hon Chike Okafor is seriously contesting for the same position.

To collaborate this dangerous political betrayal of the century, the Deputy Speaker Imo State House of Assembly and Member of the House of Representatives-elect, for Nwangele/Njaba /Isu /Nkwerre federal constituency, Hon Ugonna Ozurigbo had this afternoon openly canvassed support for Femi Gbajabiamila and even coordinating for him in the South Eastern States.

OZB stated  "As the Southeast Coordinator of the Femi Gbajabiamila Speakership Campaign, I want to categorically state that the Southeast Caucus are unflinchingly in support of the party and Mr. President, who has urged us all to fall behind the candidacy of this fine legislator.

My support for Hon. Gbajabiamila is not built on personal interest but due to the collective will of the mass of members of the House of Representatives who see him as the right candidate to steer the House appropriately.

With Gbajabiamila We Stand."

The development had raised dust in Imo Polity, members of the rescue mission government had come to defend the decision of their members supporting Femi Gbajabiamila on what they alleged, Hon Chike Okafor betrayal of trust by the loss of an important vote in his Obowo LGA for the Ugwumba Uche Nwosu gubernatorial election.

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Imo State Governor Elect His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, was at the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council UK

Today, the Imo State Governor Elect His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, was at the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council UK, the investment arm of the Commonwealth Nations, to discuss on areas of cooperation and assistance to Imo State by the member states, when He assumes office.

His Excellency was received by the Director of operations of CEIC, Sean Leno. The CEIC directors at the High Level Strategic Business meeting were, The Chief Executive, Allan Gemmell OBE, Director of Business Development AQ Hamza and Sean Leno, the Director of Operations.

The CEIC representatives Congratulated His Excellency on his well deserved victory at the polls and committed to assisting Imo State in the following areas: Support to the SME's, Investment promotion, Agricultural potentials, encouraging commonwealth investors to the state, and making Imo an Investment hub, amongst other things.

The Governor Elect had in his entourage the Owerri Zone Senator Elect Hon Ezenwa Onyewuchi, Hon Bede Eke, Hon Member elect Uche Ogbuagu, Barr. Chima Nwanna (TTC Secretariat) and Barr Anselem Okorie Secretary TTC Diaspora Initiative Sub-committee.

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Imo Assembly recalls suspended lawmakers six months after

The recalled lawmakers were Chiji Collins (Isiala Mbano), Uche Oguwuike (Ikeduru), Ifeanyi Nnataraonye (Mbaitoli), Donatus Onuigwe (Oru West), and Kenna Nzeruo (Oru West).

The Speaker, who announced the development, said that the recalled lawmakers were invited for an interaction during an executive session.

The lawmakers were, in October 2018, suspended by their colleagues in what was described as “unparliamentary” conduct.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Speaker had, on April 11, invited the suspended members to an interface at the executive session of April 16 to discuss their possible readmission

He issued the invitation following a motion by Mr. Chika Madumere (AGAP-Nkwerre) at plenary.

A state High Court had, on November 5, 2018, quashed the suspension of four of the five members, describing it as unconstitutional.

The court also jointly awarded the applicants — Dr. Uche Oguwuike (Ikeduru-APC); Mr. Chiji Collins (Isiala Mbano-APGA); Mr. Israel Nnataraonye (Mbaitoli-APC); and Mr. Nkenna Nzeruo (Oru East-APC) N8m in damages and N100,000 in legal fees.

The judge, Justice Goddy Anunihu, in his ruling, also directed the Speaker and the House who were the first and second respondents to pay the applicants their salaries, allowances and emoluments for the period they were suspended.

However, the judgment was ignored by the House leadership which appealed against it.

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ICPC arrests Three Rectors, Man over alleged N10.2m Bribe Money

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested the Chairman and three top management members of the Committee of Federal Polytechnic Rectors (COFER) for allegedly being in possession of N10.2 million bribe money.

The suspects who are polytechnic rectors include: Dr. Abubakar Sadiq Yahaya, Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, Adamawa State, who also doubles as the Chairman of COFER; John Taiwo Adekolawole, Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State; and Arch. Waziri Sanusi Gumau of the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, Bauchi State. 

They were arrested at the premises of the National Board for Technical Education (NABTE) Abuja, through a sting operation by the Commission.

Arrested alongside the rectors was the Secretary of COFER, Ayegba Benjamin Godwin, with the sum of N10, 250, 0000 cash after a whistle-blower informed ICPC that the four suspects and others at large were perfecting plans to violate the provisions of Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

The suspects who have been granted administrative bail by ICPC will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

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INEC cancels rerun election in Niger, declares PDP candidate winner

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has announced decision to halt the rerun for the Niger state House Assembly elections in Agaie constituency.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Prof. Sam Egwu, yesterday, issued a press statement declaring the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate, Yahaya Abdullahi, as winner of the election.

INEC said its decision was sequel to the earlier declaration of the PDP candidate winner of the election by the returning officer, Prof. Musa Kolo.

The REC, in a statement he personally signed, said, “the rerun in two units has been dropped after due consultations with stakeholders.”

However, in a swift reaction, APC chairman, Eng. Mohammed Jibril Imam said the commission’s decision declaring the PDP candidate winner was unacceptable.

He said INEC erred in declaring the PDP candidate winner of the election it earlier said was inconclusive.

“Why should the commission take such critical decision when the votes difference in the results under contention were just 106, while the two units the rerun was billed to take place boast of 1,437 votes.” Imam queried in a chat with reporters.

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BREAKING: Tribunal Declares Ademola Adeleke Winner Of Osun Governorship Election

The Osun State Governorship Election Tribunal has declared the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ademola Adeleke, as the winner of the poll.

The Tribunal made the declaration on Friday after dismissing a preliminary objection against the petition of the PDP and Senator Adeleke, challenging the September 2018 governorship election in the state.

The preliminary objection was filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate in the election, Governor Gboyega Oyetola, as well as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The three defendants claimed that the petition of the PDP and its candidate was incompetent and the tribunal lacked jurisdiction to hear it.

Delivering a ruling on the preliminary objection, Justice Peter Oni who is a member of the three-man Tribunal held that the petition was competent.

He also stated that the Tribunal has the jurisdiction to hear and determine it.

The judge held that there was merit in the appeal filed by the PDP and Senator Adeleke, adding that the declaration and return of Governor Oyetola by INEC was null and void.

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The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is set to issue certificates of return to Governors-elect across the States of the Federation.

The issuance of the certificates according to a press release issued in Abuja at the early hours of yesterday by the INEC’s National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education, Mr Festus Okoye states that all duly elected individuals in the just concluded March 9, 2019 would be handed over the certificates of return by next week from 27-29 March.

With the recent announcement by the INEC spokesperson, the Governor-elect of Imo State and of the PDP, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha is expected to be one of the recipients.

Trumpeta Newspaper gathered that Ihedioha having been declared winner of the Imo guber election and met the electoral guidelines would return to the State before end of the upcoming week with his certificate, while waiting for the official handover from the incumbent governor, Rochas Okorocha by May 29.

Part of the press statement read, “The winners of the governorship election in various States announced so far would be presented with their certificates of return between March 27 and 29”.

However, Mr Okoye explained that INEC would conduct supplementary election where necessary, and in some constituencies not affected by litigation on April 13.

Afterwards, he said the issuance of all outstanding certificates of return would be concluded on April 19.

Furthermore, he revealed that INEC would deploy national commissioners in various States where supplementary election would take place, to monitor the process and present certificates of return to the winners.

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INEC Gives Certificates Of Return To Governors-Elect March 27, Clarifies Issues On Rivers, Others 21st March 2019

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed 27th 28th and 29th March for the presentation of Certificates of Return to Governors-elect, according to its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Barrister Festus Okoye.

Speaking at a media briefing held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, the Federal capital Territory (FCT) earlier today, Okoye said the certificates will be presented by National Commissioners (NCs) supervising the respective states and will be assisted by Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) and Legal Officers of the Commission. But the precise date for the presentation in each state, he added, will be made known by the RECs in consultation with the NCs.
However, the date for the presentation of Certificates of Return to winners of the State Houses of Assembly elections will be announced in due course.

Okoye also informed journalists that the Commission will conduct supplementary elections in 18 States on 23rd March. According to him, security agencies gave the Commission their assurances of adequate security and professional conduct at a meeting between the two parties held on 19th March in Abuja.

He said all observers and media organization already accredited to cover the 2019 general elections are free to observe the elections, and will be given unimpeded access to polling units, collation and material distribution centres.

He said: “The INEC situation room will be activated on Saturday 23rd March. Nigerians can reach the Commission via its social media platforms. The Commission encourages all registered voters in the areas where elections will be conducted to come out and cast their ballots. We also appeal to all stakeholders for continuous support.”

On the pending court cases in Bauchi and Adamawa States, Okoye said: “The Commission has conducted governorship elections in 29 states and returns have been made in 22 states. While the election was suspended in Rivers, it was declared inconclusive in 6 states, namely Bauchi, Adamawa (North East); Benue and Plateau (North Central) and Sokoto and Kano (North West).

“Following the inconclusive governorship elections in the 6 states, the Commission fixed supplementary elections for the 23rd of March 2019.

“The supplementary governorship election earlier scheduled to hold in Bauchi state is now a subject of litigation which was initiated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Mohammed A. Abubakar. An interlocutory injunction to suspend the process has been served on the Commission by the Federal High Court, Abuja. While the Commission has complied in accordance with its policy to obey all court orders in deference to the rule of law, it has also taken urgent steps to vacate the order and dismiss the action.

“It should however be noted that the litigation and consequential order only affect the collation of results for the governorship election in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area. Consequently, the supplementary elections will proceed as scheduled on Saturday 23rd March in the other 15 Local Government Areas of Bauchi state, as well as the Kirfi State Constituency Supplementary Election in Kirfi Local Government Area.

“Similarly, the Adamawa State High court issued an injunction restraining the Commission from proceeding with the supplementary election following the application by the Movement for the Restoration and Defence of Democracy (MRDD), a registered political party which did not take part in the main election. While the Commission has also complied with the order, it has equally taken steps to vacate it and dismiss the action.

“Notwithstanding the legal action over the Supplementary Governorship election, elections will hold in Nassarawo/Binyeri State Constituency in Mayo – Belwa Local government area where the election had to be countermanded following the death of a candidate before the polls, as well as the supplementary State Constituency election and Uba/Gaya State Constituency in Hong Local Government Area.”

On Rivers, the National Commissioner averred that the Fact-Finding Committee set up by the Commission to visit the state and investigate the circumstances surrounding the violent disruption of the electoral process on 9th and 10th March, which compelled the Commission to suspend activities, submitted its report which established certain facts.

The report, he explained, revealed that “while election could not hold in a few areas, it was successfully concluded in others with the declaration of winners in 21 state constituencies. Collation was (also) ongoing at the time of the suspension of activities.”

To that extent, Okoye announced the activities and timelines lined up for the resumption and conclusion of the process. According to the timetable, separate meetings with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) and stakeholders have been scheduled for 29th and 30th March respectively in Port Harcourt.

The Commission will issue Guidelines for the resumption of collation of results on 1st of April at its headquarters in Abuja, while the revalidation of polling agents and observers for the collation of results will take place in Abuja and Port Harcourt between 25th and 31st March.

The resumption of collation and announcement of results will take place between 2nd and 5th April. Supplementary election will hold where necessary on 13th April, to be followed by the announcement of results of all supplementary elections between 13th and 15th April. Outstanding Certificates of Results will be issued latest by 19th April.

National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye Esq.

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Asset Declaration Trial: Federal govt closes case against Onnoghen

The Nigerian government on Thursday closed its case against the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

Mr. Onnoghen immediately notified the tribunal that he intends to make a no-case submission.

The prosecution closed its case after calling three witnesses to the stand.

During the session on Thursday, the counsel to the government, Aliyu Umar, said they have closed their case, despite listing six witnesses.

Mr. Umar said the three other witnesses could still be called to the stand if the defense wants to cross-examine them.

“I have called three witnesses. If the defense needs them I can call the other three,” the lawyer said.

Responding, the defense counsel, Adeboyega Awomolo, rejected the offer.

“I don’t want them, I don’t want them,” he said.

Mr. Awomolo then informed the tribunal that the defense intends to file a no-case submission but they would need time to write an address.

“We intend to take advantage of section 303 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 on no-case submission,” he said.

“If your lordship permits me to write a written address, I’m praying to be given proceedings of 18th and today.”

Thereafter, the three-member panel led by the chairman, Danladi Umar, ordered Mr Awomolo to serve his address on the prosecution next week Wednesday.

Mr. Umar then fixed March 29 as the day counsels will adopt their addresses.

Mr. Onnoghen is facing a six-count charge bordering on non-declaration of his asset as required by law.

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GOVERNOR OKOROCHA DRAGS INEC TO COURT

Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has asked a Federal High Court in Abuja to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue him with a certificate of return as the Senator- elect for Imo West Senatorial District.

It will be recalled that the electoral body had declined to issue Governor Okorocha with a certificate of return on the grounds that the results were announced by its official under duress.

In the suit marked filed by his lawyer, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, the governor argued that, having been declared winner of the election, INEC has no power to withhold his Certificate of return.

During the court session yesterday, the presiding justice, Taiwo Taiwo said that the Governor Okorocha’s closest rival, Jones Onyereri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in addition to the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the election, Osita Izunaso will be included as the second and third defendants in the suit.

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Return My Cars Or Face Police Arrest – Uche Nwosu warns Supporters

The candidate of the Action Alliance in the just concluded General Elections in Imo State Mr Uche Nwosu have called on his supporters who he gave vehicles to for campaign purposes to return the vehicles or face police arrest.

Uche Nwosu who was contesting the victory of Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha allegedly held his coordinators hostage yesterday, at Government House over alleged N10 million given each of them to share at the polling units and demanded they return the money given to them since they failed.

The coordinators claimed they gave the money given to them to the people but the people voted who they wanted and there was no way they could return the money since they used it as they were asked to.

Similar reports have also been heard from the APGA Governorship camp of Senator Ifeanyi Ararume who had even before the election threatened to take back cars he had given to his coordinators and supporters if they failed to deliver their booths.

Uche Nwosu and Ararume have both refused to accept the outcome of the election and are both demanding a total cancellation of the election.

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Plateau APC lawmaker dies after winning polls

Mr Ezekiel Afon, a lawmaker representing Pengana Constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly has died hours after he was re-elected to represent the constituency.

Mr Bashir Sati, the Secretary of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state confirmed the lawmaker’s death to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Jos.

According to Sati, Afon died Sunday afternoon after a brief illness.

“It is unfortunate that we lost Afon, one of the most dedicated members of our party and a committed lawmaker just after he was declared winner to occupy his seat again.

“Though he has been sick for a while but we received the news of his demise with rude shock,” he said.

NAN reports that Afon was first elected into the Assembly under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015, but defected to the ruling APC in 2017. (NAN

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Gunmen kill policeman, NSCDC officer, abduct three INEC staff in Katsina

Katsina State Police Command has confirmed the killing of a policeman and abduction of three INEC adhoc staff during the governorship and state assembly election in the state.

The police also announced the killing of a civil defence officer in separate attack while on election duty.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Gambo Isa, in two separate statements made available to newsmen on Saturday in Katsina, said the policeman, Cpl Mannir Usman, was killed while on election patrol at Gobirawa Falale, Danmusa Local Government area of the state.

The PPRO said that the gunmen ambushed the police team and shot Usman who was driving the patrol vehicle. He added that the gunmen also abducted three INEC adhoc staff on election duty in the same incident. The police further said that a civil defence officer was shot on the chest at Santar Amadi village polling unit in Kankara Local Government area, in another attack on Saturday.

Isa said the gunmen attacked the village, shooting sporadically and hitting the officer on the chest where he died instantly. (NAN)

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Fake Police and Fake Military Officers took over Ideato South.

The March 9th governorship and state house of Assembly elections in Ideato South, the local government of the incumbent governor, Rochas Okorocha were marred by irregularities.

In a bid to rig the election in favor of his son-inlaw, Uche Nwosu, the governorship candidate of Action Alliance, AA and Johnson Duru, Pa Jay, the Imo State House of Assembly candidate for Ideato South, of Action Alliance, AA as governor of Imo State and Ideato South legislator. Rochas and his AA candidates imported thugs to impersonate police officers and military personnel, these thugs were fully armed with uniforms of the Nigeria Police force and of the Nigeria Army.

These fake Police officers and soldiers fully armed with AK47 were moving round Ideato South, moving from polling Unit to polling Unit, harassing and intimidating voters, causing tension, shooting sporadically to disrupt elections in polling Units where the PDP candidate, Comrade Dike Stanley, Ikukuoma is leading with wide margin, snatching of ballot boxes and thumbprinting in the Bush, aiding in the rigging of the election in favour of Action Alliance AA.

We call on INEC to cancel the election of Ideato South due to the fact that the activities of these fake Police and military men made the people run for their dear lives, thereby disenfranchising the people.

We urge the appropriate authorities to reschedule the election of Ideato South to a day were necessary security measures would be taken for a free and fair election.

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World Press Conference, delivered by H.E., Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, GCON

World Press Conference, delivered by H.E., Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, GCON, Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the February 23, 2019 Elections on Wednesday, February 27, 2019.

Dear citizens of Nigeria,

Let me start by thanking you for choosing democracy as the settled system of government for our great nation.

Democracy is a government of the people by the people, only when the people’s choice prevails. That did not happen on Saturday, February 23, 2019.

On Election Day, we saw the implementation of grand theft of the people’s will. I am not one for hyperbole so I will just let the facts speak for themselves.

In Akwa-Ibom for instance, the results showed a statistical impossibility of a 62% drop in voter numbers from the 2015 elections even where voter registration and PVC collection rates were much higher than in 2015.

This pattern was repeated in strongholds of the Peoples Democratic Party, including in Delta, Rivers, Abia and Benue states.

As this was occurring, we saw another statistical impossibility wherein voter turnout and numbers increased astronomically in Borno State by an almost miraculous 82% in the midst of increased insecurity.

This pattern was also repeated in other strongholds of the All Progressive Congress.
One begins to ask if insecurity is conducive to higher voter turnouts and security is antithetical to high voter turnout.

It is further curious that the Peoples Democratic Party’s margin of victory in states outside the Southeast and South-south were extremely slim across the board. That again is a statistical impossibility.
The fact is that when you calmly look at the numbers declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission as results of the February 23, 2019 elections, they do not add up.

Let me say that I am not speaking as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party. I am speaking as a Nigerian when I say that the electoral fraud perpetrated by the Buhari administration this past Saturday cannot produce a government of the people for the simple reason that it does not reflect the will of the Nigerian people.

It is for this reason that I, Atiku Abubakar, reject the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission declaring Muhammadu Buhari as duly returned by the majority of lawful votes.

I am conferring with not just my party, but also with the Nigerian people, on next steps, which will be revealed to the public shortly.

For my fellow Nigerians who feel angry, disillusioned, and let down by the process, I appeal to you to remain calm and steadfast. Rome was not built in a day. We have the real figures, we have the facts that were spoken so loudly on Saturday, February 23, 2019.

This is a long journey, but I am confident of victory. All hope is not lost. Stay strong, by the grace of God we shall triumph.

And to investors and friends of Nigeria now pulling out of Nigeria, I urge you to be patient and keep faith with the Nigerian people. Your quarrel is not with the Nigerian people. Your quarrel is with those who stole their mandate. Please do not punish the people by divesting from Nigeria.
Thank you all and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria

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