WE’RE BRINGING BRAZILIAN FESTIVAL TO ENUGU – ORGANISERS OF CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
WE’RE BRINGING BRAZILIAN FESTIVAL TO ENUGU – ORGANISERS OF CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL Omu Resort, the organisers of the Enugu Christmas Festival has assured both residents and visitors of an unforgettable experience. Announcing its readiness to host the festival, which is expected to attract over a million attendees, Hari Ebelechukwu Ebinum, Project Coordinator for Enugu Christmas Festival, said the 25-day event packed with entertainment and culture will run between December 7th to December 31st, 2024. Ebinum said, “We are ready to deliver a unique blend of world-class entertainment and culture. We are bringing the Brazilian Carnival to Enugu State. “Enugu State used to be the first in many things. Several good things associated with the people of Enugu State have almost been forgotten and we are returning the treasures. We will bring back the legendary Atilogu dancers, highlife music, and many more. We have put all of these things in place, we are still doing more in readiness for the event. “Our artists are already confirming their attendance at the event. Some of the big names we are expecting are already excited, so we are almost good to go. We are expecting nothing less than a mega show, a one-of-a-kind event.” Also speaking on the forthcoming event, Emmanuella Osakwe, another member of the Enugu Christmas Festival planning committee noted that all venues for the event had been confirmed, adding that the musical artists who will perform at the festival have also been booked. “We have confirmed some of the artists including Prof. Festus Dokubo who is leading a 300-man orchestra. For the Afrobeat Night, we have already confirmed some artists. A masterpiece, a 500,000 Christmas lights glowing ball is already being built at the Naira Triangle. So, we are making serious progress and we are ahead of schedule,” Osakwe noted. The Enugu Christmas Festival will feature events such as “African Praise Night”, “Afrobeat Concerts”, “Highlife Performances”, a “Food Bazaar”, “Street Carnivals”, “Cultural Parades”, a “Festival of Dances”, “Art Exhibitions”, a “Phone Exhibition”, and a stunning “Fireworks Show”. Others include “Enugu Christmas Yadah”, a “Beer and Spirit Festival”, and the vibrant “Santa Street Storm”, where 100 Santas will distribute gifts to orphanages and less-privileged communities. The prestigious “Governor’s Red Ball” will cap off the festivities, bringing together investors, business leaders, and political figures for a night of celebration and awards. Omu Resort, the organisation responsible for putting the festival together is a distinguished corporate entity renowned in Africa for its prowess in creating spellbinding theme parks and delivering exceptional entertainment services.
24 HOURS TO KANO LG ELECTION, COURT SACKS ALL NNPP CANDIDATES
24 HOURS TO KANO LG ELECTION: COURT SACKS ALL NNPP CANDIDATES A Federal High Court in Kano has disqualified all 44 New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) chairmanship and councillorship candidates for the local government elections in the state. The election is scheduled to take place on Saturday despite a court ruling against it. Justice Simon Amobeda’s ruling came after a case filed by Engineer Muhammad Babayo and a faction of the NNPP against the party’s leadership. The court ordered the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) to accept a new list of candidates submitted by the recognized State Chairman, Dalhatu Shehu Usman. The judge also barred security agencies from providing protection at polling units if the election proceeds without the updated candidate list. The case listed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), KANSIEC, the Inspector General of Police, and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) as the defendants. “The defendant is hereby restrained from releasing the voters register for the 2nd Defendant to conduct the proposed election on 26th October 2024,” the judge declared. The judge added, “The 2nd Defendant is hereby directed to accept as genuine and subsisting the list of NNPP candidates submitted to it by the recognized State Chairman, Dalhatu Shehu Usman,” the judge ruled, adding that “any other list submitted for the 2024 Local Government Election in Kano State should be rejected.” “That the 3rd and 4th Defendants are forthwith restrained from providing security and protection to the scene of the Election plans to take place on the 26th October, 2024,” the court ruled.
ABUJA COURT REJECTS RIVERS BID TO STAY SUIT ON FUND ALLOCATION TO LGS
ABUJA COURT REJECTS RIVERS BID TO STAY SUIT ON FUND ALLOCATION TO LG The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, has rejected the Rivers State Government’s request to stay proceedings in a suit aimed at stopping fund allocations to local government areas in the state. According to Channels Television, the court deemed the government’s request frivolous. The legal action was initiated by the Rivers State House of Assembly and Hon. Martin Amaewhule, who brought the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) into the case, seeking a cessation of funds to local governments. The Rivers State Government opposed the hearing in Abuja but was denied by the court. Following this, the state government filed an appeal to the Court of Appeal, seeking to halt proceedings in the Federal High Court until the appeal is resolved. However, Justice Abdulmalik dismissed this motion, labeling it as unmeritorious and mischievous. The court has insisted on continuing with the case, emphasizing its commitment to hearing the suit despite the state government’s objections. The outcome of this legal battle could significantly impact the financial operations of local governments in Rivers State, as the court moves forward with proceedings.
HOUSE OF REPS SAYS NO TO ISLAMISATION OF NIGERIA
HOUSE OF REPS SAYS NO TO ISLAMISATION OF NIGERIA A fierce debate erupted in the Nigerian House of Representatives on Thursday as lawmakers clashed over a proposed bill to expand the influence of Sharia law in the nation, igniting a wave of heated exchanges and firm resistance from some members. The controversial bill, which seeks to implement aspects of Islamic governance, met with vocal opposition, with legislators stressing that Nigeria’s secular foundation must be upheld. The debate began when the bill, introduced by a northern representative, proposed amendments to grant Sharia law broader jurisdiction within states that choose to implement it, sparking immediate reactions from members concerned about the bill’s potential to impose Islamic governance nationwide. Some members warned that such a move could endanger Nigeria’s unity, given its diversity in religious beliefs. One of the opposing lawmakers passionately asserted, “You cannot Islamize Nigeria. Our nation’s constitution provides for freedom of religion, and we cannot set a precedent that undermines the country’s secular framework.” The lawmaker’s remarks were met with applause from like-minded representatives who argued that the proposal, if passed, would violate Nigeria’s commitment to equal representation for all religions. Amid the heated exchanges, proponents of the bill argued that it simply aims to provide options for states with predominantly Muslim populations, emphasizing that it would not infringe upon other religious practices. Supporters called for an open-minded approach to the bill, noting that the flexibility to adapt governance based on regional preferences could promote harmony. The intense back-and-forth underscores the sensitivity surrounding religious and governance structures in Nigeria. Lawmakers ultimately resolved to table the bill for further deliberation, directing it to relevant committees for an in-depth review of its constitutional implications and societal impact. The divisive debate has since sparked widespread reactions on social media, with citizens voicing concerns about the nation’s trajectory and underscoring the importance of religious inclusivity in policymaking. Many urged the House to focus on issues that promote national unity, as Nigeria continues to navigate complex socio-religious dynamics.
HOW I FELT LOSING ELECTION AS INCUMBENT PRESIDENT – JONATHAN
HOW I FELT LOSING ELECTION AS INCUMBENT PRESIDENT – JONATHAN Former President Goodluck Jonathan, on Friday, recounted the experience of losing the 2015 presidential election, saying it was a tough moment in his political life. The ex-president admitted that he was emotional when he learned the result, adding that it felt as if the whole world was against him. He made the confession in Abuja at the 1st Raymond Dokpesi Annual Diamond Lecture, organised by the management of Daar Communications in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. Jonathan, who ran on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, was defeated in the 2015 election by the All Progressives Congress candidate, Muhammadu Buhari. The former military dictator polled 15,424,921 votes, relegating the ex-president, who garnered only 12,853,162 votes, to second place.The election marked the first time an incumbent president had lost re-election in Nigeria. Beaming with a smile as he addressed the audience on Friday, Jonathan said the emotional torment he experienced was inexplicable. The former Bayelsa deputy governor also recounted the fatherly role the Chairman of Daar Communications, Raymond Dokpesi, played before he officially handed over to Buhari. He said, “It is not easy to lose an election as a president. You will think the whole world is against you. But then, Dokpesi invited me before I handed over. I remember what he said to me when I lost the election. “There were so many senior Nigerians (elder statesmen) who spoke. After I listened to all the conversations, he congratulated me and encouraged me to look beyond the election. This is how I commemorated that session. “That communication gave me hope and helped me not necessarily for the transition hour ahead of me but also in my spiritual life as a private citizen. If you read my book, My Transition Hours, I explain it more elaborately.” Earlier in his address, the Minister of Information, Idris Mohammed, urged Nigerians not to abuse the freedom of speech they are enjoying. While describing Dokpesi as a patriot and exceptional media personality, Mohammed suggested that others should borrow a leaf from his exemplary lifestyle of nation-building. “Our respect for freedom of speech is sacrosanct even as we continue to urge responsibility in the exercise of this freedom. Nigerians are free to speak about this dear country of ours. What we can and will continue to do is to avoid getting to the point where reckless negativity becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts. “We will make a grievous error individually and collectively if we choose to focus only on what is not working and neglect to balance it with equal attention to the things we are getting right. And we are getting a lot of things right as a nation even in our present circumstances. “The media has an important role to play in strengthening this balanced approach through your reportage as shepherds and drivers of public opinion. The late Dokpesi played his part, and he did it in a way that he will never be forgotten,” he stated. Dokpesi passed away on May 29, 2023. According to DAAR Communications Group Managing Director, Tony Akiotu, he had been ill for a few weeks before his death. Akiotu added that the former marine engineer fell off his treadmill during a routine gym exercise.
WE DID NOT ASK TINUBU TO REMOVE FUEL SUBSIDY – IMF, SAYS IT’S DOMESTIC AFFAIR
WE DID NOT ASK TINUBU TO REMOVE FUEL SUBSIDY – IMF, SAYS IT’S DOMESTIC AFFAIR The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has denied playing a role in the removal of fuel subsidy by the President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government. This was stated at a press conference during the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington DC, United States.. According to the IMF’s African Region Director, Abebe Selassie, the decision reached was a domestic one. “The decision was a domestic one. We don’t have programmes in Nigeria. Our role is limited to regular dialogue, as we have with other nations like Japan or the UK,” the official said, according to Vanguard. While agreeing the need for investment in critical sectors of the country, like healthcare, infrastructure and education, he argued that the government’s choices regarding subsidy removal reflect its long-term strategy for sustainable economic growth. “Ultimately, these are profound domestic and political decisions that the government had to make,” he said, expressing that the IMF sees these choices as steps toward greater public resource efficiency.” “We recognise the significant social costs involved. The government can mitigate these by expanding social protection for the most vulnerable.” he said in reference to Nigerians affected by the impact of subsidy removal It would be recalled that President Bola Tinubu announced that subsidy was gone on May 29, 2023, a development that led to hike on fuel prices with a litre selling for over N1000 as of the time of this report. The government was accused of following the IMF policies in implementing total subsidy removal.
OBASANJO OPENS UP ON THIRD TERM, REVEALS ACTUAL SPONSORS
OBASANJO OPENS UP ON THIRD TERM AMBITION, REVEALS ACTUAL SPONSORS Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has finally broken his silence on the long-standing controversy surrounding his alleged third-term ambition. The former President made the disclosure in an interview on News Central which aired on Thursday. In the interview, Obasanjo denied ever nursing such ambitions, contrary to claims by his former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, and ex-Senate President Ken Nnamani. Obasanjo stated that if he had wanted a third term, he would have gotten it. He attributed the rumours to some governors who were secretly working towards extending their own terms in office. These governors believed that if Obasanjo secured a third term, they would also benefit from an extended tenure. His words: “If I had wanted a third term, I would have gotten it. I didn’t want a third term. I know some governors working for this, believing that if I, as president, got a third, they would also get it.” Obasanjo revealed that getting debt relief for Nigeria was a far more challenging task than securing a third term. He proudly noted that his administration successfully obtained debt relief for the country, a feat that required diplomatic efforts with countries like France, England, Japan, and the United States. Atiku Abubakar and Ken Nnamani have both claimed to have played instrumental roles in toppling Obasanjo’s alleged third-term bid. Ahead of the 2023 presidential election, Atiku claimed that his connections within the National Assembly enabled him to block Obasanjo’s third-term agenda. Obasanjo and Atiku served as Nigeria’s president and vice president from 1999 to 2007. However, their relationship went sour when Obasanjo chose not to support Atiku as his successor. Meanwhile, Nnamani, stated that he had to give up his senatorial ambition to ensure Obasanjo’s third-term bid was defeated. He alleged that lawmakers were offered promises and cash incentives, but he remained committed to preventing the agenda, which ultimately led to his failure to secure re-election in 2007.
ABARIBE DENOUNCES TINUBU’S CABINET RESHUFFLE, SAYS PRESIDENT SHOWING SOUTH EAST ‘RENEWED SHEGE’
ABARIBE DENOUNCES TINUBU’S CABINET RESHUFFLE, SAYS PRESIDENT SHOWING SOUTH EAST ‘RENEWED SHEGE’ Abia South Senator, Enyinnaya Abaribe, has accused President Bola Tinubu of showing the Southeast “renewed shege.” Abaribe faulted the cabinet reshuffling, which saw the appointment of Bianca Ojukwu as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. Tinubu had removed five ministers while appointing seven and reassigning 10 to new portfolios. The president relieved Uju-Ken Ohanenye, the Minister of Women Affairs, from her duties. Reacting, Abaribe said relieving a Southeast Minister and replacing with another “doesn’t feel like progress.” Speaking with Arise TV, Abaribe said, “For my constituents, nothing has changed. They don’t refer to it as ‘Renewed Hope’ but rather as ‘Renewed Shege (Suffering).’ “The South East, in particular, is questioning the supposed changes. Removing one South East minister only to replace them doesn’t feel like progress.” The lawmaker accused Tinubu of breaching the constitution, stressing that the reshuffled cabinet did not reflect Federal character. Abaribe added: “The president has breached it for the last 18 months. We thought that with these changes, maybe there will be some adjustments that will also put some balm on what is going on in the minds of people from the South East. “I want to tell everyone that the Igbos want fairness and equity, which are in the constitution. Treat us as you are treating everybody else.” He further lamented that, despite the South East’s calls for equity and fairness, Tinubu’s actions continue to overlook the region.
REACTIONS CONTINUE TO TRAIL TINUBU’S CABINET RESHUFFLE
REACTIONS CONTINUE TO TRAIL TINUBU’S CABINET RESHUFFLE President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet reshuffle on Wednesday has continued to generate diverse reactions from Nigerians. Among those who have commented on it are the spokesperson for then-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Laolu Akande, and the Regional Advocacy Lead and ECOWAS Liaison Officer at the West Africa Democracy Solidarity (WADEMOS) Network, Austin Aigbe. President Tinubu’s ministerial cabinet shake-up on Wednesday led to the removal of five ministers and appointment of seven new ones, who are awaiting Senate confirmation. The exercise also led to the scrapping of the Ministry of Sports Development with its functions transferred to the National Sports Commission. The Ministry of Niger Delta Development gave way to the Ministry of Regional Development which will oversee the affairs of the Niger Delta Development Commission, the South East Development Commission, the North East Development and the North West Development Commission. Both Akande and Aigbe noted that the exercise appeared to be marked by political considerations. Speaking on Channels Television’s programme, ‘Sunrise Daily’ on Thursday, Mr Akande, said that there is no justification for the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to be retained as minister in the face of the allegations of his involvement with bandits. Mr Matawalle is a former governor of Zamfara State, one of the North-west states most terrorised by bandits. “So, I would think the president has barely just done more than 50 percent to meet expectations, but I think he should have gone further. “For instance, you know, I’m not sure that there is sufficient justification to keep Matawalle on the job with all the noise and the allegations that were tendered by a sitting governor,” Mr Akande said. Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, who succeeded the minister as the helmsman of the state, accused him of sponsoring bandits and asked him to resign and address the allegations, including money laundering, during his tenure as governor. “If I were him (Matawalle), I would resign and face all the allegations against me because, from all the information we are getting, my predecessor was fully involved in some of this banditry,” Mr Lawal said on a television programme in September. Mr Akande said such allegations by a sitting governor should not be waved aside without a thorough investigation. “I have heard the explanation that, ‘oh, well, you know, those allegations are not true’. The question is who made the investigation? I mean, if a governor, a sitting governor in this country, says that this is what this minister is doing, ‘this minister is supporting banditry, this minister’s hand is in all of this’, we need to have a public review to tell us ‘this is what we find, this is what is right, this is what is not right’,” Mr Akande said. Shortly after Mr Lawal’s call for Mr Matawalle’s removal, a support group of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Tinubu Youth Network (TYN), similarly urged Mr Tinubu to take advantage of his planned cabinet reshuffle to remove Mr Matawalle from office, and investigate the allegations against him.LSome protesters under the aegis of APC Akida Forum also protested at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja, demanding action on the pending corruption case against Matawalle. Responding to the protesters, EFCC promised a review of the case against the minister. But Mr Matawalle has vehemently denied the allegations levelled against him. He said the allegations were unfounded and challenged his successor to prove them. Mr Aigbe, who appeared on Arise News Television on Thursday, also criticised Mr Tinubu’s retention of the office of the Minister of Petroleum for himself. He said Mr Tinubu needs to question his ministerial role in the face of the poor performance of the petroleum sector since…
CRIMINALS DARE SOLUDO, TAKE CRIME TO GOVERNOR’S DOOR
The rising wave of insecurity in Anambra State has reached a critical point, with criminals now brazenly operating within Awka, the state’s capital. Recent events within Awka and its environs suggest that hoodlums have brought their activities to the state governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo’s doorstep. With multiple incidents in the past week alone, residents are now questioning the effectiveness of Governor Soludo’s security measures Violence has recently spiked in the state capital. Over four days, from Sunday to Thursday, no fewer than 25 lives have been lost. In Awka, reports of robbers and kidnappers operating in the student-dominated Ifite-Awka area have become steady. Recently, a communal clash between Enugwu-Ukwu and Nawfia communities left several people dead. The latest incident was the brazen killing of about 16 people in Nibo, a town close to the governor’s residence in Amawbia. The ugly developments have forced many to view the Soludo-led government as helpless in handling these killings, which have led to inaction. DAILY POST observed that during an attack on Enugwu-Ukwu residents a month ago, at least three people were killed, allegedly by Nawfia community members over a land dispute in Njikoka Local Government Area. Both communities have reportedly been in conflict over a parcel of land. DAILY POST observed that unidentified persons from Nawfia allegedly lured some Enugwu-Ukwu residents to the disputed land via a phone call and attacked them, resulting in three deaths and several injuries. Enugwu-Ukwu community leaders have since urged the state government to investigate. Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba, Nigeria’s immediate past Ambassador to Burundi and a community leader, expressed shock and grief over the brutal violence. “Enugwu-Ukwu is currently deliberating on this. Our President-General has informed the state government, and the police authorities at Zone 13, Ukpo, Dunukofia Local Government Area, have also been notified. Urgent action is needed to prevent escalation of the crisis,” he stated. In Nawfia, the President-General, Chief Daniel Okoye, and HRH Igwe (Amb) Sir Daniel Obelle jointly condemned the killings and denied any association with the perpetrators. They described accusations of Nawfia indigenes’ involvement as “inciteful, prejudicial, provocative, specious, and insensitive,” intended to heighten tensions. They called on the state government for a thorough investigation. Police authorities pledged impartiality and committed to prosecuting those involved. However, over a month later, no action has been taken, leaving grieving families without government intervention. On Thursday, a shooting spree occurred in Awka, claiming no fewer than seven lives, sources hinted DAILY POST. One witness, a student, reported that the shooting took place in Ifite-Awka around 9:15 a.m., and several people were killed. Ifite-Awka, predominantly populated by Nnamdi Azikiwe University students, has seen rising crime rates, which may be related to cult activities. DAILY POST learned that a white Toyota Venza SUV, driven by gunmen, pursued a Mercedes-Benz SUV in an apparent kidnapping attempt but was thwarted by local youths, leading to a deadly backlash. “When they missed their target, they came back and killed the people in the area where they were obstructed,” a source said. On Sunday, Nibo community witnessed a similar tragedy when unknown assailants killed about a dozen people. A survivor, a staff member of the Anambra State Ministry of Information identified as Ichie Oku, recounted his escape: “They pointed a gun at me, but one of them said I was not their target. Still, he aimed at me, but his colleague pushed him, and the bullet struck the wall behind me. That’s how I survived. “Three people with me were killed instantly. The attackers returned to shoot five others before heading to Eke Nibo, where they killed more people.” The Nibo community’s security director and vigilante leader, Wadada, described the incident: “One of my vigilante men, Mr. Uchenna Obiekwe, an only son who is unmarried,…