COURT SAYS CELESTINE OMEHIA NOT ENTITLED TO BENEFIT AS FORMER RIVERS GOVERNOR
COURT SAYS CELESTINE OMEHIA NOT ENTITLED TO BENEFIT AS FORMER RIVERS GOVERNOR A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has delivered judgment on the contentious issue of Celestine Omehia’s entitlement to pension benefits from the state government. The court ruled against the demand by the Rivers State Government and the Rivers State House of Assembly for Omehia to refund over N696m paid to him as pension and other benefits until his derecognition. The court, while acknowledging that Omehia had never officially served as governor of Rivers State, held that proper interpretation of the governor and deputy governor pension and free benefits law precludes him from benefiting from the pension scheme as stipulated under the state’s pension law. Justice Daketima Kio, in his judgment on the suit filed by Omehia against the Rivers State Governor, Attorney General of the State, Speaker, and the State House of Assembly, ruled that Omehia cannot be held liable for the errors of the defendants in the suit. The court emphasized that Omehia never sought recognition from the state government or the House of Assembly, and thus cannot legitimately demand the funds paid to him erroneously. Justice Kio affirmed the Supreme Court’s characterization of Omehia as an imposter and held that he should not be accorded the status of a former governor or benefit from the governor and deputy governor pension law. The court refrained from awarding costs in favour of any party, directing that each party should bear its costs. Counsel to the Rivers State Government and House of Assembly, Success Gibert, expressed satisfaction with the aspect of the judgment favouring his clients. However, he declined to comment on the ruling regarding the repayment of funds by the claimant, stating that the government will address the matter accordingly.Counsel to Omehia declined to comment on the judgment.
UJU ANYA: NIGERIAN-BORN US PROFESSOR ENGAGED WITH LESBIAN PARTNER
UJU ANYA: NIGERIAN-BORN US PROFESSOR ENGAGED WITH LESBIAN PARTNER Uju Anya, a Nigerian professor residing in the United States, has shared the joyful news of her engagement to her partner, Sirry Alang. The couple recently made the announcement on social media, revealing the heartwarming details of the romantic proposal that unfolded at a gathering surrounded by their loved ones. Taking to her social media platform on March 23rd, Uju Anya expressed her elation as she recounted the surprise proposal orchestrated by Sirry Alang. She described the memorable moment when the proposal unfolded amidst the presence of their children and dear friends.In her post, Uju wrote, “Y’all. She said we were heading to Summer Lee’s party. When I arrived to pick her up, I was pleasantly shocked beyond words. She had conspired with our friends, some flew in, and we found ourselves enveloped in love. In front of our children and cherished friends, Sirry Alang asked me to be her wife. And without hesitation, I said yes.”
I’LL CONTINUE TO PAY WAGE AWARD UNTIL MINIMUM WAGE IS CONCLUDED – GOV MBAH
I’LL CONTINUE TO PAY WAGE AWARD UNTIL MINIMUM WAGE IS CONCLUDED – GOV MBAH Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has promised continuous payment of wage awards to state workers until committee on new minimum wage concludes its work. The governor made the pledge during the Town Hall meeting with Enugu people on Saturday at the Old Government House, Enugu. The governor began the payments of the wage award of between N10,000 and N25,000 to state workers last December to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal. The town hall meeting was attended by representatives of the Civil Society Organisations, women, students, youth, business owners, traders, transport unions and others. Mr Mbah said his government would prioritise workers’ welfare, adding that he would create values that would help workers to thrive. “Until new minimum wage is concluded, we will continue to pay wage award,” he assured. The governor who added that his administration inherited arrears of pension and gratuity of retired civil servants, explained that he did not waste time in clearing them. “Today we are working seriously to clear that of primary school teachers and Local Government workers. On education, Mr Mbah said his administration identified it as the strongest weapon to fight poverty, saying “this is why we are building SMART Schools across 260 wards which will be operational by September, 2025. “Our children will now be using tablets to study and teachers smart boards to teach while the student would learn about artificial intelligence, robotics and others that will make them technological inclined,” he said. The governor said that the government was building level two Primary Health Centres across the 260 wards to reduce infant and maternal mortality in the state. Mr Mbah said that it had already awarded 30 contracts for the health centres and about to award 100 more. On electricity, the governor disclosed that the state was working to generate and distribute electricity to provide power for homes and businesses in the state. “Electricity being the major infrastructural requirement for private sector to thrive, we took advantage when the Federal Government removed it from exclusive list to concurrent list by establishing Enugu State Electricity Commission. “There shall be no monopoly as people will be allowed to buy and sell electricity”Mr Mbah also pledged to design a programme to ensure students palliative and also sustain the state’s Scholarship Board.
Dons Eze
- Entertainment
- March 26, 2024
- 68 views
NOLLYWOOD ACTOR, ZACK ORJI, DEAD?
NOLLYWOOD VETERAN ACTOR ZACK ORJI DEAD? Social media is currently buzzing with unconfirmed reports of the passing of Nollywood Legend, Zack Orji. Orji who has been suffering from brain issues leading to a brain surgery was said to have died yesterday night. The actor was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the National Hospital in Abuja on New Year’s Eve. He was said to have had brain surgery the next day. The AGN said the actor was unable to walk or talk upon admission. A footage which surfaced on New Year’s Eve showed Mr Orji being admitted to a hospital in Abuja after collapsing at his house’s toilet. The video also showed the actor lying in bed in pain. The 63-year-old actor struggled with fatigue for weeks, leaving him unable to talk or move. The actor underwent medical tests, and the guild will inform the public of any developments. During the build-up to the general elections in February 2023, the actor made headlines in 2022 when he declared support for President Bola Tinubu, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He shared his endorsement in a two-minute video on his social media platforms. The actor also served as a director of performing arts for the APC’s presidential campaign council in 2022. Orji, a director and film producer, has starred in movies such as ‘Living in Bondage ‘Iva’ ‘Blood Sisters’ and others. He was featured in 2023 ‘Black Harvest,’ a gripping psychological thriller where he embodied the patriarch of a wealthy family wrestling with dark secrets and buried desires.He also starred in ‘Alerte’, a suspenseful action film alongside Nollywood stalwarts like Rita Edochie and Sani Danja.
- Spirituality
- March 26, 2024
- 68 views
THOMAS OBIATUEGWU: FROM BATTLEFIELD CHAPLAIN TO CATHOLIC BISHOP
THOMAS OBIATUEGWU: FROM BATTLEFIELD CHAPLAIN TO CATHOLIC BISHOP The Orlu Catholic Diocese has welcomed a new Auxiliary Bishop, Monsignor Thomas Ifeanyichukwu Obiatuegwu, in a ceremony that holds significance for the community and for Obiatuegwu, who left religious service in the US Military to take up religious duties as a priest in Orlu, Imo state. In January, Pope Francis appointed him to his new role, and as the Auxiliary Bishop of the Nigerian Episcopal See, Obiatuegwu will assist Bishop Augustine Tochukwu Ukwuoma, 70, who has led the Nigerian Diocese, accommodating 1.2 million Catholics, since June 2008. Bishop Obiatuegwu was born on January 1, 1966, in Umuaku Uli, Anambra State. He attended the Minor Seminary in Umuowa and Saint Joseph’s Major Seminary Ikot-Ekpene, and subsequently at the Bigard Memorial Seminary Enugu. He further pursued higher education, obtaining a Master’s Degree in Philosophy from the Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain, and a Master’s Degree in Public Management and Policy from Indiana University in the United States of America. Obiatuegwu was ordained a Catholic Priest on August 26, 1995, and has since established himself as a religious nomad, serving in various offices in Nigeria and overseas. From 1995 to 1997, he served as the Chaplain of the hospital of Amaigbo, Ebonyi and in the three years after, was the Parish Priest of Saint Theresa’s in Amauju, Isunjaba, Imo. . In 2004, he moved to the United States and served as the Parish Vicar of Saint Patrick’s in Kokoma, Indiana, United States of America from until 2010. In that year, Obiatuegwu joined the U.S. military. He served in the Corps of Army Chaplains until 2017 becoming a U.S. Army 1st Lieutenant. Coming back to Nigeria in 2017, he became the Parish Priest of Holy Rosary in Orlu until 2018 the Parish Priest of Saint Michael’s in Urualla until 2023. In that same period, he was the Dean of the Saint Michael Pastoral Region, and since 2023, was the Parish Priest of Saint Joseph’s in Umuna, Orlu. “The Holy Father is sending me to you in total obedience to him and without any reservation. Here I am, willing and ready to serve just like Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve,” Bishop Ifeanyichukwu said during his ordination. Hope Uzodinma, governor of Imo state expressed delight at Obiatuegwu’s appointment considering it a forward step in unifying Anambra, his native land and Imo, where his diocese is situated. “This momentous occasion, is fostering greater unity between the sister States of Imo and Anambra, without neglecting the importance of our respective roles each play in the growth and sustainability of peace in our region,” he said. “I was propelled by this unity to emphasize the significance of collaboration between the Church and Government, stressing their complementary nature in addressing societal challenges, particularly the prevalent insecurity issues,” he added. Uzodinma is optimistic about the potential of this collaboration to create a brighter future for the communities involved. Obiatuegwu recognizes his path to the pulpit and embraces collaboration, seeking support from all Bishops, members of the Clergy, and all Catholics.“I solicit your continuous prayers and mentorship on how to be a good and holy Bishop,” he said.
NIGERIAN GOVT INVITES GUMI FOR QUESTIONING
NIGERIAN GOVT INVITES GUMI FOR QUESTIONING The Nigerian Government has invited controversial Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, for questioning. Gumi was invited for questioning over his comments on the activities of bandits in the country. The minister of Information and Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed while addressing journalists at the State House, Abuja, on Monday. The minister said the Islamic cleric was not “above the law”, adding that the government has deemed it necessary to invite him for questioning. A few weeks ago, Gumi had urged the Tinubu-led government to join him in negotiating with bandits. Gumi urged Tinubu not to repeat what he described as the ‘mistake’ made by former President Muhammadu Buhari, who refused to dialogue with bandits.He also said that terrorism in Nigeria was not financed by Nigerians but by the terrorists who kidnap people for ransom.
ABACHA: BEST PRESIDENT NIGERIA EVER HAD, DIDN’T LOOT ANY PENNY – BUBA GALADIMA
ABACHA: BEST PRESIDENT NIGERIA EVER HAD, DIDN’T LOOT ANY PENNY – BUBA GALADIMA A chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Buba Galadima, has described former Head of State, General Sani Abacha as Nigeria’s best President. Galadima made this assertion in an interview, noting that the former military head of state was so far the best President Nigeria has had. Galadima said Abacha did well in infrastructural projects, noting that throughout his four years plus reign, the dollar-to-naira rate was N84, and the fuel price never changed. He said, “I have answered this question severally. For me, Abacha was the best President that Nigeria ever had because he held this country like this. And Abacha built the Federal Secretariat, National Assembly, and several others “Throughout Abacha’s four years plus, the dollar was N84, fuel never changed, you can plan for your business. “Which of these leaders can beat his chest to say the dollar remains the same for six months?” When asked about Abacha’s looting, Buba Galadima said Abacha didn’t loot any penny. The interviewer then asked if Abacha stored money abroad. In response, he said, “I was part of the government, and I knew how much I left in the government’s coffers, which were wiped out in two months after Abacha’s regime.” He further explained the several returns from different countries claiming to be looted funds from Abacha. Galadima said, “the so-called Abacha loot, Abacha was advised by Saddam Hussein, to establish dummy companies around the world not linked to you, gather as much money that you can that can serve your country’s import for at least six months, because there were several sanctions by the West. “Abacha followed the advice and deposited the money in different countries for importation purposes, and the money was not recorded in Abacha’s name. “The money was never recorded in Abacha’s name.”.
ATIKU’S AIDE MOCKS TINUBU GOVT OVER ESCAPE OF DETAINED BINANCE DIRECTOR
AKIKU’S AIDE MOCKS TINUBU GOVT OVER ESCAPE OF DETAINED BINANCE DIRECTOR Phrank Shaibu, Special Assistant to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has berated President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the reported escape of one of the detained Binance executives. Atiku was also the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 and 2023 presidential elections. Shaibu accused President Tinubu’s government of transforming Nigeria’s detention centres into amateur magician training grounds where detainees escape any time they want. It was earlier reported that one of the two executives of Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange who were arrested in Nigeria had escaped from the custody in Abuja. Sources privy to the incident disclosed this, identifying the fugitive as Nadeem Anjarwalla. The 38-year-old Mr Anjarwalla reportedly fled from the Abuja guest home where he and his colleague were detained on Friday, March 22, when guards took him to a nearby mosque for prayers because of the ongoing Ramadan fast. According to insiders, there is a likelihood that Anjarwalla, who also has Kenyan citizenship, flew out of Abuja on a Middle East airliner. However, it remains unknown how Mr Anjarwalla got on an international flight even though his British passport, with which he entered Nigeria, is still in the hands of Nigerian authorities. Reacting to the report, Shaibu in a post on his social media handle described Anjarwalla’s escape as another riveting episode of what he called “Nigeria’s Got Escapes,” saying that no one needs security in the country anymore when the government can provide an escape room experience for all detained executives. He said, “Another riveting episode of ‘Nigeria’s Got Escapes,’ brought to you by the @officialABAT administration! Detained Binance executive pulls off a vanishing act right under their noses? “Bravo, @officialABAT, for transforming our detention centers into amateur magician training grounds! Who needs security when you can provide a thrilling escape room experience for all detained executives?“Stay tuned for the next episode: “Escape from Nigeria: The Sequel” or ‘Nigeria’s Got Talent: The Fugitive Edition.’”
- Foreign Affairs
- March 26, 2024
- 85 views
INTERPOL GOES AFTER FLEEING BINANCE DIRECTOR – MINISTER
INTERPOL GOES AFTER FLEEING BINANCE DIRECTOR – MINISTER Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris on Monday said there is no hiding place for Nadeem Anjarwalla, a Director of Binance who escaped from custody and fled the country after he was detained by the Nigerian Government. The minister said the International Police (Interpol) were currently on Anjarwalla’s trail. Idris was reacting to the Binance executive’s escape from Nigeria. According to Idris, since Binance is an international firm, there is no way the culprit will evade arrest. His explanation came barely few hours after the Office of the National Security Adviser confirmed that Anjarwalla, a key suspect in the ongoing criminal investigation regarding Binance’s activities in Nigeria, managed to escape lawful custody on Friday, March 22nd, 2024. In an official statement released by the Head of Strategic Communication for the Office of the National Security Adviser, Zakari Mijinyawa, it was explained that collaborative efforts between the office, relevant security agencies, various government bodies and the international community are already underway to swiftly locate and detain the fugitive. The statement stressed that security agencies are working with Interpol for an international arrest warrant on the suspect as preliminary investigation shows that Anjarwalla fled Nigeria using a smuggled passport. The personnel responsible for the custody of the suspect have been arrested, and a thorough investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances that led to his escape from lawful detention. It would be recalled that the Federal Government of Nigeria, like other governments around the world, has been investigating money laundering and terrorism financing transactions perpetrated on the Binance currency exchange platform. Anjarwalla, who holds British and Kenyan nationalities and serves as Binance’s Africa regional manager, was being tried by Nigerian courts before he escaped while under a 14-day remand order issued by a court.He was scheduled to appear before the court again on 4 April 2024.
LP CRISIS: PETER OBI, OBIDIENTS DUMP ABURE AS SEARCH FOR NEW CHAIRMAN BEGINS
LP CRISIS: PETER OBI, OBIDIENTS DUMP ABURE, AS SEARCH FOR NEW CHAIRMAN BEGINS The crisis rocking the Labour Party, LP, took a dangerous dimension last week, with members of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, picketing the party’s national secretariat and some of its state offices. There are also indications that the presidential candidate of the party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi and his supporters known as Obidients may have abandoned the party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure to his fate. This is not unconnected to the internal crisis that has been rocking the party structure since the 2023 general elections was concluded. After a series of legal battles with the factional chairman of the party, Lamidi Apapa, Abure has been in the news over alleged financial impropriety and other disturbing issues. Peter Obi had in February 2024, called for a thorough and forensic investigation into an embezzlement allegation levelled against the party’s chairman, Abure. The call by the former Anambra Governor was in response to allegations earlier made by Oluchi Oparah, the national treasurer of the party, accusing Abure of allegedly misappropriating N3.5 billion. Oparah also alleged that the Abure-led National Working Committee, NWC, was working hand-in-hand with the Edo State Government and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, ahead of the September 2024 governorship polls. Similarly, in a letter signed by Comrades TItus Amba and Chris Uyot, the chairman and the secretary of NLC Political Commission, the party expressed concerns over recurrent scandals and pending cases of fraud. Abure was recently accused by some stakeholders of the party, including the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, of running the LP as a “sole administrator.” The Deputy President of the NLC Political Commission, Dr Theophilus Ndubuaku, who spoke when the workers occupied the Labour Party headquarters in Abuja recently, said the decision to picket the party’s headquarters was taken to express workers’ grievances against Abure’s style of leadership. He said, ”Now, it is in the hands of this usurper, he is looking for N30 million, N40 million, and so on to buy forms, excluding the people who founded the party. Enough is enough, Abure must go,” said the acting General Secretary of NLC, Comrade Bello Ismail on the cost of governorship interest and nomination forms. Similarly, in a letter issued by Comrades TItus Amba and Chris Uyot, the chairman and secretary of NLC Political Commission, respectively, the union also knocked Abure for not being committed to the ideology of the Labour Party. The embattled LP Chairman was in the news recently again over his alleged plan to hold National Convention without due processes. The Abure-led National Working Committee, NWC, was accused of planning to hold the national convention of the party in Umuahia, Abia State capital on March 27. The planned convention was captured in a notice issued to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on March 13. The move was, however, rejected by critical stakeholders, such as the House of Reps Caucus and the NLC, leading to the recent picketing of the party’s secretariat last week. Recall that the Nigeria Labour Congress Political Commission – the political wing of the NLC, had in an open letter dated March 15, condemned the planned convention. While demanding for the immediate resignation of Abure, the commission described the plan as illegal, noting that it would not allow any form of illegality in the affairs of the party to stand. A source who spoke on Saturday on condition of anonymity, alleged that Abure’s intention was to impose leadership on the party. He said major stakeholders in that party were against the March convention, stressing that the party needs more time to select its leaders. “Everybody in the party including our leader, Peter Obi is tired of Abure’s leadership.…