Dons EzeNIGERIANS NEED TO KNOW AJAERO ‘S OFFENCES – OSIFO ACCUSES FG OF INTIMIDATING ORGANIZED LABOUR
NIGERIANS NEED TO KNOW AJAERO S OFFENCES – OSIFO ACCUSES FG OF INTIMIDATING ORGANIZED LABOUR The President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo, has faulted the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) over the invitation of the President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero.Naija News recalls that the police on Monday invited Ajaero for questioning over allegations of terrorism financing, treasonable felony, cybercrime and other related offences. In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Osifo urged the security operatives to unveil the offences allegedly committed by Ajaero. Osifo also accused the Nigerian government of intimidating the labour movement, adding that Ajaero is only interested in the welfare of the members of the NLC. He said, “You could see that as of today, there was a response from our lawyer, Femi Falana, saying that the government should come clean and tell us what are the offences. “They should open up much more because Nigerians need to know. The way it is generally perceived today is that you are muzzling the labour movement. Joe Ajaero does not present himself. Anything that he is doing, he is doing it on behalf of the members of the Nigeria Labour Congress. “For us, we will continue to be advocates to push government to do what is right in all ramifications. The final thing that we will do is to shut down the oil and gas industry so that the refinery can work.”
TINUBU, FAMILY MORTGAGING NIGERIA’S FUTURE LIKE THEY DID TO LAGOS – ATIKU
TINUBU, FAMILY MORTGAGING NIGERIA’S FUTURE LIKE THEY DID TO LAGOS – ATIKU Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has declared that the future of Nigerians has been effectively mortgaged to President Bola Tinubu, his family, and associates. Atiku stated that even after Tinubu leaves office, it will be nearly impossible to break the shackles imposed on the country by the president. Atiku, who was the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election, in a statement by his media aide, Paul Ibe, accused Tinubu of integrating his business interests into the federal government’s enterprises just as he did in Lagos. “Just as Alpha Beta, Primero, and others act as Tinubu’s proxies in Lagos, managing critical sectors and generating revenue for him and his family, he has begun to replicate this at the federal level,” Atiku said. He expressed astonishment at the operations of the NNPC and how the government-owned oil company had put its retail arm under the control of OVH, a company in which Oando, led by Wale Tinubu, owns 49%. Atiku regretted that his intention to privatize the NNPC and increase its transparency has been overshadowed by what he describes as the criminal hijack of the NNPC by corporate cabals around the current president. “In October 2022, just five months before the elections, the NNPC Retail controversially announced it had acquired OVH and all its filling stations. NNPCL already had about 550 filling stations across the country but claimed it was enhancing its capacity by acquiring OVH, which had only 94 stations and 100 others leased. “The NNPC did not disclose the purchase price of OVH or the terms of the acquisition. A Freedom of Information request by Premium Times was also rejected by the NNPC, which claimed to be a private company despite still being government-owned. “Following this dubious deal, Mele Kyari was controversially retained as NNPC GMD despite his incompetence. Tinubu then appointed his former boss at Mobil, turned ally, Pius Akinyelure, as NNPC Chairman, while he himself took on the role of Minister of Petroleum. “In a move that defies economic logic, OVH, previously owned by NNPC Retail, has now acquired NNPC Retail. This absurd situation means that Wale Tinubu’s Oando now owns 49% of NNPC Retail. Moreover, Nigeria paid Wale Tinubu a significant sum to facilitate the Tinubu family’s acquisition of the national oil company. This represents a clear case of illogical business transactions and abuse of office by President Tinubu, who has prevented NNPC from becoming a public liability company as stipulated by the PIA,” Atiku said. He said that because Tinubu is the Petroleum Minister, he should be held responsible for the sector’s issues. Atiku also commented on the recent revelation that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project is under litigation. He was reacting to the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), a global network of investigative journalists, which reported that the coastal highway project has been taken to court and revealed a close relationship between Tinubu’s son, Seyi, and Gilbert Chagoury, who was awarded the contract without competitive bidding. “I had earlier claimed that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project was fraudulent, but the government denied it. Now, the matter is in court. It is also concerning that Chagoury and Tinubu have a business relationship, and their children are business partners, as revealed by the OCCRP. “This indicates a conflict of interest. It is no surprise that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Coastal Highway, which together will cost over $24 billion, were approved without competitive bidding. It seems that whatever Tinubu wants, he gets,” Atiku concluded.
HOW RENO OMOKRI HAD INSULTED TINUBU
HOW RENO OMOKRI HAD INSULTED TINUBU Some social media users have dug up tweets and comments of controversial social media influencer, Reno Omokri, castigating President Bola Tinubu.Omokri, who campaigned vigorously for Atiku Abubakar, Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, suddenly made a U-turn when it was clear that Atiku’s path to Aso Rock was uncertain.However, before he abandoned Atiku’s camp, Omokri literarily took Tinubu to the cleaners over his ambition.In some of the posts on X handle (formerly Twitter), Omokri questioned Tinubu’s personal hygiene and his credentials, which he described as “questionable.”The old posts were dug up after Omokri dismissed a piece on the newly acquired presidential aircraft.Checks by Daily Trust showed that Air Force One, the aircraft of the world’s most powerful president, is 34 years old and has been used by six different presidents.This newspaper had run checks and got reactions of experts in the story, which Omokri, a latter day defender of President Bola Tinubu, found offensive.Accusing Daily Trust of mischief, Omokri claimed this newspaper took on President Bola Tinubu because he is a Southerner.But rather than get the traction he sought, social media users have been taking him on.Many also wondered how Omokri who was a fierce critic of Tinubu suddenly became his defender and praise singer.An X user, Adeniyi Segun (@adeniyisegun114) came hard on Omokri and dug up some of his old comments where he attacked Tinubu.“Were you not the same person who posted all these about Tinubu years back? Shameless fellow,” the social media user posted. Read some of the old posts below:Tinubu has no tangible achievement or legacy to boast of that, that is why he lists things like ECONET and ENRON as achievements. ECONET was a PRIVATE company that came to Nigeria because of Obasanjo. ENRON is a criminal company that was shut down in America. #TableShakerWhen he was arranging bullion vans to buy votes for Buhari, Tinubu didn’t complain of being betrayed. When his thugs were beating people in PDP enclaves of Lagos during the last election, he did not complain. Now that Buhari has shown him, he is now crying waa, waa!#TableShaker pic.twitter.com/4iRa2IpMvxI wish Tinubu health and long life that he and Buhari denied the young Nigerians their regime butchered during the Lekki Massacre of unarmed, peaceful #EndSARS protesters on Oct 20, 2020.
PRO-FUBARA, WIKE ASSESSMENT FACTIONS HOLD SEPARATE PUBLIC HEARINGS
PRO-FUBARA, WIKE ASSEMBLY FACTIONS HOLD SEPARATE PUBLIC HEARINGS The ongoing political tussle in Rivers State reached a new level as rival factions of the Rivers State House of Assembly held separate public hearings on crucial bills this week.The split in the Assembly has heightened tensions between the faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, led by Martin Amaewhule, and the faction aligned with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, led by Victor Oko-Jumbo. On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, the Oko-Jumbo-led faction held a public hearing on the Rivers Emergency Management Agency Bill 2024. This bill aims to create a framework for emergency preparedness, response, and recovery in the state, addressing the growing concerns over disasters, particularly those related to severe rainfall and flooding. Deputy Speaker Timothy Orubienimigha, speaking on behalf of the faction, stressed the importance of the legislation in ensuring effective emergency management in the state. Stakeholders at the hearing commended the initiative, noting its timeliness and the critical role it will play in mitigating the impact of natural disasters on local communities. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, the Amaewhule-led faction conducted a public hearing on the Rivers State Electricity Market Bill 2024. This bill seeks to repeal the existing Rivers State Electricity and Gas Board Law and establish a new regulatory framework for electricity supply, generation, transmission, and distribution within the state. The Chairman of the House Committee on Power, Franklin Nwabochi, explained that the bill reflects the new constitutional order, which now allows states to play a more active role in the electricity market, a domain previously under the exclusive control of the Federal Government. The bill also proposes the creation of the Rivers State Electricity Commission to protect consumer rights and obligations in the power sector. Amaewhule emphasized that the hearing provides a platform for the public to voice their opinions on the proposed legislation, which aims to attract investments in the state’s electricity sector and boost power supply. He reiterated the commitment of the 10th Assembly to enact impactful laws that would benefit the people of Rivers State. The simultaneous public hearings by the rival factions have deepened the divisions within the Rivers State Assembly, leaving residents concerned about the political situation and its implications for governance in the state.
A COURT PRONOUNCED THAT FUBARA DIDN’T PRESENT BUDGET, HE DIDN’T GO ON APPEAL
A COURT PRONOUNCED THAT FUBARA DIDN’T PRESENT BUDGET, HE DIDN’T GO ON APPEAL The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike has alleged that a court had ruled that the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara had not presented a legal budget, but he did not appeal the decision. He further highlighted the disregard for legal procedures where despite a Court of Appeal judgment stating that the State High Court lacks jurisdiction over defection and vacancy matters, cases are still filed in the State High Court by the Pro Fubara Lawmakers. He argued that it is unacceptable to stand by and watch these illegalities unfold. He asserted that if the court pronounces that the 27 lawmakers have defected, then they would obey the law. He said in an interview with TVC, ”Because you want to take control of a State, is that why you should allow impunity? “A Court pronounced that he (Fubara) did not present a budget and that whatever budget he said he had presented is null and void. But he didn’t go on appeal. “The Court of Appeal gave a judgment that the state High Court has no jurisdiction to talk about defection or vacancy and that it is the Federal High Court that has the jurisdiction. “But they will still go to the State High Court to file case with a different judge and that judge will grant an ex-parte order with immediate effect. “You see all these kinds of Illegality going on in the state and you say we should fold out hands and watch, no we cannot do that. “I have no grouse with anybody. If the Court make a pronouncement that the 27 lawmakers have defected, then they will obey the law.”
SOMEBODY SAYS HE’S SPEAKER, THREE PEOPLE ARE MEMBERS, AND GO TO BUY LAWYERS – WIKE
RIVERS CRISIS: SOMEBODY SAYS HE’S SPEAKER, THREE PEOPLE ARE MEMBERS, AND GO TO BUY LAWYERS – WIKE The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike criticized the actions of certain individuals who claim authority and engage in public spectacles on media platforms like Arise and Channels, with the support of hired lawyers, in an attempt to seize control of the state’s political landscape. He questioned the motives and ethical standards of these individuals, as well as the senior lawyers backing them, suggesting that their behavior encourages impunity and undermines the political process. Wike’s statement highlights the need for responsible and ethical conduct among political actors, emphasizing that power should not be attained through manipulation and deceit. According to the Nyesom Wike, “Somebody says he is a speaker and three people are members, and they go to buy lawyers. They go to Arise and Channels and begin to do drama. “People who you think are senior lawyers that should be able to sit down in their conscience and ask questions if what they are doing is right. You want to take control of a state, if that is in politics, is that why you want to allow impunity?”
WHY I WROTE COURT SUPPORTING 27 LAWMAKERS – PDP ACTING NATIONAL CHAIRMAN
WHY I WROTE COURT SUPPORTING 27 RIVERS LAMAKERS Ambassador Iliya Damagum, the Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has clarified his reasons for signing the contentious letter to the Appeal Court regarding the case of the 27 embattled members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, which was contrary to the stance of the party’s National Legal Adviser, Mr. Ajibade, SAN.Damagum stated that there is a precedent for his action, highlighting that both he and the party’s national secretary are authorized signatories of the PDP. He emphasized that the decision was made in consultation with his team members.On Wednesday, he announced this during the inauguration of the party’s Disciplinary and Reconciliation Committees, led by Chief Tom Ikimi and Prince Olagunsoye Onyinlola, respectively.Recall that Kola Ologbondiyan, a former national publicity secretary of the PDP, criticized Damagum and the party’s national secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, for submitting a letter to the Appeals Court in Rivers State. They asserted that the party intended to proceed with an appeal regarding the contested status of the 27 Rivers State lawmakers, which contradicted the stance of the party’s legal adviser, Mr. Ajibade, SAN.The former party spokesman claimed that the acting national chairman violated the party’s constitution by proceeding with that action without consulting the national legal adviser, who, according to Section 42 (1) of the party’s constitution, is authorized to appoint legal representation for the party.Previously, federal lawmakers from the opposition had alleged that Damagum and Anyanwu were involved in a scheme to compromise the party’s interests in Rivers State.The group headed by Representative Ikenga Ugochinyere stated that Damagun and Anyawu objected to the initiative of the PDP national legal adviser, which aimed to neutralize and prevent the dismissed 27 pro-Wike lawmakers, who switched allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the PDP, from threatening the interests of the PDP and potentially facilitating the removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara from office.Ugochinyere clarified that on July 8, 2024, the Rivers State High Court had issued an ex parte order that prohibited key state officials from engaging with the lawmakers who had defected.Nevertheless, he claimed that Dr. J.Y. Musa, SAN, lodged an appeal against the order, notwithstanding the objections of the PDP’s national legal adviser.He stated that the National Legal Adviser, who is constitutionally mandated to safeguard the interests of the PDP, had already initiated the withdrawal of the appeal on July 24, 2024, due to its potential detriment to the party. r>. “Ugochinyere stated, ‘In an unexpected development, on August 15, 2024, Damagum and Anyanwu submitted a letter to the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt, distancing themselves from the withdrawal, thereby effectively challenging the authority of the Legal Adviser.’” r>. In his initial response to the crisis, Damagum stated, I would like to take this opportunity to address certain rumors circulating on social media. Upon my last verification, the signatories for this party are the chairman and the secretary.The signing of the letter by the chairman and secretary has caused it to become a focal point of discussion, leading to various insinuations. I prefer not to engage with the other party, as it serves as a distraction. r>. It is distressing to observe individuals familiar with the operations of the NWC appearing on television to mislead viewers with inaccurate information. It is distressing. Extremely distressing.There is a precedent for our actions. In the case involving Kashamu, both the chairman and secretary presented it to the Supreme Court. Similarly, a situation arose concerning Anambra. r>. Two problems emerged. The chairman and secretary collaborate as a team in all circumstances. The acting national chairman of the PDP stated, ‘I do not make decisions without consulting my members.’
ACT YOUR AGE – PDP ACTING NATIONAL CHAIRMAN REPLIES CLARK
ACT YOUR AGE – PDP ACTING NATIONAL CHAIRMAN REPLIES CLARKThe acting national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Iliya Damagun has admonished elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark to recognise his age and refrain from sentimental political arguments.The party boss gave the advice on Wednesday while inaugurating the reconciliation and disciplinary committees set up by the PDP at the national secretariat of the party in Abuja on Wednesday.Damagun’s assertion came against the backdrop of Chief Clark’s open letter to him on Tuesday where he excoriated the party boss for allegedly colluding with the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to ruin the main opposition.Recall the South-South leader had said that his purpose of writing the open letter was “To urge you (Damagun) to also purge yourself of all malfeasance. As Acting National Chairman of your party, you took your party’s NWC to court on the defection of the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, that because they did leave the PDP properly, they are still members of the party, even after the 27 members had publicly declared that they have defected, and had already been received by the APC”.“Your position Mr Acting National Chairman is antithetical to the position of Section 109. You took your party’s NEC to court, an organ you presided over. Yet you still have the presence of mind to remain in office, earning benefits that come with the office.“From all indications, you are conniving with detractors of PDP to ruin the party, for the All Progressives Congress (APC). Allow Nigerians to decide what party they want through the ballot box.“Stop colluding with Barr. Nyesom Wike to destroy the party. A day of reckoning will come for all of man’s activities.“I wish and pray that you will not sell your soul and conscience for pecuniary and worldly gains, otherwise you, Barr Wike and your cohorts, will be consumed by the Rivers State crisis.”But addressing the newly inaugurated committees, Damagun said Clark should do the needful and avoid sentimental approach to issues.The party boss told Clark: “I will borrow Olisa Metuh’s remarks from 2015 when Edwin Clark left the party. There’s no doubt that he is an elder statesman. But I thought that when you reach that age, God has given you the opportunity and wisdom to be a father to all, not to engage in public arguments.“He has all it takes to do the needful, not by taking a sentimental approach to the situation. I was not raised to be disrespectful to elders, so I don’t intend to dwell on this further.”Damagun referred to a recent letter that he co-signed with the national secretary of the party on the Rivers State crisis, contradicting the position of the national legal adviser of the party not to appeal the court ruling restraining the state officials from dealing with the defected members of the house of assembly.He observed that he had come under immense criticism over it but vowed not to be intimidated.The party boss explained: “So, sometimes I feel sad. I also want to use this opportunity to clear certain insinuations that have been trending on social media. Last I checked, the signatories of this party are the chairman and the secretary.“Just because the chairman and secretary signed a letter, it has become an issue. People are making all sorts of insinuations about it. I don’t want to engage with the other person. It’s a distraction.“But it pains me when I see someone who knows the workings of the NWC going on television to mislead the audience and say things that are not correct. It is painful. Very, very painful.“There is precedent for what we did. During Kashamu’s case, the chairman and secretary brought it to the…
I’LL NOT LEAVE PDP, I’LL FIGHT TO THE END – WIKE VOWS
I’LL NOT LEAVE PDP, I’LL FIGHT TO THE END” – WIKE VOWS Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vowed to remain in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), dismissing rumours of a potential defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Wike’s stance comes amidst a battle for control of the Rivers state PDP chapter. It should be noted that the former Rivers governor was appointed by President Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), last year. Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike said he is dedicated to the PDP, despite facing opposition from State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other party leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. He has vowed to fight so as to correct the injustices within the party and ensure that the rights of members are protected. Wike’s appointment by President Tinubu, he clarified, was not a precursor to his departure from the PDP. Rather, it was a testament to his conviction in Tinubu’s ability to address the country’s challenges, which motivated his support for the president’s candidacy in the 2023 election. He said: “I will not leave PDP even when the fight at home (Rivers state) and at the national gets tougher. I will fight to the last. I am not prepared to join the APC. I have said it and I want to repeat it again. The work I am doing here was handed over to me by the president. And I am focus on achieving the task before me. “I will not fold my arms and allow the party I have suffered for over the years to continuously do injustice to members. I will not accept that”. Wike’s reaction comes a day after the PDP Board of Trustees declared support for Fubara, amid the ongoing face-off between Wike and his successor, Fubara.
NO RECONCILIATION WITH FUBARA – WIKE
NO RECONCILIATION WITH FUBARA – WIKE Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike on Wednesday ruled out the possibility of settling the rift with Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State. Addressing a media parley to mark his one year in office as FCT Minister, Wike said he’s focused on delivering President Bola Tinubu’s mandate and not supporting Fubara. Wike and Fubara have been at loggerheads since the governor assumed office. The face-off between the duo affected the state House of Assembly, leading to factions. Despite attempts by Tinubu and other relevant political stakeholders, the crisis has continued. Wike said: “In good conscience, I fought for Fubara to become governor without any regrets and you now say you don’t want to be part of the family; no problem. Aregbesola was brought by Tinubu but he’s no longer with the president again. “In all honesty, I can tell you that there is no going back and my people know. What support? Have I come out of the one I did? Some people don’t play politics of integrity, but I do. He’s the one that say ‘dey your dey’ so let me ‘dey my dey.’ “This doesn’t worry me because I’m focused on the mandate Mr President gave me in FCT.”