Dons Eze
- Entertainment
- April 6, 2024
- 106 views
I CHERISH MEMORY OF MY FATHER, CELESTINE UKWU’S DAUGHTER
I CHERISH MEMORY OF MY FATHER, CELESTINE UKWU’S DAUGHTER Barrister Cynthia Chikwado Ukwu, the only child of highlife music legend Celestine Ukwu, shares her experiences and plans regarding her father’s legacy in an interview with Fred Iwenjora. Born on December 27, 1977, Cynthia came to understand her identity as the daughter of Celestine Ukwu around the age of 11. She began hearing stories about her father’s renowned contributions to highlife music, often from various people, including family members and her father’s friends like Uncle Buzuzu Mogbo. Despite never having met her father, these stories and resemblances to him left a lasting impression on her. While she was initially very interested in music as she grew up, Cynthia eventually found other passions in life, although she still cherishes her father’s music deeply. She often sings her father’s songs, with “Ije Enu” being a favorite that resonates with her due to its philosophical depth. Cynthia expresses her fascination with her father’s wisdom, passion for music, and the moral values embedded in his songs. She feels his presence whenever his music plays and recognizes similarities in their character traits. Over time, her love and pride for her father have deepened as she matures and understands more about his legacy. Regarding the benefits of being Celestine Ukwu’s daughter, Cynthia considers it all as gain. His name has opened doors for her and endeared her to many. She proudly displays his photos as her phone screensaver and profile pictures, with his music as her ringtone, feeling a profound connection to him through these. Speaking about her mother, Mrs. Josephine Uzoyibo Ukwu, Cynthia describes her as managing her life well. After her father’s death, her mother remarried but later returned to Cynthia when that marriage ended. Cynthia acknowledges the strength of her mother, who often shares memories of Celestine Ukwu’s caring and family-oriented nature. To immortalize her father’s name, Cynthia founded the Celestine Ukwu Memorial Foundation after graduating from ESUT Faculty of Law. The foundation aims to promote everything related to Celestine Ukwu and celebrate his contributions to music. They plan to host the Celestine Ukwu Memorial Symposium 2024 on May 7, the 47th anniversary of his death. The symposium will feature an academic paper on Celestine Ukwu’s music and philosophy, delivered by a music scholar. Live music performances by his surviving musical associates are also planned. Cynthia hopes to secure the support or sponsorship of Governor Peter Mba of Enugu State for the event, as it would be an honor to have him host the occasion.The foundation is seeking support to make the event a memorable celebration of Celestine Ukwu’s enduring legacy.
FG UNVEILS NEW NATIONAL ID WITH PAYMENT, SOCIAL SERVICE FEATURES
FG UNVEILS NEW NATIONAL ID WITH PAYMENT, SOCIAL SERVICE FEATURES The Federal Government, through the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS), has launched an innovative identity solution with payment functionality for all types of social and financial services to be powered by AfriGO, a national domestic card scheme. A statement signed by the Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, Kayode Adegoke, said the National ID card, layered with verifiable National Identity features, is backed by the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, which mandates NIMC to enrol and issue a General Multipurpose Card (GMPC) to Nigerians and legal residents. The card, according to the statement, will address the demand for physical identification enabling cardholders to prove their identity, access government and private social services, facilitate financial inclusion for disenfranchised Nigerians, empower citizens, as well as encourage increased participation in nation-building. “Only registered citizens and legal residents with the National Identification Number (NIN) will be eligible to request the card. “The card, which will be produced according to ICAO standards, is positioned as the country’s default national identity card. In addition to this functionality, cardholders will also be able to use the cards as debit or prepaid cards by linking same to bank accounts of their choice. “The card shall enable eligible persons especially those financially excluded from social and financial services have access to multiple government intervention programs. “In line with data protection regulation and public interest, NIMC remains committed to protecting cardholders’ personal data and will ensure compliance with international standards on data security protocols as security features that protect the confidentiality and safety of users’ information,” it said. The key features of the card will include Machine-readable Zone (MRZ) in conformity with ICAO for e-passport information, identity card Issue Date and document number in line with ICAO standards. The card will also have additional features, including travel, health insurance information, microloans, agriculture, food stamps, transport, and energy subsidies, etc. Nigeria’s quick response code (NQR) contains the national identification number.Other features are biometric authentication, such as fingerprint and pictures, as the primary medium for identity verification through the data on the card chip, an offline capability that allows transactions in areas with limited network coverage or zero infrastructure connectivity.
NIGERIANS REACT AS TINUBU GOVT AWARDS ABIA BEST PERFORMING STATE IN SOUTH EAST
NIGERIANS REACT AS TINUBU GOVT AWARDS ABIA BEST PERFORMING STATE IN SOUTH EAST Social media users are reacting to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s decision to award Abia state with the best-performing state in the South East award. Nedu Eleke, the deputy chief of staff for Alex Otti, the governor of Abia state, shared a photo of the prize on his official Twitter page. Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, the honorable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, presented the award to Abia state. After sharing the photo, Nedu Eleke simply wrote, “Abia.” The post has sparked numerous reactions and comments from Twitter users, with many expressing the belief that Abia State and its governor deserve the award. Many users lauded the efforts of Abia state and its leadership, praising their achievements and dedication to development. Some users shared personal experiences and anecdotes about the positive impact of the state’s initiatives on their lives and communities.Overall, the response to the award announcement reflects a mix of appreciation, support, and acknowledgment of Abia state’s progress and contributions to the region.
SETBACK FOR ENUGU WATER PROJECT AS HOODLUMS INVADE INSTALLATION SITE, DESTROY FACILITIES
SETBACK FOR ENUGU WATER PROJECT AS HOODLUMS INVADE INSTALLATION SITE, DESTROY FACILITIES The Enugu State Government has alleged that some hoodlums, on Friday, destroyed several machines and other equipment being installed to ensure water supply in the state. The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Chidiebere Onyia, disclosed this during a press briefing in Enugu on Friday afternoon. “In the wee hours of today, at about 2:00 a.m., hoodlums in astonishingly large numbers invaded the site of the ongoing installation of new ductile water pipes near the Holy Ghost Cathedral in Enugu, where they unleashed havoc and destruction on machines and other equipment,” Mr Onyia, a professor, said. “The vandals were however successfully repelled by security operatives deployed to the site before reinforcement came from the Ogui Police Station,” he added. The Enugu State government has been installing water pipes and other equipment in many parts of the state as part of the efforts to reticulate water across parts of the state. The government, in late March, threatened to prosecute those who vandalise water facilities in the state. Speaking during the press briefing, Mr Onyia regretted that the acts of vandalism of water facilities and other infrastructure by some “unpatriotic” individuals in the state appear to have worsened. “The incessant attacks on public infrastructure such as water galleries, electrical fittings on solar lights attached to water facilities, damage of both high pressure and distribution pipes by hoodlums, have delayed the reticulation of water to the good people and residents of the state and in some cases denied innocent citizens access to potable water with a huge cost on the government for replacement,” he said. The SSG said apart from water facilities, some “reckless truck drivers” have been destroying kerbs on newly reconstructed roads in the state. “The government hereby states that such acts of vandalism will henceforth be treated not only as economic sabotage but also as acts of terrorism for which the offenders will be made to face the full wrath of the law. “For the avoidance of doubt, the actions of these saboteurs constitute various serious offences under the Criminal Code Cap 30 Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria 2004. These offences include stealing, malicious damage, amongst others which are punishable by various terms of imprisonment and fine. The State Government will not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law on the perpetrators of these acts,” he stated. Onyia restated the resolve of the government to protect all public facilities by reinforcing security surveillance around them as well as prosecuting those who engage in their destruction. The SSG appealed to residents of the state “to take ownership of the facilities” by protecting them and reporting acts of vandalism to the state government for “immediate action.” He announced that the state government has constituted a task force on surveillance and protection of public assets in the state. “The committee will be led by officers and men of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and supported by other security agencies. They are to commence their assignment immediately,” he said.Before he was elected governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah repeatedly promised to end water scarcity in the state within 180 days.
MILITARY IDENTIFIES PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR KILLING OF SOLDIERS IN DELTA COMMUNITY
MILITARY IDENTIFIES PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR KILLING OF SOLDIERS IN DELTA COMMUNITY A militant leader known as “General Amagbein” has been identified as the mastermind behind the massacre of soldiers in Okuama village, according to General Christopher Musa, who is the Chief of Defense Staff. He divulged the information that Amagbein and his accomplices were the ones responsible for the planning and execution of the attacks. During an interview with Arise TV, General Musa stressed how important it is to hold all responsible parties accountable for the activities that they have undertaken. He brought attention to the fact that variables that contributed to the violence included cultism as well as other illicit activities that were prominent in the area. In addition to assuring the Nigerian people that Amagbein and his friends would be subjected to the full force of the law, he encouraged them to refrain from supporting entities that were involved in criminal activity. In General Christopher Musa’s words: “[General Amagbein] is the mastermind who executed this [the killing of soldiers] with his boys. You know they have a lot of issues of cultism within the general area.”Because they were making money illegally they feel that they are above board, but that is one mistake they have made. They have tried the wrong guys and this time around the full weight of the law is coming after him and his own team. That is why we want to appeal to Nigerians, please do not support them”
ENUGU GOVT TO PARTNER WITH COMMUNITIES ON CLEAN WATER
ENUGU GOVT TO PARTNER WITH COMMUNITIES ON CLEAN WATER The Enugu State government has announced plans to partner with rural communities in the state on the provision of clean water. Briefing newsmen in her office in Enugu, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), Chika Mbah, said the partnership would be government-driven and financed but community-led. “The people of Enugu State are already aware of Governor Peter Mbah’s 180-day water challenge for the Enugu metropolis. “What is less known is his drive for rural water provision. The governor is not only interested in urban water; rural water is very much in his plan,” she said. Explaining how the partnership would work, the governor’s senior aide on WASH stated that potable water would be provided to the various rural communities as they wanted it. “It is up to each community to decide on what and how they want the provision and management of water and come with that plan to the WASH office at the State Ministry of Water Resources. They can, for instance, decide if they want a borehole or a spring harvest. “The government is also interested in reticulated water facilities, especially those that can serve more than one community. Adjoining communities can therefore present a joint plan outlining the management structure. “In this way, communities will own and manage the facilities, with the government being a stakeholder. However, a benefiting community must also work on ending open defecation within their locale. “The provision of water is thus tied to a number of behavioural change indicators. One is community-led sanitation; another is ownership and management of public facilities. This type of ‘counterpart’ is both novel and sustainable,” she explained. She noted that a state-wide survey of the water situation in the state by the WASH office showed that the situation was dire, disclosing that Enugu State has close to 400 non-functional public boreholes, while open defecation is a common practice.She said the government was working towards ending open defection in the state, saying this informed the passing of a bye-law by the 17 local government councils in the state in that regard, as well as a state-wide stakeholder sensitisation on the safety of water and control of water-borne diseases, also aimed at reducing the under-5 mortality rate in the state.
- Biafra News
- April 5, 2024
- 87 views
NNAMDI KANU APPEALS HIGH COURT RULING ORDERING CONTINUATION OF TRIAL
NNAMDI KANU APPEALS HIGH COURT RULING ORDERING CONTINUATION OF TRIAL The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has appealed against the decision of a Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja dismissing his objection to his trial continuation. Kanu, in a notice of appeal dated and filed March 28 through his team of lawyers led by Aloy Ejimakor, prayed the Court of Appeal, Abuja to allow the appeal and set aside the trial court’s decision. The IPOB leader had filed a preliminary objection seeking an order for some conditions to be met by the Federal Government before his trial at FHC could proceed. He had alleged that the Department of State Service (DSS) personnel often seized documents of his lawyers during visitation, stopped his lawyers from taking notes, eavesdropped on his consultation with his lawyers on matters pertaining to his defence, among others. He alleged that he had not been given adequate time and facilities to defend himself in accordance with Section 36(6)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). But Justice Binta Nyako of a FHC had, in a ruling on March 19, declined to grant the objection of the detained IPOB leader. The judge, who ordered accelerated hearing of the trial, also dismissed his application for bail. However, Kanu, in the notice of appeal, listed the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the sole respondent. He argued that the trial court erred in law when the court assumed jurisdiction to proceed with the hearing of the criminal trial against him when he was glaringly denied the constitutional right to fair trial. He alleged that he was denied adequate facilities to prepare for the defence of the criminal allegations against him and his right to counsel of his own choice, thereby occasioning a grave miscarriage of justice. “The denial of the appellant (Kanu) the opportunity to interact and brief his counsel on what line of defences the appellant tends to agitate in the trial court and rely on was adequately brought to the attention of the trial court by motion. “The trial court failed and neglected to make necessary orders that would protect the appellant’s aforesaid rights but rather held that the court cannot dictate how the respondent carries out its work,” he said. He said the trial court had the power to order the respondent to cease and desist from interfering with his constitutional right. Besides, Kanu said the lower court had the power to order an alternative custodial arrangement or non-custodial arrangement for him, where it is impossible for the respondent to comply or where the respondent persists in the act. He said: “Denial of the appellant’s right to adequate facilities to prepare defence as enshrined in Section 36 (6) (b) of the 1999 Constitution is a jurisdictional issues in the absence of which the trial court cannot assume or proceed with the jurisdiction over the case unless and until such facilities are accorded to the appellant.” Kanu argued that though he had prayed the court to stop the DSS alleged unconstitutional acts of forcibly seizing and photocopying confidential legal documents brought to him by his lawyers meant for his defence of the charges against him, the court declined to grant the plea. He said the trial judge erred in law when the court ordered for accelerated hearing despite the consistently refusal of the respondent to afford him the right to adequate facility to prepare for his defence of the charges levelled against him and his right to counsel. According to him, the order for accelerated hearing of the case in face of the constitutional breaches of fair hearing/trial rights of the appellant is a credence to the respondent to proceed on the unconstitutional denial of the appellant…
KANO GOVT DRAGS EX-GOV GANDUJE, WIFE SIX OTHERS TO COURT OVER BRIBERY, DIVERSION OF FUNDS
KANO GOVT DRAGS EX-GOV GANDUJE, WIFE, SIX OTHERS TO COURT OVER BRIBERY, DIVERSION OF FUNDS The Kano State Government has dragged former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, his wife, Hafsat Umar, Umar Abdullahi Umar and five others to court on eight count charges relating to bribery allegations, misappropriation and diversion of funds among others running into billions of naira This was contained in a charge sheet dated 3rd April, 2024 with 15 prosecution witnesses list attached. The listed defendants are: Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Hafsat Umar, Abubakar Bawuro, Umar Abdullahi Umar, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited and Lasage General Enterprises Limited. One of the counts said that Abdullahi Umar Ganduje Sometimes between the period of January 10, 2016 or there about, at Kano in the Kano Judicial Division, while serving as the Governor of Kano State and being a public servant in the government of Kano State corruptly asked for and received the sum of $ 200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand United State Dollars) being benefit for himself from one of the beneficiaries of contracts awarded by the Kano State Government on his instruction and approval as part of his function as the Governor of Kano State. The document said such action amounted to official corruption contrary to and punishable under Section 22 of The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Commission Law 2008 (as amended), Law No2 of 2009, Laws of Kano State of Nigeria. The count document reads further: “That you, Abdulahi Umar Ganduje Sometimes between the period of February 10, 2017 or there about, at Kano in the Kano Judicial Division, while serving as the Governor of Kano State and being a public servant ni the government of Kano State Respondents agreed to do or caused to be done an illegal act, to wit, dishonestly and/or corruptly to your own advantage collected a kick back of the sum of $ 213,000 (Two Hundred And Thirteen Thousand United State Dollars) being money generated from people and entities seeking or holding the execution of Kano State Government contact and or project for the remodeling of Kantin Kwari textile market as a bribe through one of the contractors (agent).The document stated that the former governor thereby committed the offence of official corruption contrary to and punishable under Section 22 of The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Commission Law 2008 (as amended), Law No2 of 2009, Laws of Kano State of Nigeria.
FUBARA PLOTTING TO OBTAIN COURT ORDER TO DECLARE RIVERS ASSEMBLY ILLEGAL – APC; ALLEGATION BASELESS, STATE GOVT
FUBARA PLOTTING TO OBTAIN COURT ORDER TO DECLARE RIVERS ASSEMBLY ILLEGAL – APC; ALLEGATION BASELESS, STATE GOVT The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of plotting to procure an interim order of Court, which will declare the present Rivers State House of Assembly illegal. APC caretaker committee chairman in the state, Chief Tony Okocha, who made allegation while speaking with journalists in Port Harcourt on Thursday, said the contemplated court order also intended to render null and void, all the laws which the Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule-led House vetoed against the governor. Okocha stated that Fubara intended to leverage on the interim order to appoint caretaker committees for the 23 local government areas in the state. He said: “I want to use this opportunity to inform Rivers people and Nigerians of the move by the governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, to procure interim orders from judges that I will not name here, but I will put in my petition to the NJC. “What is the intention? He wants to procure interim order stopping the implementation of the laws he was vetoed over. He wants to procure an order to announce as illegal, the Rivers State House of Assembly, as constituted and led by Rt. Hon. Martins Chike Amaewhule. “The governor is in the business as we speak and I speak with all authority because the walls have ears. We live in their kitchen, we live in the parlour, their sitting room. We live in their bedrooms. These are the plans that are on. You may get this plot confirmed before Monday next week. “He is doing that so that he will now leverage on the interim order to go ahead to appoint caretaker committees for local government councils against the warning of the man he says he respects, the President.” The APC caretaker chairman said the party, as the leading opposition in the state, will do everything legitimate to ensure that the plot does not come to fruition. Okocha said: “But, let’s put it clearly here that we will stoutly, vehemently oppose such negative subterranean moves by a man who ought to protect the dignity and integrity of a state called Rivers State. “I have said that Rivers State cannot be turned to a pariah state because of the actions of one person. Rivers State is a state to be reckoned with in the comity of states, duly respected and regarded.” But, when contacted, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, described the allegation by the APC as baseless. Johnson said the APC was only panicking due to the show of organic love for the governor by the people of the state.He said: “Baseless! They are panicked because they know their fall is near. Rivers people spoke yesterday (Wednesday) through the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and that organic love expressed, threw the camp of the factional acting Party chairman of APC into this feverish situation.”
NIGERIAN GOVT, INTERPOL COMMENCE EXTRADITION PROCESS FOR BINANCE CHIEF NADEEM ANJARWALLA
NIGERIAN GOVT, INTERPOL COMMENCE EXTRADITION PROCESS FOR BINANCE CHIEF NADEEM ANJARWALLA The Federal Government and the International Criminal Police Organisation have commenced extraditing a Binance chief, Nadeem Anjarwalla, who escaped detention in Nigeria on March 22. Security agencies had arrested Anjarwalla and Tigran Gambaryan, two executives of the crypto-currency firm Binance Holdings Limited, over alleged money laundering in February. They were detained in ‘a safe house’ in Abuja on the order of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. Among other charges, the firm and the two executives were arraigned for $35,400,000 in money laundering at the Federal High Court, Abuja. But on Friday, March 22, Anjarwalla escaped detention and left the country using a Kenyan passport. On Tuesday, top government sources confirmed to The PUNCH that extraditing the fugitive had begun. The sources noted that Anjarwalla’s absence would not affect the arraignment of Binance, Tigran and Gambaryan in court on Thursday over a five-count money laundering charge. “Mr Anjarwalla’s extradition process has begun. The Federal Government is working as did with INTERPOL to extradite the fugitive to Nigeria. He’s a fugitive that escaped from lawful custody, and his other partner is still in custody and would be arraigned on Thursday alongside their company, Binance,” a source noted. Another source revealed, “It is true that the Federal Government has commenced the process of extraditing Binance’ Anjarwalla in order to bring him back to Nigeria to answer to his money laundering case in court, among others. The arraignment of Binance and Gambaryan in court on Thursday will also aid Anjarwalla’s extradition.” Meanwhile, a top security source said the soldiers detailed to monitor Anjarwalla were being grilled by special investigators from the military, Department of State Services, the police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the National Intelligence Agency.His words: “The soldiers detailed to monitor Anjarwalla have been detained, as you know, and they’re still being grilled by special investigators drawn from various security and intelligence agencies and services- the military, DSS, NIA, and the police, all hands are on deck as it is a matter of national security.”