Nigerians took to their social media platform to berate the Presidency over the public handing over of the Boko Haram flag by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Burutai. Pointing out that it was rather an endorsement of the terrorist organization by the Presidency.
One of the social media user with twitter handle; @ikengachronicle wrote:
This is nothing short of presidential endorsement of a terrorist organization. This is all the legitimacy Boko Haram needs.
Nigerians at home and in diaspora, after carefully studying the Nigerian political situation has reached a firm conclusion on what needs to be done to salvage the country. They have concluded that the problem with Nigeria is the skewed, corrupt, unitary feeding bottle system of government that we practice and they have resolved that the only solution to the unlimited problems in the country is not a change of political party but a change of the federal government structure. They have resolved that the only solution to Nigeria's problem is to restructure the country and entrench true federalism.
To further achieve their objectives, a website has been designed and launched to promote the federalism campaign in Nigeria- www.restructurenigeria.ng.
The website contains every information Nigerians need to know about the present defective system and why Nigerians must now demand for a better system based on the principles of true federalism.
These group of Federalists believe that the time is NOW and RIGHT to sensitize Nigerians on the defects of the present skewed unitary system and to enlighten them on why they need to demand for the restructuring of Nigeria based on the principle of true federalism.
To learn more about the platform, please visit www.restructurnigeria.ng
To learn about federalism and why Nigeria needs to be restructured, visit www.restructurenigeria.ng/federalism
To participate in the campaign and become a Federalist, visit www.restructurenigeria.ng/volunteer and complete the registration form.
Follow us on Twitter @RestructureNGR, Instagram @RestructureNGR and Faceook @RestructureNGR
To restructure Nigeria and entrench federalism is a task that can and should be done.
Join the debate by using the hashtags #RestructureNigeria & #TrueFederalism
Nigerian oil magnate, Femi Otedola has emerged the biggest African loser on the Forbest richest list in 2016.
Otedola's net worth plunged to $375 million, down from $1.8 billion a year ago. This reprsents a 79% plunge.
Otedola’s big drop in net worth is the result of the dwindling share price of Forte Oil, the Nigerian oil marketing company he controls.
Furthermore, the naira has weakened considerably to the dollar, and this contributes in a way to his loss.
By Chimennma Okolo Esq.
I have long espoused an egalitarian realistic Nigerian structure in which all peoples of Nigeria will feel secure.
The current realities on ground as regards our union as a nation has made it imperative for a restructured system of engagement amongst the peoples of Nigeria. The current dubious structure has never worked and is not sustainable no matter how cleverly we hide the truth.
Nigeria has postponed the evil day long enough!
Let me use the sad experience of my people (for which I am eminently conversant with as a former youth president) on why the current structure brings constant agitations.
I am from an ethnic nationality recognised as Ukwuani but more often referred to as Ndokwa. My people are predominantly in Delta and Rivers States.
The area is blessed with abundant and prolific oil fields and has probably the largest reserves of non associated gas in Africa but definitely the largest in West Africa.
The major oil company operating in the area is the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) which started oil extraction operations in the area in 1962. Other oil companies in the area include Midwestern Oil, Platform Petroleum, Energia, Sterling Global, Pillar Oil etc.
The area as a result of its huge gas reserve plays host to two gas plant; the Okpai Gas Plant commissioned by the Gen. Ibrahim Babangida administration in 1989 and the Independent Power Plant (IPP) commissioned in 2005 by President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The IPP generates current 480 megawatts of electricity of which 450 megawatts is evacuated to the national grid. The IPP has the capacity for expansion to 1 giga watts ( for which plans are under way).
The NAOC approved 2005 IPP Environmental Impact Assessment Report had recommended the step down of power for host communities within fifty (50) km radius. This means NAOC knows the right things to be done.
This is 11 years after the commissioning but as yet the NAOC/ FG has deliberately failed to fulfil their own recommendations freely undertaken. The step down was done in Obosi, Anambra state; so why they benefit from the electricity generated in our land we wallow in darkness. Not a megawatt of electricity is given to our people.
All attempts to get the FG/NAOC has been fiercely resisted. All agitations had been brutally suppressed with the marshaling of the state security apparatchik. Still we protest.
My people are predominantly fishermen and farmers.
Thus while our lands have been taken over for oil extraction activities and to build the IPP, our rivers polluted from oil spills and our atmosphere damaged from gas flaring we are DELIBERATELY left out from the benefits accruing therefrom.
The lands are destroyed, the waters polluted and the environment damaged and our people can no longer farm or fish, thus while we bear the unrelenting brunt of the oil and gas extraction activities we enjoy nothing. We suffer shore erosion occasioned by their activities but we lack basic infrastructure; no clean water, impassable roads, ill equipped hospitals (that's when you find them), etc
For the past eleven (11) years we have been agitating for the NAOC/FG and each time they give us the holy run around. The area is now heavily militarised.
Is it not curious that whilst our lands are taken for oil and gas extraction activities and the people have no alternative economic activities they have been left In the dark? It is this type of attitude of the FG/NAOC that has encouraged and still encourages armed agitation in the Niger Delta.
The above is true of all ethnic nationalities where oil and gas is found. The government's attitude has always been cavalier; as long as the oil keeps being pumped from the bowels of the Niger Delta they are satisfied. Our people have been preyed on by a predator ruling elite.
The above Illustration would not have arisen if we are allowed to own our resources. It would have been impossible for such a project to be cited in our land without us enjoying benefits therefrom. NAOC would not have been hiding under some flimsy technicalities. The FG wouldn't have been indifferent to the suffering of our people.
The entity called Nigeria needs to be restructured so that people can enjoy the benefits of their God given resources. The people must have a say in such projects as the above.
We need to restructure this country as the present structure is not working working and can never work no matter how long we keep papering over the cracks and cleavages inherent in our skewed union.
We should ask ourselves how come there was more development and lasting legacies before the advent of the civil war? It's simple, the regional governments had total control over their resources, this current feeding bottle federalism has not advanced our nations because we have decided to limit ourselves to easy oil revenue.
I therefore is of the opinion that we need to restructure this nation on the basis of:
a) Resources ownership/ Control
b) political leaadership
c) social engagements
The Nigerian people must be allowed to sit down together without any fear of intimidation and harassment to determine whether the various peoples desire to remain as a united Nigeria and what manner of union they desire and ready to commit to. Those who desire to leave the union should either be convinced that their interest will be better protected by a new negotiated union or a referendum called to determine their fate as enshrined under the UN Charter on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the African Charter on Peoples rights.
It is the failure of the Nigerian peoples to be allowed to determine the manner of their union that has made us a land of perpetual unending agitations.
We must not be afraid of any outcome.
God bless us all
Chimennm Okolo is a Lawyer, Youth Activist and environmental Rights Campaigner.
Nigeria's former vice president, Atiku Abubakar has declared that the year 2017 is a year of new hope for Nigeria and Nigerians.
Atiku in a statement released to mark the New Year celebrations, described the outgoing 2016 as a year in which our nation faced a multitude of challenges, but which ended on a high note, giving us hope and confidence in what we as a nation can achieve when we stand to work together.
He said: “Our military has recorded an important victory over Boko Haram and we should be grateful for the sacrifice our men and women in uniform are prepared to make to keep us safe. To honour them, we should also remember that it is our collective responsibility to make peace, and not just in the North East.
“I believe we can and will work around our differences, because we know that our strength lies in our diversity. And when we make our New Year’s resolutions, I hope my countrymen and countrywomen will join me in aspiring to be tolerant and to listen with an open mind and heart to those who do not share our views. We should respect each other’s views and traditions, and we should remember that our humanity shows in how we treat the most vulnerable.”
The chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) also addressed the economic challenges Nigeria is facing, saying: “On the economic front, the federal government has given assurances of a speedy recovery. I am confident that we will see investments in key sectors, and that steps will be taken to restore business confidence. We’ve been dealt a cruel hand, but things are looking up, and I’m confident we will emerge stronger: we’re learning to be more efficient and effective, and we’re learning to evaluate what we really need and what we can afford. We’re suffering, but we’ll become more innovative and competitive.”
Atiku said hope was important to all as we aim to achieve in 2017, as that hope and perseverance will guide us through the darkness that announces the break of dawn.
He thanked God for seeing Nigeria through a tough year, noting that the rest of Nigeria’s journey could only be made possible with God’s help.
The former vice-president recently described the defeat of the Boko Haram as the best Christmas and New Year present to Nigeria.
Atiku, in a statement by his Media Office in Abuja on Tuesday, December 27, noted that the sacrifice of the Armed Forces was a gift to the nation that had been under tremendous stress on account of the deadly activities of the insurgents.
*To handover to Director, Operations as directed by AGF*
The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, may have finally been removed from office.
A source close to The Guardian said his redeployment back to Nigerian Police Force (NPF) was to pave way for a fresh person to be presented by President Muhammadu Buhari as the nominee to head the anti-graft agency before the Senate.
The Guardian gathered to make the situation look like a routine exercise, some senior Police officers would be re-deployed by the Police hierarchy to resume as conventional Police officers.
It was equally reliably gathered yesterday that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has already issued a leter to Magu on the development and directed that he hands over to the Director of Operations in the Commission.
Magu’s nomination was recently rejected by the Senate following allegation of graft levelled against him by the Department of State Security Service (DSS)
Via: Scannews
As 2016 gradually winds to an end, many Nigerian religious leaders have been churning out prophecies that are meant to be earth-shaking.
One of such prophecies state that the leader of IPOB; Nnamdi KANU continued detention despite various court orders granting him bail will lead to a major international crisis.
According to the President of Omega Fire Ministry, Apostle John Suleman, in his 50 prophecies for 2017, there will be a crucial disagreement between President Buhari and the Senate, as it has been reported a President will be removed in Africa.
As reported by Daily Post and other online media, Suleman, in a statement issued by his Public Communications Advisor, Phrank Shaibu, said some ‘forces’ in Aso Rock were planning to poison Aisha and that the same ‘forces’ will alienate vice-president Yemi Osinbajo.
The prophecy states that the “Aso Villa forces” will make attempts to remove Osinbajo from office, but they won’t succeed.
The Apostle also said that “God will humble Buhari in 2017;” and that Mr. President will be bereaved in 2017. He did not elaborate, however.
A summary of the prophecies, with focus on Nigeria and the world at large, is as follows:
1. I see terrorism on the increase
2. Federal Government of Nigeria should not relax yet on Boko Haram. It’s a deception.
3. Buhari to face impeachment threats.
4. America and China to have major face-off
5. Crude Oil to flow in Northern Nigeria.
6. Abuja to experience major fire explosion.
7. Donald Trump to face impeachment attempt as members of congress are divided on his style of leadership.
8. I see an airplane that has Nigeria’s logo (national carrier)
9. Things will pick up a bit in Nigeria but hunger will persist.
10. I saw people crying over Bamanga Tukur
11. Buhari will be bereaved in 2017.
12. Ecobank, Diamond, Fidelity, GTB to retrench staff.
13. President Buhari’s health needs attention.
14. 2017 budget will have crises.
15. More judges to be humiliated.
16. MMM to dupe more Nigerians and I see court cases.
17. Dollar to exchange for N615.
18. Recession in Nigeria to become depression in 2017
19. MTN and Glo to face hardship.
20. A former First Lady of Nigeria needs prayers over her health.
21. Forces in Aso Rock planning to poison current First Lady (Aisha Buhari)
22. I saw huge number of Chibok girls released; some of them with kids
23. Nnamdi Kanu’s detention to cause international crises. God is angry with Buhari for the continued detention.
24. Donald Trump to favour Israel. American Embassy in Israel to be moved to Jerusalem.
25. Liberian election: CONTINUITY.
26. Ghana’s new president to send many to jail.
27. Buhari and Senate to have crucial disagreement.
28. Nigeria’s Budget will be delayed.
29. I see killings in Ekiti.
30. EFCC to come after National Assembly members in Nigeria in a politically motivated arrests because of their refusal to confirm Magu.
31. I see kidnappers entering schools.
32. Nigeria will lose a great man of God and the New Year is when the Nigerian government will fight the Church like never before.
33. Some terrorists will be arrested in Lagos.
34. Traditional rulers indicted and arrested for corruption.
35. Lufthansa, Dana Air, Ghana Air, Aero Contractors… I see staff protests.
36. America to have financial crises.
37. A serving cabinet minister in Nigeria will die.
38. Nigeria to secure foreign funds.
39. Doctors will embark on strike in Nigeria.
40. A new mega party in Nigeria will swallow up APC.
41. I see a new leadership for the APC in Nigeria.
42. I see the DSS being taken to court.
43. France, Spain, Russia to pray against train going off the rail.
44. I saw a huge school building collapse.
45. Nollywood to pray. They will get help but will lose two major people. The Yoruba movie industry too; but prayer can avert it.
46. Fulani herdsmen again! Taraba, Benue, Imo and Jigawa states.
47. Kogi State to organise state prayers to avoid major deaths and natural disasters.
48. Edo State; major celebration but pray against road crashes.
49. I see presidents being removed in Africa, I see presidents being installed.
50. Two times, Nigeria’s vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, will face removal from office. They will alienate him and they will make attempts to remove him. But God will humble Buhari in 2017.
The police says there is little they can do to effectively enforce the ban on the use of fireworks and ‘knockouts’ without public support.
The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Don Awunah, said this when the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) contacted him to get an update on enforcement of the ban, in Abuja on Friday.
NAN reports that the use of the explosives continues unabated nationwide, despite the prohibition, prompting insinuations that the police are not enforcing it.
But Awunah insisted that the ban was being enforced, adding that it seemed ineffective because citizens were not reporting violations to the police.
According to him, the effectiveness of policing generally depends on the willingness of members of the public to assist law enforcement agencies with information on activities of bad eggs in the society.
Awunah, who could not immediately give statistics of arrests so far made in connection with the ban, claimed that the use of fireworks and `knockouts’ had reduced nationwide.
Via: NAN
A fiery Lagos based human right lawyer; Barr. Inibehe Effiong writes Nigeria Police over the detention of the Roof contractor of Akwa Ibom based collapsed Reigners Bible Church International building.
Below is the letter as sourced from the barrister's Facebook wall:
PRESS RELEASE
Akwa Ibom Church Building Collapse: Rights Lawyer Demands Immediate Release Of Roof Contractor From Police Custody
Lagos based human rights lawyer Mr. Inibehe Effiong has written a letter to the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Idorenyin Daniel Udoh the roof contractor who handled the roofing of the uncompleted building of the Reigners Bible Church International in Uyo which collapsed on Saturday, December 10, 2016 killing and injuring several guests and worshippers during the bishopric consecration ceremony of the Founder and General Overseer of the Church, Apostle Akan Weeks.
In a four pages letter dated 30th December, 2016 with Reference No. PT/01/IEC/2016 to the Akwa Ibom State Police Boss, the lawyer expressed dismay that his client who voluntarily went to the State Criminal Investigation Department to make a statement following the collapse of the uncompleted building has been arbitrarily detained since the 12th of December, 2016.
The letter reads in part ‘’Our Client was hired by Apostle Weeks to construct the Steel Roof/Truss of The Church which he did diligently, in strict compliance with the specifications laid down in the structural design and in accordance with global best practices.’’
‘’Sir, while the tragic event of 10/12/2016 at The Church and the resultant fatalities and injuries are highly unfortunate, it is apposite to set the records straight as it pertains to the role played by Our Client in the construction.’’
‘’First, the contractual relationship between Our Client and Apostle Weeks for the construction of Steel Roof/Truss of The Church was birthed by an Agreement dated 29/8/2016 wherein it is provided inter alia: That the contract shall be completed within 10 (ten) weeks. Due to the failure of Apostle Weeks to satisfy his financial obligations under the Agreement and delays in the other components of the construction, Our Client could not meet-up with the agreed timeline for the project.’’
‘’Second, owing to the overwhelming pressure mounted by Apostle Weeks, who was emphatic that not only must the uncompleted building be used for the bishopric consecration but must also be conducive for his invited guests, especially the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, the construction work at the site was hurriedly done both day and night.’’
‘’Third, it was Apostle Weeks who personally, expressly and vehemently ordered the removal of the main scaffold that supported the drum at the centre of the building less than 24 hours before his abortive consecration. That action ostensibly contributed greatly to the collapse of the building. Our Client did not only refuse to remove the scaffold as ordered, he drew the attention of the site engineer, Engr. Anietie Augustine Ndarake and one Engr. Uwem Okoko to the directive of Apostle Weeks. All entreaties by Our Client to Apostle Weeks to rescind the removal order and allow the scaffold to remain fell on deaf ears. Mr. Weeks proceeded to order another person, a certain foreman by name Itohowo Essien, who was also working at the site to remove the main scaffold and paid him the sum of N50,000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira) for complying.’’
‘’On 12/12/2016, Our Client voluntarily submitted himself to the State Criminal Investigation Department (State CID) where he was made to make a statement on his role in The Church building construction. Our Client in his statement to the police at the State CID stated inter alia: That it was Apostle Weeks who ordered and paid for the removal of the main scaffold that supported the structure. After his statement was recorded, Our Client was detained that day at the State CID where he is still being held (more than 18 days or 432 hours) in gross and inexplicable infringement of his fundamental rights, particularly his rights to: dignity of human person, personal liberty and fair hearing guaranteed by Sections 34, 35 and 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), respectively.’’
‘’Our Client is a law abiding citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with no past criminal record whatsoever. As a qualified, trained and highly experienced welder trained by the Maritime Academy, Oron and Slawd Peters, Etinan, in Akwa Ibom State, Our Client has successfully executed several prominent roofing contracts without any unpalatable incidence being recorded. Just for the records, please note below few of the past places where Our Client executed roofing contracts which can be easily verified:
1. Deeper Life Camp Ground, Idoro Road, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State;
2. Deeper Life Camp Camp Ground, Akpaboyo, Calabar, Cross River State;
3. Deeper Life Camp Ground, Ikot Ekpene and Ikono LGAs, Akwa Ibom State;
4. Church of Christ, Ikot Ekpene Road and Paul Bassey, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State;
5. New Testament Church, Eket, Akwa Ibom State;
6. Bristol Helicopter Hanger, Port Harcourt, Rivers State;
7. Winners Chapel, Ikot Ebido Oku, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State;
8. Assumption Parish, Catholic Church, Essien Udim, Akwa Ibom State; and
9. Udom Town Hall, Awa, Onna LGA, Akwa Ibom State (opposite the country home residence of Governor Udom Emmanuel), among others.’’
Mr. Effiong further stated that the rule of law should be respected in the matter as Nigeria is a country of laws and not a jungle. ‘’Sir, you will agree with us that irrespective of the opinion held by the Nigeria Police Force, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State who publicly ‘ordered’ the arrest and detention of Our Client, or by any other authority or person about the immediate and remote causes of The Church building collapse, the due process of law must be adhered to without equivocation. Nigeria is a country of laws and not a jungle. In this country, it is the Rule of Law and not the rule of force that reigns supreme. The world had long graduated from the Hobbesian state of nature where life was short, nasty and brutish, based on the survival of the fittest, to an era of constitutionalism.’’
The fiery human rights lawyer expressed his disappointment with the decision of the police to detain the roof contractor for such a long time without trial when the ‘’prime suspect’’ and Founder of the Church, Apostle Akan Weeks is walking freely with police protection, paid for with tax payers money. ‘’Painfully, the prime suspect in this matter, the person whose illegal, reckless and desperate decisions, acts and omissions crystallized and contributed greatly to the disastrous incident of 10/12/2016; the very person that ignored several STOP WORK notices placed by the Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA) on The Church, Apostle Akan Weeks, is walking freely, protected by the men of the Nigeria Police Force, funded with tax payers money.’’
‘’On 25/12/2016, Our Client spent his Christmas in the police cell while Apostle Weeks who should be under investigation by the Nigeria Police Force and the Akwa Ibom State Government was enjoying himself with Governor Udom Emmanuel at a Christmas party held at the governor’s country home in Onna Local Government Area. (The evidence of the Onna Christmas party is enclosed for your perusal). We are aware that some other persons who worked directly in the construction site were immediately released on bail after making statements to the police. The attempt to use Our Client as a scapegoat in this matter is intolerable.’’
Mr. Effiong drew the attention of the State Police Commissioner to treat to the health and life of Mr. Udoh who he said is suffering from Asthma and gave the police 48 hours to set him free or face legal action. ‘’We consider the arrest and arbitrary detention of Our Client as a slap on the face of the Nigerian Constitution and democracy. There is no legal, moral or logical justification for the unconstitutional manner Our Client has been treated. We are confident that you will abide by the reformative policies of the Inspector General of Police as it relates to illegal detention of suspects beyond the period allowed by law, which is 24 hours."
‘’As a postscript, we wish to advert your mind to the fact that Our Client is suffering from Asthma and is presently unable to access proper medical care. You may wish to interface with the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) of the case (one officer Raymond) who is in custody of the inhaler belonging to Our Client. Our Client’s health and life are in serious jeopardy."
"In the light of the foregoing, we respectfully demand that you should immediately and unconditionally direct, cause or effect the release of Our Client from custody within 48 hours of receiving this letter/application. Our Client undertakes to present himself whenever required, either in the police station or in court. Kindly Take Notice that if this application is not granted as prayed, we shall explore all available legal options that are available to Our Client.’’ Effiong concluded.
The letter was copied to the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Police Complaint Response Unit, Force Headquarters, Abuja; the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN).
By Chimennma Okolo Esq.
Recently the media was awash with a purported phone conversation between two opposition governors to wit; Bar. Nyesom Ezebunwo Wike (Rivers State) and Mr. Ayodele Fayose (Ekiti State).
The headlines on the leaked conversation gave the impression that the two governors were in cohorts plotting something sinister and unconstitutional! With the headlines and running commentaries I thought maybe they were involved in planning a coup against the Buhari government.
One of the reports from Sahara Reporters insinuated that the conversation showed Wike somehow manipulated the results of the just concluded rerun elections in Rivers State.
So I listened to the conversation and found it was just two friends bantering. It was a friend showing respect to another for standing against the odds. It was a conversation in which Fayose spoke in awe of Wike's capacity to resist the government's coercive might even in face of danger to himself!
I thought of it as a gambit to push a negative narrative against the duo especially in the face of their stand against this government.
But that would be a narrow perception.
That leaked conversation speaks of a far greater danger to Nigerians and our young democracy!
What that tapping of the governors' conversation has shown is that Buhari has brought us in to police state where you watch what you say.
We can no longer be sure our conversations are not been recorded. We are now uncertain especially for opposition figures that we will not be embarrassed with our otherwise innocuous conversations!
The Buhari regime is no longer hiding it, the gloves are off, we are in a fascist, tyrannical, despotic, evil and totalitarian regime!
However the positives is that Buhari is obviously frightened.
The negatives is that frightened men with power can be dangerous to a nation's survival!
If this fascist and tyrannical government can tap opposition governors phone, make no mistake they have tapped several others!
It's a shame that when we thought the democratic culture had come to stay in Nigeria we have unwittingly brought in the harbinger of its doom!
We are all in danger now!
You see tyrants will go after everyone supporters and non supporters alike.
God help us all!
Chimennma Okolo is a Lawyer, Youth Activist and Environmental Rights Campaigner.
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has queried the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), David Babachir Lawal over alleged fraud at the Presidential Initiative on North East (PINE).
Our reporter gathered that the AGF sent the query as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari and the SGF has already responded.
An official at the office of the SGF, who did not want his name in print, told our correspondent that “the SGF had replied the query. He attached some documents in his reply and was done before the expiration of time given to him by the query.”
President Buhari had directed the AGF to query Babachir Lawal and the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu over allegations of fraud levelled against them by the Senate.
Our reporter also gathered that the AGF is presently reviewing the responses by Magu and the SGF.
The SGF ran into a storm of corruption allegations over the N2.5 billion Presidential Initiative on the North East (PINE) contracts.
The Senate ad-hoc committee on mounting crisis of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North east had accused the SGF of several misdeeds including failing to account for N2.5 billion PINE funds and awarding contracts to his friends and cronies, some of whom turned around and paid kickbacks into his company’s accounts.
Interim report of the committee alleged that as of the time the contract was awarded in March 2016, Babachir Lawal was still the director of Global Vision and that he just resigned in September, and that it would provide evidence against Babachir to President Buhari.
The Senate resolved that he should resign and face prosecution.
Some workers told our correspondent that the SGF has not been attending to files as expected after his indictment by the Senate.
Yobe State government officials also said the PINE contracts, allegedly for clearing invasive grass species and building temporary IDP shelters, were not executed.
In his first reaction to the scandal Babachir told our reporter on telephone that: “I can recognise a vendetta and a witch hunt when I see one. So I am wondering if I should bother myself about it at all. You may wish to know that I was never invited to the hearing. So the Senate has an agenda best known to its leaders.”
He added: “Corruption is fighting to drag all good men down to its muddy, slimy level.
Many of those calling for my resignation are very good customers of EFCC, ICPC and the Courts but are still sitting smugly in their Senate seats.”
Also speaking to reporters after attending an event at the Presidential Villa, Babachir said: “The Senate is talking balderdash. It has developed the habit of Bring Him Down syndrome. Nigerians have decided that we should destroy our best.
We should all destroy the promising and best among us by bringing people down without a cause. This is just how I saw it.
“I have the report of the Senate Committee in which it was said that I didn’t resign from Rholavision Nigeria Limited. Let me tell you, Rholavision was formed by me in December 1990 and it has been a company that was run very successfully. Now, when I was appointed Secretary to the Government of the Federation I resigned from that company on 18th August 2015. I can see that in their report they are talking about 2016. I don’t know where they got their facts.
He said he had resigned from directorship of Rholavision when he became SGF in August 2015.
_
Via: Daily Trust
By Chimennma Okolo Esq.
It's obvious that what is happening in Southern Kaduna is a sad, dangerous but deliberate orchestration by evil minded men who are frightened and threatened of the Christian faith.
I ask what has been the response of the governor of Kaduna state? What efforts has he put in to stem the tide apart from paying the herdsmen for a job weldone?
Would the governor be this silent, nonchalant and ambivalent if sunni fulanis were been put to death?
Why is the presidency silent? Why is the famed Gen. Buhari suddenly lost?
How come he suddenly realises that they have a governor who is on top of the situation?
Did Zamfara not have a governor when he went to set up a military task force for cattle safety? I recall he was dressed in his military gear! And for cattle! But he finds it difficult to put on same military gear and go set up a military task force to save the life of people kept in his custody?
Sad! Shameful!! Disgraceful!!!
Where are the local media? Why have they not reported this carnage with the same intensity that they reported the Boko Haram menace? I am not to be satiated by the perfunctionary reports I have seen in the media. No depth. No meat. Just chaff reportage. And to think that most media outfit are owned by supposed Christians. And it's Christians that are being killed In South Kaduna!
And pray what has the international media led by the ubiquitous CNN and garrulous Al Jazera said? The criminal conspiracy is appalling and annoying. Why have they purposely kept their reports at ambivalent levels? Why are they not running commentaries, inviting renowned security experts, inviting government officials to a panel or for an interview on the matter? Why? Oh why?
Where Is CAN/PFN? Hey don't tell me about some tepid, impotent and ineffective press releases or conferences? This is the time for these Christian bodies to organise the people of southern kaduna to defend themselves. This is time to show leadership! Why are they not in all the media houses showing videos and pictures of the carnage been perpetrated against a people because of their faith? I expect them to be in the UN, ECOWAS, AU, EU, ICC and all other such organisations showing the world what the people of southern kaduna are suffering.
Our northern brethren are in need of our help, it will be a tragedy to fail them!
We must stop the shedding shedding of blood!
We must collective stop the genocide happening in southern kaduna.
The worst purveyors of evil are not those who commit the act but those who say and do nothing!
Southern Kaduna must be free!
Southern Kaduna genocide must stop!
We must do something or stop lamenting on social media! They don't care about what we say here!
#stopthegenocideinsouthernkaduna
#savesouthernkaduna
Chimennma Okolo is a Lawyer, Youth Activist and Environmental Rights Campaigner.
The former governor of Kano state, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, said President Muhammadu Buhari has failed Nigerians over his failure to fulfil most of his campaign promises.
Speaking to newsmen in Gombe where he attended the closing ceremony of the Islamic Vacation Course (IVC), Shekarau said the performance of the president over the last 19 months is below average, considering so many unfulfilled promises he made during electioneering campaign.
He said: “I think the assessment of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government is very obvious on the table. As a teacher the best way to assess an individual is to assess him on the scheme of his work, on his own promises. If you say you will cover a scheme of work A to D in a given year then I will assess you on that.
“The government has made a number of promises, particularly Mr. President himself and we have not seen things on the ground. There is hardly any concrete thing on the ground that you can see.
Shekarau said it is wrong for President Buhari to keep accusing the previous governments for his shortcomings.
By Chimennma Okolo Esq.
Look around you and tell me what progress have been made by Nigeria/Nigerians since the federal regionalism was jettisoned for the present unitary structure?
Before the advent of the military usurpers in our political landscape and despite the so called crisis in the political superstructure of the 1960s, the Nigerian Federation has not witnessed till date the type of concerted effort at development that we witnessed in the early 1960s.
The reason for the rapid development is obvious - each of the regions ( West, North, East and later the Midwestern regions) controlled it's affairs and managed it's resources with little or no interference from the centre.
It was from the said resources that the Western Region could build University of Ife, adopt free education, the region television station and build infrastructure. The competition engendered birthed the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in the Eastern Region. They also focused on developing their potentials.
The same can be said of the north who had total control of their groundnut pyramids and was from the proceeds able to handle developmental issues they viewed as critical.
But the success of the regional political structure was based on the fact that the people freely (well as freely as one under colonialism can freely make decisions) decided and accepted regional system of government.
It was not forced down their collective throats.
However all economic/ development indices and data showed Nigeria on the path to growth and survival. Now all indices are in the negative and we have remained since after the advent of the military adventurers a country of "potentials" and no achievements.
So why had we failed to get in gear to fulfilling our potentials?
Why is everyone (and I mean EVERYONE) feeling choked in the country?
Why is nothing working?
Why are our infrastructures possibly worse than war torn countries?
The answer is simple - the political system we operate now.
We operate a unitary and obviously unworkable system.
This system has propelled and sustained a lazy laissez faire attitude to governance.
It is what I call a dependent federalism.
A feeding bottle system of government unseen anywhere in the world.
Every month all states gather in abuja for FAAC (i hear this only in Nigeria) and share whatever is available.
This system has concentrated both political and economic power in the centre and has therefore made whoever is President alpha/omega.
While this system is suited for military governance it is impractical for political governance.
It is this system that engndered ethnic suspicions and sustained strife across the nation as everyone feels cheated.
From current happenings it should be obvious that the current political architecture needs restructuring.
People should be allowed to own/control and manage their resources.
We can no longer afford to concentrate so much power in the hands of one man holed up In Aso rock.
Mark my words if we fail to restructure we shall be forced to destructure.
I don't know how long this system can last but it can't continue forever.
Do enjoy the festivities if you can!
Chimennma Okolo is a Lawyer, Youth Activist and Environmental Rights Campaigner.
The Leader of the NEW MOVEMENT, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Barr. Nyesom Ezebunwo Wike(CON) has just presented the 2017 Appropriation Bill of about 470billion naira, Tagged, The Golden Jubilee Budget 2017, to the Rivers State House of Assembly for Consideration and further action.
The budget cuts across all sectors and constituency in the state, as such will bring about the needed development in our dear state, the house has been adjourned to 30th of December 2016 for further reading and action.
Reported by Soye Maxwell
By Okolo Chimennma Esq.
The current Nigeria structure is skewed in such a way that the producers are shortchanged of the benefits of their products.
It's this hypocritical structure that is at the root of most of Nigeria's problems.
Take for instance the northern states who had introduced sharia law systems, they have banned the drinking of alcohol in their states on the ground that it is haram to indulge in alcohol. In fact I recall when they made a show of the destruction of bottles of alcoholic drinks.
Still these northern states are quick to go to Abuja cap in hand every month to partake of the VAT proceeds accrued from alcohol sales and consumption.
At the FAAC sharing nobody says it is haram to share VAT proceeds from alcohol.
How hypocritical can a system be?
Whilst we demand the entire revenue from oil be paid into a so called federation account to be shared jointly we do not demand that the revenue from such other activities as agriculture be brought into the federation account.
Whilst we chase down oil bunkerers we play blind to illegal mining of solid minerals in the north. Pray are those solid minerals not part of our national heritage?
Is it not hypocritical to demand the revenue generated within the southern borders and ports whilst those generated in the north are shrouded in mystery?
Is it not against the secular proclamation of the obviously flawed 1999 constitution to have sharia laws, sharia courts etc? Where In the world do we we have two set of laws governing people of the same country regarding crimes and social vices?
Those opposed to a restructured Nigeria are those who have become drunk on the easy money oil brings. They fail to understand that oil is a finite product and the easy money won't last forever.
The only way to develop Nigeria is to do away with the feeding bottle unitary pseudo federalism.
True federalism will bring about faster growth across the country as It will engender competition.
From all available data the only period Nigeria experienced exponential growth was in the 1960s when regionalism was practiced.
There was competition.
Now we have grown a generation of leaders who are unimaginative, uncreative and lazy in the name of monthly FAAC and you wonder why most states can't pay salaries!
As it is today especially with the self determination struggles everywhere Nigeria ultimately has only two choices:
a) we must sit down to discuss how to restructure the skewed federal Republic to a just and fair entity. A truly federal structure in all ramifications,
or
b) we go our separate ways via a referendum.
Make no mistake it will surely happen.
Mark my words.
The choices are ours to make.
Okolo Chimennma is a Lawyer, Youth Activist and Environmental Rights Campaigner.
Imo state governor Rochas Okorocha has identified ethnicity and bigotry as serious issues in the country’s political landscape.
Okorocha, who said this as part of his Christmas goodwill message released by his Chief Press Secretary Sam Onwuemeodor, noted that as a result of the deep-rooted ethnicity and religious bigotry in the country, the present leaders cannot afford to hand over power to the youths.
Okorocha said for the present generation of youths to have a shot at leadership roles in the country “they need to be well-groomed by the present leaders.”
“What Nigerians, the leaders in particular, need to do now is to unite and begin to build a country of our collective dreams and aspirations.
“The leaders cannot afford to hand over to the next generation what we have at the moment as a nation, in which ethnicity, religious bigotry and zoning of political offices are still the order of the day.
“Nigerians must endeavour to hand over to the next generation, a united and prosperous nation, all the ethnic and religious groups can be proud of.”
On the current economic meltdown, Okorocha called on Nigerians to accept the situation as a national challenge.
He said: “Nigerians especially the leaders should appreciate themselves and see the current recession as a national challenge.”
“Christians in the state in particular to pray more than they had never done before, for the good of the state and her people.”
Recall that Governor Okorocha had recently blamed what he described as lack of peace among past leaders as the major cause for discord among Nigerians.
Via: Sun.
Suspended member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Abdulmumin Jibrin, has lashed out at President Muhammadu Buhari, saying that he has allowed himself to be taken hostage.
The former Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, did not say who took the President hostage, but in a series of tweets on his twitter handle, @AbdulAbmJ, on Monday, the lawmaker asked Buhari to either fight those blackmailing him or give up the Presidency.
Suspended member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Abdulmumin Jibrin, has lashed out at President Muhammadu Buhari, saying that he has allowed himself to be taken hostage.
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The former Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, did not say who took the President hostage, but in a series of tweets on his twitter handle, @AbdulAbmJ, on Monday, the lawmaker asked Buhari to either fight those blackmailing him or give up the Presidency.
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In one of the tweets, he wrote, “A President must repel blackmail with all his arsenals or give up the Presidency. You cannot be an effective president while in hostage!” He accused Buhari of playing into the hands of people he (Jibrin) claimed did not believe in him.
Jibrin, a member of the All Progressives Congress from Kano State, tweeted “Mr. President, you are playing into the hands of people who do not believe in you and your government. “You will come back to these tweets in 18 months.”
He further alleged that Buhari had turned his back on a lot of issues in the name of achieving political stability and harmony. Jibrin noted that the President’s decision would later come to haunt him. He added, “Mr. President, such ‘political stability’ and ‘harmony’ that compels you to turn away your face where you shouldn’t is useless to our country!”
Suspended member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Abdulmumin Jibrin, has lashed out at President Muhammadu Buhari, saying that he has allowed himself to be taken hostage.
2017 National Common Entrance Examination into JS1 of Federal Unity Colleges in Nigeria - Click Here for Updates
The former Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, did not say who took the President hostage, but in a series of tweets on his twitter handle, @AbdulAbmJ, on Monday, the lawmaker asked Buhari to either fight those blackmailing him or give up the Presidency.
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In one of the tweets, he wrote, “A President must repel blackmail with all his arsenals or give up the Presidency. You cannot be an effective president while in hostage!” He accused Buhari of playing into the hands of people he (Jibrin) claimed did not believe in him.
Jibrin, a member of the All Progressives Congress from Kano State, tweeted “Mr. President, you are playing into the hands of people who do not believe in you and your government. “You will come back to these tweets in 18 months.”
He further alleged that Buhari had turned his back on a lot of issues in the name of achieving political stability and harmony. Jibrin noted that the President’s decision would later come to haunt him. He added, “Mr. President, such ‘political stability’ and ‘harmony’ that compels you to turn away your face where you shouldn’t is useless to our country!”
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It was not clear whom Jibrin was referring to, but observers said coming on the day the Speaker of the House, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, turned 49 years old, Jibrin might have become frustrated in his bid to have Dogara prosecuted.
Buhari, had in a birthday message to Dogara, praised the Speaker, saying that he (Dogara) inspired his trust in the youths of the country to deliver Nigeria out of challenges. Jibrin had been suspended by the House in September after lawmakers dismissed his N40bn budget padding allegations against Dogara and three other principal officers.
The three others are the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Yussuff Lasun ; the Chief Whip, Mr. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa; and the Minority Leader, Mr. Leo Ogor.
Jibrin had petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, the Police and the Department of State Services, seeking the prosecution of Dogara and other principal officers.
None of the agencies has acted so far by inviting any of the officers for questioning. Jibrin later left the country for the UK on the excuse that his security was no longer guaranteed in Nigeria.
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) worldwide Monday said the statement credited to the Kaduna State governor, Mallam El rufai that Niger Delta militants were contracted to carry out attacks in southern Kaduna is capable of inciting the people of Kaduna and the entire north against Niger Deltans. Spokesman of the IYC, Eric Omare in statement issued in Yenagoa described the governor’s comment as reckless and highly condemnable adding that Niger Deltans have no business going all the way to Kaduna or any part of Nigeria to attack Nigerians. The statement read in part, “The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) worldwide states that the Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam El Rufai is inciting the people of Kaduna State and by implication the entire north against Niger Deltans by his statement that Niger Delta militants have been hired to carry out attacks in southern Kaduna. “This statement is reckless and highly condemnable. Mallam El-Rufai having failed in his duty to protect the lives and properties of the people of southern Kaduna should not use innocent Niger Deltans as scapegoats. Niger Deltans have no business going all the way to Kaduna or any part of Nigeria to attack Nigerians. “We call on Nigerians and the security agencies to hold Governor El-Rufai responsible for any attack on Niger Deltans in the north as a result of his irresponsible statement. “The Fulani herdsmen who El-Rufai paid for killing people are well known to the world, hence Niger Deltans should not be linked under any circumstances to the unwarranted killings going on in southern Kaduna. “We also call the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency bring the killings in southern Kaduna to a stop and bring the perpetrators to justice including Governor El-Rufai.” In a related development, the IYC also described the call by President Buhari on Niger Delta agitators to come to negotiation table “as a subterfuge to deceive Nigerians and the world to create the false impression that the Federal Government is ready for dialogue whereas it is not. “The Buhari administration is the one frustrating attempts at negotiation and not Niger Delta agitators. The Niger Delta leaders and stakeholders have done everything possible to start the negotiation process which has been frustrated by the Federal Government. “IYC therefore call on President Buhari to demonstrate sincerity towards negotiating with the Niger Delta people by constituting the government negotiation team rather than Christmas day rhetoric.”
The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar lll, on Tuesday voiced opposition to a bill seeking to ensure men and women have equal right to inheritance. The Sultan said that the bill was against Islamic religion and, therefore, unacceptable to Muslims.
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The bill seeks equality for male and female children in the sharing of inherited family wealth or property, the News Agency of Nigeria reports. The bill also proposes that a widow is entitled to the custody of her children unless it is contrary to the interests and welfare of the children.
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The bill also seeks that a widow shall have the right to remarry any man of her choice and should have the right to a fair share in the inheritance of her late husband’s property and the right to live in her matrimonial house.
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“Our religion is our total way of life; therefore, we will not accept any move to change what Allah permitted us to do,” Mr. Abubakar said.
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“Islam is a peaceful religion; we have been living peacefully with Christians and followers of other religions in this country. Therefore, we should be allowed to perform our religion effectively." He called on the Senate to not consider the bill because of its religious implications.
Olumba Olumba, spiritual head of Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS) Worldwide has prophesied that President Muhammadu Buhari will end Nigeria's recession in 2017.
Olumba Olumba, spiritual head of Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS).jpg
NAN reports that Olumba made this comment on Tuesday, December 27, in Calabar, Cross River state. The spiritual leader also blamed greed for the current economic recession.
He said: “If there is love there will be no recession; recession is a result of mismanagement of Nigeria’s resources by the leaders.
“Nigeria has abundant resources as a nation, but because leaders lack love with one another, they squander the collective wealth of the people.
“President Buhari will succeed in ending recession, if he continues with his current programs, including the fight against corruption among others.’’
A Delta APC leader and South–South Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Second Republic Senator, Chief Spanner Francis Okpozo is dead.
A close family source on Tuesday said Chief Okpozo died on Monday after a brief illness.
Till his death, late Okpozo is one of the most influential and heavyweights in the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Delta State in particular and in the South-South region in general.
It should be noted that Late Okpozo APC group has been at a loggerhead with the Prophet Jones led APC State Working Committee in Delta State.
Details later!
Troops of 1 Mechanized Division of the Nigerian Army have intercepted two men carrying live ammunition in Kagoma Chiefdom in Southern Kaduna, the General Officer Commanding the Division, Major General Adeniyi Oyebade has disclosed.
Following this development, the GOC who was in the area to have talks with elders and youths of Kagoma Chiefdom directed immediate deployment of troops to Ninte, a Southern Kaduna community where the renewed attacks in the region took its root.
The GOC explained that the middle aged men were driving in a maroon colored Volkswagen vehicle through the front of the Sarkin Kagoma’s palace when they were nabbed by the troops.
He said, “The troops became suspicious when they tried to stop the men and they objected. The troops then approached them, only to discover there were rounds of ammunition in the vehicle. They have been arrested and taken to the military camp in Kafanchan.”
The Pop Gwong of Kagoma Chiefdom, Paul Zakka Gyon who was also at the meeting, said the recent attacks had connection to the inability of the natives displaced from Ninte to return home.
He appealed that troops be deployed to restore confidence and for the displaced natives to return home and stabilize the community before security agents were withdrawn.
Our correspondent gathered that there were allegations that Fulani herders had taken over Ninte village and had been grazing their cattle on the natives’ farms since after the first attack in June 2016.
Daily Trust gathered that it was against this backdround that General Oyebade directed the Commander in charge of troops in the area, Lt. Colonel Bello, to deploy troops to Ninte within 24 hours.
While assuring that the troops were on ground to restore peace to the area without taking sides, the GOC appealed to both the Fulani communities and locals not to cause a religious crisis, which he said was capable of consuming everyone.
He warned the youths in particularly not to allow anyone, especially politicians, to use them to achieve their political agenda by causing crisis.
Via: Daily Trust
Our attention has been drawn to press statement credited to Chief Jide Awe, who is still parading himself as the chairman of our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), in which he insinuated that the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye may have collected bribe from Governor Ayodele Fayose to declare support for him.
While we do not want to dabble into the argument of whether or not the statement was issued by Chief Jide Awe, or the propriety of him issuing press statements on behalf of the party, we wish to state that in saner climes, he (Jide Awe) will not even be parading himself as Chairman of any political party.
Most importantly, we cannot join anyone in rebutting the highly offensive statement made against a revered man of God like Pastor Adeboye and the entire RCCG, because when the so-called State Exco of the APC being led by Chief Jide Awe did the same against the Osun State Governor, Alhaji Rauf Aregbesola, simply because he visited Governor Fayose and made positive comments about the governor, we frown at it.
Also, it was this same Jide Awe led Exco that ridiculed our Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, by shunning the meeting he held with party leaders simply because he chose to hold the meeting in the Ado Ekiti residence of Senator Babafemi Ojudu.
It is also on record that it was this same Chief Jide Awe, as the State Chairman of Action Congress (AC) that instigated the protest against Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) in Ibadan in 2007 just because the respected lawyer was supporting Engr Segun Oni against Dr Kayode Fayemi at that time.
We are therefore not surprised that such an offensive statement can come from Chief Jide Awe, and any member of our party that want to defend him should first ask why he has been occupying the same party secretariat as State Chairman since 2006!
It is therefore on this note that we, as responsible and progressive youths of the APC in Ekiti State wish to dissociate ourselves from this abusive comments made against Pastor Adeboye by Chief Jide Awe and his bunch of impostors still masquerading as State Exco of our party. They do not speak for us.
Furthermore, we wish to call on the national leadership of our party to once and for all resolve the issue of the Ekiti State Exco of the party it cannot be explained by anyone how a single individual will be State Chairman of Advanced Congress of Democrats (ACD) in 2006, Action Congress (AC) from 2006 to 2010, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) from 2010 to 2014 and APC from 2014 till date!
Jide Awe has spent 10 years in the same office as State Chairman and we ask; is he the only person that can be State Chairman of our party?
In conclusion, we once again apologise to Pastor Adeboye and the entire RCCG family, and state that Jide Awe or any other individual in his so-called State Exco does not speak for our party.
Mr Tope Ogunkuade,
Convener
Comrade Tunji Adeleye,
Secretary
"He promised his wife 10 years ago when he was a nobody and wooing her for marriage that one day, she will host the governor of Abia state in their residence, yesterday he fulfilled his promise"- Nigerian Lawyer shares inspiring message on Facebook
Barrister Onyebuchi Ememanka, Samsung's industries company Secretary had his family thanksgiving at his native Umule Abia state, in attendance was the Governor of Abia state, Okezie Ikpeazu.
The erudite corporate Nigerian lawyer shared this inspiring message how he assured his wife that they would one day host VIP's and the governor of Abia in their residence, this promise was made 10 years when he was not sure where the next meal would come from and does not know the current governor of the state.
Dreams indeed come true.
Read his narrative below:
A PROMISE KEPT
In the first week of January 2005, I met my wife for the very first time. As soon as I saw her, I knew she was the one and I told her so. I really wanted to settle down then.
In the process of wooing her, I told her lots of things. One of the key things I told her then was that I will get her to play host to and shake the hands of the Governor of Abia State and play host to VIPs at our residence severally.
When I made that statement, I was just a few months out of NYSC and I didn't even know how the Government House Umuahia looked like. The closest I had gone to the Government House was in 1999 when as the PRO of the Law Students Association, Abia State University, I had gone to deliver a letter to the Governor soliciting for assistance for the association. That day, I did not go beyond the main gate of the Government House. I was asked to wait for one Chief Ike Victor Oye who was then an SA to then Governor Orji Uzor Kalu. He is currently the National Chairman of APGA.
The man was driving out of the Government House and saw me at the gate, he wound down the glass of his car, spoke to me for a few seconds, collected the letter, tossed it on his seat and drove off. I knew that was the end of that story.
When I made that promise, I had never heard of any person called Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu.
When I made that promise, my wife looked at me in disbelief and just smiled derisively. I am sure she didn't believe me.
Fast forward to yesterday...
Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu joined us at our thanksgiving service at Umule. Not only did he come to our church, he stayed till the end of the service, spoke to our people and made a handsome donation to the widows in our church, sick pastors and then the church. Of course, he shook my wife's hands and those of our children.
He spoke very glowingly about me and called me HIS LEADER...Hehehehehe.
Imagine ordinary me o. Ntakwaranu ji ego ole mji awu my Governor's Leader?
Thanks to God and the magnanimity of my Governor, I fulfilled a promise I made my wife more about 12 years ago.
Ururuaja always keeps his promises. It may take time but I keep them.
Credit: Chukwudi Iwuchukwu Facebook Wall
*** Young ladies should as much as possible look at the bigger picture in settling down with would be husband instead of looking for already made spouse. Jah Bless us all*** - Pedro Chibuzo's Media
