After Darkness Comes The Glorious Dawn: Full Text Of President Bola Tinubu’s Address To Nigerians On Socio-economic Challenges

After Darkness Comes The Glorious Dawn: Full Text Of President Bola Tinubu’s Address To Nigerians On Socio-economic Challenges 

 

My fellow citizens,

I want to talk to you about our economy. It is important that you understand the reasons for the policy measures I have taken to combat the serious economic challenges this nation has long faced.

2. I am not going to talk in difficult terms by dwelling on economic jargon and concepts. I will speak in plain, clear language so that you know where I stand. More importantly, so that you see and hopefully will share my vision regarding the journey to a better, more productive economy for our beloved country.

3. For several years, I have consistently maintained the position that the fuel subsidy had to go. This once beneficial measure had outlived its usefulness. The subsidy cost us trillions of Naira yearly. Such a vast sum of money would have been better spent on public transportation, healthcare, schools, housing and even national security. Instead, it was being funnelled into the deep pockets and lavish bank accounts of a select group of individuals. 

4. This group had amassed so much wealth and power that they became a serious threat to the fairness of our economy and the integrity of our democratic governance. To be blunt, Nigeria could never become the society it was intended to be as long as such small, powerful yet unelected groups hold enormous influence over our political economy and the institutions that govern it.

5. The whims of the few should never hold dominant sway over the hopes and aspirations of the many. If we are to be a democracy, the people and not the power of money must be sovereign.

6. The preceding administration saw this looming danger as well. Indeed, it made no provision in the 2023 Appropriations for subsidy after June this year.  Removal of this once helpful device that had transformed into a millstone around the country’s neck had become inevitable.

7. Also, the multiple exchange rate system that had been established became nothing but a highway of currency speculation. It diverted money that should have been used to create jobs, build factories and businesses for millions of people. Our national wealth was doled on favourable terms to a handful of people who have been made filthy rich simply by moving money from one hand to another. This too was extremely unfair. 

8. It also compounded the threat that the illicit and mass accumulation of money posed to the future of our democratic system and its economy.

9. I had promised to reform the economy for the long-term good by fighting the major imbalances that had plagued our economy.  Ending the subsidy and the preferential exchange rate system were key to this fight. This fight is to define the fate and future of our nation. Much is in the balance.

10. Thus, the defects in our economy immensely profited a tiny elite, the elite of the elite you might call them. As we moved to fight the flaws in the economy, the people who grow rich from them, predictably, will fight back through every means necessary.

11. Our economy is going through a tough patch and you are being hurt by it. The cost of fuel has gone up. Food and other prices have followed it. Households and businesses struggle. Things seem anxious and uncertain. I understand the hardship you face. I wish there were other ways. But there is not. If there were, I would have taken that route as I came here to help not hurt the people and nation that I love.

12. What I can offer in the immediate is to reduce the burden our current economic situation has imposed on all of us, most especially on businesses, the working class and the most vulnerable among us. 

13. Already, the Federal Government is working closely with states and local governments to implement interventions that will cushion the pains of our people across socio-economic brackets.

14. Earlier this month, I signed four (4) Executive Orders in keeping with my electoral promise to address unfriendly fiscal policies and multiple taxes that are stifling the business environment. These Executive Orders on suspension and deferred commencement of some taxes will provide the necessary buffers and headroom to businesses in the manufacturing sector to continue to thrive and expand.

15. To strengthen the manufacturing sector, increase its capacity to expand and create good paying jobs, we are going to spend N75 billion between July 2023 and March 2024. Our objective is to fund 75 enterprises with great potential to kick-start a sustainable economic growth, accelerate structural transformation and improve productivity. Each of the 75 manufacturing enterprises will be able to access N1 Billion credit at 9% per annum with maximum of 60 months repayment for long term loans and 12 months for working capital.

16. Our administration recognises the importance of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and the informal sector as drivers of growth. We are going to energise this very important sector with N125 billion.

17. Out of the sum, we will spend N50 billion on Conditional Grant to 1 million nano businesses between now and March 2024. Our target is to give N50,000 each to 1,300 nano business owners in each of the 774 local governments across the country.

18. Ultimately, this programme will further drive financial inclusion by onboarding beneficiaries into the formal banking system. In like manner, we will fund 100,000 MSMEs and start-ups with N75 billion. Under this scheme, each enterprise promoter will be able to get between N500,000 to N1million at 9% interest per annum and a repayment period of 36 months.

19. To further ensure that prices of food items remain affordable, we have had a multi-stakeholder engagement with various farmers’ associations and operators within the agricultural value chain.

20. In the short and immediate terms, we will ensure staple foods are available and affordable. To this end, I have ordered the release of 200,000 Metric Tonnes of grains from strategic reserves to households across the 36 states and FCT to moderate prices. We are also providing 225,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer, seedlings and other inputs to farmers who are committed to our food security agenda.

21. Our plan to support cultivation of 500,000 hectares of farmland and all-year-round farming practice remains on course. To be specific, N200 billion out of the N500 billion approved by the National Assembly will be disbursed as follows:  

-Our administration will invest N50 billion each to cultivate 150,000 hectares of rice and maize.

-N50 billion each will also be earmarked to cultivate 100,000 hectares of wheat and cassava.

22. This expansive agricultural programme will be implemented targeting small-holder farmers and leveraging large-scale private sector players in the agric business with strong performance record.

23. In this regard, the expertise of Development Finance Institutions, commercial banks and microfinance banks will be tapped into to develop a viable and an appropriate transaction structure for all stakeholders.

24. Fellow Nigerians, I made a solemn pledge to work for you. How to improve your welfare and living condition is of paramount importance to me and it’s the only thing that keeps me up day and night.

25. It is in the light of this that I approved the Infrastructure Support Fund for the States. This new Infrastructure Fund will enable States to intervene and invest in critical areas and bring relief to many of the pain points as well as revamp our decaying healthcare and educational Infrastructure.

26. The fund will also bring improvements to rural access roads to ease evacuation of farm produce to markets. With the fund, our states will become more competitive and on a stronger financial footing to deliver economic prosperity to Nigerians. 

27. Part of our programme is to roll out buses across the states and local governments for mass transit at a much more affordable rate. We have made provision to invest N100 billion between now and March 2024 to acquire 3000 units of 20-seater CNG-fuelled buses.

28. These buses will be shared to major transportation companies in the states, using the intensity of travel per capital. Participating transport companies will be able to access credit under this facility at 9% per annum with 60 months repayment period.

29. In the same vein, we are also working in collaboration with the Labour unions to introduce a new national minimum wage for workers. I want to tell our workers this: your salary review is coming.

30. Once we agree on the new minimum wage and general upward review, we will make budget provision for it for immediate implementation.

31. I want to use this opportunity to salute many private employers in the Organised Private Sector who have already implemented general salary review for employees.

32. Fellow Nigerians, this period may be hard on us and there is no doubt about it that it is tough on us. But I urge you all to look beyond the present temporary pains and aim at the larger picture. All of our good and helpful plans are in the works. More importantly, I know that they will work.

33. Sadly, there was an unavoidable lag between subsidy removal and these plans coming fully online. However, we are swiftly closing the time gap. I plead with you to please have faith in our ability to deliver and in our concern for your well-being.

34. We will get out of this turbulence. And, due to the measures we have taken, Nigeria will be better equipped and able to take advantage of the future that awaits her.

35. In a little over two months, we have saved over a trillion Naira that would have been squandered on the unproductive fuel subsidy which only benefitted smugglers and fraudsters. That money will now be used more directly and more beneficially for you and your families.

36. For example, we shall fulfill our promise to make education more affordable to all and provide loans to higher education students who may need them. No Nigerian student will have to abandon his or her education because of lack of money.

37. Our commitment is to promote the greatest good for the greatest number of our people. On this principle, we shall never falter.

38. We are also monitoring the effects of the exchange rate and inflation on gasoline prices. If and when necessary, we will intervene. 

39. I assure you my fellow country men and women that we are exiting the darkness to enter a new and glorious dawn. 

40. Now, I must get back to work in order to make this vision come true. 

41. Thank you all for listening and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

NDIMO HEAVE A SIGH OF RELIEF AS OGULEWE ARRIVES OWERRI.

IMO GUBER,2023!!!!

NDIMO HEAVE A SIGH OF RELIEF AS OGULEWE ARRIVES OWERRI.

By Nwauwa Ikedi Justice

For the past three months , tongues have been wagging as hearts are seemingly jittery over who will bell the cat in Imo State, for things have fallen apart.

Having seen the possible challengers of this incumbent in Imo, with regards to the stuff they are made of,  in view of their connections, Political ramifications and popular acceptibility. 

Nonetheless, Imo people are definitely not satisfied with them as they obviously lack the capacity to challenge and oust this mass-suffering incumbent out of Douglas House, Owerri. 

This ugly situation has undoubtedly gave insomnia to several Imolites as how they will remain in another socioeconomic bondage and Political savagery in the next forty eight months of their material existence on earth. Tufia Kwa!!

However, there comes a light at the end of the tunnel. What is the light? 

The light is the grandstanding and audacious arrival of the Mbaise born retired Major General, LKJ Ogunewe to Imo State from his Imo State diaspora's consultation. 

Infact his arrival maybe described as a flood light of hope amidst the darkness of dejection, hope to the hopeless and confidence to a fainting heart. 

Imo will bounce back again !!!.

Furthermore, it's true to say that Imo people are said to have been rejuvenated yesterday on sighting one of their finest Nigerian retired Military General as the governorship candidate of Action Alliance ( AA) waving the hands of restoration at them. 

This hand waves above all things,  indicate capacity, capability backed up with the speechless message of , _with me,  your days of wailing, sorrows and heartbreaking tears will be over._ 

Meanwhile, on getting to his campaign headquarters at Port Harcourt road Owerri, where the whole Imolites  are keenly but patiently waiting for his arrival, amidst the Thursday's torrential downpours.

Hence, the people's General briskly stepped into the stage and raised his hands in total supplication unto Almighty God and auspiciously declared as follows ;

I have came to serve you.

I have came so that you will enjoy security and peace of mind.

I have came for issue based campaign and not to discuss anybody.

I have made myself available to restore ndi Imo state to that pedestrian of socioeconomic development we are known for decades ago .

Also, I came to maintain that superlative standard of living and social development which  Dee Sam Mbakwe had bequeathed to us.

This is what my Reset Imo Organisation has in stock for NDI IMO STATE

Be it known to you all that all victories come from God and the November 11 Governorship election victory had been handed over me.

Please take these messages to all homes in Imo State, for together shall we build a virile Imo State of our collective dreams.

How We Replace Customers Phone Numbers To Loot Their Bank Accounts – Suspected fraudsters

How We Replace Customers Phone Numbers To Loot Their Bank Accounts – Suspected Fraudsters

A suspected fraudster identified Adeola Abiodun Adeshina has given an account of how he changed customer’s bank number with the aim of looting their accounts.

The suspect was recently arrested by a team of detectives from the Zonal Monitoring Unit under the Lagos state police command.

The suspects were arrested after a complain was reported to the command over the activities of the fraudsters.

Speaking during interrogation with Saturday Sun paper, the suspect confessed that he was recruited by another suspect and given a number to go to the bank and change it.

According to him, all he does is to replace his number with the one given to him. He told Sun paper that he got paid for simply replacing the numbers.

Hear him “He gave me a phone number that we could use to open an account. After he sent it to me, I went to the bank and replaced the number on my account that I used to receive alerts from the bank with the new number.” He told Sun paper.

Speaking further, he said he doesn’t know the next thing the people that recruited him does with the accounts.

He hear ” I can’t tell what they did with the account because, if you check, there was no money there. I agreed to change the number because he said someone wanted to use the account but the alert number should be that phone number he gave me.”

Beer Parlour Owner, ‘Iya Bisola’ Strangled To Death In Osun

Beer Parlour Owner, ‘Iya Bisola’ Strangled To Death In Osun

Beer Parlour Owner, ‘Iya Bisola’ Strangled To Death In Osun

Hoodlums have reportedly strangulated a pub owner, popularly called Iya Bisola, operating in Ikirun, Osun State.

The details of the incident cannot be immediately ascertain, but security sources said the corpse of the deceased was found in her house located around Oke Glo Area in Ikirun.

Some residents of Oke Glo that spoke on the incident but craved anonymity expressed shock, noting that the corpse of the deceased was evacuated by the police after she was found dead in her room with marks of violence around her neck, suggesting that she may have been strangulated.

A resident, who preferred to be identified as Jide, said since Iya Bisola’s business premises located along Station Road, Ikirun, is not close to her residence, people in the neighborhood of Oke Glo where she lived hardly see her, as she usually spends evening time attending to her customers.

Demanding diligent investigation into the matter, he also called for reinforcement of security within Ikirun metropolis to prevent crime.

However, the public relations officer of Osun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kehinde Adeleke, during an interview with Punch, said officer of the command visited the scene before the corpse was evacuated.

Why I won’t advise Atiku, Obi to withdraw petitions against Tinubu in tribunal – Bulama, ex-APC scribe

Why I won’t advise Atiku, Obi to withdraw petitions against Tinubu in tribunal – Bulama, ex-APC scribe

…Says Shettima knows he must remain 100% loyal to Tinubu

Waziri Bulama, an architect, is a man of many callings. He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and member of the ruling party’s National Advisory Council.

In this interview with Sunday Sun in Abuja, he assessed and scored high the performance of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

Bulama equally noted that he would not advise the duo of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi to withdraw their petitions against the outcome of the 2023 presidential election.

The Kanuri, Borno-born politician also claimed that his political ally, former President Muhammadu Buhari, must be missing in his retirement the limelight he had enjoyed for several years despite his claim that he wanted to retire to a quiet life.

He also dismissed any possibility of Vice President Kashim Shettima having any form of rift with President Tinubu throughout their tenure, describing the former Borno State governor as a humble person.

What is your assessment of the Tinubu-led administration so far?

The leadership of President Bola Tinubu has done well so far. His very bold and courageous broad decision-making style is commendable. He said that he wants to copy the lifestyle and leadership style of Abraham Lincoln. The leadership style is full of brave decisions, very nationalistic, passionate about people and very empathetic about the feelings of people. Lincoln’s leadership style, in American democratic history, is seen as one of the most successful. Like Lincoln and Barack Obama, President Tinubu has a clear idea of the mission before him. Tinubu is a professional accountant, a knowledge worker who has extensive experience in auditing and financial management and stint in the treasury of an international oil company before he went into politics and sat in the National Assembly to look at the problems of Nigeria nationwide. He afterwards became a pro-democracy politician, advocating for the cause of democracy for many years. He later on ended up as governor of Lagos, where he personally turned around Lagos, a city of 20 million individuals, bigger than many countries in the world. He is bringing in this problem-solving skill of a professional. Unlike previous leaders, who are products of public institutions, the military, the public service, universities and colleges, most of whose leadership style is very circumspect, cautious and conservative, Tinubu is bringing knowledge and problem-solving skills as a technocrat. That is why, within this short period, he has hit the ground running. After all, professionals whether engineering, medicine, pharmacy or media are trained to solve problems. So far, his decision-making style and the decisions he has taken are all consistent with our expectations. We watched him carefully and that was why we supported him to emerge as the candidate of our party. He is a founding leader of our party with a commitment to ensure that our party succeeds in making Nigeria better. He is also addressing the concerns of Nigerians to ensure that the government should work for the betterment and welfare of the people to make Nigeria better. So far, so good, I will say. President Tinubu’s deeply philosophical inaugural speech states five-point areas of emphasis. Rule of law, security, turning around the economy, enhancing youth and women inclusion and fighting corruption by strengthening the institutional framework for curbing corruption. In those decisions he has taken in the last four weeks, he tried to block those major areas where funds are wasted or misapplied by the government. One is the subsidy removal issue, in which most people think that the money that directly comes out or the government pays to the oil companies is not helping Nigerians. He has blocked that by accepting the decision of the previous government that there will no more be payment of subsidy as of June 2023. The second issue is the exchange rate differential. The CBN was keeping a certain value of the dollar and the private sector or the open market kept a certain value. The limited dollar with the CBN was insufficient to demand. It is given to people who sell in the open market or black market to make a lot of gains. Tinubu has removed that dichotomy in a big decision that will save the country a lot of money. The third thing is to focus on the direct theft of crude oil going on in the oil-producing areas, creeks and communities. The Nigerian government is losing so much money there. People are just bunkering on crude oil and selling stolen crude all over the world. He has made an attempt to block that. He has also created a committee to review the tax system in the country because the tax system is full of abuses. Many people are not paying taxes; collected taxes don’t get to government coffers. There are also many reckless exemptions. The fact is that our tax collection system is also very weak. There are areas he is tightening so that money realized can fund essential social and economic infrastructure.

Tinubu has not disappointed you so far?

Tinubu has not really disappointed me so far because of his decision-making style. There is a saying that history will forgive a leader for taking a bad decision, but will not forgive him for taking no decision or delaying the decision. I see his impulse and response to issues as a decision-maker positive. Secondly, the quality and timing of decision-making are savvy. His decision-making is driven by consultation. His leadership style is not to sit down and dish out instructions. He consults extensively, not just professionals with knowledge in the areas, but also stakeholders in other areas of government across the country. His approach to decision-making, quality and timing is really very impressive. As a strategist myself, I am really happy with the timing, the quality and the approach of President Tinubu.

Are politicians insensitive to the plight of suffering Nigerians?

We already have four areas of focus. They are areas that are not working for the good of the public. Money hitherto wasted is recovered or blocked and deployed to those areas that would benefit the poor and the ordinary people in the country. The transition, from past culture to this new system of doing things would generate some uncertainty, particularly fuel price increase that jumped up threefold. Clearly, there will be temporary pain. However, it is not a decision that will just go like that without commensurate relief for the citizens. The funds that will be realised from those savings will be deployed in those areas that will bring succour and relief to the citizens. Temporarily, Nigerians will actually feel the pain because the cost of fuel has constrained transportation and impacted ripple effects on the cost of goods, foodstuff and services. There is serious fear all over that survival is getting out of reach. It is a very serious matter, but it is temporary. The government is definitely taking steps to take money from areas where it is channeled to or enjoyed by some rich or privileged people so that these funds can be deployed to where that can benefit the ordinary Nigerians.

Do you entertain any fear that there may be a crisis between Shettima and President Tinubu, especially with the Lagos boys around Mr. President?

I don’t see any reason or have any doubt that such will happen. I don’t also entertain any fear that there will be any crisis between the Vice President and the President. I have known Shettima since the age of two. Our families are in the same neighbourhood. He is a very humble young person. He had very good grooming. He is from a religious family. His father was a religious scholar and his mother a princess. He got the best of home training. He is very humble. His nomination into that office was singularly the grace of God and Asiwaju Tinubu. What worked for him was his previous record as a banker, public service and political exposure. He knows that he must remain extremely 100 per cent loyal to Tinubu. There is no way there will be any crisis of any sort because he knows that Tinubu gave him that position. His own success would be to support Asiwaju to succeed. In any case, the position of Vice President, or Deputy Governor, as we know in this country, is a spare tyre that carries out duties delegated or subletted to him by the chief executive. He is so humble that he never calls me by my name. There will be that mutual respect and I don’t see him causing trouble.

Do you think that there will be a cabal in the Tinubu government as we saw in the Buhari administration?

They have different leadership styles. Buhari’s leadership style is very personal because he is an outsider in politics and deeply contemptuous of the political class. He was very personal in addressing issues and never delegated decision making, for instance, to the party. He never really had a team to advise him, except those so-called shadowy figures. But, it wasn’t formal because at one point, he was told that there were two people running his government and he demanded to know one decision they took or forced him to take. But Asiwaju’s leadership style is generally open. He is consultative and draws in all the stakeholders in consultative decision-making. He won’t leave any grail area for anybody to exploit. His inclusive approach to decision making will not leave any room for anybody, unknown character to create a bridge, either between the President and the Vice President, or between the President and the National Assembly. As governor of Lagos state, he adopted a political model of engaging people at all levels. It was very successful. He had what was called Lagos State Advisory team, made up of senior leaders, retired public servants, traditional rulers, and institutional leaders that periodically advised him on fundamental things affecting Lagos State. That leadership style is entirely different from the experience under President Buhari, Jonathan, or Obasanjo.

What has been the relationship between the Tinubu-led government and your party, APC?

The relationship between our party and the National Assembly, between our party and the executive led by Tinubu, has been perfect and fine. It is still early in the day, but there is no conflict.

How optimistic are you about the presidential petition in the tribunal?

It will be inappropriate for me to talk about the outcome of the judicial processes because we are all before distinguished judicial leaders and those that are aggrieved. They have taken their cases to the court and placed them before the judges. We have also stated our own case. So, it is left for the judges to decide. I have said previously that we are better placed to win this election in 2023. And we won this election by meeting the two major points the Constitution requires for winning the election. The first is scoring the majority of the total votes cast, and winning 25 per cent of votes cast in at least 24 states. In this case, Tinubu met both requirements, not only that he won the highest votes cast, but he also got the required 25 per cent of votes cast in 36 states, which none of the candidates met. It wasn’t a landslide victory, but a clear victory for our party. We worked hard for it. It wasn’t just something that came on a platter or with ease. The quality of elections had improved and we had to struggle for every vote.

Will you advise Atiku and Peter Obi to withdraw their cases from the court?

President Tinubu, in his inaugural address, extended a hand of fellowship to them. Both Atiku and Peter Obi are all great leaders in this country who have paid their dues. They also have a great deal of followers. They enjoy the support of many Nigerians, but as it were in elections, normally, one way or the other, somebody has to win. At the moment, both are in court and I believe that after court pronouncements, they would review their strategies and their positions. The natural thing to do is to follow their cases to a logical conclusion. If the case is terminated at this point, in the eyes of some of their supporters, and partisan followers, they may not be happy with them. It is better for the cases to go on to their logical conclusion and after they will do a serious stocktaking, perhaps by that time, a decision as to how to relate to and consider the invitation from Asiwaju to join the government to run this country together will be considered. I want them to consider that seriously.

What are your fears about the Tinubu-led governments?

At the moment, his approach to decision-making is very good because it is very consultative, inclusive and very democratic too. If this approach to decision-making is sustained, I will be very happy. But, the problem with people who enjoy public confidence is that hubris, over-confidence, comes in sometimes. Trusting in your abilities and then sometimes taking unilateral decisions. If people trust that you will be consulting them on fundamental decision-making, and then suddenly some major decisions come and you break the tradition of inclusive decision-making that will disappoint many people.

What will Nigerians remember former President Buhari for?

I was very close to President Buhari and I was a key player in that era. We worked hard, sacrificing our time, talents, and resources. Among us there were many who passed away in the course of this struggle, some ended up in prison, while some lost their limbs. Actually, quite a lot of sacrifices were made for the political successes of former President Buhari, from 2001. The three elections where he failed to make it, and the three elections he managed successfully in 2015, 2019, he was president and the 2023 elections, where he led his party to victory, he has an enviable political history. As for the legacy former President Buhari left behind, you have to look at his long sojourn into politics, where he took power in 2015 and where he left power in 2023. You need sufficient data to make the comparison. You also have to allow this new government with a new leadership style to execute some programmes to see Buhari’s leadership in context. But suffice it to say that on the fundamentals, history will be fair to him. He kept Nigeria one, found Nigeria one, preserved Nigeria’s unity and handed it over to another leader. Unity is the most important thing because leaders swear to protect the country and the constitution. History will be fair to him that he preserved and made Nigeria remained one. The second is that he participated actively in forming APC, which is a broad-based national party committed to building institutions and promoting the rule of law. He was able to preside over three elections successfully. That also is a great deal of achievement in a country where parties are struggling and the weakness of parties has been the bane of our political instability in Nigeria since 1960 because they are incapable of managing their own crisis. And they, therefore, lose the confidence of Nigerians, leading to military interventions. It is to his credit and that of his political partners, as well as many foot soldiers like us, behind him and Tinubu, to sustain our party and ensure it wins the confidence and trust of Nigerians to win another election. But there are many people that may have different views because some people that expected appointments, and projects that didn’t get were disappointed. A famous American Senator and retired politician, Mario Cuomo, said that politicians campaign in poetry and govern in prose.

What do you think Buhari will be missing now outside the government?

Philosophers, men of knowledge, historians and the clergy used to say that what the heart of man desires is respect and admiration. Buhari was in the limelight and treated as a messiah at some point. Throughout his leadership, he was seen and respected highly by global leaders, local leaders, and the ordinary masses that saw him as a messiah or some kind of cult or prophetic leader. I am sure Buhari will be missing that limelight, that standing as a messiah and always being in front of the cameras. He will miss being in the centre of power in the country regardless of his claim that he desired a quieter life and staying with his livestock.

Details Emerge As Tinubu’s Ministerial Nominee Is Reportedly Barred From Holding Public Office

Details Emerge As Tinubu’s Ministerial Nominee Is Reportedly Barred From Holding Public Office

A ministerial nominee from Taraba State, Senator Sani Danladi, has claimed there is no subsisting court order barring him from contesting or holding political offices.

Speaking through his lawyer, U.I Ujah, Esq, on Saturday, the affected ministerial nominee catalogued court cases that he claimed eventually exonerated him from the barring from contesting or holding political offices.

Recall a report by SaharaReporters on Friday revealed that Danladi was barred in 2019 from contesting or holding political offices for 10 years over forgery.

A publication on the Taraba State website also confirmed how Danladi was barred In 2019 from contesting or holding political offices over alleged certificate forgery and age falsification.

Prior to the 2019 general elections, a High Court in Jalingo had disqualified Abubakar Sani Danladi from contesting the election after it was found that he presented a forged document to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The case went on to the Court of Appeal before the election and to the Supreme Court after the election, where the apex court affirmed the judgement of the lower court confirming that the certificate presented by Sani Danladi to the INEC was fake and forged.

It was in the same judgement that the Supreme Court barred Sani Danladi from contesting any election until after 10 years.

The Gazette done by Taraba State reads in part; “A five-man Panel of the Supreme Court of Nigeria sitting in Abuja today the 5th day of July, 2019 and composed of The Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria Tanko Mohammed JSC, Mary Peter Odili JSC, Olukayode Ariwoola JSC, Paul Galumje JSC and Uwani Abbaji JSC have dismissed the Appeal filed by Alhaji Sani Abubakar Danladi the purported APC Governorship candidate in the 2019 Taraba state Governorship election which challenges his disqualification by the Federal High Court, Jalingo.

“The Supreme Court dismissed the Appeal for being incompetent and failing to meet the requirements of the law.

“EFFECT OF THE JUDGEMENT ON ALHAJI SANI ABUBAKAR DANLADI’S POLITICAL CAREER AND FUTURE. Sani Abubakar Danladi destroyed himself and committed political suicide by presenting a questionable WAEC certificate to INEC and lying on oath in his form CF001 before the 2019 election about his age.

“The Taraba state government is also under a heavy moral and legal obligation to do the needful by raising a GOVERNMENT WHITE PAPER recognising the judgement and thereafter Gazette/Publish same in the official Gazette of the state; and this shall imply that Sani Abubakar Danladi shall not be qualified to contest for; nor hold any political office from the date of the Gazette to a period of ten years. Taraba state government do not have a choice in this regard except to Gazette the judgement else the government will be accused of aiding and abetting crime,” the statement added.

But reacting through his lawyer, Danladi said that “there is no subsisting judgment of any court in Nigeria disqualifying Senator Sani Abubakar Danladi from either contesting an election or barring him from holding any public office.”

The counsel said, “For the sake of record, it has become pertinent to put the record straight thus: On the 6/03/2019, the Federal High Court, Jalingo Division delivered a Judgment in SUIT NO: FHC/JAL/CS/1/2019 BETWEEN USMAN UDI & 3 ORS. VS. ABUBAKAR SANI DANLADI & ANOR, wherein the Senator Sani Abubakar Danladi was disqualified from contesting the gubernatorial election of Taraba State in the 2019 General Election.

“Notably, Senator Sani Abubakar Danladi appealed against the above decision in SUIT NO: FHC/JAL/CS/1/2019 BETWEEN USMAN UDI & 3 ORS. VS. ABUBAKAR SANI DANLADI & ANOR to the Court of Appeal via APPEAL NO: CA/YL/41/2019 BETWEEN ABUBAKAR SANI DANLADI & ANOR V.  USMAN UDI & ORS. However, the Court of Appeal on the 3/05/2019 struck out the said appeal for being incompetent.

“Dissatisfied with the outcome of the said appeal, Senator Sani Abubakar Danladi further appealed to the Supreme Court in APPEAL NO: SC/518/2019 BETWEEN ABUBAKAR SANI DANLADI & ANOR V.  USMAN UDI & ORS. The Supreme Court, however, struck out the appeal having held that same was incompetent.

“However, at page 20 of the Supreme Court’s Judgment, His Lordship, Peter-Odili, JSC (as he then was) held thus: “Learned Senior Counsel for the appellants had sought to lead the court to the earlier situation relating to the cause of action at the trial court by contending that the trial court itself had no jurisdiction to determine the matter in the first place if Section 285 CFRN is applicable since the cause of action arose on 25th October, 2018 a point not disputed and the Originating Summons filed on 9th January 2017 which made the action filed 76 days after the accrued cause of action, instead of 14 days provided by Section 285 (9) of the Constitution”

“Premised on the above findings of the apex Court, Senator Sani Abubakar Danladi commenced an action via SUIT NO: FHC/JAL/CS/10/2021 BETWEEN ABUBAKAR SANI DANLADI VS. USMAN UDI &5 ORS before the same Federal High Court, Jalingo Division to set aside its earlier decision in SUIT NO: FHC/JAL/CS/1/2019 BETWEEN USMAN UDI & 3 ORS. VS. ABUBAKAR SANI DANLADI & ANOR on the grounds that the Court lacked the Jurisdiction to have entertained the suit in the first place.

“The Honourable Court found merit in Our Client’s case and on the 15th day of October, 2021, set aside its earlier decision in SUIT NO: FHC/JAL/CS/1/2019 BETWEEN USMAN UDI & 3 ORS. VS. ABUBAKAR SANI DANLADI & ANOR as being a decision given without jurisdiction. (Se Annexure “E”). The Defendants in SUIT NO: FHC/JAL/CS/10/2021 BETWEEN ABUBAKAR SANI DANLADI VS. USMAN UDI &5 ORS thereafter filed a Notice and Grounds of Appeal to the Court of Appeal, Yola Division, which was later withdrawn.

“Preparatory to the 2023 General Elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) instituted an action at the Federal High Court, Abuja Division in SUIT NO: FHC/ABJ/CS/1080/2022 BETWEEN PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY V. INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION (INEC) & ORS, urging the Honourable Court to disqualify Senator Sani Abubakar Danladi from participating in the 2023 General Election as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on the ground that he has been disqualified from contesting election, relying on the Judgment Federal High Court, Jalingo Division delivered on  6th of March 2019, in SUIT NO:FHC/JAL/CS/1/2019 BETWEEN USMAN UDI & 3 ORS. VS. ABUBAKAR SANI DANLADI & ANOR.

“On the other hand, Our Client contended that the Judgment being relied upon by the PDP had been set aside on 15th day of October, 2021, via SUIT NO: FHC/JAL/CS/1/2019 BETWEEN USMAN UDI & 3 ORS. VS. ABUBAKAR SANI DANLADI & ANOR. Interestingly, the trial Court in the judgment delivered on the 22/11/2022 dismissed SUIT NO: FHC/ABJ/CS/1080/2022 BETWEEN PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY V. INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION (INEC) & ORS.

“The Peoples Democratic Party  PDP was dissatisfied with the Judgment of the Trial Court Appealed against the said Judgement to the Court of Appeal in APPEAL NO: CA/ABJ/CV/1344/2022BETWEEN PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY V. INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION & 2 ORS, which appeal was equally dismissed by the Court of Appeal on the 23/01/2023.

“Pained with the decision of the Court of Appeal, PDP further appealed to the Supreme Court via APPEAL NO: SC/CV/168/2023 BETWEEN PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY V. INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION & 2 ORS. However, the appeal was again dismissed.

“As if that is not enough, in the primary election, Senator Sani Abubakar Danladi opponent (Alhaji Ali Sani Kona) filed another case as in SUIT NO: SUIT NO: FHC/ABJ/CS/1777/2022 BETWEEN ALI SANI V. SANI ABUBAKAR DANLADI & 2 ORS on the purported disqualification even though he was a party in SUIT NO: FHC/ABJ/CS/1080/2022 BETWEEN PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY V. INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION (INEC) & ORS. The Federal High Court, Abuja had on 13th day of February, 2023 dismissed the case.

“Giving all these facts, it is clear for the blind to see and audible for the deaf to hear that there is no subsisting judgment of any court in Nigeria disqualifying Our Client from either contesting an election or barring him from holding any public office.”

How gunmen abducted me,’ Anambra native doctor speaks after release The native doctor said he witnessed his abductors kill several people.

‘How gunmen abducted me,’ Anambra native doctor speaks after release

The native doctor said he witnessed his abductors kill several people.

 A popular native doctor in Anambra State, who was kidnapped by gunmen on Sunday night has been released.

His was abducted about six days ago.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Nwangwu, otherwise known as “Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki,” was abducted from his Triple P Hotel on Sunday when the gunmen attacked him and shot dead two of his security aides.

The incident happened at Oba, a community in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state.

Sources told this newspaper that the native doctor was released on Saturday morning after reportedly paying an undisclosed amount of money as ransom.

When contacted, the police spokesperson in Anambra State, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the release of the native doctor to PREMIUM TIMES.

“Yes. I can confirm to you that he has been released by the kidnappers,” he said.

Mr Ikenga, a deputy superintendent of police, said he has no information about the circumstances surrounding his release.

The police spokesperson said the native doctor would be “debriefed” so that the police would know the next line of action.

The native doctor speaks

Mr Nwangwu, the native doctor, on Saturday morning, confirmed his release in a video clip which has gone viral on Facebook page.

The native doctor was seen in the clip narrating to his supporters and friends how he was attacked by the hoodlums.

He said he was at one of his hotels around 11:30 p.m. on that fateful night when somebody known as Okey Japan, asked him to come over to another of his hotel.

“Okey Japan said he wanted to see me because it was his first time coming to my hotel. So, I drove my new car to the hotel without anybody with me. Not up to 30 minutes after I arrived there, gunshots started raining,” Mr Nwangwu said in Igbo language.

The native doctor said the kidnappers killed two of his security men and others in the hotel fled.

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“When I came out to know what was wrong, they began shooting at me, but I know who I am. They subsequently dragged me into their vehicle and zoomed off.

“If I had wanted to run, I would have run, but I had seen people they would shoot at, if I dared to run. What I did was to save the souls of others. I followed them so I would also not be accused of bringing the kidnappers,” he narrated.

The native doctor said he was infuriated by “nonsense” remarks made by several persons on radio and social media after he was kidnapped.

He did not give details of where he was taken to and what transpired where he was kept.

Pro-Biafra agitators?

Mr Nwangwu said the attackers were armed with sophisticated weapons, including rocket launchers and and that they were on lookout for the rich and powerful.

He suggested that the attackers could be part of the group agitating for a sovereign state of Biafra, but did not give details.

“They called names of people they would attack later, but I wouldn’t say it myself. Many, about 20, were killed in my presence. They said they wanted to kidnap 50 people.

“Even the sit-at-home we observe, in fact the people are angry. There is something they are complaining about. They want to clear everywhere so that they would be taken seriously,” the native doctor stated.

Sit-at-home order has become a strategy often adopted by pro-Biafra groups in the South-east to protest the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra, a group leading the agitation for the secession of the South-east and some parts of the South-south regions from Nigeria.

Ransom paid?

There are speculations that the native doctor paid about N300 million and additional N50 million to secure his release.

But PREMIUM TIMES could not verify the claim.

As of the time of this report, the native doctor has not mentioned if he paid any ransom or not.

 

BIAFRA - BEING A STATE OR A STATE OF BEING?

BIAFRA - BEING A STATE OR A STATE OF BEING?                                                                                                                                           Until we have achieved that state of being in Igbo land, the desired geopolitical region (state of Biafra or whatever name so called) remains at risk. So, we must pursue both tasks together, the *state of being* however far ahead in actual implementation. 

The *state of being* is as follows:

We have to do as the Catalonians have done in northern Spain.

When they realized that the Castelianos (Madrid) will never voluntarily or easily give them Independencia, the Catalonians (Barcelona) decided to turn inwards and develop their region technologically, economically and infrastructurally. Now, Catalonia region is the economic powerhouse of Spain.

The same thing with Bayern in Germany. When Germany was declaring itself a nation state, Bayern (Bavaria) had the choice to stay out and be a country on its own (like Austria did). Instead, it opted to stay within a greater Germany and become its best part. Today, Bavaria is the most technologically and economically powerful region in Germany - and it has the whole of Germany now as its primary and biggest market to trade in or not to trade in.

The same thing with California in the USA. It's not only the biggest economy among the states of the US, it's also the 6th largest economy in the world! This is probably because it is within the US and can leverage on all the synergies that come with that to be so powerful.

If it were to suddenly break away and stand alone, as a competitor against the rest of the US, things might not be so easy for California.

Of course, the circumstances of Catalonia, Bavaria and California are not quite like those of Biafra (Aligbo or Cakebird region if you like), and we may successfully break away and become a great republic. But we need to accept the constitutional hurdles and the costs of premature breakaway. Our first attempt failed because it was forced on us when we had nothing on the ground, nothing at sea and nothing in the air to fight with. They have wanted to force us into another major crisis from 2015 to date. We have survived only by the skin of our teeth.

Nigeria does not fear IPOB as it is. In fact, they want IPOB to challenge them, so they can militarily wage war on the Igbo. IPOB at present is not the Biafra that Nigeria fears. 

They fear the Biafra that might become like Catalonia, like Bavaria, like California. That's the Biafra they fear. So they need militant IPOB and other separatist groups to give them an excuse to come and reduce Igbo land to a wasteland again and turn back the hands of our clock once more to zero, like they did in the 1967-1970 war.

Even if we don't want and don't start any hostilities, they will use the slightest excuse or provocation or accident to send in their troops to Igbo land or to Ndigbo elsewhere in Nigeria - to kill them and steal their property. Like before, all the world powers and countries will give Nigeria the required land, sea and air support plus their diplomatic machinery, and we would find ourselves again standing alone - with only Haiti, Ivory Coast, Gabon and Tanzania on our side.

We are not cowards and would gallantly fight back if pushed to the wall by any aggressor(s), but we have to put on our thinking caps. We have to shift the battle to the field where we are sure to win. Even asking for referendum now is premature and unrealistic. 

We have to pull back and restrategize. What matters most now is release of Nnamdi Kanu and all other Biafran political detainees.

All Igbo can reach a consensus on that. Even most of our current political leaders that most of us love to hate would buy into that agenda if properly approached, with assurances that release of the detainees would not constitute a direct threat to them.

But it is not referendum that will give us the Biafra we need. And, of course, it is not guns that will give us Biafra. As Ndigbo, the first step to freedom is to balance extreme individualism of the Igbo genius with collectivism of a region with shared cultural values.

We have to pool our wealth, intelligence and efforts together to turn Igbo land into a First-World region.

The second point concerns our political leaders - governors, ministers, senators, federal and state house members, commissioners, local government council chairmen, councillors, traditional rulers and non-governmental political leaders. As much as most of us don't like most of them, we have to work on and with them. 

Where they are not doing well or satisfying us, instead of boycotting voter registration and elections, we should participate fully in all personal data-capture exercises and  electoral matters. During elections, we replace deficient elected leaders with persons unquestionably faithful to the cause.

One thing we must understand is that our bad leaders need unproductive agitations to stay in power through endorsements by people who don't wish Ndigbo well. All they need to do is to offer themselves to be used against Igbo masses in return. 

One of the unpopular Igbo leaders actually told me that Biafra agitations are good for his political career, for he only has to condemn them to be liked in certain high places. He also told me that he would rather people of his state stayed outside the state because of insecurity than returned and be asking him accountability questions.

Without street Biafra agitations, with peace all over Igbo land, with most Igbo people relocating to Igbo land or at least investing in Igbo land, the colour of our political representation would change speedily and we would be well on our way to becoming that great region of Nigeria that majority of our people want to see.

We the people are holding all the aces. Shifting our focus from agitations that may not give us what we want to peaceful engagements with our political representatives will make them relaxed and not given to fighting their own people for their political survival.

We can then demand that they invest in infrastructures - road/rail/air/waterway links to Igbo towns and villages, potable water, drainage systems, housing, hotels, banks, post offices, educational facilities, libraries, tax breaks for small businesses, and regional economic integration. 

We can demand that they constitute expert groups across every field from within and the diaspora to develop and advise on the framework for regional development.

Instead of going to Abuja, the state governors should come together, put money together from their budgets and build a 4th or even 5th Niger bridge in Igbo land, dredge and chart all navigable waterways, develop the dry ports, and make it mandatory that every South-East governor prioritizes regional integration. Land costs, taxes and tariffs across the region must come down to encourage investors and businesses.

Computer Village in Lagos is full of Ndigbo. The governors and leadership should put their moneys together and build something similar in every state of the South-East.

Follow up on Geometrics power project of Prof Barth Nnaji, with a view to completely electrifying all Igbo land. Oji River Power Station and the coal mines of Enugu should be reactivated for additional supply of electricity energy.

Put their money together and elevate Enugu airport to a level higher than Lagos or Abuja airport as a regional aviation hub. Developing the Owerri airport to a full international cargo airport and take advantage of the central location of Owerri in the South East.

Quality educational institutions are absent or in shortage in the South-East even though we constantly produce the highest number of applicants to universities. Let us build more quality schools by collaboration with our diasporans. They're the best in many parts of the world. Let's harness this advantage.

We need a world class Stock Exchange in Igbo land. We can achieve that without the Federal government, because we are seriously involved in trading. Encourage our diasporans to work with our state governments to establish and run world class healthcare institutions.

IPOB has already come up with a blueprint for an Igbo-wide democratic customary government, very republican in nature, and this is good. Incidentally, it is in accord with the Nigerian constitution. 

If peacefully implemented, this can be a mechanism with which to hold elected executives and legislators to account, if Nigeria stays together. And if Nigeria falls apart for reasons beyond our control, then automatically we already have a framework of state administration in operation.

However, IPOB must win Igbo people over by championing their welfare with their own governors and other government officials. Warn the government officials that they might not be re-elected and they might face investigation and criminal prosecution if they fail to serve their people well. 

Rebranded IPOB should also encourage the training of security personnel, standardization, integration and sharing of information by the different state security groups to stamp out crimes like robbery, murder, drug abuse, kidnapping, ritual killings, human trafficking, prostitution, etc. 

We are Igbo. We are in the communities and we know those who are into crime. People must start explaining their sources of wealth. IPOB can utilize its huge following to ensure crime is wiped out and good governance is entrenched in the South East.

Then, IPOB and Nnamdi Kanu, if rebranded as proposed, would for ever be remembered kindly by history.

If we are doing things like all these, few Arewa and Yoruba elements will not need to issue quit notices or attack Ndigbo again. Ndigbo would on their own come back in droves to build up Igbo land to the admiration of all...and even encourage other ethnic groups to emulate us.

It is not beyond the Igbo to venture into modern and very lucrative cattle rearing and be the leaders in all of Africa? We did it before at Obudu Cattle Ranch and can do it again - even bigger and better this time. Are we not known to come late into any venture and excel beyond those in it for years before us?                                                                                                                                    

The governors of each South-East state should as a matter of urgency encourage ranching in all Igbo states for prospective and enterprising Igbo cattle farmers by, for example, giving them land and financial support. 

Meanwhile, anti-open grazing laws should be enacted by every state assembly of the South-East. Cow owners must establish ranches and truck their cows to the market but must not roam about anywhere in the South-East.

IPOB has power. If they use it wisely, they can bring about tremendous positive changes at home without any bloodshed. They are uniquely positioned at this period in time to use their massive following and break that extreme individualistic Igbo trait to bring about positive changes that will shape Igbo history for generations. 

If they misuse it by going the route of endless crises or even war that didn't work decades ago, then it would be a great shame indeed.

If Nigeria stays together, Igbo land can and will become the most advanced region of Nigeria and Africa within twenty years, if we start now.

If Nigeria breaks up, we as a region would by then be ready to face challenges of regional autonomy with greater confidence. 

We are not ready now. And this is where we need to put all our eyes into...with Nnamdi Kanu and other Biafran detainees freed as quickly as possible.

Chinedu Jideofo-Ogbuagu.

Military finally overthrows democratic govt in Niger Republic

Military finally overthrows democratic govt in Niger Republic

Coupists say military takeover due precarious state of the nation

Bazoum was detained by the coupists throughout Wednesday as military trucks were used to block and cordon off the presidential palace

They claim to have seized power because of worsening security situation as well as bad social and economic management

Soldiers have seized power in Niger Republic.

The soldiers announced ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum from power on Thursday.

Bazoum was detained by the coupists throughout Wednesday as military trucks were used to block and cordon off the presidential palace, engendering fear of impending military takeover in the West Africa country.

The soldiers eventually announced the coup in televised broadcast in the early hours of Thursday

In the broadcast, 10 senior officers led by Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane said the National Council of the State Guard of the Nation had decided to “put an end to the regime you are familiar with”.

They claimed to have seized power because of deteriorating security situation as well as bad social and economic management.

“We reaffirm our support to all commitment undertaken by Niger,” the soldiers said.

They had earlier cordoned off office and residence of Bazoum with military vehicles.

Crowds had flocked the streets of the capital city, Niamey, in support of the president, but soldiers fired shots to disperse them.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had intervened by sending the President of Benin, Patrice Talon, to the country.

Talon proceeded after meeting with President Bola Tinubu, ECOWAS Chairman, in Abuja.

Tinubu had earlier condemned the development, warning that the regional body, as well as the global community, would not condone disruption of constitutional order within the sub-region.

 

Soon natural death will be optional; humans will live over 150 years −Dr Awuzie

Soon natural death will be optional; humans will live over 150 years −Dr Awuzie

 The co-founder and CEO of The Transhuman Coin (THC), Dr. Charles Awuzie, has reiterated his stance that, with the ongoing disruptive research findings in longevity science, death by natural causes will be optional and that humans will live over 150 years by 2045.

The Nigerian South African-based techpreneur and biochemist, who is also the CEO of Gemsbok Group, made this known while speaking on the launch of Gemsbok’s new generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbox, called GemsbokGPT.

Founded by Charles Awuzie and Peter Xing, THC is a cryptocurrency focusing on future human technologies to merge biotechnology with blockchain technology to facilitate medical and biotechnology research.

According to Awuzie, THC currently has over 14,000 holders and 16,000 community members who are looking forward to the next phase of their project, which will enable them to contribute to medical research and earn from their contributions.

“The longevity field is another emerging field of interest. Biotechnology is going to take the world by storm just like Artificial Intelligence,” he said. “Transhuman Coin is a research-oriented token. We are merging artificial intelligence with biotechnology in the Metaverse to solve diseases and aging.”

He said the THC team is led by a high-powered scientific advisory board led by Professor Avinash Singh, a Google award-winning brain machine-interface expert at the University of Technology, Sydney.

He also said that they have invested in a robotic AI-powered wheelchair which was even tested by Melinda Gates of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

“In 2021, I was diagnosed with multiple autoimmune diseases which were genetically inherited from my parents. My condition was life-threatening but could have been detected/understood earlier if there was a ledger that stored genetic data on the blockchain,” he said. “We will solve death by 2045. Death will become optional.”

Awuzie revealed that THC has partnered with the South African Medical Research Council and Itheum to develop and maintain a blockchain ledger that stores genetic and health data for research purposes.

“The uniqueness of our project is that owners of the data will receive incentives each time their data is used for research,” he said. “This will provide some economic relief to the owners of the data who are predominantly from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.”

Recently on his verified Facebook page, Awuzie posted that he and the THC community will be the first organisation to establish longevity clinics across Africa, invest in age-reversal solutions, and live a healthy and long life in wealth.

In light of this, he noted that THC’s major goal is to build a research centre by 2023 that will enable interaction between scholars, students, and the longevity industry to enhance research opportunities in the longevity field, brain-human-interface, and anti-aging field while promoting academic excellence, knowledge creation and solving real-world problems.

“The Transhuman Fund Wallet is dedicated to this project, and the wallet is directly under the control of the THC Scientific Advisory Board,” he added.

Jubilation In Kano As Ahmed Musa Slashes Fuel Price At His Petrol Station

Jubilation In Kano As Ahmed Musa Slashes Fuel Price At His Petrol Station

The former Super Eagles forward, Ahmed Musa has announced the reduction of price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at his own fueling station, MYCA7 in Kano from N620 to N580 per litre, as a way to cushioned the hardship motorists were passing through. reports that the 30-year-old professional footballer announced the reduction of the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) via his Twitter page on Monday.

Excitement In Kano As Ahmed Musa’s Slashes Fuel Price At His Petrol Station

Recall that few days after Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) announced an increase of the petrol pump price to N617 per litre.

Musa, however, revealed that the product is sold at N580 at MYCA7, his petrol station in Kano, against the N620 per litre price in the state.

Meanwhile, some motorists and citizens of Kano have been expressing their gratitude to Musa’s gesture.

It was gathered that a citizen of the state, Usman Muhammad, to have said: “It’s a welcome development; I can now save some money instead of buying at a higher cost,” after buying the fuel.

Any Election Rerun Should Be Between Atiku and I, Tinubu Tells Court

Any Election Rerun Should Be Between Atiku and I, Tinubu Tells Court

Any Election Rerun Should Be Between Atiku and I, Tinubu Tells Court

President Bola Tinubu has petitioned the Presidential Election Petition Court (PREPEC) in Abuja to exclude the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, and his party from any rerun presidential election, claiming that only he and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, are constitutionally qualified to contest.

Tinubu contended that if the Supreme Court invalidates the presidential election on February 25, 2023, Obi and his party will be ineligible to run again.However, Obi urged the PREPEC's five-member panel not to violate the will of the people as expressed in the February 25 presidential election, emphasising that Tinubu should be fired immediately.

Tinubu chastised both Obi and LP for petitioning the court to annul the election and order the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to hold a second poll in which he, Shettima, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) would not take part.He claimed that if the remedy was granted, Obi and LP would receive no benefit because they were lawfully precluded from contesting the rerun election.

President Tinubu's remarks were included in his final written speech in response to Obi's and the LP's petition contesting his declaration as president.Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of INEC, proclaimed Tinubu the victor of the February 25 presidential election with 8,794,726 votes on March 1, while Atiku and Obi reportedly received 6,984,520 and 6,101,533 votes, respectively.

While citing alleged concerns of substantial non-compliance with electoral rules, corrupt practises, and non-qualification, among other things, Obi and LP, on the one side, and Atiku and PDP, on the other, had requested the court to annul the election in their applications.Both Obi and Atiku are claiming victory on the basis that they received a majority of valid votes cast in the election.Alternatively, they asked the court to order a re-run election to determine the true winner of the race.

However, Tinubu stated in his final written response to the petition by Obi and LP, which was filed by his counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), that the evidence presented by the petitioners failed to show accusations of noncompliance and corruption sufficient to invalidate his election.

"In the extremely unlikely event that the election of February 25, 2023 is voided, the only candidates constitutionally prescribed to contest any subsequent election shall be the 2nd respondent and the candidate of the PDP who came second, by scoring the next majority of votes in the highest number of states (19 states), to the 1st petitioner's 16 states, and also coming second by plurality of votes, having scored 6,984,520, far and above the 1st petitioner," he added.

"In effect, the petitioners have no locus standi to seek relief 2 both constitutionally and legally; constitutionally, because he is barred from contesting; and legally, because he has no benefit to derive from the relief, assuming it is granted," he stated.Olanipekun argued that the court cannot order a new election outside of the provisions of the constitution, citing a slew of authorities: "The law is settled that 'a party prosecuting an action would (only) have locus standi where the reliefs claimed would confer some benefits on such a party."

"According to him, the only candidates constitutionally prescribed to contest any subsequent election shall be the 2nd respondent and the candidate of the PDP who came second by scoring the next majority of votes in the highest number of states (19 states), compared to the 1st petitioner's 16 states, and also by plurality of votes, having scored 6,984,520, far and above the 1st petitioner's 6,101,533 votes."Olanipekun argued that, under Section 134(3) of the Constitution, "the first petitioner is constitutionally barred from participating in any election, in the very unlikely event that the election of February 25, 2023 is voided."

Section 134(3) states, "In the absence of a candidate duly elected in accordance with subsection (2) of this section, there shall be a second election in accordance with subsection (4) of this section, at which the only candidate shall be - (a) the candidate who scored the highest number of votes at any election held in accordance with the said subsection (2) of this section; and (b) one of the remaining candidates who has a majority of votes in the highest number of votes cast."

Similarly, Olanipekun criticised the petitioners' requests for the election to be cancelled and an order directing INEC to hold a new election on the basis that the petitioners did not specify who would participate or run in the poll."Most humbly, the court cannot order a new election outside of the provisions of the Constitution," he stated.The learned silk called the court's attention to the testimony of INEC's solitary witness, who stated that Obi's name was not on the party's registry before he became the presidential candidate (Exhibit RA18).

"In any event," he continued, "the 1st petitioner has failed to comply with the law of the land, by first making himself a member of the 2nd petitioner, before proceeding to purportedly contest election and even file a petition."We again turn to the uncontradicted testimony of the respondents' lone witness, who noted that the name of the first petitioner is nowhere to be seen in Exhibit RA18.

"As a result of the foregoing, the petition is improperly constituted, and as such, at the conclusion of evidence/trial, it is clear that it does not vest jurisdiction in this honourable court to entertain it, and, more specifically, to grant the reliefs sought."The core of all of this is that in the absence of the PDP and its candidate, the NNPP and its candidate, the petition's grounds, the paragraphs stating claims against the parties, and any evidence gathered during trial become ineffective and inadmissible."

Sack Tinubu Now, Obi Tells Court in Final Address

Meanwhile, Obi has urged the election petition court's five-member panel not to undermine the will of the people as expressed in the February 25 presidential election. Obi urged the panel to fire the president in his final written speech in support of his suit disputing Senator Bola Tinubu's declaration as the winner of the presidential election.

He reminded the panel that the powers of adjudication granted to it by the Nigerian Constitution were freely given to them by the people, therefore the need to preserve the trust placed in them by the people.In their last written address filed on their behalf by their lead counsel, Dr. Livy Uzoukwu (SAN), Obi and LP argued that Tinubu and Shettima's case was "devoid of any scintilla of evidence”.

They requested the tribunal to find the petitioners' case worthy and award them their reliefs, which include nullifying Tinubu's victory and declaring them the winner, or ordering a new election.They also argued that the panel's refusal to fire Tinubu for alleged constitutional violations is dereliction of duty, and that the judges should follow in the footsteps of the Supreme Court of Kenya, which nullified President Uhuru Kenyatta's election in the interests of the people and democracy.

"In conclusion, may we respectfully commend to your lordships the words on the marble of the Supreme Court in the case of Raila Odinga and Anor V Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and Others (2017) KESC 31 (KLR) para, 399; when ex-cathedra said; '13991 what of the argument that this court should not subvert the will of the people?" This court is one of those to whom the sovereign power has been entrusted under the same constitution's article 1(3)c). 

All of its powers, including the ability to invalidate a presidential election, are given to it by the people of Kenya, not by force. To dishonestly employ that granted power and turn a blind eye to constitutional infractions would be a dereliction of duty, and we reject to accept the offer, no matter how appealing it may appear.

"Therefore, however burdensome, let the majesty of the constitution reverberate across the lengths and breadths of our hills and mountains; let it serenade our households from the trees; let it sprout from our institutions of learning; let it toll from our sanctums of prayer; and let it be a constant irritant to those who bear the responsibility of leadership," Obi and LP told the panel.

TROOPS IN PURSUIT OF FLEEING IPOB FIGHTERS ASABA HAVE CAPTURED WOUNDED FIGHTER, RECOVERED ADDITIONAL FIRE ARMS, OTHER ITEMS

TROOPS IN PURSUIT OF FLEEING IPOB FIGHTERS ASABA HAVE CAPTURED WOUNDED FIGHTER, RECOVERED ADDITIONAL FIRE ARMS, OTHER ITEMS

Recall that troops of 63 Brigade operating under 6 Division Nigerian Army in the early hours of today Saturday 22 July 2023 destroyed an IPOB/ ESN enclave in a forested high ground in Asaba.

 The troops who are on further exploit and pursuit of the fleeing IPOB fighters have captured one wounded fighter and recovered several additional items from the criminals. Some of the items recovered are four Motorcycles, four Double Barrel guns, five AK 47 Magazines, 18 rounds of Live 7.62mm Special ammunition, 6 Mobile phones, two Power banks, six Boafeng Communication Radios and   Chargers, an Android phone, one HP Laptop, 13 IPOB flags, one Power generating set, one Gas Cylinder, IPOB Uniforms and accoutrements as well as five improvised Beagles. Other items are two ATM cards and a Wrist Watch.

MAJOR GENERAL OGUNEWE LINCOLN JACK (RTD) - FAVOURABLE ALTERNATIVE FOR EXCEPTIONAL EXCELLENT.

MAJOR GENERAL OGUNEWE LINCOLN JACK (RTD) - FAVOURABLE ALTERNATIVE FOR EXCEPTIONAL EXCELLENT.

_• Diplomacy, Competence, Proven Records Qualifies Ogunewe Lincoln Jack For Imo Guber November 11th 2023_

Leadership is about having a vision and aim. Leaders are not born but through struggle, determination, will-power, and vision, a person becomes a leader. Leadership is art without any boundaries and limits. The more you practice, the stronger leader you come out to be.

Ogunewe Lincoln is a symbol that symbolize the symbolisms of true leadership, his pace and ethics of dedication are experts driven.

Maj Gen Lincoln Keonyemere Jack Ogunewe, who hails from Umudim-Akpodim in Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA, born 18th May 1963 to the family of Eze (Col) David Sunday Ogunewe, a first Generation Nigerian Army officer (N/34). 

Ogunewe joined the Army at the age of 17 and rose to the rank of Major General and the Second in command (NO2) in the Nigeria Army (Chief of Policy & Plans (Army).

Retired at the age of 55 in Dec 2018,

serving for more than 38 years of service 

including his cadet training at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). 

Major General Ogunewe Lincoln Jack (Rtd), Is the Gubernatorial Candidate of The Action Alliance Party (AA) for the upcoming November 11th Election.

Gen. Ogunewe Lincoln as an empathetic leader understands and feel what other people are experiencing. In other words, he puts himself in other people’s shoe. Extraordinary leaders praise in public and address problems in private.

Having been in public administration for years, it has never been on record that Ogunewe Lincoln Jack misappropriated public funds, no records of any Fraudulent activities or Scam, forgery of any kind all through his years in service. His records are straight and verifiable to all imolites for inspection.

 In as much as the Nigeria Administration system may seems corrupt, The People's General scale through by high level of discipline, honesty, accountability and ethical cultural values.

SECURITY:

In Imo today, It has never been Heard or Said of the unimaginable happenings, slavery, kindnap, unknown Gunmen, name it, highest rate of insecurities and lots more. Imo state, the eastern heartland has indeed overnight turned into a war breeding zone under the present administration and this has to end. No doubt the insecurities facing Imolites is beyond the present government administration to handle.

 Of course Yes! Professionalism is rated at your field of work. This is where General Ogunewe Lincoln Jack( Rtd) comes in as the current "Chief Security Adviser United Nations" to help salvage this ugly situation just as he has shown capacity decisively across nations around the World.

No order Gubernatorial Candidate in any capacity, field, Knows better on security expert as Ogunewe Lincoln Jack.

Insecurity makes it difficult for us to make our voices heard, leaves us unable to dissent, and makes us tentative in our work relationships and environment. It leaves us dissatisfied, just as it's in Imo State, undermines collaboration, and renders positive minds less creative and efficient. If there is one enemy of authenticity and innovation, it's INSECURITY. 

It's proven that the present government administration can't handle it, we need person of proven records, action-oriented & diplomatic genius .

Ogunewe Lincoln is Inspirational, Strategic & Critical in Thinking, Interpersonal Communicator, Authenticity & Self-discipline, Open-Minded , Flexibile, Responsibile & Dependable, Patience & Tenacity.

UNEMPLOYMENT:

Imo State has again retained its position as the country’s unemployment capital with 50.64 per cent of its 4.93 million population unemployed as Nigeria’s unemployment rate rose to 33.3 per cent in 2020 till date.

This was revealed in the latest labour force report for fourth quarter 2020 published by the National Bureau of Statistics.

NBS said, “In the case of unemployment by state, Imo State recorded the highest rate of unemployment with 56.64 per cent.”

Unemployment is one of the primary concerns in the present world. A lot of people are dealing with unemployment. The measures to solve unemployment problems are as follows:

*Change in Industrial Technique:* To solve the unemployment problem, plans to employ a production technique focusing on the needs and means of the state to be adopted. Capital-intensive technology would be replaced by labor-intensive technology.

*Dealing with Seasonal Unemployment:* Agro-based and agriculture sectors provide only seasonal employment. Ogunewe plans to deploy Measures like multi-cropping, animal husbandry, horticulture, plantation, and horticulture. Also, industries like the cotton industry, palm oil will be promoted.

Changes In The Education System: There is a need to change the present education system in Imo State. A system that would emphasize on vocational education rather than imparting static knowledge. Colleges and universities owned by state government would be available to students who wish to pursue higher education.

*Assistance On Self-Employment:* Most people in Imo state are self-employed, but unfortunately, due to a lack of professional knowledge, they are not able to get the desired results. Therefore, there would be provision of technical training and using the raw material properly.

Leadership is not something that can be learned or taught. Rather this is a virtue developed and polished with time. The act of leading and guiding a state or society in a manner that the success is visionary, can never be vice-versa. It's only a proven person which records of competent is worthy to be called or captained as a Leader. - Ogunewe Lincoln Profile is an example that can't be debated.

The tasks for greater tomorrow is becon on those who's excellent skills are proven and tested. Above all contesting candidate for Imo Guber Elections November 11th, it's no doubt or debates that non of all candidate is qualifed and fit to govern Imo.

We're tired of politicians of selfishness and stomach infrastructures, greedy and criminals oriented. 

NDI IMO! General Ogunewe Lincoln Jack (Rtd) is the only outstanding well Profiled with verifiable track records and footprint deem fit for Imo Gubernatorial Election, it's time we take back imo state for ourselves through The People's General, Ogunewe Lincoln Jack.

© RESET IMO MEDIA TEAM

WE DO NOT VOMIT AND LICK IT, WE ARE NOBLEMEN OF UNDILUTED INTEGRITY.

WE DO NOT VOMIT AND LICK IT, WE ARE NOBLEMEN OF UNDILUTED INTEGRITY.

At least some of you here cannot forget the agenda of South-East APC Presidency Project 2023, which we regularly published here and on about 100 of our other Project platforms since 2020, over a period of 3 years (2020-2023).

Among other provisions of the Project agenda, we stated that, as APC members and only because we are APC members, we wanted President of Nigeria of South-East extraction to emerge on APC platform in 2023. And we repeatedly warned that if APC unreasonably denied its presidential ticket to a credible person from the South-East, that we would direct our members and sympathizers to support any credible South-Easterner who might emerge on any other credible party platform.

That is our policy and in line with dictates of integrity, we are upholding it. We also warned in many published press statements that if a credible South-Easterner inevitably won the presidential election (we were sure one would win because we had watered the ground across Nigeria) and some anti-democratic elements tried to deny him his victory, that we would stand by him through thick and thin, and that we of the South-East might reconsider our position in Nigeria if we didn't produce President of Nigeria in 2023.

Is that not clear enough or did some people think we were joking? We are here because APC unreasonably denied its presidential ticket to any credible South-Easterner and because a credible South-Easterner (Peter Obi) won the presidential election on another credible party platform (Labour Party).

If certain anti-democratic elements in APC (represented by Buhari, Adamu and Tinubu, and the INEC Chairman, Mahmoud) want to deny Obi his well-deserved victory, are we supposed to go against our own Project policy statement simply because we are APC and might want accommodation in our party? NO!

We are noblemen and women; we cannot betray our conscience. It is true that South-East APC leaders failed us by behaving like cowards in 2020-2023, it is also true that we admired the courage of Tinubu in snatching the APC ticket against the will of Buhari and Adamu who wanted a northerner from the North-East, but APC (a political party not owned by anyone in particular) should have picked any credible South-Easterner even if he was cowardly.

In any case, I, National Coordinator of South-East APC Presidency Project 2023 and its parent body, South-East APC Integrity Group, who had in 2003 contested against Buhari and 12 others in ANPP presidential primary and was eminently qualified to contest again for the same office 20 years later, when all other South-East APC major stakeholders exhibited such mind-boggling cowardice and timidity and APC presidential primary was fast-approaching without any of them coming forward emphatically, declared on 2nd February 2022 to contest in the 2023 presidential election of Nigeria. 

My campaign was going very well but was dealt a deadly blow by the sudden and totally unexpected death of my beloved elder brother on 10th April 2022. I tried to continue regardless, but the blood of my brother in the mortuary wouldn't let me.

Thank God, Peter Obi, whose name had featured during our Project's selection process among the possible presidential aspirants for our projection even though he wasn't of APC, emerged as Labour Party candidate. So, when it seemed that South-East had been disgraced thoroughly, we got a credible South-Easterner contesting for President on a credible party platform.

Those of you in APC with us who misunderstand why we are supporting Obi should be well-guided after reading this statement. Next time, it will be advisable to ask questions about someone before jumping to conclusion.

We remain members of APC, because Tinubu does not own APC. After him, there should still be APC - hopefully, one that will be led by true and actual progressives. Thank God, LP is also a progressive party. By God's grace, a credible South-Easterner will still emerge President of Nigeria on a credible progressive party platform in 2023. It is not too late for that to happen.

Chinedu Jideofo-Ogbuagu PhD.