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Tag: Group

  • Rivers Crisis: Group urges lawmakers to desist from playing dirty politics

    Rivers Crisis: Group urges lawmakers to desist from playing dirty politics

    A group known as South-South Youths Initiatives has advised the 27 Rivers lawmakers who defected to the All Progressive Congress (APC) not to engage in dirty politics in the state.

    The group advised that the lawmakers should not allow politics define their responsibilities to the people of the state.

    Oscar Imaete, president of the group, gave the advice while reacting to 27 lawmakers’ defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lawmakers who defected to the APC are loyalists of Mr Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), while the remaining four lawmakers supported state Gov. Siminalaye Fubara.

    Imaete said that “though it is within the constitutional rights of the lawmakers to decide their alliance, the reason for defection may not be addressed even in their new party.’’

    He added that the crisis could consume the state if it’s not handled properly.

    ‘’The party crises in APC in the state could also affect the smooth operations of the lawmakers.

    He, however, expressed concern over the current status of the APC in the state.

    “Recall, the 27 members who crossed to the APC blamed their action on an unresolved internal party crises in the PDP.

    ‘’The state has suffered stagnation due to various incidents of political tussle and cannot afford to continue any longer.

    “Hence, the need for lawmakers to separate party politics from governance,” Imaete said.

    In a related development, the Ogoni Development Drive (ODD) and Coalition of Rivers Civil Society Group have sued for peace in the state.

    The group made the remark in a statement signed by Mr Henry Ekene, Rivers Representative, Committee for the Defense of Human Rights, CDHR, and two others.

    They urged President Bola Tinubu to caution Wike to give peace a chance and allow Gov. Siminilaye to attend to his responsibilities as governor.

    ‘’We want peace in the state and not anarchy; Wike’s action may push us to move to Abuja and occupy his office in protest.

    ‘’This should sound as a warning to him and his lawmakers in the state,’’ they said.

    Reacting also, the state Assembly candidate of the APC in 2023 elections, Mr Omuboye Sukubo, said that defection was allowed in politics and the lawmakers had the right to defect.

    According to him, it’s not unusual; there is no longer politics by ideology, it’s more of stomach infrastructure and way of survival.

    ‘’How you get to power and be in control; it is not about governance,’’ he said.

  • Group urges Gov. Bello to appoint Lokoja traditional ruler

    Group urges Gov. Bello to appoint Lokoja traditional ruler

    A Socio-Cultural Group, Lokoja Forum of Patriots ( LFP), on Wednesday urged Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi to appoint a new Lokoja Maigari after the demise of late Alhaji Muhammadu Kabir III.

    The group, made up of Lokoja indigenes both at home and abroad, made the appeal in a letter signed by Alhaji Idris Babaango, Chairman and Alhaji Ali Danlami Ibrahim, Secretary to the group.

    The group said that the throne of the Maigari of Lokoja became vacant following the demise of Alhaji Muhammadu Kabir 111 on Sept. 28, 2022.

    The group noted that since then, Lokoja and its indigenes had been living without a traditional head that could guide and Counsel them on peaceful coexistence.

    “Our collective hope of having a successor to fill the vacuum created by the death of the late Maigari was high , especially when members of the Lokoja Traditional Council, who are also the town’s kingmakers, met and picked a successor in line with the tradition and custom of Lokoja to fill the vacant throne.

    “To complete the process, the Lokoja Traditional Council forwarded the decision to your office through the Lokoja Local Government in line with the extant laws guiding the selection and appointment of a new Maigari.

    “Since then, the people of Lokoja have been waiting eagerly for the formal approval and announcement of the new Maigari of Lokoja by the state government.

    “By Sept. 28, it will be exactly one year that Lokoja has been without a Maigari, the traditional head of the town and Custodian of the culture and custom of the ancient town.

    “The tradition and culture of Lokoja abhors vacuum , and this is happening for the first time in the history of the town.

    “The throne of Maigairi of Lokoja is the soul and symbol of peace and unity among the indigenes of Lokoja, ” it stated.

    It noted that apart from being the capital of Kogi State and an ancient town, it once served as the capital of the defunct Northern Protectorate until the amalgamation of 1914

    According to the patriots, Lokoja should be accorded its due rights by having a traditional ruler approved for it without further delay by the governor.

    The group further said that it was particularly worried that Lokoja was the only major town in the state and the only state capital in the whole Northern Nigeria without a traditional ruler.

    “The absence of Maigari of Lokoja is already having negative effects on the social and economic well-being of the town and its indigenes.

    “We are calling on all our royal fathers, the emirs and other traditional rulers in the state and in the entire 19 Northern states to intervene and help us to appeal and beg Gov Yahaya Bello to approve a new Maigari of Lokoja for us without further delay,” the group pleaded.

  • Group condemns call for DSS boss, Bichi’s resignation

    Group condemns call for DSS boss, Bichi’s resignation

    A Civil Society Organisation, Save Nigerian Movement (SNM), has condemned call by some individuals and groups for the resignation of Mr Yusuf Bichi, the Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS).

    The group, in a statement signed by its Convener, Rev. Solomon Semaka, on Saturday in Abuja said the call was the handiwork of high profile criminal suspects currently undergoing trial.

    Semaka described the call as a desperate bid by criminal elements to hoodwink Nigerians and curry public sympathy against the service and the Federal Government.

    “The call is a reckless ploy and afterthought, deployed by powerful criminal suspects undergoing trial in line with the rule of law.

    “These individuals have resorted to smear campaign against the Federal Government apparently to evade justice and stamp their feet and take control of the system,” he said.

    According to him, these high profile and very powerful criminal syndicates already in custody have deployed their enormous financial war against the DSS at the detriment of national security and Nigerians.

    “As a frontline Civil Society Organisation, committed to promoting democracy and societal values, we deem it necessary to condemn the purported call for the sack of the DSS boss.

    “We also condemned the threats of a nationwide protests by those we consider as crisis entrepreneurs who always avail themselves to be bought by wealthy criminals at the detriment of Nigerians.

    “It is troubling that some Nigerians have sold their conscience to the same corrupt elements that impoverished us while in public office by engaging in criminality instead of service delivery,” he said.

    Semaka said the allegations made by the “crisis entrepreneurs’’ against Bichi and the DSS were baseless and a clear case of corruption fighting back.

    He said the use of criminally acquired wealth, influence and faceless groups to sponsor campaigns of calumny against the DSS was an old trick that Nigerians would not fall for.

    The convener said it was shameful that some greedy Nigerians had teamed up with enemies of the country just because of selfish financial gain.

    “This is a clear case of corruption fighting back to overwhelm the state.

    “The DSS must do its job and refrain from falling for cheap blackmail as they strive to ensure national security,” he added.

  • Group writes Gov. Akeredolu over alleged plot to impeach deputy

    Group writes Gov. Akeredolu over alleged plot to impeach deputy

    An advocacy group, Ilaje Development Summit Group (IDSG), has called on Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo, to intervene over an alleged plot to impeach his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    The group stated this on Wednesday in an open letter to the governor, signed by its Deputy Executive Administrator, Mr. Ola Ajidibo, and made available to newsmen in Akure.

    In the letter, the group noted that the state had always been in the news for positive and progressive reasons until recent events in the state.

    According to the statement, the absence of the governor had led to some cabals to hijack power and thereby making the office of the deputy governor look irrelevant.

    According to the group, the situation had left it with no choice than to call the attention of the governor to the various developments in the state.

    It also said that the current development, especially as it concerns one of their sons, was the height of politics taken too far.

    “Your Excellency is aware of our moral support for your administration and our earnest desire that nothing shall impede your vision of leaving an indelible footprint on the developmental strides.

    “We were thus greatly delighted at the recent positive news of the Federal Government’s approval of Port Ondo, which is a notable feather to your cap.

    “However, news of recent events in the state as you took a leave of absence has given us great cause for concern,” the group said.

    According to them, given the gravity of some and potentially immeasurable negative implications, “we are left with no choice but to bring them to your attention.

    “These developments are currently leaving a sour taste in the mouth of the Ilaje nation and all right-thinking citizens of Ondo.

    “The untoward events seem to be underpinned by an orchestration to unlawfully impeach or remove from office, our son and your Deputy, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa,” the statement said.

    The group also alleged that the state House of Assembly Speaker, Olamide Oladiji, deliberately violated the order of protocol by deliberately not acknowledging the deputy governor’s office.

    The letter also claimed that the continuous harassment of the deputy governor would be seen as a deliberate plot to remove Ilaje people from political calculation in the state.

    “We are particularly pained, knowing of his utmost loyalty to Your Excellency and to your administration.

    “In the circumstances, we are being forced to regard the continued harassment of Hon. Aiyedatiwa as deliberate ploy to slight the Ilaje Nation from which he emerged,” it added.

    The group prayed for quick recovery of the governor so that politicians taking advantage of the absence of the governor would be called to order.

  • We will protest in the next seven days if fuel subsidy is not reversed – Grout tells Tinubu

    We will protest in the next seven days if fuel subsidy is not reversed – Grout tells Tinubu

    A group operating under the auspices of the Free Nigeria Movement has called for immediate reversal of fuel subsidy removal by the government of President Bola Tinubu.

    The group has threatened to mobilize a mass protest if the President doesn’t revert to the old pump price of Premium Motor Spirit.

    Addressing journalists at a press conference on Thursday in Abuja, the convener of the group, Dr Moses Paul said the movement was aware of ongoing talks with the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC)

    He alleged that lobbying by actors for the new pump price was ongoing and called on the NLC not to succumb to anything short of reverting to the old pump price, insisting Nigerians cannot cope with the present situation.

    “We are aware of ongoing talks with the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the many actors lobbying for an acceptance of the new pump price by the NLC leadership.

    “We call on the NLC to remain steadfast.

    Dr Moses, who was flanked by the group’s executives and empty containers to demonstrate “the black market boom business at filling stations”, noted that poor people have the right to live with the rich.

    ”This is the only country we have. We will defend it with every stretch of our being standing on the law. This is the only way that Nigeria can stand for the good of all. As always, Let Nigeria Win.

    They condemned the pronouncement by President Tinubu, describing it as dictatorial, even as there were no consultations.

    “The dictatorial pronouncement on the removal of subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose ascension to power awaits confirmation by the courts, is a credible specimen in the scholarly hall of politics and governance.

    The rush by his mouthpieces to ‘explain’ a clear and unambiguous statement to a deeply traumatized citizenry will make poor reference material in Damage Control”, he said.

  • Group says allegation of contract fraud against REA MD false

    Group says allegation of contract fraud against REA MD false

    A group, Concerned Citizens of Nigeria (CCN), has debunked the allegation of contract fraud against the Managing Director of the Rural Electricity Agency, Mr Ahmad Ahmad.

    Ahmad was accused by an online media of bidding and winning a N200 million contract from the agency for a company, En Consultancy & Projects Ltd., in which he has an interest as Director.

    Mr Sadiq Abubakar, Coordinator of CCN, refuted the allegation in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Sunday.

    He said that the allegations remained in the imagination of the writer, adding that no such award of contract took place and should be jettisoned by the public.

    He said such report was baseless and unfounded and should be treated as mere gossip, while urging media to always seek the needed clarifications before going to press.

    He said a search on the Corporate Affair Commission’s (CAC) portal would have shown that the Executive Director Technical Services, Sajou Joda, had been removed as Director in the company before his appointment as Director in REA.

    He said any attempt to further resort to media propaganda, such media house and their sponsors would be sued.

    He said blackmail and campaign of calumny should not be used without thinking of the consequences, adding that freedom of expression should come with responsibility.

    He, however, said that the MD would continue delivering on his mandate and not be deterred by any campaign of calumny against his person by fifth columnists.

  • 2023 polls: Osinbajo support groups endorse Atiku for president

    2023 polls: Osinbajo support groups endorse Atiku for president

    The Osinbajo Support Groups, a bipartisan organisation has endorsed the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

    The groups stated this in statement signed by Mr. Sunnie Chukumele, Chairman, and Mr. John Elemi, Secretary on behalf of the groups on Thursday in Abuja.

    The groups said they took the decision having considered Atiku`s track record as an astute politician and experienced public servant.

    The groups said Abubakar had shown over time that he does not have a vaulting ambition, as he had made sacrifices for the political stability of the country.

    “In our analysis before arriving at a choice of candidate to support outside the APC candidate, we looked at critical variables, comparing the present and future of our dear country.

    “He is the most qualified of all the candidates based on cognate experience at the presidency of Nigeria, haven served as Vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for years.

    “Abubakar has built and maintained social bridge and networks of lasting friendships across every constituency in Nigeria. He has eternal relationship with all regions of Nigeria’’, the group said.

    The group said it was convinced that Abubakar has the political experience and network to lead the country.

    “At this material time in our national history, the Southwest and South- South and the Northwest have taken shots at the presidency, leaving out the Southeast, North Central and Northeast.

    “The Constitution of Nigeria has always guaranteed equity and fairness as an enabler for a just society.

    “Be it known to everyone, that the leaders of these support groups and stakeholders have undertaken this migration on their own as consenting adults without the prompting and mandate of  Osinbajo,“ the groups said.b

  • No group can hold us to ransom, Akinjo tells Arogbo/Ijaw

    No group can hold us to ransom, Akinjo tells Arogbo/Ijaw

    A pro-PDP pressure group in Ilaje Local Government Area, Ilaje Mandate Voice For Akinjo has described the third term bid Hon Kolade Akinjo as divinely ordained that cannot be threatened by faceless bodies.

    The group was reacting to a report monitored on some WhatsApp platforms by the Akinjo Team Akure wherein they warned former chairman of Ilaje local government, Hon Banji Okunomo of uncomplimentary remarks about Arogbo-Ijaw people.

    Okunomo, a former governorship aspirant of the PDP was said to have described Arogbo-Ijaw people as interlopers, a statement he had denied severally, saying it lacked basis.

    Even with the denial, Akinjo Team Akure, reportedly made up of Arogbo-Ijaw indigenes frowned at the statement and threatened to truncate Akinjo’s ambition.

    But while reacting to the development, the Ilaje Mandate Voice For Akinjo dismissed the threat.

    The statement in full: “No group can hold Ilaje interest on ransom because we are not fools-Akinjo group tackles Ijaw allies

    “We are very disturbed that some unscrupulous elements who are planted within the PDP especially pretending to be supporters of our ever-performing and ranking Hon Victor Kolade Akinjo for the third term agenda to continue the good work he started since 2015 are beginning to sabotage our plans.

    “They hide under the false accusation that our foremost leader Hon. Banji Okunomo alleged the Ijaw Arogbo people are called interlopers and that Ilaje and Apoi will not allow them to test the House of Representatives seat come 2023. But he has even denied the statement on many occasions and even in the Awawa Radio where he explains his own side of the story.

    “But to our surprise, a so-called Akinjo Team based in Akure made up of our Ijaw Arogbo that does not going to the grassroots has been issuing threats upon threats that Ijaws cannot be cowed. Who is cowing Ijaw people? We are disappointed that the group did not know that it is APC that is trying to cause confusion among us and they are not wise. What we are saying is that even without any group, Akinjo and Agboola Ajayi will win their election very well.

    “After all Arogbo votes are not more than the majority of Mahin Ilaje and Apoi altogether. So we are not afraid of any group. They are betrayals. Afterall Hon. Akinjo contested the primary and the same Arogbo people voted for him in our party so why now the complain is coming very strongly that somebody say something against Ijaw Arogbo.

    “Nobody forced the ticket from anybody and Akinjo only contested because the Arogbo PDP leaders said they don’t have anyone who can contest the seat. Nobody should blame anyone that way.

    “We are one people. But what we are saying is that Akinjo third term ambition is Ilaje interest and no one can hold Ilaje interest on ransom. Even though we are one. The Ilaje and Apoi cannot leave the Rep and spoil the senate whereby Ilaje will not be at the Rep, Apoi will not be there, and only Ijaw who are not Yoruba to be there to represent our interest.

    “We are not fools because when D. I Kekemeke was SSG, we did not say anything, when Kingsley Kuku was raining, we did not say anything and even now, Chief Shoot Aside is controlling Surveillant. Ilaje and and Apoi will not leave these two National Assembly positions for Ijaw people. Period!”

  • ASUU: University parents forum form union to prevent future strike

    ASUU: University parents forum form union to prevent future strike

    In a bid to prevent future strike actions by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, a body comprising of the University parents  Forum Association has formed a group known as Coalition of Parents, Professionals and all well-meaning Nigerians (CPOSONU)

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reached out to the convener of the forum, Jerry Okundaye and he said the objective is to set up a forum where everyone involved can come together to discuss ways that the Nigerian public Universities can move forward, tackle its problems, fix challenges by other means rather than resorting to embarking on strike actions.

    “The Uni Parents Forum is an organization set up to mitigate the incessant disagreement between Government and ASUU, avert strike actions in our universities and other institutions of learning, and above all to chart a new course for the entire Nigerian Educational system

     

    ”The immediate objective of CPOSONU is to form a Coalition of Parents, Professionals and all well meaning Nigerians to avert the looming strike action that may arise as a result of the current disagreement between Government and ASUU over the payment of salary. This will be too much to swallow after 8 months of strike action in our universities.

    “As you may have known, the power play by Government and ASUU touches on the destinies our youths and that of our nation in Sour and negative manner.
    ” Therefore, we call on all well meaning Nigerians who love Education, our Youths and our Fatherland, Nigeria, to join the CPOSONU WhatsApp Platform for us to chart a new course for our Education, our Youths and nation, Nigeria. Enough of this play and drama with our children”
     The WhatsApp number to join if interested in the group is 08179655422
  • N150bn loan: Group drags Okowa’s govt to EFCC

    N150bn loan: Group drags Okowa’s govt to EFCC

    … demanding transparent mgt of loan not for elephant projects

    …to checkmate an attempt to massively squander the loan

    A group under the aegis of Concerned Nigerians for-Human Rights, Social Justice, Anti-Corruption has dragged the Delta State Government to the Anti-graft commission, EFCC demanding a judicious use of the N150billion loan granted the government barely two weeks ago.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports this was contained in a petition sent to EFCC issued and signed by the convener, Barrister Deji Adeyanju.

    The group alleged that “a time when the nation is engrossed with the commencement of electioneering process leading to the 2023 election, it is alarming to note that the Delta State Government has initiated and secured
    the approval of the Delta State House of Assembly to obtain a humongous loan of N150,000,000,000.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports that the petition Furth stated that:”Curiously, this loan has been approved just few weeks to the primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party where Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is rumoured tohave a vice presidential ambition. We are, therefore, constrained
    to ask: What is the purpose of this loan.

    “In recent times, it has become a practice for State Governments to obtain huge loans under the guise of public interest but subsequently divert same into private pockets. We recall that just few months ago, the Kogi State government obtained a similar loan with a view to paying workers’ pension/salary but subsequently diverted same into a private account.

    “It took the intervention of your Commission before the money could be returned to the Central Bank of Nigeria. It is on the basis of the foregoing that we believe that the N150,000,000,000 Naira loan sought to be obtained by the Delta State government is an attempt at last minute looting.

    “Sadly, the Delta State House of Assembly who should ordinarily investigate this loan and protect the citizens, is in bed with the Executive Arm
    and has turned a blind eye.

    “We, therefore, call on you to investigate this loan, trace the money and ensure that same is not channelled towards any purpose other than people’s-oriented projects.

    See full letter below:

    CONCERNED NIGERIANS
    Human Rights, Social Justice, Anti-Corruption.
    6th May, 2022
    The Executive Chairman
    Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
    EFCC Headquarters
    Jabi Airport Road
    Abuja,

    Dear sir,
    PETITION TO INVESTIGATE THE IMMINENT ATTEMPT BY THE DELTA STATE GOVERNMENT TO SOUANDER N150.000,000.000 LOAN.
    We write this petition to you in our capacity as a pro human rights and anti corruption group, seeking the urgent investigation of the Delta State Government, over its attempt to loot the One Hundred and Fifty Billion Naira loan (N150,000,000,000) loan recently approved by the Delta State House of Assembly.

    At a time when the nation is engrossed with the commencement of electioneering process leading to the 2023 election, it is alarming to note that the Delta State Government has initiated and secured the approval of the Delta State House of Assembly to obtain a humongous loan of N150,000,000,000. Curiously, this loan has been approved just few weeks to the primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party where Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is rumoured to have a vice presidential ambition. We are, therefore, constrained to ask:

    What is the purpose of this loan?
    08065128755
    0703717746
    O 10. Kolda Link Road.
    off Ademola Crescent,
    concernednigeriansgroupinfo@gmail.comm
    concernednigerians.or9
    wuse 2,.

    In recent times, it has become a practice for State Governments to obtain huge loans under the guise of public interest but subsequently divert same into private pockets. We recall that just few months ago, the Kogi State government obtained a similar loan with a view to paying workers’ pension/salary but subsequently diverted same into a private account. It took the intervention of your Commission before the money could be returned to the Central Bank of Nigeria.
    It is on the basis of the foregoing that we believe that the N150,000,000,000 Naira loan sought to be obtained by the Delta State government is an attempt at last minute looting. Sadly, the Delta State House of Assembly who should ordinarily investigate this loan and protect the citizens, is in bed with the Executive Arm and has turned a blind eye.
    We, therefore, call on you to investigate this loan, trace the money and ensure that same is not channelled towards any purpose other than people’s-oriented projects.

    Yours faithfully,
    Dramming
    Comrade Deji Adeyanju LLB (Hons)
    Convener