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Wike criticizes N’Assembly for refusing to transmit election results electronically

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Rivers has ordered state-employed resident doctors to call off their strike.
The rejection of electronic transmission of election results by All Progressives Congress (APC) members in the National Assembly has been condemned by Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.

He called the decision a “coup against Nigerians who want free, fair, and credible elections,” and said lawmakers who voted against the Electoral Act’s amendment were “enemies of the country.”

He insisted that their actions were harmful to the country’s democracy’s growth and consolidation.

President Muhammadu Buhari’s failure to persuade APC members in the National Assembly to support electronic transmission of election results in the amended Electoral Act, according to Wike, demonstrated that he did not intend to leave a transparent electoral legacy.

Read also: Breaking: Oborodudu of Nigeria loses in the final but wins silver at the Tokyo Olympics

This was stated by the governor during the presentation of his nomination letter as “Governor of the Year 2020 Award” by Leadership Media Group management at Government House in Port Harcourt.

Wike claimed that the Ninth National Assembly took advantage of Nigerians’ political apathy by voting against the amended Electoral Act’s inclusion of electronic transmission of election results.

“Those who voted against e-transmission of results never had the country’s best interests at heart. “The children of National Assembly members who voted against electronic transmission of results will ask if they are all right,” he said.

“I can’t believe that anyone who went to school in this digital age will vote against electronic transmission of election results,” said the governor, who wondered what kind of country and lawmakers Nigeria has.

He declared that the APC lawmakers’ refusal to accept electronic transmission of election results, despite the fact that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stated that it has the capacity to do so, amounted to a coup against Nigerians.

Wike expressed his condolences to the Leadership Media Group family and management following the death of the newspaper’s founder, Sam Nda-Isaiah, and urged them to continue to use the newspapers as a voice for the people.

Muazu Elazeh, the Group Managing Director of Leadership Newspaper, said they went to Rivers State to present Wike with his letter of nomination as the Leadership Governor of the Year and to invite him to the Leadership Conference in September.

Also, according to Abraham Nda-Isaiah, Executive Director of Leadership Media Group, this is the first time the newspaper has nominated a governor twice in the same administration, having first nominated Wike for the award in 2017.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government ordered all resident doctors under its employment to end their strike immediately or face the government’s no-work-no-pay policy.

While the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has the right to strike, it should be limited to resident doctors on the Federal Government payroll, according to a statement issued by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo.

He explained that the state government owed resident doctors no salaries, allowances, or benefits.

Breaking: The arrest warrant for Abba Kyari has not been served on us – AGF

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coic
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The office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, has stated that they have yet to receive official notice of an arrest warrant issued against DCP Abba Kyari, the embattled police officer.

On Monday, Umar Gwandu, an aide to AGF Abubakar Malami, revealed the information. Kyari has been in hot water since he was indicted in a US court last week for being an accomplice and associate of disgraced fraudster Ramon Olorunwa Abass, also known as “Hushpuppi.”

He stated that his office has not received any official communication regarding Kyari’s arrest warrant issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Read also: British government officials will meet with the IPOB leader in DSS custody

Despite Kyari’s denials, Usman Baba Alkali, the Inspector-General of Police, has ordered his suspension and appointed a panel to investigate him.

On Monday night, the IGP also fired him as head of the Intelligence Response Team, replacing him with DCP Tunji Disu.

Buhari congratulates CBN Governor Emefiele on his 60th birthday

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Buhari congratulates CBN Governor

Mr Godwin Emefiele, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), celebrated his 60th birthday on August 4 with resident Muhammadu Buhari.

In a congratulatory letter released on Tuesday in Abuja by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, the President thanked the economist/banker for his patriotic service to the country during a period of severe economic challenges.

“It gives me great pleasure to join you in celebrating your Diamond Jubilee,” he said. Please accept my congratulations, as well as those of my family and Nigerians, on this momentous occasion.

“As Governor of Nigeria’s central bank, you have provided selfless service to your country at a critical juncture in our economic development, and I applaud your dedication, passion, and perseverance.

Read also: Nigerian government reaffirms its commitment to the protection of human rights

“As you build on these accomplishments, it is my hope that your efforts will yield even more positive results in the nation’s economy, allowing us to achieve the higher living standards we envision for our people.”

Buhari prayed that Emefiele’s efforts would pay off in a positive way for all Nigerians.

He also wished the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria good health and continued service to the country.

“Please accept my best wishes and personal regards as I use this medium to pray Almighty God to bless you with many more years of good health and service to your fatherland,” he said.

Breaking: Oborodudu of Nigeria loses in the final but wins silver at the Tokyo Olympics

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coic
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Oborodudu of Nigeria loses in the final but wins silver at the Tokyo Olympics

Blessings from Nigeria At the ongoing Tokyo Olympics, Oborodudu lost in the Finals of the 68kg women’s wrestling competition.

On Tuesday, she was defeated by Tamyra Mensah-Stock of the United States. However, she will be returning home with a Silver medal.

On Monday, the 32-year-old made headlines after defeating Battsetseg Soronzobold of Mongolia 7-2 in the 68kg gold medal match.

After Ese Brume’s bronze medal in the long jump, she has given Nigeria its second medal of the competition.

Read also: Breaking: Kidnappers are shot and killed while attempting to collect a ransom

British government officials will meet with the IPOB leader in DSS custody

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coic
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On Tuesday, the British High Commission in Nigeria attempted to visit Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, who is being held by the Department of State Services, DSS.

Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, revealed that Commission officials are attempting to use the recent court order to place Kanu in DSS custody.

Ejimakor told DAILY POST exclusively on Tuesday that the Commission took the latest step after diplomatic channels failed.

“The British High Commission wants to see Nnamdi Kanu because diplomatic channels have been blocked,” Ejimakor says. The court issued an omnibus order that does not apply only to lawyers. It’s open to family and friends; in fact, if you stand behind me, you can go see him. I’ll drive you there.

Breaking: Kidnappers are shot and killed while attempting to collect a ransom

“I spoke with the British High Commission this morning, and they said they’d see him through an escalation method rather than a request for consular assistance or diplomatic privileges. They want to see him standing behind the order, and they want to use the court order to get a look at him.

“The court order has opened doors that were previously only open to lawyers. I don’t mind seeing him; I used to see Kanu every two days until DSS went down about ten days ago. As a result, the application that resulted in the court order was filed. Previously, seeing Kanu was prescriptionary; that is, it was up to DSS, but now that the court order has opened him up, they want to stand behind the court order to see Kanu.”

Since his re-arrest and repatriation from an undisclosed African country in June, Kanu has been held by the DSS. This was as a result of a court order issued by the Justice Binta Nyako-led High Court in Abuja.

However, the secret police failed to appear in court last week, forcing the judge to postpone the case until October.

PDP, in Ebonyi State, had a sour Press Briefing headlined

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coic
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The remains of the House of Saul, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ebonyi State, had a sour Press Briefing headlined “Political intolerance, proliferation of guns, and overall insecurity in Ebonyi State: a stitch in time saves nine.”
In a childish vituperative tirade, a relic of the once-powerful party leveled false charges against the Governor and the government of Ebonyi State, alleging that they were preoccupied with security and other issues.

We would have preferred to ignore the deceptive falsehoods, but a clarification is now required to protect the wheat from the tares.

First, the writers of this heinous falsehood accused the Ebonyi State Government of fomenting communal strife in the state.

Read also: Soldier stabs a man for alleged disrespect, in Ibadan

Without joining issues, we wish to state categorically that the Ebonyi State Government or its Agencies have never sunk to such depths to enthrone internal crises in the state; rather, the Governor and government have been working around the clock to recover the state from the perpetual restiveness planted by members of the PDP, for which the Ebonyi State Government has duly notified the releasable Electoral Bodies

We want to make it clear that the Ebubeagu Security outfit is a legally backed security outfit that works with traditional security agencies to safeguard the lives and property of South East Zone aboriginals and settlers.

The security apparatus, notably in Ebonyi State, has been highly effective in achieving several significant ground-breaking victories in the fight against criminality in the state.

The laws creating the security outfits in several states of the South East Zone explicitly specify the recruiting procedure and manner of operation of the security outfits.

As a result, the writers’ claim that the Ebubeagu Security outfit’s activity is cloaked in secrecy is false, given that the outfit has been advertising for a Commander for weeks on radio, television, and social media.

Read also: Nigerian government reaffirms its commitment to the protection of human rights

Another rumor from the depths is that the Ebonyi State government has built special detention camps in the state, where abducted political opponents are held and tortured in the guise of “interrogation,” according to those who give advice without information.

The Ebonyi State government is not in the business of kidnapping people and has never considered setting up detention camps for whatever reason.

We would like to remind Ebonyians that the attack on Amos Ogbonnaya referred to by the authors was carried out by the PDP for engaging in anti-party activities after he had been handsomely rewarded for following them to their political wilderness, but they have chosen to blame the State Government to divert attention.

Overall, the humiliating Press Briefing attempted to saturate the political arena with bogus news and divert attention away from the APC-led administration’s purposeful governance in the state.

As a result, we encourage Ebonyians and the general public to ignore the PDP’s lone voice, which is nothing more than the final kick of a dying horse.

Rest assured that the Ebonyi State Government is dedicated to the safety and security of all residents, including the state’s small opposition elements.

Nwaze, Francis
The Governor’s Special Assistant
(Publicity and Media)
2 August 2021

Soldier stabs a man for alleged disrespect, in Ibadan

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coic
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In Ibadan, a soldier stabs a man for alleged disrespect.

A soldier is said to have stabbed Ali Abubakar, a tailor in the Sabo neighborhood of Ibadan, Oyo State.
According to Naija News, Abubakar was assaulted by a Nigerian Army officer, Audu Abubakar, who is stationed at the Letmauck Barracks, for allegedly insulting him.

Ali, recounting the event after being treated for the soldier’s injuries, claimed he had gone to see his buddy Saheed on Thursday but was confronted by his absence and had to wait for him at his shop.

He went on to say that Audu’s colleague was also waiting for the same individual who had been seen by him (Ali). Abubakar enquired about Saheed’s location when he arrived to Saheed’s shop, but Ali did not respond.

Ali told reporters that he didn’t respond to the military because he mistook him for a coworker who was also inside the business. However, Ali’s inability to respond enraged Audu, resulting in a fight between the two of them.

Read also: RE-NYSC: Any Relevance In Today’s Nigeria?

“I went to meet my boyhood buddy at the business, but he went to the mosque to pray, so I waited for him,” Ali explained. In the store, I met a soldier, sat down, and began messing with my phone.

“A few minutes later, Audu approached Saheed and inquired about him; I mistook him for a coworker and didn’t respond; it was only when I heard him yelling, ‘Are you deaf?’ that I glanced up, and he slapped me and began assaulting me. When I informed him that if I was the one he was referring to as deaf, he should not speak to me in that manner, Audu and his companion began thrashing me.

“While they were beating me and ripping my clothes, I tried to flee and went to the palace to report the event to the local elders, who begged with me to let it go and change my clothes.

“I went back to get my phone from the guy I gave it to when the troops were assaulting me around an hour after the event. My buddy had already returned, and we were chatting when I saw Audu had taken a knife and wounded me in the left hand.

“I got away from there, but he pursued me down with the knife. I was transported to the hospital from whence I fled, and I’ve been there ever since. In the hospital, I was given two pints of blood. Three of my fingers are completely deafeningly deafeningly deafeningly deafeningly deafeningly de

Ali went on to say that the barracks’ commandant had sent officials to him in the hospital to find out what had transpired.

“Some representatives were sent to me in the hospital on Saturday, and I informed them what occurred, but I have not seen or heard from them since then,” he said. They stated that they were looking into it. I want justice since I respected the troops and didn’t touch them or let my people to touch them,” she said.

Lt Christopher Agu of the 2 Division’s Public Relations Department verified the event and stated the inquiry was underway.

Nigerian government reaffirms its commitment to the protection of human rights

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coic
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The Nigerian government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights of Nigerian citizens and foreigners in the country.

Abubakar Malami, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, gave the assurance during the inauguration of the National Human Rights Commission’s 5th Governing Council in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

The National Human Rights Commission, according to the Minister, was established in order to fulfill the country’s international obligations.

‘As you are aware, the Commission was established by the Nigerian government in 1995 to fulfill its international obligation under the United Nations General Assembly’s Resolution 48/134 of December 20, 1993, which enjoined all member states to establish National Human Rights Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights,’ he said.

“All of these measures have been taken to ensure that the Commission is able to properly advise the government in the fulfillment of its international human rights obligations, as well as protect and promote the human rights of Nigerians and persons living in Nigeria without fear or favor in accordance with the Paris Principles,” Malami said.

Read also: 2023: Don’t lump us with PDP, warns APC • APC, Buhari failed Nigerians, says PDP

Dr. Salamatu Suleiman, Chairperson of the Commission’s Governing Council, stated that nations are judged by their human rights records, and that she is prepared to provide the necessary leadership to help the Commission realize its vision and mission.

improved well-being
She also urged the government to improve the welfare of the National Human Commission’s employees.

“It is unhealthy and embarrassing for the Council’s personnel to be poached by Non-Governmental Organizations, NGOs, since they were underpaid,” Dr Suleiman said.

Meanwhile, Tony Ojukwu, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, noted that one of the biggest hurdles to the Commission’s ability to carry out its duties is a lack of funds.

Despite certain hurdles, Mr. Ojukwu stated, “the commission has been accredited with ‘A Status’ by the Global Alliance for National Human Rights Institutions, GANHRI, the international umbrella body of Human Rights Institutions.”

“The Nigerian Human Rights Commission is regarded as a stronghold for the protection and promotion of human rights,” he said.

Mr. Ojukwu also praised the Commission’s development partners for their contributions from 2016 to the present.

Breaking: Kidnappers are shot and killed while attempting to collect a ransom

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coic
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Five soldiers shot dead at Imo state

In Sabongida town, Gassol Local Government Area, Taraba State, vigilantes murdered two alleged kidnappers while collecting ransom.
An old man named Alhaji Gambo was reportedly kidnapped by the alleged kidnappers.

According to another story, the kidnappers, named as Sani and Musa, contacted the victim’s family and asked them to deliver the ransom money to a certain place.

After receiving information, vigilantes in the neighborhood headed to the spot to set up an ambush.
The well-armed kidnappers came at the area unaware of the vigilantes’ presence, it was discovered.

Read also: 2023: Don’t lump us with PDP, warns APC • APC, Buhari failed Nigerians, says PDP

While attempting to pick up the money, two of them were shot.
The vigilante rescued the abductee who had been transported to the site.

According to a source who talked with Daily Trust, the late kidnappers killed a large number of people in Borno-Korokoro, Tella, Sabongida, Dananacha, and other nearby villages, as well as along the Jalingo–Wukari route in Taraba.

ASP Abdullahi Usman, a spokesperson for the state police command, verified the news.

NEDC And The Wave Of Transparency

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Toby
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By Ali Ahmed

The North East Development Commission has been in the news in recent times. And this time around, it is the commendation from the House of Representatives to the management of the North East Development Commission for their due diligence in the execution of projects.

This commendation came after the conclusion of investigations by the House of Representatives over allegations of the misappropriation of one hundred billion naira by the NEDC. This, in my opinion, is a welcome development, and it is expected that those that have been at the vanguard of the mischief would now bury their heads in shame.

As I posited in my previous articles, the NEDC under the leadership of Mohammed Goni Alkali has indeed redefined leadership with the institutional reforms he introduced in the NEDC, especially with the entrenchment of transparency and accountability. As an intervention agency, he could not have done less or thought otherwise because of the issues at stake in North-East Nigeria, occasioned by years of the Boko Haram crisis.

Under him, it wasn’t also business as usual, as projects must be delivered 100% and certified for payment. I knew that some of the actions of the Managing Director would not go down well with those select few who felt entitled to the commonwealth of the people of North-East Nigeria, not minding the untold hardship that the Boko Haram conflict had inflicted on the socio-economic life of the people.

As such, I wasn’t surprised that the well-orchestrated and funded campaign of calumny was launched against the leadership of the NEDC, so much so that the House of Representatives had to launch an investigation into the finances of the NEDC.

The slander campaign failed woefully, with the House of Representatives commending the leadership of the NEDC for embracing due diligence in the execution of projects.
What does this tell us? It tells us that we are in a country where good deeds are not appreciated. When those with a passion to serve come on board, there would always be an attempt to rubbish such individuals, as in the case of Mohammed Goni Alkali.

I am glad that the leadership of the NEDC has been vindicated, as well as the commendation on the emphasis on transparency and accountability in place at the commission. I must confess at this point that the allegations indeed shook our belief in the integrity of Mohammed Goni Alkali, despite his sterling achievements in the private sector before his appointment.

We are more than grateful that he indeed proved all the mischief-makers wrong by ensuring that the mandate of the NEDC is fulfilled under his watch. I also know that the task of rebuilding North-East Nigeria is a daunting one. The relief for most of us conversant with the wanton destruction in the region is that the NEDC has in its driver seat a purposeful, proactive, and pragmatic leader filled with a passion for serving humanity.

These attributes have resulted in the milestones recorded by the NEDC since its inception. The impact has been felt in critical sectors of the economy of North-East Nigeria, and the people of North-East Nigeria now have a renewed faith in government efforts in alleviating their burden.

The story of the NEDC should serve as a lesson in leadership to other agencies of government, where the interest of the people must guide policy formulation and implementation. Where transparency and accountability must be the watchword, and where those in the position of authority would lead with the fear of God.

Don’t get me wrong; this piece is not about Mohammed Goni Alkali as an individual, but rather as head of a critical government agency that embraces teamwork, respect for processes, and creating an enabling environment for staffers to be productive in the discharge of their duties for the overall benefit of the organization.

Mohammed Goni Alkali can not run the NEDC in isolation. He cannot implement the objectives of the agency alone. And he alone can’t achieve the mandate without the cooperation of others. And for this commendation to have come the way of the NEDC indicates that leadership and staffers of the agency are on the same page working assiduously for the people of North-East Nigeria.

This is what I call leadership and what is essentially needed in Nigeria at this critical point of our existence. I beg to replicate the words of Peter Drucker, where he posited that “Effective leadership is not about making speeches or being liked; results, not attributes define leadership.”

The success story of the NEDC indeed buttresses this point on leadership. In North-East Nigeria, results are all that are needed, and that is what Mohammad Goni Alkali and his management team have been able to bring to the table.

This piece is not to sing his praises but to charge him not to rest on his oars due to the commendation from the House of Representatives. He must realize that uneasy lies the head that wears the crown, and as such, he must be up and doing.

He should see criticism and efforts to discredit him as a part of the job and why he must keep his heads up at all times and fix his gaze at the mandate of the agency, which is to coordinate the resettlement, rehabilitation, integration and reconstruction of infrastructure for victims of terrorism as well as tackling the menace of poverty, illiteracy, ecological challenges in the North-Eastern states in Nigeria.

Ahmed is a development expert writing from Yola.

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