-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) – From Mike SOGBOLA (South East Correspondent):

The Governor of Ebonyi State and Chairman South East Governors’ Forum Chief David Umahi, has acknowledged the contributions of the Nigerian Army in the settlement of land border disputes and bloody communal conflicts in several parts of Ebonyi, Enugu, Benue, Cross River and Benue States in recent times.

Mr Umahi, gave the commendation at the Army Headquarters on Monday, during a visit to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai.

While emphasizing the need for community policing, Gov Umahi also said “Governors of the South East (SE) have resolved to convene a security council meeting in their respective states to decide the number of road blocks and places they will be mounted by the Army, Police and other security agencies.

He thanked the Nigerian Army for maintaining neutrality and impartiality before and during the last general elections in Ebonyi and other states of the SE.

He further stated that “as the chairman of the Governors’ forum, I have been mandated to convey the gratitude of the SE Governors to you and the Army personnel especially those operating in the SE zone.

The Governor, appealed to the COAS to give approval for the establishment of Army formations/ units in the southern part of the state in order to stem the wave of insecurity disturbing the peace and stability of the communities in the area.

He further disclosed that temporary facilities are available for the take-off of the Barracks if approval is given for the establishment, assuring that the State Government will provide necessary infrastructure for the units or formations when established by the Army Chief.

Responding, Lt Gen TY Buratai,
lauded the developmental strides of the Governor, which he said has transformed Ebonyi and also engendered peace and mutual cohesion in the State.

He assured him of the resolve and determination of the Nigerian Army to ensure peace and security in Ebonyi State and all the South Eastern States.

He expressed gratitude to the Governor for rehabilitating/reconstructing road network and other intervention measures in infrastructural projects at Nkwagwu Military Cantonment in Abakaliki.

The COAS pledged the Nigerian Army’s support to the Governor and the good people of Ebonyi State, saying his officers and men will continue to be responsive, impartial and professional in the discharge of their constitutional roles in the region and indeed in all other parts of the country.

General Buratai used the opportunity to thank the Governor and the Senate of Ebonyi State university for naming Centre for Contemporary Security Studies and Research after his name, now known as General Tukur Buratai Centre for Contemporary Security Studies and Research.

The Chief of Policy and Plans Army, Lt Gen LO Adeosun, Chief of Training and Operations Maj Gen EO Udo, Chief of Military Intelligence Maj Gen SA Adebayo, Director General Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria Maj Gen VO Ezugwu and the Provost Marshal Army Brig Gen H Ahmed were among the senior officers at the occasion.

Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) – Mike SOGBOLA:

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has said that the nation might need about 100,000 more soldiers to win the war against Boko Haram.

He advised that at least 50,000 people from Borno should be engaged by the military with or without western education to prosecute the ongoing war on terror.

The governor said you cannot fight this war without manpower, technology and proper funding, while paying host on Wednesday to the House of Representatives’ Committee on Defence led by it’s chairman, Hon. Babajimi Benson.

Zulum, who said he will always admit the fact that the Buhari administration did so much to degrading Boko Haram when he came to power in 2015, argued that the situation has already degenerated and the insurgency has continued to attack the state.

He said: “I have always admitted that the federal government has done well under the watch of President Muhammadu Buhari. At a time about 20 local government areas were displaced but after May 29, 2015 almost all the roads were opened and the local government retrieved.

“But notwithstanding the gains that we had, between March 2019 till date we have experience horrific and simultaneous attacks throughout the state. As I told the Theatre Commander we are experiencing the attacks in quick geometrical ratio.”

He said: “I therefore plead with Mr. President and as well as the Nigerian military to revisit the strategy used during 2016/2017 that we were almost celebrating the demise of Boko Haram so that we can deal with the insurgents one and for all.

“One important thing that we have to do is to take the fight into their enclaves. The whereabouts of the Boko Haram is known to all of us. It is known to the people of Borno State, it is known to the military. It is known to all of us.

“Another important thing that I raised is the issue of commercial activities, there is nexus between peace, security and development, there is nexus between poverty, unemployment and insecurity and in order to address causes of insurgency we need to address our major challenges. And one thing I plead with the Nigerian military is to allow for free flow of commercial activities in Borno, this will reduce recruitment, fortunately enough the chief of army staff has lifted the ban on sales of fish and fish farming in Borno State, we have conveyed the message to the fish farmers.”

He added that: “Then coming down to the challenges of the Nigerian military, I think the theatre commander can inform you better, but to the best of my knowledge there is major deficiency is manpower, they lack manpower, Borno state has a large landmass and therefore they need manpower, they need technological warfare, they need logistics. You cannot fight this insurgency to an end without technology and without manpower and without funding, this is very germane.

“Take my words they don’t have manpower, they don’t have equipments, adding that military operation has to use stabilization mechanism, explaining that by stabilization mechanism the military should ensure that during military activities there should be stabilization effort on ground.

He added that to ensure this, you need manpower to hold a place, “without manpower you cannot hold a place, without people going about their normal activities, going to their farms peace cannot reign.

“We have over 500,000 IDPs in Monguno, 120,000 IDPs in the Republic of Niger, we have 68,000 IDPs in the Republic of Cameroon that are eager to come back home and even in Dikwa how many IDPs do we have that have limited access to their farms. This issue will not stop until people have access to their farms.

“And honestly speaking we need to increase the firepower of the police to augment the military as well as the Civil Defence Corps because of their importance.”

He noted that the paramilitary, police and others have to be allowed to carry sophisticated arms, “I think there is the need to allow for certain guns to be used by the paramilitary for certain period of time. After the insurgency is over you can now go back to the old position.”

He told the lawmakers to “kindly advise the Speaker and the Senate President to tell Mr. President to approve the massive recruitment of soldiers. We need about 100,000 more to be recruited into the Nigerian Army. They should come and employ the locals whether they have the western education or not.

“What was done during the civil war, people were recruited massively and after the civil war they were demobilized. I think this is the only solution. We need to recruit nothing less than 50,000 men from Borno, we have able-bodied men that can join the Nigerian Armed Forces on an ad-hoc basis, they can be trained apart from this you can go back and look for retired military personnel and policemen and re-inject them into the system.”

He lamented that: “We keep on having series of meetings, endless meetings without taking some decisive steps, I think this thing will consume all of us, even consume our nascent democracy.”

Earlier the Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Hon. Benson had informed the governor that they are in Maiduguri to pay condolence on the Auno attack and see what could be done to assist in the ongoing war on insurgency.

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA):

COMRADE Ovuozourie Macaulay has hailed the emergence of His Excellency the Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa as the chairman of the South South Governors Forum,

Macaulay who was a former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) said that the choice of Okowa was apposite given his candour and mien.

“The decision of the Governors of the region to settle for Okowa’s leadership is apt and I have no doubt in my mind that he will excel because he is calm, calculated and resourceful.

“Given his antecedent in Delta State especially in tackling the problem of insecurity, I know that Governor Okowa will bring this rich experience to bear on security issues in the region and the security challenges of the country in general.

“He will not only curb the security challenges, but unite the people of the region as well as galvanize the states to surmount the economic and developmental problems confronting the region,” he stated.

Macaulay who is Director General (DG) of Warri/Uvwie and Environs Special Area Development Agency (WUEDA), urged the Governors of the region to rally round the new chairman to get the best for the people.

Delta State Governor was selected as chairman after elaborate consultations by governors of the region. He succeeds the outgone Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Seriake Dickson whose tenure as governor ended recently.

-Plan Protest To Oshimili North Council, Waste Management Board

–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) – By Albert OGRAKA:

Residents of Ogbogu Onyeayana close, Ogbe-Owele Quarters in Okpanam Community, Oshimili North Local Government Area have complained about the shoddy services of a PSP operator in the area over fraudulent extortion of monies from members of the public and irregular waste collection in their areas.

They are calling on the Delta State Waste Management Board to review the abilities of persons they contract waste collection and disposal to, saying that some of them do not have vehicles for waste disposal, resulting to negligence in their duties.

A resident complained that “We pay the monthly stipulated amount regularly to the operator of Hygrace Global Ventures and yet the refuse and bins are not collected.

“The operator of Hygrace Global Ventures collects refuse only once in a month against the agreement of once or twice weekly, thereby leaving the area in a mess, which is against the advocacy of the state government for clean up of the environment.”

They have therefore urged the Delta State Waste Management Board to urgently withdraw his services based on his nonchalant attitude to effectiveness.

“We don’t want him anymore because he only comes to collect his bills and not the bins at the end of the month. He should be immediately replaced with a more serious person who is ready to justify our payments with good services”, another aggrieved resident complained.

Other residents also complained that he had declined collection of refuse from them even as they are not owing money for the services.

It is however revealed that the lackadaisical attitude of he operator of Hygrace Global Ventures stems from the fact that he boasts that he got the certification to operate from his in-law, who is the current local government council chairman of Oshimili North, Mr. Louis Ndukwe.

Meanwhile, there are moves by the aggrieved residents to stage a formal protest to the offices of Oshimili North local government council and the Delta State Waste Management Board respectively to drive home their grievances.

Attempts made by this reporter to contact the council chairman proved abortive as he neither picked up his phone calls nor replied to text messages.

Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) – By Austen AKHAGBEME:

Comrade Adams Oshiomhole was a quintessential Unionist; a nationally acclaimed Charismatic leader and a tactical mobilizer of people, especially in a cause he truly believes in.

He’s populism was hinged on a general perception of an only lonely voice on the side of the working class. From the days of the Jack boots to the early days of our nascent democracy, Oshiomhole was a whirlwind any government would love to avoid.

He could intelligently, correctly and copiously quote facts and figures on national television, exposing the hidden shenanigans of the government of the day vis-a-vis the demand by Labour on improve welfare of its people or holding government accountable to some vain promises and policies which were anti-people. Those were the days when Labour was an integral part of our collective social struggle to emacipate the suffering masses from the stronghold of a vicious ruling elite.

In those days when government toyed with petroleum pump prices at the slightest opportunity and made it swim up and down like a thermometer, Adams Oshiomhole was a delight to watch and a bride to woo by terrestrial Television stations in Nigeria.

But this was the good old days. His foray into the Nigeria murky waters of Partisan Politics is giving him and those who loves him a nightmare. Oshiomhole was a drugged and rugged fighter, a rebel with a cause. He is still a fighter ; he fought his way through and against all odds to become the executive governor of Edo state at the expense of a former University professor.

Up until now, he’s still fighting to remain glued to his highly contestable chair of the national chairman of the ruling party. Hardly had he settled down, then as the governor, than he went straight to work, making his impart felt even to the revered palaces of the royal fathers and inner-city villages, forgotten on the back side of civilization. This endeared him to the generality of the Edo people as he was seen, as a far departure from the reactionary forces that held Edo state down by the jugular.

He came into partisan politics with the “intimidating” credentials of a mass mobilizer, fiercely disposed and an incorruptible populist conscience. His loquaciousness and uncanny ability to sting in response to frayed stimuli was a gift needed to keep the ‘enemy’ at bay.

Today, events has shown that in Nigeria party politics, responding to critical issues emotionally could be counter productive and could send the wrong signals to the very people that held you in high esteem.

This is what the Octopus in Rivers state took advantage of, by taking Oshiomhole to the cleaners twice in recent times with a reckless abandon. Party politics is a bit different from Labour politics. While labour politics is based on the gift of the garb, reveting oratory, trust and loyalty of your primary constituency, Party politics is smeared with intrigues, blackmail, ethnicity, financial war chest and betrayal.

The erstwhile Comrade governor should trend softly. He’s already fighting battles from all fronts. His quick version of interpretation to the Supreme Court decision on Bayelsa was unnecessary. His desire to add one more state to his political kitty should not make him throw away his hard earned reputation over the years.

Parties will always come and go; especially in a clime where political parties are not natives to any known and verifiable Ideology. But posterity is always here to place you rightly or wrongly on the beautiful pages of history. The very reason why Comrade Adams Oshiomhole should work more and talk less.

• Austen Akhagbeme is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online

• Says He’s “A Round Peg In A Round Hole”

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) – By Albert OGRAKA:

Managing Director/CEO of the DESOPADEC, Bashorun Askia Ogieh FCNA, CrFA, has joined other Nigerians and Deltans to felicitate with the Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, on his emergence as the Chairman of the South South Governors’ Forum.

He described Governor Okowa as a selfless leader, with an outstanding political will, exemplary leadership qualities, people oriented policies and ability for good governance, all of which have brought Delta State to the limelight, as an investment destination, considering His Excellency’s huge delivery, in human and infrastructure growths across the state.

Bashorun Askia, a unique leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Delta State, said that Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa’s rare quality was proven to Nigeians, when he was Chairman of the PDP National Convention Planning Committee and organised a globally accepted, hitch-free and most successful political party convention in history.

The party chieftain, who was a member of the National Electoral Committee that conducted the party’s national delegate election, also lauded the efforts of the Delta State Governor, for standing for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at all times.

He noted that the unanimous selection of the Delta State Governor by his South South colleagues, though a challenging responsibility, was well deserved and reflective of Governor Okowa’s zeal to project the party’s people oriented manifestos for local, state, regional, national and global acceptance.

“His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa is the round peg in the round hole needed to further salvage and boost the party in all fronts. He is a political leader with the right qualities to deliver. Mark it that the best transformation has just begun for PDP because he has the ability of piloting the affairs of the South-South Governors Forum, to greater heights, for the benefit of the people of the South-South geo-political zone’, he confirmed.

Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA):

The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon Ndudi Elumelu has felicitated the Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa on his emergence as the Chairman of the South South Governors’ Forum, saying that the recognition accorded the Delta State Governor by his South South colleagues, is highly deserving and a boost to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP as well as for the collective benefit of the people of the region.

In a statement, Hon. Elumelu described Governor Okowa as a true Party leader who has devoted his time and resource towards the development of the PDP adding that his emergence as the Chairman of PDP South South Governors’ Forum is yet another opportunity to join forces with his counterpart in the region to bring about cohesiveness, togetherness, progress and unity of purpose as well as sustained advocacy for the betterment of the party and people of the region as a whole.

He expressed confidence in the Governor’s vast experience in peer group mechanism and assured that he will work assiduously towards coordinating his equally experienced colleagues towards sustaining and improving on the existing peace in the region, noting that peace, security, inclusiveness and continuous development of the region should be the Governor’s top most agenda as he meets with his colleagues Governors.

“His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the amiable Governor of Delta State is a serious minded leader who takes seriously any assignment given to him. I make bold to say that this particular one is not in any way an exception. He is a man of strong character that brings to bear excellence, uniqueness, success, progress and fulfillment in whatever assignment he is called to do.

“As he becomes the Chairman of PDP South South Governors’ Forum, i sincerely congratulate him on behalf of the PDP Caucus in the House of Representatives and pray that God in his infinite mercy will give him all that is needed to pilot the affairs of the forum in a focused direction that will be of great benefit to the people of the South South Region as well as the Peoples Democratic party, PDP,” the Minority leader concluded.

– Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) – By Albert OGRAKA:

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has emerged the Chairman, South-South Governors’ Forum.

Dependable clues obtained by Blank NEWS Online revealed that Governor Okowa was selected after elaborate consultations to take over from the outgoing Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, who concluded his two-term in office on Friday, February 14.

A statement by Dickson’s Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, congratulated Okowa and called on the governors to extend the same cooperation the outgoing governor enjoyed to Okowa.

He noted that the forum could only collectively proffer solutions to the myriad of challenges confronting the South-South region if the governors worked as a team.

Earlier, Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, congratulated Bayelsa Governor, Senator Douye Diri and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, on their successful inauguration in office on Friday.

Diri, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was announced winner of the Nov. 16, 2019 governorship election in the state, following Thursday’s Supreme Court disqualification of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the election over certificates forgery.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, on Friday, Okowa described the emergence of Diri as “an act of God” and called on protesting people of Bayelsa to sheathe their sword and give peace a chance.

He stated that he understood the pains of the people, because the apex court’s ruling shattered their choices but urged them to leave everything in the hand of God, assuring that Senator Douye Diri will not disappoint Bayelsans.

“It is heart-warming to see you emerge as Governor of Bayelsa against all odds and I am grateful to the Supreme Court and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for doing the right things as required by the laws of our land.

“We have also been inundated with news of violent protests trailing your emergence as Governor, and
I appeal to the good people of Bayelsa to take the ruling as an ‘act of God’ and give peace a chance, knowing sincerely that you will not disappoint them,” he said.

The governor urged Diri to immediately commence the process of reconciliation and bridge-building within and outside the PDP, saying that he should be “governor for all Bayelsans’’.

He advised the governor to adopt peace and unity as prime components of his mantra, insisting that Bayelsa deserved good leadership “which I am certain you will provide’’.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I congratulate you my brother Governor, Senator Douye Diri and your deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, on your successful assumption of office as Governor and Deputy Governor of Bayelsa respectively.”

“It is my prayer that God will grant you wisdom, knowledge and the needed resources to attend to your campaign promises to Bayelsans,” he added.

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA):

The Communities in Warri, Uvwie and environs have been charged to embrace peace to enable the commencement of the drainage project conceived to end the perennial flooding and the attendant consequences in the economic nerve center of the state.

The Director General (DG) of Warri/Uvwie and Environs Special Area Development Agency (WUEDA), Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay gave this charge Thursday at a meeting with the representatives of the communities at his office in Warri.

He stressed that the state government has resolved to stop the flooding challenge being faced in the area, and that it was in the interest of the people affected to cooperate with the contractors to accomplish the work smoothly.

“Peace is indispensable in achieving development, you must collaborate with the government and the contractor to ensure that the target of stopping this flooding menace is realized once and for all.

Please go back to the elders and youths and advise everyone to be peaceful, and not disrupt the activities of the contractor. The contractor has the next 18 months to deliver but I know that if we cooperate with them, the job will be delivered before that period”, he stated.

According to him, the contracting firm has been urged not to employ outsiders for jobs that the community youths can easily be engaged to do, stressing that as the project progresses, more communities would be engaged while those that had been used will be disengaged.

“Communities whose areas have been handled do not need to interfere with others when it gets to their turn, to avoid dispute,” he added.

The Chairman Ekurede Itsekiri Community Mr. Olugbo Ese Abel stated that his community will support the Agency to deliver on the project because they have been suffering from flood for the past eight years.

Also the Secretary, Okere Community, Dr. Uku I. Godwin expressed optimism that things will turn out well for the communities when the project is achieved, and assured the Agency that there would be no disturbances from the youths.

Furthermore, the Ugbori Community Secretary, Mr. Abel Beji said that the youths of Ugbori Community are solidly behind the Government to do what they propose to do for the good of the people.

On his part, the Superintendent Manager, Levante Construction Limited, Mr. William Tayor stated that the study for the project is perfect, and that they will start by clearing up the waterways in the affected areas.

Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –

Nigeria’s Apex court, the Supreme Court has nullified the election of Bayelsa State governor-elect, David Lyon and his running mate Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo.

The Supreme Court’s Thursday judgement has however put aside the mega preparations for Governor-elect David Lyon’s swearing-in ceremony which is billed to hold on Friday.

Earlier today (Thursday) he was Inspecting the Arena and also rehearsing for the parade for tomorrow’s swearing-in ceremony as Bayelsa Governor.

In a unanimous decision by a five-man panel led by Justice Mary Odili, the SC held that Degi-Eremieoyo presented a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The apex court held that the Form CF 001 Degi-Eremieoyo submitted to INEC for the November 16, 2019, Bayelsa governorship election contained false information of fundamental nature.

Justice Ejembi Eko who delivered the lead judgement reinstated the November 12, 2019 judgement of the Federal High Court in Abuja that disqualified Degi-Eremieoyo from participating in the governorship poll.

The court held that since Degi-Eremieoyo shared a joint ticket with the governor-elect, his disqualification invalidated their nomination by the All Progressive Congress, APC.

Consequently, the SC ordered INEC to immediately withdraw the Certificate of Return issued them and issue a fresh one to the party that secured the second highest number of votes and got the required constitutional spread

The judgement followed an appeal that was filed by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, its governorship and deputy governorship candidates in Bayelsa State, Douye Diri and Lawrence Ewhruojakpo.

PDP supporters are said to be jubilating over the development at the time of filing this report.

–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –By Albert OGRAKA (Editor):

The good intentions in the human resource policy of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration in Delta State, have started yielding good fruits, as the wealth creation strategies are being carefully replicated in the oil and gas bearing communities by the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), under the people oriented leadership of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Bashorun (Hon.) Askia Ogieh, (FCNA, CrFA), in the evolving activities of the Commission.

Owing to his zeal to uplifting the less privileged among youths and women in his constituencies which form the Commission’s mandate areas within the various ethnic nationalities that bear oil and gas as their natural resources, Bashorun ASKIA has endeared himself to solving human related problems as a means to achieving desired results in repositioning DESOPADEC, as not just an interventionist agency but also as a human capital development agency. This rare feat of Bashorun Askia is already being exemplified in the actions of other members of the Board to make the Commission wear a sort of human face.

Bashorun Askia has continually expressed immense appreciation to His Excellency the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa for his consistent commitment to the development of the DESOPADEC mandate areas.

“In the face of this serious economic challenges, the Governor has continued to fund the activities of the Commission. DESOPADEC Board’s prudent financial management of resources is highly commendable. We (Deltans) are lucky to have Okowa as Governor. We are lucky to have a Man who understands the dynamics of the political, economic and social life of contemporary Deltans and has successfully managed the meagre resources accruing to the State.”

It is quick to recall his very recent remarks at the Thanksgiving service on his appointment by His Excellency Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, which held at St. Matthias Catholic Church in the oil-rich Uzere Community, in Isoko South Local Government on Sunday, January 26, 2020.

“As we have it in our local cliché, to whom much is given, much is expected. Your Excellency, I do not take lightly the huge confidence you reposed on me and my team with our appointments. It is a call to duty, a call to build a Delta primed to equip our people with the wherewithal to become entrepreneurial and by creating a clement environment for them to achieve their potentials. I will not fail you. I will not fail our good people of Delta State.

“To our people in the oil producing communities, I pledge that under my watch, we will be engaging and liaising with you in decision making. In project execution, the desires and priorities of the communities will be paramount. This is an effective way of making the people buy into and own the projects in their areas.

“I am an apostle of “Politics is Local” as it is what you do at that level that enhances your status at both the state and federal levels. My political followers, especially of the Peoples Democratic Party stock, across the Isoko Nation can attest to the fact of my modest sharing of my successes with them even at the immodest risk of saying so myself. I can take that risk, after all, no good politician should be quiet about even the little things he has done for his people. And I think I am a decent politician, with special grassroots touch, even though not a wily one like some in the opposition.

“It is in this regard therefore, that the BASHORUN ASKIA FOUNDATION (BAF) will be encouraged now more than ever to continue to carry out those activities that one way or the other elevate the status of our people. I will, in this instant, encourage all of us to do the same, just as I will advise that we should not envy, deride, do or say things that may discourage those who are modestly sharing their successes with their brothers and sisters without means. We must all resist the worms that devour from within and among us.”

Bashorun Askia, who has been nicknamed “Angel of Empowerment” has through the BASHORUN ASKIA FOUNDATION (BAF) impacted on the lives of the people, in which he has been commended for his human capital development and various empowerment programmes across the Isoko nation and beyond.

Recently, a high powered delegation of Ewheyae Isoko Women International at home and in the Diaspora, led by Evangelist Mrs. Catherine Illolo, described Bashorun Askia as the pathfinder of the people and expressed appreciation to him for his numerous empowerment of women and youths across Isoko in general

Bashorun Askia’s benevolence dates back, as he was on Thursday 23rd February, 2017, honoured by the West African Students Union (WASU), an umbrella body that covers all students within the West African Countries which was founded in London August, 1925. on Thursday 23rd February, 2017, honoured with the prestigious Kwame Nkrumah Leadership Merit Award.

The Union President Hon. Adjei M.O. Abel, had revealed that the West African Students Union Parliament Conference held in Accra Ghana unanimously adopted and approved the Award for his youth empowerment initiatives, hard work and dedication to service, high administrative/financial prudence and charity to the less privileged.
He was further described as an icon, a selfless charismatic personality and above all, an epitome of development worthy of emulation.

On Sunday December 1, 2019, the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), of the Catholic Diocese of Warri, Delta State conferred him with an award of Excellence in Developing Mother Land.

The Media and Public Affairs Unit of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), has also honoured the Commission’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Bashorun Hon. Askia Ogieh FCNA, CrFA, as the Most Media Friendly Chief Executive Officer, 2019.
Head of the Unit, Mrs. Chinenye Ezonfade, poured encomium on the Managing Director and other members of the Board, for their active role in bringing the Unit to its present enviable level.

The awards of honour bestowed on the Udu 1 of Isoko-land are numerous, likewise Chieftaincy titles from different communities within and outside Delta State conferred on him by Royal Traditional Institutions for his good-will and philanthropy.

As part of his pledges to building human capacity, Bashorun Askia Ogieh FCNA, CrFA, issued appointment letters to a total of 100 persons as Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) selected from the wards across the oil producing Isoko ethnic nationality, a mandate area of DESOPADEC.

The gesture which came on the heels of his continued pledge to ensure the establishment of human capital development and empowerment programme for his people, especially the youths, to complement the ongoing entrepreneurship schemes of the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa led administration, is yielding remarkable results.

The overwhelmed beneficiaries drawn from Isoko South and Isoko North local government areas respectively, who collected their letters of appointment alongside salaries on 24th December, 2019, expressed appreciation to the Delta state Governor His Excellency Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa and Bashorun Askia Ogieh on their human capital development initiative.

These liaison officers presently disseminate information on DESOPADEC and government programmes; encourage communities to participate in DESOPADEC/Government Economic Programmes; rendering periodic reports on the condition of DESOPADEC facilities such as roads, schools, Primary Health Care centers among other things in the various communities.

Moreso, in keeping to his promise of making youths millionaires and independent in entrepreneurship, Bashorun Askia Ogieh and members of Team Bashorun Askia Foundation (BAF) supported a popular Isoko Gospel music Artist Evangelist Vincent George Eriega, with the sum of N 3 million at the official launching of his musical Album and instruments.

In December, 2019, a women empowerment programme, with the theme, “Converting My Passion Into My Source Of Income,” was organized in line with the Commission’s human capital development mantra and as a reflection of His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa’s desire to empower women in the state.

The two-day empowerment training held at the Delta State College of Education, Warri, was for women from the six ethnic nationalities of Itsekiri, Ijaw, Urhobo, Isoko, Ndokwa and Ika, that make up the mandate areas of the Commission.

Welcoming the participants, the Managing Director/ CEO of DESOPADEC, Bashorun Hon. Askia Ogieh said that this administration would pursue human capital development, starting with the women and stated that the programme was designed to get a data base record of women in the state that has interest and passion for work, adding that from the collation of the record of the women, the Commission would be able to identify what each woman was good at doing and enable them to convert their passion to income.

In fulfillment of the promises made during the 2019 elections, the Managing Director/CEO, Bashorun (Hon.) Askia Ogieh, (FCNA, CrFA), through the Bashorun Askia Foundation (BAF) donated the sum of N5 Million to Isoko Market Women Association to boost their various businesses, shortly after empowering Miss Blessing Oghenetejiri Thompson with the sum of N1.1 million naira for her Hair Dressing business as well as Mr. Arutase Ukeko with the sum of N1.5 million to start up his Bakery business.

Bashorun Askia’s display of uncommon benevolence to better the lives of his people and members of host communities in Delta state have been widely lauded by Deltans who claim that it has been the trend since he was the council chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area. “This act of kindness by the MD/CEO DESOPADEC is now a yearly pattern to his people,” they said.

However, in the pursuit of human and infrastructure development, peace is sacrosanct and necessary to fast-track growth process. The Traditional Rulers of the Oil Minerals Producing Communities of Nigeria (TROMPCON), Delta State Chapter, have expressed confidence in the choice of His Excellency, Senator Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, on the appointment of Bashorun Askia Ogieh led Board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).

The Traditional Rulers led by the Chairman of TROMPCON, HRM (Dr.) Emmanuel Sideso, Abe1, the Ovie of Uwie kingdom, said this during a courtesy visit to the management of DESOPADEC, in their corporate head office, in Warri on Friday November 22nd 2019.

While reading his address, he congratulated the Bashorun Askia led board, stating that their appointment was well deserved and that TROMPCON was confident in the choice of His Excellency, Senator Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, of them.

He further stated that the visit was mainly to formally introduce the newly inaugurated executives of TROMPCON, Delta State Chapter, whose inauguration took place on the 8th of October 2019, to the board and to intimate them about their activities, which include Seminars, Conferences and Welfare of Traditional Rulers.

Responding to the address of the Royal Fathers, the MD/CEO DESOPADEC, Bashorun Askia Ogieh FCNA, CrFA, warmly welcomed the kings and acknowledged that DESOPADEC was the baby of TROMPCON and stated clearly that there was need for the Commission to work in collaboration with TROMPCON, because the royal fathers, as members of the grassroots, relate more closely with the people of the Oil bearing Communities and know them better.

He therefore appealed to traditional rulers, youth and community leaders in the various communities that form the oil producing areas of the State to continue to maintain the peace in their various domains.
“We can only thrive and fast-track development in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility”, he said.

Meanwhile his new year message was succinctly of the Commission’s poise to rebranding and finishing strong.
“The year 2020 is unique as it marks the first full year into the new DESOPADEC management as well as the second term of His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, Governor of Delta State. As you are well aware, ours is a major plank of the Stronger Delta policy of the Government and we are therefore poised for greater accomplishments despite our peculiar challenges as oil producing communities.

“With God helping us, our focus in the year will be on the tangibles and intangibles, in providing for the needs of our people and meeting developmental aspirations of the various communities that form the oil producing areas of the State. We will be fully involved in the provision of healthcare facilities, educational and infrastructural development as well as socio-economic welfare of our people, throughout the year and in the coming years. We intend to ensure that every facet of the wellbeing of our mandate areas are captured and executed, in keeping with the overall developmental objectives of the Delta State Government.

“All these lofty projects earmarked for the year will be a mirage in the absence of peace and security. I am, therefore, pleading with all our traditional rulers, youth and community leaders to continue to maintain the peace in their various domains. We can only thrive and fast-track development in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

“We pledge to run a transparent and people-oriented Commission, where we will be accountable at all times to all stakeholders. We urge you to continue to support the state government as the principle of building a Stronger Delta, through the provision of infrastructural and human capital development programmes and projects, will guide our activities throughout the year.”

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E.I.C: Albert Eruorhe Ograka

-Blank NEWS Online (Dubai, United Arab Emirates) – From Albert OGRAKA:

Award-winning Argentinian restaurant, Gaucho Dubai, has gone all out this Valentine’s Day to one very special wedding proposal.

The stylish restaurant located in Dubai’s DIFC, is offering a their “Diamond Dining” luxury experience that takes care of everything for one lucky couple culminating in the ultimate wedding proposal.

The uber exclusive proposal package costs AED 250,000 (USD $68,000) and comes with a checklist of sparkling elements that will surely wow any potential spouse. The fairytale evening starts with the couple being whisked away in a chauffeur driven Bentley carriage to indulge in a once in a lifetime seven-course meal (full menu below) with rare vintage wine pairings in Gaucho’s exclusive private dining room.

The candle lit table for two will be surrounded by 300 red roses from Maison de Fleurs and will have 2002 Boerl & Kroff Champagne on ice. Once relaxed in the elegant private dining space, guests will then be presented with his and hers Rolex Datejust watches, engraved Gaucho steak-knives and of course the important 1.5 carat Pave Diamond engagement ring, from Tiffany & Co.

Gaucho’s General Manager Juan Pablo commented, “We at Gaucho appreciate how nerve-wracking creating the perfect wedding proposal can be so, we wanted to take some of the pressure away from guests and assist in creating what is a very special memory. We love hosting and we especially love creating lasting moments for our guests. Valentine’s Day is always a fantastic night to be in the restaurant and we wanted to take it to another level with our exclusive one off “Diamond Dining” experience!”

To book Gaucho’s “Diamond Dining” experience or for further information, please contact Gaucho’s private guest relations manager, Bea Uribarri before 10th February on + 971 4 422 7898

For those not looking for an “I do”, Gaucho will also be offering a special four-course set menu priced at AED 500. Late night live entertainment will be available upstairs, as chic restaurant and lounge Indie DIFC hosts the ‘Love Caravan’. To book please contact enquire online at https://www.gauchodubai.com/book-a-table

*Source AETOSWire

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) – Edited By Albert OGRAKA:

As part of measures to eliminate the harmful traditional practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Nigeria, the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) has pledged its readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government and International Development Partners to address the menace.

The National President, Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Dr. (Mrs.) Minnie Oseji made this known in her speech during the occasion to mark the 2020 International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation in Asaba.

She described the Female Genital Mutilation as a harmful traditional practice prevalent in many developing countries including Nigeria with its devastating consequences on the health of the woman.

Dr. Oseji listed the complications that could arise from the harmful practice to include menstrual difficulties, painful sexual intercourse, problems in child birth, urinary retention, infection and bleeding which could lead to death from shock.

She decried the non-existence of ‘Well Woman Clinics’ in Nigeria as is obtainable in developed countries, set up for immigrant women who come from countries where they practice FGM as they have trained health personnel to handle such complications.

Many Medical Women in Nigeria have attended to women who have undergone this harmful traditional practice and so are major stakeholders in the quest to eliminate it.

As part of the Associations contribution to ensure Zero Tolerance to FGM in Nigeria, the President said that her National Secretariat will mount an aggressive campaign in locations from where large numbers of cases are being reported, emphasizing on legislation enacted to eliminate this harmful traditional practice.

She appealed to the Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja to initiate a reporting process for old and new cases of FGM identified by health workers during provision of routine health care services, just as it is done for infectious diseases and maternal death, as this process would contribute to determining the magnitude of the problem as well as identifying factors responsible for the persistence of the practice.

According to her, “we will work together with all relevant stakeholders to support the reporting process and provide training for relevant health workers in this regard.
The event is celebrated every 6th of February since 2012. And the theme for year 2020 celebration is “Unleashing Youth Power”.

–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA): From Mike Sogbola, North East Correspondent:

Africa witnessed over 90 conflicts in 2018 alone, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has decried.

The United Nations’ body while insisting that investing in resilience and food security is key to peace, lamented that conflicts in ten African countries have left millions of people in need of urgent food assistance and subsequently made hundreds of thousands to quickly flee their homes and involuntarily abandon their livelihoods.A message from the Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Abebe Haile-Gabriel, sent to our correspondent e-mail, lamented that hunger is on the rise in Africa.

He said: “In a region beset with conflict, the uptick of numbers paint a grim foreboding. Hunger is on the rise again in Africa, reversing the gains and derailing the efforts made in the last few years.

“Recent years brought recurrent conflicts in the region. In 2018 alone, there were over 90 conflicts in Africa, a quarter of such occurrences globally. Conflicts in ten African countries left millions of people in need of urgent food assistance and hundreds of thousands to quickly flee their homes and involuntarily abandon their livelihoods.

“Most of these livelihoods are dependent on agriculture and the emergence of conflict has life-changing and serious implications. For people who rely on agriculture, conflicts destroy food systems, decimate crops and livestock resources, and cause loss of assets and incomes. These trigger food insecurity, and malnutrition and hunger.”

He added that: “People living in countries affected by conflict are more likely to be food insecure and malnourished. For some African countries, the prevalence of undernourishment is about two and a half times higher in countries affected by a protracted crisis than in other development contexts.
“Nutrition outcomes are also worse in conflict situations, where almost 122 million, or 75 percent of stunted children are under the age of five.”

He lamented that: “Additionally, conflicts harm national economies. Agriculture in Africa contributes a sizeable proportion of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), employs more than half of the total labor force, and provides livelihood incomes for smallholder farmers, who usually constitute approximately 80 percent of the total population.”

He said: “When conflicts occur, agricultural activities are disrupted, resulting in massive youth unemployment, displacement, strife and discord.Conflicts trigger a domino effect. They lead to food insecurity and malnutrition, which are also conflict multipliers, especially in fragile states. The relentless cycle goes unchecked if collective action is not in place.”

He said: “The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development calls for a transformative approach pointing to an improved collaboration on conflict prevention and resolution. The African Union Agenda 2063 likewise prioritizes peace and security to reposition Africa on a sustainable route of transformation and development.

“The commitment of the African leadership to change course has been confirmed in the 2014 Malabo Declaration on “Accelerated Agricultural Growth and Transformation for Shared Prosperity and Improved Livelihoods” in the framework of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) agenda. The goal to ending hunger in Africa by 2025 stands out among the prominent commitments of the Malabo Declaration, stressing the notion that peace and stability are the prime preconditions to achieve this goal.”

He said that: “It is in this context that the African Union has selected the theme of the year 2020 to be “Silencing the Guns: Creating Conducive Conditions for Africa’s Development”. As a flagship project of the Agenda 2063, this initiative would have a greater impact in promoting peace and stability in Africa, with the goal of ending all wars and civil conflicts, thereby achieving concrete development goals, including the eradication of hunger.”

• Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) -From Sunny A. DAVID, ONITSHA:

The Lawmaker representing Onitsha-North 2 State Constituency in the 7th Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Edward Obiefuna Ibuzo, has suggested reasons the governnent of Anambra State should borrow a leaf from Kigali, the Rwandan Capital.

He spoke with our correspondent at the State Assembly Complex Awka, who returned from the Rwandan in the company of other lawmakers, said Anambra could learn a lot from Kigali especially as it concerns taking care of the environment.

The Lawmaker is the Chairman, Committee on Environment, recalled that some of the most striking qualities of the environment in Kigali were vegetations and the neatness of the drainage systems, stating that the Rwandan governnent has utmost respect for the environment.

Hon. Ibuzo said if only the citizens could have respect for the environment and not indulge in deforestation, indiscriminate bush burning, blockage of water channels and a host of other inhumane attitudes on the environment, issues of flood and erosion would be resolved in Anambra state.

Although he pointed out that the state assembly was on the verge of passing the Anambra State Erosion and Watershed Management Bill as well as the Anambra State Clear Drainage and Forest Preservation Agency Bill into law, he was confident that Anambra would have the semblance of Kigali, if both agencies come into operation.

He noted that the trouble with Anambra State was blockage of flood channels with silt, which he said culminated into environmental degradation.

According to him, the Rwandan governnent spent fortune on tree-planting, planting of flowers and beautifications, desilting and clearing of drainages coupled with other activities intended to beautify the environment, stressing that the attention paid to environmental cleanliness has made Kigali one of the most sought after cities in Africa.

The Lawmaker was however emphatic that the state ministry of environment should be more proactive in enforcing environmental laws and ensuring compliance to instill the culture of discipline and attitudinal change towards the environment.

• Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) – By Omoshola DEJI:

In Athens, 510 BC, Cleisthenes instituted democracy to foster greater: accountability of institutions and leaders to citizens and the law. Today, the tenet is being flouted with impunity, especially in developing nations, where most of the heads of parliament are puppets of the president. Nigeria tops the list. While her legislature is failing in oversight and overlooking misconducts, that of the United States (US) prosecuted President Donald Trump and almost removed him from office. This piece evaluates the two countries legislative conduct, based on the proceedings of Trump’s impeachment trial.

Process and History of US and Nigerian President Impeachment

Article II, section 4 of the US Constitution empowers Congress – comprising the House of Representatives and Senate – to remove the president from office for, and conviction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. The House and Senate gets to remove the president in two separate trials. First, the House would deliberate and approve the articles of impeachment through a simple majority vote. The second trial occurs in the Senate, where conviction on any of the articles requires a two-third majority vote, which if gotten, results in the president’s removal from office. Trump’s impeachment succeeded in the House, but failed in the Senate, denoting he remains president.

Only three presidents has been impeached throughout US over 230 year old democracy. First, Andrew Johnson was impeached in 1868 for violating the Tenure of Office Act. Then, Bill Clinton was impeached in 1998 for perjury, obstruction of justice and having an inappropriate relationship with White House intern, Monica Lewinsky. Lastly, Donald Trump was impeached December 2019. Each of the three – Johnson, Clinton and Trump – escaped removal from office through Senate’s acquittal.

Impeaching Nigeria’s president is a difficult, almost impossible task. The lengthy, extremely cumbersome process is contained in Section 143 of the 1999 Constitution. No Nigerian president has been impeached, despite their gross incompetence and serial abuse of power.

Allegations against Trump and the Buhari Comparison

Trump’s impeachment trial was a straight confrontation between the ruling Republican, and opposition Democratic Party. The president was tried on two articles of impeachment for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The abuse of power bothers on alleged solicitation of foreign interference in the 2020 US presidential election. Trump allegedly withheld $391million aid to Ukraine; upon which he secretly pressurized President Volodymyr Zelensky (of Ukraine) to start investigating former US vice-president Joe Biden for Corruption. Trump only released the aid to Ukraine after a whistle-blower complaint.

Biden was ex-president Barrack Obama’s deputy and currently one of the Democratic Party’s presidential aspirant. Trump wants Biden and son, Hunter investigated for alleged corrupt practices during the Obama presidency’s (2009-2017) aid supply to Ukraine. The US president allegedly pressured his Ukrainian counterpart to investigate Biden, despite being aware that the US Prosecutor General had cleared him and his son of corruption in May 2019.

To ensure Biden is investigated, Trump allegedly refused to allow Zelensky visit the White House at a time Ukraine urgently needs the meeting to send fears to its aggressors – particularly Russia – that it has US backing. The Democrats insist Trump undermined US interests by his action, and must be removed for conditioning congressionally mandated aid on ‘quid pro quo’ – meaning ‘favor for favor.’

Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari is an adherent of ‘quid pro quo.’ His declaration that the Northern region, which gave him 95% votes would be favored than the Southeast that gave him 5% is ‘quid pro quo’ – conditioning governance favoritism on votes; favor for favor. Presidents are expected to govern with equity and fairness, but Buhari promised sectionalism and delivered as pledged. The proscription of IPOB, while killer herdsmen are operating unchecked, apparently because they’re among the 95% is a dangerous ‘quid pro quo’ adherence that can lead Nigeria into another civil war.

Aside Trump’s hold on aid, the second article of impeachment – obstruction of Congress – bothers on the president’s deliberate blockage of formal legislative inquiries. Trump allegedly instructed all government officials to ignore House subpoenas for testimonies and documents. He ensured no piece of paper or email was turned over to the House. Certainly Trump would have done worse if he’s a Nigerian.

If Trump is a Nigerian president, he would have ordered the police to lay siege on US House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi’s residence as President Buhari repeatedly did to former Senate President Bukola Saraki. Pelosi would have been distracted with false asset declaration charges till she’s acquitted by the Supreme Court. The Dino Melaye’s in her camp would have been hounded and arraigned on several trumped-up charges. If Trump is a Nigerian president, masked, heavily-armed State Security Service (SSS) operatives would have obstructed the legislators from entering the chambers to carry out impeachment.

The Democrats resolve to impeach Trump is perhaps comeuppance, but certainly an insult to Nigerians. The same legislators rebuking Trump supported Obama’s interference in Nigeria’s 2015 presidential election. The poll, as Obama desired, resulted in the first-in-history defeat of then incumbent president, Goodluck Jonathan. It is at best surprising, and at worst annoying that the same Democrats who backed Obama’s action on Nigeria are scolding Trump for trying to aid his win through foreign interference. How miserable for them to live with their own nemesis!

Unlike the US, foreign interference in Nigerian elections attracts no legislative criticism, let alone impeachment. Nigerian legislators took no action when two state governors from Niger Republic crossed into Nigeria to join Buhari’s 2019 reelection campaign in Kano State.

The abuse of power charges against Trump can’t fly for impeachment in Nigeria. Successive presidents have committed greater offenses without reprimand. Ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo spent heavily on electricity provision without result and ordered the Odi massacre. The legislature never summoned him. President Buhari has more than once repressed free speech, disobeyed court orders and spent without legislative approval. Yet the Senate has never cautioned him. Indeed, what the US lawmakers see as ‘abuse of office’ is what their Nigerian counterpart rank as ‘executive grace.’

US often punishes, but Nigeria rewards wrongdoing. The former’s first citizen, arguably the strongest man in the world was made to face a tough trial for abuse of office. His record is tainted even though he’s acquitted. Nigeria works the other way round. In the 8th Senate, suspended Senator Ovie Omo-Agege invade plenary with thugs, who took away the mace right before the cameras. Rather than prosecute him to serve as a deterrent, the ruling party rewards him with the exalted position of deputy-senate president in the subsequent, current 9th Senate. Omo-Agege is currently leading the same chamber he desecrated. Such can’t occur in the US.

Trial Debate: Democrat vs. Republican

The US senate impeachment trial of Trump was a pure intellectual, thrilling and rigorous debate. The House Managers, comprising mainly the Democrats argued that Trump deserves to be sacked for obstructing Congress investigation; promoting foreign interference in US election; and withholding economic, diplomatic and military aid to a strategic US ally (Ukraine) in need.

Defending the allegation, Trump’s defense team, comprising the Republicans, contend that the Democrats are trying to upturn Trump’s mandate in order to prevent him from contesting the next election. They argued that Trump withheld aid to Ukraine because 1) he wants a burden sharing agreement with Europe; and 2) he was unsure of its efficient use, due to the high level of corruption in Ukraine.

Opposing the submission, the Democrats argued that Trump showed no interest in Ukraine’s corruption before Biden announced his presidential ambition. The Republicans disagreed, and accused the Democrat caucus of using impeachment to shield Biden from corruption investigation. They insist Biden has a case to answer over his actions on Ukraine when he was vice-president.

Contesting the obstruction of Congress article, Trump’s team argued that the president has the power to assert immunity on his top aides, and he did so against Congress to protect the sensitive operations of government from getting to the public. Citing former presidents that have used such privilege, the Republicans argued that the Democrat-sponsored articles of impeachment is wholly based on presumptions, assumptions and unsupported conclusions. The Democrats, however refused to back down; they insist they have a “mountain of evidence” to prove Trump is guilty.

To support their arguments, both the House Managers and Trump’s defense team went deep into the archives; they went as far as referencing what happened in 1796, during the administration of the first US President George Washington. Several Supreme Court judgments, dating back to 1893 were cited. Both parties showed resourcefulness as they used historical, legal and rational arguments to establish their case. Their knowledge of history, politics and law in astounding.

Sadly, majority of Nigerian legislators lack such proficiency. Their contribution to motions are often based on partisan, personal interests and their arguments are often shallow, uninformative and irrational. While watching the trial, I couldn’t help but crave for power to order Nigerian legislators into the US Senate to learn functional legislative practice.

Plenary Session: Nigeria-US Comparison

Both the US House and Senate displayed exceptional commitment to public involvement. Many nations won’t permit the live airing of a sensitive issue such as the impeachment trial of a president. But the US stands out. Every minute of the trial was aired live to the local and global population. Nigerian House and Senate are not doing badly in this regard. Most of their sessions are aired live, including the election of principal officers. However, as being done in the US, the Nigerian legislature needs to make public the details of her income, constituency projects and budgetary allocations.

US senators are more open than their Nigerian counterpart. They boldly reveal their planned vote and the reasons for their decision. Many disclosed that they would vote on the impeachment based on personal conviction and desired legacy. Nigerian senators understandably can’t be that outspoken out of the fear of being hounded. This doesn’t however rob off the fact majority of them vote ‘aye’ or ‘nay’ based on financial gain, ethnic and religious sentiments, party instruction, and ‘quid pro quo.’

Public interest is not always primary to politicians, including the US senators. Most of the Republican senators were more interested in acquitting Trump than ensuring a fair trial. They denied the public access to crucial information by voting against the admission of additional witnesses and documents. Voting in favor of the motion would have made the Senate evaluate the leaked indicting videos and testimonies of crucial anti-Trump witnesses such as John Bolton, the ex-national security adviser. Without a doubt, Nigerian progressive senators would have done same to save Buhari.

The US legislators conduct at plenary and commitment to national service need to be emulated by the Nigerian Senate. The US Senate leaders and the Chief Justice, John Roberts coordinated the sessions impartially. They, unlike their Nigerian counterpart, acted neutral, even though they too (as humans) have their own viewpoint and desires. They set rules that would make everyone listen and participate such as prohibiting the use of phones.

Rather than deploy speech interjection, shout-match and walk-out as commonly done in Nigerian chambers, the US legislators acted responsibly. No one spoke without being recognized and they yield back time promptly. More than once they sat for about twelve hours on the impeachment and everyone stayed on strong. If the impeachment trial took place in Nigeria, the senate president would have hurriedly adjourn sitting or ‘dabaru’ the process in favor of his party. Moreover, the senators, many of whom are old and lazy, would have yelled for adjournment or sleep off.

End Note

Trump’s acquittal by the US senate sets a bad precedence for succeeding presidents to solicit foreign interference in US election and obstruct the investigation of Congress. Conversely, conviction would have opened the door for future sharply partisan, malicious impeachments.

Both the United States and Nigeria need more executive-legislature synergy. The frosty relationship between Trump and Pelosi has worsened over the impeachment trial. They must be reconciled for the benefit of the American people. It’s difficult, but not impossible to have intergovernmental synergy and a vibrant legislature under the Buhari administration. Perhaps Senate President Ahmed Lawan and House Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila need to attend classes on ‘how to function without being a puppet.’

US democracy is not perfect, but Nigeria has a lot to learn from it. The latter must adopt the former’s positive deeds and embrace attitudinal change. One may blame the large efficiency gap between US and Nigeria’s democracy on the year of adoption. US democracy is over 230 years old, while Nigeria’s current democratic experiment is only 20 years old. But then, if Nigeria’s systemic failure is anything to go by, it will take us over a thousand years to achieve the progress US made in 230 years. The reason is not far-fetch. US has what Nigeria lacks: Transparency, accountability and leadership commitment to growth and development.

*Omoshola Deji is a political and public affairs analyst. He wrote in via moshdeji@yahoo.com

Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA):

In a bid to make Courts in Asaba Capital Territory easily accessible to stakeholders in justice administration and enhance efficient performance of judges and magistrates, the State Chief Judge, Justice Marshal Umukoro has caused the relocation of High Court and Magistrate Court in Asaba.

By the new arrangement, High Court 2 and 3 have been relocated to Ibusa Road, Asaba.

Justice Marshal Umukoro disclosed that the relocation arrangement also affects Magistrate Court 4 and 5, which have been relocated to Multi-Door Court, High Court Road, off Okpanam Road, Asaba, while Magistrate Court 2 formally at Ibusa Road, is now at Umuda, Umuaji Quarter, and Magistrate Court 3 formally at Oshimili South Local Government Council has been moved to Umuezei (behind UBA).

He explained that the new arrangement would provide among others, the enabling environment for judges and magistrates to enhance productivity in performing their judicial responsibilities.

The chief judge explained that it would also afford litigants easy access to courts and save them the unnecessary stress of moving from one High Court to another, which was before now, scattered at various locations in Asaba.

He advised litigants, legal practitioners and the public to take note of the development, reiterating that the adjustment was for the general interest and convenience of stakeholders in the administration of justice, and effective functioning of the justice sector in the state.

–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Ambrose OLOGIDE, WARRI:

It was a day of mourning for Arewa Community in Warri as four Hausa young men lost their lives during an alleged illegal bunkering in a riverine area known as Omare Bush in Warri South Local Government Area.

It was gathered that there was an explosion that led to fire out break during the alleged illegal oil bunkering and that in the process 10 casual workers of the illegal bunker were adversely affected leading to the immediate death of the four Hausa young men.

The other six victims were immediately rushed to the hospital and private clinic for medical attention.

A Police Officer at the Police ‘ A’ Division, Warri South Local Government Area who spoke under condition of anonymity told our correspondent that the sad incident was yet to be reported to the police at as the time of filling this report.

Our correspondent saw scores of Hausa men outside the gate of the Warri Cemetery discussing the incident while the victims were being interred as late as 8.00 pm.

It was gathered that preserving the dead till the next day was against Muslim rite and that the deceased can only be preserved more than a day if his or her identity was not known.

Efforts made to get confirmation of the incident though calls and text message put across to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) DSP Onome Onowakpeyeya proved abortive as at the time of filing this report.

**As Hon. Kenneth Ogba Sues For Peaceful Dialogue

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –By Michael EKOKORUWE:

Oleh Community women in their numbers on Monday staged a peaceful protest to Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited Oleh, at Oleh – Olomoro Field /Flow Station cluster 5 OML30, Isoko South local government area of Delta State, over award of pumps rental services contract to the people of Oleh kingdom.

The women caring different placards with various inscription like “Heritage give urgent attention in awarding pumps renting contract to Oleh indigenous contractor”, Oleh Community needs the pump contract”, “the flow station carried 3, 5, 8, and 9, give us two pumps and “Heritage award the pump rent contract to Oleh people, were resisted by the companies security operatives at Oleh – Olomoro flow station.

Presenting their demand through the chairman of Oleh Community Development Committee, Chief Obaro Ekokobe, the women stated that recent information on the award of pumps rental services contract revealed that, the interest of Oleh people have been marginalized from benefiting.

Ekokobe said, “We were informed by Olomoro people that the award of pumps rental services contract have been awarded by Heritage oil firm to Olomoro contractors, knowing that the facilities are jointly owned by Oleh – Olomoro communities”. He stated that letter demanding immediate award of the said pump rental contracts with names of companies / contractors from Oleh kingdom to Heritage oil firm was tendered since 12th November 2019.

He maintained that the oil firm invited both contractors from Oleh and Olomoro communities to a meeting on Thursday 14th November 2019 at block P. Niger close NPDC/ND Western Estate Edjeba Warri, but Olomoro contractors turned down holding meeting with Oleh contractors.

Ekokobe noted that the field / flow station caries four serviceable pumps jointly owned by Oleh – Olomoro communities which according to him have no discrimination and disparities on the award of contracts.

He called on the management of heritage oil firm to recognize the people of Oleh community in the award of the pumps contract and give two to Oleh; two to Olomoro community, adding that if Heritage is contracting two pumps, both communities should have one each.

Responding on behalf of Heritage Energy Operational services limited, Mr. Daniel Osunba and Mr. Abel Njokor, D.S.S to Heritage oil firm, promised to channel the request of the protesters to the company’s management, noting that the security department of the company is to ensure absolute protection of lives and properties. Others who represented Heritage oil firm are the community liaison officers from Oleh and Olomoro, Mr. Egbo Savoir and Mr. Akporero Augustine.

While calling for peaceful dialogue between the protesters and Heritage oil firm, the managing director and chief executive officer of Dantinajo Gold Resort limited and contractor to Heritage oil firm, Engr. Daniel Omoyibo {DAMOTECK}, urged the women and chairman Oleh community development committee, Chief Ekokobe Obaro to dialogue with the company’s management on their request.

He commended the people for peaceful protest even as he urged Heritage representatives to meet with the people for peaceful settlement to avoid brake down of law and order.

Also speaking was Hon. Kenneth Ogba, member Delta State house of Assembly representing Isoko South constituency 1. The law maker urged the people to be peaceful, noting that their request will be treated by the management of the company with positive response. He said, the company should be allowed to work even as the situation is under control.

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA)

BOOK REVIEWER; NKECHI MADUEMEZIA

Shadows of pain
Shadows of gain
Shadows of despair
Shadows of repair
Shadows and nothings

Shadows of love
Shadows of hate
Shadows of today
Shadows of yester years
Shadows and nothings

Shadows I see in life circle
Shadows, whenever and wherever
Shadows we experience
For all in life
IS Shadows and nothings

TITLE OF BOOK; SHADOWS AND NOTHINGS
AUTHOR; TONY NWAKA

INTRODUCTION ON THE AUTHOR;
Dr. Tony Felix Nwaka is a Nigerian author from delta state. He is also the author of ‘’Mountain of yesterday’’ Mr. Benjamin’s Pen and Lords of the creek. He lives in Asaba , Delta State of Nigeria
PLACE OF PUBLICATION; kraft Books limited. 6A polytechnic road, Sango Ibadan, Box 22084 University of Ibadan post office, Ibadan. Oyo state. Nigeria.

PUBLISHER; KRAFT BOOKS LIMITED
DATE OF PUBLICATION; 2019
The front of the back cover is charcoal in colour with a portrait of a beautiful lady who is either sleeping or day dreaming. The back cover of the book is grey cascading into a fairer version of the beautiful lady at the front back cover including the author’s portrait.
The book Shadows and Nothing is a fiction series that comprises of 261 pages, a prologue, epilogue and eighteen chapters. The prologue and epilogue are letters to the main character (Julius) from his ex – girl friend called Evelyn.

THEME OF THE BOOK; ROMANCE
In love and Romance many people make mistakes of not knowing what they want due to hearsays. A woman trades in a better husband material for a boyfriend and sometimes a man trades in a good wife material for a girlfriend and lives with the pain of HAD I KNOWN. Forces around like parents, relatives and friends sometimes mar marriages and relationships if both parties involved cannot stand through thick and thin and stay firm for their love. In romance and Love we have winners and losers for all is fair in love and Romance.

BACKGROUND
Shadows and Nothings is a full length work literary fiction work on the theme Romance which is human nature. We have an insight into the love gone sour and a new love life of the protagonist (Julius) from a wedding ceremony. Julius does not like wedding ceremonies, but he has to be present on this occasion as the bride is the sister of his best friend. The party turns out to be more than Julius expected and he finds himself hopelessly drawn to another guest at the ceremony. Knowing nothing of the troubles tearing her world apart. Julius relentlessly pursues the enchanting Lauretta until he cracks the walls that circumstances have erected around her. But just when Lauretta begins to put her hope in the redemptive power of Julius love, the glimmer on the horizon is blighted by an old flame from his own equally unsavoury past flickering to life and casting shadows on the future they have dared to believe in.
Will Julius succumb to the frailty of human nature? Will they ever be together or will their future be destroyed by the evil threatening within and without him? Will he listen to the counsel of friends or lean to the promptings of his heart? In the end will Julius go the way of others?

PLOT:

The story begins with a prologue written as a letter terminating a relationship. This gave way to the main story. The main character is now a very successful man though single and in search of a better half. The reader is allowed into Julius deep rooted anger from a betrayed love in the person of an ex- girlfriend called Evelyn. Evelyn left Julius and married Fabian who she later divorced and came running back to Julius with hope when she knelt down and held his hand saying’ Julius I know you hate me now. Yes I thoroughly deserve your contempt. I was young and foolish. I haven’t found peace ever since. Since I left you. Please find it in your heart to forgive me. There’s no man that can give me the joy and happiness you gave me. I’m sorry Julius I love you more than you’ll ever know. Please forgive me so that I can know peace again ‘. Because she wants to come back into his life. The plot further unfolds the new girl called Lauretta whose father is a former Governor and the turbulences they both faced in their lives. The anti- climax of the novel was when Julius said these words and I quote’ but as I said, rather than run for dear life at the slightest indication of turbulence, I’ll hold on to the light of love, for it will always dispel the fears of those shadows that are really nothing’.

CHARACTERIZATION:
The characters in this work are very normal people we come across every day. These characters complement our day to day living. The father of Lauretta {Ebunoluwa} a former governor a formidable personality Chief Oni Alaba portrays so much wisdom filled with words of advice’ I have tried to render accounts as simply and as straightforward as possible so that the bitter reality may not be lost in a splash of poetic embellishments. These and many other humiliating treatments I got from people to whom I had rendered significant assistance were some of the things that caused me to harden my heart toward any person that came to me for favours. Unfortunately I didn’t know when I began to take callousness beyond the bounds of inhumanity.’……….’ my son, always remember that no bird stays permanently in flight. Work towards charity and purity of thought, for in such sublime vocations of mortal man, the soul is elevated from mud to the penthouse’…………..’ let your opinions and actions be guided by truth and moral conscience, no matter the circumstances. it’s better to speak and work for a place of honour in posterity than bask in the eulogy of a transient crowd. Other characters both major and minor are also unique in their own way.

SETTING AND MODE OR TONE:

Filled with anxious moments, apprehensive and sometimes irritating. Edobor who is Julius friend and knows about the two ladies in his life showed a superstitious side and protective side when Lauretta gave a wristwatch worth $10,000.0 to Julius had this to say’ this lady must have spent a fortune on this. It is important and urgent we know who she is…………….. Honestly, I still keep having a creepy feeling about the whole thing, an ominous air of something evil about to happen. My brother if I were you not minding ………….. I won’t wear this watch again until I get a priest to sprinkle some Holy water or anointing oil on it. Any lady who goes to this length for a guy must be serious. Never mind one we haven’t confirmed to be human.’ But it ended in a beautiful way which is typical of a TONY NWAKA novel.

VIEW POINT:
From the eyes of Julius, the major and minor characters believed that Lauretta was shrouded in mystery but Julius stood his ground, especially in his answerer to morayo. ‘Believe me I never gave heed to all that superstition. I’ve always known that, ultimately, the spirit of love would overcome. Whatever arrows the force of life throws at two souls that are genuinely bonded in mutual affection’, he get his reward in Lauretta when she spoke these words’ thank you honey, I like the ring. I knew no one else could have put the ring on my finger. Yes, I will marry you, Juls. I will marry you in this world and the next world to come.i will be with you forever Juls’

STLYE OF WRITING DICTION; the writing style is free and flowery. Easy to read and understand. Very entertaining.

COMPARISON; it can be compared with ‘ EVBU , MY LOVE’ in the pacesetters series of Macmillan’s written by Helen Oviaghele and TOADS FOR SUPER written by chukwuemeka IKE .

RELATION TO THE THEME; the theme is of romance and love gives a broad view of the good, bad and ugly sides of love. The winners and losers and the danger of uncherished love. Real love thrown away is like opportunity and flies away when not captured.

EVALUATION; The Epilogue concluded the story by nailing it home. Quoting from the letter I shall drop the pen at this point and retire to the solitude of my wretched life, clinging only to memories of how we once lived, loved and laughed, and dream that never saw the light of days. Take care Julius and goodbye. I rate this an A. it should be used in institutions of higher learning. A delightful and interesting read for lovers of literature.

CONCLUSION
I personally like this book because true love conquered at the end. I leave with this beautiful hymn
O you mist of hour! How my hopes were clouded by
The expanse of your presence!
But I heard the voice of him that redeems;
Who did beseech that I tarry a while
For, shortly, he said, the mist I fear shall be no more

See you not the joy that comes, now the mist is gone?
Yes! Behold the mist is gone
O yes! The mist is gone and now I dwell in joy….

–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA): From Mike Sogbola, North East Correspondent:

Borno Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum on Wednesday swore-in an Ibo and Yoruba men as special advisers.

The two Chief Kesta Ogualili from Anambra state (Southeast Nigeria) and Alhaji Yusuf Alao from Oyo state (Southwest Nigeria) are among the 26 special advisers swore in by the governor.

Ogualili, hails from Dunukofia local government, while Alao is from Ogbomosho local government area.

Zulum had on January 9, appointed both men who as professionals have lived in Borno state for many years and have been active in supporting the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Borno’s deputy governor, Umar Kadafur who represented Governor Zulum at the swearing-in of the 26 advisers, administered oaths of office and allegiance on them.

The others swore in include. Sheikh Modu Mustapha, Ali Damasak, Mustapha Bulu, Hussaini Gambo, Bukar Ardoram, Tukur Mshelia, Tijjani Modu, Inna Galadima, Zarah Bukar, Mustapha Sandabe, Gadau Ngurno, Mohammed Maulud, Bole Kachallah, Abdulrahman Abdulkarim, Barr. Bashir Maidugu, Bukar Konduga, Umoru Gaya, Ali Zangeri, Tukur Ibrahim, Tijjani Kukawa, Abba Gubio, Malam Gana Badu, Alhaji Adamu Chibok and Ahmed Zarma.

The governor advised the new appointees to live to the high expectations and to contribute to the attainment of the ten pact development agenda already being implemented within the last eight months.

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) – From Mike Sagbola (North-East Correspondent):

Ruthless and notorious terrorists operating in Nigeria’s North-East, code-named “Boko Haram” have slaughtered two persons sleeping overnight at a military checkpoint in Maiduguri.

The insurgents, according to source, also carted away some of their wares, frozen fish.

According to a security source, who preferred anonymity, the truck which was bringing frozen fish from Kano got to the military checkpoint at Auno, an outskirts of Maiduguri, few minutes to the closure of the security gates but could not continue it’s journey into the town as he had a mechanical fault.

The driver was given an advice by the military and security personnel at the checkpoint to leave the truck, a DAF with Yobe registration number PKM 665 X and proceed into town to sleep with the two other persons with him.

They were said to have rejected the advice and chose instead to sleep in the broken vehicle.

The source said the insurgents came at night slaughtering the three with two dead instantly but one was gasping for life when the men of the Rapid Response Squad arrived the scheme on Wednesday morning.

The corpses of the deceased were deposited at the hospital and the wounded was left to be treated at the emergency unit of the Borno State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri.

The source said: “That the RRS got an information at about 7am on Wednesday of Boko Haram attack. Information revealed that some armed men suspected to be insurgents intercepted a DAF truck with registration number Yobe PKM 665 X driven by one Yusuf Mohammed and a motor boy Abdullah Mohammed.

“They slept at the gate of Army checkpoint at Auno, which is normally locked up by 5pm. The insurgents came at night attacked the three people in the vehicle, two were slaughtered to death and one, Yusuf Abdulrahaman the slaughter and was still gasping for air this morning when the team from the RRS got the scene of the incident.”

The source added that: “Abdulrahaman was rushed to the Borno State Specialist Hospital for treatment, the DAF truck which still contained some iced fish was towed to Auno for safe keeping and the corpse removed and deposited at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital Hospital (UMTH).”

Attempts to get the commandant of the Borno Rapid Respond Squad, CSP Abioye Babalola to comment was unsuccessful as at the time of writing the report as his mobile line was not reached.

–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA):

Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has expressed sadness on the passing of renowned author, publisher and politician, Dr. George Idodo-Umeh.

Idodo-Umeh died at a hospital in Benin on Monday after a brief illness. He was aged 76.

The deceased hails from Olomoro in Isoko South Local Government Area and was Commissioner for Urban, Rural Integrated Development and Housing, in defunct Bendel State, from 1980 to 1982 and Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, 1982 to 1983.

In a statement made available to Blank NEWS Online by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Tuesday in Asaba, Okowa commiserated with the people of Isoko and Olomoro community in particular, over the demise of the renowned politician and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain.

He noted that the departed Idodo-Umeh was an elder statesman, grassroots politician and administrator, who excelled as a two-time commissioner in the defunct Bendel.

Idodo-Umeh was an academic and entrepreneur. He founded Idodo Umeh Publishers Limited in Benin and Idodo Umeh Academy in Olomoro, his home town.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the growth of his community and Isoko in general, he was honoured with the Chieftaincy titles of the Osugba of Olomoro and the Ogba of Emevor, another community in Isokoland.

The governor described the deceased as “thoroughbred politician’’ whose love for his people led him to contest twice for the Delta South Senatorial District seat in 1983 and 1999 general elections.

He remarked that although the man was unsuccessful on both occasions, he remained committed to the growth and development of the party in the state.

 “On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I mourn the passing of an elder Statesman, grassroots-oriented politician, author and publisher, Dr George Idodo-Umeh, who passed on yesterday after a brief illness.

“The news of his death came to me as a shock.

“He was a gentleman-politician, who distinguished himself in the service of his people, especially as two-time commissioner in the defunct Bendel State.

“In the formative years of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he was a founding member and ran though unsuccessfully, on its platform to represent his people of Delta South Senatorial District,’’ Okowa said.

He prayed God to accept the deceased’s soul and grant fortitude to the family and friends he left to bear the loss.

–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA)- By Ejime UDUEME:

Offering sincere gratitude to God and carrying out duties with the fear of God comes with great reward.

The Senior Pastor of the Four Square Gospel Church, Sanctuary of God’s Mercy, Zonal Headquarters Asaba, Pastor Innocent Afobunor stated this at a Thanksgiving organized by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Urban Renewal Mrs Charity Ehimen.

Pastor Afobunor whose message was tagged the power of an intimate relationship with God, said everyone has countless reasons to thank God especially for the gift of life.

He warned Christians not to arrogate powers to themselves but should fear God and be exemplary in any position they occupy in life.

He commended Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for maintaining the Government House Chapel as a vibrant place of worship of God and urged others in key positions to put Christ at the centre of their lives.

The cleric congratulated the PS on her elevation and urged her to use her office to affect lives positively and preach the gospel of Jesus.

The chief celebrant Mrs Charity Ehimen said her promotion to the apex of her career was by divine providence and thanked Senator Okowa for reposing confidence in her, promising to give her best.

At the event, the Delta State Head of Service Mr Reginald Bayoko, the Permanent Secretary Government House and Protocol Mr Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje described Mrs Ehimen as a dedicated public servant and urged her to continue to be a role model to the younger generation.

–-Blank NEWS Online (ACCRA, Ghana)-:

Leading mobile payments company WorldRemit saw a 43% growth in remittances to Africa from higher income nations in 2019.

The top five countries receiving remittances from the diaspora in 2019 included, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, with Nigeria receiving the most remittances.

The top sending countries to the region included the United States, Australia, Canada, and Sweden, with the UK sending the most remittances.

The diaspora plays a key role in Africa’s development story, today the value of remittances is three times larger than official development assistance (ODA), and forecasted to become higher than foreign direct investment for a handful of African countries in 2019.

The growth of digital and mobile penetration across the continent has contributed to the growth in remittances. WorldRemit has and continues to partner with both mobile money and bricks and mortar agents to increase accessibility to all our customers regardless of whether they are in a city or a remote village on the continent.

In addition to digital growth within the continent, the diaspora is also changing its pattern of frequency, value, and reason for sending money back home.

Apart from the traditional reasons for sending money to their native countries, members of the diaspora are increasingly looking at ways to be part of what is happening “back home”.

A great example is Ghana, In 2019 after the launch of the Year of Return, Ghana extended citizenship to over 100 African-American’s as well as enacting the Immigration Act which provides for a “Right of Abode” for any “Person of African descent in the Diaspora” to travel to and from the country “without hindrance.”

After a successful 2019, President Akuffo-Addo launched a new initiative “Beyond the Return” which is a drive to see people from the diaspora invest in Ghana via business start-ups, property acquisition, relocating or investment vehicles which the government is setting up.

At WorldRemit, it is important to continue to remain affordable, fast, simple, secure and accessible for the growing market and ever-changing dynamic continent.

About WorldRemit:

WorldRemit has disrupted an industry previously dominated by offline legacy players by taking international money transfers online – making them safer, faster and lower-cost. We currently send from 50 to 150 countries, operate in 6,500 money transfer corridors worldwide and employ over 800 people worldwide.
On the sending side WorldRemit is 100% digital (cashless), increasing convenience and enhancing security. For those receiving money, the company offers a wide range of options including bank deposit, cash collection, mobile airtime top-up and mobile money.
Backed by Accel, TCV and Leapfrog – WorldRemit’s headquarters are in London, UK with a global presence in the United States, Canada, South Africa, Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand.

*Source: AETOSWire

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) – From Mike Sagbola (North-East Correspondent):

Four persons were said to have died during a suicide attack on a mosque in Gwoza, southern Borno.

Gwoza was at the peak of ongoing Boko Haram insurgency, the administrative capital of the caliphate of the terrorist group.

was learnt that the suicide bomber ran at a group of worshipper during an early morning prayer.

A source who could not ascertained if it was a male or female suicide bomber, said the suicide bomber was lost along with three other worshippers in the mosque.

He said several other persons were injured in the explosion which shook the mosque.

A source, in one of the humanitarian communities in Borno State told our correspondent in confidence that: “I received Information of suicide bomb attack this morning in Gwoza, the attack was said to happened in a mosque. Three people including the suicide bomber were killed.”

A top security agent, who does not want his name mentioned, said it was only the suicide bomber that was lost.

He equally disclosed that 13 worshippers had varied injuries and were assisted to a health centre for treatment.

He said the immediate vicinity of the attack was cordoned off by the military.

Attempt to get the military and police authorities to confirm the attack as at the time of filing the report was not however successful as the messages sent to their spokesperson in Borno, Col. Isa Ado and ASP Okon Edet, were not responded to.messages sent to their mobile lines.