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

The military has again sealed off another office of an international non governmental organisation in the Northeast.

It was learnt that soldiers invaded the Borno office of Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA} in Maiduguri on Saturday, ordering everyone out, sealing off the office.

Some soldiers were detailed around the office to ensure no one have access to the office.

The military had sometimes last year sealed off the offices of Action Against Hunger and Mercy Corps in the Northeast for alleged activities against Nigerian security.

The two organisations were subsequently opened after interventions from all humanitarian communities led by the United Nations who had to meet with the military and the federal government.

A source said Saturday’s sealing off of ADRA was ordered by the head of the military counter-insurgency operation in the Northeast (Theatre Commander if Operation Lafiya Dole).

An impeccable source revealed to our correspondent that four staff of ADRA were arrested by the military following an intelligence alert that they were planning an unauthorized trip to Magumeri.

The source said the four persons were subsequently handed over to the police and as at Sunday evening detained at the Borno State Police Command in Maiduguri

When contacted for comment, the spokesman of Forum of international non governmental organisations (INGOs), Moshood Raimi said he cannot speak for ADRA since it does not associate with the rest of the Forum of INGOs.

Confirming the report on Sunday, the Country Representative of ADRA, Frederick Omosebi said the organisation is still conducting investigation to determine what was responsible for the action.

Both the spokesman of the military and police, Col. Ado Isa and ASP Okon Edet did not respond to messages sent to their mobile lines.

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

The Managing Director/CEO of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh FCNA, CrFA, has said he decided to appreciate God for using Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to bring him to limelight promising to use the commission to champion development in oil bearing areas.

Read the remarks by Bashorun Askia:

REMARKS BY BASHORUN ASKIA OGIEH AT THE THANKSGIVING SERVICE ON HIS APPOINTMENT AS MANAGING DIRECTOR/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF DELTA STATE OIL PRODUCING AREAS DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION, HELD AT THE ST. MATTHIAS CATHOLICH I, UZERE, ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2020

PROTOCOLS:

I welcome you all who, despite your tight schedules, commitments and even at short notice joined my family and I in giving heartfelt thanks to God Almighty for His various acts of mercies and blessings upon our lives.

My Lord Bishop, I will be very brief, as I know that our Catholic Mass is also a brief one and I do not wish an episcopal sanctions from the pulpit on myself.

Permit me to use this opportunity to specially thank and express my deep appreciation to His Excellency, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, our amiable Governor, who has in various ways enhanced and ensured my political trajectory in Delta State and beyond.

This Thanksgiving Service is for my appointment as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) which Your Excellency graciously made possible. In all, we give thanks and praises to God for guiding you in giving me this privilege to serve our people.

Your Excellency, I appreciate that you let me into where the political paddle of Delta State is hidden and the Canoe has been sailing smoothly even in rough waters. My gratitude knows no bounds. It is profound. And you know, it is without regrets. For me, it is the right thing to do, to effortlessly show immense gratitude to you.

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.

My Lord Bishop, I cannot put into words my appreciation to you. When I approached you about my intention for a Thanksgiving, you promised to be present but did the unthinkable and the unusual. You gave me the profound honour to choose the date myself, an action that will amaze all Catholics, hearing about this. That you are here with us and presiding gives me the chills. That I am grateful is an understatement. My dear brothers and sisters, please join me to give our Lord Bishop an applause of appreciation!

I also wish to use this opportunity to copiously thank all other persons who have played various roles in getting me to where I am today. Those who prepared my path and nurtured me are many, both the young and the old. Permit me to take the safest route by not mentioning names. It is dangerous to do so because you know, it can cause a massive political earthquake in our state if some names are left out. I am already full of regrets, as I understand my invitation cards for this Thanksgiving Service could not get to all persons that should be here celebrating with us. To this very dear group of persons, I offer my very sincere apologies.

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.

Let me once again appreciate all those who graced the Thanksgiving Service, especially our Governor and his amiable wife, the First Lady, and my friends who came from very far and near to be with us today.

On a lighter note, I must not forget to thank those already seated at the reception ground waiting to be served food and drinks while some of us were lucky to have listened to the Homily and set us in the mood for the reception. See you there…

In a sermon, during the Sunday Thanksgiving service held at Saint Mathias Catholic Church, Uzere, the Catholic Bishop of the Warri Diocese, Most Reverend John Afareha commended Governor Okowa for using Bashorun Askia to attract people oriented projects into Uzere town emphasizing that he has distinguished himself in the position he occupies in DESOPADEC.

The Bishop said any talent deposited into any man must be used for the good of all, stressing that many lost their gifts because it was used for wrong purposes.

Eminent Personalities stormed Uzere, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, hometown of the Bashorun Askia Ogieh for his appointment as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC,) by the state Governor Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.

Chief among the guests at the event were Governor Ifeanyi Okowa who had on Saturday commissioned some projects executed by the DESOPADEC, including venue of the reception ceremony, Ultra-Modern Civic Centre, Uzere, Opute Hall, Ozoro, and some structures at the Delta University Engineering Faculty, Oleh Campus and Maritime University, Okerenkoko; and his wife, Dame Edith Okowa.

Also at the event were former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori, Chief Ovuozorie Macaulay, Chief Ross Uredi, Prince Johnson Erijo, Chief Mike Usige as well as traditional rulers including the Ovie of Igbide, Edward Obukeni II; among others.

Other prominent Deltans include; the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Sheriff Oborevwori, former Rivers State Military Governor , Chief Paul Omu and Wife, Chief Mrs Stella Omu, business mogul, Senator representing Delta South, Senator James Manager, Chief Eta Enahoro, Chief DEA Etaluku, President-General, Isoko Development Union, Chief Idu Amadhe , an Aide to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Sese Omu , member representing Isoko South Constituency 1 at the Delta State House of Assembly, Kenneth Ogba, and his counterpart at Isoko South Constituency II, Ferguson Onwo, Professor Abednego Ekoko, and Executive Secretary, Delta State Technical, Vocational Education Board, Michael Akpobire.

Guests were later treated to a sumptuous reception at the Ultra-Modern Civic Centre, Uzere which was filled to capacity.

–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) From SUNNY A. DAVID:

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested two hundred and forty-nine persons suspected for various drug crimes in the year 2019 as thirty seven of them were convicted.

In a release signed by the Public Relations officer of the Agency in Awka, Mr. Charles Odigie, the State Commander of the Agency, Mr. Misbahu Idris also revealed that it seized four-hundred-twenty-nine-point-five-nine-eight-eight kilogrammes of hard drugs.

According to the release, Cannabis Sativa popularly known as “Indian hemp” got the largest chunk of the seizures with three-hundred-and-fifty-six kilogrammes while sixty-nine-point-zero-point-three kilogrammes Crystaline methaphythamine also known as “mkpuru mmiri” were seized.

Also, other seizures include Heroine with zero-point-zero-six-three kilogrammes and cocaine seized was zero-point-zero-zero–two-two-three-kilogrammes it also revealed that the Command has one-hundred-and-twenty-four pending cases in the Federal High Court, Awka and Court of Appeal, Enugu.

The State Commander of NDLEA, Mr. Idris applauded the support of Governor Willie Obiano in the fight against trafficking and abusedrug as well as insecurity in the State while warning those involved in illicit drug activities to desist from the lifestyle or face the wrath of the Law.

–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) – From Mike Sogbola, Maiduguri:

Four cases of Lassa Fever have been reported in Borno State with one of the patients dead.

Commissioner of Health, Dr Salihu Kwaya-Bura disclosed this at a press conference in Maiduguri on Thursday.

The Commissioner said that three patients with Lassa Fever symptoms and infection were discovered after the death of the first victim, was reported last Saturday.

“Precisely on the 18th January, 2020, we received a patient at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) which had symptoms of Lassa Fever. Unfortunately, we lost the patient,” the commissioner said.

He said the medical team has conducted laboratory investigation after taken some sample and established the presence of Lassa Fever in the patient body system. He said efforts have also been put in place to established all those who had contact with the patient within the period with a view to quarantine them.

He said three more Lassa Fever patients have been isolated. “One of the patients had contacted the first victim in Kano and is infected now,” Kwaya-Bura explained.

He said the government decided to alert members of the public about the presence of Lassa Fever in the state. He urged the people to maintain high level of hygiene in their homes and environment. He appealed to people not to panic as government has put enough measure including free treatment to halt the spread of the infectious disease.

“In case of any contact with any individual having symptoms of Lassa Fever like bleeding in the nose or ear to go to designated hospital in Maiduguri,” he said.

He said the two hospitals: Abba Kyari Memorial Hospital located at Jajeri and another at Zajeri in the state capital. He appealed to medical or health personnel in the hospitals and health centre to exhibit high level of professionalism and caution when handling Lassa Fever cases.
 
Also he said the government has established Emergency Centre with a toll free telephone numbers: 080 099999999 for people to call.

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

The Managing Director/CEO of the Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh, FCNA, CrFA has been commended for his human capital development and various empowerment programmes across the Isoko nation and beyond.

The commendation was made when Bashorun Askia, the Udu 1 of Isoko land received a high powered delegation of Ewheyae Isoko Women International at home and in the Diaspora, led by Evangelist Mrs. Catherine Illolo to pay a congratulatory visit on Bashorun Askia Ogieh for his appointment as Managing Director/CEO of DESOPADEC by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state.

Evangelist Mrs. Catherine Illolo, who described Bashorun Askia as the pathfinder of the people, expressed appreciation to him for his numerous empowerment of women and youths across Isoko in general.

The women further expressed gratitude to the state Governor Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for finding their son, Bashorun Askia worthy for the appointment, which according to them, have brought more gains and infrastructure growth to the oil producing ethnic nationalities of Delta state.

Highpoint of the event was the presentation of congratulatory Card and Wrappers of different categories to Bashorun Askia.

Bashorun Askia assured them of genuine representation, adding that their visit and continued prayers for him and the state Governor is encouraging.

In another development, members of the Oduduwa Yoruba nation, Isoko branch have also during a congratulatory and appreciation visit to the MD/CEO DESOPADEC, Bashorun Askia Ogieh in his Uzere country home, lauded him for his care and deep concern for the Yorubas living in Isoko.

The climax of the visit was a presentation of Award of Excellence to Bashorun Askia Ogieh.

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) have supported Evangelist Vincent George Eriega, an Isoko Gospel Artist with the sum of N 3 million at the official launching of his musical Album and instruments.

The MD, DESOPADEC, described Vincent George Eriega as a one voice vocalist who has displayed a character worthy of emulation, charging him to remain focused in his music endeavours.

The chief launcher, Samuel Askia Jr., Managing Director, Uzere Cassava Processing Factory, who was represented by the HOD, Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Engr. Efe-Aluta Oghale described George as a steadfast loyalist whose dedication is not in doubt.

Meanwhile, the Senior Special Assistant on Political Matters to the Governor of Delta State, Chief (Hon) Obaro Godspower (Akokotu of Olomoro Kingdom) who extolled the MD/CEO DESOPADEC, Bahorun Askia for launching the Gospel Artist’s album with a Cheque of N3 Million to enable him get new musical set, said the artist has displayed good feat as a Gospel Singer who sings for the Lord and building people spiritually.

–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA):

PRESS RELEASE

WARNING AGAINST ACTIVITIES OF RECRUITMENT FRAUDSTERS: NIGERIAN AIR FORCE IS NOT CURRENTLY RECRUITING
 

1. The attention of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has been drawn to the activities of some unscrupulous individuals who are fraudulently extorting money from unsuspecting Nigerians under the guise of recruiting them into the NAF. These fraudsters deceive prospective applicants to pay certain amounts of money into bank accounts with the false assurance that they would be guaranteed recruitment into the NAF. It is disheartening to note that some people have been swindled by these unscrupulous individuals despite repeated warnings and spirited efforts by the NAF, over the years, to enlighten the public about the nefarious activities of such fraudsters.
    
2. In view of this, it has become necessary to state firstly that the NAF is not currently conducting any recruitment exercise. Whenever such an exercise is imminent, members of the public would be duly informed through the NAF official website, www.airforce.mil.ng, as well as on our official social media handles. The public is also once more reminded that the recruitment and selection process into the NAF is ‘FREE OF CHARGE’ and without any form of gratification. Furthermore, the NAF recruitment process is devoid of recruitment agents, hence anyone who claims to be operating in such capacity on behalf of the NAF is a fraudster. The NAF wishes to advise prospective applicants to promptly report anyone who solicits for payments for recruitment into the Service to the nearest NAF Unit or Nigeria Police Post.
    
3. You are please requested to disseminate this information through your medium for the awareness of the general public. Thank you for your usual support and cooperation.
    
   IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
   Air Commodore
   Director of Public Relations
   and Information
   Nigerian Air Force

–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA):

Nine lawmakers of the Imo State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, defected to the All Progressives Congress from Peoples Democratic Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance and Action Alliance.

The lawmakers who defected are Authur Egwim (Ideato North) from AA to APC; Chyna Iwuanyanwu(Nwangele), PDP; Chidiebere Ogbunikpa(Okigwe), PDP; Obinna Okwara(Nkwerre), AA; and Paul Emeziem (Onuimo) also from PDP to APC.

Others are Ekene Nnodimele (Orsu) from APGA to APC, Johnson Duru (Ideato South), AA; Ngozi Obiefule (Isu) AA; and Heclus Okorocha (Ohaji/Egbema) from PDP to APC.

The speaker, Collins Chiji, read their letters of defection on Tuesday at plenary.

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

Soldiers and mobile policemen may have reconnected Maiduguri back to the rest of the nation as they have cleared the Maiduguri-Damaturu highway off remnants of Boko Haram that have terrorized motorists in the last few days.

Six soldiers were said to have been lost in the battle, with the insurgents recording a larger number of casualties.

Security source revealed that the insurgents were engaged between Mainok and Benesheikh on the Maiduguri-Damaturu highway between 11am and 1pm on Tuesday.

The sources said the soldiers had engaged the insurgents in a shootout between 11am and 11.35am without anyway given way with casualties on both sides.

According to the source, the tide was however changed when mobile policemen led by the Commander of Borno Rapid Response Squad, CSP Abioye Babalola and Operation Commander, Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Borno State Command, CSP Mohammed Ibrahim came on the scene.

The source said the two commanders where on patrol of the highway and were able to use their Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) to engaged the insurgents and dispel them.

The source, who said the battle ranged on till about 1pm, said the military and policemen were able to recover back two gun truck which the insurgents had already taken from the soldiers.

The source said: “two gun trucks were recovered, but six soldiers were lost in the gun duel, two corpses of Boko Haram were seen after the crossfire ceased but many corpses were taken away by the insurgents.”

He added that: “Boko Haram equally suffered a high degree of injuries, many of them were seen leaping off in flight.”

The source, while claiming that no mobile policeman was lost in the attack, said: “Both the police team of SARS and RRS team were protected and face the battle as a result of the new APC procured by Inspector General of Police (IGP) and recently commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari and manpower that were available as a result of newly launched RRS by Borno Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.”

The Commander of Rapid Response Squad in Borno State, Abioye Babalola, who confirmed the incident, but did not give details of the casualties from the military and security agencies, said the team was able to record the success due largely to the APC procured by President Muhammadu Buhari and the vehicles donated to the newly established RRS by Borno Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.

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

The Borno state chapter of Network of Civil Society Organisations (NECSO) on Tuesday said President Muhammadu Buhari has lived below expectations, insisting that his administration has not secured the promised security of lives and property of Nigeria. 
 
NECSO said the election of President Buhari has not improved security in the country now and it is hard to see if it will ever do.
 
Addressing a press conference in Maiduguri on Tuesday, NECSO Executive Director/Chairman, Ambassador Ahmed Shehu, lamented that the decade long Boko Haram insurgency has destroyed many lives and property in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.
 
He decried that despite Buhari’s campaign promise to end insurgency and ensure security of lives and property all over the nation, his election and many appointments has not translated into ending insurgency now or the near future.
 
He noted that insurgency has displaced over 1.8 million people, with 300,000 displaced persons seeking refuge in Chad, Cameroon and Niger.
 
He equally lamented that insecurity to lives in Borno state is at its peak in Borno State leaving one in every four as internally displaced person with many of them children below five, and 80 per cent being women and girls.
 
He said there is much to be done; by Buhari administration to win the fight against Boko Haram.
 
Shehu said: “We are demanding for the security of people’s lives and
>>> property. You promised us security, we voted for you for security and we are demanding for security.”
 
He explained that out of seven roads; linking six states in the region, only the Maiduguri-Damaturu was safe and accessible.
 
He lamented that the 132-kilometre Maiduguri-Damaturu road has now become a death trap in 2020, asking the President to expedite action in bringing an end to the lingering security situation in the region.
 
He said there are recent wanton attacks on lives and property, including humanitarian workers in insurgency affected states.
 
He said President Buhari need not be reminded that the main purpose of government; is to secure the lives of citizens and their property.
 
He also called on governors and legislators in the region to intervene by employing tools at their disposals to discharge oversight functions.
 
He added that traditional and religious leaders; should employ their wisdom on how best they could overcome the present insecurity situation. 

Shehu warned that failure to address the present insecurity would make Civil Society embark on strategic engagement of stakeholders to provide a lasting solution for security and peace.

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA):

The Delta State House of Assembly is to collaborate with the State Command of the Nigeria Police Force in ensuring effective crime fighting and prevention at the grassroots.
The Speaker of the State Assembly,  Rt Hon  Sheriff Oborevwori made the promise when the newly posted State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammed Inuwa  Hafiz  paid him and other members of the House   a courtesy visit in his office on Tuesday, January 21, 2020.
The Speaker commended the  new Commissioner of Police  for being proactive in crime fighting and prevention in the nooks and cranny of the state, saying that this  was made possible by his level of experience and cordial relationship with relevant stakeholders.
Rt Hon Oborevwori   said he was confident that the new Police Commissioner would succeed in the task of securing the state because of his vast knowledge of crime prone areas haven served at various levels in the State Police Command prior to his elevation to the position of Commissioner of Police.
He said members of the House have continued to be in constant touch with their constituents and happenings in their communities, pointing out that a synergy between the lawmakers and the police was needed to flush out criminals from the state.
For his part, the Delta State Police Commissioner, Mr.  Muhammed Inuwa Hafiz   said the House of Assembly remained a dependable ally in successfully combating crime, explaining that the visit was to seek the collaboration of the lawmakers in making the state crime free.
The Police boss  said he had held several meetings with other relevant stakeholders, such as traditional rulers and community leaders since he assumed duty this year, explaining that he was determined to change the narratives of crime and criminal activities in the state.
Acknowledging that government alone cannot ensure the security of lives and property of its citizens, the Police Commissioner maintained that Vigilante groups played a pivotal role in assisting the police to fight crime especially at the grassroots.
The meeting was attended by principal officers and members of the Delta State House of Assembly.

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) – From Mike Sogbola, Maiduguri:

A High Court in Maiduguri, Borno state capital, on Monday remanded Hajiya Aisha Wakil, popularly called Mama Boko Haram to a custodial centre.

Mama Boko Haram was standing trial alongside Tahir Saidu and Lawal Shoyade, on an amended five-count charge, bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence and cheating to the tune of N111.7 million.

Aisha Kumalia, the presiding judge, gave the order to the remanding of the accused after the Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC) had arraigned them.

The EFCC had said the defendants, sometime in 2018, conspired and falsely presented to one Mohammad Umar, purported contracts for installation and servicing of 10 pieces of Chison 600A, 2009 version deluxe ultra sound system and the supply of white beans through their non-governmental organisation (Complete Care and Aid Foundation).

One of the count read: “That you, Aisha Alkali Wakil, Tahiru Saidu Daura, and Prince Shoyade, whilst being chief executive officer, programme manager and country director respectively of Complete Care and Aid Foundation (a non-governmental organisation) and Saidu Muktar (now at large) sometime in October, 2018 at Maiduguri, Borno State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court with intent to defraud, induced one Mohammed Umar Mohammed of Nyeuro International Limited to deliver to you 3,000 (three thousand) bags of 50kg white beans worth N65,000,000.00 (Sixty Five Million Naira) under the guise of executing a purported contract of supply of the said beans which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 320(a) and punishable under Section 322 of the Borno State Penal Code Laws Cap 102.”

They all pleaded not guilty to all the charges and Benjamin Manji, prosecution counsel, applied for a trial date and prayed the court to remand the defendants in the Nigerian Correctional Centre pending the determination of the case.

The judge subsequently ordered the defendants to be remanded at a custodial centre and adjourned the case till February 10, 2020 for commencement of trial.

–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA):

Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Monday said the Court of Appeal Complex for the Asaba Division would be inaugurated on Feb. 3, 2020.

Okowa who inspected ongoing work at the complex located at Mariam Babangida Way, told select newsmen that finishing touches were being made to ensure that everything was in place before the inauguration.

He expressed satisfaction with the level of work done so far on the project and stated that the functionality of the court would bring a lot of relief to Deltans who travelled long distances to other states to seek justice.

He said, “We were here a few weeks before the Christmas holidays to inspect this project and from what we can see now, the contractors have done very well; a lot of work has been carried out on this project.

“This project is due for inauguration on the 3rd of February which is two weeks from today.

Although I believe that there is still a few more things to be done, the contractor has given the assurance that within one week the project will be completed.

“Four states were approved to have Courts of Appeal and I am happy that we are set, everything is in place as we will meet with the date set for its inauguration.”

The governor explained that with a division of Court of Appeal in Delta, there would be speedy delivery of judgment for the people.

He added that the risk of going to other states and travelling long distances in search of justice would now be eliminated.

According to him, we are happy as a people and as a state that we are making progress in all spheres of life.

The governor also inspected the Traditional Rulers Council secretariat project where he noted that its completion would provide a conducive environment for the traditional rulers to discuss issues concerning their kingdoms.

He told the newsmen that traditional rulers had contributed a lot to the development of the state by ensuring peaceful co-existence in their domains and that giving them a befitting secretariat was important.

The Commissioner for Housing, Chief Festus Ochonogor, his Information counterpart, Mr Charles Aniagwu, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Peter Mrakpor, among others, accompanied the governor on the inspection.

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) – From Mike SOGBOLA’, Damaturu:

The Network of Yobe Civil Society Organizations has condemned government reaction to the rising insecurity in the Northeast.

The group in a signed statement on Monday by it’s Comrade Baba Shehu, said it observes with total dismay, the growing insecurity in the Northeast in recent weeks, especially on the Damaturu-Maiduguri Highway where innocent travellers are brutally killed on daily basis yet, the government chose to be almost in total silence without a proactive measure to curtail such.”

Shehu said: “We wish to remind the government that as citizens, we have rendered every support required by the security forces on ground to curb the insurgency in our state and region, even at the expense of our fundamental rights which has faced serious abuses, all for us to live in peace and security.

“But, it seems our lives are taken for granted by tolerating insurgents to continually feast on.”

He added that: “The government should equally remind itself that our priority need from her is security, which it has not done enough to provide, but succeeded in making citizens lose confidence in her sincerity in that direction.”

He said: “We are all witnesses to the heavy security deployments whenever top government officials visit our cities, exposing us to unnecessary hardships throughout their stay. Therefore, we consider the lackluster attitude in securing our highways and communities by the government as hypocritical and the height of irresponsibility and as such we are calling on her to take proactive measures in ensuring the security of our lives and properties.”
 
 In the same vein, the international Non Governmental Organisation, INGO community in Nigeria has equally condemned the Saturday’s attack on humanitarian facilities in the Northeast.

In a twit on it’s verifiable twitter account, @INGOforum_ng, the group utterly condemned the attack in Ngala targeting humanitarian facilities.
 
It called on all parties to the conflict to cease from these attacks and respect International Humanitarian Law.

The twit said: “We remind all armed actors of their obligation to ensure the protection and safety of civilians, including aid workers. The increasing insecurity and lack of adherence to International Humanitarian Law is putting the delivery of lifesaving assistance to over 7 million people in need in the most affected states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe at risk.

“To allow humanitarians to continue delivering much needed life-saving assistance, all parties to the conflict must respect the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. The two aid workers and other civilians still held captive should be released immediately. Aid Workers are #NotATarget.”

–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) – From Mike SOGBOLA’ Maiduguri:

The United Nations has condemned an attack on its facilities in troubled Northeast.

It had last Thursday shown apprehension over growing insecurity in the area, even as it had been reported that some of its workers in some Borno town had been recalled to the state capital Maiduguri.
 
A statement on Monday by the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Edward Kallon strongly condemned Saturday’s attack by Boko Haram on it’s humanitarian hub in Ngala, a Nigerian border town with Cameroon.
 
The statement read:. “I am outraged by the extremely violent attack on this key humanitarian facility where five United Nations staff were staying at the of the incident.”

It stated that: “On the evening of Saturday 18 January, the humanitarian hub in Ngala was the direct target of a complex assault by heavily armed non-state armed groups operatives. An entire section of the facility was burned down as well as one of the few vehicles UN agencies rely on for movement and aid delivery. Protective security measures deployed at the humanitarian hub prevented any harm to the staff who was in the facility.
  
“I am shocked by the violence and intensity of this attack, which is the latest of too many incidents directly targeting humanitarian actors and the assistance we provide.”
 
Kallon however said: “I am relieved all staff is now safe and secure. Aid workers, humanitarian facilities and assets cannot be a target and must be protected and respected at all times.”
 
He said: “Such incidents have a disastrous effect on the lives of the most vulnerable people who depend on our assistance to survive. Many of them had already fled violence in their area of origin and were hoping to find safety and assistance in Ngala. This also jeopardizes the ability for aid workers to stay and deliver assistance to the people most in need in remote areas in Borno State.”
 
He called on “all parties to the conflict to respect the principles of humanity, neutrality, independence and impartiality which guide the assistance the humanitarian community delivers in the states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe.”
 
The statement said: “The United Nations and NGO partners in Nigeria are working to bring vital assistance to over seven million people in the crisis-affected states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe. They are increasingly the target of attacks. Twelve aid workers lost their lives in 2019, which is twice the number in the previous year.
 
“Two aid workers remain in the captivity of non-state armed groups – ACF staff member Grace Taku abducted near Damasak in July 2019, and Alice Loksha, a nurse and a mother, kidnapped during an attack in Rann in March 2018. The United Nations and its humanitarian partners call for their immediate and safe release.
 
It also noted that: “Aid workers are providing assistance to more than 55,000 people in the town of Ngala, near the border with Cameroon. In 2019, over 10,000 people arrived in Ngala, searching for security and basic services. Humanitarian hubs in Borno State are critical to the humanitarian response. They provide operating environments for aid workers in remote locations where some of the most vulnerable people live or have sought refuge.”
 
“Such incidents have a disastrous effect on the lives of the most vulnerable people who depend on our assistance to survive. Many of them had already fled violence in their area of origin and were hoping to find safety and assistance in Ngala. This also jeopardizes the ability for aid workers to stay and deliver assistance to the people most in need in remote areas in Borno State.”
  
“I call on all parties to the conflict to respect the principles of humanity, neutrality, independence and impartiality which guide the assistance the humanitarian community delivers in the states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe.”
 
The United Nations and NGO partners in Nigeria are working to bring vital assistance to over seven million people in the crisis-affected states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe. They are increasingly the target of attacks. Twelve aid workers lost their lives in 2019, which is twice the number in the previous year. Two aid workers remain in the captivity of non-state armed groups – ACF staff member Grace Taku abducted near Damasak in July 2019, and Alice Loksha, a nurse and a mother, kidnapped during an attack in Rann in March 2018. The United Nations and its humanitarian partners call for their immediate and safe release.

–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) – Mike SOGBOLA:

Boko Haram on Sunday attacked Geidam, one of the major town in Yobe state, forcing the residents into flight.

Many of the fleeing residents had to send the night in nearby bushes as the streets and homes were deserted.

A fleeing resident of the town, Ibrahim Mohammed said the insurgents attacked the town at about 6pm, with the sound of the gunshots making many to flee.

He said thousands of residents of the town fled into bushes with some others fleeing into neighbouring villages.

Ibrahim said sporadic gunshots were heard near the military base along Geidam-Bayamari road.

Another residents of the town Faltima Suleiman told our correspondent on phone that the gunshots subsided at about 8.30 pm.

Suleiman who spoke to our correspondent at about 10pm, said everywhere is quiet now, “and we believe that the insurgents have taken their leave.”

When he was contacted, Lieutenant Chinonso Oteh, Spokesperson of Sector 2, Operation Lafiya Dole, Damaturu, said he has no information about the attack just yet but he would get back as soon as he can get any information from Geidam.

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

Security is the principal obligation of government, because it is the most important need of man. Life is universally considered sacred, but only the lives of the ruling oligarchy is sacred in Nigeria. Being alive is a privilege as Boko Haram, killer herdsmen, kidnappers, armed robbers, ritualists, trigger-happy officers, and other messengers of death are around you, ready to send you home. Governors of the six Southwest states moved to combat the insecureness by establishing the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Operation Amotekun.

The initiative has been sternly criticized in the North and declared “illegal” by the Northern dominated federal government. The declaration which was made by the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami has deepened the cold war between the North and South (six) geopolitical zones. The Southwest, supported by the Southeast and Southsouth, has vowed to carry on while the Northwest, Northeast, and parts of the Northcentral are insisting that would not be.

Operation Amotekun wouldn’t have evolved if the Southwest is secured. The saying ‘all politics are local’ made the governors act to save their jobs. Buhari can no longer contest, but five of the six governors are in their first term. Apart from Governor Kayode Fayemi, who is in his second term, the fear of losing reelection pushed the other five governors to act, despite the fact that four out of them are members of President Muhammadu Buhari’s party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Buhari’s sectionalism gave birth to Operation Amotekun. Aside appointing the security chiefs from his tribe, his refusal to sack them in the face of underperformance, unprofessionalism and partisanship made him lose the confidence of the Southwest. Another remarkable flaw is Buhari’s failure to deal decisively with the killer herdsmen of his ethnic extraction, as he did to the less violent Shia movement, and Biafra secessionist group.

Buhari seems unaware that people always look out for how the community disciplinarian would discipline his own children when they go wrong. While Buhari swiftly repress dissenting voices, the killer herdsmen that allegedly perpetrated genocide in Benue and Taraba states are yet to face justice. In Yoruba land, the killer herdsmen that allegedly kidnapped Chief Olu Falae; destroyed several farmlands; sacked Orin Ekiti residents and hoisted flag; killed several persons, including the daughter of the leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoronti, are all yet to be brought to book.

Buhari would have saved his government backlash, if he had scared the killer herdsmen as ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo did to the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) in 1999. His shoot-at-sight order buried the OPC’s prospect of violence. The group may have grown monstrous and untamable if Obasanjo pampered them the way Buhari is handling the killer herdsmen. While one may argue that Buhari soft pedaled to win a second term, nothing has changed since he got reelected.

Buhari may mean well for Nigeria, but nepotism and sectionalism are hindering him from making significant impact. Call it politics, but he has an unstable character. He indicatively preaches national unity, but remains grossly partisan. He habitually says one thing and does the other, thinking everyone is blind, without realizing all eyes are on him. We are really not in the mood to talk about his several failed manifestos, including the forsaken subsidy, electoral reforms and restructuring promises.

Greed for power has kept the Southern politicians nursing presidential ambition silent; they would never speak out even if their hometown is razed. Many are criticizing Tinubu, but in fairness to him, anyone that would speak on the Amotekun issue would have no ambition to occupy Aso Rock. Even the Twitter vocal ex-vice president Atiku Abubakar has been silent because he doesn’t want to bag criticisms in the North. In the same vein, Tinubu is keeping mute in order not to offend the North and to keep his Southwest support intact. His calculative politics of silence may either work for him or ruin him, depending on what the cabal thinks.

Tinubu is the Southwest political godfather and Amotekun couldn’t have been created without him being in the know. If tackled on this, Tinubu could argue that his absence and that of his three most loyal governors of Lagos, Osun and Ogun states at the launching of Amotekun is an indication of his disinterest in the project. If queried in the Southwest, he would argue that the states he holds sway wouldn’t have donated funds and vehicles to the Amotekun project if he’s against it. Tinubu is being calculative and tactical; hoping to eat his cake and have it, but time will tell.

One must be suspicious of the neighbor that criticizes someone for improving on security after being robbed. Such neighbor is either the robber or planning its own operation. The northern opposition of Amotekun lends credence to the alleged Fulanization agenda. It is discomforting that majority of the Northerners are criticizing the Southwest over Amotekun, when they have similar paramilitary and community policing corps such as the Hisbah Sharia police, and the civilian Joint Task Force (JTF).

Amotekun is even more important than Hisbah. The former is a security outfit, while the latter is a religious doctrine enforcement body. Those condemning Amotekun but seeing nothing wrong in Hisbah failed to realize that you can live without practicing any religion, but can’t practice religion without life. By the notion of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, you will only remember religion when you’re safe. The most devoted Muslims would be the first to seek protection in the Church (and vice versa) during war.

The only outfit that could be compared with Amotekun is the civilian JTF assisting the military to combat Boko Haram. It is dishonorable that the same government that has allowed Hisbah operate unchecked – despite Nigeria’s secularity – is kicking against Amotekun. The argument that Amotekun would be used for political purposes is clearly untenable as they don’t bear arms; one of the major instruments that makes rigging possible. Insecurity in the Southwest is alarming and any viable means of ending it – including Amotekun – must be embraced by every Nigerian that cherishes life.

Unlike parts of the Southeast, the Southwest has no secession plan, but has vehemently clamored for restructuring – which is one of Buhari’s campaign promise. Those claiming that Amotekun is the manifestation of a secession plan don’t value cooperation. The Southwest governors should be applauded for collaborating to resolve the region’s challenges. It is no fault of theirs that the governors of other troubled regions can’t unite to tackle their problems.

Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association’s statement that Amotekun may cost the Southwest 2023 presidency is a show of ignorance. Emeka Ihedioha woke up as the Governor of Imo State on January 14, but slept as an ordinary citizen after the Supreme Court unexpectedly sacked him from office. Can Miyetti Allah stop the Southwest from taking over power today if (God forbid) the president pass away? Moreover, who gave Miyetti Allah the power to decide who will rule and when to rule?

The word on the street is that the federal government is kicking against Amotekun because members of Miyetti Allah are not enlisted in the outfit. It is practically impossible for the Southwest to enlist the same herders suspected of killing the daughter of the leader of Afenifere. If absorbed into Amotekun, would Miyetti Allah absorb and agree to a rotational leadership of their organization with the Yoruba tribe?

As laudable as the Amotekun initiative is, one must be cautious of the dangers of operating with a programmed mindset. Amotekun may bring about ethnic persecution that would transmute into a civil war, if its handlers should conclude that the crimes in the Southwest is being committed by the herdsmen and the Hausa-Fulani ethnic group. It is dangerous and unfair to create an orientalist view of a tribe with several intellectual and successful people as criminals and terrorists.

Amotekun was created to assist the already overwhelmed Nigerian security agencies. For one thing, Amotekun would drastically reduce the death of security officials who lose their lives while hunting for criminals in unfamiliar terrains. Amotekun is an integration of all the vigilante and local security outfits in the Southwest under one umbrella. Nigerian security agencies have always engaged the services of these outfits during difficult operations. For instance, the military once engaged the OPC to help them drive out notorious criminals from their hideouts in the Mile 2 and Ojo area of Lagos state. The police also contracted the OPC to help them decimate the infamous Badoo cult in Ikorodu, Lagos.

Amotekun is a way forward; a step towards getting lasting solutions to Nigeria’s insecurity. It is a timely, commendable and laudable initiative that evolved from Buhari’s inability to provide adequate security, despite being a retired Major General. Any further move to outlaw Amotekun may lead to crisis as the outfit has gained tremendous public support. Beyond citizens’ protection, Amotekun must survive out of love for the country. Additional security measures are needed at this trying time. We cannot keep overworking and risking the lives of our security agencies in unfamiliar terrains. The officers are someone’s brother, sister, father, mother, husband and wife. Those opposing Amotekun certainly won’t be happy to lose any of the listed persons on their own end.

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

–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) – Mike SOGBOLA:

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is set to induct the second batch of 2 new AgustaWestland 109 Power Attack Helicopters procured by the Federal Government as part of the fleet enhancement efforts to enable more effective and efficient employment of air power to tackle the security challenges facing the Nation.

This is contained in a statement made available to Blank NEWS Online and signed by the Nigerian Air Force Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA.

“The 2 helicopters, along with associated equipment and spares, arrived Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport Abuja on board a Boeing 737-400 Cargolux Airline aircraft from Malpensa International Airport in Italy on 15 January 2020.

“They were received by a NAF Team, led by Air Commodore Halim Adebowale, as well as the Country Representative of Leonardo Helicopters, manufacturers of the aircraft. NAF engineers and technicians, in collaboration with a Team from Leonardo, have commenced assembly of the helicopters preparatory to their induction into service.

It would be recalled that the NAF had earlier  received the first batch of 2 new Agusta 109 Power Helicopters that were inducted into the Service on 29 April 2019 during the 55th NAF Day Celebration in Abuja.

The Service, within the last 5 years, has taken delivery of 21 brand new aircraft,  including 10 Super Mushshak, 5 Mi-35M Helicopter Gunships, 2 Bell 412 Helicopters and 4 Agusta 109 Power Helicopters.

Beside these, 15 additional aircraft have been ordered by the Federal Government, which include 12 Super Tucano attack aircraft and 3 JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighter aircraft.

In addition, the Service also took over 11 aircraft from other MDAs. These include 3 EC-135 helicopters and 3 Dauphin helicopters from NNPC, 3 Donier 228 aircraft and 2 Agusta 101 from the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF); making an unprecedented total of 47 aircraft that have either been inducted into the NAF or ordered for the Service since 2015. In the same vein, over 20 previously grounded aircraft have been reactivated within the past 5 years.

After induction, the 2 new helicopters will be deployed to theatres of operation across the country to reinforce NAF capability in the fight against insurgency and other forms of criminality.

–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) – From Mike SOGBOLA:

The Boko Haram crisis that have engulfed part of Nigeria’s Northeast would be explained through art, poetry, drama and music.The Borno Literary Society will on Saturday (18th January, 2020) host the first-ever performance of local Borno artists to launch a new approach to advocacy through art, music, dance and drama.The performance exhibition titled “PEACE-UNBROKEN: 50 SHADES OF BORNO” will depict the struggles of the common man over the last decade of ongoing insurgency in the Borno State.

The performance exhibition which holds at 2pm at the El-Kanemi Hall of the University of Maiduguri, with over 15 performers taking the stage to depict the everyday struggles that crisis-affected people face.
A statement by the organizer on Friday said: “These unique artistic performances – ranging from drama to music to poetry and beyond – will raise awareness on issues of sustainable peace, child protection, gender-based violence, and countering violent extremism from the artists’ personal experience of the decade-long conflict.
“The event will bring together representatives of Government and academic institutions, humanitarian and development agencies, clubs, associations and unions.” 
According to Hassan Abdullahi, President, Borno Literary Society: “Art can be an incredibly powerful force that binds people together and gives a voice to the voiceless and less fortunate in our society, especially on their experiences over the last decade. “Through this first-of-a-kind artistic exhibition in Maiduguri, the Borno Literary Society aims to create another viable process for healing at the grassroots level and establish creative expression as an avenue for genuine understanding between all stakeholders.” The statement said: “The Borno Literary Society (BLS) is an organization primarily concerned with leveraging the platform of art for positive change to the social, economic and human rights issues of our times.
“BLS strongly believes in building bridges between communities and that there is a place for art in the behavioral, cultural, national and international reorientation of these turbulent times and in face of the daunting challenges in northeast Nigeria.” Founded in 2017, BLS is driven by its vision to break down barriers that hinder collective health and progress as one society. BLS is resolved to engage in artistic expression that furthers the Sustainable Development Goals and contributes to the inclusive development of communities, at the regional, national and global level.

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

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Isoko South local government area, CSP Mohammed Nahala, has averted impending crisis between farmers and Fulani herdsmen at Emedel farmland Okpe – Olomoro over malicious destruction of crops and farmland in the area.

Farmers at Okpe – Olomoro had overtime decried incessant destruction of their crops and farmland by herdsmen who converted farmland to grazing field for their cattle that has deprived them of peaceful co–existence leading to buildup to strife that is capable of creating anarchy, break down of law and order.

CSP Nahala got the information and waded into the impending crisis as farmers of the area reported the malicious destruction of their crops by the Fulani herdsmen cattle’s grazing on their crops in spite of several warning turned down by the herders.

While calling on the Divisional Police Officer to prevail on the recalcitrant herdsmen who despite several peaceful approach by the farmers, have continued grazing on crops and farmland, claiming that they have bought the area for grazing purposes and that farmers should fence their crops to avoid cattle grazing on their farm.

CSP Nahala being proactive, sent policemen and vigilante from Olomoro community to access the extent of crops and farmland destroyed by the cattle at Emedel farmland Okpe – Olomoro, and visited the reported self acclaimed RUGA created by the herdsmen at Olomoro farmland.

The policemen and vigilante confirmed the malicious destruction of crops and farmland at Emedel farmland Okpe – Olomoro and the purported RUGA at Otoeteru land close to Okpe – Olomoro.

The herdsmen took to their heels as the policemen and vigilante approached the area, leaving their cattle. The police contacted the herdsmen leader Alhaji Audu Kadir for interrogation.

When interrogated at Oleh, headquarter of the divisional police office, Isoko South local government area,
Alhaji Kadir confirmed the destruction of crops at Emedel farmland Okpe – Olomoro by his cattle and accepted to pay damages.

He however denied buying any farmland for grazing at Olomoro community, noting that his boys lied and promised to relocate from the area.

The police boss in his wisdom urged Alhaji Kadir to sign undertaken with the police in presence of the farmers and cautioned his boys to steer clear of Okpe – Olomoro farmland area.

He reiterated the importance of cordial relationship between farmers and herders in Olomoro community, adding that crops and farmland area must be avoided during herdsmen grazing rout.

It could be recalled that, Chief Gabriel Erueme from Olomoro, shot one of the cows owned by Alhaji Kadir at Okpe – Olomoro farmland recently, over same malicious destruction of crops in his farm. The incident which involved the Nigeria Army with Heritage Energy Oil Services Limited attached to Olomoro / Oleh flow station, caused panic in the area before it was resolved.

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

Yobe State Governor, Alhaji Mai-Mala Buni has called on security agencies to step up their game and put a stop to growing insecurity in the nation.

Reacting to the attack on the convoy of Emir of Potiskum, Umara Bauya, on Tuesday along the Kaduna-Zaria road, Buni sad it was sad and a wake up call for security agencies to step up the game
It was reported that 30 people were killed and about 100 kidnapped when armed men in military uniform attacked the convoy, though the police had initially claimed six persons including four aides of the Yobe emir were killed.
In a statement signed by the Yobe State Commissioner for Information, Home Affairs and Culture, Abdullahi Bego, the governor prayed for the deceased and their families.
He said security operatives should step up their game and route out criminality, banditry and robbery in the country.
He said: “The attack has caused the death of four of the emir’s staff, including a driver and three courtiers. Many other innocent motorists were also fatally and severely affected.
“His Excellency Governor Buni’s thoughts and prayers are with His Highness the Mai Pataskum, the families of his deceased staff and those who sustained injuries as a result of the callous and criminal attack.

“The governor prays Almighty Allah (SWT) to grant eternal repose to the souls of the departed and give their families the fortitude to bear the loss. He also wishes for those who were injured fast recovery.

“His Excellency Governor Buni calls on security agencies to continue to step up effort to tackle banditry, robbery and other criminal activities and assures them of the continuous support and partnership of the government and people of Yobe State.”
The Emir of Fika and Chairman Yobe State Council of Chiefs, Muhammadu Idrissa, in a statement through his media consultant, Mohammed Abubakar, also condemned the attack on the convoy of the Emir of Potiskum.
He said: “We are deeply saddened by the news of the gun attack, which was carried out  against the convoy of His Royal Highness Alhaji Umaru Bubaram Ibn Wuriwa Bauya.

“We once again condemn this heinous gunmen attack and wish Allah’s mercy upon those who lost their lives, speedy recovery to the injured and convey our condolences to the Pataskum Emirate Council  and entire people,” the monarch said.
In a related development, hundreds of thousands of residents, friends, and family members attended the funeral of the slain aides at Potiskum.
The funeral which was held at the open air arena at the emir’s palace was attended by the emirs of Tikau and Damagum.
An official of the Potiskum emirate confirmed to journalists that the emir is undergoing treatment, for injuries sustained during the attack, at an undisclosed hospital in Kaduna.

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

The United Nations has said that the degenerating security situation in the Northeast of Nigeria has become worrisome.
 
Commenting on the release of three aid workers and some civilians abducted by insurgents, UN said that the fate of others still in captivity is of great concern.

A statement by the Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon on Thursday read: “I am deeply relieved that some civilians, including three aid workers, who were abducted by non- state armed groups along the Monguno – Maiduguri road on 22 December 2019 have been released yesterday (Wednesday) and are now safe.
 
“The whole humanitarian community in Nigeria shares the joy of the families, friends and colleagues of these aid workers, who can now put to rest the unimaginable anxiety of missing their loved ones.”
 
Kallon said:?”These dedicated humanitarians were working to provide life-saving support to millions of Nigeria’s most vulnerable in north-eastern Borno State. They should never have been a target or have to endure the trauma of being held captive.”

 He added that: “Despite this encouraging news, I am concerned about the fate of the other civilians abducted in this incident. I also remain gravely concerned for the lives of our ACF colleague Grace Taku, abducted near Damasak in July 2019, and Alice Loksha, a nurse and a mother, abducted during an attack in Rann in March 2018. Both are still held captive by non-state armed groups. The United Nations and its humanitarian partners call for their immediate and safe release.”
 
He lamented: “I am extremely worried by the increasingly insecure environment that humanitarians are working in to provide urgent and vital assistance to civilians affected by the crisis. The humanitarian community is troubled by the increased trend in vehicular checkpoints set up by non-state armed groups along main supply routes in the states of Borno and Yobe.

“These checkpoints expose civilians and humanitarians to heightened risks of being killed or abducted. I urge all parties to the conflict to protect the civilian population, including aid workers, from such grave violations of international laws, especially women and children who are among the most vulnerable and are caught up in the violence.”

He said: “A total of twelve aid workers have lost their lives in 2019. This is twice more than in 2018, which we thought was amongst the most dangerous years for humanitarian actors in Nigeria.”

He noted that: “Aid workers and the assistance they provide to the most vulnerable populations make the difference between life and death for entire communities in crisis-affected Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states, while insisted that: “Their security is paramount and I call on all parties to assure the safety of aid workers and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid.”

–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA):  By Our Political Correspondent:

Senator Ifeanyi Uba representing Anambra south and candidate of Young Peoples Party (YPP) has been shamefully kicked out of the revered Red Chambers of the Nigerian Senate.

Uba lost the appeal to rescind the court judgement that nullified his election into the National Assembly for allegedly using a forged National Examination Council (NECO) certificate to contest the senatorial election that held in the state on February 23, 2019.

The court, in a ruling by Justice Bello Kawu, re-affirmed the order it made on April 11, 2019, which directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to withdraw the Certificate of Return it issued to Ubah and issue a fresh one to Obinna Uzoh of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who came second in the poll.

Justice Kawu, held that Senator Ubah’s application to vacate its judgement lacked merit and accordingly dismissed it.

It would be recalled that Ubah had approached the court to set aside the judgement which he insisted occasioned a grave miscarriage of justice against him.

He decried that he was neither served with the court processes nor hearing notice with respect to the suit before the court proceeded to deliver the judgement against him.

Following his application for stay of execution, Justice Kawu, on December 4, restrained the Senate president from swearing-in Uzoh, pending the hearing and determination of the motion challenging the verdict.

The court equally ordered all the parties, including the INEC to maintain status quo till it decides the merit in Ubah’s contention.

In a ruling on Friday, January 17, Justice Kawu, however, held that Senator Ubah’s application to vacate its judgement lacked merit and accordingly dismissed it.

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) -By Austen AKHAGBEME:

One of the many things that makes Nigeria an amazingly impossible knot in the eye of some people, and public policy a nightmare, is the multiplicity of contrasting opinion and the plurality of emotion displayed to the chagrin of other Nations and more reasonable people across the globe.

The opacity of the genuine desires of those who governs us is always further intensified by their often primordial disposition laced with selfishness, religious bigotry and political affiliations. This describes aptly, the shenanigans, distrust, disbelief, fear and perplexity, on the part of the federal government, associated with the emergence of the supposedly innocuous vigilante group, code named AMOTEKUN, in Western Nigeria.

In a Nation where policing has become an herculean task, coupled with the emergence of new levels of crime and criminality (terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, robbery, human trafficking, ritual killings etc), why would anybody, ordinarily, raise eyebrow against a local unarmed security outfit aimed at complimenting the efforts of the already overwhelmed Nigerian Police at combating crime in its region? But for some altruistic reason that bothers on politics piloted by ethnic jingoists, such dissenting positions can be understood.

In all of these, the Yoruba Elders and Governors are talking tough, determined to forge ahead with AMOTEKUN. Nothing has brought more unity to the yoruba nation in recent times than this collective decision. Their memory is still fresh and replete first, with the kidnap of Chief Olu Falae in his farm and the targeted assassination of the daughter of Chief Fasoranti, a yoruba chieftain, amongst several other high profile kidnaps in the region.

Gov Akeredolu of Ondo state, a Senior Advocate and Former president of the Nigerian Bar Association is going hoarse with a loud voice shouting at whoever that cares to listen that the Attorney General’s pronouncement is wrong and beyond his powers.

The most sinister and diversionary angle to this conversation is the recent outburst of the ignoble Miyetti Allah, the Fulani Cattle rearers association: that insisting on AMOTEKUN, by the yoruba elders, tantamount to jettisoning the idea of their desired Presidential ticket for 2023.

I personally find this very disconcerting. This is one politically volatile and audacious statement made in recent times by this group of Fulani dominated association that must not be waved away. This is against the background of the fact that they went on national Television to instruct their members in Western Nigeria to stop night grazing, the very day AMOTEKUN was inaugurated. This proved positive that to them and their co-travellers, the fear of AMOTEKUN has become the beginning of wisdom.

Come to think of it, when has Miyetti Allah become a political bloc that determines which section of the country gets the Presidency? Where’s this audacity emanating from?

AMOTEKUN, no doubt, has become the proverbial mosquito that perches on the scrotum. It requires tact, guts, patience to painstakingly extricate. Nigeria is a federation and regional decisions and initiatives that bothers on the well-being of the people within the law and moral Justice must not be slaughtered on the alter of mutual distrust, fears and political correctness on the part of the Centre.
Let HISBAH stay. Let the Civilian JTF stay. Amotekun shouldn’t be an exemption.

• Austen AKHAGBEME is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online

• Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –By Johnson EBIGIDE:

Director General of the Delta State Orientation Bureau, Eugene Azuka Uzum Esq, has advised parents in the state and beyond to encourage their children and ward to embrace vocational education towards the acquisition of useful skills.

Uzum gave the advice during the weekly Orientation Half Hour programme of the bureau with the Delta State Broadcasting Service television in Asaba.

The orientation boss who spoke through the Public Relations Officer of the bureau, Mr Johnson Ebigide, maintained that the era of paper qualification was fast fading away, saying that the ability of one to practically impact positively towards the development of the society is gradually becoming the yardstick to measure ones productivity and competence.

He opined that white-collar jobs were becoming scarce, adding that the greatness of the Asian tigers could be traceable to their taking skill acquisition so seriously that nearly every citizen from the zone was equipped with exportable human capacity that enhances high productivity.

He disclosed that apart from the various technical colleges, there were ,at least, ten vocational education centres across the three senatorial districts of the state, offering various vocational trainings that would equip products of the centres with the requisite skills necessary for not only their employability, but being self reliant in their chosen areas of training.

The DG emphasized that the best education is no longer in mere paper qualification that may not guarantee ones future but that which one is sure to contribute ones quotas meaningfully towards not only ones survival, but the uplifting of humanity in general.

–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA):

The Chairman, Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, Sir Monday Onyeme has read the riot act to tax officers operating as Assistant Tax Controllers, Resident Coordinators and Motor Licensing Officers across the State, to be more creative and result oriented in the discharge of their assigned duties or face being shown the way out for lack of performance.

Sir Onyeme handed down this warning today in Warri while addressing the tax officers at a meeting with the theme:”Pathways for an increased revenue generation through a rigorous drive in the informal sector”. The Board Chairman, represented by the Secretary to the Board, Barrister Mike Edegware, frowned at the lack of commitment to duties on the part of some tax officers, stressing that henceforth targets would be set for the different tax jurisdictions and officers in charge of those jurisdictions would be sanctioned for their inability to meet the set targets.

Sir Onyeme further stated that seniority in the public service would no longer guarantee any officer’s continued occupation of a position, insisting that performance and ability to deliver on the job are the key criteria for being head of station,going forward.

The Chairman reminded staff of the marching order given to the Board by the Governor, stating that he and his team would leave no stone unturned in ensuring a steady and sustainable increase in the State’s Internally Generated Revenue to enable the State government fulfil its stronger Delta agenda of providing critical infrastructure and service for the benefit of all Deltans.

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) :

Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Chief Patrick Ukah, has pledged his continued support for the board of the Agency for Adult and Non-Formal Education to enable them actualise their mandate.
Chief Ukah gave the assurance in his office in Asaba when the Chairman of the Board, Ogbueshi Akaeze Ibonye, led members of the board on a courtesy call to the ministry.
While congratulating the chairman and his members on their appointments by the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Chief Ukah noted that with the integrity of the members of the board, he had no doubt that the team would add value to the education sector.
Chief Ukah, who stressed the need for robust advocacies and sensitization programme on the activities of the board, called for collaboration with the ministry at all times as well as integrate private participation initiatives.
Earlier in an address, the Chairman of the Board, Ogbueshi Ibonye, highlighted the functions of the board to include establishment of adult literacy centres, provide curriculum and scheme of work for mass education, provide infrastructural and training materials for literacy and non-formal education programme and regulate, monitor and ensure quality control of all adult and non-formal education programmes.
According to him, the board also recruits and pay non-formal education, vocation and literacy facilitators in collaboration with local government councils and undertake advocacy, publicity and mobilization for mass literacy.
He added that the challenges confronting the board include non payment and irregular payment of facilitators’ stipends, lack of funds to carry out advocacy and sensitization in the 25 Local Government Areas, and non-availability of funds for annual celebration of International Literacy Day, among others.
Ogbuehi Ibonye appealed for office accommodation in Delta State for the National Commission for Mass Education, provision of classrooms equipped with special seats and computers to make learning conducive for adult learners and the provision of funds for advocacy and sensitization activities.

–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA):

Nigeria’s Apex court, the Supreme Court has nullified the victory of the sitting Governor of Imo state, Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and has declared Senator Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressive Party (PDP) as the validly elected Governor of Imo state.

Hope Uzodinma is now the governor-elect pending his swearing-in.

According to some political analysts, this is the first time that the Supreme Court of Nigeria has nullified election in an election petition.

Meanwhile, the results of the last governorship election in the state indicates as follows:

(1) Nwosu Uche (AA) 190364

(2) Uzodinma Hope (APC) 96458

(3) Araraume Ifeanyi (APGA) 114676

(4) Ihedioha Emeka (PDP) 273404

In another development, pundits are worried about the recent prophesy of Rev. Fr. Mbaka in his 2020 prophecies …

“Many things are going to happen in Nigeria this 2020 that will shock countrymen and countrywomen, but all would be to God’s glory.

“In spite of all the hard time that would happen this 2020, there is hope. “In Imo State, there is hope. Hope, hope, hope … hope in Imo State! “Imo people have suffered but God is raising a new hope that would be an agent of salvation for them. “He’s coming with a new flag to restore the dignity of that noble land. A new leadership that will break barriers and there would be joy in the land of Imo. “Lift your candles as I bless Hope Uzodinma; and I empower him to, spiritually, to take over. How I do not know. “Please, if you heard that there would be a new government in Imo and you don’t like the message; if I say, Hope, you can say hopeless but do not fight me. “I am saying this in respect of those who may want to come after me because of the message. If you do that, the God of Moses, Elijah and Elisha will deal with you. I am only a messenger of God”.

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) – By:Austen Akhagbeme:

Nigerians are interesting People: and this makes us so special. Sometimes,(depending on which side of the buttered bread one is standing on) our logic of argument can be so illogical one wonders whether the rules have become the exemption.

But that’s the eerie beauty of justice in any jungle where rights are determined by might and true survival is for the fittest.

I have observed, with bated breath, how Garba Shehu, the presidential spokesman, tries to convince a disquiet and dissenting population of the ‘triviality’ of accusing the President of any wrong doing by allowing his ace photographer daughter, Hanan, the unofficial usage of the hallowed Presidential jet.

This is why nations are governed by mutually agreed documented provisions to avoid the tragedy of the true order, dancing to the whims and caprice of any defacto leader to the detriment of the collective common sense of his people.

The conversation on the totem pole has been whether or not the president’s daughter, acts within the ambit of the law and morality or a mere display of Africaness and sheer impunity.

There were those who reduced the argument to a comparison of a government official who sends his driver with the official car on an errand to drop his ward in school. In our clime, little offences are no offence at all: they constitute no danger to the system until they are big enough to attract attention of all and sundry. That’s the way we role.

A video went viral soon after President Obama left office. Mrs Mitchell Obama told a story of how that they spend personal income on entertainment outside their official line of duty as the first family. Who knows if Hanan’s dad personally fuel the jet to Bauchi and bear the general cost of this all important ‘field trip’ of the ace photographer?

Why I wouldn’t want to join the arguments and their many tributaries, I would like to draw our attention to the real crux of the matter: the very faulty system that makes such argument possible in the first place. The social media is full of pictures of other children of renowned Presidents who freely junket the globe on Presidential jets.

Whether it is right or wrong , moral or immoral, constitutional or unconstitutional; like any other thing Nigerian, ours must not be viewed from the point of view of political animosity but a wake up call to address the monster of over bloated cost of governance and the prudent use of the tax payers’ money in our clime.

Every young, hungry and unemployed girl of Hanan’s age will definitely frown at the matter in question. And every young female photographer in Nigeria will never stop dreaming of the day she, too, will fly an airplane to a location, on assignment. And this is why we are Nigerians.

*:Austen Akhagbeme is a Columnist with Blànk NEWS Online

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

Al last, after series of meetings between the Delta State Government and mounting pressure from Labour unions on the new national minimum wage for workers in the state, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has finally agreed to the full implementation of the new wage as earlier approved by the Federal Government in 2019.

Also approved is the arrears of two months with effect from November 1, 2019.

The Secretary to Delta State Government, Mr Chiedu Ebie who is the Chairman of the Negotiation Committee disclosed this after signing the new minimum wage documents on behalf of the state government.

Mr. Ebie said the implementation of the new minimum wage will commence from November 1, 2019, while stating that the state government will commence payment from January and pay the arrears of the new minimum wage with the January and February salaries.

Mr Ebie who said the state government’s action is in line with the directive of the National Income and Wages Commission, noted that Governor Okowa has always been willing to pay the new Minimum wage pointing out that the delay was to address all the issues bordering on the consequential adjustment.

He assured workers in the state that His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa would continue to prioritize the welfare of workers as he was passionate about their wellbeing, even as he enjoined the state workforce to reciprocate government gesture by redoubling their commitment to their duties.

Mr. Ebie thanked both the government and Labor teams for their resilience in making the outcome of the negotiations fruitful.

Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, the Labor team leader and state NLC Chairman as well as the State chairman of the Trade Union Congress TUC, Comrade Martins Bolum commended the state government for its transparency towards the smooth conclusion of the negotiation exercise.

With the development, Delta State is now the sixth State to implement the new minimum wage in the country and the first in the South South and South East regions.

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

A total number of 850 unemployed youths have been engaged by the Delta State Government to train as entrepreneurs in the Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Training (STEP) and in the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP) in the 2019/2020 Programme Cycle.

This was disclosed by the Chief Job and Wealth Creation Officer, Prof Eric Eboh, during the Orientation and Personal Effectiveness Workshop for STEP trainees enrolled in the 5th cycle of the programme in Ughelli.

The trainees were enrolled in various STEP skills such as Catering and Confectionery; Decoration and Event Management; Fashion Design and Textile Design; Cosmetology (Skin and Facial Care); Hairdressing and Makeover, including Braiding; Information Technology Services (Open to youths with a minimum of OND/NCE; and Welding and Fabrication. Other skills are Electrical and Solar Works; Carpentry and Joinery; Tiling and Interlocking; Plumbing; Production of Cleaning Agents; POP, Screed-Making and Painting; and Audio-visual Services.

Prof Eboh pointed out that the STEP programme had been classified into two categories- the Green STEP and the Brown STEP. While stating that the Green STEP beneficiaries are those who have no knowledge of their skills but require training before establishment, he said the Brown STEP trainees are those who have knowledge and reasonable competences in their chosen skills, but only needed refresher courses and support for establishment by government.

He said the duration of training for these skills would range between 3 months to 8 months for Green STEP while Brown STEP trainees would be trained between 2 months to 4 months.

He explained that the programme selection process was allocated at the grassroots level among the 278 wards in the state which clearly was a demonstration of His Excellency’s leadership style of all-inclusiveness and fulfilment of his promise of prosperity for all Deltans.

He emphasized that the programme was designed to train, reorient, equip and support youths to accumulate occupational skills of their choice and personal effectiveness skills together with entrepreneurial skills. These according to him would enable them to establish and run their own business enterprises and for gainful self-employment.

He enjoined them to abide by the Code of Conduct for Trainees, stressing that the programme is a full time programme as the state government would not condone indiscipline among them. He added that the state government would provide them with monthly stipend throughout the duration of their training.

In the same vein, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Youth Monitoring and Mentoring, Mr Eddy Mekwuye, represented by a Senior Special Assistant to the Government on Youth Monitoring and Mentoring, Olorogun Frank Ozue, said the Governor’s vision was to take youths off the streets in order to create employment for them, curb youth restiveness and to build entrepreneurs that would drive the economy of the state.

He reiterated the state government’s commitment to monitoring and mentoring of trainers during training and after establishment to ensure sustainability of the programme.

Respondig, Bernard Magrignor (Ughelli North LGA) and Margaret Ohwofasa (Okpe) both in Catering and Confectionery expressed their gratitude to the government for initiating the programme, adding that they are hopeful that through it they would achieve their dreams of becoming successful entrepreneurs. They pledged to abide by the Guidelines and Code of Conduct in order to sustain the programme.

Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –By Albert OGRAKA:

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh, FCNA, CrFA says the Commission has commenced the inspection of projects to ascertain the level of work done by contractors.

He stated this on Thursday January 9, 2020 when he led some executive directors on Project Inspection Tour in Isoko Nation.

Speaking during the project inspection, the MD/CEO of DESOPADEC, said the inspection is aimed at accessing the level of work done so far for possible commissioning.

In his words, “We came to see for ourselves the completion level of the projects inspected to enable us plan for the commissioning. We have also visited the Asaba-Ase Road connecting Asaba-Ase and other communities that were destroyed by the devastating flood with views to rehabilitate the road to connect them to the world again”, He added.

Some of the projects the team visited includes; “Visiting Lecturers Guest House and a Modern Hostel, Infrastructural Development, Delta State University, Oleh Campus, Ultra Modern Civic Center, Uzere, Opute Hall, Ozoro, Uzere Model Secondary School, Uzere and Asaba-Ase road.”

The MD/CEO was accompanied on the Project inspection tour by some members of the DESOPADEC Board, which include the Executive Director Planning Research and Statistics Hon. Shedrack Agediga, Executive Director Social Services Barr. Leonard Anoka, as well as the Head of Department of Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Housing, Works among others.

–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA):

Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu has condemned moves to increase electricity tariff in the country and cautioned the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to end all contemplation in that direction.

The Minority Leader maintains that any increase in electricity tariff will further exacerbate the economic situation in the country, as it will worsen the already excruciating financial burden on homes, personal businesses, companies and the overall productive sectors.

Hon. Elumelu insists that Nigerians are currently passing through grave economic stress and anything that would aggravate the situation, such as an increase in electricity tariff, is completely unacceptable.

The Minority leader noted that electricity is pivotal to the economic and social lives of Nigerians and urges NERC to rather seek ways of making power affordable and available to Nigerians, in line with its establishment laws, instead of increase in tariff.

Hon. Elumelu assures that the minority caucus will continue to protect the interest of Nigerians in this regard by monitoring prevailing tariff on electricity as well as levies on other essential services in the country to ensure that Nigerians are not overburdened.

The Minority leader therefore directs all members of the minority caucus in relevant committees to intensify their oversight functions in this direction in the interest of Nigerians.

–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA):

The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon Ndudi Elumelu has hailed the Supreme Court Judgment affirming the victory of the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, saying that it is a victory for the people of Delta State.

He said that the people of the State across the three Senatorial Zones spoke in one voice when they collectively voted massively for the Governor in the last Governorship election in the state, adding that the victory was sure and obvious.

The Minority Leader in a Statement on Wednesday, said that the Supreme Court Judgment victory is an affirmation of the grand wishes of the People of the State and an attestation to the fact that power is being determined by God and not man.

Elumelu said that with the Victory, all forms of distractions have been put to rest, even as he called on every segment of the state to join hands together with the State Governor with a view to moving the State forward in line with the Governor’s Stronger Delta Agenda.

“His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, our amiable Governor has done very well as the Governor of our dear state. That was why he was massively voted for by the people of the state in the last governorship election. Taking him to the tribunal, to the Appeal Court and Supreme Court by Chief Great Ogboru is just mere distraction and sheer waste of time and resources.

“Now that the Supreme Court has adjudicated on the matter and His Excellency’s Election Victory affirmed, it is my hope that Ogboru will rest, congratulate the Governor and join hands with him in continuing the transformation that is being witnessed across the State.

“On behalf of my family, the people of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency and indeed the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives, I sincerely congratulate you once again, Your Excellency, the Governor, on this auspicious affirmation of your election victory, by the Apex Court of our land. It is our victory; it is a victory for the people of Our dear state. It is by all means the doing of the Lord God Almighty and we shall continue to rejoice in it,” the Minority leader stated.

He then prayed that God, in his infinite Mercy, will continue to use the Governor as an instrument to bring about a Stronger Delta where peace, progress and prosperity will continue to prevail.

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

Managing Director/ Chief Executive of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh has congratulated Delta Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa on his victory over the governorship candidate of the APC, Chief Great Ogboru at the Supreme Court.

He said the nuisance and distraction of the legal tussle is over, calling on Ogboru to join hands with the Governor in consolidating the foundation for a Stronger Delta.

Bashorun Askia said despite the distractions of the opposition, Governor Okowa has been focused in delivering democracy dividends throughout the nooks and crannies of Delta State.

“The victory was expected. Deltans freely gave Governor Okowa the mandate to deliver prosperity to all, including members of the opposition. That is why I am calling on Great Ogboru to join hands with our Governor for the benefit of all,” Bashorun Askia said.

He said Governor Okowa has always been magnanimous in victory, assuring that every part of the State will experience massive development, calling on all Deltans to continue supporting the government as they have always done.

Nigeria’s Apex Court, the Supreme Court of Nigeria on Wednesday, January 08, 2020 affirmed the election of Delta State Governor Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.

In a unanimous judgment delivered by Justice Centus Nweze, the court held that the appellant, Mr Great Ovedje Ogboru failed to prove allegations of over-voting and that the appeal is a waste of the precious time of the Apex Court.