‘End Your Unprofitable Bid To Be President, Stop Polluting National Harmony’ — Onanuga Tells Atiku

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, says Atiku Abubakar, 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party should “end his unprofitable bid” to lead Nigeria.

Reacting to the world press conference addressed by Abubakar, Onanuga in a statement issued on Monday, said the former Vice-President’s gloomy view of the nation is not a true reflection of the country.

Information Nigeria had reported that Abubakar lambasted the judgement of the Supreme Court that affirmed Tinubu as President, claiming that the judiciary and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were politicised.

Onanuga said instead of accepting defeat, Abubakar conveyed a pessimistic submission of the country because of his self-interest.

“We were wrong to expect that Atiku at 77, would play the statesman and sportsman and accept, with equanimity, the verdict of the highest court and the people of Nigeria,” the statement read in part.

According to him, Atiku “constituted” himself into a “demagogue” to “pull down and delegitimize all the institutions of State, all in a futile bid to achieve what he could not get via the ballot box.”

“Atiku’s brand of politics is such that once an electoral process or election does not go his way or pave the way for his victory, democracy becomes dysfunctional and must therefore be imperilled. For him, democracy should either go his way or the highway.

“The PDP candidate was uncharitable and pugnacious in his choice of words and his view about Nigeria.

“We can only imagine the level of frustration that could make a former Vice President of Nigeria hold such a pessimistic view of a country where he once occupied the second highest position. The PDP candidate said Nigeria is doomed just because he failed to achieve his personal ambition.

“We want to tell Alhaji Atiku this: Nigeria is not doomed. It is only Atiku’s inordinate ambition to be President that is doomed. Nigeria is moving forward and set to achieve its manifest destiny as one of the most respected and successful nations of the world under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Contrary to Atiku’s gloomy submission on our democracy, we are excited to tell the world that our democracy is thriving and blossoming,” Onanuga said.

He furthered that Atiku should retire from politics having failed to actualize his presidential ambition.

“We want to advise Atiku that after over three decades of elusive bid for the Presidency of Nigeria, he must now end his unprofitable bid and go away from any venture that will further pollute the political atmosphere and national harmony,” he said.

November 11 Guber: Over 230,000 PVCs Uncollected In Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi — INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says 239,746 Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVC) have not been collected in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi ahead the November 11 gubernatorial elections.

Speaking on the off-cycle polls in a statement on Monday, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun said the commission met to review the ongoing preparation.

According to him, INEC is publishing the comprehensive information of collected and uncollected PVCs in the three states on polling unit basis.

“The information also gives the distribution of the polling units by Local Government Areas, Registration Areas/Wards, the names of the polling units, their code numbers, number of registered voters and the number of collected as well as uncollected PVCs.“Equally significantly, the list provides the names and locations of the two polling units in Bayelsa State and 38 in Imo State without registered voters.

“The breakdown for the three States indicates that out of 1,056,862 registered voters in Bayelsa State, 1,017,613 have collected their PVCs and 39, 249 are uncollected.

“In Imo State, the number of registered voters is 2,419,922 out of which 2,318,919 have collected their PVCs and 101,003 are uncollected, while in Kogi State, out of 1,932,654 registered voters, 1,833,160 have collected their PVCs and leaving 99,494 uncollected.

“The detailed information has been uploaded to the Commission’s website www.inecnigeria.org

“We appeal to all stakeholders to note the information. Any vote from a polling unit in excess of the number of PVCs collected amounts to over voting. The number of PVCs collected shall be used for the computation of the margin of lead principle.”

Alleged Cyber Crime: Court Adjourns Naira Marley’s Case

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has adjourned the continuation of trial of Nigerian singer Azeez Fashola, a.k.a Naira Marley, charged with cybercrime until November 13 and 30.

Justice Nicholas Oweibo adjourned the case on Monday following the absence of Naira Marley from court.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Naira Marley on charges bordering on cyber crime.

The Commission preferred the charges on May 14, 2019, but court granted him bail in the sum of N2 million, with two sureties in like sum.

The EFCC alleged that Naira Marley and his accomplices conspired to use different Access Bank ATM cards to defraud their victims.

Trial has since commenced in the case and is still ongoing.

Recall that the police in Lagos had detained Naira Marley and his associate, Sam Larry, in connection with the death of Nigerian artiste, Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.

However, when the case was called on Monday, Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN) informed the court that Naira Marley was still clearly absent from his trial, inspite of the court’s order for his production.

In his response, the prosecutor told the court that although she had prayed the court for a production warrant of the defendant, he was still absent.

The court consequently adjourned the case until Nov. 13 and 30 for continuation of trial.

FEC Approves N2trn Supplementary Budget

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Monday approved the submission of a supplementary budget of over N2.17 trillion to the National Assembly (NASS).

The approval was given at the Council’s weekly meeting presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Recall that at its last meeting, FEC proposed the sum of N26 trillion for the 2024 budget, which will be submitted to NASS before December 31.

Once approval of the supplementary budget is given, it will advance the country’s total budget to N28.17 trillion.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, said the council had approved the 2024-2025 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Papers (FSP) at the FEC held last Monday in Abuja.

Speaking to State House correspondents, Bagudu said the supplementary budget breakdown includes; N605 billion to be allocated to security and national defence to improve security and N200 billion for supply of agricultural production.Also, N210 billion is earmarked for Federal Government workers for the approved wage awards meant to cover September to December and N400 billion has been budgeted for cash transfer to vulnerable and poor Nigerians between October and November.

“In negotiation with the Nigeria Labour Congress, the federal government agreed to pay N35,000 each to about 1.5 million employees of the federal government and that amounts from September, October, November and December 2023,” Bagudu said.

On the cash transfer, Bagudu said the federal government secured “$800m loan from the World Bank to pay cash transfers of N25,000 to 15 million households. The $800 million is for two months, October and November.”

Upon approval, the federal capital territory (FCT ) will receive N100 billion and N18 billion will be allocated to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct the governorship elections in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa states in November.

The supplementary budget includes N5.5 billion for student loans and N200 billion set aside for capital supplementation.

Erling Haaland Wins Gerd Muller Trophy

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland wins the Gerd Muller trophy after scoring 36 goals in his first season in the Premier League.

The Norwegian scored 56 goals in all competitions for club and country during the 2022/23 campaign.

In his appreciation speech, Haaland thanked his teammates, staff and head coach, Pep Guardiola.

He said, “I want to say a big thanks to them, my family, all the people around me for making me the person I am today. Thank you so much.”

Ranking from second to fifth are Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski, respectively.

Messi Wins 8th 2023 Ballon d’Or Award

Inter Miami player, Lionel Messi has won his eighth Ballon d’Or title in Paris after being awarded the trophy.

Messi won the award on Monday night against Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Martin Odegaard (Arsenal), Victor Osimhen (Napoli), and Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona); amongst many other male nominees.

With the current feat, the Argentine player has won a total of eight Ballon d’Or awards. He clinched the award in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021.

“I never imagined having the career that I’ve had. I’ve had the luck, thank God, to have achieved all my goals, to have achieved everything in football which is very difficult,” said Messi after receiving his Ballon d’Or from Inter Miami co-owner and former England great David Beckham.

“I had the luck as Aitana said before to have been on the best team in the world, the best team in history which makes everything more easy to win more titles, which leads to individual prizes,” Messi said of his trophy-laden time with Barça, before touching on his struggles with Argentina – where the star has experienced plenty of ups and downs, including a brief consideration of retirement from the international game following the Albiceleste’s gutting loss to penalties in the 2016 Copa América final.

“I’ve had a lot of difficult moments, above all with the Argentina national team… where things didn’t go well for me. And I’ll say it again, I never dropped my arms, I kept on fighting to be able to achieve the Copa América [in 2021], to win the World Cup and I’m very proud to have not been stuck in simply trying and having been able to achieve it.”

“Saying My Net Worth Is $5M Is Very Disrespectful” – Mr Eazi Knocks Fan

 Popular Nigerian singer and entrepreneur, Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade, better known as Mr Eazi, has vehemently disagreed with a fan who claimed his net worth is just $5 million.

A fan with the X handle @ZobaDeGreat had commended Mr Eazi in a post, claiming the singer married billionaire, Femi Otedola’s daughter, Temi Otedola, in a low-key ceremony despite being worth “around $5 million”.

Whilst commending the singer, the fan lashed out at those who want lavish weddings despite not being worth up to “2 million home and abroad”.

The fan wrote, “Mr. Eazi’s networth is estimated around $5millon dollars. He just quietly married Otedola’s daughter. We no even know. Na because of his new song wey he release and the wife use style announce am, na how we take know.

“But you wey no get up to 2 million home and abroad, you want to host one in town wedding with your wife that is still second year student who doesn’t have money for departmental dues.”

Quoting his tweet, Me Eazi declared that the fan’s bold claim was “erroneously disrespectful”, stressing that he is worth way more than $5 million.

The ‘Evil Genius’ crooner urged the fan to get his facts right to avoid legal action for defamation.

Mr Eazi wrote, “The Evil Genius Net worth is not $5m that’s erroneously disrespectful! please correct yourself before I sue you for defamation!!”

“Apply For Big Brother” – Kiddwaya Tells DJ Cuppy After She Pleaded Fans To Replace Her Stolen iPhone 15 Pro Max

Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Terseer Waya, simply known as Kiddwaya, has urged DJ Cuppy to apply for the reality show.

DJ Cuppy had taken to her X handle to ask if she can ask her fans to buy her a new iPhone 15 Pro Max after her phone was stolen in London.

She said she was asking if her fans could help her, stressing that she has seen other fanbase buy cars for their faves in Nigeria.

She wrote, “Am I allowed to ask my Cupcakes to buy me an iPhone 15 Pro Max?

“Am just asking if I can ask.

“I swear I’ve seen my mates in Naij receive cars from their fans.”

Quoting her tweet, Kiddwaya urged her to apply for Big Brother Naija reality show if she wants to enjoy such gesture.

He wrote, “Apply for Big Brother.”

Recall that DJ Cuppy was robbed in Soho, London, on Saturday night. She said her iPhone 15 Pro Max was snatched from her during the incident.

NLC Set To Shut Down Economic Activities In Imo Over “Unfair Labour Treatment”

 

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared industrial action against Imo State Government, starting from Wednesday, November 1, 2023, over the alleged non-payment of salaries and other unfair labour treatment against workers in the state.

The NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, hinted this to journalists on Sunday in Abuja. He said that the Congress has already commenced mass mobilisation of its members across affiliate unions for the showdown in Owerri.

He added that Labour is deeply concerned about the persistent and egregious violations of the rights and privileges of workers in the state by the Imo state government.

He lamented that despite repeated efforts to engage in constructive dialogue and reach amicable agreements, the Imo State Government has become a habitual and serial breaker of these agreements.

Ajaero further said that Imo State government having continued to trample on the rights of workers in the state, left them with no choice but to embark on mass protests and industrial actions beginning on the 1st day of November, 2023 to “demonstrate our outrage and stop the continuing violation of the rights and privileges of workers in the state.”

He accused the state government of relying on its powers to deploy the fierce and coercive forces of the state against trade unions and their leadership to continue on this line of action.

“It has allowed itself to be misled in its belief that the continued use of threats and intimidations would perpetually dissuade Nigerian workers from taking their destinies in their own hands. It is on this note that we want to warn the government of Imo state that we would hold the Governor accountable if anything happens to any worker or trade union leader in the course of these lawful protests.

“All the threats we have received of violence against our persons are noted but we will not be deterred. On the 1st day of November, we begin this march to save workers of Imo state from the grievous harm the government has subjected them to these past years,” Ajaero warned.

The NLC leadership outlined some of the alleged infractions committed by the Imo State government to include refusal to implement previous agreements.

He also accused the government of repeatedly reneging on agreements, most notably the accord reached on January 9th, 2021, between the government and organised pabour.

Citing a backlog of outstanding salary arrears, Ajaero said some workers have been subjected to a staggering 20 months of unpaid salaries under the unfounded label of ‘ghost workers’.

Lamenting the situation, the NLC said under the guise of ghost workers, approximately 11,000 hardworking individuals have been unjustly branded as ghost workers, their salaries diverted even while they diligently carried out their duties.

He also accused the state government of vandalisation of NLC State Secretariat, describing it as a blatant attack on the rights of workers and a violation of the sanctity of their representative.

“The Government has failed to address the 8-year backlog of gratuity owed to retirees, showing a grave disregard for the rights of those who have dedicated their careers in service.

“The Government has persistently shirked its duty to properly implement the N30,000 National Minimum Wage, a critical safeguard for the economic well-being of workers.

“The Government’s witch hunt against trade union leaders through various guises constitutes an alarming assault on the right to represent and advocate for the rights of workers.

“The continued deployment of thugs and violence against workers and their leaders is an unacceptable practice that undermines the democratic rights of workers. The impoundment and illegal diversion of union dues, funds rightfully belonging to the unions, is a gross violation of the rights of workers to manage their collective resources.

“Approximately 10,000 pensioners have been wrongly labeled as ghosts resulting in over 22 months of unpaid pensions, tragically leading to the loss of lives.The entire workforce is constantly subjected to threats of violence and sack, creating an environment of fear and uncertainty.

“Nigeria Labour Congress calls on all stakeholders, including civil society organizations, to stand in solidarity with the workers of Imo State in the face of these egregious violations.

“We implore the Imo State Government to honor its obligations and recommit to respecting the rights and privileges of workers. As long as it refuses, we will continue in this course of action until we see the desired change. We are ready for industrial peace in the state but the choice is entirely in the hands of the Government of Imo state,” Ajaero stated.

“APC, PDP Members Not Qualified To Be Appointed INEC RECs” – Falana

 Controversial Nigerian Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has kicked against the nomination of  four persons as Resident Electoral Commissioners.

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Information gathered showed that the RECs was nominated last week by President Bola Tinubu.

Falana noted that the constitution fumed against person, or persons who are card carrying members of either the ruling party or any political party.

In a statement on Sunday, the legal practitioner cited some sections of the constitution to back up his claims.

He said: “By the combined effect of section 154(1) of the Constitution and Paragraph 14 of the Third Schedule to the Constitution, there shall be for each State of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, a Resident Electoral Commissioner who shall –be appointed by the President and shall not less than forty years of age.

“In addition, the person shall be of unquestionable integrity and non-partisan. Thus, in order to guarantee the credibility of elections, persons who are loyal to any of the registered  political parties shall not be appointed as INEC Commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners.

“However, we have confirmed that 4 out of 10 persons nominated as Resident Electoral Commissioners last week by President Bola Tinubu are Constitutionally disabled. Specifically 4 of them are members and close allies of the All Progressive Congress while another member has just relinquished the post of a Special Adviser to a former Governor elected on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party.

“The conduct of the 2027 General Elections must be transparent in every material particular. Therefore, the nation cannot afford to have the Independent National Electoral Commission constituted by card carrying members and loyalists of the ruling party and its collaborators. To that extent, the appointment of the 4 nominees will be challenged at the Federal High Court if the Senate decides to confirm them in defiance of extant constitutional provisions.”

Fire Breaks Out At Rivers State House Of Assembly Amid Impeachment Against Governor

 Barely few hours after the rumour spreading viral concerning the alleged impeachment of Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, a fire has broken out at the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex.

Information gathered by journalist reports that the fire started at about 10 p.m. on Sunday.

It was gathered that some suspected arsonists threw an explosive into the complex around 9:25pm, causing a fire in the building.

It was reported that some properties inside the chamber were also destroyed beyond repair.

Confirming the incident, a senior police officer who pleaded anonymity to Punch, claimed that it was politically motivated.

He said: “Yes it is true. The fire occurred around 9:30 p.m. or so. But as we speak, it (the fire) has been put out by firefighters who arrived at the scene just in time. I think it has to do with politics.”

Punch revealed that arrangements have been concluded by some lawmakers in the state legislature to first impeach the House leader, Eddison Ehie, to pave the way for Fubara’s removal. The House leader is said to have been blocking moves aimed at removing Fubara.

It was gathered that the Assembly had been taken over by the police and other security operatives, as about 17 security trucks and one Armoured Personnel Carrier were stationed at the entrance and surroundings.