Rivers Crisis: ‘It’s A Party Affair, No One Wants To Be Irrelevant Politically’ — Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says the political crisis in Rivers is a party affair.

Wike who spoke on Tuesday when a delegation of South-South leaders paid him a visit in Abuja said, “It is a party affair, the party knows how to resolve through their own mechanisms. It is not an ethnic affair.

“Our party is looking into it. That is what I will say. Every politician has his own interest.”

According to him, no politician wants to be politically irrelevant by losing their base.

“Anybody who knows me, know too well that what I’d never take is threat. You know me, I would not agree. If heaven would come down let heaven come down.

“I have seen all kinds of abuses (on social media), I said I won’t talk. I know in politics… ‘Oh he said he should be bringing N20 billion every month. Because somebody did not give you N20 billion’. But nobody said this when I was fighting. Nobody said that.

“If you like accuse me from here to here, I won’t even have a sleepless night. Because as far as I am concerned, the right thing must be done.

“All of us want to maintain our political structures. Would you allow anybody to cut you off immediately?

“Everybody has a base isn’t it? If you take my base, am I not politically irrelevant? At the appropriate time, we would know who is right and who is wrong,” Wike said.

Recall that the political crisis in the state took a new twist on Monday when some lawmakers in the House of Assembly moved to impeach Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers.

Ehie Edison, Fubara’s ally, was removed as the leader of the state assembly but hours later, elected as the new speaker.

”I’m Disturbed By Recurring Leakage Of Official Documents” – Army Chief Warns Officers

 The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has issued warning against the recurring leakage of classified and secret army operational documents to the public, saying it is in contravention of the official secret act.

Lagbaja made this known in a statement during the opening of the 2023 Nigerian Army Chief Clerks Convention on Tuesday in Kaduna.

He added that military personnel must be circumspect and adhere to the armed forces policy on the use of social media.

Lagbaja said: “The emergence of the cyberspace as an operational domain and the impact of social media to our operations is one of such issues that require attention.

“There have been sustained efforts by subversive elements and dissident groups to cast aspersions against the NA, especially on the allegations of human rights violations using the social media.

“These among other situations, demand that we all must be circumspect, adaptable and responsive.

”I am particularly disturbed by the recurring leakage of our official documents in contravention of the Official Secrets Act. More worrisome, is the spate of violations of the Armed Forces Policy on the Use of Social Media by personnel.

“I implore you as custodians of official documents and sensitive information to resolve to ensure this is decisively addressed.

“I have directed that all clerks and personnel handling sensitive documents be routinely vetted by appropriate corps and departments of the NA.

”However, you have to contribute to this drive by ensuring you also monitor the clerks under you.”

Lack Of Interest By Igbo Youths In Joining Police Force Is Disturbing” – Ohanaeze

 The apex Igbo Socio-cultural Organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has accused  South east youths over their lack of interest in joining Nigeria’s security agencies.

Ohanaeze President-General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, revealed that the situation is worrisome and urged governors, religious traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders in the geo-political zone to intervene and end the trend.

In a statement released on Sunday Iwuanyanwu said: “I have observed with dismay the non-chalant attitude shown by the youths of the South-East of Nigeria towards the ongoing recruitment exercise for General Duty Constables of the Nigeria Police Force.

“The available information shows that Kaduna State is leading in the on-line application into the Police Force with 20, 259 while Anambra State trails last with a mere 541 applications. Others include Ebonyi State with 737; Abia State, 966; Imo State, 999; and Enugu, 1036.

“The lack of interest by the Igbo youths towards the Nigeria Police Force is disturbing because, it is only by enlisting in the Police Force that offers the unique possibility of becoming a senior police officer in the future.

“I hereby call on the South-East Governors led by His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma; the Chairman, South East Council of Traditional Rulers led by HRH, Ambassador Lawrence Agubuzu; the States President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo; the Chairman, Association of South-East Town Unions led by Chief Emeka Diwe; the Clergy and the various Igbo groups and social movements to use their various structures to sensitise the Igbo youths to embrace the opportunity provided by the ongoing recruitment exercise.”

What Is Happening In Rivers Is Despicable, Bothers Me – Bode George

 A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Bode George has lamented over the crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly, describing it as despicable.

This was as a result of

an attempt to impeach Sim Fubara, the state’s  Governor on Monday.

However, the leader of the House was also removed while a factional speaker emerged yesterday.

Reacting to the development, Chief Bode, urged the elders to call the actors to order before things get out of hand in the oil-rich state.

He shared his concerns during an appearance on Monday’s edition of Channels Television’s current affairs show Politics Today.

According to him: “What I will tell all sides is that, like I said, we need elders in the room who would call everybody to order. What is happening in Rivers is despicable.

It is heart rendering and I am very unhappy because Rivers is almost a one-party state.

“And for such a thing to be happening at this particular time, it’s bothering me, and the party must immediately get involved.

“The elections are over, the tribunal and electoral process is also over and now let’s come and rebuild the party.

“All those broken areas must be patched up so that we can remain the indivisible and undefeatable party for the future.

“I am very sad about what is going on in Rivers State.

“All sides should calm down. Let the elders get involved to be able to resolve the crisis. In an organisation, yes, you would have differences. We can disagree without being disagreeable. Please, all sides should calm down and walk the part of honour.”

Demolish All Of Wike’s Properties Not On Rivers Master Plan – Atiku’s Aide Tells Fubara

 An aide to the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, Daniel Bwala, has urged the Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara on steps to take against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike.

Recall that there have been rumours of a rift between Fubara and the former Governor of Rivers state.

The alleged fracas between the duo has created tension with a plot by members of the State House of Assembly to impeach the governor.

The tension degenerated on Sunday night when a fire outbreak occurred at the State House of Assembly.

The fire incident has been described by some people in government as an arson attack by the Majority Leader of the House, Edison Ehie, to prevent the impeachment of the governor.

This led to the removal of Edie as the Majority Leader of the Assembly on Monday morning, as he was blamed for causing the fire incident.

Fubara while addressing his supporters in Port Harcourt on Monday on the plans by the state Assembly to impeach him, said that he did not commit any offence to warrant impeachment. He warned that any attempt to remove him through impeachment that is not justified will be resisted.

Reacting to the crisis via his X account, Bwala praised Fubara for using his executive powers to stamp his authority.

He subsequently urged the governor to demolish Wike’s properties not on Rivers State original master plan.

He wrote, “Thank you Fubara for using your full weight of executive powers to stamp your authority.

“The next step is to write @officialABAT withdrawing Wike as minister representing Rivers State. Also don’t forget to demolish any of his properties not on the original master plan.”

‘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.”