NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL OF NIGERIA, SOUTHEAST ZONE.

The leadership of the youth council southeast zone led by ever gallant Vice-president Comr Innocent Nduanya congratulates the new Chairman of the Governors forum southeast Engr David Umahi, the Executive Governor of Ebonyi state.

Also all the Governors of the zone. Who collectively and positively working together towards southeast development. Based on its recent collective resolution. The position of southeast Governors combining effort to ensure security of the region.
Southeast Gorvernors to set up a joint team through their commissioners of Economic planning to map out the master plan for the economic development of the zone.
Also the support to the new leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo led by Dr Nnia Nwodo.

It is pertinent to note that, with all the map out plan by the Governors forum led by the chairman Engr David Umahi southeast zone is geared towards rapid development.

NYCN southeast leadership once more congratulates His Excellency on your Chairmanship position of the Governors forum Southeast and to assure him that the leadership of NYCN Southeast zone under the leadership of Comr Innocent Nduanya is ready to work closely with you, his excellency and the governors forum to take the zone to its desired level.

Cc. Comr Innocent Nduanya  Vice-president NYCN Southeast zone.
Media Assistant
Okpalaekeli Chinedu
Okpalaekelichinedu@gmail.com.
08034412541.

Gov Obiano Continues To Inspect Road Projects Across The State

Governor Willie Obiano has inspected ongoing construction work on the five kilometer Achina -Oneh-Agbudu-Ogboji road being executed by his administration.
Government House Correspondent, reports that the road which was awarded by the previous administration in 2014, was adopted by the Obiano administration in keeping with its continuity stance.
Speaking after he inspected the project, Governor Obiano noted that despite the present economic recession, his administration is undertaking the project, adding that resources will be committed to the project as they come.
He also noted that when completed, the road will open up the agrarian communities in the area and give impetus to the realization of the state's agricultural development agenda and appealed to farmers in the area to organize themselves in cooperatives to be able to benefit from government's agric largesse. The Member representing Aguata One Constituency in the State Assembly, Dr Ikechukwu Umeh noted that aside the prospects it holds for the state agric sector, the road also leads to the Peter University of Awka Catholic Diocese which has potential to open up the host communities through the numerous activities it brings.
On his part, the Auxiliary Bishop of Awka Catholic Diocese, Most Reverend Jonas Benson Okoye expressed gratitude to the governor for embarking on the road and promised that the Church will continue to support his administration.
The governor also inspected the eleven point five kilometer Oluoha Road in Ihiala where he assured that asphalting will commence on the road in the next two weeks. He thanked people of Ihiala for their support to his administration and promised to do more for them as the state's resources improve. In his remarks, the traditional ruler of Ihiala, Igwe Cosmos Okechukwu, said Ndi Ihiala have resolved to give him their support because of their belief in the transformation he is bringing to the state, saying that the completion of the road will strengthen their resolve to continue to support him.Governor Willie Obiano has inspected ongoing construction work on the five kilometer Achina -Oneh-Agbudu-Ogboji road being executed by his administration.
Government House Correspondent, reports that the road which was awarded by the previous administration in 2014, was adopted by the Obiano administration in keeping with its continuity stance.
Speaking after he inspected the project, Governor Obiano noted that despite the present economic recession, his administration is undertaking the project, adding that resources will be committed to the project as they come.
He also noted that when completed, the road will open up the agrarian communities in the area and give impetus to the realization of the state's agricultural development agenda and appealed to farmers in the area to organize themselves in cooperatives to be able to benefit from government's agric largesse. The Member representing Aguata One Constituency in the State Assembly, Dr Ikechukwu Umeh noted that aside the prospects it holds for the state agric sector, the road also leads to the Peter University of Awka Catholic Diocese which has potential to open up the host communities through the numerous activities it brings.
On his part, the Auxiliary Bishop of Awka Catholic Diocese, Most Reverend Jonas Benson Okoye expressed gratitude to the governor for embarking on the road and promised that the Church will continue to support his administration.
The governor also inspected the eleven point five kilometer Oluoha Road in Ihiala where he assured that asphalting will commence on the road in the next two weeks. He thanked people of Ihiala for their support to his administration and promised to do more for them as the state's resources improve. In his remarks, the traditional ruler of Ihiala, Igwe Cosmos Okechukwu, said Ndi Ihiala have resolved to give him their support because of their belief in the transformation he is bringing to the state, saying that the completion of the road will strengthen their resolve to continue to support him.

Oil Magnate and Billionaire Business Man Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, Speaks on Biafra Agitation

Oil magnate and Billionaire Business man Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah has aired his views over the agitation for actualization of sovereign state of Biafra by some indigenes of the South-East geopolitical zone of the country.

Below are the views of Dr. Ubah as posted on a Whatsapp group by him:

“Having followed discussions on this noble forum and in a bid to contribute my own quota to the discourse, my position on whether or not to remain in Nigeria is for the South-East to stick with Nigeria. My reasons are simple - the South-East is particularly not ready for such a move as we are infrastructurally and industrially deficient. The prospects of such a move is highly unfavourable. Firstly, the South-East lacks the essential and requisite agricultural deposits to sustain herself. While harbouring the thoughts of self-determination, there is urgent need for an agricultural revolution through progressive policies within the South-Eastern states.

“The South-East needs to exploit areas where she already possesses comparative advantage in agriculture and promote policies that will enhance her productivity and trade. Secondly, industrialisation is key to whatever the South-East intends to achieve and stand for. We saw BRIC+S countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China +South Africa ) attain their projected economic giant status at the end of 20th century. Today, all eyes are on the new projected MINT Countries (Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey). MINT is projected to emerge as the new global economic giants in this 21st century after the emergence of BRIC+S and there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the South East needs to be to Nigeria what Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou are to China before thinking of separation from Nigeria.

“Another approach would be to make the South-East a health tourism hub for Nigeria and West Africa by extension. There is need to redirect the massive revenue currently being enjoyed by these Indian and American hospitals to the South East. The overall Indian healthcare market is worth around $100billion and is expected to grow to $280 billion by 2020, a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 22.9%. Is this not strategic enough for the South East to tap into as a means to creating value before harbouring thoughts of self-determination?

“Finally, it is pertinent to note that this revolution must be driven by State Chief Executives. In essence, the State Governors are paramount to the actualization of these ideas. It's high time we stopped our dependence on federal allocation which merely serves to pay civil servants. There is urgent need to look at securing partnerships with our brothers and sisters in the diaspora as well as the international community. However, all these can only be achieved if there is transparency, accountability and the requisite zeal to pursue this cause within the confines of those who possess the mantle of leadership in the South-Eastern states as such qualities will consequently breed confidence in the minds of potential investors.

“Thank you, my brothers and sisters.

Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah

True Face of Awka At Night

True Face of Awka At Night

APLSCD SHAKES NNEWI WITH DRUG ABUSE/SELF- MEDICATION RALLY

NAUTH will continue to partner with APLSCD............. Deputy CMAC

By Augustus Bill

Yesterday, at Nnewi, the Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder in collaboration with NAUTH, Nnewi and NDLEA, took to the streets of the industrious city to alert people’s awareness on the dangers of drug abuse and self-medication.

No plan to relocate Uli Campus---Govr. obiano

By John Ndu

Anambra state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano has debunked the rumor making the rounds that his government was planning on relocating the uli campus of the Chukwuemeka Odumekwu Ojukwu University.

Governor Obiano stated this when he inspected the construction of on going 11 Km Oluoha road, Ihiala, Anambra state.

Addressing the people, Governor Obiano said the State House of Assembly had passed a bill into law creating three campuses for the institution, namely Igbariam, Awka, and Uli, with Senate building at Igbariam campus.

Governor Obiano disclosed that the law passed by the Fifth Assembly did not pronounce where the residential building of the Vice Chancellor of the University would be situated in the three campuses, which had given him provisional right to reside in any campus of his choice.

Governor Obiano added that the present administration had no intention to interfere in any law backing the establishment of the institution, rather to consolidate on the law and further attract more meaningful development for the good of the students and people of  Uli community.

The Governor noted that his administration had commenced the construction of ultra modern engineering building at Uli and had completed plans to embark on road construction in the three campuses and other communities in the state.

Explaining further on the road, the Governor commended the contractor handling the project, saying the additional convert designed by the contractor would further control flooding.

He urged the contractor to speed up construction, saying about 3 km would be completed before rainy season.

The contractor handling the project and the Managing Director Tamad Construction, Engr Tony Madi promised to complete the road in accordance with specification .

Breaking News! Anambra State Government Gets 9 New Permanent Secretaries...

According to a Press Release signed by the Head of Service, Barr Harry Udu, Gov Willie Obiano of Anambra State has approved the appointment of 9 new Permanent Secretaries to fill the vacancies in the State's Civil Service.

The new PermSecs are:

1. Mr Nwankwo Nwabueze Linus
2. Barr Ike Emmanuel Chukwudi
3. Mrs Ezeanya Lolusa Nneka
4. Mrs Ezeaku Ifeoma Patricia
5. Mr Ohuoha Nnaemeka Prospect
6. Mrs Keri-Uzor Stephanie S.
7. Mrs Njaka Caroline Onyeari
8. Mr Ofomata David Azuka
9. Mrs Nwandu Pauline Nwakaego

They will be sworn in on Monday, February 27, 2017 at the EXCO Chambers, Government House  Awka.

The appointment is in line with Gov Obiano's total commitment to the repositioning of the Service and ensuring that the machinery of Government is continually fine-tuned for optimal service delivery.

Obiano and investors’ renewed confidence in Anambra

By Chukwudi Enekwechi
AT   a time when many state governors are missing in action in terms of providing developmental projects in their states, Anambra State has a different but pleasant story to tell. It is common knowledge that even at the peak of the economic recession when some state governments were unable to pay workers’ salaries or discharge their obligations, Anambra State under the leadership of Governor Willie Obiano continued to pay worker’s salaries, pensions and still provided basic amenities to the citizens.

Perhaps, the best attestation to the remarkable progress being made by the state government can be seen in the various developmental projects going on across the state. It is pertinent to remark that such projects cut across all sectors and today Anambra State has become an investment destination. Of course, the policy of the state government to provide adequate security of lives and properties has contributed to the new investors’ confidence in the state.

The convivial and serene atmosphere was most visible during the last Christmas celebration as most Anambrabrians returned to a state that has been repositioned in all spheres. For example, it was enthralling to see street lights installed  on major roads of the state.
To say that the joy of the Christmas celebration was on a high pitch due to the way most parts of the state were lit up is an understatement. Additionally, Obiano’s love for aesthetics must have justified the need for the three hanging bridges constructed within Awka, the state capital.
With the erection of the hanging bridges, the needed status of a state capital was immediately conferred on Awka.
Before Obiano’s emergence, Awka was more of a glorified village, and many would-be investors hesitated to invest their huge capital in the state. Furthermore, that Obiano was able to calm frayed nerves and restore peace among the feuding parties in Awka has enabled investments to flow into the state.
Obiano’s leadership quality has also manifested in his ability to attract investors from all corners of the world to Anambra State. He has been able to achieve this through the state government’s public-private partnership. This is a policy that encourages investors to partner with the state in setting up industries in the agro-allied and manufacturing sectors.
This imaginative and innovative idea has led to the attraction of over five billion dollars worth of investments into Anambra State. We are familiar with the Coscharis Farms, Lynden Poultry and several other investments that have established multi-billion naira agricultural and poultry farms at Igbariam. Similarly, the long abandoned Ufuma Rice Mill has been renovated by Joseph Agro Industries Limited as a mark of confidence in the state’s economy.
In a bid to boost the image of the state as well as create recreational facilities, the Pinnacle Integrated Expert Solutions has signed a memorandum of understanding with Anambra State government for the construction of Anambra Golf Resort and Estate. Obiano, a trained banker and administrator has demonstrated that government can work for the people, and his programmes and policies have been designed to remain people-friendly and result-oriented
Apart from infrastructural development and attracting huge investments, the governor has placed priority on education, health care, environment, sports and human capital development.
The success story of the Obiano administration did not happen by accident, as he ensured that careful planning is matched with diligent execution of programmes.
This deliberate approach to governance has precluded Anambra state from the recession-afflicted states. Today, salaries, wages and pensions are being paid as due, while new road projects are being executed in the three senatorial zones of the state.
The governor has, in a bid to upgrade the  dilapidated federal infrastructure in the state reconstructed federal roads and this amounted to huge debts which the federal government is yet to redeem.
Therefore, it is worthwhile to join millions of Ndi Anambra and other Nigerians to celebrate on the occasion of the conferment of Silverbird Award of “Man of the Year” on Governor Willie Obiano. This is an award that is well deserved and will go a long way to spur the performing governor to redouble his efforts in the arduous task of developing Anambra state.
It is, indeed, remarkable that Silverbird has chosen to give its award to people of substance and reputable Nigerians like Governor Willie Obiano,  who understand that occupying a high office should be used to serve the greater good of the people.
Anambrabrians have been beneficiaries of Obiano’s commitment and selflessness in the service of the people. Since his assumption of office, he has not  shirked his responsibility of delivering good governance and restoring the glory of the enterprising people of the state.
  In fact, it seems the fate of Ndi-Anambra is intertwined with Governor Willie Obiano as he crystalizes the hopes and dreams of the people. In other words, he symbolizes the resilience and strength of the people who, despite all odds, refuse to give up even when faced with daunting challenges.
It is also important to commend the governor for prudent management of scarce resources, and the concomitant effect of this is that resources  are deployed towards providing basic amenities that serve the interest of all citizens.
    As he begins the journey into seeking a second term mandate, Governor Obiano has an impeccable record of solid and verifiable achievements, and in all fairness posterity will judge him positively. It is, therefore, not misplaced to join Silverbird to eulogise Governor Obiano as he has elevated Anambra state to enviable heights.

Enekwechi writes from  Anambra

I've not received a kobo as pension, entitlement since leaving office – Kalu

Eminent businessman and former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has said he is yet to receive a kobo from the Abia State Government either as pension or entitlement since leaving office in 2007.
Kalu was the governor of Abia State between 1999 and 2007.
Reacting to a publication alleging that 108 former governors have been collecting pensions and entitlements from their State Governments, Kalu said he was not involved.
He said none of his successors has paid him a dime since he left office, alleging that his had been withheld.
He said he is the only ex-governor does not receive pension.
Kalu, who spoke with newsmen at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Monday, said the report is heartbreaking considering that many ordinary pensioners were being owed by some of the people currently receiving the pensions.
Kalu recalled that as a governor, it was one of his most important obligations to see that all the pensioners in his state were paid appropriately and timely, adding that he left the state with no pensioner being owed.
He also said that while leaving the Government House on May 29, 2007, he left behind all the government vehicles and other properties that belonged to the government.
Kalu explained with no regrets that none of the privileges that accrue to former governors have been extended to him, not even the security attache or vehicles.
He expressed disenchantment over non-compliance with the laws of the land by some leaders.
This, he said, does not speak good of a leader.
When asked if he is broke because of the non payment and his next line of action, Kalu said: “It is not about being broke or not.
“The pension laws of the state did not exclude me from being paid as expected.
“In fact, it is illegal according to the law to deny one his rights and privileges.
“Since 2009, I have not received any pension or entitlement from the state government, but I took it in good faith.
“I have earlier written to my two successors in different periods notifying them of how they were flouting the laws by withholding my pensions, but it was ignored.
“If it is out of will to disregard the law, I shall instruct my lawyers to take legal action against the governor for denying me my rights.
“If the present governor cannot resolve it, I will seek redress in the court.
“It doesn’t matter what I will be doing with the money.
“I can channel it into humanitarian service and philanthropy, but the laws must be obeyed.”

Treat Public Property As Yours, Bishop Ezeokafor Urges Nigerians

By Abuchi Onwumelu of Fides Newspaper (07034507760)

The Catholic bishop of Awka  Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor has urged the citizens to always treat public property as theirs by protecting them, adding that it will be wrong of them to conclude that government’s business was nobody’s business.

  Bishop Ezeokafor who stated this at St. Patrick's Catholic Cathedral, Awka while fielding questions from  newsmen, enjoined Nigerians to guard jealously  Govt projects sited in their various areas as a way of  supporting the Govt in her onerous efforts to ensure infrastructural and human development.

  The Catholic prelate, charged the citizens to continue to pay their legitimate taxes to the state's treasury which he said was part of their civic duty that would enable the state to implement its projects and other programmes for them.

  'It takes people for government to succeed; they must do their part, pay taxes and justify their wages in this era of dwindling oil revenue.

  'That is only way they can hold the government responsible,' the man of God said.

  The chief shepherd of Awka Catholic Diocese, also called on the state civil servants to justify their monthly salaries by rendering corresponding services to the state, and by extension, to the citizenry.

  Bishop Ezeokafor said a worker who received their wages without working was robbing the state and does not deserve it.

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AFTER A MEETING OF STAKEHOLDERS OF THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY ON THE 20TH FEBRUARY 2017 WHEREAS:

A.​Following the repugnant attempt by Sen. Ali Modu Sherrif and other undemocratic forces to undermine and take over the Peoples Democratic Party, the National Convention of the party held at Port Harcourt on the 21st day of May 2016 dissolved the then National Working Committee and the National Executive Committee and replaced the National Working Committee with a 7-member National Caretaker Committee under the leadership of Sen. Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi as Chairman and Sen. Ben Obi as Secretary with a mandate to run the party and organize an elective National Convention as soon as practicable;
B.​The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt in FHC/PH/CS/524/2016 PDP & ORS. Vs. SHERRIF & ORS in its judgment endorsed the decisions of the 21st May 2016 National Convention, holding that the Convention did not violate any extant Order of the Courts or any provisions of the Party’s or Country’s Constitution.
C.​On the 17th February 2017, the Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt in a split decision in CA/PH/349/2016 SHERRIF & ORS. VS. PDP & ORS. nullified the decision of the National Convention of 21st May 2016 and reinstated the Sherrif-led National Working Committee;
D.​While the party holds the judiciary in the highest regard, the decision of the aforementioned Court of Appeal was greeted with consternation not only amongst leaders and members of the party in Nigeria but also true lovers of democracy in Nigeria and the world over;
E.​Moved by the outpour of anxiety and rage over the decision of the Court of Appeal, stakeholders and leaders of the party ranging from the Board of Trustees, Governor’s forum, National Assembly Members, former PDP Ministers forum, National Vice Chairmen, State Chapters represented by the Conference of State Party Chairmen, Leadership of State Assembly Caucuses and other major stakeholders assembled in Abuja on the 20th day of February 2017 to examine and review the state of the party following the judgment of the Court of Appeal.
NOW THEN, the stakeholders and leaders of the party aforestated firmly and unequivocally resolve as follows:
1. That the Peoples Democratic Party is united, strong, resolute, steadfast and solid under the leadership of the National Caretaker Committee in view of the fact that the Court of Appeal is not the final court on the matter. All members, leaders and organs of the party, including but not limited to the Board of Trustees, the Governor’s forum, the National Assembly Caucus, PDP former Ministers forum, National Vice Chairmen, State Chapters represented by the Conference of State Party Chairmen, Leadership of State Assembly Caucuses and teeming members nationwide, stand resolute that authority to lead the PDP, and indeed any party, solely and exclusively derives from the consent of members at plenary. PDP members freely and clearly expressed themselves on the 21st May 2016 at the Port Harcourt National Convention and we stand by the decision given that the National Convention is the highest decision-making organ of the party.
2. That we fully endorse the prompt and proactive decision of the National Caretaker Committee to lodge an appeal to the Supreme Court of Nigeria against the decision of the Court of Appeal as well as filing an application for INJUCTION PENDING APPEAL all of which was done in the morning of Monday 20th February 2017. Our abiding faith in the capacity of the judiciary to protect Nigeria’s democracy and political aspirations of the Nigerian people, particularly at the level of the Supreme Court, proven repeatedly over time, is aided by the profound, fearless, irrepressible, comprehensive and insightful minority decision of T. N. Orji-Abadua, J. C. A. in CA/PH/349/2016 SHERRIF & ORS. VS. PDP & ORS., whom we salute for doing the judiciary proud in spite of the predatory interferences of anti-democratic forces and State actors.
3. That having duly filed both an appeal to the Supreme Court and an application for Injunction Pending Appeal in the morning of Monday the 20th February 2017, we pass a resounding and unqualified vote of confidence in the leadership of the Sen. Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party and pledge our unalloyed support to it as it pilots the affairs of the party in this critical transitional period of the party’s life. To this end, we are not at all deceived by the supposed olive branch being offered by Sen. Ali Modu Sherrif, knowing that the only thing that can come from traitors of his ilk is nothing but a poisoned chalice and a Greek gift.
4. The meeting reiterates that the party’s Constitution stipulates the process of democratically electing officers of the party and therefore emphatically rejects any imposition such as those being illegally paraded as officers of the party by Sen. Ali Modu Sherrif.
5. That stakeholders and leaders of the party are enjoined to return to their Geopolitical Zones, States, LGA’s and Wards to convene meetings of the party and disseminate the foregoing to members. True Partymen are urged to remain calm, steadfast, loyal even in the face of wanton provocation of sealing off the venue of a peaceful assembly of stakeholders. We remain committed to the ideals of the party which stands us out as democrats.
6. That in view of the mismanagement of our economy by the APC-led Federal Government, the decline in investor confidence and massive capital flight leading to the Nigerian currency being the worst performing on the African continent; the dehumanization of Nigerians, the abridgement of fundamental human rights, persecution of political opponents, and the return to the dark days of mindless dictatorship and the reign of fear, all leading to a state of helplessness and hopelessness; the PDP reaffirms its commitment to return Nigeria in 2019 to the path of Economic growth and respect for fundamental human rights as guaranteed by our constitution. A PDP-led Federal Government will remove hunger in the land and restore confidence in the Nigerian economy.
7. The meeting agreed to appeal to all Nigerians to fully support the Peoples Democratic Party, a genuinely Democratic Party that is people oriented and a great defender of equity, justice and fairness to all in its commitment to eradicating poverty, hunger and under-development from our country.

STATEMENT ON ALI MODU SHERIFF, SENATOR AHMED MAKARFI AND THE NATIONAL CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE PDP

By Femi Fani-Kayode

"Those that say that they will work with Ali Modu Sheriff are misguided and naive. 

Worse still anyone that calls for members of the PDP to rally behind him and recognise him as our National Chairman is a simpleton and a fool.

I say this because the man is evil: he is an agent of destruction and no good can come out of him. I was the first to see him for what he was and I said so publicly.

Then came the PDP Ministers Forum who also stood their ground. At first no-one believed us until eventually 90 per cent of our party members lined up behind those of us that opposed Sheriff and that supported Makarfi.

I read his insulting comments about Fayose and Wike and I laughed. Are these not the very same people that brought him in the first place and convinced others in the PDP Governor's Forum to support him?

Now he has finished using them to get what he wanted he is insulting them and saying that they must be kicked out of the party and dealt with.

I say shame on him because that will never happen. Fayose particularly has proved his worth to Nigeria and Wike has stood firm and strong in defence of his people and state. They are both lions and I am proud to stand with them and Makarfi.

Sheriff is nothing but a traitor who is biting the fingers that fed him. Fayose is one million times the man he is. As a matter of fact so are almost all the governors and other party leaders. Sheriff comes nowhere near any of us in any shape or form.

Only a blind, deaf and dumb simpleton or prancing village idiot would line up behind a man with such filthy and evil antecedents.

This is a man whose fundamental purpose and ambition in life is to sell the PDP down the river and to help the ruling APC and the Buhari government to destroy us and win the presidential election in 2019.

Sheriff is the Angel of Death to the PDP. He is worse than the bubonic plague: not only is he a curse to our party but he is also an affliction to our nation. 

I stand with Ahmed Makarfi and our Caretaker Commitee and unless and until the Supreme Court says so he remains our National Chairman" -

Chief Femi Fani-Kayode,
19th February 2017.

I regret supporting Sheriff, it’s one of my worst political decisions – Nyesom Wike

Nyesom Wike, Rivers state governor, says assisting Ali-Modu Sheriff to the position of the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is one of the worst decisions he has made in his political career.

Wike and Ayo Fayose, his Ekiti state counterpart, had backed Sheriff, but they soon fell out with him.

This degenerated into a series of lawsuits that culminated in the recent affirmation of Sheriff as PDP chairman by an appeal court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

Reacting to the development during an interview on Sunday Politics, which aired on Channels Television, Wike said he regretted bringing Sheriff into the fold of PDP.

The governor said the PDP would file for a stay of execution on the appeal court’s decision, adding that afterwards, an appeal will be filed at the supreme court.

The governor said he was shocked by the ruling and maintained that Sheriff had no good intention for the opposition party.

“I do believe that even in life, even as human beings, there are times for setbacks, and challenges. What has happened to us is a temporary setback,” he said.

“I will not support anything that has to do with Sheriff. I know that he doesn’t mean well for the party.

“He’s a mole in the party. His antecedents tell you that there are people behind who are not members of the party, who do not want PDP to exist.

“I’m not new in this game. Even the characters around him, they don’t augur well for the party.

“That is one of the worst political decisions I’ve ever taken. In life, when you take a decision and you realise that you made a mistake. In that decision you made, there is nothing stopping you from saying, ‘I’ve made a mistake, I think we can correct it’.

“Frankly, I have never regretted any decision I’ve taken than this decision. Politically, we have seen his conduct. It has shown that he does not mean well for the party. It will be difficult for me to work with him. That is clear. I don’t have that confidence that he can lead the party.”

 

Nigeria Now Second Largest Producer of Rice Worldwide

Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu

Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari, on Sunday assured Nigerian youths that their support and confidence in the Federal Government would yield the desired results.

Shehu gave the assurance in Abuja at an interactive session organised by the Citizens Support for Good Governance in Nigeria for youths.

The group is a coalition of non-governmental organisations and Civil Society Organisations in the country.

The programme was organised for youths to air their views on the present administration and the way forward.

Shehu said that Buhari’s desire was to ensure a secured and stable future for the upcoming generations.

Shehu said: “All we require of you is to be patient; President Buhari is a long distance runner, he is not looking for short-term gains that people will just clap for him.

“He wants to build a future of prosperity that will be everlasting, something that will stay for generations, and I assure you that this is a beginning of the good things to come.”

According to him, the Federal Government has, under the leadership of President Buhari, done a lot in ensuring the security of the nation as well as fighting corruption.

Shehu also said that the government’s whistle blowing policy had to a large extent helped in recovery of looted public funds.

He said: “The policy gives opportunity to every Nigerian to raise alarm when they notice that an individual may have stolen public funds.

“You will not only be honoured for pointing it out for discovery, but you can earn a commission.”

Shehu said that government was working hard to restructure the country’s economy, “though its efforts is being misunderstood by most Nigerians”.

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He said: “The President Buhari-led administration met a ravaged economy and people were used to lifestyles that can no longer be sustained.”

Shehu said that no country would develop when it imports everything, including toothpick and tissue papers.

He said that things were beginning to take shape, as Nigeria had become the second largest rice producing country in the world.

He also said: “The rice revolution just started a year ago; a newspaper did an investigation in Kebbi and found out that there were 48,000 new millionaires in Kebbi alone for growing rice.”

Shehu said the nation’s over-reliance on oil in the past was not healthy for the country’s development, adding that such attitude should not be allowed to continue.

He said that the Federal Government was looking on how to create more jobs for the unemployed youths across the country and to scale up power generation.

He said: “You can see that exploration and exportation of oil is growing, gas is coming back and power is getting better.”

Shehu said that President Buhari had delivered on his promise of putting the economy on a sound footing and fighting corruption.

He said the results were already showing, adding that the government required a little more patient from Nigerians.

According to him, the government’s war against corruption is acknowledged all over the world, while its effort to restructure the economy is becoming manifest.

He expressed confidence that the country would come out of the recession soon, following the boom in agriculture, especially in rice and sugar production.

The session was attended by students of the University of Abuja, Nasarawa State University, Keffi and Federal Polytechnic, and was used to identify achievements recorded by the President Buhari-led administration.

About 21 killed in fresh attacks in southern Kaduna

At least 21 people have been killed in renewed attacks in four communities in Kaura and Jama’a local government areas of Kaduna state.

Many houses were also burnt in the attacks, which reportedly took place between Sunday evening and Monday morning.

Details of the attacks are still sketchy.

All efforts to contain the violence in the region have not yielded the desired results.

Nasir el-Rufai, governor of the state, has held a series of peace meetings with stakeholders. The governor even declared a 24-hour curfew in some of the affected local government areas during the heat of the crisis.

Last week, the foundation of a proposed military barrack in Kafanchan.

Speaking when the foundation was laid, Tukur Buratai, chief of army staff, said the location was chosen as a response to the incessant killings occurring in southern Kaduna for four decades.

The government has vowed to go ahead with the establishment of the barrack, despite the temporary setback.

Earlier in the month, former president Goodluck said the implementation of the resolutions of the 2014 national conference will prevent ethnic and religious tensions that lead to crises.

Following the  attacks, the Kaduna state government has announced  the relocation  of the garrison commander of the one division of the Nigerian Army, Ismaila Isa, and the state’s commissioner of police, to the southern part of the state to coordinate a determined response to renewed attacks by armed bandits on communities in Kaura and Jema’a local government areas.

In a statement by Samuel Aruwan, spokesman to Nasir el-Rufai, the government said the  situation had been brought under control as security operattions continue.

The governor assured  that the government is fully committed to securing the area, with the active support of the army and the police.

The statement added that the two battalions of the army and the 10 mobile police squadrons are engaging the bandits, as the duty state carries out its obligations to secure the area, protect lives and rout these armed bandits.

The governor said that despite these difficulties and the pain of the attacks, this is not the time to give “the bandits” the pleasure of seeing victims turn on each other.

“Unknown gunmen in a coordinated attack invaded Bakin Kogi, Kaninkon Village in Jemaa Local Government Area in the State on Sunday 19th February, 2017 at about 5:30pm. They were repelled by Operation Yaki Surveillance Patrol Teams and Operation Harmony Patrol Teams,” the statement read.

“Further attacks were recorded today (Monday) in Kaura local government. Fatalities were recorded and some houses were burnt in the attacks.

“I have been in touch with the security agencies and I have been studiously following the situation in Jema’a and Kaura Local Government Areas over the unfortunate attacks.

“I want to, first of all, extend myheartfelt condolences to the families and relations that lost their loved ones and properties in these unfortunate attacks. My prayers and support equally goes to citizens that sustained injuries and are traumatised by what they witnessed.

“This is clearly a wicked, evil and devilish act being perpetrated by enemies of peace and humanity.

“I also wish to commend our gallant soldiers and police personnel, who are defending our communities.The Kaduna State Government will continue to work assiduously with security agencies towards the protection of life and property.”

Stakeholders Charge Nigerians to Hold Leaders Accountable

Nigerians have been urged to ensure they hold their public office holders accountable as the panacea to rescue the nation from the current econimic crisis.
They are enjoined to ensure leaders are meant to be accountable to the led, with the Charge of managing the nation's resources with utmost accountability.
This was the resolution collated by our Anambra state correspondent, Bamidele Ajayi on the need to ascertain the state of the nation and identity measures expected of the Leaders to arrest economic recession in Nigeria to rescue her from being collapsed.

APC Remains alternative to South East Political Quest --Dr. Obidigbo

An industrialists Dr. Chike Obidigbo says the nation's political sphere needs to be restructured to attract people of idea to come in and effect change the people are yearning for.
He blamed the past administrations to have plundered the nation's resources which according bro him brought Nigeria into the current economic depression.

Train cuts trailer carrying soldiers into two in Kaduna

A Lagos bound train from Kano collided with a trailer at a railway crossing in Kawo, Kaduna, and cut the trailer into two, the Federal Road Safety Corps said in Kaduna on Wednesday.
The Sector Commander of FRSC in the state, Mr. Francis Udoma, told the News Agency of Nigeria, that the incident occurred at 3 a.m., adding however, that no life was lost.
Udoma explained that the train, carrying Nigerian soldiers and civilians, crashed into the sugarcane-laden trailer, belonging to W.A. Group of Companies.
He said the accident occurred when the driver of the trailer insisted on crossing the rail line even when the train was blaring its horn.

Catholic Arch Bishop Charge Leaders to Rescue Nigeria From Recession

The Catholic bishop of Onitsha Arch Diocese Most Rev. Valeria Okeke has urged Nigerian leaders to map out programmes that would speedily rescue Nigeria from the current economic hardship.
He said,if leaders would reduce their expensive spending in governance and inject more funds into the system, according to him, would cushion the effect of the nation econimic downturn.
Our correspondent Bamidele Ajayi was at the Onitsha Prisons For the Arch Bishop Annual Christmas Visit entourage,  completes the report.

Nigerians Reflect on the need to Extend hand of fellowship to the needy

Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated on the day following Christmas Day in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Commonwealth nations. Boxing Day occurs on 26 December.
The Oxford English Dictionary gives the earliest attestations from Britain in the 1830s, defining it as "the first week-day after Christmas-day, observed as a holiday on which post-men, errand-boys, and servants of various kinds expect to receive a Christmas-box"
In some European countries, notably Germany, Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands and the Nordic countries, 26 December is celebrated as a Second Christmas Day.
This custom is linked to an older British tradition: since they would have to wait on their masters on Christmas Day, the servants of the wealthy were allowed the next day to visit their families. The employers would give each servant a box to take home containing gifts, bonuses and sometimes leftover food.