Anglican Bishop : Ekiti endured four wasted years under Fayose

The Bishop of the Diocese of Ekiti, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Rt. Rev. Christopher Omotunde, has stated that Ekiti State witnessed regression under the administration of former Governor Ayo Fayose.

Omotunde described the tenure of Fayose as “four wasted years in which life became unbearable for the people and in which hunger ravaged the land without any concrete effort to alleviate people’s poverty.”

According to him, “the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) had a golden chance to make a difference in the lives of Ekiti residents but abused the opportunity to the extent that the people became slaves under them.”

The clergyman warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration to learn from the mistakes of the immediate past government and never disappoint the teeming masses looking up to it for good governance and redemption.

Omotunde stated this in his sermon on Sunday during a thanksgiving service held in honour of the new Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, at the Emmanuel Anglican Cathedral, Okesa, Ado-Ekiti.

The bishop said Fayose’s unrelenting criticisms and opposition to President Muhammadu Buhari denied Ekiti of many benefits while other PDP governors succeeded in attracting projects to their states and got financial support from the Federal Government because of their good relationship with the President.

Omotunde, who described himself as “a father of all politicians” because all members of his church are in all political parties, said he was duty bound to speak the truth when the need arises.

He said God has given Governor Kayode Fayemi another chance to make the difference in the lives of Ekiti people and must not fail to do that because “the expectations are very high.”

The bishop advised Fayemi to choose people who will be faithful in translating his dreams for the development of the state into reality and not those who will be advancing their personal and selfish interests.
While likening Fayemi to the biblical Nehemiah, Omotunde said the President had so much trust in the governor (Fayemi) by releasing him from the federal cabinet to come and repair Ekiti allegedly damaged by bad governance.

Omotunde said now that Fayemi’s party, APC, is in power at the federal level unlike what obtained during his first tenure, the Federal Government must grant all the requests of the governor to repair Ekiti and assist the state financially for its people to be relieved.

The service was attended by the wife of the governor, Mrs. Bisi Fayemi; wife of the deputy governor, Mrs. Margaret Egbeyemi; Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr. Adeniran Alagbada; his wife, Mrs. Kike Alagbada; former deputy governor, Prof. Dupe Adelabu; Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji; Chief of Staff, Mr. Biodun Omoleye; Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe and other traditional rulers.

Omotunde said: “This our God is a God of another chance, he gave PDP another chance also but unfortunately they abused the chance to the extent that people became slaves under them, they rendered everybody
hopeless under them.

“They bewitched everybody that our eyes were closed, they bewitched us that we called evil good and the few that their power of bewitchment had no effect upon prayed and God looked down from heaven and visited this state again opening another door for fayemi’s government.

“Your party (APC) is in power now, let them know that I said, it’s a government of another chance and God will try you again and see whether you will be faithful or not. It is left for you to prove yourself.

“Tell me of one youth that the immediate past government empowered even though they called it a government of okada riders; how many okadas did he buy for the youths?

“I was watching the television recently and Ebonyi State governor was listing his achievements in agriculture, he gave the Federal Government credits for his success and my (former) governor was also a
PDP governor.

“In many states, Buhari had many achievements and successes to show but the only achievement here was the repair of Ado-Itawure Road but
our (former) governor would not give him room to work.

“The whole four years (under Fayose) was wasted; we were retrogressing, going backward. Many states were given opportunities in agriculture, nothing was given to Ekiti and all we needed was for the governor to give them land and banks were ready to finance the projects.

“With hunger ravaging the land, the former governor was collecting N1,000 from each pupil. What did he use the money to do? We did not see what they did with the money.

“Our people are hungry and they are suffering financial difficulties. They have been thrown into poverty so that they will become slaves to the ‘rock’ but God brought somebody who knows how to break the ‘rock’ into pieces.”

Addressing the congregation, Egbeyemi called for the prayers and support of Ekiti people for the new government, saying: “the welfare of the people remains the focal point of this administration.”

According to him, the Fayemi administration will put the people first and carry them along in the execution of its policies which he said are meant to improve their standard of living.

The deputy governor promised that more people in Ekiti will be employed and empowered to reduce the rate of unemployment, hunger, political thuggery and other vices.

Egbeyemi further assured that the Fayemi administration would execute more projects in the grassroots to reduce rural-urban migration. -DAILY POST

Tony Anenih, one of Nigerian biggest looters bites the dust

Chief Tony Anenih, a former Chairman, Board of Trustees, BOT, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is dead.

Anenih died on Sunday at the age of 85. He was said to have died at a private hospital in Abuja.

One of the sons of the deceased, Mr. Tony Anenih, could not be reached for comments.

But a source close to the family, who confirmed the development on the condition of anonymity, said that the children of the elder statesman would issue an official statement in Abuja soon. 

PUNCH reports that the former minister of works, who lost his eldest son, Eugene, in May, 2017, after the death of his wife, Patricia, turned 85 in August.

Falana: Corruption would reduce if western countries don’t keep money for looters

Femi Falana, human rights lawyer, says corruption would have reduced in Africa if western countries do not help in keeping looted funds. 

He said this at the African non-governmental organisation (NGO) forum held in Banjul, Gambia.

The lawyer accused the western media and Transparency International (TI) of failing to join the campaign for the repatriation of the looted wealth of Africa.

“If the western countries do not warehouse such loot, corruption by criminally minded politically exposed persons will be greatly reduced,” he said.

He charged African NGOs to challenge the narrative on corruption by rejecting the “western propaganda peddled by the Transparency International which has continued to paint Africa as the most corrupt continent on earth”.

Falana asked why TI has deliberately refused to classify Switzerland, UK US and France as corrupt when the bulk of the billions of dollars stolen from Africa by corrupt rulers has been traced to banks and other financial institutions in these countries.

Calling on NGOs to lead the battle against corruption in their countries, Falana said majority of African governments are wallowing in impunity to the detriment of the development of the country.

He said: “Despite initial pessimism about its potential and relevance, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has over the years contributed significantly to the development of human rights law through its expansive case-law and jurisprudence. In some respects, such as those involving economic and social rights, the commission’s jurisprudence has been ground-breaking, leading to some effective remedies for victims of violations of human and peoples’ rights.”

He urged African NGOs to shift attention and focus to the promotion and defence of socioeconomic rights which are enshrined in the constitutions of African countries and African charter on human and people’s rights. 

“This only way to seriously wage the battle against the menace of corruption in Africa is to mobilize the masses who are the principal victims of corruption to demand accountability from the governments,” he said. - THECABLE

Suarez steps up in Lionel Messi's absence to guide Barcelona to El Clasico win

A penalty, a wonderful header and a gorgeously weighted dink. Luis Suarez turned on the style at Camp Nou to help his Barcelona side on the way to three huge points in La Liga, securing a 5-1 victory to help take Ernesto Valverde's side seven points clear of rivals Real Madrid in the early stages of the title race.

Plenty was made before kick-off regarding Lionel Messi's absence. Supposedly dependent on the Argentine, despite their comfortable 2-0 win over Inter in Champions League action midweek, Suarez stepped up to show that he could help to bridge the gap, just as he has done in years gone by.

A comfortable first-half showing saw the Blaugrana into the break with a 2-0 lead and plenty of reason to feel confident. Real Madrid couldn't rely on the likes of Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale to step up when in need of goals themselves, as the Uruguayan demonstrated how to perform when the pressure is on.

Julen Lopetegui's side came back out for the second half reinvigorated. A change of system and personnel helped to turn the tide in their favour, mustering up a goal from Marcelo and conjuring up some considerable doubts in what had been a very happy Camp Nou. After striking the post when the scoreline stood at 2-1, Suarez stepped it up another notch.

Clinical

Craning his neck magnificently to guide a powerful cross from Sergi Roberto beyond the dive of Thibaut Courtois to make it three, Suarez was alert to nip in behind the visitors' back four just eight minutes later to make it four. This time, as opposed to a thumping header, Suarez showed the more delicate side to his game, clipping a lovely finish over the onrushing Courtois from a tight angle.

While Bale and Benzema struggled to get going in El Clasico either as part of a front three or a more central striking partnership, Suarez did the work of several men. Buzzing around with intent, keen to chase and harry off the ball and link up with those around him on it, he showed the associative sparkle that helps him to bring the best out of Messi, as well as the killer instinct that made him a star man before joining Barça.

His merciless attitude and edge has long proved key in the biggest fixture of Barcelona's league calendar. Boasting eight goals in his first 11 El Clasico outings, Suarez is a specialist, becoming just the sixth player at the club to rack up such a tally. It is on the biggest stages, where the pressure is at its highest and the margins for error are at their tightest, that Suarez makes his presence known.

Messi watched on from the stands in Camp Nou with a fractured arm, safe in the knowledge that Suarez has another side to his game. When Messi is deployed by Valverde, the Uruguayan's chemistry and friendship with him helps to bring the best out of a player that can do limitless amounts of damage. When the Argentine can't be counted on, the competitive drive and bite that Suarez offers when battling alone up top is tough to be rivalled.

Hat-trick hero

Since joining Barcelona back in 2014, Suarez hasn't had to be the main man - but he has never taken his foot off the gas in a situation where he probably could. Injury problems have taken their toll at times, while the relentless schedule of football for both club and country isn't productive for an ageing striker who doesn't know how to give less than 100 per cent.

Suarez has been harsh on his own body through the sheer desire to play each week, but after a much-needed rest during the most recent international break, El Clasico was another opportunity to show exactly what a fit and focused Luis Suarez can do. Three goals, three points and one considerable leap towards a less stressful title race for Barcelona.

'No mercy,' read the headline of Catalan daily newspaper SPORT for the day of the derby. . The 31-year-old striker isn't in the business of playing in second gear - i News

KICK AND START ECONOMY !! FG’s unpaid N650bn subsidy arrears is affecting our operations – Marketers

Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association (DAPPMA) on Sunday said the unpaid subsidy arrears of over N650 billion by the Federal Government posed huge financial challenges to the downstream operations.

DAPPMA Executive Secretary, Mr Olufemi Adewole, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the settlement of the debts owed them would save their assets from being taken over by banks.

Adewole said the downstream segment of Nigeria’s petroleum industry was fast becoming unattractive to lending institutions owing to rising debt profiles of its players on account of unpaid subsidy arrears by government.

“This is posing a huge financial challenge to oil marketers and threatening business survival,” he said.

He said that 60 per cent of marketers had been forced out of business as banks had taken over their assets (depots and other investments) due to their inability to pay back funds borrowed.

According to him, aside marketers that have been forced out of business, others are struggling to survive due to the government’s inability to settle the subsidy arrears.

The development, he said, had been threatening investment in the downstream sector.

The DAPPMA scribe said although the federal government had made an arrangement to clear the debts, payment had not been received by marketers.

He said: “It has had very adverse effects on our operations. I am aware of four depots that have been forcibly taken over by banks because they got injunctions from the courts.

“They did so the moment they heard that the National Assembly had approved payment to marketers. Unfortunately, as at today, the money has yet to get into our accounts.

“Some marketers had to lay off more than 90 per cent of their staff because of financial challenges.’’

Adewole, however, said government had promised that part of the money would come as promissory note and cash.

According to him, the information gathered is that government may pay only in promissory note.

“It means you have to go back and discount this promissory note in the bank. This means we are losing because the money has been delayed and this adds up the interest to be charged on our accounts.

“Really, what was approved to be paid is not the actual amount the government owes us.

“The interest came about as a result of devaluation of the naira from N197 to N285 to a dollar,” he explained.

It would be recalled that the Chairman of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Mr Andrew Gbodume, had on Oct. 18, said that over N130. 7 billion was owed to the association as unpaid subsidy arrears.

Gbodume said that the unpaid debts was posing serious financial challenges to the downstream sector coupled with its inability to attract more funds from banks which had yet to get back their loans.

“With the fast eroding goodwill of the sector and inaction of government to effect payment of ‘cleared’ subsidy arrears, most downstream players are currently experiencing contraction of operations occasioned by reduced capacity.

“We appreciate the efforts of the National Assembly, but the non-payment creates a significantly negative impact on the operational efficiency of the downstream sector of the oil industry.

Gbodume added: “We can’t pay salaries and staff reviews in terms of emoluments cannot be done because of this sum owed us.”

He said the current business model in the downstream sector was unworkable and unsustainable, adding that the future system of product supply needed to be looked at. - PM NEWS  

Lagos gridlocks worry government

Worried by the continued traffic gridlock in Lagos, the federal government has challenged Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Nigeria (CILTN) to find lasting solutions.

Transport minister Rotimi Amaechi made the call at the 2018 CILTN Conference in Lagos and said the transport professionals should come up with empirical blue print to end the vehicular traffic on Apapa roads.

The minister, who was represented by Mr Esuabana Asonye, Director of Transport Policy and Coordination in the ministry, said the inaccessibility of the ports had become an economic setback for country.

“As a key stakeholder in the sector, the clout of the Institute remains paramount to the economic development of the nation.

“It is therefore my expectation that the conference will end with resolutions to fast track the development of the sector in all facets, especially practical ones to end the Apapa menace.

“My hope is to see human capacity development of transport professionals in certification, licensing, monitoring, evaluation, research and advocacy which are the hallmark of the institute, to become world class in scope and output.’’

He also said the Lagos traffic dilemma had for years affected the flow of freight and trade.

According to him, the ministry is expecting pragmatic inputs from the conference to end the traffic.

The theme of this year’s conference is “Trucks in Freight Logistics System: Issues in Nigeria Economic Development’’. - PM NEWS

Wife of a Nigerian shot dead in South Africa

The Nigerian Community in South Africa has expressed dismay by the fatal shooting of the wife of a member, Mrs Leyness Mangu Irumudomo.

The late Mrs Irumudomo, a.k.a. Mama Lee, 43, was a Tanzanian married to Mr Jackson Igbinosa Irumudomo, a native of Ekpoma in Edo.

The late Mrs Leyness Mangu Irumudomo.

They had three children.

Her husband told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the telephone from Pretoria, South Africa, that Mama Lee was shot on Oct. 26, in Soweto.

He said that prior to her death, a Tanzanian who worked in the same mall with his wife had sent threat text messages to her.

“My wife and her fellow Tanzanian worked together in the same mall and because of misunderstanding in their work place, the same lady sent her threat messages.

“A docket was opened at Pretoria Central Police Station on the threat to her life by her colleague, who is also a Tanzanian,’’ he said.

Irumudomo said that the death was painful and that he and their children would miss his wife sorely.

Mr Adetola Olubajo, President of the Nigerian Union in South Africa, said that the body was saddened by the death of Mama Lee.

“She was an amiable business woman and a blessing to friends and family. She will be greatly missed because of the vacuum her absence has created,’’ he said.

Olubajo, however, said that the union was worried that killing was now fashionable within the Nigerian community.

“The quietness of our government officials is of great concern to us. A Nigerian was shot dead in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, last week, nothing has been done to bring the perpetrators to book.

“People are now bold to kill one another just by the slightest disagreement because the killers of Nigerians and their family members are not brought to book,’’ he said.

Olubajo also said that “we need investigation and prosecution of the murder cases involving Nigerians directly or indirectly.’ - PM NEWS 

Chinese loan: How Buhari, 51 other presidents exposed Africa to ridicule – Falana

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has said that President Muhammadu Buhari and the other 51 African Heads of State exposed the continent to global ridicule in the campaign to stop $100bn illicit financial flow from Africa by begging China for $60bn infrastructure loan.

A statement sent to DAILY POST on Sunday by the Spokesman of Falana and Falana & Co, Tayo Soyemi, quoted the Senior lawyer as saying this at the African NGO Forum which held in Banjul, The Gambia during the week.

Falana said the Chinese loan was unnecessary; regretting that it could strengthen the ongoing substitution of European colonisation with Chinese colonisation in Africa.

He said: “It is regrettable that the heads of States of 52 African countries were at Beijing, China last month to beg for a $60 billion loan for the so-called infrastructural development of Africa for the next years.

“The loan is totally unnecessary if the African leaders are prepared “to halt the annual illicit financial flow of $100 billion from Africa.

“To stop the leaders from further exposing Africa to ridicule, I urge African NGOs “to link up with progressive political parties, trade unions and mass organisations. Otherwise, the ongoing substitution of European colonialism for Chinese imperialism by African rulers will continue.”

He also slammed Transparency International for peddling “dubious Western propaganda” which sought to paint Africa as the most corrupt continent in the world.

The rights lawyer asked why Transparency International has deliberately refused to classify Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States and France as corrupt when the bulk of the billions of dollars stolen from Africa by corrupt rulers has been traced to banks and other financial institutions in these countries.

His words: “The western media and Transparency International have failed to join the campaign for the repatriation of the looted wealth of the African people.

“If the western countries do not warehouse such loot, corruption by criminally minded politically exposed persons will be greatly reduced (in Africa).”

He, therefore, urged African NGOs to shift attention and focus to the promotion and defence of socioeconomic rights which are enshrined in the constitutions of African countries and African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

According to him “This only way to seriously wage the battle against the menace of corruption in Africa is to mobilize the masses who are the principal victims of corruption to demand accountability from the governments.” - DAILY POST

2019: Nnamdi Kanu working for Buhari, South-East governors – Igbo coalition

The coalition of Igbo apex groups at the weekend has accused the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu of compromise, adding that he is working for the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari and South-East governors in the forthcoming 2019 general elections.

The groups made up of World Igbo Youths Congress, Southeast Women Professionals and Igbo Students Forum, made this known through a statement signed by their Presidents; Mazi Alex Okemiri, Dr Helen Ogbonnaya and Chidera Utucha, and made available to DAILY POST shortly after their monthly meeting that took place in Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi state.

The coalition, which had earlier drummed support for Nnamdi Kanu’s return to Nigeria, however opted out and dissociated themselves from the alleged broadcast of Nnamdi Kanu where he said that there will be no election in 2019.

The statement reads in part: “We disassociate ourselves on the recent broadcast of Nnamdi KANU the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, where he stated that there will no election in 2019. We insists that ipob leader is depreciating in value in the eyes of Igbo followers.

“We insists that after careful examination of Kanu’s modus of operandi, in just concluded Anambra Governorship, where kanu insisted there will be no election in March 2018 Anambra, but evidently after Obiano Compromised him, kanu pull out voters out of polling Units who would have voted against Obiano, but He discouraged Voters from voting which gave obiano victory in 17 Local government areas of Anambra.

“Coalition of Igbo groups believe that with the reappearance of Kanu now and his system of no election in 2019,shows that he’s working for the victory of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi,Governor Ugwuanyi of Enugu,and Sen Hope Uzodinma of IMO state.

“Kanu have been compromised and he has designed that there will be no election with intention to pull out voters out of polling units for the victory of Southeast Governors and President Buhari against Atiku.

“The coalition ask Igbo stakeholders to resurrect the damping spirit of Ohanaeze Ndigbo as they had failed to hold the prestigious annual Igbo day celebration which holds every 29th September of every Year. The Governors should start restructuring in Ohanaeze Ndigbo, as they had commercialized it,” they stated. - DAILY POST

Fulani herdsmen attack hunter, farmers in Ondo

Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen have reportedly attacked a hunter at Nirowo Forest, along the Benin-Ore express way in Odigbo local government area of Ondo State.

According to reports, some farmers were also shot during the attack and are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

Narrating his order during the attack, one of the victims, Sunday Wekoyo, a hunter, who flee the scene of the incident with gunshots wound, stated that he was shot upon sighting the alleged armed herdsmen while checking his traps in the forest.

“I was in the forest to check my traps before a group of the herdsmen numbering about 12 who I initially thought were local vigilante group, ordered me to come closer before they opened fire on me.

”Out of fear, I moved near them, they pointed their guns, that was how I quickly climbed my motorcycle, and in my attempt to flee, they released the bullets on me. I became so weak immediately but managed to walk some distance to a near by camp where I sought assistance,” he said.

Confirming the attack, the leader of the vigilante group in Ore, Olawale Aboyede stated that when he heard about the incident, he mobilized his men to the scene of the attack, but stated the attackers had already left.

 “From our finding, we heard that these herdsmen are not from Nigeria, they came from Niger Republic to kidnap, steal, kill and make money in the forest,” he said.

While stating that the attack was not the first time herdsmen would be terrorizing farmers and hunters on farm settlement within the local government, Aboyede narrated how a pastor was kidnapped and later killed last year by those believed to the the alleged bandit.

With the forest sharing boundary with Osun, Oyo and Ogun state, the head of the local security outfit, urged authorities to come to their aid by empowering them to protect the locals through constant patrols on old roads within the expansive forest. - DAILY POST

Osinbajo: We inherited $63bn debt and borrowed $10bn since 2015

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says the Buhari-led administration inherited a debt of $63 billion and has only borrowed $10 billion since it took office in 2015.

He made the disclosure in Ibadan on Saturday during the 9th Public Lecture of Sigma Club at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

NAN reports that Osinbajo delivered a lecture entitled ‘Developing the Nation Through Youth Empowerment’.

“In 2010, our debt was $35 billion, $41 billion in 2011, $48 billion in 2012, $64 billion in 2013, $67.7 billion in 2014, $63.8 billion in 2015, $57.8 billion in 2016, $70 billion in 2017 and $73 billion in 2018” he said.

“The nation’s debt as at today was $73 bilłion, an increment of $10 billion from the $63 billion inherited in 2015.”

He said the nation’s oil earnings was $119.8 billion between 1990 to 1998, $481 billion from 1999 to 2009 and $381 billion from 2010 to 2014, while the present administration has only earned $112 billion from June 2015.

“The earnings from oil from 2010 to 2014 were the highest recorded in the history of the country. This is a period when the price of oil per barrel sold from $100 to $114.

Giving examples of a $67 million transaction that was carried out in 2015, the vice president said the most important drain on the nation’s public purse was grand corruption, saying the nation would earn more revenue if such was addressed. - THECABLE 

Bandits kill policeman, 5 others in Zamfara

No fewer than six persons, including a police corporal were on Friday killed by bandits in Gurbin Bore village, Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Confirming the incident to NAN in Gusau on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Mohammed Shehu, said the bandits numbering about 100 attacked the community at about 10 p.m of Friday night.

He said three other persons were severely wounded and had been taken to hospital where they were receiving treatment.

He sided that: “11 vehicles including a police vehicle, three motorcycles and five kiosks were set ablaze by the hoodlums.”

The command spokesman said the bandits who were suspected to have come from Dumburum forest were engaged by a combined team of counter terrorists, comprising police Mobile Force, Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) personnel stationed in the area, which repelled the criminals.

He said however that the footpath of the bandits were being trailed in the bushes and assured that the perpetrators would be arrested and brought to book.

Similarly, while speaking to journalists on the matter, the Vice Chairman of Zurmi Local Government Council, Alhaji Abubakar Dauran, said a total of 13 shops were burnt while 15 vehicles were set ablaze.

An eye witness and a resident, Mr Manir Salihu, said his family had always been threatened by the bandits including two attempts to set his house on fire while members of the family were inside. - PM NEWS