BANK BRANCHES RECEIVE N30 MILLION EACH OF NEW NAIRA NOTES DAILY: CBN

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Bauchi says it allocates N30 million new naira notes daily to each branch of commercial banks in the state to increase customers’ access to the new notes.

CBN official Abdulkadir Jibrin said this while monitoring banks in Bauchi on Monday to ensure residents have access to the new banknotes. He said the exercise aimed to make the banknotes available in banks and to exchange old notes easily.

Only N10,000 and below could be exchanged per person, and if the amount is more than that, one should open a bank wallet. Daily each branch across the state receives N30 million to ensure their automated teller machines (ATMs) are stocked with cash for individuals to withdraw,” he said.

He urged the public to extend the deadline to February 10 to deposit their old currencies with banks to avoid financial loss.

“It’s just a window for the citizens that are yet to take their money into their accounts to do that and then those that have N10,000 or less. Our committee would continue to reach out to localities to ask them to bring out their old notes and exchange them with the new ones,” he said.

He explained that the monitoring exercise entailed checking ATMs to ensure that the new naira notes were loaded for customers to withdraw.

According to him, the ATMs will give people the opportunity to have access to money, adding that the officials of the apex bank track the volume of disbursement through the ATMs.

He urged the public to report to the CBN if any bank refused to open for operations or failed to disburse the new notes through their ATMs.

A Bauchi resident, Mr Aliyu Zarami, commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime for extension of the deadline to February 10. He urged the apex bank to sanction banks or agents violating any rule or directive of issuing new notes.

Another resident, Nafisa Mohammed, lauded the extension and said it would reduce tension and allow people to deposit their old notes and have new ones for transactions.

“The banks should do something about the long queue of depositors of the old naira notes,” she said.

A cleric, Ustaz Saminu Ahmed, also commended the regime for extending the deadline.

“But the rural communities need more than one month. The date should be extended to two months to enable those in the grassroots to deposit their old notes,” Mr Ahmed said.

SARAKI PETITIONS IGP, DSS OVER FALSE ALLEGATIONS

The immediate past Senate President Dr Bukola Saraki has petitioned the Inspector General of Police Usman Alkali Baba over the alleged false, malicious and inciting information by one Fafoluyi Olayinka Michael against the person of former President of the Senate.

Also copied in the petition signed by the Special Assistant Security Matters to the former Senate President Taju Alabi are the DG Department of State Services Abuja and the Director of the Ilorin Office.

Fafoluyi who is a Special Assistant New Media to the Kwara state governor according to the petition,  posted on his Facebook page on January 29th 2023 that the police has arrested 'a Saraki assassin at a APC rally in Ilorin'.

According to the statement "In the said publication, Fafoluyi, claimed that “Police overpowers Saraki’s assassin, Ojulari on the attempt (sic) to kill All Progressives Congress candidate for Ilorin West/Asa federal constituency, Muktar Shagaya at APC rally in Ilorin”. 

"This publication is not only false, malicious, and destructive, it is a deliberate attempt to malign the person of the former number three man in the country, expose him and his family to ridicule, and needlessly incite public hatred against his person and his family. 

"This false information is criminal defamation that is capable of provoking the numerous supporters of Dr. Saraki in Kwara State, in particular, and Nigeria as a whole," it stated.

Continuing "To worsen the matter and expose the evil intention of Fafoluyi, Muktar Shagaya who he claimed to be the subject of a so-called attack has in another publication on the same FaceBook denied the false claims by Fafoluyi. 

"What this means is that Fafoluyi simply fabricated the falsehood that he published," it added. 

Saraki noted the publication under reference is not the first time that  Fafoluyi and his cohorts have defamed Dr. Saraki on radio, television, newspapers, and all social media platforms. 

"Our prayer, therefore, is that the police should invite Mr. Fafoluyi to prove this grave allegation while the matter is taken before the court as a case of criminal defamation, in which the accused person will have the opportunity to either prove his claims or face the consequence of his action.

"We believe that if the Police do not move swiftly on this matter, particularly close to the election period, it may lead to public disturbance and heighten the tension in the state as we all prepare for the general elections in the next few weeks," it added

BUHARI ALLEGEDLY STONED IN KANO, AS YOUTHS PROTEST HEAVYLY

Residents, most especially youths, also stoned a helicopter in the convoy, burnt objects on the road and also damaged some police vehicles with stones during the confusion.

Buhari, who is in the state on a two-day official visit, had earlier on Monday commissioned the bridge at the Hotoro roundabout in the Kano metropolis.

YOUTHS COALITION ACROSS ILORIN SOUTH APPLAUSE WAHAB ISSA OVER COM. IBRAHIM RIDWANULLAI'S APPOINTMENT

Youths coalition across Ilorin South Local Government area of Kwara State congratulated Comrade Ibrahim Ridwanullahi Bukola's appointment as Director Welfare and Logistics to Hon Wahab Issa Oladimeji Campaign Council.

According to the statement released and available to TROVE ONLINE MEDIA described Comrade Ibrahim Ridwanullahi Bukola new appointment as well deserved.

The statement reads " Com. Ridwanullahi is a Sarakite to the core, very brilliant, grassroot politician, hardworking man who has distinguished himself in any assignment.

We have no doubt that this appointment is well deserved, having exhibited high level of professionalism in all political activities he have undertaken,’’ the group remarked

It expressed confidence that the Comrade Ridwanullahi’s political experience, integrity and high level of humility would, no doubt, add value to Hon. Wahab Issa political chances, PDP both in the State and Federal level in the forthcoming election.

ALLEGED $1.32M FRAUD: DEFENCE COUNSEL'S ABSENCE STALLS ARRAIGNMENT OF KANO SENATORIAL CANDIDATE, ZAURA

The arraignment of the Kano Central Senatorial candidate of the All Progressive Congress, Abdulkarim Saleh Abdulsalam aka A.A Zaura, on multiple fraud charges before a Federal High Court, Kano suffered yet another postponement today, January 30, owing to the absence of the defence counsel.

It is the fourth time the arraignment failed to proceed mostly because of the politician’s failure to appear in court.

At the last adjourned date, the matter could not go on due to the absence of both the Zaura and the trial judge.

But Zaura was in court today, having been picked up at his residence by operatives of the Commission.

However, when the matter was called, the prosecution counsel, A.T Habib informed the court that she was in receipt of a letter from the defence counsel, I.G Waru, informing her that he would not be in court as he has a matter at the Supreme Court.

KWARA UNITED TECHNICAL CREW GETS 2-GAME ULTIMATUM, AS THE MANAGEMENT READS RIOT ACT

The technical crew of Kwara United Football Club, led by Coach Abdulazeez Mohammed has been given two matches ultimatum to change the fortunes of the club, or be sanctioned.

In a message by the Media Team after the Enyimba International FC match which the team lost by 3-0, the General Manager of the club, Bashir Badawiy said that the management would henceforth, not tolerate any negative result from the team.

With the lost, Kwara United has not won any of its four games, losing two and drawing two, to garner just two points so far, conceeding four goals and scoring none, a performance which the management frowned at.

The team opened the season with a goalless draw against Gombe United at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, another goalless against Shooting Stars Sports Club at the same venue in the second game, before losing by a lone goal to Bendel Insurance FC of Benin, also in Ibadan.

The 3-0 lost against Enyimba FC today in Aba was the second by the club so far.

According to Badawiy, "the team has no excuse not to perform, going by the commitment of the government, the determination of the management and the sacrifice by the fans, supporters and stakehders. 

"And that was why we have decided to give the team two matches ultimatum. They should rather perform or give way. We are playing in a dangerous league, the Abridged League, and we cannot tolerate this kind of results.

The technical crew, going by the ultimatum, obviously have a tall mountain to climb from their next three games, one home and two away games in Matchdays five, six and seven.

The team will square up against Akwa United in their adopted home in Ibadan on Wednesday, and play away to both Plateau United in Jos, and Nasarawa United in Kaduna in that order.

TWO CHILDREN, SIX ADULTS DIE IN CONTAINER ACCIDENT AT OJUELEGBA

Eight persons including two children; a boy and a girl, have died when a container fell on a commercial bus in the Ojuelegba area of Lagos.

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said that the truck bearing the container lost control while climbing the bridge.

He said, “Upon arrival at the scene, a truck conveying a 20ft container was found to have landed on top of a commercial bus.

“Investigation revealed that the bus was picking up passengers when the truck lost control and fell over the side of the bridge.

“A total of eight fatalities were recovered, comprising four adult males, two adult females, a girl and a boy.”

CBN EXTENDS OLD NAIRA USE DEADLINE TILL FEBRUARY 10

CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, announced the extension in a statement signed on Sunday.

He explained that the apex bank has sought approval from President Muhammadu Buhari to extend the deadline for the use of the old notes by 10 days.

“Based on the foregoing, we have sought and obtained Mr President’s approval for the following: A 10-day extension of the deadline from January 31 to February 10 to allow for the collection of more old notes legitimately held by Nigerians,” the statement read.

A 7-day grace period, beginning from February 10 to February 17, in compliance with Sections 20(3) and 22 of the CBN Act allowing Nigerians to deposit their old notes at the CBN after the February deadline when the old currency would have lost its Legal Tender Status.”

The CBN Governor also solicited the cooperation of all Nigerians in ensuring a hitch-free process for the implementation of the policy.

Before the apex bank extended the use of the naira note, many Nigerians experienced difficulty in lodging their old banknotes.

The scramble by many Nigerians to meet the initial January 31 deadline has been chaotic as many of them flood banking halls with huge cash in old notes to exchange them with new ones.

Others are seen in long queues at the few ATM points having the new naira notes in different parts of the country to have access.

The naira redesign was greeted by criticism by some Nigerians, including the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the policy was intended to scuttle his presidential ambition.

KANO GOVT STOPS BUHARI VISIT OVER NEW NAIRA NOTE CRISIS

Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has revealed that the State wrote to the Presidency that the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to commission some projects be postponed.

He made this known during his interactive session with scholars, legislators, political leaders and business community in the State at the Government House, Kano.

He noted that the decision was taken to avoid any unforeseen circumstance.

“As we are waiting for this important visit, we found ourselves in this situation, which puts citizens into untold hardship. For security purposes, we wrote to the Presidency that President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Kano be postponed.

During the meeting with sections of citizens in the State, they accepted that the decision was a unanimous one.

Two serving Senators from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya and Barau Jibrin, members of the House of Representatives and thirty legislators from the State House of Assembly were amongst the groups that put their weight behind the governor.

He lamented that, “There are no banks in most of our rural communities. How these people get new Naira notes is of great concern. Just look at what is happening in our urban areas, people go and spend hours upon hours in banks. And without any assurances of getting the new notes.”

Even at the Point of Sales (POS) according to the governor, one cannot transact with ease, hinting that many of them closed shops due to uncertainty.

He emphasised that Kano being a commercial hub must be heard loudly, insisting that, “This problem affects all of us. Therefore, our voice must be heard in all nooks and crannies. We are a commercial hub. As such, our position must be loud and clear.

Governor Ganduje revealed further that under one platform, Nigerian governors, without consideration to party affiliation, sent delegates to President Buhari complaining about the hardship caused by the new development.

“Governors from all the political parties put heads together and sent delegates, but to no avail. So also traditional rulers followed the same path. But up till now, there is nothing in that respect,” disclosed.

CURRENCY CHANGE TARGETTED AT HOARDERS of ILLICIT FUNDS NOT COMMON MAN...BUHARI

President Muhammadu Buhari has declared that the change of the 1,000, 500 and 200 denomination of the naira are aimed at people hoarding illicit funds and not the common man.

He specifically stated that the currency swap, which the nation’s apex bank, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), introduced four months ago, were targetted at individuals hoarding illicit funds and not ordinary citizens.

The move, the president stated, will stabilize and strengthen the economy.

Buhari, in a release issued on Saturday by his spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, was reacting to reports of long queues of people waiting for hours for their turn to deposit old notes and get new ones, triggering public anger and opposition’s criticism.

According to him, the currency swap had also become necessary to prevent counterfeits, corruption and terrorist funding.

The president assured Nigerians that government will ensure that citizens are unharmed in their businesses and no disruption is caused to the entire supply chain arising from the currency swap due to end shortly.

While taking note that the poorest section of the society is facing hardship as they often keep hard cash at home for various expenses, Buhari gave strong assurances that the government will not leave them to their own fate.

He reiterated that a number of initiatives by the CBN and all commercial banks are underway to speed up distribution of the new notes and do all that is necessary to forestall cash squeeze and chaos.

BREAKING: TRIBUNAL SACKS ADELEKE AS OSUN GOVERNOR

The Osun State Elections Petitions Tribunal has nullified the election of Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and declared Gboyega Oyetola, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the July 16, 2022 election as the winner of the election.

In August 2022, Oyetola, a former Osun governor, and the APC petitioned the tribunal to challenge the election victory of Adeleke.

Among several issues, Oyetola contended that there was overvoting in 749 polling units across 10 local government areas of the state.

The Justice Tetse Kume-led panel in its judgement on Friday said there was overvoting on the examination of BVAS manipulation. 

The tribunal declared that the electoral body, INEC should withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to Adeleke and issue the same to Oyetola.

The majority judgement which was read by the Chairman, Justice Kume said Oyetola got the majority of lawful votes of 314,931 while Adeleke had 219,666.

NASARAWA STATE GOVERNOR LOSES SON

Alhaji Hassan AA Sule, the son of Nasarawa State Governor,  Abdullahi A. Sule is dead.

The honourable member representing Lafia North Constituency at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly Hon. Barr. Muhammed Ibrahim Alkali confirmed the Governor's son's death, described it as a "shocking" development.

Hassam died on Friday morning after a brief illness.

The lawmaker said it is a colossal loss not only to Nasarawa State but the Nation at large.

U.S. ANNOUNCES VISA BAN ON NIGERIANS UNDERMINING POLLS

Barely two weeks after the British government vowed to impose visa ban on Nigerian politicians involved in violence and rigging, the United States of America, yesterday, announced visa restrictions on some Nigerians accused of undermining democracy.

This was disclosed by the U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, who said the sanctioned individuals, whose names he did not reveal, would be ineligible for U.S. visas.

The top-ranking diplomat also explained that some family members of those barred from the U.S. might also be subjected to the same restriction.

“We are committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world. Today, I am announcing visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process in a recent Nigerian election.

The development is coming barely two months after the political counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, Rolf Olson, said the U.S. would impose visa sanctions on people who try to undermine Nigeria’s democratic process.

Speaking at the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship alumni association seminar, last November, Olson said sanctions had been placed on persons who undermined the nation’s election before, and would be repeated in the next election.

Also, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Liang, two weeks ago, stated that any person who incites violence or actually acts violently to undermine the 2023 electoral process would be barred from visiting the United Kingdom.

Liang spoke while responding to complaints by the National Chairman of Labour Party (LP), Mr. Julius Abure, over the killing of his party’s candidates and officials in various parts of the country.

BREAKING: ABIA PDP GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE IS DEAD

The Abia State Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate, Prof Uche Ikonne, is dead.

This was announced in a statement by his son, Dr Chikezie Uche-Ikonne, on Wednesday.

The statement read, “I regret to announce the death of my dear father, Prof Eleazar Uchenna Ikonne, who died at the National Hospital Abuja today January 2023
25, by 4 am after a brief illness.

SHETTIMA APPLAUSES FAYOSE OVER UNFLINCHING SUPPORT FOR APC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

All Progressives Congress (APC) vice presidential candidate, Senator Kashim Shettima, has praised a former governor of Ekiti State and chieftain of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Ayodele Fayose, for supporting Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential bid.

It's a crystal clear that Fayose has been distancing himself from the PDP presidential campaigns over his support for the agitations of the party’s G-5 governors led by his friend and Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike.

It would also be recalled that Fayose had some months ago openly declared that he would only support a presidential candidate of Southern origin in order for power to shift to the South.

Shettima made the commendation and revelation about Fayose’s support via his Twitter handle after visiting the former Ekiti State governor.

Tinubu’s running mate wrote: “I paid my brother, former Governor of Ekiti State, H.E. Ayodele Peter Fayose a visit.

LP CANDIDATE SET TO MEET WITH EX-VP’s TEAM

The Campaign Council of the Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi is already considering how the former Anambra State Governor will step down for Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party candidate.

Top officials of the Peter Obi campaign team told journalists that, many of the associates of the Labour Party candidate and advisers have come to the realisation that the coming election is going to be a straight fight between APC and PDP.

Key officers of Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council met on Monday at a top hotel in Abuja where they reviewed the state of their campaign so far and the prospect of Peter Obi, following the emerging realities and lack of ground enthusiasm to Peter Obi from his campaign stops in the North, South-West and South-South

Peter Obi and his running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed have been welcomed by almost empty stadia at his rallies which is a clear indication that his presidential bid lacks steam with real voters. The Labour Party candidate has carried on with his campaign activities largely based on social media energy of many active young people on Twitter and Facebook.

A top source who is in the know said, apart from the reality of winning the election hitting home, there is serious in-fighting in Obi’s camp where many of the vocal campaign officials are all jostling for relevance and protecting their territories.

At the meeting that took place in Abuja on Monday, our source revealed that Valentine Ozigbo, PDP candidate in last Anambra State Governorship election and Peter Obi’s protege and Ndi Kato, a Spokesperson of the Labour Party Campaign Council agreed that their party and candidate do not have the number to win with a state by state analysis of the electoral map.

The meeting analysed Atiku’s chances and the existing relationship between the PDP candidate and Peter Obi. The Labour Party candidate was the running mate to Atiku in 2019 Presidential election won by President Muhammadu Buhari and APC.

LAGOS 2023: THUGS ATTACK PDP’s JANDOR, FUNKE AKINDELE AGAIN

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor) has again decried attacks on his campaign train.

Jandor expressed frustration on Tuesday at a meeting with the Chief Imam at the Ketu Central Mosque.

The PDP flagbearer met the religious leader on the sideline of a scheduled tour of Kosofe Local Government Area.

He said earlier in the day, hoodlums attacked his convoy in Kosofe, stabbing a security operative.

Jandor lamented the recurrence of such across the state since he kicked off his campaign to 245 wards on October 19, 2022.

The candidate’s motorcade was targeted at different times in Badagry, Agege, among others,

Jandor vowed to continue the visits in his quest to rescue Lagos from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He disclosed that also on Tuesday, his running mate, Funke Akindele was chased out of Kosofe Fruit markets.

The politician said the trend “is not healthy for democracy and the 2023 election”.

STATES REJECT LG AUTONOMY AS NASS SENDS 35 CONSTITUTION AMENDMENT BILLS toT BUHARI FOR ASSENT

The National Assembly says 35 constitution amendment bills have been passed by state assemblies.

The senate, on Tuesday, asked the clerk to transmit the 35 bills out of the 44 constitution amendment bills to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent.

Among the proposed legislations not approved by the state assemblies are bills seeking financial and legislative autonomy for local governments.

The resolution to transmit the bills to Buhari for assent was passed at Tuesday’s plenary following the adoption of a motion by Ovie Omo-Agege, deputy senate president, and 66 other lawmakers.

Opeyemi Bamidele, lawmaker from Ekiti, who presented the report on the bills, said the 35 bills have been considered by 27 state houses of assembly.

The lawmaker said the 27 states that have passed their resolutions on the bills to the national assembly are Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, and Edo.

Others are Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kogi, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Rivers, and Yobe

The legislator said the 35 bills have satisfied the provisions of the constitution for passage into law because it has been approved by not less than 24 state houses of assembly.

The upper legislative chamber asked Gombe, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kwara, Oyo, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, and Zamfara state houses of assemblies — which are yet to send their reports on the bills — to forward their resolutions.

ORGANIZED LABOUR ORGANISES DEBATE FOR KWARA GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES, TOMORROW

Preparations are ontop gear to host gubernatorial candidates’ debate by the Joint Kwara Labour Congress holding in Ilorin, the State capital.

The event is expected to hold tomorrow Wednesday January 25, 2023 at the Main Hall of the state wing of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) along Asa-Dam Road, Ilorin at 9am.

According to the statement jointly signed by the State Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Aliyu Issa Ore, and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Tunde Joseph as well as the Chairman, Gubernatorial Debate Planning Committee, Comrade Victoria Agboola, made available to TROVE ONLINE MEDIA

The statement said the essence of the debate is to engage the candidates on their level of preparedness and how they intend to govern Kwara differently if given the opportunity in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

It added that the state joint labour congress was committed to ensuring that the candidates prioritize the welfare of workers in their manifestos.

The statement assured that credible individuals, who have and still making their marks in their respective callings have been selected as panelists for the debate.

It urged workers in both formal and informal sectors to troop out en mass and attend the event as scheduled.

GOVERNOR YAHAYA BELLO LOBBIES PDP NATIONAL LEADERS, VOWS TO DELIVER KOGI TO ATIKU, OTHER PARTY CANDIDATES ON CERTAIN CONDITIONS

The Kogi State governor and member of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, Yahaya Bello may work for the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 general elections.

According to multiple sources, Bello recently approached the PDP Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu and some party leaders over the issue. 

He was said to have promised to deliver the majority of votes cast in the presidential election in the state for the party’s candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

The governor however asked the PDP to withdraw its support for its Kogi Central Senatorial candidate, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, one of the sources familiar with the meeting with Ayu disclosed.

“He approached our National Chairman and some people in PDP, he however gave them different conditions to work for us.

“One of them is that PDP should allow Natasha to lose the case in court so that Adamu Attah can be the senatorial candidate. He asked them to withdraw all legal support given to her. He said if that happens, he will allow Atiku and some PDP candidates to win Kogi,

Another source noted that Governor Bello is not close to former Lagos governor and the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu and Tinubu’s ally, James Faleke, despite being the National Youth Coordinator of the APC Presidential Campaign Council. Faleke is the Secretary of the Council. 

According to sources, Bello does not feel relevant as an APC governor as he is being bypassed by the APC-PCC to deal directly with Faleke, especially as regards the allocation of funds for the election. 

Another source added, “Don’t you know notice that he is not close to (Bola) Tinubu? The manner by which he became a governor and how he fought James Faleke in court after Prince Abubakar Audu died is still sore. Under normal circumstances, Faleke ought to be the governor and not Bello. He was Audu’s running mate and Audu died after he won the election.

“And you know Faleke is very close to Tinubu. Currently, in Kogi, they have two groups in APC, Faleke’s faction and that of Bello. All the money to fund elections in Kogi is being passed through Faleke; Bello team doesn’t get anything. Forget that he is the National Youth Coordinator of the APC-Presidential Campaign Council. 

“You won’t see him attending any meeting with Tinubu, you won’t see him attending any of Tinubu’s rallies. They don’t invite him for anything regarding the APC Presidential bid. That’s why he feels he will have a softer landing in PDP.

“Moreover, he is planning on installing his own successor. With Tinubu’s presidency, this may be a difficult task for him

KWARA SWAN ELECTS NEW EXCO, AS ISMAIL AYODEJI, DARE KUTI, NUSIRAT POPOOLA EMERGE AS NEW LEADERS

Radio Kwara Sports anchor, Ismail Ayodeji has been elected Chairman of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Kwara State Chapter on Monday.

Ayodeji defeated Olayinka Owolewa of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by 17 to 13 votes in a keenly contested election at the NUJ Conference hall in Ilorin.

Sobi FM's Toyin Saheed was unopposed for the position of Vice Chairman, Dare Kuti of Aclsports emerged Secretary unopposed while Sodiq Adebara of FRCN emerged Assistant Secretary.

Other Executives of SWAN Kwara State includes; Nicholas Uwerunonye (Treasurer), Bamidele Obaseesin (Welfare), Nusirat Popoola (Financial Secretary), Abdul Momoh (Ex Officio) and Mustapha Abubakar (Ex Officio).

The newly elected Chairman of SWAN Kwara State Chapter, Ismail Ayodeji said his administration will focus on training and retraining of SWAN members.

Ayodeji said the new executives will strive hard to ensure the completion of the secretariat which has been on the front burner of the past administration.

He emphasised on the improvement of welfare of members and partnering relevant organisations. 

He said, "As we receive the mantle of leadership today, we are hitting the ground running without further delay, our tenure will focus on training and retraining of members, completion of our secretariat, improve welfare of members and as well partnering relevant organisations to achieve the set objectives.

"We will work towards  strengthening our membership and this will be achieved by reaching out to new media houses which spring up across the state. The association will open its official Facebook page, Twitter, IG and website to further project our image as well assisting in disseminating information on various sports developmental programmes in the state."

"To achieve this, we are soliciting for your maximum cooperation and understanding as we begin the process of rejuvenating our great association", he added.

He said, "I am also indebted to the General Manager of the Kwara State Broadcasting Corporation, Radio Kwara, Alhaji Kayode Aremu and his Management team, Barrister AbdulKareem Alabi of the Saliu Mustapha foundation for their unalloyed support towards my emergency as the new Chairman of Kwara SWAN.

"I will like to thank the administration of our silent achiever and indefatigable Governor of Kwara state, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for changing the narrative in sports sector in Kwara state, his giant strides in the last three and half years are overwhelming, just as we appeal to him to oblige us to meet him".

In his goodwill message, the Executive Chairman of Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bolakale Mogaji pledged total support for the association.

Mogaji said, "SWAN is the association that can guide us, criticise and tell sports administrators what to do. I want to appeal to journalists to get their facts from both parties before reporting their stories in order to balance their reports.

"Without SWAN, sports cannot develop and I want to assure you of the commission's support".

In their various goodwill messages, the Chairman of Kwara State Television Commission, Mallam Hameed Adio (OLY); the Chairman Kwara State Football Association, Idris Abdullahi (Thuraya) and the administrator of Kwara Football Academy, Alhaji Ibrahim Bako promised to partner with the newly elected executive in moving the association forward.

NNPP SAYS KWANKWASO WON'T STEP DOWN FOR AILING PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES

The Nigeria Peoples Party Presidential Campaign Council (NNPP-PCC) has said its presidential candidate, Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso, will not step down for any presidential candidate in next month’s presidential election.

NNPC-PCO spokesperson, Ladipo Johnson, made this known in response to a speculation that the former Kano State governor would step down for one of the front-runners in the February 25 presidential election.

Johnson described the speculation as a campaign of calumny being orchestrated by some political blocks.

He said, “The campaign of calumny is well orchestrated and comes from more than one political block! Ab initio, they initiated and carried rumours about Kwankwaso purportedly stepping down for their weak candidates.

“I pity these political jobbers as there probably is no easy way for them to sell their weak and ailing candidates who have passed their ‘sell by dates’, to Nigerians! I make bold to say that these so-called candidates should be taken off the supermarket shelf (off the political space). They have cost us enough.”

According to him, the political jobbers were attempting to push their narrative by using pecuniary means to entice solitary NNPP or Kwankwasiyya members who then stage “decamping shows”, claiming they had moved with hundreds of thousands of their members.

Urging that such political jobbers should not be taken seriously, he described the development as “laughable”, noting that there would be more of such shows as the “expired” politicians become more desperate as the elections draw closer.

The RMK 2023 campaign is waxing stronger as we head into the last 30 days of the campaign. Our candidate has reached way over 400-plus local governments and is going into the only state he has not been to, to campaign in the coming days,” he said.

He noted that the NNPP had a clear strategic path to victory and Kwankwaso would win the election.

“It is certain that these expired politicians will continue to seek to buy the loyalty and votes of Nigerians and will not desist from their underhand tactics,” Johnson added.

He reiterated that the NNPP and Kwankwaso were contesting the elections to win, asserting that its presidential candidate had the competence, capacity, and political will to move Nigeria in the right direction.

He assured voters that Kwankwaso would deliver on the people’s mandate if elected as president

G-5 SETS TO SUE PDP OVER DISSOLUTION OF EKITI EXCO

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has described the dissolution of the Ekiti State Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party by the  Iyorchia Ayu-led National Working Committee of the party as an act of tyranny.

The governor said the dissolution would be challenged in court.

Wike, who dared the PDP National Chairman (Ayu) to suspend him or any of the G-5 governors, warned that the resort to despotism by the NWC would not do the PDP any good in the forthcoming general elections.

Wike stated this while speaking at the campaign flag-off rally by the State PDP Campaign Council in Bori, Khana Local Government Area on Saturday.

He stressed that the dissolution of the Ekiti State working committee would be challenged in court because there are still members of the PDP who believe in the rule of law and that the party should respect its constitution.

XAVI REACTS AS COURT SENDS DANI ALVES TO PRISON

Brazilian player, Alves was arrested and detained on Friday, with the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player accused of sexual assault.

Barcelona head coach, Xavi Hernandez, was “in a state of shock” following news of the club’s legend Dani Alves being arrested on suspicion of carrying out a sexual assault.

Alves was arrested on Friday in Barcelona after it was alleged he assaulted a woman in a nightclub bathroom.

The Brazilian denied committing the offence when he spoke to Spanish broadcaster Antena 3 earlier this month.

The 39-year-old, who has also played for Juventus, Sevilla and Paris Saint-Germain, gave a statement to the Mossos d’Esquadra police force on Friday before the public prosecutor’s office requested that he should be detained and not granted bail.

The right-back has been kept in prison while investigations continue, and his current contract with Mexican club Pumas UNAM has been terminated.

Reacting to the development, Xavi, a former Barcelona team-mate of Alves, said at his pre-match press conference on Saturday ahead of Barca’s LaLiga tie with Getafe on Sunday, Xavi said: “It’s difficult to comment on a situation like this.

FORMER KANO CENTRAL SENATOR NAJA'ATU MUHAMMADU DUMPS APC

Naj’atu Muhammad, a former senator representing Kano central, has resigned her membership from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement on Saturday, Muhammad said parties in the country have no ideological difference, adding that the different parties are like clothes worn by politicians to serve their personal interests.

The politician said she is committed to supporting individuals that are truly interested in addressing the root causes of Nigeria’s challenges.

Quitting party politics at this point in time is one of such steps. We all recognize that Nigeria is facing many challenges, including insecurity, poverty, inequality, and lack of access to basic services,” she said.

Such challenges require the consolidated efforts of competent and patriotic leadership across every level of governance. Nigerians must be aware of the severity of their situation after the dismal failures of leadership the country has experienced over the years.

“Nigerians must be aware of the consequences of their decisions and their choices.

“Therefore, restricting one’s choice to a single political party will be detrimental to the development of our country and our democracy.

As a Nigerian fighting for a better Nigeria, I am deeply committed to the struggle for a more just and equitable society. I believe that all Nigerians deserve the opportunity to live a life of dignity, security and opportunity

PDP SUSPENDS NNAMANI, FAYOSE'S SON FOR ALLEGED ANTI-PARTY ACTIVITIES

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) suspended the former governor of Enugu State, Chimaroke Nnamani, and eight others for alleged anti-party activities.

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, who confirmed the development in a statement on Friday in Abuja, said the NWC also suspended a party member in Imo State, Chief Chris Ogbu, and seven others from Ekiti State.

Those suspended from Ekiti are – Ayeni Funso (Ekiti North), Ajijola Lateef Oladimeji (Ekiti Central), Emiola Adenike Jennifer (Ekiti South II), and Ajayi Babatunde Samuel (Ekiti North II).

Others are – Olayinka James Olalere (Ekiti Central), Akerele Oluyinka (Ekiti North I), and Fayose Oluwajomiloju John (Ekiti Central I)

He added that the NWC also dissolved the party’s executive committee in the state.

According to Ologunagba, the decision to suspend the members was taken after a review and consideration of the party’s affairs in the country.

 

NEW NIGERIA WE WANT TO BUILD HAS NO PARTY...PETER. OBI

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), and former Anambra State Government Peter Obi,  says the new Nigeria “we want to build has no party”.

Obi said this at the party’s rally on Friday in Jos, Plateau State capital.

The candidate promised to carry youth, women and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) along if elected.

He also promised to create an enabling environment for every Nigerian to thrive, adding that he would protect the interest of all.

Obi also promised to provide quality and affordable education for young Nigerians, adding that he would fight corruption and end wastages in the system.

He promised to restore the lost glory of Plateau as home of peace, tourism and hospitality, adding that he would bring government closer to the people at all levels

Earlier, the National Chairman of LP, Julius Abure, decried the myriad of challenges currently facing the nation and urged Nigerians to vote LP in the forthcoming general polls.

He also advised Nigerians to defend their votes in a civil manner on election days, insisting that such moves would minimise rigging and other electoral malpractices.

ATIKU HAILS MAKINDE DESPITE HIS OFF APPEARANCE AT THE PDP PRESIDENTIAL RALLY

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has hailed Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for the successful organisation of the presidential campaign rally.

Speaking at the Mapo Hall in Ibadan, the venue of the presidential campaign, Atiku also commended the state chapter of the party for ensuring that the rally is “well organised”.

He said: “The people of Oyo state — let me use this opportunity again to commend governor Makinde and the PDP in Oyo state for making sure that this rally is well organised and well-orchestrated.”

Also speaking at the rally, PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, praised Makinde who was conspicuously missing at the rally, for the successful campaign in the state saying that the party is proud of the achievement of the governor.

Earlier Atiku, his running mate, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, and others party's dignitaries were received in Ibadan by party chieftains in the State, all styled in green attires stamped with the PDP logo.

Shortly after touching down at the PaceSetter State, Atiku and Okowa visited the Olubadan, Oba Moshood Lekan Balogun, who he described as his friend and political associate before proceeding to the campaign ground.

MAKINDE MAY SHUN ATIKU’s PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN IN OYO TODAY

Indications have emerged that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde will not attend the Presidential Campaign of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar today in the state.

National Assembly candidates of the party in the state were confused on whether to attend the campaign or not.

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke is expected to lead PDP governorship candidates in Lagos and Ogun to the event.

It was further learnt that Makinde had not gotten signal from the leader of the aggrieved party’s governors known as G-5 led by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State to attend the event.

 Unlike when the G-5 Governors visited Ibadan a few days ago, there was nothing welcoming Atiku and the PDP leaders to Ibadan.

 Also, the decoration of Mapo Hall, venue of the event, and other logistics were not being handled by the Makinde administration.

It would be recalled that former governor Ayodele Fayose and some of his loyalists, especially those contesting senatorial and House of Representatives seats on the platform of the party shunned the rally in Ekiti.

Makinde and four other governors of Rivers, Benue, Abia and Enugu were not disposed to the campaign of the former vice-president following his insistence that the party chairman, Iyorchia Ayu would not vacate his seat as national chairman of the PDP.

NASS SETS TO TRANSMIT NIGERIA PEACE CORPS BILL TO PRESIDENCY FOR ASSENT

The  National Assembly has concluded plans to transmit to the Presidency the Bill for an Act to establish the Nigeria Peace Corps with final harmonization of the Bill by the two Chambers.

Consequently, the House of Representatives took the lead by constituting a six-man Conference Committee that would work with their Senate counterpart to harmonise and produce a clean copy of the Bill for onward transmission to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent.

Members of the House Conference Committee are Hon Babangida Ibrahim (Chairman) Hon Tijani Kayode Ismail, Hon Chinedu Ogah, Hon Ibrahim Umar Potiskum, Hon Abdulmumini Are and Hon Legor Idegbo as members.

On its part, the Senate’s Committee members 

Senator Kashim Shettima, Chairman while

Senator Abba Moro, Senator Betty Apiafi, Senator Oriolowo Adelere, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe and Senator Seriake Dickson are members.

The Conference Committee members are expectedly to look at discrepancies and harmonize them before forwarding the clean copy to the Presidency.

It will be recalled that the Nigeria Peace Corps (NPC) Establishment Bill passed in 2022 by the two Chambers was sponsored by the Chairman, Senate Committee of the Nigerian Army, Senator Ali Ndume while that of the House of Representatives was sponsored by the Chief Whip, Rt Hon Mohammed Monguno as HB17.

Sources at the National Assembly confided in our correspondent that the harmonization would be completed before the National Lawmakers proceed on campaign recess next week.

One of the Lawmakers who did not want his name mentioned said that the harmonized copy of the Bill would reach President Buhari’s table early enough so as to quicken Presidential Assent to it.

The Bill, among others, seeks to establish the Nigerian Peace Corps as a body charged with the responsibility to develop, empower and provide gainful employment to youths, facilitate peace, volunteerism,, Community Service, Neighborhood Watch and Nation building.

According to part Vlll of the passed Bill, when assented to by President Buhari, would give statutory backing to the existing Peace Corps of Nigeria.

The Peace Corps of Nigeria established over 24 years ago under the National Commandant, Professor Dickson Ameh Akoh is Incorporated in Nigeria under the Company and Allied Matters (CAMA) Act and accorded the Federal Government recognition through the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.

Due to the value driven programs of the Corps, aimed at the socio-economic empowerment of the Nigerian youths and its onerous contributions to peace building and advocacy, the United Nations in 2011 accorded the organization a Special Consultative Status while the African Union in 2016 accorded same status to the organization, thus, making it a member of the Social and Economic Councils of both the United Nations and the African Union.

So far, the organization has a well structured network of offices in the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory FCT..

It has a membership strength of over 187,000 comprising of both regular staff and volunteers.

For the landmark achievements and accomplishments of the organization thus far, the Corps and its National Commandant have received over 110 Awards Nationally and Internationally.

Meanwhile,we gathered that President Muhammadu Buhari is eager to receive the bill since it will enhance employment generation for teeming Nigerians when it is eventually signed into law.

APC HAS FAILED CAMPAIGN PROMISES – PDP

The Delta State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party says the All Progressives Congress has failed especially in its 16 campaign promises to Nigerians in 2015.

The Director, Delta State Campaign Council, Funkekeme Solomon, who stated this on Wednesday in Asaba, the state capital, said PDP over the years won elections in the state.

He said, “When APC was coming to power in 2015, they gave us over 16 promises and till date, none has been fulfilled. Rather, it went worse.

“They promised to reduce fuel pump price to N45 per liter in the first year of their administration, free education at all levels, placing every graduate on allowances after their youth service until they find a job.

They also promised to expand electricity generation to 40,000 megawatts, stabilize global oil prices at $100 per barrel, stop importation of refined petroleum products, all refineries will be working at 100 percent full capacity among others

“All these campaign promises including crushing Boko Haram and insurgency in the first three months in office and bringing back all missing girls in their captivity have not been fulfilled.

“Therefore, we have gone round 23 local governments out of 25 local governments in the state and the people have agreed to vote PDP because the APC government is a fraud.

Deltans has been favour as VP candidate in the history of Nigeria and Okowa as a president will put an end to non attention of federal to the state development.”

On defection of PDP members to APC recently, Solomon said both parties are receiving candidates at this critical time of electioneering even as he noted that PDP is receiving more and the party is intact to win the 2023 election.

He cleared the rumors going round the state that former governor James Ibori boycotted the party campaign rallies, saying, “Ibori never snubbed the party rally. He is busy with national assignments.”

EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPENED TO OGHARA POWER PROJECT, OMO-AGEGE CHALLENGES OKOWA

Deputy Senate President and Delta All Progressives Congress, APC, Governorship candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has challenged Delta State governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, to shed light on what happened to the Oghara Independent Power Plant, IPP.

Senator Omo-Agege, while addressing a mammoth crowd of party faithful and supporters at Oghara and Mosogar, during the APC governorship ward-to-ward campaign on Wednesday, questioned why security personnel invaded the 20 Megawatts plant and forcefully removed its gas turbines.

He challenged Governor Okowa to come clean about his involvement in stripping the plant and explain to Oghara and Delta people the present whereabouts of the turbines.

Senator Omo-Agege attributed what happened to the Oghara IPP to wickedness on the part of those who don’t want any project sited in Urhoboland, chief of which is Governor Okowa himself, he said.

All that was needed for the project to succeed was made available, over N20 billion had been expended but all the equipment was looted because of PDP and Okowa’s hatred for the Urhobo.”

He drew similar parallels with the Oghara Teaching Hospital which was conceived to be one of the best hospitals in West Africa but has since become a shadow of its former self.

He posited that Dr Okowa, instead of promoting the Oghara Teaching Hospital, proceeded to build another one in his hometown, Owa-Alero. And having shifted attention to the new facility, the old one simply died.

But he assured that when elected governor, Urhobo glory and all that is due to Deltans will be restored

He frowned at the exorbitant increase of school fees in Delta State-owned tertiary institutions whereas, Delta, under Governor Okowa, has failed to implement minimum wage to workers; and promised that when he becomes governor he will reduce school fees in Delta State-owned tertiary institutions.

He restated his commitment to the welfare of retirees in the State reiterating that “we will retire all pensions payment six months after inauguration”.

He restated his commitment to the welfare of retirees in the State reiterating that “we will retire all pensions payment six months after inauguration”.

Senator Omo-Agege’s running mate, Rt Hon Friday Osanebi told the people to remain resolute and committed to the cause of voting out the PDP and charged them not to sell their votes.

Also speaking, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor said the development has passed Oghara by, and obviously, there was no smile in the faces of the people.

“For past 16 years, there has been no road, no employment, nothing.”

He commended Senator Omo-Agege for his achievements so far saying that he is an intelligent and courageous fighter who will secure the best for Deltans.

State Chairman of APC, Elder Omeni Sobotie, at the rallies, urged the people to vote massively for all APC candidates, stating that the party has presented only the very best and brightest for the upcoming polls

MAKINDE, AKINJIDE, BOW FOR PRESSURE, AGREE TO LEAD ATIKU MEGA RALLY IN IBADAN

Oyo state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the former Deputy Governor of Oyo state, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, the former Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide are expected to be in attendance as Alhaji Atiku Abubakar flags off his 2023 presidential campaign in Oyo state on Thursday.

This development has put an end to the internal lingering crisis in the state chapter of the party.

It was gathered that all the candidates of the party at all levels will be formally presented at the occasion.

Governor Makinde who is the youth leader of the G-5 Forum has always insisted that right things must be done for the party to reclaim its right of place at the national level, especially in the area of strict adherence to the principle of zoning.

His stance has led to factionalization of the state chapter of the party, as other chieftains of the party in their argument submitted that it is only the NEC of the party that has power to remove the national chairman, Iyorcha Ayu not Atiku

However, with the present development, normalcy has returned to the party, as all the factions have agreed to put aside their differences and work for the common goals of the party at all levels.

ADELEKE LAUNCHES PRO-MASSES 100 DAYS PROGRAMME

The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has  launched a six pronged project to touch the lives of Osun masses in all the local governments areas of the state. 

Provision of portable water in 332 towns/Villages, one in each of the 332 wards in the State. The implementation has already started in Osogbo, Ifelodun and other local governments of the state.

Complete renovation of 30 schools, one per local government, including portable water and the provision of at least 50 computers with internet services in each renovated school.

Rehabilitation of 332 primary health care centers, one in each of the 332 wards in the State. Access to Health Care at the grassroot is the main objective.

Enrollment of 3000 Osun Citizens in the Health Insurance Scheme, free of Charge.

With an eye to address deplorable state of roads in the state, the government of Governor Adeleke has also initiated the rehabilitation of nine major roads, one per federal constituency. This is targeted at reducing the high infrastructure deficit facing the state.

To address the yearning of Osun youth population, Governor Adeleke is also implementing an ongoing ICT/tech innovations programme which include the making of first State ICT Policy, first State Innovation Policy, domestication of Nigeria's Startup Act and Goggle Mapping of Osun state.

All the above programmes designed to touch the lives of the masses and the youth are ongoing for full delivery by the time the administration clocks 100 days in office.

ONDO GOVERNOR, AKEREDOLU DOWN WITH BLOOD CANCER

Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has leukemia, he is really down,” one of the sources in the Alagbaka Government House confirmed the information

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood caused by a rise in the number of white blood cells in the body.

For sufferers, the white blood cells crowd out the red blood cells and platelets needed by the body to stay healthy.

White blood cells are potent infection fighters which grow and divide in an orderly way, as the body needs them. But in people with leukemia, the bone marrow produces an excessive amount of abnormal white blood cells, which don't function properly.

It is a cancer of blood-forming tissues that hinders the body’s ability to fight infections.

The types that exist include acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Treatment for leukemia can be complex depending on the type of leukemia and other factors.

But some strategies and resources can help make treatment successful.

According to WebMD Cancer Center, its symptoms may include weakness or fatigue, bruising or bleeding easily, fever or chills, infections that are severe or keep coming back, and pain in your bones or joints.

Others may include headaches, vomiting, seizures, weight loss, night sweats, shortness of breath, and swollen lymph nodes or organs like the spleen.

Betty, the wife of the governor recently cried out that her husband was sick after taking a “concoction” from one of his female aides, Bunmi Ademosun.

FG ISSUES CERTIFICATES TO CONUA, NAMDA, WARNS AGAINST STRIKE

Nigerian government on Tuesday, January 17, issued certificates of recognition to two breakaway unions of Nigerian university lecturers and medical doctors – the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA).

CONUA emerged from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) while NAMDA is a breakaway group from the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).

ASUU and NARD had embarked on series of strikes in recent years over disputes with the government, a development which is believed to have prompted the Federal Government to register the two breakaway unions.

At the certificate issuance ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, Minister of Labour and Employment Chris Ngige warned members of CONUA and NAMDA against going on strike, noting that they would not be paid salaries if they embark on industrial action.

Ngige further stressed that the registration of the two unions followed due process as the Ministry received no letter from any existing union rejecting the registration of CONUA and NAMDA. 

Presenting the unions with copies of their certificates of registration, he also enjoined them to fully operate as trade unions in the education sector.

The minister warned CONUA and NAMDA not to shut down Nigeria’s tertiary education like ASUU did by embarking on an indefinite strike.

“Don’t behave like ASUU. ASUU wanted to close down government business and we said no. There are consequences to strike. If you go on strike, the law is clear: no salary for you.

“If you have issues, negotiate with government, your employer. Be responsible in your demands. Education is essential service, therefore, no one should decide to shut it down for any reason.”

The Minister of Labour added that the government couldn’t sign the agreement contained in ASUU demand as there “was nowhere government will go and bring over a trillion naira to give ASUU.”

According to him, no minister or government official will sign any agreement that will not be possible to implement. He added that what happened in the tertiary education sector in 2022 will never happen in Nigeria again.

“With what we have done, no minister or government official will sign any agreement that will not be possible to implement. Unless the labour ministers after me choose to do contrary to the principles of free bargaining.”

Ngige also advised CONUA and NAMDA not to fight with other related unions.

Speaking on the development, CONUA National President Dr Niyi Sunmonu appealed to the Federal Government to pay the eight months withheld salary of the union members.

“Our concern is on the further withholding of CONUA members’ eight months’ salary. We did not call for strike neither did we go on strike. We call for an end to the withholding of salaries of our members.”

Sunmonu further explained that members of the union were unable to perform their duties due to the lock out arising from the shutdown of the universities by the school authorities.

PCC REAFFIRMS TOMORROW'S TINUBU/ SHETTIMA KWARA PRESIDENTIAL RALLY

The All Progressive Congress Presidential Campaign Council has given approval for the Tinubu/ Shettima Presidential Campaign rally scheduled for tomorrow January 17, 2023 in Ilorin, the Kwara State Capital.

The Presidential Campaign Council gave the approval for the rally to hold as Sheduled at 10 am tomorrowfollowing reports that majority of APC members and Supporters across the country have arrived in Ilorin , the state Capital.

While commending all APC members and supporters for their total loyalty and commitment for staying back in Ilorin for further clarification , the Council assures them tha t all PCC members and other leaders of the party slated to attend the rally are on their way to Ilorin for the rally as scheduled

The Local Organizing Committee assures all APC members and Supporters that all arrangements are intact to have a successful Rally.

The Committtee urged those on their way to Ilorin to continue for full participation in the rally .

It wishes all members across the country a safe journey and successful rally in Ilorin, the Kwara State Capital .

 E Signed

Alhaji Saadu Salau

Chairman, LOC Media Committee

CBN INTRODUCES UNIFIED ATM CARD

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, will begin implementing the National Domestic Card initiative in an effort to totally phase out ATM cards and standardize payments.

On January 16, 2023, Nigerians will begin waiting in line at their banks for new cards. The new card would reduce demand for dollars, according to the CBN, as more banks quit using naira cards for international transactions.

APC POSTPONES PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN RALLY IN KWARA STATE TILL FURTHER NOTICE

The Kwara State All Progressive Congress has announced the postponement of the Tinubu/Shettima rally initially scheduled to hold tomorrow 17 of Jan, 2023, in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital

According to a statement signed by Local Organizing Committee Chairman, Saadu Salahu, said the postponement is to allow President Muhammadu Buhari to lead campaign in the State

The President is scheduled for an International engagement outside the country this week, beginning tomorrow but insists he would like to personally lead the APC Presidential rally in Kwara State.

We deeply regret any inconveniences the postponement might have caused our guests and all APC stakeholders.

BUHARI SHUNS TINUBU/SHETTIMA, GOV. A.A, JETS OFF MAURITANIA TO RECEIVE PEACE AWARD

President Muhammadu Buhari, will on Monday depart Abuja for the Mauritanian capital city of Nouakchott for official engagements.

This was disclosed by presidential spokesperson, Femi Adesina, in a statement late Sunday.

Adesina said, while in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Buhari will be presented with the African Award for strengthening peace by the Abu Dhabi Peace Forum.

He said the president will also participate in the Programme of the Third Forum of the African Conference for Peace, where he will deliver a speech on milestones and gains in the African peace process.

“President Muhammadu Buhari will on Tuesday, January 18, 2023, receive ‘African Award for Strengthening Peace’ in Nouakchott, Islamic Republic of Mauritania, for his leadership role in promoting peace on the continent, through regular inventions, counsels and conciliatory position,” the statement partly read.

“The award will be presented to President Buhari by the Abu Dhabi Peace Forum, which is an assembly of leaders established in 2014 to pursue new ways to embrace inclusive citizenship, promote lasting peace, and work towards a safer and more sustainable world for everyone.”