By Ahmed Abba

By Nicholas Dechi

Mr Julius Atorough, a governorship aspirant in Benue, said he is capable of governing the state, stating that he would justify the confidence his people reposed in him if given the mandate to govern the state in 2023.

Atorough stated this on Saturday at Amua at an occasion to honour him.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that Atorough was honoured for his contribution to the development of Mbavaa Community Secondary School, Amua (MCSSA), Konshisha Local Government Area (LGA), Benue.

The governorship aspirant said he had all it takes to govern and encouraged his people to rally round him to enable him to actualise his political dreams.

“I am honoured by my people today because of my modest support to our community school.

“I have built two gigantic structures in the school, donated a number of computers and solar panels.

“I have been assisting people outside my community too.

“I foot their medical bills, school fees and even settle their financial challenges,” he said.

He said that individuals and groups had been talking to him to vie for the governorship position, stressing that he had finally succumbed to their demand.

Meanwhile, Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue has promised to ensure that the Ge-Ikyobo-Amua-Anshagba road was completed before the end of his tenure.

Represented by Dr Sarwuan Tarnongo, Special Adviser on Basic Education, Ortom said that he inherited the project but would ensure that it was completed before the end of his tenure.

He also promised to construct the road linking Agbeede in Konshisha with Vandeikya LGAs of the state.

Sen. Gabriel Suswam  also promised to support any political aspiration of Atorough because he was a comprehensive being that was capable of delivering on any assignment given to him.

“Atorough is an asset to Mbavaa community, Tiv, Benue and Nigeria at large,” he said.

Represented by Mr Sam Kave, the Deputy Chairman of the local government, Suswam disclosed that as a result of his close affinity with Atorough he had initiated over 30 projects to be done only in Konshisha LGA alone in the 2021 budget.

Also, Mr Terver Akase, the Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Ortom promised to complement the efforts of Atorough by paying the third term fees for all the Senior Secondary School II students of MCSSA.

Akase further promised to pay two months out of the 19 months salary arrears owed the contract teachers of the school.

The Chairman, Central Planning Committee, Mr Edmund Asor, said that the people were blessed to have Atorough as their son, promising that they would not hesitate to support any of his ambitions. (NAN)

By Ahmed Abba

Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe has expressed happiness with the return of normalcy after years of devastating effects of insurgency in the state.

Buni stated this on Saturday shortly after casting his vote the during local government election, in Buni-Gari, Gujba Local Government area of the state.

He said “These are places that you could not dare come during the insurgency, but thank God that today, people have come back to their respective communities and are now going about their normal businesses.

“We are doing everything, within our limited resources, to provide them with basic amenities for them to pick their pieces.”

The governor also expressed satisfaction with the turnout of the people for the council election across the state.

“We are encouraged with the turn out. People have come out en masse to exercise their franchise, which is their civic responsibilities,” he said.

Buni urged the candidates, who would eventually emerge victorious, to justify the confidence reposed in them by the people of the state.

“For the candidates, it is a trust; therefore, we expect them to live up to expectations, when inaugurated,” Buni said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the elections were held in all the 17 local government areas of the state. (NAN)

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the abduction of students of Girls Science Secondary School, Jangebe in Zamfara.

PDP said this in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan in Abuja on Friday.

Ologbondiyan called for full scale investigation into the issue towards finding lasting solutions.

He said the PDP was alarmed by the trend in the country, where kidnapping of innocent school children and other vulnerable citizens for ransom has turned into lucrative business.
Ologbondiyan said the PDP was saddened by the increased acts of terrorism in the country.

He identified with the families of the abducted children as well as the victims of security challenges in country. (NAN)

By Douglas Okoro

A cross-section of Abakaliki residents have stressed the need for Chief Elias Mbam, to contest Ebonyi governorship seat in order  to consolidate gains of democracy in Ebonyi beyond 2023.

According to them, Mbam, the current Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), will stimulate infrastructural and human capital development in Ebonyi.

The residents who spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Friday in Abakaliki, also noted that Ebonyi was endowed with capable hands to steer the ship of state.

Mr Philip Elom, a civil servant in the Ebonyi Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, urged Mbam to make himself available for the governorship race in 2023.

Elom described Mbam as a consummate technocrat, politician and financial expert, who would deploy his wealth of experience to sustain, stimulate and deepen gains of democracy in the state if elected governor.

“Mbam has been in leadership position since the dawn of this current dispensation in 1999 and has held different executive positions at various times in Ebonyi where he proved himself as an experienced administrator.

“The RMAFC chairman was first appointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan and through his rare display of ingenuity in his first tenure as the RMAFC chairman was reappointed by President Muhammadu Buhari for a second term.

“Ebonyi needs a man with such vast experience, especially in global political economy in the saddle, who will bring to bear his wealth  of knowledge in the governance of the state,” Elom said

He added, “The current zoning arrangement in the state will have power shifted to Ebonyi North senatorial district where Mbam hails from, hence, he should take this advantage to offer his service to the people.’’

Another respondent, Mr John Eke, a retired civil servant said that Mbam’s governorship would serve the interest of both the poor; the rich, small and mighty in the society.

He described Mbam as a selfless and humble politician, that has touched many lives and empowered many youths and widows in his community and Ebonyi in general.

“Though I read in the news some weeks back that Mbam said he is more concerned at the moment with discharging his duties as the chairman of RMAFC.

“He should start now to contemplate to serve his people in a higher capacity and as such make himself available to run for governorship of the state in 2023.

“He has all the qualities needed to offer the state good governance and credible leadership; hence, I am urging him to throw his ‘hat’ to the ring in the 2023 governorship race,” Eke said.

Similarly, Mr Clement Nwebonyi of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said that Mbam would dwarf other contenders to the APC governorship ticket if he eventually makes himself available to run.

“As we count down to 2023, it’s imperative that a leader who will sustain the developmental strides of the former leaders is elected, and Mbam is eminently qualified to step into the shoes,” he said.

Nwebonyi explained that it was pertinent that Ebonyi is governed by a leader in the footsteps of her past leaders who had made impactful impression in the development of the state.

He noted that, Mbam who was former Minister of State for Finance and Economic Planning would sustain current development and create employment for the youths if given the opportunity to govern the state.

“Ebonyi voters should go for continuity in 2023, we should elect someone who is not just a politician but with the accommodative spirit to build bridges among past leaders of the state,” he added. (NAN)

By Emmanuel Afonne

Mr Kingsley Muturu, a Peace Ambassador in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta, has sued for peace among political parties, ahead of the local government election in the state slated for March 6.

Muturu who gave the charge in a statement issued on Wednesday to remind stakeholders of the importance of having a peaceful LG election.

He, however, urged the PDP to work hard for victory in the forthcoming election and see the opportunity of flying the party’s flag as a stepping stone to something greater.

“This election should be seen as a contest amongst brothers and don’t see the PDP ticket for the election as victory already secured.

“You must reach out to the voters to sell the party and their candidacy,” he said.

According to him, it is now that the real work should start,  by going to the grassroots to mobilise the people and telling them what they stand to gain when one is  elected.

“Use this opportunity to aspire to something greater and consider yourselves privileged to bear this flag because many had sought for it. Do not abuse this rare privilege.

“When elected, do not turn your back on the people at the grassroots who you are meant to represent.

“Be an ambassador of peace, eschew violence and don’t engage anybody to cause violence for you. We are brothers and sisters in this local government, our different political leanings notwithstanding.

“Local government is the tier of government closest to the people, therefore, I urge you to let the people feel your presence and impact when elected,” he said.

Muturu urged the party’s flag bearers to distinguish themselves from ineffective predecessors and make the difference when in office.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that  the PDP in Delta recently handed its flags to its chairmanship, vice chairmanship and councillorship candidates in the 25 local government areas in the state preparatory to the LG election. (NAN)

By Ismaila Chafe

The Federal executive Council (FEC) presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday approved N5.9 billion for execution of three projects by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Minister of the FCT, Malam Mohammed Bello, made this known when he briefed State House correspondents on the outcome of the Council meeting in Abuja.

He said N2.3billion of the amount was meant for rehabilitation of the road leading to the Federal Integrated Staff Housing Estate in Apo, Abuja, while N3.6billion was approved for the construction of an access road and car park for the Abuja light rail station at ring road II.

The minister said: “During today’s Federal Executive Council meeting, I presented three memos, two of which were on infrastructure and the other was for the purchase of needed equipment to make the city safe.

“The first was for a contract to rehabilitate the road leading to the Federal Integrated Staff Housing Estate in Apo, Abuja, and that contract was approved at the sum of N2.3 billion with a completion period of 24 months.

“As you know, the Federal Integrated Staff Housing Estates are being constructed in some locations in Abuja under the office of the Head of civil Service of the Federation and these estates are intended to provide needed accommodation to federal civil servants.

“The second infrastructure project relates to the contract for the construction of an access road and car park for the Abuja light rail station at ring road II otherwise known as Kukwaba station, which you see on the airport expressway immediately after the city gate near the Kukwaba recreation park under the Ministry of Aviation. The contract was approved for N3.6 billion, with a completion period of 18 months.

“The intention is that by the opening of that road, that railway station can be made functional and then commuters can use the station either when they visit the national park there or they want to have access to the Kukwaba district.”

He further revealed that the Council approved N3.07billion for the purchase of two towing vehicles and a crane for use by the Directorate of Road Traffic Services in the FCT.

“The third is for the purchase of two heavy duty tow vehicles with mounted crane for the Directorate of Road Traffic Services otherwise called Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO), under the FCT and that particular contract was approved at a total sum of N3,072,466,000 with a duration period for the supply put at six weeks,” he said.

On his part, the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, said the two memos for the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) he presented at the meeting, were approved by the Council.

According to Ehanire, the memos are procurement memos meant to upgrade and scale up the capacity of NAFDAC to be able to detect fake and substandard drugs and other materials.

He said: “The first memo was for procurement of about 40 scam devices, which are mobile scan devices to be able to recognise fake and substandard drugs brought in either across the border or found within the country.

“These are like rapid diagnostic kits tests, which also relieve the laboratories because normally you have to take samples to the laboratories, it takes a long time, several days and lead to some delays. So having a through scan allows us to have faster access.

“The second memo is about laboratory strengthening, improving and upgrading all of our six laboratories for NAFDAC for for testing materials that are brought into the country.

“Both of these contribute strongly to what we call the bench benchmarks for NAFDAC to be able to allow the manufacture of vaccines in Nigeria.

“It needs what we call the maturity level 3 of the World Health Organisation, to be able to start manufacturing, we have ambitions to start manufacturing vaccines and the federal government owns 49% of shares in the company called Bio-Vaccines that hopes to use technology imported from outside to make vaccines and getting this benchmark maturity level 3 is a condition for it.

“So both of these memos, the upscaling of laboratory capacity and the ability to speed up and make diagnostics more accurate in respective of fake and substandard drugs, will help us to push to apply for maturity level 3 for the health sector.”

On Nigeria’s access to COVID-19 vaccines, the ministers said the vaccines would be supplied to the country through three sources, namely; the COVAX facility set up by the World Health Organisation and Global Alliance for vaccines and immunization (GAVI); African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team (AVATT) and through bilaterals

He said the vaccines would be provided to Nigerians free-of-charge, saying the COVAX facility would cover about 20 per cent of the nation population with vaccines.

“Now, the COVAX will start delivering to African countries before the end of February, that’s what they told us. But they didn’t tell us which country is first or which is second, which is third.

“So COVAX begins to deliver before the end of February. We hope that before the end of this month it would be our turn or latest by beginning of next month.

“As for us here, we are ready to use vaccination once it arrives, we met all the conditions.

“They have asked us to sign an indemnification form, we have done that.  Indemnification means that you do not hold us responsible for anything that happens from using this vaccine. That’s a standard process.

“We have signed that indemnification and so we are waiting for the vaccines to arrive anytime.

“Now, the largest number of vaccines we are getting is AstraZeneca in Africa, and this AstraZeneca is made under the licence. It’s a UK vaccine but is manufactured under licence by the Serum Institute of India.

“So Serum Institute of India is donating all these vaccines,” he said. (NAN)

By Naomi Sharang/Kingsley Okoye

The Senate has confirmed the appointment of Abdulrasheed Bawa as substantive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

This followed the screening of the nominee at the Committee of the Whole on Wednesday.

Bawa had earlier at plenary, responded to questions from senators on his vision and mission if confirmed as chairman of the commission.

First to contribute was the Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege who said that the nomination of Bawa was unique and an inspirational one.

“I am so impressed and in awe in this awesome presentation by Mr Bawa. Ordinarily there would have not been no need to ask the young man any question.

“I have been here; this is my sixth year in the Senate. And I have seen nominees come before us. I have not seen any as eloquent in his presentation.

“Ordinarily I would have said take a bow. Clearly he is a very brilliant young man. He is a good product.

“His nomination has generated hope for our young generation. It’s an inspirational nomination. It is a nomination that has generated hope for million of our youths in this country.

“With this nomination, the youth of this country can now sit in offices and make those very crucial and fundamental decisions on how Nigeria should be governed. And there cannot be a better platform than the office of the chairman of EFCC.”

He said that the appointment of Bawa was the first time a nominee was appointed within the EFCC environment.

Senate Leader, Yahaya Abdullahi drew the attention of Bawa to the pitfall experienced in the institution over the years.

“For you as a young man, how are you going to straight up your operations as chairman of EFCC so that it works for Nigeria and that the controversies of the past are not repeated.”

Sen. Bala Na’Allah (APC-Kebbi) said Bawa had clearly demonstrated that he had the capacity and knowledge to run the office of EFCC as chairman.

“I call on my colleagues to approve his nomination.”

Sen. Ike Ekewremadu (PDP-Enugu) on his part advised the nominee to learn from the mistakes of his predecessors.

The approval of the appointment of Bawa was endorsed by the lawmakers after a Voice Vote by the President of the Senate Ahmad Lawan.

Bawa, an indigene of Kebbi and a certified anti-money laundering specialist has a Bachelor Degree in Economics.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that former chairmen of the commission included Nuhu Ribadu, Farida Waziri, Ibrahim Lamorde, Ibrahim Magu and Mohammed Umar.(NAN)

By Emmanuel Mogbede

The United Kingdom chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has pledged that it will continue to support the administration of Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state towards taking the state to a greater height.

This is contained in a statement by Mr Joseph Adebola, Chairman, APC UK 4 Aketi Campaign on Wednesday in Abuja.

Adebola congratulated Akeredolu on his inauguration for a second term in office, as the 6th democratically elected governor of Ondo state.

He commended the governor for his numerous achievements in office, adding that his monumental development in the state led to his re-election on Oct. 10, 2020.

Adebola called for a renewed vigour and a working synergy between the governor and his deputy to consolidate his achievements in office.

According to him, Akeredolu has set a benchmark with the dividends of good governance he brought to bear with his style of leadership in Ondo state.

“This will form the basis on which future leaders in the state and by extension the South West will be judged,” he said.

Adebola, however, called on people of the state to continue to support the governor and his deputy to enable them deliver more democracy dividends.

He expressed optimism that with Akeredolu and his deputy, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, at the helm of affairs, things could only get better in Ondo state.(NAN)

By Chimezie Anaso

Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has declared his intention to run for the governorship of Anambra in the Nov. 6 poll.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Soludo would be running on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Declaring his ambition on Thursday in Awka, he said he had been a party man since 2013 and would be better, if APGA offered him the ticket.

He promised to achieve victory for the party, hoping to leverage his international connections to transform the state.

He said that having served the global community, he was now poised to serve and develop Anambra.

The governorship aspirant took time to assess Gov. Willie Obiano’s administration in Anambra and described him as one of the best in the country.

He rated the governor high, in terms of infrastructure development and regular payment of ing workers’ salaries in the face of dwindling finances.

He said that Anambra had experienced steady prosperity under APGA.

“I granted an interview where they asked if I still stand by what I said in 2017 that ‘if Anambra is not broken, why mend it’ and I told them that Anambra is more sound now.

“In 2010, Federal Bureau of Statistics conducted a survey and said the poverty rate in Anambra was 53 per cent.

”In 2020, it conducted another survey and said poverty rate had gone down to 14.7 per cent, what else can you use to measure good governance.

“Anambra is doing well under Obiano and my mission is to continue and complete all the legacy projects of the governor,” Soludo said.

Rep. Chinedu Obidigwe, representing Anambra East and West Federal Constituency, thanked Soludo for accepting the call to join the governorship race and promised his unalloyed support to him.

Obidigwe said Soludo had paid his due as party a man and a technocrat and called on APGA to allow him to fly its flag as a sure way to victory.

The event was attended by APGA chieftains in the state, including the state Chairman, Chief Nobert Obi. (NAN)