Paradise News

Tag: Nigeria

  • Major APC Support Groups Join PDP in Bayelsa Ahead of Poll

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State has suffered a huge blow following the defection of the Seibarugu Political Dynasty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The influential group in the APC, comprising of thousands of members across the state, is led by a former Acting Governor and Speaker of the House of Assembly, Chief Werinipre Seibarugu.

    At a formal declaration during a meeting with Governor Douye Diri in Government House, Yenagoa, coordinator of the Seibarugu Dynasty, Ebiye Waripamo, said they were attracted to the PDP by the governor’s leadership style that is peaceful and development-oriented.

    Waripamo said after assessing Governor Diri’s performance in almost four years, particularly the prevailing peace and security as well as the ongoing developmental projects across the state, they were left with no choice than to join hands with him to move Bayelsa forward.

    He assured the governor and members of the PDP of their unalloyed commitment to the governor’s re-election on November 11, 2023.

    “We left Jerusalem and went to Egypt but now we are back in Jerusalem and this is where we will stay. We are not going back again.

    “Your Excellency, we have seen your developmental strides in the state and we are impressed. We came back to PDP because of your leadership style,” Waripamo said.

    Also speaking, the PDP National Financial Secretary, Daniel Woyengikuro, said he led members of the party in the Gbarain-Ekpetiama axis of Yenagoa Local Government Area to formally introduce the Seibarugu Dynasty to the governor.

    Describing members of the group as the main opposition elements in Yenagoa Constituency 2, Woyengikuro expressed optimism that by joining the PDP, election in the constituency will be a walkover for the ruling party.

    In his remarks, the state PDP chairman, Solomon Agwana, welcomed the group and assured that the members will not be discriminated against.

    Responding, Diri expressed appreciation to the leader of the Seibarugu Dynasty and described Seibarugu as a man of conviction and integrity.

    He commended his decision to return to the PDP with thousands of his supporters.

    Diri said the APC in the state was a deceitful party that does not mean well for its development, saying its candidate, a former governor, had nothing reasonable to show for his time in office.

    “Let me appreciate your leader, Right Honourable Werinipre Seibarugu. This is how we separate men from the boys.

    “There are certain decisions that are taken out of conviction. Seibarugu is a man of conviction, who looks at issues and does not take decisions based on sentiments.

    “It is not about what will come into your pocket. Rather, what legacies are we leaving? That is what drives us as a government.

    “A lot of people think politics is about propaganda. The opposition is good at that. All you hear from them is we have done nothing. But what did he do during his time as governor?”

    In a related development, the Governor warned that any traditional ruler that allowed election violence in his domain would be deposed.

    He gave the warning when he led the PDP governorship campaign team on a visit to the palace of the Okpo XXI of Okpoama Kingdom, King Ebitimi Banigo, at Okpoama in Brass Local Government Area of the state.

    While thanking the Okpoama monarch, the council of chiefs and other stakeholders for their royal blessings and warm reception, the state’s helmsman urged them to sustain the prevailing peace in the state before, during and after the election.

    “Political parties and their supporters should be allowed to canvass for votes without molestation.

    “Let me caution that any traditional ruler that connives to breach the peace during the election risks being dethroned by my administration. We will not condone electoral violence as a government that upholds democratic principles,” he said.

    Via: The Whistler

  • Contractor Pockets N113 Million After Constructing 1.4 km of 17 km Road in Cross River

    By Godwin Otang

    The seventeen (17) kilometers Okuni/Nsofang Road that leads to Nsofang, a community in Etung Local Government Area of central Cross River State, has been funded three times by the federal government. Yet, it is still in very bad shape.

    Commuters that use the road are constantly exposed to grave dangers due to its impassibility despite gulping over N113 million.

    The Nsofang/Okuni Road starts from Okuni in Ikom and terminates at Ekang in the Akamkpa Local Government Area. It links Okuni, Okokoma, Agbor-etai, and Nsofang communities to Akamkpa Local Government Area. It is also referred to as Okuni/Okoroba/Ekang Road. However, the seventeen-kilometre Okuni/Nsofang axis of the road contracted to Ghost Zee Limited is the stretch from Okuni to Nsofang axis only.

    The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is the implementing agency while Ghost Zee Limited is the contractor. The first funds released for the project was N99.6 million while the second was N7.9 million, as well as N6.3 million in the third tranche.

    According to the project specification as awarded by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, funding was approved for 17 17-kilometer stretch, but the contractor indicated 9 kilometers for execution on their signpost.

    Meanwhile, members of the Nsofang community where the road actually leads, says the contractor worked on only 1.4 kilometers of the entire stretch of the road and that the job was poorly done.

    The road was graded, but asphalting was done haphazardly and without a stone base. Members of the community who spoke to CrossRiverWatch said the job was done at just a 1.4-kilometer stretch and that the contractor at some point complained that there were no funds to continue the project.

    “They worked on some bad spots on the road only, and left the rest,” said Mr. Emmanuel Ichor, a youth from the community. “They were asked to work on the whole stretch of the road, but they abandoned some parts.”

    Community representative, Ogar Emumu, who was assigned by the community to work directly with the contractor confirmed that only 1.4 kilometers of the road were fixed.

    READ ALSO: Immortalizing Chinua Achebe, Best Independence Day Gift To Nigerian Writers – SYNW

    “They worked some parts of the road around the Abijang community,” Emumu said. “But even the spots they worked were not solid, it wasn’t too good; I asked the contractor if the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development did not include the pouring of the stone base on the road,  because even the area they poured asphalt on was broken.  The road did not solidify and did not last. Later, another contractor was supposed to come, but when I called him, he said there was no money, and that he couldn’t use his money to come down.”

    He added: “All I know is the contractor worked on just 1.4 kilometers, but there was no stone base. There is no other work done on the road. All I know is 1.4 kilometers and nothing more.”

    The Okuni, Okokoma, Agbor-etai, Abijang, and Nsofang communities who are all beneficiaries of the Okuni/Nsofang road are agrarian; these communities produce cocoa, banana, plantain, oil palm, and cassava traders, in large-quality. The bad state of the road has made it very difficult for these farm produce to sell well. Traders who patronize these farmers have also found it difficult to get access to the communities.

    Patrick Manyor, who supplies bread from Okuni to Nsofang, shares his experience. “You can see that the road is in a sorry state,” he said. Adding: “I am appealing because this road is too bad as you can see; the government should repair this road for us. I pass here every day. I saw some people in 2021 working here but the work they did was not good enough. Potholes and erosion are eating up the road.  Sometimes we take back our goods halfway because of the road, we can not access the communities. It’s hindering business.”

    A farmer from Abijang Community, Edim Nsor has the same thing to say: “They cleared the road up to Nsofang, then were asphalting, but it was done in no particular order, not too long after they left. They did a poor job here.”

    “This is the heart of the tropical rainforest, and anything agriculture thrives here. This is a virgin land; but the challenge is the road, which if we can get this community will be the food basket of Cross River State. The road is our challenge, if you can follow it to a logical conclusion, it will save us a great deal. If it had rained today, you wouldn’t have passed.

    A top management staff of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, who pleaded anonymity revealed that the Ministry has never made any budget to fund the Okuni/Nsofang road project. The staff claimed to about any funding for the project. They added that the earth road and asphalting work was a constituency project funded by the then Senator representing Cross River Central, Sandy Onor.

    “That road is a constituency project facilitated by Senator Sandy Onor. After that year, the next year, he came again and upgraded it by asphalting 1.4 kilometers of the road. The asphalting was to capture a particularly bad spot on the road. Is not that the Ministry awarded it directly,” he said.

    “The community also helped to destroy the road because while the contractor was working on the road, trucks loaded with timber were driving past the asphalt work, to the extent it resulted in a serious problem between the contractor and the truck drivers. You know, these constituency projects pass through ministries for supervision and guidance. The ministry has never funded any award of contracts on that road.”

    After several efforts to reach the contractor Ghost Zee Limited on the project without any result, the Instagram account of the Company’s director, Kenneth Zotaobi Okafor was contacted. In his response, Okafor noted that the company did not have any 17km road contract in Cross River but did not give further clarifications.

    “I don’t have any 17 km Road in Cross River,” he said.

    There Should Be A Probe

    Meanwhile, the Country Director of Citizens Solution Network, Mr. Richard Inoyo in his reaction called for concerted efforts to get the Okuni/ Nsofang road in good shape.

    “First, the mere fact that over 113 million has been disbursed to Ghost Zee Limited, shows failure on the part of the contractor, and is a clear case of corruption and social injustice to the people of Okuni and Nsofang communities,” he said.

    “The way to go is to write to the ministry to look into the issues, and that less than 2 kilometers have been done.  The contractor should attend to questions asked by the people of Okuni/Nsofang.

    “There is a need to involve the Nigerian Police in this issue, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)  should look into the issue.  The federal ministry should ensure that, when money is released for projects, the projects for which the money is meant for are done.”

    This investigation was produced with support from Civic Media Lab.

  • We Would’ve Saved Mohbad – OPC

    We Would’ve Saved Mohbad – OPC

    …Demands Justice for Late Rapper

    The Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) has lamented the death of the Nigerian Rapper Mohbad who died recently at the age of 27, saying, if he had opened up to the group about his travails, he would have been kept safe from his attackers.

    In a message of sympathy to Mohbad’s immediate family, management team and worldwide fans,.OPC President, Otunba Wasiu Afolabi, described the death of Mohbad as an unquantifiable yet avoidable tragedy.

    READ ALSO: Calls to Resign: Menendez Fighting for His Political Life

    “OPC sees the death of this promising, hardworking and talented young musician as a personal loss because he was a true Yoruba Ambassador, whose songs and craftsmanship promoted the Yoruba language and people,” said Afolabi in a press statement on Monday by the OPC General Secretary, Comrade Bunmi Fasehun.

    “However, we believe he, his parents and management ought to have involved the OPC when the disagreement between Mohbad and other associates escalated to the point of intimidation, assault and haunting.

    “OPC has successfully mediated in such cases in the past and we have brought peace and harmony to such feuding parties to the satisfaction of all and sundry.

    “Sometimes we act alone and sometimes in collaboration with the Police Force, Civil Defence and DSS. But at the end of the day, we protect the weak against the strong oppressor.

    “Where necessary, we can take the case directly to the government. But in most cases, the mere mention of OPC being involved will bring sanity to all concerned, no matter who that person or organisation considers himself to be.

    “And I dare say that Mohbad would have lived a better quality of life, and would most likely be alive today, if he and his people had brought his troubles to OPC.

    “Meanwhile, we want to use this medium to urge the police, DSS and government to bring to justice all the individuals and groups who contributed to the oppression, harassment and beating of this young man. It doesn’t matter whether such tormentors contributed directly and indirectly to his death. There are enough video evidence and living witnesses to give Mohbad justice in the law courts, even if the charges will be for assault, battery, conduct capable of causing a breach of the peace and attempted murder.

    “In addition, all the police officers and formations that refused to act in his complaints should all be brought to book for official sanctioning.”

    According to Afolabi, OPC, as a socio-cultural organisation, stood for peace and justice as well as the security of the community and the nation at large.

    He recalled that since its formation by the Late Founder, Dr. Frederick Fasehun in 1994, the organisation had not only contributed security personnel for guarding the community, but had been involved in providing safety for petroleum pipelines in the South-West.

    Afolabi recalled that at the height of its struggle against military rule, the organisation OPC boasted no less than 6 million members.

  • Oyo Gov’t Reviews Minimum Service Package For PHCs

    Oyo Gov’t Reviews Minimum Service Package For PHCs

    By Our Reporter

    The Oyo state government has commenced the process to review its minimum health service package, that patients can access at primary health care facilities across the state.

    Delivering her speech at the review meeting in Oyo town, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, said that the minimum service package needs to be standardized.

    She revealed that the primary objective of the review meeting is to meet the basic health needs of the entire people of the state.

    Dr. Ajetunmobi hinted that the initiative is a priority set of interventions which should be provided in PHC centers on a daily basis at little or no cost.

    She added that the government is on the verge of addressing the human resource gap in the primary health care facilities.

    The commissioner said further that Governor Seyi Makinde led administration has shown unflinching commitment to the health sector since he came on board in 2019.

    She noted that the commitment of the governor to the health sector of the state was targeted at improving the health indices and level of health status of residents of the state.

    According to her, “This meeting is designed to strengthen health service delivery in our state at the PHC level.

    “The Minimum Health Service Package (MSP) according to the Federal Government policy is described as a priority set of interventions which should be provided in PHC centers on a daily basis, at all times, and at little or no cost to clients through government? financing mechanisms”.

    “MSP is basically deployed to meet the needs of the entire population in Oyo state where resources are limited by aggregating services together”.

    “The MSP minimizes costs, both of the services as well as for patients to receive the services”.

    “The present administration in the state is also making frantic efforts to ensure that government health facilities are adequately equipped so that the people of Oyo state can enjoy appropriate and qualitative health care”.

    READ ALSO: Use Your Penis: Hopes, Expectations and Realities of African Migrants in Europe

    Speaking earlier, the Executive Secretary, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji , reiterated the commitment of Governor Seyi Makinde at ensuring the delivery of quality health care at primary health Care facilities in the state.

    He said that the government has completed the renovation of 210 primary health care facilities out of the 351 facilities under the watch of the board.

    He explained that Minimum Service Package (MSP) is a constitutional requirement that must be acknowledged by relevant stakeholders.

    The meeting had in attendance, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusoji Adeyanju, the Executive Secretary, Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA), Dr. Olusola Akande, and Executive Secretary, Oyo State Agency for Control of Aids SACA, Dr. Lanre Abass.

    Others are representatives of programme Implementing Partners, such as UNICEF, President Malaria Initiative, Breakthrough Action of Nigeria among others.

  • Re – Abuse Of Office By UNICAL VC: A Weak Fight Back By Corruption

    Re – Abuse Of Office By UNICAL VC: A Weak Fight Back By Corruption

    By Eko Bassey

    Early this week, I read the spurious publication on purported allegations against Professor Florence Obi, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) and was somewhat bewildered at the attempt by the unknown author to paint a picture of alleged corrupt practice at the revered University of Calabar.

    From all intents and purposes, the author of the article just attested to an aphorism of corruption trying to fight back, especially when the guilty are exposed and feel threatened.

    However, It sounds ridiculous that the Vice Chancellor is being accused of circumstantial corruption at the time the former Dean of the Faculty of Law is undergoing trials on allegations of sexual abuse and administrative misbehaviour.

    Coming out to allege that the Vice Chancellor gave employment to her biological daughter, who has not been coming to work, is an attempt to weep up public sentiment and divert attention from the University’s determination to restore sanity, and academic excellence and instil discipline in the institution of learning.

    READ ALSO: MAN Chairman bags Chemical Society of Nigeria’s Impact Award

    But one would ask: At what point did the Dean and those alleged behind the said publication know about this?

    Why did the Dean of the Faculty of Law wait until he came under investigation before he suddenly realised that the Vice Chancellor’s daughter was not coming to work? Is there any evidence that the Dean queried or reprimanded the staff, who is in his faculty before his own travails ensued? Or is he and perhaps his associates crying wolf where none exists?

    One also shudders at the allegations that the said lady allegedly bought a house in Abuja for N44m, giving the impression that the Vice Chancellor bought the said- house using her daughter as a cover.

    Such an allegation should be taken with a pinch of salt considering the current rate of property in Abuja, especially in high-brow areas. Even modest houses in some villages cost more than N44m compared to that of Abuja.

    For the avoidance of doubt, Queenette Bankpang Agbe, who I know very well, is a very learned lawyer who was in the Nigerian Law School between 2007-2008 after bagging an LLB from Madonna University.

    After that, she left for the UK where she earned a certificate in professional Mediation, Reconciliation and Arbitration in 2009 before bagging an LLM (with specialization in Telecommunications and Maritime law) from the University of Hertfordshire in 2012. She worked in the UK before returning to Nigeria to join Afe Babalola and Co. as a Senior Associate.

    She later joined Baze University as Lecturer II, before her appointment as Special Assistant Legal by Distinguished Senator John Owan Enoh. She later left to work as Company Secretary to MYSTROSE (an oil company). She is a principal partner and founder, QBA SOLICITORS. This Lady had been in and out of the country for almost two decades before her mother became Vice-Chancellor.

    Therefore, giving the impression that it’s the university’s money stolen by her mother that is spent on her is a fallacy. Let it be on record that the Vice Chancellor’s children are all hardworking adults who can answer for themselves.

    For instance, Joseph Nte Bisong, who they also accused of buying a garden in Abuja for N40m, is a Deputy Director at the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) and also runs a restaurant and bar in one of the gardens in Abuja.

    As a Deputy Director and son of a Vice Chancellor, one would have thought he would simply sit back to enjoy the wealth his mother, the Vice Chancellor, is accused of accumulating but this young man is still on the streets struggling.

    Rt. Hon. Hillary Bisong has been in government since Senator Liyel Imoke was governor. He worked as PA and later SA to Senator Imoke for 7 years before he left the government. He is a third-term member of the Cross River House of Assembly, who is still living in the Assembly quarters.

    It may interest you to know that his colleagues, with no Prof. or Vice Chancellor mother, have property all over Calabar and are living in their own houses. So Hilary can only own a property as a cover-up for his Mother? Blatant lies from the pit of hell.

    Thorough investigation should be done to unravel the true owner of the house opposite the Presbyterian church. Only then we would know that corruption is fighting back.

    I’m very sure that no matter how many false accusations and all sorts of fairy tales are being spun out by traducers, Professor Florence Obi will remain resolute and undaunted in her resolve to reposition the University of Calabar.

    Those who have corruption and disciplinary questions to answer in the University of Calabar should face their issues squarely without diverting the attention of the public and the VC.

    Comrade Eko Bassey, a Public Commentator writes from Ikom, Cross River State.

    CAVEAT: Views expressed in this are those of the writer, Eko Bassey, and not in any way related to CONVERSEER and or its Staff.

  • ICT: We need African solutions for African problems – Silicon Valley Experts

    ICT: We need African solutions for African problems – Silicon Valley Experts

    By Christian Njoku

    Mr Christian Idiodi, a Cross River-born Partner of the Silicon Valley Product Group (SVPG) has disclosed that Africa needs African solutions to its challenges.

    Idiodi made the call on Saturday when he led a team of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) experts from the United States and Europe to Governor Bassey Otu in Calabar.

    SVPG is an ICT-based company created to share senior-level experience and best practices with technology companies and offer services to the government as well as training.

    He said they were interested in training Africans in skills like product management, product design and computer engineering that would help them create solutions with technology to solve problems in diverse areas.

    Idiodi who is also the founder of Innovate Africa Foundation said they needed to invest in young people to equip them with skills they need to work anywhere in the world and be global leaders.

    READ ALSO: Su!cide bomber allegedly kills 7 in Bakassi Peninsula

    “Most importantly, we need to change the mindset of Africans by training them to create African solutions for African problems because we don’t want our talents to leave for other countries.

    “We want them to remain here and be able to create solutions that will provide jobs and boost opportunities in Africa,” he said.

    Responding, Otu disclosed that God had blessed Cross River with intelligent people in the area of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) but what the state lacked was proper ICT hubs.

    He entreated the ICT experts to take advantage of the pool of young and active population to establish ICT hubs adding that the state was ready to partner with SVPG in establishing the hubs and training its citizens.

    “As a technology-friendly government, we want to foster an environment that supports innovation in several ways including research and development.

    “This is by encouraging industry partnerships, and most importantly, creating policies and regulations that incentivise innovation.

    “We have intelligent people in the area of ICT, what we lack are ICT hubs for our young and active people to take advantage of; so, We would love to partner with you in establishing these hubs for training our people,” the governor noted.

    Silicon Valley Experts addressing secondary school students in Calabar

    Similarly, Mr Marty Cagan, Founder and Partner of SVPG  said they were in Nigeria to plant seeds in Africa which would enable the continent to develop solutions for its challenges using ICT.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the group which had earlier had a four-day Inspire Africa Conference in Lagos with over 31 African countries in attendance, engaged youths from different secondary schools in Calabar.

  • 5 Fascinating Facts About Emeka Nwafor: The Okamgba Ndigbo 2023 Champion

    5 Fascinating Facts About Emeka Nwafor: The Okamgba Ndigbo 2023 Champion

    Emeka Nwafor emerged as the champion of Okamgba Ndigbo 2023, a prestigious traditional wrestling contest that celebrated both culture and athleticism. His journey to victory is filled with compelling stories and remarkable achievements. Here are five fascinating facts about Emeka Nwafor, the Okamgba Ndigbo 2023 champion:

    1. A Wrestling Prodigy from Anambra State

    Emeka Nwafor hails from Anambra State, Nigeria, a region known for its rich cultural heritage. It’s no surprise that he excelled in a sport deeply rooted in Igbo culture. Emeka’s journey into traditional wrestling began at a young age, making him a prodigy in the sport.

    2. Dedication and Hard Work

    Winning the Okamgba Ndigbo title wasn’t a stroke of luck for Emeka. He dedicated himself to the sport from the age of 13, and his journey was marked by relentless training, both physically and mentally. Emeka’s discipline and unwavering commitment were key factors in his success.

    3. First Attempt, Glorious Victory

    Akamgba 2023 was Emeka’s first attempt at traditional wrestling on such a grand stage. Despite being a newcomer to the Okamgba contest, he managed to outshine experienced competitors from different states. His remarkable debut speaks volumes about his natural talent and determination.

    4. A Businessman and an Athlete

    Emeka Nwafor isn’t just a wrestling champion; he’s also a businessman in Anambra State. Balancing the demands of entrepreneurship and rigorous wrestling training is a testament to his exceptional work ethic and time management skills. His dedication to both his business and his sport is truly admirable.

    READ ALSO: Igweship tussle: My life under threat, Anambra monarch tells Police, DSS

    5. Motivated to Inspire Others

    Emeka Nwafor sees his victory as an opportunity to inspire other aspiring traditional wrestlers. He believes in the potential of the sport to provide employment opportunities and recognition to talented athletes. Emeka is determined to motivate other wrestlers and push the boundaries of traditional sports in Nigeria.

    Afia TV’s Support: A Key to Emeka’s Journey

    Emeka Nwafor’s journey to becoming the Okamgba Ndigbo 2023 champion was made possible with the support of Afia Television (Afia TV). The channel’s sponsorship played a pivotal role in documenting his achievements and showcasing the vibrant culture of traditional wrestling to a global audience, enabling him to achieve recognition and success on a grand scale.

    Emeka Nwafor’s journey from a young wrestling enthusiast to the Okamgba Ndigbo 2023 champion is an inspiring story of dedication, hard work, and cultural pride. His victory not only represents personal success but also symbolises the growth and recognition of traditional sports in Nigeria, with Afia TV’s support playing a crucial role in this journey. Emeka Nwafor is a shining example of how passion, commitment, and talent can lead to extraordinary achievements.

  • Crisis imminent in Efut Nation

    Crisis imminent in Efut Nation

    By Our Reporter

    The Efut Combined Assembly, the apex decision-making body in Efut nation has again warned that it will resist any attempts by some persons or group of persons to desecrate the exalted traditional stool of its kingdom

    The warning is contained in a press release signed by the Paramount ruler and Muri Munene of Efut, His Royal Majesty, Maurice Okon Eyo 1 and the Secretary-General of Efut Combined Assembly, Dr Godwin Bassey and made available to the media in Calabar.

    In the release, the Assembly made it clear that it has been informed of plans by some Efut indigenes led by an acclaimed Muri Munene to organise a grand reception for Efut indigenes in diaspora, a situation it said was inimical to the progress of the nation.

    The Assembly maintained that it will continue to rely on a court judgement by the State High Court with suit number HC/102/2020, which issued an order of interlocutory injunction restraining Professor Itam Hogan Itam from parading himself as the Paramount ruler of the Efuts and even interfering with the affairs of the Efut Combined Assembly as well as carrying out traditional matters, including installation and conferment of titles on behalf of Efut nation.

    The Assembly also relied on a panel report dated May 11, 2022, which stripped him of all traditional titles and appurtenances of office to pave way for his interest in partisan politics and requested him to surrender his Certificate of Recognition to the Department of Chieftaincy Affairs in the Governor’s Office, Calabar.

    Reacting to this incident, the Muri Munene in Council and Grand Patriarch of Efut Kingdom, Muri Munene Maurice Okon Eyo 1 said he was not only surprised but also embarrassed by this flagrant disregard to court orders and government position on the matter.

    READ ALSO: Fake News: NNPCL not conducting secret recruitment

    The Muri Munene in Council stated categorically that the Council of Muris had long concluded a selection process and chosen a replacement for the acclaimed and deposed Muri Munene and the same was presented to the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council.

    The royal father maintained that any other person who parades himself as Muri Munene is not only an impostor but runs foul of the law, hence due process will follow in dealing decisively with such matters.

    He wondered why someone who has been deposed and captured in a Government Gazette should continue to demonstrate such flagrant abuse of power and utter disregard to laid down rules and procedural steps. I

  • Fake News: NNPCL not conducting secret recruitment

    By Ben Nsemo

    Contrary to reports by some online media that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, under the leadership of Group Chief Executive Officer Mr Mele Kyari, is conducting secret recruitment without board approval, this medium reliably gathered that it’s false.

    The report claimed that about 35 people were allegedly recruited secretly into the NNPC Limited and are either undergoing medical examinations or writing entrance exams.

    But checks showed that there is no such recruitment exercise going on at the National Oil Company.

    Following its transition into a limited company governed by the Companies and Allied Matters Act, NNPC Limited has established a standard recruitment structure that cannot be compromised.

    The implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act, which facilitated NNPC Limited’s transition into a CAMA company, has reinforced the organization’s governance structure, making it resilient to manipulation.

    According to a reliable source, “NNPC Limited’s recruitment process adheres to best governance practices and cannot be easily manipulated.”

    The source refuted the claims of secret recruitment as baseless and emphasized that NNPC Limited’s governance structure remains strong and intact.

    READ ALSO: Oyo Gov’t Warns Schools’ Land Encroachers

    “That report is fake. You cannot just wake up and start hiring people secretly at NNPC Limited. There is a structure that allows the NNPC Limited to have the best governance procedure for its recruitment,” said the source.

    “The NNPC Limited has a standard recruitment structure that cannot be bent; it’s a strong governance structure that no official can just manipulate.”

    The source also highlighted that there have been ongoing campaigns to discredit the NNPC management, led by Mr Kyari, and suggested that the allegations of secret recruitment might be part of these efforts.

    The source also said the recent retirement and restructuring of some employees within NNPC Limited may have contributed to disgruntled individuals spreading such claims.

    “Remember that a few days ago, some people were asked to proceed on retirement and you don’t expect some of them who still have about 15 months to retire to be happy for being asked to leave the system,” added the source.

    “So, it is possible that these secret recruitment claims could be coming from disgruntled people who are not happy with the retirement and restructuring that is going on in the company.

    “But let me say that the management is well aware of the coordinated campaign of calumny against the leadership of the company and the management is not deterred about this as it is focused on its ‘Four P’ mandate of production, production, production and production in line with the directive given by the president.”

  • Oyo Gov’t Warns Schools’ Land Encroachers

    By Ben Nsemo

    The Oyo State government has warned trespassers against the encroachment of landed properties belonging to public schools across the state.

    The Commissioner for Education Science and Technology, Prof. Abdulwaheed Adelabu gave the warning during a routine check at St. Agnes Basic School, Iluju, Ogbomoso, on Friday in Oyo State.

    The commissioner decried the alarming rate at which the premises and properties of the school, had been encroached upon by a neighboring church and land grabbers.

    “Government’s policies on encroachment on land still remain the same. Encroachment of any nature will not be entertained by the Oyo State Government”, he said.

    He emphasized that the environment of learning was supposed to be totally void of any form of distraction.

    READ ALSO: Oando, Tantalizer, other equity investors lose N40bn

    The Commissioner stressed the need to go back to the basics and enforce discipline in order to bring about quality education in the state.

    He directed the Education Secretary, Oriire Local Government, to ensure proper investigation into the matter and report back to the Ministry, through the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board.

    In a related development, Prof. Adelabu has urged Head teachers of the 21 Better Education Service Delivery For All (BESDA) Public Primary schools to put in innovative measures in the day-to-day administration of their schools.

    The Commissioner said this today during a series of meetings with some BESDA focused school head teachers in the State.

    Stressing the importance of basic education to any country, Prof. Adelabu said most Development partners focus more on supporting primary education in the country.

    The Commissioner, who thanked all teachers for their support to the Governor Seyi Makinde led administration, said the State Government will not relent in its efforts to make the basic education sub-sector more attractive for better education.

    Speaking earlier, the Executive Secretary, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Mr. Jacob Dairo warned against illegal collection of fees, adding that it is totally prohibited in Oyo State.

    Local governments, the visiting team, led by the Commissioner; the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Adeniyi Olusanjo and top management team of OYOSUBEB visited include, Iseyin; Saki West; Igboho; Oriire; Oyo-West among others.