Ahead of the 2023 general election, a stanch supporter of Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has undertaken a remarkable task to declare his strong belief in their aspiration to bring change and transformation to the nation.
The Nigerian man with Twitter handle @OGersh, on Friday, October 20, climbed the tallest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, to hang a Labour Party flag at the peak of the mountain.
Speaking on the motive behind the astounding move, the man said there was no better place to announce the coming of a new Nigeria than the rooftop of Africa. He added that it took him over 10 hours to get to the top of the mountain, which is 5,895 metres above sea level,
He shared a picture of the flag hanging on the Uhuru Peak signpost and wrote,
On Fri, 20/10/2022 after 10½ hrs of climbing, hiking and trekking, I made it to the Uhuru Peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, 5,895m above sea level. There is no better place to announce the coming of a New Nigeria than the Rooftop of Africa.
@NGRLabourParty @firstladyship @ObiDientTvHQ”
Justice E. Anyadike of a federal high court, Umuahia, Abia state, has ordered the federal government to return Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu to Kenya from where he was extradited to Nigeria in June 2021.
The court also ordered the government to pay Kanu the sum of N500 million as damages for his illegal abduction and violation of his fundamental human rights.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja had on October 11, declared his extraordinary rendition illegal and dismissed the charges against him.
Dele Momodu, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) presidential campaign council, has described Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, as a potential dictator.
Momodu disclosed this on Tuesday while fielding questions on the Channels Television’s Politics Today programme.
Recall that Momodu had criticized Tinubu’s manifestoes in his article ‘APC: Renewed hope or forlorn hope?’, alleging that his (Tinubu) document was filled with “half-thoughts, poor reasoning, and copied notes” from Abiola’s ‘Hope’ 93′ manifesto.
But APC, through Festus Keyamo, reacted to Momodu’s statement, describing him as the hireling of the PDP, who believed in Tinubu’s ability and capacity to deliver on his promises but has decided to play politics this time around.
However, Momodu appeared not ready to let down the gauntlet as he said:
I will never support dictatorship.”
“I suffered under dictatorship. I was in detention; I was in exile for three years. Dictatorship has no way in my books.
So once you begin to demonstrate dictatorship, I will move back. He (Tinubu) is a potential dictator,” he said.
Once a new face emerges on the global stage, I would quickly research about their rising and try to figure out what code they used to emerge…
People rise majorly through 3 codes – who you marry, who you know that knows you and what you know.
TD Jakes said “nothing just happens” which means greatness is not accidental.
Let’s talk about the 3 codes:
First code is the strongest – if you miss it here, you may struggle for the rest of your life. You must be intentional with choosing Who to marry. My father said to me “Son, don’t marry because she satisfies you. You are not looking for a sex machine – anyone can satisfy a man in bed. Look for the seed of greatness, sound mind, good upbringing and potentials for growth. That’s what a wise person looks for in a spouse – not boobs, yansh, 6 packs, Gucci or ability to do 69 etc.”
The second code is Who You Know – that’s the power of Networking. Your network will definitely affect your networth. And it’s not just about Who You Know but Who knows you. You must find a way to make those you know to also know you. That’s how they can recommend you.
The last is What You Know – the code of Knowledge. This code attracts people to you because of your special abilities, gifts or skills. This too is a powerful code. Men and women of knowledge will always dominate.
#RishiSunak was helped by the woman he married….
Rishi’s parents, originally from humble Kenyan backgrounds Kenya but of Indian roots migrated to UK in search of greener pasture. Rishi was born in Southampton. He was a student when he met his wife, Akshata Murty, the daughter of India’s Top Tech billionaire – Mr. Murty of Infosys.
After their marriage, Rishi was given shares in infoSys and a franchise of the company for the UK market. The combined value of his shares with his wife is currently worth over £730 Million – over 823 Million Dollars.
Rishi’s life has never been the same after 2009 when he stepped into marriage with Akshata.
And they love each other.
Rishi and his wife are both 42 years old. His wife is just 1 month older than him.
In my mentorship programs, I emphasize on INTENTIONAL MARRIAGE. Your marriage can either Build you or destroy you. Stop looking for a partner everyone will APPROVE OF, look for a partner who will be your partner on your journey to greatness.
Rishi has expanded the business of the Murtys. Rishi is a trained financial guru. He brought his expertise to the table of those who own the table – it’s a symbiotic relationship. infoSys UK, the branch of his father in law’s tech business was single handedly built by him while his wife focused on her passion for fashion designing.
Rishi is going to be one of UK’s best PM. He has been groomed since 2015. He is young – just 42 and has experience in wealth creation and government.
It’s a win win for the people of the United Kingdom.
And to you, anytime you see a new face emerge suddenly on the global stage, know that they have spent their entire life intentionally building towards their defining moment.
The illegal waste management fee imposed on ndi-anambra by the Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA) has been suspended with immediate effect and the MD invited to appear at plenary on Thursday 27th October 2022.
Anambra State House of Assembly made the resolution at plenary in a motion of urgent public importance titled “Suspension of the illegal waste management fee imposed by ASWAMA” moved by the member representing Nnewi North constituency Hon. Nonso Smart Okafor. The house noted that an existing law tagged “Anambra Waste Management Law 2015” stipulates various fees payable by various groups for waste management.
The lawmakers frowned at the complains coming from the general public because of these illegal release signed by the ASWAMA MD directing the public to pay various sums of money in total disregard to the existing law.
Hon. Nonso Smart Okafor in his submission said the release by ASWAMA caused tension in the state. According to him, “Anambra State House of Assembly in 2015 passed the law guiding ASWAMA and in that law, section six (6) sub-section one (1) clearly specified the functions of the agency and no section of that gave the MD of ASWAMA the authority or right to fix rates ndi-anambra will pay.
“Section twenty-five (25) of that law sub-section two (2) specified the amounts to be paid which was listed in schedule one (1). The MD of ASWAMA in his release, made it clear that they have categorized the urban and rural areas.
“Schedule one (1) of this law clearly stipulates as follows: duplex in urban areas is to pay twelve thousand naira (12,000) annually, but the rate released by ASWAMA stipulates twenty four thousand (24).
“According to the law, detached bungalows is to pay six thousand naira (6,000) but in the rate released by ASWAMA, it’s twelve thousand (12,000). Three bedroom flat is to pay three thousand naira (3,000) but in the ASAWAMA rate, it’s seven thousand two hundred (7,200).
‘One bedroom flat is two thousand four hundred (2,400), but in the ASAWAMA law, it’s four thousand eight hundred (4,800). For commercial category, small restaurant according to the law is to pay twenty four thousand (24,000), but that of ASWAMA is forty-eight thousand (48,000).
‘Hotels of two hundred rooms and above is four hundred and eighty thousand naira (480,000) but that of ASWAMA is to pay nine hundred and sixty thousand naira (960,000). Fast food is to pay one hundred and eighty thousand (180,000) naira in the law, but it’s three hundred and sixty (360) in ASAWAMA’s release. It is very clear that the agency is aware of this law because their rate follows the sequence of the law. Where did the MD get the right to review the already existing law? Okafor asked.
“There’s already a serious hardship in the country and to compound already rotten situation with this kind of levy is very unfortunate and will cause a serious embarrassment to the Governor of Anambra state who swore to protect and uphold the laws of the state which this law is part of it.
“As representatives of the people, the onus is on us to do the needful and save ndi-anambra from this administrative rascality and tension.
Hon. Lawrence Ezeudu. Ejike Okechukwu, Pete Ibida, Chidi Udemadu, Emeka Aforka and Nobel Igwe, in their separate submissions supported that the fee be suspended and that the MD of ASWAMA must appear and explain to ndi-Anambra the reason behind the act.
” We represent ndi-anambra and our job is to give all necessary protection when the need arises. It’s good to increase the IGR of the state but we should not over -tax our people. We are looking at a situation where we will have tax relief so that businesses will flow well.
“The governor appointed the ASAWAMA MD knowing fully well and convinced that he has the capacity to deliver. The primary thing an appointee is supposed to do is to look into the law guilding the agency he is to head. This should not be encouraged. The only thing constant in Anambra State is the salary of the civil servant because they are still being paid thirty thousand naira (30,000) minimum wage.
The law is meant to be obeyed. This is a show of incompetency. Nobody is above the law.
Speaking to correspondents after plenary in an interview, the member representing Dunukofia constituency Hon. Lawrence Ezeudu said the idea of inviting the ASWAMA MD is good so that he will have the opportunity to explain to ndi-Anambra the reasons behind the act and where he got such power and authority because there’s a loud cry that the charges is on the high side despite the hardship being faced by our people.
In his resolve to ensure equal opportunity and transparency in revenue streams, the Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo earlier today hosted a second public bid auction for revenue agents
The event which took place at Government House, Awka was described as flying revenue streams by government.
The revenue streams that were up for public bid include; Statewide Gaming and Lotto Fee Collection, Statewide Public Toilet and Convenient Tolls, Statewide Abbatoir Fees and Statewide Car Wash.
Commenting on the essence of the bid, Governor Soludo said;
“In a situation whereby the winner of the bid can’t meet up with payment, the next in line will be called upon.
“After the first public bid, people called on phone saying they are ready to pay two months in advance of what the winner was meant to pay.
“But we are transparent and following the rules. For these revenue streams, 1st of November will be the effective commencement date.
“Winners have from now to 31st of this month to pay. They will be given a letter with account information on how to pay and also another letter authorizing winners to start collecting revenue.
“The payment structure is to pay one month in advance or get a bank guarantee so when the need for payment arises, the bank can pay on your behalf,” he said.
The Chairman of AIRS, Mr Richard Madiebo stressed that the public bid affords Ndi Anambra the chance to contribute their expertise in helping the state to increase its IGR.
“In the first rule, there is an opening price for a revenue head and you are given the opportunity for bidding. The highest bidder and 9 others will be selected.
“Winners will be given condition of payment and should they fail to meet up, it would be given to the next person, he said.
The public bid kicked off with “Statewide Gaming and Lotto fee collection”
Hon Pascal from Ihiala asked for lotto tag prize to assist in their bidding.
The AIRS boss in his response said the annual fees paid for Application is N50,000. Sports betting N5 Million, Lotto new entrance N10 million, Promotions N500,000, Scratch Cards N500,000, Casinos N10 Million, Slots N250,000, Pool Promoters N1.5 million, Pool Agents N5000, Raffle N40,000 etc.
Chinedu from Awka said it’s very unfortunate there was no Stakeholders meeting before the public bid but Governor Soludo replied that the Public bid has fully commenced and anyone who is interested should bid while those who aren’t were free to leave the premises.
Governor Soludo further said people will bid on what exists. “In the future, if what exists is reviewed, there will be changes.”
He thanked Pastor Azuka who gave clarification on how it’s been done in Lagos. He said the fixed sums are collected by the state but the variables are what are bidded for.
For a start, Governor Soludo continued, the next 6 – 12 months in our trial phase, we shall concession everything if need be.
“We are starting off by concessioning everything! What we care about is give us what you bid for, the remaining is yours. This is why we are here!
“If you win, nobody can help or hinder you. It is your own! We want a clear and transparent bidding process,” Governor Soludo pointed out.
On the second revenue stream was Statewide Public Toilet and Convenient tolls”
Mr Amos Amaralu from Orumba said there are 3 categories for public toilet; public toilets built by Government, public toilets built on Government land and public toilets built in private properties. He asked if the three categories are concessioned.
The AIRS Boss replied that public toilets built by Government and public toilets built on Government land are the revenue streams up for concession.
After a successful public bid, Governor Soludo said that the event is a demonstration of the Anambra spirit noting that surely, change must come.
“We must build a liveable and prosperous homeland. Everyone has something to contribute towards this vision.
“We are trying to build a connection between the citizens and the Government. We have been employed as an agent to work for you.
“Every penny in our hands, we will show the value to ndi Anambra. As revenue comes in, we keep awarding contracts for more road construction because we have a road crisis which we are solving.
“This is not about us but about you. This public bid, to the best of my knowledge has not happened anywhere in the country.
“We are also trying to minimize tax incidence on our people. Keke Drivers who pay their taxes will be given free health insurance.
“People have forgotten that the government make use of taxes to work.
“This message must go to all markets in Anambra. Wheel barrow pushers must not pay any fee in the state.
“Vulcanizers operating along the road should also cease from paying any fee to anyone.
“Hawkers shouldn’t pay any fees. These poor people should stop being harassed.
“This message is for the Market unions. If they are found with any evidence, that union will be dissolved with immediate effect.
“We want to build a society where the poor feel empowered and where the rich can get more resources to create wealth and employment, Soludo said.
“This is part of the revolution ongoing in the state. In this way, we have greater value for money.
“The winners will be given their letters confirming their success. Bank details will also be provided to pay on or before Monday 31st by 3.00pm.”
Governor Soludo was also assisted by his Deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim at the event. The Governor thanked the participants immensely for participating and wished them all a safe trip back to their various destinations.
In attendance were the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi, Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Foster Ihejiofor, his environment and Transport counterparts, Mr. Felix Odimegwu, Barr. Patricia Igwebuike respectively, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, AVM Ben Chiobi (Rtd.), as well as the Managing Director of ASWAMA, Mike Ozoemena.
Irked by the irregularities that has characterized the recruitment of teachers in the state, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has cancelled the exercise for the second time running, ANAMBRA PEOPLE reports.
It was gathered on Monday that the directive for the cancellation was with immediate effect. The development has made applicants to panic, as they do not know their fate.
About 40,000 applicants applied for the online job the first time, while 31,800 were shortlisted for interview.
But following what played out during the first exercise, the governor angrily cancelled the exercise, as he wanted to get it right for the state.
The Governor wants a transparent exercise about the recruitment.
On Sunday, the Ministry of Education released a list of about 5,000 recruited teachers, which sparked condemnation across the state.
Contacted, Information Commissioner Sir Paul Nwosu did not pick his calls.
But a senior officer in the Ministry of Education, who did not want to be quoted, confirmed the directive to the media.
The source said some people had made it a point of duty to frustrate Soludo, adding that it would not work because the governor was serious in getting the best for Ndi Anambra.
The Federal Government, on Monday, gave reasons why it has not complied with the Court of Appeal judgement that ordered it to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.
The federal government, in an affidavit filed in support of its application to stay the execution of the judgement, described Kanu as “a flight risk person”, insisting that the case against him borders on national security.
Relying on the decided case law in Federal Republic of Nigeria Vs Asari Dokubo, FG, argued that once a case touched on national security, the right of the individual affected takes secondary place.
The Respondent is a flight risk person. It is important to appreciate the gamut of depositions in our application.
One of the ground of our application is that this matter touches on national security of the state.
We rely on the case of FRN Vs Dokubo, where the Supreme Court held that where national security is threatened or likelihood of it being threatened, human rights take secondary place.
Once there is a threat to national security, human rights of any individual can be suspended until such threat is taken care of.
“Once security of the nation is in jeopardy, the individual right may not even exist”, FG argued through its lawyer, Mr. David Kaswe, an Assistant State Counsel in the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
It further told the court that there is intelligence report that releasing Kanu from detention would worsen the security situation in the South East region.
However, Kanu’s lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, urged the appellate court to dismiss FG’s application, insisting that it was tantamount to seeking the stay of the liberty of a citizen.
“In fact, my lords, on the contrary, the release of Kanu will actually bring peace and tranquility to the South East in particular and the nation in general
“This was demonstrated after the judgement of this court that ordered the release of the Respondent. Immediately the judgement was delivered, there was so much joy and happiness in the entire South East. There was so much jubilation and merriment”, Ozekhome added.
He argued that Dokubo’s case was different from that of Kanu.
According him, while Dokubo applied to be granted bail, pending the determination of the charge against him, in Kanu’s case, the appellate court has already terminated his trial and ordered his release.
After it had listened to both sides, a three-man panel of Justices of the appellate court led by Justice Haruna Tsanami, reserved ruling till a date to be communicated to the parties
Good Governance Ministry, GGM is one of the support groups that ensured victory for Prof Chukwuma Soludo in the last Gubernatorial election in Anambra State . The group working for public interest spent millions of naira to ensure that the best candidate became the Governor of Anambra State.
In a Statement released to the press and signed by Ndubuisi Anaenugwu ,the group pleaded with Mr Governor to review his position on the entire tax administration in Anambra State especially as it concerns the poor. People at lower class in the society are always eager to pay their tax as long as such tax is relatively low. The Statement reads in full ” The people hired Prof Chukwuma Soludo as Chief Servant of the State.GGM supported the Candidacy for the office of the Governor with no monetary consideration but all for overriding public interest. GGM still believes that Mr Governor is the best suited for the job and has not made any mistake in convincing people to vote for him.However , we expect Mr Governor to listen to us as business of Government is a collective responsibility,we are partners in progress. The failure of the Government is our collective failures.The Igbo Nation all over the world have high hopes in Prof Soludo led Government -therefore,we cannot let him failure”
”GGM wants to remind Mr Governor that he won election because of his outstanding performance in public sector and not necessarily because of the support of political elites and former Governor Obiano.
GGM is urging Mr Governor to urgently consider reviewing the tax figures in public domain,at least reduce the amount to N4000 monthly ( Keke) and shuttle – N7000 for easy payment and collection. We do not agree with Mr Governor during the last interactive session that N15,000 monthly for Keke is a fair tax and 50% reduction when compared with what they were paying previously. This assumption is totally wrong and has only shown that Mr Governor is unaware of the suffering and frustrating conditions most people on the street are passing through. What has Government done for people at the lower level of the society to justify such high tax? Elsewhere, Government supports low income earners to encourage productivity. If the purpose of the tax is to discourage Keke, Shuttle,Okada, GGM will suggest that Mr Governor establishes integrated farm settlements across three senatorial zones that can take more than 10,000 youths for massive food production.
It is disturbing that we have several needs ,we have people who are ready to work to earn a living ,but nobody has seen such plan to organize these factors of production. GGM is worried that the high rate of unemployment could further worsen the already agitated environment . GGM therefore calls Mr Governor to show empathy while implementing his policies as the state of the economy is terribly bad” the statement concluded.
Lagos State Government has convened a meeting of all critical stakeholders to evaluate the state’s preparedness for any eventuality over the ravaging massive flooding across the states of the federation.
The state has, however, directed all relevant enforcement arms of the state to step up their supervisory roles to contain any eventuality.
The situation which has elicited renewed fears among residents of the state was convened on the directives of the state Governor, Bababjide Sanwo-Olu.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello, briefing newsmen at the end of the meeting, over the weekend, said the stakeholders came up with a resolution that while Lagos is not totally immune from flooding, the state will continue to effectively manage its situation without posing risk to lives and property of residents.
According to Bello, “now is the time for all enforcement arms of the state to step up their supervisory roles.”
He stated that the enforcement impact must be felt by recalcitrant people and institutions who have defied government and built structures on drainage alignments, flood plains and low lying areas now more than ever before.
Bello added that despite the fact that Lagos is a coastal city with almost one third of its total landmass under water, what it experiences after each bout of heavy rainfalls is flash flooding which will recede few hours after the cessation of such rainfalls.
The commissioner, who expressed sympathy with victims who have suffered any form of losses due to the prevalence of flooding, across the states, said Lagos is constantly monitoring the Ogun River which flows directly into the Lagos Lagoon.
Directs residents of river banks to relocate
The commissioner, therefore, said that as a result of the latest development, residents of all identified areas like: Ketu, Alapere, Agric, Owode onirin, Ajegunle, Alagbole, Kara, Isheri olowora, Araromi Otun orisha community, Agiliti, Maidan, Mile 12, Odo ogun, Owode elede, Agboyi 1, Agboyi II, Agboyi III which are banks to the Ogun River were alerted to be ready to relocate at any given time.
He stressed that residents fail to realize that the position and location of Lagos State on the map makes the state’s Lagoon the convergence point of all water from the Ogun River, Ona Ibu River, Osun River, Sasha River that runs across many South West States.
Bello, explained that the state is also working in concert with the Ogun Oshun River Basin Development Authority to ensure that rain water releases that pass through the Oyan Dam have a minimal negative impact on the residents.
The commissioner, reiterated that the state, through the Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources has embarked on massive dredging and cleaning of all primary and secondary collectors across the state.
‘This is in addition to construction of new channels as well as deployment of the quick response Emergency Flood Abatement Gang to free up manholes and black spots all to ensure that the drains perform at optimum capacity to be able to contain runoffs,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Engineer Nurudeen Shodeinde assured residents that the state government “is upping the ante” in terms of its preparedness on a 24 hour basis.
He commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for always providing the financial wherewithal to the ministry which has enabled it actualise many of its plans and programme to ensure a flood free Lagos.
He also said other residents living along major drainage channels of System 1 to 169 round the state must also be wary of the effects of flash flooding.
He recalled that a few days areas ago, areas like Oko Oba, Abbatoir and Aboru in Alimosho were flooded after a 2 hour rainfall which had an intensity that had not been witnessed in the last 30 years due to climate change.
He stressed that such one off rainfall of unprecedented intensity should be expected at the present period and should be prepared for.
He said the Seasonal Rainfall Pattern for 2022 released earlier in the year by the Nigerian Metrological Services NIMET had predicted that the peak of the resurgent rainfall for the year will be in October.
