The Arewa Citizens’ Watch for Good Governance has asked the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to resign or be sacked.
Addressing a press conference yesterday in Kaduna, chairman of group, Mohammed Adamu, alleged that the INEC chairman and his team were deliberately working against the interest of the north to suppress their votes.
Adamu warned that his group would petition President Muhammadu Buhari, the National Assembly, the United States (US) Embassy and the European Union (EU) if the INEC chairman does not resign.
According to the group, Yakubu and his team have morally compromised and cannot deliver on the task of conducting a free, fair and credible elections in 2023.
The group also called for the arrest and prosecution of the INEC chairman over his silence on the allegation by political parties that he was being pressured by some forces to deactivate the BVAS machine to compromise the 2023 polls.
Adamu said: “As a group, we made frantic efforts to get INEC to extend registration in our region following the shutdown of telecommunications networks to enable our armed forces to carry out special operations in most Northwestern and North Central states, which fell on rocky grounds.
“The unfolding event is a pointer to one fact: INEC is deliberately working against Arewa in their satanic ploy to suppress votes from our region, and swell that of Southern Nigeria through the registration of ghosts and foreigners.”
The group called on “relevant government agencies must arrest and prosecute Yakubu for trying to use his office to effect leadership change in our country in a satanic manner.
That Yakubu and members of his team should humbly resign so as to enable an independent probe into the allegation of insertion of foreigners’ names in our voters’ register.
“Where he fails to resign, we will be forced to petition President Buhari, the Honourable Minister of Justice, the National Assembly, the US Embassy, the EU, the British High Commission and other key actors in the electoral process on the danger of retaining the seeming compromised Prof Yakubu.
At the instance where we feel our demands are not being treated with needed gloves, we shall be forced to come out in our numbers and occupy all INEC offices in the region, including the national headquarters.”
The group, however, passed a “vote of confidence” in President Buhari’s commitment to delivering credible election in 2023.
Polaris Bank is pleased to announce that it has been notified of the completion of a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) for the acquisition of 100% of the equity in Polaris Bank (‘Polaris’ or ‘the Bank’) by Strategic Capital Investment Limited (‘SCIL’). As part of the change in ownership, SCIL has appointed a new independent Board of Directors to lead the bank’s growth strategy.
The new Board will be led by the existing Chairman M K Ahmad. He will be joined on the board by 6 non-executive directors and 3 executive directors, bringing extensive experience in the banking and wider financial services sector in Nigeria and internationally, and expertise in corporate governance, human resource management, law and regulation.
The incoming board are:
Alhaji MK Ahmad (Chairman)
Mr Abubakar Danlami Suleiman (Non-Executive Director)
Ms Salma Mohammed (Non-Executive Director)
Mr Adeleke Alex Adedipe (Non-Executive Director)
Mr Ahmed Almustapha (Non-Executive Director)
Mr Francesco Cuzzocrea (Non-Executive Director)
Mrs Olabisi Olubunmi Odunowo (Non-Executive Director)
Mr Adekunle Sonola (Executive – MD/CEO)
Mr Abdullahi S Mohammed (Executive Director)
Mr Segun Opeke (Executive Director)
Commenting on the acquisition and board transition, Chairman of Polaris Bank Alhaji M K Ahmad said: “I would like to thank the outgoing board members profusely for their hard work and dedication over the last four years as we have established a strong governance structure and stabilised the bank. I am very pleased with the progress we have been able to make, and that we have delivered on our mandate to prepare the bank for a return to private ownership. I am personally proud to have been asked to lead the bank into an exciting new future and I look forward to working with the new board and our core investors to build on the platform we have created.”
Speaking on behalf of SCIL, the new core investor, Adekunle Sonola, the incoming MD/CEO said: “We are excited to participate in the next phase of growth for Polaris Bank and to have been able to recruit such an experienced and diverse Board of Directors we are confident can lead Polaris Bank into a new era of sustainable growth. This is an exciting time for the Nigerian financial services industry and we are committed to building on the strong foundations that have been established by the departing board. We would like to express our thanks for their service and wish them well.
We have mandated the incoming management to develop an innovative, but sustainable growth strategy that prioritises the needs and aspirations of our current customers.”
Board Profiles
Alhaji M K Ahmad OON (Chairman)
With more than 37 years of experience leading and working across the private and public sectors, MK has extensive knowledge of the financial services, telecoms and FMCG sectors. He has been the Chairman of Polaris Bank since 2018, overseeing the stabilisation of the bank and the introduction of best-practice corporate governance. MK currently serves as the Chairman of the Interim Management Board of International Energy Assurance as well as Chairman of the Technical Committee of the National Council on Privatisation. He is also a Board Director of Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and FBN Holdco. Prior to this MK served as the pioneer Director General of PENCOM.
Mr Abubakar Danlami Suleiman (Non-Executive)
Mr Suleiman has more than 30 years of experience in the banking sector, having worked at the Central Bank of Nigeria, GT Bank, Continental Trust Bank, UBA Plc, NAL Bank Plc, Intercontinental Bank Plc (Executive Director), Sterling Bank Plc (Executive Director), Standard Chartered Bank (Managing Principal) and most recently as Deputy Managing Director/Acting Group Managing Director of Keystone Bank between 2017 and 2019. He has vast technical experience in the Financial Service sector, and very strong management and leadership qualities.
He is an alumnus of the Wharton Business School (Pennsylvania, USA) and the INSEAD (France).
Ms Salma Mohammed (Non-Executive)
Ms. Mohammed has over 25 years of experience as a Banker and a Human Resource Management professional having worked in operational and strategic human resource leadership positions across a range of financial institutions. She is Co-Founder/Chief Operating Officer of New Frontier Development Limited, an investment company focused on financial advisory, hospitality, real estate and proprietary investments in start-ups and challenged companies in the SME space.
She was previously the MD/CEO of Centrum Finance Company Limited, a CBN-licensed finance company and brings a strong combination of sector expertise and human capital management experience to the Polaris Bank board.
Mr Adeleke Alex Adedipe (Non-Executive)
Mr Adedipe is the Managing Partner at Duale, Ovia and Alex-Adedipe, where he leads the technology, media and communications practice as well as the M&A and Banking and Finance practice areas. His combination of expertise brings an important perspective to the board as a new strategy focused on innovation is developed and implemented.
Mr Ahmed Almustapha OFR (Non-Executive)
Mr Almustapha is a lawyer and experienced technocrat who served as the Registrar General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) from 2001 to 2009 during which he is widely acknowledged to have transformed the CAC into a modern IT-driven organisation. He has also served on the board of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and is respected as one of Nigeria’s leading authorities on corporate governance.
Mr Francesco Cuzzocrea (Non-Executive)
Mr Cuzzocrea is a banker with more than 35 years of experience in the international financial services sector. He has extensive board level, including in Nigeria where he served on the boards of Heritage Bank (until August 2016) and Oando Plc (until February 2016).
Mrs Olabisi Olubunmi Odunowo (Non-Executive Director)
Mrs Odunowo has more than 25 years of experience in the Nigerian banking sector having held operations leadership positions across a range of financial institutions including Coronation Merchant Bank, Stanbic IBTC Bank and Guaranty Trust Bank. She currently applies her extensive operational and customer service experience by advising and capacitating small and medium-sized businesses across a range of industries.
Mr Adekunle Sonola (Executive – MD/CEO)
Mr Sonola has more than 33 years of experience in the African financial services sector, most recently as Executive Director of Commercial Banking at Union Bank Plc, prior to which he was the pioneer Regional Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank East Africa and the Director of Investment Banking at Standard Bank in South Africa. Adekunle has also served on the boards of First Bank of Nigeria Plc where he chaired the Board’s Risk Management Committee and Airtel Nigeria Plc.
Mr Abdullahi S Mohammed (Executive Director)
Mr Mohammed has worked in the Nigerian Financial Services and public sectors for more than 20 years, having begun his financial services career with Century Merchant Bank and Kakawa Discount House before being appointed as the Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport in Kano State. He returned to Kakawa Discount House in 2003, before joining First Bank and ultimately moving to his current position at Polaris Bank.
Mr Segun Opeke (Executive Director)
Mr Opeke has more than 26 years of experience in the Nigerian financial services sector with more than 15 years spent in Senior and Executive Management positions. Segun began his career with Chartered Bank before joining FSB Merchant Bank and then Prudent Bank before joining the then Skye Bank in 2006, rising to become Executive Director of the now Polaris Bank, with more than 15 years experience in the institution.
—- ENDS —-
About Polaris Bank
Polaris Bank was established by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on September 21, 2018, to offer commercial banking services to the Nigerian public. The bank commenced services on the same day, having purchased the assets and assumed certain liabilities of the defunct Skye Bank.
With a footprint of over 253 branches across the country, Polaris Bank prides itself in delivering exceptional customer experience, leveraging best-in-class/state-of-the-art Information Communication Technology (ICT). By focusing on ICT solutions across multiple service delivery channels (mobile banking, ATMs, POS and online platforms) Polaris Bank maintains a pivotal role in the Nigerian banking industry, providing customers with simple, convenient and secured banking services.
About Strategic Capital Investment Limited (SCIL).
Strategic Capital Investment Limited (SCIL) is a special-purpose vehicle established by Ponglomerape Limited and Clotaire Investment Limited to acquire 100% of Polaris Bank with a focus on institutionalisation and technology driving the growth of the bank into a top ten Nigerian Bank in 5 years.
Ponglomerape is a diversified conglomerate and successful private investment group with investments in the real estate, agriculture, manufacturing and consulting sectors.
Clotaire is a private investment vehicle controlled by the founders of a leading West African private investment company with interests in a wide range of sectors.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced the completion of the sale of Polaris Bank to Strategic Capital Investment Limited (SCIL).
Truetells Nigeria reports that this was disclosed in a statement on Thursday by CBN’s Director, Corporate Communications, Osita Nwanisobi.
Nwanisobi disclosed that the deal was sealed with SCIL by the CBN and Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON).
According to the CBN Director, SCIL has paid N50 billion to acquire 100% of the equity of Polaris Bank and has accepted the terms of the agreement which include the full repayment of the sum of N1.305 trillion, being the consideration bonds injected.
He said: “Polaris has been operating as a bridge bank since 2018 when the Central Bank of Nigeria intervened to revoke the licence of the former Skye Bank Plc and established Polaris Bank to assume its assets and certain liabilities. As part of the CBN intervention, consideration bonds with a face value of N898 billion (future value of N1.305 trillion) was injected into the bridge bank through AMCON, to be repaid over a 25-year period. These actions were taken to prevent the imminent collapse of the bank, enable its stabilisation and recovery, protect depositors’ fund, prevent job losses and preserve systemic financial stability.”
SCIL has paid an upfront consideration of N50 billion to acquire 100% of the equity of Polaris Bank and has accepted the terms of the agreement which include the full repayment of the sum of N1.305 trillion, being the consideration bonds injected. The CBN thus received an immediate return for the value it has created in Polaris Bank during the stabilisation period, as well as ensuring that all funds originally provided to support the intervention are recovered.
“The sale was coordinated by a Divestment Committee comprising representatives of the CBN and AMCON, and advised by legal and financial consultants. The Committee conducted a sale process by ‘private treaty’, as provided in Section 34(5) of the AMCON Act to avoid negative speculations, retain value and preserve financial system stability. In the process, parties who had formally expressed an interest in acquiring Polaris Bank, subsequent to the CBN intervention in 2018, were invited to submit financial and technical proposals. Invitations to submit proposals were sent to 25 pre-qualified interested parties, out of which three (3) parties eventually submitted final purchase proposals following technical evaluation. All submissions were subject to a rigorous transaction process from which SCIL emerged as the preferred bidder having presented the most comprehensive technical/financial purchase proposal as well as the highest rated growth plans for Polaris Bank.”
Speaking on the transaction, CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, said the sale marks the completion of a landmark intervention in a strategic institution in the Nigerian banking sector by the CBN and AMCON.
He said: “We commend the outgoing board and management for their vital role since the bridge bank was established; in stabilising the Bank’s operations, its balance sheet and implementing strong governance structures to address the issues that led to the intervention.
This process has provided the CBN with an unprecedented opportunity to recover its intervention funds in full and promote financial stability and inclusive growth.
We wish SCIL well as they implement growth plans to build the bank from the strong foundations that have been established.
Nigerian troops have arrested two officials of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), who had visited the Gagamari Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in the Niger Republic to register non-Nigerians.
This was disclosed on Thursday by Major General Musa Danmadami, Director of Defence Media Operations, during the military’s bi-weekly press briefing at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
“On 13 October 2022, troops in conjunction with the Nigeria Police and NIS (Nigeria Immigration Service) operatives intercepted 2 suspected fake National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) officials. It was revealed that the suspects had visited Gagamari IDP camp in Niger Republic to register non-Nigerian in the IDP camp.
“Items recovered from the suspects include National Identification Number (NIN) registration machine, printing machine, laminating machine, a computer tracking machine and a generator set among other items,” Danmadami said.
He added that “during the weeks in focus, 31 suspected Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province members were neutralized, while 10 were arrested and 2 civilians rescued”.
“Furthermore, a total of 366 Boko Haram terrorists and their families comprising 23 adult males, 112 adult females and 231 children surrendered to troops at different locations within the theatre. All recovered items, arrested terrorists, logistics suppliers and rescued civilians have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action while the surrendered Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and their families are being profiled for further action,” he added.
Suleiman Adamu, the minister of water resources, has stated that rainfall, not Cameroon’s Lagdo dam, causes 80 percent of Nigeria’s floods.
“All these stories I’ve been seeing on social media, I just laugh because they are misleading,” Adamu stated in Abuja on Wednesday, October 19.
The contribution of the Lagdo dam to flooding in this country is only one percent. Sometimes they release the water without notice and when they do that, it has an impact on communities downstream but it is not the main reason we have floods in this country — 80 percent of the floods in this country is water that we are blessed with from God from the sky.
This year’s flood, I can assure you, we cannot blame it on Cameroon to be sincere. We’ll continue to have floods on the river Niger and Benue basins. We signed the MOU with the Cameroonian authorities but since then, every year, it is the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) that calls them ‘what is your level in Lagdo?’
Even this one when he called them, I was communicating with the DG NIHSA, I said ‘what’s happening in Cameroon?’ He said he has been calling them and they said they have not released any water but they said they will inform us. Finally, they said they will inform us tomorrow, they didn’t inform us, they informed us 24 hours after they had released the water.
They did the same thing two years ago, I wrote to the minister of foreign affairs and Nigeria had to write a protest letter to the Cameroonian authorities that they did not inform us.
It was after our rains had gone down, suddenly we saw floods in Adamawa area and we were asking them. For two weeks they were denying that they had opened the reservoir. Of course, it didn’t go to the confluence, it was limited to the areas of Adamawa state and Taraba. Because like I said, the contribution to the flood by Lagdo dam is not so high.” he said.
The Labour Party (LP) has suspended it’s National Youth Leader, Eragbe Anslem over allegations of misconduct.
The party has appointed Prince Kennedy, as it’s acting National Youth Leader.
A letter signed by LP National Chairman, Julius Abure and National Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, dated 18th October conveyed the suspension to Anslem saying:
“You may wish to recall that on the 14th of October, 2022. The National Working Committee of the party met and has among other matters deliberated on the allegations of misconducts labelled against you as the National Youth Leader of the Labour Party. A disciplinary committee was constituted to look into your matter and report to the National Chairman.”
“Consequently, the committee has submitted its reports to the National Chairman with its recommendations in accordance with the party’s constitution as Amended (2019).
Labour Party Suspends National Youth Leader
“In compliance with the party’s constitution, as Amended, (2019) and the committee’s recommendations, you are hereby suspended from your duties as the National Youth Leader of the Labour Party for a period of 6 (six) months, with effect from 18th October, 2022. The relevant organs of the party will within the period, meet to ratify the full recommendations of the disciplinary committee.
“You are advised to surrender all party’s documents and materials in your possession to the undersigned.
A separate letter addressed to Kennedy titled “Letter Of Appointment as Acting National Youth Leader of the Labour Party” read:
“Sequel to the suspension of the National Youth Leader, the National Chairman has approved your appointment as the Acting National Youth Leader of the Labour Party with immediate effect.”
Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, earlier today, Thursday, October 20, 2022 had an extensive interactive session with Ndi Anambra on Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) where the people had an opportunity to call in and ask the Governor questions in regards to the government activities
The MD of ABS, Mr Chido Obidiegwu who anchored the programme, in his intro revealed that Mr Governor promised to interact with ndi Anambra every four months so they can air their views, opinions, criticisms and suggestions. It’s in fulfillment of that promise that Governor Soludo is making a second appearance on the programme
Mr Chido throwing the floor open for questions asked Governor Soludo to tell ndi Anambra where the flood crisis emanated from and what extent he has intervened in finding solutions
Governor Soludo in response to the question said the flood is an annual occurrence but the one of this year is quite different because of higher levels of water tide experienced.
He said no state in Nigeria is experiencing the high level of erosion that exists in the state. 30% of erosion has taken over the Land and most of the roads are splitting into two.
“Seven LGA in the states have largely be submerged. Hundreds of thousands of homes, assets and farmlands are under water. Thousands of people are displaced. They ran from their homes to camps and families.
“Our major aim is to save lives. Those in camps, we want to ensure they feed, have access to medicines and solar for electricity. Once this water subsidizes, we will continue to tend to them because many will start life all over again.
“This is an annual occurrence so we will be fully prepared for that of next year. We shall provide modern speed boats to ease means of transportation for residents in the riverine areas.
“Boats and Canoes are no longer secured. There was an incidence of boat mishap that led to loss of lives.
“We have also commenced serious conversation with the Federal Government. Cameroun opening their dams and allowing these floods to cause destruction shall no longer be tolerated.
“Why is Nigeria no longer building dams? Cameroun built theirs in the 1980s and we didn’t do the same. We need to build up to four dams so when Cameroun open theirs, the flood won’t occur.
The Governor extended his gratitude to good spirited Ndi Anambra who have been donating to the displaced flood victims. He said a special account will be opened to help victims to start life afresh.
“We must prepare for the next flood. NEMA should have an office in Anambra because the state has annual flooding.
The Chairman NUJ Anambra Chapter, Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu asked when will works begin in all the roads already flagged off?
The Governor replied that a number of roads have been flagged off. He said; “This is October and the rains are falling. Asphalt is not good to be applied during rainy season.”
“We want to construct stone base roads with cement stabilization and moisture content. A quality never seen before!” Governor Soludo said
“By the end of next month, every local government must have one road construction. Some have already begun. From Okpoko (14km) is ongoing, Akpaka to Nsugbe and decongestion of 33.
“Any road we flagg off, I must go and inspect it. We inspected 13km of road at Awka from Okpuno to Isuaniocha and work will start soon.
“From ogidi to Ogbunike, there’s heavy water there which is already being tackled. From Amansea to Obefemmili, Amansea, Awa down to Ufuma Junction, Akpali to Ogbunka, IgboUkwu to Ikenga, Contracts have been awarded and we shall be flagging off the roads soon.
“We are going to Ekwusigo, Ihiala, Nnewi South, Osumenyi and Ezinifite, Aguata to Ayamelum. Work is ongoing at Nnobi; Inland doors, Umuoji Area.
“It’s a promise we are determined to keep. Road! Road!! Road!!! Work is ongoing at New Market Road, the entire roads at Fegge, I have toured there. It’s been 40 years ago construction work has been carried out there.
“I went to Owelle-aja Obosi. If it rains heavily, water level gets to their necks. I have seen these roads, I feel them and I see what people are going through on a daily basis. We are determined to fix them.
“As the dry season approaches, you will see heavy construction work ongoing.
“The timelines of these roads I awarded would be completed before my 1st year in office. From Mmiata, the road should be completed before March next year. The one of Amansea should be completed before February next year.
Many of the roads have timelines of 8 months, 1 year, 18 months. Our first construction cycle is October to March. The Second Construction cycle should see us constructing over 100km of roads by the end of next year.
Lady Ify Obi who is the Station Manager of Unizik FM asked the Governor questions on insecurity. She said when it was looking that the environment was getting calm, some hoodlums attacked Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s convoy few months ago. She asked if the culprits have been arrested.
Governor SOLUDO said when he assumed office, the security situation in the state was very terrible with over 15 camps set up from which they operate.
“I was tough in my resolve to find a solution because light and darkness cannot cohabit together.
“Those criminals who attacked Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah, some of them have been arrested but full briefing in that regard shall be given in detail.
“The others who attacked vigilantes and military personnel, they can run but can’t hide. It’s only a question of time. Each day, we get closer in apprehending them.
“Anambra must be calm and secured! We are ready to help these criminals if they make up their mind to stop crime. We will help and empower them.
“Communities have lots of responsibilities to do. Any youth who attain quick wealth, interrogate and investigate him on how he accumulated such sudden wealth.
“Crime won’t vanish completely in 3 or 6 months. It will take time but we shall overcome!
“The days of these criminals are numbered because there is no place to hide.
Lady Ify Obi also asked the Governor to give assurance to Ndi Anambra who would be visiting the state during the festive period.
Governor Soludo maintained that Ndi Anambra employed him to secure lives and properties. He said as Government, he will do all he can to ensure the state is safe for Ndi Anambra during the festive period.
He urged Ndi Anambra if they hear or see something, they should say something. He said their assistance and cooperation will help the Government win the fight against crime in the state.
“We are encouraging communities to invigorate their local vigilantes to give us information. We make arrests any time of the day even at midnight. Give us information and we shall go pick them up.
Mr Jude Atupalizi, the Editor-in-Chief of Fides Newspaper asked the Governor on how far he has gone on taxation.
The Governor replied that oil money is dwindling. He recalled in his inaugural speech where he mentioned that the Government of advanced countries use taxes to work and solve public problems.
“Everyone must pay their fair share. Lagos generate over N50 billion in one month from the taxes the people pay.
“Of course, I’m conscious of tax incidence on the poor and making sure it’s not heavy on them. What Keke drivers pay now is less than 50% of what they pay before. The only difference is that they are asked to pay monthly.
“Unions collect illegal taxes from these Keke operators. They do this for a living and use it to enrich their pockets.
“We have disbanded these unions. If you want to belong in any union from henceforth, it will be on a voluntary basis.
“Keke operators are asked to pay N15000 in a month (N600 a day) compared to when they pay N1500 a day (N30000 monthly). We have removed this tax burden on them.
“We are also after Touts (Agberos) because they are no longer needed in the State. When I toured Onitsha, the people appreciated our efforts in driving them away.
“In our billboards, we write “Solution is here! Your tax money is at work.” My promise to Ndi Anambra is that they will get value for every Kobo they pay
“We recruited 5000 teachers and we must pay them monthly. We will pay pensioners who haven’t received their gratuities since 2018. This is at a time the receipts from oil have declined.
“With taxes, we can construct roads and solve other problems. When people pay their taxes, government provide services in an accountable manner.
“It’s difficult for a start but with time, people will begin to see the dividends of these taxes.
“Part of our revolution is to get rid of these billionaire tax merchants but they won’t leave easily without a fight. Majority of them instigated the Keke drivers protests that happened last month in the state.
“If everyone pays half of what they should, Anambra will be on course. Under my watch, Anambra will see the progress and value of their taxes.
“The conversation on tax and value is what we take serious but we want to lower the burden on the poor.
The MD of ABS, Chido Obidiegwu spok@e about the Governor closing revenue doors and organizing a public bid. He said it’s a way of demonstrating transparency.
Governor Soludo said the public bid opened his eyes to see the value of various government concessions. He said the top ten bidders are also included to winners of the bid Incase, they fail to pay to the government, the other top bidders are available to take charge of the concessions.
Mr Governor in his response to waste management in the State said it is impossible to clean Anambra from Awka.
“We can’t continue to tolerate dumps and heaps of refuse in the State. We can’t sit with an Agency in Awka and clean the whole state. We have to take it to the local government level.
“Waste management is local. We must develop a local mechanism we can monitor. House to House collection of Refuse and sweeping of streets is the next level we are targeting because we want Anambra to be the cleanest state.
“Cleaning up Anambra is our responsibility. It is not meant for Government alone. Those throwing dirts in the gutters and blocking drainages, including those who build houses and channel water flow to the streets, will have to stop.
“A whole lots of things lies on us. In keeping Anambra clean, everyone has his or her own responsibility.
PHONE CALLS
The first caller Chimezie Nwafor, an indigene of Agulu called from Abuja. He asked about insecurity and leadership tussles between President Generals and Traditional Rulers at the Community Levels.
Governor Soludo said his administration wants to democratize Government at the local government level. “In this particular system, there’s no room to recruit thugs to molest people. PGs, Igwes and Town Unions must have their code of conducts.”
The second caller, Chinedu Okafor from Awka appreciated the Governor and pleaded with him to build more roads in the State
The third caller, Ifeanyi from Awka pleaded with the Governor on more roads construction and elimination of Touts in Onitsha along Owerri road extorting money from people
Governor Soludo thanked Ifeanyi for the information. He assured the Enforcement team and police in that area will step up its activities and reiterated that this is the kind of information we need.
The fourth caller requested about implementation of law and order in the state. He asked about the Truth, Justice and Peace Committee set up and what impact they have made so far
The Governor revealed the committee have had two sittings since it was set up. He said spilling of blood can’t take us anywhere.
“The criminals we have apprehended, all of them are Igbos. It is Igbos doing harm against their own brothers. Some confessed openly on how many people they have killed.
“It is an abomination! Those in the forest are plain criminals. They have no other objective, moving around with dieties. Animals don’t kill their fellow breeds but we humans kill each other.
“Anyone who spills blood will also be killed alongside his generation. He who kills by the sword must die by the sword.”
The fifth caller, Chinedu an indigene of Aguleri called from Onitsha. He complained about thugs in Onitsha. He said Government Task force only operate in the Afternoon but at night, these Thugs come out and operate.
He also said there are others who call themselves the Solution Team at upper Iweka but frequently molest car owners.
He asked for a Special Team to be set-up that will implement law and order.
The sixth caller, Okechukwu from Awka asked about Keke operators in towns and villages who must pay the same amount of taxes as operators in cities.
He also said there’s population explosion in Awka and there’s need for road expansion
Governor Soludo said touting has become an industry. “Many of these youths have been involved in it for 15-20 years. Their operating hours and location at 33, Nsugbe, Aroma, we will be getting there and picking them.”
“We are not relenting. Agbero will have no space in Anambra. There’s a youth empowerment training programme that will begin.
“We will dualize our roads! There is road crises in our state and have declared a state of emergency on it subject to resource constraint.
“We will raise funds and temporary loans of which we haven’t gotten yet. But we have conserved what we have, paying contractors 50% upfront.
“And as we collect revenue, we should be able to pay back these loans. There are communities that don’t have even 1km tarred roads.
“The whole of Anambra budget can’t fix all the roads in Awka alone unfortunately. Phase one of the roads we are dealing with are roads that are very strategic that impact on a large number of people and address traffic challenges.
“The constructed roads should help decongest and ease traffic. We are intervening in places that will become game changers.
“In phase two, we will build bridges. I understand every village needs roads.
Ify asked about the law controlling burial ceremonies. She said Ndi Anambra are complaining the govt request they pay N100,000 before burials are conducted and this rumours has gone viral.
The Governor replied that Anambra has a funeral law passed by Anambra House of Assembly about 3 to 4 years ago and the law is meant to control extravagant expenditure people make when burying their dead.
“This law was not passed by me. This law covers burial billboards, fliers and brochures. The law says no more of these wasteful conducts.
“When the dead was alive, nothing was spent on him or her until they die. When they die, you spend a fortune on them.
“The point is, this is the law of ANambra state before I came in. Why it is talked about is because a law is a law and we abide by the rule of law. My government didnt introduce the law, It was passed by previous administration.
On response to questions raised on ABS Facebook Channel, criticizing the Governor on not appointing people with disability.
Soludo said the principal consideration in our appointment is what value are you bringing. We are not giving appointment to disabled persons for symbolic reasons.
“Special training centres are being built for people with inability in hearing. We are putting in resources where it matters. We will not measure inclusiveness by gesture. We stand with those with disabilities and shall empower them to be more useful citizens in the state
Replying “The coercing indigenous construction companies” as a Facebook user described it, Soludo said; “we are trying to get companies to be socially responsible in the environment they operate.”
“We will get the possibility of those who are sensitive to the local environment. The job content of every contract is very important because we will provide jobs to our youths.
“This govt is squeezing to the bare bones, value for money, doing more with less is our MANTRA. The contract guarantee on every roads we are delivering is 20 years
On response to NAPTIP, Soludo said it is a federal agency and they have their federal funding.
“You don’t come to a state to ask it for funding. If you come here, you should pay your bills. You should pay for your own accommodation, that’s your responsibility except it’s a project we agreed and collaborated together.
The Governor once again asked Ndi Anambra to send photos or phone numbers to pick up these thugs.
“We are very serious with these thugs marauding the streets. We are ready to retrain and empower them if they are willing to be useful members of the society.
“Every Agbero trying to extort money from the people is a thief and will be treated as such. We are not playing with this issue.
“0.01% of a group cannot define who we are because Anambra people are not lazy. We are hardworking and enterprising people. Anambra is a place for a people with honour and integrity,” he concluded.
Youths in their numbers on Thursday morning showed up with dummy coffins and bloodstained Nigerian flags at Lekki toll gate in Lagos State to commemorate the second-year memorial of the EndSARS protest shooting.
The procession passed through the Lekki Tollgate, the scene of the killings that took place on Tuesday, October 20, 2020.
Liz Truss has announced she is resigning as prime minister after just six weeks in the role.
There will be a leadership election within a week, Ms Truss said.
It comes after the chair of the 1922 Committee, Sir Graham Brady entered No 10 for a crisis meeting with the prime minister, followed by party chair Jake Berry.
Ms Truss’ brief stint as leader involved a mini-Budget that spooked the market, the sacking of her close ally and chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng, the resignation of home secretary Suella Braverman and chaos in Westminster around a confidence vote where there were allegations of senior Tories manhandling and bullying colleagues.
UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman resigns
UK inflation accelerates to 40-year high as food prices rise
Just yesterday she told PMQs she is a “fighter not a quitter.”
Conservative MP Simon Hoare said Liz Truss only had 12 hours to save her premiership while Lord David Frost, a former Brexit minister who backed Truss for PM, called for her to go in addition to more than a dozen MPs.
Charges members on effective service delivery to the people
Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo has charged members of Anambra Local Government Service Commission to reposition the sector where it ought to be.
He made this call while formally inaugurating them at the Government Lodge Amawbia.
Speaking to the members, Governor Soludo said, “You are called upon to join the Solution team, the disruptive team and breathe life into the local government service.
“We want to go back bottom up. The Local Government system has not been anywhere it’s supposed to be.”
Governor Soludo further said he was pleased to inaugurate an experienced, patriotic and knowledgeable team.
“We are looking at the Local Government to deliver effective service to the people.
“In terms of governmental structure, the Local Government is the representative in the grassroots.
“We need staff to deliver. The institution should be effective and efficient, need skills, tools, technology and leadership which is provided by the appointed Transition Committee Chairmen,” Soludo asserted.
“We can’t drive development to the State only from Awka alone and this is the reason why we have devolved responsibilities down to the local government.
“The Market and other institutions have a role to play. All the organs in the Local Government must work!”
“The JAAC committee have a limited technical job which is simply to manage joint domiciled accounts. That’s their important and technical responsibility.
“In matters of appointment, promotion, transfer; the entire system of the Local Government needs to work and that lies with you.
“We were careful to select people that are experienced and knowledgeable. That’s what we need; your knowledge, experience and love for Anambra.”
While warning staff who seem to forget they have to come to work daily, he asked “What services are you delivering to the people?”.
“We are determined to invigorate and delegate responsibilities to local government so they can be more responsible from waste management and a host of others.
“You can’t repeat the same thing and expect a different result. Quite a whole lot of things need to change including the finances.
We love Anambra but sometimes, the consciousness might not be there. You have a lot of work to do as a team and we are confident you shall deliver.
“The Local Government system will be designed the way it ought to be.
“Congratulations and commiserations, to manage in difficult times when resources are lean because of the weight of the job that awaits you.
“We encourage and empower you to have your own independent revenue so you can execute your own projects.
“God bless you as you serve Anambra State,” Soludo concluded.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Collins Nwabunwanne reiterated the Commission is in line with Governor Soludo’s vision as demonstrated in his manifesto.
Recalling a month ago when JAAC committee was inaugurated, he maintained the mandate was to make sure the Local Government is totally reformed which have already begun.
Mr Nwabunwanne lauded the Governor for selecting the right people as members of the Local Government Service Commission and giving youths the opportunity to serve of which he is a beneficiary.
The Commissioner said he anticipates a new local government with the level of experience each member of the Service Commission is bringing on board and assures to work together with them to ensure the sector is in a better position.
The Chairman of the Commission Chief Vin Ifeanyi Ezeaka in his speech thanked the Governor for considering them worthy of the task.
“We applied for this Job online and was screened accordingly so therefore, this is not a political favour,” the Chairman remarked.
“We understand your mantra for a new Anambra. We shall key into your vision to achieve desired results.
“The Local Government is in a rot but we shall strive to get it right.”
The Chairman promised Mr Governor to exceed his expectations.
Other members of the Commission include: Hon. Azubuike Okoye, Mr Edwin Uchenna Okafor, Prof (Mrs) Ngozi Christiana Ewuim, Mrs Anthonia Tabansi-Okoye
Personalities in attendance were the Speaker Anambra House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uche Okafor, Deputy Speaker Anambra House of Assembly, Hon. (Dr) Paschal Agbodike, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, Head of Service, Barrister (Mrs) Theodora Igwegbe, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Collins Nwabunwanne, Chief Protocol, Hon Chinedu Nwoye among others.
