Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, on Wednesday joined some of the world leaders to congratulate former United States President, Donald Trump, after he was projected to win the 2024 presidential election.
Trump is strongly favoured to emerge as the 47th US president after securing 266 electoral college votes, ahead of Kamara Harris, Presidential candidate of the Democratic Party, who has so far picked up 194.
Speaking on the development via his X page, Netanyahu said Trump’s historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America.
The PM also said the Republican presidential candidate’s victory is a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America.
Taking to his verified social media handle, Netanyahu tweeted, “Dear Donald and Melania Trump,
“Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback!
“Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America.
The Chairperson of the Academic Staff Union of Universities Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (ASUU-NAU), Professor Kingsley Ubaoji, says the controversially appointed Vice Chancellor of UNIZIK remains an academic doctor and not a Professor, thereby prohibiting him from leading the ivory tower.
In statement signed by ASUU-NAU Chairperson emphasized that the appointment of Vice Chancellor is done in the Hallowed Council Chamber and not in a Hotel, stating that their agitation is borne of conviction and not because he is from Ebonyi State or all those stories they told to attract sympathy.
The statement reads in part, ‘The Pro-Chancellor set out working alone without the internal members of Council. He harrased the Ag VC and ignored all our letters to him but the first which he used to oust Prof. Ikechebelu. If he truly is playing by the rule, why would he honour and acknowledge our first letter but ignore the rest. He came with an agenda to impose someone on us. The worst is that the person is not a Professor by the documents and qualifications that makes one a professor of a university. BEFORE IT GETS DARK AT NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY
-THE POSITION OF VICE CHANCELLOR OF A UNIVERSITY SHOULD NOT BE A SETTLEMENT FOR A POLITICALJOBBER
An appeal to the President and Visitor to the University to intervene in the brewing crisis in the University by IMMEDIATELY removing Dr Berrnard Odoh, who was recklessly imposed on the University as a Vice Chancellor on Tuesday 29th October 2024 and Amb. Greg Mbadiwethe Chairman of Council, who perpetrated the imposition.
‘Nnamdi Azikiwe University is an institution named after Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, the great African scholar, nationalist and irredentist. Given the antecedents of the great Zik of Africa, the University named after him is expected to symbolically stand in the very centre of development in Nigeria and Africa, lead in advancement of academic excellence and impactful community engagement. No wonder the founding fathers choose for the University, the motto discipline, self-reliance and excellence. This motto has continued to set us apart and has remained our constant measure in our drive to be a top-tier institution in Africa renowned for producing globally competitive graduates, and advancing knowledge through research and innovation.
On Tuesday 29th October 2024, the Pro-Chancellor and chairman of Council, who had since inception been behaving like a Pharoah, violated the solemnity and sacredness of our institution by fraudulently foisting a non-qualified person, Dr Benard Odoh as its Vice-Chancellor.Apart from Dr Benard Odoh not being qualified and not meeting the eligibility criteria, the Pro-Chancellor, violated, disregarded and undermined the rule of law and recklessly imposed him on the University, above very highly qualified academic giants.
FACTS ON DR BENARD ODOH ‘Dr Benard Odoh is a 1999 graduate of Geological Sciences from Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
‘He enrolled for and studied for a Master of Science degree in the same Geological Science Department between October 2004 and January 2006.
‘He again enrolled for a Doctor of Science degree in the same Dept. of Geological Sciences (Applied Geophysics) Department in January 2006 and graduated in August 2008, a period of 2 years. It is still to be understood how he completed the Ph.D. programme in two (2) years given that the duration for a full-time Ph.D. programme in the University is six semesters (which is 3 years). Meanwhile, at the material time, he was a full-time lecturer at Ebonyi State University.This happenstance is a red flag.
‘In 2009, DrBenard Odoh was offered an appointment into the Dept. of Applied Geophysics, Faculty of Physical Sciences as a Lecturer I. He was subsequently promoted to the rank of Senior Lecturer with effect from 1st October 2012.
‘By a letter dated 16th October 2014, Dr Odoh sought and obtained approval to embark on a leave of absence effective 1st November 2014 – 1st March 2015, to contest for the elective position of Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He was not successful in his bid for a Senatorial ticket.
‘In May 2015, he was appointed Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government and through a letter dated 29th May 2015 requested and obtained approval for a four-year leave of absencefrom the University. He remained in that position till April 2018 when he resigned.
‘At the time he was appointed SSG to the Ebonyi State Government, he was a Senior Lecturer. We were therefore surprised that he started using the title of a Professor.
‘In 2019, he contested for the gubernatorial primaries in Ebonyi State under APC still pretending to be a Professor, but lost to Sonni Ogbuoji.
‘Again in 2023, he contested for the governorship of Ebonyi State flying the flag of APGA and lost.
‘Surprisingly he was in 2019 promoted to the rank of a Reader in our University under a very contentious circumstance, which elicited and still elicits controversy from his contemporaries who felt he was unduly favoured as he had not spent the requisite number of years required for the promotion. As a Union we do not have the details of how he was switching his status between political appointment, elective positions and his academic career. The law allows for leave of absence if you have a political appointment. A leave of absence means that your academic career is paused to resume when you return. However, if you are going for an elective position you are expected to resign your appointment with the University. Therefore, that Dr Benard Odoh continues to earn his promotion in the University even while running for elective positions is another red flag, and can only be explained by the past Vice Chancellor, Prof Charles Esimone.
‘So in our University now, Dr Benard Odoh is a Reader. Period! Attached as evidence of his current rank is the IPPIS salary payment slip for August 2024 which clearly shows that he is paid as a Reader (See Annexure I).
‘While Dr Benard Odoh has been tamed from officially using the title of a professor in the University’s official documents, he still parades himself as a Professor in his external communications and CV meant for external use.
‘In the University’s Central Information Referencing and Management System (CIRMS) wherein individual staff manage their pages, he wrote that “Prof. Ifeanyi Benard Odoh is a READER in APPLIED GEOPHYSICS Department, Faculty of Physical Sciences in Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
‘It is from his CV we saw that he makes a claim to an appointment as a Visiting Professor of Geophysics at the Federal University, Gusau from July 2015 to October 2017, as well as being the pioneer Head of the Department at the University within the same period. This coincides with the same period he was SSG to the Ebonyi State Government.
‘A reply dated 28th October 2024 from the Registrar, Federal University, Gusau,to a request for disclosure of the academic status of Dr Benard Odoh made by Kingsley Awuka Esq. of Awuka, Okafor & Partners, No 63 Old Onitsha Road, Opp. NAUTH, Nnewi, proved that the above claim is false. Part of the letter from the Registrar which is here exhibited as Annexure IIreads: ‘Our records show that Dr Ifeanyi Benard Odoh never(sic) a staff nor a pioneer Head of Department of Geology. Never shown (sic) up in the department or though(sic) any course(s).”
16. The above is a clear disclaimer to Dr Benard Odoh’s claim from the same University.
WHAT AN ACADEMIC FRAUD! In a saner clime, this dubious and false claim is enough to expel him from the university. But rather than do that, Amb. Greg Mbadiwe has chosen to promote him to lead one of the finest academy in the country, the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, which motto is DISCIPLINE, SELF-RELIANCE & EXCELLENCE, values that are diametrically opposed to what Dr Benard Odoh stands for.
17. But assuming without conceding that Dr Benard Odoh was actually appointed a Visiting Professor, it does not make him a Professor. It needs to be clarified that a Visiting Professor is not a full Professor. A visiting Professor is a temporary academic position that allows you to teach or conduct research at a different institution than your home one.The term “Visiting” means that it is not a permanent position and is not “tenure-track” (it is not earned by promotion). It is a mark of the deepening intellectual crisis in Nigerian Universities that even persons who have never had any academic engagement are offered “visiting Professorship” positions, but it doesn’t make them Professors.
18. The rank of a full professoris a tenure-track position with requisite promotional criteria, and appurtenances of office, and carries additional administrative responsibilities associated with membership on committees that are restricted to full professors like membership of Senate. Dr Benard Odoh is not a member of the University Senate. The Senate records are there for perusal.
‘The gap between a “visiting Professor” and a “Professor” is akin to the one between an “honorary doctorate” degree and an earned “doctorate” degree.
‘It is crystal clear from the above that Dr Benard Odoh is not a Professor and is not therefore qualified by the criteria published to lead our academy. Regrettably, he parades a forged qualification, and a dubious character, not desiring of a true academic.
SUCH A CHARACTER CANNOT BE TRUSTED WITH PRESIDING OVER THE TRAINING OF MIND AND CHARACTER, WHICH IS THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY OF A UNIVERSITY. NO ONE GIVES WHAT HE HAS NOT.
‘It is regrettable and painful that despite the fact that all these pieces of information were made available to the Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe-led Council, he insisted on foisting Dr Benard Odoh on the University as its Vice Chancellor in a most reckless, despicable and dictatorial manner.
SETTLEMENT FOR A POLITICAL JOBBER
‘Random musings about Dr Benard Odoh’s candidacy for the position of Vice Chancellor started in early April 2024 towards the end-of-tenure of the immediate past Vice Chancellor, Prof Charles Esimone. And gained traction with an article on Facebook titled: UNIZIK: Is Benard Odoh Also Among The Prophets.
‘The first two paragraphs of the article written by Magnus Ibegbulem are very instructive given its veracity (which has come to pass) and preemptive warning (which is the consequence ahead).
‘It is here reproduced for your reading pleasure:
“A university is supposed to be a model of excellence and the highest level of
decency, but it appears that politicians who are guilty of destroying the very
fabrics of our democracy and nationhood are not satisfied with the destruction
they have met and are now hell bent in bringing their atrocious greed and
diabolic corruption to the hallowed citadel of learning.
‘Hearing that a cabal in certain quarters has determined to foist Bernard Odoh, the former Secretary to the Government of Ebonyi state on the prestigious Nnamdi Azikiwe University as its Acting Vice Chancellor, is both insulting to the sensibilities of the institutions stakeholders and embarrassing to the idea of academic excellence and the sanctity of Nigerian tertiary education system.
THE UNIVERSITY SHOULD NOT BE A SETTLEMENT FOR POLITICAL
JOBBERS, AND IF THERE IS ANY UNIVERSITY THATCOULD BE USED
FOR SUCH EXPERIMENT, IT MUST NOT BE OUR PRESTIGIOUS
NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY”. (Emphasis mine)
‘Ever since this publication, the speculation that a cabal was bent on installing Dr Benard Odo as the Vice Chancellor of the University had continued to gather momentum until it finally came to accomplishment on 29th October 2024. All along, we took things for granted given that he is not qualified for the position, until CZAR AMBASSADOR GREG MBADIWE as the Chairman of Council accomplished the task. With this accomplishment, it actually became clear that the position is being offered to him, a POLITICAL JOBBER (who has made one failed attempt at Senatorial primary, another failed attempt at Gubernatorial primary, and a failed attempt at Gubernatorial election) as a settlement.
On how the plan was hatched, ‘It appeared that in picking a hatchet man for the job, the cabal found in Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe, a fit and proper character. This perhaps explains why he alone out of all the previous appointees to the Council of our University in May 2024 survived the review that followed the initial appointment. His dictatorial actions and tendencies ever since his assumption of office left no one in doubt that he has an ego to feed, and an illegitimate assignment to accomplish. From the onset, he made deliberate attempts to undermine institutional processes. Specifically, the Chairman,
• Made unilateral decisions without the full composition of Council and even thereafter.
• Disregarded the concern of the internal Council members, ASUU and Senate.
• Undermined institutional processes, including directing the appointment of an Acting DVC to which he has no right, the premature changing of Heads of Departments midstream into their tenure to serve “their purpose” of electing their preferred candidates into Council, among others.
‘A careful examination of the eligibility criteria listed in the advertisement for Vice Chancellor which Amb. Greg Mbadiwe personally published show that it is narrowly tailored to match the profile of a specific individual, rather than being broadly based to attract a diverse range of qualified candidates. This is evidenced by the exclusion of Professors from the Medical Sciences, and the emphasis and requirement of a proven record of having attracted not less than N400 million, which we consider restrictive and will disqualify numerous suitable candidates. What is the basis for N400 million as a benchmark if he had no person in mind? Such specific conditions are usually not tenable. What is often emphasised is the ability of the candidate to attract development to the University, which can come in form of grants, endowments, donations etc.The listed eligibility criteria left out very critical issues like evidence of university administrative experience, global reputation and visibility, apparently because the anointed candidate lacks such critically genuine experience. Previous copies of similar advertisements from our University and cognate institutions were provided to convince him that what he was doing was wrong, but all these were met with stubborn resistance. Representations made by MDCAN, ASUU and even representatives of the Senate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University were defiantly rebuffed. He neither replied to the several letters to him by ASUU nor acceded to the request for a meeting with the Senate. He has no modicum of respect for anybody and has not even paid a courtesy call to the Governor of the state or the traditional ruler of the host community Awka both of whom are major stakeholders and collaborators of the university.
‘INFRACTIONS BY THE PRO-CHANCELLOR AND HIS CLIQUE OF COUNCIL MEMBERS IN THE SELECTION EXERCISE FOR VICE CHANCELLOR & REGISTRAR. The Chairman of Council erred by believing that only the external members of Council are essential members in the exercise. Unconscious of his awful doom, marginalised and disregarded the representatives of Senate and Congregation in the entire process of appointing both the Registrar and the “purported Vice Chancellor”.
“The Pro-Chancellor disregarded essential steps in the selection process which are mandatorily provided for by the enabling law. A few instances will suffice: (a)He negotiated a consent judgement with one of the dissident Professor and known friend of Dr Benard Odoh, Prof Tony Okoye, of the Dept. of Environmental Management, who despite not having a locus standi, as he was not a contestant for the position of the Vice chancellor, sued to enforce adherence to the already published contentious eligibility criteria which he believed favoured his friend. This consent agreement was reached without the knowledge of the other defendants in the case which includes the University, the Council and the Acting Vice Chancellor. WHAT A FRAUD! In return, Prof Tony Okoye was appointed by the Chairman of Council to represent the Senate in the Selection panel for the appointment of Registrar without the consent of Senate. This is a clear case of CRIMINAL COLLUSION. What a shame to both the Chairman of Council and the usurper, Prof Tony Okoye.
(b) The Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (amendments) 2012 provides for the
establishment of a Search Team to be constituted as follows: A member of Council who is not a member of Senate as chairman. Two members of Senate who are not members of council, one of whom shall be a Professor; Two members of Congregation who should not be members of Council, one of whom should be a Professor. To identify and nominate for consideration suitable persons who are not likely to apply for the post on their own volition because they feel that it is not proper to do so.
The routine practice is that this Committee is set up at the time of the advertisement so that they use the six (6) weeks advertised window to search for candidates all-round the nation. And the various constituencies to wit; Senate and Congregation, are usually required to nominate their members (which is done through a popular vote). The Chairman set up the said Committee on 22nd October 2024 and single-handedly picked members of the Committee as suggested to him by his “Vice Chancellor designate”. Meanwhile the Chairman of Council is neither a member of Senate nor Congregation.
In setting up the Committee he had proposed that they have one month to do the search given that Council had proposed interviewing candidates for the position of Vice Chancellor in the first week of December 2024.
‘The unanticipated removal of the Minister of Education jolted the cabal and their hatchet man, Amb. Greg Mbadiwe. Not certain how things would turn out with the new Minister, they had to fast forward everything and deliver the new “Vice Chancellor” before the takeover of the new Minister on 31st October. With the interview held on 29th October, it means that the activity of the Search team was truncated, meanwhile we have it on good record that funds have been disbursed for the activity. THIS MONEY SHOULD BE RECOVERED AS IT HAS NOT BEEN used yet. (c) The same Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendments) 2012 requires that a
shortlist of applicants for the position of the Vice Chancellor is made (based on the advertised criteria). No such shortlist was made. There were 18 candidates and all the 18 were invited including persons above the advertised age and persons whose documentations were incomplete. Even the routine security vetting for candidates was not done. Out of the 18 applicants who were all invited, about 15 were present. The interview which was originally scheduled for 10.00am at the Council chambers of the University was moved to a Hotel, Awka.
(d) Before the interview started at about 12.10 pm, about two court summons (Motion on notice) were served on The Registrar, who refused to receive them despite being a lawyer herself. Determined not to obey any court summon, they proceeded with the exercise. A later attempt by ASUU to serve theirs was met with vehement resistance as the security men at the hotel gate were directed not to allow in any person. Inshort the court bailiff was rough handled and pushed out of the hotel. The interview ended before 2.00pm, meaning that each candidate had about 5 minutes. Candidates from many other Universities who came expecting to be thoroughly drilled left disappointed, all agreeing that the exercise was a charade.
‘It was the same charade that attended the selection process for the position of the Registrar. The exercise for the selection of the Registrar was more dramatic in the sense that on the said day, the selection Committee changed venue three times as they kept running from one place to another for fear of being served a court order. They first moved from the original venue which was the Council chamber of the University to a Hotel where the Council members were lodged, then to another hotel and later back to the first Hotel used. In doing this, they exhausted the candidates. Despite having better candidates, Amb. Greg Mbadiwe selected his relation, Mrs Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike, who is married to an Awka man, without disclosing the fiduciary relationship to other members of the panel and Council.
‘(f) The experience of external persons who attended both the Registrar and the Vice Chancellor selection process from other Universities was to say the least unwholesome as they left with bitter and derogatory experiences which IMPINGES ON THE CREDIBILITY AND REPUTATION OF OUR GREAT UNIVERSITY.
(g) As with the Search Team, the Chairman of Council single-handedly appointed representatives of Senate and Congregation into the Selection Committees for Registrar and Vice Chancellor respectively.
‘In all these, the Chairman colluded with other four (4) members of Council appointed to represent several interests to the exclusion of the internal members of Council (ie representatives of Senate and Congregation), whose presence and participation were disregarded.
‘WE FEEL GREATLY DISAPPOINTED Given the above, the members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and indeed the entire staff of Nnamdi Azikiwe University are: 1). Troubled by the abuse of process which has been demonstrated by the Chairman of
Council in several ways including:
(a). Solely advertising the criteria for eligibility for the position of Vice Chancellor without reference to Council.
‘Refusing to consider or accept the views of internal members of Council who requested for a corrigendum to correct the ominous eligibility criteria published.
‘Proceeding in reckless splendour to breach due process, after the Senate had on 16th October, 2024 requested a meeting with the Council, and resolved not to be part of the selection process, until a corrigendum to correct the ominous eligibility criteria is published and due process is complied with.
‘Despising the Senate of the Universityand its request for a corrigendum to correct the ominous eligibility criteria as published, disregarding the request for a meeting with the Senate, and usurping the power of the Senate to nominate its representatives in the two selection Committees by single-handedly appointing acolytes of Dr Benard Odoh, one of whom is barely three months asa professor to interview candidates some of who have been Professors for decades.
‘Appalled that the Chairman enlisted and invited for interview a candidate who is not a
Professorand who is not eligible by the criteria published. Regrettably, it has been in the
public domain that he was determined to enthrone this unqualified and wholly deficient candidate. Disappointed by the non-inclusiveness of the Internal Council members in this critical process. Hence all the key steps in the process (advertisement, search process, shortlisting) were dictated by the Chairman alone without consultations with the Internal members of Council.
On action sought,’ these unilateral actions and authoritative tendencies of the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of Council and his clique of external members havecaused:
• Erosion of trust and loss of confidence in the Council and its leadership.
• Institutional instability, creating an environment conducive for conflict and power struggles.
• Damage to the image of the University, with negative impact on the institution’s reputation and credibility.
‘In the immortal words of Magnus Ibegbulem,THE UNIVERSITY SHOULD NOT BE A SETTLEMENT FOR POLITICAL JOBBERS, AND IF THERE IS ANY UNIVERSITY THAT COULD BE USED FOR SUCH EXPERIMENT, IT MUST NOT BE OUR PRESTIGIOUS NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY.
‘Given the above, we request the President and Visitor to the University to URGENTLY intervene in this matter by ordering the IMMEDIATEremoval of
1) Amb. Greg Mbadiwe, Chairman of Council
2) The four (4) other government appointees of Council. 3) Dr Benard Odoh, the “purported Vice Chancellor” from office
4) Mrs Rosemary Ifeoma Nowkike, as the Registrar
5) Reconstitute the Council, and (6) Order a fresh advert and selection process for a new Vice Chancellor and Registrar for the University. A stitch in time saves nine!,’ Ubaoji concluded .
Governor Siminalayi Fubara has refuted a viral social media claim suggesting he has halted oil operations in Rivers State.
On Wednesday, a federal high court in Abuja ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to stop disbursing financial allocations to the Rivers State government.
Presiding Judge Joyce Abdulmalik delivered the ruling while addressing a lawsuit brought by the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martins Amaewhule.
The court ruled that no funds from the federation account should be released to the state until a lawful appropriation act is passed by a validly constituted house of assembly.
The post making the round says: “Breaking News: Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara Shuts Down NNPC and All Oil Companies in Rivers State, Declares “No Allocation for Rivers State, No Oil for Nigeria”. In a bold move, Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara has ordered the shutdown of NNPC and all oil companies operating in Rivers State, declaring that without federal allocation for Rivers State, there will be no oil for Nigeria. Within minutes of the shutdown, Nigeria dropped in the global oil production ranking from 4th to 24th. Governor Fubara has openly challenged Minister Nyesom Wike and President Bola Tinubu to take action against this stance and see Nigeria boil.”
“We believe in the rule of law and we have filed an appeal against the high court ruling,” he told TheCable.
“We will see this to a logical conclusion and we believe justice will be done.
“I urge Nigerians to ignore the fake report that I ordered that oil operations be shut down in the state.”
The Chairman, Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS) Emmanuel Ekene Nnamani has said that the State has been able to solve the issue of multiple taxation through the introduction of a single yearly unified tax payment system using the E-ticketing Solution.
According to him, the system allows business owners in the informal sector to pay their taxes once a year using an e-Ticket platform rather than paying into different revenue generating MDAs.
“Enugu has the most friendly tax environment. This is especially observed in the informal sector. In Enugu, one of the things we’re known for is our e-Ticket, a unified tax collection or consolidated tax collection. What it means is that the government brought all these revenue generating MDAs into the e-Ticket system so that once anybody in the informal sector pays through the e-Ticket, nobody comes to ask for tax from that person again,” Nnamani said.
He added: “For instance, in all the markets in Enugu State, you pay once in a year and nobody disturbs you again in terms of revenue. So, with that, it has made Enugu a friendly tax environment whereby you know what you’re supposed to pay; you pay it and go about your business. “
“It’s not about paying multiple times because when you pay once through the e-Ticket, the payment splits to other agencies too. That’s the type of environment that encourages business to thrive and makes it easier for our people to do business.
The ESIRS Chairman further said a similar system applies to the formal sector where business owners do not need to pay multiple times to different agencies.
“For the formal sector, we have employed what’s called a Consolidated Demand Notice. With this, you do not need to pay Land Use Charge and ESWAMA bills differently. The notice is all-encompassing. With one single demand notice that covers all fees supposed to be paid to the State. You can now choose to pay monthly, quarterly or annually because the essence of the economy is for businesses to do better. So, everything we’re doing, we’re cautious because it’s businesses that propel tax generation/collection and grow the economy. If businesses are redundant, tax generation would be redundant,” he said.
He dispelled rumors that tax payment in the State is cumbersome, assuring that the State has one of the most efficient tax payment systems in the country.
“Our tax is easy, and you also have the opportunity to negotiate how you want to pay either once, quarterly, twice or monthly. Even in the informal sector, where they pay N21,000 annually, they have the choice of how they want to pay. We allowed this because our environment is known for business, and as such, we encourage businesses to thrive.”
Each passing day; we are updated with news of unfortunate scenarios that keep playing up as acceptable norms. We are made to believe that things don’t work, and may never work in this part of the clime.
This is not different from what transpired with a property owned by the Best Aluminum Company Limited; situated in the heart of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Best Aluminum Limited is a joint business venture owned by two brothers – Chief Godwin Nweke and Chief Pius Nweke.
The company has branches in some parts of Nigeria, including a branch in the garden city of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Best Aluminum Limited was birthed through an equal partnership arrangement between the two Nweke brothers – Godwin and Pius, and this implies that decisions about the company have to be taken within the confines and knowledge of each of the partners, and where any decision regarding the company is taken without the consent of any the two brothers, such decision becomes invalid, null and void; in accordance with their initial contractual agreement.
Unfortunately, Chief Pius Nweke got wind that the land and other moveable properties belonging to Best Aluminum Limited have been sold to one Quinton International Limited, a company suspected to be fronting for a powerful politician in Rivers State.
It was alleged that the said well-connected and highly influential Rivers State politician deployed his high political connections and large financial war chest to force through the purchase of the Best Aluminum Limited property situated in Port Harcourt, and this was done without the knowledge or approval of Chief Pius Nweke, the CEO of Best Aluminum Limited.
Chief Pius Nweke, being a law abiding citizen of Nigeria proceeded to the court to register his displeasure and in turn seek for justice. He approached Port Harcourt Division of the Federal High Court presided over by Hon. Justice A. T. Mohammed, who on 5th of July, 2024 delivered ruling on the matter – Suit No: FHC/PH/CS/25/2022: Chief Pius Nweke Vs FBN Quest Trust Limited (formerly known as Trust Limited) and 5 Others.
In the ruling, the court held that the plaintiff, Chief Pius Nweke did not disclose a course of action in his suit; but notwithstanding, there were pending issues raised in the notice of preliminary objection.
The case emanated from the suspicious sale of the property of Best Aluminum Limited situated in Port Harcourt by the receiver of the appointed bank and Chief Godwin Nweke, the elder brother of Chief Pius Nweke.
The person that purchased the property is Quinton International Limited; with RC No: 822049, incorporated on 03/06/2009, a suspected Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) whose Directors are listed in the CAC as: (1) Cecia Tamuno Ibelemam Vic – Martin Uranta (2) Queen Adaba Vic – Martins Uranta, and (3) Tonye Vic – Martins Uranta.
With the ruling depicting a deplorable legal lacuna which must have stemmed from the said influential political figure in Rivers State who is bent on subverting justice against the interest of, Chief Pius Nweke, the plainfiff, immediately appealed against the judgment of the Court, and is determined to ensure that justice in this case is achieved, and that the supposed behind- the-scene, well-connected and highly-placed political figure in Rivers State; said to be behind Quinton International Limited desists from trying to subvert the course of justice.
The plainfiff, Chief Pius Nweke, is also interested in doing the right thing, where the two Nweke brothers will be concerned about any form of sale or purchase of the company’s property, where both parties must have to agree that such transaction will even take place in the first instance.
*Press Statement*
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
*Apology Regarding Recent Interaction with Citizen Stephen Abuwatseya*
*Abuja, FCT | Tuesday, October 29, 2024* – I wish to address an incident that occurred on Sunday involving an unfortunate exchange with Citizen Stephen Abuwatseya, an e-hailing cab driver.
What began as a misunderstanding escalated into actions and remarks I deeply regret, which do not reflect the values and character I strive to uphold, both as a citizen and as a representative of the people.
I sincerely apologize for my words and actions during this incident. I recognize the distress and frustration this has caused Citizen Abuwatseya, his family, and the public at large. As a public servant, I understand the weight of my role and how my words can impact others.
While I am human and not infallible, I remain accountable for my actions. Citizen Abuwatseya and I have explored alternative dispute resolution methods to address this issue and have reached a respectful resolution, which I am committed to following through.
Furthermore, I extend my heartfelt apologies to the Inspector General of Police, recognizing the unintended disparagement my remarks may have caused to his person, his office, and the entire institution. I reaffirm my respect for the Nigerian Police Force and the Inspector General’s commitment to maintaining law and order.Additionally, I extend my sincere apologies to the leadership and members of this House and the National Assembly as a whole for any deficit in goodwill this incident may have caused. I am aware that my actions reflect not only on myself but also on this esteemed institution and the trust that the public places in us.
This incident has been a humbling reminder of the necessity for restraint and self-control, especially in challenging circumstances. I sincerely apologize for any pain or discomfort my actions may have caused, and I am committed to learning from this experience to grow into a better citizen and a more empathetic representative of the people.
This experience is particularly disheartening given my recent achievements in constituency engagement,including ma.
A nascent Niger Delta Militia Group christened Niger Delta Development Force, NDDF, has threatened to blow up oil installations in the Niger Delta should President Bola Tinubu refuses to rein in and stop the meddlesomeness of the Minister of the Federal Capital territory, Nyesom Wike, in the administration of Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State.
NDDF said they are particularly piqued over plot by Wike to use a friendly Judge to rule in his favor stopping Local Government allocations to the state on Monday.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court Abuja, had recently dismissed a request by the Rivers State Government seeking to stay proceedings in a suit seeking to stop allocation of funds to all the Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
The Judge held that the request argued by the Rivers State Government through their counsel, Gordy Uche, was frivolous, vexatious, unwarranted and mischievous.
But spokesman of the group, Justin Alabraba, said in a statement that the group will waste no time in shutting down oil installations should any Judge in Abuja make any pronouncement that would render Local Governments in River State financially incapacitated to carry out their business of rendering governance to the people at the local level.
“We will waste no time. It would be swift response. We will shut down major oil installations in the Niger Delta. If President Bola Tinubu would allow Wike ground Governance at the local Governments in Rivers State, we will also ground governance at all levels. We cannot be suffering while other parts of Nigeria are enjoying. Wike should leave Fubara alone.
The group said they have watched for several months now how Wike has used his position as a Minister and a member of the Tinubu’s cabinet to undermine the activities of Governor Fubara, warning that they would no longer fold their arms and watch Wike destroy their state.
“For months now, Wike has continued to insult and intimidate Governor Fubara using his federal might. We won’t tolerate that anymore. Any move against Fubara by Wike would now be met with destructions of oil installations. Since Tinubu would want to continue to play the ostrich, let us all go mad then. Rivers State does not belong to Wike and he cannot finish serving his eight years without intimidation or harassment from those who helped him get there and now wants to disturb his successor.”
The group warned that there would be no going back when judgement is giving against Rivers State, insisting, “we will bomb and continue to destroy oil installations. This is not a threat. This is a promise. This is what we will do. Enough is enough. Wike and Tinubu cannot take us for a ride anymore.”
I have always campaigned against ‘grab certificate education’ or ‘copy and paste education.’
I believe that education in Africa and elsewhere should focus on addressing our several challenges, namely in medical and health care, food, housing, construction, sports, environment, rural and urban planning, exploration, digital skills etc.
Life is becoming tougher for households.
A student told me (in October 2024) that the least cost of food in her campus is N1500 per plate, meaning that in a day, she spends N4500 in feeding.
In a week, she spends N31,500 and N126,000 in a month and N378,000 per semester just for feeding alone . How many parents can afford this in a Country where monthly minimum wage is N70,000 and N97 per hour ?
Note that the cost of school fees, books , transport, medication, toiletries, water , miscellaneous have not been added . At the end of 4 years or more academic program, the student graduates with a ”useless” certificate that cannot add any value to the job market. Note that some courses actually add value.
To spend millions of money in a place where the university is reading 19th century curriculum in the emerging world of AI , is a waste of time.
I sympathize with both parents and students in Nigeria, they are in a trap of bad governance, lack of visionary leadership . The Children of our Political Leaders are all in Oxford, Harvard, Cambridge and other international universities enjoying functional and competitive Education while the Children of nobody are at Nigerian Universities learning how to remain good slaves.
I have advised Governors to establish modern mechanic workshops, modern farms etc in secondary schools where these secondary school students will be trained on entrepreneurial skills from where they will start working and earning money.
University education is not for everybody. The NYSC should be scrapped and be replaced with military training after secondary education.
In several ways, the NYSC certificate has, therefore, made university education compulsory.
Lets think!
My advice to parents and students is to go for courses that will address our local challenges. Look around you , identify a problem ,work towards proferring solution through your academic work , you will make money and secure your future.
The GGM family heartily extends her felicitations to Prof Kingsley Moghalu, Ifekaego 1 of Nnewi, on his appointment as the pioneer President of African School of Governance.
GGM has followed your activities over the years and has come to the conclusion that this appointment will launch you to global Leadership role .You will definitely make the entire Africa proud and we have no doubt that humanity will benefit from your wealth of experience.
We equally envisage that it will be a matter of time before your trademark innovations and bespoke reforms will start reverbating first from the institution and subsequently across the length and breath of Africa and beyond.
The opportunity of this appointment is golden as well as timely in the sense that it is an important threshold in attempt at bold fusioning of Africanism into a new world order where the brightest and Smartest will reign supreme.
You will have our Support in this onerous journey of Self-emancipation and enhancement of Africa and by extension the Upliftment of Mankind in general
Once again, Congratulations!!!!!!
Signed
Comrade Henry Ebubeogu
Spokesperson,GGM.
Email: ggovernanceministry@gmail.com
In a historic move, the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission, EERC, Tuesday, assumed full regulatory oversight of the Enugu State electricity market following the lapsing of the transition period for the transfer of regulatory oversight from the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to the state agency.
This development, which makes Enugu the first state to commence the development of a sub-national electricity market in both Nigeria and Africa, also saw the EERC, issue licensees to Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited,an EERC subsidiary set up to take over electricity operations of the former Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC in Enugu State effective midnight of Wednesday and the first Independent Power Project, IPP, in Enugu State, to Fedikore Limited, to build a power plant with a nameplate capacity of 10MW.
This followed the enactment of the Enugu State Electricity Law, 2023, and the setting up of the EERC, which saw Enugu State emerge in April this year as the first state to be handed the regulatory power over its electricity market by NERC, but with a six-month transition period, which elapsed on Tuesday, thus effectively empowered to now fully exercise the constitutional right to develop its electricity sector across the value chain of generation, transmission, distribution, or retailing services, including Mini-Grid and Off-Grid electrification solutions.
In his address, the Chairman of EERC, Chijioke Okonkwo, described the event as significant “as it marks the beginning of the development of sub-national electricity markets not only in Nigeria, or West Africa, but across the African continent.
“Today completes the six months transition for the transfer of regulatory authority from the national regulator, NERC, to the EERC, as stipulated in Section 230 of the Electricity Act 2023, and the consequential Order of NERC dated 22nd April 2024.
“Today, we now take on the monumental responsibility of regulating and guiding the electricity sector in Enugu State. This assumption of regulatory oversight is not just about the transfer of authority, but represents a shared vision for a more efficient, responsive, and innovative electricity market.
“NERC has laid a strong foundation, and we are confident that EERC will build on that legacy to bring about positive changes for the people of Enugu State and beyond, in line with Enugu’s realities.
“Our mission is clear: to ensure that Enugu has access to reliable, cost effective, and sustainable electricity while promoting fairness and innovation in the sector.
“We are here to enhance the quality of life for all residents, businesses, and stakeholders by creating an efficient regulatory environment that fosters growth and transparency,” Okonkwo stated.
The Chairman commended the Governor Peter Mbah Administration for zero political interference in the affairs of the Commission.
“I must say that we have enjoyed a tremendous level of independence from the state government activities and our own role. We have been established and supported to take off. However, we have also been given the authority and independence to develop the regulations and policies that we have put in place, not minding how they impact on the state government,” he concluded.
“We are not just identifying with EERC as the pacesetter, Mainpower will also want to be the pacesetter. We are assuring you that in the coming weeks, months, and years, and with the regulatory structure that are now tailored to the needs and purposes of the state, we are going to have an improved service to the people of Enugu State,” he said.
On his part, the Founder and MD/CEO of Fedikore Ltd, Dr. Chukwueloka Umeh, described what is happening in Enugu as revolutionary, expressing Fedikore’s joy to partner with EERC.
“The EERC has done a fantastic job in starting this revolution that is about to happen and we are pleased to be a part of it.
”Fedikore set up last year as the first IPP in Enugu State. We built 4mw plant at 9th Mile to supply power to the Enugu State Water Corporation here in Enugu. So, we are very committed to working with the state, especially given the leadership provided by both the government and the EERC so far.
“We believe that with the support of EERC, the state and with the partnership with Mainpower, we can do amazing things here to start the industrial revolution that we are talking about for many years. It is possible,” Umeh stated.
