Rise and fall of Agbazuere, Abia's chief of staff Pg 12, 13

@newsechonigeria @newsechonigeria @newsechonigeria ...Strong voice echoes the truth ISSN: 2736-0512 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2020 VOL. 1 NO. 46 N150

Accused former Awkuzu SARS commander,

Nwafor, shuns Anambra panel Pg 2 Agbazuere Real reasons behind Buhari’s interest Pg 8, 9 in Niger Republic Abia budgets N131b for 2021 Pg 11 Recession, borrowing: Pg 3 Nigeria heading into bleak future - Finance expert Flooding: NEMA distributes relief materials to Rivers

Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou and Muhammadu Buhari communities Pg 5 APC sacks warring Nwafor,

Nlemigbo's factions in Imo Pg 2 Stop attacking Ebonyi leaders, 8 youths arrested for vandalising PDP tells Umahi Pg 5 South East EEDC equipment Pg 10 Wednesday, December 9, 2020

pedestrian bridge available on the awareness for the sake of FRSC flags off mobile speed control campaign the highways, contributed to God and humanity. From Ovat Mike, Nigeria's highways. the commercial vehicles factors like over speeding, the increase as they become News Echo gathered that Onitsha On the forthcoming travelling at night are faulty. f a t i g u e , i m p a t i e n c e , victims of hit and run about 60 personnel, rainer Christmas and New Year Nteje Unit Commander, overloading and insensitivity motorists while carelessly gun, vehicles and other road- he Corps Marshall of festivals, he warned parents Mr. Yakubu S. Ahmed, while on the part of drivers. crossing the major roads. control tools were deployed the Federal Road who are travelling with their addressing the deployed He noted also that many He warned the officers not for the success of the exercise TSafety Corps, FRSC, children to avoid night officers, blamed some of the people that defiled the FRSC to subject themselves to which is expected to end first quarter of 2021. Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi, journey, noting that most of crash incidents on human repeated caution to use the monetary inducement during yesterday, flag off a public awareness campaign on speed control to educate motorists APC sacks warring Nwafor, Nlemigbo's factions in Imo p ly i n g E nu g u - O n i t s h a not go down well with the expressway. others had also declared for Nwafor-led committee, Oyeyemi was represented …It's unconstitutional – Nwafor the party. which described the action as Chairman, South-South, He said what was needed by the Anambra State Sector By Jude Owuamanam outcome of the NEC, also misplaced. Ntufam Hilliard Eta, for his now was for party chieftains Commandant, Mr. Andrew said that the action affected Nwafor, who spoke to our Kumapayi, at the event which h e r u l i n g A l l the party's structure at polling failure to withdraw the court to display discipline and correspondent on phone, said took place at the Sector Unit Progressives Congress unit, ward, local government, case instituted against the sustain the tempo. that the action was in Command RSS.33 Nteje, T(APC) has applied the state and zonal levels except caretaker committee. The President said, "I have contempt of court as the a l o n g E n u g u - O n i t s h a sledge hammer on the two members of NEC who are El-Rufa said that the received periodic briefings matter of which faction is the expressway. warring factions of the party non members of the party's meeting had granted waivers f r o m t h e c a r e t a k e r authentic exco in the state was He said the primary in the state by dissolving the N a t i o n a l W o r k i n g to those who had joined the extraordinary convention before the appellate and purpose of the awareness state executive council. Committee (NWC). party and those wishing to planning committee, as well Supreme Court. as other leaders of the party. campaign was to educate It therefore led to rest the He said that NEC also follow suit in the nearest He however said that the future, adding that the NEC "I am convinced that in the motorists on the danger of lingering battle over the soul extended the tenure of the 13- party in the state will meet condemned the call for the last five months, since the driving above the 100 speed of the party, which had pitted Member All Progressives and take definite stand on the the former Governor Rochas resignation of President appointment of the caretaker l i m i t t h a t i s o n l y C o n g r e s s ( A P C ) dissolution. Okorocha and his successor, Buhari by the People's committee the initiatives He said, “Obviously the constitutionally allowed on Caretaker/Extraordinary Hope Uzodimma. Democratic Party (PDP) and t a k e n h a v e b r o u g h t action is misplaced and Nigeria roads. C o n v e n t i o n P l a n n i n g W h i l e O k o r o c h a their allies. remarkably new atmosphere misdirected because we are in The FRSC boss expressed Committee (CECPC) led by supported Dan Nwafor's Governor Mai Mala Buni for In his opening remarks, of hope in the party. court, both at the Appeal worry over the incessant cases faction, Uzodimma was in another six months President Buhari said the "Healthy debates are now Court and Supreme Court. of road accidents recorded on league with the faction led by The tenure of Buni's caretaker committee had taking place and the potential But we will meet as a party to daily basis along the axis. Marcellinus Nlemigbo. committee would ended on succeeded in bringing new for organs of the party to take definite stand on it. Oyeyemi noted that the Governor Nasir El-Rufai December 25, 2020. atmosphere of hope to the affirm majority positions as Efforts tto get Nlemigbo to campaign was in line with the of Kaduna State announced He said that the NEC also party as many members who the decision of the party is comment were unsuccessful a FRSC operational order to this on Tuesday while briefing endorsed the expulsion of had earlier defected from the now possible. he failed to pick his phone stem the tide of accidents on State House reporters on the former APC National Vice APC had returned while However the decision did after many calls.

made on Imo roads under the r e c e n t f l a g – o f f o f Commissioner assures of quality road construction present administration, with construction of roads in the the level and standard of on- state, including, Owerri – Relations (NIPR), Imo State tackled head-on, as to ensure Chairman of NIPR in the going road construction and Orlu and Owerri -Okigwe By Uzoma Ogoke chapter who called on him in long life span of the roads. state, Comrade Loveth rehabilitation projects in the roads, are a big plus to the his office. Nwosu added that Ekwemalo, commended the ommissioner for state present administration. He stated that the Hope construction of solid roads, commissioner for the giant Works, Imo State, She made particular She commended the Uzodimma administration without compromising strides in recovering Imo CRalph Nwosu, has reference to Relief Market commissioner for running believes in thorough jobs, standard saves costs which roads which suffered years of assured that the state road, MCC Road, Awo open-door policy and assured whereby the state will be can also be invested in other neglect during the past government will leave a long Omamma - Okwudor road, of the support of NIPR for transformed for the better, areas. administration. lasting legacy on Imo roads. Chukwuma Nwaoha Road the state government. pointing out that the root He assured Imolites of Ekwemalor stated that Nwosu made the remark and others, adding that the while addressing leaders of problems of roads under more roads construction and visible improvement has been Nigeria Institute of Public constr uction are being better days ahead. Speaking earlier, the they budget paltry sum for Former Awkuzu SARS agriculture", he stated. Also speaking, a retired commander, Nwafor, Anambra guber: I'll deploy my military general, Arinze Chuka Ebenebe, confirmed the shuns Anambra panel experience in tackling security - Aspirant military backing to the project, stressing that the From Maduako Eleweke, From Ovat Mike, and started in our youths. issues we'll look into. The maiming and others while in military had been part of the charge of the SARS in the Onitsha "They know what I'm biggest challenge is that of Awka electorate with voting powers. state. capable of doing, especially inability to feed ourselves, "We are going to be his he former Officer in g u b e r n a t o r i a l that is hunger. The Chairman of the panel aspirant on the with regards to the security t h i n k - t a n k u s i n g o u r charge of Special Anti Justice Veronica'Umeh (rtd) "Even after years of civil experience and human platform of Labour challenges facing Anambra TRobbery Squad SARS had during last sitting ruled A today. That's why they are all war, we are still finding it resource management in all Awkuzu, Anambra state, Mr Party (LP) in Anambra State, difficult to feed ourselves. It's that Mr James Nwafor would in support of the project. fields of endeavour. We are James Nwafor, on Tuesday G r o u p C a p t . N n a m d i a major catastrophe. Our b e i nv i t e d t o a n s we r "We'll be multi tasking. going to advise him to ensure refused to appear before the Nnoruka has said he would leaders can afford to spend allegations leveled him and But there are immediate the right things are done", he Anambra judicial panel of some of his officers and men . bring his years of military billions for themselves while stated. inquiry on police brutality experience to bear in tackling At the panel venue many e x t r a j u d i c i a l a n d people had come see James the security challenges in the intraregional projects like the Commission bemoans state of extrajudicial killings and Nwafor,as expectations were state if elected the governor. Calabar-Itu road lies waiting other matters. high that he would honor the He said none of the Calabar-Itu-Ikot Ekpene road for the exclusive attention of He was supposed to appear invitation but those at the aspirants eyeing the exalted the federal Government. before to answer questions on stressful, noting that the poor panel were disappointed that seat in the state could match From Emem Okon, He called for collaboration s o m e a l l e g a t i o n s o f state of the federal road was he did not show up. him in issues of security Uyo between the BRACED e x t r a j u d i c i a l k i l l i n g s, h i n d e r i n g e c o n o m i c However, it was gathered N n o r u k a s p o k e i n Commission and the Niger raced commission has cooperation and integration that there was an alleged plan Amawbia, Awka South Local D e l t a D e v e l o p m e n t and regional economies. lamented the poor of the states. by some aggrieved persons Government Area of the state Commission (NDDC) on the Bstate of the Calabar- While nar rating his "We've discussed it and we whose relatives were either during the opening of the way forward for the region. Itu-Ikot Ekpene highway, experience on his Calabar to are hoping that with some killed or wrongfully arrested state secretariat of the party saying it was inimical to the Uyo trip, he said spending Speaking to newsmen in understanding, particularly at to attack the embattled ex- a h e a d o f t h e 2 0 2 1 economic growth of the two and a half hours in a Uyo on Thursday after a the federal level we can find a police officer if he shows up at governorship election. South-South region. supposed forty-five minutes closed-door meeting with way to do that road. the government house venue He said his priority would The six South-South states j o u r n e y b e c a u s e o f Governor Udom Emmanuel, "The objective of our effort for the panel of inquiry. b e o n s e c u r i t y, f o o d of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa d i l a p i d a t e d r o a d wa s Keshi revealed that he was in is to build a very strong Counsel to the five sufficiency and recovery of Ibom, Cross River, Edo and appalling. the state to get Governor regional economy that has a p e t i t i o n e r s M r A b d u l looted funds, adding that his D e l t a , m a k e u p t h e Keshi, a former Nigerian Emmanuel's inputs on the p o t e n t i a l t o c r e a t e Mammod told the panel that he has closed his cases before colleagues in the military had Commission, which was set Ambassador to the United best direction to realise the employment and create it and could not go further assured him of maximum up as an initiative to foster the S t a t e s d e c r i e d t h e mandate of the commission. wealth for the people of the since those accused of support. integration, socio-economic involvement of the Niger He said the commission region. That is why I'm here extrajudicial killings and " I h a v e r e c e i v e d a n d i n f r a s t r u c t u r a l D e l t a D e v e l o p m e n t was important because the to discuss with the governor brutality has refused to come. assurances from the military development of the region. Commission (NDDC) with to get his own perspective and states in the region must He said that the panel that because all of us know mini projects, saying they his advice on the things that Director General of the function optimally for the based on the terms of ourselves and we are from the Commission, Ambassador were within the capacities of federal government to work the commission needs to be local and state governments. doing in order to ensure reference given to it cannot same institution, Nigeria Joe Keshi, stated that his well, and called for the enforce the order to bring the H e s t a t e d t h a t success,” he added. Defence Academic (NDA) experience on the road was building of strong local, state accused to the panel. Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Appeal court affirms death sentence on ex-corporal for murder Ineikade Eradiri, delivered judgment and sentenced From Godson Nwosu the ex-police personnel Port Harcourt Vincent Koluama-owei to ourt of Appeal in death by hanging. Port-Harcourt, the The ex-cor poral CR i v e r s S t a t e however appealed the capital, has upheld the judgment in the appeal judgment of the Bayelsa court Port Harcourt State High Court which In his ruling on Friday, sentenced ex-Corporal Justice I. O. Akeju upheld the judgment of the Vincent Koluama-owei to Bayelsa State High Court death by hanging for killing which sentenced the Ex- 17-year old Innocent C o r p o r a l V i n c e n t Kokorifa in Yenagoa. Koluama-owei to death. L a t e I n n o c e n t Speaking to journalists Kokorifa, was shot to death after the judgment, Daniel by the police on August 18, Kokorifa, the father to the 2016 during a patrol duty Late Innocent Kokorifa, The newly inducted professors of Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu and the management of the institution. with men of the Anti- expressed gratitude to the Vice/Anti-Kidnapping court for affirming the team along Air Force justice done to his family Recession, borrowing: Nigeria heading Road, Okaka in Yenagoa. by affirming the judgment In the suit filed by the of the lower court. family of deceased in 2016, He said that his family into bleak future - Finance expert the police claimed that the name has been cleared as From Nonye Udimiri, bleak future, if the current The royal father posited investors, but you cannot late innocent Kokorifa was his son has been absolved Aba recession entered into by that recession cannot be c l a s s i f y g ove r n m e n t a member of an armed of the allegation that he chartered tax t h e c o u n t r y i s blamed on any government robbery gang. was a member of armed anywhere in the world as e x p e r t a n d mismanaged. and recalled that the The case lasted till robbery gang, which good investors. So, when warranted his killing. traditional ruler of Eze Christian gave the devastating effect of the October 2018 when Justice A they borrow, they may not A m a n g w o - O l o k o r o , warning, Friday, in his Covid-19 pandemic, as Umuahia South L.G.A., palace while reacting to the well as its attendant utilize the loans as Abia State, Eze Christian current hardship being lockdown effects have led effectively as the people in Palace secretary in Onyebule has warned that experienced by Nigerians, to the current state of the private sector. Nigeria and her citizens e s p e c i a l ly t h e r u r a l economy of the country. "You are in a recession. Anambra under fire might be plunged into a dwellers. He expressed hope that You are borrowing because the economy will pick up the income has fallen, then again if those in political you are creating a problem. for suspending Prime minister, 3 others power are committed to You are going to repay with rescuing the economy the income you earn in From Maduako Eleweke, "So I am in charge Odiegwu and Ugochukwu future. This may lead to ultra viras, null, void and Eze Onyebule posited Awka together with entire cabinet Onyekwelu maintained mortgaging the future of of no affect, insisting that it that Nigeria, whose major bacha community chiefs and there is absolute that there was permanent the country if managers of was not in consonance source of income is oil in Idemili North peace in our community, peace in the town since the the economy as well as with the town's traditional which at the moment is not L o c a l we are in support of our suspension of the Igwe by those in gover nment A council laws. amiable governor Chief yielding enough income, t h e A n a m b r a S t a t e Government Area of It added that the palace m i s m a n a g e o r Willie Obiano on this Government. may also encounter a A n a m b r a S t a t e h a s secretary lacked the power misappropriate such loans, action as he has done They added that there deficit along the line, s l a m m e d i t s Pa l a c e to carry out the purported hence the need for the marvelously well for the w a s n o v a c u u m i n Secretary, Mr. Joe Mbakwe suspension as he was e s p e c i a l l y i f t h e country to prudently state in every sector." l e a d e r s h i p a s t h e for purportedly suspending merely a personal staff of government of the day is manage whatever loans Also speaking, President traditional ruler council the traditional Prime his blood brother Igwe unable to get things right. they take at this critical General of the community, headed by Onowu Chief minister (Onowu), Chief GBC Mbakwe. "Borrowing is not bad for time". Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Okeke Paul Omofia as working in P a u l N z e k w e s i , Addressing newsmen on Obata and two of the perfect synergy with the Omofia.Mbakwe was also behalf of the Abacha suspended chiefs Godwin town union government. virus. better. b e r a t e d o v e r t h e traditional ruler council Okeke also advised “I urge the head teachers suspension of three other after a cabinet meeting he teachers to live by example of schools to cooperate prominent cabinet chiefs presided at Umudisi village Anambra Government in obser ving all the with the paramedics who Godwin Odiegwu (Ichie Abacha, traditional Prime COVID-19 pandemic rules are going round schools for Nwakaibeya), Anthony Minister of the town as it would help to keep s a m p l e c o l l e c t i o n , ' ' O k e l o ( I c h i e O z o ) (Onowu), Chief Paul on second wave of them at alert. Okpala added. Ugochukwu Onyekwelu N z e k w e s i O m o f i a “The virus is still with us; I n h e r s p e e c h , ( I c h i e O m e n k a ) . T h e described the palace scribe COVID-19 pandemic we must do well to keep it Commissioner for Basic community is among those a s a m e d d l e s o m e down as the country Education, Prof. Kate their monarchs were interloper and purported From Maduako Eleweke, Primary Schools Service prepares for the second Omenugha urged the recently suspended by suspension as a frivolous. Awka C o m m i s s i o n a n d wave of the virus.'' he said teachers to take the Governor Willie Obiano He said, "The purported Anambra State Universal C o m m i s s i o n e r f o r awareness message to the for traveling to Abuja suspension is neither here n a m b r a S t a t e Basic Education Board Health, Dr Vincent Okpala grassroots on the need to be without due permission. or there. The palace goverment has (ASUBEB), Zonal and in his remark stated that at alert against a second The PS had alleged that secretary cannot exercise a d i r e c t e d COVID-19 was no child's w ave o f C OV I D - 1 9 A Education Secretaries, the four chiefs were power he doesn't have as he s t a k e h o l d e r s i n t h e play as Anambra had its pandemic, especially in Heads and Principals of suspended on the ground is just a personal staff of his education sector in the fair share of the pandemic. schools. Schools in the state. of being behind a recent b r o t h e r I g w e G B C state to strictly comply Okpala enjoined the “When the pandemic protest by certain members According to him lives of Mbakwe. He is just trying with all the COVID-19 stakeholders in education started, we swung into of the community at the Anambra people cannot be to be mischievous to cause pandemic rules in their to ensure that schools still action by starting our State Government house, confusion and paint the compromised especially schools, so as to ward off a maintained the COVID-19 teaching-on-air. supporting the monarch's town as not peaceful. this period the country is second wave of the protocols as that would “We showed the public suspension as well as "Our constitution is clear facing a second wave of the pandemic. help to curb the spread of that we are a people, who indulging in other anti- on the event of absence of Corona Virus outbreak. The Deputy Governor of the virus. are disciplined and believe town activities.But the Igwe, it stipulated that in According to him, the “Anambra State is the that the standards of our state, Dr Nkem Okeke gave community, under the the absence of Igwe the education sector was not only state in the southeast c h i l d r e n c a n n o t b e the directive during a a e g i s o f A b a c h a second in command left out, as pupils and to return the lowest measured based on our sensitisation meeting with Traditional Ruler Council, (Onowu) which is me takes students were at greater positive rate in COVID-19 o w n s t a n d a r d s , ' ' described the action as over. board members of Post risk of contracting the pandemic but we can do Omenugha added. Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Internal democracy-greatest challenge of our democratic process Managing Director ur democratic process is to it. This singular factor which James Kalu under siege by politicians. caused the imposition of candidates OOne of the issues that have on the party and on the people led to Director of Operations c o n t i n u a l l y t h r e a t e n e d o u r massive protest resulting in erosion Patricia Nwoye democracy is the absence of internal of membership and sabotage. democracy itself. The elementary The absence of internal democracy Acting Editor-in-Chief definition of democracy is that it is in the PDP created opportunities for Jude Owuamanam the government of the people for the money bags that lacked credibility as people and by the people. This well as god fathers to anoint their Executive Editor simply means that democracy is god sons into political offices. The Jennifer John people-centric. end point is that democracy is not In our local parlance here we have o n l y s h o r t - c h a n ge d b u t b a d Managing Editor always been known to shout and hail governance held sway everywhere. Ori Martins that power belongs to the people. In Up till date political pundits opine fact the defunct Nigerian Peoples that we are still making mockery of Editor Party (NPP) of yesteryears had it as democracy and are yet to start the Afam Echi its slogan: 'Power to the people''. journey. This may appear true if Democracy is a global phenomenon w e i g h e d i n t h e b a l a n c e o f News Editor and is touted as the best form of democratic ethos. Emmanuel Iheaka government. The little elementary The story is not any different with Production Editor knowledge in school teaches that it the All Progressives Congress (APC) Anthony Ogbekile o r i g i n a t e d f r o m G r e e c e b u t confirming the speculations among popularized and strongly rooted in political observers that the issues Correspondents countries like America and Europe. with our democracy is not the Dan Maduagwu Okey (Abia State) Democracy is a beauty to watch in civilian rule itself but the role of the Uchenna Ezeadigwe (Anambra State) the so called civilized societies. practitioners. Our politicians lack Africa copied it by virtue of the requisite discipline needed to run Senior Reporter colonization and has been struggling a democrac y. Their g reed to Uzoma Ogoke with it. While we can beat our chests dominate power is unrivalled. and say that it is working wonders in The issue of lack of internal Reporters those climes we cannot say the same democracy has continued to rear its Ikenna Orioha thing in Africa. It was not long that ugly head and became pronounced in African countries in totality the just concluded re-run elections Contributors/Columnists embraced democracy. Military rule especially in the Imo APC. The party Dr. Sir Amos Agwamba had hitherto held sway and had from its primary election had thrown Dr. Chuks Osuji called the shot. Time appears to have up two candidates who continued Justina Nkechi taken the back seat when they the contest for their candidature in Austin Okoro inter mittently seized power. the law courts. Not even the party Military rule by the nature of its leadership was able to resolve the Production governance style is described as an challenge which made mockery of Philip Kalu aberration. They impose their will the party before the public. Ifeanyi Raymond and do not respect the wishes of the The situation culminated in the people. party eventually not fielding any one Circulation Team Little wonder democracy is highly because both candidates had secured Mr. Aloyius Ogboka prized and valued but the practice of different court rulings against each Ignatius Ogechi Ajoku democrac y in our countr y is other. This is just one case among Tasie Chidiebere something that calls for questioning myriads others. on the sincerity and seriousness of If the political par ties are Legal Adviser the practitioners to uphold its disciplined enough to observe H. O. Ogbusu sanctity. Since the emergence of the internal democracies this would save second republic, the People's the polity not only unnecessary Democratic Power (PDP) held bickering among politicians but also power for 16 unbroken years before our courts from being clogged with they were dislodged by the All cases. If the parties are not able to Progressives Congress in the last manage their internal issues properly three years plus. what is the guarantee that they can One of the factors that has been manage democratic challenges at a g e n e r a l l y i d e n t i f i e d a n d larger scale when it involves acknowledged is that what led to its externals. This is the crux of the loss of power is the clear absence of matter as our success is dependent on internal democracy neither did practicing democratic ethos. external democracy mean anything Wednesday, December 9, 2020 Page 5 News of the PDP, respectively. Under the PDP Federal Stop attacking Ebonyi Government, Gen. Obi Okoye varsity gets Umahi enjoyed accelerated promotion and appointment 11 new professors leaders, PDP tells Umahi in the Nigeria Army", he university after serving this stated. From Chuma Austin, From Chuma Austin, "It is a common knowledge and Governor of Ebonyi university and retiring with that Governor Umahi and his State. H e q u e s t i o n e d t h e Enugu Enugu unblemished dignity. He has family remain the major "For the records, Chief unfounded allegations become our role model as Umahi levelled against the leven lecturers at the he acting National beneficiaries of the support Umahi until he jumped ship professor, a model of political leaders in the state, G o d f r e y O k o y e Vice Chairman of the of the PDP and these same t o t h e A P C b e c a m e commitment to research and saying, 'at what point did he University, Enugu, Peoples Democratic PDP leaders whom he has everything he is in Ebonyi E duty, teaching, mentorship, T realize I, Chief Ali Odefa and have been conferred with Party (PDP), South East suddenly branded promoters cum Nigeria politics in PDP, epistemic soundness and while his two brothers, Mr. other leaders he so maligned professorial chair. Zone, Chief Ali Odefa, has of cultists in Ebonyi; each of The Vice Chancellor of ethical impeccability" Austin Umahi and Maxwell with his baseless allegation, According to him, "it is taken a swipe at governor t h e s e l e a d e r s p l a y e d the university, Prof. Christian Umahi were Zonal Chairman were promoters of IPOB and a very important day in the David Umahi of Ebonyi prominent roles in making Anieke while speaking at the and Deputy State Chairman cultists?' life of our university for the State, saying his recent Umahi a successful politician investiture of the professors, unguarded utterances are promotion of all these yesteday, charged them to be professors. It is a joyful event. inimical to the political the best in their various It's the first time in Nigerian development of Igbo land. Imo gardeners protest 4 academic fields. University when professors To this end, Odefa called Anieke noted that are actually recognized what on Umahi to move on and professor is a designation for they have done. We call it professorial investiture" play his politics with the All a special class of teachers that Progressives Congress (APC) months arrears of salaries The 11 professors By Uzoma Ogoke submission, Chukwuma disappointed, adding that e m b o d i e s t h e h i g h e s t inducted into professorship and stop witch-hunting his epistemic, academic and perceived opponents who are ardeners who work Nwokeafor, said that Mr. and they now leave on borrowing. of the university include: ethical standard, as well as P r o f . M a r k C h i j i o k e mostly Ebonyi State political for the Imo State Mrs. Joshua Duru, at a point, It took the intervention of the Commissioner for Lands, ideas of their field of research (Professor Emeritus), Prof. leaders Government, on told them to stop work, Serguis Udeh of Accounting, G Barr. Enyinnaya Onuegbu to and studies. In a press conference at the Monday, staged a protest at promising to pay them when Prof Titus Nwanne of calm the protesters, who he He stated: "It is a very PDP zonal secretariat, the Government House, money comes, a condition Banking and Finance, Prof. urged to come on a later date important day in the life of Enugu, Odefa assured that Owerri, demanding the they saw as a ploy to illegally our university for the Nicholas Alizeobodo of when the governor will be Public Administration and PDP would deploy every payment of four months disengage them. around to address them promotion of all these Prof. Michael Nwafor of legal means to protect the In her own submission, arrears of their salaries by the directly. professors. It is a joyful event. Banking and Finance. party from interlopers. Mrs. Charity Chiagoro, a state government. Onuegbu said the problem It's the first time in Nigerian Others are: Prof. Regina The PDP boss alleged that widow, beckoned on the state university when professors They accused the Special may not actually be from the U d a b a h o f E n g l i s h the governor has marked for government to pay them, are actually recognized for Assistant to the governor on husband and wife. He PDP leaders in the state foe lamenting that he could what they have done. We call Language, Stylistic; Prof. beautification, Izuchi Duru pointed out that there are over witch-hunt. hardly feed and afford it professorial investiture" Marysylvia Nwachukwu of and her husband, Joshua three agencies laying claim to He wondered why the medical treatment, owing to " To d a y, w e a l s o Religion/ Biblical Theology, Duru of foul play in the the same job in the state, governor who is the chief lack of money. celebrate someone who Prof. Donatus Nwobodo of payment of their salaries. saying that the discrepancy security officer of the state Another gardener who may have been the cause of served this university with Education Foundation, Prof. should be threatening war One of the leaders of the introduced himself simply as the delay in paying their i n c r e d i b l e s e n s e o f Felicia Ene of Language against citizens of the state. gardeners, Bethel Nwaiwu, Mr. Jude, wondered why the salaries, but assured them it commitment to duty, Prof. Education, English; Prof. Odefa said Umahi and his said road sweepers who are in husband and wife should tell will be sorted out as soon as Mark Chijioke. Prof. Mark family until he ran to APC the same category with them them to stay at home when Ndidiamaka Michael Ozofor possible, so they will be paid. Chijioke has been named the had started attacking PDP have received their payment they have not been paid for of Mathematics and Prof Efforts to reach Mrs. Duru first emeritus professor of our stakeholders in Ebonyi State up to date, while they are the four months they worked. Innocent Uzoechi of History. failed as she could not be whereas he is the major owed four months of their He said they rely on the reached on her telephone line beneficiary of PDP in the N20,000 monthly salary. money to take care of their Flooding: NEMA distributes relief state. as at press time. Corroborating Nwaiwu's families, but are now utterly materials to Rivers communities From Chukwudi Chidiebere, Community, to live in peace Port Harcourt with their neighbours and always support and protect he National Emergency government's projects in their Management Agency area. T( N E M A ) , h a s Receiving the items on commenced distribution of b e h a l f o f t h e A t a b a r e l i e f m a t e r i a l s t o Waterfront Community, were communities affected by flood their king, Benson Egweme, disaster in Rivers State. the women leader, Mrs. The agency Monday, Elfreda Heyford and the youth travelled to Ataba Waterfront president, Mr. Enwere Community, in Andonni Local Government Area Robinson. where its Director General, E x p r e s s i n g t h e i r r e p r e s e n t e d b y t h e appreciation, the king, S o u t h / S o u t h Z o n a l Egweme thanked the federal C o o r d i n a t o r, Wa l s o n government for their timely Brandon, distributed relief response, and vouched their materials to 291 households support for its policies and affected by flood disaster programmes. T h e r e l i e f m a t e r i a l s The king also made a case included food stuff such as rice, beans, yam, garri, for two other nearby islands blankets, mosquito nets, which he noted, needed a cement, roofing sheets, among similar support, while the others. The agency also used women leader and youth the opportunity to convey to p r e s i d e n t a s s u r e d o f them the heartfelt sympathy of harmonious relationship with Abia State governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, presenting the 2021 budget of the state to the the federal gover nment other ethnic groups co- House of Assembly on Monday. regarding their fate. habiting with them. Walson assured them that T h e a g e n c y ' s n e x t the federal government was determined to make efforts to distribution of relief materials collaborate with relevant will take place at Ahoada stakeholders to come to their West, Abua-Odual and Ogba- Police can't allow repeat aids more regularly, and urged Egbema-Ndoni LGAs, all in t h e A t a b a Wa t e r f r o n t River.

of salary of men of the force, formations were burnt and of violent protest, says IGP just as he commended over seven were vandalised. Two From Maduako Eleweke, force, as well as civilians. of the force would not fold to protecting the right of eight Divisional Police Armoured Personnel Carriers Awka Adamu, who gave the their hands and watch citizens to peaceful protest. Officers for their courage in were damaged and 27 warning Tuesday, while miscreants killing, destroying He expressed appreciation defending their stations during o p e r a t i o n a l v e h i c l e s he Inspector General inspecting police formations government and private to President Muhammadu the protest. vandalised", he said. o f P o l i c e , I G P destroyed in Anambra State property. Buhari for commending the Earlier, Commissioner of Abang however assured TMuhammed Adamu, during the EndSARS protest, According to Adamu, the force amidst condemnation Police in the state, John the IGP that the command has vowed that the Nigeria said the police would resist any police have been given order to from the public with a view to Abang, said 19 personnel were was gradually recovering from Police would never allow a attempt to attack government apply maximum force in demoralising the police. victims of the protest out of the incident through the repeat of the recent violent property, as well as police quelling subsequent protests in He also announced that which four lost their lives and s u p p o r t o f t h e s t a t e EndSARS protest that claimed formations in the country. future. He however, reiterated the federal government has 15 were injured. gover nment and public lives of officers and men of the He said officers and men the commitment of the force approved the upward review " T w e l v e p o l i c e spirited individuals. Wednesday, December 9, 2020 Page 6 Business News Strike: Shippers Council meets maritime union, cautions over economic impact Nigeria, MWUN, led by N i g e r i a n s a n d t h e sector to the detriment of the President-General, economy, especially at this the economy. Adeyunju Adewale Adeyanju, over time of the year when port noted that this is despite the their planned strike. Bello activities are usually at its fact that the sector is second implored the union to take peak. The union said it largest revenue contributor into consideration the a p p r e c i a t e s B e l l o f o r to the economy. He further hardship the proposed strike reaching out to the union, disclosed that the union w i l l i m p o s e d o n t h e noting the strike is proposed plans to meet with other because the government agencies in the maritime Senate confirms Umaru Farouk sector today. He also said the union has been left with no Aminu as PenCom Commissioner choice but still holds hopes he Nigeria Senate on the zone he was supposed to that the strike will be called Tuesday confirmed represent was still vacant. off if an agreement can be Tthe nomination of According to him, the Umaru Farouk Aminu as a full- PenCom act made provision reached with government. t i m e C o m m i s s i o n e r for the six geopolitical zones representing North-West of the country to produce confirmed that there was no Cargo ship geopolitical zone in the Commissioners. petition against the nominee saying he should be confirmed t the backdrop of Shippers Council, NSC, i n t h e A p a p a P o r t National Pension Commission He said: “That the Senate do (PenCom). receive and consider the report without delay. the moves by has launched measures to environment which has The confirmation followed a o f t h e C o m m i t t e e o n Deputy Senate President, Am a r i t i m e stave off the strike actions. paralysed businesses for satisfactory report by the Establishment and Public Senator Ovie Omo-Agege who workers to shutdown ports The workers are protesting years now. Consequently, the Chairman, Senate Committee S e r v i c e M a t t e r s o n t h e presided over Tuesday's plenary in the absence of Dr. operations the Nigerian the long-drawn traffic Executive Secretary of the on Establishment and Public c o n f i r m a t i o n o f t h e Service Matters, Senator nomination of Umaru Farouk A h m a d I b r a h i m L awa n N S C , H a s s a n B e l l o , Ibrahim Shekarau. Aminu for appointment as a confirmed the nominee. SEC seeks more listings, yesterday, in Lagos met with In his report, Shekarau who full-time Commissioner products in capital market a a three man team of the represents Kano Central representing the North-West speaking, a member of the Maritime Workers Union of Senatorial district explained geopolitical zone in the committee, Senator Solomon he Securities and national economy. The that the nominee was earlier N a t i o n a l P e n s i o n Adeola, who is also the screened by the Committee and Commission”. chair man of the Senate E x c h a n g e Director-General, SEC, crystallise the growth of found satisfactory to join the Senators who contributed TC o m m i s s i o n Lamido Yuguda, disclosed the Nigerian capital market pension commission, saying C o m m i t t e e o n F i n a n c e (SEC) has said it is exploring this at the 2020 annual on the heels of the Covid-19 $120m petroleum shipment fees: highlighted the economic various avenues to deepen workshop of the Capital pandemic. He noted that this consequences of using foreign the equities market by having Market Correspondents was done to cushion the Senate asks NNPC patronize firms, saying Nigeria had been more companies listed in the Association of Nigeria negative impact of the global indigenous firms worse for it. Adeola dismissed market and to increase the (CAMCAN) in Lagos. submissions that Nigerians do pandemic in the capital enate on Tuesday firms. Chairman of the number of products in the Y u g u d a , w h o w a s not own vessels that could be market, while adding that its directed the Nigerian committee and former Senate market. The commission represented by Mr Stephen patronised. “There are local committee in the drive National Petroleum Leader, Tealim Folarin, in a S vessels owned by Nigerians, it said the initiative would raise Falomo, Director, Lagos against the pandemic has C o r p o r a t i o n ( N N P C ) t o ruling at the meeting directed the market capitalisation of Zonal Office, SEC, said the depends on the type of vessels continued to provide support p r i o r i t i z e e n l a r g i n g t h e NNPC to allow local shop the Nigerian Stock Exchange commission took some we are talking about. There are and equipment towards capacities of Indigenous owners to participate in the (NSE) and contribute to the strategic initiatives to boost two types of vessels”, he said. combating the pandemic and s h i p p i n g f i r m s a n d a l s o transportation of petroleum development of the nation's market activities and Reacting, the group Managing its effect. patronize them to save Nigeria products “It is very important we Director of the NNPC, Mele of the $120 million annual loss patronise Indigenous shipping. Kyari who had informed the to foreign companies in the The whole essence of this Airports concession, others will committee earlier of no s h i p m e n t o f p e t r o l e u m investigative hearing is not to I n d i g e n o u s v e s s e l s t o products. This was a decision trade blames. We understand patronise, however, promised go ahead despite opposition –FG r e a c h e d b y t h e S e n a t e that they don't have enough to engage local partners. “I am Committee on local content vessels; they don't have capacity o v e s t o Nnolim Nnaji, had argued The statement read in part, going to work to support these c o n c e s s i o n that there were concerns by “The minister further asserts after a meeting with the NNPC and capacity cannot come from companies. We will engage our MNigeria's four operators in the aviation that the roadmap which management and Ship Owners heaven. The GMD here has the partners”, he said. major airports and the sector against moves by includes the establishment Association of Nigeria where it capacity to help build capacity. It establishment of a national government to concession o f a n a t i o n a l c a r r i e r, was revealed Nigeria loses more is very important that we Nigeria and also account for carrier are still on course and airports. e s t a b l i s h m e n t o f a the highest number of jobs the results will materialise “Among the concerns were maintenance, repair and including some $120 million loss patronize indigenous shipping created in the economy. s o o n , t h e F e d e r a l the lack of transparency in overhaul facility, concession to demurrage, using foreign companies.”Folarin said. Also “Business app built to capture all businesses in Nigeria, Government said. the exercise, labour issues, o f s o m e a i r p o r t s , irrespective of the nature of the The Minister of Aviation, the Chinese loans, the legal establishment of an aviation SMEDAN to train 100 entrepreneurs enterprise; is a medium to foster Hadi Sirika, stated this in his issues that may arise from leasing company, among in Akwa Ibom organised by the agency in great intersection between business to business, business m e s s a g e o n t h e the existing concessions and others, will lay a solid and From Emem Okon, Uyo. commemoration of the 2020 the lack of proper valuation lasting foundation for Radda, who was represented and visitors to the app. Uyo "It is a convergence point for International Civil Aviation of the present status of the aviation development in by Mr. Wale Fasanya, Director, he Small and Medium Nigerians and business owners Planning, Research, Monitoring Day, despite oppositions by affected airports, among Nigeria.” E n t e r p r i s e s all over the world, who wish to and Evaluation, said the fair was lawmakers on plans by the others,” the lawmaker had He also assured Nigerians Development Agency establish links with potential T p a c k a g e d t o e n a b l e government to concession explained. that the implementation of of Nigeria (SMEDAN) says the customers," he said. entrepreneurs showcase, market airports. But in a statement issued in the roadmap, which was in agency has concluded plans to T h e A k w a I b o m their products and engage in Commissioner for Trade and In November, the House of Abuja on Monday by the line with the theme of the train 100 entrepreneurs in Akwa cross fertilisation of ideas. I nve s t m e n t , M r. U k p o n g Ibom on standard packaging to Representatives asked the spokesperson, Federal ICAD, remained on course. He said that the agency would Akpabio, thanked SMEDAN for enable their products attract Federal Government to Ministry of Aviation, James and that the results would create a convergence point in g i v i n g t h e u p c o m i n g global attention. s u s p e n d t h e p l a n t o O d a u d u , t h e av i a t i o n become obvious in due form of market hub application entrepreneurs in the state a The agency also pledged to concession airports until all minister stated that the course. to enable entrepreneurs all over platfor m to leverage and offer free digital academy showcase their creativity to the issues had been addressed. concession of airports was Sirika appealed to industry the country to interact with training to Micro, Small and public. customers and suppliers of Four international airports part of the aviation roadmap players to join hands with Medium Enterprises (MSME) inputs to their businesses across Ukpong said that the state were billed for concessioning currently on course. government to ensure the as COVID-19 support with huge the globe. government was very passionate to private operators and they According to Sirika, the realisation of the objectives economic benefits to boost “The Micro, Small and on the issue bordering on included the Lagos, Abuja, roadmap was developed to of the roadmap for the revenue generation. Medium Enterprises sub-sector business, adding that the state Kano and Port Harcourt serve as a catalyst for a benefit of all users of the The Director General of is a critical sub-sector in the airports. comprehensive overhaul of nation's airspace. SMEDAN, Dr. Dikko Radda, N i g e r i a n e n t e r p r i s e government would do all it could The Chairman, House the aviation industry in disclosed this during the 2020 development space. They to make SMEs thrive in the state. Committee on Aviation, Nigeria. MSME Opportunity Fair collectively account for a Wednesday, December 9, 2020 Page 7 Cr me Watch

24years of Ebonyi Police nab notorious armed robber State but resident at Federal High Court to the press said that; Abubor Nnewichi in denies Maina's in Anambra, recover arm "On the 7/12/2020 at about Nnewi North LGA". 9:am,there was a distress call M e a n w h i l e, " o n e Echo gathered. From Uchenna Ezeadigwe, that suspected armed robber English made barreta request for bail According to a source, Nnewi allegedly snatched a Honda p i s t o l w i t h b r e e c h him. luck ran out of him when CUB50 at Okpuno Otolo in number 941396,one The judge the local vigilante on N n ew i N o r t h LG A o f motorcycle and two s a i d t h e receiving a call rushed to Anambra State". assorted phones were issue of fair scene and apprehended "Following the distress call, recovered from the h e a r i n g him, while angry mob Police operatives attached to suspect and registered as w a s n o t descended on him before Nnewi Area Command and exhibits". applicable the police arrived and b e c a u s e O t o l o D i v i s i o n i n The statement also took him away. Maina was c o n j u n c t i o n w i t h reads that "the suspect Confirming the arrest, n o t j u s t Egbumuenem vigilante was beaten to stupor by police public relations c o m i n g g r o u p O t o l o q u i c k l y angry mob before he o f f i c e r, S P H a r u n a i n t o t h e mobilised to the scene and was rescued by the M o h a m m e d , i n a matter for arrested one Chiemezie police and taken to the statement made available t h e f i r s t Kenneth Aligu 'm' aged hospital for treatment. time. Maina sobering after his bail request was denied “However, the case “ T h e F e d e r a l Girl, 18, fakes own kidnap to under investigation after issue before the court High Court which suspect would be has to be properly in Abuja on demand N30m ransom in Lagos brought to book,” the A m a d e n o t o n a Tu e s d ay r e j e c t e d n 18-year-old girl She was arrested along statement added. sentimental basis. The another request by h a s b e e n w i t h a n o t h e r a l l e g e d 1st defendant (Maina) Abdulrasheed Maina Uber driver and “the jumped bail without a r r e s t e d i n a c c o m p l i c e, P r e c i o u s for an adjournment to The armed robbery suspect on parade with the stolen A man at the centre of this reason to do so,” Lagos state for allegedly Chukwu, 22, as the ransom p r e p a r e f o r h i s motorcycle and recovered gun Abang held. case”, is still on the run. defence. faking her own kidnap to money was being dropped, He noted that if fficers of the The twenty four-old “We are going after him Maina is a former demand ransom from her police said. “This is a case Maina's new counsel Nigerian police year suspect who hails C h a i r m a n o f t h e because he conspired needed the case file, it c o m m a n d from Ebonyi State but family, police said Tuesday. of conspiracy and staged d e f u n c t P e n s i o n O with one of these two was expected that the Ujunwa Offiah is accused kidnapping,” Lagos state Reform Task Team attached to Nnewi Area r e s i d e n t a t A b u b o r former counsel would ladies, Offiah, who faked (PRTT). c o m m a n d i n N n ew i c h i i n N n ew i of conspiring with her commissioner of police, CP hand over the file to her kidnap.” Odumosu Justice Okon Abang collaboration with local North LGA, had on the new lawyer. boyfriend to stage her Hakeem Odumosu, said in ruled that the decision vigilante have arrested Monday, in the morning s a i d t h a t a f t e r “ A n d i f J o e abduction, asking her a statement. It was reported t o g r a n t t h e one Chiemezie Kenneth robbed a certain young negotiation, the ransom Gadzama (for mer family to pay N30 million. that Offiah's boyfriend, an application was at Aligu for the alleged man of his motorcycle at counsel) fails, the new w a s r e d u c e d t o court's discretion. r o b b e r y o f H o n d a gun point at Opkuno counsel knows what to The judge said such a do. An administrative CUB50 motorcycle. Otolo in Nnewi, News plea was a ploy to letter to a registrar waste the judicial time cannot serve as a stay Mob sets suspected of the court, NAN of proceeding. The reports. new counsel cannot E c o n o m i c s a n d robbers ablaze in Delta drag us into his own F i n a n c i a l C r i m e s wo suspected Igometi, confirmed the i n t e r n a l a f f a i r s ” , C o m m i s s i o n ' s armed robbers incident when contacted . Abang added. ( E F C C ) l a w y e r , Twere set ablaze He said he received Justice Abang, who Farouk Abdullah, told b y a m o b a l o n g distress calls from the noted that Maina had the court that the Okumagba Avenue, by been offered adequate neighbourhood in the matter was slated for Emebiren junction in opportunity and time early hours of the day that continuation. Warri, Delta State, in the for his defence, refused s o m e r o b b e r s w e r e However, Anayo early hours of Tuesday. t o g r a n t h i s operating. Adibe, Maina's new It was gathered that the application. ”They just called me counsel, objected on duo was pursued to the Maina was arraigned grounds that the legal location where they were that some robbers came to before Justice Abang, team was just taking caught and beaten to attack in that area, and on October 25, 2019, over the case and stupor before they were they caught them, and The fake kidnap victim alongside her friend and accomplice upon their arrest b y t h e E F C C needed adequate time set ablaze. they were lynched. That's alongside his firm, to prepare. Sources said that the C o m m o n I n p u t what I heard.” he said. Woman gives birth to triplets But Justice Abang P r o p e r t y a n d suspected robbers had The Police Public noted that since the Investment Ltd. stormed the area about Relations Officer for the matter resumed on two days after husband's kidnap He is facing a 12- 5:30 am in a commercial State Command, DSP September 29, Maina i f e o f travelling from Gombe abduction, his M u h a m m a d c o u n t c h a r g e tricycle to operate, but did not appear in court Onome Onovwakpoyeya, Architect, to Kaduna has given wife reportedly S a m e e n , w h o bordering on money were accosted by the mob. until a bench warrant The Divisional Police could not be reached for WAlaramma birth to triplets. went into early confirmed the laundering to the tune was issued against comments as of the time Abubakar Muhammad Although nothing has labour, two days l a t e s t of N2 billion. Officer, “B” Division in A d a m , w h o w a s been heard from the a f t e r h i s development said of filing this report. ar Muhammad. She wrote. Warri, CSP Benjamin Kidnapped while victim since his abduction out of Adam's wife gave has given birth to three K i d n a p p i n g h a s fear. bir th to three sons, all of them are become a daily routine M u h a m m a d healthy boys. h e a l t hy, we h o p e in Kaduna and its A d a m w a s According to Allahu Subhanahu environs. Hundreds a b d u c t e d b y h i m , “ G o d i s Wata ' Allah.” He said. and millions of Naira g u n m e n o n great, there is “May God protect the are often demanded S u n d a y , m o o n a n d children from these before victims are D e c e m b e r 6 , m o o n ! ! ! wicked people. Amen. released while others while travelling Alhamdulillah, I Amen. Please continue are killed even after from Gombe to just received the to pray for us” he ransom has been paid. K a d u n a a f t e r news of participating in a m y Qur'an recitation s i s t e r ' s competition. daughter A P e r s o n a l that she Assistant to the p u t t o Speaker of the b e d Kaduna State triplets. H o u s e o f S h e i s Assembly and the wife Auditor General o f o f A P C i n Alaram R i g a c h i k u n ma Arc Ward, Al'ameen Abubak The angry mob after setting the suspected robbers ablaze The kidnapped Architect and the new borns Wednesday, December 9, 2020 Page 8 Special Report Buhari's link with Niger Republic Real reasons behind president's interest in ex-French colony By Afam Echi ollowing recent developments in the Fsupport President Muhammadu Buhari is lending to the neighbouring Niger Republic, Nigerians are posing the question “what is the president's interest in the small country.'' This is in the light of what appears to be a focused development agenda of the president for the country which has left Buhari's many states short changed. Many are now wondering if Niger R e p u b l i c i s n o w a n appendage of Nigeria or if there is any plan to annex the neighbour. In the absence of any government explanations speculations are rife and m a n y a r e i n s i nu a t i n g different intentions and purposes as plausible reasons f o r t h e P r e s i d e n t ' s entrenched interest. There Buhari in a handshake with Issoufou, the president of Niger Republic are as well some established southern end as per the projects within the period went and signed MoU attachment to the Igbo or facts as pointers S e m e b o r d e r s , t h e he had promised to elevate with Niger Republic to be Yoruba!” It was learnt that on irregularities mounted at the country. In the said importing fuel into Nigeria Explaining the reason securing his electoral victory the northern border. reported account he had from Niger Republic.'' behind the bond Roy had in 2015, the very first place What is the reason for the queried if Buhari is from In what looks like a this to say again: Buhari visited to celebrate double standard? Why Niger Republic or Nigeria. response to the question of “The bond between Niger his triumph is Niger where would such irregularities be The queries are as stated B u h a r i ' s i n t e r e s t g o t Republic and the core he was giving a rousing red allowed to occur at the axis below attention in the following North of Nigeria is stronger carpet reception described as of the president's home “Is Buhari from Niger comment from Baron Roy, than the binding forces of the highest honour ever that town? Daura, Buhari's Republic or Nigeria? a n o t h e r s o c i a l natural magnets! For all can come from that land. home is just few metres “I will build 4 Refineries in commentator also writing intents and purposes, Niger The issues that agitate the away from Niger Republic. my 4 years tenure - Major through his social media Republic, Chad Republic, m i n d s o f N i g e r i a n s It is this same double General M.Buhari. handle. Summing up his Northern Ghana, Northern especially those from the standard which allows “4 years later, Niger experience in a business trip Togo, northern Benin and Southern part include the Zamfara government to sell Republic got the 4 Refineries in Ghana was the discovery Northern Cameroun are investments flowing towards and collect royalties of gold with a pretending company of the strong bond between bound by culture, religion, Niger Republic, the influx of mined in their state which profiles. 4 Years later, Niger the Hausa's and the Fulani's philosophy and all have you Fulani from the west African contrasts the country's code Republic got Rail project a m o n g t h e m s e l v e s . to Northern Nigeria! This countries, the rail line from on mining solid minerals. from Nigeria to Niger According to him, vast area would have been Maradi to Daura, the crude That has consequently Republic free of charge. 4 “The Hausa and Fulani one giant official country oil supply agreement from fuelled agitations from the Years later, Niger Republic in Ghana, Togo, Benin that would compete with Niger Republic to Kaduna, South-South governors and got Gas Pipe line Contract Re public, Niger, and Saudi Arabia in influence the refinery construction on their indigenes calling for a from Nigeria to Niger Nigeria do play the national and riches! The Europeans the border between Daura level playing field to allow Republic free of charge. politics of their official came along and destroyed and Maradi, the refined them take control of their “4 years later, Niger countries, but do not see that great Empire with their products supply from Niger resources too. There is Republic got Billions of U.S t h e m s e l v e s a s f r o m cunning! But that Empire is to Nigeria. concern already that if they D o l l a r E l e c t r i c i t y different countries in not done yet; they're Another matter of concern are to press further their transmission and power reality! What this means is rebuilding it with the is the discriminatory policy demands and the federal plant generation contract t h a t t h e a r t i f i c i a l epicenter in Northern of the Buhari administration g o ve r n m e n t r e m a i n s from Nigeria to Niger boundaries drawn up by the Nigeria. And the wealth of in securing the country adamant, there is likely to Republic free of charge. 4 Europeans in 1896 are not the South, under the sham through the borders. When be a dislocation in the years later, Niger Republic recognized by them in their arrangement of 1914, is the federal government shut economy. got her roads constructed hearts; they only take b e i n g u s e d n o w t o down the country's borders E s p o u s i n g o n t h e from Nigeria to Niger advantage of those artificial accelerate the reemergence to check insecurity and entrenched interest of PMB Republic free of charge. boundaries to further their of a vast Empire of the economic sabotage, the in the neigbouring state, “Dear Mr. President, empire but do not actually Western Sudan, with the effort was negated by the one Chijioke Onah writing w h e r e a r e t h e f o u r respect them. The Hausa or Fulani at the apex!” keeping of Niger-Nigeria through his social media Refineries you promised Fulani in Bauchi is more Some occurrences within border open. While the handle took Buhari to task Nigerians in 2014/15 during culturally attached to his the polity now and in the government pretends to be on specific issues and y o u r c a m p a i g n ? Yo u kinsman from Niger and first coming of Buhari as p r o m i s e d t o e n d f u e l controlling issues at the Togo far ahead of his Contd. on pg. 9 Wednesday, December 9, 2020 Page 9 Special Report ...Buhari's link with Niger Republic Besides many also credit Real reasons behind president's interest in... the ability of Buhari to deliver such massive Contd. from pg. 8 support to Niger Republic T a n z a n i a w h o ove r t h e n o n c h a l a n t wondered at the level of attitude of the National such unpatriotic act. Assembly to call him to We are aware of the order. It is doubtful if the reported case sometimes sums applied to deliver ago credited to the such huge projects got the federal which sought to blessings of the NASS and grant free visas to all i f t h e y a r e w h a t a r e fulanis into Nigeria from a t t e n d a n t e c o n o m i c where ever they may be benefits that accrue to the coming from. This was n a t i o n . N n a n n a given vent to by the Ochereoma, a columnist Bauchi State governor, w i t h t h e V a n g u a r d Bala Mohammed who in newspaper seems to locate a l i v e p r o g r a m a t the answer in the following C h a n n e l Te l ev i s i o n lines. declared openly that “What “magic” is Niger “they are trying to bring e m p l o y i n g t o r e f i n e every Fulani in Africa petroleum that Nigeria's together because they President and Oil Minister, don't have nationalities.” Buhari, cannot deploy in According to him, 'We N i ge r i a ? W hy a r e n ' t are trying to bring all the Nigerians complaining Fulani in one fold and try a b o u t B u h a r i ' s El-Rufai to arrest their traditional i n c o m p e t e n c e a s O i l practice of moving from Minister and the use of one place to the other. Nigeria's largely borrowed The Fulani man is a funds to develop his father's global or African person. country when our own He moves from Gambia, infrastructural deficits are t o S e n e g a l a n d h i s nationality is just a among the world's worst? Fulani man.” The $1.9bn railway line to W h a t m o r e c o u l d Maradi was never taken to demonstrate the bond the National Assembly for between the Fulani's if approval; it was an act of they can nurse the mind naked impunity. It is an of bringing themselves impeachable offence, but t o ge t h e r u n d e r o n e who will bell the cat? umbrella nation and they “Buhari is using our are not hiding it nor are scarce, borrowed resources they mindful of the to service his cross-border inconveniences it may selfish interests with bring to other constituent resources mined mainly ethnic group especially in from the Niger Delta and an era of acute scarce t h e L a g o s b u s i n e s s resources. Since their districts. He is going sojourn there is reported b e y o n d d e v e l o p i n g Mohammed increase in crime wave all Northern Nigeria; he is working for Niger Republic head of state appear to Nigerian (Kanuri); Mr. birth.'' o v e r t h e n a t i o n too. Is this regime all about lend credence to the above Buhari's father was a It is also reported that this is manifesting in banditry, assertions. First is the issue poultry trader from Maradi never the first time that boko haram, herdsmen Buhari's interests? And of the much controverted in Niger Republic. He Buhari has identified with a t t a c k , k i d n a p p e r s, why are Nigerians who will case of where Buhari traded "ducks" between kinsmen in Niger to the armed robbery, etc. repay the loans letting him comes from. It is argued in Maradi and Daura (he was d e t r i m e n t o f N i ge r i a n T h e n e w s o f t h e get away with these? some quarters that he is a called Mai-agwagwa...the interest. Accounts indicate i m p o r t a t i o n o f Many Nigerians are N i g e r i e n a n d t h a t Duck Trader) and fell in that when he functioned as petroleum products from terribly worried over this principally accounts for the love with his wife with the military junta, head of Niger Republic hit many unhealthy development interest and why he is whom Mr. Buhari was state, he had voted a Nigerien Nigerians with shock. which had sought to extending support to his sired! But the young in the then Organization of They have wondered develop other nations kinsmen. Speaking on this Mohamadu grew up with African Unity (OAU) now what wonders the petit while many of the states in Roy argued that his mother's people in African Union (AU) as the country had performed Nigeria especially in the “ We ' ve h a d s eve r a l D a u r a a n d b e c a m e Secretary General against which Nigeria claiming S o u t h E a s t r e m a i n Heads of States that were Nigerian! So our "dear" Nigeria's Peter Onu, a the giant of Africa could undeveloped. The real never Nigerians in the true president is actually from Nigerian Igbo. This was said n o t d o w i t h a l l i t s reason the NASS members sense! Even Mr. Buhari's N i g e r R e p u b l i c b y to have shocked other resources incomparable have remained quiet on this father was NOT a Nigerian parentage but a Nigerian African heads of state, with what can be found issue is something to but his mother was through his mother...or by especially Nyerere of in the tiny country. ponder. Wednesday, December 9, 2020 Page 10 News 8 youths arrested for vandalising EEDC equipment in South East From Chuma Austin, U m u o k o r o k w u Enugu c o m m u n i t y f o r vandalizing a 500KVA ight youths have transformer belonging to been arrested in EEDC. Esome par ts of At Umuagu Village in South East Zone for Nnobi, Anambra State, a allegedly vandalising suspect identified as equipment belonging to Nwalieoba along with his E n u g u E l e c t r i c i t y accomplice identified as Distribution Company Ikenna Enyinnaya were (EEDC) arrested by men of Disclosing this to Umuagu Village Nnobi newsmen in Enugu on Vigilante Team while Tuesday, the Head, attempting to vandalize C o m m u n i c a t i o n o f Umuagu 2 transformer. EEDC, Emeka Ezeh, said Items recovered from the incident happened them include spanners, between October and pliers and jack knife. November, this year. A l s o , i n N i m o Ezeh called on EEDC community, Anambra customers to be more State, vigilante group v i g i l a n t d u r i n g t h e apprehended one Ebuka yuletide to avoid being Efuba while vandalising a The vehicle that crashed along Ihiala-Owerri road, Anambra State on Monday. subjected to darkness and transformer located at to safeguard the power Awada Area of Nimo. installations serving them O k w u c h u k w u Enyimba gets new bus, SUV from Ikpeazu from vandals. Okonkwo, a native of According to him, there Umueze village in Ihiala had been reports of From Dan Maduagwu, adding that with the Agwu described the to meet El Mareik of Local Government Area vandalism of transformers Umuahia provision of the vehicles, governor as a true lover of Egypt in the next round of of Anambra State was from some locations the CAF Champions arrested by the vigilante the team should perform football, commending within EEDC's network. h e P e o p l e ' s League match, after team at the boundary of well in the Nigerian him for his profound According to him, the E l e p h a n t s , overcoming Rahimo FC Umueze/Awka village in interest in Enyimba. duo of Chizaram Samuel E n y i m b a P r e m i e r a n d C A F of Burkina Faso 2-1 in Ihiala, for vandalizing T The chairman recalled and Okechukwu Nwaeze, Champions Leagues. aggregate. International Football that the Enyimba Stadium NIPP Aluminum cable Enyimba defeated their both from Umuokorokwu Club of Aba on Sunday, Responding to the w a s r e d e s i g n e d t o measuring about three Burkina opponents 0-1 in of Aba District, together received a new coaster bus d e v e l o p m e n t , t h e international standard, spans of 100mm2. the first leg match and later with a buyer identified as from Governor Okezie Chairman of Enyimba which according to him, Ezeh confirmed that the drew 1-1 in the return leg Yaya Mohammed were Ikpeazu of Abia State. FC, Mr. Felix Anyansi was uncommon feat. suspects have been handed at Aba. arrested by the youths of A l s o , t h e c l u b ' s Meanwhile, Enyimba is over to the respective chairman, Mr. Felix police stations for further Anyansi Agwu received a 2 escape death in Anambra as bus crashes i n t e r r o g a t i o n a n d new sports utility vehicle prosecution. Command, Mr. Kamal Howeved, the Sector I n a r e l a t e d from the governor to aid From Uchenna Ezeadigwe, ABJ 641 XV suddenly ran Musa said the incident development, Ikenna his mobility in the Onitsha out of control and Commander, Federal h a p p e n e d a t a b o u t E b e r e U g u r u w a s discharge of his duties. rammed into the fuel Road Safety Cor ps, wo unidentified 7:30AM."According to a r r a i g n e d a t t h e Anambra State, Andrew In his brief remarks persons, a driver station. eyewitnesses, a total of Magistrate Court 6, while performing the and a passenger, The victims where said two male adults who were A. Kumapayi wishes the Umuahia on a two-count hand-over of the vehicles, T to have received various were Monday, involved in i nvo l ve d , s u s t a i n e d injured victims quick charge, for vandalizing Ikpeazu said the vehicles degrees of injuries and varying degrees of injuries a lone crash accident recover y and war ns O k w u t a 3 0 0 K V A were to help the club were rushed to Vera Clinic and were rushed to Vera which occurred at the motorists to desist from 11/0.415kv Substation. return to the winning Ihiala through the help of Clinic Ihiala by FRSC Ikenna was subsequently excessive speeding and ways. Frankguily Fuel Station officials of the Federal rescue team from Ihiala r e m a n d e d a t A f a r a The governor charged along Ihiala-Owerri road, Ro a d S a f e t y C o r p s U n i t C o m m a n d f o r abide by speed limits set by Correctional Centre, Anambra State. (FRSC).A statement from medical attention while law to prevent avoidable Umuahia. the management and t h e F R S C P u b l i c According to an eye obstr uction is being road traffic crashes in this “Vandalism is a major players of the team to R e l a t i o n s O f f i c e r , cleared to ensure free flow challenge that negatively continue to make the state witness, the Mazda Bus A n a m b r a S t a t e Yuletide season", the of traffic. Hence, no life impacts on our operations with registration number: statement reads. and the nation proud, was lost". and there is no way we can sustain our operations and was dangerous to elect military officers invaded d e l ive r q u a l i t y a n d Insecurity: Bishop renews people into offices based the press centre some years improved service to our on sentiment. a g o, r eve a l i n g t h a t customers if this situation B i s h o p I b e a b u c h i Anglican Church donated is not brought under commended the men of call for Buratai, other a huge sum of money to control. the fourth estate of the the council which helped “We commend the realm for their efforts in in replacing some of efforts of the various reporting events in the destroyed equipment of service chiefs' removal communities and their state, especially the the council. From Dan Maduagwu, centre in Umuahia during do is remove him or yo u t h s, g ove r n m e n t activities of the Anglican He also promised that Umuahia a media parley he held redeploy him to another security agencies and local with members of Nigerian place.", the bishop said. Church, while praying for u n d e r h i s w a t c h , he Bishop of vigilante groups in the Union of Journalists, Abia T h e c l e r g y m a n God's protection upon j o u r n a l i s t s w o u l d Anglican Diocese fight against vandalism; State Council . described the security journalists in the discharge continue to partner the o f U m u a h i a , we call on our customers T He regretted the killing situation of Nigeria as of their duties. church towards ensuring a B i s h o p G e o f f r e y and the general public to of farmers in Borno State e m b a r r a s s i n g a n d He urged journalists to better society. Ibeabuchi has renewed his join in this fight towards and other parts of the worrisome while urging remain objective and fair S e c r e t a r y o f t h e call for the retirement of the eradication of the country, pointing out that Nigerians not to lose hope in their reportage, pointing U m u a h i a A n g l i c a n Nigeria's security service menace.” security situation in in God. out that a good society is D i o c e s e, Ve n e r a b l e chiefs, saying that the “There is no way we can Nigeria has not improved. He also called on enhanced when the truth Okwukwe Ucheagwu; country has continued to sustain our operations and " The security chiefs are Nigerians to make a good is told . Chief Press Secretary to look like a killing field d e l ive r q u a l i t y a n d under the watch of the not doing well and should c h o i c e d u r i n g 2 0 2 3 In his remarks, the the Bishop, Josephine improved service to our military chiefs. be removed. elections and beyond to Chairman of Nigeria O g w o a n d o t h e r Ibeabuchi made the call If you give someone a avoid electing those who Union of Journalists, Abia clergyman were at the customers if this situation yesterday at St. Stephen's job and he fails to do the are not prepared to lead State Council, Comrade media parley. is not brought under Catheral conference work well, the best thing to the people, adding that it John Emejor recalled how control", he stated. Wednesday, December 9, 2020 Page 11 News "Such production and are naturally innovative, advantage and create new Ikpeazu budgets N131b for 2021 productivity will rely creative, resilient and a r e a s o f c o m p e t i t ive extensively on the capacity dogged. advantage. From Nonye Udimiri, Partnership Initiative for "This Administration is of people who have long The Governor said that Ikpeazu said that In Aba Development in the Niger c o n v i n c e d t h a t , a s t e r m i n t e r e s t i n t h e he therefore sees the s o m e i n s t a n c e s , t h e Delta (PIND) and shall be challenges mount on the Government's job in this Government might need to bia Governor, Dr. development of a particular forwarded to the Assembly fiscal position of the fiscal year as basically to find undertake fresh but critical Okezie Ikpeazu on economy for it to be for review and legislation Federation and as the global surveys to strengthen what it has presented a sustainable. And no one else means of supporting Abia A soon. environment becomes has more interest in the long people to do better what they already know, identify new N131,815,753,720.00 as He said, "Specifically, increasingly tumultuous, areas and minimize the Appropriation Bill for 2021 term development of Abia already know how to do and the 2021 – 2023 Medium long term survival will have weaknesses and threats to the State House of than Abians themselves." are doing well. T e r m E x p e n d i t u r e to depend on each people's faced by businesses around Assembly. Ikpeazu said that Abia I k p e a z u s a i d h i s Framework emphasizes capacity to innovate, in the the state. The budget is made up is already blessed with an administration intends to l o c a l c o n t e n t s a n d building of industries and in H e s a i d h i s of Recurrent Expenditure of e x c e p t i o n a l l y h i g h support local technologies sustainable development. adding value. proportion of people who and techniques as well as administration intends to N62,624,512,746.00, which harness their strengths and leverage on the State's areas is 47.51 per cent of the total create new opportunities for of comparative advantage in estimate, while the capital businesses to explore for the Governor Ugwuanyi's commitment to p r o d u c t a n d s e r v i c e e x p e n d i t u r e i s good of all Abia people. marketing. N 6 9 , 1 9 1 , 2 4 0 , 9 7 4 . 0 0 ) , security exceptional - Immigration boss I k p e a z u s a i d h i s amounting to 52.49% of the He said he intends to administration is not leaving entire budget. From Chuma Austin, Babandede who spoke hijacked EndSARS protests focus on already enormous out any sector, people or Speaking during the Enugu when he led his entourage to in the state. number of small and area, as it will aim to presentation of the budget, the Government House, Appreciating Gov. medium scale enterprises complete all on-going Ikpeazu said the State he Comptroller- operating in the State and Enugu, stressed that Gov. U g w u a n y i f o r h i s capital projects before the currently has two major General of Nigeria administration's support support them both to Ugwuanyi's administration e n d o f t h e p r e s e n t plans – a short term plan I m m i g r a t i o n towards the completion of advance in their areas of administration. which is the 5 pillars sectors T has been of great support to S e r v i c e, M u h a m m a d the office project, which he of investment as outlined by the Nigeria Immigration s a i d w a s b i l l e d f o r Babandede, has described EndSARS protests, both conducted extensive tour of the Administration from the Service. inauguration a day before Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi civilians and security agents, affected facilities in the state very beginning and the Abia T h e C o m p t r o l l e r - the EndSARS destructions, who lost their loved ones to assess the level of damage, State Agenda 2050, which is of Enugu State as a “great General was in Enugu with Babandede disclosed that during the unfortunate a long term plan covering a man” and “an all-rounder” his entourage to assess the the state gover nment the governor said that they incident. period of 30 years. who has demonstrated degree of damage done to “donated four transformers paid due attention to the A s s u r i n g t h a t t h e Immigration office and “we He said the long term enormous commitment the newly constructed office and vehicles to us”. He pointed out that “the Immigration office will be were grateful to God for the plan is at the finalization towards the security of lives of the Nigeria Immigration stage, being prepared with Ser vice, Enugu State vehicles were not only inaugurated, Babandede minimal damage”. and property in the state. s u p p o r t f r o m t h e Command, during the donated to us but also to all equally applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi expressed t h e l a w Ugwuanyi for setting up an delight at the quality of e n f o r c e m e n t Administrative Panel of service and advisory the agencies so that Inquiry to look into the loss s t a t e o f f i c e o f t h e security of lives of lives and destruction of Immigration service has and property of private and public property continually availed the state the people is during the protests, stating: a n d r e i t e r a t e d h i s assured in Enugu “That shows that you care”. administration's willingness State”, saying: Responding, Governor to partner the body in the 'We commend Ugwuanyi regretted that the discharge of its mandate you (Ugwuanyi) sad events of loss of lives and which is key to robust for that good internal security. job”. destruction of property by M e m b e r s o f t h e T h e ho odlums during the Comptroller-General's Immigration boss EndSARS protests were in entourage include the who maintained s p i t e o f t h e s t a t e Assistant Comptroller- that “the people g o ve r n m e n t ' s e a r l i e r constitution (by Executive General (General Services), of Enugu State Don O. Asogwa, the are peace loving” Order) of Panel of inquiry on Police brutality and Assistant Comptroller- c o m m i s e r a t e d General, Zone G, J. C r e l a t e d ex t r a - j u d i c i a l with the state K w a z u , a n d t h e killings. L-R: Governors Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State, Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State, government and Comptrollers of the five While noting that the f a m i l i e s o f states of Zone G, among Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and Dapo Abiodun of South East governors and victims of the others. Ogun at the APC NEC meeting in Abuja...Tuesday. h i j a c k e d other stakeholders had FG kicks as US adds Nigeria to religious freedom blacklist By Uzoma Ogoke Turkmenistan as countries country or entity should be Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in a States of engaging in He said that Nigeria of concern under the allowed to persecute people statement, faulted the systematic and egregious does not engage in religious he United States has International Religious with impunity because of allegations religious freedom violations freedom violation, neither placed Nigeria for Freedom Act of 1998 for their beliefs. These annual M o h a m m e d i n was a jaundiced conclusion. does it have a policy of Tthe first time on a e n g a g i n g s y s t e m a t i c, designations show that statement issued in Abuja on Mohammed described religious persecution, religious freedom blacklist, ongoing, egregious religious when religious freedom is Tuesday by his Special the allegation as “a case of stressing that victims of citing growing insecurity freedom violations. attacked, we will act.” Assistant To The President an honest disagreement insecurity and terrorism in and suppression of Christian “The U.S. is unwavering B u t i n a n a n g r y (Media)Segun Adeyemi, between the two nations on the country are adherents of voice. in its commitment to reaction, the Minister of e x p l a i n e d t h a t t h e the causes of violence in Christianity, Islam and other This however has religious freedom. No Information and Culture, allegation, by the United Nigeria”. religions. attracted the ire of Nigeria, w h o d e s c r i b e d t h e allegations as faulty. Ibezim didn't participate in Imo North by-election - Araraume The US Secretary of By Jennifer John d i s q u a l i f i c a t i o n wa s implication is that Ibezim i n c e s s a n t l y f i e l d i n g Hope Uzodimma very low, State Mike Pompeo in a upheld by the appeal panel. did not participate in the candidates who always get w h i l e c o n d e m n i n g series of Tweet on Monday, f a c t i o n a l by-election. disqualified, as was the said that Nigeria as a candidate of the He added that Ibezim incidences such as flogging "Country of Particular All Progressives was also disqualified by a "I am very sure that case in Bayelsa, Zamfara protesting pensioners, A Federal High Court in Okigwe Zone will soon and other places, adding Concern" for religious Congress (APC), Senator incarcerating a legislator, freedom, the rare inclusion Ifeanyi Araraume has Abuja, on the eve of the have a representative at the that the leadership of the among others. of a fellow democracy in the insisted that Frank Ibezim election and was duly Senate. That was why they party should sit down and He said being an APC US effort to shame nations did not participate in the served, alongside the came out en masse to vote assess the way they are g o v e r n m e n t , t h e y into action. Imo North Senatorial by- Independent National for me, because they know handling affairs of the (stakeholders) were ready The tweets said, “Today election, held last Saturday. Electoral Commission that with my experience, party. to work with the governor, the U.S. designates Burma, Araraume in an interview, (INEC) and APC. we will be able to recover S p e a k i n g o n t h e China, Eritrea, Iran, but submitted that the maintained that Ibezim Araraume who noted lost grounds within a very governorship of the state, N i g e r i a , t h e D P R K , governor must change his was disqualified by the there was no appeal against short time", he stated. A r a r a u m e r a t e d t h e style and stop taking every Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the judgement before the H e b e r a t e d t h e T a j i k i s t a n , a n d p a r t y ' s s c r e e n i n g performance of Governor person in the state as his election, submitted that the leadership of APC for committee, while his 'house boy'. Wednesday, December 9, 2020 Page 12 Midweek Politics Rise and fall of Abia's chief of staff, Agbazuere From Dan Maduagwu, money-spraying. This Umuahia he did on some streets of the State before ocial and political heading into the Abia grounds were on S t a t e g ove r n m e n t Sunday shaken S House, Umuahia for a following the statement visit to the suspended from the Abia State Chief of Staff. g o v e r n m e n t The visit, unfortunately, a n n o u n c i n g t h e proved to become a suspension from office terrible miscalculation of Anthony Agbazuere for Dr Agbazuere, who (PhD), as the Chief of until his suspension, Staff to Gover nor was believed by many, Okezie Ikpeazu, by the t o b e a m o n g t h e Governor himself. strongest member of The statement signed by O k e z i e I k p e a z u ' s Barrister Chris Ezem, government. the Secretary to the In the viral video, the State Government( Chief of Staff was seen SSG), read " Abia State spreading some naira Governor, Dr Okezie notes on Odumeje who Ikpeazu has directed the r a n t e d h i s u s u a l immediate suspension demonstrative slangs from office of the Chief inside the office of o f S t a f f t o t h e Chief of Staff, even as Governor, Dr A.C.B. Chief Agbazuere was Agbazuere, thank you", seen in the picture, the message concluded, smiling and admiring without giving any Odumeje's dexterity. explanation for the B u t o n S u n d a y, sudden directive. Governor Ikpeazu, who w a s i n f a r a w a y Unknown to many Ikpeazu Enyimba Stadium Aba Abians, the suspension watching the Enyimba order was dished out at a vs Rahimo of Burkina time the Chief of Staff Faso CAF African was at far away St champions League F i n b e r ' s C a t h o l i c match, dropped the Church, Bende road heavy hammer on Umuahia as a special Agbazuere, believably invitee of the Church's angered by the videos annual harvest. brought to his attention. The suspension, it is believed, stemmed from The man Agbazuere as the embarrassment the Abia's political enigma State may have suffered Unknown to many following a vital online people, Agbazuere has money spraying videos been a household name and pictures involving i n t h e p o l i t i c a l the suspended Chief of firmament of Abia, Staff, Agbazuere and having covered over controversial Onitsha- three decades with his b a s e d p a s t o r , social political cum C h u k w e m e k a human rights activism. O h a n y e r e m , a k a A s a y o u n g m a n working in a former Odumeje Indaboski. r e g i o n a l b a n k i n Odumeje had arrived at Umuahia in late 80s up Abia State capital last t o e a r l y 1 9 9 0 s , Thursday in convoy of Agbazuere developed many cars, seized the interest in human rights city of Umuahia in his affairs, from where he u s u a l m o t o r c a d e l a t e r b e c a m e t h e enter tainment and Chairman of Nigerian Agbazuere L a b o u r C o n g r e s s Wednesday, December 9, 2020 Page 13 Midweek Politics Rise and fall of Abia's chief of staff... (NLC), Abia State Lawyer, the late Chief t h e I k p e a z u political career. The led administration but the need to return him chapter. J.N.Ogbonna, whose administration as v i s i t o f P a s t o r p e o p l e d o n ' t to power, whenever the From his position as chambers operate policy formulations, Odumeje, they say, is understand." brouhaha of Odumeje the NLC supremo, he from Azikiwe road, execution and related not bad but what was He continued "What visit fade’s away. w a s a l w a y s a t Umuahia. In the m a t t e r s b e c a m e inimical was the the Chief of Staff to The source however loggerheads with the affidavit he filled, smoother for Ikpeazu, display of the Chief of Gover nor Okezie regretted that the military government Agbazuere among unlike in his first term, Staff, as seen in the Ikpeazu did was a misapplication of of then Col Ike Nwosu other things claimed where the office was videos and pictures huge slap on the faces social media handles the then Military that Kalu was not fit to for most times less where he sprayed of Abia health workers has r uined many administrator of Abia be Governor. The case functional following m o n e y o n t h e and other government political and social S t a t e d u r i n g t h e progressed to Federal the ill-health of the controversial cleric. workers that are being personalities around regime of General Court of Appeal, Port then Chief of Staff, T h i s o p i n i o n i s owed backlog of the world, blaming the Sani Abacha. H a r c o u r t b e f o r e C h i e f C h i j i o k e predicated on the salaries. He should be problem on some Agbazuere used his Agbazuere withdrew Nwakodo, a son of surface that even if the sacked with his sack young staff of the position to oppose any it, after he reconciled Umuana Ibeku. visit of Odumeje was a letter made public", Chief of Staff's office, policy he considered with Chief Orji Uzor Many unattended files p r i va t e o n e, t h e Abia APC spokesman, which according to the inimical to the welfare Kalu. were also responded meeting still took place said on Sunday in source, may have of Abia State workers Kalu later capped the to, breathing more life at the Office of the reaction. uploaded the sleazy especially alleged reconciliation with into the Governor's CoS, and as such, a Also, another group video without the harassment of civil a p p o i n t m e n t o f visions for the God's brazen display of that which called itself consent of their boss. s e r v a n t s b y t h e Agbazuere into his own State. Nwakodo nature should not have Save Abia group in Another factor that military administrator, government. In Kalu's was hospitalized in far taken place. Another statement signed by may bring back the and this brought him period as a two-time away London, United uproar generated by their chairman, one embattled CoS is the in confrontation with Governor, Agbazuere Kingdom for a good the videos is the claims David Chukwumerije interest of the Ngwa Col Ike Nwosu. became an important part of the first tenure. by some workers in o n M o b d a y , nation to take another The contributions name, rising from He later died and some State-owned threatened to hit the shot at Governance, in reached an apogee in special assistant to Governor Ikpeazu in parastatals that they street of Abia in 2023. Agbazuere, it is mid 1994 when Col b e c o m i n g a his tribute during his were owed months of p r o t e s t i f D r believed, working as Nwosu was removed Commissioner for burial said he had lost unpaid salaries and Agbazuere is recalled the Chief of Staff till a s t h e M i l i t a r y information before a good friend and a entitlements. by the Governor. The 2023 will sustain the administrator by Gen b e c o m i n g t h e man who understood So, the implications, group also claimed stability of Ikpeazu's Abacha and replaced executive Chairman of his vision for Abia may have informed that the suspended g o v e r n m e n t i n with Navy Captain Isiala Ngwa South State. Governor Ikpeazu to CoS was making plans completing several Temi Ejoor while Col LGA. t a k e h i s S u n d ay to return to office. p r o j e c t s h e h a s I k e N w o s u w a s When Chief Theodore Odumeje's 'wahala' decision, at least to Why Agbazuere may embarked upon, and redeployed to Oyo Orji fell out with his and how it shook d i f f e r e n t i a t e h i s bounce back as COS: also maintain the State as the military Godfather, Kalu in Abia's political space administration from Having become an chances of politicians of Ngwa stock vying administrator. 2 0 0 9 , A g b a z u e r e The office of the Chief any misbehavior of important part of for the Gover nor After Ike Nwosu's r e t u r n e d t o t h e of Staff, as understood any of his appointee. governance in the again, in 2023. removal, Agbazuere, corridors of power, in Nigeria and beyond, T h i s a c t i o n a l s o present administration Just like Ikpeazu then a young lad was becoming again, the is like the engine room e n f o r c e d t h e of Abia, it may not be a recalled two LGA crowned the Egbe Commissioner for o f e v e r y credibility of the surprise if Dr ACB Chairmen of Aba gburu Agu 1 by some i n f o r m a t i o n , a administration, no Ikpeazu's government Agbazuere regains his North and South section of Ngwa position he held to his w o n d e r m a n y in the eyes of many position. This point is Chief Victor Ubani elders, for his courage a p p o i n t e e ' s o c c u p a n t s h a v e people as government drawn from the fact and Hon Cherechi in fighting for the satisfaction. through that office, a responsible and that no administration Nwaogu respectively workers. worked and warmed r e s p o n s i v e toys with its best in November, it is also It was also believed Journey to becoming themselves into the government. hands, no matter the the discretion of the chief of staff: h e a r t s o f t h e i r shortcomings of those that a certain first class However, the main State Chief executive traditional ruler from Having bagged his principals. opposition party in involved. to recall his CoS or Ngwa land, was well degree in law from A typical example is A b i a , t h e A l l Agbazuere is a master finally sack him. p l e a s e d w i t h Abia State University, Senator Theodore Progressive Congress strategist and this you However, the timely Agbazuere's efforts, U t u r u a n d Orji, who was for 8 (APC) in reaction to cannot take away from and courageous step hence the decision to subsequently, Master's years, the Chief of the development said it him. This sagacity has he took in handling the decorate his neck with and Doctoral degrees Staff to Chief Orji was not satisfied with enabled him to work brouhaha has salvaged the garlands of Egbe f r o m t h e s a m e Uzor Kalu from 1999 the suspension of the with the three civilian the image of his gburu Agu (The gun institution, he had to 2007, 8 unbroken C h i e f o f S t a f f , a d m i n i s t r a t i o n s government. If he that killed a lion). prepared the ground years. Orji, it was demanding that he ranging from Orji eventually regains his When Chief Orji Uzor for a bigger role in understood, was close deserved outright sack. U z o r K a l u t o office, Agbazuere must Kalu took over the governance and the t o C h i e f K a l u , The party in a message Theodore Ahamefula have learnt his lessons leadership of Abia opportunity met the enabling him to shine through its publicity, Orji and now, Okezie to manage his office State in 1999 as elected aspiration after he was brighter than Chiefs Mr Benedict Godson Ikpeazu and one may properly, so as to avoid executive Governor of appointed the Chief Re a g a n U f o m b a , said the action of the wonder the special a future slip. Abia State, Chief of Staff by Governor Henry Iko and other t o p g o v e r n m e n t aura his contributions But if he doesn't Agbazuere, like a Ikpeazu after his allies of Kalu. As a official was a slap to breeze into the engine return, it will also socio-political gadfly, second term victory. result Kalu, worked for workers in some State- of the vehicles of those serve as a lesson to all r e t u r n e d t o t h e B e f o r e h i s O r j i ' s v i c t o r y a s owned parastatals he ser ves, which leaders in the country, trenches, digging out appointment, the Governor and the rest being owed salaries. makes the journey e s p e c i a l l y t h o s e some alleged offences position was a coveted is now history. The APC spokesman's smooth for them. aspiring for elective allegedly committed one, with many people This is where Chief statement read in part A close source in positions that it is not by Kalu, before he i n t e r e s t e d i n Agbazuere, in the “ We h a v e b e e n Government quarters enough to get power, became Governor. occupying it. opinion of some complaining about the told this paper that but to manage it well He took his fight to the H i s a p p o i n t m e n t political watchers, irrationality of the Agbazuere is seen as r e m a i n s a n o t h e r Court, through his added some muscle to made a mistake of his officials of the PDP- an engine room, hence challenge. Wednesday, December 9, 2020 Page 14 Man In The News

Araraume

Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) where he lost to Rochas Okorocha of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the race to Douglas House in 2011. Sen. Araraume: Again to contest the 2015 governorship election, he rejoined PDP where he lost the party's primary election to Emeka Ihedioha. He later left PDP to APC and joined forces with the Political trraeinstated Ibvezim as tailshe left in political lurch. But he i n c u m b e n t g o v e r n o r party's candidate, dropping bounced back that same year Okorocha during the 2015 Araraume. The judicial t o c l i n c h t h e P e o p l e s governorship election. Again summersault, unfortunately Democratic Party (PDP) t o c o n t e s t t h e 2 0 1 9 had, few hours before then governorship primaries for governorship election, he left being in favour of Araraume, Imo State. This was after he APC and joined APGA. when another Federal High dumped the defunct All When his political fortunes in of a serial Court, this time in Abuja, Peoples Party (APP). But the A P G A s e e m e d t o b e disqualified Ibezim on the then President Olusegun dwindling after failing to win allegation of the same Obasanjo stood in his way and the governorship election certificate forgery. chose Charles Ugwu in his under which he contested, he Here lies the logjam. At the place. again jumped ship and election, proper, though his The party had claimed that rejoined APGA where he party won, the electoral body his vote tally fell short of the c o n t e s t e d t h e 2 0 1 9 failed to return either him or two-thirds majority stipulated gubernatorial primaries under defectothers contested for the ordirected at Ar araume to by the party's congress. The Ibezim as the winner, thus the party. By Jude Owuamanam party's ticket to contest the make sure that he did not party also claimed that leaving the party in limbo. For a politician, who saw senatorial election. The participate in the election. Araraume's emergence was hese are definitely For Araraume, he's not alien political party only as a means screening committee headed But for the billionaire fraudulent as the primary not the best of times to this type of controversy, as t o w i n n i n g e l e c t i o n , by Dr Lawrence Chukwu, had politician, described as a cat election was marred by Tfor Senator Godwin all his political trajectory Araraume on seeing an cleared five out of the 11 with nine lives, Araraume having being fraught with a lot violence. Ifeanyi Araraume as he takes opening to represent his zone c o n t e s t a n t s, i n c l u d i n g emerged third in the primary of hiccups. Prior to his present But Araraume was expelled on the political battle to following the death of the last represent the people of Imo Araraume. But for some election according to the predicament, Araraume has from PDP for anti-party occupant of the Imo north Nor th senatorial zone. inexplicable reason, the result produced by the been dubbed a serial political activities after securing a seat, left APGA and rejoined Araraume is taking the decision of the committee was Nlemigbo faction of the party prostitute, having jumped Supreme Court ruling in his the r uling par ty. He is opportunity of the death of jettisoned and the name of which was alleged not to have from one party to the other favor. Because it was late to presently in battle of his life to Ben Uwajumogu, who died Frank Ibezim smuggled into conducted primary election. just for the pur pose of substitute a candidate, the claim the seat. Though his exactly one month, to occupy the sheet. Ibezim was among He however, bounced back winning election. He doesn't party chose not to present a the seat he last vacated in those previously disqualified into reckoning to clinch the seem to care about any candidate, but supported party won Saturday's by- 2003. However for a man, by the screening committee. party's ticket, when a Federal ideological leaning in as much Ikedi Ohakim, who ran under election, but as it presently whose political career is Here began Araraume's H i g h C o u r t i n O we r r i such party would offer him a the Progressives Peoples Party stands, between him and f r a u g h t w i t h m a n y troubles because probably disqualified Ibezim using the platform. The 62-year old (PPA). Ibezim, only the Supreme controversies, the latest unknown to him, the party report of the party's screening Isiebu, Isiala Mbano born In 1999 Araraume left APP Court can determine who gets attempt to go back to the hierarchy in the state was not committee, which discovered politician, who has sojourned t o w i n t h e I m o N o r t h the seat. senate for the third time is keen on having him at the red that Ibezim presented forged in all the major political senatorial seat under PDP. W o u l d A r a r a u m e proving to be his Achilles' chambers for the third time. certificates to the electoral parties in the country, changes Again, he nearly lost the seat, eventually find himself back Heels. They rather preferred Ibezim, body for the purpose of them as he changes his but was saved by providence to the Senate is a question His current travails started who is a personal assistant to conducting the election. clothes. as he won the nomination only the Supreme Court can right from the party primary the Minister of State for But his joy was short-lived After he vacated the senate u n d e r c o n t r o v e r s i a l answer as the odds appear where he, along with ten Education, Emeka Nwajiuba. as 24 hours to the election; an in 2007 having been defeated circumstances. stacked against him. And so the party's arsenal was Appeal Court in Owerri by Sylvester Anyanwu, he was He was to later join the Wednesday, December 9, 2020 Page 15 SPORTS

"Nelson Dida was my Chevrolet ready to bankroll Okoye reveals Dida as his idol, idol, for me, he was the greatest, I love his style Man Utd’s move for Ronaldo but nowadays it is Marc- Andre ter Stegen," Okoye club. h e l p t h e c l u b rates Onana ahead of Mendy told Voetbal Rotterdam. The Por tuguese bankroll a deal to h e N i g e r i a "Andre Onana is also a superstar is still bring Ronaldo back international has great goalkeeper, I love to bundling in goals in to Manchester. Tspoken about his watch him. Definitely, Serie A for Juventus Chevrolet is envious role model and rated the he's the best African a n d a t t h e of how Juventus Cameroon and Senegal g o a l k e e p e r a t t h e international level having Ronaldo has goalkeepers moment. The second one despite being 35 years boosted their shirt S p a r t a R o t t e r d a m is Mendy from Chelsea." of age. sponsor, Jeep. g o a l k e e p e r M a d u k a Okoye has made five But reports suggest G ive n Ju ve n t u s O k oye h a s r eve a l e d appearances for the Super Juve are considering have an interest in f o r m e r B r a z i l Eagles since his debut selling Ronaldo due Manchester United international Nelson Dida against Brazil in a friendly t o t h e f i n a n c i a l m i d f i e l d e r P a u l in October 2019. as his idol and named i m p a c t o f t h e Pogba, a player plus The 21-year-old also Ronaldo A j a x s t o p p e r A n d r e c o r o n a v i r u s cash swap deal may Onana as the best African spoke of his delight to ancheste pandemic. not be so surprising in goalkeeper ahead of w a t c h f o r m e r r United And according to the summer. C h e l s e a ' s E d o u a r d international Vincent could be M A u t o E s p o r t e , Andrea Pirlo's side Mendy. Enyeama and named him i n l i n e f o r a w o u l d a l s o b e The Nigeria goalkeeper a s t h e b e s t N i g e r i a sensational transfer U n i t e d ' s s h i r t r e l i n q u i s h e d o f h a s b e e n d e l ive r i n g goalkeeper in history. to bring Cristiano sponsor Chevrolet Ronaldo's £28m-per- convincing showings for " I h av e d e f i n i t e l y Ronaldo back to the could be willing to t h e E r e d i v i s i e s i d e w a t c h e d m o r e o f year salary. recently and is gradually Enyeama because he's becoming the club's first- more of my generation, I Ozil '90 percent certain' to choice. go with Enyeama,” he The 21-year-old has continued. complete Fenerbahce transfer "For me, he is definitely played six games in the esut Ozil m o u t h P i e r s 2020-21 season after the greatest Nigerian has a '90 Morgan on Monday joining the Dutch club goalkeeper ever and also percent' after Ozil posted a from Fortuna Düsseldorf one of the best to play in M II in the summer. the French League. chance of ending his picture of himself in Okoye's recent showings "Of course I know Peter Arsenal nightmare in front of thousands of for his club has also Rufai but not as a person, I January and joining fans at the Emirates. c o n v i n c e d N i g e r i a think he was the first Fenerbahce. H e a d d e d t h e national team coach Nigerian goalkeeper to The Germany ace caption: “The feeling Gernot Rohr to trust him play in the Netherlands has been frozen out o f h a v i n g f a n s in goal for the Super with Go Ahead Eagles but at the Emirates after b e h i n d y o u … Eagles. I k n o w m o r e o f he was excluded #grateful #bestfans Okoye has revealed Enyeama." f r o m t h e c l u b ' s #hardtimes.” w h e r e h e g e t s h i s Okoye will be expected Premier League and The Good Morning inspiration from and rated to be in goal when Sparta E u r o p a L e a g u e Britain presenter, t h e C a m e r o o n a n d R o t t e r d a m t a k e o n squads. Ozil who is an Arsenal Willem II in their next Senegal goalkeepers, who Ozil, 32, has vowed Mesut Ozil is likely fan, was quick to l e a g u e g a m e o n are tur ning heads in he will not be forced t o b e c o m e a r e s p o n d s ay i n g : Europe. December 13. Okoye out of the club as he Fenerbahce player “Real Arsenal fans continues to pocket d u r i n g t h e n e x t aren't behind you. Pogba, Man United has come his £350,000-a-week transfer window. “You're our Paul b l o c k b u s t e r wages. “I would say 90 Pogba – massively Champions League His current deal in percent he will join overpaid, massively to an end — Raiola n o r t h L o n d o n us in one month.” under-performing & h e F r a n c e clash at RB Leipzig on e x p i r e s i n t h e T h e f o r m e r s h o c k i n g l y international the sixth and final G e r m a n y midfielder's matchday in Group H. summer but Arsenal overinflated sense of T "Paul is unhappy with are eager to get him international has y o u r o w n agent says his client wants to leave Old Man United as he is no off the wage bill family roots from importance. #truth.” Tr a f f o r d a n d h a s longer able to express sooner rather than T u r k e y d e s p i t e Ozil then hit back: f lagged a possible himself in the way that later. representing Die “Piers, buddy, are reunion in Turin he would like and as he And their prayers M a n n s c h a f t 9 2 you still bitter from is expected to," Raiola could be answered by times, winning the the other day? It Paul Pogba can return Lukaku to Serie A champions said. "Paul needs a new the Turkish giants. World Cup in 2014. seems like you're not Ju ve n t u s a s h e i s Pogba team, a change of air. Fenerbahce's club He is also close a big fan of World u n h a p p y a t Serie A powerhouse "He is under contract I'm one of the best congress member friends with Turkish Champions. for the next 18 months Manchester United, Juve in 2012 after his “ I f C r i s t i a n o Murat Zorlu claims p r e s i d e n t Re c e p “I wish you would and it will expire in the according to his agent contract expired only – Lukaku Ronaldo, [Lionel] Ozil is closing in on a Tayyip Erdogan and see as good as you to re-join the Red summer of 2022." Mino Raiola. nter forward, Messi or [Rober t] move in January. has been accused of hear things.” Devils in 2016 for what Former Liverpool P o g b a ' s Romelu Lukaku, Lewandowski have H e t o l d S p o r t endorsing his bid for “ B u t a t t h e wa s t h e n a wo r l d d e f e n d e r J a m i e representative Raiola Ihas claimed he's exceeded their limits, Digitale: “A source, re-election. moment, I don't see record transfer fee of Carragher explained s a i d t h e s t a r 'one of the top five why can't I do it too?” w h o ' s ve r y we l l But he was still him being top of the £89 million ($119m). how he thinks United strikers in the world' midfielder's time at Lukaku said it's 'a bit connected to the club locked in a war of shopping list for too On the front page of should now respond, a n d s a i d t h e United is "over" in a e a r l y ' f o r t h e has told me that words with loud many clubs.” preview teaser for an Tuesday's Tuttosport , telling Sky Sports : "Get Nerazzurri 'must fight comparisons with rid. I have been saying i n t e r v i e w w i t h w h e r e t h e f u l l to win the Scudetto'. former Nerazzurri this for 12 months. T u t t o s p o r t a m i d i n t e r v i e w w a s “I'm one of the top forward and Brazil Napoli plan loan move for "Oh my God, he is the speculation he is set to published, Raiola is five strikers in the international Ronaldo. q u o t e d a s s ay i n g : most overrated player I leave Old Trafford in world,” Lukaku told “He scored more Chelsea midfielder Gilmour "Maybe Juventus could have seen in my life." France Football. “I the near future. than 100 goals for the apoli are as he played 11 be his next destination. Carragher feels Pogba can't do anything T h e Wo r l d C u p - national team, it's a bit watching times for Chelsea last Why not? would have been well wrong from a tactical w i n n i n g F r a n c e e a r l y t o m a k e C h e l s e a s e a s o n , b u t h i s "Among other things, aware of what Raiola point of view or even N international – who midfielder, Billy p r o g r e s s w a s the relationship with was planning to say, the movements. comparisons,” Lukaku scored in Saturday's 3-1 added. “In Milan Gilmour. curtailed by injury in P r e m i e r L e a g u e the club and with his and did not hold back former team-mates is with his views. this season, scoring everyone was talking A c c o r d i n g t o July, and he made his victory at West Ham – to me about Ronaldo's Calciomercato, the first appearance of has regularly been excellent. At the time "I think the two of twice. 34 goals in his first Serie A club are the season in last linked with former club of Covid, not many them are a disgrace," he T h e 2 7 - y e a r - o l d season. weighing up the we e k ' s w i n ove r Juve and La Liga teams can afford to buy said. "We will all look scored his first Premier “I'm glad I matched possibility of taking Sevilla. c h a m p i o n s R e a l Paul. The important at the agent now, and League goal of the thing is to want it (a say 'ask Pogba what he campaign as United it, yes. But he won the the 19-year-old on Juventus have also Gilmour Madrid, while Pogba attempts to sign the described a possible deal for Pogba)." thinks.'" came from behind to UEFA Cup, and I lost loan with a view to a been linked with a Raiola's comments Pogba has made 13 defeat West Ham at the the Final. Now, I work permanent transfer if move for Gilmour – Scotland under-21 move to the Santiago ace permanently as Bernabeu as a "dream". c a m e a s U n i t e d appearances for United London Stadium on to win trophies.” he fits in. b u t C h e l s e a a r e he is highly rated at Pogba left United for prepared for Tuesday's across all competitions Saturday. Gilmour impressed expected to resist any Anambra palace secretary under fire for suspending

TPM, three others Pg. 3 Imo gardeners protest 4 months arrears of salaries ISSN: 2736-0512 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2020 VOL. 1 NO. 46 Pg. 5 Guest Columnist What is in the title, 'professor'? By Tayo Oke

rofessors have been where others panic and generally good, but they in the news of late in overreact. So far, so good. s h o u l d n o t b e m a d e PNigeria. They have The description of the sacrosanct. Striving for the spearheaded one of the professor just highlighted is so lowest common denominator longest industrial disputes evidently idealized. It rarely is hardly the best in any event. with government in the exists in whole in any one U n i v e r s i t i e s m u s t b e history of this country which, individual, in a single period. encouraged to look for both thankfully, is now winding It is an aspiration, and a tangible and intangible down as you read. Professors destination to which many qualities in an individual. have also been useful in the bearing the title arrive quicker One hundred 'publications' f i e l d o f e l e c t i o n than others, while some never behind a person's name are no a d m i n i s t r a t i o n . T h e even get started, let alone s u b s t i t u t e f o r q u a l i t y. I n d e p e n d e n t N a t i o n a l excel in it. Conversely, a lack of visibility Electoral Commission has For others, still, it is simply in select journals should not been consistently headed by a trophy to be flaunted, and be an automatic barrier to an individual with the rank of used to establish dominance. promotion, especially if there professor, likewise returning Nonetheless, the award is are other compelling factors officers. accepted by the serious- in the candidate's favour. Former military dictator, minded as an invitation to Professor Ali Mazrui, one of General Ibrahim Babangida work harder, and to lead by the most celebrated African (1985-1993), hired no less example. For others, it is the intellectuals of the 20th than 45 of them at one point perfect calling card for sitting century, became professor or another during his rule. A on one's oars, as their w i t h i n t w o y e a r s o f current governor and several intellectual curiosity ends the submitting his doctoral thesis. state commissioners are day after being pronounced O t h e r s h av e b e c o m e professors; we even have a professor. professors even without s e r v i n g p r o f e s s o r Vi c e An award of professorship having submitted a single President of Nigeria, in the is a little bit akin to the award journal article, but having person of Yemi Osinbajo. of a Nobel Prize. Being a w o r k e d w e l l u n t i l e l o q u e n c e, a n d u t t e r bedrooms, and in sufficient exerted themselves and We put the essence and laureate is ideally recognition competition for the honour embarrassment at the sight of numbers to acquire the impacted their discipline in a award of 'professor' under the of a life's worth, but it can also intensified in the early 20th others basically firing blank, coveted title, 'professor', in way sufficiently recognisable microscope this week, the be an award for potential and century until now, leading to and punching above their r e c o r d t i m e . S u c h by their peers. On a lighter highest honour in academia, futuristic endeavours. In fact, the extreme situation of weight. 'publications' often lack depth note, George Osborne, the bestowed on an individual of the latter is more often the “publish or perish” mentality As if this is not bad enough, and rigor. They contribute former UK minister of distinction with impeccable case. The Nobel Peace Prize that is still with us today. the “publish or perish” mind- nothing to knowledge; nada; finance, graduated in history, personal accomplishments. c o n f e r r e d o n f o r m e r Academics are no longer set has taken focus away from zilch, but who cares? but made sufficient impact on The person so honoured is Presidents F.W. de Clerk, and writing for creativity, but for quality teaching, and original Scholarship has given way public finance and economic held up in society as worthy Nelson Mandela (South the sole purpose of earning research. It does not matter to soliciting. The universities' affairs in government, that of emulation and leadership Africa, 1993), Barack Obama promotion and gliding how creative you are as a tutor regulator in this country, the despite only reading history, in their field. A professor ( U S A , 2 0 0 9 ) , M a l a l a through the ranks. Rather if your publication tally does N a t i o n a l U n i v e r s i t i e s w i t h n o p o s t g r a d u a t e 'professes'; anchors an Yousafzai (17 years old, than grapple with a research not add up. A lousy tutor Commission, set uniform qualifications and no journal argument on first principles; Pakistani girl-education problem on merit, and on the could jump through the standards that can be applied articles to his name, he was has reliability, and makes law- activist, 2014), and latterly, basis of need, the main academic ladder faster (with across the board in a fair and a p p o i n t e d h o n o r a r y like generalizations on issues Abiy Ahmed (Ethiopia, consideration now is to get 'publications') than a more equitable manner. But, Professor of Economics by of great national and world 2019), would fall into this anything out to boost one's dedicated and attentive tutor, p a r a d o x i c a l l y , t h a t the University of Manchester significance. category. tally of publications. who lacks sufficient number encourages those willing to soon after leaving office in A professor is also seen as How does that pan out in Nowadays, what passes for o f c o m p l i m e n t a r y 'game' the system by simply 2017. an emblem of probity, good academia? The ancient ' p u b l i c a t i o n ' a m o n g publications. ticking the box. Yes, that is an aberration. It work ethics, and apogee of tradition in academia was one academics beggars belief. Furthermore, original This is rather unfortunate. is not a benchmark for professional standards. Many where solitary men 'emerged' But, who can blame them? r e s e a r c h ( b a c k b o n e o f The higher the number of anything in particular, but the a good scientific discoveries, professors from the shadows The work environment for academic excellence), can be 'publications' you can ratchet point there is clear. Drawing m e d i c a l a d v a n c e s , after the selection panel takes professors (more so in extremely time consuming, up, the quicker the chances of t h e r i g h t c i r c l e w h i c h technological innovations, 'soundings' from their peers. Nigerian public universities) laborious, and expensive. You answering 'prof'. This is a encapsulates all the relevant economic, political and This was the case until the is appalling, as is the average can be stuck with such work regressive, anti-intellectual attributes for a professorial environmental landmarks early 19th century when pay, often barely enough to for months, even years, development that has a award, including quality have been associated with professorship became an keep their heads above water. collating and analysing data. domino effect on other parts publications, is tedious. It professors, who have dug honour awarded through The best possession many Once completed, it is then of an academic institution for, requires deft, dispassion and deep to push the frontiers of published work. The old Nigerian professors ever have subjected to a rigorous and w h i l e i t m a y g i v e a n foresight on the part of the knowledge for humanity. system of confidential to show for a lifetime of sometimes prolonged peer- institution the outward awarding panel. A professor sees long into soundings was obviously commitment and dedication review process. appearance of achievement, That said, the circle can the future that many cannot given to bias along gender, is a smoke-laden, rickety old Many academics have it ultimately leads to an all- neither be too flexible, nor too contemplate or even imagine race and class lines. banger, and a receding grey c o m p l e t e ly a b a n d o n e d round decline in educational rigid. The criteria for an in the short and medium Published work seemed a hairline. In spite of that, one original research in favour of standards. award of academic honour terms. A professor exhibits a more egalitarian method of sometimes marvels at the pedestrian textual analyses, The NUC criteria for must never be set in stone; it is calm, cool and rational selecting candidates for the sight of some professors with which can be accomplished in p r o m o t i o n i n t o t h e a moving goalpost. dissection of complex issues, ultimate honour. That too their self-assuredness and the comfort of their professorial cadre are

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