IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema has been named as the Champions League player of the season. The France international, 34, won the competition for a fifth time as Real beat Liverpool 1-0 in the final. He scored 15 goals in 12 Champions League games and is a leading contender to win this year's Ballon d'Or.

Benzema's team-mate Vinicius Jr, who scored the only goal in the final, has been selected as the tournament's young player of the season. The 21-year-old scored four goals and made six assists in the 2021-22 campaign. The pair are joined in the Champions League team of the season by Real midfielder Luka Modric and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who was man of the match in Paris.

Runners-up Liverpool also have four players included, with defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson and midfielder Fabinho featuring. The team of the season is completed by Paris St-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe, Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne and Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to a presidential aspirant and former governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha. He was granted bail on Tuesday by Justice Inyang Ekwo in the sum of N500 million and a surety in like sum.

Justice Inyang Ekwo gave the order while ruling on the bail application filed by Okorocha who currently represents Imo West senatorial district in the National Assembly.

The former governor is being tried on a 17-count charge to the tune of N2.9 billion filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He was accused of conspiring with others, including a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and five companies to steal from public coffers, although he has since denied any wrongdoing.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday met with governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the ruling party’s national convention to produce its presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections.

The meeting which is ongoing at the Presidential Villa in Abuja has all members of the Progressives Governors’ Forum represented.

It is expected to give guidance on who should emerge as the flagbearer of the APC amid the screening of the party’s presidential aspirants by the committee led by a former Edo State governor and former APC national chairman, John Oyegun.

Earlier, governors elected on the APC platform had expressed a desire to go along with the choice of the President on the emergence of the party’s presidential candidate.

By Columbus Akalonu

On May 11, 2021, the 17 governors of the Southern Region met at Asaba, the capital of Delta State where they reached agreement on national issues. That meeting was historic and timely.  

Subsequently, they met in Lagos State on July 5, 2021 where they opined that political parties should Zone Presidential tickets to Southern Nigeria. 

The 17 Governors of Southern Nigeria on Thursday, September 16, 2021, converge on Enugu State, for their third meeting that year. Issues of restructuring, zoning and economy took the centre stage.

Critical stakeholders however, warned the governors not to allow Nigerians to perceive their meetings as a “mere gathering” where empty threats or resolutions are made.

They said the governors should deploy better strategies by involving their representatives in the National Assembly, engage the State Houses of Assembly and also seek collaborations of socio-cultural and political organisations, to get their aim and objectives achieved.

As events unfolds, it appears that the Southern Governors Forum were only interested in their individual interests rather than the collective will of Southerners centered on equity and fairness.  

Many pundits hold the view that the demand of Southern Governors Forum would have been realistic if they micro zoned the Presidency to South-East, their resolutions would have hold water but greed and selfish interests persuaded their call and they became a house divided among itself. 

The People's Democratic Party concluded their primary where Atiku Abubakar from North East won. Before then Peter Obi who is from South East resigned his membership due to certain irregularities. 

Some argued that Peter Gregory Obi would have stayed back till the end while others think it would have been effort in futility if he stayed back. Those who understood Party politics will agree that once delegate lists have been hijacked, the game is finished. It is perceived that Governor Nyesom Wike used his anchor man Chris Uba and National Secretary; Senator Samuel Anyanwu to hijack the delegate list of Anambra at the detriment of Peter Obi and majority of PDP faithfuls in Anambra. 

Prior to the primary election, a former Secretary General of the Federation; Anyim Pius Anyim wrote several letters to the National Chairman of PDP; Senator Ayu to inform him of the irregularities regards to the delegate lists of Ebony State which was hijacked by the office of the national secretary in favour if Nyesom Wike. 

Such scenario played out in Imo State too before a certain Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere took the party to court until the matter was resolved. 

What Wike did with collaboration of his anchors was to hijack the delegate lists of South East States especially those without sitting governors of PDP. 

Abnitio, Wike fought the then national chairman; Uche Secondus. His reason is not far fetched. He taught the South especially the South-South won't have the National Chairman and Presidential candidate. The event of today have taught him that it possible. 

At the venue of PDP national convention, Governor Aminu Tambulwa stepped down for Atiku to pave way for a northern candidate. Atiku didn't hijack the delegate lists from States of other presidential aspirants rather he seeked their supports which gave him victory. I believe Wike will learn from this if he wishes. 

If PDP wants to win the 2023 election, it is imperative for Atiku to unite the PDP across the country. Within the past few months, Nyesom Wike divided the party, using his footsoldiers in the NWC. 

As mentioned earlier, the PDP in Imo State enjoyed Peace before the emergence of the National Secretary. The divisions and irregularities He brought to the party almost hindered the party from not having candidates in the general elections.

In Ideato North and South Federal Constituency of Imo State, the National Secretary wanted to impose one Gorge Igbo who eventually got 1 vote during the primary while Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere Micheal took the rest. It is not wise to impose unpopular candidates on the people. 

In Democratic settings, Party politics is an avenue to deepen democracy and not to thwart the wishes of the people. If you loose, you loose gallantly, not when the entire system is manipulated to favor unpopular aspirants.

The PDP NWC and the candidate of the party; Atiku Abubakar must go around and call back leaders of the party who were chased out with brazen impunity. The party must unite going into elections. 

For some of us who still care about conscience and integrity, A South East President like Peter Obi would have been the yardstick through posterity will measure the sincerity of purpose of those who truly care about Nigeria's future!

Nothing would have unify Nigeria, reduce the unrest and give South East a full sense of belonging than having a President from South East but as it stands, the Southern brothers are the core enemies of South East. 

~ Columbus Akalonu writes from FCT Abuja.

The Federal Government has said it would spend about N34 billion on the ongoing payment of minimum wage consequential adjustments to education sector workers with effect from 2019.

According to a statement by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the beneficiaries include the members of the striking Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and their counterparts in the Polytechnics and Colleges of Education.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, disclosed this while responding to questions from Labour correspondents in Abuja on the prolonged ASUU strike. According to Ngige, the universities would get N23.5b, the polytechnics N6b and the Colleges of Education N4b, totaling about N34b.

Regarding the ASUU strike, the Minister said the committees set up during the last tripartite-plus meeting of the government and university-based unions were given a fortnight to turn in their report, and they were still working.

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah says he will be at Anfield next season "for sure" but would not be drawn over whether he will sign a new contract. Salah's deal ends in June 2023, leading to speculation he could be sold if he did not sign a new one as he would leave on a free in a year's time.

When asked about his future before Saturday's Champions League final, he said: "I don't want to talk about that. "I just want to see Hendo [Jordan Henderson] with the trophy." The Egypt striker, 29, added: "I don't focus on the contract at the moment. I don't want to be selfish. "I am staying next season for sure." 

Salah joined from Roma in 2017 and has scored 156 goals in 253 games for Liverpool. He has helped the club win the Premier League in 2019-20, the 2019 Champions League, the FA Cup and League Cup this season plus the Fifa Club World Cup and Uefa Super Cup during his time at Anfield.

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, on Wednesday imposed a curfew on eight local government areas of the state. In a state-wide broadcast in Awka, Soludo said the curfew will commence on Thursday from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am.

He equally banned motorcycles, commercial tricycles also called Keke, and shuttle buses from operating in the affected local councils on Mondays until the sit-at-home order completely stops.

“With effect from tomorrow, Thursday, 26th May 2022, a 6 pm to 6 am curfew is hereby placed on motorcycles (Okada), tricycles (Keke), and shuttle buses in the Aguata, Ihiala, Ekwusigo, Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Ogbaru, Orumba North and Orumba South Local Governments until further notice,” he stated.

Jose Mourinho has enjoyed greater achievements in his glittering managerial career, but Roma's Europa Conference League triumph reduced him to tears after the 'Special One' delivered the Italian club their first major European trophy.

Europe's third-tier club competition has been derided in some quarters, but for Mourinho the win over Feyenoord was every bit as important as his two Champions League triumphs with Porto in 2004 and Inter Milan in 2010.

Mourinho becomes the first manager to win all three major European competitions after making it five wins in five European finals. "Football is about winning and Mourinho wins," said former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves on BT Sport.

"He's a serial winner and he has brought this Roma team to life."

The Supreme Court has reserved judgement in a suit filed by President Muhammadu Buhari and the Attorney General of the Federation, seeking an interpretation of Section 84(12) of the electoral act, 2022. The seven-man panel led by Justice Mohammed Dattijo, says the date will be communicated to the parties involved in the suit.

The Apex Court arrived at this conclusion, after taking arguments from parties and adopting their processes. At the proceedings on Thursday, the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), and the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), brought an application, seeking to be joined as interested parties.

APGA, however, opted out by withdrawing its application for joinder which was subsequently struck out by the Apex Court. The NBA, however, stood firm, insisting that Nigerians do not have representation in the suit, that is why it has opted to join the matter.

In the suit, the defendants were the National Assembly, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and the Attorney General of Rivers State, on account of this the NBA insisted it was to represent the interest of Nigerians by joining the suit.

Suspended police officer Abba Kyari and six others have been brought back to court to answer to drug trafficking related offences brought against them by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The NDLEA had filed eight counts of hard drugs trafficking against Mr Kyari, who is also wanted in the United States for his relationship with convicted fraudster, Ramon ‘Hushpuppi’ Abbas.

Those arraigned along with Mr Kyari include Assistant Commissioner of Police ACP Sunday Ubua, Assistant Superintendent of Police ASP Bawa James, Inspector Simon Agirigba, Inspector John Nuhu, Chibuinna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne.

Mr Kyari, before his suspension, was a former Deputy Commissioner of Police.

Aston Villa have agreed a deal to sign Brazil centre-back Diego Carlos from Sevilla for £26m. The 29-year-old, who was a Newcastle transfer target in January, will travel to England on Thursday for a medical and to finalise personal terms.

He would be Villa's second signing of the summer following the arrival of Boubacar Kamara from Marseille on a free transfer. Carlos played seven times for Brazil at last summer's Olympics. "Sevilla FC would like to thank the player for his work during all these years in Seville and wishes him the best of luck in his new journey," a statement from the La Liga club read.

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard recently confirmed central defender Ezri Konsa would miss the start of the upcoming season because of a knee injury. Villa, who finished 14th in the Premier League last season, also completed a deal for Philippe Coutinho to join on a four-year deal from Barcelona earlier in May.

The Attorney-General of the Federation has filed 23-count charges against Peter Nwachukwu, the husband of late gospel artist, Osinachi, who died in April after she was allegedly assaulted by her spouse. He was charged under sections 104 and 379 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 and culpable homicide contrary to section 221 of the Penal Code which is punishable with death.

The case with charge number, CR/199/2022, was filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on May 20, 2022, by the Head, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Ministry of Justice, Mrs Yewande Gbola-Awopetun.

The prosecutor accused the defendant of forcefully ejecting the deceased from the family home, contrary to the VAP Act, adding that he also attempted culpable homicide by pushing Osinachi out of a moving vehicle. The Federal Government further alleged that the defendant deprived the deceased of her personal liberty by restraining her movement and locking her up in the house.

Nwachukwu was equally accused of emotional, verbal and psychological abuse contrary to section 14(1) of the VAP Act, 2015.

The National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and Deputy President of NLC, Dr. Nasir Idris has been elected Governorship Candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi state.

Nasir Idris garnered one thousand and fifty five (1055) votes to defeat two other contestants at the party’s primary election in Birnin Kebbi. The chairman of the APC Kebbi governorship primaries (National Secretariat), Hon. Idris Yahuza Ya’akub, declared the outcome of the election in the early hours of Friday.

Senate Majority Leader, Yahaya Abdullahi who was one of the contestants, scored zero vote while the third aspirant, retired Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Abubakar Mallam secured thirty five votes. In his acceptance speech, the APC governorship candidate, Dr. Nasir Idris, commended Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu for making it possible for the party to conduct the primary election, smoothly, peaceful, hitch free and transparent.

Dr. Nasir thanked all delegates, APC Members and people of Kebbi State for entrusting him with the leadership position which will entail steering the affairs of the state if elected governor. He pledged to build upon the foundation of societal progress already laid by Governor Bagudu.

The Lagos State People’s Democratic Party Candidate in the 2023 Governorship Election, Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (Jandor) has approved the appointment of Mr. Gbenga Ogunleye as the Head of Media & Communications for the campaign organization.  

Mr. Ogunleye, a trained journalist with over 15 years’ experience in Media, PR Communications and Publishing is a graduate of Mass Communication with a Master’s degree in Public Administration.

Similarly, Dr. Adediran approved the elevation of Mr. Akin Adegebo and Ms Jumoke Olatunji who have both hitherto worked within the organisation's Communications Directorate as Head of New Media and Special Assistant Electronic Media respectively.

Their appointments take immediate effect.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has remanded a former governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Inyang Ekwo ordered his remand on Monday following the arraignment of the former governor in court by the anti-graft agency. He also adjourned the case until Tuesday for a hearing of the bail application filed by Okorocha, who currently represents Imo West senatorial district in the National Assembly.

The former governor is being tried on a 17-count charge to the tune of N2.9 billion filed against him by the anti-graft agency. He was accused of conspiring with others, including a member of the APC and five companies to steal from public coffers, although he has since denied any wrongdoing.

Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has emerged as the presidential candidate of the Labour Party ahead of the forthcoming general elections. His emergence as the party’s flagbearer follows his victory at the presidential primary of the Labour Party.

The party conducted the primary for its presidential ticket on Monday in Asaba, Delta State capital. A total of 185 delegates had been accredited to vote in the exercise to elect one of four aspirants seeking to clinch the party’s presidential ticket.

Mr Obi He later won the contest following his emergence as the sole contestant, after his three co-contenders announced their decision to step down for him.

The other presidential hopeful who stepped down were a political economist and management expert, Professor Pat Utomi, Olubusola Emmanuel-Tella, and Faduri Joseph.

SAYS IT IS THE ONLY RELIABLE PARTY THAT REPRESENTS THE IDENTITY OF NDIGBO, PROMOTES THEIR INTEREST AND CONNECTS THEM TO NATIONAL POLITICS

The Imo House of Assembly candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA in Owerri municipal state constituency, Imo state, Rt. Hon. Lugard Osuji, has beckoned on Igbo people at home and in the diaspora to rally round the party and give it their maximum support in the forthcoming general elections.

He made this call today at the party state secretariat while addressing a section of some leaders, members and candidates of the party in the state.

Describing the APGA as the only reliable political party that represents the Igbo identity and stands as the last hope of the common man in Nigeria, the former Majority leader of the Imo House of Assembly maintained that it has become obvious that ndigbo cannot make any headway through any other party but APGA.

Reminding ndigbo that APGA remains the only political party that gives them a good sense of belonging and can effectively promote and protect their collective interest in the local government, state and national politics, he urged them to proudly embrace it as their own that it is.

He concluded that the party has what it takes to put Nigeria back on track.

Chukwuemeka Ibe

SA Media

28/05/2022

By Dr Ezeafurukwe Paul Ịhụnanya, Owerri.

Nigeria’s staggering democracy is speedily tilting towards the rich taking charge of the whole electoral processes in their different political parties. Plutocracy as it is has never been known to us as one of the ethos of democracy and how our politicians are breeding this monstrous act remains a wonder.

Vote buying or merchandising, no matter how it is christened has militated against the will of the people as well worked against the socio-development of a people. This is mostly done by political desperadoes who lack all it takes to win elections either at the primaries or general elections and feel that moneybag politics is the way to go.

Delegates and electorates have made themselves vulnerable to these political merchants that they now see it as money for "business as usual," thus a transaction that benefits both parties. 

Worse still, delegates and electorates now prioritize highest bider over competence and hardwork thereby voting only the candidates with deep pockets.

Recently, the PDP lost its frontline Presidential candidate and former Governor of Anambra state, Mr. Peter Obi in what he summarily described as not ready to play the money politics which goes against everything he stands for and his principles. This revelation, in the eyes of the average Nigerian, may have exposed the political naivety of Peter Obi but to many it is an open secret known to everybody and when you them shout “PDP!!!"… "share the money" rents the air.

Across the nation, PDP primary elections have been characterized and marred by vote buying while some politicians may have achieved their purpose of clinching the party ticket others are resigning in droves, counting their losses and holding grudges against the party for encouraging the daylight robbery of their mandates.

The PDP Special National Convention holding in Abuja which will see to the election of her Presidential flag-bearer has been adjudged to rain dollars. This is because many have narrowed the contest a two-horse race between the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, though other contenders exist. These two gladiators are known to throw dollars for votes and one of them has been spiting fire and brimstone and no doubt backed up by state Petro-Dollar. A situation of money for money and bragging rights for bragging rights.

Available information from the Velodrome of the M.K.O Abiola National Stadium, Abuja confirms that it has been raining dollars ranging from $10,000-$50,000 and most shocking of it is the bazaar of vote buying where the highest bidder takes it home.

These inglorious acts by the moneybags have in no small measure robbed not just the youths of inclusion in governance but the nation of quality leaders that can offer selfless service and has continued to enthrone the rich demagogues.

PDP and likewise every other party involved in these criminal act should know that they are mortgaging the future of the nation and even generations yet unborn as these desperadoes will continue to amass wealth for the purpose of buying off delegates and electorates and will continue to remain in power.

It may not be too late for the PDP to change this ugly trend the are known for. They can, at least, as an Opposition party, set the pace for others to follow and they should as a matter of urgency look inwards to make sure that moneybags in the party do not have a field day as to determine who gets what and when in the party especially during this special elective convention else they will spend more to lose the general election.

By Chidiebube Okeoma, Owerri

A former governor of Imo state, Ikedi Ohakim, has withdrawn from the Imo North Senatorial district primary election of the All Progressives Congress which is billed to take place in the Six Local Government Areas in the district on Saturday.

Ohakim, who was the governor of Imo state between 2007 and 2011, announced his withdrawal from the race in a letter addressed to the National Chairman of APC, Abdullahi Adamu through the chairman of the party in Imo state.

The letter which was dated Friday, May 27, disclosed that the ex governor withdrew from the senatorial race after he consulted his family and close associates.

The letter was titled " withdrawal from senatorial primary election"

The three paragraph letter read " it is with the highest sense of responsibility that I write to inform you of my withdrawal from the senatorial primaries for Imo North scheduled for Saturday May, 28, 2022.

"The decision to withdraw from the race was arrived at after due consultations with my family and close associates and after a thorough review of events in the last couple of days.

"I wish to assure the leadership of our great party at all levels of my commitment to the success of the party both now and in the future. May I also seize this opportunity to thank you for your encouragement and moral support while I was in the race."

Hon. Collins is a good party man who knows his onions in the polity that is why his people are of the opinion he should run for the House of Representatives seat to represent Mbaitoli/Ikeduru Federal Constituency.

A group under the aegis of Mbaitoli Renaissance Movement have spoken with strong voice to make their demands. The Leader of the group, Dr. Chibundu Amadi who spoke with Journalists in the State Constituency capital insisted that Hon. Ugorji should come back to APC and slog it out there.

According to him "Hon. Collins is a good man and good at what he does. Going to Labour Party from APGA at this time is a wrong move. He should come back home (APC) and grab the ticket for Mbaike Federal Constituency especially now that the Supreme Court has laid to rest the bottlenecks in the party and reinstating Hon. Dan Nwafor Leadership of the party."

He equally praised the Supreme Court for the landmark victory as they described it as Victory for Democracy. He also added that Hon. Collins is so committed to providing succor to the downtrodden in the society. The oppressed, motherless and fatherless children, widows, and other disadvantaged ones shall once again smile because they are on the plan of Hon. Collins.

"He is a Technocrat that will bring to bear good ideas that will help the Federal Government in policy making that will turn the fortunes of the Nation for the better because Leadership is working with goals and vision.

The group also condemned in strong terms the I'll treatment meted on Hon. Collins Ugorji and they believe the Courts will come out to prove his innocence and zeal to see the right thing done in our society.

By Chidiebube Okeoma, Owerri.

Labour Party will make impacts in South East in 2023 with Peter Obi as its presidential candidate.

It is the desire of the present that LP will win legislative positions and may likely clinch one governorship seat in the south East zone. With Anambra state off season for the 2023 political calender, Labour Party has a brighter chance of winning the governorship election in Abia state. 

With a first class economist, Dr Alex Otti, with street acceptance as it governorship candidate, Labour Party is most likely to take Abia's political space by storm, next year.

Judging from the below standard performance of the outgoing governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, who wants to go to the Senate and at same time still wants to impose his successor on Abians, the God's Own state looks brighter for the labour party to grab.

Ikpeazu has many political battles to face and with his acceptability problem among the Abia state electorate, Labour Party presenting Otti who everybody knew won the 2015 governorship election in the state, Labour Party which many are now seeing as party Ndigbo may be on its way to the Abia state government house in Umuahia, the state capital.

Hon. Ugochi Nnanna-Okoro joins APGA, emerges APGA Senatorial Candidate for Owerri Zone .

Hon. Ugochi Nnanna-Okoro becomes the only Woman running for the Position in Imo State, thus calling for support even on the ground of gender Sensitivity.

Recall that Hon. Barr. Mrs Ugochi  Nnanna Okoro served in various capacities in the Rescue Mission Government of His Excellency Distinguished Senator Owelle Anayo Rochas Okorocha.

Congratulations to her.

The Supreme Court has affirmed Daniel Nwafor as the authentic Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Imo State.

A five-man panel of justices of the apex court led by Justice Kayode Ariwola, delivered the judgement on the merit of a suit that was seeking to set aside the judgement of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, which sacked Mr Nwafor as the Chairman of the APC in Imo state.

The ruling APC had through its lawyer, Robert Emukpoeruo, SAN, contended that the appellate court erred in law when it okayed Nwafor’s removal, based on a pre-election matter that was lodged before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, by one of its chieftains in the state.

Earlier, an Abuja High Court had in a ruling by Justice Othman Musa delivered on July 20, 2020, ordered Nwafor not to enforce or give effect to a 2018 judgement of the court that recognised him as Chairman of APC in Imo state, pending the determination of the appeal that was filed by the party.

Justice Musa had stated that the crux of the appeal by the APC was that at the time the court entertained the suit that led to the judgement that recognized Nwafor as its Chairman in Imo, it was more than 14 days from the date it held congresses in the state.

Consequently, while granting an order to set aside the judgement, Justice Musa issued an injunctive order that restrained Nwafor from functioning as chairman, pending the determination of the case, an order that now has been superseded by the Supreme Court’s judgment.

Following the victory at the apex court today, Mr Daniel Nwafor addressed the media declaring that his faction is the only one recognized by law and as such, all the activities carried out by the caretaker committee including especially the election of delegates for all positions in the current party primaries process are null and void.

He advice the party to immediately recognize his chairmanship and authority within his purview, lest the party risks not having any National and State Assembly members come 2023.

Ebonyi State Police Command, Thursday arrested two sons of the foremost founding father of Ebonyi state, Late Senator Office Nwali over their alleged refusal to step down for another aspirant in the just concluded APC primaries in the State.

It was gathered that the duo, Barr. Rollins Offia Nwali and his brother Engr Alfred Offia Nwali were arrested on Thursday at Onueke in Ezza South Local Government Area of the State.

Rollins Offia Nwali, is an aspirant in the APC House of Assembly primary election.

He was contesting for Ezza South State Constituency seat before his arrest. A source alleged that Mr Offia Nwali was arrested for refusing to step down for his opponent in the election.

“He was called severally from Government House to step down but he told them that as the son of one of the founding fathers of the State, the opponent should be the one to step down for him.

Elder Brother of the two brothers, Oguzor Offia Nwali confirmed the arrests of the brothers. He also alleged that the arrest was instigated by the “powers that be” in the state who wanted him out of the way to pave the way for their preferred candidate to win.

“He had received so many threats over the election but he refused to step down preferring to go to the field. They arrested him because they saw that he was going to win as he had a large number following him in the constituency”, the source said

The source further alleged that his supporters, including some of the delegates were chased out of the election venue.

“Yes, my two brothers were arrested and we heard they have been taken to the Police Headquarters in Abakaliki”, he said.

The Police spokesperson in the state, Chris Anyanwu could not be reached for comments as his phone lines were switched off at the time of filling this report.

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has voted unanimously to raise the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) to 13 per cent.

CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, announced this on Tuesday while briefing reporters at the end committee’s meeting at the apex bank’s headquarters in Abuja.

It is the first time in two and a half years that the policy-setting committee of the nation’s financial regulator would increase the MPR, which measures the interest rate.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has decried the inadequacy within its workforce which it is said has prevented the service from properly manning the nation’s borderlines. Acting Controller-General of Immigration (CGI), Isah Idris, stated this during a virtual media interaction where he said the major responsibility of the service was border security, without overlooking the importance of passport issuance as another mandate.

According to him, the entire workforce of NIS is not more than 25,000 while Nigeria’s borders are massive, covering 5,330 kilometres with an estimated 1,490 illegal entry points into the country. “So, it is increasingly difficult for us to adequately man the borderlines,” the NIS boss admitted. “That is why we have continued to appeal to the government to increase our budgetary allocations and also grant us approval for recruitments to reinforce the workforce.

“We thank the President and the team for the approval and the recruitment we carried out in 2021, but the reality is that we need more personnel to achieve effective border management and control.” Idris said the NIS has taken some measures to improve border security and tackle the influx of illegal migrants in the country. For him, the best way to man the vast border points in Nigeria is the deployment of technology and with NIS technology building already in place, efforts have reached an advanced stage to launch electronic border management systems across 84 border locations.

The NIS chief added that the border patrol system was also being enhanced to ensure close and improved monitoring with the available personnel.

West Ham United defender Kurt Zouma has pleaded guilty to kicking and slapping his pet cat in a video that also showed him saying "I swear I'll kill it". The 27-year-old admitted two offences under the Animal Welfare Act at a hearing at Thames Magistrates' Court.

Zouma's brother Yoan, who plays for Dagenham and Redbridge, admitted one offence after an RSPCA investigation. Yoan, 24, filmed the incident, which was posted on social media. Sentencing has been adjourned to 1 June. The brothers' addresses were withheld following a court order.

The court was told about disturbing footage of the incident, which was filmed at the West Ham player's home and posted on Snapchat with 'laughing' emojis by his brother on 6 February. It was later seen by a woman who had been messaging Yoan, and she raised concern.

Zouma could be seen volleying the Bengal cat across his kitchen, before throwing a pair of shoes at it and slapping its head.

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has dissolved the State Executive Council. Mr Kelvin Ebiri, the special assistant to the governor on media, who announced this in a statement on Tuesday said the dissolution of the cabinet was with immediate effect.

He added that the Chief of Staff to the governor and his Senior Special Assistant (Protocol) have been relieved of their office.

Governor Wike, in the statement, commended the members of the Rivers State Executive Council for their service and contribution to the development of the state and wished them the best in all their future endeavours.

He instructed all the former members of his cabinet to hand over to the most senior officers in their respective ministries.

Liverpool have signed Fabio Carvalho from Fulham with the forward set to officially join on 1 July. The 19-year-old played a key role in the Cottagers' promotion to the Premier League, scoring 10 goals and providing eight assists.

The clubs agreed a fee for a move in January but the deal collapsed on deadline day. Carvalho signs a five-year deal for a fee of £5m, with a further £2.7m in add-ons. Fulham also have a 20% sell-on clause. Carvalho played for England at youth level but made his Portugal Under-21 debut in March.

He came through the Fulham academy and was nominated for EFL Young Player of the Season, which was won by Nottingham Forest's Brennan Johnson. "Fabio is a great talent and we did everything we could trying to secure him here on a longer deal so he could play in the Premier League with Fulham," said club owner Tony Khan.

"That didn't prove possible, but we were able to keep him for the remainder of the Championship-winning campaign and for that I know he will always be very fondly remembered by our fans." 

Erik ten Hag says he is not risking his managerial reputation by taking the Manchester United job. The Dutchman, 52, is United's fifth permanent boss since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

"I don't see it as a risk," he said. "I think this club has a great history, and now let's make a future." Ten Hag also suggested Cristiano Ronaldo would not be leaving, adding he expected there to be goals from the Portugal forward next season.

The former Ajax boss was speaking to reporters at his official unveiling as United manager 24 hours after watching his new club lose 1-0 at Crystal Palace on the final day of the season. Their points tally of 58, though good enough to secure sixth and a place in the Europa League, is their poorest return since 1989-1990 and comes just a year after they finished second behind Manchester City.

Ten Hag did not say how many players he felt the club needed to bring in over the summer, instead answering that he was still "in the process of analysing" his squad. "The plan is huge and we only have a short time," he added.

President Muhammadu Buhari has re-echoed his government’s resolve to restore peace to every part of the country. Buhari said this on Monday during the 58th anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force held in Kano State.

“This government would not rest until peace and security are fully restored to our nation,” he said in his speech. The President, who congratulated the NAF and other security agencies for their sacrifices toward peace, assured of his government’s continued support.

“I want to assure you that your sacrifices are well appreciated by Nigerians,” Buhari stated.

... Assures them of victory if given the party ticket

Action oriented Member representing Ideato North / Ideato South Federal Constituency & Chairman House Committee on Health Institutions Hon. Dr. Paschal Chigozie Obi "Ugwumsinachi" this afternoon addressed Ideato North delegates and leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as part of his crusade to secure a second term ticket. 

In his extraordinary speech, Ugwumsinachi informed that his superlative performance cum verifiable achievements cannot be overemphasized, saying that the party will fly higher with him as the flagbearer. 

He emplored the party faithfuls to present him for the upcoming general election considering the trickle-down effects of his candidature.

Hon. Dr. Obi maintained that with unity of purpose and presentation of a viable candidate which he represents will give APC the desired conquest.

The party stakeholders thanked Ugwumsinachi for his quintessential representation, admitting that his presence in APC remains a big plus to the leading political organization.

Rivers State Governor and presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nyesom Wike, has pledged to protect the interests of Igbos if elected as Nigeria’s President in 2023. He made the pledge on Saturday during a visit to the PDP delegates in Abia State where he also met with the state governor, Okezie Ikpeazu in Umuahia.

According to Wike, he is the only PDP presidential aspirant to publicly declare Igbos’ interest with courage. The Rivers governor also stated that he is ending his presidential campaign ahead of the opposition’s primary slated for May 28. “I am coming to run for President, not just on account of my own, a lot of my friends put heads together to say ‘look it is important that you lead this battle to rescue Nigeria’” he said.

“I say so with all amount of seriousness and I challenge anybody who is from the southern part of Nigeria, the South-South or South-East. check all of us, who can even defend the interests of Ndi Igbos?”

In his remark, Governor Ikpeazu told the delegates that Wike has paid his dues and will not abandon the PDP even if the primaries do not work in his favour. He said, “Governor Wike has paid his dues, he has fought for this party, he has stood for this party. He has never changed parties and he will not change parties despite the outcome of the convention whenever it comes. 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that it will go ahead with its primaries scheduled for Sunday, May 22. This information was contained in a brief communique by Hon. Umar Bature, the PDP’s National Organizing Secretary.

Hon Bature revealed to aspirants to various elective positions in the 2023 general election, delegates and teeming members of the party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the primaries to nominate candidates for the 2023 general elections will commence as officially scheduled.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the State Houses of Assembly Primaries to elect our State House of Assembly candidates will hold on Sunday, May 22, 2022, the House of Representatives Primaries to elect our House of Representatives candidates will also hold on Sunday, May 22.”

However, Hon Bature stated that the Senatorial Primary to elect the Senatorial candidates will hold on Monday, May 23. He noted that the National Working Committee has approved that in the event of unforeseen logistic situations activities of the Senatorial Primary may extend to Tuesday, May 24, 2022.

France forward Kylian Mbappe has agreed to stay at Paris St-Germain, turning down a move to Real Madrid. He has signed a lucrative new three-year deal with the French champions. The 2018 World Cup winner, 23, had been heavily linked with a move to Spain but has committed his future to PSG.

Spain's La Liga reacted angrily to the news, calling the deal "scandalous" and announcing it plans to file a complaint to Uefa as well as French and EU authorities. "This type of agreement threatens the economic sustainability of European football," read a La Liga statement, adding that it put "hundreds of thousands of jobs and sporting integrity at risk in the medium term, not only from European competitions, but also from our domestic leagues".

According to Spanish football expert Guillem Balague, writing last month, PSG were prepared to offer Mbappe a 150m euro signing-on fee to keep him for another two seasons. He had agreed a financial package with Real months ago for a potential switch to Spain, but has decided not to join Carlo Ancelotti's side.

Mbappe said he was "very happy" to stay at PSG after he and club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi announced the striker's new deal on Parc des Princes pitch before his side played Metz in their final Ligue 1 match of the season.

President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to the country from the United Arab Emirates. The President left Nigeria on Thursday to pay a condolence visit to the new President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on the passing of his predecessor, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

During the visit, President Buhari expressed his condolences and that of Nigeria to Sheikh Mohamed and congratulated him on his election as President. He assured the new UAE leader of his determination to do more to ensure the growth of the strategic partnership between Nigeria and the Asian country.

President Buhari also hopes that under Sheikh Mohamed the two countries will continue to actively champion a vision of sustainable security, strengthen counterterrorism cooperation, facilitate trade and investment, and promote prosperity and development.

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to “widely publish the reports on the accounts and balance sheet of every political party submitted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to the National Assembly since 2015.”

SERAP urged him to “urgently examine the books and records of financial transactions of political parties, and to make public the outcome of any such examination.” SERAP also urged him to “provide details of the guidelines, and steps that INEC is taking to prevent vote buying in the forthcoming elections in Ekiti and Osun states and 2023 general elections, and to prosecute vote buyers and other electoral offenders.”

Recently, the All Progressives Congress (APC) collected N100 million for its presidential form while the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) collected N40 million for its presidential form for the 2023 election. Some leading political parties and politicians also spend between N250 to N14,000 to buy votes. In the letter dated 21 May, 2022 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “Nigerians have the right to know about the accounts and financial transactions of their political parties, especially the major parties with a strong possibility to assume government in the future.”

According to SERAP, “transparency and accountability of political parties is important to achieve greater transparency in public life, curb the influence of money in politics, promote a level playing field, and remove the risks to the independence of political actors and would-be public office holders.” SERAP also said, “It is both immoral and illegal to pay citizens to vote for a particular political party or candidate. Unpunished cases of vote buying and related electoral offences would continue to undermine good governance, the rule of law, moral values, as well as hinder citizens’ participation in elections.”

By Kelechi Uzoma 08064075316

Ahead of the APC primary election this week, I have decided to look at factors that will influence the Okigwe Zone APC Delegates to choose the current Senator Frank Ibezim that represents the good people of Imo North at the Red chamber of the national Assembly.

It will be a thing of joy for the wonderful people of Okigwe Zone APC to return Senator Frank Ibezim as it's flag bearer in the next week primary election because of what he has done within the short period of one year at the national Assembly.

Handing the APC party ticket to Senator Frank Ibezim will not only be the gain of APC as a party but the entire Okigwe Zone as the federal lawmaker has shown himself able and capable of leading the zone to the promised land.

The federal lawmaker has been consulting wildly with the people and strengthening relationship, as well as building bridges for new ones having known that the destiny of Okigwe zone lies in his hands to consolidate on the numerous impacts he has made within this one year in office.

It is also important to bring to your notice that the first tenure of every legislator is seen as a period of legislative education in which the first timer isn't allowed to perform certain duties or occupy sensitive positions but his case is different as he has within the short period endeared himself to his colleagues at the national Assembly.

He has performed his duties both as a new senator mastering the art of legislation and it will be an uphill task to send someone who will begin to learn the process all over again 

Senator Frank Ibezim has used the past few month at the national Assembly, to gather legislative experience which will be very useful to him and his constituents in 2023.

If Senator Frank Ibezim is elected for a second term, he has the chances of emerging a ranking senator of the national Assembly which will benefit our people more than when you send a novice.

The people of Okigwe zone will  make the greatest mistake  if a political neophyte or green horn is allowed to go into the national Assembly in 2023. 

The consequences will be unbearable to our generations yet unborn.

Senator frank Ibezim remains the answer for the long wait for the people of Okigwe zone Senatorial district to produce not just a ranking senator but a principal officer at the national Assembly in 2023.

The people of Okigwe zone Senatorial district should not make the mistake of sending a first timer to go and begin to learn the rope when Senator Frank Ibezim has already mastered the terrain and had made good use of his being a member of the national Assembly to better the lives of the people of Okigwe zone.

Let me cease this opportunity to inform the delegates of Okigwe zone that it's only senator frank Ibezim that has the capacity to sustain the campaign against whoever the PDP will present in 2023.

The election will hold in February next year and methink that the people of Okigwe zone needs Senator frank Ibezim to use every available resources to sustain whatever the Opposition will bring on board.

Senator frank Ibezim has a sustainable youth empowerment programmes ongoing in the whole of Okigwe zone and it's will only be wise to allow the man complete the numerous projects he has keyed Okigwe zone into.

Senator Frank Ibezim has facilitated Federal Government Employment of so many of his constituents, apart from obtaining their appointment letters, not less than 300 persons are programmed to undergo documentations for various federal jobs in Aviation, Ministry of Education, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Road Safety and National Task Force among others.

While he's preparing for the take off of the construction of Okigwe Power Transmission Sub Station which his first motion catalyzed, Senator Frank Ibezim has been able to facilitate the  construction of a Solar Power Plant for Ehime Mbano and Ihitte Uboma LGAs and another, targeted for Okigwe North is on the way.

Attracted Five Federal Government Intervention Funds Which Benefitted People Variously  Across The 6 LGAs Of Okigwe Zone.

Established Constituency Offices Which Have Employed Officers And Given Training To Constituents On Different Areas Of Entrepreneurship.

Secured Federal Government Jobs(Employment) To Quite A Number Of His Constituency Members And Contracts To Others.

Donated Classroom Libraries To 18 Primary Schools, Motivated Teachers With Stipends, As A Pilot Program To Its  National Spread and Sensitized The Pupils/School Community Against Drug Abuse Particularly The Methamphetamine Hydrochloride Called  Mkpurummiri In Igbo Parlance.

Attracted The Installation Of The First Solar Power Plant For Use By Okigwe South Component Of Imo North At Ihite Uboma LGA While That For Okigwe North Is Being Worked Out.

Launched The Senator Frank Ibezim Football Academy For Support To Talented Football Enthusiasts Of The Constituency Which Engagements Already Started.

Gave Different Levels Of Financial Support To Constituents And Partnered with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to visit with support the Amauzari Community, Market and Victims Of The Flood Disaster.

Donated Transformers And Boreholes To Some Communities.

Facilitated The Visit Of The Inspection Teams Of  The EEDC, NERC, NDDC  and TCN   To The Okigwe Power Transmission Sub Station Site, Down To Ohiya, Umuahia Power Station.

It is on record that the NDDC is currently drawing a direct line from Ohiya, Umuahia Station to Malaysia Market, while EEDC takes it up through Ihitte Uboma to the Open University at Ezeoke Nsu in Ehime Mbano decongesting Obowo for service to its sorroundings while the commitment of the  TCN is secured to expeditiously  install a full capacity mobile Power Transmission Station at the Okigwe Power Transmission Sub Station site, along the Okigwe- Umuahia area of the Enugu- PorrHarcourt Express Road,  to serve Okigwe, Onuimo, Isiala Mbano, Arondizuogu and part of Orlu to free the Egbu Station to effectively serve Owerri axis.

This breakthrough in power supply by Ibezim is a historic milestone deserving our applause.

*Partnered with  the National Primary Health Care Development Agency to sponsor  a 6- Day Free Medical Outreach in  18 Centers in Imo North Senatorial District.

I am of the strong opinion that if he could achieve this much and solving the agelong power supply problems in Okigwe zone, he deserves to return to the Senate to consolidate the achievements and use his ranking status to do more for Imo North Senatorial District.

Kelechi Uzoma is a practicing journalist and public affairs analyst based in Owerri, the Imo State Capital.