IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has arraigned a business woman, Mrs. Ramat Mercy Mba, for allegedly defrauding job seekers of N4.5 million. Mba, who was docked before Justice Ibrahim Mohammed of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Gwagwalada, was also accused of impersonating the late Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, with the intent to procure employments into the service of ICPC for two unsuspecting job seekers.

The Commission, in a 5-count charge, accused her of demanding and receiving N2 million from one Chimezie Akpata Terry and another N1.5 million from one Susan Jumai Daniel, in exchange for non-existing employments into government agencies, contrary to Section 13 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under Section 68 of the same Act. Counsel to ICPC, Mashkur Salisu, told the court that Mba committed the offence sometime in 2020 when she collected N4.5 million from several job seekers promising to secure jobs for them with ICPC and National Air Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA).  

The court further heard how the defendant fraudulently forged the signature of the late Abba Kyari, with which she sent letter to the ICPC Chairman, requesting that the duo of Chimezie Akpata and Ismail Adewole Oladipopo be employed into the service of the Commission. The late chief of Staff however distanced himself from the request prior to his death in 2020 as revealed by ICPC Counsel, Salisu. 

Counsel to the defendant, Alozie Chigozie moved the bail application for the accused, praying the court to grant her bail on liberal terms. Salisu, who did not oppose the bail application, however prayed the court to admit the accused to bail on reasonable terms that would ensure her attendance in court for trial. Justice Mohammed thereafter admitted her to bail in the sum of N10 million with one surety who must be an Assistant Director in the federal service and resident within the FCT. The case has been adjourned to 22nd September, 2022 for definite hearing.

Bashir Sheriff Machina, All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Yobe north senatorial election, says he will not step down for Senate President Ahmad Lawan.

Lawan contested the ruling party’s presidential ticket but lost to Bola Tinubu, former governor of Lagos.

Machina said he has been approached by some people to relinquish the ticket, but that he would not.

“As far as I’m concerned, I contested for the Yobe north senatorial ticket and I won the election,” the candidate said.

“I was confirmed elected because there were other contestants but I was the one that was qualified. I happened to be unopposed.

“I am still the candidate; I have not withdrawn and I will not withdraw for anybody. I am being approached by some persons but I will not withdraw, Insha Allah.”

On Rumors he has stepped down: "Debunk the rumors I will not step down for the Senate President. I'm still with my mandate. I scored 281 out of 300 votes cast at the primary. I won't step down people's mandate given to me.."

Lawan has been representing Yobe north senatorial district at the national assembly since 2007. Until that time, he was in the house of representatives.

As written by Mr. Ik Ogbonna.

MY MEMO TO HIS SOCIAL MEDIA SUPPORTERS.

I have been inaundated by friends why I’m not in support of the Labour Party candidate. I’m yet to support any other candidate as well, still watching the terrain. For now, I offer to help their MINISTRY sharing this idea drawn from my practical experience in politics including contesting election, holding government offices, my work as a PR practitioner and journalist and affinity with politicians over the years.

I have observed the current frenzy by mostly young Nigerians to have Mr. Obi become the our next president which is fine and within their democratic rights but for that dream to see the light of the day, they need to start taking critical steps outside social media to actualize that.

Here are a few steps in my personal consideration and experience can help.

1. Get your PVC. This is of course number one on the must do list. There is no alternative unless you are below the voting age.

2. Move from supporter to party member. Join Labour Party. Yes, become a part member. Go ask for your Ward Chairman, register with the ward, attend their meetings and encourage them. It is the party members that will are usually mobilized to work for the victory of the party, play crucial roles on election day and protect the votes of their candidates. There variety of assignments party members carry out on election day many I can't say here please. It is only when you are identified as a trusted card carrying member of the party that such sensitive duties will be given to you. Why allow those vital and crucial assignments be given to people that can be bought over? Join and assist or supervise them, see to every detail of what transpires on election day. It's the day you wear jeans trouser, with some cash at hand for LOGISTICS AND ENTERTAINMENT, the day you would spend hours without blinking. Get ready.

3. Start physical campaign not just social media campaign. It is good to campaign on Social Media but there are millions of people who are not on Social Media. These are the people that really do the voting, waiting under rain and sun. They are not elites, they are ordinary people you ignore. They are the ones corrupt politicians buy their votes. They are blue collar workers who don’t give a damn about the ENGLISH YOU SPEAK. They see elections as their own Bazaar to get cash and gifts from politicians they won’t see again until the next election season. Seek them, make them your friends. Enlighten them in the language they speak and appreciate. They are the ones you ignore daily on your way to and fro work in your nice car and outfit. They are in your villages mostly, in slums in the city, they are in towns doing menial jobs. Many serve you as mechanics, security, even your domestic staff you maltreat. Start by showing them love now, before bringing up election and your chosen candidste. Come down from your high horse, mingle with them.

4. Be tolerant of other people’s choices and opinion. 

People support party and candidates for different reasons. It is their right to do so. To win them, try to be civil,  PREACH TO THEM like Jehovah Witnesses. Acknowledge them for their choice and their right to support who they wish then show them the alternative you proffer in love. Be polite.

5. Be wary of the religious and ethnic lines. This shouldn’t be a Christian vs Moslem or Igbo vs Fulani campaign. Don’t put fear in others, they will gangup against your candidate if you do. Mr. Peter Obi is known for his civility, unassuming nature, nationalistic tendencies, don't tar his reputation and undermine him.

6. Campaign on Issues not Innuendos. Use your candidates profile, his service records and personality backed with his program for Nigerians. Simple. You don't make a point by tarring others with mud. Peter Obi is not a Saint he is human and also has his frailties.

7. Step out on election day to vote. From my experience over the years, elites don’t vote on election days. They see it as holidays. While most youths use it for sports and to mingle in the neighborhood.

8. Start where you are. To influence others, start from your neighborhood, colleagues, relatives, friends etc. Start where you are, leave social media a little.

Best of luck in your OBIdience.

Ik Ogbonna is an Owerri based PR consultant and Journalist, he  was SA on Social Media and later ICT to the Imo State Governor (2014-2017)

....DONATES ONE MILLION NAIRA TO HIM

By FCC JONES ONWUASOANYA, ABUJA.

The Distinguished Senator representing Anambra North District in the National Assembly, Princess Stella Odua has opened what is expected to be a floodgate of appreciation and goodwill to Citizen Ejiro Otarigho, the heroic tanker driver, who risked his own life in order to avert what would have been a major disaster in the Big Heart State.

The former Minister of Aviation reached out to me following an update I made on the incident and said she was touched by the young man's sense of selflessness and patriotism. "You know I cried in joy after watching that video. The fact that innocent caring human beings are still around is so overwhelming. Spontaneously he decided to be his brothers keeper. Unsolicited. That is humanity personified."

Speaking further, she said that; "Citizen Ejiro's heroics show that we still have many good Nigerians among us, and his exceptional kindness should be encouraged and emulated. The natural impulse for most people would have been to survive first, but as precarious as the situation was, Ejiro still gave a thought to many innocent people on that road and their properties. He is indeed whom a national hero should be." 

The Princess of Akili-Ozizor Ancient kingdom of Ogbaru LGA of Anambra State also announced the donation of the sum of One Million Naira to Citizen Ejiro, which she said is her own token of appreciation for his heroics and a way of motivating more of such attitudes by Nigerians.

The United Kingdom has said it will provide One Million Pounds (£1million) worth of support to enhance the operations of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in 2022 and additional provision over a period of three years.

This was disclosed by the Director, Home Office International Operations, Nick Fowler when he led a team comprising Julie Hartfree, Africa Regional Director and Kris Hawksfield, West Africa Regional Manager, both of Home Office International Operations on a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) on Thursday 9th June.

In his welcome remarks, Marwa expressed appreciation to the visiting UK team and the British government for past support to NDLEA. He said with the expansion of the operations, commands structure and staff strength of the Agency, he would need more support and collaboration from the UK government.

While stating that the President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government has been very supportive of the work of the Agency in critical areas, Marwa asked for strengthened intelligence sharing collaboration, provision of essential operational logistics and training among others from the UK government.

Responding, Nick Fowler commended Marwa for the huge success NDLEA has become under his leadership. He said the Agency has been able to play a significant role by intercepting loads of illicit drugs going to the UK. He assured that his office is now well positioned to share intelligence with NDLEA.

An Ondo State High Court sitting in Akure, the state capital, has sentenced three persons to death for killing Olufunke Olakuri, the daughter of Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti.

While four persons were accused of the crime, the trial judge, Justice William Olamide on Friday, discharged and acquitted one of them.

Olufunke Olakuri, the daughter of Afenifere leader, Reuben Fasoranti, was shot dead on July 12 2019 while traveling between Kajola and Ore, along Ondo/Ore Highway.