Author: Our Correspondent

By Gabriel Achadu

The purported sack of Senator Samuel Anyanwu from office as the National Secretary of the PDP by a court in Enugu has been described as false and misleading.

This is contained in a statement signed by Ikenna ONUOHA, the Special Adviser, to the PDP National secretary on Media.

He described the report as not only fake but also, “misleading, and mischievous”, and “a designed ploy by desperate politicians to divert attention”, maintaining that Senator Anyanwu remains the National Secretary of PDP till December, 2025 based on subsisting court judgment. He advised members of the public to disregard the fake news.

See full statement below:

The attention of the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu has been drawn to a fake news claiming to have purportedly sacked him from office by an Appeal Court sitting in Enugu State.

This report is not only fake, misleading, and mischievous, but a designed ploy by desperate politicians to divert attention. Senator Anyanwu remains the National Secretary of PDP till December, 2025.

The truth of the matter is that no court of competent jurisdiction within Nigeria or beyond can sack Senator Anyanwu from office. This is because there is a subsisting Court judgement restraining individuals, groups, or parties from laying claim or further challenge his position as National Secretary of PDP.

These same group of desperate politicians working effortlessly to create division in PDP are known agents of APC, but we shall not allow them to succeed.

In view of this, the public is advised to ignore this falsehood being peddled, as it remains baseless, futile and of no effect.

Signed

Ikenna ONUOHA, Ph.D.
Special Adviser, Media

From Leo Abel Zwànke, Lafia

The Women in Mining Training Institute (WIMTI) is set to host its December 2024 session, with the theme: “Entrepreneurship and Mining,” aimed at empowering women with strategies to excel in mining and entrepreneurial ventures.

The virtual event will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 4:00 PM WAT via Zoom.

A statement by the Media officer Abel Leonard and sent to journalists on Wednesday noted that Two distinguished speakers will headline the session: Engr. (Dr.) Janet Adeyemi, a renowned mining expert, and Dr. Badewa Adejuyigbe Williams, an advocate for women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship.

Engr. (Dr.) Janet Adeyemi will deliver a presentation titled “Circular Economy in Mining: A Review of Best Practices and Case Studies from Around the World.” Speaking on the importance of sustainable mining, she will explore innovative approaches to circular economies in the industry.

“Mining practices must evolve to embrace sustainability. Circular economies offer opportunities to reduce waste, enhance efficiency, and create lasting value,” Adeyemi noted in a pre-event announcement.

Dr. Badewa Adejuyigbe Williams will complement the session with a talk on “Breaking Barriers and Building Successful Entrepreneurial Ventures.” Her presentation will focus on navigating challenges, building resilience, and identifying opportunities for women in mining and entrepreneurship.

“Women must position themselves to break barriers and leverage entrepreneurial tools for success in mining. Collaboration and innovation will drive progress,” Williams emphasized.

The WIMTI Class continues to serve as a platform for professional women in mining to learn, share knowledge, and advance their careers. Organizers urge participants to register ahead of time via https://zeep.ly/vNsPt.

The event promises to equip attendees with global insights and strategies to promote inclusive growth in the mining sector.

From Rhoda Godwin, Yenagoa

A coalition of Non Governmental Organisations in Bayelsa state has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to uphold the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission’s (NUPRC) rejection of Shell’s request to sell its remaining shares in the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to the Renaissance consortium.

The NGO’s state categorically that any approval of Shell’s and Total’s requests would weaken regulatory independence and ignore the interests of the Niger Delta communities. Saying it will jeopardise the environmental and social well-being of the region for generations to come, and undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty.

Addressing Journalists at the NUPRC office in Yenagoa the state capital during a protest rally, the Resource Justice Manager Social Development Integrated Center-Social Action Dr. Prince Edegbuo said, they want to make it absolutely clear that approving Shell’s or TotalEnergies divestment in its current form without addressing the profound environmental and social costs would be a grave injustice to the people of Niger Delta.

He said the action could lead to significant unrest in the region, adding that it would be an affront to the generations of Niger Deltans who have fought and died for environmental justice, their homes and their livelihoods.

“Approving Shell’s SPDC would send a dangerous message to all Multinational corporations operating in Nigeria that they can extract our resources, leave devastation behind and walk away without consequences. This is not just a question of corporate accountability, it is about Nigeria’s sovereignty, dignity, and the right of it’s people to live in a clean and safe environment”.

“We hereby demand immediate halt of all divestment processes until a transparent, comprehensive and inclusive review is undertaken that addresses Shell’s and TotalEnergies historical environmental and social liabilities. Ensure inclusive and transparent consultation with state government and the people of the sites if oil and gas extraction in the Niger Delta before any further divestment of IOC assets.

“Hold Shell and TotalEnergies and other IOCs accountable for their past and ongoing environmental damage and ensure they fund a full clean up and remediation program across Niger Delta. Uphold the regulatory independence of NUPRC and allow it to fulfill it’s statutory duties without political interference.”.

In his contribution, Comrade Morris Alagoa who represents Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN) said any buyer that is buying should ensure that it’s on black and white that is buying both assets and liabilities. Saying the oil bearing communities have been crying of pending liabilities such as unclean and premeditated sites and pending legal cases as regards compensation.

” We are here to deliver message to government of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu should not allow Shell and others for now to divest because we have seen what Oando is doing after Agip divested 100 percent to Oando. We have seen four major oil spill in the Ogboinbiri Environment and three of them were due to equipment failures. Old worn-out pipelines. And instead of clean up, Oando has carry-on with the culture of Agip of setting spill sites ablaze”.

While speaking, the state chairman of Bayelsa Non Governmental Organisations Forum (BANGOF) Taritien Boco said, while waiting for the state government to take action on the reports submitted by BSOEC, they have come out to sensitize the public and get a message to the presidency, to NUPRC and the national assembly that the divestment processes should stop immediately.

According to him, they are doing this across the Niger Delta to pass their message to the national assembly and after this they will know the next steps to take.

In his response, the Manager Corporate Services and Administration, Dr. Prince Oshodi said, any grievances the CSO have , they are going to look at it and will address them. Saying they have a protocol to ensure that as Nigerian we maximise the opportunities and benefits of oil and gas industry.

He promised that they will take their complaints to the executive officer in Abuja, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe and they will look into their grievances and we are here to Protect the interests of Nigerians.

From Abel Zwànke, Lafia

The long-awaited approval for the dualization of the Akwanga-Jos road has been met with widespread commendation and optimism from stakeholders in the North-Central region. Senator I.D. Gyan of Plateau State has been lauded for his relentless advocacy, which played a key role in securing the green light for this crucial project from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement signed by Dr. Kassim Muhammad Kassim, Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Nasarawa State governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule and sent to Daybreak on Sunday expressed heartfelt appreciation to Senator Gyan for his efforts and to the President for addressing the needs of the region.

“This much-needed project, once carried out, will significantly enhance transportation and connectivity in the region,” Dr. Kassim stated. “It represents a critical step toward improving the safety, economy, and overall well-being of the affected communities.”

Dr. Kassim also emphasized the broader impact of the dualization project on security. “The dualization of this road will contribute to alleviating insecurity from Akwanga to Sanga and Sanga to the surrounding forest areas. This is not just an infrastructural development; it is a lifeline for our people,” he noted.

Residents and stakeholders have commended President Tinubu for his responsiveness to the cries of the people. “Mr. President has demonstrated true leadership by listening to the voices of the people and responding to their needs,” Dr. Kassim added.

Stakeholders have called for the prompt implementation of the project to ensure its anticipated benefits are realized. “We eagerly look forward to the successful execution of this project and the positive impact it will bring to our region,” Dr. Kassim said.

The Akwanga-Jos road has long been a vital artery for economic and social activities, linking Plateau State with neighboring Nasarawa and other states in the region. However, the road’s single-lane design and deteriorating condition have often posed challenges to commuters, exacerbating transportation difficulties and contributing to security concerns in the area.

The dualization project is expected to bolster the regional economy by improving the movement of goods and people while also enhancing security by reducing the risk of criminal activities often associated with isolated or poorly maintained roads.

By Sharon Akuboh

The family of Barr Onome Ewhrudjakpor Obuotor who passed away on 25th November, 2024 has announved his burial programmed.

According to a burial programme released by his family, A service of Songs in his honour will hold at the Diocese of Abuja(Anglican Communion) The Basilica of Grace, Gudu, Abuja, on Thursday, 19th December, 2024 at 5pm, conducted by The Most Reverend Henry C. Nsukaba, The Primate of All Nigeria and Bishop of Abuja.

While the funeral Service in honour of the late Barr Onome Ewhrudjakpor Obuotor, will hold on Friday, 20th December, 2024, at the Diocese of Abuja (Anglican Communion) The Basilica of Grace, Gudu, Abuja with the following officiating Ministers; Evang Somtochukwu Okeizu, The Rec’d Canon Ugochukwu Ndukuba, The Rev’d Canon Silas John, The Ven. Dalimire Odigie, The Ven. Oluwaseun Owoeye, Vicar/Supervising Priest and The Most Rev’D Henry C. Ndukuba, The Primate of All Nigeria and Bishop of Abuja. It will be followed by Interment at the Gudu Cemetery and A reception.

Until his demise He was a Parliamentary Counsel in The Gambia. Where he mentored many legal Officers. Earlier he served as a Principal Legal Officer with Nigeria’s Anti – Corruption Commission, he prosecuted corruption cases, contributed to international conventions, and participated in the drafting of protocols for the African Union and the United Nations.

Barr Obuotor, later served as Chief State Counsel in the Legal Drafting Department of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Justice, shaping Laws passed by the National Assembly and drafting Statutory instruments.

Later, in 2008, Barr Obuotor, transitioned to international service under the Nigeria – Gambia Bilateral Agreement. As a Technical Assistant and later Parliamentary Counsel in The Gambia, he mentored legal Officers, drafted bills, and played a pivotal role in legislative processes. He worked there for 16 years until his demise.

FAMILY and Personal Life
Aside his professional achievements, Barr Onome was a phenomenal pillar of love and strength to his family. He was a devoted husband to Yetunde Obabunmi Obuotor and an excellent Father to his three children, Barrister Omonigho Obuotor, Dr Aghogho Obuotor and Ejiroghene Obuotor. His family was his pride and joy and he balanced his tasking career with unwavering love and support for them.

Barr Onome shared a deep bond with his siblings, who remember his kindness, wisdom, and unyielding dedication to family values. Despite his demanding career, he remained steadfast in his love and support for those closest to him, serving as a role model showing compassion to all. His Service to humanity was second to none.

A Legacy of Excellence:
Barr Onome Ewhrudjakpor Obuotor’s life was one of purpose and service. His work strengthened legal systems and communities, and his personal example set a high standard for those who knew him inspiring countless individuals.

His demise has left a profound void, yet his legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the institutions he helped shape, and the family he cherished. Barr Onome’s journey remains a beacon of hope and an enduring source of inspiration to all who knew him, he is survived by wife, three children, several siblings, colleagues and many to mourn him.

By Wilfred Sawa

There are indications that the controversy that dogged the recent attempt by the federal government to recruit 10,000 Constables for the Nigerian Police Force
has taken a fresh twist as the Police Service Commission (PSC) is reportedly investigating some officers who used the recruitment exercise to become millionaires.

One of the officers (name withheld), who has been fingered as the brain box of the syndicate, has reportedly been suspended as the PSC launched an investigation into the matter.
The PSC, it was gathered, is investigating how the syndicate was able to manipulate what they assumed was”the water-tight result” of a CBT test which erstwhile chairman, Dr. Solomon Arase begged the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to conduct for the PSC.

PSC sources revealed that a Supritendent of Police who until recently was in the training department at the Force headquarters is currently facing investigation for allegedly being the conduit through which huge sums of monies were channelled to insert the names of unqualified applicants into a dedicated police recruitment portal outside the one set up by the PSC.
PSC investigations, it was gathered, uncovered a particular private bank account which members of the syndicate made thousands of candidates pay monies into. The investigators linked the bank account to a certain Abuja-based hotel which the now suspended officer claimed belonged to his brother.

The officer, it was further gathered, is believed to be close to top brass of the police establishment. “He is so confident that his connections would save him, the result of the investigation notwithstanding,” offered a PSC official, adding, “he is so powerful that he even threatened to remove any PSC officer the same way he removed Dr. Solomon Arase as PSC chairman.”

Thr new PSC heiriarchy is reportedly astonished that whereas neither the police nor the PSC engaged the services of consultants to aid in the recruitment, a Sergeant who enjoys the protection of a serving AIG, without any approval, engaged the services of two consultants: Clickers Digital System with a GTBank number and Elite Palace
With FCMB account through which huge sums of money were collected from prospective applicants.

Sources familiar with the investigation also revealed that the officer who has being transfered out of the headquarters to a North East state to allow for proper investigation by the PSC may not be working alone.
A high ranking police officer from the Southeast said to have been the architect of the syndicate, PSC sources added, used his position and charm to make several governors from his zone, to allegedly part with large sums of money to fill their state’s slots with unqualified candidates into the recruitment list.

Recall that in March , 171,956 candidates drawn from all the 774 local government areas in the country sat for the PSC- CTB examinations conducted by JAMB. The Commission was scouring for 10,000 candidates who passed the CBT for enlistment as Constables into the Nigerian Police Force.

Dr. Arase, as the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), served as the Inspector- General of Police in 2015. While justifying the need to get JAMB to conduct the examination said “Nigeria needs the right police personnel with mental mobility and fertile minds to relate effectively with the public.”

Arase’s insistence on a transparent and professional recruitment process apparently didn’t sit well with some top politicians and police top brass who allegedly wanted to hijack the process and handle the recruitment themselves.

According to sources in the Commission, Arase was convinced that if the problem of the Police was to be tackled on a long term basis it must be tackled at the recruitment level especially those at the lower and mid cadre of the force,
“As a Former Inspector General of Police, he understood the problem and was willing to do his best to solve it. He wanted the recruitment exercise to be based on merit and due process. He wanted those who wrote the computer based assement test and made the cutoff mark to be the ones considered for recruiemt into the force.
“There were clear criteria outlined for the exercise. In each state of the federation those who made the cutoff marks were to be prioritized. There was also consideration for female candidates to ensure gender balance. This is the first time the commission was carrying out a recruitment process in line with its mandate, and Dr Arase wanted to set a standard that was to become the basic minimum,” stated the source.

Arase lost in the intrigues and powerplay between the commision and the Nigeria police force and was in July replaced by Hashim Argungu, a retired deputy Inspector General of Police.

Not long after the assumption of office of the new PCS chairman, he, like Arase, was confronted with the controversies facing the recruitment process.
nvestigation showed that not long after after Arase left office, the police heirachy jettisoned the CBT test carried out by the PSC under Arase and opted to use a different list for the exercise.

Amber Kumo

Following the recent signing of FID for the US$5 billion (Five billion dollars) Bonga North Deep Offshore Oil Deal, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the management of SHELL Petroleum Company for bringing this landmark deal to final conclusion after many years of reversals.

Speaking to newsmen at the PANDEF Liaison Office in Maitama, Abuja, Ambassador Godknows Igali, the National Chairman of the umbrella socio-cultural body of the people of the Niger Delta, specially saluted the diligence of the technical teams on both sides led by the Honourable Minister of Petroleum, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri for bringing this ground-breaking project to reality noting, that it will fundamentally increase Nigeria’s energy security. He further used the opportunity to state that the people of the Niger Delta will continue to support all the initiatives of the government towards ramping up the volume of oil production in Nigeria at the shortest time possible as this will be an overall enabler for the country’s economic development and create jobs for the teeming youths of Nigeria, especially those of the Niger Delta.

The PANDEF leader however expressed serious concern that the new oil field must be operated with the highest level of environmental integrity and sustainability. He cautioned that SHELL must take all measures to ensure that the kind of environmental disaster which occurred in Bonga South in December 2011 and polluted several coastal Niger Delta communities will not repeat itself. He also used the opportunity to re-emphasize the demand that both the operating oil company SHELL and the Federal Government should pay more attention to ensuring that the people and coastal communities of the Niger Delta which have suffered neglect in sixty-eight years of unending oil productions and mammoth contribution to the national economy this time benefit optimally from this new investment. This he insisted is only a fair and just demand and could include the setting up of new logistics bases in the area.

He restated that PANDEF will continue to work with the Federal Government, the political leaders of the area and the community leads to ensure that the right environment exists for the future growth of the oil and gas industry in order to deliver robustly to the national economy and the South-South.

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Middle Belt leader, retired General Theophilus Danjuma has exploded over a recent news making round, alleging a sinister plans to remove the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) President from office in January 2025 by some members yet to be identified.

There were sweeping allegations of financial misconduct against the MBF President, Comrade Bitrus Pogu, by some purported member of the Forum, who alleged that N2 billion was given to him by General TY Danjuma (rtd) for the Forum’s activities.

Reacting to the allegations in an interview with our correspondent, Comrade Pogu disclosed that the retired General has expressed disgust when confronted with the information and declared before the elders forum chairman that Pogu “Is not going anywhere and nobody can push him out”.

Earlier, One Rev. Kallamu Musa Ali Dikwa had circulated a written statement to some MBF members including the President, alleging that there were a lots of complaints against him by some members concerning MBF office and financial misconduct.

A statement made available to our correspondent reads in parts:
“Please with due respect Sir, there’s lot complains against you by some Middle Belt members concerning you’re office Middle Belt Forum and financial misconduct that: (1) Gen. TY Danjuma gave N2b for the activities of the Middle Belt but you did not account for the N2b.

“(2) The Middle Belt Forum youths have a programme of given awards to some former Governors, former Senators including SGF and former Senate President.
“But you people (Pogu & Co) didn’t give them even one naira to help the youths in their programme, only Madam Deborah that gave them N10k and you left the programme to Yola and appoint Dr. John Dara to represent you, also the youth”, it stated.

However, in the interview, Comrade Pogu lamented that a secretaries of elders’ forum went and reported the case to Chief Edwin Clark. “So all they said was that i will have to be kick out by January, and they created the story.

“In creating the story, when I met the elders yesterday (last week), I said the shameless person who said TY gave me money, the Governor, not even TY Danjuma, because they know my relationship with the TY is totally difference, created the story.

“Little did I know that before I came to meet them, the chairman of the elders forum told them that, when he told the General TY about this story the General said I am not going anywhere, and nobody is pushing me out”, Pogu said.

Pogu further said “If General TY is telling them this, could he would have given me money which I squandered? The Governor who want me out so that someone from PDP will be in, is the one who donated only N3 million.

“So I address them and said look, there are so many things I don’t talk but today I’ll talk. That Governor was given multi-millions of naira to run his election.

‘Here is somebody from Gombe, he was only given some money which is a fraction of what that Governor got but he gave the MBF N30 million, that’s why we didn’t seek for money from anywhere last.

“I think his here, seated. Then I said go and tell your Governor, that when we meet in front of the general, the game will be over. So I know the people doing this kinds of story. I know what they’re doing and why they’re doing it. Is PDP people.

“Last year 2023 they tried and tried, that we went for Obi, and they feel if I’m around, their game will still fail, so let them do anything they can do to stamped me out of office, and their going to pay for it, don’t worry.

“But I want to know the people responsible. Let me give you another example. Last year before election, I requested that the General TY Danjuma give money to people who are contesting and he did gave.

“They thought the money was passing through me to them, till when I call the guy and said come meet me in front of the elders. I said when that money was paid, yes I requested for money to be given to you, was it given to me to forward to you or paid directly to you?

“And he said it was paid directly to me, and I now said what’s my own business. You didn’t do what your suppose to do and I said you cannot enjoy another money, and it was given to somebody else.

“So whats my business about that. But what I need is the people who are peddling the rumours, I know is political. All they’re after is if I’m there what they’ll want to do for PDP will not happen. And maybe Atiku will not be there if he want to run again, because I’ll not support it.
“If we still decide to go for Obi, we’ll lift Obi’s hands again and say this is our candidate. I don’t care what they say and those people who are peddling this whatever story, if the General will tell them that I am going nowhere and nobody is pushing me. Do they know me more than the General”, Pogu asked.

“But the story we had said it was N2 billion, but asked, for what?

Responding, Pogu said “Don’t worry, let them peddle it but who are they, this is what I need from you? After a heated debate between us, he said, “‘Its somebody who told Pastor Musa Dikwa.

“And they cooked the story and let Pastor Musa Dikwa be the one to spread the it. They join the story with event of the youth, that I, refused to chair the program and went to Yola. I went to Yola because I want a Muslim face to appear at that youth program and my deputy is Muslim person.

If the mummus don’t know what we’re doing politically, let then do it or say what they want to say. So, is some people within our organization”, he stated.

While he promised to be with General TY on Monday, preceding our interview, Pogu said “So, the issue is that the General must have been aware, and tell the other lower Generals that you dear not. So if they’re the one peddling it fine, but I don’t think the other General will do that.
“Musa Dikwa is among those who want me out to be in. I myself circulated the statement from Dikwa to others to know to who are behind it. First, Dikwa did not know there was going to be a youth program, second Dikwa doesn’t know whether or not money was given to me or anything.

“It means somebody from our team must have concocted the story and given to Dikwa to launder the story.

“Before, middle Belt issues would be waved by the side by some section of the country when is mention but now nobody can say Middle Belt does not exist. If u know any of the elders, you call him and find out what TY Danjuma reaction had been before they started, sort of telling them not to dear.

A most familiar members of the Forum contacted, who promised to respond failed to do so until the time of filing the report.