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On the subject of carelessness and disregard for the Veto Power Box, Cindy, Diane and Elozonam were issued a Strike each.

On Sunday, the Housemates were presented with the Ultimate Veto Box. Along with the Red Box came the instruction to guide, protect and watch over the box as if their stay in the House depended on it. In other news, the House was warned never to lose sight of the box, damage or lose it.

As the Housemates responsible for the protection of the Reb Box (following their schedule), Elozonam and Diane received a Strike each from Biggie.

They both failed to dispatch this duty by leaving the box outside the House and therefore, had to be held accountable for their deed.

In her case, Cindy picked the box from where it was kept, held the box and dropped it on the floor. Yet, when it was time to leave the Arena, she conveniently forgot the box. Just maybe, she should have done better and carried the box along with her to the House.

What made Biggie rather curious was that when all the chips came down, she was caught wondering who kept the box under the table. It was her all along!

For this, she was also given a Strike alongside Diane and Elozonam as she was also to be held responsible for abandoning the Red Box.

Biggie always keeps to his rules and for flouting them, the Housemates will be given a collective punishment. The House failed to watch over the box with a collective effort and that moment earned them a reward of Biggie’s punishment.

Fortunately, or unfortunately for them, this punishment will be issued on Monday morning. According to Biggie. the only thing that will come in between a Housemate and the punishment will be Eviction on Sunday. Well, unknown to them, this week is Eviction-free.

In addition to the punishment, Biggie banned his guests from takeaway packs when they are given treats. In essence, no more packing of food and drinks to the House and the Housemates are only allowed to eat what they can and leave the rest of the food or treats alone.

Clearly, they can’t seem to behave themselves whenever food is involved. With Strikes involved, will the Pepper Dem Gang learn the virtue of being accountable?

Source: BBN

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has urged his rival in the March 9 gubernatorial election, Chief Great Ogboru of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to join hands with his administration in building a stronger state.

The governor made the call on Friday at an inter-denominational thanksgiving service shortly after the reaffirmation of his electoral victory by the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, which sat in Asaba.

“I appeal to my brother, Ogboru, that the time has come to stop fighting; it is time to partner together to do the best that we can for our people.

“I appeal that enough is enough; it is time to build Delta State together for the good of our people.

“I ask for the hands of the opposition, because Delta State is for all of us; we cannot do it alone and I want to thank our supporters and all Deltans for praying for us.

“We require the assistance of all in prayer and in human partnership.

“We must continue to pray for our state and our country, because we believe that our prayer will save our country.

“As Deltans, we must hold firmly to the Lord, because Delta State will continue to remain peaceful and united as we will prosper together,” Okowa said.

The governor thanked his legal team and former President of the Senate, Sen. David Mark, who attended the service in company with his wife.

He assured Deltans that the next four years would be more fruitful than his first tenure.

Earlier in his sermon, the Government House Chaplain, Venerable Charles Osemenem, said that God rules the affairs of men.

According to him, because God is interested in the affairs of man, we should be careful and mindful of what we do.

“Let us acknowledge God in all our ways because our God never fails.

“When He opens a door, nobody can close it,” the chaplain said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor’s wife, Dame Edith Okowa; the Deputy Governor, Mr Kingsley Otuaro; Sen. James Manager; House of Representatives member, Ndudi Elumelu; Speaker, Delta House of Assembly, Sheriff Oborovweri, were among dignitaries at the service.(NAN)

By Jennifer Y Omiloli

In the midst of political theories against 2023 elections, Governor Udom Emmanuel has denied claims of securing plan to look for third term utilizing a surrogate as a successor.

The Governor cleared the air while interacting with the leadership and some members of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, foremost socio cultural organization of the Ibibio youths, that stormed Government House gate to herald his arrival following his victory at the Governorship petitions tribunal.

“I usually hear people saying he has anointed someone who will take over from him so that he can be able to manipulate the person to do his bidding after leaving office, I want to assure you that it is not true”

“As I Speak, it is only God who knows who my successor will be. When He presents him, we will support him to also succeed,” the Governor said.

He used the opportunity to commend Mboho for the role it has played in maintaining peace in our dear state. The peace of Akwa Ibom State will never be shaken” Mr. Emmanuel added

Mr. Emmanuel whose arrival from Abuja was greeted by different crowds of supporters right from the airport through to the city center, thanked all Akwa Ibomites and the Association for their surprise welcome

He appreciated the Mboho for uniting in support to him, despite all odds, during the election, and urged them to continue supporting his administration to achieve the completion agenda.

Earlier, the President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Akpawara Patrick Edwin Udofia said the association came to register their goodwill to the State Chief Executive on his second term confirmation by the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.

Meanwhile, thousands of youths, women groups, members of the political class and the state executive council members thronged the Victor Attah International Airport to celebrate with the Governor on the victory at the Election petition Tribunal.

Among the dignitaries to receive the Governor who arrived the state from an official function in Abuja, were the Deputy Governor Mr Moses Ekpo, the chairman PDP Obong Paul Ekpo,Secretary to state govt. Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, Head of service, Elder Effiong Essien among other Exco members.

Reacting to the verdict, Governor Emmanuel dedicated the Victory to Only God and Akwa Ibom people for the love demonstrated at the polls and affirmed by the Judiciary.

He said that his administration is committed to deliver on the Campaign promise of an economic and socially viable state bonded in love and unity.

The State chief executive said he is passionate about youth employment, industrialization, Education and infrastructure across the length and breadth of the state.
He thanked the people for the show of love and the judiciary for being the last hope of the common man by upholding the Truth.

Governors of seven states of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) met on Friday in Port Harcourt, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

According to Mr Simeon Nwakaudu, Special Assistant (Electronic Media) to Gov. Nyesom Wike, the meeting was attended by Govs. Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), Emeka Ihedioha (Imo); Seyi Makinde (Oyo); Samuel Ortom (Benue); Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto); and Mohammed Mattawale (Zamfara).

After the meeting, Tambuwal explained that the governors were in Rivers to commend Wike “for his sustained projects delivery’’.

He said the governors urged him to continue to deliver quality projects and sustain good governance for the development of Rivers State.

Tambuwal also said that PDP remained strongly united in friendship and brotherhood.

He said: “We are here as brothers and friends to the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, in the spirit of brotherhood and friendship.

“We are here to encourage and support him for the good governance he has given to the good people of Rivers State.

“The 100 days of the second term of Governor Wike is also why we are here.

“The spirit in Port Harcourt and Rivers State is that of celebration and thanksgiving and gratitude to God for such a wonderful leadership by Governor Wike.

“We are also here to join him and the good people of Rivers State in thanking God for his leadership and to thank God for giving the state a wonderful leader like him.” (NAN)

By Danzumi Ishaku

Taraba Member, representing Gashaka Kurmi and Sardauna at the Federal House of representative, Hon. David Fuoh, has advised the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to accept the judgment by the Governorship Petition Tribunal.

Hon. Fuoh gave the advice on Friday during an interview with our correspondent in Jalingo.

He urged the opposition party to join hands with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government in the state to move the Taraba forward.

David Fuoh congratulated Gov. Darius Ishaku for his victory, urging him to settle down for governance.

“I am happy with the judgment and with this, the governor can settle down for the business of governance.

“I am calling on the APC in the state to accept the judgment in good faith and to join hands with Governor Ishaku to move the state forward”, Fuoh said.

By Abel Leonard

Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has assured pensioners in the state of prompt payment of their entitlements.

Sule gave the assurance on Friday when he received the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Nasarawa State Chapter, at the Government House, Lafia.

“These are people who have served the state and local governments, they deserve to rest as they retire, hence the need for the retirees to be given their allowances.

“We have been talking to different organizations especially the development partners to find out if some of them have some kind of programs for retirees and pensioners,” he said.
He promised that every issue presented by the union to the government would be looked into and addressed based on the availability of resources.

“I am hoping that I will one day in Nasarawa State see a situation where pensioners don’t worry about the payment of their monthly pensions because they have been empowered,” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the union, Alhaji Musa Obakpa, appealed to the governor to sustain government`s augmenting of the shortfall in allocations to local governments to continue the payment of full salaries and pensions at the third tier of government.

Obakpa commended the governor for his effort to put an end to the percentage payment of pensions at both state and local government levels.

He said that the governor’s immediate compliance with the local government autonomy was a step worth commending.

He appealed for the implementation of the 12 percent and 33 per cent increase in pension of those who retired before the new minimum wage.

The chairman also called on the state government to direct the local government authorities to carry out a verification of pensioners in collaboration with the union.

He said that this would ease the identification of eligible pensioners on the pension allowance payroll.

By Abel Leonard Nzwanke/Lafia

Nasarawa State chapter of Meyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, on Thursday during a meeting, came up with a traditional method of curtailing the excesses of Fulani herdsmen in the state.

According to the association, the measure is to curtail incessant kidnapping, armed robbery, cattle rustling and grazing on the crops of farmers by Fulani cattle herders in the state.

The meeting had in attendance all heads of the association from the southern part of the state. It held at Adudu in Obi Local Government Area of the Nassarawa State.

Also in attendance was the paramount ruler of Uke kingdom, Mohammed Abdullahi Hassan, the paramount ruler of Audu and one herbalist who would administer oath on them.

Speaking during the meeting, the state chairman of Meyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Mohammed Hussani, said the meeting was in respect of kidnapping, robbery, grazing on farmers’ crops and cattle rustling ongoing in the state by the Fulani herdsmen.

By Danzumi Ishaku

The Taraba state Ministry of Education has attributed increasing number of out of school children to crisis in the state.

Mr Samson Ada, Permanent Secretary in the ministry made the disclosure on friday at the three-day Workshop for Heads of Social Mobilisation, Coordinators of Nomadic Education and Same Area Suppervisors in Jalingo.

Our correspondent reports that they were drown from 16 Local government areas on Better Education Service Delivery (BESDA) Grassroots Implementers on Out of School Children in the state.

The permanent secretary, who was represented by Alhaji Iliyasu Kirim, Director of Primary and Secondary Education in the ministry appealed to all the waring factions to embrace peace.

According to him, children could aquire education only in a peaceful environment
Ada said that the trend where children were roaming the streets without education became worrisome to the present administration in the state.

He announced that the state was among the first 17 states that would benefit from the programme in Nigeria.

He said that Gov. Darius Ishaku has accorded priority to ensure by construction, rehabilitation and renovation of both primary and secondary schools in the state.

He also said that the administration has procured and distributed instructional materials, furniture, set of computers and drilling of boreholes in schools in the state.

The permanent secretary also said secondary that the administration has employed 3,000 teachers to boost manpower for primary and secondary schools in the state.

He expressed the determination of the ministry to support the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), ensuring that BESDA was a success in the state.

He also commended the World Bank for their role in ensuring that basic education was accessible to all Nigerian children.

Earlier, Dr Yakubu Agbaizo, Executive Chairman of the SUBEB in the state said that basic education objective has suffered from low and inequitable access.

Agbaizo said that the primary school age population that was out of school in Nigeria was very alarming.

He noted that the trend would continue if aggressive measures were not taken to stem the tide.

He also said that the Northern Nigeria had the overwhelming majority of the out of school children.

He urged participants at the workshop to work hard to ensure mobilisation of out of school children within their domains.

“The fact that Nigerian primary age out of school population is so large reinforces the urgency of addressing the problem.

“As otherwise, the ranks of the lower secondary out of school population will swell a few years down the line.

“It is also another comman fact that overwhelming majority of the out of school children are in the Northern Nigeria.

“And the rates are higher among girls in rural areas and among the poorest in the society.

“I therefore, urge all of you to work hard to ensure mobilisation of out of school children within your areas of operations.

The executive chairman commended the state government for it priority on basic education.

He gave assurance that the board would not deviate from the vision and mission for providing basic education to children in the state, He said.

Our correspondent reports that, BESDA is a World Bank funded programme with the objective of providing inequitable access to out of school children and improving litteracy to focus states.

The Commissioner of Police in the state said that the police is fully prepared for the judgment

By Abel Leonard Nzwanke/ Lafia

The tribunal had fixed Saturday for judgement in a petition filed by PDP and it’s Governorship candidate, Mr David Ombugadu, challenging the victory of Gov. Abdullahi Sule in the March 9 governorship election.

The Commissioner of Police in the state,Mr Bola Longe, made the statement know to press men in Lafia today that the police was fully prepared for the judgment.

“Officers have been placed on red alert and will be proactive to prevent any kind of violence or demonstration in the state.

“We will , however , want to urge people of the state to maintain law and order and go about their lawful businesses without fear or intimidation , ” Longe said.

Daybreak news report that the Peoples Democratic Party and its candidate, Mr David Ombugadu, had challenged the victory of the All Progressives Congress and its candidate, Gov. Abdullahi Sule at the tribunal siting in Lafia.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had on March 9 declared Sule as the winner of the election.

By Danzumi Ishaku

Taraba State Chairman of the APC, Alhaji Ibrahim El-Sudi, has announced that the central part of Taraba would soon be connected to the national grid.

El-Sudi made this know on Friday while speaking to newsmen in Jalingo.

The APC chairman, recalled that the new Minister of Power Engr Sale Mamman had promised him that the zone would be linked to the national grid.

He said the minister, who is from the state assured him that some communities in the state would benefit from solar power transmission from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

The chairman noted that the zone has suffered neglect in the past due to non provision for sustainable power transmission in the entire zone.

El-sudi commended President Muhammadu Buhari for awarding gaigantic projects that would impact positive on the people of Taraba in particular and the country at large.

He also said that the movement of construction materials to Ibi in recent time was another pointer that the Wukari Ibi road project and the bridge would commence in earnest.

The chairman eulogised the president for appointing an indigene of the state when the Mambila Hydroelectric Power Project was crucial to national power generation drive.

He expressed hope that the work would be executed with much commitment in anticipation that the people of the state would form the front line beneficiaries of the project.

He also commended the president for the massive infrastructural development projects ongoing nation wide, stressing that it would impact significantly on the economic well-being of the people.

While congratulating the president and the APC for it’s victory at the Presidential petition Tribunal, El-Sudi called on Atiku Abubakar, the candidate of the PDP to join hands with Mr president to move Nigeria forward.