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Iheanyi Chukwudi President Bola Tinubu on Thursday approved the appointment of eight Special Advisers including ex-Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu. In a statement issued by Director Information in the State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye, Ribadu is appointed Special Adviser, Security; Dele Alake is the Special Adviser, Special Duties, Communications and Strategy; Yau Darazo, Special Adviser, Political and Intergovernmental Affairs; Wale Edun, Special Adviser, Monetary Policies and Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser, Energy. Others are Zachaeus Adedeji, Special Adviser, Revenue; John Uwajumogu, Special Adviser, Industry, Trade and Investment and Salma Ibrahim Anas, Special Adviser, Health.

Iheanyi Chukwudi President Bola Tinubu, today inaugurated the National Economic Council (NEC), warning against excuses for failure. Inauguration of the NEC headed by Vice President, Kashim Shettima, came barely a week after the President directed the Council to meet to come up with interventions to the effects of the petroleum subsidy. While charging NEC to support his administration in transforming the economic Fortunes of Nigeria, Tinubu stressed that the task of growing the nation's economy is quite enormous adding that "no excuse for failure." The President stated that Nigerians want reforms and quickly too, reminding the Council members that “we even begged and danced for the job.” He reiterated his administration's commitment to delivering on its promises to Nigerians as contained in his inaugural speech on May 29th and sought the cooperation all. The NEC which immediately went into meeting after the inauguration, meets monthly with the mandate to “advise the President concerning the economic affairs of the Federation, and in particular on measures necessary for the coordination of the economic planning efforts or economic programmes of the various Governments of the Federation.” NEC membership comprises of the 36 State Governors, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other co-opted Government officials. Members in attendance as at commencement of the meeting are Kwara, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Osun, Ademola Adeleke, Kogi, Yahaya Bello, Ekiti, Biodun Oyebanji, Nasarawa, Abdullahi Sule, Akwa Ibom, Umo Eno and Enugu, Peter Mbah Cross River, Bassey Otu, Plateau, Caleb Muftwang, Kebbi, Nasir Idris, Katsina, Aliyu Radda and Benue Hycinth Alia. Others are Zamfara, Dauda Lawal, Ogun, Dapo Abiodun, Anambra Charles Soludo, Yobe, Mai Mala Buni, Taraba, Agbu Kefas, Gombe, Delta, Sheriff Oborevwori, Rivers, Siminalayi Fubara, Niger Mohammed Bago and Sokoto, Ahmad Aliyu. Others are Ebonyi, Francis Nwifuru, Kaduna, Uba Sani, Edo, Godwin Obaseki, Abia, Alex Otti, Bayelsa, Douye Diri, Kano, Abba Yusuf, Bauchi, Bala Mohammed, Oyo, Seyi Makinde and Borno State Deputy Governor, Umar Kadafur and Deputy Governor of Ondo, Lucky Ayedatiwa The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, Acting Accountant General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, Acting Governor of Central Bank, Folashodun Shonubi, Permanent Secretaries Budget and National Planning, Federal Capital Territory Administration, and State House, were also in attendance.

Iheanyi Chukwudi The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, has charged troops of Operation Udoka to redouble their efforts and flush out remaining criminal elements in South-East region. Irabor who gave the charge while addressing the troops drawn from the military and para-military security formations at the headquarters of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, expressed President Bola Tinubu's commendation for their doggedness so far in the operation. The CDS said, “You are mandated to flush out the criminal elements disturbing the peace and socio-economic well-being of the South-East.” Irabor appreciated the troops of the operation, launched towards the end of January 2023, for a “very successful operation leading to violence-free, fair and credible elections in the South-East." He said that, “From the briefs I have been receiving from the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, who is the overall Commander of the Operation and other field Commanders, I am proud of your conduct during the general elections. “I say well done to you for your effectiveness and commitment that led to a resounding success during the general elections. “However, it is not over yet, I want you to redouble your efforts and get ready for more serious work to see that the report of pockets of insecurity in the South-East by criminal elements is totally checked." The CDS stated that the recent move by Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State and by extension other governors of the South-East to stop the illegal sit-at-homes must be supported by all. The move he noted, will stop the monumental socio-economic, cultural and relationship losses incurred by the people of the region. “I am using this medium to call on the people of Enugu State and the South-East that they should not allow any criminal enterprise a space to operate within Enugu State and the South-East any more. “They should join efforts with members of the security agencies to defile illegal order of sit-at-home in the region. “I am counseling the criminals to desist from illegal and criminal enterprise of keeping people down on the guise of sit-at-home.” "The sit-at-home does not do anybody any good; rather there are avenues that they (aggrieved) can channel any grievance they have.”

Iheanyi Chukwudi The suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. AbdulRasheed Bawa, is now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) and is being quizzed. Bawa reportedly arrived the DSS office Wednesday night on invitation of the Service . His invitation according to a statement signed by DSS Public Relations Officer, Peter Afunanya, relates to some investigative activities concerning him. Bawa was suspended indefinitely from office on Wednesday by President Bola Tinubu, to allow for proper investigation into his conduct while in office. A statement issued by Director, Information in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Willie Bassey, announcing Bawa's suspension, said that the suspension follows weighty allegations of abuse of office levelled against him (Bawa). “Mr Bawa has been directed to immediately handover the affairs of his office to the Director, Operations in the Commission, who will oversee the affairs of the Office of the Chairman of the Commission pending the conclusion of the investigation,” the statement added. President Tinubu had met with Bawa earlier in the Presidential Villa. It could be recalled that Bawa had some time in June, 2021, hinted the EFCC was currently then investigating Tinubu, the National Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the story was published in the Daily Trust of June 21, 2021.

Iheanyi Chukwudi The Enugu State House of Assembly today elected Uche Ugwu as the 8th Assembly Speaker amidst tight security. Also elected at the inauguration of the 8th State Assembly is Ezenta Ezeani, as the Deputy Speaker. Ugwu who is the immediate past Deputy Speaker of the 7th Assembly is the member representing Udi North State Constituency while Ezeani is representing Igbo-Etiti West State Constituency. Their election came after the 8th Assembly was proclaimed by the Clerk of the House, Dr Emma Udaya. The member representing Nkanu West State Constituency, Iloabuchi Aniagu, nominated Ugwu and was seconded by Chukwudi Nwankwo represented Awgu South State Constituency while the nomination of Ezeani was done by member representing Awgu North Constituency, Jane Eneh and was seconded by member representing Nkanu East, Okey Mba. Election of other officers could not continue because the uncomfortable situation in the Chambers caused by zealous policemen who threw teargas canisters on people at one of the entrances to the Assembly chamber. Speaking shortly after taking the oath of office the new speaker, Ugwu, promised that his leadership shall be fair to all irrespective of party affiliation. He said that despite the diversity that now exist in the House, the 8th Assembly will be a unifying factor and will do all things for the benefit of the state. The diversity now existing in the house he insisted will rather be a source of strength "because what is binding us together is greater than what divides us. "We shall have unity of purpose. We shall live up to the expectations of the people of Enugu State and we shall align ourselves with Governor Peter Mbah's vision of disruptive governance. We shall adopt negotiation rather than confrontation," he said.

Iheanyi Chukwudi The Clerk of Enugu State House of Assembly/Head of Legislative Service, Dr. Emma Udaya has said that the 8th Enugu State House of Assembly members-elect will be inaugurated on Tuesday, June 13. Dr. Udaya in a statement said the inauguration will hold in the hallowed chamber of the State Assembly complex, Independence Layout at 10am. The Clerk in the announcement directed the members-elect to come with their Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) certificate of return and assets declaration slip for verification. “Every member-elect is expected to bring the originals of his/her certificate of return from INEC and Code of Conduct Acknowledgement slip of Assets declaration to the Clerk of the House for sighting and verification. “All members-elect are advised to be seated on their respective Constituency seats in the hallowed chamber of the House at 9.30am as punctuality is an invaluable decorum of the honourable House," his statement reads. The announcement for the inauguration came few days after reports went viral that the state government was plotting to secretly inaugurate the 10 PDP members-elect without the Labour Party 14 majority. Meanwhile, Tuesday's event has been tipped to be an exciting as the main opposition party in the state, Labour Party has 14 out the 24 members-elect, leaving the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with 10. Equally interesting is that the PDP, though in minority has the ranking lawmakers-elect, a development some are arguing might give its members-elect backing to produce the Speaker of the House.

Iheanyi Chukwudi One of the contestants for the traditional ruler stool of Akama-Oghe community in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Chief Christian Akpata, has narrowly escaped assassination. Akpata who called on security agencies in the state to investigate the attempts on his life, said the assassination attempts, happened twice and he narrowly escaped death but not without gunshot injuries and destruction of one his cars, a Lexus Jeep which was riddled with bullets. Chief Akpata told newsmen at the weekend that his life and that of members off his family were under serious threat and thanked God for saving them from the bullets of the hired killers. According to him the first attack happened on May 9, when some men operating in a tricycle and Camry car trailed him from his house to Enugu Timber Market, where they attacked him. Narrating his ordeal he said, "My life is under threat. I have escaped two assassination attempts in less than one month. They attacked me on May 9 and returned back here in my house on June 8. "They were with Keke and Camry. I went to the Timber Market to buy materials for my son, who is building his house in Enugu here. He and another person was with us in my Lexus Rx 330 car. As I drove out, I noticed that a Camry car with tinted windows was parked in the street here with its headlamps fully on. I thought it belonged to my neighbours' visitors. "But, immediately I drove out, the car followed me behind. When the movement became constant, I manouvered and followed another route. But after buying what we came to buy, I tried to drive out but noticed that a tricycle had blocked my path. "It was then that one of the occupants of the tricycle emerged and started shooting directly at me. I did everything to dodge the nuzzle from getting to my head and he managed to shatter my shoulder. "As God would have it, I managed to push the tricycle out and sped away. But that particular Camry attempted to block me in front with one of the occupants bringing out AK 47 rifle to shoot me. But the speed with which I hit the door of their car helped me to escape. "I drove straight to the hospital where surgeries were done to remove the bullets. I thank God for saving my life. "But, almost one month after, they returned to my street again. This time around with Keke and as I came out from the gate one of them pointed at me and said 'that's him'. "I'm not afraid of death but all I know is what is right must be done. If God hasn't approved my death, nobody can kill me. This is not the first time. Sometimes, when I go to occasion, I notice some people trailing me. "So, I'm saying all these to tell security agencies in Enugu State that my life is in danger. I haven't offended anyone in any way. The only thing I know I have done is that I am in court with some people over the Igweship seat of my town Akama-oghe, which some interests don't want me to occupy after I was elected." He praised the Commissioner of Police, Enugu state, Ahmed Ammani for coming to his assistance in the course of the incidence.

Uche Nnaji inaugurating new APC Secretariat in Enugu, flanked by Dr Ijeomah Arodiogbu by his right and Ada Ogbu, Ugochukwu Agballah by his left.

Iheanyi Chukwudi The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South East has expressed optimism that what happened in Imo state that gave the party the governance of the State three years ago would repeat itself in Enugu state before the year ends. Enugu State Chairman of the party, Chief Ugochukwu Agballah who disclosed this in Enugu during the opening of the new State Secretariat complex of APC, stated that like it happened in Imo where the party came from fourth position to become the first, same would happen in Enugu and Uche Nnaji will come from his present fourth position and emerge the first and eventually takeover power at the Lion Building. Agballah who was addressing the party faithful during their June Stakeholders meeting shortly after the unveiling of the new state secretariat, said the party in the state was currently weeding the moles in their midst to ensure they will not be part of their victory train that will go with Chief Uche Nnaji, the party governorship candidate, to take over governance of the state soon at the Lion Building, Enugu.” He said, “Last election was an unfortunate period for our party, we were victims of a false propaganda, we were victims of organized lies, we were victims of calculated falsehood. They labeled us a Muslim party, they labeled us an anti-Igbo party. They lied against our party but the truth is, if we are Islamic party some of us will not be here. If we are Islamic party, how come our party is the only party in the whole Nigeria that returned a Catholic Priest in the person of Rev. Fr. Dr. Alia who is today the Governor of Benue State? “In Enugu state, we went to election with the priests of the religious organizations, they did to us what was done to the son of man in Matthew 27:22, where the priests chose a criminal in place of the son of man. “The worst force that we fought against, the stab that pained us most was the moles in our party, those who were members of our party as stakeholders, even some of our candidates that we gave nominations, who were busy campaigning for Labour Party, campaigning for candidates of PDP. That is why the first business of our party after the election was the suspension and expulsion of certain moles who campaigned against our party; those who APC in Abuja and PDP in Enugu and those who were APC in Abuja and Labour party members in Enugu.” He charged the local government and ward executives to also weed their areas of the moles in the APC, “so that we know how many of us that will go with Chief Uche Nnaji before the end of this year into government house to form the government of Enugu state. Because that stone rejected by the builders will be the head of the corner. Have you not heard it that a virgin will be with a child? They say how can number four be number one? “I am confident that God will fulfill His promise and my eyes will see the salvation of the people of Enugu state. Salvation from the cabal that had held us captive for 24 years, … we can never bow to people who did not win election because validity is a sina quo of electoral process. So if you are not validly nominated, you cannot be the governor of Enugu State. “We’ve gone to court questioning the validity of all the three parties in Enugu state and I can assure you as lawyer that the law will have its way. I can assure you that a man who lied under oath cannot be Governor. I can assure you that what happened in Bayelsa will happen in Enugu. I can assure you that what happen in Imo state, they say to me what happened in Imo will not happen in Enugu, I say what happened in Imo will happen in Enugu. Uche Nnaji will be the governor of Enugu state.” The leader of the party in the state and its governorship candidate in the just concluded general election, Chief Nnaji corroborating him assured the people that he will recover his mandate and take over governance. He said, “We are standing on a very solid foundation because whoever Hope U

Iheanyi Chukwudi President Bola Tinubu this evening suspended the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, from office with immediate effect. A statement issued by Director of Information in the Office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Willie Bassey, said that Emefiele's suspension is sequel to an ongoing investigation of his office and the planned reforms in the financial sector of the economy. The statement said the suspended CBN boss was directed to hand to the Deputy Governor, (Operations Directorate). “Mr Emefiele has been directed to immediately hand over the affairs of his office to the Deputy Governor (Operations Directorate), who will act as the Central Bank Governor pending the conclusion of investigation and the reforms,” the statement further said.

Enugu City residents today defied the order of the state government banning the observation of the sit-at-home order of the Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB. The sit-at-home order came to stay as a civil disobedience action following the abduction and rendition of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra. The order has since the said rendition been observed throughout the five Eastern states preferably referred to as Biafra. Residents kept indoors for fear of a repeat of the Anambra state experience where attempt by the state government to stop the observation of the sit-at-home resulted in heavy casualty and the victims apparently got no compensation from the state government. Across the state some residents were apparently not happy that the government appears not to have learnt some lessons from the Anambra state experience. The residents were not encouraged to go about their businesses in spite of security provided in areas probably termed hot spots in the city. In some areas children utilised the time playing whatever games caught their fancy. Reports from our roving reporter.

Iheanyi Chukwudi The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has berated the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC), for zoning the position of the Deputy Speaker to the South East. The organization described APC's allocation of the position of the Deputy Speaker to the South East as highly unreflective, disgusting and provocative to the Igbo. Ohanaeze which is the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation said on Friday that APC's action is offensive. The organization therefore, directed all the Igbo Lawmakers in the 10th National Assembly to vote according to their discretions irrespective of state, religion or ethnicity during election of principal officers of the two Chambers of the National Assembly. Ohanaeze's statement issued in Enugu by the National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, reads, "The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has watched with grave concern the zoning of principal officers of the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We have also observed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) zoned the position of the Deputy Speaker to the South East of Nigeria. "The Ohanaeze Ndigbo states that allocating the position of the Deputy Speaker to the South East is highly unreflective, disgusting and provocative to the Igbo. "To this end, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide led by Chief Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, CFR (Ahaejiagamba) directs all the Igbo Lawmakers in the 10th National Assembly to vote according to their discretions irrespective of state, religion or ethnicity."