Eid-el-Fitr: Kogi Assembly Spesker sues for peace

The Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Umar Ahmed Imam has congratulated the Government and People of Kogi State on the successful conclusion of this year's Ramadan fast and celebration of Eid-el-Fitr. In a Press Statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Umar Yakubu Ali, the Speaker who also extended his Sallah greetings to his colleagues in the Assembly, thanked them for their commitment to peace in the Hallowed Chamber. While soliciting for continuous peace and tranquility among them, he said it is only in unity that they could perform their function of representation, oversight duties and legislation for the development of the State. He acknowledged the critical and timely role played by the Kogi Parliamentarians, particularly, the 11-Man Peace Committee in the restoration of peace in the Assembly. While congratulating the Muslim community for a successful Ramadan fast, he urged them to remain steadfast and be more prayerful even after the celebration to ensure that the State and the country at large survive its current socio-economic challenges. The Speaker further said "Lessons of self restraint, sacrifice, piety and love imbibed from the month of Ramadan should further strengthen our resolve to live together at this critical period of rebuilding our state and ensuring that the Change we promised is delivered, and the lessons of the holy month of Ramadan must henceforth permeate all of our actions and deeds in such a way that each person must act as his brother's keeper at all time" He said though the State is facing some challenges, part of which was occasioned by the misrule of the past, there are very strong indications and sincere commitment that things will get better soon. He therefore enjoined the people to go about the celebration in moderation, without doing anything that would affect the peaceful co-existence being enjoyed in the state. He also tasked the Security agencies in the State to be proactive by ensuring that all measures are put in place to safeguard lives and property as people go about their celebrations.

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Messi Changes mind about resignation

Indications are rife that the much publicized resignation of Argentine, Lionel Messi, may have been a statement made in the heat of the moment as he may have been set to do a u-turn on that decision. Speaking to a selected reporters in his hotel room, Messi told them of his regret for not picking up the Copa American Trophy, adding that he may have announced his retirement too early. He said his nation may need him more and that it may be difficult for him to turn them down at a time when his services are more crucially needed. According to Messi, “The fact is I don’t think I want to change my mind about retirement, but it is a hard decision, considering that my nation may need me some day and I may not be able to turn them down.” “It is painful because I was desperate to win something for my country, but at 29, I am afraid that time may not be on my side anymore. I really would have loved to win the Copa, but it wasn’t to be.” Some analysts have said that Lionel Messi, who is playing at the top of his game at the moment may have to take time off and rest in order to regain himself following the turbulent season he had in the just concluded La Liga and European football season with his Barcelona Club.

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Court Removes Okezie Ikpeazu As Abia Governor Over Fake Tax Clearance

The Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja has ordered the removal of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State after it annulled his election’s victory in 2016 state governorship polls. The court also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to issue a certificate of return to Samson Oga, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, who contested the governorship ticket with the governor. Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Abuja has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission of Nigeria to cede the certificate of return to the opponent of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia state as he was never qualified to run for the party primaries in the People’s Democratic party as a guber candidate. The judge also ordered the Chief Judge of the state to swear in, Uche Ogah, his opponent in the Decmeber 2014 gubernatorial election in state as the substantive governor of Abia state. The judge ruled that on the account of fake tax returns during the primaries, Dr. Ikpeazu was never qualified to run in the primaries. The court held that Mr. Ikpeazu was guilty of tax evasion and was therefore unqualified to have contested the 2015 governorship election in the state. The court also ordered the governor to vacate office immediately. But Mr. Ikpeazu is yet to comment on the judgment.

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Go on strike at your peril, Government tells workers

Concerned by the calls by the Organized Labour in Kogi State directive to Civil Servants to go on indefinite strike action due to press home their demands that bother on disagreeable aspects emanating from the ongoing staff screening and verification exercise among others, government has warned workers against embarking on any industrial exercise. The state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Hon. Mohammed Awwal Imam, who made the warning while briefing journalists in Lokoja, called on the state workforce not to allow themselves to be used by some unpatriotic individuals, looking for ways to get back at government. He said a statement contained in a bulletin released by the State Branch of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress, directing Civil Servants to commence strike action with effect from Monday, 27th June 2016, was an attempt to sabotage government efforts. Hon Lawal stressed that considering the fact that payment of arrears of salaries had commenced two weeks ago, with 48 Ministries Departments and Agencies out of the total of 55 being paid, with only sevenof them yet to be attended to, he expected the unions to show understnaidng. He gave a reason for the nonpayment to include inability to verify the correct grade levels of the workers, saying that salary variations were received from many MDAs for the month of February to April 2016. The commissioner informed the people of the state that 14 Local Government Areas staff with correct information have been paid, while work is in advance stage for the payment of both Local Government Areas and State Pensioners. He called on Civil Servants to think deep and join forces with the Government in order to develop the state, saying that the governor also implores them to disregard falsehoods from persons trying to hinder the development of the State for their personal and other reasons. Hon Lawal therefore enjoined all genuine Civil Servants in the State to go about their normal work schedule and contribute their quota towards building a new Kogi State in the new direction of the Administration of Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

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Assembly crisis takes new twist

Just when everyone thinks the days of crisis are over on the leadership tussle in the kogi State House of Assembly, the issue has taken a new twist. Kogi Kogi State Chapter of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), has distanced itself from the purported reconciliatory move allegedly initiated by Governor Yahaya Bello towards resolving the crisis that has rocked the State Assembly in the last five months. In a statement signed by Achadu Dickson, Director Research and Documentation of the party and made available to newsmen in Lokoja, the PDP says it stands by the ruling of the Federal High Court, Abuja, that reinstated the leadership of Rt Hon Momoh Jimoh Lawal, as Speaker and other Principal Officers of the house who were wrongfully impeached by a group of five lawmakers. The PDP says any discussion entered into by the governor amounts to contempt, advised him to abide and to obey the ruling of the Abuja Federal High Court. The statement also added that the Kogi State PDP did not mandate any group of person or individuals to resolve the Assembly crisis which has already gotten a ruling in favour of the party. The statement advised the governor to be honourable by obeying the court ruling rather than dissipate energy on a matter that has gotten ruling and is also before a court of competent jurisdiction for further clarification of some salient issues that is needed to be resolved. The Party also called on its members who are lawmakers to stand by the Federal High Court ruling already in their favour, adding that their struggle to correct the legislative rascality that took place in the house has since been won, urged them to be steadfast and hold on to their integrity that has brought them thus far.

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Kogi Assembly Crisis Resolved

The crisis that has been rocking the Kogi State House of Assembly since the end of Last Year has finally been resolved. Photos emerging from government House, Lokoja, following a meeting between warring parties on the leadership feud is a testament to that fact.

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British Prime Minister Cameron Quits After Losing Brexit Vote

British Prime Minister David Cameron resigned from office early today after losing the contentious referendum that saw UK nationals decide to pull out of the European Union. Britons filed into polling stations across the United Kingdom on Thursday to vote on the referendum that decided whether or not the UK will remain a member of the European Union. Voting for the historic vote opened at 7 AM local time and closed at 10 PM. Adult citizens from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland were all permitted to vote. Citizens of Commonwealth countries, such as Nigeria and India, who reside in the UK, were also eligible to vote. Irish citizens living in the UK were also given the vote. After polling data shows that roughly 52 percent of voters opted to leave, Mr. Cameron announced his resignation and would leave office in three months. UK citizens have long been split over its inclusion in the EU. Support for the institution reached its peak in the late 1990s but dipped to its lowest level in June 2015. Those advocating remaining in the EU, including both Prime Minister David Cameron and opposition party leader Jeremy Corbyn, believe that leaving would damage the British economy. The EU is the UK’s largest trading partner, and its exit would, therefore, harm economic relations between the UK and EU member states. British citizens can also work abroad easily in EU countries, but such jobs would be jeopardized if the UK leaves the EU. The “In” campaign also emphasizes that EU membership keeps the cost of living low. For example, certain flights within the EU cost 40 percent less for member states, and Britons are entitled to cheap healthcare in other EU member states. The pro-EU camp also believes that remaining in the EU keeps the UK safe. EU membership allows law enforcement agencies to share intelligence with one another, which can prevent criminals and terrorists from crossing borders. On the other hand, the “Leave” or “Brexit” campaign argues that the EU is too controlling of the UK, as roughly 50 percent of British legislation comes from the EU Parliament. Meanwhile, British influence on EU affairs is declining, as the UK only has 8 percent of votes in the EU Parliament. Brexit advocates also argue that the autonomy gained from leaving the EU would allow the UK to formulate its own global trade deals without EU approval. One of the most contentious issues has been that of migration. Brexit campaigners blame the EU for the influx of migrants and refugees into the UK and argue that these migrants deprive UK citizens of jobs and social benefits. Tensions over migration reached a high last week when Jo Cox, a pro-EU member of Parliament, was shot and killed by a far-right assassin.

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Fmr Minister, PDP cheiftains decamp to APC in Kogi

Former Police Affairs Minister and Minister for Internal Affairs, Mr. Humphrey Abah, Hajia Halima Alfa, member of PDP Board of Trustee, and over 2,000 supporters have defected to All Progressives Congress APC. Receiving the PDP defectors at a rally held in Ayingba yesterday, leader of APC in Kogi State, Prince Abubakar Audu, said the mover and shakers of PDP in Kogi State are now members of APC. Audu stated that the time has come for change in Kogi State, adding that the state has not been the same and poverty was slapping people in the face. He noted that the coming on board of former Minister of Police Affairs, Humphrey Abbah, former member of PDP Board of Trustees, Hajia Halima Alfa, and others will boost the popularity and chances of the party in the state. Audu pointed out that APC was set to take over Kogi State in the next governorship election in Kogi State. Speaking at the rally, Hajia Halima Alfa, who went down memory lane, stated that in 1999 when the All People’s Party, APP, formed the government in the state, Prince Abubakar Audu performed extremely well. She called on all APC supporters to rally round the former governor to realise his ambition to return as governor once again. She also urged party members to come out enmass and vote APC candidate during the November 21 governorship election in Kogi State. Also speaking the, former Internal Affairs Minister, Humphrey Abah, stated that Kogi State need peace and development and the only person that bring about the peace and development. Abah stated that Prince Abubarkar Audu, has been tested and trusted, adding that he has done it before and he will do it again.

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DSS presents detained former CSO to GEJ to the public following speculations of his death (photo)

Above is Gordon Obua, the former Chief Security Officer to former President Jonathan. He was presented to the press this evening by the Department of State Security at their headquarters in Abuja following speculations that he died in their custody yesterday. The DSS wanted to put an end to the false report by presenting Obua to the public. The former CSO, who has been held by the DSS since Thursday July 16th, had embarked on hunger strike to protest his detention and fainted on Sunday. He was rushed to the hospital where he was treated and discharged today. He is said to be suffering from hypertension and diabetes. There are also reports that Obua is being denied access to his lawyers and family.

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BREAKING: NASU Chairman in KSU fired

MANAGEMENT of Kogi State University, Anyigba, has terminated the appointment of the Non Academic Staff Union Chairman in the institution, Comrade Yusuf Audu. Though no reason was officially given for the sack, indications are rife that the dismissal is not unconnected with the allegation of misappropriation of funds belonging to the union amounting to over three hundred and sixty thousand naira and instituting a legal action against management of the institution. Denying the allegations when contacted by our reporter, Comrade Audu described them as baseless and phantom creation of his detractors who are bent on soiling his image to further their own cause. He said he had not stolen anything from anyone, neither has he been involved in any shoddy deals since his assumption of office as the leader of the Non-Academic Staff Union, saying that the latest move was orchestrated by those who see him as a stumbling block in their effort to corruptly enrich themselves. A copy of the letter of termination of his appointment which was made available to our reporter indicates that Comrade Audu has been directed to return all the university’s belongings at his disposal with immediate effect. The letter which was signed on behalf of management by the acting Registrar of the institution, Dr. Y I Abubakar with reference number: KSU/R/EST/JS/299 is dated 17th June, 2015. Investigation by our reporter shows that the sack comes as a consequence of the lingering crisis rocking the Non-Academic Staff Union of the university which has been at a loggerhead with management for some time now over issues that have to do with staff welfare. Our reporter further gathered that Comrade Audu shot himself in the foot when he took management to court over his suspension from office as it is against the ethics of Civil Service Rule in Kogi State University and on another allegation that he sent a threatening text message to a member of his union perceived to be one of the masterminds of his plight. “As an employee of the University, it is against Civil Service Rule here (in KSU) for you to take management to court before exploring other ways of resolving matters out of court.” Comrade Audu however denied taking management to court, saying that his case in court was against the police who have instituted a criminal case against him without properly investigating an allegation brought to them against him. He said it was not out of place for the court to invite the management of the university to be joined in a case like that, adding that he had not taken the management to court as such. According to an insider source within management who spoke to our reporter on the condition of anonymity, informed our reporter that the sack of Comrade Yusuf is been long time coming since he decided to take the management to court over his suspension from work, an action that is contrary to the Kogi State University Civil Service Rule. The source said: “It is true that he has been sacked over misappropriation of funds amounting to over N360, 000, 00 (three hundred and sixty thousand naira), out of which he returned just over one hundred and sixty thousand naira (N160, 000)”. The return of the money substantiates the claims of misappropriation leveled against him, the source said, but Comrade Audu said it was not true.

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