… Counsels Rivers Governor to quit self-dellusion, embarrassing Rivers people
… Says boasts of ‘defeating Amaechi’ in Rivers politics manifestation of dementia
… Describes consistent attacks on oil sector as misstep, sabotage of national economy

The Rivers State governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has continued to receive knocks for his recent statewide broadcast, which has been described as juvenile, unmannerly and far below the standard character of a State Governor.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State and erstwhile spokesman of the defunct New People’s Democratic Party (nPDP), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, who joined in condemning the governor for what he described as his gangster-pattern of leadership, said Wike had desecrated the office of governor by his ‘base and thuggish’ style.

Governor Wike had, during the broadcast on Thursday, dished out treats, orders and prohibitions, which political watchers, analysts and opinion leaders have summed to be a crass exhibition of mediocrity with impunity and display of ineptitude with effrontery.

In a statement made available to media houses, Chief Eze said the governor’s display of attitudinal delinquency was testament to the fact that he is lacking in the minimum mental and ethical traits, naturally prescribed for the office of a State Governor.

The party chieftain berated the Governor for being grossly unteachable and generally insensitive to matters of critical importance and pivotal for efficient steering of statescraft.

He specifically frowned at the poor handling of the implementation of the lockdown order on those rendering essential services as well as those whose services are critical for the sustenance of the economy.

Expressing further disappointment, Chief Eze lambasted the governor over his docile attitude towards the wailing of Rivers people on the prevalence of hunger, occasioned by his lockdown order and lack of reasonable palliative measures and intervention which he said is a greater pandemic amongst the less privileged in the state.

Dismissing the combatant approach with which the governor forcefully demands funds from Federal Government and corporate bodies for the war against Covid-19, Eze admonished Gov. Wike to be cautious and guard his utterances in the interest of the State after the pandemic. He said companies operating in the state will give their support when it is necessary within the bounds of their Corporate Social Responsibility.

The Party Chief counselled companies wishing to support with palliatives for Rivers people to pull resources together and reach out to citizens directly with their largesse rather than make donations to the state government or any of its committees to avoid possible diversion, mismanagement, imprudent and misuse of funds and ensure the gesture gets to the targeted vulnerable groups in the society regardless of political affiliations.

Eze said the counsel became imperative owing to the discriminatory approach adopted by the state government palliative committee on party affiliations.

Recall that there has been allegations against the committee that members of opposition parties, especially the All Progressives Congress are being denied the few grains of rice and a sachet of noodle shared by the state government as palliative to families to cushion the spread of hunger arising from the pandemic and lockdown.

He counselled the governor to adopt wider consultation as strategic approach to governance and as a substitute to his self-styled and anti-people techniques, which have inflicted untold hardship on the people and incalculable damages to state economy.

“It is characteristically wrong in essence and manner and embarrassing to the sensibility of Rivers people for the governor to make certain proclamations especially, those touching on the general welfare of citizens and state economy without consulting stakeholders and experts in the affected field for public interest. That approach is severely injurious to the state and her people”. Eze stressed.

The Party Chief further laughed the governor to scorn over his reckless claim of defeating Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi in the politics of Rivers State, describing his comment as evidencing fanaticism bordering on arduous dementia. He reminded the governor that the unfortunate circumstance that brought him to office has remained fresh in the memories of Rivers people.

Chief Eze maintained that Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi remains an enigma in public service whose strides and uncommon achievements exists in the consciousness of Rivers people and Nigerians in general. The party stalwart said for all intents and purposes and in all ramifications, Amaechi’s shoes are too big for Wike to step in.

While reminding the governor that his years as Governor are very few, Eze tasked Wike to redouble efforts and try harder to achieve at least one laudable project for which he will be remembered after leaving office, stressing that he is yet to commence real governance in Rivers State under a democracy after five wasted years.

The manner and act of boasting that he doesn’t take order from the Federal Government and embarking upon actions that portray him as endangering the oil sector which is the main stay of the economy of Nigeria through the arrest of Covenant Staff and later 22 ExxonMobil staff doesn’t portray him in any form as a serious minded Administrator. He need to apologize both to the Rivers State people and the entire nation for these acts inimical to the image of the State and the office he is currently occupying

On the release of the ExxonMobil staff who were detained on the orders of Gov. Wike in the course of their lawful duty and have been under custody, Chief Eze said it would have been disastrous, had the governor continued to unlawfully detain the oil workers on mere trumped up charges.

He said Gov. Wike has only succeeded in making a mockery Rivers State and made her laughing stock before other states in terms of governance and by the way and manner he has administered her, charging him to halt further acts capable of bringing Rivers State into conflict with the federal government.

“Aside boasting of not taking orders from the federal government, the governor has freely embarked on several actions capable of endangering the oil sector, which is the main stay of the economy of Nigeria, such as the arrest of Caverton Pilots and sealing off of their offices and later the detention of 22 ExxonMobil staff, whose job falls within essential service by necessary implication”, he noted.

Eze insists that Governor Wike’s acts were contrary to every recognised standards of civilised behaviour, international ethics and decorum and only paints him in the light of an ill-bred and discourteous administrator with very little or no knowledge about democratic tenets.

While counselling the governor to desist from acts capable of smearing the image of the state and bringing it to public odium, the party chieftain insists that it is appropriate and in order for the governor to apologize, not just to Rivers people, but the entire nation for his unbecoming behaviour, which has painted the state negatively and lowered the estimation of the high office he currently occupies.

Chief Eze further challenged Rivers people to speak up against the maladministration of the PDP-led state government, which he said had destroyed democratic institutions and incorporated corruption into a formalised system with increased poverty, massive job losses, decayed infrastructure, decrepit power supply and sickening education system as output, despite the monumental oil wealth and internally generated revenues running into tens and hundreds of billions accruing to the state in the last six years.

Eze commends the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) for suspending their earlier planned industrial action premised to take place by yesterday Monday because of the unwarranted detention of Exxon Mobil workers by Governor Wike.

Eze wonders if it is not a sign of cowardice, why did Governor Wike hastily released the detained Exxon Mobil workers after boasting that he will ensured their prosecution?

Wike ought to know of the superior powers of the Federal Government after using the instruments of the FG to shot himself into power by 2015 and should no longer for any reason attempt to undermine or ridicule the office of the President of the Federal Government under any other circumstance, Eze reiterated.

The Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society began the distribution of cash palliatives to its members nationwide on Monday to cushion the pains occasioned by the Coronavirus lockdown in the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos, Ogun and some other states.

The cash palliative is made through beneficiaries’ bank accounts to ensure that beneficiaries do not crowd around the distribution venues. It is the third distribution of such palliatives since President Muhammadu Buhari directed the lockdown on March 29, 2020.

In the first week of the lockdown, the society distributed raw and cooked foods to its members and to more than 100 residents of its headquarters neighbourhood of Asokoro Extension in Abuja.

In the second week, it similarly distributed food and cash to members and to a large number of people, but had a Herculean task of ensuring that beneficiaries observed the social distancing regime necessary to stave infection.

The society’s National Imam, Fuad Adeyemi, said in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday that the society resolved to limit itself to cash distribution in the third week of the lockdown as the number of beneficiaries increased astronomically and it was becoming tedious to make social distancing effective.

He explained that the regular distribution of palliatives at this period of limitation of movement and of businesses is in consonance with the teaching of the Holy Quran where it says in Quran 2:195 that “And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw yourselves with your own hands into destruction by refraining. And do good; indeed Allah loves the doers of good.’’

Imam Adeyemi also added that the society ceased all activities at its national headquarters and its other mosques nationwide ahead of the presidential order to protect its members and neighbours.

He noted also that Al-Habibiyyah’s efforts were backed by Allah’s directive in Quran 2:272 when He told His prophet that “Not upon you, O Mohammed, is responsibility for their guidance, but Allah guides whom He wills. And whatever good you believers spend is for yourselves, and you do not spend except seeking the countenance of Allah. And whatever you spend of good – it will be fully repaid, and you will not be wronged.’’

Imam Adeyemi enjoined all Nigerians to play their parts fully to bring an end to the contagion while not forgetting to reach out to the needy to ensure that the pains of the lockdown are brought to the barest minimum.

The Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society is an Islamic think-tank whose areas of activities cut across education, Islamic and Western, mosque projects as well as other Islamic activities aimed at creating genuine leadership for Muslims.

It operates a Food Bank, which feeds hundreds of thousands of all faithful , Muslims and non-Muslims during Islamic Ramadan month of fasting, just as it gives Zakat (assistance) annually to the needy as commanded by Almighty Allah.

It also campaigns vigorously against corruption with active support of the MacArthur Foundation.

Two months after he took office, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Tuesday, presented an appropriation bill of N242.283 billion for the 2020 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly.

Presenting his maiden budget estimate christened, “Consolidation for Prosperity 2020,” Senator Diri said the appropriation bill defines the structure for the economic activities to be undertaken in the fiscal year.

In a press release by his Acting Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, the governor emphasised that the policy thrust of his administration in the next four years remains consolidating on the gains already made by the previous government.

He said his administration would embark on special programmes and projects aimed at wealth creation.

Accordingly, he said his administration would encourage the people to participate in agriculture, small and medium scale enterprises and create opportunities toward attracting the private sector for industrialisation.

Senator Diri equally highlighted other programmes to include infrastructure development, housing and urban renewal, human capital development and public sector and financial management reforms.

On the current economic outlook, the governor said as a result of the ravaging effect of COVID-19 on the global economy, there was need for prudent management of resources.

He said the price of crude oil had nosedived drastically as against the federal government’s benchmark pegged at $55 per barrel thus affecting revenue from statutory allocations from the Federation Account.

As part of efforts to reduce the cost of governance and enhance transparency, Senator Diri maintained that the human resources, financial reporting, budgeting and procurement component of the state’s Integrated Financial Management Information System (SIFMIS) would be fully implemented this year.

The governor, who assured that his administration would continue with the implementation of the Federal Government approved minimum wage for workers, said the payment of gratuity arrears had already commenced for pensioners.

In his remarks, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, commended Governor Diri and his team for the steps taken by his administration to prevent the spread of COVID-19 into the state.

He stressed the need for the state government to adopt more strategies to raise funds from alternative sources and seek ways to cushion the effects occasioned by the virus.

He assured that the assembly would expedite passage of the appropriation bill.

…… A minor warned

The Niger State COVID-19 Mobile Court has sentenced eight persons to six months in prison with an option of Two Thousand Naira fine each, for violating the stay-at-home order of the State Government occasioned by the COVID-19.

The suspects who were arrested on the 19th of April, 2020 during the enforcement exercise in the State, are from different areas of Minna Metropolis.

The Mobile Court session jointly presided over by Magistrates Murtala Ibrahim and Halima Mohammed was held at the premise of the State High Court Minna.

The state lead counsel, Suleiman Buhari Wushishi said the suspects were arraigned before the mobile court on two count charges of violating social distancing and stay-at-home directives of the state government under section 17 (a) and (2) of the state COVID-19 order 2020 which they all pleaded guilty to.

At the end of trial, the suspects were all discharged and acquitted after the payment of #2000 fine each with one minor, Musa Ibrahim who only got warned.

The SSG and Chairman Task Force on COVID-19 Ibrahim Ahmed Matane explained that the mobile court for the violators of the lockdown order is in place in major towns of the state to serve as deterrent.

Bayelsa State has extended the lockdown of its borders for another two weeks.

Governor Douye Diri gave the directive on Tuesday evening in a press release by his Acting Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, following the expiration of the earlier two-week deadline.

He said the lockdown affects inter-state vehicular movement, closure of drinking bars at night as well as night clubs.

Worship centres are also affected as they have been directed to close down and hold services at home.

The state had on Sunday imposed a five-day dusk-to-dawn curfew, which took effect from Monday.

The governor noted that Bayelsa was yet to record any case of COVID-19 infection but his administration was committed to taking preventive measures against the spread of the disease into the state.

He added that the measures were equally necessary to prepare people of the state for any eventuality.

“We are yet to record any positive case of COVID-19 in Bayelsa. But this does not mean we would go to sleep.

“Our administration is seriously committed to preventing the spread of this dreaded disease into our state. So, we must take measures to keep it in check as well as prepare the minds of our people in case of any positive report. People of the state should continue to maintain good hygiene habits as well as comply with the social distancing rules,” the governor said.

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has described the demise of the Second Republic Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN), as the end of an era and a huge loss to Oyo State, the legal profession, the Federal Republic of Nigeria and indeed, the world at large.

Governor Makinde, who also described the demise as the loss of a gem and a shining light, said that he was saddened by the demise of the foremost legal luminary.

The governor, in a condolence message made available through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, described Akinjide as a legal luminary who served his state and country to the best of his ability.

He maintained that the former minister’s death came at a period that his wealth of experience and robust versatility in history, politics and law was needed to offer direction to the current generation of Nigerian leaders.

The governor said: “The news of the death of our father, leader and one of the last men standing among the foremost politicians of the country, Chief Richard Akinjide, came to us as a shock.

“This is because Baba, for those who know him or has seen him in recent time, did not show any sign of slowing down; he continued to lead intelligent and history-laden conversations, offered golden advice on governance and leadership and remained a great pillar of experience in politics and law.

“His death, no doubt, is a huge loss to Oyo State, Nigeria and indeed, the world, because he was an exemplary indigene of Ibadan and Oyo State; a detribalised Nigerian, who served the country to the best of his ability and a citizen of the world.

“We have lost a gem and a shining light in Baba Akinjide. I commiserate with my sister and chieftain of our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oloye Jumoke Akinjide and the rest of Baba’s biological and political children.

“I condole with all indigenes of Oyo State and Nigerians on the exit of a giant of Akinjide’s standing.”

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has  drawn the attention of the general public to yet another fraudulent online data collection form that is capitalizing on the COVID-19 pandemic to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a press release signed by the Head, Corporate Affairs and External Relations Corporate Headquarters, Mrs Hadiza Umar, MNIPR, MAPRA, MCIPR, she said that the information being circulated which has now gone viral on various social media platforms, requests users to provide their personal data such as phone number, email address, bank details etc. This, the information indicates, that it is for the users to access various Government palliatives aimed at cushioning the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This site is fraudulent site and Nigerians are advised to be wary of such online requests. Governments at all levels have established channels of collecting information for the purpose of disbursing palliatives.

The statement readn “It is clear that due to the lockdown and ‘Stay At Home’ directive being observed globally as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the activities of the cyber-criminals are on the increase. As enshrined in NITDA’s enabling Act, the Agency is responsible for ensuring a safe and secure cyberspace for all Nigerians and residents. The Agency is therefore doing everything possible to shut down all identified fraudulent online platforms as well as sanction those behind them.

“As a general precautionary measure, Internet users are advised to observe the following:
• not to give out their personal information to any unverified data collection platform;
• avoid clicking unknown links;
• disregard offers requesting for their bank details;
• not to share any unverified information via social media platforms; and
• know what to do when they become victims of cybercrime.

“The Agency further calls on all well-meaning Nigerians to support the Federal Government in its efforts at containing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. We are all encouraged to strictly adhere to recommendations given by health experts and follow updates from relevant agencies handling this outbreak, especially the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 (PTF COVID-19) and the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

“The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is a Federal Government Agency under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy. NITDA was established in April 2001 to implement the Nigerian Information Technology Policy as well as coordinate general IT development and regulation in the country. Specifically, Section 6(a & c) of the Act mandates NITDA to create a framework for the planning, research, development, standardization, application, coordination, monitoring, evaluation and regulation of Information Technology practices, activities and systems in Nigeria; develop guidelines for electronic governance and monitor the use of electronic data interchange and other forms of electronic communication transactions as an alternative to paper-based methods in government, commerce, education, the private and public sectors, labour, and other fields, where the use of electronic communication may improve the exchange of data and information, the statement concluded

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, FCT Council, has urged members of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 that were at the burial rites of Mallam Abba Kyari, former Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, to excuse themselves from the daily briefing.

In a statement on Monday in Abuja, chairman of the council, Emmanuel Ogbeche, called on the members of the PTF which includes the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and National Coordinator, Mr. Boss Mustapha, to demonstrate dignified responsibility by not putting journalists and others who attend the briefing in harm’s way by not attending.

“Following the protocol already established by the PTF and the Presidency in asking all those who attended the funeral rites for the late Mallam Abba Kyari, former Chief of Staff to the President, the NUJ urges in particular, members of the PTF who were at the Defence House and Gudu cemetery, to respectfully not attend the daily Covid-19 briefing until after the 14 days isolation,” the statement read.

Ogbeche said anything other than this will further cast doubt on the integrity of the PTF, and put the little gains already achieved in jeopardy.

The FCT NUJ Chair advised journalists at the briefing to protest and possibly stage a walk out if any of the members that were at any of the rites shows up.

He charged journalists to be responsible for their safety by wearing appropriate PPEs and not become the news in their search for news.

According to him, the council was still calling on media organisations to provide PPEs and hazard allowance to those covering the Covid-19 crisis, insisting that the union will declare industrial dispute with all organisations that fail in this regard after the Covid-19 lockdown.