News
Orji Kalu crosses to APC
A former Governor of Abia, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, on Wednesday, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), with prayer that God would use him to add value to the party. Kalu was received at the APC National Headquarters, Abuja, by the party’s National Chairman, Chief John Odige-Oyegun and members of the National Working Committee (NWC).
He said that his defection to the APC was made possible by the persistence of some of the party’s chieftains who had been wooing him for some times. According to him, I was invited to dinner over 20 times by some of the party`s chieftains, including the national chairman, while the wooing lasted. “They had been on by neck, asking that I must come over to APC and the national chairman always buys me red wine. “My red wine is still packed in his house and I visit his place regularly to chat because we attend the same church’’. Kalu joins APC1 Kalu, however, said that it was a privilege to be accepted into the party, adding that he would abide by its laws while remaining a good party man.
He thanked the APC national chairman and other party chieftains for the confidence they reposed in him and for making him join the party. He assured that states being governed by opposition parties in the South-East and other parts of the country presently would be delivered to the APC in 2019. “God will help us to achieve this, but the most important thing is the ability to consult, discuss and move forward. “Nobody is an embodiment of knowledge; knowledge is in the hands of God and He will always give us knowledge’’.
He prayed that the APC continued to wax stronger and for its leaders continued support for President Mohammed Buhari in his quest to develop the country and fight corruption. Kalu expressed optimism that though the country was going through rough times, good policy formulation would help to lessen the suffering of the people. He expressed optimism that the APC would leave beyond 2019 contrary to the predictions of some Nigerians. “Nobody can say that APC cannot go beyond 2019; Nigerians should change this behaviour that after every four years when there is presidential election, people will start saying they want to change party. “APC has come to stay in my opinion and in the opinion of other people and the international community. “If APC is going and its members that welcomed me here today are going, I will go with them,’’ he said. He, however, said that he would not contest any position, but added that he would accept any role the party may find him worthy of playing. “Once you are a party man and you are given a mandate to do anything, you will do it, but for me, I am an entrepreneur and I will like to go back to my business’’. Receiving him, Odigie-Oyegun, described the politician as a positive asset not only to the South-East, but to APC and Nigeria, who could be used to resolve the country`s challenges.
He explained that the party`s chieftains took time to woo Kalu to the party because of his attributes of resilience and commitment over the years. “Given the attachment of the South-East before now, it was also necessary to go out for leaders who can contribute positively, who people listen to, and you fall into that category. “Your coming and timing is very significant, but I must say that you have a lot of work to do to consolidate our party in the East,’’ Odigie-Oyegun said. He said that the APC would depend on Kalu to win not only states in the South-East but the South-South in 2019. He assured the former Abia governor, who defected from the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), that he would be given his rightful place in the APC.
He added that though the country was going through difficulties that was not created by the APC-led government, the party was determined to address it.
Muyiwa Adejobi, spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), has ordered the arrest of officers seen in a viral video bashing a moving car.
Adejobi condemned the incident and called for the identification and summon of the officers involved.
On Wednesday, an X user quoted a video with the words: “Can we agree finally say na animals una carry guns and uniforms give?… The Nigerian Police is the most UNPROFESSIONAL in the entire solar system.”
Reacting to the video, Adejobi wrote: “This is condemned totally. How can human beings be behaving in this unholy manner. #BenHundeyin, #LagosPoliceNG, #PoliceNG_CRU take necessary action. Fish out and invite the men immediately. Thanks.”
The Ogun state chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has suspended its indefinite strike.
The union had called for a strike on April 8 over the non-payment of 40 percent peculiar allowance by the state government.
Adewale Adenekan, publicity secretary of the union in Ogun, said executive members held a meeting with the secretary to the state government on Monday.
“After the meeting with the representatives of the state government, the authenticity of the union’s demand was established and the state government realised its mistakes in the failure to involve the JUSUN executive in the negotiation process which led to the approval and implementation of the Peculiar Allowance”, the statement reads.
“The state government said this was because JUSUN is not a member of JNC.
“However, the bone of contention is now the timing of the implementation of the union’s demand, putting into consideration the imminent announcement by the Federal Government of the new minimum wage which is expected on May 1.
“This will be billed for implementation between May and June 2024 for both Federal and State workers.
“After much discussion on the matter, it was agreed that JUSUN’s demands should be treated together with the full implementation of CONJUSS alongside the minimum/living wage negotiation and implementation.”
The union added that it reviewed the proceedings of the meeting and decided to suspend the strike.
“This is a very difficult moment for both the leadership and members of the union, but we believe this is a fair agreement that will benefit the union and its members in the long term,” the statement adds.
“In view of the above, the National Officers and JUSUN leadership of Ogun state, having reviewed the proceedings of the meeting, decided to suspend the indefinite strike action.
“The union thereby directed all its members to resume work by Wednesday. The union will continue to engage the state government towards the actualisation of its demands.
“We look forward to continue to provide our esteemed members with excellent and quality leadership.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it will prosecute a former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, over alleged money laundering, contract fraud in the ministry and Nigeria Air debacle.
The EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, disclosed this on Wednesday in a phone conversation with Nairametrics.
When asked if the anti-graft plans prosecuting the former minister, he responded in the affirmative.
He (Sirika) is going to be charged to court, but it may not be able to be either now or…but definitely, he is going to be sued. He may be arraigned very very soon. That is the information I’ve got,” he said.
Sirika served under former president Muhammadu Buhari as Minister of Aviation.
Another source familiar with developments within the commission but chose not to be named also told Nairametrics that the anti-graft agency’s ongoing probe would lead to prosecution.
“The EFCC is planning to prosecute him, but I don’t know the details except that he was arrested,” the source said.
Several media outlets claim the ex-minister is being interrogated over alleged contract scam under his purview and knowledge.
A reliable source said the arrest is also linked to the botched Nigeria Air. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had cancelled the Nigeria Air deal on August 31, 2023. He had revealed on January 31, 2024, that “the whole composition and totality of the deal is merely Ethiopian Air flying the Nigerian flag.” He also admitted that the EFCC was investigating the whole deal.
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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.
She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others
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