POLITICS
Ex-Reps Member Begs Otu for Help on N285m Contract Sum
From Ene Asuquo,Calabar
Former member representing Obudu/ Obanlikwu federal constituency, Emmanuel Utande has begged the Cross River State governor Bassey Otu, to be compassionate with him by approving payment of N285m debt which state government owed his company, Goodwill Nig. Ltd for the contract which he executed for the state.
The ex-law maker made the appeal Tuesday in Calabar while recounting how efforts made by him to recover contract money from previous administrations hit the rock. The ex-reps member, who is now a major player in the agriculture value chain, averred that he is sure that Gov Otu being a humane gentleman can use his good office to right the wrong by tackling the injustice done against him by past administrations.In an Open letter to Governor Otu sighted by our reporter, the former lawmaker who claimed to have saved the then Calcemco cement producing company from collapse stated that he executed a contract awarded to his company Goodwill Nigeria Ltd and he rejuvenated the then Calcemco now Lafarge Africa which was ailing at that time for N285m.”I did that when CALCEMCO had problems and was at the verge of collapse, the then Military Administrator of Cross River state, Colonel Umar Farouk Ahmed, appointed me as a Consultant, under the company, Goodwill Nigeria Ltd.”I successfully rejuvenated Calcemco which was then the only cement producing company in Nigeria. “Meanwhile Calcemco was designed exclusively for export because the raw materials limestone, obtained from Mfamosing, was the purest.Quite often clay has to be added to bring down the quality a bid so that it can conform with international standards”After successfully rejuvenating Calcemco,it was re-commissioned with three major stakeholders; Calcemco,Cross River State government and federal government through (BPE).”From the records, my company was chosen having quoted the least cost of N285m. When it was time to pay, the state government did not pay and I approached the court. “By this time Donald Duke had become governor of the state and for whatever reason, he vowed not to pay until “I die and nothing will happen,” but by God’s grace I am alive.”So, now it is divine justice. When the matter was in court, Justice Eyamba Edem was the then Chief Judge of the state and on the influence of then Governor Duke, she transferred Justice Philomena Egbe from Calabar to Ogoja Judicial division because she was seen to likely look at the case on merit.”I saw it as a punitive case and I petitioned for the transfer. Justice Philomena later retired as Judge of the Appeal Court.”The company was denied justice on grounds of “filing our case at status barred,” and this was anchored by Donald Duke’s Attorney General, Attah Ochinke.”Against the foregoing high degree of injustice and the present governor being a man of peace, just and humane leader,”I call on him to right this injustice by approving the release of the sum of N285m only to this octogenarian who served this state and nation well through goodwill company Nig. Ltd”. He maintained.POLITICS
NSA Threatens Lawsuit over Election Rigging Allegation, Demands Apology
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has demanded a retraction of election rigging allegation made against him by the chairperson of Edo chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Anthony Aziegbemi.
Aziegbemi had in a statement on Sept. 14, accused the Federal Government of planning to rig the upcoming Edo Governorship Election, using Ribadu and the Department of State Service (DSS).
He claimed that Ribadu had released 2 million U.
S Dollars to the APC governorship candidate in the election as part of the plot.In reaction to the allegation, Ribadu’s lawyers, Charles Musa & Co, described the allegation as “totally false” and demanded immediate retraction.
“We write on behalf of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (our Client), in response to your press statement titled “Edo 2024: presidency’s move to interfere, manipulate guber poll using DSS, NSA uncovered.”
“The publication falsely alleges, inter alia, that, “$2 million was ordered to be released to the APC candidate by the NSA to buy votes and bribe security agencies,” the letter said.
The lawyers said the malicious and libelous statement had brought their client into public disdain and odium.
According to them, the portrayal of their client as a corruption enabler and his office as an appendage of a political party willing to cause chaos in Edo, is entirely false and damaging to his reputation.
“As a renowned career police officer and pioneer Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), our Client has consistently demonstrated integrity and a commitment to fighting corruption.
“It is inconceivable that he would be involved in such odious acts.
“Given the extensive damage your false and baseless allegations have caused our client, we demand a written apology to our Client and a full retraction of the publication in its entirety.
“We also demand a publication of the retraction in a full-page advertorial in at least five nationwide newspapers; 10 reputable and well-read online news sites; seven national and international television stations, and 10 radio channels with national and international reach,” they said.
The lawyers also demanded payment of N10 billion as damages for reputational and other injuries.
“Take notice that if our demands are not met within seven days, we shall proceed with our Client’s further instructions, including taking legal action to enforce his rights,” they added. (NAN)
POLITICS
Ododo Drums Support for Edo APC Governorship Candidate
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has described the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State as a true representation of the aspirations of the people of the state, promising to use his contacts and cultural ties with the people of Edo State to ensure the victory of the party and its candidate in the Edo governorship election.
Ododo made the declaration at the APC youth rally in Igarra, headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area at the weekend.
The Kogi State Governor who was received by the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Phillip Shaibu promised to galvanize support among the large population of youth and women in the area for the victory of the APC candidate in the September 21 governorship election.
He appealed to the people of Akoko-Edo to shun all acts of violence but to resist intimidation by defending their votes for the APC in the election.
He assured the people that the APC Governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo will replicate the outstanding performance of the past APC leadership in the state led by former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, stressing that the APC and its governorship candidate will deliver on their campaign promises by according topmost priority to the welfare of the people as currently being exemplified in Kogi State under his leadership.
Ododo who spoke in English and Ebira languages commended the people of Akoko-Edo for their peaceful conduct in the course of the campaign and assured that their support will be rewarded by the APC and its governorship candidate once the party emerges victorious in the September 21 governorship election.
Ododo has since arrived in Benin City, the Edo state capital ahead of the grand finale of the APC governorship campaign rally on Saturday where he is expected to address the rally along with other leaders of the party in the final push for the party’s victory in the Edo state governorship election.
POLITICS
Niger Governor Mourns Loss of Munya Constituency Lawmaker
From Dan Amasingha, Minna
Niger state governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has expressed profound sadness over the death of Joseph Haruna Duza, the member representing Munya State Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Security and Intelligence.
In a condolence message statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, Governor Bago described the passing of the lawmaker as both shocking and a significant loss, not only to the people of Munya but to the entire state.
Bago highlighted Duza’s invaluable contributions and active role in combating insecurity within the state, as well as his unwavering dedication to its growth and development.
The Governor emphasised that only God can fill the void left by Duza’s demise.
Bago extended his heartfelt condolences to the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Barr. AbdulMalik Sarkin Daji, other members of the 10th State Assembly, the immediate and extended family of the deceased, and the people of Munya Local Government.
He urged them to accept Duza’s death as an act of God.
Bago prayed for the repose of Duza’s soul and for comfort for all those affected by this loss.