President Muhammadu Buhari commiserates with Government and people of Borno State over the passing of former Minister of Mines, Power and Steel, Alhaji Bunu Sherif Musa, sharing the grief of family members over the loss.
The President condoles with Borno State Elders’ Forum, friends and associates of the former Minister, who served variously as Minister of Industries (1985), Mines, Power and Steel (1986-89), Aviation (1989), Water Resources (1990) and Employment, Labour and Productivity (1990-92).
President Buhari affirms that the former Minister contributed to the development of the country and his community, taking up many responsibilities, including Nigeria’s Ambassador to France.
The President prays for repose of his soul, urging the family to find solace in his investment in humanity.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 6, 2021

PRESIDENT BUHARI FELICITATES WITH PRESIDENT ADAMA BARROW OF THE GAMBIA ON RE-ELECTION
President Muhammadu Buhari sends warm felicitations to President Adama Barrow of The Gambia over his re-election for a second term of five years.
The President congratulates the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for dutifully handling the electoral process, while commending the Gambians for their high sense of civility, maturity and patriotism.
President Buhari assures President Barrow and all Gambians of Nigeria’s commitment and partnership as they collectively work on making the country better and stronger for posterity.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 6, 2021

December 6, 2021
Press Statement
PDP Affirms Expulsion of Erring Members In Kebbi Chapter
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has affirmed the expulsion of some of its members in Kebbi state, by the Kebbi state chapter of the party.
The expelled members are;
1.Garba Abubakar Besse
2.Ibrahim Usman Manzo
3.Muhd Ruwa R.K
4.Musa Ibrahim Manzo
5.Umar Yakubu Kamba
6.Abdulmalik Haliru Milton
7.Haruna Shayau
8.Isiyaku Daudu
9.Saleh Gambo
10.Bello Muhd Gulmare.
11 Junaidu Wasagu
12.Muhd Idris Afan
13.Abubakar Kurunkudu
14.Hajiya Yalli
15. Haruna Isa
Their expulsion is sequel to the decision of the state chapter and ratification by the NWC in line with the provision of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended).
The PDP urges all members in Kebbi state to remain calm, united and focused, and not allow any agents of destabilization to derail our party in the collective quest to rescue the state as well as the nation from the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary

December 6, 2021
Press Statement
PDP NWC Schedules Conduct of 8 LGA Congresses in Niger State
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has scheduled the conduct of Congresses in the remaining eight local government areas of Niger State for tomorrow, Tuesday, December 7, 2021.
This is sequel to the unanimous decision of the National Working Committee (NWC) at its 541st meeting on Monday, December 6, 2021, in line with the provisions of the PDP Constitution 2017 (as amended).
All party leaders, critical stakeholders, aspirants for respective party positions and teeming members of our party in the affected eight local government areas are by this, guided accordingly.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary

December 6, 2021
Press Statement
PDP Savours Governor Emmanuel’s Listing In Africa’s Inspiring Individuals
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates Akwa-Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, on his recognition as one of the 100 inspiring individuals in Africa in the 2021 African Regional Awards.
This recognition by the African Regional Journal is a well-deserved and resounding testament of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s unique leadership proficiencies and laudable achievements in all critical sectors, in line with the manifesto of the PDP and visions of our founding fathers.
Our party is very proud of Governor Emmanuel’s efforts in stabilizing Akwa-Ibom state to create the enabling peaceful atmosphere for enhanced productivity as well as harmonious living in a multifarious state.
The PDP celebrates Governor Emmanuel’s giant strides in human capital and infrastructural developments in critical sectors, including manufacturing, food production, aviation, maritime, real estate, commence, retailing, energy, education, heathcare, hospitality, among others.
Governor Emmanuel’s feat in the establishment and successful management of highly specialized ventures such as the Ibom Air, Ibom Deep Sea Port, Ibom Industrial Park/Jetty in addition to power, refinery and gas processing plants as well as state of the art health facilities in the state, shows that with the right type of leadership, our nation can indeed achieve success in such critical areas.
This award reinforces our counsel to the Federal Government to understudy Governor Emmanuel’s leadership template in Akwa-Ibom as a model for national cohesion, rapid economic recovery, job creation, infrastructural development, ventures in specialized sectors and prudent management of resources.
The PDP congratulates Governor Emmanuel on the award and urges him to see the recognition as the call to redouble his effort in the development of not only his state but the nation at large.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary

PRESS RELEASE
DEATH OF DOWEN COLLEGE’S STUDENT HEARTBREAKING – SANWO-OLU’S WIFE
…Takes Advocacy Against Sexual And Gender-Based Violence To Schools

Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu on Monday commiserated with the parents of the 12-year-old student of Dowen College, Lekki in Lagos, Sylvester Oromomi who died last week, describing it as heartbreaking.

Already, the state government has sealed off the college following the gruesome death of Oromomi, who was a boarding student of the college.

Speaking during an advocacy visit to some schools in furtherance of the ongoing 16 Days of activism against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, the First Lady described the incident as unfortunate, saying never again should it reoccur in the state.

“I am aware that the Lagos State Government is at the moment investigating the incident and honestly it is something we are not very happy about. It’s a big slap on the face of the education sector, the community, and Lagos State as a whole.

“It is a case that is being investigated and for the parents and everybody involved, honestly, we commiserate with them and send our condolences.

“As I said, the case is being investigated and I will not be able to say much on it at the moment,” Sanwo-Olu said.

She said the advocacy visit to schools was aimed at catching the students young and enlightening them on the need to work against all forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

“As we all know, the world is commemorating the 16 days of activism against SGBV. It commences on November 25 and it will end on December 10 which is Human Rights Day. The program is being championed globally by United Nations and our theme this year is “Orange The World: End Violence Against Women Now.”

“The advocacy is also being championed by the Nigeria Governors’ Wives Forum, NGOs and so many other private individuals and organizations to ensure that there is zero tolerance to gender-based violence all over Nigeria and Lagos in particular,” she said.

She explained that the visit to the respective schools was the third leg of the advocacy efforts, saying that a similar enlightenment program had been held for the community groups and religious leaders by her office.

“For the Office of the Lagos State First Lady, we decided that our advocacy is to do community sensitization at the grassroots level which we did on November 29 and then we followed it up with sensitization visit to our religious leaders in our communities. This is the third way of our advocacy, going into the schools.

“We realized that it is good to catch them young and so when we plant this seed in the children, it will gradually germinate and it helps us to ensure that our students have the correct mindset and understand why these vices exist and what the law says about the vices in the country.

“I am happy with the response we are getting. The students are interested in knowing about Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and joining the train to stamp it out in our state. We have distributed some resource materials that will help the teachers, the students, and the parents Associations in the respective schools to know more and work against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in our communities,” she said.

The schools visited include Dolphin Senior High School and Dolphin Junior High School, Tapa, Lagos Island under Education District Three; as well as Aje Comprehensive Junior High School and Aje Comprehensive Senior High School, Sabo-Yaba, Lagos under Education District Four.

The First Lady donated laptops, industrial cooking gas, and other educational materials to each of the schools, just as she assured that more schools and other critical organizations would be visited.

Responding on behalf of the students, Permanent Secretary, Education District III, Dr. Olufolayimika Abiose-Ayandele commended the First Lady for her interest and passion for the welfare and safety of students in the state.

She said the advocacy visit to schools on SGBV by the First Lady was another clear testament to her commitment to ending the menace of rape, defilement, and all forms of sexual abuse in the state.

The event was also attended by representatives of the Parents Forum, Old Students Associations, Community Leaders, and stakeholders in the be education sector, while there was a special SGBV Talk by Programme Manager of Youth Empowerment Foundation, Mrs. Morenike Omiagboje; and Programme Manager of Women Consortium of Nigeria (WOCON), Mrs Atinuke Ogunbayo.

SIGNED
OLUBUKONLA NWONAH
ASSIST DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS
OFFICE OF LAGOS STATE FIRST LADY
DECEMBER 6, 2021

PRESS RELEASE

WINNER EMERGES IN MAIDEN SANWO-OLU YOUTH SOCCER FIESTA

•Surulere wins Gold, Cash Prize in BOS Cup

•Ifako Ijaiye-Ojokoro, Agege teams are runners-up

The frills and thrills of the maiden Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu (BOS) Youth Cup came to the pinnacle on Sunday, with the final round’s team jostled for the first prize – a gold cup.

Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena in Onikan, formerly Onikan Stadium, came alive for the final match played between Surulere and Ifako Ijaiye-Ojokoro teams.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu personally declared the event open with a kick-off of the ball.

Ex-international goalkeeper of the national team, Dosu Joseph, Technical Director of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Austin Eguaveon, Coach of the National Under-17 team, Fatai Amoo, and members of the State Executive Council graced the final fixture.

Youths under the age of 21 across the State’s 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) took part in the soccer contest organised by the Governor’s Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) to complement youth development programmes of the Sanwo-Olu administration and curb restiveness.

The participants were brought together under the BOS Academy platform on which they were screened and certified to take part in the tournament. Each council was represented by a team.

The final round started after the third place fixture won by Agege team against Lagos Island East side.

About 30 minutes into the first half, Surulere team led by Yusuf Lukman, destabilised the opponent’s team with a goal.

At 77 minutes, the Ifako Ijaiye-Ojokoro team led by Marvelous Ajayi, however, came back with an equaliser.

The match ended in a tie, resulting to penalty shootout at the end of which Surulere team coasted to victory with 5-4

The winning team went home with a cash prize of N1.5 million and golden trophy. Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, presented the trophy on behalf of the Governor.

A member of the Ifako Ijaiye-Ojokoro team, Timilehin Lawal, got the prize for the Most Valuable Player (MVP), while Abdulazeez Agbaje of the Surulere team went home with the Highest Goal Scorer prize.

Also, Akpan Oyena of Agege team was rewarded with Best Goal Keeper of the tournament.

Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Mr. Anthony Adeboye, said the soccer fiesta achieved its intended objectives of leaving positive impacts on the youths, families and communities across the State,

He said: “In the last three week, we have seen our young people coming to the field to display great football skills and pour out energy that could have been diverted to vices. Having participated in all activities that culminated into the final round, I have no doubt that the objectives of the tournament have been realised, as we witnessed excitement on the faces of all participants.

“Inclusion is part of the ‘Greater Lagos’ agenda of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration and this football competition has further bridged the gap between the Government and the youth. We are highly elated that the maiden edition has been widely received by young people across the State. The subsequent edition promises to be bigger and more impactful.”

The first runner-up, Ifako Ijaiye-Ojokoro team, got N1 million cash prize and silver medals, while the second runner-up, Agege, got N750,000 cash prize and bronze medals.

SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
DECEMBER 5, 2021

Only God gives power, Okowa tells leaders

Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has urged leaders to always acknowledge God as the source of their lifting in any position they occupy.

Okowa gave this charge on Sunday at the thanksgiving service in honour of the Chairman Isoko North Local Government Council, Hon. Christian Iteire at The Eagles Assembly, Asaba.

Represented by his Deputy, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, the governor said it was good for leaders in positions of authority to always return all the glory to God as their source because only God could give true power to men.

He said man cannot achieve anything unless God approves of it.

He commended the Isoko North boss for recognising what God had done for him and his family, adding that God would continue to uplift him.

The governor lauded the Isoko political class for coming to celebrate with the Chairman and his family and charged them to remain united for the overall good of the people.

“My heart-felt congratulations to Hon. Christian Iteire and his family and the good people of Isoko North Local Government Area.

“Hon. Iteire is an integral part of us in the Delta Political family, so his celebration today is a celebration for all of us.

“I thank all of you for coming to join him in this thanksgiving,” the governor said.

In a sermon titled “Encountering the Never-Give-Up Grace” Pastor Uwem Offiong said with God the later end is always greater and better than the beginning.

He described the Council Chairman as a committed member of the Church, adding that he was always punctual and dedicated to work of God.

The cleric said God alone deserved all the glory for making Iteire the Council Chairman and prayed for a successful tenure and greater blessings ahead of him.

The celebrant in his remarks said he was grateful to God for remembering him after many years in politics.

Flanked by his wife, Gloria, Iteire gave thanks to God while appreciating Pastor Offiong and his wife for their support and prayers.

“We have every good reason to thank God because I have been in politics for a long time and it has not been an easy adventure until recently.

“I have had some appointments in the past but God made me Council Chairman when I was busy lobbying to be something else.

“I thank my leaders in Isoko North whom God used to make me Council Chairman.

“While thanking God for this awesome favour, I promise to lead the people of Isoko North to greater heights,” Iteire said.

The thanksgiving service was attended by top government functionaries including Senator James Manager, Deputy Speaker Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ochor Ochor, Chief Whip Delta State House of Assembly Hon Pat Ajudua, Hon. Charles Emetulu, Commissioner for Energy Engr. Jonathan Ukodhiko, Commissioner for Project Implementation and Audit Engr. Ovie Oghoore, Special Adviser to the Governor on External Relations Prince Johnson Erijo, former Secretary to the State Government, Chief Ovuozourie Macaulay and DESOPADEC Commissioner Dr and Mrs Paul Oweh.

Others include Chairman Isoko North PDP, Prince Godwin Ogorugba, former Chairman of Isoko South Chief Itiako Ikpokpo. Dr Peter Emaziye, Comrade Nelson Egware, Mr Jonathan Umukoro, Chief Emmanuel Edevor, Vice Chairman Chief Frank Ozue, Richard Isagba, Sunny Governor, Chief Matthew Amudede, Members of Isoko North Legislative Arm led by Hon. Francia Udubra, Secretary to the Local Government Hon Ejoor Igbuduma, among others.

*Obaseki seeks int’l partners’ support to strengthen impact of agric programmes*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has urged international donors to support the government in executing sustainable agricultural programmes to check food security.

The governor made the call during a courtesy visit by the Joint Mission of the Federal Government of Nigeria, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) led by the IFAD Country Programme Manager, Dr. Patrick Habamenshi, at the Government House in Benin City.

While commending IFAD on its impactful role across Africa, Obaseki said the assistance provided by the Fund can help leapfrog systems and institutions in Nigeria and Edo State.

He noted, “We have failed to create the real market for agricultural produce, economic culture, subsidizing agricultural produce and mixed pricing of exchange rate. These are some of the fundamental macro economic issues, which is not taking us anywhere. Agricultural business is a serious business in the country. Some of the macro economic situations are changing.

“As a government, our focus is how to be serious and help address the challenges. 50 to 60 years ago, our communities, society, and the economy were driven by agriculture. Commodity boards, farm institutions were well-organized, and people had a culture, but not anymore.”

Obaseki said, “As a governor for five years, I have not really seen the impact as I try to measure the impact by asking what has really changed? Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) Office carry a lot of signboards with all sorts of assisted programmes but yet no much impact or difference has been made in agricultural production and output. This is the major challenge, amongst other problems.

“Some assistance you are providing is to help us re-enact agriculture again because that is the only thing that can sustain us. Maybe the young ones don’t want to go into agriculture but technology has made things easy. Working together, we would like to deal with serious issues.”

“As you will not solve all our problems for us but help and assist us to accelerate our development and look at specific areas and be clear on the expectations and deliverables.

“Some of our institutions are so weak. That is why you can’t implement some of the programmes. We should look at how to strengthen some of these institutions to take advantage of what you are bringing to the table,” he added.

The IFAD Country Programme Manager in Nigeria, Dr. Patrick Habamenshi said the delegation are in Edo State to carry out an implementation support mission, focusing on the state as it has one of the most dynamic programmes in Nigeria.

He commended Governor Obaseki for the counterpart funding he made to the programme which contributed to the success of the programme, noting, “We understand that the programme needs to get aligned with the strategy of the state government and we can’t implement a programme in the state that is disconnected from what the state government is trying to achieve.

“We would work with your team to see how to remodel and make the programme have its developmental objectives aligned to yours.”

06 December, 2021

“We need to double down on our efforts to flatten the curve” – CACOVID
…urges Nigerians to get vaccinated and stay safe
The private sector-led coalition against COVID-19 (CACOVID) has intensified its efforts in the fight against the deadly coronavirus and is urging Nigerians to do the same.
In a statement signed by the Assistant Director, Central Bank of Nigeria, Osita Nwasinobi, the coalition urged Nigerians to consciously take steps to remain safe.
“Nigeria has faced deadly viruses in the past and has surmounted them. In all of those incidents, one thing that was common was our unified front. The same is needed now if we are to combat the deadly new variant of the coronavirus – Omicron. We must maintain social distancing in public gatherings, wear our face masks, avoid poorly ventilated areas, wash and sanitize our hands regularly. Most importantly we must get vaccinated.”
“CACOVID is urging all Nigerians to get vaccinated and put an end to the spread of the coronavirus in Nigeria. Let’s work together to make Nigeria virus-free,” he stated.
So far, Omicron has been detected in more than 20 countries, a number that has been steadily ticking up as efforts to track the variant increase around the world. As of Wednesday, there were more than 261 million confirmed cases of the COVID-19 globally (5.2 million deaths), with the Delta variant continuing to dominate.

It has become expedient that we all adhere to the precautionary measures highlighted by the WHO whilst getting vaccinated. Contrary to many false reports the vaccines are effective and can reduce the risk of getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.

CACOVID further encourages Nigerians to take preventative measures to protect themselves from the virus, such as frequent handwashing, wearing a face mask in indoor and outdoor public places, and maintaining social distance.

###

About CACOVID
The Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) is a Private Sector task force in partnership with the Federal Government, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) with the sole aim of combating Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Nigeria.

This task force is tasked with pulling resources across industries to provide technical and operational support while providing funding and building advocacy through aggressive awareness drives.

06 – 12 – 21

PRESS RELEASE

I’M NOT A LATECOMER TO RIVERS POLITICS, EZE REPLIES ABE…IGNORE ME AT YOUR OWN PERIL… LAYS OUT THE HISTORICAL PATH TO HIS POLITICAL RELEVANCE IN RIVERS, INCLUDING POLLING UNIT, OTHERS… STRESSES HIS CORDIAL RELATIONSHIP TO & THE VALUE HE ADDED IN THE ERA OF HIS AFFILIATION WITH ATIKU AND THE VIRTUES HE HAS CONTINUED TO BRING IN HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH AMAECHI, OTHERS

“…Being a latecomer and outsider to the politics of Rivers State, Eze has no first-hand knowledge of the facts material to his story and citing dubious bible verses to back up lies will not change them to the truth..”.

The above is an excerpt culled from a press statement credited to former Rivers South-East Senator, Magnus Ngei Abe and titled, “IGNORE EZE: HE IS A LATECOMER TO RIVERS POLITICS ”

My very concern about the whole piece is not the authenticity status of the statement, but the very difficult fact that it came from a friend and brother whose rich knowledge about my antecedents and relevance in the politics of Rivers State and Nigeria has gained notoriety even within his small circle of friends.

I would have been consoled if that statement was signed or issued by one of his media aides, particularly Mr. Friday Kennedy, the half-backed and self-acclaimed Media Practitioner who abandoned his undergraduate studies after failing almost all his courses as a freshman, to join Senator Abe in his unfortunate political voyage to the abyss.

I would have also been somewhat indifferent to the piece if it had emanated from one Monday Bakor, who though managed to pass through the walls of a University, still finds it difficult to spell his own name; or the likes of Dumunez Sampson whose education and future the ex-Lawmaker stocked in limbo and who till this day sleeps in a Computer Business Centre digging up very demeaning adjectives from their grammatical archives to describe, abuse and insult political leaders who are working at cross purposes with Senator Magnus Abe. These they do to justify the meagre bread that the former Senator offers them.

However, after a long hiatus, having waited for three weeks since the statement was issued, for Senator Magnus Abe either to refute, dissociate or deny making such fanciful statement laced with lies, falsehoods, erroneous insinuations, wicked propaganda, insult to God and misleading instances, my pen is compelled to bleed in reaction to his blackmail.

It is frightening to learn that same Senator Abe, who begged all and sundry for an opportunity to see me in 2007, and whose joy knew no bounds when Prince Tonye Princewill finally bowed to his pressure and introduced him to me after his (Prince Tonye Princewill) 40th birthday in 2008, could turn round in 2021 to falsely tell the public how irrelevant he thinks I am in the politics of Rivers State.

Abe seems to have forgotten how he approached and begged me when he was plotting his political waterloo in 2016 to join forces with him to fight Amaechi and how I advised him as his senior brother not to venture into such a useless project with a warning that he will not only have Amaechi to contend with, but will also have me to confront.

How could a fellow who is not relevant in the politics of Rivers State cause a respected, feared, seasoned and honourable leader like the former Minister of Transportation, Dr Abiye Sekibo, to jump from his bed to rush to Rhythm FM, Port Harcourt, to beg Rivers people that he is still running for the Governorship election in 2011?

How possible is it that in my state of irrelevance as claimed by Abe, I singlehandedly, through the Grace of God, ensured the reappointment of Dr. Davies Ikanya Ibimau as Commissioner of Special Duties?

How could an irrelevant fellow alongside others midwife the first and only Unity Government in Rivers State in which Barr Osima Ginah and Dr Ibiamu from the opposition Camp were appointed into the State Executive Council?

Same irrelevant Chief Eze scared away Hon. Igo Aguma and some of Abe’s compadres from the APC.

Has Senator Abe forgotten so soon or is he feigning amnesia over the fact that Chief Eze was the first Action Congress (AC) Rivers State chapter Publicity Secretary? An office he used to suggest to Sir Celestine Omehia not to bother to change even the curtains in Government House as he was merely holding brief for his brother, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi. He, Amaechi, eventually became Governor a few months later.

Nigerians may also be interested to know how Chief Eze, the said irrelevant latecomer, was qualified to be appointed the National Publicly Secretary of the defunct New PDP, instead of a very powerful ex Governor from the South East. At that time, Abe was running all over Abuja to garner political favour on the claim that Chief Eze was his brother.

An irrelevant publicist and political latecomer was appointed the Media Consultant to the ex State Chairman of APC, Dr. Ibiamu, to frustrate Abe’s plot to hijack the party.

Abe also stated that Eze is a politician of fortune who goes to where food is ready. Using his exact words, “Nigerians must be wary of Chukwuemeka Eze. The fact that Eze, (a food is ready politician who joined Amaechi when he was already a Governor with resources), that a man with no polling unit in Rivers State could be hired…)

My question to Abe on Eze being a Politician of fortune is, ‘now that Amaechi is no longer a Governor with much resources has Eze the politician of fortune deserted him?” No! But where is Abe the man of integrity? He has proved that he is shameless and the number one politician of fortune in Nigeria today! Jumping from Amaechi who is no longer a Governor with resources to Governor Nyesom Wike who is a Governor with resources.

Not satisfied with what all that Gov Wike gave to him jumped to Timipre Marlin Sylva former Governor of Bayelsa State and the current Nigeria Minister of State for Petroleum Resources to benefit from the Oil money.

Being an insatiable fellow always looking for already made food Abe jumped to Senator Bola Tinubu the man with huge purse looking for already made food. Nigerians can now judge between me and Abe who is a politician of fortune. If I am in his class, I would have joined Wike or Atiku knowing my relationship with them but I have my integrity to protect and guide.

In the same misguided statement attributed to Senator Magnus Abe, he was quoted as saying, “…It is unfortunate that Rotimi Amaechi can hire Chukwuemeka Eze who has no voting unit in Rivers State to publicly insult a leader like Senator Ake…”

It will be grossly unfair and in fact, unfortunate, for Abe or anybody anywhere to mischievously settle that Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi hired me to fight Abe. Is it not wasteful for one to think that Amaechi hired me to concentrate on a drowned fellow like Abe? A man without any integrity or honour! Very unfortunate!

Amaechi is too busy to concern himself with such an irrelevant venture.

In the eye of the public, Eze is the number one defender of the person and personality of Amaechi, but same Eze is not in Amaechi’s payroll so what is the term of the contract between the ex-Rivers Governor and Chief Eze? Abe can help me out to spell out the terms of contract between me and Amaechi, if not he should go and hide his face in shame.

The fact remains that both Amaechi and I lack the knowledge to explain the relationship that exists between us, but only God who brought us together can explain that. To me, Amaechi is a brother who found himself in the midst of wolves and God sent me to scare off some of them like Abe.

In fact, I laughed when Abe and his gang embarked on the mission of poisoning the minds of some political leaders in Rivers State to the effect that I should be denied funds to run my office and sadly most of them succumbed. The question therein is, what happened when I am denied funds? Have I ceased to exist? Instead, I am better positioned to fight my cause without recourse to anybody. Freeing Amaechi from the claves of these wolves is my Cross and if God is the One that sent me on this mission He will provide the resources to conclude this struggle.

On the lies about my Polling Unit, If I do not have a Polling Unit, how was I able to vote in the 2011, 2015, 2019 general elections in Rivers State? I even had to display the pictures taken of me while voting in my polling Unit situated at the PABOD NURSERY/PRIMARY SCHOOL IN ELEME STREET, OLD GRA, PORT HARCOURT. Go to Unit Five and search for my name or I will send my INEC Voting Card to you. Is Abe so frustrated to the level that he must tell lies in order to justify his misguided mission?

Further, Abe’s claim that I insulted Senator Ake is another funny narrative to curry favour and win public sympathy. I only quoted Senator Ake and by that, how does quoting a fellow in a statement attributed to him amount to insult? As a former Senator in this country, Abe ought to have passed the level of mischievousness he currently displays.

Abe seems to be crying more than the bereaved. He does not know that Senator Wilson Ake’s late brother, Chief G. U Ake, who was State Chairman of PDP in Rivers State, was my political father, whose love towards me was infectious.

Amaechi and Chief Tony Okocha can confirm to you that Chief Ake once confronted Amaechi in his office as to why he could allow some of his Aides to give me a second hand car that nearly claimed my life of which Abe was among the first to call my wife to encourage her not to be despaired that I was going to be okay after the accident.

How then could I insult Senator Ake who is of the family of Chief Ake. I will advise Abe to use his glasses and read through, once again, my statement and apologise to Senator Ake for trying to bring his name to disrupt.

Abe in his infamous statement also highlighted my relationship with Atiku Abubakar, erstwhile Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. What Abe failed to mention, apart from being a very close associate of Atiku, I was also the National Director Media of the Turaki Vanguard, a deadly Pressure Group supporting the political aspirations of the former Vice President couple d with the fact that I was the Founder and President of Igbo Crusaders and South East, South-South Amalgamated Movement (SESSAM). These platforms I used to mobilise support for the PDP from both South East and South-South indigenes in the entire North East and at that time, Abe was still playing local politics.

My feats while serving Atiku are in the public domain and I am not ashamed of associating with the former Vice President.

On my counsel to Senator Tinubu Bola; my advice is based on my knowledge of what Abe is capable of doing, it is left to him to abide by it and thank me later or regret it thereafter.

Furthermore, Abe’s demystification by Gov. Nyesom Wike in a viral video where he described him as an insensate fraudster who diverted over N4Billion, should strike the conscience of the former South-East Senator and compel him to exonerate himself from such a heavy accusation that is capable of destroying the small grain of integrity that is left of him and desist from attacking Amaechi and his associates.

Gov. Wike’s revelation of Abe’s criminal diversion of the whooping sum meant for a crucial road project in his own community tells more of the endearing quality of “the man who knows it all” for his meaningless and deceptive punctuality on the scene.”

Let us also assume that Chief Eze according to all knowing Abe is irrelevant in the politics of Rivers State, but how do you see or describe Dr. Dakuku Adolphus Peterside? Ateast Dr. Peterside stands out as one of the most brilliant Political Leaders from the Southern region of this country who has earned himself a pride of place and found his niche in public administration especially when he served meritoriously as Director-General (DG) of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and emerged first Nigerian to head the Association of African Maritime Administrators (AAMA); This great Thinker once exclaimed and described the Irrelevant Chief Eze in these words “Always VINTAGE EZE, like no other. I challenge anybody in the land today. No journalist has as much information on anybody like Chief EZE C EZE. Chief EZE is without doubt a repository of knowledge”.

The Author of the bestseller; ‘Strategic Turnaround’, a book which centers on the transformational change in an African maritime administration in another fora while commenting on my latest book on Amaechi described Chief Eze thus, “Few persons are more qualified to document Rt Hon Amaechi’s impactful and definitive leadership than Chief Eze. He is a prolific commentator on national and international issues, an accomplished journalist, an excellent reporter of events, stepped in background facts not available to any other storyteller, opinion moulder and people’s advocate” This is the Eze that is irrelevant in the eyes of Abe

Assuming that Abe and his misguided followers are not satisfied with Dr. Peterside’s explanation about Chief Eze then, what about the opinions of these other great minds from Rivers State:

(1)

I don’t know what APC Rivers would have done if we didn’t have you?”… Comrade Celestine Akpobari

(2)

“My dear chief, God will embarrass you very soon with favour for all you do in this battle to liberate Rivers State from the misrule it currently suffers.

From the bottom of my heart, I say thank you.” DR LEBATAM NDEGWE OF NONWA TAI

(3)

“Chief Eze, the fact remains that what a man sows he reaps. You have been the mouthpiece and a great defender of our great party, APC. You have received several bullets both from the main opposition party and those who live in the hallucinating and pretentious world of belonging to our dear party. My father once told us that a tree does not dry the very day it was cut. At God’s own time you will reap what you have severally sown”. Dr Lawrence Chuku

(4)

“Someone told me “Eze is a loose Canon”. I must confess Eze; you’ve rattled the PDP and all Amaechi enemies within and outside Rivers State. You’re really doing a good work and must be encouraged by all loyalists of Amaechi.” -Hon. Chisom Dike

(5)

“Chief Eze the bomb, you’re too much. Congratulations for your dogged belief in the cause that Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi represents.

You were consistent and undeterred in the pursuit of your convictions regardless of the copious insults thrown at you by untutored minds for exercising your constitutional right to freely express your opinion or associate with whom you choose. Those insults however, rather than dampen your morale and getting you distracted, became the elixir to push down the walls of untruths, grand falsehoods and propaganda of those who threw them at you to their eternal pain and chagrin. On this score, I think we are the same. We soldier on with the scars of any battle in unimpeachable gallantry, once we are convinced about any cause, belief or struggle we subscribe to.

Chief Eze, you stayed the course until justice was done by the Supreme Court on Friday, March 5, 2021. That justice, for the records, has not only calmed the rough waters and steadied the APC Ship in the Rivers State; it left the homestead of the rebels in absolute tatters.

Take a bow, Sir. You are General of Truth and enjoy the unusual honour only Knights of epic dedication are worthy of. Take note also that you have earned a grand presence whenever the roll shall be called of those who stood behind this political revolution to the very end.” Barr Eli Sogbeye

(6)

“Your impact in political discourse is unparalleled. You have distinguished yourself as an advocate of political truth and progressive values. We are extremely proud of you. My fervent wish is for God to preserve you in good health, happiness and peace of mind.” -Ambassador Ngofa!

(7)

Chief! While others are growing old, you are growing younger and stronger and making even more of an impact than you have done before. If that is even possible, keep the fire burning, resist the temptation to slow down and know that those who start the year set the pace. Lead on!!!” – PRINCE TONYE PRINCEWILL

(8)

A celebrated peace maker and intellectual paragon; a quintessential patriot and a resilient global citizen. I wish you many more years of good health and impact. May the forces of progress and prosperity engulf you in 2021 and beyond.” – DR UCHE IGWE

(9)

“Chief! You could be described as one man squad who has succeeded in using your pen and brain to dislodge, disorganise and confuse battalion of detractor’s camp, antics and tricks. I am proud of you sir” – Azubuike

10.

“Congratulations my dear brother, you deserve all the accolades for your actions in the media (more than anything else) have sustained the struggle and given us great milestones to the glory of God. My prayer is that we win all our battles, march on to victory and those who fought gallantly like your good self and many other faithful and committed party men and women are remembered and adequately rewarded. May God continue to bless, guide and protect us as we forge ahead this year in the Mighty name of Jesus.” ‘Hon. Ike Chinwo

11.

“I am convinced that your support for our leader is indeed ordained. You are a brother worthy to be with on a long journey. And the Progressive movement in Nigeria has come to stay. Thanks for the unflinching support you have willingly given to Amaechi our son and brother. You are of course a leader in your own right and Ikwerre Progressives love you. Keep it up High Chief. Sir/Engr Wilberforce Worukwo”

These are the acumen on the man who according to the drowning Senator Abe is irrelevant in the politics of Rivers State

Finally, I urge Abe to read through my statement with open heart and adhere to the Bible passages which he described as ‘dubious if he still wants to progress politically in the politics of Nigeria’.

Describing words from the Holy Bible as ‘dubious’ shows Abe’s lack of proper filial piety and how insignificant God is to him.

To me, Abe should repent, follow God and learn His ways.

Ends

Signed

Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze,

APC Chieftain & former National Publicity Secretary, nPDP

06 – 12– 21