Kano: A Gbaramatu-born peace and development advocate, Comrade Chief Mulade Sheriff, convener of the Nigeria for Peace Project, has identified the lack of peace and unity as the bane of Nigerian development.

A Cross Section of CEPEJ officials, Gov. Kwankwoso,  Chief Mulade  & others

Comrade Mulade, who is the National Coordinator/CEO Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, an NGO, stated this in Kano on Monday 10th of July, 2023 during his peace and unity advocacy visit to prominent Nigerians in Kano State.

The peace Ambassador visited a political stalwart, Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of NNPP and former Governor of Kano State. He stressed the urgent need for unity, peace and reconciliation in Nigeria, through the promotion of equity and justice irrespective of ethnic, religious and political affiliations.

According to Chief Mulade Sheriff, CEPEJ Kano office is coordinating the Peace Project, and said “I am here with my team and the co-convener of the project, Alhaji Ibrahim Waiya, to formally inform you about the Nigeria for Peace (N4P), an intervention initiative that was conceived and birthed by some like-minded civil society organizations and patriotic individuals from across the country with a strong focus on the nation’s unity.”

“It is imperative to state that the unity of Nigeria has continued to be threatened by bad elements who whip up religious, ethnic and regional sentiments during political campaigns. This situation runs counter to our collective resolve to be a united and peaceful nation,” he emphasized.

Comrade Mulade asserted that it was to achieve this objective that has made some non-state actors and patriotic Nigerians who had been working on national unity and peace, to come together and champion the project through concerted efforts to compliment other initiatives to restore and sustain national unity, cohesion, and peaceful coexistence, with sustainable national development as their goal.

In his response, the former Governor of Kano State and presidential candidate of the NNPP during the 2023 general elections, commended the group for the initiative, noting that Nigeria is in dire need of peace and total restoration. He added that “as a peace loving person, I want to assure you that we will be part of the peace-building process in the country to achieve our long desired development.”

He thanked the delegation and encouraged the group to sustain the movement so as to fix Nigeria, despite our ethnic, cultural and religious diversities, so as to fast track the development of our dear Nation, Nigeria.

By: Celestine Ukah

The management of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry, CMDM, has distanced the Ministry from the actions of Adewale Abayomi Ayeni and Ebipakebina Appeal, as it relates to their alleged link with consignments of illicit drugs and their reported arrest by Officials of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

In a disclaimer made available to Areanewsng.coml, today, Tuesday July 11, Christ Mercyland Ministry, acknowledged that though Adewale Abayomi Ayeni, has been working in its Call Center since 2019 and Ebipakebina Appeal, started working with its Driving Unit since 2018, the duo, purportedly exhibited conduct, contrary to the aims and objectives of the Ministry.

The disclaimer, which was credited to the management of the Ministry, asserted that Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry, founded by Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin, remains poised to carrying out God’s work, in-line with Biblical injunction.

By: Celestine Ukah 

A renowned Gospel minister of God and Senior Pastor in charge of Avenue Baptist Church, ABC, Warri, of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Dr. Sylvester Ogheneakpobor has charged young people not to give up on their goals in life.

Rev. Dr. Ogheneakpobor gave the charge Sunday July 2 during the 2023 Royal Ambassador, R.A Sunday with the Theme “Taking Territories” Proverbs 22:29.

The Man of God in his sermon said
whatever anyone set as a goal should be pursued vigorously toward advancement of God kingdom.

He highlighted three things that indicate people are taking territories which include becoming a trail blazer, attempt something that has never happened before and setting goals for self.

According to Dr. Ogheneakpobor people that take territories are power brokers, adding that power brokers are influential personality who can provide solution to situation in different areas.

The Senior Pastor admonished young people to set goals for themselves in order to achieve quickly and become notable and take territories in their fields of endeavours.

Rev. Dr. Ogheneakpobor posited that taking territories is not just preaching it but to go out preach and evangelise to others to be in line with God pathway, he prayed for young people and other young adults for God protection, deliverance from peer delinquency and against engaging in negative societal vices

* Says Governor Will Not Fail Deltans

*Congratulates Him On Victory At Supreme Court

Former Chairmanship aspirant for Patani Local Government Area of Delta State, Hon. Akpeti Lawrence Ebikefe has commended the State Governor, His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori for his giant strides so far since he was sworn in May 29th, 2023, just as he felicitated with him on his legal victories.

Delta State Governor, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori recently ordered the demolition of all buildings erected along waterways in the State.

He had given the order during an inspection tour of Phases I and II of the Warri/Effurun Storm Water Control Projects in Warri South and Uvwie Local Government Areas of the State.

The Governor had said there was no place in the world where people were allowed to build on waterways and directed the Ministries of Housing, Works and Lands to identify and pull down all such buildings to allow free flow of water on natural water ways.

At Otovwodo Junction, Ughelli, Governor Oborevwori ordered relocation of Delta Appreciate Park and those trading along the road.

According to him; “we are planning something there but when you are planning you need to go and see the place and I saw a motor park at that junction and that’s not acceptable at all.

“Trading on the road is also not acceptable, you can see the risk involved in trading on the express road.

“We met with His Majesty, the Ovie of Ughelli, the Council Chairman and the President General and we discussed all these and that market need to be relocated from that place because its causing a lot hardship to travellers.

“I have directed the Council Chairman to ensure that motor park is relocated from that place and those trading on the road need to move.

“There is somewhere we have prepared for them and we have issue of access road but I have also directed the Ministry of Works to come up with a proposal to enable us have access road to the new market.”

Hon. Akpeti Lawrence Ebikefe a Press Statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen in Asaba said that he was impressed with the achievements recorded so far by the Governor, imploring Deltans to support his administration.

Specifically, he hailed Governor Oborevwori for the free flow of traffic now being experienced by motorists and other road users at the Otovwodo junction in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the State, describing it as a welcome development that must be applauded by all and sundry.

The ex-chairmanship aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also remarked that the PTI junction in Uvwie Local Government Area of the State has witnessed free flow of traffic since the Governor assumed office and urged motorists and other road users to obey the new traffic regulations at the Otovwodo and PTI junctions.

According to the statement; ” I must say that I am highly impressed with the giant strides recorded so far by our dynamic Governor, His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori since he assumed office. Am particularly elated about the free flow of traffic at the Otovwodo and PTI junctions in Ughelli North and Uvwie Local Government Areas respectively in the state”.

“Our Governor came prepared for governance in the state and I know that he is not going to disappoint Deltans. He is going to take our beloved state to greater heights because he is a grassroot politician who is going to attend to the needs of our people. I want to use this opportunity to appeal to Deltans to give him the necessary support and encouragement because he needs our collective cooperation to succeed. He is going to do M.O.R.E for Deltans and we should give him the needed support”, he stated.

Meanwhile, Hon. Akpeti Lawrence Ebikefe, himself a former Delta State House of Assembly aspirant for Patani State Constituency has felicitated with the State Governor, His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori on his legal victories last week.

The governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Asaba, had, on Thursday, dismissed the petition of Mr. Ken Pela, the governorship candidate of the Labour Party for abandoning his petition.

Similarly, the Supreme Court, on Friday dismissed an appeal brought before it by Chief Ikie Aghwarianovwe, seeking the disqualification of Governor Oborevwori for lack of merit.

According to the grassroot politician, the victories of the Governor in Asaba and Abuja never came to him as a surprise, saying that; “I want to warmly congratulate our Governor, His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori for his legal victories at the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal and Supreme Court. We thank God for everything. Deltans should continue to support the administration of the Governor in order for him to take our dear state to greater heights”.

By: Celestine Ukah

*Says Tinubu should give 30 percent appointment to young people

The former governor of Ekiti State Ayo Peter Fayose says he worked for the APC Presidential candidate now won President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Former governor Fayose did the open up while responding to questions on “Sunday Politics”  on Channelstv anchored by Seun Okinbaloye Sunday July 9, 2023, Fayose stated further that him and the G5 governors wanted South to produce the next president of Nigeria after Buhari “I dont care what anyone says” hence their total support for Tinubu to win.

He pointed out that both Atiku and Obi can’t agree with each other who won among them meaning they are wasting their time, noting that PDP suspended his son and dissolved his state exco without due process, adding that he can’t hide by saying he worked for APC and Asiwaju.

Fayose urged President Tinubu to appoint young people up to 30 percent into his cabinet and give women same additional number and do less of old politicians, he encouraged Tinubu to do less with old politicians, urging him to allow recommendations from old politicians for younger people to serve .

He described the 2023 election as being far more better than previous elections, he got another twist of hit at his Party saying PDP failed in the election because they were having a divided house, he vowed never to be a member of APC.

The Former PDP governor of Ekiti state expressed satisfaction for the actions of former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike, describing him as a great asset to serve in Nigeria government if he’s called upon to serve and that there’s nothing wrong in it .

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says the world has lost close to eight trillion dollars to cyber crime.

This assertion was made At a workshop for journalists in Kwara state, the commission also disclosed that cyber crime is rampart among undergraduates and fresh graduates in Nigeria.

The workshop was organised for journalists in Kwara state to keep them abreast of the new money laundering laws so that they can in turn enlighten the public.

Part of the provisions of the new laws is that business owners and professionals should know the profile and sources of income of their customers and clients and intimate the EFCC for effective monitoring in case of any financial corruption.

The Acting Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulkarim Chukkol is represented by the Ilorin Zonal Office commander, Micheals Nzekwe.

He discloses the commission has identified a corruption hotbed in Kwara state.

But beyond this, the commission says the world now loses up to 8 trillion dollars to cyber crime.

The commission also encourages journalists to carry out investigative reports that can expose corruption.
This synergy between the media and the EFCC is expected to further cement the relationship between the duo in the task of fighting corruption.

*Says five Correctional Centres 2,371 inmates in custody , 1, 545 awaiting trial in Delta

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has solicited for the introduction of restorative justice and non-custodial sentences in the Nigerian judicial system in order to help decongest correctional centres across the country.

Gov. Oborevwori made the call Friday July 7, during the inauguration of members of the State Advisory Council on the prerogative of mercy at Government House, Asaba, Delta State capital.

Those inaugurated were Hon. Justice Celestina Ogisi (Rtd) Chairman; Prof. Louis Ikechukwu Ojogwu; Alexander Neyin; Dr. Iris Jewo Ibi; Augustine Ezeagwu Esq.; Festus Onyeaju are Members while Mrs. Uju Monye would serve as Secretary.

Oborevwori said the call had become imperative following the rising number of persons awaiting trial in custodial centres across the country.

According to Oborevwori, “the Prerogative of Mercy, sometimes called clemency or state pardon or amnesty, is a useful tool in the administration of criminal justice because it helps to decongest our prisons.

“Currently, the total number of inmates in the state’s five custodial centres is 2,371, out of which 1,545 are awaiting trial.

“As part of the continuous effort of government to address issues of congestion with awaiting trial inmates, the State Government passed the Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2022.

“The Law is aimed at addressing the several challenges that confronted the administration of criminal justice system over the years.

“The Law modernizes and promotes efficiency, fairness, and accountability in the administration of criminal justice system in the state.

“Part of the innovations of the law is to ensure that the issue of restorative justice and non-custodial sentences are encouraged.

“Hence, rather than send all offenders to custodial centres to congest the already filled up centres, offenders can be made to undergo community service,”

He urged the Advisory Council to devise practical and measurable action plans for the full reintegration of released prisoners into the society.

Responding on behalf of the Advisory Council, the Chairman, Justice Celestina Ogisi (Rtd.) who thanked Governor Oborevwori for finding them worthy to serve the state, pledged to work with the guidelines regulating the activities of the Council.

Justice Ogisi said the issue of congestion in Correctional Centres across the state would be adequately examined with a view to exploring the possibilities of decongesting them.

She promised that the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy would partner with relevant agencies of government in the state in the performance of its duties, even as she appealed to members of the public not to bother the Council with undeserved requests.

The State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, Chief Judge of the State, Justice Theresa Diai; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo and Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi were among top dignitaries that witnessed the inauguration.

A real estate developer Chief Chinazor Ezeayom has cautioned newsmen in Anamabra state against the promotion of fake news which he said was dangerous to the community and against the ethics of the profession

Chief Ezeayom made this known while addressing newsmen on a publication published by some online media companies and Trinitas Newspaper on the 12th of June 2023

In the publication it was reported that “Chief Ezeayom was a notorious land grabber and was brazenly building a major block of stores on the main road without any approval and authorization from the Anambra state Physical Planning Board or other authorising governmental agencies responsible for approval as it concerns to construction of structures”

He noted that it was quite unfortunate and unprofessional that the reporter went ahead to use such unprintable words to describe his personality and as such defamed and debased him in the eyes of the public.

Clearing the air over the spurious publication which was sponsored by one Mr Ifeanyi Anaeme who he said has been fomenting trouble over the acquistion of a plot of land situated at Otigba Enuovuve Layout Nkwelle-Ezunaka  in Oyi Local Government Area in Anamabra state .

Chief Ezeayom said trouble started after he commenced construction of a block of stores on a plot of land which he bought in 2016 from the Akpuwku family who were the bonafide owners of the plot of land .

Surprisingly Mr Ifeanyi Anaeme attempted to stop the construction using thugs but was resisted and he later went on to invite policemen of the Anti cult unit and also officers of Zone 13 on the ground that the plot of land was being used for cult meetings and encroachment of government land .

But after their investigation it was discovered that his claims were false and was advised to steer clear of the plot of land

Mr Ezeayom said he then continued with the construction only for him to come across a publication captioned “Anambra residents raise alarm over illegal structure,petitions Gov Soludo”
wherein Mr Ifeanyi Aneme used a fictitious name of Mr. John Okafor under the guise of the chairman of Concerned Residence and Landlords Otigba Enuovuve layout made all kind of unsubstantiated claims which was not verified by the reporter and publisher of the fake news.

He noted with disdain that the actions of the reporters and media companies involved in the publication was tantamount to libel and if not retracted a law suit will be instituted against them

When contacted the head of the Akpuwku family confirmed that the family sold the plot of land to Chief Ezeayom who shares a boundary with Ifeanyi Aneme who also had purchased four plots of land from the family but his grouse was that he had plans of buying the plot of land currently owned by Chief Ezeayom and that might suggest why he has embarked on a media trial of Chief Ezeayom who has satisfied all conditions of ownership of the land through outright payment for the land and other levies approved by the relevant authorities.

“

CP Wale Abass, identifying the luxurious sport utility vehicle (SUV), at the command headquarters in Asaba.

By : Our Asaba Correspondent

Kudos have been showered to the Nigeria Police, Delta State Command as they beefed up surveillance to recover the stolen Mecedes Benz SUV, after it was driven away by a suspect at a car stand in Abuja, the federal capital territory.

The Commissioner of Police Wale Abass, made this known at the Command Headquarters in Asaba, during the parade of some suspects and media briefing on the achievements of the police within the past months.

The Commissioner of Police Wale Abass, said the suspect involved in the stealing of a luxury car in Abuja, is still under investigation after he had pretended to be a buyer before absconding with the vehicle at a car stand.

CP Abass explained that “Operatives of the CP-DECOY Squad stormed Ughelli town and recovered the said Mecedes Benz SUV, abandoned in the bush.

“Serious manhunt for the suspect is ongoing.”

CP Abass also briefed the media about the arrest of a 42 year old human trafficking suspect Marvelous Ebangwe, following complaints about the disappearance of two young girls at Effurun in Uvwie, after they went for a church program.

According to Delta CP “the suspect specializes in trafficking young girls to other African countries. The suspect stated that the victims are presently in Senegal.

“Investigation to retrieve those children back is equally ongoing.”

While the human trafficking suspect Marvelous Ebangwe expressed regret over his actions, a member of a fraud syndicate Onyeaka Ani, who had participated in defrauding a lady and had stolen her bank cards, observed that he joined the business to seek revenge, after he fell victim to fraudsters.

[Marvelous Ebangwe]
“To help them to these African country; is it Mali, or Senegal. Getting there they say it is was a prostitution job, that they didn’t want to do, so we ordered them to come back.”

[Onyeaka Ani]
(Translated): “I was duped, so I sought revenge.”

Others paraded at the command Headquarters include the wife of a former local government vice Chairman Gladys Otomiewor, at whose compound the police had discovered several arms and ammunition.

Four Hundred and Eighty Nine ammunition and Four Hundred and Sixty Nine cartridges were discovered within the period, including five AK47 rifles, twenty four locally made guns and four pump action, as well as the recovery of eight stolen vehicles

By: Celestine Ukah 

Former National Acting Chairman of the All Progressives Congress APC, Hilliard Etta says it’s time for the party to call the APC National Chairman, Abdulahi Adamu to order, describing his recent utterances as being mischievous.

Etta in his opinion while speaking on Arisetv “Morning Show” Thursday July 6 said the position of Senator Adamu the APC National Chairman on the announcement of principal officers of the National Assembly in the 10th NASS whereby he disown the principal officers as announced by the NASS leadership of the chambers was unfortunate statement coming out of the chairman.

The APC former Acting National urged the party to sanction Adamu or as well let him resign honourably in order to stop further negative projection of the APC.

He noted that before the emergence of President Tinubu in the APC primary, Adamu came up to announce former Senate President Ahmed Lawan as the party’s consensus candidate whereas the party didn’t accept such arrangement.

According to Etta APC Governors and the generality of members are not happy with the National Chairman because he doesn’t have the party’s progress at heart.

He posited further that before the announcement of the principal officers at NASS that both leadership consulted widely including the party National Chairman and wondered why the party Chairman is coming out with such outburst.

He stressed the need for President Tinubu being the National leader of the APC to look into the affairs of the party in order to salvage the situation.