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How Kogi Local Government Chairman Relocated Office To Another Council, Made Businesses Suffer – Youths Tell Court

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3 years ago

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The Ibaji Progressive Youth Foundation, a group in the Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State, has told the High Court of Justice in Lokoja that the council Chairman, Williams Iko-Ojo Obiora moved the Ibaji Liason Office to another council, Idah.
The group in an affidavit against the claim of the chairman said it was unfair of him to deny the people of Ibaji LGA their constitutional right by shifting the headquarters to Idah on the mere “reason of lack of accessible road while other councils in Nigeria located in river line areas like in River state still operate from their lawful designated headquarters despite difficulties in access.”

According to an oath taken on behalf of the group by Comrade Apeh Kelvin, the people of Ibaji LGA, are worried that their economy is being taken to another council; hence all business activities in Onyedega have collapsed.
“That no activities took place in St. Michael outside the launching that was organised by Ibaji Development Association (IDA) under the leadership of Late Samuel Omachonu then and the traditional council headed by Chief John Egwemi for the burnt secretariat and it was during that launching that late Chief Alhaji Tijani and Egwenu Abumah pledged their houses for a takeoff which Alhaji Tijani’s two storey building was selected for the secretariat take off and Hon. Fidelis Egwuche was the sole administrator then,” the affidavit read.
“That after the secretariat was burnt, the secretariat was shifted to the chairman’s residence that was built by Hon. Abraham Uchola Administration and not to Alhaji Tijani’s house as falsely claimed by the defendants and that the defendants’ assertion that Alhaji Tijani’s house is located at Ojuba road is false as the said house is located at Ogaine number 2 after Ogaine number 1 in Onyedega Local Government.
“That it was only the previous administration that used the NULGE HOUSE but since the administration of the 1st defendant, the 1st defendant has never stepped into NULGE HOUSE and the said NULGE HOUSE is in a dilapidating state currently, and all the administrative activities of the 2nd defendant is being carried out in the Liaison office at Idah by the 1st defendant.
“That said tractors mentioned in Exhibit 2 & 3 attached to the defendants’ counter affidavit, and even the Ambulance vehicle donated by SDGs for the use of the General Hospital and other properties of Ibaji Local Government are now kept in the liaison office at Idah. Pictures of the said NULGE HOUSE and CHAIRMAN QUARTERS showing physical absence of the defendants and the properties of the 2nd defendants therein is hereby attached and marked as exhibits.
“That past administrations have been carrying out the administration of the 2nd defendant in Onyedega despite the flood as the 2nd defendant has speed boats for the purpose of access to Onyedega during flood and aside from the flood in 2012, no other flood has occurred which is capable of blocking or preventing total access to Onyedega, more so, even Nigerian General election took place during the flood.
“That it is unfair to deny the people of Ibaji Local Government their constitutional right by shifting the headquarters to Idah on the mere reason of lack of accessible road while other local governments in Nigeria located in river line areas like in River state still operate from their lawful designated headquarters despite difficulties in access.
“That the people of Ibaji Local Government are worried that their Economy is being taken to another local government hence all business activities in Onyedega have collapsed; that all businesses of the Ibaji local government ought to be carried out in Onyedega, being the headquarters of the Ibaji Local Government.
“That the purpose of the creation of Ibaji Local government Area like other local governments in Nigeria is to ensure government at the grassroots but the people of Ibaji are being denied that by the current administration of the 1st defendant. That it will be just and equitable for this honourable court to entertain the claimant’s suit.
“That the claimant is entitled to the reliefs sought. That I make this affidavit in good faith, conscientiously believing same to be true and correct in accordance with the Oath Act.”

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Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Spends Second Night In EFCC’s Cell Over N1.3 Trillion Alleged Fraud

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15 hours ago

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November 7, 2024

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Immediate past governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, who was arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has spent second night in the custody of the anti-graft commission.

 

Okowa is currently being investigated and detained over the alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion.

 

The N1.3 trillion reportedly represents the 13% derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.

 

According to sources within the commission, Okowa was invited to the EFCC office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he’s subsequently detained by officials.

 

One of the sources stated, “Okowa was at our Port Harcourt office following an invitation from investigators probing the allegations against him. He was then arrested. The commission is investigating him regarding the N1.3 trillion 13% derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.

 

“He is also accused of failing to account for the funds, as well as another N40 billion he allegedly claimed was used to acquire shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas. He reportedly bought shares worth N40 billion in one of the country’s major banks, representing an 8% equity stake, to support the offshore LNG project. The funds are alleged to have been misappropriated for other purposes.

Investigators are also examining the alleged diversion of funds by the former governor to acquire estates in Abuja and Asaba, Delta State. He is currently being held at the EFCC facility in Port Harcourt.

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Lagos Government Shuts Down Redeemed Church, Celestial Church, Clubs, Event Centres Over Noise Pollution

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1 day ago

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November 6, 2024

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The Lagos State government has shut down a branch of Pastor E. A. Adeboye’s Redeemed Christian Church of God, a Celestial church, nightclubs and event centres over noise pollution.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who made this known on Wednesday, said the churches, clubs and event centres were sealed on Tuesday by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) in the Ogudu, Gbagada, Iyana Ejigbo, Isolo, Ajao Estate, Oshodi, Ilasamaja, and Okota areas of the state.

The sealed establishments include: Redeemed Christian Church of God, Celestial Church of God, OMA Nightclub and Lounge, Lounge & Lodging, Bridge Spot Bar, Okiki Event Center and Hall, Emota Paradise Hotel (Phase 2), CF Hotel & Suites, House 27 Hotel & Suites, Echo Spring Hotel, and Smile T Continental Hotel.

The commissioner in a post on X said, “In a bid to address noise pollution and other environmental violations, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) took action yesterday, closing down several establishments across different parts of the state.

“This enforcement drive, focusing on areas like Ogudu, Gbagada, Iyana Ejigbo, Isolo, Ajao Estate, Oshodi, Ilasamaja, and Okota, is part of LASEPA’s continuous efforts to uphold environmental standards and safeguard public health.

“The affected establishments include Honourable Lounge & Lodging, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Celestial Church of God, OMA Nightclub and Lounge, Bridge Spot Bar, Okiki Event Center and Hall, Emota Paradise Hotel (Phase 2), CF Hotel & Suites, House 27 Hotel & Suites, Echo Spring Hotel, and Smile T Continental Hotel.”

 

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Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja: Tinubu directs flags be flown at half-mast

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1 day ago

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November 6, 2024

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President Bola Tinubu has directed that Nigeria’s national flags be flown at half mast for seven days across the country to mourn the passing of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

The late Army chief, who was appointed by Tinubu on 19 June 2023, was said to have passed away on Tuesday night after a prolonged illness.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, in a statement on Wednesday by his office Director of Information & Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, said the president expressed regret over Lagbaja’s death.

Akume said, “President Bola Tinubu has expressed regret following the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, after a brief illness at the age of 56.

“The President has directed that national flags be flown at half mast throughout the country for seven days in honour of the departed Army chief.

“He profoundly appreciates the services of the departed to the nation and wishes the family the fortitude to bear the great loss.”

Meanwhile, the Ministers of Defence, Mohammed Badaru and Bello Matawalle, have commiserated with the president, the military, and Lagbaja’s family over his death.

In a statement by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Henshaw Ogubike, the ministers described Lagbaja’s death as a great loss to his family, the Army, and the nation at large.

“The passing on to eternal glory shocked us at the Ministry of Defence, as our working relationship with him was commendable; he exhibited the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation with us in the discharge of our mandate.

“The late Chief of Army Staff contributed significantly to internal security operations across Nigeria and also exhibited a high level of professionalism.

“He will be greatly missed by the family, the military, and the nation, as he served the nation with commitment and dedication,” the statement added.

 

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