The embattled traditional ruler of Ihekwuenu autonomous community in Aku, Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State, Igwe Christopher Okwor, has dismissed claims by the Ezemagu family that he demolished a blind man’s building.

DAILY POST reports that the Ezemagu family recently accused the police of conducting a biased investigation on the matter.

However, Igwe Okwor has come out to say the renewed campaign against him was orchestrated by Nnamdi Ezemagu as a ploy to wrestle a disputed piece of land from him, adding that Ezemagu frequently stirred public sentiment whenever the case which was pending in court was not in his favour.

He also said that the Ezemagu family had in the past vowed to dethrone him and they were throwing in everything within their reach to achieve their nefarious objective just because Chief Emmanuel Ezemagu, their father, lost the Igweship contest to him.

“The recent media reports about the demolition of the blind man’s house are a rehash of an incident from 2021, aimed at garnering public sympathy. I am saying for the umpteenth time that I did not demolish the blind man’s house,” he said.

Okwor recounted that when the initial incident occurred in 2021, the then-chairman of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, Nkechi Ugwu-Oju, provided N4 million for the construction of a new building for the blind man in an uncontested land.

“However, the Ezemagu family refused to use the funds.

“If they genuinely cared for the blind man, why insist on building on disputed land? This is not philanthropy but a strategy to claim the land. The blind man originally had a house that was demolished by the Ezemagu family, who then relocated him to the contested land,” Okwor continued.

“The motive behind all these is that they want to dethrone me as Igwe. They said they will never accept the fact that I defeated their father in the contest for Igweship and as such, they are doing everything to see that I am removed.

“That is even why this land issue started in the first place and that is why they are not relenting. But they have failed. They are setting me up by going to demolish the same house they are building for the blind man so that when they run to the media, people will be blaming me. It is not difficult to see through their scheming. But they cannot defeat the truth,” he claimed.

Igwe’s son, Chris Okwor, also recounted how the issue began: “In 2021, a long-standing land dispute led to threats against my father from Nnamdi Ezemagu. After Emmanuel Ezemagu, his uncle lost the Igweship to my father, tensions escalated. Ezemagu began construction near my father’s building site, leading to physical altercations and police intervention.

“Nnamdi Ezemagu falsely claimed that he had given land to my father and demanded that my father’s building be divided. Despite police orders to cease construction, Ezemagu continued building at night.

“Suddenly, we heard that the building has been pulled down and politicians who are unhappy with my father’s integrity used the situation to suspend him from his position, claiming turmoil in the community.”

He said that the Ezemagu family rejected the financial aid provided by the former Local Government Chairman due to political motivations and promises of a House of Assembly slot.

“Their actions were never about the blind man’s welfare but about securing the land and looking for situations to cause unrest in the community,” he alleged.

Chris noted that one of the blind man’s cousins, Mrs. Amuka, had evacuated him, expressing dissatisfaction with how the Ezemagu family exploited him for their personal gain.

The ongoing attempts to raise public sentiment, according to Chris, “are because the government is considering reinstating Igwe Okwor.

“I still recall that after Igwe’s suspension, the state government set up a committee to look into the matter, but unfortunately before the government could come up with their findings, the Ezemagu family brought police from Abuja and arrested him. They also went further to vandalise his house.”

He alleged that Nnamdi Ezemagu habitually attacks and blackmails anyone who stands for the truth, highlighting instances of media attacks orchestrated by Nnamdi Ezemagu against those perceived to be telling the truth.

He said, “Dr. Malachy Ugwu was attacked for leading a delegation to notify former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi about the N4 million aid by the former Chairperson of Igbo-Etiti LGA, Mrs. Nkechi Ugwu-Oju.

“Also Chinedu Okike, former DPO Ogbede, was attacked in the media for reporting the land dispute and its legal status to the Police authorities.

“They also criticised the FCID Annex Enugu for investigating and charging Ezemagu and associates with various criminal offenses. The FCID Abuja was accused of bias for rejecting Ezemagu’s request to withdraw court cases and commence new investigations, including indefinite detention of Igwe’s son.

“They also went after Mr Emma Ochiagha- for advising all parties to steer clear of the disputed land, allowing the Umuezike community to intervene.”

Chris questioned why Nnamdi Ezemagu allegedly refused to allow the police and independent arbitrators to perform their duties impartially.

The Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy in Nigeria has set aside a significant sum of N3.7 billion for “research and development” activities. This allocation is part of the larger 2024 national budget totaling N28.7 trillion, which was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu earlier in the year. The budget increase, from an initial proposal of N27.5 trillion, sparked public debate, with allegations of padding by Senator Abdul Ningi.

The creation of the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy by President Tinubu represents a focused effort to elevate these sectors’ importance within the government’s agenda. Additionally, specific allocations within the budget highlight targeted investments in infrastructure and promotional activities. For instance, N160 million is earmarked for constructing a skill acquisition center for art and craft in Musawa Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State, while N290 million is allocated for solar street light construction in the same area, which happens to be the Minister’s home region.

Furthermore, the budget includes allocations for international engagements, such as N98 million for a “Nigerian pavilion” at the Cannes Film Festival in France and N150 million for the ministry’s information desk at the Abuja International Airport. These initiatives underscore efforts to promote Nigerian arts and culture on the global stage.

However, scrutiny has arisen regarding the overall efficiency and cost of governance under President Tinubu’s administration. Dr. Muktar Alkali of the Centre for Transparency and Accountability expressed disappointment, citing inefficiencies and high governance costs within some government agencies. This sentiment reflects broader concerns about the need for accountability and transparency in public spending, particularly in sectors crucial for national development.

In summary, while the allocation of funds for research and development in arts, culture, and creative economy sectors demonstrates a commitment to fostering innovation and growth, ongoing scrutiny of governance practices is essential to ensure effective utilization of resources for the benefit of Nigerian society.

A witness, Abraham Uwua, on Tuesday, admitted to a Benue State High Court in Makurdi that his testimony was based on information he received from his lawyer.

Uwua was testifying in a suit he filed alongside Terlumun Tyav, Terwase Zeku, and Pastor Cyprian Terwase against Peter Adejoh, Engr Mike Jijingi, the Government of Benue State, Commissioner for Land & Solid Minerals, Benue State, and Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Benue State.

When the matter came up for continuation of hearing, Uwua, who was led in evidence by his counsel, Doowuese Adike, adopted his witness statement before the court.

During cross-examination by counsel to Adejoh, Samuel Adama, Uwua was asked if all the information contained in his witness statement before the court were based on what he heard from the lawyer appointed by the community to negotiate compensation with the Benue State Government on their behalf over their land.

He answered in the affirmative.

Another witness, Zaki Gabriel Yagba, who claimed in his statement that Adejoh and officials of the Benue State Government brought police to chase them away from the disputed land, contradicted himself during cross-examination.

He told the court that he never saw Adejoh or officials of the Benue State Government with police or security personnel on their community land.

Yagba, who stated in his witness statement that he was one of those who signed the Power of Attorney given to Barrister Mbafan Ekpendu to represent the community in the negotiations, could not identify his signature when the document was shown to him.

The plaintiffs thereafter closed their case after the testimony of the two witnesses, which brought the total number of witnesses called by the plaintiffs to four.

The presiding judge, Justice Tertsea Kume, adjourned the matter until July 11, 2024, for the defendants to open their defense.

In the suit number MHC/179/23, the plaintiffs alleged that the Benue State Government wants to compulsorily acquire their ancestral land and sell it to a developer without payment of any form of compensation, among others.

They are seeking an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the defendants by themselves, their agents, or anyone acting by or through them from compulsorily taking over the communal land situated at Tse Agbuu, Mbachugh, Utuurn Community, and Ikyouv/Mbachugh, Utuurn Community, all of Bar Council Ward of Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, for any purpose other than overriding public interest, among others.

In his reply to the suit, the first defendant, Peter Adejoh, denied ever engaging anyone to use a bulldozer to destroy or grade the farm land, crops and economic trees of the plaintiffs.

He also averred that he has never at any time personally owned or possessed any land with the plaintiffs’ community or claims any form of interest or exercised any act of ownership in respect of same.

“Troops Rescue Five Kidnapped Persons in Kwara State, Hand Them Over to Local Authorities”

In a swift and decisive operation, troops from the 22 Armoured Brigade, Forward Operating Base (FOB) Patigi, have successfully rescued five individuals who were kidnapped in Olapade/Olayinka village, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. The rescued victims, comprising four females and a child, were abducted on May 15 but were freed following a well-coordinated search and rescue mission prompted by actionable intelligence from local residents and vigilantes.

Stephen Nwankwo, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 22 Armoured Brigade, confirmed the successful rescue operation in a statement released on Thursday. The statement highlighted the collaboration between the military, local residents, and vigilantes in responding to the kidnapping incident, which led to the safe recovery of the victims.

Following the rescue, Brigadier General OF Williams, the Commander of the 22 Brigade, officially handed over the rescued individuals to Mr. Shonibare, the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Council, in a brief ceremony. During the handover, General Williams reiterated the Army’s commitment to tackling criminal elements such as bandits and kidnappers in Kwara State. He assured local authorities and residents of the military’s unwavering dedication to maintaining security and urged continued cooperation in providing timely information to support joint operations with other security agencies.

The successful rescue operation not only demonstrates the effectiveness of security forces in responding to threats but also underscores the importance of collaboration between the military and local communities in combating criminal activities. As the military continues its efforts to ensure the safety and security of citizens, such operations serve as a testament to their commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the country.

Zamfara State Government Initiates N30,000 Minimum Wage Payment from June

In a significant development for the welfare of its workforce, the Zamfara State Government has officially announced its intention to start paying the N30,000 minimum wage to its employees, commencing in June. Governor Dauda Lawal made this declaration during a meeting with the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Gusau, demonstrating the government’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of its workers.

Governor Lawal’s affirmation of the imminent implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage underscores the administration’s dedication to prioritizing workers’ welfare. This proactive step not only aligns with national standards but also reflects a recognition of the importance of equitable compensation in fostering a motivated and productive workforce.

Addressing the NLC leadership, Governor Lawal stated, “Today, I want to announce to the Zamfara State Labour Union leaders that my government will commence payment of the N30,000 minimum wage in June.” This announcement signals a tangible improvement in the earning potential of Zamfara state workers, promising increased financial security and improved standards of living for them and their families.

The decision to implement the N30,000 minimum wage comes in the wake of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s signing of the minimum wage bill into law back in April 2019. Despite the nationwide mandate, as of October 2023, several states, including Zamfara, had yet to enact the new minimum wage, leaving workers in these states awaiting the promised adjustments to their salaries.

By taking decisive action to fulfill this obligation, the Zamfara State Government is not only meeting its legal responsibilities but also demonstrating its responsiveness to the needs and aspirations of its workforce. The commencement of N30,000 minimum wage payments in June marks a significant milestone in the state’s journey toward ensuring fair and just compensation for its employees, setting a positive precedent for other states yet to implement the minimum wage.

EFCC Arraigns Former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika and Brother Over Alleged Contract Fraud**

In a significant development in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought charges against Hadi Sirika, the former Minister of Aviation, along with his brother, Ahmad Abubakar Sirika, and Enginos Nigeria Limited, a company owned by Abubakar. The arraignment took place before Justice Suleman Belgore of the FCT High Court in Garki, Abuja.

The charges, outlined in a 10-count amended charge dated May 13 and filed on May 14, 2024, allege that Hadi Sirika abused his office by awarding contracts totaling N19.4 billion to Enginos Nigeria Limited. These contracts are at the center of the alleged fraud, marking a substantial sum of public funds purportedly misappropriated.

During the arraignment, all defendants, including Hadi Sirika, his brother, and Enginos Nigeria Limited, pleaded not guilty to each of the counts leveled against them. This plea sets the stage for what is anticipated to be a protracted legal battle, with both sides preparing to present evidence and arguments in support of their respective positions.

The allegations against Hadi Sirika carry significant weight, given his former position as Minister of Aviation and the magnitude of the alleged financial misconduct. If proven, such actions would not only represent a breach of public trust but also underscore broader concerns about corruption and accountability within Nigeria’s governmental structures.

As the legal proceedings unfold, stakeholders will closely monitor the case’s progress, hoping for a fair and transparent resolution that upholds the principles of justice and the rule of law. The outcome of this trial could have far-reaching implications, not only for the individuals involved but also for Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption and promote good governance.

Kano State Assembly Dissolves Five Emirate Councils, Grants Governor Sole Power for New Appointments**

In a sweeping decision with profound implications, the Kano State House of Assembly has dissolved all five emirate councils within the state. This significant move, announced following deliberations during Thursday’s plenary session, marks a pivotal moment in the governance and traditional structures of Kano.

The dissolution of the emirate councils stems from the passing of the Kano State Emirate Council Amendment Bill, which received unanimous support after undergoing second and third readings earlier in the day. The Deputy Speaker, Alhaji Muhammad Bello Butu Butu, highlighted the restoration of Kano’s “lost glory” as a driving force behind repealing the law that divided the Kano Emirate into five separate entities. This division, he argued, diminished the state’s capacity and dignity on a national level.

Alhaji Lawan Hussaini Dala, the Majority Leader, emphasized the cultural significance of the emirate councils, portraying them as custodians of tradition whose integrity had been compromised by the creation of additional emirates. With the amendment of the law, all five emirate councils have been abolished, and oversight responsibilities have been entrusted to the Commissioner for Local Governments.

Furthermore, the assembly adopted a motion to establish a new second-class emirate council in the state, indicating a restructuring of traditional leadership arrangements. This move underscores a broader realignment of power dynamics within Kano’s traditional institutions, with implications for governance, cultural heritage, and community relations.

The decision to dissolve the emirate councils and centralize the appointment of new Emirs under the authority of the Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, consolidates executive control over traditional leadership appointments. This consolidation of power represents a significant departure from previous practices and is likely to spark debate and scrutiny both within Kano and beyond.

As the dust settles on this momentous decision, stakeholders will closely monitor its implementation and assess its impact on the socio-political landscape of Kano State.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Calls for General Election on July 4th Amidst Declining Inflation Rates**

In a historic move, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced a forthcoming general election scheduled for July 4th. Addressing the nation from the iconic 10 Downing Street, Sunak revealed that he had personally petitioned His Majesty the King for the dissolution of parliament, a request which was duly granted, paving the way for this significant democratic event.

The timing of the announcement coincides with the release of new economic data indicating a sharp decline in the country’s inflation rate to 2.3 percent, marking its lowest level in nearly three years. This achievement holds particular significance for the ruling Conservative Party, as it aligns with one of Sunak’s key pledges made back in January 2023. At that time, amidst a backdrop of double-digit inflation hovering above 11 percent, Sunak vowed to halve inflation, a promise now evidently realized.

In his address, Sunak characterized the latest inflation figures as a “major moment for the economy,” expressing optimism for the nation’s future prosperity. However, he acknowledged the challenges faced by the Conservative Party in recent years, including sluggish economic growth and political instability, manifested by frequent changes in party leadership.

Despite the positive economic indicators, recent polling data from YouGov suggests that the Conservatives trail behind their main political rival, the Labour Party. This sets the stage for a fiercely contested electoral battle as the Conservative Party seeks to extend its 14-year tenure in power amidst a backdrop of shifting political dynamics and economic realities.