News
2023: NNPP unveils Vice Presidential candidate
During the unveiling in Abuja, the presidential candidate of NNPP Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, said Bishop Isaac Idahosa was a dynamic man with patriotic qualities that would work harmoniously with other members of his team to bring the desired socio-economic development to Nigeria, if elected as President of the country.
Senator Kwankwaso said the choice of Bishop Isaac Idahosa as NNPP Vice Presidential candidate was guided by a sense of patriotism, competence, credibility, and National Unity.
“Our party, the NNPP, in choosing our candidates for the 2023 general elections-from the State House of Assembly candidates to governorship to National Assembly up to the president was guided, among other things.
“Guided by competence, courage, acceptability, credibility and the all important desire to heal the country of the severe wounds that are threatening its very existence,” he said.
“After painstakingly vetting and scrutinising over 20 prospective candidates all of whom were eminently qualified to be the vice-president of Nigeria and considering the
severity of the wounds that are inflicted on the country in recent years and the necessity of healing them.
“Given the necessary desire to carefully balance all sensibilities, sensitivities, and differences in order to have an all inclusive government that will be fair and just to all Nigerians.
“Also bearing in mind that the country requires competent, credible, empathetic, courageous, and God-fearing leaders, I came to the conclusion and therefore present to you a rare Nigerian that very fit these requirements.
“Fellow compatriots, I present to you this 57 year-old man-of God who hails from Oredo Local Government Area of Edo; a trained automobile engineer, a highly educated Nigerian with Bachelor and Masters degrees in theology.”
He also described Idahosa as a united a self-made achiever whose lifetime work was improving the lots of Nigerians.
“A Doctor of Divinity and a Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Education; a man of integrity and credibility; a unique Nigerian with outstanding record; a patriot with clear understanding of the country’s contemporary challenges,” he said.
Kwankwaso said that Idahosa also believed that a new and better Nigeria was possible if Nigerians could work together with sincerity to heal the wounds inflicted on the country and its citizens.
“I present to you this Nigerian man-of-God; this Archbishop-designate and Senior Pastor of the God First Ministry; the man together with whom we shall pursue the agenda of saving Nigeria from the current drift and healing it of the wounds inflicted on her.
“I present to you the man with whom we shall, with the help of God, and with the support of all of you, build a New Nigeria where justice, equity, fairness, unity, security and development are assured.
“Fellow Compatriots, I present to you the next Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bishop Isaac Idahosa,” he said.
Kwankwaso said that healing wounds inflicted on Nigeria was the first step toward putting the country on the path of security, sustainable development and global respect.
He said that Nigeria was bleeding from severe and several wounds inflicted as a result of incompetence and insincerity of leadership.
This according to him is also causing insecurity, inflation, rise in unemployment amongst the youth, affecting the tertiary education system, and social services.
“We in the NNPP believe that healing these wounds is the first step towards putting Nigeria on the path of security, prosperity, enduring unity, sustainable development, and global respect,” he said.
In his acceptance speech, Idahosa, said that Nigeria deserved a fresh start and fresh deal that would take it out of its challenges.
“At this critical juncture of our nation’s history, our country deserves a fresh start and Nigerians deserve a fresh new deal, a fresh deal that will steer away the country from division and hate; a fresh deal that will steer away the country from incompetence and cluelessness.
“A fresh deal that will steer away the country from insecurity and economic woes; a fresh new deal that will create jobs and widen opportunities.
“A fresh new deal that will allow every family to live a decent and affordable life; and fresh new deal that will empower Nigerian youth and women to be in the front line in leadership and governance
He called on all Nigerians to come together and take back their destiny in their hands, be united and save the country from collapse.
Idahosa said that Nigerians must endeavor to face the challenges of the moment and rise together, heal together and work together to rebuild the country of their dream.
“A Nigeria where hard work strives, where education is important, where the economy will grow, where productivity is inspiring. We shall build a Nation that invest in its youth.
“We must pay good attention to new technologies; we will create the enabling environment for real industrialisation in Nigeria,” he said.
The National Chairman of the party, Prof. Rufai Alkali, expressed confidence that Idahosa would work with Kwankwaso to turn things around for the better.
A coalition of civil rights organizations, the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA), has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the allegations leveled against suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, by Dr. George Nwaeke, the former Head of Service of the state.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Dr. Gabriel Nwambu, Director General of the CCLCA, urged the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take swift action in probing the allegations. He emphasized that if proven true, these claims pose serious risks to governance and democracy.
The coalition, comprising 30 civil society organizations, stands in solidarity with Dr. Nwaeke, who has expressed willingness to provide evidence of alleged corruption and constitutional breaches involving Governor Fubara and his Chief of Staff, Mr. Edison.
“We collectively urge the relevant authorities to act swiftly and transparently. Addressing these allegations is critical to restoring public confidence in governance at both the state and national levels,” Dr. Nwambu stated.
He commended President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for his intervention in Rivers State, which led to the declaration of a state of emergency, a move he described as crucial for stabilizing the region.
Dr. Nwaeke’s accusations against Governor Fubara include:
Arson and Sabotage: Allegedly instructing his Chief of Staff to burn down the Rivers State House of Assembly to prevent impeachment proceedings, a violation of Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution.
Corruption and Financial Misconduct: Claims of large sums of money being used for personal and illegal activities, contravening Section 15(5) of the Constitution.
Threats to Public Safety: Alleged plans to sabotage state infrastructure, potentially inciting public disorder, which falls under Section 1 of the Terrorism Prevention Act (2011).
Collusion with Militant Groups: Alleged meetings between the governor, his Chief of Staff, and militant leaders, posing a threat to national security and violating Section 43 of the Constitution.
Suppression of Labour Rights: Alleged attempts to bribe labour leaders to silence dissent, contravening Section 40 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of assembly.
The coalition has urged law enforcement agencies to ensure a thorough, transparent, and expedited investigation into these allegations.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has appointed Sam Ifeanyi Hart, Esq. as his new Chief of Staff (CoS).
Hart replaces Hon. Toby Okechukwu who was recently appointed Executive Director, Projects of the newly established South East Development Commission (SEDC).
Prior to his appointment, Hart served as Special Adviser to the Deputy Speaker on Public Affairs and has an extensive background in training and consultancy.
Hart also previously served as Director-General, Abia State Marketing and Quality Management Agency from 2019 to 2023 after occupying other appointive positions.
He was also a member of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), Kuru where he attended the Senior Executive Course 45, serving as Course Secretary-General.
He has also served on the Boards of several corporate and non-governmental entities.
Hart brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role, with a distinguished career spanning law, leadership, and public service.
A lifelong learner, he holds multiple academic qualifications, including a Master’s Degree in Environmental Law (LLM) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) from Abia State University.
The new Chief of Staff is also currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Law.
A seasoned professional, Hart has attended prestigious institutions, including the GOTNI Leadership Centre, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), and the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG).
He is also a member of several professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria (M.IoD), Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (ACIArb), and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
As Chief of Staff, Hart will provide strategic guidance and support to the Deputy Speaker legislative activities, leveraging his expertise to drive policy initiatives and promote good governance.
By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
As Nigerians continue to rely on Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) for their daily financial transactions, a new trend of card swapping has emerged, leaving many victims bewildered and financially vulnerable. In this article, we will explore the root of this issue and provide guidance on how to avoid falling prey to this scam.
The Modus Operandi
The scam typically occurs when an ATM user inserts their card into the machine, only to have it retained or spat out. In many cases, the machine may appear to malfunction, prompting the user to remove their card and reinsert it. However, unbeknownst to the user, the machine may have swapped their card with a different one, often with a similar appearance.
The Consequences
When the user attempts to use the swapped card, they will inevitably encounter difficulties, as the card will not match their password or PIN. This can lead to frustration, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Implementation and Prevention
To avoid falling victim to this scam, it is essential to be vigilant when using ATMs. Here are some preventive measures to take:
1. Verify the card*: Before reinserting your card into the ATM, ensure it is indeed your card. Check the name, card number, and expiration date to confirm its authenticity.
2. Be cautious of malfunctioning ATMs*: If the ATM appears to be malfunctioning or retains your card, do not attempt to reinsert it. Instead, contact your bank or the ATM operator to report the issue.
3. Monitor your account activity*: Regularly check your account statements to detect any suspicious transactions.
4. Use ATMs at secure locations*: Opt for ATMs located in well-lit, secure areas, such as bank branches or shopping malls.
Tracing the Root of Card Swap
While the exact cause of card swapping is still unclear, it is believed to be the result of a combination of factors, including:
1. ATM maintenance and repair: Poorly maintained or repaired ATMs may be more prone to card swapping.
2. Card skimming and shimming: Criminals may use card skimming or shimming devices to steal card information and swap cards.
3. Insider involvement: In some cases, bank employees or ATM technicians may be complicit in the card swapping scheme.
Conclusion
Card swapping is a growing concern in Nigeria, and it is essential for ATM users to be aware of the risks and take preventive measures. By verifying the card, being cautious of malfunctioning ATMs, monitoring account activity, and using ATMs at secure locations, Nigerians can reduce their chances of falling victim to this scam. Remember, vigilance is key to protecting your financial security.
Eneojoh writes from Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria
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