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Bailout loan: Benue gov’t give details after misleading online reports

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Benue State government has reacted to the trending reports alleging that Benue State House of Assembly approved fresh loan for the State, describing the report as misleading and politically motivated.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Terver Akase on Monday, Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom said, mischief makers chose to sponsor a misleading report as a smear campaign against him and the Speaker of the Assembly, addi g that it wasn’t a fresh loan.

The statement reads: “We read a sponsored online publication aimed at smearing the reputation of Governor Samuel Ortom and the Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Titus Uba in which authors of the piece attempted to cast the present administration as one thriving only on loans.

“While we are not bothered by the jaundiced intent of those behind the article, we find it pertinent to put the records straight for the benefit of Benue people who may be misled by the politically-motivated publication.

“Since 2015 when Samuel Ortom became the Governor of Benue State, the only thing critics have desperately tried to use against him is payment of salaries and pensions. But such critics also know that Governor Ortom was not responsible for the recession which Nigeria went into in 2016, making it difficult for 27 states including Benue to pay salaries and pensions.

“The Ortom administration, like those of other states, in 2015 applied for the bailout which the Federal Government had resolved to give to states to cushion the adverse effects of the recession and enable them to pay the outstanding salaries and pensions. The Benue State Executive Council sought the approval of the State House of Assembly and applied for N61 billion bailout which would have addressed the backlog of the emoluments.

“The Federal Ministry of Finance and Central Bank of Nigeria, for whatever reason, approved and released only N28 billion of the bailout, leaving N41 billion pending. Out of the N28 billion that came to the state, N15.5 billion was for the 23 local government areas while N12.5 went to the state for payment of the outstanding emoluments.

“Recall that Kogi and some other states later re-validated the 2015 bailout application and were given the balance of the total amount they originally requested.

“The Benue State Government also made several efforts to get the N41 billion balance released to it, but such efforts could not yield results as the Federal Government was not forthcoming until recently.

“The N41 billion loan facility the Benue State House of Assembly approved a few days ago was therefore only a re-validation of the application for the pending bailout of N41 billion and not a fresh loan approval. Out of the N41 billion, N17 billion will go for payment of the arrears of salaries and pensions at the state level, while N24 billion will go to local governments.

“This is an undisputed fact those who authored the online publication don’t want the people to know. Their fear is that once Governor Ortom is able to get the funds and clear the arrears of salaries and pensions, they will no longer have anything to hold as a tool to tarnish his image and that of his administration. They are the real enemies of Benue workers and retirees. As far as their aim of painting the Governor in bad colours is achieved, the interest of the workers and pensioners does not count.

“In their desperation, the authors of the same piece have dragged the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Titus Uba into their campaign of calumny, branding him with all manner of names.

“The Benue State Assembly is not a Titus Uba house. It is a legislature made up of representatives of all Benue people where other political parties also have members. The recent approval given by the Assembly for the N41 billion bailout request received unanimous support from members of the House. To therefore isolate the Speaker for attacks is not only unfortunate but also smacks of shameful vendetta. It is politics taken too far.”

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Report of attack on Wike’s Port Harcourt residence false, misleading – Police

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Nyesom Wike

The Rivers State Police Command has described reports on several news outlets that hoodlums have attacked the Port Harcourt residence of Nyesom Wike as false and misleading.

The police said nothing close to attack ever took place on Sunday on the residence of Wike who is currently the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory as mischievously reported in sections of the media.

On Sunday night, several online media platforms alleged that Wike’s residence was under siege and had been torched by unidentified individuals.

Reacting in a statement on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, described the reports as false and misleading, stating the the report was a connivance between some elements and the media to cause unrest and further create panic.

The statement read: “The attention of the Rivers State Police Command has been drawn to a misleading and malicious report circulating on various online media platforms, falsely claiming that riots have erupted in Rivers State, leading to the burning of the residence of the former Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, along with other acts of violence.”

She further stated that the state remains peaceful, and there has been no such attack on Wike’s residence or any other major security breach.

“The Command categorically states that this report is entirely false, baseless, and a deliberate attempt by mischief makers to incite unrest and spread fear among law-abiding residents. There is no record of any such incident, and normalcy prevails across the state,” she said.

The police spokesperson warned against spreading misinformation, emphasizing that those found guilty of fabricating such reports would face legal consequences.

According to the spokesperson, “The Police Command sternly warns those responsible for spreading such incendiary falsehoods to desist from engaging in activities capable of inciting public disorder. The full weight of the law will be brought to bear on individuals or groups found guilty of spreading misinformation or attempting to disrupt the peace in any form.”

She reassured residents of the police command’s commitment to maintaining security in Rivers State and urged the public to rely only on credible sources for information while reporting any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.

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NUJ at 70: Governor Ododo pledges support for independent, free press

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Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, congratulates the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on its 70th anniversary, reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to press freedom and media independence.

Governor Ododo commended the NUJ for its remarkable contributions to democracy, good governance, and national development over the past seven decades.

He described the media as a critical pillar of democracy, playing a crucial role in holding leaders accountable and ensuring transparency in governance.

“For seventy years, the NUJ has been at the forefront of promoting responsible journalism, defending press freedom, and shaping public discourse. A free and independent press is the foundation of a thriving democracy, and my administration remains committed to creating an enabling environment where journalists can operate without fear or intimidation,” he stated.

The governor acknowledged the resilience and dedication of journalists in delivering credible information despite challenges.

He emphasized the need for media professionals to uphold the ethics of journalism, combat misinformation, and embrace technological advancements and innovation to enhance their professional excellence.

Governor Ododo also assured media practitioners in Kogi State of his government’s continued support in strengthening the press as a force for positive change.

He called on the NUJ to remain steadfast in its mission to uphold journalistic integrity and professionalism.

“As we celebrate this milestone, I commend the leadership and members of the NUJ for their steadfast commitment to truth and accountability. I am confident that the union will continue to set high standards in journalism, contributing to the progress of our great nation,” he added.

He wished the union continued success in its pursuit of a free, independent, and responsible press.

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BREAKING: Rivers House of Assembly serves Governor Fubara impeachment notice, alleges misconduct

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After a long legal battle between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara and 27 State House of Assembly legislators loyal to the former governor, Nyesom Wike which was fought up to the Supreme Court in favour of lawmakers, a notice of impeachment has been served on the Governor on Monday in Portharcourt,

The notice a copy of which was obtained by CAPITAL POST alleged gross misconduct against Governor and his Depuy, Ngozi Odu, thereby escalating fresh crisis in the oil rich city.

The alleged infraction if proved is constitutionally strong to orchestrate impeachment which has been the focus of the lawmakers since they won at the Supreme Court and were back to sitting in the State parliament as all entreaties by the governor was rebuffed by the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule.

In the heat of post Supreme Court crisis, the political godfather of the 27 lawmakers, Nyesom Wike who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, said he will not put a stumbling block to the Assembly members if they chose to do their work.

In the long drawn battle, allies of Nyesom Wike insisted that the governor has 80% gone out of the office, hence, Monday’s letter only goes to show the Assembly’s resolution to remove governor Fubara out of office. This is despite Fubara’s effort to present the 2025 budget of Rivers State to the Assembly after he was put under pressure to do by the lawmakers.

The notice, submitted to the Speaker through the Clerk of the Assembly, cites reckless and unconstitutional expenditure of public funds among other allegations, that will put the governor under tight corner of not being able to defend the allegations.

Reacting, some political figures have called for Fubara’s resignation or impeachment, others, including the Ijaw National Congress, have warned against such actions, citing potential instability in the region.
Meanwhile, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP is suspecting President Bola Tinubu’s support to lawmakers impeaching Fubara, saying, the plot would not be possible without getting green light from the presidency.

The impeachment process involves several legal steps, including the formation of a Committee to investigate the allegations. If found guilty, Fubara and his deputy could face removal from office.

The situation remains volatile, with governance in the state effectively stalled due to the political impasse.

Read Full Details Here: https://nujfct.ng/breaking-rivers-state-house-of-assembly-serves-impeachment-notice-on-governor-Fubara-and-deputy

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