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Re: “Taraba Muslim communities reject APC candidate, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha ahead of election” [A rejoinder]
Insecurity, poverty, hunger, absence of basic social amenities and other
allied vices that often hurl missiles of sorrow against the common man in
Nigeria, including Taraba State, due to bad governance do not care about
religious, ethnic and cultural differences. When the masses have exercised
their franchise at the polls in electing those that would represent them in
government, they must smile or wail together from the acts or omissions of
those they have chosen to lead them.
And, in the part of the world it is not unusual to find a few agents of
darkness or group, particularly those who have nothing to offer to the
people or are not interested in the unity and progress of society, whose
business it is to fan the embers of religious, ethnic or cultural differences or
hire their agents to do so during elections so as to cause division among
the people. One such persons is a certain faceless Oluwatosin Alex.
In an online platform known as “Thegeniusmedia” of March 9, 2023, the
said Oluwatosin Alex in, in a publication captioned “Taraba Muslim
Communities Reject APC Candidate, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha Ahead of
Election”, attempted but in vain to use religion, false, malicious and
baseless but weighty allegations against the person of the Distinguished
Senator Bwacha with the sole intent to cause division in the State.
The said faceless individual claimed that Senator Bwacha visited some Local
Government Areas, particularly in the Northern Senatorial Zone “to sell his
candidacy and also push the religion narrative but was vehemently rejected
by a total rejection by the populace of the communities”.
In a rather contradictory tone and also from an uninformed standpoint, the
said fake Oluwatosin Alex shot himself in the foot by stating that the
Distinguished Senator Bwacha “currently does not know if he is a
contestant or not because the INEC has refused to include his name on the
ballot. He was in court a few days ago to seek an order asking electoral
commission to include his name but no positive development has come
out”.
Not yet done, the purported Oluwatosin Alex had the temerity to level such
weighty allegations against the Distinguished Senator alleging that he is
“conniving with INEC officials to rig the election, making plans to
manipulate the BVAS device, attempting to contaminate the security
system during the election, and many more”.
Unfortunately for this hired faceless Oluwatosin Alex, APC is a party whose
primary concern is to uplift the living standard of the masses in Nigeria and
whose manifesto has no place for religious, ethnic or cultural sentiments.
This is evident by the emergence of Tinubu and Shetima both as President-
elect and Vice President – elect respectively, who ran on the muslim-
muslim ticket.
Secondly, it is on record on the media that Distinguished Senator Bwacha
was overwhelmingly received by the people of the communities mentioned
by the purported writer contrary to the warped and false representation
being made by the said faceless Alex. What is more, as could be seen from
the said publication, it is clear that those weighty allegations raised therein
have no iota of proof in support of such of the allegations. It is therefore,
clear that the purported Oluwatosin either has some evil agenda against
the APC and its Candidate or is hired by some disgruntled elements to
blackmail the Distinguished Senator Bwacha. However, whichever way, it is
glaring that the said faceless individual did not do his ‘job’ well.
The said Oluwatosin Alex, indeed, further betrayed his ignorance in public
domain when he said that the Distinguished Senator Bwacha does not
know if he is a constant because INEC did not include his name and that
Senator Bwacha went to Court but nothing came out of it.
It is now a well settled matter that the APC conducted a fresh primary
election in accordance with the tone and tenor of the earlier Order of the
Federal High Court, Jalingo. The same Court, on 8th March, 2023 in Suit No.
FHC/JAL/CS/8/2023 between APC vs. INEC, ordered as follows:
1. That INEC should restore or relist the name of Sen. Emmanuel Bwacha
as the candidate of APC in the forthcoming Governorship election in
Taraba State.
2. That the name of Sen. Emmanuel Bwacha shall remain on INEC’s portal
until the forthcoming Governorship election for Taraba State is
conducted since he was the winner of the fresh primary election of APC
conducted on 10/2/2023.
3. That unless there is any other Order of a Court of competent jurisdiction
to the contrary, INEC Chairman or any INEC staff or its agent cannot
remove the name of Sen. Emmanuel Bwacha from INEC’s portal before
or during the conduct of the forthcoming Governorship election for
Taraba State.
There is no doubt that the right to freedom of expression, which includes
freedom to hold opinions, to receive and impart ideas and information
without interference is constitutionally guaranteed under Section 39 of the
1999 Constitution, as amended. The media play strategic role in the society
through disseminating information to the people so as to enlighten and
make them make informed decisions.
However, the right of a person or the media to disseminate information is
not a blank cheque, but subject to making or publishing only such facts or
information that have been verified and confirmed to be true. Anything
short of this standard is libelous or defamatory and could render such
person or media outfit and/or the publisher liable in an action for
defamation.
Injurious falsehood or defaming the character or reputation of another
person, like what this person has done against Senator Bwacha, is not only
unconstitutional but a wrongful act as well as a criminal offence. We live in
a society governed by law and must respect those laws. Therefore, no
person is permitted, including the said faceless Oluwatosin Alex (faceless
because he refused or failed to provide details of his contact), to hide
under the cover of journalism to make inciting publications or level serious
allegations against another without backing such with credible evidence.
What we need in Taraba State is unity, peace and development. We
therefore call on all well-meaning Tarabans to shun any such statements
from individuals who do not wish Taraba well.
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Spark News honours Gov Aiyedatiwa, Barau, Kalu, Hanga as Best Performing Governor, Senators
The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has been named Spark News Daily’s Best Performing Governor for 2024.
The Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin (Kano North) Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North) and Senator Rufai Sani Hanga (Kano Central) were also named the Best Performing Senators.
Rising from its first quarterly consultative meeting with editorial board members, staff and associates, the management of Spark Media & Entertainment Ventures, the publisher of Spark News Daily – Nigeria’s most sought-after online newspaper, honoured these prominent Nigerians for their sterling performances in their respective offices.
A statement by Prevail Inegbenose, the Editor-in-Chief of Spark News Daily, on Wednesday 12th February, 2025 and made available to newsmen in Abuja, stated that the versatile Ondo governor was selected after a painstaking review and consideration of his achievements in 2024.
According to the statement, Gov Aiyedatiwa stood out among others with his leadership style, infrastructural developments as well as the massive transformations the Sunshine State had experienced since his assumption of office.
The statement further stated that the varied on-going projects in the State, particularly road constructions, educational revamps and investment in agriculture are clear indications that the governor is on a mission to make Ondo an enviable state among the states of the Federation.
“From 27 December 2023, when he was sworn-in as the governor of Ondo State to the time he was re-elected, up to this day, Gov Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has brought infrastructure and human capital development to the state”.
The governor’s proactive initiatives have positioned Ondo State as an emerging and attracting investment hotspot.
Meanwhile, the Aiyedatiwa-led administration has cultivated a peaceful environment where both residents and businesses can thrive securely.
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Akwa Ibom Federal Lawmaker, Jimbo boasts of massive constituency projects as first timer to the House of Representatives [See Lists]
A first time Nigeria House of Representatives member, Honourable Clement Jimbo has boasted that he empowered his constituents with a TIPPER to set an empowerment standard in Nigeria.
Jimbo disclosed this on Tuesday in a chat with selected journalists at his National Assembly‘s office in Abuja.
Rep Jimbo who is representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency in the 10th Assembly said since the history of political empowerment in Nigeria, no politician; President, Governor, Senator, Honourable Members or whoever has given a Tipper to his/or constituents as a result of empowerment.
“I donated a Tipper to “Tipper Loaders Association” in my Constituency in fulfillment to my campaign promises to them. During my campaign, I told them if you support me and i win my election I will make you Tipper owners instead of you to remain loaders and that was what we did in December last year.
“And I equally check it was the first time ever such an empowerment was carried out in the history of Nigeria political empowerment. No Parliamentarian, no governor, no president in the history of empowerment has ever given a Tipper to Constituents Literally that gesture just elevated those who were just loading Tipper to been the owners. Take it or leave it from that moment their standard of living has change and the joy of been a Tipper owners has overwhelmed them, I am happy about .that,” he boasted.
However, Jimbo noted that, none of his predecessors has achieved in four or eight years what he has achieved in less than two years in terms of empowerment and representation.
He also expressed optimism that his bill on the Establishment of the National Commission for Technology Transfer, Acquisition, and Promotion will be passed for third reading in the House and receive assent from the President. Adding that the bill was born out of patriotism to help ramp up the solid minerals of Nigeria and add value to our raw materials.
Rep Jimbo insisted that the bill will add to our GDP and reduce our unemployment rate as well as other beautiful advantages for Nigeria.
“If you look at the Super powers, America, China, Germany, Canada and others, it clearly underscores the essence of the bill. So, I am not worried that the house committee on science and technology is yet to report back to the house for further legislation after a public hearing in December. They are still working on it-remember it has been 2025 budget defence all this while and until the budget is finally pass the committee won’t have chance for other matters
“ As a country you must have what you need to bargain what you want.The core value of the bill was to leverage on our huge population to attract what we do not have to further add value to our raw materials.
“I think the committee on science and technology will do the needful looking at the merits of the bill.”
On the bill to Establish Federal University of Agriculture, Abak, Akwa Ibom which scaled second reading on the floor of the senate, Jimbo commended the senate and particularly the sponsor of the bill.
Reacting to the jack up of the 2025 budget from the initial N49.7trillion to N54.2trilion by the executive, he said it was a pen staking work of the parliamentarians to make sure every development component was captured in the budget and coupled with complaints from the MDAs of inadequate provisions of their 2025 appropriation.
The vice chairman house committee on National Planning and Economy Development said his committee in conjunction with Finance and Appropriation looked at the merits and demerits of the complaints by the MDAs and advised the executive to give attention to grey areas as contained in the complaints. That he said gave birth to the jack up of the 2025 budget.
BELOW ARE SOME ACHIEVEMENTS OF REP. CLEMENT JIMBO AS A FEDERAL LAWMAKER IN LESS THAN TWO YEARS
BILLS
1. A Bill for an act to establish Federal School of Medical Laboratory Science, Midim, Abak Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State. (Passed in the House)
2. A Bill for an act to establish National Commission for Technology Transfer. (Passed 2nd reading)
MOTIONS
1. Motion calling on the FG to construct Obiobom Community Collapsed Bridge, Abak Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
2. Motion for Amendment of 2014 Pension Act.
3. Motion calling on FG to end food insufficiency through Mechanized farming
4. Motion to curtail incessant arrest and detention of journalists in Nigeria.
5. Motion mandating the Inspector General of Police to aide the release of abducted Akwa Ibom State prospective corp members in Zamfara State.
6. Motion mandating the Executive Arm of Government to comply with section 11(1) b of Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007
7. Motion for inclusion of Odukpani-Itu road project in 2025 Appropriation and ensure adequate budgetary provision.
8. Motion for Federal Government to wade into Nkari Communal crisis to restore and maintain peace in the area.
PETITIONS
1. Petitioning of Nigerian Army to pay Compensation to Ibagwa communities land owners.
2. Petitioning of Nigerian Army to release Mfonma Mfon Effiong who was illegally detained in their Barrack.
3. Petitioning of Nigeria Police Force to reinstate one of his constituents, Imo Jackson who was unlawfully dismissed from NPF.
4. Petitioning of Nigerian Army for reinstatement of Mr. Udoekong Inibehe who was unlawfully dismissed from Army.
5. Petition against Discrimination, Victimization and Wrongful Disengagement of Mr. Simon Archibong from service by Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and also call for his reinstatement.
TRAINING/EMPOWERMENT & DISTRIBUTION OF PALLIATIVE
1. Training of 75 Youths on ICT and also empowered them with HP Laptops.
2. Training of 31 Female Youths on Cosmetology and provision of start up grants.
3. Empowerment of 31 constituents with hair dryers and start up grants.
4. Empowerment of 31 constituents with sewing machines and start up grants.
5. Training of 200 youths on Silk Plastering and empowering them with starter pack.
6. Empowerment of four constituents with four first grade Toyota Camry Cars.
7. Distribution of grains as palliatives which includes:
(a) 50 bags of 50kg rice.
(b) 4,500 bags of 10kg rice.
8. Empowerment of 93 Women with 50,000 business grants in Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency
9. Free premium motor spirit distribution to motorist in Abak, Etim Ekpo & Ika Federal Constituency.
10. Distribution of 300 bags of 10kg rice, 300 bags of 10kg garri, 300 bags of 10kg beans, 30 cartons of vegetable oil, 40 cartons of tin tomato, 40 cartons of seasoning, 2 pieces of blankets and 200 pieces of blankets to Flood victims in his constituency.
11. Human Capacity Development Training/Empowerment of 250 Women and Youths in Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency.
12. Empowered Abak Tipper Loaders Association with a Tipper
13. Empowered a Cobbler with half a million naira to support his shoe making business.
FACILITATION OF PERSONABLE JOBS
Federal Government jobs has been facilitated for his Constituents in the following Federal Government Agencies:
1. Nigerian Navy.
2. Nigerian Army
3. Nigeria Police Force.
4. Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps.
5. Federal Civil Service.
6. Federal Capital Territory Administration.
CONSTITUENCY PROJECTS
1. Completion of Abak Village TowwaPHall.
2. Grading of Ediene Abak – Etinan 8.10km road.
3. Installation of hundreds of solar powered street lights in Ediene Abak and Premium FM Avenue, Utu Abak.
4. Solar Powered Borehole, Ikot Oku Ubara, Ediene, Abak Local Government Area.
5. A Block of Six Classrooms at Government Primary School, Ibanang, Ediene, Abak Local Government Area.
6. Solar Powered Borehole, Eka Offiong, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area.
7. A Block of Six Classrooms at Qua Iboe Church Town School, Uruk Ata 2, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area.
8. Solar Powered Borehole at Ikot Abara Village, Ika Local Government Area.
9. A Block of Six Classrooms at Primary School, Ikot Inyang Village, Ika Local Government Area.
10. Installation of solar powered street lights in rural communities of Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency.
11. Grading of roads in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area.
EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT PROGRAMMES
1. Distribution of 100 carton of chalks.
2. Free distribution of 2,500 school bags to pupils in public Schools in Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency.
3. Distribution of 20,000 copies of exercise books.
4. Payment of 50,000 Bursary each to 80 Students of Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency in Tertiary Institutions.
5. Purchased of 80 JAMB forms to prospective candidates and sponsorship of free JAMB classes.
6. Scholarship award to Abak Federal Constituency International and Local Students.
FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH
Free medical treatment/ surgery and distribution of medicines to over 2,500 constituents in Abak, Etim Ekpo and Ika Federal Constituency.
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Amangwu Day Celebrations 2024: Launch of Exclusive Line of Branded Amangwu Day 2024 Merchandise
The highly anticipated Amangwu Day Celebrations 2024 is fast approaching, bringing with it a special cultural festival of love, unity and development and the official commissioning of the Amangwu Townhall Project.
In preparation for this monumental event, the Central Planning Committee (CPC) has launched an exclusive line of branded merchandise, including customized t-shirts, caps, hoodies, and tracksuits, among others to promote the Amangwu brand and generate excitement for the Amangwu Day Cultural festival.
In a statement from the CPC Chairman, Amb. Sunday Chibuzo Okereke, the committee warmly invites all Umu-Amangwu, as well as friends of Amangwu and Arochukwu Kingdom, to embrace the spirit of unity, love and cultural pride by sporting these materials as casual wear during this festive season and beyond. These items, available for all, serve as a symbol of solidarity and love for both humanity and community, especially during this Christmas season in celebration of Amangwu Day.
The Amangwu Day Cultural Festival of love, unity and development promises to be a remarkable gathering, celebrating Amangwu’s rich cultural heritage and communal spirit. This year’s event will culminate with the Love Feast Commemorative Ceremony and the long-awaited commissioning of the Amangwu Townhall, a landmark project that reflects the growth and aspirations of the Amangwu people and community.
The Event is Scheduled as follows:
Date: 29th December 2024
Time: 12:00 PM
Venue: Amangwu TownHall Grounds, Amangwu, Arochukwu, Abia State of Nigeria
The CPC looks forward to welcoming all Umu-Amangwu, special guests, and friends from across Arochukwu Kingdom and beyond to join in this joyous occasion. It is an invitation to celebrate not only the cultural richness of Amangwu but also the unbreakable bonds that unite our people, now and for generations to come.
God bless and Prosper Amangwu.
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