Month: March 2025

WORLD CUP: I STRONGLY BELIEVE WE ARE STILL ON COURSE FOR QUALIFICATION”_ SHAIBU

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… Calls for Nigerians total support By Ben Ogbemudia, Abuja Comrade Philip Shaibu, the immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo State says he strongly believed that the Super Eagles world Cup qualification is still very much alive despite the 1-1 draw at Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Tuesday. Shaibu in a press statement shortly after the game said he watched the Super Eagles take on Zimbabwe live at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo in the World Cup Qualifier said,” I must say, our “boys” gave their all on the pitch. The energy, skill, passion, determination, and desire to win were clear for everyone to see. According to him, “From the first whistle to the last, they fought to secure the win, dominating large spells of the game. Though it ended in a 1-1 draw, one thing is clear—we have a team that is capable of making it to the World Cup, and I strongly believe we are still on course for qualification. “Coach Eric Chelle summed it up perfectly in his post-match press conference: “We were the best team on the pitch… this is football.” Yes, mistakes happen, and sometimes, results don’t go the way we want. But what matters now is how we respond. We have seen teams face setbacks and still rise to greatness, and Nigeria can do the same. “With the right mindset, tactical adjustments, and unwavering support from Nigerians, we can still secure the second-place finish and book our ticket to the World Cup. “I want to commend every player who gave their all on the pitch, the coaching staff for their tireless efforts, and the fans who came out in numbers to support the team. Football is a journey, and while challenges will come, true champions are defined by how they rise after a tough moment. “Now is the time to rally behind our team, to trust and believe in the process, and to keep pushing forward. The dream is still alive, and with the right focus, passion, and support, we can achieve our goal. “Nigeria, let’s stand together! Our Super Eagles will soar again.”

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“ONLY ONE MASS PROTEST WILL ABORT TINUBU’S DICTATORSHIP_” NOWINTA.

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Says: “Nigerians Must Demand Perpetually For The Uncompromising Review Of The Electoral Act” A prominent social critic and human rights activist, Comrade Igbotako Nowinta said  that  Only one mass protest winn put an end to  PRESIDENT TINUBU ‘s dictatorship. Comrade Nowinta, an international conflict resolution expert, who doubles as the Executive Director, Nigeria Good Governance Research Centre (NGGRC) said “President Bola Tinubu has become like an intoxicated bull in a chinese store because the electoral process in Nigeria is the most porous in the whole world” It would be recalled that a cross section of Nigerians have reacted that the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, was a calculated desperation of President Tinubu to grab the oil rich state at all cost come 2027 presidential election. “What made President Bola Tinubu to dance wildly to the selfish and diabolical music being played against Sim Fubara in Rivers State; what made Tinubu to act like an Emperor in the matter that engulfed the Lagos State House of Assembly recently, where an impeached Speaker, was flushed back and down the throats of the law makers; what has entered the imaginations of Seyi Tinubu ( President’s son), by dreaming to be the next Governor of Lagos State?” “What we see today is a catastrophic dictatorship that pales before ex- president Muhammadu Buhari’s hopeless rule over Nigeria. It is very clear to us at the Nigeria Good Governance Research Centre (NGGRC) that President Bola Tinubu has become like an intoxicated bull in a chinese store, because the electoral process in Nigeria is the most porous in the whole world” “The fact of the matter is that once patriotic Nigerians pick only one issue, and make it an uncompromising mass protest, that will force the hands of those distributing democratic insanity, to review the electoral act in Nigeria, the current unbridled promiscuity towards dictatorship will stop. Therefore, patriotic Nigerians must demand for the review of the electoral act immediately; only this one issue will abort Tinubu’s blistering take down of democratic ethos and his imposition of undiluted political power across the country” “It is sad and too early in the day, that we are seeing a disastrous overreach by Tinubu, Wike and cohorts; plus a shameless rubber stamped National Assembly, that have turned themselves into deceitful characters, sunshine patriots, and hypocritical evil merchants, operating under the cloak of democracy”. “Nigerians must organize hastily to stop the outrageous overdose of a president who has become unspeakable tragedy, settling political scores with frenetic terrible pace. The current blatant unconstitutional manoeuvres tearing through the country must not be allowed to stand”. “We must never surrender to a fascistic self seeking, and seriously diseased ruling class bent on enslaving us in the name of democracy. What is to be done again? We must be fiercely rebellious by organizing a prolong peaceful protest demanding for a drastic review of the nation’s electoral act, to be in tandem with what is obtainable in civilized democracies”.

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NIGERIAN WOMEN TASK TINUBU ON AKPOTI UDUAGHAN

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….want God to afflict recall agitators with madness, imbecility Nigerian women on Monday spoke out against the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the signatures to recall the Kogi Central representative. “This is the example of tyranny, harsh and unfair decisions” They also asked President Bola Tinubu and Senator Godswill Akpabio to use their good offices to protect and defend the rights of women in Nigeria. “The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan disgusted many people. The dispute in the senate caused much doubt about the honesty of male politicians in the country” The influential women reformers at a meeting to discuss the social, civil and religious conditions and rights of women in Nigeria urged the senate to lift the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan. ‘It has been established that suspension and recall processes are not appropriate responses to disagreement concerning a senate president and a member of the senate. They called upon God to afflict people behind Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall processes with madness and imbecility. Particularly, the women condemned the violation of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s rights and the treatment of women politicians as children and instruments of emotional satisfaction in the country’s politics. Chairperson of South-South Women Rights Movement, Mrs Alice Anene presented the stance of the women to local and foreign journalists. The highly intelligent and spirited women advised Akpabio to conduct himself honourably as Senate president. “Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is a great fighter and remarkable public servant. She is also the most trusted and best informed person to ever represent Kogi Central” The crusaders of women rights denounced the plot by desperate chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to get rid of Akpoti-Uduaghan. “They hired fake people and poured money into destroying Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan” The women argued that the recall process was not necessary because it might lead to more harm than good for women, Kogi Central and the nation’s democracy. “History is recited in favour of those who have won. But in this case, recall agitators and those behind the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan Uduaghan should be ashamed of themselves”

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FINCHGLOW TRAVELS WINS TOP AGENCY AWARD FROM AIR FRANCE _KLM DELTA

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CHUKS OKOH Finchglow Travels, a prominent Nigerian travel consolidator, has been honoured with the Agency of the Year in the Platinum Category award, alongside a Certificate of Appreciation, at the recent Air France-KLM-Delta Celebration in Lagos. The recognition reaffirms Finchglow Travels’ sustained performance and its significant contributions to travel sales and industry partnerships, as confirmed by Temilade Adu, Public Relations Manager, Finchglow Holdings Manager for Finchglow Holdings. Olumide Owolabi, Country Sales Manager for Air France-KLM, acknowledged Finchglow Travels’ consistent excellence and its role in the airline’s success in Nigeria, reiterating the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. The Managing Director of Finchglow Travels, Mr. Ezekiel Ikotun stressed the award as a reflection of the company’s dedication to innovation, service excellence, and industry collaboration, noting the importance of their partnership with Air France-KLM-Delta in providing seamless travel experiences. Head of Corporate Sales at Finchglow Travels, Aderinsola Desalu, attributed the award to the team’s dedication and expertise, reinforcing their commitment to delivering tailored travel solutions and strengthening industry partnerships. The award precedes the live edition of PartnerPlus Connect in Lagos, an event designed to address evolving industry trends, challenges, and opportunities with the theme “Navigating Travel Industry Shifts.” This event will bring together key stakeholders to explore strategies for adaptation and growth in the dynamic travel landscape, covering topics from changing consumer behaviors to airline innovations and the pivotal role of partnerships.

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CUSTOMS, AVIATION UNIONS FACE OFF: WORKERS THREATENED DOWN TOOLS , GIVE FAAN ONE WEEK ULTIMATUM

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CHUKS OKOH Aviation unions in the country have given the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) seven days ultimatum within which a clear work protocols that are in tandem with global best practices are applied in their working environment or face industrial action They had earlier given the management 21 day ultimatum which expired yesterday Monday, demanding the transfer of Nigeria Customs officers at the the cargo sector of the Murtala Muhammed Airport following the assault on the Director of Aviation Security In a statement Monday by the general secretary  Comrade Ocheme Aba of NUATE Comrade Frances Akinjole of ATSSSAN Comrade Abdul Rasaq Saidu of ANAP warned that workers will down tools next Monday 31st March should FAAN management fail to act. “Consequential sanctions are in place which guarantees the safety and human rights of FAAN staff, we shall direct all the workers to withdraw from the airports with effect from 31st March, 2025 pending when such protocols are established. The recent assault on  less a personality as the Director of Aviation security of FAAN is one too many which leaves a taste too bitter to swallow” “It is our sincere hope that our demand in the above respect is well met to avoid the industrial conflagration that will ensue in the absence acceptable remedial actions” The unions said all branches and state councils throughout Nigeria have been directed to commence mobilization of all staff in the above respect. The unions regretted that the letter dated 7th of March, 2025 has received no response, nor was  there any visible sign of remedial actions as demanded. “This is against the background of the expiration of the ultimatum today (21st March, 2025). Considering the enormity and frequency of physical and psychological assault on the staff and management personnel of FAAN of which there is no end in sight” “We are compelled to inform the Management of the unwavering determination of our Unions to cause the establishment of a clear framework of mutual respect among FAAN staff and the security agencies operating at the airports”

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EXCLUSIVE: GOVERNOR OKPEBHOLO HASN’T VIOLATED LAW ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE __EDO JUSTICE COMMISSIONER.

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…Rolls Out Helplines for Access to Justice and Judicial Support. BY:  Sebastine Ebhuomhan   Governor Monday Okpebholo has not violated any law that relates to the administration, structure, finance and composition of the local government area councils in Edo State, enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other laws. Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Right Honourable Samson Raphael Osagie (PhD.), emphasised in response to an Edo State People’s Democratic Party (PDP) faction’s call on the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to withhold federation allocations to Edo State councils and initiate contempt proceeding against its chief law officer. Speaking exclusively, Mr. Osagie disclosed that the Edo State government under the leadership of Senator Okpebholo is rather committed to strengthening justice administration by ensuring the Ministry of Justice serves not only as the government’s prosecutorial agency but as an institution facilitating Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to protect the less privileged for a peaceful co-existence and social harmony through access to justice. Two agencies the state government has established since 2018 to accelerate justice are: the Citizens’ Mediation Centre (CMC), offering free mediation services to indigent and vulnerable citizens, and the Citizens’ Rights Department (CMD), enforcing citizens’ rights against breaches. “How can the public access the services of these agencies? They are open to all Edo citizens, especially those who cannot afford legal representation. The agencies are located at the Ministry of Justice. Citizens’ Mediation Centre and Citizens’ Rights Department have played indispensable roles in promoting peace, justice and social harmony in Edo State. Of course, security is a key component of the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo. This is why these new departments are playing key roles to ensure that issues that would otherwise escalate are settled amicably without recourse to unnecessary tangos and, of course, sometimes, litigations. “These departments have been made to be statutory agencies under the Ministry of Justice. It is hoped that in no distant time, the agencies will be formally inaugurated to have in law statutory cloak to perform their mandates. A law has been passed to ensure that these agencies stand on their own; because they become one in order to achieve their mandates,” Osagie explained. According to Dr. Osagie, a total of 634 civil disputes have been resolved successfully by the two agencies since inception. The disputes are as diverse as inheritance, matrimony, employment, accommodation, domestic violence, gender oppression, rights violation, and inter-communal violence with the advantages of saving time, reducing costs and preventing backlogs usually associated with litigation. The CRD operates two specialized units: the General Complaint Unit and the Correctional Centre Legal Services. The latter has accounted for 290 inmates’ freedom from overstay in correctional services through prolonged trials, delayed trials and wrongful prosecutions. Osagie disclosed his Ministry’s plans to extend the agencies’ operations from Benin, the capital city (in Edo South District) to Ubiaja (Edo Central District) and Auchi (Edo North District) in order to accelerate justice. He provided two helplines. They are: 08074388080 and 07087058094. He urged citizens to access the telephone lines for judicial support. On the call by the acting Chairman of Edo PDP, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, to the FG to withhold statutory allocations of Edo local government councils owing to alleged violation in Edo State House of Assembly’s suspension of the state’s elected council chairmen and vice chairmen for corruption, Osagie said, “The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) made a very unusual and uninformed call on the Federal Government to stop allocations to local government councils in Edo State. I think it is important we address Edo people on the illegality and ignorance about that call. “First, let me start on the point that the issue of allocations to various tiers of governments in Nigeria, the federal, the states, and the local governments are matters of the Constitution. Section 162 of the Constitution makes it clear that monies standing to the credit of each tier of government, in this case, the local government councils in Nigeria, shall be directly credited to their accounts. It was this provision that the Supreme Court gave verve when it decided that local government councils should enjoy some measure of autonomy. “In this case, this call is uninformed. It is an illegal one in the sense that by Section 7 of the Constitution itself, it talks about the democratically elected local governments as being guaranteed by the Constitution. For that purpose, a law by the House of Assembly of every state shall make provision for the administration, structure, finance, and composition of the local government councils. “In Edo State while it is correct that the chairmen and vice chairmen have been undergoing some inquisition arising from complains of sleaze and corruption at the various councils’ levels, reports have been submitted, which are quite damning on the administration of funds by the local government councils until the House of Assembly competently exercised their powers to suspend the chief executives as at 16th of December, 2024. “Now the position of the law with respect to Edo local government councils is that the democratically elected members and functionaries of the local government councils in Edo State are still in place. The disciplinary action taken against the chairmen, which puts them under inquisition notwithstanding, you still have under the 192 wards of the state today, elected counsellors, from which the leaders of the various legislative councils have now become the heads of the local government administration. “In other words, the PDP is over-stretching the verdict of the Supreme Court to the extent that the local government councils are synonymous with only chairmen and vice chairmen. And that is not the interpretation of that judgment neither is that the interpretation of any law or the Constitution for that matter. “The question to be asked is: in Edo State, do we have a democratically elected local government system in place? The answer is: yes. It is yes because those that were elected are the ones running

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AHEAD SALLAH TRAFFIC SURGE, FAAN WARNS AGAINST UNRULY CONDUCT.

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CHUKS OKOH As Muslims prepare for Eid – el-Filtri with expected surge in passenger traffic, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has cautioned passengers to refrain from taking laws into their hands to destroy terminals and airlines facilities as a result of flight cancellations and delays Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, who spoke while breaking fast with the Lagos airport Muslim communities at an Iftar dinner urged passengers to show understanding pointing out that no airline will willingly delay or outrightly cancel any flight without any reason. Kuku, who spoke through FAAN Director of Operations, Captain Abdullahi Mahmood also urged passengers to get to airports on time and to also under Airlines’ rights. He said :”We urge that passengers should be guided by the law. You buy your ticket, you come to the airport and once there is a challenge, they should understand with the airline. “All this coming, claiming, fighting, breaking things, is not doing any good to anyone. I have never seen anywhere in the world people do that. So, we need to be patient. “We need to understand. Yes, we need to understand our rights, and we need to understand the airlines’ rights also. We need to understand that everyone has their rights.” Mahmood affirmed that “The airlines have rights, in as much as you have your rights as passengers, they have their rights also. So, understand that this right is very, very important. And to make sure that what you call it, then go to the airport on time and then maintain good behaviour at the airport is important,” he said. He disclosed that the authority is making efforts to ensure that all the airports in the country are up to standard. “We are anticipating it and we are making every effort to make sure that our airports are up to standard. We also make sure that whatever it is, facilities of our airport, the runways and everything is all in place for full facilitation of our passengers’ travel.” Also speaking on tackling touting at the nation’s airports, Capt. Mahmood  said FAAN is not resting on eradicating touting at the airports. “You could see the comments from passengers. At least they are seen; people are now understanding. We are taking it very, very seriously. Yes, it’s not something that you don’t expect to change overnight. “It’s the same thing that anytime they say you want to fight corruption, corruption, fight back. You have to understand some people are gaining from this, and you want to move them out of what they are doing. “No matter what it is, they will fight back, but we are ready. We are equal to the task. We are fighting and we are sensitising people to understand that what they are doing is wrong,” he stated.

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FAAN SHUTS DOWN IBADAN AIRPORT TEMPORARY FOR UPGRADE

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CHUKS OKOH The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced the temporary closure of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport (SLAA), Ibadan, to facilitate extensive upgrade works aimed at enhancing the airport’s infrastructure and operational standards. In a statement, signed by Mrs Obiageli Orah, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, confirmed that the Federal Government of Nigeria had approved the closure, which became necessary to enable the execution of critical improvements at the airport. The Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has consequently closed the runway and suspended airport operations in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations. The planned upgrades form part of the Oyo State Government’s strategic initiative to elevate Ibadan Airport from a domestic to an international airport. Various improvements and remodelling works are currently underway to meet global standards and improve passenger experience. FAAN emphasised that the closure aligns with aviation safety recommendations and best practices, underscoring the importance of ensuring the safety of both passengers and airport personnel during the upgrade period. FAAN appealed to all airport users and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation throughout the period of closure and reiterated its commitment to providing safe skies, secure airports, and seamless travel experiences.

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NATCA TO FG: DECLARE STATE OF EMERGENCY IN AIR TRAFFIC MGT, COMMS.

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CHUKS OKOH The Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has called on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency, declare a State of Emergency in Air Traffic Management/Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (ATM/CNS) infrastructure in Nigeria as it is near collapse and invariably nonexistent. In a communique signed by NATCA President and Secretary Messrs Amos Edino and Fahad Muhammed Umar respectively at the 53rd Annual General Meeting held in Kano, the association also urged the government to safeguard ATC resources and staffing decisions (recruitment, training, and retraining) from political interference/pressures. It wants the Nigerian College of Aviation  and the Air Navigational Service Providers  to synergize/synchronize the design and tailor ATC training needs to enhance capacity, specialization, quality, and training frequency. NATCA called for the Air Traffic Control training to be modernised to include reality factors (simulations) so as to enhance knowledge, test new methods, develop skills, and boost learning and confidence. It posited that the welfare of Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers in terms of remuneration (emoluments) and benefits remained amongst the poorest if not the poorest in the region and the world in general and needs immediate review. The communique noted that Air Traffic Control is considered amongst the most complex and highly demanding professions on the planet because of its multitasking nature and so involves stress and/or revolves around stress. It therefore resolved and recommended that Aviation being a critical sector (ATC in particular) and considering the nexus and direct correlation between funding and safety, the Federal Government Should as a matter of utmost necessity, take steps to close the gap in the dearth of critical infrastructure such as Communication, Navigation, and surveillance. Others included, funding the procurement, installation, maintenance, and upgrade of a modern RADAR system, Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) in line with international best practice for seamless transition to Future Air Navigation Systems(FANS) in the provision of Air Traffic Services which are necessary for Safety and Efficiency of Air Navigation. To exempt the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency from the 50% statutory deductions of revenue from source as this bears negatively on the Agency, hindering critical decision making, eroding financial strength to develop and provide CNS infrastructure and train manpower. To ensure that the ANSP is shielded from political interference and pressure, especially in areas of funding, resource management, recruitment, training and retraining of staff for greater efficiency, productivity, and effective cost recovery. It also resolved to allow the immediate implementation of the reviewed fees, fines, and charges for services provided by NAMA. It further called on the Federal Government through the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Management of NAMA take as a matter of greatest importance the review of salaries/emoluments of ATCOs (in the face of current economic realities) to Meet international best practice. NATCA said it will partner with the Management of NCAT and NAMA to synergise, strategize, and synchronize training in tune with modern trends in innovation, technology, and training to further improve capacity, specialisation, professionalism, quality, and training frequency. The Association said it will liaise with the Management of NAMA to achieve speedy resolutions of the grey areas concerning the ATC Scheme of Service and fast-track its release.

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SHAIBU CONGRATULATES SUPPER EAGLES, NFF

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…Says, Victory Keeps Nigeria World Cup Hope Alive The immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu has congratulated the Nigeria Super Eagles on their 2-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali. He also congratulated the Alhaji Ibrahim Gusua led Nigeria Football Federation adding that beating Rwanda in Kigali is a boost for the players and Nigerians all over the world ahead of Tuesday match against Zimbabwe in Uyo , Akwa Ibom State. Comrade Philip Shaibu therefore called on Nigerians to pray for the Super Eagles players, NFF , NSC saying that with collective prayers and support Nigeria will achieve the desire goal of qualifying for the 2026 world Cup. The Super Eagles’ 2-0 win over Amavubi in Kigali on Friday did not take them to the top of group C of the African series, but it placed them back as one of the contenders in a pool in which they inexplicably fluffed nine of a possible 12 in their previous four matches. Turkish-based 2023 Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen played no part in any of those matches, for reasons of injury. Now, they have gone to six points, only four away from top-placed South Africa, who defeated Lesotho in a game played simultaneously as the one in Kigali. On his first run-out in the campaign, it took Osimhen only 10 minutes to make a mark. Nigeria were awarded a free-kick on the left side of Rwanda’s area, and Ademola Lookman heaved it into the box where three white shirts were lurking. The best-placed of them, Osimhen, connected brilliantly and there was no attempt from goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari.

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