8 NEWS EXTRA
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Monday, March 12, 2018
Kogi Gov Makes U-Turn On Sack Of Cabinet BY SAM EGWU, Lokoja
L-R: Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun; Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Ms. Nonny Ugboma; and Founder, Olive Blooms Orphanage, Mrs Ngozi Ken-Ugochukwu, during the handover of food and household items by the minister and MTN Foundation to Olive Blooms Orphanage in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO BY NAN.
South East Govs Meet In Enugu BY NNAMDI MBAWIKE, Enugu
South East Governors have undertaken to construct a ring road that will cover a total area of four hundred and thirty kilometers. Addressing journalists at the end of one-day meeting of the Governors in Enugu, chairman of the forum and governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi, said the ring road would connect all the states of the South East with a view to promoting
economic development of the South East states and for ease of transportation system in the region. Enugu State governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, his counterpart in Ebonyi and Abia States, Dave Umahi and Okezie Ikpeazu were present at the meeting while Imo State Governor, Rocha’s Okorocha was represented by his deputy Prince Eze Madumere. Umahia further hinted that they took presentation for gas Pipelines
in the South East and advised the consultants to follow up details of implementation especially as it relates to right of way. The Ebonyi State governor further told newsmen that the meeting which lasted for several hours commended presentation on Aba Independent Power Project by Prof Bart Nnaji and asked him to liaise with the Secretariat for further implementation with the presidency. According to him, the forum
directed the five South East States Chairmen of traditional Rulers Council to be invited for amicable resolution of their crisis in their next meeting. On the burial of the former Vice President of the country, Dr Alex Ekwueme, Umahi said they expressed deep appreciation to the governors and people of the South East for the able way they worked together to give the icon a befitting burial.
2019: Imo APC Disowns Okorocha Over Son In-law’s Endorsement BY EMMANUEL MGBEAHURUIKE,
Owerri
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Imo State Chapter has distanced the Party from the endorsement of Uche Nwosu by the Governor, Rochas Okorocha, and other groups. Nwosu is the son in law of the governor and Chief of Staff Government House. His open endorsement by Governor Okorocha has generated serious criticism. Speaking to LEADERSHIP, APC chairman, Dr. Hillary Eke said the has no annointed candidate.
Eke said the Party has promised to provide a level playing ground and the enabling environment for all aspirants during primaries. He stressed that only candidate that emerged victorious will be supported by the Party and there will be no room for imposition of candidates at any level. He cautioned those who are trying to do otherwise to have a rethink assuring that the Party will not condone imposition. “We have promised all aspirants a level playing ground in the primaries, only those that emerged from the primaries will
be supported by the Party. There will be no room for imposition of candidates those trying to do same are on their own”. Dr. Eke Submitted that for now, the Party has not conducted its primaries and highlighted that it is only when such exercise is carried out; nobody has the right to claim candidacy of the Party. Indicating that there is no room for automatic ticket everybody will have to prove their mettle on the field. “We have not conducted our primaries and in politics anybody has the right to adopt any aspirant of his choice and this
is personal to that individual. This is strictly personal and has nothing to do with the Party as we have no candidate as I speak.’’ Dr Eke, however, explained that Okorocha’s endorsement of his son in law as possible successor was private and has nothing to do with the Party. Stressing that the Governor was speaking for himself and this has no bearing to the hope and aspiration of the Party. While indicating that the Governor can decide to support any aspirant of his choice and stated that this is strictly private and not the Party’s position.
PMB Condoles Family Of Former Adamawa Gov, Saleh Michika BY JONATHAN NDA- ISAIAH, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has sent condolences to the government and people of Adamawa State on the passing away of its first civilian governor, Alhaji Abubakar Saleh Michika, on Saturday. President Buhari in a statement by his special
adviser media, Femi Adesina commiserated with the family, friends and professional colleagues of the astute administrator, political strategist and community developer, who worked variously with reputable international organisations before bringing his experience and skills to contribute to the development of Nigeria. The President commended
Alhaji Michika’s strong sense of patriotism and commitment to national development which prompted him to alter his career path from the private sector, and take up public office by contesting and winning the gubernatorial elections in 1992. President Buhari believes the country will sorely miss the wise counsels, visionary leadership and disciplined lifestyle of
the former Adamawa State governor. The President, who has sent a Federal Government delegation led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha to commiserate with the family, prays that the almighty God will grant the soul of the departed eternal rest, and comfort his family.
It was a drama yesterday when the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello dissolved his cabinet and less than 30 minutes later, reversed the decision. The governor, who arrived at Lokoja yesterday from Abuja, sacked his 15 commissioners and the 21 Local Government Administrators during a meeting. He directed all affected officials to summit keys of their oficial vehicles to the, Mrs Folashade Arike. However, less than 30 minutes, the governor reversed his decision to sack both the cabinet and the 21 local government administrators. Rather, he directed that all members should continue to work with him and ordered that the status quo be maintained. The governor was said to have demanded better performance and better relationship between the appointees and the masses. Director General Media and Publicity to the governor Mr. Kingsly Fanwo in a chat with newsmen said “The Governor has reversed himself on the direction on dissolution.”
Forum Urges States To Focus On Farming BY FRANCIS OKOYE Maiduguri
The Nigeria Zero Hunger Forum has emphasized the need for states to focus on crops, Livestocks farming where they have comparative advantage. States were equally encouraged to at most, select 3 crops and one livestock for which they should give priority. This was contained in a communique issued at the weekend which was signed by the Chairman ,Nigeria Zero Hunger Forum ( NZHF) and Former President , Olusegun Obasanjo PHD , with Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno being the outcome of the Forum’s third meeting held from 8-9th March this year in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital. According to the communique , the Forum held its third meeting to monitor the implementation of the priority actions of the State, and the progress made by the other Pilot States since the last meeting in Ebonyi State last year.
PUBLIC APOLOGY AND RETRACTION Our attention has been drawn to Page 16 of LEADERHIP publication of 26th February, 2018, captioned: National Pension Commission: A Clarion Call ‘Before Things Fall Apart.’ We, hereby, apologise to Mrs Grace Usoro whom we did not intend to malign nor bring to disrepute by virtue of the said publication. We, accordingly, hereby retract the contents thereof in its entirety. EDITOR