NIGERIAN NOTCH

…5 other Bills Signed into Law Governor Emeka Ihedioha CON, has signed the N197.6 Billion 2020 Appropriation Bill into Law. In a press release made available to Nigerian Notch by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Emeka Ihedioha, of IMO state, stated that the governor also performed the signing of five more bills into law. In a short ceremony, which was held at the Expanded Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Owerri, Friday, we gathered that the governor said the 2020 appropriation bill was professionally and painstakingly prepared. “The 2020 appropriation bill is the flagship of the bills I have signed into Law today. This appropriation bill was professionally and painstakingly prepared. Having signed up to the Open Government Partnership, we had a few pre-requisites to follow. For instance, the process was participatory and so involved constituents and civil society, even before we presented it to the Assembly. It was also transparent, as we have made the docu...

I would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of holidays! My best wishes to you, and your family, for a blessed holiday season I want to call on Christians in particular and Nigerians in general to emulate the virtues of Christ, who through self-sacrifice brought salvation to humanity. This is a time for us to be our brother’s keeper, extend our generosity to one another and ensure that the less-privileged among us are not left out of the ensuing merriment. The security agencies must of necessity redouble their efforts to ensure that the Christmas and New Year celebrations are observed peacefully across the country. Please join me in keeping the courageous men and women of our armed forces, and law enforcement, in our thoughts and prayers this holiday. Sincerely, Hon. Obinna Kingsley Onwubuariri

The Commissioner of Police Anambra state has visited the ever busy head bridge, the gateway from the South West to the South East, which has recently seen heavy flow of traffic and gridlock because of the festive season, occasioned by enormous volume of traffic. In compliance with the directives of  the Inspector- general of Police IGP Mohammed Abubakar Adamu NPM,mni, the Commissioner of Police Anambra  State Command CP John B.Abang,fdc accompanied by heads of other Security  Agencies in the State has today paid an unscheduled visit to Onitsha headbridge and  environs in order to access  Police deployment and monitor traffic situation in the affected  areas. The deployment which also includes aerial surveillance,patrols and traffic control are meant to ensure that Ndi Anambra and other residents alike celebrate  Christmas and new year peacefully without hitch. Consequently, the CP on behalf of other Security Agencies in the State  reassur...

The medical and dental consultants association of Nigeria, MDCAN, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, NAUTH chapter, has held its 2019 AGM, which had on its sidelines a scientific session cum dinner night, at Golden Tulip Hotel, Agulu Anambra state. The AGM produced a new set of leaders that will pilot the affairs of the association for another term of office. The election which was held to produce the new officers was free, fair and credible and the following officers emerged with Dr A Ugezu , as Chairman, Dr S K Onah, as Vice Chairman, while Dr C Ilokanuno emerged as the Secretary of the association. Others are Dr C Ndukwu- assistant Secretary,  Dr I O Oranusi, Treasurer, Dr G Obasikene, Financial Secretary, while Dr H  Nwankwo emerged as the Social Secretary of the association for another term of two years. In his welcome address, the immediate past Chairman MDCAN, NAUTH, Dr Eric Ihekwuoaba, thanked members of the association for the support they gave him t...

Hon Engr. Obinna Kingsley Onwubuariri, has assured members of his federal constituency of his readiness to represent them in no small measure when reelected come January 25th, 2020. He made this known in meeting when hordes of youth leaders from some wards in Okigwe North paid him a courtesy visit. Addressing the audience of the youths, journalists and well-wishers, Hon Obinna said he sought the office once more to bring government closer to his people. Flanked by over 150 youth leaders, the lawmaker said he would work to serve the people more if elected. "I seek your vote and support in this RE-RUN election to bring good governance even closer to our people. I seek your support and votes to mentor the next generation. I seek this office to galvanize my fellow elected lawmakers to make life more abundant for every Nigerian and Okigwe northerner in particular. There are so much work to be done by way of legislation in many areas of our life including but not limited to educati...

The Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Muhammed Babandede, has said the visa on arrival for holders of passports of African countries from January 2020 is to accelerate African Integration. A statement from Sunday James, the NIS Public Relations Officer, quoted Babandede as saying the decision would remove barriers hindering free movement of people within the continent. “Nigeria’s strategic decision is taken to bring down barriers that have hindered free movement of our people within the continent by introducing the visa at the point of entry into Nigeria with effect from January 2020,” he said. Babandede assured Nigerians of the service’s commitment to high professionalism in delivering its services without compromising National Security. Babandede’s statement on Dec. 11, which announced the federal government’s decision to allow Africans into Nigeria without visa from January 2020, was greeted with mixed reactions by Nigerians with many expressing fea...

The Federal High Court, Abuja has ordered the transfer of Soku oil field from Bayelsa to its rightful owner, Rivers. Justice Inyang Ekwo gave the order on Monday while delivering judgment in a suit instituted by Rivers Government against the Attorney-General of Bayelsa and the Attorney-General of the Federation. Ekwo ordered the National Boundary Commission, (NBC) to rectify the error in its 11th Edition of Administrative Map which designated San Bartholomew River as the boundary between the two states, instead of River Santa Barbara. The Counsel had submitted that the error occurred in the 11th Edition of the Administrative Map produced by the NBC in 2002. The NBC was said to have admitted its mistake in a letter dated July 3, 2002 in response to Rivers Government’s protest and had promised to rectify it in the 12th edition of the administrative map. The Rivers government was compelled to file a suit against the Attorney-General of Bayelsa and that of the federation at the Su...

By Obi Bright Chinweuba So much has been said about the leadership style of Hon. Obinna Onwubuariri, a young chap notable for his pragmatic leadership influence, unassuming to many, yet diatribed by some. His influence is likened to what Rosalyn Carter opined that a leader takes people where they want to go, but a great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go but ought to be. From in-depth research and reasonable tallying of facts and figures, it was deduced abinitio that the biggest problem rocking the boat of most rural communities in Okigwe North Federal Constituency is the lack of power/energy/electrification to carry about their respective businesses. To eradicate this plague of darkness which primarily was amongst the campaign promises of Hon. Obinna Kingsley Onwubuariri during his first sojourn at the National Assembly, facts available shows that he did justice to those campaign promises. In line with actualizing the connection of Okigwe north to the n...

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has called on Christians to sustain their prayers for the success of his administration and the development of the State. Speaking during the Golden Jubilee Anniversary celebration and Thanksgiving service of St Peter’s Anglican Church Rumuepirikom Deanery on Sunday, Governor Wike said the state is currently faced with enemies who do not mean well for it. He stated that the State will continue to thrive because of the prayers of committed Christians.  He said with prayers, Rivers State will prevail over her adversaries. “As Christians, I urge you to continue to pray for the state. The prayers of Christians are necessary for the State to remain victorious in the face of challenges “, he said. The Governor was represented at the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Saint Peter’s Anglican Church by the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo. The Governor said that his administration will continue to support and defen...

The Nigerian Air force said on Monday that its Air Task prosecuting Operation Rattle Snake in the North East, at the weekend killed several ISWAP and Boko Haram terrorists who had gathered at a meeting point in a building at Kollaram, Borno State. A statement by Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola said, “In continuation of Operation Rattle Snake, the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation Lafiya Dole has neutralized some Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters as they assembled for a meeting at their hideout in Kollaram on the fringes of Lake Chad in the Northern part of Borno State. ” The operation was executed on 14 December 2019 following credible intelligence reports indicating that some of the ISWAP leaders had assembled for a meeting in one of 2 buildings at the centre of the settlement. “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) jets dispatched by the ATF to attack the location scored accurate hits on the target building completely obliterating it and killing its terrorists’ ...

 BY ENGR. DIKEOMA CHIBUEZE The success of any lawmaker in attracting goodies for his people at the National Assembly is highly dependent on the position of the member in any 'juicy' committee. This is because, almost all serious politicking at NASS is done at the committee level. For a member to be assigned a worthy position in a functional committee, the member needs to be a ranking member with networks of goodwill among the members of the house. Being assigned a worthy position in a functional committee means that the lawmaker will in no time influence jobs, road projects, healthcare and entrepreneurial support for his constituents, utilizing his influence in the committee. If truth be made manifest, of all the candidates contesting to represent Okigwe North in Federal House of Representatives, only one of them is ranked and is better positioned to have a large support network among members of the house. He is *Hon. (Engr) Obinna Kingsley Onwubuariri, PDP Candidate. ...

The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello said that the restriction placed on commercial tricycle operators to certain parts of the city was one of the most difficult decisions that the FCT administration had to make. Mr Anthony Ogunleye, Chief Press Secretary to the Minister, in a statement on Sunday, said Bello disclosed this during the presentation of the FCT’s 2020 statutory budget to the joint sitting of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on the The minister said that the decision was imperative because commercial tricycles by law should not operate on the express and highways along with vehicles as they pose dangers to both passengers and riders. According to Bello, most roads within the Federal Capital City, were expressways and thus could not accommodate the presence of the commercial tricycles and motorcycles. He, however, said that the FCTA was not unmindful of the challenges commuters were facing as a result of the policy, adding that strategies we...

President Muhammadu Buhari has rejoiced with a former governor of Oyo State, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, on his 70th birthday on Dec. 16. The president’s congratulatory message was conveyed in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Sunday. Buhari said in the statement that he was joining the family, friends and associates of the former governor in celebrating the milestone. He particularly congratulated Ajimobi ”for his many years of outstanding achievements in both the private and public sectors, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in the places where he had been at the helm of affairs, especially in the insurance and oil sectors.” According to him, Ajimobi’s forthrightness, patriotism and passion in working for the good of the country and humanity will continue to stand him out as a resourceful manager, exemplary leader and patriot. The president also commended the former governor for his contributions to the nation’s d...

The  President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, has been eulogised for his consistent efforts to  speak against the obvious marginalisation of Ndigbo by the Nigerian federation. Ndigbo Unity Assembly (NUA), in a statement yesterday in Enugu, in Enugu State, said they were particularly happy the way Chief Nwodo has continually spoken truth to power without mincing words. The Assembly said one of such was his recent letter to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Inspector-General of Police on the  numerous military/para-military and Police check points dotting the major Expressways leading to South East, especially between Lagos and Onitsha Expressway, where he alleged that there were at least 64 check points. Chief Nwodo in the letter according to the statement  signed by  spokesman,the check points were erected purposely  to extort Ndigbo who mostly ply the road on daily basis to  carry out their businesses. The Assembly called on ...

Dr Samuel Orijiako, a pain management specialist and medical consultant at NAUTH, Nnewi Anambra state, has conducted a free medical outreach in Umuonaga Village, in Awka South LGA of Anambra state. The maiden edition of the medical outreach which started at Umuonaga, the home town of Dr Orjiako, witnessed massive attendance by the young, elderly and children, who came out to check their health status, by a team of medical consultants from NAUTH, who were on ground to take care of the health challenges of the people. While speaking with newsmen, the coordinator and sponsor of the medical outreach, Dr Samuel Orjiako, thanked members of his community, for coming out enmasse to partake in the medical outreach. He stressed that the reason he brought the medical outreach, with his team of consultants to his community was because he wants people around him, to be hale and hearty at all times. Dr Orjiakor stressed that " one does not need to have so much before sharing with y...

.......sets up Taskforce on decongestion The chairman of tricycle operators known as CITROWAAS in Anambra State, Mr. Sylvester Obiora, has cautioned the operators to avoid recklessness on the road this season. Obiora who spoke recently in Awka the state capital , while  addressing the operators also warned them not engage in criminal act this season. He cautioned  that  Christmas and new year period was  associated with heavy traffic,  therefore they should obey traffic rules and regulations to avoid accident and congestion of the roads. The chairman charged the taskforce not to hesitate to arrest any tricycle operator who defaulted  the directives, stating that for any operator to run one way amount  to serious traffic violation. Obiora lauded the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Christian Madubuko, for his commitment to sanitise transport sector. Madubuko  in his speech commended Obiora for setting up Special Taskforce for the decon...

By Obi Bright Governance and legislation are said to be a process, where the fortunes of the masses are entrusted in the hands of an elected few to drive the course of development and to pilot the affairs of nations, states, constituencies as well as local government areas for a period of time. If governance is a process, then the process is supposed to be marked with “continuity” at all level. Unfortunately, over the years Nigeria has been bedeviled with neglect of projects by previous administrations at all levels. This trend of initiation and reinitiating projects has resulted in littering of fragmentary projects in states, federal constituencies and local governments “the hallmark of democratic dividends” since the resurfacing of democracy in 1999 to the Nigerian political sphere. Hence, democracy which is thought to be a system of governance that leads to social equity has become the machinery for not just disparity but planting seeds of discord and clannish repugnance. Ho...

World heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has expressed appreciation to the Consul General of Nigeria in New York, Mr Benaoyagha Okoyen, for psyching him up to reclaim his titles. After Joshua lost to Andy Ruiz Jr during their first match in New York in June, Okoyen sent him a letter praising his courage and assuring him of Nigeria’s support in his future fights. In the four-paragraph letter, the envoy assured him that Nigeria remained proud of the “remarkable feat’’ he had attained in his boxing career. The letter obviously meant a lot to the 30-year-old Nigerian-British pugilist, who held it up in a photograph obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). After reclaiming the titles in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, he reciprocated with words of appreciation to the Consul General. Joshua’s message was conveyed by a U.S.-based Nigerian journalist, Joi John, who covered the rematch in Saudi Arabia. The two-time heavyweight boxing champion was quoted as saying that the...

Electricity workers have suspended a strike that engulfed a major part of the country in darkness for a little more than 24 hours. One of the major distributors in Lagos, Eko Electricity Distribution Company on Thursday morning confirmed the development and its readiness to commence business immediately. Dear customer, National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has suspended its strike. Our offices and payment channels are open for business. Thank you for your patience and understanding,” the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (Eko Disco) shared on its Twitter page on the morning of Thursday, December 12, 2019. Recall that after a 21-day ultimatum, electricity workers embarked strike on December 11, citing unpaid severance allowances, salaries and pensions owed 50,000 former employees of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) before the country privatized its power sector in 2013. Comrade Joe Ajaero, General Secretary of the NUEE says: “Following the agree...

The Corp Marshal of Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Dr. Oyeyemi Boboye,  has received rare commendation of Human Right, Liberty Access and Peace Defenders Foundation (HURIDE) for his avowed determination to sanitise the Commission. The Chairman of Board of Trustees of HURIDE, Dede Uzor A. Uzor, in a statement in FCT Abuja said they were particularly imprressed by  his order to arrest some FRSC officials who were involved in some criminal conducts recently. He said since inception of Boboye's administration, a  high degree of sanity has returned to the Commission, inspite of the efforts of some bad eggs to rubbish the image of the Commission. Dede Uzor however urged the Corps Marshal to deploy his professional knowledge to ensure accident frree yuletide this year. "We are ready for our awards for him and his Commission if carnage on Nigerian roads are reduced by 50 percent this season comparable to other years" said HURIDE boss. He urged Boboye not to a...

....... As CP direct all Area Commanders, DPOS  to intensify Raids on black Spots. In its bid for a crime free Christmas, the Anambra state police command has beefed up security in the state to ensure a crime free holidays in the state. This was made known in a press release, made available to Nigerian Notch, today in Awka, the state capital, by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Haruna Mohammed. In the release, he said "In order to enhance safe and secure environment for all "Ndi Anambra" and residents alike, especially during this festive period  and to ensure a peaceful Christmas/ new year celebrations in the State,the Commissioner of Police CP John  B.Abang,fdc has directed all Area Commanders,DPOS ,PMF and other striking units in the State to intensify raids on black spots and criminal hideouts; sustain the ongoing stop and search/ tactical operation duties and night patrols in order to deny miscreants and criminal elements the opportunity to operate ...

President Muhammadu Buhari has been asked to sack with immediate effect the Director General of Directorate of State Security (DSS),Ismaila Gwazo. The Human Rights, Liberty Access, and Peace Defenders' Foundation (HURIDE),  made the call in Enugu State, in a press statement insisted that, the sacking of the DSS boss has become imperative following  his anti democratic actions and dispositions with total disregard to the rule of law and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The statement signed by Dede Uzor A.Uzor, chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT), HURIDE, the group said " in view of the glaring instances of human rights violations and other abuses  by DSS DG and his men, we  call for his immediate removal".He said Since his inception as the DG of DSS, Gwazo's  disposition and activities has shown that words  like democracy and rule of law are not in his dictionary. He has continued to be a threat to democracy" said the group. HUR...

The Federal House Member representing Nnewi Federal constituency at the National assembly, Hon. Engr Chris Azubuogu, has once more shown that he truly has the interest of his constituents, with the re- energized partnership with the Federal Ministry of health, to bring healthcare to people of his constituents who can not afford such. He made this known in a press release made available to Nigerian Notch at Nnewi over the weekend. He said, "It is a great honor and privilege for me to address and interact with you today in preparation for the 3rd Chris Azubogu Medical Outreach which is organized in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health". He stated that he organized the 1st edition in 2017 and was glad with the huge success and impact it generated within the community, which he said encouraged him to apply to the Federal Ministry of health for urgent assistance and support in organizing more of such programs in his constituency,as  their request was granted ...

By Obi Bright Chinweuba My attention has been drawn to the infantile, crazy and delusory piece on Facebook and WhatsApp groups, wherein the media hirelings of Princess Miriam Onuoha and her cohorts, out of sheer jealousy, decided to show their emptiness ladened with vacuousness and repugnance towards the person of Hon Engr Obinna Kingsley Onwubuariri. Normally, I wouldn’t have wasted my time by replying the beleaguered and uninformed delusional Umunnachi born APC candidate and her cohorts, but to set the records straight for the reading public as well as to debunk the dimwit’s misleading claims that Okigwe north has received in excess of 4BILLION Naira as constituency project(s). In the wake of their puerile wanton media attacks against the representation of Hon Obinna Onwubuariri, it is noteworthy to address the accusation(s) raised for the understanding of the reading public. Firstly, the forager and her campaign team accused the lawmaker of not attending to plenaries in Natio...

The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital has organized a stakeholders meeting to address and inform the public of the progress so far in the institution. It is however happy to note that this stakeholders forum meeting is the first in the history of the institution since its inception. In his address, at the event, the CMD of NAUTH Prof Anthony Igwegbe said that the stakeholders forum is an avenue for the institution to interact with stakeholders to ensure that the ideals for its establishment is inline with modern detects of modern health practice. He said with Neni, Ukpo, Oba, Umunya, and Awka  annex, the hospital has expanded to ensure that health care is accessible to the people. He stressed that the present location is temporary, as a reasonable percentage has been achieved at the permanent site of the institution at Okofia/Oraifite which has over 54 hectares, and happens to be the only tertiary health care service centre in the southeast and the south south. ...

By: Obi Bright Chinweuba At the time Nigerians are skeptical on the real intentions of ‘Constituency Projects’ of the National Assembly members, here is the story of a young Parliamentarian who blazes his trail in his Constituency. With an astonishing record, an account of innovative transformation and development of Okigwe North Federal constituency, Hon. Engr. Obinna Kingsley Onwubuariri, a member representing IsialaMbano/Onuimo/Okigwe Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives has touched so many lives through various laudable projects. A young politician of great appeal to a cross section of his constituency, Hon. Onwubuariri, taking cognizant of the fact that water is life, introduced a pipe-borne water scheme to people of Okigwe north Federal Constituency. Every ward will benefit from this gesture, as drilling of boreholes is still ongoing in the various wards. He has also built modern toilet facilities in major markets across Okigwe North Federal constituenc...