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Igbo group kicks against proposed Orlu State
Igbo group kicks against proposed Orlu State
The socio-cultural organization Ogbako Ohaji People’s Forum in Imo State has opposed including the Ohaji people in the proposed Orlu State, citing significant cultural, social, and geographical differences.
Their stance follows the bill for the creation of Orlu State, sponsored by Ikenga Ugochinyere, which has passed its first reading in the House of Representatives.
In a letter addressed to Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, the forum argued that their inclusion in the proposed state was driven by selfish interests rather than the will of their people.
The forum emphasized Ohaji’s proximity to Owerri, the capital of Imo State, and their historical and cultural ties to the city. They also warned that inclusion in Orlu State would result in further marginalization and deprivation.
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The letter, signed by various Ohaji community leaders including Sir Fidelis Enyia, Dr. Theodore Amunwa, Destiny Isinwa, and Mr. Nicholas Nwosu, demanded that Ohaji remain part of Imo State, where they rightfully belong.
The statement read, “The above organisation being the apex socio-cultural body speaking for the good people of Ohaji District in conjunction with other major stakeholders wholly and entirely support and commend the bill for the creation of Orlu State.
“For so long the people of the South-East have not left anyone in doubt that an additional state needed to be carved out for the geopolitical zone, this move therefore will not only correct the imbalance but will also go a long way to assuage, placate and give them a sense of belonging.
“Another point or reason for our rejection of the proposed Orlu State has to do with distance. The capital of Imo State which is Owerri is a stone’s throw from any part of Ohaji town or village and can’t be more than 35 minutes drive, approximately 26 kilometres, coming from the extreme part of Ohaji.
“Whereas, the capital of the proposed Orlu State town is 69 kilometres which are roughly one hour and 24 minutes from Ohaji. Some of our communities have common boundaries with Owerri. For example, Avu, Okuku, Oforola, and Obinze all in Owerri share boundaries with Obosima, Ohoba, Umuokanne, and Mgbirichi all in Ohaji. Let the proponents of the bill for new state creation tell the world where we have any boundary with Orlu people talk more of other things.”
Igbo group kicks against proposed Orlu State
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FRSC threatens to withdraw licences of defiant drivers
FRSC threatens to withdraw licences of defiant drivers
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) will henceforth revoke the driver’s licenses of recalcitrant drivers.
Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Malam Shehu Mohammed, made this known on Friday in Abuja while addressing newsmen on the outcome of the 2024 Eid-el Kabir Special Patrol Operations held between Friday, June 14 and Sunday, June 23.
He said that the Corps had realised more than ever before the increasing need for collective participation and collaboration among all stakeholders.
He also said the Corps leveraged this as a necessary variable tool that would help in achieving the mileage recorded within the periods under consideration.
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According to him, prominent amongst these activities are ;strengthened ongoing Inter-agency Joint Task Force (JTF) to mitigate the excesses of trailer drivers.
“Enforcing compliance on indiscriminate use of trailers to convey human beings.
“This also includes aggressive public enlightenment, robust media engagement, and aggressive advocacy campaigns carried out in motor parks across the Federation.
“Finally, there was also the identification and mapping of strategic routes across the country and effective deployment of appropriate personnel and logistics to cover them, “he said.
The FRSC boss said that the Corps had a robust engagement with the leadership of the various transport unions and security agencies.
This, he said, included state traffic management agencies and the FCT Department of Road Traffic Services.
FRSC threatens to withdraw licences of defiant drivers
News
Nigeria making progress in money laundering, terrorism financing fight – FATF
Nigeria making progress in money laundering, terrorism financing fight – FATF
According to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Nigeria will exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list by early 2025.
The FATF acknowledged Nigeria’s progress during its June 2024 Plenary meeting in Singapore. Nigeria’s efforts to address anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing deficiencies have been recognized.
The Nigerian delegation at the Plenary included the EFCC Executive Chairman, the SCUML Director, and the NFIU CEO’s Chief of Staff.
A statement by Sani Tukur, Head of Strategic Communications at NFIU, confirmed Nigeria’s advancement and commitment to the Action Plan.
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It noted, “The Plenary approved two more upgrades. Nigeria has completed 30% of the Action Plan and is on track to exit the grey list by early 2025.”
Hafsat Abubakar Bakari reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to fully implementing the Action Plan and updated the Plenary on GIABA’s progress in strengthening its technical capacity.
Nigeria was placed on the grey list in February 2023. Exiting the list is expected to enhance Nigeria’s international reputation and attract foreign investment.
Nigeria making progress in money laundering, terrorism financing fight – FATF
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Scrap LGs if govs won’t allow them to function, Audu Ogbeh tells FG
Scrap LGs if govs won’t allow them to function, Audu Ogbeh tells FG
Former Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has called on the federal government to consider scrapping the local government system if state governors continue to hinder its effective operation.
Ogbeh highlighted concerns over the inefficiency of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, citing issues of governance control and alleged mismanagement of funds by governors. He emphasized that little improvement has been seen despite calls for local government autonomy and recent legal actions against governors for misusing local government funds.
Speaking on the socio-political programme “Inside Sources with Laolu Akande” on Channels Television, Ogbeh, a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressed frustration over disappearing funds meant for local government administration. He criticized the lack of visible development projects despite significant federal allocations.
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“If we don’t want the local government system, let’s scrap it. But if allowed to function properly, it could be a fantastic system,” Ogbeh asserted.
He urged the federal government to withhold monthly allocations to states where governors appoint caretaker committees for local government administration, labelling such committees illegal according to Supreme Court rulings.
“Don’t send them cash; deduct their allocations and retain it,” Ogbeh insisted. He argued that governors failing to manage local government affairs adequately undermine national stability and development.
“These failures are creating dangerous problems for the country,” he concluded, emphasizing the urgent need for effective governance at the grassroots level to benefit all Nigerians.
Scrap LGs if govs won’t allow them to function, Audu Ogbeh tells FG
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