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34—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020 :Vanguard News :@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058 Dirisu Yakubu, Chinonso Alozie, Praise Njoku & Jennifer Gideon ABUJA—THE leadership of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has called on Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to immediately declare the seats of its member-lawmakers of the Imo State House of Assembly, who defected to All Progressives Congress, APC, vacant. The party said that by defecting to another party which played no part in their emergence as lawmakers, the defectors have lost the right to keep their plum seats and should therefore, quit as quickly as possible. Addressing journalists at the party’s national headquarters, yesterday, spokesman of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan, said the defectors “have indeed shown absolute lack of character, failure of leadership capacity in moments of challenges and absence of faith to stand with the people in their most trying moment, but are easily bought by personal pecuniary and political interests. “The PDP is left with no other option than to request INEC to immediately commence the processes for the conduct of fresh elections into the respective state constituencies where the legislators have vacated their seats in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution. “The PDP holds that these defectors are fully aware of the grave implication of their actions to the effect that by their defection to APC, they have automatically lost their seats and membership of the Imo State House of Assembly as they can only hold such position on the mandate of the party on which they were elected—the PDP. “It is settled under the 1999 Constitution (as amended), that a legislator who decamps from a party upon which he was elected a member of a legislative house automatically loses his or her membership of that house as the seat belongs to the political party upon which platform the election was won and not the individual. “The vacation of seat, as a direct consequence of decamping to another political party other than the party upon which one was elected to occupy a seat in the legislature, is clear and unambiguous under section 109 (1) (g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). “For the avoidance of doubt, section 109 (1)(g) provides that 'a member of the House of Assembly shall vacate his seat in the House if …(g) being a person whose election to the House of Assembly by a political party, he becomes a member of another political party before the expiration of the period for which that House was elected.' “The constitution went further to state that ‘provided that his membership of the latter political party is not as a result of a division in the TOUCHING LIVES: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (left) with award-winning writer, Chimamanda Adichie, at the Airtel Touching Lives Season 5 premier, in Lagos. IMO: Declare seats of defectors vacant, PDP tells INEC •PDP exco begging to join APC —Uzodinma's aide political party of which he was previously a member or of a merger of two or more political parties or factions by one of which he was previously sponsored. “Consequent upon the above constitutional provisions, these defectors have vacated their seats, they no longer have a place in the state assembly, as there is no division or merger of any kind in the PDP at any level whatsoever.” PDP excos begging to join APC —Uzodinma’s aide In a related development, the Campaign Director of Media and Strategy to Governor Hope Uzodinma, Declan Emelumba, yesterday, alleged that more of the state executive members of PDP are begging to join APC in the state. While reacting to a statement credited to the PDP, claiming that the state lawmakers that defected to APC were offered N50 million and two plots of land each, Emelumba said the way their state chairman left PDP was the same others will abandon PDP in the state. He said: “If it was true as claimed by the state secretary of PDP that the state government gave lawmakers N50 million and two plots of land each to defect to APC, how much was the state chairman of PDP, Charles Ezekwem, who defected recently to APC given before he joined APC? The truth of the matter is that Imo State has been and will remain an APC state. “The mandate Imo people gave to APC in the governorship election brought about great confusion and many people out of that confusion went different ways. “Now that the mandate has been recovered, they are coming back to where they belong and the lawmakers, the state chairman of PDP and their national officers are not excluded. “I can tell you that even the state secretary, Ray Emeana, is not left out. As I speak, he is negotiating to join APC but there is no head way yet. “I suspect he is feeling frustrated that he is not making much progress in his negotiations, hence his decision to vent his anger with the tissue of lies he released in the hope of drawing attention to his stalled negotiations.” Illegal mining: Community sends SOS to Umahi Addressing government By Peter Okutu Acommunity BAKALIKI—The of Ndiezoke in Igbeagu village in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, yesterday staged a peaceful protest to drive home their dissatisfaction over illegal incursion into their land for the purpose of mining. The community members who came in their numbers, mostly women, to protest in front of the Ebonyi State Government House were tying only wrappers round their chest , palm leaves around their foreheads and chanting songs of appeal to Governor David Umahi. The protesters were equally seen carrying placards with various inscriptions such as “Umahi please come and help us” , “Governor Umahi please save”, “Our dear village is not a war zone”. representatives in front of the Government House, Abakaliki, the leader of the protesters, Dr. Christian Nwogbaga called on the State Government to intervene in the crisis brewing in the area, alleging that one indigene, a member of the Elders Council had put machineries in place to begin illegal mining and exploration of the natural resources in the area."We are here to protest the proposed illegal mining of the natural resources in our commu- Killing of Christians: CAN goes to UN, EU, AU, others By Chinonso Alozie O Southern WERRI—THE Youths of Christians Association of Nigeria, SYCAN, led by Oluchukwu Green Nnabugwu, yesterday said it has concluded plans to visit the United Nations, UN, to expose the predicament faced by Christians in Nigeria. Nnabugwu, spoke in Owerri, while reacting to the recent report of the killing of a CAN Chairman, Rev. Lawan Andimi, of Michika Local Government Area in Adamawa State. Apart from the UN, the group said it will also visit European Union, EU, and the African Union, AU, to lay bare the plague of Christians in the country. He said among other 9mobile, Google, Kirusa host workshop to promote RCS business messaging 9MOBILE, leading telecom operator in Nigeria, in association with Google and Kirusa, a global leader in communication solutions over data networks for consumers and enterprises, recently hosted a workshop in Lagos for Mobile Network Operators, MNOs, Aggregators, and brands to introduce Rich Communication Services RCS. The event showcased how RCS Business Messaging, RBM, is revolutionising enterprise communication with their consumers. The workshop was attended by over 50 persons, including representatives from MTN, Airtel, Glo, GTB, Zenith Bank, Unity Bank, Accion Microfinance, Interswitch and Infobip, among others. At the workshop, 9mobile announced that they had chosen Google’s Jibe platform for offering RCS, and had chosen Kirusa for managing their RBM services in Nigeria, including directories, onboarding, verification, and APIs to send OTP’s over RCS. Head of Digital Media, Uzodinma restores public water supply in Imo By Chinonso Alozie O W E R R I — GOVERNOR Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has restored public water supply in Owerri metropolis. Uzodinma spoke yesterday in Owerri, through his Chief Press Secretary, Oguwike Nwachukwu, adding that the governor took the action immediately he discovered there were complaints of scarcity of water in the state capital. Some of the areas that have started enjoying public supply of water included Aladinma, Ikenegbu, Areas M, N and C of World Bank, New Owerri. The governor said efforts were ongoing to ensure public water supply to the homes of every resident in and around the state capital. It stated: “Imo State government is pleased to announce that the Imo State Water and Sewage Corporation has restored public water supply to some parts of Owerri metropolis. “Specifically, pipe borne water now runs in parts of Aladinma and Ikenegbu in Owerri as well as in Areas M, N and C of World Bank, New Owerri. “Imo people should be rest assured that government is working round the clock to ensure that public water supply is restored in all parts of things that the government had failed in its primary responsibility to protect lives and property of its citizens. The chairman also called on the Christians in the country to be committed and proactive as they pray for God’s intervention in the Nigeria insecurity challenges. Nnabugwu said: “We are so worried following the unabated kidnappings and gruesome murder of Rev Lawan Andimi, the CAN Chairman of Michika Local Government Area in Adamawa State and Rev Dennis Baguari by insurgents "So, the Southern Youths of Christain Association of Nigeria is set to embark on an international advocacy to United Nations, UN; European Union, EU; Commonwealth, and African Union, AU." 9mobile, Bola Afuye, said: “We are glad to be the frontrunners not just in Nigeria, but in all of Africa to launch RCS and RBM. RCS opens up newer avenues for brands to communicate with their customers. This workshop demonstrated how carriers can benefit from RCS and leverage it to offer innovative services to their subscribers and have engaging conversations with their customers. “We are excited to see Kirusa and 9mobile leading the way by launching the first RCS agents in Nigeria on Google’s RCS MAAP platform,” said Johanna Kollar, Partnerships Lead, Communication Products, EMEA, Google. On his part, InderpalSingh Mumick, Founder, Chairman and, CEO of Kirusa, said: “We are delighted to be a part of the workshop hosted by Google to showcase the possibilities of RCS for the Nigerian market. Through this workshop, we want to enhance the usage and adoption of RBM by brands in Nigeria, as it provides convenience and value to consumers." Owerri metropolis in the shortest possible time. “Governor Hope Uzodinma on resumption of office was worried that there was scarcity of water in Owerri metropolis and has promised to ensure that the situation is rectified as quickly as possible. “To the governor, provision of safe potable water is a major mantra of his administration and he regrets inconveniences during the period of interruption of water supply.”
Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020 — 35 :Vanguard News :@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058 DEATH IN POLICE CELL: Court strikes out robbery, cultism charges against four mechanics in Rivers TRAINING: From left: Mr. Ola Temitope, Principal State Counsel, Ministry of Justice, Lagos State; Mrs. Adeola Adebowale, Assistant Safety Training and Skills Development; Mr. Lanre Mojola, Director General, Safety Commission and Mr. Adeyinka Adebiyi, Director, Safety Training Education and Skills Development, during the one-day Occupational Safety & Health Training for Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) by Lagos State Safety Commission at Folarin Coker, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos. Why I'm probing central hospital built by Oshiomhole — OBASEKI By Ozioruva Aliu BENIN CITY— GOVERNOR Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has said he is probing the new Benin Specialist hospital built by his predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as a result of discrepancies in the building of the project. Kano Assembly approves Ganduje’s N15bn loan request By Ndahi Marama K State ANO—KANO House of Assembly has approved the request by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje for the 44 Local Government Areas in the state to access N15 billion loan from one of the new generation banks to fund the state’s free and compulsory education. Japan commits $197, 736 to boost sesame seed production in Taraba By Femi Bolaji JALINGO—THE pet project of Taraba first lady, Hope Afresh Foundation, has entered an agreement with Japanese government to establish a five star hospital was built and commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari in November, 2016 but took several protests by civil society group before it was opened last year and operated through a consultancy firm. Obaseki, had on Monday, constituted a Commission of Inquiry The Assembly approved the request yesterday during its plenary presided over by the Speaker, Abdulazeez Garba-Gafasa. Recall that Vanguard had reported on Tuesday that the Speaker had read a letter by Ganduje seeking for approval to allow the 44 LGAs to access the loan from the bank. The legislators approved sesame seed processing facility in the state. The contract which is valued at $197, 736, will be funded by the Japanese government under the country’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human headed by Justice J. Oyomire (retd) to conduct a detailed inquiry into the process leading to the conceptualisation, design, construction and equipping of the hospital. Obaseki said, “We have opened that hospital. We had consultant there working. So much has been said about the hospital. I the request after the Deputy Majority leader, Kabiru Hassan-Dashi who supervised the House Committee on Local Governments presented its report before it. The committee recomended the approval of the request, saying the fund would be used to construct more classes and rehabilitate some aimed at Security Projects. Japan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yutaka Kikuta who entered the agreement for his country explained that the project would be executed by Hope Afresh Foundation in collaboration VIVO promises consumers quality smartphone VIVO Mobile, a smartphone brand has assured consumers of quality, innovative and premium smartphone with unique features in the new year, vowing to maintain its position as one of the top five smartphone brands in the world. The Country Manager, Vivo Mobile, Felix Lu said: ‘’At a time when the industry standard was having a fingerprint sensor either at the rear of the device or on the home button, Vivo showed its innovative prowess by being the first to introduce the In-Display Fingerprint sensor. Also, the Vivo V7 and V7plus devices launched at the Mobile World Congress were the first smartphones to spot an elevating 24MP front camera from APEX. ‘’The launch of its latest device – V17Pro in November 2019 was proof that customers' needs is at the fore of Vivo's interest and considering that mobile photography is trending, Vivo's new device houses the first Dual Pop Up Selfie camera and a 60MP A1 Quad Rear Camera. This front camera also comes with a Selfie Softlight which makes pictures captured in lowlight environments very clear. ‘’Some smartphone brands will definitely come and go, however the few ones that are able to continually pivot with innovation and consumercentric mindset will stay afloat for a long time. Vvivo will be leading that team.'' am beginning to see many things I don’t understand. “It is only fair for Edo tax payers to understand what happened and why they decided to build the hospital. How much was spent to build the hospital, the state of the hospital today. I cannot be held liable for something I didn’t do. I want to make sure that at the end of my tenure I can explain everything that has happened.” reducing congestion in the schools. Hassan-Dashi further explained that the loan will also support the provision of free uniforms for the students and also enhance the school feeding initiative by the state government. After deliberations by the legislators, the Assembly adopted the motion and approved the request. with Toyota Tshusho Corporation. He further assured that the government of Japan would continue to support projects that are people oriented. A statement by Senior Special Assistant to Taraba State Governor on Media and Publicity, Bala Dan Abu, yesterday, said the agreement was at the instance of governor Darius Ishaku. Taraba’s first lady, Anna Ishaku who spoke at the signing ceremony, lauded the government of Japan for the gesture, which she said was essential to increase sesame seed production in the state and country at large. Ishaku on his part thanked the Japanese government for the support to the Foundation and the state. By Davies Iheamnachor O R T P HARCOURT— A Magistrate Court sitting in Port Harcourt has struck out charges levelled against the four motor mechanics, in Ikoku motor parts market, earlier remanded in prison for alleged car snatching and cultism. Rivers State Police Command had in December arrested the four persons, including one Chima Okwunado, who died in police cell following alleged torture, alleging that the five persons were members of a cult group and were involved in car snatching. Although, the Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Police Command, Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP, Omoni Nnamdi had issued a statement claiming that the suspect died of high sugar level. APC receives Hussein with funfair in Auchi AUCHI—THE All Progressives Congress, APC community in Auchi, Edo State, acting under the mantra of "the more we are, the merrier it gets", rolled out the drums to welcome the savvy politician,Engr Hussein Garba, back into the APC fold. Top APC chieftains attended the brief but colourful ceremony, led by the party's leader in the LGA, Alhaji Jim Garuba and former Etsako West LGA chairman, Hon Yakubu Oshiorenua Musa aka Yakson In his remark, Auchi APC leader, Alhaji jim Garuba and Etsako West former council chairman, Hon Oshiorenua acknowledged that Hussein's entry into the party is a huge boost and honour. They described him as an invaluable political asset, However, when the court resumed hearing yesterday, after it had remanded the four persons pending the Department of Public Prosecution, DPP, legal advice on the case, struck out the charges against the accused persons. In her ruling, the trial Chief Magistrate, Mr. Amadi Nna struck out the charges and subsequently discharged and acquitted the four persons, following the report of the DPP which revealed that the suspects had no case to answer. Nna held that the DPP reports revealed that the charges against the Ikoku four by the police were unfounded and should not have come up in the first place. Meantime, counsel for the four accused persons, Morrison Opue, who welcomed the decision of the court and noted that he would depend on advise of his client on what to do next. noting his coming will create a united front for the APC in the locality In particular, Hon Oshiorenua recalled how Hussein posed a serious political nightmare to the APC in the community, ensuring the party either lost or won with marginal votes. With his coming, Hon Oshiorenua is hopeful of landslide victory for APC Engr Garba Hussein , a former coordinator of Pastor ize iyamu campaign organisation in Edo North ,believes his defection will help fasttrack the realignment of political forces and afford Auchi an opportunity to make bold political statements that will reverberate far and beyond. The highpoint of the ceremony was the presentation of APC membership card to the former PDP leader. The event was attended by all 28 APC Exco members from Auchi. Corruption: NAFDAC suspends official over Illegal products certification AN official of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Micheal Ikoro, has been placed under suspension following his transactions in illegally certifying uncleared honey products for desperate clients/vendors. This was disclosed by the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Director, NAFDAC, Mrs. Clementina Ayankora, who joined the Progressive Impact Organization for Community Development, PRIMORG, on the programme — Public Conscience on Radio, in Abuja, yesterday. The syndicated radio program is designed by PRIMORG, a civil society organization to amplify corruption reports done by media houses in Nigeria. The Director was deployed by NAFDAC to appear on the radio program to respond to a report by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting, ICIR, titled, “Honey Products with NAFDAC No. Impure, Compromise Health,” which was also PRIMORG’s topic of discuss.
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