Celplus Media

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has announced his formal return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He did the switch in the format of the information age: by announcing it Live on Facebook on Sunday following what he called his consultations with party leaders and stakeholders from across the country. Atiku was a member of the All Progressives Congress until last week when he announced his departure. The party said he would not be sorely missed. The PDP has a national convention scheduled for 9 December in Port Harcourt. He read a statement live on Facebook and photographs later distributed by the Atiku Media Office showed the former Vice President fiddling with his smartphone as he responded to questions from his Facebook followers. Atiku, who is  very active in the social media, including Twitter has 580,111 people following him on Facebook. On Twitter, he has 1.06m followers, which is below the fan base of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who  has 1.32m followers on

It is a verifiable and a known fact, that youths and women empowerment and implementable Agricultural policy are some of the powerful instrument of war against hunger and poverty in any society. The Governor of Ebonyi state, Engnr David Nweze Umahi , in a quest to ensure that hunger and poverty is eradicated in the state, quickly adopted a systematic youth and women empowerment and strategic agricultural policy framework to tackle the ugly scourge. In a bid to aggressively pursue this course, Gov. Umahi in June 2016, set up and inaugurated a 29-man think-tank working committee, chaired by the Hon. Commissioner for youths and sports development, Mr Charles Akpuenika. The Governor however, charged the committee to, among other things, carry out a vivid census of all the unemployed youths and women from the 197 electoral wards in the state with the view of empowering them, having secured the approval  of the sum of 130 million naira from the state House of Assembly to that effect. the

Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River has inaugurated the `Calabar Municipal Garden’ which will serve as the 2017 Calabar Carnival village. Ayade who inaugurated the garden on Friday, said that the village was chosen because it was central and accessible to residents and tourists. The governor was represented by Dr Inyang Asibong, the State Commissioner for Health, He said the village would serve as venue for funfair and market for Christmas shopping. He said that adequate security measures had been taken to safeguard tourists and fun seekers at the village. “It is to the glory of God that we have witnessed the first and second dry run of the 2017 Calabar carnival. “I wish to declare the 2017 Calabar carnival village open to all. The 2017 carnival will be better and bigger. “We have put in place more convenient facilities in this village that would serve the taste of our expected tourists. I wish to assure all those coming in for the carnival of adequate security.’’ He

Former Governor of Delta, Chief James Ibori, on Friday described Chief Raymond Dokpesi as a passionate loyalist of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying he had toiled for the party. Ibori said in Oghara when he received Dokpesi, a national chairmanship aspirant of the party, that the aspirant was enjoying huge confidence of party members because of his record and commitment. He pledged to give necessary support to the aspiration and prayed that God would guide him. Earlier, Dokpesi had told the former governor that his visit was to solicit support for his aspiration, saying that Ibori was a stakeholder in the PDP. In Benin, Edo, Dokpesi visited Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, who said that the aspirant was a dogged democrat and fighter for enthronement of internal democracy and equity in the party. Similarly, a chieftain of PDP in the state, Mr Ben Edo-Osagie, described Dokpesi as a “brave man with credibility”, adding that in spite of all intimidations, he remained in the part

I was somewhere in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital recently, having a conversation with a group of people, which was centred on the achievements of Gov. David Nweze Umahi so far as the Executive Governor of Ebonyi state. A lady among us asked me, could all these things that Gov. Umahi has done and still doing are just because of 2019? and i ask, Are all these developmental achievements recorded by Umahi's administration are just because he wants to be re-elected come 2019? and the answer is no. To put the record straight, Engnr David Umahi of  Ebonyi state has performed beyond the expectation of ALL, even his detractors and critiques has lost thought of what to say against him. it is not worthwhile filling up the space listing all his achievements in less than Three years in office, ranging from infrastructure to Agriculture; Health to Education; Economic empowerment to security etc, as all these achievements are there for all to see, even the blind can feel it. Gov. Um

The Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, has been named “Outstanding Citizen of the World Year 2017” by Enugu City Centre Rotary District 9142. The District’s President, Mr Okezie Nwanjoku, who made this known in Enugu on Tuesday, said the award would be conferred on Ekweremadu on Dec. 2. Nwanjoku said that deputy senate president was adopted after a vigorous screening of 150 people shortlisted from across the world. According to him, the award is given by a credible committee and not influenced by wealth or other primordial consideration. “If one of the members of the committee vetoed the choice, then there will be no award. The committee was unanimous in its decision,” Nwanjoku said. He pointed out that Chief Arthur Eze won the award in 2015 while the candidates nominated for 2016 were vetoed by members of the committee. The district president also said that the club would also unveil its over N50 million service projects for 2017/2018. Nwanjoku said that

Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has confirmed the destruction of over 50 shops after Monday’s fire incident at the Yoruba section of Watt market in Calabar. Mr John Inaku, SEMA Director General, who disclosed this after an assessment visit to the area on Tuesday, said the cause of the fire was still unknown. “Up till now, the cause of the fire is still unknown; over 50 shops were affected during the tragic incident. “I am here on the directives of the State Government to ascertain the cause of the outbreak and to report back so that something can be done to alleviate the plights of the victims. “If you take a critical look at the shops, they are closely located. This makes it easy for the fire to spread quickly from one shop to another. “My advice to shop owners is that they should always put off their appliances after close of business; this would go a long way to prevent disasters like this,’’ he said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed state governments to ensure payment of outstanding workers’ salaries in their various states, to enable workers to “smile to banks”, and to happily celebrate the forthcoming Christmas. Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo confirmed this development to State House correspondents after a closed door meeting with the President in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday. He said workers’ issue took the centre stage during the meeting, saying that the president was so much concerned with those who depended on salaries to feed their families, pay school fees and their house rents. He said President Buhari specifically directed the governors to ensure that they kept workers and pensioners happy by paying their outstanding salaries and allowances from the balance of the outstanding Paris Club refund which would soon be paid to them. He said the President was so much concerned with those who depended on salaries to feed their families, pay school fees

The heads of military formations in Lagos on Monday assured the state government of their continued support in the maintenance of peace and security in the state. The top military officers, led by Air Vice-Marshal J’afaru Yahaya, Air Officer Commanding Logistics and Communications, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode at the Lagos House, Ikeja. Yahaya commended the governor for providing vehicles and other logistics support to security agencies. He said that the security agencies would continue to make judicious use of the available resources to ensure continued peace and security in the state. In his response, Ambode thanked the security agencies for their cooperation and promised to continue to provide them necessary support  in the overall interest of residents. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the military delegation included the General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Major-Gen. Peter Dauke. (NAN)

Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo on Monday sought the House of Assembly’s approval to present the state’s 2018 budget estimates for its consideration and approval on Wednesday, Nov. 29. The request of the governor was conveyed in a letter dated Nov. 17 and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Osarodion Ogie. The letter, titled “Presentation of the Year 2018 budget” was read by the Clerk of the house, Mr James Omoatamae, during plenary. It stated that the presentation of the budget earlier scheduled for Monday, Nov. 27, 2017 was, however, now rescheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 29. The Speaker, Mr Kabiru Adjoto, however, urged members to be available for the budget presentation on Wednesday. Obaseki presented an Appropriation Bill of N150b for the fiscal 2017 to the State House of Assembly in Benin on Dec. 19, 2016. NAN

The Independent National  Electoral Commission ( INEC ), on Monday in Abakaliki, Ebonyi, commenced three-day training on Information Communication Technology (ICT) for its staff in the state. Prof. Godswill Obioma, the State INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), who declared the workshop open, said that the initiative was to train and equip the staff with basic knowledge of computer and application of ICT. According to him, the training is part of strategies being put in place to ensure credible, free, fair and efficient conduct of the 2019 general elections. He said that the ICT training was the 5th batch in the series, slated to enhance the capacity of the staff of the commission. He said that 300 staff of the commission at its headquarters in Abakaliki would first undergo the training before it would be stepped down to the staff at the various local government areas. “Election is a process and the training we are organising for our staff is to equip and enhance

Presidential spokesman Femi Adesina says President Muhammadu Buhari will attend the 5th European Union-African Union (EU-AU) Summit in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, between Tuesday and Wednesday. Adesina, in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, said the president would participate in working sessions on the summit theme: “Investing in the Youth for a Sustainable Development.” He said that on the margins of the summit, Buhari would meet with a number of African Heads of State and their EU counterparts. The presidential aide said the president would use the occasion of the summit to reiterate Nigeria’s readiness to work with African and European countries to address the challenges affecting both continents, such as peace and security. “The Nigerian leader will attend the official luncheon to be hosted by the government of Cote d’Ivoire in honour of visiting Heads of State and Government and other delegations,’’ he added. According to Adesina, the governors of Akwa Ibom and Bauchi

The police, on Monday, arraigned a 35-year-old man, Bosede Abiodun, at an Ado-Ekiti Magistrates’ Court for alleged theft of cocoyam. The defendant, who is of no fixed address, is standing trial on one count-charge of stealing. The Police Prosecutor, Sgt. Monica Ikebuilo, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on Nov. 23 at about 9:00 a.m. at Odo village via Ado-Ekiti. She alleged that the accused stole the cocoyam tubers valued N40,000 in the farm of the complainant, one Ovie Dominic. Ikebuilo said that the offence contravened Section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code, Law of Ekiti 2012. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge. The prosecutor asked the court for adjournment to enable her study the case file and present her witnesses. The Magistrate, Mrs Omolola Akosile, granted bail to the defendant ‎in the sum of N10, 000 with one surety in like sum. Akosile adjourned the case to January 15 for hearing.  celplusmedia.blogspot.com NAN

Security Services in Zimbabwe on Monday warned Zimbabweans to abide by the country’s laws and desist from criminal behaviour following the deposing of former President Robert Mugabe. “Let us all remain united, peaceful and respectful of our national laws and by laws. “Law enforcement agents are already receiving reports of looting and illegal occupation of other people’s properties, particularly farms and houses,” said Zimbabwe Defence Forces spokesperson, Col. Overson Mugwisi during a news conference. “This behavior is criminal and against the spirit of non-vengeful retribution and will be met by the full wrath of the law,” Mugwisi said. Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Charity Charamba said the situation in the country had returned to normal following the inauguration of Emmerson Mnangagwa as interim president on Nov. 24. She said police were therefore resuming their normal duties after stopping them when the military launched an operation on Nov. 15 that cul

A PDP national chairmanship aspirant, Chief Bode George, has challenged other contestants to an open debate on their vision and agenda for the party. This was contained in a statement issued by his political adviser and media aide, Mr Uthman Fadipe on Sunday. According to the statement, George gave the challenge during his visit to party delegates in Sokoto on Saturday as part of his campaign tour of the country. He said whoever wanted to lead the party should come a debate that would showcase the norms and traditional values of the party. The former PDP Vice-Chairman told the delegates that he was a committed party man who would deliver the best if elected. He also said that the micro-zoning of the national chairmanship to the South West would be in the best interest of the party. George said this was in line with the resolve of the founding fathers to promote equity and balance in the distribution of party offices. He praised the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abuba

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa has dumped FC Ifeanyi Uba of Nnewi for another Nigerian club side. He has yet to disclose the new club. Ezenwa told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday that he took the decision “after making some consultations and putting considerations in place.’’ He said that his new club would be made known soon in grand style. “The new club will be unveiled very soon in an occasion that I will sign a new jersey. “Although my contract with FC Ifeanyi Ifeanyi Uba is over but I have considered leaving them after contract expiration,’’ Ezenwa said. The Super Eagles goalkeeper said he was expecting to do better with the new club. “I am always focused and determined to excel at goal posts which is the secret of my success. Ezenwa has been with FC Ifeanyi Uba as number one goalkeeper.

Strong indications emerged at the weekend that the country may be heading for another season of budget showdown, as the executive and the legislative arms seem to be holding divergent views on the plan to reset the budgetary cycle back to the traditional January to December. President Muhammadu Buhari, on November 7, tabled the N8.6 trillion 2018 spending plan before the National Assembly. Up till this moment, no serious legislative action has been taken by the National Assembly, even though it is barely three weeks to the end of year break. The implication is that the budget re-setting plan billed to come into effect on January 1, 2018 may still remain elusive. In fact, the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the Fiscal Strategy Paper  – the baseline and guide for which the budget is anchored is yet to be approved by the legislature, which has not hidden its desire to “frustrate” the budget reset plan on the suspicion that the executive is trying to stampede it

Mr Richard Nwala, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Abia, said on Sunday that the present administration in the state had completed and inaugurated 41 roads since its inception. Nwala told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Umuahia that the Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu’s administration had made long strides in road construction in the state. He said that rehabilitation and reconstruction of 74 other roads, including some bridges, were ongoing in different parts of the state. “Not only do the roads have drains built with cement pavement technology on both sides, they also have street light component for aesthetic and security at night.” The permanent secretary said that the roads were evenly distributed across the three senatorial districts of the state and not in accordance with political patronage. He said that the state government placed high premium on road transformation so as to enhance transportation and alleviate the plight of motorists in the state. According to the