Urhobo youth leader and former militant chief, (Gen) Peter Aghogho, has strongly criticized Senator Ede Dafinone for his alleged self-serving agenda in attempting to influence the inclusion of Urhobo individuals in the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Administrator Dr. Dennis Otuaro’s cabinet.
Aghogho urged Dr. Otuaro to disregard Dafinone’s request, asserting that it solely serves the senator’s personal interests.
Expressing his disappointment with Senator Dafinone’s actions, Aghogho highlighted instances where the senator manipulated submitted names to prioritize his immediate family and close associates over deserving individuals from Delta Central.
Aghogho, an ex-agitator from the Urhobo region and Chairman of the Urhobo Youth Council in Abuja, recounted his negative experiences with Senator Dafinone, citing an incident where the senator disregarded a list of ex-agitators seeking educational scholarships and instead submitted names of his acquaintances.
Aghogho emphasized that the current administration of the Presidential Amnesty Programme under Dr. Dennis Otuaro includes Urhobo representatives who are effectively contributing to the program’s success.
He praised Dr. Otuaro for his inclusive approach, ensuring equitable treatment of all ethnic groups involved in the program.
Aghogho warned Senator Dafinone that his failure to prioritize fair representation for the people of Delta Central could lead to a loss of confidence and support from the community, potentially jeopardizing his political future.
Colonel BT Vandi, a retired officer of the Nigerian Army, was discovered deceased at the Defence Academy base camp situated on Vom Road in Jos. He was found in his room where he had checked in just a few hours earlier.
An attendant discovered him lifeless around 3:20 pm. Late Colonel Vandi had registered at the camp’s guest room on July 16 and was found deceased on July 17.
According to reports, the deceased’s body will be transferred to the 3 Division Military Hospital in Jos for an autopsy and further investigation.
In response to inquiries, Major Aliyu Danja, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 3rd Division of the Nigerian Army, stated that he would seek official confirmation regarding the incident.
In Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, the Nigeria Police Force has apprehended 23 teenagers and 13 others on suspicions of child prostitution and human trafficking. The arrests were made on 15/7/2024 after the Command received credible information regarding the activities of an individual known as Chinyere, who specializes in trafficking women from the East to Ughelli, Delta State, for purposes of prostitution.
SP Bright Edafe, the State Police Public Relations Officer, disclosed this in a press statement. He mentioned that intelligence indicated that Chinyere deceives the victims by promising them jobs as salesgirls in restaurants in Delta State.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, who has a strong stance against human/child trafficking, assigned DPO Ekpan CSP Aliyu Shaba to act promptly on the gathered intelligence to locate the hotel and apprehend the suspect.
On 15/07/2024 around 1900hrs, one victim (name withheld) was found, and she exposed the illicit activities of Chinyere, who is currently evading capture. The victim revealed that she was falsely promised a salesgirl position in a bar with a monthly salary of #30,000 after being deceived by the suspect to travel from Abia State to Delta State.
Upon arrival in Ughelli on 12/07/2024, the victim and two other girls discovered the true intentions of the suspect when they encountered other naked teenagers at their destination. They were informed that they were brought for prostitution, a revelation they rejected, resulting in their immediate expulsion from the hotel.
“Based on the information provided, a joint surveillance team conducted a raid on the ‘Big Dafe Hotel’ located on Ughelli/Patani Road. During the operation, they arrested Chioma Edafe, a 36-year-old woman from Umuogbezea Community in Imo State, who manages the hotel, along with thirty-five others. Among those arrested, twenty-three are teenagers.
President Bola Tinubu has officially named Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack as the incoming Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), effective from August 14, 2024.
In a statement released on Wednesday night by Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale, it was disclosed that Mrs. Walson-Jack, who became a Federal Permanent Secretary in 2017 and has held roles across various Ministries, is set to succeed the current Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, upon her retirement on August 13, 2024.
President Tinubu expressed gratitude to the outgoing Head of Service for her service and urged the incoming appointee to carry out her duties with creativity, integrity, and strict adherence to the established rules and regulations of the Civil Service of the Federation.
Didi Walson-Jack, a native of Bayelsa State in the South-South region of Nigeria, will assume this significant role in the nation’s civil service.
In recent decision, the Senate has replaced Senator Ali Ndume as the Chief Whip with Senator Tahir Monguno.
The Senate’s move to replace Ndume came following a directive outlined in a letter written by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Umar Ganduje, and the National Secretary, Senator Bashir Ajibola.
During a session chaired by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Senate members voted in favor of replacing Ndume with Senator Tahir Monguno, a decision that received unanimous support from all APC senators.
The letter from the party accused Ndume of making disparaging remarks against the administration of President Bola Tinubu, citing concerns about the negative impact of his comments on the government’s image and its efforts to attract Foreign Direct Investments.
As a result of the decision, Ndume not only lost his position as the Chief Whip but also as the Vice-Chairman of the Appropriation Committee. However, Akpabio appointed him as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Tourism.
Furthermore, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, representing Ondo Central, was appointed as the new chair of the Judiciary and Legal Matters Committee, a position initially meant for Monguno.
This is not the first time Ndume has been removed from a leadership position in the Senate. In January 2017, during the eighth Senate under the leadership of Bukola Saraki, Ndume was also removed from his role as the Senate leader.
The police in Delta State have apprehended four suspected notorious gun runners who specialized in supplying firearms and ammunition to armed robbers in the state.
In a press release signed by the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, it was disclosed that the arrests were made following a thorough intelligence-driven investigation conducted by operatives on a special assignment under the command of the Commissioner of Police in Ughelli.
The arrests were directly linked to the recovery of a fabricated AK-47 revolver rifle on June 8, 2024.
According to the statement, a team led by ASP Julius Robinson, following the explicit instructions of the Commissioner of Police, Delta State, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, successfully apprehended the trio on July 16, 2024, between the hours of 1300hrs and 1935hrs.
The suspects include Tega Dierunaba, a 44-year-old male from Orerokpe Community in Okpe LGA, Delta State, residing in Enerhen town, Uvwie LGA, Delta State; Chibuike Anuforo Cosmas, a 42-year-old male from Orlu Town in Nkwerre LGA, Imo State, residing in Musheshe Cold-Room Industrial Area, Enehren Road, Uvwie LGA; and Sunday Moses Pam, a 36-year-old male from Von Community in Jos South LGA, Plateau State, residing in Oka closed Street, Enehren Uvwie LGA, Delta State. They are responsible for distributing and transporting arms from Plateau State to Delta State.
All suspects have confessed to the crime, corroborating an earlier confession by Goodluck Sakutu, a 38-year-old male from Ekpan Community, Uvwie LGA, Delta State, who was previously apprehended with a fabricated AK-47 rifle in his possession.
“The Commissioner of Police Delta State CP Olufemi Abaniwonda noted that crime can be fought at any stage, either before, during or even after, he therefore encourages residents to trust the policing process and provide useful, credible and timely information to the Police on suspicious happenings in their area and he assures them of justice, and that their identities will be treated with utmost confidentiality”, he added.
In the latest session of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) held today, a grand total of N1.354 trillion was allocated to the federal, state, and local governments.
According to the official statement released after the meeting in Abuja, the funds represent the revenue generated by the Federation in June. The distributable revenue included N142.5 billion in statutory revenue, N523.973 billion in Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue, N15.692 billion in Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) revenue, N472.192 billion in Exchange Difference revenue, and an additional N200.000 billion in augmentation.
Throughout June 2024, a total revenue of N2.483 trillion was amassed. Deductions for the cost of collection amounted to N92.112 billion, while transfers, interventions, and refunds totaled N1,037.407 billion. The gross statutory revenue for June 2024 stood at N1.432 trillion, surpassing May 2024 figures by N208.773 billion.
Furthermore, June 2024 witnessed a gross revenue of N562.685 billion from Value Added Tax (VAT), marking an increase of N65.020 billion from the previous month’s N497.665 billion.
The breakdown of the N1,354.371 billion total distributable revenue is as follows: the Federal Government received N459.776 billion, the State Governments received N461.979 billion, and the Local Government Councils received N337.019 billion. Additionally, a sum of N95.598 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was distributed to the benefiting states as derivation revenue.
The communiqué disclosed that out of the N142.514 billion in distributable statutory revenue, the Federal Government received N48.952 billion, State Governments received N24.829 billion, and Local Government Councils received N19.142 billion.
A sum of N49.591 billion, equivalent to 13% of mineral revenue, was allocated to the benefiting States as derivation revenue.
Furthermore, from the N523.973 billion distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue, the Federal Government received N78.596 billion, State Governments received N261.987 billion, and Local Government Councils received N183.391 billion.
Moreover, a total of N2.354 billion was received by the Federal Government from the N15.692 billion Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL), while State Governments received N7.846 billion and Local Government Councils received N5.492 billion.
Regarding the N472.192 billion Exchange Difference revenue, the Federal Government received N224.514 billion, State Governments received N113.877 billion, and Local Government Councils received N87.794 billion. Additionally, N46.007 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared with the benefiting States as derivation revenue.
Concerning the N200.000 billion augmentation, the Federal Government received N105.360 billion, State Governments received N53.440 billion, and Local Government Councils received N41.200 billion.
As stated in the communiqué, in June 2024, Companies Income Tax Oil (CIT) and Value Added Tax (VAT) showed significant increases, while Import and Excise Duties and Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) saw marginal increases. Conversely, Royalty Crude, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Rentals, and CET Levies experienced notable decreases.
The balance in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) stood at $473,754.57.
Gareth Southgate has confirmed his resignation as the manager of the England national team, following their recent loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
Southgate took on the role in 2016 during a period of struggle for the team. Under his leadership, England reached three semi-finals and two finals in the last four tournaments, a significant improvement from the team’s previous track record. Before Southgate’s tenure, England had only managed to reach three major tournament semi-finals and one final, which resulted in their historic 1966 World Cup win.
Expressing his deep pride and gratitude, the 53-year-old stated, “As a proud Englishman, it has been the greatest honor of my life to represent and manage the England national team. This journey has meant the world to me, and I have poured my heart and soul into it.”
In a comprehensive statement, Southgate continued, “However, it is now time for a change and a fresh start. The Euro 2024 final against Spain marked my final match as England manager. Since joining the FA in 2011 with a vision to elevate English football, I have been fortunate to work alongside exceptional individuals who have my utmost appreciation.”
Southgate also acknowledged the invaluable contribution of his assistant, Steve Holland, describing him as an outstanding coach. He praised the players he had the privilege of leading in 102 matches, commending their pride in wearing the England jersey and their exemplary representation of their country on and off the field.
“The group of talented young players we brought to Germany is truly exciting, and I believe they have what it takes to achieve the dream of winning the trophy. I am incredibly proud of their dedication and skills. It is my hope that we can all rally behind the players, as well as the team at St. George’s Park and the FA, who work tirelessly every day to enhance English football and recognize the transformative impact football can have in driving positive change.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated backroom staff who have consistently supported both the players and myself over the past eight years. Their unwavering dedication and hard work served as a daily inspiration, and I am deeply thankful for their contributions as the exceptional ‘team behind the team.’
Our fans are undeniably the best in the world, and their unwavering support has meant everything to me. I am a passionate England supporter and always will be.
I eagerly anticipate witnessing and celebrating the players as they continue to create unforgettable moments, uniting and inspiring the nation as we all know they are capable of doing.
Ayo Fayose, the former Governor of Ekiti State, has raised concerns following the recent Supreme Court ruling that supports the direct allocation of monthly funds from the federation account to local governments.
A prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party, Fayose highlighted that despite the court’s decision, obstacles to local government autonomy persist due to the actions of state Houses of Assembly and governors.
Speaking as a guest on Sunday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today, Fayose pointed out the inherent challenges in achieving true local government autonomy. He emphasized that without the backing of a governor, it is practically impossible for anyone from the grassroots to become a local government chairman. In his view, both the judiciary and the Federal Government cannot fully enforce local government autonomy.
Expressing his viewpoint, Fayose stated, “While I may not be a lawyer but a seasoned politician and an elder statesman by God’s grace, I firmly advocate against any form of government interference in local government funds distribution. It is important to understand that you cannot separate the local government from the state government. The local government chairman’s position is intricately tied to the governor’s support. Any suggestion otherwise is futile.”
Fayose further elaborated on the control mechanisms in place, noting that during his tenure as governor, funds were channeled from Abuja, managed by non-political entities separate from the council chairman and politicians. He highlighted the role of the House of Assembly in overseeing and regulating local government activities.
He concluded by questioning the true extent of power being delegated to local governments, emphasizing the current complexities and limitations within the system.
The PDP chieftain expressed his concerns about the lack of commitment among state lawmakers and council officials. He highlighted the issue of council officials not taking their responsibilities seriously, citing instances where many workers fail to show up for work on certain days of the week.
He emphasized the importance of respect for the governor within the local government system, stating that any council chairperson who disregards the governor’s authority is likely to face consequences from the House of Assembly. He explained that the House of Assembly oversees the activities of council chairpersons and ensures compliance with governance protocols.
The chieftain observed a significant absence of local government staff during council meetings on Wednesdays and Fridays, estimating that less than 10% of the workforce is present at the office. He challenged anyone to dispute this claim, emphasizing the prevalent lack of work ethic among local government employees. He criticized the tendency for NULGE and local government leaders to intervene on behalf of non-performing staff when attempts are made to hold them accountable.
In comparing the administrative efficiency of the state government to that of the local government, he noted a stark difference, alleging that many individuals working in the local government prioritize financial gain over fulfilling their duties. He pointed out instances where individuals have relocated from their assigned states yet continue to receive salaries, illustrating the systemic issues within the local government structure.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Monday, has swear-in 25 newly-elected Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the 25 local governments in the state with charge to embark on viable infrastructural projects and ensure modesty, fiscal discipline, prudent management, judicious allocation of resources, and excellent service delivery.
Governor Oborevwori also tasked them to avoid profligacy typified by wasteful spending and extravagant lifestyle, but to address the recurring problems of insecurity, poverty, unemployment and environmental decay in the various local government areas.
Oborevwori gave the charge while swearing-in the newly elected Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the 25 Local Government Areas in Asaba, the state capital.
He explained that it was necessary for the chairmen to stay close to the people by operating from their area headquarters and warned that they must shun the unhealthy practice of running the local governments from offshore, especially Asaba and Warri.
Governor Oborevwori, said: “To the elected Local Government Council Chairmen, I urge you to reciprocate the huge mandate that has been given to you by giving preference to the needs and aspirations of your people with a view to delivering good governance.
“You must discharge your duties with sincerity of purpose, impartiality, compassion, fairness, and justice and I expect you to work assiduously for the actualization of the MORE Agenda.
“As the third tier of government closest to the people, you need to improve the environmental sanitation in your communities. Our urban centres are riddled with filth as a result of improper waste disposal and poor sanitation habits of our people.
“I will like to see you step up in this regard by devising proper waste disposal measures, while embarking on aggressive public enlightenment campaign to educate our people on good sanitation habits.”
Governor Oborevwori, who reiterated that the state government does not tamper with local government funds, said he welcomed the Supreme Court’s ruling on Local Government autonomy, emphasising that statutory allocations
to the local governments in the state for the last three months remained intact.
He said as the then Speaker of the State House of Assembly, they voted for autonomy for the Councils during the 5th Constitution alteration session.
“I, therefore, expect you to hit the ground running by embarking on visible infrastructural projects that can be commissioned. You must shun wasteful spending and extravagant lifestyle.
“Let your administrations be characterised by modesty, fiscal discipline, prudent management, judicious allocation of resources, and excellent project delivery.
“As Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, we advocated for financial autonomy for the legislature and judiciary. The House also voted YES to Local Government autonomy during the Fifth Alteration of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Therefore, the Supreme Court judgment on financial autonomy for local government councils is a welcome development. Actually, Delta State Government has never tampered with local government funds. Rather, the state government has often had to augment the allocations to the local government councils to enable them meet their financial obligations”, he said.
While charging the Chairmen to improve on their Internally -Generated Revenue, Governor Oborevwori cautioned against overtaxing an already burdened populace reeling under the painful effects of the current economic hardship.
He said: “Your success on this job will also depend on your ability to work seamlessly with your Vice Chairmen, the legislative arm and other critical stakeholders in the Local Government Area. Please, avoid running a one-man show.
“You must demonstrate the political sagacity to manage the local politics, and the administrative acumen to be all- inclusive to ensure peace, stability, and cohesion in your domains.”
He expressed appreciation to the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission, DSIEC, for conducting free, fair and credible elections and to the security agencies for ensuring peace and security throughout the exercise across the state.
The newly elected Chairmen are Emmanuel Bazim Chinye, Aniocha North; Jude Chukwunkwike, Aniocha South; Dagidi Andaye, Bomadi; Julius Takeme, Burutu; Augustine Ogedegbe, Ethiope East; Christian Onogba, Ethiope West; Monday Odigwe, lka North East, Jerry Ehiwarior, lka South; Godwin Ogorugba, Isoko North; Warri Ovoke Friday, Isoko South; Vincent Osilonya, Ndokwa East; Obi Nzete, Ndokwa West; and Isaiah Esiovwa, Okpe.
Others are Innocent Esewezie, Oshimili North; Obi Kelvin Ezenyili, Oshimili South; Isaac Aguanah, Patani; Bright Abeke, Sapele; Vincent Oyibode, Udu; Jaro Egbo, Ughelli North; Lucky Avweromre, Ughelli South; Possible Ajede, Ukwuani; Anthony Ofoni, Uvwie; Festus Ashima, Warri North; Weyinmi Agbateyiniro, Warri South and Sylvester Oromoni, Warri South West.
While congratulating the new chairmen and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the resounding victory at the polls on Saturday, Governor Oborevwori said it was a product of weeks of grassroots campaign in which they did not take for granted and thanked the good people of Delta State who, in spite of the heavy downpour, came out and voted for the leaders of their choice.
Responding on behalf of the Chairmen and Vice Chairmen, Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Council, Hon. Innocent Esewezie, expressed appreciation to the governor and leaders of the PDP in the state for the opportunity given to them to serve at the grassroots level of governance.
He commended the electorate in the various local government areas for endorsing their candidature through the electoral mandate given to them at the polls, and assured that they have adopted the MORE Agenda of the Governor and would not betray the confidence reposed in them.
The highpoint of the ceremony which was attended by the wife of the governor, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori; the Deputy Governor,
Sir Monday Onyeme, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Kingsley Esiso, and other top government functionaries, was the administration of oath of office on the chairmen and their deputies by the governor.
