Ibom Focus

Category: News

A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart.

  • BREAKING: Major Shake-up As Tinubu As Bars Lobbyists From UK Residence –

    BREAKING: Major Shake-up As Tinubu As Bars Lobbyists From UK Residence –

    Major Shake-up As Tinubu As Bars Lobbyists From UK Residence

    There are strong indications that President Bola Tinubu has finalised the names and roles of those who will form his revamped cabinet.

    According to multiple sources within the Presidency, Tinubu has completed the list of ministers set to be retained or removed and was expected to release it on Thursday night, just a day after arriving in the United Kingdom for his two-week annual leave.

    Amid growing economic challenges and the widespread protests that occurred in August, the President has been under increasing pressure, both from within his party, the All Progressives Congress, and external forces, to dismiss underperforming ministers.

    Despite repeatedly issuing warnings regarding underperformance, the president’s cabinet has remained largely intact, with the notable exception of the suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, in January 2024.

    During a three-day retreat for cabinet members and presidential aides in November, Tinubu introduced a Central Delivery Coordination Unit, overseen by his Special Adviser on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala-Usman. This unit was tasked with evaluating the performance of ministers and other top officials.

    The President made it clear that these performance assessments would determine who would stay or leave the cabinet.

    “If you are performing, nothing to fear. If you miss the objective, we’ll review it. If no performance, you leave us. No one is an island and the buck stops on my desk,” Tinubu told the attendees.

    Nearly a year after the president’s cabinet was inaugurated in August 2023, reports suggested that a reshuffle was forthcoming, although officials remained unclear about the exact timing.

    It was revealed that the changes would go beyond a simple swapping of portfolios. Certain ministries, such as the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, were expected to be scrapped, while other portfolios would likely be merged or split.

    Speaking under anonymity, officials disclosed that while the list was initially slated for release on Thursday, the President decided to “sleep on it” for a bit longer.

    “We are just waiting for the go-ahead. All I know is that we are expecting him to send the new names of those he wants to drop and those he wants to appoint,” one source shared.

    Another official added, “I’m surprised the list did not come out yesterday. That list is nearly finalized.”

    Reports suggesting that lobbyists were crowding Tinubu’s residence in the UK were also dismissed by officials. “That’s not true. Even if they know where he is, access is restricted. He’s resting, and no one can just walk in to see him like that,” one source clarified.

    On September 25, 2024, the Presidency confirmed that a cabinet reshuffle was imminent, based on performance data gathered by the Central Delivery Coordination Unit.

    Tinubu’s working leave in the UK commenced on October 2 and is scheduled to end on October 16.

  • Tension In Tinubu’s Cabinet As President Complete Ministerial List –

    Tension In Tinubu’s Cabinet As President Complete Ministerial List –

    Tension In Tinubu’s Cabinet As President Complete Ministerial List

    Strong indications have emerged that President Bola Tinubu has completed the list containing the names and designations of those who will serve in his reshuffled cabinet.

    Multiple sources in the Presidency, who confided, said Tinubu had concluded the list of ministers to drop and those to retain and was expected to release it on Thursday night, a day after he arrived in the United Kingdom for his two-week annual leave.

    Following the biting economic hardship and the nationwide protests last August, President Tinubu has been facing increasing pressure from within and outside his party, the All Progressives Congress, to sack underperforming ministers.

    While the president periodically warned against underperformance, his cabinet remained mostly unchanged, except for suspending the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, in January 2024.

    At a three-day retreat for cabinet members and presidential aides last November, Tinubu announced that a Central Delivery Coordination Unit headed by his Special Adviser on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala-Usman, would measure the performance of ministers and other top government officials.

    These periodic performance reports would determine who would leave or remain in the cabinet, Tinubu stated.

    “If you are performing, nothing to fear. If you miss the objective, we’ll review it. If no performance, you leave us. No one is an island and the buck stops on my desk,” the President told participants.

    One year after Tinubu inaugurated his cabinet in August, it was reported that a reshuffle was imminent. However, officials who spoke to our correspondent could not tell when.

    Nonetheless, it was gathered that the shakeup would transcend portfolio swaps. Instead, some portfolios and ministries, such as the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, would be scrapped, while others would be split and merged.

    Officials, who spoke on Friday on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to talk about the matter, said Tinubu was expected to release the list on Thursday but decided to “sleep on it” for a little while.

    “We are just waiting for the go ahead. All I know is that we are waiting for him to send the new names of those he wants to drop and those he wants to appoint.

    “We have been expecting them since yesterday (Thursday). I am not sure of any specifics regarding names for now.

    “The last I know, he (the President) said he wants to sleep over the list again before he releases it. Maybe he still wants to change his mind about some names,” a source said.

    Another source, who asked not to be named, said, “I’m surprised the list did not come out yesterday (Thursday). That thing is almost finalised already.”

    Similarly, another official debunked reports that lobbyists crowded the President’s residence in the UK.

    “That’s not true. You know there would be speculations all over the place. Do they know where he is? Even if they know where he is, can they access him?

    “Some say lobbyists are just visiting him from left, right and centre. But on this trip, he will likely undergo medicals, too. The way he is resting now, no one can see him just like that. They won’t allow people to access him like that. I can guarantee that,” said the source.

    On September 25, 2024, the Presidency confirmed that Tinubu would soon rejig his cabinet.

    However, it said the exercise would be based on the performance data from reports the Central Delivery Coordination Unit submitted to the president in the past months.

    Tinubu’s working leave in the UK began on October 2 and will end on October 16.

  • BREAKING: Akwa Ibom Gets New First Lady –

    BREAKING: Akwa Ibom Gets New First Lady –

    BREAKING: Akwa Ibom Gets New First Lady

    Following the death of Akwa Ibom first lady, late pastor Patience Umo Eno, the Governor of the state, Pastor Umo Eno has announced his daughter Mrs Helen Eno Obereki to takeover the activities of the first lady office.

    According to Governo, “It is not an easy task ahead, but to continue to sustain the office of the First Lady, I want to please introduce our daughter, Mrs Helen Eno Obereki, and hand her over to you Ma.

    “She will continue to coordinate the office of Her Excellency. She will be working with all of our mothers, the Deputy Governor, the Commissioner for Women Affairs And Social Welfare, etc.”

    His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, speaking during a condolence visit by Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, at the Hilltop Mansion, Government House, Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.

  • BREAKING: PDP Suspends National Vice Chairman, Southeast, Ali Odefa –

    BREAKING: PDP Suspends National Vice Chairman, Southeast, Ali Odefa –

    BREAKING: PDP Suspends National Vice Chairman, Southeast, Ali Odefa

    The National Vice Chairman of the People Democratic Party (PDP) Southeast zone, Mr. Ali Odefa has been suspended from the party.
    In a press conference held in Onicha Local Government Area by the Ward Executive Committee of the party led by its Acting Ward Chairman, Mr. Hebert Ovuta said that Mr. Odefa was suspended on the grounds of his engaging in “anti-party activities” in line with the provision of section 57 (3) of the PDP constitution.
    Flanked by members of the ward executives, the Acting Chairman stated that, “ We are here to inform you of the resolution of the Ward Executive Committee of PDP Oguduokwor Ward to suspend Chief Ali Odefa the National Vice Chairman of the PDP Southeast Zone on the grounds of his anti-party activities and other offences which is destructive to the name of our dear party PDP.

    “His suspension is in compliance with provision of section 57(3) of the PDP constitution.

    “It is also important to inform you that we have further referred Chief Ali Odefa to the Ward Disciplinary Committee of the party.”

  • VIDEO: Enough Is Eπough: ‘You Should Be Ashamed Of Yourself,’ Fubara Blasts IGP, Egbetokun

    Enough Is Eπough: ‘You Should Be Ashamed Of Yourself,’ Fubara Blasts IGP, Egbetokun

    Fubara Blasts IGP

    Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has criticised the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over the controversy surrounding the conduct of local government elections in the state.

    While speaking to journalists after storming the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission office in the state on Friday morning, Fubara stated that there appeared to be a more than professional relationship between the IG and “someone who says he is more powerful than the state” in apparent reference to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

    “The Inspector General of police should be ashamed of himself. I came here after learning that the police wanted to withdraw some policemen who had been stationed here. They are saying elections will not hold here because of a court order. Which court order says election should not hold,” he asked.

    He argued that the court did not say local government elections should not hold in the state.

    “No court order says election should not hold in the state. Even the court order the police say it got from the federal high court only said the police should not provide security. We do not need your security, it happened in Anambra, enough is enough,” he stated.

    Fubara also stated that he was ready to be shot by the police and fight till the very end, referring the ongoing tussle in the state.

    “The IG of police should take his fight and that can involve shooting Fubara, if that’s what he wants. This is the last fight and we will fight it to the end,” he noted.

    There have been controversies surrounding the conduct of the local government elections in the state.

    On September 30, a Federal High Court in Abuja barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the 2023 voter register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

    INEC also later said it had not released the voter register to RSIEC for the conduct of the election, in deference to the judgement of the federal high court.

    Meanwhile, a Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt had ordered the RSIEC to proceed with the local government council elections scheduled for October 5.

    Justice I. P. C. Igwe gave order while delivering judgement in Suit No: PHC/2696/CS/2024, filed by Action Peoples Party (APP) as Plaintiff/Applicant against RSIEC, Rivers State Government, and Governor of Rivers State as 1st to 3rd Respondents.

    In the certified court judgement which was issued on Friday, September 4, 2024, Justice Igwe directed RSIEC to use the 2023 voters’ register for the elections.

    The court emphasised the importance of conducting elections within three months to fill vacant council positions, as mandated by the Supreme Court in Suit No SC/CV/343/2024 delivered on July 11, 2024, to the effect that all states without democratically-elected local government councils in place should conduct elections into their respective local government councils within three (3) months from the date of the aforesaid judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

    The court order maintained that based on the judgement of the Supreme Court, the defendants are bound to conduct elections into Local Government Councils in Rivers State on or before the expiration of the said three (3) months period, on October 5, 2024.

    However, the incumbent governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has vowed to proceed with the election and has declared Thursday and Friday as public holidays.

    “Any failure on our part to conduct the local government election would be a clear disobedience of the Supreme Court’s mandatory order that no state government must administer the local government councils in Nigeria with unelected officers; with the attendant consequence of the state and the people being denied the statutory allocations due to the 23 local government areas of the state,” the governor said.

    Watch video here 

    https://www.facebook.com/share/v/JwtBkys88eErkoff/

  • EXPOSED: Real Reason Police Refused To Provide Security For Rivers LG Poll –

    EXPOSED: Real Reason Police Refused To Provide Security For Rivers LG Poll –

    EXPOSED: Real Reason Police Refused To Provide Security For Rivers LG Poll

    The Rivers police command says its officers would not provide security for the conduct of the local government election in the state.

    In a statement issued on Thursday night, Grace Iringe-Koko, police spokesperson in Rivers, said the command is complying with an order of the federal high court in Abuja.

    The Rivers LG election is scheduled for Saturday, October 5.

    There has been palpable tension in Rivers due to the prolonged turf war between Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers; and Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT).

    The local government election is now being viewed in both camps as a referendum on who really controls the grassroots.

    The Wike camp is seemingly opposed to the conduct of the election on Saturday.

    On September 30, a federal high court in Abuja barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the 2023 voter register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

    The court also barred the inspector-general of police and the Department of State Services (DSS) from providing security for the exercise.

    On October 2, INEC said it had not released the voter register to RSIEC for the conduct of the election, in deference to the judgment of the federal high court.

    On October 3, a crowd besieged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secretariat in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital, to protest against the planned local government election.

    However, Fubara has vowed to proceed with the election and has declared Thursday and Friday as public holidays.

    ‘SECURITY AGENCIES SHOULD COMPLY WITH COURT ORDER’

    Iringe-Koko advised other security agencies to comply with the court judgment by not providing security for the election.

    “On July 19, 2024, a Federal High Court in Abuja issued a restraining order preventing the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies from providing security during the Local Government Election,” the statement reads.

    “Additionally, on September 30, 2024, the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered a judgment that again prohibited the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies from participating in the Local Government Election.

    “Given these circumstances, the Nigeria Police Force has been advised by the Force Legal Department that the ruling from the Federal High Court on September 30, 2024, takes precedence.

    “Recently, an opposition party protested, calling for adherence to the court orders and expressing their determination to prevent any disregard for the law.

    “The Nigeria Police Force encourages all parties to seek appropriate legal redress if they feel aggrieved by any decisions or actions related to the election process.

    “The Nigeria Police Force is dedicated to maintaining law and order and will not stand idly by in the face of potential disturbances. Necessary actions will be taken to enforce the court’s orders.

    “All Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders have been directed to ensure full compliance with the judgment of the Federal High Court.

    “In view of the above, the Nigeria Police Force has been advised by the Force Legal Department to comply with the judgment of the Federal High Court dated September 30, 2024, which bars the Nigeria Police from allowing, participating in, providing security for, or taking part in the Rivers State Local Government Election on October 5, 2024.

    “All other security agencies are also implored to comply with the Federal High Court judgment.”

    The police asked residents to “cooperate with law enforcement in upholding the rule of law during this crucial period”.

  • BREAKING: Ahead Of LG Polls Security Personnel Foil Attempted Theft Of Election Materials –

    BREAKING: Ahead Of LG Polls Security Personnel Foil Attempted Theft Of Election Materials –

    BREAKING: Ahead Of LG Polls Security Personnel Foil Attempted Theft Of Election Materials

    Security operatives in Rivers State successfully foiled an attempted theft of sensitive electoral materials from the office of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) early Friday morning.

    It was gathered that the incident occurred around 1 a.m. when people dressed in police uniforms attempted to breach the commission’s premises.

    According to eyewitnesses, the suspects tried to scale the gates and access the strong room where crucial materials for the upcoming local government election, scheduled for Saturday, were stored.

    He said their plan was foiled when vigilant security personnel alerted the principal officers of the commission, who promptly notified Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other relevant authorities.

    In response to the incident, Governor Fubara led a team of government officials, lawmakers from both the National Assembly and State House of Assembly, and other political stakeholders to the scene.

    Speaking to reporters outside the RSIEC office on Aba Road in Port Harcourt, the governor condemned the attempted theft and praised the security forces for their prompt action.

    “Local government elections are the internal affairs of states,” Fubara stated.

    “I urge those trying to disrupt the process and incite chaos to allow the federation unit to manage its affairs without interference,” he added.

    In the wake of the incident, a contingent of government officials, stakeholders, and supporters has been maintaining a vigil at the RSIEC facility to ensure the integrity of the election process.

    However, as of now, security authorities have not released an official statement regarding the attempted theft.

  • JUST IN: Fresh Trouble Hits Runaway Yahaya Bello –

    JUST IN: Fresh Trouble Hits Runaway Yahaya Bello –

    JUST IN: Fresh Trouble Hits Runaway Yahaya Bello

    A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama has issued a public summons against the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, regarding a fresh 16-count charge of alleged fraud totaling N110.4 billion.

    The court has mandated Bello to appear for arraignment on October 24, where he will face the charges alongside two other defendants.

    However, Justice Maryanne Anenih issued an order for public summons on Thursday in response to an application from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    She directed the EFCC to publish the summons in a widely circulated newspaper and display copies at Bello’s last known address as well as in prominent locations within the court premises.

    The EFCC reported that it had been unable to serve Bello with the charges filed on September 24, in which he and two others are accused of criminal breach of trust involving N110.4 billion.

    The other defendants named in the charge are Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu.

    Bello’s absence led to the postponement of the arraignment that was originally scheduled for Thursday.

  • VIDEO: Many Causalities As Nigerians Fights For Free Bread From APC To Mark 64th Independence

    VIDEO: Many Causalities As Nigerians Fights For Free Bread From APC To Mark 64th Independence

    VIDEO: Many Causalities As Nigerians Fights For Free Bread From APC To Mark 64th Independence

    A viral video has captured the moment when thousands of Nigerians struggled to get loaves of bread shared by chieftains of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State.

    Citizens queue up in long lines as Nigerian Army personnel direct them in batches to receive a loaf of bread per person, courtesy of individuals donning customized President Bola Tinubu and APC stakeholder T-shirts.

    It was gathered that the video was captured on Tuesday during the country’s 64th Independence Anniversary.

    “Lagosians seen queuing up amidst strong security to receive bread in celebration of Nigeria Independence Day,” a popular blogger, thetattleroomng captioned the video on Instagram.

    This struggle of the citizens to get a loaf of bread as captured in the video is connected to the current economic hardship and soaring inflation in the country.

    A Nigerian netizen on Instagram, official_donlatino, who commented on the video, wrote: “No be rice again them done reduce una to agege bread e never reach 2 years e come be like this. Them even carry Army dey share agege bread.”

    “Is it that this people can’t afford bread? Or they are just not contented with what they have? Someone pls enlighten me,” another Instagram user, bum_bad also expressed his surprised.

    Similar reactions were seen on X regarding the video.

    A user, iDAN said: “I never thought the day would come when Yorubas would be lining up for a loaf of bread.”

    Owing to these growing hardship, Nigerians recently held massive protests against bad governance in August and on October 1.

    A post shared by The Tattle Room 🇳🇬 🌎 (@thetattleroomng)

    Inever thought the day would come when Yorubas would be lining up for a loaf of bread.

    Watch the video here

    https://www.facebook.com/100085312585775/videos/1198481584602087/?app=fbl

  • LG Election: Panic As Party Goes Spiritual For Fear Of Election Malpractice –

    LG Election: Panic As Party Goes Spiritual For Fear Of Election Malpractice –

    LG Election: Panic As Party Goes Spiritual For Fear Of Election Malpractice

    The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has turned to spiritual measures for fear of election malpractice ahead of the upcoming local government elections in Jigawa State.

    A source within the party said that some party members have organized special prayer sessions across various localities.

    It includes the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an, appealing for God’s intervention in ensuring a free, fair, and credible election.

    The NNPP faithful specifically called for calamity and divine wrath to befall anyone who attempts to manipulate the election results.

    “We believe that the power of God is stronger than any plan to rig the election, we are confident that He will not let injustice prevail,” the party member said.

    The Jigawa State High Court sitting in Dutse had dismissed a petition filed by the NNPP and Action Democratic Party (ADP) challenging JISIEC over its election process and higher price of nomination form.

    It was reported that the major opposition parties in the state, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and NNPP have filled candidates in some local government areas for the upcoming October 5, 2024 council election in Jigawa State.