Flowerbud News

Category: General News

  • Edo govt., E5 Energy partner on installation of 100mw power

    Edo govt., E5 Energy partner on installation of 100mw power

     

    The Edo government has signed an agreement with an indigenous energy company, E5 Energy Services Limited, to build a 100 megawatts hydropower station in the state.

    The Managing Director of E5 Energy Services Ltd, David Ashaolu, in a statement made available on Wednesday in Abuja, said the memorandum of understanding (MoU) was announced on Tuesday.

    Ashaolu said the MoU would have the company develop two state-of-the-art 50-megawatt power stations each in Ikpoba and Akoko-Edo areas of the state, utilising the Ikpoba and Ojirami water dams.

    He said the groundbreaking agreement marked a significant milestone in the state’s quest for uninterrupted power supply and economic development.

    He said the PPP project, which grants the company the initial exclusivity for 36 months, would not only ensure stable electricity for residents but also create employment opportunities for the local population by boosting businesses.

    Ashaolu praised Gov. Monday Okpebholo for fostering a business-friendly environment that attracts global investors, emphasising that the partnership would go beyond power provision.

    “In addition to delivering sustainable, renewable and reliable electricity, we will establish an industrial park to further boost economic activities in Edo State,” he said.

    In her speech, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mining and Industry in Edo, Mrs Omoruyi, lauded E5 Energy’s initiative and assured the company of the government’s unwavering support throughout the project.

    “The Edo State Government will provide a seamless working environment to ensure the success of this venture,” she said.

    In his reaction, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Investment, Mr Kizito Okpebholo, described the investment as a major economic boost for the state, while stressing the governor’s enthusiasm for the project.

    “This development reflects the governor’s commitment to positioning Edo as the centre for sustainable energy and industrial growth,” he said.

    He assured the company of the governor’s staunch support for the projects and advised them not to shy away from tabling any request they might have before him.

  • I’m determined to expose corruption in JAMB, sacked deputy director tells court

    I’m determined to expose corruption in JAMB, sacked deputy director tells court

     

     

    Mr Yisa Usman, the sacked deputy director in Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has said that he was determined to expose corruption in the board irrespective of the threat and intimidation against him.

    Usman told Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki-Osaghae of the National Industrial Court, Abuja, while being cross examined as sole witness in the suit instituted against JAMB over his alleged unlawful dismissal.

    While responding to questions put to him by counsel to JAMB, A. A. Owonikoko, the witness admitted writing petitions to various government agencies over alleged corruption in the board

    The aggrieved ex-worker, who admitted receiving queries from the board and an invitation letter to appear before a disciplinary committee before his job was terminated, said he answered the queries and wrote a protest letter against the composition of the committee.

    When Owonikoko asked Usman about the email message attached to the invitation letter, dated May 17, 2023, in response to the disciplinary committee’s invitation, the witness admitted writing the reply.

    The lawyer then asked Usman to read out the printout of the email message dated May 18, 2023 in open court.

    The witness, while reading, said: “Dear Directors, this is a follow-up to the two queries issued to me. I received a letter of invitation on Tuesday, 16th May, 2023, to appear before Disciplinary Committee.

    “The attached is my response to the invitation for your information.

    “This new development only renew my determination to continue with my quest for justice and my fight against the corrupt practices that characterise our organisation in the past six to seven years, which I stated in the letter, are perpetrated under the cover of the remittances made to the government.’

    “It is of note that I am invited to appear before Disciplinary Committee while my contemporaries are invited to promotional examination to substantive director.
    .
    “But I am not bothered because I do know for certain that God alone promotes.

    “I am not deterred by this development, neither am I intimidated in any way.

    “The fight against corruption and abuse of authority is the responsibility of every Nigerian. The law will take its course, no matter how long it takes. Thank you.”

    He told the court that his reply to the query was submitted in hard copy to his immediate superior and because he wanted all members of the management to be privy to what was going on, he also sent the message to the email addresses of the directors.

    “My Lord, the email was to communicate to the directors, the response to the query that was issued to me,” he said.

    When Owonikoko told him that his email message was totally unrelated to the subject for which he was invited by the committee, Usman said: “My Lord, it is related.”

    The ex-staff admitted writing several petitions against JAMB to different investigating agencies, including National Assembly, about the alleged financial infractions under the current JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede.

    He admitted writing to Attorney-General for the Federation, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and Department of State Services.

    He also admitted writing to the Minister of Education, Head of Service, National Human Rights Commission and Bureau of Public Procurement about alleged corruption, harassment, victimisation and procurement infractions.

    When the lawyer asked him that all his petitions were directed at indicting the JAMB registrar as corrupt, Usman responded in the affirmative.

    Owonikoko also asked Usman to read out the last two paragraphs in his response to the disciplinary committee and he read thus:

    “As a committed Nigerian citizen, my loyalty remains first to the nation before any individual. The fight against corruption is the responsibility of everyone.

    “The threat of the registrar to cause me harm or have my appointment terminated will not deter me, neither will the continued attempt to malign me.

    “I remain determined in the fight for justice and against the corrupt practices in the system. I will not back down for any reason until justice is done and seen to be done.

    “And while I look up to God for complete respite, I wish to state it here that my life has been under constant threat for the bold action I took to disclose the corrupt practices in JAMB and the abuse of authority by the Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede.

    “I reported this to the DSS and the IGP previously. I am again stating it here that if anything happens to me, the Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, and his DFA, Mr. Mufutau Bello, should be held responsible.’’

    When the lawyer also asked him to read Paragraph 2 of the dismissal letter, Usman read thus:

    ‘‘This is sequel to the recommendation of the Directorate Staff Disciplinary Committee after due consideration of your written responses to the allegations of serious misconduct leveled against you.

    “And also after taking cognisance of your letter of 17th May, 2023, wherein you state never to appear before the Board staff disciplinary committee despite the formal letter of invitation requesting you to appear.’’

    Usman, however, denied saying that he would never appear before the disciplinary committee.

    Usman said his letter of May 17, 2023, in response to the disciplinary committee’s invitation, was to reject the constitution of the committee.

    According to him, the reason stated, my lord, was that they were all complicit in the infractions I reported to the relevant government agencies, and for that reason, I was not certain of getting fair hearing.

    When asked if he was aware that the committee did not include the registrar of the board, he said: “My lord, I am not aware.”

    When also asked if he was aware that the registrar and Director of Finance and Account (DFA) recused themselves in the committee, Usman said: “My Lord, I was never communicated to that effect. So, I was not aware.”

    He admitted saying that the DFA “has overshot his retirement period and occupying the office illegally.”

    When the lawyer asked him if he named the DFA as a party in his suit, he said: “My Lord, my suit is against JAMB and the DFA is a management member in JAMB.”

    Usman denied that the criminal charge preferred against him at the Federal High Court in Abuja was as a result of the investigation conducted into his allegations against the board and after they were found to be unmeritorious.

    Owonikoko to Usman: “Confirm to this honourable court that when the present Registrar assumed office, he did an audit of the finances and it was in the course of this that the investigating authorities came up with some of these infractions?”

    “My lord, that is not true,” he responded.

    When the lawyer asked him to confirm the date the five-count charge was filed, Usman said it was instituted on March 30, 2023.

    When the lawyer then asked if there had never been any investigation into the activities of JAMB by investigating authorities since Oloyede assumed office, Usman said: “My lord, there had been investigations indeed but the charge just read out was never part of that investigation.”

    Earlier, Justice Obaseki-Osaghae admitted the list of the claimant’s documents and statements on oath in evidence as presented by his lawyer, Mohammed Shuaibu, and marked as Exhibits C1-C5, CE1-CE23, and C6-C15 respectively.

    The judge said the admissibility was subject to the right of the defendant to object to anyone of them.

    The judge adjourned the matter until Feb. 27 for the defendant to open its defence.

    It would be recalled that Usman had filed a N150 million suit against the board over alleged unlawful dismissal.

    Usman, in the suit marked: NICN/ABJ/266/2023 and filed by his lawyer, Oseini Bamigbaye from the Chambers of Mohammed Shuaibu, sought nine reliefs.

    While Usman is the claimant, JAMB is the sole defendant in the case dated and filed Sept. 29, 2023.

    The claimant prayed the court to declare that the constitution of the Board’s Directorate Staff Disciplinary Committee set up by the office was wholly irregular, illegal, null and void for failure to comply with Article 3.5.4 of the Board’s Staff Manual and Conditions of Service.

    He also prayed the court to declare that the composition of the committee, mostly consisting of the board’s registrar and other directors who were beneficiaries of infractions exposed by him “in Item No. 6, Page 5 of his response dated April 3, 2023, to the query issued on March 31, 2023, is unconstitutional,null and void.”

    He premised his argument on the grounds that his right to fair hearing could not have been guaranteed before the committee.

    Usman urged the court to declare that “the claimant’s purported dismissal by the defendant without the consideration of the Committee’s Report by the defendant’s board is unlawful, illegal null and void.”

    The claimant, who sought an order setting aside his “purported dismissal” by the board, prayed the court for an order reinstating him “to his position with full entitlements, benefits and perks due to him by virtue of his position.”

    He sought an order granting to the claimant all the salaries, allowances, perks due to him or that would have been due to him but for the purported dismissal, among others.

  • Telecom tariff hike: Students group calls for reversal within 72-hour

    Telecom tariff hike: Students group calls for reversal within 72-hour

     

    By Flowerbudnews
    The Progressive Students Movement (PSM), a pan-African students movement, has given an ultimatum of 72-hour to Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and telecom companies to reverse recent 50 per cent hike in tariff.

    The President of PSM, Comrade Bestman Okereafor, called for the review and reversal in a statement made available to newsmen in Enugu on Tuesday.

    Okereafor noted that the 50 per cent increment at this time is “unjustifiable, untimely, and insensitive; hence the total rejection of this anti-masses increment.”

    According to him, PSM is calling on NCC and telecommunications companies to review its stance as a matter of urgency.

    He said, “The attention of PSM has been drawn to NCC’s approval of Telecom operators 50 per cent tariff increment.

    “It will be recalled that telecom operators had previously demanded to adjust their tariff rate; a request which many Nigerians especially Nigerian students frowned at.


    “Information at our disposal shows that NCC approved the telecom companies request in response to rising operational costs, at the detriment of Nigerians and the obvious economic realities facing the country.

    “However, this development, which allows for a maximum of 50 per cent adjustment to current tariffs, was announced in a statement signed by Reuben Muoka, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, on Monday, Jan. 20.”

    The PSM boss warned that the entire students’ bodies would be protesting this abnormal and inconsiderate 50 per cent increment in tariff if not reviewed in the next 72 hours.

  • PRESIDENT TINUBU PLEDGES PEACE, JUSTICE, DEVELOPMENT IN OGONILAND

    PRESIDENT TINUBU PLEDGES PEACE, JUSTICE, DEVELOPMENT IN OGONILAND

     

    By Biola Lawal

    Abuja (FLOWERBUDNEWS): President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Ogoni leaders that his administration would prioritise peace, justice, and sustainable development in the area.

    President Tinubu, who gave the assurance in Abuja on Tuesday at a meeting with leaders of Ogoniland in the State House, passionately called for unity and reconciliation.

    He urged the Ogoni people to set aside historical grievances and work together to achieve peace, development, and a clean environment.

    “We cannot in any way rewrite history, but we can correct some anomalies of the past going forward. We cannot heal the wounds if we continue to be angry,” he said, a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, disclosed.

    President Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to coordinate the negotiations as he called for inclusive consultation and mutual understanding.

    The President commended the delegation for embracing the Federal Government-led dialogue and emphasised the need for collaboration, trust, and inclusiveness to resolve lingering issues in the region.

    “We must work together with mutual trust. Go back home, do more consultations, and embrace others. We must make this trip worthwhile by bringing peace, development, and a clean environment back to Ogoniland,” President Tinubu said.

    He asked ministers, the NNPCL, and the Rivers State Government to cooperate with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to achieve this mandate.

    “It is a great honour for me to have this meeting, which is an opportunity to dialogue with the people of Ogoniland.

    “It has been many years since your children and myself partnered to resist military dictatorship in this country. No one dreamt I would be in this chair as President, but we thank God.

    “Many of your sons present here were my friends and co-travellers in the streets of Nigeria, Europe, and America.

    “I know what to do in memory of our beloved ones so that their sacrifices will not be in vain,” the President said.

    Governor Fubara thanked the President for his support of the Ogoni people and for welcoming an all-inclusive representation of the people to the Presidential Villa.

    He said the meeting was a follow-up to an assignment the President gave him through the National Security Adviser.

    Emphasising the importance of resuming oil operations in Ogoniland, the governor pledged the delegation’s commitment to adhering to the President’s instructions and providing the necessary support to achieve the government’s objectives.

    “What we are doing here today is to concretise the love and respect we have for the President for being behind this meeting and for him to tell us to go back and continue the consultations with a timeline so that the resumption of oil production in Ogoniland will commence,” he said.

    The National Security Adviser commended the Ogoni people for their trust in President Tinubu and for embracing dialogue as a path to meaningful progress and enduring solutions.

    “Guided by Mr. President’s vision that every voice is heard and every interest is considered, my office, the DSS, the government of Rivers State and the Minister of FCT embarked on a diligent and consultative process to assemble this delegation,” Mallam Ribadu said.

    He noted that the over 50-member delegation that met with the President reflected the rich diversity of Ogoni society, representing various constituencies, interests, and viewpoints.

    “The presence of this delegation is a testament to the Ogoni people’s readiness to engage constructively in the pursuit of peace, justice, and sustainable development,” he said.

    A representative of the Ogoni leadership, King Festus Babari Bagia Gberesaako XIII, the Gberemene of Gokana Kingdom, expressed the community leaders’ willingness to engage in the process of finding lasting solutions to the lingering challenges in Ogoniland. (Flowerbudnews)

     

  • VP Shettima celebrates Tribune columnists, Olagunju, Kperogi

    VP Shettima celebrates Tribune columnists, Olagunju, Kperogi

     

    By Adegbite Taoheed

    Vice President Kashim Shettima on Saturday eulogised Nigerian Tribune columnist and editor of Saturday Tribune, Dr Lasisi Olagunju, for the quality of his writings in his column, Monday Lines.

    He described Olagunju and another Tribune columnist, Professor Farooq Kperogi, as government critics who are genuine in their comments.

    Vice President Shettima spoke as the Special Guest of Honour at the launch of a book Persona Non Grata written by Mr Ismail Omipidan, a former media aide to the minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Gboyega Oyetola

    The event was held at the Abuja Continental Hotel (formerly Sheraton) with senior government officials, senior editors, former governors, and politicians across the country in attendance.

    He said, “The book reviewer, Dr. Lasisi Olagunju; I was expecting to see a very hefty person. And I was pleasantly surprised to see a lanky man, struggling to get out some words. Love him, hate him, but you can’t ignore him. He writes ferociously. He writes beautifully. And his speeches are always laced with African proverbs. Fully, he’s an intellectual. And in the fullest of time, we’ll drag you to Abuja to come and work with us.

    “I think you would have a date with destiny. We’ll drag you back even if you would travel by road if you’re afraid to fly by air. We’ll drag you down to Abuja. We need to tap from the intellect of such individuals. He should add more value to society.

    “Frantz Fanon says every onlooker is either a coward or a traitor. Yes, journalism is the fourth estate of the realm. Agreed! They can pontificate on national issues. But a truth be said, it’s not the critics that count. Not the man who points where the doer of this has gone wrong but the man who is in the arena. So, Dr. Olagunju, I’ll drag you out. I’ll bring you to Abuja. Not that I agree on all issues with you.”

    On Professor Farooq Kperogi, the Vice President described the Nigerian Tribune columnist as an assertive and acerbic critic of the current administration, saying such a person is better than praise singers.

    “The gentleman who wrote the Foreword for this book is another person I hold in the highest esteem, Farooq Kperogi. He’s been an assertive, acerbic critic of this government. He’s written severally. Harsh themes. But sometimes, somebody who would tell you the truth to your face is better than somebody who will be singing your high praises and be eyeing you or stabbing you in the back,” VP Shettima added.

  • Amotekun in Osun and neighbouring states join forces to tackle criminal influx

    Amotekun in Osun and neighbouring states join forces to tackle criminal influx

    The Su:

    Adekunle Omoyele

    From Lateef Dada, Osogbo

    The Commander of Amotekun in Osun State, Adekunle Omoyele, on Tuesday said the state is in synergy with neighbouring states to curb the influx of terrorists from other parts of the country.

    Speaking at the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osogbo, Omoyele attributed the mining sites in Ijesaland to the influx of suspected terrorists, among whom were arrested recently, noting that plans have been perfected with Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo, and Ogun states to tackle the criminals.

    He disclosed that Governor Ademola Adeleke has made provision for Amotekun in the 2025 budget, even as he promised to empower the Corps to perform better.

    Though Omoyele lamented the shortage of personnel to mobilise for the job of securing people, he promised to use the available resources to flush criminals out of the state.

    Reacting to the agitation for state policing, Omoyele dismissed the fear that the police would be abused by politicians, saying that the benefits of state policing transcend the fear that greeted it.

    He posited that the law that will guide its creation would take care of the fear being expressed by people, noting that the benefit deserves to be given attention rather than the fear.

    On the allegation that Amotekun is using spiritual power to combat crime, Omoyele said the criminals are not relenting in using whatever they have to cause havoc to the people, hence the need to prepare for them.

    “The only thing I know is that we have our men divided according to their training and capabilities to face criminals in all forms because the criminals also prepare with everything they have.

    “Some of us rely on Psalms and some rely on the Quran. If we have anybody that prepares to face criminals with spiritual preparation, it would not be a crime,” Omoyele said.

  • Trump picks bodyguard who rushed to save blood-stained new Prez in assassination attempt as head of Secret Service

     

    LIFE SAVER Trump picks bodyguard who rushed to save blood-stained new Prez in assassination attempt as head of Secret Service

    DONALD Trump has named the new chief of the Secret Service as the man who put his life on the line for the incoming blood-stained President.

    Sean Curran helped cover Trump from the gunman who opened fire at him during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania in July.

    The new Head of the Security Service is seen circled in red, in the middle of saving Trump during the assassination attemptCredit: AP

    Trump survived the assassination attempt in July with a slight graze on his earCredit: AP

    Doubts have been raised over Curran’s qualifications, citing his lack of managerial experienceCredit: AP
    The news of the prestigious appointment was announced by Trump’s son Don Jr., who took to X to praise the agent on Friday.

    He wrote: “Sean is a great patriot and will stop all the insanity once and for all.

    “There’s not a better person to be in this position!”

    Curran has served as the head of Trump’s security detail for the last two and a half years.

    DEAL WITH DEVIL Trump must not make deal with ‘Hitler’ Putin as tyrant Vlad could spark WW3

    SNAP DECISION Trump forced to move inauguration indoors for first time since 1985
    He bravely put his body on the line during the highly publicised assassination attempt undertaken by Thomas Crook, 20.

    Whilst Trump was in the state on a campaign stop, Crook opened fire on the world figure, killing a crowd member and injuring two others.

    He was then taken out by a Secret Service sniper.

    Trump was injured by a bullet that grazed his ear, as agents including Curran dove in his way to protect him.

    MEL OF A LOOK Melania’s inauguration ball dress leaves fans speechless as First Lady wows
    According to CNN, Curran has taken an active role in pushing for more security resources for Trump.

    Concerns have been raised that Curran lacks the managerial experience to head a complex organization such as the Secret Service.

    America is falling in line – Trump 2.0 is going to be a different beast in 2025 , says infamous press sec Sean Spicer
    As the lead of Trump’s detail, Curran has supervised about 85 people.

    The service was highly criticized for its handling of the Trump assassination attempt.

    Several people questioned how the gunman was able to obtain such a clear shot with so many agents present.

    One of the main criticisms was that local and federal law enforcement agencies were not communicating effectively.

    This led to speculation that this lapse allowed the Pennsylvania gunman to climb to a rooftop and fire on Trump.

    Donald Trump’s Full Statement Post-Rally Shooting
    Former president Donald Trump provided an update on Truth Social after the shooting that took place at his Pennsylvania rally on July 13.

    “I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania.”Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured.”It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead.”I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin.”Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”
    At the time, Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesman for the Secret Service, said its review of “this operational failure” was ongoing.

    He added that agents were held to “the highest professional standards” and any violations could result in disciplinary action.

    DON DEAL Trump kicks off 1st day as President…what’s in store for Don after inauguration

    MAN DOWN Moment Logan Paul captures podcaster falling off chair at Trump’s inauguration
    A second failed assassination attempt occurred at Trump’s Florida golf course on 15 September.

    He sustained no serious injuries in this incident.

  • Breaking: Tinubu to Ogoni Leaders:  We cannot Heal if we Continue to be Angry

    Breaking: Tinubu to Ogoni Leaders:  We cannot Heal if we Continue to be Angry

     

    By Biola Lawal

    Abuja (FLOWERBUDNEWS): President Bola Tinubu has enjoined leaders of Ogoniland to join hands with his administration to ”correct some anomalies of the past going forward”.

    President Tinubu gave the counsel when he met with leaders of Ogoniland in Abuja on Tuesday, Bayo Onanuga, the President ‘s Special Adviser (Information and Strategy) disclosed in a statement on his official X Handle.

    “We cannot in any way rewrite history, but we can correct some anomalies of the past going forward.

    ‘:We cannot heal the wounds if we continue to be angry”–President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at a meeting with leaders of Ogoniland in Abuja on Tuesday”, the statement read. (Flowerbudnews)

  • NNPP Warns APC not to Truncate LG Election in Osun

    NNPP Warns APC not to Truncate LG Election in Osun

     

    •charges OSSIEC not to succumb to blackmail on the exercise

     

    Osun state chapter of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has described the All Progressives Congress (APC) alleged move to truncate the conduct of the local government election scheduled for next month as a “joker of the year, which can never see the light of the day.”

    The party chairman, Dr Tosin Odeyemi disclosed this in a statement and cautioned the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) against succumbing to blackmail over the forthcoming elections.

    According to him,” We observed a campaign of calumny aimed at disrupting the February 22, 2025, local government polls in the state and OSIEC should remain focused and proceed with the election. It is only an enemy of the state will because of selfish interest, make an attempt to stop the planned election.

    “I was surprised to see so many things flying around on social media recently about next month’s poll.

    “Why would anybody wait till this moment before raising any objection to the poll or its handlers? We have been showing concerns about the way the ruling party in the state has been spending our collective money.

    “Any reasonable person in Osun would know that OSIEC has committed a lot to this election. Our party, together with other political parties in the state, APC inclusive, held a meeting with OSIEC some months ago where we all passed a vote of confidence on the Hassim Abioye-led commission.

    “Pictures don’t lie. The representative of All Progressives Congress was there raising no objection to the move. He was there throughout the meeting in acceptance of all that we did that day.

    “Why making moves that can jeopardise the process now? We all clamoured for local government autonomy, how are we going to experience it when some people are planning to stop the poll?

    “Things are not going well at the grassroots in Osun since state governors hijacked its administration, now that we are hopeful of having democratically elected people at the local level, some are planning to send us back to square one. No way.

    “Also, the Commission has expended a huge amount of state’s resources on the preparation of the council poll since last year January, hence, the need to see it to the end”.

    Odeyemi however called on OSSIEC not to be deterred from putting everything in order and ensuring a free and fair local government election in the state.