Dr. Juliana Olufunke Lawson Celebrates 60th Birthday with Grand Thanksgiving Service, Organ Instrument Dedication

July 2, 2023

A momentous occasion unfolded on Saturday 1st July, 2023 as Dr. Dame Juliana Olu Funke Lawson, renowned philanthropist and distinguished medical practitioner, marked her 60th birthday with a grand celebration held at the Methodist Church in Lekki, Lagos Nigeria.

The milestone event was attended by prominent men of God from across the globe, who joined in commemorating the remarkable achievements and charitable contributions of Dr. Lawson.

The highlight of the Thanksgiving service was Dr. Lawson’s generous donation of an organ Instrument to the church, a gesture that deeply touched the hearts of the congregation.

The beautiful instruments was received with immense gratitude by the church leaders and members.

It will undoubtedly enhance the worship experience and elevate the musical ambiance within the sacred walls.

The service was graced by an illustrious gathering of dignitaries, which included His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Executive Governor of Lagos State and his wife, along with His Excellency Rotimi Amaechi, the former Governor of Rivers State.

Both political figures expressed their heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Lawson, commending her for her exceptional contributions to the field of medicine and her unwavering dedication to the betterment of society.

Dr. Lawson’s immediate and extended family members were in attendance, sharing the joy and celebrating the remarkable journey of their beloved matriarch.

Among the distinguished guests were also representatives from the Zankli Medical Centre Abuja, as well as several prominent figures from Dr. Lawson’s alma mater, who gathered to honor her accomplishments.

The reception that followed the Thanksgiving service was a vibrant and joyous affair, filled with laughter, heartfelt speeches, and an abundance of delicious cuisine.

Attendees reveled in the lively atmosphere, cherishing the opportunity to share fond memories and express their admiration for Dr. Lawson’s remarkable impact on countless lives.

Dr. Funke Lawson, through her illustrious career, has been a beacon of hope and compassion, extending her expertise and resources to those in need.

As a pioneering medical practitioner, she has brought healing and solace to numerous patients and has been recognized nationally and internationally for her groundbreaking research in the field of medicine.

Her philanthropic efforts have touched the lives of countless individuals, providing scholarships to aspiring medical students, funding medical missions to underserved communities, and supporting various charitable initiatives. Dr. Lawson’s immense generosity and dedication to the welfare of others have earned her a place of admiration and respect both locally and globally.

As Dr. Funke Lawson enters this new decade of her life, she continues to inspire and motivate others with her unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the world.

Her 60th birthday celebration was a testament to the incredible impact she has had and will continue to have on the lives of many, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those she has touched.

Congratulations poured in from near and far, as friends, colleagues, and well-wishers rejoiced in honoring Dr. Lawson’s extraordinary accomplishments.

As she embarks on the next chapter of her remarkable journey, it is with great anticipation that we await the continued influence and lasting legacy that Dr. Funke Lawson will undoubtedly leave in her wake.

Dr. J.O. Lawson Celebrates 60th Birthday, Honored for Her Remarkable Impact.

Social Plus Africa

June 30, 2023

Dr. Juliana O. Lawson, a renowned figure in philanthropy and social impact, today marks a momentous milestone as she celebrates her 60th birthday.

In a touching acclamation, Founder/CEO of Social Plus Africa Communications Ltd Amb. James Momoh, JP expressed his warmest wishes and deep appreciation for Dr. Lawson’s extraordinary contributions to society.

Dr. J.O. Lawson has exemplified the essence of selflessness and unwavering dedication, leaving an indelible mark on countless lives.

Her relentless commitment to helping others has served as an inspiration, illuminating the lives of those in need and fostering positive change on a larger scale.

As the visionary behind Social Plus Africa Communications Ltd Amb. James Momoh recognizes the exceptional impact made by Dr. J.O. Lawson.

Her compassionate nature and tireless efforts have touched the hearts of many, reminding us all of the profound influence that acts of kindness, empathy, and generosity can have on individuals and communities.

The celebration of Dr. J.O. Lawson’s 60th birthday extends beyond mere congratulations; it honors the remarkable legacy she has built through her unwavering service, kindness, and compassion.

Her acts of goodwill have resonated deeply with countless individuals, leaving an enduring impact that will be cherished for generations to come.

As Dr. Lawson embarks on the next chapter of her life, Social Plus Africa Communications Limited and James Momoh wish her good health, happiness, and fulfillment.

We envision a future filled with boundless opportunities for her to continue transforming lives and making a positive difference.

Driven by her unwavering spirit and passion for giving, she has the power to inspire others to follow in her footsteps, fostering a ripple effect of kindness and compassion that extends far and wide.

Dr. J.O. Lawson’s life journey is a testament to the immense impact one individual can have when driven by a deep sense of purpose and an unwavering commitment to helping others.

Her selfless acts of kindness have not only touched hearts but also transformed lives, leaving an indelible mark on the world and making it a better place.

As the world joins in celebrating Dr. J.O. Lawson’s 60th birthday, it is a moment to reflect on her remarkable achievements and to be inspired by her enduring legacy.

Her life serves as a shining example of the extraordinary impact that can be achieved through a steadfast dedication to the betterment of others.

Court Dismisses Suit Brought By Former Staff Of ECOWAS Seeking Reinstatement.

Favour Bassey Otu

June 30, 2023

The ECOWAS Court has dismissed a suit brought by a former ECOWAS Regional Director of a continental program to strengthen veterinary services in Africa asking the Court to declare
the termination of his appointment five years ago as ‘abusive, unilateral and unfair,’ and order his reinstatement.

Justice Edward Asante, the judge rapporteur in the suit who delivered the judgment acknowledged that while the Court had jurisdiction as an Administrative Tribunal to entertain the case, the Applicant, Mr. Henri Kabore did not sequentially seek redress within the framework of Article 73 of the 2005 ECOWAS Staff Regulations and the provision of Article 10(e) of the Court’s Protocol, before approaching the Court.

Consequently, the Court declared the case inadmissible and dismissed it. In an initiating application in suit no ECW/CCJ/APP/28/19 filed on 17 September 2019, Mr. Kabore
alleged that ECOWAS Commission breached its partnership agreement with the Inter-African Bureau of Animal Resources of the African Union Commission (AU-IBAR) by its unilateral and abusive termination of his employment as Director of the Regional Animal Health Centre, a specialized veterinary center of the Community.

In the suit filed by his lawyers, Ouattara-Sory & Salambere and Emmanuel Bazie, the applicant told the Court that the African Union launched the Veterinary Governance Strengthening Program in Africa (VET-GOV) on 16 January 2012 to strengthen veterinary services in each Member State.

He added that the VET-GOV program was designed to be coordinated and harmonized through the eight (8) Regional Economic Communities in Africa including ECOWAS for the Member States.

For West Africa, the applicant said that the Inter-African Bureau of Animal Resources of the African Union Commission (AU-IBAR) was engaged to implement the VET-GOV projects under a partnership the agreement signed on 13th April 2012 with ECOWAS and aimed at creating viable public and private investments in livestock.

He added that Article 3(4) of the agreement stated that “The Partner (ECOWAS) undertakes to
finance the cost of the Personnel seconded to it within the framework of the present project by the Contracting Authority from the fifth year of implementation of the Project. The Partner shall
maintain the positions created after the duration of the project’.

Subsequently, Mr. Kabore was recruited by AU-IBAR as Coordinator of the VET-GOV project to be implemented through ECOWAS.

He contended that despite favourable recommendations, he was not integrated into the ECOWAS staff system at the expiration of the fifth year of the implementation of the project but rather replaced.

He therefore urged the Court, to among others, declare the termination of his working
relationship with ECOWAS as abusive and unfair; order his integration into the permanent staff
cadre and pay his salaries and other benefits and entitlements from 31 July 2017. He also asked
the Court to order the Commission to pay him 511.6 million CFA as compensation for physical
and moral damages suffered as a result of the termination of his appointment.

On their part, Mr Daniel Lago who represented the ECOWAS Commission, told the Court that the applicant was not an ECOWAS staff but was recruited by AU-IBAR as coordinator of its VET-GOV project and therefore did not qualify to bring an administrative matter before the Court.
He added that the terms of the partnership agreement did not include his integration into the
ECOWAS civil service.

Moreover, he told the Court that Mr. Kabore was subjected to disciplinary proceedings and later
dismissed based on the outcome of an investigation into an incident that involved the applicant
and a colleague.

He also argued that Mr Kabore was not a party to the partnership agreement, and urged the Court to dismiss the case for lack of jurisdiction.

But the Court held that Mr. Kabore qualified as a community official as provided under Article
9(1)(f) of the Protocol on the Court after examining the relationship between Mr. Kabore and
ECOWAS Commission including his subjection to ECOWAS Staff disciplinary procedures and
subsequent dismissal.

It also held that it had jurisdiction to determine the case as it concerned a community institution (ECOWAS) and a community official (Mr. Kabore).

Also on the panel were Justices Dupe Atoki and Ricardo Claúdio Monteiro Gonçalves.

I’m leaving military stronger than I met it -Irabor

Social Plus Africa

June 30, 2023

The immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (retd), has said he is leaving the military more capable of tackling adversaries than he met it.

This is as he admitted that the task wasn’t easy due to the large and diverse nature of the country.

Irabor spoke at the pulling-out ceremony held in his honour on Friday in Abuja.

He said, “National security for a large and diverse country like Nigeria is not an easy task, but it is also not an impossible one. In 2021, the security situation of the nation was admittedly in a state of dynamic plus. Efforts made by the federal government of Nigeria using the AFN in collaboration with the NPF, other security agencies, and critical stakeholders were in different stages of gestation. We were encouraged to pursue these measures in addition to other initiatives to reinvigorate the national security architecture to deliver critical national security functions.

“I make bold to say that I’m leaving the armed forces of Nigeria today, bigger, stronger, and more capable to deliver on its constitutional mandate and national security functions. ”

He said the military under his watch had significantly curbed the threat of terrorism and piracy, among others.

Irabor said, “In more specific terms, we have significantly curtailed the threats of terrorism, insurgency, piracy, sea robberies, vandalism of critical national assets and kidnappings, and military aid to civil authority.

We successfully work in conjunction with other security agencies and stakeholders to deliver a physical security environment that is amenable for Law and Order, critical democratic processes, as well as human security and national development.”

He urged the citizens to be proud of the military and refrain from denigrating the service, adding that the military stood as a beacon of hope for the country.

Irabor said, “Without doubt, the nation should be proud of its military, to whom too many security concerns seem to now be consigned. I therefore state with a sense of responsibility but as a nation, we should avoid the deliberate or inadvertent inclination to denigrate the contributions of the armed forces to national security, unity, and stability. Our military stands as a beacon of hope, strength, and resilience in an increasingly complex world.”

French President Returns Urgently Amidst Violent Protests Following Police Killing of Teenager.

Favour Bassey Otu

June 30, 2023

France’s President, Emmanuel Macron, cut short his attendance at an EU summit on Friday to convene a crisis meeting in response to the escalating unrest.

The protests, now in their third night, erupted following a police officer’s fatal shooting of a teenager. The demonstrations have resulted in torched cars, looted shops, and a significant number of arrests.

According to police sources, the confrontations between protesters and law enforcement were less prevalent, with the focus shifting to widespread looting.

Flagship stores of major brands like Nike and Zara in Paris were reportedly among those targeted.

Beyond the vandalism of commercial establishments, public buildings also faced attacks. Regional authorities reported a Molotov cocktail targeting a police station in the Pyrenees city of Pau.

Furthermore, an elementary school and a district office were set ablaze in the northern town of Lille.

These acts of unrest stem from long-standing grievances surrounding policing practices and racial profiling, particularly in France’s economically disadvantaged and ethnically diverse suburbs. The death of 17-year-old Nahel has reignited these concerns and sparked a wave of protests.

AFP journalists saw President Emmanuel Macron leaving the European Council summit in Brussels to chair a crisis meeting on the violence — the second such emergency talk in as many days.

Ahead of the meeting, French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne said the government was considering “all options” to restore order, including declaring a state of emergency.

Around 40,000 police and gendarmes — along with elite Raid and GIGN units — were deployed in several cities overnight, with curfews issued in municipalities around Paris and bans on public gatherings in Lille and Tourcoing in the country’s north.

Despite the massive security deployment, violence and damage were reported in multiple areas.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said 667 people had been arrested in what he described as a night of violence, while 249 police officers were injured, none of them seriously.

Rioting apparently linked to the Paris police shooting had even followed Macron to the Belgian capital, with Brussels police reporting 63 people detained late Thursday for setting fires and erecting barricades.

– ‘Severely disrupted’ –

France has been rocked by successive nights of protests since Nahel was shot point-blank on Tuesday during a traffic stop captured on video.

In her first media interview since the shooting, Nahel’s mother, Mounia, told the France 5 channel: “I don’t blame the police, I blame one person: the one who took the life of my son.”

She said the 38-year-old officer responsible, who was detained and charged with voluntary manslaughter on Thursday, “saw an Arab face, a little kid, and wanted to take his life”.

The memorial march for Nahel, led by Mounia, ended with riot police firing tear gas as several cars were set alight in the western Paris suburb of Nanterre, where the teenager lived and was killed.

Heightened security appeared to do little to deter unrest Thursday night.

In the city centre of Marseille, a library was vandalized, according to local officials, and scuffles broke out nearby when police used tear gas to disperse a group of 100 to 150 people who allegedly tried to set up barricades.

In Nanterre, the epicenter of the unrest, tensions rose around midnight, with fireworks and explosives set off in the Pablo Picasso district, where Nahel had lived, according to an AFP journalist.

The Paris region’s bus and tram lines remained “severely disrupted” on Friday, the RATP transport authority said, after a dozen vehicles were torched overnight in a depot and some routes were blocked or damaged.

The government is desperate to avoid a repeat of the 2005 urban riots, sparked by the death of two boys of African origin in a police chase, during which 6,000 people were arrested.

Macron has called for calm and said the protest violence was “unjustifiable”.

The riots are a fresh challenge for the president, who had been looking to move past some of the biggest demonstrations in a generation sparked by a controversial rise in the retirement age.

– ‘Bullet in the head’ –

There have long been concerns over allegations of systemic racism in the French police and the UN rights office said Friday the killing of the teen of North African descent was “a moment for the country to seriously address the deep issues of racism and racial discrimination in law enforcement.”

Nahel was killed as he pulled away from police who were trying to stop him for a traffic infraction.

A video, authenticated by AFP, showed two police officers standing by the side of the stationary car, with one pointing a weapon at the driver.

A voice is heard saying: “You are going to get a bullet in the head.”

The police officer then appears to fire as the car abruptly drives off.

Exodus of Multinational Companies From Nigeria Looms Over Electricity Tariff Issue, MAN Warns.

Favour Bassey Otu

June 30, 2023

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has raised concerns over the potential repercussions of power distribution companies implementing the proposed increase in electricity tariffs.

According to MAN, if the tariff hike is enacted, it could compel numerous multinational companies to relocate their factories from Nigeria to other countries.

President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, who gave the warning while speaking to newsmen, noted that some international manufacturing firms had already exited the country due to the harsh operating environment including the power crisis, adding that any further hike in tariff would lead to an exodus of companies, and thus called on the government to reconsider the move.

Recall that various public notices from some of the electricity distribution companies, DisCos, had stated that the electricity tariff would be raised by about 30 to 40 percent for selected categories of consumers with effect from July 1, 2023.

They have, however, backtracked on their earlier announcement of a tariff hike, stating that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had yet to approve the hike.

Meshioye stated: “In every system, there’s always a core structure and this includes the elements that make up the total cost spent in generating your revenue. Now, what we experience as manufacturers is that energy cost is a major cost in processing our products.

“The downsizing of businesses in Nigeria, for instance, shows that businesses are not doing very well. So this power issue and other things have made some manufacturers, particularly international businessmen relocate from Nigeria to other countries.

“Therefore anything to reduce this energy cost will be very beneficial both to manufacturers and the masses in general. So it (power) is a high cost to us and a major driver in terms of cost. At the same time, it could lead to other things.

“It is one of the things that make some manufacturers seek to move their business to another region and site their factories there. It is not the only reason, but, of course, it is one of the major ones.”

On other reasons that might make manufacturers exit Nigeria, Meshioye said: “We have the unpredictability of the foreign exchange rate. In a business model, the more predictable the forex, the better you are.

But the availability of the forex itself is another thing. All these are problems that border manufacturers.”

Tension Builds Among NASS Principal Officers as they Await Tinubu, APC’s Approval.

Favour Bassey Otu

June 30, 2023

AHEAD of the resumption of the 10th Senate, next Tuesday, various camps battling to produce some of the remaining principal officers are awaiting the nod of President Bola Tinubu.

As it was done recently, the National Working Committee, NWC, of the All Progressives Congress, APC, is expected to name the party’s nominees for the Senate Majority Leader, Deputy Majority Leader, Chief Whip and Deputy Chief Whip.

However, it has to be done with the blessing of President Tinubu, who returned to the country after official/private visits to Paris and London, a source told Vanguard.

On May 8, 2023, the party released the zoning formula for the leadership of the 10th National Assembly, picking Godswill Akpabio (Akwa-Ibom/South-South) President of the Senate; Jibrin Barau (Kano/North-West) for Deputy President of the Senate; Tajudeen Abbas (Kaduna/North-West) for Speaker; and Benjamin Kalu (Abia South-East) for Deputy Speaker.

“If the president played a critical role in the emergence of Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives and their deputies, which are elective positions, you can expect that he will be very much interested in other positions that are principally the affairs of the party,” a top APC source told Vanguard.

The composition of principal officers may be delayed

Meanwhile, there are indications that the emergence of the other principal officers may be delayed till mid-July or later. Reason: The National Assembly offices are still under renovation. This means a temporary chamber may be used on July 4 for the plenary.

Also, the APC hierarchy is yet to take a position on the issue. A meeting of the National Executive Committee, NEC, has been fixed for July 11. Before then, a meeting of the party’s National Caucus would be held on July 10.

The meeting would look at the selection of the remaining principal officers among other issues if the plenary is postponed, it was gathered.

Following intense pressure from National Vice Chairman, North-West, Salihu Moh. Lukman, the Senator Abdullahi Adamu-led NWC fixed the NEC meeting for July 11.

The decision was taken after the dates were approved by President Tinubu who had been given three options to pick from.

Adamu’s refusal to convene regular meetings of relevant party organs had pitched him against Lukman who accused him of running the APC like a garrison commander.

The July 11 meeting will be the second NEC meeting to be convened by Adamu more than a year after the assumption of office.

Tinubu’s hand

There are strong indications that the issue of who becomes the Senate Majority Leader would be determined by President Tinubu

A source told Vanguard that President Tinubu and the APC may overlook Northern Senators who are at the moment eyeing the position of Senate Majority Leader.

Already, the fight for the position of Senate Majority Leader has polarised senators from the North and South, especially the South-West, with the former insisting on producing the Senate Majority Leader.

A Senator who spoke with Vanguard yesterday said:” The matter of who becomes the Senate Majority leader is becoming interesting as the leadership of the APC is at a crossroads at the moment and awaiting President Bola Tinubu to instruct the Senator Adamu led NWC to send names of those, who will form the leadership to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio to announce during plenary upon resumption of the Senate.”

Ndume, Buhari, and Bamidele fight for Senate Leader

Vanguard gathered the former Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, APC, Borno South; immediate past Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, APC, Ekiti Central; and Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, APC, Oyo North are very much interested in the position of majority leader.

While Ndume is from the North-East, Bamidele and Buhari are both from the South-West.

The party has not taken a decision on which geo-political zone of the country should produce the Senate leader and his deputy

With the election of Senator Akpabio and Senator Jibrin Barau as Senate President and Deputy respectively, attention has shifted to the other principal offices

The game among the Senators is the push by some South West Senators to produce a Yoruba Majority Leader. They are being countered by some Northern Senators who want the North to produce Senate Leader arguing that if a South West Senator becomes the Majority leader, it would create more tension in the already tensed 10th Senate following the last election of Presiding officers where former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yari from the North-West lost to Akpabio from the South-South.

Thus, all eyes are on Tinubu and the APC hierarchy as their decision would go a long way in ending or inflaming the intrigues and quagmire in the National Assembly.

Aside from the office of the President of the Senate and the Deputy who must go through an election, the other principal offices are purely the affairs of the parties, which nominate members for such positions.

In the Senate, the principal office positions for the ruling APC are the Majority Leader, Chief Whip, Deputy Majority Leader, and Deputy Majority Whip.

The opposition parties produce Minority Leader, Minority Whip, Deputy Minority Leader and Deputy Minority Whip.

With 59 senators, the APC is the majority party in the Senate while the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP is the major opposition party with 36 senators. The other parties with slots in the Senate are the Labour Party, LP, 8; New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, 2; Social Democratic Party, SDP, 2; All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, 1; and Young Progressives Party, YPP, 1.

In essence, the six opposition parties have altogether 50 senators as against APC’s 59.
The four geo-political zones that are yet to produce principal officers are the North-East, North-Central, South-East and South-West

In accordance with the tradition of the Senate, geo-political zones that did not produce the Senate President and the Deputy, are expected to occupy the key positions, especially in the ruling party.

As it is, the South-South and North-West are out of the equation having produced the President of the Senate and the Deputy.

Atiku, Wike’s camps battle for Minority Leader

In the PDP, there is a battle between the camps of the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, and the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the party, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku over who should be the Senate Minority Leader.

While the party and Atiku are rooting for former Speaker of the House of Representatives and immediate past Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Tambuwal (PDP, Sokoto South) for Senate Minority leader, Wike wants Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe (PDP, Cross River North) for the position and this is causing tension in the party.

A strategic move towards blocking the choice of PDP for the Minority leadership positions of the Senate and the House of Representatives was made, last Thursday when Wike held a marathon meeting with Senate President Akpabio and Barau at the National Assembly, it was gathered.

Wike, who was in a black suit, left the Senate wing of the National Assembly at about 6:30 pm in the convoy of Senate President Akpabio, Deputy Senate President of the Senate Jibrin Barau and other Senators like Salihu Mustapha (APC Kwara Central), Jibril Isah (APC Kogi East ) as well as the recently appointed Senior Special Assistant, National Assembly Matters (Senate ) to President Tinubu, Senator Abdullahi Abubakar Gumel.

According to a source at the meeting, Wike’s plan with the leadership of the Senate is to have a minority leader from his camp in the PDP.

According to the source, though the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives are being very careful with the plan they believe that if Wike succeeds in factionalizing PDP caucuses in both chambers, having unpopular minority leaders from their fold is possible.

The source said: “Having assisted APC to win the Presidential election in Rivers State in February, supported the aspirations of the now elected four presiding officers of the 10th National Assembly, getting his loyalists among the principal officers from PDP is his plan now. He is very serious with the plan and is getting the required support from the leadership of the National Assembly as well as membership of the other minority political parties in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.”

Opposition senators move against Atiku’s bid to install Tambuwal

However, some senators elected on the platforms of the six opposition political parties have concluded arrangements to move against Atiku Abubakar’s bid to deliver Tambuwal as Senate Minority leader.

The aggrieved senators have vowed to resist Tambuwal’s emergence in the way and manner they fought against the alleged imposition of Akpabio as Senate President. No fewer than 46 senators voted against Akpabio. Their choice was former Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, APC, Zamfara West, who lost to Akpabio.

Some of the Minority Senators who spoke after a meeting on Wednesday said that the indications are clear that with what Tambuwal did against the PDP, he would use the minority leadership position to negotiate and apologize to President Tinubu who he betrayed after making him Speaker of the House of Representatives.

A PDP Senator from Rivers State, another Senator from the North and a ranking Senator from the South-West who spoke to Vanguard in confidence vowed to resist attempts to impose Tambuwual on them.

According to them, Tambuwal has a record of throwing his political allies under the bus at critical moments to promote what they described as his selfish interest.

The Senators resolved to vote for any ranking Senator other than the former Sokoto State Governor because “he is on a mission to use the minority leadership position to negotiate for self-preservation and use the platform to run for the Presidential election in 2027.”

One of the sources said: “As a result of his antecedents, Senators are rejecting calls by PDP officials and their governors insisting that Tambuwal is no option.

“You can trace the major political activities of Tambuwal in the past decade. He seems to have a record of treachery and betrayal of close friends and allies as he did to Jonathan, Wike, Tinubu himself and several others.

“In 2019, he went against his party, the PDP, and a sitting president to rubbish the PDP zoning arrangements just because it favoured him. When he became speaker with the support of opposition elements (that is Tinubu, Buhari and other leaders), he used the platform of the speakership to effectively rubbish the presidency of Johnathan and the PDP and decamped to the APC and negotiated to be governor.

“Buhari, Tinubu, Wammako and others rewarded him for his treachery against the PDP, but his ambition could not be accommodated so he betrayed Wammako, Tinubu, Buhari, aligned with Atiku and came back to PDP with the APC mandate that was given to him with the hope of running for the presidency.

“Wike against all odds backed him and promised to deliver the presidential nomination to him but Thank God that did not succeed.”

Another Senator said: “In 2019, he again went for a presidential visit but this time did not get Wike’s support, he then Betrayed Wike at the PDP presidential primaries. This is the record of the politician Atiku wants to foist as minority leader of the party.

“Also, his senatorial election in Sokoto is now being contested; he was desperate to come to the Senate with the ambition that he would be rewarded with the position of Senate President. When it emerged that the PDP did not get the majority and with the defeat of Atiku and Okowa, Atiku and the PDP then changed their plan to make him minority leader to compensate him.”

It’s too early to read primordial sentiments to my appointments —AKPABIO

Meanwhile, Senate President Akpabio while reacting to reports that Senators are angry with him for appointing Christians and southerners as his Chief of Staff and Deputy, advised that it was too early to read primordial sentiments to the only two appointments he has made, saying that he is a highly detribalised Nigerian.

A statement from the Media Unit of the Office of the Senate President read: “The President of the 10th Senate is a highly detribalised Nigerian with strong conviction in the potentials of our diversities. The needless agitation is a distraction that should have no place in our current efforts at rebuilding a society that is strong in growth and opportunities.”

Marcelo Brozovic, Highly Sought After by Barcelona, Nears Move to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

Social Plus Africa

June 30, 2023

Barcelona’s target and Inter midfielder Marcelo Brozovic has reportedly agreed to move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.

Renowned football journalist, Fabrizio Romano has provided updates on the transfer saga, revealing that Brozovic has now given his approval to Cristiano Ronaldo’s team.

According to reports, Inter Milan is set to receive a transfer fee of €23 million for Brozovic.

Furthermore, the midfielder will earn a staggering total package of €100 million and commit to a three-year contract with Al-Nassr.

Barcelona had previously been considered as potential suitors for Brozovic, with rumors suggesting the midfielder was willing to patiently wait for an offer from the Spanish club.

However, it seems that Brozovic’s patience ran out quickly, leaving Barcelona in a position where they must now explore other options in their search for a new midfielder.

While there have been speculations linking Oriol Romeu as a potential alternative, it’s likely that more names will emerge in the coming days as the rumor mill churns.

Barcelona’s inability to secure the services of Marcelo Brozovic will undoubtedly force them to shift their focus elsewhere in their quest to strengthen their midfield.

Brozovic’s decision to join Al-Nassr comes as a blow to Barcelona, who will now need to regroup and consider alternative targets in their pursuit of reinforcements.

Meanwhile, Barcelona will need to act swiftly and decisively to secure a suitable replacement for Brozovic.

They will be keen to avoid any further setbacks and ensure they bring in a quality player who can contribute to their squad.

Barcelona’s loss may very well prove to be Al-Nassr’s gain, as they secure the services of a talented midfielder who has been a key player for Inter Milan in recent seasons. Brozovic’s arrival will undoubtedly strengthen Al-Nassr’s midfield and enhance their chances of success in domestic and continental competitions.

The departure of Brozovic from Inter Milan represents a significant loss for the Italian club, which will now need to identify a suitable replacement. It remains to be seen how they will fill the void left by the Croatian midfielder and whether they will reinvest the funds received from the transfer towards strengthening their squad in other areas.

Overall, Marcelo Brozovic’s decision to join Al-Nassr marks a significant twist in the transfer saga, impacting both Barcelona and Inter Milan’s plans for the upcoming season.

The midfielder’s move to Saudi Arabia highlights the global appeal of football and the increasing competitiveness of clubs in different regions.

Gombe extends Eid-el-Kabir holiday to Friday.

Social Plus Africa

June 29, 2023

The Governor of Gombe State Muhammadu Yahaya, has directed the extension of Eid-el-Kabir holidays to Friday.

According to a press statement signed and released on Thursday by Jibrin Yusuf, on behalf of Gombe’s acting Head of Civil Service, Ahmed Abdullahi, the gesture was to ensure workers enjoy the festivities alongside their counterparts nationwide.

Yusuf’s statement partly read, “I am directed to inform you that His Excellency, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, (Dan Majen Gombe) has approved the extension of the Public Holiday to Friday 30th June 2023 to enable Civil Servants in the State to continue with the Celebration of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir along with their counterparts nationwide.”

While wishing them a happy return by Monday, he added that essential service would be maintained.

“The Acting Head of Civil Service wishes all Workers and indeed the General Public a peaceful celebration.

“Meanwhile, all essential services would be maintained throughout the Public Holiday and Workers will resume work on Monday 3rd July, 2023, please,” Yusuf added.

NCPC Boss Extends Eid-El-Kabir Greetings to Muslim Faithful, Calls for Unity and Prayers for the New Administration.

Social Plus Africa

June 29, 2023

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Rev Dr. Yakubu Pam, has sent warm greetings and felicitations to the Muslim faithful across Nigeria on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir.

In a press release issued on Friday by the Deputy Director and Head, Media and Public Relations, Celestine Toruka, Rev Dr. Pam urged Muslims to uphold their faith in God as they commemorate the obedience and trust in God demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim.

Rev Dr. Pam emphasized the importance of using this festive period to foster peaceful coexistence with their neighbors, urging Muslims to let the sacrifices they make during Eid-el-Kabir serve as a catalyst for unity and harmony among communities.

He appealed to them to eschew divisive tendencies and work towards building a more inclusive society.

In addition, the NCPC Boss called on Muslims to utilize the opportunity presented by Eid-el-Kabir to offer prayers for the success of the new administration of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu. Rev Dr. Pam expressed his hope that the renewed hope promised by the new administration would come to fruition, bringing about positive change and progress for the nation.

Recognizing the significance of collective effort in achieving national development, Rev Dr. Pam emphasized the need for every citizen to contribute through prayers and personal sacrifices. He emphasized, “We must be able to make sacrifices as a people if we are to enjoy the dividends of democracy.”

The NCPC Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations, Celestine Toruka, affirmed the message conveyed by Rev Dr. Yakubu Pam. In the press release, Toruka further stated that the nation relies on the prayers and support of its citizens to enable the government to fulfill its promises of a better life for all Nigerians.

As the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations kick off across the country, Muslims are encouraged to embrace the spirit of love, generosity, and empathy that define the occasion. The NCPC Boss’s message serves as a reminder of the importance of unity, faith, and collective responsibility in building a prosperous and harmonious society.

The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission is dedicated to fostering peaceful coexistence and promoting interfaith dialogue in Nigeria. Under the leadership of Rev Dr. Yakubu Pam, the NCPC continues to play a vital role in promoting religious tolerance and understanding among the diverse religious communities in the country.

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