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Wike Should Remain In Abuja, Leave Fubara, Rivers Alone – Clark

Published

2 weeks ago

June 18, 2024

Former Federal Commissioner for Information and South South Leader, Chief Edwin Clark has asked the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, Nyesom Wike to remain focused and concentrate in the nation’s Capital because he has a lot to do and leave Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara and the people of the state alone.

The Elder statesman who stated this in an Interview with African Independent Television, AIT on Tuesday however accused the former Rivers State governor and the immediate past Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and his successor as the masterminds of what he described as politics of madness in Rivers State.

The Leader of Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF who noted that godfatherism must give way in the nation’s polity and the practice of politics for the development and growth of democracy in the country, said that he has never Fubara ad he cannot ascertain his complexion, said that he is only out to fight against injustice and oppression.

The interview by the AIT with Clark was in Commemorations of his 97th Birthday as well as a Documentary on his Life and Achievements.

When asked why attempts have not been made to settle both Wike and Fubara, the Leader of the Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders Forum, SMBLF asked if they are quarrelling that would call for settlement, stressing that what is playing out is egocentricism, the issue of I made you the governor of the state and you must worship me, but the other saying that he cannot worship man, but God, even though he agreed that he made the governor by the former governor.

Clark said, “Who made you Governor of Rivers States, today you don’t want to see the man? He wrote about Peter Odili but later now he said that if he does anything against Odili, God should kill him. Then, Amaechi made him Chief of Staff. When he quarreled with him, Ameachi now recommended him to be appointed Minister, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo agreed.

“But what happened? One day, we had the approval of theresidency to tell the security people as he got five members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, I have their names here, to impeach the speaker, one Otelemaba Amachreee. Then to later impeach, the governor, Rotimi Ameachi. There was a free-for-all fight. The mace was broken. One of the members called Chidi, not somebody with a part of the mace. That man had to be flown abroad for treatment. Amaechi then closed the House of Assembly for one year. So that’s Wike’s work.

“Politics of madness in Rivers State was started by Wike and Ameachi. They don’t care about other people. So, there is no way, Wike should stay, remain in Abuja to do his job. Let the young man rule his place.

“What are you going to settle them for? Where they quarreling. What are you settling them for? People said Wike made Fubara governor, yes, that is true.

“The man has acknowledged it. But he says, I can’t worship a human being that I will worship God to show appreciation. But Wike said that worship God through me. The man said no. That is the problem they have.”

On the Rivers State House of Assembly members who dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP for the All Progressives Congress, APC, he said, “So, as far as I’m concerned, it will ease out. And this is tied to what you said about INEC. INEC is not doing its job. The constitution is clear. There’s a legal advisor in INEC office, Secretariat.

“When such vacancies are created like this, they have to take action to conduct election within 90 days to fill those vacant places, which they have not done. These are some of their failings.”

When asked what he would like to be remembered for, Clark disclosed that he would want to be remembered as a foremost Nigerian who believed in Nigeria, who believed in equality in this country, who believed that no one in Nigeria should be regarded as a superior person against the other, just as asked those he offended in the course of his sojourn and work to forgive him.

The South South leader said, “It must come from a home to be a Nigerian. So, as far as I remember, number one, I am one of the oldest states men in Nigeria. I was very happy when His Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, during my book launch, Brutally Frank asked everybody to stand up, with General Yakubu Gowon, former President Goodluck Jonathan, among others were all there. He said, everybody should stand up. The Ooni said that Chief Clark is our Baba, he is our nationalist, a national figure. So, what honour do would be more than that ? So, I want to be remembered for the role I played in Nigeria, and an appeal to those that during these 70 something years of my service to my country, those that I do not know that I have offended, to forgive me.

“But I want to be remembered to be a foremost Nigerian who believed in Nigeria, who believed in equality in this country, who believed that no one in Nigeria should be regarded as a superior person against the other. Everybody should be equal.

” That is the Nigerian I want to be remembered for that. I contributed to that, which I did, because during the civil war, all the teachers and other workers from the South West or South East, South-South, left the North. There were no teachers, there were nobody. I was then the Commissioner for Education, i was appointed by Bridgadier General Samuel Ogbemudia, we supplied Kano State, 250 teachers, free of charge, they don’t pay out. Audu Bako was the governor; . They got integrated in Kano.

We gave North West, Sokoto the headquarters, 200 teachers; when Alhaji Shehu Shagari was Commissioner for Education in Sokoto, North Western State. They didn’t treat them well, then the people returned home.

“We gave science teachers to the rest of the states. We had exchange of students, with North East, in Maiduguri.

“And the other day, during the COVID-19, I got a call that the Minister of Education Adamu Adamu was coming to visit me. So he came. And he sat down somewhere, because of the COVID.

“Then he was saying, have you forgotten your pension? He said exchange of students? I said, yes, yes, I remember. One of my daughters said, he was one of those who finished up in Government College in Maiduguri.

He said, yes, myself, I was sent to Edo College, where I did my HSC. And he used to come and talk to us. I said, come and sit by me. That’s all I wanted.

“When the war was over, Gen. Yakubu Gowon said, I don’t need any congratulations, that there was no victor, no vanquished because it was a family war. Go and help them to reintegrate, to reconcile and we have a station, which we did. My eldest daughter, Rebecca, was in Class 2 in St. Theresa School Ughelli. I removed her from Ughelli and took her to Enugu to go and study with them and see and suffer with them, supplied them desk.Government supplied Queen’s School, Enugu, Okanagan Grammar School, Enugu, with furnished teacher’s quarters in Nsukka, 10.

“So what am I saying? I’ve been in Nigeria. And I challenge anybody who says, Chief Clark was such and such, no way.

“I kicked against corruption because I know it’s one of those things eating Nigeria. I will be remembered for my role in education. When I was 85, I asked myself, what do I do? I must leave a legacy behind.

“Shouting on top of my voice is not enough. I said I want to establish a private University where children from all over the country will come to my village, live together, study together, and grow up together to be good citizens of their country and already, that is happening.”

Headline

Over 100 Edo Community Residents Benefit From Late Cecilia Asoro’s Free Medical Care

Published

2 hours ago

July 4, 2024

Editor

Over 100 residents of Evbareke community, a neighbourhood around Textile-Mill Road in Egor Local Government Area, Benin City, Edo State were given a free medical checkup in memory of Cecilia Ewemade Asoro, who passed away 28 years ago.

The programme included blood pressure,sugar level tests in addition to free drugs were that provided to treat various ailments and complaints.

Speaking, initiator of the programme, Dr. Ann Osamudiamen Asoro, daughter of the late nurse, said the aim was to continue her mother’s legacy of providing free medical services and other essential services like midwifery to the underprivileged.

Late Cecilia, a trained nurse and midwife, was said to have dedicated her life to serving humanity through her work.

Consequently the late nurse’s daughter decided to keep her mum’s memory alive by continuing her philanthropic work through a larger outreach.

Speaking further, Dr. Asoro described her “mother as a cheerful and kind-hearted woman who would have wanted her legacy to continue. “

“She was a disciplinarian and a very good educationist; and a humanitarian too. Dr. Asoro recalls.

“My mum used to have a black handbag that was literally a mobile clinic. Anywhere she goes and finds out someone has a medical need, she offers assistance immediately free of charge,” Dr. Asoro added.

The late nurse’s daughter, while encouraging residents to take advantage of the free medical services, urged Edo indigenes to give back to the community.

She added: “Beyond celebrating the memory of my late mum, I see this as an opportunity too to give back to my community by encouraging healthy living through this check ups”.

One of the beneficiaries, Joy James, expressed gratitude for the initiative, noting that “Grace of God will continue to be with her so that next year, she can still remember us with these free medical care.”

The programme climaxed with a grand reception at Dr. Asoro’s compound to celebrate with guests, friends, well-wishe was and family members.

Some family members also took the opportunity to share fond memories of their time with late Cecilia when she was alive.

Headline

Top 10 Richest Families In The World

Published

13 hours ago

July 3, 2024

Editor

The world’s wealthiest families not only amass staggering fortunes but also wield significant influence across industries and continents.

From the retail giants to oil dynasties and luxury fashion houses, these families have built empires that define global commerce and culture.

Here’s a closer look at the top 10 richest families in the world in 2024, per ranking via Investopedia, exploring their net worth and business ventures.

Richest Families in the World

Al Nahyan Family
Net Worth: $305 billion

Industry: Industrial, diversified investments

The Al Nahyan family is known to be the ruling and wealthiest family in Abu Dhabi . Their wealth amass from vast investments in various sectors, including oil, real estate, and finance.

Walton Family
Net Worth: $259.7 billion
Industry: Consumer Retail (Walmart)

The Walton family, Heirs to the Walmart empire, the Waltons have maintained their position through extensive global retail operations.

Hermès Family
Net Worth: $150.9 billion
Industry: Luxury fashion

The Hermès family owns the iconic French luxury brand

Mars Family
Net Worth: $141.9 billion
Industry: Confectionery, pet care

The Mars family is best known for their candy empire, including brands like M&M’s and Snickers, and has diversified into pet care.

Al Thani Family
Net Worth: $133 billion
Industry: Industrial, diversified investments

The Al Thani family is the ruling family of Qatar. The Al Thani family’s wealth primarily stems from their control over Qatar’s vast oil and natural gas reserves. Their investments in various industries, including finance, real estate, and infrastructure, have also contributed significantly to their wealth.

Koch Family
Net Worth: $127.3 billion
Industry: Diversified industrial

The Koch family, Owners of Koch Industries, one of the largest private companies in the world, with interests spanning multiple sectors.

Al Saud Family
Net Worth: $112 billion
Industry: Industrial

Al Saud family, the Saudi royal family, whose wealth is deeply rooted from their control over Saudi Arabia’s oil reserves and their investments in various industries.

Ambani Family
Net Worth: $104.3 billion
Industry: Diversified industrial (Reliance Industries)

The Ambani family’s wealth comes from Reliance Industries, with interests in telecommunications, retail, and digital services.

Wertheimer Family
Net Worth: $89.6 billion
Industry: Luxury fashion (Chanel)

The Wertheimer family’s wealth mainly comes from their ownership of Chanel, a renowned luxury fashion house. Their successful management and expansion of the Chanel brand have significantly contributed to their wealth.

Thomson Family
Net Worth: $71.1 billion
Industry: Media (Thomson Reuters)

The Thomsons are major players in the media industry through their ownership of Thomson Reuters, providing news and financial market information.

These families have diversified their investments across various sectors, ranging from traditional industries like oil and retail to luxury fashion and media, demonstrating significant influence and economic power globally.

Headline

FULL LIST: LPPC Shortlists 98 Lawyers For SAN Title

Published

14 hours ago

July 3, 2024

Editor

The Legal Practitioners and Privileges Committee (LPPC) has shortlisted 98 lawyers for the conferment of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) for this year.

While 87 are practicing lawyers and advocates, 11 are from the academic.

This was contained in a statement by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and Secretary of the LPPC, Hajo Sarki Bello.

The statement invited comments from the public on the integrity, reputation and competence of the applicants.

It further stated that every complaint(s) must be accompanied with a verifying affidavit deposed to by the author before a superior court of record in Nigeria or before a Notary Public and be in twenty (20) copies.

The statement clarified: “For the avoidance of doubt, the publication of the names of the shortlisted applicants is not an indication of their success in the process.”

Some of the applicants include a former Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), Dr Monday Onyekachi Ubani and Idowu Benson.

Among those in the academic is Prof Adeyemi Oke.

The shortlisted applicants are in the two categories, the advocates and academics. The advocates are as follow: Lateef Olaseinde Karim Esq, Godwin Tagbo Ike Esq, Johnson Odionu Esq, Nnodim Marcellinus Duru Esq, Innocent Adams Ovbagbedia Esq, Soronnadi Anthony Njoku Esq, Adamu Abubakar Esq, Charles Oyaole Musa Esq, Udochi Nunny Iheanacho Esq, David Dare Onietan Esq

They also include Elele Chinatu Casmir Esq, Josiah Rapuluchuks Nduka Esq, Godwin Ikechukwu Obeta Esq, Habeeb Orisavbia Ilavbare Esq, , Moses Kolade Obafemi Esq. Mathew Echezonam Esonanjor Esq, Baba Fika Dalah, Esq, Babatunde Ademoye Sodipo Esq, Mustapha Ikhegbe Abubakar Esq, and Emmanuel Ibhagbemien Esene Esq.

Others are Henry Adedayo Bello Esq, Boniface Chinedu Moore Esq, Clement Amechi Ezika Esq, 0mokayode Adebayo Dada Esq, Edwin Anikwem Esq, Roy Ogbonnaya Umahi Nwaeze Esq, Olumide Oniyire Olugbenga Esq, Monday Onyekachi Ubani Esq , Ayoola Olufemi Ajayi Esq and Paul Chukwuma Obi Esq.

Full list of new 58 SAN holders
Also on the list are Olasupo Dominic Ati-John Esq, .Cole Segun Ololade Esq, Charles Ayodeji Adeogun Phillips Esq, 0kechukwu Kingsley Ajunwa Esq, Jacob Ocheogbu Ifere Esq, Emmanuel Aderemi Adekile Esq, Christopher Ehumadu Okeke Esq, Waziri Yusha’u Mamman Esq, Oluronke Adeyemi Esq, Oluwole Olawale Afolabi Esq.

They include Toboukebide Kekemeke Esq, Akinbamigbe Adesomoju , Esq, Victor Owarienomare Odjemu Esq, Josiah Ojochide Daniel-Ebune Esq, Olukunle Ogheneovo Edun, Esq, Abdulaziz Enebi Ibrahim Esq, Stanley Chidozie Imo Esq, Charles Oladipo Titiloye Esq, Abdulkarim Kana Abubakar Esq, and Kingsley Chuku Esq.

They also include Adeyinka Oluwaseun Aderemi Esq, Olaolu Akintunde Owolabi Esq. Adedeji Sharafadeen Abdulkadir Esq, Idowu Omotunde Benson Esq, Kolawole James Olowookere Esq,

Chinasa Thelma Unaegbunam Esq, Ademola Oluwawolemi Esan Esq, 0mosanya Atilola Popoola Esq, Taiye Ayotunde Oniyide Esq, and Emonye Oga Adekwu Esq.

Others are Aderemi Oguntoye, Esq Kashopefoluwa Olawale Balogun Esq, Abdul Adamu Esq Theodore Okey Ezeobi, Esq, Rilwan Birnin Kebbi Umar Esq, Chienye Ifeanyichukwu Okafor Esq, Kaka Shehu Lawan Esq, Abba Muhammed Esq, Wendy Nwenenda Kuku Esq and Ekele Enyinnaya Iheanacho, Esq.

They include Okechukwu George Edeze Esq, Akinyemi Oluwole Olujinmi Esq. Gyang Yaya Zi Esq, Idris Abubakar Esq, George Ibrahim Esq, Boonyameen Babajide Lawal Esq, Terkaa Jeremiah Aondo Esq, Tochukwu Peter Tochukwu Esq, Uchenna Uzo Njoku, Esq and Paul

They also include Babatunde Daudu Esq, Chukwudi Kachikwu Enebeli Esq, Yusuf Olatunji Ogunrinde Esq, Tobechukwu Kenechukwu Nweke Esq, Ademola Kamardeen Abimbola Esq,

Yunus Abdulsalam Esq, Mofesomo Ayodeji Tayo-Oyetibo Esq, Chukwuemeka Agamadodaigwe Nnawuchi, Esq

The shortlisted academic applicants are Prof. John Alewo Agbonika, Prof. Osy Ezechuk Wunyere Nwebo, Prof. Nlerum Sunday Okogbule, Prof. Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri, Prof. Nathaniel Ahagbue Inegbedion, Prof. Collins Chujioke Obioma, Prof. Violet Aigbokhaevbo, Prof. Augustine Robert Agom, Prof. Ibrahim Abdulqadir Abikan, Prof. Chima Josephat Ubanyionwu and Prof. Ganiyu Adeyemi Oke.