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Anenih’s state burial not cause of Obaseki, Oshiomhole rift – Ex-commissioner
By Francesca Hangeior.
The Media Director of the Edo All Progressives Congress Campaign Council, Kassim Afegbua, has faulted the claim by Governor Godwin Obaseki that he fell out with a former governor of the state, Adams Oshiomhole, over the state burial given to the late Tony Anenih.
Obaseki said on Friday during the Peoples Democratic Party campaign for the September 21 governorship election in the state that one of the problems his administration had with Oshiomhole was that it organised a state burial for the deceased PDP leader.
Speaking to party supporters at Okpujie Demonstration Primary School in Uromi, Obaseki said Oshiomhole questioned the rationale behind his organising a state burial for Anenih.
He said, “When Chief Tony Anenih died, I gave him a state burial while I was still in the All Progressives Congres, and this is one of the things that caused problems between Oshiomhole and me.
“He said the late Anenih was not an elected official, so why would I give him a state burial? I said the man has done more than many governors, so he deserved it.”
However, Afegbua, who was a commissioner under Oshiomhole, said in a statement on Sunday that Obaseki was playing cheap politics with the claim.
He said, “I just read what was attributed to Governor Obaseki as the reason he gave for falling out from Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, and I wondered why an executive governor could make such a bogus claim just to score a cheap political point.
“It is terrible character indices for Governor Obaseki to raise such devious reason as the rationale for his breaking apart from Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.
“Governor Obaseki is not even smart at all. Chief Tony Anenih, of blessed memory, died on the 28th of October 2018, at the age of 85, but Governor Obaseki’s political squabbles with Comrade Oshiomhole started in late 2017, by February 2018, it had become so visible and almost irreconcilable.
“I remember vividly that I met with Governor Obaseki at his residence on Commercial Avenue on the 18th of May 2018 in an attempt to bring the two of them together after a series of failed reconciliations by Alhaji Aliko Dangote and a couple of other governors.
“At the 18th May 2018 meeting, I confronted Governor Obaseki about the reason why he fell out with Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, his benefactor. He pointedly told me that he just wanted to be his own man. He showed an aspect of his ethnic chauvinism when he rendered the following words; “that short man from that little village of Iyamho cannot run the show”.
“I remember asking him at what time he suddenly realised that his benefactor was a ‘short man’ and from ‘that little village’ because I recalled he was always carrying Oshiomhole’s bag each time they were travelling. At that point, his countenance changed.”
Afegbua said he insisted that he put together a team of 10 mutual friends to meet and resolve the issue, and the governor obliged him that evening before he left for Abuja the following day.
He added, “When I got to Abuja, I met with Comrade Oshiomhole and related to him my encounter with Governor Obaseki. He was willing to attend such a meeting but doubted if the governor was genuine in his affirmation. But on the evening of May 19, Governor Obaseki called me to inform me that he would no longer subscribe to the meeting and that I should call it off.
“When I called Comrade Oshiomhole to inform him of the governor’s disposition against the meeting, he told me he would have been surprised if the governor would have been available for the meeting. That was how I put off the meeting.
“Chief Tony Anenih died on October 28, 2018, almost a year after the political differences started. So, it is the height of ungodliness and devilish intentions for Governor Obaseki to make reference to the state burial for Chief Anenih as the cause of his differences with Comrade Oshiomhole.
“He wants to profit from the death of Chief Anenih for political reasons. I am ashamed to hear this and to read this. Imagine the height of desperation to implant a godson when he once quarrelled with the idea of a godfather. What manner of a leader is Governor Obaseki? Profiteering from the dead?”
…commend his leadership qualities, contribution to national development
By Gloria Ikibah
The Chairman House of Representatives’ Committee onthe Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rep. Muktar Betara has congratulated Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago on his 51st birthday.
Rep. Betara who represents Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency of Borno State, in a congratulatory message admitted Governor Bago’s relentless advocacy for Nigerites as well as the meaningful contributions to legislative processes that shaped national development while serving as Member of the House of Representatives.
Thrilled by the leadership qualities of Governor Bago, he applauded various unprecedented developmental projects initiated since his assumption of office in 2023.
He said: “Your Excellency, on this special occasion of your 51st birthday, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to you.
“This milestone is a testament to a life dedicated to public service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the progress of Niger State and Nigeria at large.
“As the Governor of Niger State, your visionary leadership has continued to inspire hope and transformation across various sectors.
“Your dedication to infrastructural development, education, healthcare, and especially, agriculture, and security has significantly improved the lives of the people, reinforcing your reputation as a leader who prioritises the welfare of his people.
“Your efforts in fostering economic growth and good governance have set a solid foundation for sustainable development in the state.
“Before assuming office as Governor, your impactful tenure as a Member of the House of Representatives was marked by your relentless advocacy for your constituents and meaningful contributions to legislative processes that shaped national development.
“As you celebrate this new chapter of your life, may you continue to be blessed with wisdom, strength, and good health to steer Niger State toward greater heights. Happy birthday !”
…as currency swap boosting bilateral trade
By Gloria Ikibah
The Nigerian government is deepening economic collaboration with China to drive industrialisation and economic diversification.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made this known when she received the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, in Abuja.
The Minister emphasised that Nigeria’s longstanding ties with China, spanning over five decades, align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic expansion and resilience.
Outlining key areas where Nigeria seeks Chinese support, including electric vehicle production, digital technology, renewable energy, and agriculture, Amb. Odumegwu-Ojukwu acknowledged China’s significant role in Nigeria’s road and rail infrastructure development and noted that the country is taking concrete steps to modernize its ports and power sector to attract more investment.
She also highlighted the importance of cultural ties, and noted the growing interest among Nigerian youths in learning the Chinese language.
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its economic partnership with China, highlighting that the ongoing currency swap agreement is already enhancing trade relations between both nations.
“It’s quite interesting that a large population of Nigeria youth is inching towards Chinese Language. A lot of Nigerian Universities are desirous to offer Chinese Language. Chinese had become the language of trade in the world.
“Nigeria-China will continue to relate not just bilaterally but multilaterally.
“We expect that we will continue to get the support of China but we will always reciprocate that multilaterally.
“In line with President Tinubu’s plan to industrialise Nigeria, we expect Chinese cooperation in establishing assembly plants of electric vehicles; digital communication, renewable energy, all aspects of digital technology, agriculture because of food insecurity as the government is interested in seeing that food gets to the poorest of the poor. Government is not just talking about food but has established a separate Ministry of Livestock,” the minister stated.
She urged China to extend trade tariff exemptions to its exports, similar to the concessions already granted to 33 other African nations, emphasising that the Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes stronger ties between citizens and deeper country-to-country partnerships.
In response, Chinese Ambassador Yu Dunhai reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Nigeria, describing the country as a key strategic partner. He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to China and participation in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) had elevated diplomatic and economic engagements between both nations.
Amb. Yu highlighted ongoing collaborations in infrastructure, including roads, railway modernization, power, industrial parks, and the Lekki Deep Sea Port. He disclosed that trade volume between the two nations exceeded $21 billion last year, with Nigeria’s exports to China accounting for over 25% of this figure.
He further underscored the role of manufacturing in industrialization, pointing to the recently renewed $2 billion currency swap agreement as a tool to enhance financial cooperation, boost bilateral trade, and attract more investment.
Expressing optimism about the future, the envoy stated that these efforts would ultimately yield tangible benefits for ordinary citizens in both countries.
He said: “We have a comprehensive strategic partnership with Nigeria. China would want Nigeria to play a big role in the international scene. We want Nigeria to become a member of G-20. These will all provide opportunity for China and Nigeria to further work together closely.
“For China, we have been very consistent. We give grant to any African countries; we don’t give any conditions.”
He further acknowledged that it was important that the two countries met to review how far they have performed in their bilateral cooperation.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The ex-Director General of National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Professor Tom Adaba is dead.
The veteran journalists died on Saturday peacefully in Abuja.
The late Adaba was born in July 2nd, 1941
According to Chief Adinoyi Joe Anivasa JP, Secretary Egbira Elders Forum Abuja on Saturday stated as follows, “I feel sad to inform you that our elder and Leader, Prof Tom A Adaba just answered the call of nature by giving up his ghost to the Lord this morning.
“Further details about his burial arrangements would be communicated later.
“We thank God for his life. May God have mercy on his shortcomings and grant his soul eternal peaceful rest in His Heavenly Kingdom, Amen.
He was the first Nigerian (between 1988 and 1992) to be honoured as president of the African Council for Communication Education.
Betara Celebrates Governor Bago @51
Nigeria Seeks Stronger Economic Ties with China
Painful! Former NBC DG ,Prof Tom Adaba is dead
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