Ekiti Governor Unveils 21 Commissioners,14 Advisers

Mohammed Shosanya

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has unveiled a list of 21 new commissioners and 14 Special Advisers in a bid to expand and reposition the state executive council for a more effective actualisation of the administration’s development agenda.

This is sequel to the successful screening and confirmation of the 21 names of commissioners-designate forwarded to the state Assembly last month, as well as the Assembly’s approval for additional 10 Special advisers for the Governor.

The State Assembly’s confirmation was communicated to the Governor last Friday in a letter signed by the Speaker, Rt. Hon Adeoye Aribasoye,a statement from Yinka Oyebode
Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor,said.

The Governor had earlier being given an approval for 10 Special Advisers by the previous Assembly in October last year.

The inauguration of the new commissioners and Special Advisers will hold on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at the Osuntokun Pavilion, Government House Grounds, Ado-Ekiti.

The statement advised the appointees to utilise the one week between the date of the announcement and the inauguration date to make necessary arrangements- including disengagement from their previous working places, travels and other plans as they will be resuming work in their respective offices immediately.

The new Commissioners are:

1. Dr (Mrs) Kofoworola Aderiye (mni)
2. Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo
3. Mr Seun Fakuade
4. Chief Folorunso Olabode
5. Mr Adedayo Gold Adesola
6. Dr Kareem Makanjuola Akande
7. Prof. Patrick Tedela
8. Prof Ojo Bakare
9. Mr Ajobiewe Kolawole Kehinde
10. Mr Fasae Kayode Omotayo
11. Mrs Tayo Adeola
12. Prof Bolaji Aluko
13. Mr Ebenezer Boluwade
14. Otunba Dolamu Adeniyi
15. Rt. Hon Karounwi Oladapo
16. Mrs Peju Babafemi
17. Mr Atibioke Ojo Olaiya
18. Hon (Mrs) Tosin Aluko
19. Rt. Hon. Olatunbosun Taiwo
20. Mr Adebayo Adesola O.
21. Mr Awe Abimbola Olufemi

The Special Advisers are:

1. Hon Tade Aluko
2. Mr Gboyega Oloniyo
3. Hon Gbenga Agbeyo
4. Chief (Mrs) Kemi Olaleye
5. Hon Abiola Olowokeere
6. Hon Femi Ajayi
7. Hon (Mrs) Yemisi Ayokunle
8. Mrs Oluremi Ajayi Babington
9. Mrs Adetoun Adegbola
10. Dr Ekundayo John Moyo
11. Mr Ayeni Odunayo Adeola
12. Mr Niyi Idowu
13. Mr Akinyele Olatunji Sunday
14. Dr Azeez Mayowa Akeem

Subsidy:Employers Caution Organised Labour Against Planned Protest

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association has cautioned the Nigeria Labour Congress,NLC and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria,TUC against planned nationwide protest on account of the recent removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government

It emphasized urgent need to protect the objectives of sustainable enterprise, decent work and national development.

The Director-General of NECA, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde,who gave the suggestion in a statement he issued on Sunday in Lagos, expressed worry over what he described as the parlous state of the economy and recent mobilisation for civil action by NLC and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria.

He advocated the need for urgent action by government and other stakeholders.

He said: “A call for ‘strike and mass action’ by any social partner at this difficult time, in furtherance of the achievement of its objectives, could potentially cause a breakdown of law and order.This is also with attendant risk for organised businesses and the nation as a whole.”

He said that strike, threat of mass action or civil disobedience that could potentially disrupt the economic activities of businesses would be counter-productive.

Oyerinde noted that sometimes, engagements between organised labour and government might end in deadlock.

He said, however, when that happens, the consequential action by labour should not, in any way, hinder anyone from going about their businesses peacefully or cause anyone to be intimidated or harassed.

Oyerinde said: “We re-emphasise the importance of social dialogue, a potent instrument of the International Labour Organization, and a globally accepted mechanism for dispute resolution.

“While it should be noted that various ILO Conventions, rcommendations, international treaties and local legislations guarantee certain rights and privileges to social partners, a call for mass action or civil disobedience is certainly not one of them.”

He implored government to, as a matter of urgency, take immediate steps to ameliorate the economic trauma being faced by workers, Nigerians and organised businesses.

He expressed concerns that many businesses were shut-down and many others were on the verge of closing down.

According to him, such will exacerbate the current unemployment rate and drag many further down the poverty line.

Oyerinde added: “We strongly request that a coordinated implementation of the various pro-growth and other palliative schemes should commence.

“It should commence without further delay, at the federal level to complement the efforts of some state governments and organised businesses.The need for transparent communication and building of national consensus at this difficult time cannot be over-emphasised.”

Two years on, SNEPCo MD Elohor Aiboni Actualizes Shell’s Deep-Water Dream

By Precious Okolobo

Two years ago, Shell named Mrs. Elohor Aiboni to superintend its deep-water subsidiary in Nigeria, an appointment that not only shattered the proverbial glass ceiling but also recognised the repertoire of Nigerian talent in the oil and gas industry. Elohor became Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) on August 1, 2021, the first female to lead a Shell exploration company in over 60 years of operations in Nigeria.

“Elohor’s appointment is a product of diligence, competence and commitment to Shell’s core values and its strong focus on diversity and inclusion,” Shell’s Senior Vice President for Nigeria, Marno de Jong, said at the time.

From the onset, Elohor was clear on her priorities – developing people and growing the business. “It is my responsibility, and one that I take seriously. I aim to lead by example and drive inclusive leadership in a way that will encourage and empower our future leaders as they grow to take up more leadership roles and support one another to safely outperform,” she said.

Elohor’s competence and commitment have ensured the achievement of notable milestones in her relatively short tenure. The biggest one being when Nigeria’s first deep-water exploration and production vessel, Bonga, hit a 1-billion-barrel oil export mark in February 2023. She was incredibly proud of all SNEPCo employees and contractors and commended them for the success of the Bonga FPSO and the attainment of the remarkable achievement.

Looking back on the time she has been in the role, Elohor said, “The experience has been challenging but exciting. It has been an honour leading a team of dedicated professionals who continue to safely produce oil and gas in a complex geographical zone, delivering value to stakeholders.”

Elohor is keen to stress that the SNEPCo-operated Bonga, Nigeria’s first deep offshore Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading vessel, is more than oil and gas. It has advanced the frontiers of deep-water technology in the country, empowered Nigerian contractors and positively impacted lives across the Nigerian federation.

Last year alone, SNEPCo paid a total of $907 million as taxes and royalties to the Nigerian government, in addition to more than $20 million remitted to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) within the same period in compliance with statutory requirements.

The social benefits of SNEPCo to Nigerians beyond oil and gas revenues are of importance to Elohor as she balances technical deliverables with social performance in the two focus areas of the company – health and education.

She recalls that among the many projects delivered with support from its senior partner, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), SNEPCo built and equipped a 100-seat ICT Centre at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun Delta State, while work is in progress on a $5-million e-library at the Niger Delta University in Bayelsa State. In addition, a $10-million Geosciences Centre of Excellence is under construction at the University of Lagos.

The company’s scholarship schemes have provided opportunities for thousands of Nigerians to acquire secondary, university and post graduate education.

On the health side, SNEPCo, with the support of NNPC and in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health, implemented a capacity-improvement project for cancer treatment at the National Hospital, Abuja, which reduced the cost of cancer treatment from $10,000 to $2,000 with waiting time now less than two weeks from the previous six months.

The project involved the installation of a state-of-the-art Linear Accelerator radiotherapy machine at the hospital. SNEPCo has also built and equipped health centres, including a paediatric facility, in different parts of the country and has donated medical equipment, ambulances and a mammogram machine to hospitals.

“This is Bonga at work,” Elohor said. “It is a story of Nigerians working for Nigeria. It has not been a coincidence that Nigerians have been managing directors of SNEPCo since 1993, with Dr. ‘Femi Lalude as the pioneer occupant of the post. This success story is the outcome of the collective efforts of these and other Nigerians who have not only enjoyed the backing of the extensive deep-sea experience of Shell but also the support and encouragement of NNPC and our co-venture partners.”

The pacesetting story of SNEPCo deep-water operations has continued to be an inspiration in the industry within and outside Nigeria. From the side-lines, one can see a promising company under a focused Elohor who is irrevocably committed to the pursuit of excellence to build a leading, safe, and cost-disciplined business that brings value to SNEPCo, its partners, shareholders and Nigeria which remains a heartland for the Shell business.

Oyo Moves To Review Public Health Law

Mohammed Shosanya

The Oyo state government,has inaugurated a 20-man committee that will review its public health law, to meet current realities and solve health challenges in the state.

The committee, drawn from relevant ministries, agencies, law enforcement agencies,health institutions, civil society organizations amongst others, is expected to converge next week for the task ahead.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusoji Adeyanju, in a chat with journalists, shortly after the inauguration at the Conference Hall of the Ministry, said the move was based on the need to continually preserve and promote community health.

He explained that the law after review will play a significant role in curtailing the outbreak of emerging and re-emerging diseases.

He noted that the job before the committee requires collective efforts, urging them to come up with workable and applicable laws that will stand the test of time.

Adeyanju said: “The task ahead of the committee is to ensure the law shows the current reality on ground in the health sector and public health issues that are of public health importance”.

“The people of Oyo state will benefit from it and their health will be sustained and promoted, I believe the committee will do justice to that”, he said.

Also speaking,the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice and Solicitor-General of Oyo State, Mrs. Evelyn Akintunde maintained that the document, which would be reviewed according to the extant laws of the State, would help improve the health status and well-being of residents of the state.

Stressing the import of the review, Mrs. Akintunde explained that the Oyo State Government identified several lacunae in the law and set up a committee which will come up with a draft containing proposals.

She emphasized that the review of the state’s public health law is long overdue, as the law has not been reviewed since 1978, adding that the committee will ensure the draft conforms with national health practices and addresses public health challenges.

“We commend the ministry of health and other relevant MDAs who would join in this review, and we will ensure the draft conforms with national practices that will address public health challenges”, she said.

The Oyo state Commissioner of Police, CP Adebola Hamzat represented at the event by Mr. Patrick Okafor, lauded the state for its pace setting activities.

He revealed that having existing workable laws in place would make the enforcement easier.

Hamzat pledged the support of the Nigerian police during the process of reviewing the law and after the enactment.

New Management Team Will Turn Around Nigeria Customs Service-Maritime Writers’

Mohammed Shosanya

The Business and Maritime Writers’ Association of Nigeria, BUMWAN,has said that the new management team in the Nigeria Customs Service will turn around the agency for the better and add value to the economy of Nigeria.

The association gave the assessment at the end of its emergency meeting in Port Harcourt,Rivers state on Saturday.

The Nigeria Customs service has announced the appointment of DCG Festus Okun, DCG MUSA Baba Abdullahi, DCG Albashir Hamisu,ACG Kamarudeen OLUMOH, ACG AUWAL Baba Mohammed and ACG Adeogun Olajogun as the new management team that would pilot the affairs of the service following the appointment of acting Comptroller General of Customs and the retirement of some senior officers.

Speaking on the development, BUMWAN National president,Peter Ihejirika applauded the president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for rewarding what he termed as hard work and dedication shown through the appointment of those whom he said have grown through the ranks and have contributed immensely to the soaring venue profile of Nigeria Customs Service over the years.

He congratulated the new appointed customs officers,saying they are round peg in a round hole.

He said:”With the recent appointment , the Nigeria Customs Service will witness an astronomical growth both in manpower development, service delivery and in fact the federal government fiscal policy stimulus which would be enhanced.

“Smugglers and those that engage in unwholesome trade should think of another business as the new management team are known for their averred compliant with extant laws guiding import, export and cargo clearance and also the core mandate of Nigeria Customs Service which includes revenue generation,trade facilitation,anti-smuggling among others.”

He implored all officers and men of the service, other stakeholders in the Maritime industry to work together with the new management team to ensure the achievement of their mandate.

In his comments,the National Secretary of BUMWAN, Apostle Tony Nzekwe, said the appointment of the six senior customs officers is an affirmation of merit,professionalism, discipline and productive results driven Nigeria Customs Service.

He added:”It’s a new dawn of enhanced technological driven Service delivery, robust stakeholders synergies and improved geometrical revenue generation into the federal coffers.

“The newly appointed 3 DCGs and 3 ACG s are Senior Customs Officers who have consistently over decades remained astute, pragmatic,transparent,resourceful and compliant to the fiscal policies of the federal government of Nigeria”.

“These are distinguished Senior Officers who have killed self interest over national interest, Security and Prosperity. And all critical stakeholders and operators in the Maritime industry should give them adequate and needed cooperation and support to excel in their new assignment”.

MTN Nigeria Blames 29% Profit Decline On Inflation, Naira Devaluation

Mohammed Shosanya

MTN Nigeria’s profits shed weight in the half year ended June 30, 2023,its financial statement said

The statement which was published on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), MTN Nigeria reported a drop in its H1 result in 2023— January 1 to June 30, 2023.

The company reported a 29.14% decline in its profit for the period under review of ₦128 billion, compared to ₦181 billion during the same period in 2022. Conversely, the telco’s revenue grew by 21.96% to ₦1.15 trillion in H1 2023, compared to ₦950 billion in the same period in 2022.

Speaking on the financial performance, MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Karl Toriola, cites the challenging environment, inflation and naira devaluation as the reason for a slump in its results.

He stated that operating conditions in the first half of 2023 remained challenging with energy, food, and general inflation at elevated levels.

This was due to the ongoing adverse global macroeconomic and geopolitical environment, the cash shortages experienced in Q1, forex volatility and supply chain uncertainties witnessed during the period,he added

“Following the inauguration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in May 2023, swift reforms were implemented to remove the fuel subsidy and liberalise foreign exchange management, to bolster investor confidence and drive growth and investment in Nigeria.

“These policy reforms are expected to be positive for the economy in the medium to long term. However, in the short term, they have created additional financial burdens on consumers and businesses, and these will be fully reflected in the pressures on our margins in H2,” Toriola said.

Toriola explained that MTN had robust commercial and financial performances in H1 and would continue to invest in the business to further improve the quality of their delivery. The MTN boss said H1 helped the telco gain 1.5 million new subscribers, taking its total tally to over 77 million subscribers.

According to its CEO, 4G traffic constituted 82.5% of its total data traffic while 5G constituted 21% on all 5G-colocated clusters. In all of the wins, higher energy prices and rising costs impacted growth.

“Our margins were impacted by higher energy prices and rising costs, but the impact was moderated by provisions in our tower contracts and the timing of the forex harmonisation.

“Notwithstanding, we will continue to execute our commercial strategy with a focus on unlocking efficiencies and driving operating leverage to support growth in earnings, cash flow, and returns over the medium term,” the report read.

It emphasized that unrealised forex losses included in its net finance charges affected the telco, adding that there was no impact on EBITDA due to the quarterly nature of its tower contracts. However, it expects full impact by the end of second half.

Asisat Oshoala’s Followers Hit 1m On Instagram

Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala has become the first African female footballer to reach N1m followers on Instagram.

Oshoala, 28, made headlines recently when she netted the Super Falcons’ third goal in a 3-2 win against hosts Australia on Thursday at Brisbane Stadium.

The five-time Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women’s Player of the Year joined the game in the second half, scoring the third goal in the 72nd minute of the game leading the Falcons to victory against the Matildas.

Her prowess and form of celebrating the win sparked a massive social media debate that, in turn, impacted her social media following on Instagram, where she now has a million followers, making her the first African female footballer with such a following today,a report said.

Customs Partners NEPZA, OGFZA On Improved Free Trade Zones Operations In Nigeria

Mohammed Shosanya

Nigeria Customs Service,is partnering with the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA) on steps to improve Nigeria’s free trade zones operations in the country.

The partnership came to the fore when the Acting Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi at the weekend,met the Directors of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA).

Adeniyi,while responding to the calls of the two organizations,appreciated them for visiting the Headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service to congratulate him on his appointment and sought to review their mutual concerns about the future of trade in the country.

He assured that the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS), as one of the spines of the Free Zone Scheme, will continue to work in line with the standard trade facilitation policies to attract a seamless opportunity for business people to invest in the free zones scheme in Nigeria.

He said: “We need to constitute a joint committee between us and some relevant stakeholders to address our common concerns.”

The Director of Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Prof. Adesoji Adesoba,said that he was personally elated with the way the Customs’ boss addressed them and expressed readiness to work assiduously towards achieving their target of improving Free Trade Zones.

The Managing Director of the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA), Senator Tijjani Yahya Kaura, described the collaboration between the Free Trade Zones and Nigeria Customs as necessary,adding that:“our meeting with the CG is fruitful, as it revolves around proffering solutions to our common issues, and I am happy that the Ag. CGC is committed to addressing them”.

Coup: ECOWAS Slams Sanctions On Niger Republic

Mohammed Shosanya

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government,Sunday gavr General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the alleged mastermind of the supposed coup in Niger Republic, seven days within which to re-instate Mohammed Bazoom back to power, failing which it might resort to the use of force.

The decision was part of resolutions reached at the emergency meeting of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government which held in Abuja, Sunday, at the Banquet hall of the Presidential Villa Abuja.

The group has also directed the chiefs of defense staff of member states to meet immediately with a view to implementing their threat of use of force.

According to H.E.-Dr.-Omar-Alieu-Touray-President-of-the-ECOWAS-Commission, who read out the resolutions, he noted that the ECOWAS leaders have ordered the closure of land and air borders between member countries and Niger.

Other immediate sanctions by ECOWAS, is the imposition of a no fly zone on all commercial flights to and from Niger.

He also announced the suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS Member States and Niger, including freeze all service transactions including energy transactions as well as frooze assets of the Republic of Niger in ECOWAS Central Banks.

Present at the summit, were the following heads of state and government and mandated representatives His Excellency, President Patrice Talon President of the Republic of Benin, President Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire. Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of the Gambia. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana.

Others included; General OmarUmaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embaló, President of the Republic of Guinea Bissau. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal, President Faure Gnassingbé of the Togolese Republic. The representative of the President of the Republic of Cape Verde, the representative of the President of the Republic of Liberia, the representative of President Bazoom, President and Head of State of the Republic of Niger, the representative of President Julius Maada Wonie Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

Omar Al Turia, president of the ECOWAS attended the summit, together with Musa Faki, Muhammad chairperson of the African Union Commission. Leonardo Santos Simão, who was special representatives of the United Nations Secretary General for West Africa and the Sahel and head of universe including, Mr. Job, President of the Commission of UMR,also attended the meeting.

In a communique at the end of the summit, H.E.-Dr.-Omar-Alieu-Touray-President-of-the-ECOWAS-Commission recalled the immediate steps that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chair of authority, took in the form of statements communiques, mission and consultations, with regional continental and world leaders taking cognizance of the condemnation of the attempted coup, and the illegal detention of President Bazoom and members of his family and government by the neighboring countries, the African Union, United Nations European Union United States of America, China, Russia, La Francophonie, the Commonwealth, the OIC and other partners.

Touray said the principle of zero tolerance for unconstitutional change of government as enshrined in the ECOWAS and African Union protocols and other instruments remains in force.

He added:”ECOWAS resolve as follows. One, His Excellency President Mohammed Bazoom remains the legitimate, elected president and head of state of the Republic of Niger, recognized by ECOWAS, the African Union and the international community.

“In this regard, only official acts of President Bazoum or his duly mandated officials will be recognized by ECOWAS.

“Condemn in the strongest terms, the attempted overthrow of constitutional order in Niger, and the illegal detention of His Excellency President Mohammed Bazoum, President and head of state of Niger, as well as members of his family and government.

“Call for the immediate release and reinstatement of president Mohammed Bazoum as president and head of state of the Republic of Niger, and for the full restoration of constitutional order in the Republic of Nigeria.

“Reject any form of resignation that may purportedly come from His Excellency, President Mohammed Bazoum.

“Considered the illegal detention of President Mohammed Bazoum, as a hostage situation and hold the authors of the attempted coup d’etat solely and fully responsible for the safety and security of His Excellency President Mohammed Bazoum, as well as members of his family and government.

“In the event, the authorities demands are not met within one week. Take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger. Such measures may include the use of force. For this effect, the chiefs of defense staff of ECOWAS are to meet immediately”

FG, Google Plan 1million Digital Jobs For Nigerians

Mohammed Shosanya

President Bola Tinubu has expressed the willingness of the Federal Government of Nigeria to support global tech giant, Google Incorporated, to create one million digital jobs in Nigeria.

He gave the assurance at the State House, Friday evening during the visit of Google Global Vice President, Richard Gingras, to his office.

President Tinubu told the visiting Google executive that Nigeria had creative and talented young people who are ready and motivated to learn especially at this age of Artificial Intelligence, stressing that the tech giant has the capabilities and tools that the young people need to excel.

“I am glad that Google is ready to partner with us. You have answered our call on digital innovation and to help our youths. You are supporting our efforts to promote digital economy. We are ready to work with you on your commitment to create 1 million digital jobs in Nigeria.

“We will give you all the support you need to have a beneficial corporate responsibility. We have started our economic reforms, even though tortuous.”

On Google’s promotion of free speech, freedom of the press and democracy through its platforms, President Tinubu said that it is in public interest that free speech and press freedom should not be impeded.

“It is in public interest to continue to defend free press and free speech. We are committed to supporting a free society,” the president said.

Speaking,the Google Vice President had earlier told President Tinubu that he was in Nigeria for West Africa Journalism Innovation Conference.

He said he had been inspired by the creativity and talent of young people in Nigeria who are embracing technology and digital tools to expand access to information and promote democracy.

Mr. Gingras briefed President Tinubu that his organisation has deep interest in Nigeria and stands ready to support the Federal Government.

He listed the many capabilities of Google to include areas of Artificial Intelligence and other digital innovations that are empowering young people to become digital entrepreneurs, adding that Google subsea cable, Equiano, named after Nigerian slave abolitionist that will significantly impact future internet connectivity demands, landed in Nigeria in April 2022.

He also promised that Google would help to secure Nigeria in the age of disinformation and fake news, saying that his organisation seeks to continue its partnership with the Nigerian government.

“Google has deep interest in Nigeria. We want to support the government’s efforts to create 1 million digital jobs. We have all the tools and capabilities to make this happen. We will also help ro secure Nigeria and we have discussed that with your National Security Adviser.

“I came to Nigeria to learn. I am going back home very impressed with what I saw. You have very vibrant, creative and talented young people who are embracing innovation.We will continue to support your programmes to expand your digital economy,” Mr Gingras said.

Stop Sit-At-Home In East,Nmandi Kanu Orders Simon Ekpa

Mohammed Shosanya

Leader of the Indigenous People’s Of Biafra,IPOB Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,has called for seizure of all pending or future sit -at- homes in the five eastern states of Abia, Imo, Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu.

The detained pro Biafran agitator in a hand written letter directed to Simon Ekpa, his Finland – based former compatriot, directed him to henceforth restrain himself from calling any sit- at – home on his behalf.

Kanu explained that he went into the struggle to free his people and not to enslave them, and ordered Ekpa to immediately issue a statement halting all pending sit-at -home exercise

In the handwritten letter,obtained by Premium News,Mazi Kanu also directed Ekpa to henceforth stop antagonizing any governor or persons in government as he (Ekpa ) is not in any position to know what these exposed persons are doing on his behalf.

The letter reads:”Simon, This is a direct order from me. I hereby instruct you to desist from calling any sit-at -home henceforth.

“Equally refrain from antagonizing governors or person in political positions because you are not in a position to know what they are doing on my behalf.

“I’m ordering you to make a public announcement to the effect that you are in receipt of a direct order from to cancel any pending or future sit-at-home order in place at the moment.

“I embarked on this movement to liberate our people not to enslave them. I despise and will despise any person or entity that will inflict unnecessary hardship on our people.

“I have aithorized Alloy to issue a press statement if you fall to make this announcement on your platform.

“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.