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Encomiums as Ereyitomi doles out millions of naira for Infrastructural upgrade of Mosques in Warri, Effurun
Member of the House of Representatives, representing Warri Federal Constituency in Delta State, Rt. Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, on Saturday, hosted Arewa Muslims and other Islamic faithfuls in his constituency to an Iftar dinner in Warri, the commercial hub of the state.
The Islamic faithfuls, including Imams, women and youths, were drawn from the various mosques in Warri Federal Constituency, particularly those in Warri and neighbouring Effurun.
Members of the political class in Warri South, Warri South West and Warri North LGAs, which made up the Warri Federal Constituency, were present at the gathering.
Seated to join Ereyitomi to host the Muslim Community were business mogul, Evangelist Tony Aderojo, alias TONCO, Special Adviser to Delta State Governor on Community Development, Dr. Tony Agbolayah, Chairman, Warri South LGA, Mr. Weyinmi Agbateyiniro, his Vice, Mr. Kingsley Edafiadjebre and his Warri South West LGA counterpart, Mrs. Christy Omamofe.
Also, former Chairman of Warri North LGA, Ambassador Adughe Okorodudu, former Vice-Chairman, Warri South West LGA and Senior Special Assistant to Delta State Governor on Political Affairs, Mr. Bleson Omadoye, Secretary, Warri South LGA, Mr Emma Nunu, PDP’s Chairman, Warri South, Mr. Richard Pessu, PDP’s Publicity Secretary in Warri South LGA, Mr. Emiko Oghomienor and PDP’s Woman Leader, Warri South West LGA, Ms. Rose Tulu, among other notable personalities, were guests of the federal lawmaker at the Iftar dinner.
In his welcome address, Ereyitomi, urged the Muslims to continue to dedicate their time for prayers to Delta State in particular and Nigeria in general, adding that the Ramadan period offers a moment for every Nigerian to reflect and pray for the country.
Ereyitomi, according to excerpts of his speech revealed by his Special Assistant in charge of New Media, Mr. Great Kpenosen, reflected on the significance of Ramadan, which coincides with the Lenten season and called for a deep introspection and reaffirmation of commitment to Nigeria’s unity.
Ereyitomi, who is the Chairman, House Commitee on Petroleum Resources, Training Funds, commended the Arewa and other Muslim adherents for living in harmony and concord with their hosts and urged them to sustain the tempo.
“Let us try to know that we are a community of one people. Let us try to know that the North, South and West are just for administrative convenience. Let us be united for if we are segregated, we are not helping ourselves and the government at all levels.”
“This sacred month (Ramadan) of reflection and renewal reminds us to choose stability over strife, collaboration over conflict and dialogue over discord,” Ereyitomi further implored his guests.
Highlights of the ceremony was a special prayer session for Ereyitomi, his family and constituents by the elated Muslim faithfuls.
They were later treated to a sumptous Iftar dinner ahead of presentation of Ramadan gifts and cheques for the cash donations to tbe various mosques in Warri and its neighbourhood.
No fewer than 15 mosques in Warri and Effurun received a cash donation of N1m each from Ereyitomi in aid of Infrastructural upgrade, amidst ecomiums poured on the lawmaker by jubilant recipients.
The appreciative recipients described the gesture variously as “unprecedented and uncommon.”
In his vote of thanks, the spokesman to the Muslim faithfuls, Mallam Ahmed Abdul-Kadiri Shuru, prayed and thanked Ereyitomi for his usual sense of benevolence to the Muslim community in Warri and its environs.
Shuru particularly thanked him for the huge Ramadan gifts and donations he made to them, ìncluding the women, youths and others whom they represented in the visit.
He assured Ereyitomi of their unwavering support and solidarity, now and in the future.
“Permit me to say the truth. We have had some individuals representing Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Abuja, since the advent of the ongoing political dispensation in 1999
to date. No one has shown such a kind gesture as you, Rt. Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi. We thank you for always showing respect and concern for the Muslim community in your constituency, especially the Arewa nucleus of the Islamic faith.”
“No Representative of Warri Federal Constituency has ever invited the Muslim faithfuls to his house to celebrate a Muslim festival. In fact, your own is quite unique because you invited us at a time that every Nigerian needed help. Thank you sir”, Shuru added.
The cheques were presented to beneficiaries by Ereyitomi and his guests.
Controversial social media commentator, Mr. Martins Innocent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, has been granted administrative bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and will be released upon meeting the required bail conditions.
The anti-corruption agency disclosed that the arrest stemmed from multiple petitions received against the social media figure, alleging involvement in financial misconduct.
This information was shared by the EFCC on its verified Facebook page on Tuesday, where the commission elaborated on the grounds for the arrest.
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in fulfilling its mandate to combat economic and financial crimes, invited Martins Innocent Otse due to a series of petitions concerning various allegations of financial offenses against him,” stated the EFCC.
The agency further noted that Otse failed to respond to several invitations sent to him at his known addresses and through other communication channels.
The EFCC emphasized that the petitions involve serious accusations of financial wrongdoing that warrant attention.
“It is important to acknowledge that the Commission is aware of the numerous unrestrained criticisms directed at its operations by the suspect. While such behavior is regrettable, his arrest was not motivated by these criticisms. The appropriate law enforcement agencies will investigate these matters,” the EFCC clarified.
In executing the arrest and subsequent detention, the commission confirmed that it obtained the necessary remand order. It stated, “He has been granted administrative bail and will be released once all bail conditions are satisfied.”
The EFCC appreciates the public’s interest in its operations and welcomes the enthusiasm and varied reactions to its activities.
“However, speculations regarding the motives behind our actions should cease. The EFCC must be allowed to perform its duties impartially. Charges will be filed as soon as investigations are concluded,” the Commission stated.
By Amos Tauna, Kaduna
A Northern-based civic group, the Concerned Northern Forum (CNF), has alleged that Zamfara state government has released over two billion naira (N2bn) aimed at smearing the good image of the Minister of state, Ministry of Defence, Bello Matawalle, whom is considered as a political threat to the reelection of Dauda Lawal, the state governor.
Alhaji Aliyu Muhammad, Chairman/Convener,
Concerned Northern Forum (CNF), while briefing newsmen in Kaduna on Tuesday had on Monday in a press briefing described as the deliberate deelay by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate former Zamfara state governor, Bello Matawalle, despite multiple petitions and earlier commitments by the agency.
Muhammad said, “l wish to call on the general public to disregard such press conferences that may be addressed in the coming days, as it was gathered that the Zamfara State Government has allegedly released over two billion Naira for that purposes, all which is aimed at smearing the good image of the defence Minister whom he consider as a political threat to his reelection bid.”
He added, “I wish to unequivocally state that, I was misled by the information presented to me, and the content of the press text was blown out of proportion, a political witch hunt, deliberately orchestrated and propagated by the opposition who are envious of the Minister’s achievements, therefore dedicated to not only distracting him from diligently discharging his duties but also smearing his most respected and highly esteemed personality.”
According to him, it is on record that Bello Matawalle served Zamfara State well with an unprecedented level of success, unwavering dedication, and loyalty to his people, stressing that his achievements have resonated in all sectors, from security, infrastructure, health, economy, and education.
He stated that the former governor oversaw the commencement of the construction of a new airport, a crucial step towards economic growth and improved connectivity for the state, construction of roads, and improved the state’s water system.
He explained that Matawalle made significant strides in security infrastructure by purchasing over 200 Hilux vehicles and ambulances and installing solar-powered street lights in the state capital.
Muhammad stated that the healthcare sector in Zamfara state also saw substantial investments, with the construction of special primary healthcare centers in all 147 wards in the states, general hospitals, and primary healthcare centers.
The administration of Bello Matawalle, he noted also settled backlogs of payments for NECO and WAEC examinations and focused on technology by establishing a Digital World ICT Center and a Command and Control Room in Gusau, thereby contributing to the economic development of the State.
At least, six persons have been confirmed dead when gunmen, in renewed attacks, stormed Marit and Gashish communities of Barkin Ladi local government council of Plateau State on Monday.
Our correspondent reports that the gunmen stormed the communities and started shooting sporadically, leaving several others with injuries.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Barki Ladi local government area, Hon. Stephen Gyang, through the LG’s information officer, Mercy Yop Chuwang, confirmed the incident to our correspondent.
Gyang vehemently condemned the attacks that resulted in the loss of six innocent lives at Marit Village and Gashish District.
The Chairman who also visited the injured persons at the Barki Ladi General Hospital, expressed profound sadness and disappointment over the resurgence of violence in the area at a time the Council is working tirelessly to promote peace and stability.
He acknowledged the efforts of vigilantes and security agencies in maintaining law and order and urged them to be more proactive and vigilant in preventing further attacks.
Gyang also emphasised that the cycle of violence must be brought to an end and called on all relevant stakeholders, including security agencies, community leaders, and residents to join hands in promoting peace and security in Barkin Ladi.
He prayed for God’s comfort and peace for the families of the deceased and communities affected by the attack while he admonished the healthcare personnel to urgently attend to the health needs of the survivors of the attack.