76 Heads Straight to Number 1

.... as Ramsey, Rita, DKD and IB tour cinemas

The hotly anticipated movie - 76, the first Nollywood film to get an international sales and distribution deal is out with a bang in cinemas and in its second week since its release.

In a press statement signed and made available to The Press today by Wabiye Idoniboye-Obu,

Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity to Prince Tony Princewill said, it (76) is still topping the charts and selling out tickets to audience as people waiting till weekends to watch the film have been left disappointed as many arrived cinemas to find the movie completely sold out.

The statement continues thus: “Some say it is the quality of the film that is generating the buzz as it has left

audiences wowed by the high production standards it has set. Others say it is the acting, as Rita Dominic and Ramsey Nouah put up such stellar performances that they have not only given their fans another reason to celebrate them, they have won over a new legion of movie enthusiasts.

“Many who never watched Nigerian films before, have been converted after watching 76. It is not the usual comedy or Nollywood film but it has all the moments of laughter, action, pain, tears and downright edge of your seat excitement all wrapped into one. No matter the theory on the success of 76, what is clear though is that its impressive numbers can not be removed from the commitment the cast and the crew are showing to the film.

“As of the last count, 13 cinemas had seen Rita, Ramsey, DKD and Ib Fiberesima behind the counter selling tickets, interacting with fans, taking selfies and conducting audience reactions. This is from Ajah to Abuja, from Palms in Lekki to Palms in Ibadan and from Cedi Plaza in Abuja to Filmhouse in Surulere. Turning up without warning and making cinema goer's day.

“It's Director, Izu Ojukwu, famously described as the "Steven Spielberg" of Nigerian cinema is notorious for being a lot more comfortable behind the camera. But even he was on tour and had this to say for his film. "I have done my part. Now it’s time for audiences to do theirs and assess if we did our part well. Initial responses are encouraging I must say. Going on tour has helped me see where next I should take my art of filmmaking.

“When quizzed on the next steps, the Executive Producer of the movie, Tonye T.J.T Princewill said that

"having been recognised by Hollywood, Toronto and London, we thought that being recognised back home may be asking too much. But what we are seeing here is simply mind blowing. Selling out shows is one thing but selling them out when they are overlapping, I have never seen done before. There is no place like home. None.

“Put on top of that, the fact that 76 just won four awards for best Script, best Actor, best Director and best overall Film at the recent African Film Festival and you could not have asked for more. Commercial and artistic success is hard to achieve together. Usually you will do well to achieve either. We will continue to tour the country to engage with the fans and surprise Nigerians at their local cinemas through the holidays and into the New Year.

“Next stop we head to Kano, Owerri, Benin, Asaba, Warri and my beloved PH. We have already made our money back with our Hollywood deal, but the best reward for us is a chance to see Nigerian eyes light up when they feel the impact of 76.”

“Many fans emerged from the screenings with overwhelming excitement. One of the fans flew in from Accra just to watch the film, another drove from Ibadan to come and watch it only to find out it was also showing in all the 3 cinemas there. 76 is showing now all over Nigeria. Click on the video below to capture some of the audience reactions and see pictures of the tour”

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v= 2-RAAjEkXK8&feature=em-share_ video_user

Ojukaye’s Release: Triumph of Light over Evil - Dakuku Peterside

Ojukaye’s Release: Triumph of Light over Evil - Dakuku Peterside

The Rivers State governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the 2015 general elections, Dr. Dakuku Peterside has described the bail granted Hon Ojukaye Flag-Amachree by the Court of Appeal on all counts as the “triumph of light over evil and end of wickedness from Rivers State Government House.”

He stressed that the judiciary has once again risen to its bastion as the last hope of the oppressed and those unjustly persecuted by power mongers.

Hon. Ojukaye Flag Amachree, an APC chieftain in Rivers State was arrested and sent to prison on concocted charges by the Rivers State Government and all reasonable attempts to get the state High Court grant him bail fell on deaf ears.

Along the line, one of the lawyers defending him in court, Barr. Ken Atsuwete, was murdered in controversial circumstances, just as the Rivers State Government filed fresh murder charges against Amachree, in an attempt to keep him perpetually in prison.

However, Dr. Dakuku Peterside says the evil plans of the Nyesom Wike-led administration in the state will never endure as “time and time again, it will fall like pack of cards as you cannot build something on nothing.”

“This is a great day for Rivers people. This is a pointer to the end of recklessness, arbitrariness, impunity and wickedness on the part of a governor who rose to power through violence.

“The Appeal Court has once again reaffirmed our belief in the judiciary. No matter how long a lie has travelled, it takes just one day for truth to catch up with it. Today, the truth has dawned on evil and wickedness. 

“All along, we have always maintained the innocence of Ojukaye Flag Amachree. Even the police have come out to say they do not have evidence against him. So you wonder why the desperation of Wike and his cohorts? Why the desperation to incarcerate Ojukaye? He stated.

Peterside, who is also the Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), berated Governor Nyesom Wike for alleging that INEC has handed over the original result sheets of December 10 re-run election in the state to Minister of Transportation, Rt Hon. Chibuike Amaechi.

According to him, “Wike is just being mischievous and desperate. At every election, he is the one accusing everybody of plans to rig election. Sometimes, he forgets that he is the governor of the state and his statements are embarrassing to the office he occupies.

“Wike should stop crying and face the election. I have always said it and I will still maintain my stand - the APC will win any free and fair election in Rivers State. We have responsible and decent candidates that can win election at anytime. 

“Why is Wike always afraid of every election? If he is not threatening INEC officials, he is accusing security agencies of compromise. He is the same person that will set phantom Commission of Inquiry to arrive at a predetermined outcome. What manner of a governor is Wike? For how long will he continue to fool Rivers people?” Dr. Peterside queried.         

Signed:

DAP Media Team

There Is No Impeachment Threat against Igbuya, Says Henry

There Is No Impeachment Threat against Igbuya, Says Henry

There is no impeachment moves against the speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Monday Igbuya, says Henry Ovie, his Chief Press Secretary.

A statement from the office of the speaker distanced the members of the assembly from the impeachment rumour and described the members as highly responsible and patriotic individuals who are more concerned with the peaceful co-existence and development of the state than heating up the polity, as it is being insinuated by a section of the media.

The statement signed by Henry also came hard on some journalists in the state, urging them not to turn the state into a battle field but to engage themselves in constructive and productive journalism.

He urged them to stop cheapening the profession by publishing unworthy news items and using unprintable words in their publications.

“The Rt. Hon Speaker did not exchange blow with any staff.”

The Chief Press Secretary accused some media practitioners of working tooth and nail with some detractors to cause disaffection and disunity within the state.

“The Delta State House of Assembly is not a home for blackmailers, opportunists and hooligans.”

He described the allegation of inexperience, corruption, high handedness and inability to lead the house as “unimaginable, unthinkable and cheap propaganda" by enemies of the state.

Ebireri said some media practitioners and their sponsors were executing a plan to discredit the speaker.
He fired shot at those saying Igbuya is bringing the house into disrepute and ridicule, describing the view as an irresponsible vendetta.

The chief press secretary also accused some journalists of resorting to cheap blackmail and blatant lies in the agitation of the assembly workers.

He praised Igbuya for his dynamic leadership, outstanding contribution and commitment to the development of the state.

He commended him for stamping his unique leadership style in the management of the assembly and the steps that are essential to the future of the house.

 “His life is a flowing tribute of excellence. His leadership style has earned him the gratitude and admiration of many while his conviction and willingness to speak out with a clear voice make him the best House of Assembly Speaker in the history of Delta State” he said.

 “The Rt. Hon Speaker has helped to reshape legislative duties in the state. His outstanding leadership is appreciated by Deltans from all walks of life.”

He assured the good people of Delta State that Igbuya would not be distracted in his assigned role of developing the state and working for the prosperity agenda of the Okowa administration.

“Chief Monday Igbuya has never acted against the interests of the members and the state. He will continue to play his role in the development of the non-oil sector, creation of wealth, reduction of youth unemployment, rapid infrastructural development and inclusive economic growth” Ebireri said.

He advised Mister Speaker to disregard the antics of blackmailers.

“Igbuya, a legislator so committed to the ideal of a better society and to the welfare of the down trodden, stands very tall in Nigeria as a man of great moral rectitude” he added.

Save Lagos Group lauds Lagos Assembly over call banning demolition of slums

Save Lagos Group lauds Lagos Assembly over call banning demolition of slums

A civil society organization, Save Lagos Group has lauded members of the Lagos State House of Assembly over their call on Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to halt further demolition of slums across riverine areas of the state.

In a statement issued by the Convener, Comrade Adeniyi A. Sulaiman and the Director, Media, Comrade Olaolu Oladipo, Save Lagos Group urged the Assembly members to expand the resolution to cover other areas of the state.

Reacting to the call the duo specifically lauded the Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Mudasiru Obasa, chairman of the ad hoc committee set up to look into the matters, Hon. Adefunmilayo Tejuosho and other members for taking the decision they consider as populist.

According to the Save Lagos Group, “We welcome the call, which is in line with the desire of our organization considering the prevailing economic reality in the country that prevents the vast majority of Nigerians from accessing decent shelter in their country.”

It added that the Assembly has lived up to its billing as the safeguard of the common man by taking the decision, saying it (the state House of Assembly) has rekindled the confidence of the people of the state that democracy has come to stay not only in the state but across the country.

“Our group had in a statement recently called for caution on the part of the state government on the issue as we felt that it would not be in the best interest of the people who are supposed to be the primary responsibilities of those in government.”

While restating its believe that though, the state government owes it a duty to enforcement its laws relating to ensuring sanity in the town planning activities, the Save Lagos Group also used the opportunity to urge the state government to provide alternative arrangements for those to be affected by the planned mass demolition.

“It is at this juncture that we appeal the Assembly to expand its resolution to cover all parts of the state and not to restrict its call to riverine areas of the state alone, since poverty knows no geographical boundary. To us, all Lagosians who are the lowest rung of the social ladder must and should benefit from this gesture.”

Adeniyi A. Sulaiman                                                 Olaolu Oladipo

(Revolutionary Alfa)                                                Director, Media and Strategy

Convener                                                                  

CNPP Talks Tough Over Fresh Planned Fuel Price Hike

…Urges Nigerians Never to Rely on Labour Unions 

….Warns FG of Consequences

With the rumour of a possible increase in pump price of petrol getting stronger by the day, the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) on Monday warned of the imminent consequences of any such plan at a time an average Nigerian citizen can hardly afford one good meal a day.

The Conference, which is the umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations in the country, also counseled the citizens never to put their hope Labour unions in Nigeria for any reversal of a hike in pump price if the federal government eventually dances to the tune of the rumour mongers.

In a statement signed by its Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, the CNPP maintained that since 2012, it became obvious that the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and their allied unions have not proven to be selfless partners with the poor masses in times of need and cannot be trusted at this time or even in the future.

According to the CNPP, “The only hope for the ordinary citizen in the country at a time like this is the CNPP and its coalition of civil society groups.

“Since the rumour of fuel price hike began to make the rounds, observable body language of some government officials as well as their statements point to the fact that the increment is sure to come if the ordinary people did not resist the plan. 

“More so, former and present bosses of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) have at one time or the other in recent times maintained that the price of fuel might have to be increased from the current rate of N145 per litre due to the rising exchange rate. 

“The CNPP is currently mobilizing leaders of the civil society groups for a mother-of-all resistance if the federal government dares to increase the pump price of petrol at any time. 

“Nigerians should not be taken unawares at this time. Those who are conversant with the antics of the current administration know that any time such rumour and the attendant denials by the federal government begin, the time for the increment is nearer than imagined. 

“But if President Muhammadu Buhari believes that he still has the goodwill that enabled him increase the pump price of fuel from N85.50 to N145, the administration must be joking. 

“The Nigerian masses allowed the last fuel price hike because they never wanted the Buhari regime to have any excuse for failure. But today, it has become more obvious that the government has remained on the trial-and-error mode for 18months in office.

“Therefore, we join well meaning Nigerians and the masses of this country to say no to another fuel price hike. The CNPP is set to lead the struggle at this time and the resistance shall be total”, the Conference vowed.