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Ahead Ondo Gov: SDP Deputy Gov Candidate, Alabi Resigns

By
Ayodele Oni
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Mrs Susan Gbemisola Alabi

By Ayodele Oni

As alignment and realignment continues towards the November governorship election in Ondo state, the deputy governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party, (SDP) in state, Mrs Susan Gbemisola Alabi has resigned from the party.

In her resignation letter dated Wednesday, October 2nd, 2004 to the National Chairman of the SDP, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, Alabi said that she has informed the Governorship candidate of the party,  Bamidele Akingboye of her decision.

In another letter to the SDP  candidate, Akingboye, also dated Wednesday October 2nd, 2024, she stated, “In furtherance to the discussion you had with me and the advise you gave me on the morning of Friday 20th September, 2024, I hereby formally resign as the Social Democratic Party Deputy Governorship Candidate for Ondo State in the 2024 governorship election.

“The resignation takes immediate effect.

“I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to run alongside with you. Your leadership has been inspiring and I have learnt a lot on this journey.

“As I step away, I wish you the very best in your future endeavours. I am confident that you will continue to make a significant impact on our great state.

“After careful consideration and consultations, I have decided to send in my resignation letter. I’d rather do that than go the route you advised saying I’m too sick to continue as your Deputy.

“For the record, please note that I’m not sick and can perform optimally. However, for the sake of your ambition and you concluding to replace me with someone else from the Central of Ondo State, as you believe it will better your chances of winning, I hereby formally resign my position with you as your Deputy.”

$30bn Investment: Your Claim Is False, Mr President- Report

By
James Orji
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President Bola Tinubu’s claim that his administration attracted over $30 billion investment to the country is false, according to the  Foundation for Investigative Journalism, FIJ.

The president made the claim during his nationwide broadcast on Tuesday to mark the country’s 64th independence anniversary.

Reeling out his administration’s achievements the president said yesterday that $30 billion foreign Direct Investment, FDI, has been attracted to the country in the last one year.

“The economy is undergoing the necessary reforms and retooling to serve us better and more sustainably,” Tinubu said.

“If we do not correct the fiscal misalignments that led to the current economic downturn, our country will face an uncertain future and the peril of unimaginable consequences.

“Thanks to the reforms, our country attracted foreign direct investments worth more than $30 billion in the last year.”

This claim means that several foreign investors set up shop in Nigeria and invested more than $30 billion of their money in the Nigerian market.

FIJ reviewed Tinubu’s statement to verify the authenticity of his $30 billion FDI claim.

Tuesday was not the first time the executive arm of the federal government made the $30 billion FDI claim.

On March 5, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation said the government had attracted over $30 billion in FDI commitments.

During the 2023 Leadership Annual Conference and Award in Abuja, Idris said, “Since we assumed office in May 2023, we have attracted $30 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) commitments into the real sectors of the economy, including manufacturing, telecoms, healthcare, oil and gas, and others.

“Those investments have already started coming into the country. Just a few days ago, I was in Qatar on an official visit, where the Emir assured that a senior government delegation would visit Nigeria after Ramadan.

“I have asked the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy to directly interface with the Qatari authorities to ensure that speedy progress is made.”

A month before Idris’ public address, Doris Uzoka-Anite, the minister of industry, trade and investment, addressed the media on February 17. During that address, she mentioned the commitments. According to her, it will take five to eight years to redeem these commitments.

Neither Uzoka-Anite nor Idris claimed the government secured the investments in full or during the past year, but Tinubu said his administration already secured the $30 billion in FDI.

Ortom Vows PDP Return To Power

By
James Orji
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Samuel Ortom

The immediate past governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has assured Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, supporters that the party will return to party in 2027.

The former governor made the remark in Makurdi, the state when members of the G14 paid him a courtesy visit in his home.

He stated that the PDP will take over from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

The PDP lost power under his watch last year to the APC, making Ortom one of the state governors who failed to install their successors.

The former helmsman however told the G14, representing PDP elders from the 14 local government areas, LGA in the state what the party required to roll back to power in the next election, is to unite its members.

He urged them to put the past behind and work harder for the party to return to power, stressing that he will continue to support the group as the Co-Chairman.

Ortom said, “I encourage you to work and be conscience of the party. Let us put behind us the past grievances. This is the time you have to work harder than before and bring back some of those who want to join us.

“I know that many people are yearning to return to the party, let us begin a new journey, and with God’s on our side, we will get the power back to our party in 2027.”

The former governor is among the PDP governors who refused to support the party’s 2023 Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. They were known as G5, and their decision to back Bola Tinubu has been blamed for APC consolidation of power at the centre after the eight years tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari.

House Of Reps Rejects CFR National Honour For Speaker, Says Members At Par With Senators

By
Ayodele Oni
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Tajudeen Abbas - Speaker

By Ayodele Oni

The House of Representatives has clarified that members are not inferior to the senate and to prove that, rejected the National Honour conferred on Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas.

The lawmakers accused President Bola Tinubu of discriminating against the lower chamber of the National Assembly after conferring a higher honour on Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

President Tinubu, while addressing the nation to mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary celebration, stated that the Senate President, Akpabio and Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun had been conferred with honour of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).

Others mentioned for awards include the Deputy Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Abbas and Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau were conferred with the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), respectively, a lower rank to that of the senate president.

However, following a motion of urgent public importance moved by Philip Agbese on Wednesday, the House resolved the members are not inferior to Senators, and therefore, both leaders should be treated equally.

The motion, signed by 360 members of the House, called for the abolition of the “upper chamber and lower chamber nomenclature”, stating that both chambers are equal.

President Tinubu Begins Two Weeks Working Leave, Jets Out To UK

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bola Tinubu on board Presidential Jet

By Ayodele Oni

The Presidency has announced that President Bola Tinubu will begin a two-week working leave. He is expected to depart Abuja on Wednesday for the United Kingdom.

The two-week leave is part of the President’s yearly leave.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser  on Information and Strategy, stated that the President will use the two weeks as a working vacation and a retreat to reflect on his administration’s economic reforms.

He will return to the country at the expiration of the leave.

Youth Group Wants REC Transferred Ahead Ondo Gov Election, Alleges  Unholy Romance With APC

By
Ayodele Oni
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Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola

By Ayodele Oni

Citing what they allege is an unholy relationship with some chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, a group, Ondo state Youth Vanguard, has demanded for the transfer of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, (REC) in the state, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola.

Members of the youth group, which backed their demand with a street peaceful protest on Wednesday in Akure, maintained that their demand was to ensure a credible governorship election in the state come November.

In a petition to the INEC chairman on behalf of the group,

Mr Adeniyi Farinto, a lawyer, explained that the REC was posted to the state on the request of the governor to assist him during the election.

It claimed that Mrs Babalola grew up in Akure living with her parents all of whom are card carrying members of the APC.

Part of the petition reads “We have the firm instructions of our Clients to bring to your notice the activities of the Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner and to implore you, as a matter of urgency, to immediately transfer Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola as the Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner before the forthcoming Ondo State Gubernatorial Elections set to hold on the 16th day of November, 2024.

“This demand became necessary and imperative in order to safeguard the Electoral Integrity and Fairness and level playing ground in the forthcoming Gubernatorial Election in Ondo State.

“The compromised position of Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola is further undermined by her activities and alliance with members of political parties within the state.

“This clearly, is a conflict of interest which threatens to undermine the foundation of our democracy and imperil the trust of the people of Ondo State in the Electoral process.

“Her association with notable politicians in Ondo State especially members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) indicates the politicization of the Electoral process leading to loss of faith in the democratic system

“It is our firm believe that your Commission has the sacred duty and responsibility to protect the integrity of the Electoral process and maintain public trust in the forthcoming Election in Ondo State.

“We hereby urge you Sir to use your good offices to immediately transfer Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola out of Ondo State and to be given another role within your Commission and appoint a neutral, unbiased, and credible individual as the Resident Electoral Commissioner of Ondo State to superintend the forthcoming Governorship Election.

“This is not merely a request, but also an imperative duty to safeguard the integrity of the Independent National Electoral Commission as the Commission responsible for protecting democracy and electoral processes carried out in the nation at large.”

The administrative secretary of INEC in Ondo State, Biodun Amosun, while addressing the protesters, assured them that their votes would count.

Amosun stated that allegations against the REC would be handled at the national headquarters of the electoral body.

“We have heard your demands. The thing is being handled at the headquarters. It is not easy for INEC to do anything if you vote. Ensure you have a situation room where you collate results from the polling units.”

FIFA Under-17 World Cup: Coach Olowookere Name 24 For World Showpiece

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Bankole Olowookere

By Akinwale Kasali

As the Flamingoes of Nigeria prepare for the FIFA Under-17 Female World Cup in Dominican Republic, Head Coach of the Team, Bankole Olowookere has listed Captain Taiwo Afolabi and forwards Harmony Chidi and Peace Effiong in his 21-woman Flamingos’ roster for this Championship.

The clinical Chidi scored 13 of the team’s record-setting 25 goals in the qualifying series, as the bronze medallists from the last edition of the championship in India barnstormed their way past Central African Republic, Burkina Faso and Liberia in the continental campaign.

Petite midfielder Afolabi will lead the midfield, alongside Faridat Abdulwahab, Shakirat Moshood and Ayomide Rotimi, while first-choice goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma will have Sylvia Echefu and Elizabeth Boniface pushing her to her best all the time.

Taiwo Adegoke leads six other defenders, with Harmony Chidi leading six other forwards including Peace Effiong.

Nigeria will compete in Group A of the 16-nation finals alongside host nation Dominican Republic, Ecuador and New Zealand.

The delegation of Flamingos will depart the shores of Nigeria aboard a Turkish Airlines flight on Tuesday, 1st October for a two-week training tour in Santo Domingo, capital city of the Dominican Republic, ahead of the commencement of the tournament.

FLAMINGOS FOR FIFA U17 WORLD CUP DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 2024

Goalkeepers: Christiana Uzoma (Edo Queens); Elizabeth Boniface (Sunshine Queens); Sylvia Echefu (Confluence Queens)

Defenders: Prisca Nwachukwu (Imo Strikers); Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels); Taiwo Adegoke (Remo Stars Ladies); Rokibat Azeez (New Generation Academy); Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies); Vivian Ekezie (Heartland Queens); Ololade Isiaka (Abia Angels)

Midfielders: Taiwo Afolabi (Delta Queens); Faridat Abdulwahab (Nasarawa Amazons); Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens); Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy)

Forwards: Oghenemairo Obruthe (City Sports); Harmony Chidi (Imo Strikers); Kudirat Arogundade (Green Foot); Ramotalahi Kareem (Honey Badgers); Aishat Animashaun (Naija Ratels); Peace Effiong (Rivers Angels); Blessing Ifitezue (Delta Queens)

FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Dominican Republic 2024  Groups are;

Group A: Dominican Republic, Ecuador, New Zealand, Nigeria

Group B: Spain, USA, Korea Republic, Colombia

Group C: Korea DPR, Mexico, Kenya, England

Group D: Japan, Poland, Brazil, Zambia

FG Begins Distribution of 2,000 CNG-Powered Tricycles To Youths

By
Akinwale Kasali
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CNG Powered Tricycles

By Akinwale Kasali

In fulfilling his Independence Day Promise to the Youths during his Independence Day Speech, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, has flagged off the distribution of 2000 CNG-Powered Tricycles to empower Nigerian youths.

The flag-off held at the Old Parade Ground in Abuja was part of activities to commemorate the 64th anniversary of Nigeria’s Independence.

In his address, the Project Director of the Presidential Initiative on CNG, Michael Oluwagbemi, said the distribution of the tricycles marked the fulfilment of promises made by President Bola Tinubu to reduce the cost of transportation, enhance economic well-being, enhance the environment through the utilisation of clean fuel, and create jobs for the youth population, through the introduction of CNG.

He said the CNG tricycles were assembled in Shagamu, adding that it was expected that the delivery of the tricycles would create employment both in operations, maintenance, and deployments of the tricycles across Nigeria.

“I’m pleased to announce to you that we are here to deliver on Mr President’s promise and to hand over 2,000 CNG-powered tricycles that will begin to form the bedrock of this revolution.

“These tricycles you see here are not just here to be used in Nigeria. They are also wholly assembled in Nigeria in a factory in Shagamu. Over 50 young people were trained in the last three weeks and are putting together these CNG tricycles, and many more of them are coming,” he said.

He noted that “beyond the tricycle assembly, we expect that with this delivery thousands of youths across our country will be employed not just in the operations of these tricycles, but also in the maintenance and efficient deployment of these tricycles across Nigeria.

Abia LG Polls: APC Withdraws From Exercise

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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APC

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The All Progressive Congress, APC, Abia State Chapter, has announced its withdrawal from the November 2, 2024 Local Council Polls in the State.

This is coming at a time its main rival, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,  just reaffirmed its participation in the election being midwifed by the Labour Party, LP-led Abia State Government.

The Source reports that the Abia state Independent Electoral Commission, ABSIEC, penultimate week, rolled out the time table for the polls. Political parties were given between September 24 and October 2,2024 to organize their Primaries.

The PDP, after its stakeholders meeting at its Umuahia headquarters last week, formally informed that it is ready to fully participate in the exercise.

The meeting presided over by its Caretaker Committee Chairman, Dr Alwell Asiforo Okere, also announced the fees for its expression of interest and nomination forms .

Those interested in the Chairmanship race are to pay N200,000,while Councilorship aspirants are to pay the sum of N25,000 .

Women aspirants are to pay half of the official fees for both positions .

Only on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, Jude Ndukwe, Head of Abia PDP Media team cautioned party followers, particularly aspirants to be wary of orchestrated fake campaign to dissuade members from the polls.

According to him, the news making the rounds in some quarters to the effect that the PDP has withdrawn from the scheduled local Government election is not only false, but a calculated attempt to undermine the party .

He reiterated PDP’s preeminent position in the political equation of Abia, despite not being in control of the Executive arm of Government .

Conversely however ,the APC Publicity Secretary, Engr Sterling Chinwe Uruakpa, on Wednesday October 2, cited lack of official communication and observance of extant rules governing the polls by the ABSIEC as major reasons for its decision to boycott the exercise.

According to him, the decision was reached on Tuesday October 1, at a joint meeting between the state Working Committee and APC Local Government Chairmen at its  State Secretariat Umuahia

The APC spokesperson noted that as the ruling party at the centre and the biggest in the land, it is completely averse to relying on social media to learn about a serious issue as the scheduled council election.

He emphasized the imperativeness of ABSIEC in exploring proper channels in communicating to parties ,as well as in information dissemination.

Uruakpa stated that as at the time the party concluded to boycott the election, the electoral umpire had not officially notified it of the election and its date .

“The All Progressive Congress is the ruling party in Nigeria and the biggest party in Africa and will not tolerate any form of contempt and disrespect from ABSIEC .

“It (ABSIEC) must follow due process in the conduct of its activities ,ensure inclusiveness and provide a level playing field for all the parties in order to gain the confidence and trust of the political parties and the people” the APC Spokesman noted.

Signs that the APC may toe its present line of action, manifested  on Saturday September 21, 2024, following its boycott of an interactive session between ABSIEC and the leadership  Office the  political parties.

10 Confirmed Dead By LASEMA In Lagos-Badagry Auto Crash

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Lagos-Badagry Auto Crash

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, has confirmed that no fewer than 10 persons died in a tragic vehicle accident. Three others sustained varying degrees of injuries in the auto crash which occurred along the Lagos-Badagry expressway Lagos State.

Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, in a statement on Wednesday, noted that the agency, alongside other stakeholders battled hard to ensure that the death figure reduced.

A breakdown of the fatalities showed that three were male adults, four females, two female children and one male child. All died around Abule-Osun end of the Lagos-Badagry expressway in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of the state.

The accident occurred after a Toyota Sienna with number plate BDG 342 FS, rammed into a stationary truck landen with granite stones while trying to navigate the road.

Oke-Osanyintolu disclosed that the accident occurred at about 23:00 pm yesterday when the ill-fated Sport Utility Vehicles, SUV,  returning from the Eastern region of the country suddenly experienced brake failure and rammed into the truck.

“Further investigations revealed that the truck, which was laden with granite, was parked on the road shutting down about half of the carriage way, while the Toyota Sienna on top speed, unknowingly crashed into the parked truck from behind.

“10 people lost their lives to the unfortunate incident, while three were critically injured.

“The injured passengers were rescued and taken to a nearby hospital by officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC) before the arrival of the Agency’s LRT at the scene of the  incident include: one female adult and two children.

“The recovered bodies have been handed over to the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU) for onward transfer to the mortuary pending when their families could be located”, he added.

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