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Paris 2024 Olympics: Coach Waldrum Drops Onome Ebi, Ordega, Plumptre From 22-Super Falcons Squad

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Super Falcons

By Akinwale Kasali

With less than 23 days to the commencement of the Paris 2024 Olympics, Super Falcons Coach, Randy Waldrum has named his 22-players to hoist the Nation’s flag at the global showpiece.

Surprisingly, CSKA Moscow mercurial winger, Francesca Ordega was dropped from the squad, despite her outstanding performance in the Russia Female League, where she led her team to the League and Domestic Cup triumph.

Another Surprising omission from the team is Al-Ittihad Football Club of Saudi Arabia left back, Ashleigh Plumptre, who was impressive at the Olympics Qualifiers and performed brilliantly well at the 2023 Women FIFA World Cup,  co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

The omission of 41-Year Old Onome Ebi was not surprising, as the Naija Ratels defender hasn’t been impressive since moving to the Nigeria Women Football League, NWFL.

Waldrum named a 22-woman list made up of active players in their various clubs, top on the list are captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Osinachi Ohale, forward Asisat Oshoala and 14 other players in his final list of Nigeria’s Super Falcons for this year’s Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in France.

There are also defenders Oluwatosin Demehin and Michelle Alozie, midfielders Deborah Abiodun, Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Ucheibe and Toni Payne, and forwards Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo and Uchenna Kanu.

Squad members who are currently on holidays in Nigeria will join home-based players and team officials aboard an Air France flight from Abuja to Sevilla, Spain on Thursday night, with the rest of the playing body and technical team also arriving in Sevilla on Friday for a two-week training camp.

Nine-time African champions Nigeria, who are making their first appearance at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament for the first time since 2008 in China, will tackle Brazil, Spain and Japan, in that order, at this year’s tournament.

To qualify for the 12-team tournament, the Falcons edged South Africa’s Banyana Banyana 1-0, with a strike from the penalty spot in Abuja by Ajibade separating Africa’s top two teams over two legs in the month of April.

Their first game, against Brazil, comes up at the Stade Bordeaux on 25th July, before confrontations with Spain (28th July) and Japan (31st July). The matches against Spain and Japan will hold at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes, where the Super Eagles famously defeated tournament favourites Spain 3-2 in a memorable game at the 1998 FIFA World Cup finals.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC); Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia)

Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Oluwatosin Demehin (Stade de Reims, France); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Nicole Payne (Portland Thorns FC, USA); Chidinma Okeke (Mynavi Sendai Ladies, Japan)

Midfielders: Deborah Abiodun (University of Pittsburgh, USA); Halimatu Ayinde (FC Rosengard, Sweden); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Jennifer Echegini (Juventus Ladies, Italy); Toni Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain)

Forwards: Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid FC, Spain); Esther Okoronkwo (Changchun FC, China); Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, USA); Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville, USA); Chiwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Chinonyerem Macleans (Locomotiv Moscow, Russia)

Alternate Players: Jumoke Alani (Nasarawa Amazons); Ifeoma Onumonu (Utah Royals, USA); Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Morufa Ademola (Rivers Angels).

Cholera Epidemic: WHO Donates Materials To Ondo

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Cholera Outbreak in Lagos

By Ayodele Oni

As part of intervention to curtail outbreak and spread of cholera epidemic, the World Health Organization (WHO), has donated Infection and Prevention Control (IPC) materials to the Ondo State Ministry of Health.

Speaking during the donation in Akure, Ondo State, Coordinator for the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Dele David, noted that the organization has always been at the forefront of preventing outbreaks and deaths in communities and among healthcare workers.

The WHO State Coordinator pointed out that the organization has always been sustaining the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) during and after epidemics for proper planning and informed decisions.

He also explained that WHO has been supporting pillars to develop action plans in case of any outbreak, adding that it has integrated with communities in the state to create awareness on diseases through community and media engagement.

Dr. David assured of WHO’s continued support to states in the country to ensure the highest sustainable level of health for all Nigerians through collaboration with both government and other partners in the health sector.

Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Awolowo, while receiving the materials, emphasized that the state had recorded two cases of cholera in March this year, stating that the state was able to curtail the outbreak in Okitipupa Local Government Area as a result of its preparedness to combat the disease.

He stated that the state was ready to combat any case of cholera as it has activated its surveillance in the 203 wards and the 18 Local Government Areas.

The Commissioner lauded the commitment of the Governor of the state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in providing an Emergency Preparedness Fund to tackle the scourge of cholera in the state within the shortest period of an outbreak.

Heavy Rainstorm Wreaks Havoc In Lagos, Renders Many Homeless

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Flood in Lagos

By Akinwale Kasali

The heavy rainstorm that Lagos, Oyo State, Ogun and its environs witnessed has wreaked havoc, and left many counting their losses.

The rain which started at dawn, Tuesday continued beyond mid-day, sacking many from their homes, as residents lament the loss of property and flooding of private and commercial homes.

Workers, mororists, commuters and even students writing their National Examination Council, NECO and promotion examinations were thrown into turmoil all day on Wednesday, as there was traffic gridlock on roads as a result of flood that has taken over the roads in most part of Lagos.

Investigations revealed that those living in Lagos Island and mainland were adversely affected by the heavy downpour.

On Ikorodu Road, there was traffic snarl, as most commuters were forced to return home, due to the impossible navigation to their respective destinations.

The heavy downpour, which began early Wednesday, caused water levels to rise rapidly, inundating homes, businesses, and major roads.

It caused flooding in the Iyana-Oworo area leading to the 3rd Mainland Bridge/Oshodi.

The flood rendered the road almost impassable causing heavy gridlock that has extended to the Berger area of the State.

Local authorities report that the worst-hit areas include Lekki, Victoria Island, and Ajah, where streets have turned into rivers and vehicles have been submerged.

“I’ve never seen anything like this in all my years living here,” said a resident of Lekki. “The water came in so fast; we barely had time to save any of our belongings.”

The flooding has raised concerns about the city’s infrastructure and drainage systems, long criticized for being inadequate to handle heavy rains. Experts are calling for urgent improvements to prevent future disasters.

In Ogun State and Oyo State, it was the same situation, as many residents are counting their losses. Commuters and motorists were stranded, while some houses and cars were flooded.

The Lagos State Government has called for calm after the downpour which began around 3 a.m. on Wednesday.

The rain which caused heavy flooding has led to gridlock in many parts of the state especially Olopo Meji inward third Mainland, Ikeja, Lekki, Isheri Oshun and environs.

Reacting to the development, Commissioner for Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, urged residents to avoid panic.

Wahab revealed that the flash flood is being caused by the high intensity of the long rain duration coupled with the current high tidal lagoon level.

He wrote, “The Olopo Meji inward 3rd Mainland situation is a flash flood that is due to the high intensity of the rain, long duration rain coupled with high tidal lagoon level at the moment. Be rest assured it would go away in about 1-2hour. As the high tidal level of the lagoon goes down, the rain/ storm water will be able to discharge into the lagoon.”

In a fresh update, the Commissioner wrote:

“The EFAG team from the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources @LasgMOE were deployed to monitor/clear the flash flood at the Olopomeji section of Iyana Oworo.

“The road is now free from rainwater. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”

Abia To Shore Up  Internally Generated Revenue Profile, Halts  Talent Drain Through Sporting Engagements

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Abia State Footbll Superlig

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Enyimba International Stadium Aba, and Abia Warriors Stadium Umuahia, with a cumulative value of over N7 billion if properly harnessed and maximally utilized, have the potentials of substantially contributing to the internally generated revenue of the  State.

This is even as the Abia state Government said it has resolved to upscale the number of activities that are being presently hosted by the  two sporting facilities for the purposes of tapping deeply into the huge sporting potentials of the State as well as opening up the economy for maximum returns on investments.

These were the grains of the address by  the duo of Sir Nwaobilo Ananaba, the Abia State Commissioner for Youths and  Sports and Dike Dinmiri, the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of Fifty 1 Alliance, a sports and entertainment asset   management outfit at a  joint press conference held in Umuahia on Wednesday July 3 ,2024 to unveil the novel  Abia state Football Super League.

To actualize the Super League which will be  played  at the two giant sporting arenas in the state- Enyimba International Stadium and Abia Warriors stadium, Sir Ananaba informed that the State Government has entered into a Public Private partnership with Fifty 1 Alliance .

He noted that in the last  one year, the Abia State Government has collaborated with Fifty 1 Alliance to successfully develop  Table Tennis and  Basketball leagues ,as well as a Boxing Tournament in the State.

“To ensure the smooth running of the Super league ,an eight-member league Management Committee, LMC, comprising the Hon. Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development,as Chairman,and membership drawn from Fifty 1 Alliance ,Club owners and experienced Sports and football administrators  will be inaugurated today ( Wednesday July 3).

“The Super League will comprise one division only, called the Superlig, and there will be no promotion or relegation so as to enhance the value of the clubs as an asset to its owners with potential upside resale value .

“The Super league will have nine teams, three teams from each of the three Senatorial Zones in the State, with 72 matches to be played across each season.

“The Super league will have a prize money in the region of N20 million and N25 million to be shared by the clubs according to their finishing positions, at the end of the season . Subject to other revenues. there is scope for increase in the value of the prize pot.” Ananaba stated

According to the Commissioner,the organization of the Super league ,which will be done at no cost to State Government, will nevertheless assist  the  State in reducing youth unemployment,

through engagements in sports and training in Sports business and media productions.

Other expected benefits listed include increase in internally generated revenue for the state, a balance development for the state with capacity to raise the GDP to at least %5  in the short term, and investment in and maintenance of the of the state’s sporting assets .

Sir Ananaba, equally noted that the League will maximize the utilization of existing sporting  facilities ,such as  the two stadia ,and the proposed Airport and New Stadium in the state.

“Prevention of talent drain, out of Abia state, and the use of revenues accruing from the Super league for the maintenance of existing sporting facilities, were also highlighted as part of the benefits.

Further explaining the rationale behind the conceptualization of the Super league. Dimiri said it is part of a wider plan to maximize the two stadia and other sporting facilities in the state for the twin purposes of harnessing the abundant talents in the state ,and shore up the revenue profile of the Government.

“The value of Enyimba International Stadium is about N 4.7 billion .That of Abia Warriors Stadium is over N 2.5 billion. That is a huge investment.

“But you discover that with the stadia mainly being used during home  league matches involving Enyimba and Abia Warriors Football clubs ,the two huge facilities are only being used for 19 days out of 365 days in a year.

“That is not good for the socio- economic development of the state. With the Super league to be  played at the two stadia ,we will be increasing activities ,and also increasing the revenue profile of the state.

“The Super league will also serve the purpose of discovering and marketing of talents, which will be equally a win-win situation for all stakeholders.

“It is in tandem with the policy trust of the amiable Governor of Abia. state Dr Alex Otti’s administration to create an enabling environment  for our talented youths to express their sporting and entertainment talents for reward” Dimiri noted

Kano State Unable To Fill Its Quota In BUK – Vice Chancellor Laments

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Professor Sagir Adamu Abbasn- BUK VC

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Bayero University Kano BUK, has expressed its readiness to partner with the Kano State Government in addressing the challenges facing the Education Sector in the State.

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, who indicated this during a courtesy call on the State Commissioner of Education, Umar Haruna Doguwa, noted that the Institution is encouraged by the steps so far taken by the Government to halt the drift in the educational fortunes of the State, particularly, its recent declaration of State of Emergency in the system.

The Vice Chancellor who was in company with the Institution’s Management Team noted that the first sure step in remedying a situation is to diagnose the root causes both remote and immediate.

He stated that with the declaration of a State of Emergency, the State Government has demonstrated strong commitment to confronting the crisis in the educational system .

According to him, it is against this backdrop of display of political will, that the management of the BUK is desirous to lend a helping hand.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 3 2024, by the Director Public Enlightenment, of the Kano state Ministry of Education, Balarabe Abdullahi Kiru, the BUK Vice Chancellor emphasised the urgent need for  concerted efforts to arrest the ugly situation within the State Education Sector.

“If you can take your time to conduct research with a view to finding out the real problems of education in Kano. then the solutions will far out live your administration.

“So, something needs to be done, urgently, to arrest the situation. We are highly concerned when we  conduct admission. Even though Kano is having the highest number of students at Bayero University, but during every admission process ,we don’t usually have the expected number due to lack of qualifications, Prof Abbas lamented.

“The way out of the quagmire is for the conduct of a holistic prognosis on the education sector with a view to finding out the core challenges.

“To this end, he promised that the BUK ,is ready to offer all the necessary assistance needed,adding that there are many ways the institution can come in ,besides research.

” Bayero University,has the capacity to provide extensive training to teachers in groups, and equip them with what they require to start facing the challenges of education in Kano.

Underscoring the importance of a vibrant and functional educational system to any society, Prof Abbas blamed the high rate of drugs addiction and other social vices in Kano on lack of quality education among the youths.

According to him, the long period of decay of the educational system  has resulted in many youths finding indulgence in criminal activities ,more rewarding than educational pursuits.

In his remarks, Doguwa described the visit as timely going by the  enormity of the crisis within the system.

“It is obvious ,the present administration inherited a near total collapsed education sector ,with dilapidated schools infrastructure and instructional materials ,which resulted in an unconducive learning environment.

“We have produced a documentary programme portraying the total neglect and decay of the education sector  meaning that we have a lot to do in order to address all the challenges .

“This Government is now trying to see how the problems can be addressed ” the Commissioner stated.

He noted that the State Government will be  amenable to collaborating with the BUK in finding a lasting solution to the worrisome situation.

Doguwa informed that the state Government will be interested in the establishment of a research team to conduct a thorough inquest into the challenges facing the education sector in the state.

“We Incorporate Citizens Input Into Law Making” –  Reps Speaker, Abbas

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Tajudeen Abbas - Speaker

By Ayodele Oni

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas has stated that the 10th House under his leadership has been committed to running an open House that actively incorporates citizens’ input in law-making and oversight processes.

He added that concerted efforts have been made to listen to the voices of constituents and reflect their aspirations in legislative activities.

A statement by media aide of the Speaker, Musa Abdullahi Krishi stated that Abbas spoke on Wednesday at the National Assembly when he unveiled the one-year scorecard of the 10th House of Representatives at the opening of a 3-day ‘Open Week’ celebration organized by the Green Chamber.

The event was also to celebrate 25 years of unbroken legislature in the history of the National Assembly.

The Speaker noted that the House has been implementing its Legislative Agenda, which it introduced in October, 2023 and ensured an inclusive and participatory legislature in the past one year.

The Speaker acknowledged the enormity of the challenges before the House flowing from the socioeconomic hardship confronting Nigerians.

He said the Green Chamber rose to the occasion by introducing a total of 1,351 bills, the highest number in any first session since 1999, with 89 of the bills passed.

He emphasized that the most critical aspects of citizen engagement is accountability, noting that “The 10th House of Representatives has been committed to running an open House that actively incorporates citizens’ input in lawmaking and oversight processes.

“We have made concerted efforts to listen to the voices of our constituents and reflect their aspirations in our legislative activities.

“Through town hall meetings, public hearings, and stakeholder engagements, we have ensured that the legislative process remains inclusive and participatory.

“This approach not only enhances the quality of our laws but also ensures that our decisions are rooted in the genuine needs and desires of the Nigerian people. No chamber of the National Assembly has undertaken such an initiative.

“By doing so, we demonstrate our commitment to transparency and readiness to be held accountable by the people we serve.

“Presenting our Scorecard publicly allows us to showcase our achievements, acknowledge our challenges, and highlight our plans for the future.

“It reinforces the idea that the parliament is not just a body that makes laws but an institution that is responsible to its constituents for its actions and performance.

“This performance assessment was undertaken to evaluate how effectively the 10th House of Representatives has implemented its legislative agenda within its first session.

“The assessment serves several key purposes: (i) to gauge the level of preparedness and institutional capacity of the 10th House to deliver on its mandate amid challenging national circumstances, (ii) to assess the maturity of our democracy, which is largely dependent on the efficiency of the legislative arm of government, and (iii) to document the assessment report as a valuable resource in the growing literature of legislative activism.”

Osun: Governor Adeleke Suspends Aide For Diversion Of  Rice

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Oluwaseun Adebisi

By Ayodele Oni

For diverting palliatives meant for the people, Osun state Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has suspended his Senior Special Assistant on Civil Societies, Oluwaseun Adebisi.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Olawale Rasheed, on Wednesday, the Governor ordered the suspension of Adebisi pending the outcome of investigation by a panel headed by the Chief of Staff, Kazeem Akinleye.

Adebisi was  accused of diverting 70 bags of rice meant for civil societies in the State. He was also alleged to be the mastermind of the crisis rocking the State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, (NYC).

In the the meantime, the Governor has warned the transport workers in the State against actions and activities capable of plunging the state into violence and lawlessness.

In a statement on Wednesday in Osogbo, Governor Adeleke directed the Commissioner for Transportation to again summon a reconciliatory meeting of all the warring groups within the transport sector.

NGF Not Opposed To Living Wage For Workers – Ekiti Gov Oyebanji

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Nigeria Governors Forum - NGF

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji has given details of the position of the Nigeria Governors Forum, (NGF) on the proposed new minimum wage.

Oyebanji explained that State Governors, under the aegis of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) are not against approval of a living wage for Nigerian workers.

According to him, what the NGF is clamouring for at present is fiscal federalism that would culminate in the ability and capability of individual states to pay.

The Governor made the clarification at the 7th Quadrennial Delegates Conference of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) in Ado- Ekiti on Wednesday.

He added that since no state in the Federation wants to engage in retrenchment of its workforce, it is incumbent on individual state to determine what it could afford which would not end up in the eventual downsizing of workforce

“The NGF is not against the living wage, no Governor is against the minimum wage, but what we are saying is that it must reflect fiscal federalism, ability and capacity to pay.

“No Governor wants to retrench, if there is a minimum wage today without a concurrent increment in what we are earning, no state can pay, and that is the conversation we are having- that, look, we want to give you a living wage, but we must look at what comes to the states and whatever is in the best interest of the states and the workers, we will do.”

The Governor used the opportunity to call on workers in Ekiti State to embrace agriculture, adding that his administration had cleared over 2,000 hectares of land to be allocated free of charge to interested Ekiti residents.

“My appeal to civil servants is that those who would like to be part of our Agriculture Revolution should form themselves into cooperative societies and approach the Ministry of Agriculture for support.

“It may be difficult to support individually but when you form yourselves into cooperatives, many opportunities are available now.

“We are clearing land free of charge, we are giving inputs and we are going to buy from you. As I speak today, we have cleared more than 2,000 hectares across Ekiti State.”

Governor Oyebanji described civil servants as critical stakeholders in the administration of the state which represent the propelling force of the state’s machinery as well as key factor in the power structure of the State.

He reiterated the pivotal role civil servants play in the growth and development of the state, especially in the realization of the Six Pillars of his administration, adding that whatever compliments the administration had received today as a result of its various achievements in office, can only be directly attributed to the efficiency and effectiveness of the workers.

“I have come here today to associate and rejoice with you as major stakeholders in our body polity. More importantly, I am also here to learn from you and to share your experience.

“As you know, the civil service is a reservoir of talents where you can find all professionals of different callings and experiences.”

Suspect Claims Recent Killings In Ekiti Reprisal Attack By Cultists

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Nigerian Police

By Ayodele Oni

A suspect, now in the custody of Ekiti State Police Command has claimed responsibility to the gale of recent shootings, which led to the death of some persons in Ado Ekiti.

In recent weeks in the Ekiti State Capital, five persons, including, a POS operator, popularly known as Alfa, a commercial motorcycle ticketing official and a cooked rice hawker, were shot dead at different locations same by the suspect, operating on a motorcycle

The suspect, one Olanipekun Lateef a.k.a Lati Olorifunfun, during interrogation, confessed to be a member of Eiye secret cult.

He admitted that he was one of the gang members responsible for most of the recent fatal attacks in Ado-Ekiti.

According to him, the incident was a reprisal attack on members of the Black Axe AIYE confraternity who killed their member on 27/05/2024 in Ado-Ekiti.

Olorifunfun is among three more suspects arrested for murder, cultism and illegal possession of firearms by the state police command.

Command Spokesman, Sunday Abutu, explained that their arrest was part of the ongoing onslaught against the hoodlums, especially cultists, who recently attacked innocent citizens in Ado-Ekiti and consequently caused serious apprehension in the State.

Abutu explained that the Command operatives, through a credible information, arrested one of the fleeing gang members in Ode-Ekiti who partook in the killing of four persons within Ado-Ekiti recently.

The arrested suspect led the operatives of the Rapid Response Squad(RRS) to one Agbeniyi Bunmi, a female ‘ whose custody the two guns used for the operations were allegedly kept.

“She was arrested and confessed that she has already handed over the two guns to Eiye secret cult Armourer, one Ademola Adejugbe a.k.a OBA, who was subsequently trailed and arrested.

“His premises was searched and one cut to small size locally made single barrel gun and one English made double barrel gun concealed inside a sack bag were exhumed and recovered.

Effort is underway to arrest more fleeing members.”

The Command has sealed up some hotels in the state capital where some suspects, earlier arrested kept guns and other ammunitions.

Impersonation: NNPP Calls For Arrest Of Fmr. Ondo Candidate, Running Mate

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Independent National Electoral Commission - INEC

By Ayodele Oni

The New Nigeria People’s Party, (NNPP) has cried out that some persons are impersonating its candidate and running mate in the forthcoming Ondo State governorship election.

In a letter addressed to the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, the National Secretariat of the party called for swift legal action against the individuals impersonating the candidates.

The party said: “We wish to bring to the attention of your good office a case of impersonation of the NNPP Governorship and Deputy Governorship Candidates in the forthcoming off-cycle on November 16, 2024.

“The culprits are Engr. Akintan Michael and Mrs. Kemi Fasua, purporting to be the NNPP Governorship Candidate and Deputy Governorship Candidate of the NNPP, both of whom are unknown to the party.

“You would recall, sir, that we informed your good office of our Ondo State Governorship Primary fixed for Friday, April 26, 2024, via a letter NNPP/HQRTS/INEC/024/23 dated March 7, 2024.

“At the said primary, monitored by officials of the INEC, Mr. Ayeni Oluwatosin Israel emerged as the NNPP governorship candidate, and he later picked Mrs. Omoyugbo Abike Abigail as his running mate, and the two names were published by INEC.

“However, due to what they called “personal reasons,” the two of them withdrew their candidature, which prompted the NNPP to schedule a fresh primary to elect a replacement on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at Solton Hotel, Ijapo Estate, Akure, Ondo State

via our letter NNPP/HQRTS/INEC/024/54.

“The fresh primary was monitored by INEC officials, where Barr. Gbenga Omogbemi Edema emerged as the new governorship candidate of the NNPP,  and he later picked Barr. Rotimi Emmanuel Adeyemi as his running mate.

“These two names were later published by your good office in the Final List of Governorship Candidates and their Deputies on Friday, June 14, 2024.

“However, to our chagrin, our attention was recently drawn to one Engr. Akintan Michael pasting posters, all claiming to be the governorship candidate of our party in Ondo State, and one Mrs. Kemi Fasua as his running mate.

“Mr. Chairman, sir, without doubt, this is a clear case of impersonation, as there was never a time the said Engr. Akintan Michael purchased our Letter of Intent/Nomination form not to talk of contesting in our primary.

“We therefore wish to submit that this is a clear case of impersonation and a breach of the electoral law. It is our belief that such an act should not be handled with kid gloves, and it deserves serious attention and action by the INEC to serve as a deterrent to those whose objective is to truncate the forthcoming governorship election and indeed the peace of Ondo State.

“We hope the INEC, under your able leadership, will subject these two Engr. Akintan Makinde and Mrs. Kemi Fasua to the full process of law, in line with the Electoral Act and other statutory laws of the land.”