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Large Ungoverned Space In Nigeria Breeding Bánditry, Térrórism Elements, Gov Radda Warns

May 25, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Katsina State Governor, Umar Dikko Radda, has called for an all inclusive governance in the political space. He noted that the neglect of a larger proportion of the people in the provision of basic amenities and necessities of life has remained the root cause of insecurity and restlessness in the society.

Governor Radda regretted that from the colonial years, military administrations, to the present democratic dispensation, there have been a large ungoverned space in the country; a situation he said has also made the ungoverned spaces to be breeding grounds for bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements in the society.

The Katsina State Governor who spoke on Friday, May 24, 2024, while delivering a convocation lecture at the Federal University Gusau in Zamfara State, called for an urgent tackling of the problem of ungoverned space in the political arrangements in the country.

“The objective is to find a sustainable solution to this problem. l propose that we begin by tackling the problem of ungoverned space in our country.

“There are vast territories across the country where the Government’s influence is minimal . These people live on subsistence basis and lack access to socio-economic development. These spaces breed criminality and provide safe havens for criminals in Nigeria.

“It may explain how and why terrorists and bandits can kidnap hundreds of school children at a time and keep them hidden despite the tools and technology available to security agents

“Reducing ungoverned space will be key to intelligence gathering ,rapid response efforts and community inclusion in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria ” he stated.

Governor Radda also called for socio-economic development as a crucial factor in the efforts to halt insecurity. He canvassed investment in communities,education and skill acquisition among the youth as some of the measures that can help address the festering problem of insecurity.

In his lecture entitled “Insecurity and Educational instability in Nigeria: The way Forward ” Governor Radda lamented the devastating effects banditry ,the emergence of Boko Ha ram and other criminal activities have exacted on education in most pasts of the Northern region of Nigeria.

He, therefore, appealed for a collaborative action to regij the education sector ,adding that it holds the key to national prosperity.

Governor Radda called for urgent synergy between government at all levels and stakeholders to create a more secure and stable learning environment for future generations.

He further stressed the need for improved policing increased security personnel and effective local security structures with strong vertical and horizontal integration in the efforts at combating insecurity.

Imo Progressives Hail Gov Uzodinma’s Victory At The Tribunal, Urge Opposition Parties To Halt Further Legal Battles

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 24, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi.

The Imo Progressive Movement IPM has called on all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliations, to rally behind Governor Hope Uzodinma for a better and prosperous Imo State.

The IPM message is coming on the heels of the affirmation of the electoral victory of Governor Uzodinma by the Imo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja, on Friday, May 24 2024.

The three man Tribunal headed by Justice Oluyemi Akintan -Osadebay, in a unanimous ruling dismissed the petition filed by the Labour Party LP candidate Senator Athan Achonu against the declaration of Governor Uzodinma by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as winner of the last November off-season Gubernatorial Election in Imo state.

The Tribunal held that the LP candidate failed to prove his allegations of over-voting and non-compliance with the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act during the conduct of the election.

The Tribunal members while affirming Governor Uzodinma’s electoral victory maintained that all the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act were adhered to during the elections.

The IPM in a statement issued by its Spokesperson, Collins Opurozor, noted that the victory of Governor Uzodinma is a triumph for the people of Imo state who yearn for progress, development and good governance .

“His administration has demonstrated a firm commitment to delivering on its promises and advancing the welfare of all Imo indigenes and residents.

“As we celebrate this significant milestone ,we call on all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliations, to rally behind Governor Uzodinma’s vision for a better and prosperous Imo state .

“It is time to set aside political differences and prioritize the collective interests of our beloved state.

IPM, therefore, urges the opposition parties to accept the Tribunal’s verdict gracefully and embrace the spirit of unity and cooperation for the greater good of Imo State.

They should discontinue further unwarranted law suits against the “flawless mandate of Senator Uzodinma. Divisive politics has no place in our quest for progress and prosperity.” IPM stated.

Only Court Can Order Release Of IPÕB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu – AGF, Says Case Different From Sowore’s

Ayodele Oni

May 24, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has said only the Court can order the release of detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biäfrä, (IPÕB) Nnamdi Känu.

The AGF explained that the offence of the detained leader of the IPÕB is a difficult one and can only be resolved by competent court of law.

The Minister said on Friday in Abuja that since the mater was already in court, it should be left for the law to have its way.

Fagbemi stated this while responding to questions at the Sectoral Ministerial Briefing on the first anniversary of the President Bola Tinubu administration.

The AGF pointed out that there is a remarkable difference between Kanu’s case and that of the convener of #Revolution Now protest, Omoyele Sowore.

According to him, “Sowore and Kanu are not the same, when it comes to the first one I didn’t have difficulty to say go, but I have difficulty with the second one.”

While pointing out that Kanu is being held in accordance with the Constitution, he maintained that, “the matter is still in court, let’s wait for the court.”

Sowore was arrested in 2019 and prosecuted for allegedly calling for the forceful take over of the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Federal Government through the office of the AGF in February this year, filed a notice of discontinuation of the case.

Why Governor Yusuf Shelved Aside Court Injunction, Presented Reinstatement Letter To Sanusi As Emir Of Kano

Akinwale Kasali

May 24, 2024

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi receives Certificate

By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has shelved aside the Federal High Court injunction, stopping the reinstatement and enthronement of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the Emir of Kano, by presenting his appointment letter to him.

The Governor presented the reinstatement and appointment letter to the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, at the Mini-Durbar ceremony that took place at the Africa House of the Kano State Government House on Friday, May 24.

Speaking while presenting the letter, Yusuf said, “Sanusi is a victim of the immediate past administration, who is now being restored to his rightful position to lead the people”.

It would be recalled that Sanusi was removed unceremoniously by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, but an end came to the four years hiatus following the signing of the Kano State Emirates Councils (Repeal) Bill 2024 by Governor Yusuf.

Intervene Now Before Kano Royal Throne Crisis Escalates – Nigerian Patriots Urge Tinubu

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 24, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Against the backdrop of the reinstatement of Muhammad Sanusi as the Emir of Kano, on Thursday May 23, 2024, by the State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, protesters on Friday, May 24 stormed the Presidential Villa and the National Assembly with a call on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and prevent the Royalty crisis from further escalating.

This is even as Governor Yusuf, despite a restraining order from a Federal High Court sitting in Kano on Friday, presented Emir Sanusi with his reinstatement letter.

The presentation of the letter of reinstatement which took place at a short, but colourful ceremony at the State’s seat of power, marked the formal recognition of Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano by the kano State authorities.

The protesters whose messages were contained in their various placards, noted that they were worried that the brewing crisis associated with the struggle for the soul of Kano Royal Stool, if not contained, has the potentials to snowball into big national problem.

The leader of the protesters and Convener of the Concerned Patriots of Nigeria CPN, Abdullahi Muhammed Saleh ,said Governor Yusuf, by instigating the hurried amendment of the Emirates laws, as well as dissolving existing traditional leaderships across the state, has elevated his abuse of power to a new height.

” A lot has been going wrong in the state ,but the Concerned Patriots of Nigeria,had thought it best to allow Kano to sort out its thorny issues .

“However, Thursday’s brash actions of Governor Yusuf of Kano state, who sacked five Emirs to reinstall Malam Muhammad Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano has awoken us to the urgency of raising the alarm about the destructive excesses of the State Governor

“Since being sworn into office, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.has a string of loutish acts that run like a hardened criminal’s rap sheet, all in the name of rubbishing his predecessor in office.

“He started with a demolition spree that has served to impoverish the people whose lives he took an oath to improve .Thus he proved himself to be anti-people .

“The Government then attempted to destroy the structures of political parties in the state .The impish fanaticism with which he pursued this illicit mission saw him intrude in to structures of political parties ,including hiring some charlatans who purportedly suspended the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress APC Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje who is interestingly his predecessor .Thus ,proving himself to be anti- democratic.

“This latest stunt of sacking five Emirs to install his acolyte was achieved by manipulating the Kano State House of Assembly which he has successfully turned into a rubber stamp for endorsing his illegal acts .

“He has eroded the autonomy guaranteed by the separation of powers as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“It is inconceivable that any right thinking person will descend low to the point of manipulating traditional institution for political gains.

“The humiliation meted out to the five Emirs was most unbecoming and we have cause to believe that Governor Abba Yusuf has set the stage for using the traditional institution as ancient and esteemed as that of Kano for a political seesaw will continue since his successor will revert to the five Emirates .The Kano Governor has thus proven himself to be the anti traditional leader .”the CPN noted.

The group has, therefore, urged the Kano State Governor to quickly retrace his steps, concentrate on delivering good governance to the people, and save the state from falling in the abyss .

The Concerned Patriots also lampooned the State Legislators for lending themselves to acts capable of undermining their state.

” They ( law makers ) have cemented their place as a conclave of shame to have reverted into a mere rubber stamp for the megalomaniac tantrums of the State Governor.” the CPN stated

Oyo SUBEB Rallies LG Chairmen For Collaboration In Primary Education

Ayodele Oni

May 24, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board,( SUBEB), has mapped out synergy with newly sworn in local government chairmen in the state on way forward on the basic education sector.

Chairman of the board, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, appealed to the 33 Local Government Chairmen to look into ways of collaborating with the board to enhance the basic-education sector.

In his congratulatory message to the new Chairmen, who were sworn-in on Friday, noted that collaboration will promote efficient and effective learning in public primary schools in the State.

Adeniran stated that his personal discussion with most of them showed that there is hope to further boost the basic education sector in Oyo State.

The SUBEB boss described the Local Government Chairmen as vital in influencing their constituents to embrace government policies and programmes in the education sector.

He added that swearing-in of the Chairmen, who are key stakeholders, is very timely, as the Board will ensure seamless partnership in all Local government areas.

Adeniran attributed their success in the last poll, to the good record of Governor Seyi Makinde, which proceeded the polls.

He therefore urged them to take a cue from the Governor and the ruling party in the State, by enacting policies that will enhance development at the grassroots.

“It is a sign of good things to come. I congratulate the newly sworn-in Chairmen, and I appeal for a better collaboration with all of them.

“Your victories were made possible by the good leadership in the State and the unending development, that the masses have fallen in love with. I urge you to take a cue from Mr. Governor and leave lasting legacies in your various LGAs.”

APC Governorship Primary Election: Senator Ibrahim Silent On Next Action As Afenifere Leader, Fasoranti Brokers Peace

Ayodele Oni

May 24, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim representing Ondo Southern Senatorial District and governorship aspirant on the platform of All Progressives Congress(APC) in Ondo State has refused to give any commitment on the court case instituted to challenge the outcome of the party’s primary.

Ibrahim had on Friday honoured the invitation extended to him by the leader of Pan Yoruba socio-cultural organization, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti and Oba Olu Falae in Akure to appeal to him to drop the suit.

The 98-year-old Yoruba leader had written a letter to the senator, who is currently in court over the governorship primary election of the APC inviting him for a reconciliatory meeting.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, at a closed-door meeting with the Afenifere leader and former Minister of Finance, Oba Olu Falae, at Pa Fasoranti’s residence, was prevailed upon to withdraw the court case and allow peace to reign.

The nonagenarian was said to have appealed to Senator Ibrahim to accept the reconciliatory move by the Governor and the APC.

Appreciating the elder statesmen, Senator Ibrahim, who, among other aspirants, did not vote in the governorship primary of the party, told the elders that Governor Aiyedatiwa did not have roadmap for reconciliation.

The meeting, which was also attended by Senator Tayo Alasoadura and other prominent stakeholders in the state, appears not to have achieved its aim as the senator did not promise Pa Fasoranti and others that he would back down on the legal tussle.

The Governor Usman Ododo-led Governorship Primary Election Committee had failed to distribute election materials at the distribution center at Ijapo Estate, Akure, but still went ahead to declare Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the winner of the election.

Senator had approached the court with evidence including true certified copies of reports of Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) officials who monitored the primary election.

He is praying the court to either declare a rerun of the party’s governorship primary or exclude his party from the November 16, 2024 gubernatorial election in the State.

“Dickson Akoh Was Expelled From UNIABUJA, He Cannot Be Appointed Council Member, Jigawa University”, Group Alleges

Akinwale Kasali

May 24, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

A Pan Arewa Group under the aegis of Jigawa Conscience Alliance has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately reverse the appointment of Dickson Akoh as member of the Governing Board of Federal University of Technology, Babura, Jigawa State.

The Group frowned bitterly at his appointment alleging that Akoh was expelled from the University of Abuja, UNIABUJA for Examination Malpractice. They, therefore, queried how he could be appointed as a member of the University Governing Council.

A statement issued by the Group’s National Chairman, Hon. Abdulahi Shehu-Dutse, stated that Akoh was a Student in the Sociology Department, and was caught to be involved in Examination Malpractice.

Shehu-Dutse added that Akoh was tried by the Institution’s Disciplinary Committee, and was allegedly found guilty, prompting his expulsion by the University Senate.

According to him, “President Tinubu should, as a matter of urgent national interest, withdraw the appointment of Mr Dickson Ameh Akoh, into the governing Board of the Federal University of Technology, Babura.

“This man who was a Master’s Degree Sociology student in University of Abuja was caught engaging in Malpractice in Course SOC 804.”

“The Senate of the University of Abuja, during its 179th regular meeting on 27th October, 2021, considered the report of the Central examination misconduct committee and approved his expulsion with immediate effect. Yet this same character continues to claim that he has a Master’s degree from the same university and parades himself with a procured Honourary Doctorate degree

“The expulsion letter of the school to Mr Akoh Dickson was dated 5th November, 2021 and Signed by Deputy Registrar Alkassim M . Umar; For the Registar. The Expulsion Letter’s Reference Number is UA/R/ACA/16494018”

He noted that “even Mr Dickson Akoh knows that he cannot be appointed into the board of a Nursery School talk less of a University of technology on whose shoulders lies the destiny of many in Jigawa and across the country”

He went further to explain that “since the announcement of the shameful appointment of Mr Akoh we have been inundated with calls from many stakeholders across Jigawa and Kano states as well as the University of Abuja. They wondered why such horrible mistake would be made by President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of education , Professor Tahir Mamman”

Shehu-Dutse pointed out that: “We are fully aware that prior to his expulsion from The University of Abuja, This same Mr Akoh sued the university and its Vice Chancellor to an Abuja court . The case, Suit No is CV/035/2020. The judgement was delivered on 26th November, 2020. The suit brought by Mr Akoh was thrown out for lack of Merit by the respected Honourable Justice A I Kutigi

“He further added that indigenes of Jigawa State have reposed so much respect and confidence in that the president Tinubu’s administration and also the Minister of Education, urging them to swiftly attend to this issue by withdrawing Akoh’s appointment to “save the future of the students and the institution.

“We are sure that this academically bankrupt man would destroy both the foundation and principles of the institution of learning.

“We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his directive the recent appointment in Federal Universities governing boards by reviewed. We are excited when Mr Bayo Onanuga Issued the statement. The first person to exit that list is Mr Dickson Akoh for expulsion and examination malpractice”

In his final words: “We have gone to the institution and court and gathered all necessary documents on the is matter. Professor Tahir Mamman we know cannot tolerate this as Director-General of The Nigerian Law school and we believe he should not tolerate same now”

Akoh is yet to respond or refute the claim of the Pan Arewa Group as at the filing in of this report.

“Abians Are In A Hurry To Have An Airport Of Their Own”, Gov Tells FG

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 24, 2024

Suleiman Anyalewechi.

The Abia State Government has expressed its readiness to compliment the efforts of the Federal Government to give the State a befitting airport .

Governor Alex Otti, who gave the assurance while receiving a Federal Government delegation which was on an inspection tour of the site for the construction of an airstrip for the State on Wednesday May 22, 2024, noted that even though the 2024 Federal budget captured it as an airstrip, the Abia State Government has decided to partner with the Federal Authorities to upscale it to a full airport.

In a press release issued on Thursday, May 23, by his Media Aide, Kazie Uko, the Abia State Governor added that there is no major difference between an airstrip and full airport.

“First of all, I will like to thank the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu for consenting to set up an airstrip in Abia and for also including it in the 2024 budget as approved.

“Even if the money there may not complete it, but a journey of a thousand miles starts with one step. So, we are grateful to him.

“We want to, also, say a big thank you to my friend and brother, the Hon. Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo for all what he has been doing to ensure that this becomes a reality .

“We are always on the line discussing, coming up with ideas on how to fast track this project.

“I want to thank you (the delegation team), for, also, joining us to be in a hurry to deliver this project. Once we had agreed ,we started looking for suitable land because that is the most important in an airport project.

“There were a few places that were mapped out earlier, but when we went on physical inspection, we found out that some of these places do not have enough space, or are not properly located for the airport.

“One other important thing about airport is location ,.So we now zeroed in on the place that you are looking at ,at the moment . We did not just only identify that location, we went the extra mile of identifying the owners of the land because it is a large parcel of land. We have started engaging with them.” Governor stated.

The Abia state Government assured the Federal Government delegation of its readiness to see to the actualization of the airport project in record time,noting that Abians are in a hurry to have an airport of their own.

He promised that the State Government will lead from “the build up to the construction of the airport to its very completion and if any thing gets delayed ,then it is because it is coming from the centre. But for us we are in a hurry”.

Governor Otti, informed that in its determination to see the airport project through, the State Government has entered into an understanding and partnership with Access Bank Plc with a view to ensuring that lack of finance does not stall the project.

“I have suggested to the CEO of Access Bank that the team needs to sit down with him so that we can have them on board early enough.

“Our attitude is not to borrow until it becomes absolutely necessary. If they had also gotten involved in one and delivered it, then we can learn from them the mistakes they made in those ones and then build on the good things that we can pick up ” the Governor noted .

The Head of the Federal Government team Dr Emmanuel Mmeribeole who is, also, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, said they are in the State to inspect and ensure that land and location approved for the project are in alignment with regulatory requirements for the siting of an airport .

He assured of the commitment of the Federal Government to deliver the project in record time, hence the visit by the team made up of all the representatives of all the various Aviation Agencies responsible for approvals and supervision of airports in the country to meet required standards.

OPINION: Soyinka as Okonkwo In “Things Fall Apart”

The Source

May 24, 2024

By Val. Obienyem

Prof. Wole Soyinka is a distinguished Nigerian whose contributions to literature and politics are globally recognized. However, despite his achievements, he sometimes fails to heed that each profession, especially in his writings, has the moral obligation to be understood or keep quiet.

I read Soyinka’s comments about Mr. Peter Obi with a heavy heart, troubled by the magnitude of his errors. How can somebody say Obi was not qualified to contest the Presidency? Anyone in Nigeria who does not understand or pretends not to understand that the Obidient movement is a spontaneous response to the country’s problems is out of touch with reality. With the prevailing situation in the country, more of similar movements will surely emerge. Who is happy with Nigeria as it presently is? It is a sort of we-they group, made up of the oppressed and oppressors. Obidients are the oppressed Nigerians, which we thought Soyinka would have sealed his activism by identifying with.

During the lead-up to the 2023 Presidential election, Soyinka criticized Obi’s running mate, Sen. Yusuf Datti, and proposed a debate with him or any designated representative. In response, some of us arranged for Prof. Okey Ikechukwu to serve as the delegate for that purpose. Our rationale was straightforward: Ikechukwu, renowned for his civil discourse, would convey the essential points without resorting to provocative language. Even when his statements deliver a decisive impact(Knock-out-blow), they do not leave behind a trail of hostility.

This scenario reminded me of a symposium during my seminary days. We invited the elderly Mr. Sylvester Udunni to deliver the keynote address. Our teachers, led by Mr. Collins Okeke (now a priest), were eager to challenge him with their fresh philosophical insights, being newly minted from philosophical studies and eager to showcase their erudition. However, after Mr. Udunni finished his paper, he excused himself and left before any discussion began. The philosophical pundits were left with Mr. Borbert Oguegbu (Wasky of Nollywood) to spar with. We thoroughly enjoyed the lively debate and applauded the arguments like sturdy blows at the Olympics. However, Ikechukwu is a seasoned speaker and would take on anyone, however acclaimed, in an intellectual joust.

When we presented our debate plans to Mr. Obi, he laughed and asked if Prof. Okey Ikechukwu was aware of the arrangement. Misunderstanding his concern, I assured him that contacting Ikechukwu would not be a problem. Obi then expressed doubt that Ikechukwu would accept the debate under such circumstances.

Obi calmly explained, “Val, if your father called you stupid and challenged you to a debate, would you accept? It is highly disrespectful to debate Soyinka—not only because of his societal achievements but also because of his age.”

Obi’s remarks about Soyinka were insightful, reflecting his reverence for both the man and old age. Having met with Soyinka several times, Soyinka should have a good understanding of his character by now. If Soyinka opposes people like Obi becoming president, it implies he believes the position should remain in the hands of brigands.

Part of the reason Okonkwo killed Ikemefuna, who called him father, was his fear of appearing cowardly. Why is Soyinka so determined to undermine Obi?

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