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Gospel Musician Dele Gold Laid To Rest

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Dele Gold

By Akinwale Kasali

Tears were like flood as families, friends, colleagues, fans and sympathizers gathered send-off Veteran Gospel Artiste, Dele Agbeyo, popular as Dele Gold from Mother Earth.

He was laid to rest  Thursday evening at his residence in Abule Egba, Lagos State, following his death on 11 September, 2024.

The Funeral Rites of the late Musician commenced on Tuesday with a Service of Songs, a Christian Wake-Keep, a Candlelight Procession, and an Artistes’ Night at Victoria Garden Conference Centre in Ikeja.

The Artistes Night Show led to the reconciliation of Gospel Artiste, Lanre Teriba and Israel Oladele, the General Overseer of Genesis Global Celestial Church, who had a rift for a long time.

The heartfelt events brought together loved ones and admirers, as they reflected on Dele Gold’s life and music.

Several celebrities from the Nigerian entertainment scene were also present to pay their last respects, including Nollywood star Saidi Balogun and fellow gospel musicians, Genesis, Wale Dada, Femi Solar and the likes.

Known for his popular gospel tracks such as Divine Warning, Every Knee, Infinite God, and A Thousand Tongues, Dele Gold left an indelible mark on the Nigerian gospel music industry.

The late Artiste, before his passing had the opportunity of sharing the stage with many prominent and legendary artistes, that includes; Sir Shina Peters, Lanre Teriba, (Atorise), and Abel Dosunmu (Mega 99).

In 2019, he collaborated with the legendary Ebenezer Obey on his album Hearty Blessing.

Dele Gold’s fans have flooded social media with tributes, celebrating his life and contributions to gospel music.

His passing leaves a significant void in the Nigerian music scene, but his legacy will continue to inspire countless individuals.

CNPP Condemns EFCC’s Shoddy Handling of Yahaya Bello’s Case

By
The Source
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Yahaya Bello

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has issued a strong condemnation of the handling of allegations against the former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade James Ezema, the CNPP highlighted concerns over the EFCC’s methods and the implications for Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.

Reacting to the latest twist in the drama between the EFCC and the former Governor, the CNPP asserted that the EFCC’s actions have not only embarrassed the nation but have also reinforced the perception that the anti-corruption campaign has been compromised and politicized. “The EFCC’s actions have not only brought embarrassment to our nation but have also fueled the perception that the anti-corruption campaign has been compromised and politicized,” the statement noted.

The CNPP emphasised that such behaviour is “unacceptable” and “undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.” Stating further that it does appear that in the Yahaya Bello case the EFCC is increasingly becoming more perscutory than prosecutory.

The umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations in the country outlined “a troubling sequence of events involving former Governor Yahaya Bello, who voluntarily surrendered to the EFCC.” However, instead of a straightforward process, he was reportedly asked to go, only the same evening to be subjected to a “gestapo-style raid” by EFCC operatives at the Kogi State Governor’s lodge in Asokoro, Abuja.

The CNPP expressed concern over this approach, stating, “This troubling sequence of events has led many Nigerians to question the true intentions of the EFCC.”

The background of the allegations against Bello was also detailed in the CNPP’s statement. The CNPP recalled that the EFCC had previously attempted to arrest the former Governor on April 17, 2024, just ahead of his scheduled arraignment on April 18, 2024, alongside three other suspects. The charges against them include 19 counts of money laundering, amounting to N80.2 billion. Following a ruling by Justice Emeka Nwite, the EFCC served Bello his charges through his legal counsel, Abdulwahab Muhammad (SAN).

In light of these developments, the CNPP has called for the cessation of all actions that suggest  that the EFCC is more interested in persecuting the former Governor of Kogi State. The CNPP demands that the commission “immediately ceases the wanton dramatization of its operations.”

Furthermore, the CNPP urged the EFCC to “redirect its efforts towards genuine anti-corruption initiatives” and to “provide clear and consistent explanations for its contradictory actions.”

The CNPP’s statement emphasized solidarity with Nigerians who are advocating for transparency and fairness in EFCC’s operations. “We stand in solidarity with Nigerians who seek transparency and fairness in EFCC’s operations,” the statement asserted.

It also highlighted Yahaya Bello’s apparent willingness to cooperate with the EFCC, noting that his voluntary surrender and ongoing legal representation demonstrates his commitment to due process.

The CNPP concluded its statement with a call for the EFCC to adhere to the rule of law, rather than succumbing to political expediency or personal vendettas. “The actions of the EFCC must be guided by the rule of law, rather than political expediency or personal vendettas,” the statement urged.

The CNPP equally called on the commission to restore its integrity and focus on the genuine fight against corruption, rather than engaging in what they described as “counterproductive theatrics.”

As the situation unfolds, the CNPP has pledged to continue monitoring the developments closely and to demand accountability from the EFCC. “The implications of this case extend beyond the individuals involved; it is raising critical questions about the integrity of Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts and the role of the EFCC in upholding the rule of law”, the CNPP stated.

Flooding: NEMA Says 1.6 Million Persons Affected By Flooding

By
Ayodele Oni
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Borno Flood

By Ayodele Oni

Still counting loses to flooding in major cities in Nigeria, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has disclosed that about 1.6 million people have been affected by flooding in Nigeria between April and September 2024.

Director General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, made this known during the 2024 downscaling of flood early warning strategies for early actions event in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday.

Umar, represented by Dr Daniel Obot, the agency’s Director of Disaster Risk Reduction, also said that 634,035 were displaced and 94,741 houses were destroyed or submerged.

She said the early warning strategies aimed to integrate direct risk communication and engagement approach to disseminate early warning messages for early actions at the state, LG, and community levels.

“The rainfall and flood advisories contained in the Season Climate Prediction (SCP), and Annual Flood Outlooks (AFO) of Nigeria, Meteorological Agency and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), respectively, have provided us with early warning alerts.

”Consequently, all of us are expected to take actions that will drastically reduce the adverse impacts of floods on the entire lands and Nigerian population, especially for the most vulnerable persons living in communities at risk of flooding.”

Umar said that the statistics from the National Emergency Coordination Centre (EOC) of NEMA as of Sept. 13, 176 LGAs in 30 states including the FCT were affected as against the 148 LGAs and 31 states predicted by NIHSA.

Also speaking, Gov. Nasir Idris, appreciated NEMA’s proactive stance in assessing flood risk areas, providing relief and strengthening our capacity for disaster management.

Kano Flood Victims To Get New Houses From State Govt

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf

By Ayodele Oni

The Kano State Government has promised to build free, affordable houses for flood victims across the 44 local government areas of the state as part of efforts to mitigate effects of the disaster.

Spokesperson to the Kano State Governor, Sanusi Bature in a statement, stated that Governor Abba Yusuf made this known during the weekly Executive Council meeting.

The Governor explained that the provision of  houses will significantly help flood victims secure suitable shelter for their families.

He added that the state government is collaborating with the State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to support flood victims with food and other essential supplies.

On education, the governor explained that the state government is set to distribute chairs and desks in the first phase to 220,000 secondary school students and primary school pupils to enhance the learning and teaching environment.

Kabir expressed appreciation for the smooth resumption of the 2024/2025 academic session in some rehabilitated schools and assured that the government will extend the work all existing schools.

The governor reiterated that, in line with the components of the Declaration of Emergency in Education, the state government will distribute free uniforms to all Primary one pupils and called on stakeholders to work together to achieve the state’s educational goals.

He commended the contributions of the Executive Council members and urged them to remain steadfast in their duties, undeterred by those who seek to undermine the progress of the State.

EFCC’s Handling Of Yahaya Bello’s Case Condemnable – CD

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
EFCC Operatives

By Ayodele Oni

The Campaign for Democracy, (CD) has flayed the anti graft czar for refusal to arrest, and detain former Kogi state governor, Yahaya Bello, when he visited the office on Wednesday.

The CD pointed out that the failure demonstrates inability of Ola Olukoyede to hold the office as the chairman of the  Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) and called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately relieve him of the job.

CD, a frontline Civil Society Organization, (CSO) in Nigeria, said it was unimaginable that the former governor, who the same EFCC had placed on watchlist, who the Commission enlisted security agencies in Nigeria and Interpol to help fish out, walked into the EFCC premises, waited for about three hours and no arrest or interrogation took place.

“Instead, they told him to go, that they would get back to him only to issue a laughable statement that he was still a wanted man,” the President, Campaign for Democracy, Comrade Ifeanyi Odili, said in a statement on Thursday.

According to him, EFCC’s excuse that they couldn’t arrest him because a sitting governor accompanied him to their office is the main reason Olukoyede should be asked to go.

“Many people had castigated this man for long even though many others believed the case was mainly that of persecution. In all of this, CD did not dabble into the matter.

“Now that the matter has taken a dramatic turn, one that touches on democratic principles and affects the country’s image, it is pertinent for well meaning Nigerians to lend their voice.

“Associates of the former governor had been raising the alarm that his life is at risk. With the events of yesterday (Wednesday 18th September, 2024), any right thinking person would conclude that his life must be truly at risk.

“You said you couldn’t arrest him or interrogate him in your office because his governor was there, yet you went, at night, to the official residence of the same governor in Abuja to start firing gunshots as if Nigeria is a lawless society. This is unacceptable.”

The Campaign for Democracy maintained that in saner climes, the EFCC boss would have been fired the next morning.

“The man, Yahaya Bello, has fulfilled all righteousness. With the turn of events that culminated in a show of shame last night, it appears the EFCC has an ulterior motive definitely different from the fight against corruption.”

Edo 2024: Jonathan Charges INEC, Security Personnel To Maintain Neutrality

By
The Source
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Goodliuck Ebele Jonathan

Ahead of scheduled  Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State, former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has sued for peace while charging state institutions involved in managing the process to create a level-playing field to ensure free and fair polling.

Dr. Jonathan made this known in a statement on Thursday in which he urged political actors and stakeholders to work towards deepening the nation’s democracy by prioritising the peace  and security of Edo state.

In the statement released by Ikechukwu Eze, his media adviser, Dr. Jonathan emphasised that the Edo election “places a moral burden on state agencies especially the  police and the Independent National Electoral Commission  (INEC) to rise to their constitutional responsibilities as  independent arbiters in our democratic process.”

For democracy to endure, the former President noted that “elections must be devoid of all forms of manipulation and state institutions have the obligation to guarantee peaceful, credible and transparent elections.”

Jonathan further charged the election management body to live up to expectations as  an unbiased umpire and inspire confidence in all actors through a transparent voting process. He said: “There is no doubt that loss of confidence in an election encourages political disputes, social unrests, voter apathy, increased polarisation and other far-reaching consequences that could undermine development and democratic consolidation.”

Below is the full text of the statement:

“As citizens of voting age in Edo State go to the polls for the governorship election on Saturday, September 21, 2024, I call  on all political actors and stakeholders to work towards deepening the nation’s democracy by prioritizing peace  and security of the state.

“Politicians must pursue their interests within the confines of the law and refrain from activities that could undermine the  peace and stability of the state. It is encouraging that civil rule has endured in the Fourth Republic for 25 years but  we should remind our people that democracy loses its value when citizens cannot exercise their political choices in a free and fair atmosphere.

“In the interest of peace and the integrity of our electoral  process, I urge the electoral management body and security  agencies to be professional and neutral in discharging their  responsibilities. The Edo election scheduled for this weekend  places a moral burden on state agencies especially the  police and the Independent National Electoral Commission  (INEC) to rise to their constitutional responsibilities as  independent arbiters in our democratic process.

“Security agencies must conduct themselves in optimal neutrality and desist from actions that could alter the setting  for a level-playing field and compromise the credibility of the electoral process. On its part, the Independent National  Electoral Commission (INEC) must live up to expectations as  an unbiased umpire and inspire confidence in all actors through a transparent voting process. There is no doubt that loss of confidence in an election encourages political disputes, social unrests, voter apathy, increased polarisation and other far-reaching consequences that could undermine development and democratic consolidation.

“For democracy to endure, our leadership recruitment process must be devoid of all forms of manipulation and state institutions have the obligation to guarantee peaceful, credible and transparent elections. That way, citizens will be able to elect leaders of their choice who they will entrust with the legitimacy to deliver good governance, peace and prosperity.”

Ikechukwu Eze
S.A. to H.E. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

Edo 2024: “The Police Cannot Be Trusted”, Group Insists

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Nigerian Police

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

With just two days to the Edo State Gubernatorial polls, an advocacy Group, Edo Democracy Movement, EDM,  has lashed out at the Nigeria Police, accusing it of selectiveness in its enforcement of the law.

The group  noted that  while the police has been quick at hounding Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, elements, it has continued to pat on the back erring  All Progressive Congress, APC, stalwarts in the count down to September 21, 2024 election.

The Source reports that the EDM’s position is coming on the  heels of earlier accusations of bias against the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the police authorities by  Governor Godwin Obaseki and the PDP in the State .

Governor Obaseki had led the PDP to ignore the signing of the pre-election peace accord with other participating parties ,citing alleged compromised stance of INEC and the police as major reason.

In a statement issued on Thursday, September 19, 2024, by its Coordinator Omoregbe Osayiuwa, the EDM particularly noted the refusal of the police to rein in one Blessing Agbomhere, a top shot of the APC, in the state who was captured in a video threatening the State Governor.

The group regretted that despite  directive from the Inspector General of Police  for Agbomhere to be arrested, the police authorities in Edo State have allowed him to be walking freely.

The EDM in its statement said the only way the Police can convince the people about its neutrality in the forthcoming election is for it to arrest the APC chieftain in line with the IGP’s directive.

“The failure to arrest Blessing Agbomhere for his dangerous and inflammatory statements against Governor Obaseki sends clear message to the people of Edo state that the police are biased towards the APC and cannot be trusted to ensure a fair election”, Osayiuwa stated .

Conversely, according to the EDM, the Police has always acted swiftly when it comes to arresting and clamping into detentions PDP followers and sympathizers .

The group alleged that in recent weeks ,several PDP members have been rounded up across the state and hauled into detention facilities in Abuja, without any formal charges preferred against them .

The EDM is of the view that with such open and unapologetic biased disposition of the police ,it is seriously doubtful if it will supervise a free and fair election on Saturday.

Tinubu Cancels US Trip Under Pressure, Sends  Shettima To UNGA

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Kashim Shettima - Vice President

By Ayodele Oni

As the UN General Assembly begins its session on Tuesday, the Presidency announced on Thursday that President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly session in New York this year.

A statement by the special Adviser media to the president, Bayo Onanuga stated that the President has thus directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation.

It added that President Tinubu, who returned to the country last Sunday, after his trip to China and the United Kingdom, will remain behind to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding.

“At UNGA 79, Vice President Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the General Assembly, attend important sideline events, and hold bilateral meetings.

“The high-level General Debate, with the theme “Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations,” will run from Tuesday, September 24, through Saturday, September 28, 2024.”

Actress Urges KWAM 1 To Take Care Of Son’s Welfare

By
Akinwale Kasali
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King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall and Bisola Badmus

By Akinwale Kasali

Fan Offers Scholarship

For the umpteenth time, Nollywood Actress,  Bisola Badmus, who is suffering from encephalopathy, a disorder of the brain that can be caused by disease, injury, drugs, or chemicals, has called out legendary Fuji maestro,  King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popular as KWAM 1, for neglecting his responsibility to their Son, Malik.

She made the call during her latest interview with actress Biola Adebayo on the ‘Talk to B’ podcast.

Speaking about her relationship with Kwam 1, Bisola Badmus accused the singer of neglecting their son.

“From the beginning, he accepted the boy as his son but he suddenly changed. What I want from K1 is to be responsible for Malik, his son. I just want him to take care of his son”.

On her health, she said: “Firstly, Kwam 1 didn’t know I was sick (battling with a brain tumour) because I didn’t inform him—it’s a long story. When he found out about my condition, he tried his best, but he hadn’t intervene since then. What I expect from him is to take care of Malik, and that would make me happy.”

Debunking the allegations against KWAM 1, the Fuji Icon spokesman, Kunle Rasheed denied any knowledge of the allegations made by Bisola.

Rasheed stated that he and his principal never discussed Bisola having a child with him (Kwam 1).

He said, “Several people have called me about this matter, and the truth remains: I am unaware of that fact. I’m quoting that word— ’fact,’ you understand. I’m quoting it using quotation marks. We (my principal and I) have never had the time to discuss something like that. We have never made that known to anyone.

“So, at this moment, I can’t give a definitive answer unless I consult him (Kwam 1). But right now, in my understanding, my will, anything around that—this is not to say I’m denying or accepting that word. You understand whether I confirm or deny; I’ll reply. But as of now, I’m not aware. I’m not aware she (Bisola Badmus) has a copy for him; I’m not aware, and that’s the truth.”

However, the actress received good news about her son Malik, who she shares with the Fuji star, he has been awarded a scholarship to continue his education.

After hearing her plea for help in her recent interview, Biola announced that a generous Nigerian has provided the scholarship, bringing relief to Bisola.

Biola also expressed gratitude to everyone who supported and showed love to Bisola after her interview.

See post below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Abiola Ayomide Adebayo (@biolabayo1)

GistLover repoted that Bisola reached out to KWAM 1, requesting him to support her with their son, as she shared that raising him alone has been challenging.

See some reactions below:

@fifeoflagos: “Make another person Dey give a whole oluaye fuji son scholarship?laishey okuaye?like I always tell anybody that want to listen,some of us are better than all this so called celebrities may God bless the sponsor.”

@dollarizeme: “Somebody play me: Eni elenii o ni gba ise mi se Ayinde eba mi Sami by K1 the Ultimate.”

@rotes_babe: “And the father is alive….smh. now in the future when he becomes successful and the dad gets invited to his celebration he’ll start shedding crocodile tears.”

@paradise_weddings.ng: “This is a big lesson to women not all glitter ✨ is gold . You don’t have to eat from public pot.” olamidayo001: “

@kingwasiuayindemarshal daddy SOMEONE Just gave your own CHILD schoolarship ?? I mean as wealthy as you are sir?”

@temmy_business_world: “Chai see your life br Wasiu. It is well oooo. I pray she heal totally insha Allah. She will live to see that boy grow to become a successful man in¹ life.”

Obi’s Support For Akpata Based On Democratic Principles, POMR Replies

By
The Source
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0
Peter Obi
Peter Obi

The attention of Peter Obi Media Reach, POMR, has been drawn to a circulating article in the media space accusing our principal, Peter Obi of hypocrisy for supporting the Labour Party gubernatorial candidate in Edo state, Barr Olumide Akpata.

The campaigning by Obi for the Labour Party flag bearer in the upcoming Saturday’s governorship election in Edo state has effectively changed the narrative in the state and is leading opponents to the mischief of trying to divert attention from the issues.

Obi’s adversaries have, instead of focusing on the issues that drive the election, are trying to change the conversation by attacking Obi for supporting his party candidate that he found suitable for the job.

They anchored their criticism on Obi supporting Bar  Akpata because his zone is not supposed to produce the next governor and that Obi is going against his long-standing principles on power rotation.

But what they failed to understand is that Obi’s stand on zoning remains, but the Labour Party in Edo even under the leadership of an Edo State indigene then did not zone their gubernatorial seat to any area in particular, and delegates that elected Akpata were strictly only Edo people from all the local government areas, including Edo central because they found him suited for their desires for the state.

Obi does not trade competence and reputation for zoning, and as a Democrat, he will always respect the position of the majority, especially if it’s anchored on the track record of the candidate.

Akpata, by his age and antecedents, appeals to the youths as having the energy and mentality for the job.

In all his campaigns in Edo, in his characteristic manner, Obi did not indulge in name-calling but concentrated his messages on issues that are needed to take Edo State and Nigeria forward, and found the LP candidate a square peg in a square hole.

The Labour Party delegates in Edo state found Bar Akpata their best option for the contest, and Obi, as a true democrat in his usual way of non-interference, decided to support their choice respecting the peculiarities of every state.

POMR knew that the needless attack on Obi was just to distract attention from the issue that is driving the Edo state gubernatorial election, which places the Labour Party flag bearer in a good stand.

Our advice for those bitter that Obi is campaigning for his party flag bearer is to leave the people of the state to decide who their next governor will be not to focus attention on mundane things.

Our principal’s wish, as always, is to urge all critical stakeholders involved in the conduct of Saturday’s election, especially the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and security operatives, to ensure a level playing ground in such a way that the world will see that Edo voters and not any other variables prevail in the end.

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