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Fallout Of Ondo APC Gov Primary Election: Group Wants Senator Jimoh Ibrahim Suspended, Accused Of Working Against Party’s Interest

May 10, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo Peoples Assembly (OPA) has accused Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, and some supporters of Olusola Oke of undermining the will of the people and disrupt the peace and stability of Ondo state by their decisions to protest against the outcome of the governorship primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Both Ibrahim and Oke contested in the primary and lost to incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The results of the election, declared by Kogi state Governor Usman Ododo indicated that Aiyedatiwa polled 48,567 votes, defeating the other 15 aspirants with his closet Mayowa Akinfolarin that scored over 15,000 votes to place second.

Jimoh Ibrahim, Senator representing Ondo south at the red chamber is already in court to challenge the declaration of Aiyedatiwa as winner of the election.

OPA said in Akure on Friday that it condemned the continued attempts to undermine the democratic process and instigate crisis following the recently concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primary.

Its convener, Olufemi Lawson and the publicity Secretary, Kikelomo Isijola stated that “It is with deep dismay that we address the sustained attacks on the personality of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim and some supporters of Chief Olusola Oke, who were among the losers of the primary

“The people of Ondo State are deeply displeased by the relentless efforts to discredit Governor Aiyedatiwa and the process, which has been adjudged by the APC and observers of the process, as free, fair and credible.

” It is indisputable, that Governor Aiyedatiwa emerged as the winner of the primary through a transparent and democratic process. It is therefore unacceptable that individuals would seek to undermine the will of the people and disrupt the peace and stability of our state.

“We commend the other aspirants who participated in the contest for their sportsmanship and for conceding victory to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.

“Their exemplary behaviour is a testament to their commitment to the democratic ideals that we hold dear.

“We hereby call upon the leadership of the APC to take immediate and decisive action against Senator Jimoh Ibrahim for continuously publicly attacking the party, disrespecting the office of the governor of Ondo State, and undermining a democratic process conducted by the party.

“His actions are not only detrimental to the party but also to the entire state.

“It is evident that Senator Ibrahim is working with some desperate politicians in the opposition political party to distract the APC’s preparations for the Ondo State November 2024 governorship election, mirroring a role he previously played in 2016 while he was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“We reaffirm that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa remains the incontrovertible choice and candidate of the people for the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State. We urge all well-meaning citizens to rally behind him as we strive to move our dear state forward”

Yahaya Bello Says He Is Afraid For His Life, Undertakes To Appear In Court June 13

Adesina Soyooye

May 10, 2024

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State — Yahaya Bello

By Adesina Soyooye

Embattled immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello has agreed to appear in Court to face arraignment for alleged corruption charges against him.

His lead Counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed gave the undertaking on Friday, at a Federal High Court, Abuja, before the Honourable Justice Emeka Nwite.

The undertaking was after Justice Nwite refused to lift the warrant of arrest against Bello.

Nwite dismissed Bello’s request for the vacation on the grounds that the former governor is in contempt of the Court by refusing to appear for arraignment.

Throwing Bello’s request out for lacking in merit, the court said that “Bello cannot be in the comfort of his room and be dictating to a court of law where he is to be arraigned.”

The Judge also insisted that the Federal High Court has jurisdiction to hear the criminal charges against Bello, contrary to Bello’s claims. Nwite held that the embattled Governor must make himself available for arraignment, his plea taken, before he can “proceed to make any application or request”

However, while giving an undertaking that Bello will be available for arraignment on June 13, his lead Counsel said that the former Governor was not afraid to appear in court, but feared for the safety of his life in the hands of the EFCC.

He claimed that Bello went underground because his life has been under constant threats in Abuja.

Bello escaped from his Abuja residence on the day EFCC Operatives went to arrest. Thereafter, he failed to appear in Court on the day of his arraignment, forcing the Judge to issue a warrant of arrest against him.

Don Loses Position In Ondo University Over False Alarm

Ayodele Oni

May 10, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

For allegedly attempting to cause breach of peace by making false claim against a staff in a petition, the senate of the University of Medical Sciences, (UNIMED) in Ondo state, has relieved Prof Adolphus Loto of the Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) of his position as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration and Clinical Services.

The Assistant registrar, public relations unit of the university, Temitope Oluwatayo, in a statement on Friday, disclosed that Loto’s sack was confirmed on Thursday, May 9, 2024, after the adoption and ratification of the Senate decision by UNIMED’s Governing Council at its 22nd Statutory meeting.

The statement added that the decision of the Senate to sack Loto was predicated on his unbecoming conduct including frivolous, spurious and unsubstantiated allegations against the University Management.

It was gathered that the Governing Council had earlier referred Prof. Loto’s 13-page petition, as well as the responses of the Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar and the Bursar to the Petitions Committee of Council appointed to investigate and make proper recommendations.

“The Petitions Committee of Council (PCC) found the allegations untrue, baseless, embarrassing to the University community and liable to bring the University to disrepute, given Prof. Loto’s position as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor.

“UNIMED Senate, on Monday, April 29, 2024, considered the report of the PCC and recommended the removal of Prof. Loto as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor by an overwhelming majority with 100% of the voters approving his removal as DVC Admin.

“The decision was premised on the fact that Prof. Loto made false claims against members of staff of the university, disclosed confidential and official information liable to cause a breach of peace in the university community.

“UNIMED Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Prof. Ayodele Arowojolu, while addressing the Council, noted that a unanimous decision of the Senate speaks volumes about the lack of confidence in Prof. Loto by his academic peers to remain in the office of DVC Admin.

“The Governing Council thereafter approved the resolution of the University Senate for the removal of Prof. Adolphus Odogun Loto as DVC.”

“We No Longer Want To Remain In Kitchen,” Ondo Women Cry Out

Ayodele Oni

May 10, 2024

Ondo Women Protest over Deputy Governorship

By Ayodele Oni

Womenfolk in Ondo state is doing every possible lobby to ensure a woman emerges as deputy governorship candidate during November election in the state.

The women vowed to resist the notion confining them to the ‘other room’ which they say is contradictory and unacceptable.

Since the return of civilian rule in 1999, the deputy governor slot has not been occupied by a woman unlike its neighbouring Ekiti state, which has allocated the slot for women during three regimes.

To this end, various women groups in the state converged on Akure, calling on governorship candidates of all political parties in the state to pick female running mates.

At the meeting, which was tagged “Agitation For Gender Balance and Inclusiveness In Governance,” the women deliberated on how they could get fair share of political offices, both elective and non-elective.

In a communique issued and signed by the convener, Mrs. Adebimpe Adeniyi, the women also called for a more gender-sensitive and all-inclusive government policies and programmes

It reads in parts: “Despite the immeasurable contributions of women to the restoration of democracy and national growth and development, Nigerian women have been relegated and reduced to the back seats in both elective and appointed positions.

“Since 1999, when Nigeria transitioned from military rule to democratic governance, women have yet to occupy up to 15 percent of elective positions in a country where the voting population of women is equal to, if not more than, men.

“We must, however, acknowledge that women have been nominated and elected as deputy governors in some states in Nigeria.

“In the South West, only Ondo state, which prides itself as the intellectual base of the region, is yet to provide an opportunity for a female deputy governor.

“After extensive deliberation during the Inaugural Meeting, we have resolved and demanded nomination of women as deputy governorship candidates of all the participating political parties in the 2024 Governorship Election of Ondo state.

“An increased budgetary allocation for the State Ministry of Women Affairs.

“The justifiable agitation and legitimate demand, particularly regarding the nomination of women as deputy governorship candidates from all participating political parties, will persist until it is met and complied with by all political parties in the state.

“Using the unique Yoruba word ‘Odatiwa’ for inclusiveness while simultaneously

“A complete and total abandonment of all forms of discrimination – cultural, religious, and traditional – against the girl child in Ondo state.

“A more gender-sensitive and all-inclusive government policies and programmes across all sectors.

“Full implementation of all gender balance-related legislations, including the National Gender Policy – Affirmative Action, by allotting 35 percent of appointments in the public sector to women.

“Free and quality healthcare services for pregnant women and children under age 0-6.”

PDP: No Damage For Damagun

James Orji

May 10, 2024

The Acting National Chairman of the opposition Peoples’s Democratic Party, PDP, Umar Damagun has continued to throttle on despite plots by some members of the party to remove him.

On Thursday, Damagun received a restraining order from a Federal High court in Abuja, the nation’s capital stopping his removal from office.

According to a copy of the order cited by the magazine, Justice Peter Lifu, who presided ordered the respondents in the interim, from appointing, selecting, or nominating any person to replace Damagum, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

The interim order, the judge said subsists till May 14, the next hearing date. The ruling was delivered on May 3, according to details provided by the party in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/579/2024.

Further details from the document indicate that the defendants in the suit are the PDP, its National Working Committee, NWC, National Executive Committee, NEC, Board of Trustees and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

An ally of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, the embattled Chairman had survived a recent plot to unseat him by his traducers who want his replacement to come from the North central, where Iyorchia Ayu, the former chairman came from.

Ayu, the magazine recalls was sacked last year as Chairman after the presidential election which the party lost.

The magazine reported that Damagun was to be removed on April 18 by some unhappy party chieftains, but survived because the plot did not sail through, after the PDP state governors reportedly backed out at the last minute.

Speaking on behalf of the PDP governors ahead the party’s NEC meeting last month, their Chairman and governor of Bauchi state, Bala Mohammed told journalists that the party will ensure that its 2017 constitution is upheld regarding the leadership of the party during the meeting.

Mohammed stated that Damagun removal was not a priority for the meeting, describing the alleged plot to remove the chairman as a speculation.

Mohammed said, “this meeting is not convened to discuss a change in leadership. Our priority is to address all outstanding matters and move forward so that all activities outlined in the party’s constitution, including congresses, are completed within the stipulated timeframe.

“While the public is free to speculate and discuss, it’s important to note that NEC, comprising the PDP Governors’ Forum and other stakeholders, will ultimately make decisions on such matters. As governors, we understand our leadership role, but we recognise that the NEC will determine whether it is appropriate to fill the leadership vacancy, taking into account legal considerations due to ongoing litigation.

“We are committed to unity within the party and will not allow any factionalisation attempts by external forces. Our goal is to address all issues and ensure the party is unified for optimal performance and success in the upcoming elections.”

Good News: FG Rejects Telecom Tariff Hike; Says It Will Harm Nigerians

James Orji

May 10, 2024

Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communication, innovations and Digital Economy has faulted the plan by telecom operators in the country to hike their tariff.

The Minister gave the federal government position on the issue on Thursday at the launch of the Nigeria Digital Economy Report on in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The GSM operators in the country had recently made a push for increase in tariff. Their reason, they contend is that the tariff has remained the same for 11 years, adding that the current tariff is injurious to their businesses.

Their position was contained in a communiqué signed by their Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria and the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria.

Tijani who appealed to the operators to shelve their plan for a tariff hike stated that doing so at this time will harm many Nigerians who are already suffering as a result of the current economic challenges in the country.

He said the federal government is already addressing the problem in the sector, saying the “solutions to these things will not come from one single thing, which is raising the tariff.”

According to him, “We have to deepen and address so many of these things. The solutions to these things will not come from one single thing, which is raising the tariff, that’s never going to be the solution. There are tons of other things that can be done to ensure that the business environment is conducive for the investors in this phase and the government is articulating that including the tariff conversation.

“The government may intentionally put out the right messages, the right policies and the right intentions but if everything that is coming from the association on just one issue is extremely negative, investors will not come in. Investors will not help. And if we go back to my very clear point, I’ve not seen anything more in what you are demanding that is difficult.”

“It’s the approach to addressing them that I think we are not ready to do. And I’m being open about this because we must, for once, and finally, agree to address these issues positively; because they are not just affecting the companies that you represent. They are affecting the economy and the security of the nation as well.

“So we have to be extremely careful how we approach it and make sure we focus on solving it. Some of the things proposed nine months ago, if we collectively came together to address those things nine months ago, your demands would have been met. But the solution that the association is saying is only one solution. And I don’t believe anyone wants that.”

Ex Super Eagles Winger, Tijani Babangida Involved In Car Crash, Hospitalized Alongside Wife, Son; Loses Brother, Ibrahim, a Former Super Eagles Player

Akinwale Kasali

May 10, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, and the entire football enclave is in a sad mood, mourning the demise of Ibrahim Babangida, former Super Eagles Player.

The player who lost his life in a ghastly Car Crash on Thursday along Zaria Road, also saw the younger Brother, Tijani Babangida, Former Super Eagles Winger badly injured in the same crash alongside his Wife, Son and Maid.

They sustained degrees of injuries and currently hospitalized.

Ibrahim was a member of the 1993 FIFA U-17 World Cup-winning Golden Eaglet squad in Japan.

He played for Bank of The North, Stationery Stores and Katsina United in Nigeria before joining Eredivisie side Volendam in 1997.

Announcing the demise of Ibrahim, Emmanuel Babayaro, General Secretary, Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria, PFAN, said in a statement:

“Comrades! Let us be in prayers for our President, Tijani Babangida, who just had a ghastly motor accident along the Kaduna-Zaria Road.

“Ibrahim Babangida, his younger brother, died on the spot from the accident while Mr President (Tijani Babangida) and his family were taken to the hospital.

“May the soul of Ibrahim Babangida Rest In Peace with God, amen,” he announced.

It was gathered that Ibrahim would be buried after the Jummat service on Friday according to Islamic rites.

He added that Tijani is “conscious” and other victims of the accidents are “recuperating”.

Kaduna: Fish Out Terrorists Of Ambe Attack, Lawmakers Urge Security Agencies

James Orji

May 10, 2024

Senator Sunday Katung representing Kaduna south in the National Assembly has called for a thorough investigation of the recent terrorist attack in the state.

A fresh attack by some terrorists led to the death of six persons in Ambe community in the Sanga Local Government Area of the state.

According to reports the attack also left in its wake at least 10 persons seriously wounded.

The state is one of the epicentres of terrorists and bandits’ operations in Norther part of Nigeria, with Southern Kaduna forming their major target.

During the weeks, the state government decided to relocate some schools in the state following recurrent bandit attack and kidnapping.

Speaking on Thursday, while in company of other lawmakers from the state to the community, Katung urged security agencies to fish out those responsible for the latest attack.

The senator also warned those he described as informants of the terrorists that their days are numbered because they will soon be unmasked.

They lawmakers said plans are ongoing to establish a military formation around the communities where bandits and terrorists attack have been rampart.

“I will work side-by-side with the Senator to ensure that the request for the re-establishment of a military camp within the community is actualised to give them and four other communities around the area hope to go back to their farms to cultivate a bumper harvest this year,” Daniel Amos one of the lawmakers who visited the community also said.

Over 350 schools where recently relocated by the state government due to the problem of banditry.

“You Were Not Getting Anything Before ,But Now We Have Shown Good Faith” – Gov Otti Tells Abia Pensioners, Workers

The Source

May 10, 2024

The Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti, has again revealed that the sum of N10 billion, allegedly, removed from the State’s Treasury under the guise of paying for the construction of Abia airport was subsequently moved to 32 suspicious accounts .

This is even as he has assured of making public the details of the report of the forensic audit that unearthed the financial fleecing of the state by the immediate past administration .

Governor Otti, who spoke late Thursday May 9 2024 during his monthly interactive session with the Media in Umuahia, the State capital, also disputed claims by the leadership of Abia pensioners that they were short-changed in the course of the payments of their pension arrears, insisting that the Government fully implemented the terms of agreement entered in to with the pensioners Union .

The Governor, who said he is not interested in seeing anybody go to jail on account of the alleged N10 billion misappropriated Airport funds and others, promised that in less than no time , Ferotex Construction Company will respond to Security agencies and avail them the letters and documents directing it on how and where to move the funds after it had declined involvement in the purported airport construction.

“The Managing Director of the firm ( Ferotex) said he told the ( Immediate past administration) that he has never built an airport before and it is not his area of competence, neither did he apply to build an airport.

“Ferotex will soon respond to show letters directing it to move the funds to 32 different companies .

“We are not interested in anybody going to jail except if they are telling us that if somebody’s money is missing ,he/she should not look for it .

“Where I come from, if your property is missing, you have to look for it ” the Governor stated.

He revealed that Ferotex in whose account the N10 billion was sent, in the course of its engagement with the auditors (KPMG) confessed that it was deceived, adding that the past administration never denied the movement of the funds.

“Their claim was that the funds were diverted for road construction ,which they must prove when the time comes.”

Further clarifying Government’s position on the controversy surrounding the recent payments of pension arrears in the state, Governor Otti said “They (pensioners) told us that they are interested in the payment of their full pension from January 2024 . They also said that they were ready to forgo all the arrears once there is a commitment to be paying them their full monthly pensions promptly and regularly..

“So we went back and thought about it and came to the conclusion that what they (pensioners) were proposing was not a fair deal.

“We said despite the difficulties the pensioners were facing ,that we were not going to write off the entire arrears.

“So we looked at our books and put down #10 billion to defray the total arrears . Based on that ,we went back and entered into an agreement which every party signed .

“I am aware that after we paid the money ,the leadership of National Union of Pensioners came to say no, they had made a mistake. That they did not say gratuities should be written off. But of course ,you have signed a document and on the basis of that document ,action has been taken .

“I think it is a huge joke to come and claim that you did not sign any document and or that a portion of the document should be expunged after you have signed . Gratuity is a one time thing . You were not getting anything before. We have shown good faith”

“How My Would-have-been Assassin Saved My Life, Home”, Reveals What Killed Professor Obiozor

The Source

May 10, 2024

By Charles Obi

Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu has revealed how his life and home were saved by one of those contracted to carry out the heinous crime.

Iwuanyanwu, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, disclosed his close shave with the arsonists when he raised alarm that his life was under serious threat. He said there were plans to either kill him or raze down his home.

According to him, the treatment given to his predecessor in office, Professor George Obiozor, was reserved for him but for one of those contracted to carry out the crime who backed out at the last moment because of the kindness which he, Iwuanyanwu, extended to his family.

Recall that Obiozor, renowned diplomat, academic and administrator, died of what many felt was heartbreak, shortly after his country home in his Awo-Omama, Imo State Community, was razed completely down by gunmen. Gone was everything he had struggled for in life, especially, his journey as a diplomat.

Chief Iwuanyanwu revealed that the mission of those who razed down Obiozor’s country home was to murder him. When they got to his home, however, they discovered he was not home. Their next option was to raze down his home. Obiozor never recovered from it.

Recounting his own ordeal, Iwuanyanwu said the same group planned to give him same treatment but was aborted when one of those contracted recalled how his brother was put through University by him, Chief Iwuanyanwu.

He said what he is going through because he is Ohanaeze President General “is becoming dangerous.” Aside from Obiozor’s case, Iwuanyanwu recalled that past Presidents of Ohanaeze suffered one near- calamity or other. For instance, he recalled that the home of Nnia Nwodo was bombed. Luckily for Nwodo, he was not there. In the case of Professor Joe Irukwu, he was falsely accused of receiving hundreds of millions of Naira to compromise Igbo interest, an allegation Iwuanyanwu said, Irukwu carried to his grave.

He identified those behind these atrocities as “some South Easterners” who are anti-Igbo, and now ready to kill him.

Iwuanyanwu: “This has become very dangerous. These people have carried this too far.

“Sometime ago, I got information that some people were coming to burn my house; that people said they were hired to burn my house.

“Some people also said they were hired to come and kill me, all sorts of stories like that. And I started asking myself what is it that I have done that would warrant that my house should be burned, that I should be killed?

“I told those people that they shouldn’t worry. Fortunately, one of them said that the person they hired said that I trained his brother in the University. You know, I had a scholarship scheme that trained over 5,000 youths in the University. So, he said his brother was trained by me, and so he cannot burn my house.

“I feel sad that I should be confronted by some of these types of spectre of threats just because I want to serve my people.

“I have looked at my past career and seen how God blessed me. At 82, when I’ve retired, for me now to come back to serve my people snd to find myself completely engulfed in this type of mess.

“I’m somebody who is dogged and can’t easily be pushed around. God has given me the heart and determination to serve my people.

“Obiozor died as a result of that attack in his country home because as a diplomat, all his books, awards, and recognitions were totally burnt, and these things he cherished very much.

“In the case of Nnia Nwodo, as President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, they trailed him to his village in Ukehe, Enugu State and threw bombs into his house. Fortunately, he was not there.

“Professor Joe Irukwu, also, suffered similar fate when he was accused of receiving millions of Naira to work against Igboland. Irukwu painfully carried the allegation until his death.”

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