As people of Oyo state trooped out on Saturday for the Local Government Election, Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, has commended them for turning out to vote at the Local Government poll.
The Governor rated the conduct of the election high, stating it compared favourably with elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Despite the Governor’s view, some voters complained of being disenfranchised as many polling units did not witness the exercise until around 2:00 p.m.
The Governor gave his comment after casting his vote at Unit 1, Ward 011, Abayomi Open Space, Iwo Road, Ibadan North East Local Government Area of the state.
While addressing journalists, Governor Makinde said, “For us in Oyo State, it is almost like a given that democracy at the grassroots is what we practice. This is almost our fifth year in office and we are holding local government election for the second time.
“Before we came in, it had always been caretaker administration at the grassroots without the people having a say in who should govern them.
“You can see around also that the people are going about, performing the exercise peacefully and the traffic restriction is being obeyed by the people. So, I will commend our people for coming out to take seriously democracy at that level.”
The Governor, who noted that the security report about the election had been excellent, said those who observed any untoward development should report same to the security agencies.
He praised the democratic process at the grassroots level and emphasized its importance for the people of the state.
Highlighting the progress made by his administration, Governor Makinde noted that since assuming office, the state has held local government elections twice, ensuring that the people had a voice in determining their representatives at the local level.
“I will like to commend our people for coming, and take this civic exercise seriously.
“The security has been excellent truly. I challenge people to compare it with the INEC-organized elections and see how transparent the process is.
“For the people I will say accept the outcome. If you see anything that looks like irregularities as far as this exercise is concerned, bring it up to the authorities and then they will deal with it.”
The Federation of Ekiti State Students Union (FESSU) has demanded justice for Iyanda Damilola, who was gruesomely shot dead and his brother Olufemi Iyanda who sustained gunshot wounds from Police bullets in Oyo State.
Iyanda Damilola, a graduate and serving Corp Member, and his brother, Iyanda Oluwafemi were reportedly shot by a Policeman in Ogbomosho. Damilola died while his brother sustained injuries.
Ekiti students, in a statement signed by Benjamin Onileowo, president, on Saturday stated that “This incident, which occurred at LAUTECH area, Ogbomoso in Oyo State, is a consequence of the reckless and wholly unprofessional conduct of a police officer in his misguided attempt to extort the victims.
“Our hearts go out to the grieving family of the deceased, and we fervently wish for the swift recovery of Iyanda Oluwafemi.
“We, in the most resolute terms, unequivocally condemn this egregious act of police brutality and demand immediate and unequivocal justice for the victims.
“We implore the government and security agencies to launch a comprehensive and urgent investigation into this matter of paramount importance, ensuring that those responsible for the senseless loss of life and brutal assault are swiftly brought to account.
“Additionally, we insist upon adequate compensation for the bereaved family during this harrowing time.
“We beseech the Government of Ekiti State to collaborate with their counterparts in Oyo State for the expeditious release of the deceased Corp member’s remains for dignified burial and the comprehensive treatment of his brother, Oluwafemi, who sustained grievous injuries from gunfire.
“While we acknowledge the righteous indignation and frustration within our students community, we urge all members to refrain from vigilante actions. Instead, we advocate for peaceful activism and dialogue to ensure that justice prevails.
“Furthermore, FESSU charges the security agencies to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in their duties.
“Failure to swiftly and effectively address incidents of police brutality will only exacerbate tensions within the student community.
“We stand in unwavering solidarity with the grieving family of the victims and all students of Ekiti State. We pledge to continue our relentless pursuit of justice and accountability in cases of police misconduct.
“We stand prepared to mobilize the students community in peaceful demonstrations if necessary to amplify our collective voice for our demands. We implore our students to promptly report any instances of police brutality for immediate redress.”
I read with shock and consternation, an article written by Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, spokesperson to Kano state Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf titled: “How Ganduje Hired Fake NGO to Rate Kano Low in an Attempt to Cover his Wasted 8 Years,” published in some online newspaper platforms. From all indications, the said article was supposed to serve as a reply to a story titled: “Kano worst governed, least performing state in Nigeria – Report,” written by Taofeek Lawal and published in Tribune online on April 23, 2024.
I sourced for that story; and after carefully going through it, I align myself, one hundred per cent, to the verdict of the report by the Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEHUR), which correctly portrayed Kano State as the most poorly governed and underperforming state in the nation since the inception of the new administration on May 29, 2023.
According to Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry, who spoke on behalf of the Centre, during a Press Conference in Abuja covered by the Tribune reporter, Kano ranks bottom for good governance, as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration has rather focused on political structures to the detriment of the people. Adebayo said: “Kano is one of the states whose governor has gotten it wrong on several fronts. From available statistics, the state is enmeshed in a series of political activities that have affected governance considerably.”
He added that: “From interviews conducted with stakeholders in the state, it was gathered that the state governor is bereft of ideas on tackling the state’s socio-economic issues. It was also gathered that his choice of political appointees was hinged on political considerations and not based on experience and capacity. There was also evidence of gross abuse of office evident in the political persecution of perceived political opponents through irrational decisions that have boomeranged and affected the progress of the state. Available reports also indicated an astronomical lack of transparency and accountability in utilising state resources. The state governor was observed to have neglected governance in pursuit of political vendetta. The Governor of Kano State has allowed governance in the state to take a worrisome turn, thereby affecting sustainable growth and development substantially. From available reports, he appears to be a misfit who cannot think critically towards addressing the socio-economic issues in the state.”
Even as I make it clear that the National Chairman of the All Progressives and Congress (APC), and immediate-past Governor of Kano state, His Excellency, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has never met with members and officials of CEDEHUR or their representatives for any reason whatsoever, their findings and report aptly captured the situation of governance in Kano under the watch of Governor Yusuf.
Indeed, it is common knowledge that Governor Yusuf is not in charge of the affairs of the state. The information available to me indicated all political appointments; including members of his cabinet were done by his political godfather, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso. His part is only to say “yes sir” to every decision that concerns governance in the state even when it is against his own will. The greater percentage of members of Governor Yusuf’s cabinet is directly answerable to the Supreme Commander of the Kwankwassiyya Movement (a political cult) that serves the interest and robs the ego of only one man to the detriment of the welfare and wellbeing of the good people of Kano state.
It will be a complete waste of time to enumerate the uncommon achievements of Dr. Ganduje as Kano state Governor for eight years. The records are there and discernable Nigerians have continued to appreciate Dr. Ganduje’s giant strides in Kano, even though the current administration of Governor Yusuf is investing time and huge resources to rubbish the Ganduje legacies in Kano.
However, the good people of Kano state and Nigerians are not blind. They are seeing the events as they unfold. Posterity will surely give the final judgement; and must surely vindicate Dr. Ganduje from all political onslaught being launched against him by Governor Yusuf, his political godfather and their foot soldiers.
Finally, it is in the best interest of Governor Yusuf to liberate himself from the strong grip of political slavery, stand firm on his feet and give the good people of Kano state the kind of leadership and democratic dividends they deserve. He should know that time is of the essence. It is almost one year since he collected the baton of leadership from Dr. Ganduje with almost nothing to show for it. Governor Yusuf should make haste while the sun shines. His failures of today will surely be his regrets of tomorrow. May God give him the wisdom to differentiate between trivialities and serious business of governance.
Olofu is Chief Press Secretary to APC National Chairman Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje
In a bold move to encourage, reassure, and integrate persons living with disabilities ,the Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Zulum late on Friday April 26 2024 at a ceremony at the Government House Maiduguri, announced automatic employment offers to 15 persons living with disabilities in the state’s civil services.
The beneficiaries ,most of them the blind ,recently braced all odds to acquire varying educational qualifications ranging from degrees, National Certificate in Education NCE, National Diplomas ND and Certificates in Vocational trainings.
Governor Zulum while promising to create the enabling environment for challenge persons to attain and realise their lofty ambitions ,expressed delight that the beneficiaries despite odds ,persevered to break the barriers imposed by disability.
“I am delighted to note that despite your disabilities, you people are not lazy ,. You decided to pursue education and for this ,I want to commend you .
I have directed the Commissioner of Education,to process your applications for employment for my immediate approval .
Therefore,I want to bring to your kind notice that you will be on the payroll of Borno state Government effective May 1, 2024 ” Governor Zulum stated.
The feat and resilience of the beneficiaries is coming against the backdrop of known disturbing tendencies among many capable youths within the state and the region in general to resort to alms solicitations and or engaged in unwholesome activities to eke out a living.
To ensure that a conducive environment is enthroned to assist those who despite being challenged are encourage to pursue their legitimate aspirations,the Governor further directed the Commissioner of Education, Engr.Lawan Abba Wikilbe , to embark on an immediate review of the schools for the Blind and other Special Educational institutions in the state ,with a view to restructuring,rehabilitating and equipping them adequately for the training and education of people living with disabilities .
This is even as he has green lighted the Education ministry to incorporate the teaching of Special Courses in the academic programmes of the state owned College of Education in Barma .
” I am happy that they ( beneficiaries) have obtained their qualifications in different in fields of study . Let us therefore strengthen the College of Education in Barma to start delivering courses on Special Education” Prof. Zulum noted.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Association Of the Blind ,Borno state chapter, Mohammed Mustapha ,while expressing gratitude to Governor Zulum for the employment opportunities offered to his members ,appealed for the continued support and encouragement of the Government to people living with disabilities ,as well as the provision of equal opportunities .
One of Africa’s Best Bankers, Businessman and entrepreneur, Jim Ovia, has been picked by President Bola Tinubu to Chair the Board of the very important Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND.
The appointment, which has been described by many as putting a round peg in a round hole, given Ovia’s many accomplishments and foray into Education, was announced Friday in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale. “It shows the President means business”, a couple of them posited.
Part of the statement reads:
“Mr. Ovia is the founder of one of Nigeria’s leading banks and a respected business leader, with a surfeit of efforts and benefaction towards nurturing and empowering young Nigerians.
“He is an alumnus of Harvard Business School and holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Louisiana.
“The National Student Loan Programme is a pivotal intervention that seeks to guarantee sustainable higher education and functional skill development for all Nigerian students and youths.
“The Nigerian Education Loan Fund, the implementing institution of this innovation, demands excellence and Nigerians of the finest professional ilk to guide and manage.
“The President believes Mr. Ovia will bring his immense wealth of experience and professional stature to this role to advance the all-important vision of ensuring that no Nigerian student suffers a capricious end to their pursuit of higher education over a lack of funds and of ensuring that Nigerian youths, irrespective of who they are, have access to higher education and skills that will make them productive members of society and core contributors to the knowledge-based global economy of this century.”
The embattled former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Godwin Emefiele, succeeded Ovia as the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc. Ovia is believed to have, allegedly, recommended Emefiele to former President Goodluck Jonathan for the CBN top job.
Both Ovia and Emefiele hail from the same Delta Igbo speaking area of Delta State, with some people alleging they are relations. The question they are asking is why Ovia has not been able to broker a soft landing for his embattled “kinsman and boy.”
Yet, not a few insist that given the gravity of the allegations against Emefiele, it will be unfair to say Ovia “abandoned him to his fate.” Perhaps, the seasoned banker, they say, is so overwhelmed by the allegations against Emefiele, that he decided to keep off, and pray that things gradually sort themselves out since, according to one of them: “Emefiele did not run CBN with Ovia.”
The All Progressive Congress APC has insisted that the Governor of Kano state Abba Kabir Yusuf and his political mentor Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso are allegedly the masterminds of Thursday April 25 ,spate of anti Ganduje protest marches that rocked the Abuja National Secretariat of the party.
Providing an insight into how protesters were allegedly recruited and paid ,to demand for the resignation of the APC National Chairman, Comrade Okpokwu Ogenyi, Special Assistant to Dr Abdullahi Ganduje on Civil Society and Support Groups, noted in a statement issued on Friday, April 26, 2024, that the protesters were promised N50,000 each by the Kano State authorities to stage the protest .
However, they were finally paid the sum of N10,000 each, a development which led to some of them opting to spill the oil.
According to Ogenyi, the media aide to the Kano state Governor, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, allegedly superintended over the recruitment exercise of the hirelings.
The statement which further claimed that Bature earned the confidence of his principals following strong assurances that ,he possesses the magic wand to unseat the APC National Chairman, allegedly recruited most of the Abuja protesters from the rank of the Kwankwasiyya political group in Kano.
“We are privy to credible information that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, working with some persons from the North Central geo- political zone, has doled out huge sums of money to some persons to sustain campaign against the Ganduje led Working Committee of the APC ,in his desperate but fruitless mission to remove him as the National Chairman .
“The party is, therefore, calling on the various anti graft agencies in the country, particularly, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commppission ICPC, to investigate Kano State Government spendings”, the statement stated.
The Source reports that on Thursday April 25, some protesters under the aegis of Concerned APC North Central Stakeholders staged a protest at the Party’s National Headquarters in Abuja, ⁸⅞7th for the resignation of Dr Ganduje ,as the APC National Chairman.
Their Spokesperson Mohammed Mahmud Saba ,while addressing the media ,said their protest and demand were premised on the fact the position of the APC National Chairman was at the 2022 National Convention ceded to the North Central zone .
They insisted that after the resignation of the former Governor of Nasarawa state ,Senator Abdullahi Adamu ,in 2023 ,his replacement was supposed to be picked from the zone.
They described the choice of Dr Ganduje from the North West region ,as a deliberate attempt to short change APC Northcentral members.
Instructively, penultimate week the Kano state Chairman of the APC ,Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas had at the tick of the initial efforts by some self acclaimed APC leaders from the Ganduje Ward ,in Dawakin Tofa local Council of the state led by one Haladu Gwanjo to oust the party’s National Chairman, equally accused the Kano State Authorities of complicity in the now botched suspension plot.
” We have evidence of meetings between the people behind the purported suspension of Ganduje as the National Chairman of the party with some officials of the kano state Government” Abbas had stated .
The National Industrial Court has ruled that the Osun State Assembly’s motion to suspend Justice Adepele Ojo as the state chief judge was unlawful and unconstitutional.
The Court also declared that the governor’s attempt to appoint an acting Chief Judge was null and void, as it was made without the required consultation with the National Judicial Council.
The Court sitting in Ibadan reaffirmed Justice Ojo as the Chief Judge of Osun State, granting all reliefs sought by her against the Osun State Government and the Osun State House of Assembly.
The Court’s decision, delivered by Justice Peters under case file NICN/IB/62/2023, includes a perpetual injunction restraining both the executive and legislative arms of Osun State from removing her as the State’s top Judicial Officer.
This judgment brings an end to the protracted legal battle between Justice Ojo and the state authorities, which began in 2023 when the Osun State Assembly passed a motion to suspend her from office.
The assembly’s action was widely criticized by legal experts and civil society groups, who argued that it was an attempt to undermine the independence of the judiciary.
Following the assembly’s motion, Governor Ademola Adeleke forwarded a recommendation to the Chief Justice of the Federation, seeking the appointment of an acting Chief Judge.
However, Justice Ojo approached the National Industrial Court, seeking a restraining order to prevent her removal from office. The court granted the order, and Justice Ojo has remained in office despite the attempts to remove her.
The perpetual injunction issued by the court restrained the Osun State Government and the Osun State House of Assembly from taking any further steps to remove Justice Ojo from office.
The injunction also stops the governor from appointing an acting Chief Judge without following the proper procedures laid down by law.
In a statement, the Osun State Government spokesperson and Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, said that the government respects the court’s decision and will not appeal the ruling.
0Alimi praised Governor Adeleke for his commitment to the rule of law and his respect for the judiciary, and assured that the government will continue to work with Justice Ojo and the judiciary to ensure the effective administration of justice in Osun State.
Less than 24 hours after the Kano state police authorities ordered the withdrawal of police operatives attached to the Kano State Anti- Corruption and Public Complaints Commission, the Inspector-General of Police IGP Kayode Egbetokun has returned them back to their duty posts
But those involved directly and or remotely in the investigations of cases ,did not make it back
This is even as the Chairman of the Kano State Anti graft Agency Bar. Muhyi Magaji ,has described the development as a clear case of Corruption fighting back.
On Thursday April 25 ,2024 ,the kano police command had announced the immediate withdrawal of all police personnel attached to the commission ,citing no reason for the action.
However ,in a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson Abdullahi Kiyawaon late on Friday April 26 2024 ,the police attributed the earlier withdrawal order to the need for a routine staff audit,as well as the to address some issues bordering on an avalanche of complaints of abuse of office and high handedness leveled against some of the policemen attached to the commission.
“Recall that on April 25 2024 , the kano state police Command had recalled police officers posted to the Kano State Public Complaints Commission PCACC with a view to conducting staff audit aimed at ascertaining the exact number of police officers seconded to the commission as well as to understand the reporting line and nature of duties each police officer has been preforming since their initial deployment to the commission in the year 2015 .
“The exercise was simply a response to a series of reports received through the Command’s complaint Response Unit CRU ,portraying policemen attached to the commission as being high handed and deviating from the expected roles of providing static guard and other duties at the Commission.
“For purposes of clarity,members of the public are to note that the objective of the ongoing staff audit is basically. to address the litany of complaints as reported by some sections of the media.
The action further became imperative ,so as to correct the anomalies in the operations of the Commission.,as police officers primarily deployed to static guards and other duties were being used to effect arrest and investigations of cases ,which clearly is a deviation from their assigned mandate of which must be corrected .
In totality ,the step is to ensure a better and effective service delivery by the policemen devoid of abuse of processes in the interest of the people..
It will be recalled that similar exercises were conducted in the past from the inception of the Commission 2015 and the men were returned at the conclusion of such exercises.
Meanwhile ,the Inspector-General of Police has approved the immediate return of police officers providing guards at the Commission’s office who have gone through the audit process to continue with. their duties,” part of statement reads .
But at an interactive session with the media in his office on Friday April 26 , Magaji ,noted that all police operatives serving with the Commission at all times exhibit high professional conduct,and do not compromise their duties particularly in high profile cases .
” If you are fighting corruption ,you will step on some toes and would not be forgiven . So corruption here is fighting back.
“From the look of things ,there are people trying to stop the Commission from its work ” the PCACC Chairman emphasised .
Edwin Clark, elder statesman and Leader, Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, has alleged that the Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Umar Illiya Damagum is taking instructions from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike.
He alleged that the former Rivers State Governor is the one controlling Damagum, and that both are on the verge of plunging the Party to an untimely end.
Clark urged Damagum to resign his position as a matter of urgency as the Acting National Chairman of the Party and save the Party from an imminent collapse.
The former Federal Commissioner for Information labeled last week’s National Executive Committee, NEC, as a charade and a proof of Wike’s stronghold on the Party.
He stressed that the NEC members at the meeting showed what he described as “obvious weakness” by allowing Wike to bamboozle everyone in the meeting as no one was ready to speak truth to power.
In a letter to Damagum, Clark accused him of engaging in anti-party activities especially in his activities in Rivers State.
Iliya Umar Damagum, PDP Acting National Chairman
He said that he was working for, and taking instructions from Wike in his activities in Rivers State.
The letter dated 24th April, 2024 was titled, ”Open letter on the outcome of the Charade National Executive Committee( NEC meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP: A prove of Wike’s strangle hold on the party.”
According to Clark, it is alleged in some quarters that Wike is very instrumental to his being appointed the Acting National Chairman and he, therefore, recognises Wike as your “boss”, adding that it appears to some people the obvious role the Acting National Chairman embarked upon, playing down the powers of NEC.
Clark said that it does also appear that the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) is made up of Wike’s men, which include the Acting National Chairman, the National Secretary, the National Publicity Secretary, some leaders such as Chief Dan Orbih, who unfortunately he said is not a chip of the old block of his father, late Chief MCK Orbih, a great politician with whom he was together in the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in 1979.
The Elderstatesman said, “Firstly, let me apologise should this letter cause you any form of embarrassment because we have never met nor spoken to each other before. However, I have followed your activities since you took over as the Acting National Chairman of the PDP.
“ I issued a press release on the eve of the just concluded NEC meeting of your party, which had not been held for a very long time, that except some courageous and bold actions are taken at the meeting, the party will collapse.
“ Unfortunately, my sense of foreboding was confirmed by the actions and inactions of the PDP NEC during the meeting, because at the long-awaited meeting, there was a deliberate attempt to avoid the very serious issues plaguing the party including those expressed by various stakeholders, such as the sixty (60) Members of the House of Representatives.
“ The NEC showed obvious weakness by allowing Mr. Nyesom Wike to bamboozle everyone in the meeting. No one was ready to speak truth to power. Therefore, emphasis was put on reconciliation committee and not on the disciplinary committee which was earlier set up under the chairmanship of His Excellency, Emmanuel Udom, immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
“It was therefore, unfortunately, Wike’s day, and a confirmation of Wike’s earlier claim that PDP approved his joining President Tinubu’s cabinet as Minister. One wonders the sincerity of the PDP when they criticise and condemn some of the policies of the government at the centre, when their “strong man and financier” Nyesome Wike is a major player in the government of President Tinubu. Especially, when viewed against the back drop of his leading the 7-man Caretaker Committee of the APC in Rivers State, led by his nominee, Mr. Tony Okocha.
“To imagine that the NEC and the NWC of the party, turned blind eye to all that is happening in the PDP in Rivers State, because it is said you have a paymaster controlling you, is unbelievable. This is a clarion call on you, Mr. Acting National Chairman, to either sit up, or do the needful by resigning from the position, so that the party does not collapse on you.”
Clark further stated that, “ I listened very carefully to my most respected friend, Navy Commodore Bode George’s interview on the television after the NEC meeting and I laughed at the picture he painted of the PDP as a great party with wisdom. But with due respect to him, I completely disagree with him. of course, I know his position before and after the elections of 2023.
“ At that time, he was one of us who believed that the presidency should be zoned to the southern part of the country. Bode George, no doubt, is sympathetic with the G5, headed by Nyesom Wike on the strength that the north cannot produce the presidential candidate and at the same time the National Chairman of the party. I know as a party statesman he would prefer a reconciliation of all members of the party.
“ It is alleged in some quarters that Mr. Wike is very instrumental to your being appointed the Acting National Chairman, and you, therefore recognise him as your “boss”.
“So, it appears to some people the obvious role you embarked upon, playing down the powers of NEC. It does also appear that the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), is made up of Mr. Wike’s men, which includes your good self as Acting National Chairman, the National Secretary, the National Publicity Secretary, some leaders such as Chief Dan Orbih, who unfortunately is not a cheap of the old block of his father, late Chief MCK Orbih, a great politician. We were all together in the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), in 1979.
“Mr. Acting National Chairman, let me outline some of your activities which are viewed in some quarters as anti-party activities. For instance, in Rivers State, it is a well-known fact that Chief Wike had one trusted ‘brother’ in the State, and that is Siminalayi Fubara whom he chose as Accountant General during his tenure as Governor of the State, to help him look after the monetary affairs of the State. This was 23rd December 2020.
“You are aware also that Mr Wike as a result was said to be exercising some strong control over the finances of Rivers State, both from FAAC in Abuja and the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
“In order to be in firm and total control of all, you are also aware that Mr Wike bought forms for every contesting member of the party in Rivers State; right from the Governor to the members of House of Assembly including the members of National Assembly.
“No doubt, Mr Wike did his best in keeping the party financially when the party was sailing topsy-turvy. He also majorly championed the course of Sim Fubara to become Governor of Rivers State, while other colleagues seriously opposed him. Mr Wike was able to bulldoze his way through, and installed Sim Fubara as Governor. Having installed him, he gave him ‘directives’ on how to run the State; I also learnt that he entered into some agreements with him, which were not in the interest of the Rivers People. As a result of these secret arrangements between master and servant, all the appointments into Governor Fubara’s Government were made by Hon. Wike and this is a well-known fact all over the country. Mr Wike decided where and who the Governor should visit, who should and should not come to the Government House, etc.
“ He also contributed largely to the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Rivers State; for which he has now been compensated by President Tinubu as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
“Today, almost all the members of the G5 were not carried along by Nyesom Wike. Apart from Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, the others have gone into oblivion. In his usual selfish ways, he did not carry along with him the other members of the G5 and apart from Governor Makinde of Oyo State, the others have gone into oblivion.
“But by the Grace of God, Governor Fubara is managing to disentangle himself from the chains placed on his feet by Mr Wike and gain his freedom; and by extension freedom to the people of Rivers State.
“Mr Chairman, you are aware of the drama that took place in the Rivers State House of Assembly on 30th October, 2023, where the house was factionalized; one group supporting Mr Wike while the other group were for the Governor. Those against the Governor formed themselves into a force and on the control and directive of their master at an ungodly hour at about 7am, the members, about 23 of them signed the impeachment motion. These same members led by the Speaker of the House, Martins Amaewhule, assembled on Monday 11th December, 2023 where they declared to be members of the APC, singing the President Tinubu’s song, “on your mandate we shall stand” and waiving the APC flag.
“The other faction that did not defect elected Edison Ehie as speaker and the members who defected were removed from office. They later went to court to confirm it. It happens that you did not view it on any TV station or read it in any newspaper. The 27 members of your party were in control of the House of Assembly and in fact the Executive headed by Governor Sim Fubara. Your party was in power. We are fully informed that the defection from PDP to APC was carried out by Chief Nyesom Wike and yourself. One may ask further, where were you when the PDP Governors under the leadership of Sen Bala Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State pleaded with Mr Wike to give peace a chance in Rivers State?
“ The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria did not define what the quorum at the House of Assembly should be and it is generally agreed by majority of senior lawyers in Nigeria. The defection of the 27 members automatically meant that their seats in the House are forfeited. The defection of the members did not close the House down because five (5) of the members did not defect with them and remained members of the House. The Rivers State House of Assembly continues to function with an acting speaker, Edison Ehie and the rest is history.
“The Acting National Chairman of a party could not visit the State to find out what was happening.
“The Rivers State Appropriation Bill 2024 was passed by the faction with the Governor and signed into Law by the Governor. It will therefore be a breach of the Constitution for the Governor to re-present the Appropriation Bill to none existing members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Of course, you are aware it is unconstitutional and this matter of the presentation of Appropriation Bill has several cases in court and it will be improper for Governor Sim Fubara to disobey the constitution and the courts.
“At this juncture Mr Acting National Chairman, I repeat, one may like to know your reaction to the defection of the twenty-seven (27) members of your party who defected to the APC, even when their defection was supported by Mr President. Take note, Section 109 (1Bii) of the 1999 Constitution as amended is binding on all Nigerians, no matter the position they hold. One would have expected you to take action to contact INEC to fix a date for an election but because you and your master Mr Wike have set out to destroy PDP and the collateral damage caused is already affecting the unity of PDP.
“We are aware of the fact that Mr Wike using you, muscled the legitimately elected Members of PDP in Rivers State with Chief Desmond Akawor as the State Chairman of PDP. Chief Akawor has now been appointed as Federal Commissioner representing Rivers State in the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission. Mr Wike has refused to deal with the Acting Chairman of the State, Mr. Chukuemeka Aaron.
“ The so called twenty seven (27) members who were members of the Rivers State House of Assembly until their defection to APC, have been seating, holding illegal meetings without mentioning APC or PDP. It is clear now that the so called twenty-Seven (27) members took court action against the National Assembly, the Governor of Rivers State and the former Speaker of the House of Assembly now Chief of Staff to Fubara; they were sued by the none existing House but in obedience to the President declaration in the 8-point pace deal, the so called House of Assembly refused to withdraw their actions while the Governor and the former Speaker, withdrew their defense which they had earlier filled as directed by Mr President leading to the Justice Omotosho’s Judgment which is currently being appealed against. In some quarters.
“The Judgement automatically made the Rivers State House of Assembly completely independent from other arms of Government. Which is unconstitutional.
“In all these issues, you remained silent, you refused to oppose and take any legal action against the new members of APC. Your Publicity Secretary merely made two (2) public statements and that was the end.
“It could be recalled that it was the Labour Party in Ondo State that took a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly to court when he defected to ADC.
“The NWC and the NEC of PDP are fully aware of Wike using APC members to form the caretaker committee of the various Local Government areas in Rivers even though the existing members’ time was extended by the same party, PDP, for three (3) months; this has led to the Governor and well-meaning PDP members resisting this act and he is not aware that he is dancing naked in the market place. Mr Wike cannot, I repeat, eat his cake and have it. He is either a PDP man or an APC man. He must therefore be called to order”.
The Elder statesman in another statement titled, “ HOW NYESOM WIKE PREVENTED SOME PROMINENT LEADING MEMBERS OF PDP NEC FROM ATTENDING THE NEC MEETING ON 18th APRIL 2024”, explained the activities of Wike at the NEC meeting he labeled a Charade.
“ There is concrete evidence that the same Mr. Wike sponsored some miscreants to obtain a court injunction against some of the leading members of PDP NEC. Is it not madness, ridiculous and mischievous for one selfish and greedy man to encroach upon the rights of fellow members of the party?
“I was even surprised that the NEC members were not aware of the absence of these prominent PDP members; former National Chairman, of PDP Prince Uche Secondus; Sir Celestine Omehia; Rt. Hon Austin Okpara who was Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives; Dr Abiye Sekibo, former Minster of Transportation; Sen Lee Maeba; etc.
“The Acting Chairman of PDP in Rivers State, Mr. Chukwuemeka Aaron, was also prevented from attending the NEC meeting. I wonder if this is how the unity of the party is going to be maintained.
“These are very important members of NEC and one of them was a National Chairman of the Party for about four (4) years. Chief Uche Secondus was the trusted political associate of Wike and it was through close association that Wike rose to become a notable PDP party man, but when Wike finally developed his ambition to become president of Nigeria, he sacrificed Secondus because the President and the National Chairman cannot come from the same region.
“In his usual vindictive and mischievous manner, sponsored some persons in Secondus’ Ward to suspend him from the party and went to court to confirm it. Now he has barred him from attending PDP NEC meeting by restricting him with a court injunction.
“Similarly, as earlier mentioned, you have also prevented other notable Rivers State PDP politicians who were members of Wike’s kitchen cabinet who according to him were on fat monthly allowances and were also beneficiaries of contracts.
“Apart from these colleagues of Wike, it was reported in the Punch of Friday April 19th 2024, that Hon Sokari Goodboy, a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, representing Ahoada West, who did not defect to APC, was arrested on 18th April 2024, outside the venue of NEC meeting in Abuja.
“Just two days ago, after the so-called NEC meeting, and without having regard to the Governor’s Forum and the NEC’s appeal, the party was slammed with an ex-parte order issued by a federal high court in Abuja, barring the PDP NWC from reviewing Rivers State Caretaker Committee list. What is happening to our reputable judiciary, when it is clearly stated by the Supreme Court that internal affairs of political parties, should be left for the parties to handle? If the PDP NWC and other members of the party are sincere, honest and actually believe in the party, they should go to court to challenge this baseless interim order that seeks to interfere with internal affairs of the party.”
As debates and exchange of all manners of brickbats stoked by the shocking revelation made by the Governor of Abia state, Dr Alex Oti, concerning the alleged payments of N107 billion to some unknown persons and for non-existent projects by the immediate past administration in the state continue to rage, a non- State actor has demanded for the release of all relevant information about the said audit report from the Abia state Government.
In what appears to be the first bold move to make public details of the Forensic audit , the Citizens Complaints Centre ,of the Reform and Public Advocacy, has formally applied for its release ,under the Freedom of Information Act
The Source reports that Governor Otti, had on Friday April19, 2024 ,while delivering a lecture at the John Hopkins University ,in the United States of America ,USA, informed the global audience that his administration has unearthed gory details about how the immediate past Government of Dr Victor Okezie Ikpeazu frittered N107 billion on 72 nebulous contractors ,as well as payments of N10 billion for a non existent Abia state Airport.
He noted that the shocking transactions were discovered by a Forensic audit firm, which was engaged to examine the financial books of the State, from 2015 to 2023 .
However, since the revelation, the political landscape of Abia state has been awash with strident and vociferous calls on the Abia State authorities to make public details of the said audit report.
Many others have insisted that the only way frayed nerves could be assuaged is for Abians to be availed of the details of the report, and if found to be true, practicals steps taken by the State Government to recover the said amount .
The Centre For Reform and Advocacy in a letter entitled” Application For Access To Records Under The Sections 1 and 3 Of The Freedom Of Information Act ” dated April 23, 2024,and signed by a member of its Board of Trustees and senior member of the Aba NBA, Bar.Ukpai Ukairo ,demanded from the Abia state Government details of the said Audit Report within 7 days from the date of its letter .
” We respectfully apply for access to the following records to wit.
1) A copy of the Forensic Report which Governor Alex Otti,the Executive Governor of Abia State referred to and relied upon in his Town Hall meeting in the United States of America to allege that his Excellency,former Governor Victor Okezie Ikpeazu,s administration paid billions of Naira for an Airport,and to unnamed contractors.
2) The letter of appointment of the Audit Firm that carried out the Forensic Audit as required under public procurement Act .
3) The vouchers showing the payments made to the Audit Firm for professional services.
4) The extract of the minutes of the Executive Council meeting adopting the said Forensic Report.
Please permit us to remind you that you have seven days ,under the Freedom of Information Act to release the above records ” the letter reads.
