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“Our Concern Now Is To Bring Back PDP To Winning Ways”, Former Governor Ikpeazu Declares Loyalty To Party

April 5, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Immediate past Governor of Abia state, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has said that his concern is how to return the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on which platform he governed Abia State for eight years, back to winning ways after the 2023 electoral fiasco.

This is even as he has insisted that exiting the PDP now, and/or in the nearest future is not an option.

Dr Ikpeazu who spoke at Abia PDP Caucus meeting held at its new State Secretariat on Ogurube Lay out Umuahia the State capital urged party faithful to rededicate themselves to the task of repositioning the party .

He noted that the decision to quit the PDP by some of his aides and former top government functionaries remains their personal choice,adding..

“We must take individual responsibilities for our performance in the 2023 general elections even as our party is going through self cleansing at the moment

“I will remain in PDP and will never be found wanting in my responsibilities to our party and its rebuilding process.

“Those who want to leave will leave no matter what you do .But loyalty, is also about the realization that at some point this party was good to you .It is now time for sacrifice, particularly from those who had previously benefited from our party in one way or the other .We must join hands to rebuild it ”

The former Abia state Governor’s reaffirmation of his loyalty comes on the heels of the defection of some top government officials who served under him, as well as his aides ,to the rival All Progressive Congress APC on Monday April 2 ,with his Chief Of Staff Professor Anthony Agbazuere and Bar. Eze Chikamnayo, former Commissioner of Information toping the list of the decampees.

The Abia PDP through its spokesperson Comrade Abraham Amah has since described the defectors as those not useful to the party ,and their defection a welcome development to the self cleansing process of the party.

Earlier at the Caucus meeting which well attended by party leaders across the state, the Abia. State PDP Chairman Dr Alwell Asiforo Okere ,appreciated members who despite losing power in the state have continued to support the party ,assuring that the PDP in the state will sooner than later bounce back in to reckoning.

According to him ,the fact that the Party remans in the majority in the Abia state House of Assembly is a pointer that it is not completely out of reckoning in the State.

Pioneer Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC ,and PDP Board of Trustees Member,Chief Onyema Ugochukwu , the party’s only Senator from Abia Central ,Col.( rtd ) Augustine Akobundu, immediate past Deputy Governor ,Sir. Ude Oko Chukwu ,Chief Okey Ahiwe, the party’s gubernatorial candidate in the last election, serving and former members of the State House of Assembly, and a host of others attended the caucus meeting.

Sunday Igboho Sues Gani Adams For N500 Million Alleges Assassination Plot; Demands Retraction Of Derogatory Statements Against Him

Akinwale Kasali

April 5, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho has alleged assassination plot by Iba Gani Adams, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland on him. He has, therefore, slammed with a N500 Million Lawsuit.

The Suit marked I/406/2024 filed before an Oyo State High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital saw Igboho suing for defamation of character against Gani Adams.

It would be recalled that Sunday Igboho had threatened to sue the Yoruba Generalissimo for defaming him in an audio that went viral that also indicted the Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo Olu Chief of Staff, CoS, Tayo Ayinde.

In the audio, there was a conversation with Gani Adams and someone in Diaspora where it was said that Igboho is been used as an assassin by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in which Tayo Ayinde was the mastermind of all the atrocities perpetrated by Igboho.

But reacting to the Suit against Gani Adams, Special Assistant on Media to the Aare Onakakanfo, Kehinde Aderemi disclosed that his Principal is yet to be served any process.

Aderemi said, “ Iba Gani Adams was never served any process. The legal team of Aare Onakakanfo will handle the matter.

“ Immediately we receive court process, there will be a response”, Aderemi said.

In a Statement by Sunday Igboho, he said he is demanding a retraction and an apology. He is also demanding a “a declaration that the content of an audio clip between the defendant (Adams) and a third party named Nuru Banjo that took place sometime in November 2021 and further published on all new media platforms, including YouTube, is slanderous, libelous and defamatory.

“ A declaration that it is unlawful, inappropriate and inexcusable for the defendant to defame, disparage and put to disrepute the character and reputation of the claimant (Igboho) in an audio clip published on all new media platforms, including YouTube, in a publication that took place between the defendant and a third party, Nuru Banjo, sometime in November 2021 or thereabout.

“An order of this honourable court directing the defendant to publicly retract the slanderous, libelous and defamatory content contained in the publication to Nuru Banjo which was further published on all new media platforms, including YouTube, where the claimant was defamed, maligned and disparaged by the defendant in the conversation published in November 2021 by the defendant.

“ An order of this honourable court directing the defendant to engage all new media platforms, including YouTube, to take down the slanderous, libelous and defamatory content against the claimant.

“An order of this honourable court directing the defendant to tender an unreserved apology to the claimant in five national newspapers in Nigeria over defamatory content against the claimant by the defendant which has been published on all new media platforms, including YouTube.”

Making the demands, through his lawyer, he also wants the court to perpetually restrain Adams, “his agents, privies or assigns from further embarrassing, degrading or defaming the person of the claimant.”

It would be recalled that Tayo Ayinde through his Legal Team, CITIPOINT led by Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria had also demanded a retraction and an apology over the viral audio from Gani Adams, threatening to take Legal Actions if he failed to do the needful.

Bobrisky Arrives In Court, Clad In Black Robe, Black Scarf, Covers Face

Akinwale Kasali

April 5, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Embattled Cross Dresser, Idris Okuneye popular known as Bobrisky arrived at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi on Thursday where he is facing a six count charge on Money Laundering And Abuse of the Naira.

The controversial celebrity was arraigned in Court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over allegedoffenses related to money laundering and the improper handling of the national currency.

Bobrisky is expected to present his plea before Justice Abimbola Awogboro, the judge presiding over the proceedings.

Bobrisky failed to meet the the conditions of the administrative bail granted to him on Thursday, leading to him spending the night at the office of the EFCC.

In the first four counts, the defendant was accused of Naira abuse. While the 5th and 6th counts accused him of offenses connected with his company, Bob Express.

The six counts read in part: “That you, Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, on March 24, 2024, at Imax Circle Mall, Jakande, Lekki, whilst dancing during a social event, tampered with the total sum of N400,000 notes by spraying same.

“That you, Idris Okuneye, between July and August 2023 at Aga Junction, Ikorodu, whilst dancing during a social event, tampered with the sum of N50,000, by spraying same.

“That you, Idris Okuneye, sometime in December 2023 at White Steve Event Hall, Ikeja, during a social event, tampered with the sum of N20,000 by spraying same.

“That you, Idris Okuneye, sometimes in 2022 at Event Hall, Oniru, Victory Island, within the jurisdiction of this court whilst dancing during a social event tampered with the sum of N20,000 by spraying same.”

The four counts were said to have contravened Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Act, 2007.

Counts 5 and 6 read: “That you, Idris Okuneye, trading under the name and style of Bob Express, between September 1, 2021, to April 4, 2024, in Lagos, failed to submit to the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering, a declaration of your activities of the said company within which period the total sum of N127,780,877.98 was paid into the company’s account number 2830002929, domiciled in Eco Bank Plc.

“That you, Idris Okuneye, trading under the name and style of Bob Express between September 1, 2021 to April 4, 2024, in Lagos, failed to submit to the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering a declaration of your activities of the said company within which period the total sum of N53,000,000 was paid into the company’s account number 2830016041, domiciled in Eco Bank Plc.”

Both alleged offences contravened sections 6(1)(a), 19(1)(f) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and section 19 (2)(b) of the same Act.

IGP Approves Promotion Of 10,581, Rank & File Tops List With 9,831 Beneficiaries

Ayodele Oni

April 5, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

To encourage career advancement and dedication to duty, 10,581 policemen, mainly in rank and file category are to enjoy promotion to the next ranks with immediate effect.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, on Friday authorized their promotion of the junior officers of the Inspectorate Cadre, and the Rank and File.

The Deputy Inspector-General of Police overseeing the Department of Finance and Administration (DIG DFA) has been tasked with coordinating efforts with the Commissioner of Police (Welfare) to commence the promotion process promptly.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement, gave the breakdown of the promotions to include 9,831 Police Constables slated to be promoted to the rank of Corporal; 8 Corporals to advance to the rank of Sergeant; and 669 officers set to progress from the rank of Sergeants to Inspectors.

The IGP emphasized the zeal of the Force leadership to foster a culture of meritocracy and career advancement.

He also reiterated the pivotal role of timely promotions in enhancing the morale of officers and bolstering the overall effectiveness of the Force.

Egbetokun pointed out that the development serves as cornerstones in sustaining the ongoing manpower development initiatives of the Nigeria Police Force.

He, however, reassured that promotions in the Force will be solely on merit.

The statement added that “The Nigeria Police Force extends its heartfelt congratulations to all officers slated for promotion and urges them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service to the nation.”

Nigeria Police Disowns Document On Authenticity Of Ondo Gov Aiyedatiwa Certificate

Ayodele Oni

April 5, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Police has disowned a document now in circulation about the authenticity of the certificate of Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The document, purportedly signed by a Deputy commissioner of Police, now being flaunted by other Governorship aspirants in the State, shows that Aiyedatiwa did not possess the required secondary school certificate which qualified him to contest as governor.

The Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Friday said such document could not have been signed by a Deputy Commissioner of Police urging the public to disregard it.

Adejobi’s statement reads “The Nigeria Police Force wishes to address the recent circulation of a document purportedly containing conclusions of an investigation into allegations against the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

“The document alleges fraudulent misrepresentation, certificate forgery, examination malpractice, and perjury against the governor.

“We wish to clarify that the said document did not originate from the Nigeria Police Force.

“The alleged signatory, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, does not have the authority to release such a report on behalf of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) or any other such Departments within the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Nigeria Police Force is currently investigating the origin of the said document and the circumstances surrounding its circulation.

“We urge the public to exercise caution and refrain from spreading unverified information that could potentially tarnish the reputation of individuals or public officials.

“Furthermore, we assure the public that any official communication or report regarding investigations conducted by the Nigeria Police Force will be released through appropriate channels.”

Outrage As NDLEA Operatives Invade Catholic Cathedral, CKC Aba, In Search Of Suspected Drugs Lords

The Source

April 5, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The expansive and imposing Catholic Cathedral of the Christ the Kings Church CKC Aba, the commercial hub of Abia state was on Thursday April4, 2024 desecrated, triggering a pandemonium.

This followed the invasion of the Worship Centre, by hordes of armed men suspected to be operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA.

Eyewitness accounts revealed the suspected NDLEA officials numbering over ten ,stormed the premises of the Catholic Cathedral located in the heart of the City, allegedly manhandling everybody in sight, including some worshipers who were said to be observing their Midday prayers.

Several people, both within the premises of the Church and adjourning business environs, were said to have scampered for safety ,as the suspected NDLEA operatives fired indiscriminate gun shots to the air.

The action of the NDLEA officials ,as would be expected, have provoked wide indignation among both Catholic faithful and residents of Aba and the entire Abia state

At the end of the siege believed to have lasted for over an hour ,several people ,including church workers and the Cathedral’s security guards were allegedly whisked away by the NDLEA operatives.

A witness further revealed that the invasion of the Catholic Cathedral was preceded by a serious altercation and shouting match on Wednesday, April 3 between the Church’s security guards and some people also suspected to be operatives of NDLEA.

A suspect on whose trail the NDLEA officials were was said to have ran into the CKC premises and attempts to effect his arrest were believed to have been resisted by the Church’s guards.

It was gathered that the guards had insisted that the consent of the Church authorities be sort and obtained before taking away the suspect.

But despite taking away the said suspect ,the Drug Law enforcement agents returned to the Church on Thursday, a development that led to the creation of a very unpalatable scene.

Several attempts made to reach out to the authorities of the Abia State Command of the NDLEA were unsuccessful as at the time of reporting.

Several calls put across to the spokesperson Mr Iyke Akunna were not responded to.

But a source ,who craved anonymity said ,Thursday’s invasion of the Cathedral may not be unconnected with the thinking within the top echelons of the Agency which tends to perceive such sacred and vulnerable spots as safe haven for drug lords and other criminal elements .

” I believe that the initial attempt by the Church’s Security guards to prevent the NDLEA officials from arresting the fleeing suspect who ran into the Cathedral must have led to the Agency’s decision to re visit “our source stated .

Faure Seeks Power Consolidations, Sends Controversial Reform Bill Back to Parliament

The Source

April 5, 2024

By Enitan Akinlabi, Head, Foreign/Diplomatic Desk

Focused on consolidating his almost two decades grip on power, Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe has reintroduced a contentious constitutional reform bill to parliament for a second reading.

The legislation, initially passed by parliament on Monday, has faced criticism from opposition parties who view it as a power consolidation move by Gnassingbe, who took office in 2005 following the death of his father, General Gnassingbé Eyadéma.

General Eyadema came to power in 1967 via a military coup, later transmuted to a civilian President and ruled the tiny West African country till February 5th, 2005 when he died. The controversial assumption of office by his son, Faure following his death led to a political crisis which was later resolved by a regional bloc, ECOWAS.

The reintroduction of the bill comes ahead of legislative and regional elections scheduled for April 20.

The proposed reform would allow lawmakers to elect the president, a change that has stirred controversy and sparked protests in Togo. Critics argue that the amendment would further entrench Gnassingbe’s grip on power and undermine democratic principles in the country.

The opposition has voiced concerns over the timing of the reform, alleging that it is a calculated move by the ruling party to manipulate the electoral process.

Meanwhile, Gnassingbe’s administration has defended the reform, arguing that it aims to modernize Togo’s political system and enhance governance structures. Proponents of the bill are of the view that allowing lawmakers to elect the president would promote stability and continuity in leadership. However, opponents remain sceptical, expressing fears that the proposed changes could lead to a concentration of power in the hands of the ruling party.

The reintroduction of the bill for a second reading signals a renewed push by Gnassingbe’s government to enact the constitutional reform despite mounting opposition. As Togo prepares for upcoming elections, the political landscape remains tense, with divisions deepening between the ruling party and opposition groups. The outcome of the legislative process on the reform bill is likely to have significant implications for the future direction of governance in Togo.

“Nigerian Senate Suspended You Not The Senate President” – Akpabio Replies Senator Ningi

The Source

April 5, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, on Thursday, April 4, 2024, told suspended Senator Abdul Ningi, that his fate was not determined by him as a person, but by the Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Source reports that the Bauchi Central Senator, was on March 12, slammed with a three-month suspension by the Senate over comments credited to him about the alleged padding of the 2024 budget to the tune of N3.7 trillion .

But the embattled Senator Ningi on March 27, through his Counsel, Femi Falana, SAN, wrote to the Senate President demanding his recall within seven days or be left with no other option but to seek legal redress.

However, in a reaction letter written by Akpabio’s lawyer Umeh Kalu, SAN, and made available to the media on Thursday in Abuja, Senator Akpabio, insisted that the decision and resolution to suspend Ningi was a collective effort of the Senate, and not that of the person and/or the office of Senate President.

“We have carefully read through your analysis of the facts and circumstances leading to your client’s suspension, from the senate .

,”We are unable to find reason in your verdict of our client’s sole culpability in the said suspension. We, therefore plead non est factum for our client.

“In addition to the above, and contrary to the contents of your letter under reference ,our client was at no time your client’s accuser ,prosecutor,and judge .

“So our Client’s role at the session ,of the Senate that led to your Client’s suspension was and remains the statutory role of a Legislative House Presiding Officer ,which role equally includes pronouncing the majority decision at the end of debates and voting” Akpabio’s Counsel’s letter to Falana partly stated.

The Senate President while urging Suspended senator Ningi to stop perceiving his suspension as unconstitutional,noted that such a mind set will not be helpful to his cause in the present circumstances.

Akpabio stated that Ningi should have been aware that all legislative proceedings are guided by rules ,insisting that the embattled Senator be properly guided in his next line of action.

Crisis Rocks Olubadan Stool As Ibadan Elders Meet Ladoja, Kingmakers To Broker Peace

Akinwale Kasali

April 5, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

There is crisis rocking the Olubadan Stool over the Olubadan’s nomination as former Oyo State Governor, Rashidi Ladoja, is at loggerhead with the Kingmakers, prompting the call for a Peace meeting to end the feud among the warring parties.

Ladoja who is the Otun Olubadan has been at loggerheads over the nomination of the next Olubadan following the demise of the previous Olubadan.

To end the feud, prominent Ibadan indigenes have decided to wade into the matter and bring a lasting solution to the issue.

Primate Ola Makinde, a prominent Clergyman of the Methodist Church convened the Peace Meeting which was attended by some members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII, Ibadan Elders Forum and Mogajis.

It would be recalled that the cold war over the nomination was due to the inability of the Olubadan in Council to nominate the next Olubadan.

Oba Owolabi Olakulehin who is the possible Olubadan designate is indisposed and kingmakers are bent on seeing him physically before his nomination.

This prompted Ladoja to call a meeting which was boycotted by other members of the Council meaning it was only Senator Ladoja that was at the meeting.

A meeting had earlier been held on Monday by the kingmakers who boycotted the Mapo Hall meeting.

Vanguard had earlier reported that nine members of Olubadan in Council including Ekerin Olubadan, Hamidu Ajibade, Otun Balogun, Tajudeen Ajibola, Osi Olubadan, Eddy Oyewole, Ashipa Olubadan, Abiodun Kola-Daisi, Ekarun Olubadan, Adebayo Akande; Osi Balogun, Lateef Adebimpe and others did not attend the meeting.

The Meeting convened by Primate Makinde was held on Wednesday at the residence of Chief Bode Amao and was a success, as it was concluded in the meeting that the Olubadan in Council should convene another meeting which will hold on or before Friday.

It was gathered through a source that, “At the Wednesday’s meeting, the elders appealed to both sides to think of the consequences of their actions on the ever peaceful Ibadan ascendancy system and it is not good that the orderly arrangements of the chieftaincy system.

“ We are hoping that very soon another meeting will be convened by Otun Olubadan with all the members of the council present.”

“The elders pleaded with High Chief Ladoja to allow peace to reign and not be offended for the boycott of the meeting he tried to convene.”

Kano: Memories Of Property Demolition Re-Echoe As Gov Yusuf Sets Up Investigation Panel On Alleged misappropriation Of Public Assets

The Source

April 5, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Governor of Kano State Abba Kabir Yusuf has said that the decision of his administration to carry out an inquest into alleged misappropriation and mismanagement of of public properties and assets ,and perpetrations of political violence is not aimed at witch hunting and intimidating anybody, but a bold attempt to forestall future occurrences.

He noted that the policy was part of his pledge to the good people of Kano during his inauguration in May 2023.

The Kano State Governor who spoke on Thursday, April 4, 2024, while inaugurating members of two Judicial Commissions of Inquiry into recorded cases misappropriation of public properties, and incidences of politically motivated violence and missing persons in the State between 2015 and 2023 vowed to bring to account all those found to be culpable in any way .

In a statement issued by his Media Aide,Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the Governor pledged to unravel all those behind the misappropriation of public assets and the reign of thuggery and violence in the state ,and prosecute them accordingly.

“Political violence is a major setback to democracy the world over.It leads to unnecessary loss of lives and property,as well as mistrust on the part of the people and those in power.

“The disturbing cases of politically motivated killings particularly during the 2023 general elections must not be swept under the carpet .This is to prevent future occurrences” Governor Yusuf stated

Justice Zuwaira Yusuf is to head the Panel on political violence and cases of missing persons during the same period-2015 to 2023,with the main task of unraveling those and or criminal groups responsible for the spate of violence that engulfed kano, before, during and after 2015, 2019,and 2023 general elections.

The second Commission which has the mandate of enquiring into cases of alleged misappropriation of public assets is to be chaired by Justice Faruk Lawan .

Governor Yusuf, particularly, charged the Misappropriation Commission, to beam its searchlight on the activities of the immediate past administration,insisting however that the move is neither political nor vindictive.

He tasked the Commissions on the need to be firm,just,and resolute in the discharge of their duties,noting that members were selected based on their unassailable trajectories.

However, The Source, reports that the constitution of the panels ,notably, the asset misappropriation commission ,has tended to relieve controversial memories of the demolition of several billions of Naira worth of properties in kano,during the early days of the regime.

Notwithstanding, its declaration that the latest move is not aimed at witch hunting, not a few observers will see such assurance as a mere political pontification .

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