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APC Shifts Forward Conduct Of Ondo Primary Election, Now Holds April 20

March 26, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has brought forward the conduct of primary election for aspirants jostling for the governorship seat.

The new date, as announced is April 20. The party had earlier fixed April 25 for the exercise.

In an amended schedule of activities and timetable released by the party and signed by the chairman, Primary Election Committee, Emma Eneukwu, the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms will commence March 27 and end on April 3,2024.

He added that the screening of the aspirants will be on 11th and 12th April, 2024.

In this vien, the party has constituted the governorship election primary committee for Ondo State.

The National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

The statement reads:

“By a Resolution adopted at its 144th Meeting held on the 6th of March, 2024, the National Working Committee of our great Party constituted a Governorship Primary Election Committee of its members for the smooth running of election processes in Ondo State.

“The Committee has the following as members: Emma Eneukwu, OFR, Chairman; Barr. Festus Fuanter, Member; and Chief Victor Giadom, Member.

Others are Prof. Abdulkarim Abubakar Kana, Member; Sulaiman M. Argungu, Member; and Dr. Mary Alile Idele, Member.

It also has Aare Durotolu Oyebode Bankole, Member, Nze Chidi Duru, Member and Felix Morka, member.

Soldiers Invade Edwin Clark’s Home In Search Of Suspects, Elder Statesman Protests Invasion Of Country Home

Ayodele Oni

March 26, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark has protested the invasion of his country home by armed military personnel claiming to be in search of some persons linked with recent killing of some soldiers in Delta state.

According to a statement released by the elder statesman, the incident happened last Saturday during which those resident there were subjected to series of maltreatment.

The statement reads: “At about 6pm on Saturday, 23rd March, 2024, I got a telephone call from someone who identified himself as the commanding officer Nigerian Army, Division in Port Harcourt.

“He said that a tracker of the Nigerian Army, had tracked one Mr. Vote, the community chairman of Okuoma Community, whom the Army was looking for in respect of the killings of the 17 men of the Nigerian Army, to a house in Ughelli; and that the military men had broken into the house, ransacked it, before they were informed that the house belongs to me, that he was very sorry and apologising to me on behalf of the Army.

“In my usual way and as a leader who is expected to condone as much as possible, I accepted his apology wholeheartedly, but told him that I do not own a house in Ughelli, that the house he is referring to, could be my father’s.

“It was not long after that, I was inundated with calls from my home, Kiagbodo, telling me how the army had invaded my country home by land and by air.

“That they came in about five trucks loaded with armed soldiers numbering between 30 and 40. They arrived my house, used their legs to break open all the doors in the compound including the security door to my sitting room which was locked because I reside in Abuja.

“At the same time, flying their drone within the premises. Some of them went to the buildings behind the main house, and also broke all the doors that were locked.

“They matched out my staff living in those buildings, including lecturers at the university; made them to sit on bare ground.

“They also broke into my late brother, Ambassador Akporode Blessing Clark’s house; a man who served this country internationally in various capacities, including as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; as both of us share the same premises.

“They brought out his son almost naked, as the young man was taking a bath, when they stormed the house.

“All their phones were seized. The people had to identify themselves, and told them whose house it was, before they asked for my telephone number, which they said they will pass to their “oga”’, before they all departed.

“One would have expected that at this juncture, a call could have been put to the Governor of Delta State, to inform him of what happened.

“I immediately called back the Commanding Officer to tell him of the actions of his men. And he said he was aware, and that was why he called to apologize.

“Having said that, I want to appreciate the enormous responsibility on the shoulders of the Nigerian Army, who are burdened with so much internal security issues.

“And it is for that reason I want to use this medium to kindly appeal to all concerned to work assiduously to unravel what happened and bring the perpetrators to book.

“The earlier this matter is concluded the better, as it will also avail the affected communities which are almost locked down today, without adequate food and water, the chance of returning to normal life.”

“My State Epicentre Of Banditry, Kidnappings” – Zamfara Governor, Lawal

The Source

March 26, 2024

Dauda Lawal - Zamfra State Governor — Governor Dauda Lawal

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Zamfara State Governor Alhaji Dauda Lawal has described his State as the den of banditry and other criminal activities. He insisted that until the scourge is halted,the war against kidnappings and insecurity in the North will be a mirage.

Governor Lawal who spoke with the media at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, said he has appealed to Presidential Bola Tinubu to up the scale of military intervention in the State,so as to end banditry and other related criminal activities.

That Zamfara has become the epicenter of banditry and kidnappings ,according to him, is eloquently signposted by the fact that while the Kuriga School Children were abducted in Kaduna State, they were ferried to Zamfara from where they were rescued.

“Most of the boys and girls kidnapped in Kaduna were kept in Zamfara State .That is not good for us and, therefore, we are doing everything possible to change the narrative and that is the main reason why l have come to see Mr President.

“This is why I am here today and l have the President’s assurance that something drastic will be done to take care of the situation as soon as possible.” Governor Lawal stated .

He announced that Zamfara has requested for more security personnel to be drafted to the State in view of the recent surge in banditry and other criminal activities.

“There have been several attacks in some local Councils of the State of late,and as the Governor I feel I have the responsibility to make this known to the president ,who is pleased with our discussions.

We are looking forward to having more military personnel and equipment for them to be able to function effectively and take care of the security situation.

Zamfara has become the epicenter of banditry as we speak today and if nothing is done in the state ,l don’t think we will be able to solve the security challenges in the entire Northern region .” the Governor warned.

Uzodimma Urges Audit Of Abandoned Projects In NDDC States, Wants Amnesty Programme Re-energised

The Source

March 26, 2024

Hope Uzodimma Calls for Audit of Abandoned NDDC Projects

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has called for a comprehensive audit of all abandoned projects that litter the nooks and crannies of the States that make up the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

He did on Tuesday when he received in audience at the Government House Owerri, the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, who came to Imo State on official duty with his key officials.

Apart from the call for a comprehensive audit of all abandoned projects in the Ministry of Niger Delta and NDDC States, Governor Uzodimma further suggested that the Amnesty Programme of the Ministry be strengthened to enable the people, particularly the youths of the region, to have commensurate value from the programme.

Governor Uzodimma requested the Minister to mop up all federal allocations meant for the region and deploy them appropriately to ensure that the area is given what is due and appropriate to it in terms of infrastructure.

He promised to continue to support and partner with the Ministry of Niger Delta Development, the NDDC and other Agencies under the Ministry, to achieve the expected goals.

He called on the youths of the Nigerian Delta region to desist from vandalising NDDC projects or federal government assets in the region, appealing to the Federal Government to intensify efforts at creating employment and other opportunities that will make life more meaningful for the teeming youths of the region.

Governor Uzodimma challenged the Ministry and the NDDC to take serious interest in the documentation and completion of the abandoned projects in the region, noting that, “where all the abandoned projects are completed the region will be more than 80 per cent developed.”

He expressed delight to receive the Minister and his team in Imo State and commended Engr. Momoh on the changes he has so far initiated in the Ministry since he assumed office.

The Governor however sympathised with the Minister on the shoddy nature some projects were implemented in his Ministry before now as well as the ubiquitous abandonment of projects which the Minister has met on ground on assumption of office, and encouraged him to remain as focused today as he was on assumption of office.

Earlier while informing the Governor on why they were in Imo State, Engr. Momoh said that they came “to inspect ongoing projects of the Ministry of Niger Delta Development area and the Niger Delta Development Commission and to solicit greater partnership and cooperation of the Governors of the nine States of the region.”

The Minister maintained that “the Ministry of Niger Delta Development and the NDDC are never in competition with the States rather they are in partnership for the progress and development of the region.”

He acknowledged the existence of many challenges, especially in the area of abandoned projects, but promised that his Ministry and the Commission are on course to change the narrative.

The Minister used the opportunity to inform the Governor of the scheduled meeting of the National Council on Niger Delta Affairs that will be held between April 16 and 18, 2024 where the progress and prosperity of Niger Delta Region would be discussed.

Concluding, he thanked the Governor for the good works he is doing in Imo State, commending him, especially, on road infrastructure and other legacy projects.

Engr. Momoh also made particular mention of the ongoing flyover project which the 3R government of Governor Uzodimma has recently embarked upon in Imo State.

The Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie and other top Government functionaries joined the Governor in receiving the Minister.

Also present were the Member Representing Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta/Oru West Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Eugene Dibiagwu who is also the House of Representatives Chairman on Niger Delta and Amnesty, the Federal Commissioner representing Imo State at the NDDC, Dr. Kyrian Uchegbu, former minister of State Science and Technology, Chief Henry Ikoh, the Chairman Imo State Council of Elders, HRM Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, former Imo State APC Chairman, Barr. Malcolm Nlemigbo among others.

The Minister was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary and Directors in the Ministry of Niger Delta Development.

NSCDC Nabs ABU Graduate For Stealing

Ayodele Oni

March 26, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo State Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a 28-year old graduate of economics for burglary and stealing.

A statement by Aidamenbor Daniel, Public Relations Officer, NSCDC, Ondo State Command stated that the suspect, one Destiny Tope Otu, male, a graduate of Economics from Ahmadu Bello University was arrested on Monday, by a team of the Command.

The offence was said to have been committed on 8th December, 2023 at FUTA North gate residential area, when the suspect came during the day in search of accommodation.

The suspect allegedly came to burgle the apartment and carted away Air conditioner, smart TV, Fridge, washing machine, rechargeable fans, generator, sewing machine and other valuable household equipment.

He was later arrested after consistent tracking of his movement and the sales of the stolen items to unsuspecting members of the the public.

NSCDC explained that the suspect, who confessed to the crime, will be charge to court after the completion of investigation.

“So far recovered from him are air conditioner, fridge and rechargeable fans. Effort is ongoing to retrieve other items which he sold to two persons in Akure.”

Alleged Terrorism Financier, Mamu, Issues Seven-Day Ultimatum To FG To Withdraw Statement

The Source

March 26, 2024

The Publisher of the Kaduna-based Newspaper, The Desert Herald, Tukur Mohammed Mamu, has rejected his recent designation as terrorism financier by the Federal Government.

Consequently, Alhaji Mamu has issued a 7-day ultimatum to the authorities to withdraw the statement profiling him as terrorism financier and/or face a legal action.

The Source reports that the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit NFIU had, on March 18, pronounced Mamu ,alongside 15 others, as financiers of activities of terrorist organizations.

Mamu as it were attracted the attention of both Nigerian Security Agencies and in deed many Nigerians following his unsolicited offer to mediate in the abduction of the Kaduna/Abuja bound Train Passengers in 2022 .

He has since been a guest of the Department of State Services, DSS, over allegations of providing cover and support to terrorists.

In a letter addressed to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister Of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi SAN, he issued the 7-day ultimatum within which the Federal Government should withdraw the statement or face a legal action.

In the letter signed on his behalf by his legal counsel,Messers J J Usman, Alhaji Mamu described his profiling as a terrorism financier by the Government as a gross violation of natural justice ,and veil attempt at impugning his reputation and character.

Mamu lamented that while his trial at a Federal High Court over earlier allegations of support for terrorism activities is still pending ,the authorities on March 19 2024 embarked on yet another attempt at maligning his character,by labelling and profiling him as terrorism financier.

” It is lamentable to observe that on March 19 2024 ,while the case against our client ( Mamu) is still pending ,the social media was saturated by publications allegedly emanating from and authorized by your good office.

However ,the said publication was made specifically by the Nigerian Sanctions Committee ,wherein our client was profiled and designated as a terrorist (terrorism financier).

“It is a common knowledge that the administration of Justice system in Nigeria is not only antithetic to ,but forbids media trial in what ever guise .

“We vehemently condemn the actions of the Nigerian Sanctions Committee ,being in violation of the rule of Natural justice and prejudicial to our client who is undergoing trial and whose trial is still pending in Siuit FHCIABJ/CR/96/2023″ part of the letter reads.

Alhaji Mamu faulted his designation as terrorism financier ,at a time he has not been so pronounced by a court of competent jurisdiction in the country..adding that it is a known fact that his trial at Abuja High Court is still pending .

” It is our firm position that the actions of the Nigerian Sanctions Committee is not just tantamount to the usurpations of the Court’s power provided under section 6 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 ( as amended ) but also a mockery of the Nigerian Judicial System.”

“Based on the foregoing, the Desert Herald Publisher asked the Federal Government to retract the said publications by the Nigerian Sanctions Committee within seven days or face a legal challenge.

HURIWA Challenges FG To Prove Ransom Not Paid For Release Of Abducted Kuriga School Children

Akinwale Kasali

March 26, 2024

Kuriga Students Released from Kdinappers Den

By Akinwale Kasali

A Civil Rights Advocacy Group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has called on the President Federal Government to clarify why none of the terrorists who abducted the school children in Kaduna was apprehended or killed.

It added that this especially becomes necessary since the Government claims that ransom was not paid for the release of the 137 pupils.

Speaking with State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Monday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced that no ransom was paid to free the kidnapped students/pupils of Kuriga.

Challenging the FG to make clarifications on the modalities for the release of the school children, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the National Coordinator of HURIWA, in a statement, knocked the Federal Government over what he called propaganda regarding the abduction.

He said: “If the children were actually rescued, can we know why not one of these abductors was killed, wounded or captured by the rescuers?

“We really cannot figure out why the Government is inundating Nigerians with cock- and -bull story of whether ransom was paid or not. If the Government claims they didn’t pay ransom to get the children freed and if these children were rescued as we were told, were they abandoned in one corner of the Zamfara Bush by the terrorists? Why was no single terrorist injured if this was a rescue operation? Why didn’t the soldiers or security agents arrest any of these terrorists?

“Can we find out from the Minister what exactly he wants to achieve by saying that ‘none of the children suffered any harm as they were safely brought back.

“We honestly think that this statement is actually not from the Honourable Minister because it almost reminded us of someone under the spell of Stockholm syndrome. But we are sure that the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation is in no way under any spell but we wish he can very quickly correct this misconception he has circulated about this satanic kidnapping of so large a group of school children.

“The Honourable Minister should be told that the children indeed suffered massive psychological shock and awe, and emotional distress and truly they underwent series of emotional traumatic episodes and the best thing to do is for these children to be professionally counselled by psychologists so they can overcome those distressing experiences they have just undergone in the hands of terrorists who were armed and ready to kill.

“Nobody should ever have to go through the emotional tortures that these school children were subjected to for days. The truth is that the Government failed in its primary constitutional duty to protect lives of citizens including those of such vulnerable members of our society. To imagine that heads didn’t roll in the security agencies for this abysmal failure of intelligence, is to conclude that this Government is in bed with impunity and lawlessness.”

Kano: Chinese Citizen To Die By Hanging For Killing Nigerian Girlfriend

Akinwale Kasali

March 26, 2024

Frank Geng-Quangrong and Ummukulsum Sani

By Akinwale Kasali

47-Year Old Chinese citizen, Frank Geng-Quangrong, has been sentenced to death by hanging. Justice Sanusi Ado-Ma’aji of the Kano High Court sentenced him for murdering his Nigerian Girlfriend, Ummukulsum Sani.

Geng-Quangrong was said to have stabbed his 22–Year old to death for undisclosed reasons.

The Chinese was convicted on one count charge of culpable homicide.. Justice Ado-Ma’aji stressed that the prosecution had proven its case beyond its reasonable doubt.

In his words, “ The defendant’s testimony is inconsistent. I hereby find him guilty.

Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, the Attorney-General of Kano State, Haruna Dederi, had informed the court that the convict committed the offence on Sept.16, 2022 at Janbulo Quarters Kano.

He said on the same date at about 9 p.m, the convict stabbed the deceased with a knife in her house situated at Janbulo Quarters Kano for undisclosed reasons.

“The victim was rushed to the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital Kano where she was confirmed dead by a medical doctor”.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecution presented six witnesses and four exhibits to prove their case against the defendant.

According to the prosecutor, the offence contravenes the provision of section 221(b) of the Penal Code.

The defence counsel, Muhummad Dan’azumi, presented the defendant to defend himself, one other witness and tendered five exhibits.

Dan’azumi urged the court to recommend the defendant for prerogative of mercy pursuant to section 313 of ACJL.

In his testimony, Geng-Quangrong said:” I didn’t kill Ummulkhulsum intentionally but stabbed her in self defence after she grabbed my testicles”.

He pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy in its judgment.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after the judgment, the victims mother, Hajiya Fatima Zubairu, expressed satisfaction with the judge’s decision.

Geng-Quangrong had told the Court that he killed his Girlfriend having spent over N60 million on her, in which he transferred over N60 million to her GT Bank account, N18 million for her to start a business, N4 million house and N6 million for University education among others.

“Whenever I go to pick her up for dinner at home her mum always welcomes me with open arms, but the deceased had in February 2022 married someone else.

“ I was heartbroken and disappointed so I relocated to Abuja.

“She kept calling me and chatting with me on Whatsapp and continued demanding money, this informed the decision to kill her but it wasn’t intentional but self defense”.

Kwankwaso’s Son, Three Others Set To Be Commissioners In Kano

Ayodele Oni

March 26, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The son of Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf’s political godfather, Rabiu Kwankwaso, is among four nominees whose names were forwarded to the State House of Assembly as a Commissioner.

The Governor forwarded the name of Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, alongside three other nominees before the State House of Assembly for consideration as members of his cabinet.

The list, sighted on the verified Facebook page of the Governor’s Personal Assistant, Ibrahim Adam, includes the names of Adamu Aliyu Kibiya; Usman Shehu Aliyu Karaye; Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso; and Abduljabbar Garko.

The Facebook statement stated that “It’s noteworthy that Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso is the son of former NNPP presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Rabiu Kwankwaso and a brother-in-law to governor Kabir Yusuf.

“Previously, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf dismissed Commissioner for Land, Adamu Aliyu Kibiya, and Special Adviser on Youth and Sports, Alhaji Yusuf Imam, for making unguarded comments against Vice President Kashim Shettima.”

Ondo APC, Gov Aiyedatiwa, Family React To Akintelure’s Death, Fellow Aspirants Suspend Campaign

Ayodele Oni

March 26, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Reactions have been pouring over the death of Dr Paul Akintelure, one of the governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state who passed on Tuesday morning.

The family, in a statement signed by Oladapo Akintelure stated that “Paul Akintelure departed from us early this morning in Lagos, leaving behind a legacy of service, dedication, and commitment to the people of Ondo State.

“Dr. Paul Akintelure was not just a politician; he was a visionary leader who believed in the potential of Ondo State and its people.

“Throughout the peaceful conduct of his campaign, he advocated for positive change, economic development, and social progress, promising a brighter future for all citizens.

“As a family, we understand his sudden enigmatic demise has left a void in our hearts, that of his friends, associates, supporters, and political loyalists.

“It is in light of this, we seek calm and, most importantly, your prayers, as we jointly pray for the repose of the soul of Dr. Paul Akintelure.”

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Ebenezer Adeniyan, described Dr. Akintelure as “a wonderful human being and was a core progressive. He was very consistent and loyal to the tenets of progressive politics in Ondo State and Nigeria.

“He was a friend and associate. He conducted his private business and public affairs with so much decorum and humility to the admiration of many. We have lost a complete gentleman. He will be greatly missed.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa added that the death of Dr. Akintelure at this critical time in the life of the State is saddening and prayed for the repose of his soul.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State said it is saddened over the death of one of its gladiators, Dr. Paul Akintelure.

“He was a governorship aspirant, getting ready to participate in the party’s primary scheduled for next month.

The State Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, in a statement by the spokesman, Alex Kalejaye, described the decease as personal friend, with whom he had good relationship over the years, saying the news is shocking.

“Akintelure was a highly refined and consistent political figure, whose position was that the essence of being in politics is to build the people and the land.

“The contributions of the departed political leader, to the development and stability of Ondo State chapter of APC will not be forgotten.

“Like other governorship aspirants, he was optimistic of victory, come April. He had many other plans, death was never part of them.

“The State chapter condoles with the immediate family, Igbotako Community, his political associates, and the Nigerian Medical Association. May his soul rest in peace.”

Meanwhile aspirants have announced suspension of campaign activities in honour of the deceased.

Wale Akinterinwa, announced suspension of his political activities following the sudden death of fellow aspirant, Paul Akintelure.

Akinterinwa said his campaign activities, which was earlier planned to kick off Tuesday, with a praise worship at his country home in Ile-Oluji, was suspended in honour of a friend and comrade.

“I am saddened by the news of the passing of a friend and comrade.

Following this sad incident, I have decided to suspend all political activities of our campaign organisation.”

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