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Coalition Of Yoruba Groups Caution AYCF Over Remarks On Relocation Of FAAN Headquarters To Lagos

January 22, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The Alliance of Yoruba Democratic Movement, AYDM, a Coalition of over 100 Yoruba Groups have condemned the statement made by the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, AYCF, over the relocation of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Headquarters from Abuja to Lagos.

The Coalition warned the AYCF led by its President, Yerima Shettima, to desist from making inflammatory statements on policy decisions of the Federal Government that could cause division and unhealthy rancour across ethnic lines.

In a statement on Monday, signed by its General Secretary, Popoola Ajayi, AYDM and the Coalition said the relocation of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Headquarters should not have generated parochial reactions attributed to the AYCF Chairman, Alhaji Shettima Yerima.

The Group said both the relocation of FAAN Headquarters and some departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from Abuja to Lagos State appear to have been driven by honest intention to ensure optimum performance.

AYDM said Nigeria needs to embrace the decentralisation of Government functions and institutions in order to ensure greater prosperity and functional performance.

“The Stock Exchange in Lagos is the oldest in Nigeria. Stock Exchange is the twin economic front of the Central Bank. The two should actually be located in the economic nerve centre of any country. In the case of Nigeria, the centre is Lagos.”

It added that it is dangerous for the stability of the country if AYCF seeks to dictate what the President and the Vice President should do.

It urged the AYCF to recognise that Nigeria belongs to all.

The statement reads further, “The Arewa group should be contended with the explanation contained in the circular to relocate certain government departments as part of ongoing efforts by the current administration aimed at optimizing operational efficiency, improving service delivery, and ensuring economic vibrancy across Nigeria.

“Eighty percent of the funds from airport services are from Lagos. 80 percent of local and international airports in Nigeria are through Lagos ports. These are enough reasons to relocate the FAAN to Lagos. There was no reason to have moved the FAAN from Lagos in the first place.”

AYDM said it is important to emphasise that such decisions are part of a strategic approach to governance, with the ultimate goal of fostering development.

Ajayi said, “it is crucial to note that examples abound globally where key institutions have been strategically located outside the countries’ capitals, leading to positive outcomes. Numerous countries have adopted this approach to distribute economic activities, drive development, and promote balanced growth”.

According to him there are examples globally. For instance, German government moved key institutions to Bonn from Berlin and this move not only contributed to Bonn’s growth but also facilitated economic development in the country.

“In the same vein, Netherlands strategically located its Parliament and government institutions in The Hague, while Amsterdam remains the economic and financial hub. This dual-city model has proven effective in balancing political and economic functions. Just as key financial institutions head quarters are located in New York instead of Washington DC, the USA political capital or between New Delhi, the Indian capital and Bombay the economic head quarter”.

AYDM said in South Africa, while Pretoria hosts the South African seat of Government, key economic institutions remain in Johannesburg

“Relocating certain departments to Lagos is not merely a shift of administrative offices but a strategic move aimed at even development. Lagos, as Nigeria’s economic hub, already houses various financial and commercial institutions.

The group said the strategic importance of Lagos is the reason why many foreign embassies retain their Lagos offices.

“Leveraging this existing infrastructure can contribute to enhanced synergy, efficiency, and economic growth.”

AYDM said the relocation of certain departments appears to be a testament to the government’s commitment to fostering national development and economic growth.

“It aligns with global best practices and exemplifies a forward-looking approach to governance”

The group advised AYCF to always make a well informed and fact based statements rather than spewing reckless and inflammatory statements laden with bigotry.

The AYDM is a coalition of over 100 Pan Yoruba groups includingbut not limited to O’odua Nationalist Coalition, (ONAC), Agbekoya Solidarity, South West Professionals, (SOWPROF), Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association, (NATA), ANACOWA which is the SW organisation for all Okada riders, Network for Yoruba Alliance, (NENA), Oodua Students Congress, (OST), The Covenant Group, South West Women Coalition, (SWEC), Vigilanted Regional Groups. (VRG), Covenant Group, Oodua Peoples Congress, (OPC New Era), Yoruba Artisans Congress, (YOAC), O’odua Peoples Congress, (Reform), South West Hunters Association, (SWEHA) and many others

First Lady Urges Nigerians To Intensify Prayers Against Kidnapping, Rejoices Over Al-Kadriyar Sisters

Akinwale Kasali

January 22, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Worried by the spate of kidnapping and insecurity in the nation, Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, has called on Nigerians to intensify prayers.

She lamented the menace of kidnapping and other criminal activities in the nation, most especially in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, and said that through prayers, the nation can be rescued from the kidnapping menace.

The First Lady said this in a post on her official X handle (formerly Twitter) account following the return of the five abducted sisters of the Al-Kadriyar family.

She wrote; “I rejoice with the Al-Kadriyar family, friends, and Nigerians in general for the safe return of the Al-Kadriyar sisters.

“Prayer works, and I want to thank all Nigerians, especially mothers for praying for the safe return of the Al-kadriyar sisters. Let us, however, not relent in our prayers.

“Let us intensify our prayers as it is prayers that would bring us out of this conundrum we find ourselves as a nation.

“I commend our security agencies for their efforts and urge them not to relent in combating insecurity in our Nation. God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

It would be recalled that five of the six sisters of the Al-Kadriyar family were kidnapped alongside 19 others by bandits in the Bwari area of Abuja recently and regained their freedom on Saturday, January 20.

Gunmen killed the eldest of the six sisters – Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar, and three others, and dumped their corpses in an isolated area.”

Nabeeha and her sisters were abducted alongside their father, Alhaji Mansoor Al-Kadriyar. Nabeeha had since been laid to rest according to Islamic rites.

She was a 400-level student of Biological Science at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Other siblings include Najeebah Al-Kadriyar (500 level, Quantity Surveying); Nadheerah Al-Kadriyar (300 level, Zoology) both students of ABU; Aneesah and Adeebah.

LASG Shuts Oke Afa, Katangowa Market Over Filthy Environment

Akinwale Kasali

January 22, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

In a bid to curb the mounting environmental health concerns and bring an end to filthy market environments in the State, the Lagos State Government has sealed Oke-Afa Market in Isolo Area and Katangowa Market in Abule Egba area of the State for violating waste disposal regulations and for sundry unhygienic practices around the markets, constituting grave environmental infractions.

The LASG had, earlier, reiterated its stand on zero tolerance for filthy and unhygienic environment in Lagos markets, resulting to the sealing of the aforementioned markets.

Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, reacting to the closure of the markets noted that the Government’s zero tolerance for waste initiative which started last year was still on course, stressing that any market or facility engaging in reckless waste disposal would be sanctioned.

He said: “The Government has not jettisoned its zero tolerance for waste initiative which we have been pursuing since last year. The only way for markets and traders, is to engage in decent and civilised waste disposal practices as outlined by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA). Any market or facility that runs foul of this arrangement will face sanctions”.

Wahab assured residents that the markets would remain sealed until stringent hygiene and waste disposal measures were implemented and compliance maintained, adding that the state government was totally committed to ensuring cleanliness in all parts of the metropolis.

“The health and well-being of our residents are paramount. We cannot allow a few to endanger the health of many through irresponsible environmental practices. The sealing of these markets is a necessary step to compel compliance and safeguard public health”, he said.

The managing director/CEO of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, urged various market executives, to always mobilise their members to abide by waste management regulations, including the use of the double dino bins provided for markets and observance of hygienic habits in their activities.

According to him, “The rules of engagement are simple enough and the markets are all familiar with them: Do not dispose of waste recklessly; use the dino bins; shun waste disposal on road median around markets; deploy waste policing to prevent and apprehend outsiders messing up your markets and pay your waste bills promptly. It is as simple as that”.

He warned that the zero tolerance initiative would be pursued more vigorously this year, adding that markets that refuse to embrace basic and decent waste disposal practices would not escape sanctions.

Gbadegesin further appealed to market executives to work harder on mobilising their members to do what is right to preserve the environment for the good of everyone.

The LAWMA boss reiterated the agency’s commitment to ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment, stressing that cooperation from all stakeholders, including market operators and traders, was crucial.

“LAWMA deploys resources daily to clear waste from markets across the state. However, our efforts are often hampered by poor waste management practices within the markets themselves. We urge traders and market authorities to adopt responsible waste disposal habits and work with LAWMA to maintain clean and healthy environments”, he stated.

Aiyedatiwa Meets Ondo APC Stakeholders, Preaches Unity Ahead Of Governorship Election

Ayodele Oni

January 22, 2024

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Ondo APC Stakeholders

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, continued his fence mending mission on Monday with an interactive session with stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the 18 Local Government Areas of the State.

The Governor, according to the Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, urged them to embrace peace and unity ahead of the coming governorship election in the State.

It was the first of such meeting since the Governor was inaugurated and he used the opportunity to thank the party leaders for their support, stressing the need for all contending forces within the party to come together to move the party and the State forward.

The Governor said: “It is important for me to tell you that as leaders of our party, we must put behind us the events of the last few months and come together as one big family for the progress of the APC and the development of our dear State.

“To me, what happened in the past was just politics. It was not a fight; it was not a battle; it was mere politics and I can say that I did not take any offence from that.

“The most important thing for us is to remain as one big family. There should be no division in our party.

“There is the need to make our party stronger and that necessitated the idea of this enlarged stakeholders meeting to bring everybody on board. Our party leaders and members are critical stakeholders that we cannot afford to neglect.

“There have been complaints from many of our party officers at local levels of not being carried along in the scheme of things.

“That must now be a thing of the past. All our party officers from ward to local government to State levels will be given the recognition they deserve.”

The Governor promised to liaise with the leadership of the party to ensure the smooth running of the party structure, regular stakeholders’ engagement and the operations of the Leaders’ Caucus and the Governor’s Advisory Council.

Speaking on the forthcoming governorship election in the State, the Governor urged the party leaders to ensure peaceful conduct of aspirants and their followers, adding that there must be a rancorous-free primary election and peaceful governorship election in the State.

Aiyedatiwa, who paid glowing tributes to former Governor, Late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, promised that the state government will work with the family to give him a befitting state burial and to immortalize his name and legacies.

The Governor thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for showing keen interest in the peace and development of Ondo State, adding that the president is happy with the current tranquility being enjoyed in the State.

Speaking earlier, the State Chairman of the APC, Ade Adetimehin, who commended the Governor for the timely engagement of party stakeholders, stressed that party leaders must put the past behind to foster unity ahead of the coming governorship election.

Ondo Sunshine Stars Sack Coaching Crew

Ayodele Oni

January 22, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

For fear of being relegated, the Management of Sunshine Stars FC of Akure has announced the sack of the entire coaching crew and its Head, Edith Agoye.

The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Bamidele Ologunloluwa, on Monday at a meeting with the coaching crew of the team.

Also sacked along with Agoye were his technical crew; Assistant Coaches, Akin Olowokere, Banjo Adepoju and Folorunsho Stephen.

Ologunloluwa said the sack came after a poor run of form and several ultimatums given to the coaching crew by the management.

The commissioner said he would not wait until the teams that had outstanding matches started playing and Sunshine Stars are fighting relegation battle.

He noted that the mandate given to the coaching crew has not been met despite the support given to them lamenting that it was unfortunate that it has to come to ‘this’.

“It’s not going to be business as usual, I don’t want to fight relegation anymore, it is not about witch-hunting. Once a technical crew is not performing, the job is about hiring and firing like you know.”

Agoye, in his response, appreciated the Commissioner for the opportunity to be the head coach and work with the team and wished the team well in future.

“I can only wish the club all the best going forward and I wish the coming coach the best of luck.”

Sunshine Stars are currently 12th on the log with 22 points from 19 matches.

Egbu Diocese Mourns The Passing Of Okeke, Its Deputy Chancellor

The Source

January 22, 2024

By George Best Okoroh

Knights Of St Christopher, Devastated Over Death Of President

The Diocese of Egbu, Anglican Communion, is in deep mourning. Death has just dealth the Diocese a heavy blow. It snatched the Deputy Chancellor of the Diocese, Barrister (Sir) Chukwueloka from mother- Earth.

Barrister Okeke, also, doubled as the Deputy Chancellor of the Diocese on the Niger. And was the President of the Council of Knights, Egbu Diocese for two consecutive terms, plus an extension of one year given to him by the Bishop of the Diocese, His Lordship The Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Okorafor. As a crowning glory, SirOkeke was the Chairman, Ecclesiastical Province of Owerri Joint Council of Knights for two years – January 2021 to January 2023.

Fondly called C.T. by his numerous admirers, Okeke was from Ndam, Ngo, Nnobi Idemili South LGA, Anambra State, but chose to settle in Imo State.

A consumate Lawyer, he graduated from the University of Nigeria in 1986 and was called to the Bar in 1987.

He had a successful legal practice with his chambers in Owerri.

Okeke was amongst pioneer parishioners to join the Diocese of Egbu on its creation in 1996.

He rose from the position of a Legal Secretary in the Diocese before he was elevated to the office of the Deputy Chancellor of the Diocese in 2020.

Sir Okeke was not only a pioneer Knight of St Christopher in the Diocese of Egbu, but also the first Secretary of the Council. In 2018 he became the President of the Council, and after a two term tenure of six years, the Bishop Okorafor, who is the Knight Superior, granted him another one year which he was still serving before he passed.

Noted for his very amiable, meek and unassuming disposition, Sir Okeke was the founding secretary of the Christian Fathers’ Association, now Men’s Christian Fellowship of the Diocese of Egbu.

Aged 64 years at the time of his death on 10th January, 2024, C.T. is survived by his wife, Lady Odisa Okeke, and four children.

Wike Hits Fubara As Court Declares Rivers N800billion 2024 Budget Illegal, Nullifies Decision By Four- Member Assembly

Ayodele Oni

January 22, 2024

….Endorses 27 Wike loyalists

By Ayodele Oni

There are indications of a possible setback in the implementation of the 2024 Budget of Rivers State following the pronouncement, Monday, by the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The Court nullified the N800bn 2024 Budget already signed into law by the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

The Governor had, in December, presented an N800bn 2024 Appropriation Bill to a faction of the state House of Assembly, made up of only four Lawmakers.

This was at the peak of the crisis between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesome Wike, now minister of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT).

Following the passage of the budget by the lawmakers, Fubara subsequently signed it into law.

The Rivers Assembly became factionalized following a move by 27 lawmakers loyal to ex-governor Nyesom Wike to impeach Fubara.

The presiding Judge, James Omotosho, held that everything done by the four lawmakers is illegal, null and void.

The Court also recognized the other faction of the Assembly being led by Amaewhule as the Speaker.

Already, the 27 lawmakers, loyal to Wike have decamped to the All Progressives Congress,(APC), while the Speaker of the four members loyal to Fubara has resigned his membership of the Assembly.

There seems to be relative peace following Intervention of President Bola Tinubu twice, as some of the loyalists of Wike in the state cabinet that resigned in the wake of the crisis have returned.

Disband Fulani Vigilance Group Like IPOB-HURIWA

James Orji

January 22, 2024

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has accused the federal government of double standards after what it described as a subtle endorsement of the establishment of Nomad Volunteer Vigilante Group in Nasarawa State.

The vigilante group, according to checks by the magazine, was inaugurated last week by Miyetti Allah, a controversial Fulani herder body to assist security agencies to combat crime in the state.

The event which took place in Lafia, the state capital was attended by some top security chief from the Army and Nigerian Police Force, NPF, including the state commissioner of police, Umar Nadada, represented by the assistant commissioner of police, operations, Abdulaziz Aliyu, and the commander 177 Guard Battalion, Keffi, Lt. Col. Inuwa Bala, represented by Maj. M. A. Sani

The rights body described the development as an attempt to usurp the function of the NPF, citing the extant law which stated that the police should be responsible for the country’s internal security.

According to chapter 6, part 3, section 214 of the Nigerian Constitution of 1999, as amended which states: “There shall be a police force for Nigeria, which shall be known as the Nigerian police force and subject to this provisions of this section no other police force shall be established for the Federation or any part thereof.”

HURIWA in a statement stated that it’s wrong to give the Fulani vigilant group an official backing after the federal government had earlier banned the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, a militant group established by detained leader Nnamdi Kanu.

“HURIWA is aware and as we read from the report put up by the United State’s security think tank: Council on Foreign Relations, that when the Eastern Security Network was set up in the South East by IPOB, President Muhammadu Buhari got agitated and held marathon security meeting with the military service chiefs and the inspector general of police, Nigerian military sources confirmed that some troops were being moved from Borno State, where they have been engaged with Boko Haram and other jihadis, to the South East, to counter “bandits” and the regional separatist organization, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), along with its security force, the Eastern Security Network (ESN),” the rights body said.

The group further stated that it would be wrong to allow the Fulani vigilante to continue to exist after the federal government had unleashed its full force on the IPOB and ESN with the aim of stamping the Kanu-led group out of existence.

According to checks, over 500 Igbo youths have been killed by the military in their quest to eliminate IPOB in the last few years.

Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Fulani Sociocultural Association last week launched the Nomad Volunteer, comprising 1,144 volunteers last week.

Ibadan Blast: What’s The Actual Cause? Tinubu Taps NSA, Ribadu To Investigate

James Orji

January 22, 2024

The National Security Adviser, NSA, has been designated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lead the investigation on the blast which occurred in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital two weeks ago.

The blast which took place in Bodija area of the city left at least eight person dead in its wake, over 100 seriously injured while a number of buildings were destroyed.

The state government has blamed the blast on the explosive stored by an illegal miner in one of the buildings for the blast, even though mixed reactions, from the public on the actual cause of the explosion has persisted.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his reaction to the incident has directed security agencies to investigate its cause and fish out the culprits for punishment.

The president’s decision to tap the NSA, sources in the president informed the magazine may have been informed by the need to show the public the seriousness of the federal government over the incident.

According to hints from Nigeria’s seat of power, Abuja, the federal government is worried that an explosion of such magnitude occurred in one of Nigeria’s biggest cities.

Another source also informed that the federal government needed to respond by sending a high-powered delegation, led by Ribadu, to lead the investigation after some members of the public began to express divergent reactions on the actual cause of the blast.

For instance, a pan Yoruba group, Apapo O’odua Koya, AOKOYA had in its reaction to the incident, last week, accused the state government of cover up, saying the blast may have been an act of terrorism by jihadists planning to invade the south west.

The group accused the governor of the state, Seyi Makinde of trying to be politically correct by not exposing the actual cause of the deadly blast.

AOKOYA in a Statement signed by Col. Abimbola Sowunmi (Rtd) and Ahmed Akorede, President and Secretary of the Group, claimed that the blast was part of an elaborate plan by some unknown persons to invade the south west.

Other Yoruba prominent leaders and groups, such the Pan Yoruba body Afenifere have challenged the government not to toy with the interest of the Yoruba by ensuring that the actual cause of the explosion determined by the government.

In a statement also made available to journalists after the explosion, the Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams stated that the state government has many questions to answer concerning the blast, stressing that the blast was portends a security threat to the state and the south west.

According to a statement by his media assistant, Kenny Aderemi, the government must ensure that it gets to the root cause of the explosion to assure the public that it was not the work of mischief makers.

Adams said, “As far as I am concerned, the story of the Ibadan explosion had left many questions hanging in the balance. It was a security threat to the state, that is why it is important for governor Seyi Makinde to fish out those behind the incident and bring them to book.

“It is very unfortunate that the death toll is rising by the day and victims of the unfortunate incident are in the various hospitals recuperating.

“The extent of the damage in the area was great involving many houses. And going by the statement and assurances of the governor, I think a case of such multiple damages should not be treated with levity. Ibadan is the political headquarters of the Southwest region and anything that affects Ibadan naturally has spiral effect on other states in the south west.

“So, the Oyo state government should leave no stone unturned by making sure that perpetrators of the dastardly act didn’t go scot-free,” Adams stated.

Fubara Vs Wike: Governor Weighs Options

The Source

January 22, 2024

By Chidi Levi

… His Dilemma

Though there is now a semblance of amity between Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and his godfather, immediate predecessor and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, impeccable Port Harcourt and Abuja sources have told this magazine that behind the facade lies high wire manoeuvres by the camps of the estranged godson and godfather to gain durable political mileage.

Said one of the sources: “Though President Bola Tinubu’s intervention which led to a peace accord between godfather and godson largely thawed the face-off between the two, I can tell you that, Wike and Gov. Fubara are still at dagger drawn.

“Wike imposed Fubara on Rivers people as Governor with the hope of playing the role of a powerful godfather, not just to him but in Rivers’ politics, akin to the influence and hold Tinubu has been wielding in Lagos politics since 1999, but the Governor, egged on by powerful forces in the State would have non of that.

“Fubara is resolute in being his own man, governing Rivers his way rather than being dictated to, or tied to the apron string of a godfather dishing out orders from Abuja.

“Though Fubara has started implementing most of the agreements contained in the peace accord, he is neither ready to be subservient to anyone nor to be rendered a king without a crown”

This magazine can, however, authoritatively report that while the Governor weighs several options as to how to consolidate and solidify his position as Governor amidst a hostile House of Assembly peopled by the All Progressives Congress, APC breathing down his neck and an implacable godfather insistence on being king of the manor in Rivers, he also faces a serious dilemma.

Fubara who was elected on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, this magazine has been informed, is under intense pressure from Aso Rock to defect to the APC as a permanent solution to the spat between him and Wike as the latter is now more of APC chieftain than PDP; controls both APC and PDP structures in Rivers state and allegedly on the cusp of formally dumping the PDP for APC.

However, among the options the embattled governor is weighing are:

*Remain in the PDP, team up with former governor Chibuike Amaechi and all anti-Wike elements in both PDP and APC to hijack the structure of Rivers PDP.

*Defect to the APC, insist on controlling the leadership and structure of the party in Rivers as a sitting Governor

*Cause deep divisions in both PDP and APC and then defect to the Labour Party while tenaciously pursuing in court the ouster of the 27 hostile state lawmakers who defected from the PDP to the APC with the hope that if and when the court declares their seats vacant and new elections ordered he would be able to get his loyalists elected into the House.

However, with the structures of the state’s PDP and APC currently firmly in Wike’s kitty, Governor Fubara is in dilemma as to the likely immediate consequences of an all-out push to wrestle either the structure of PDP or APC from the former governor.

“The truth is that the belligerent House of Assembly members who are all Wike loyalists will waste no time in impeaching Fubara if he dares openly and brazenly challenges the Minister’s hold on PDP and APC, and the Presidency will be on his (Wike) side. These are the immediate consequences.

“The long-term consequence is that, if he survives Wike and the House and finishes a term, he will be given the Ambode treatment- that’s denied second term ticket of both parties”, another source close to Wike and the Governor told the Magazine.

Meanwhile, an aide of the Governor who pleaded anonymity “because of the current volatile relationship between oga and Minister(Wike)”, told The Source that “crossing the Supreme Court hurdle and delivering good governance to Rivers people without noise and unnecessary jamboree are uppermost in His Excellency’s mind right now and not political permutations, but I can confirm to you that, when the time is ripe, one way or another, a decision will certainly be taken for the good of Rivers s state and its people”.

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Knights Of St Christopher, Devastated Over Death Of President

….Endorses 27 Wike loyalists

… His Dilemma