Kaduna: Ten Children Sustain Injuries As Bomb Detonate

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January 21, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Five days after a similar incident in Ibadan, Oyo state, an explosion has been reported in Kaduna state, which critically wounded at least 10 children at Kidandan village, in Giwa Local Government Area.

The incident happened Saturday afternoon when the children were said to be playing with an object found in the nearby bush.

Sources indicated that the object, believed to be a bomb, detonated causing severe injuries to the victims.

Alhaji Abubakar Umar Ruka, the Village Head, confirmed the incident, stating that he was in the process of compiling the names of the victims.

According to him, the injured were rushed to Teaching Hospital, Shika for treatment.

“There were no fatalities but 10 children were injured. They have been taken to the hospital for treatment.”

Councilor Representing Kidandan Ward, Abdullahi Ismail, who confirmed the incident, said the children picked the object in the bush where they went to fetch firewood.

“I was told the children picked the object in the bush when they went looking for firewood. It explodes and injured them badly.”

Osun PDP Asks Fmr Governor Oyetola Appointees To Return Official Vehicles

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Ayodele Oni

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January 20, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun state has slammed the All Progressive Congress (APC) for supporting its members who illegally carted away government vehicles and plunged the state into another round of multi-billion naira expenditure for car purchase.

PDP has alleged that some politicians that served in the immediate past administration of Gboyega Oyetola refused to submit official vehicles attached to their offices, an action which APC alluded that was backed by law.

The party, in a statement on Saturday, stated that “We are shocked at the shameless release from the state APC and depth of immorality displayed by the opposition.

“Your members ‘stole’ government vehicles and the state is asking them to return them. You are reprehensibly justifying daylight robbery. In saner clime, those who issued that press statement should be arraigned in court as accomplice in robbery crime.

“A group of former state officials claimed and confirmed that they went away with government vehicles. Yet, a discredited political party cannot summon a meeting and order them to return such properties. Rather, party leaders are audaciously trying to spin theft in a political chess game.

“What has happened to the moral compass of Sooko Tajudeen Lawal and his cohorts? Why will a party chairman be defending “thieves” who for more than a year refused to return government vehicles they took away illegally?”

The statement, signed by Bamiji Oladele, Director of Media, Osun State PDP noted that “These officials claimed there was a law that protected them. When the law was checked and revealed to the public, there was no cover, no clause that allowed such illegality.

“At another time, they claimed the former Governor simply dashed them the cars. In law, the former Governor as a public official, has no power to dash government properties to anybody. No law empowered him to do so. Hence, those with the cars are beneficiaries of an illegal act.

“As of today, the state government is still struggling to buy cars for cabinet members because those official vehicles were illegally taken away by commissioners and special advisers under former Governor Oyetola.

“The government of the day therefore has the duty to recover all stolen and diverted government properties. This is not about politics or political witch hunts. It is purely about law enforcement.

“As indicated in the White Paper, the Taskforce will issue its modus operandi and will follow due process in the recovery process. The Taskforce will issue due notice and will follow up the notice with enforcement.

“As a party, the PDP called on former officials of the state government to return government vehicles in their possession.

“The longer the vehicles stay with them, the more they incur reputation damage and public wrath because there is no law in Osun state that protects those who stole government properties.”

Aiyedatiwa Hails Oguntala, First Female President Of NSE

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Ayodele Oni

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January 20, 2024

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Margaret Aina Oguntala and Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigerian Society of Engineers, (NSE) on Saturday installed an Ondo state born Margaret Aina Oguntala as the first female president of the society.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, stated that the event, which took place in Abuja, was attended by Ondo state Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Aiyedatiwa, hailed the historic emergence of Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala as the first female President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, (NSE).

The Governor, who was the Guest Speaker at the inauguration ceremony of Engr. Oguntala as the 34th President of the NSE at the International Conference Centre in Abuja, described Oguntala as a distinguished woman of substance.

He said that her emergence “is a testimony to that fact that our great country is again recognizing the invaluable contributions of the female gender and the need to encourage and support the emergence of women in leadership roles and in healthy competitive elections.

“Engr. Mrs. Oguntala is known to be a woman of sterling qualities and substantial substance, and coupled with her vast experience, knowledge and exposure, I have no doubt that she would move the umbrella body to great heights. Kudos to you madam for this rare feat, and you make us proud in Ondo State.”

While commending engineers for the crucial roles they play in the development of any society, the Governor stressed that “a major part of the responsibilities of building the nation of our dream lies mainly upon the shoulders of engineers and technologists.

“However, I must challenge you that it behoves on the engineers and technologists to complement the efforts of government by formulating and producing state-of-the-art solutions to the hydra-headed developmental challenges of our great nation.

“We must begin to build roads, bridges and other infrastructure that will stand the test of time, and even outlive their design-life.

“We must begin to look at and introduce technology that will conserve energy and preserve our environment that is already being degraded from the dangerous gaseous emissions from gasoline and diesel engines of our automobiles and industries. The way to go, therefore, is to introduce electronic solutions, work smartly and to green energy.”

Mrs. Oguntala, speaking shortly after her investiture, urged the Federal Government to implement fully the presidential order 5 which promotes the consumption of made-in-Nigeria goods and services.

She called on the government to amongst other things “implement the GL 09 entry point for engineers in some of the states that are yet to effect the enhanced entry point for engineers in civil service.

“Formulate a policy to compel employers of labour to pay commensurate welfare packages/hazard allowances for engineers.

“The Presidency should invite the NSE to nominate engineers for inclusion in the newly formed ‘Policy Coordination, Evaluation, Monitoring, and Delivery Unit’ as announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his 2024 New Year broadcast. We praise the President for this initiative.

“Encourage entrepreneurship by providing incentives and support for engineers in small businesses and startups in the extractive industry. Promote STEM education to encourage more students to pursue engineering careers and contribute to nation-building.”

Earlier in his Keynote Address, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio praised the society for electing its first first female president.

Represented by Deputy Senate President, Barau Jubrin, Akpabio said: “Oguntala’s appointment serves as a powerful testament to the fact that talent, dedication, and expertise know no gender boundaries.

“It is a clear indication that the Nigerian Society of Engineers recognizes and values the invaluable contributions of women in shaping the future of engineering.”

NNPP Tips Gov Yusuf As Leader, Says Kwankwaso Remains Expelled

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James Orji

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January 20, 2024

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The New Nigerian Peoples Party has tipped Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano state as the new Leader of the party.

Yusuf has just been affirmed by the Supreme Court as the governor of the commercial city.

Recall that the NNPP has been enmeshed in crisis since last year, in which a faction of the party led by Boniface Aniebonam, expelled Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Leader and a chieftain of the party.

Kwakwanso was a former governor of Kano state, on whose crest Governor Yusuf, his in-law rode to power last year.

In a press statement made available to the magazine on Saturday, signed by

NNPP Board of Trustees Chairman, TKO Aluko, titled “Special Appeal To Media Houses And Practitioners and INEC on the need to respect the will and constitution of the New Nigeria People’s Party and its members,” the party re-affirmed its changed in leadership.

It said the INEC and members of the public should respect its decision on the matter

The statement……..

Matters Arising

Once again, may we use this public space to remind the Independent National Electoral Commission,INEC, through its Chairman, that we have requested for the urgent need to update their records of the National Executive Committee of the NEW NIGERIA PEOPLES PARTY, NNPP.

It is instructive to indicate herein that the constitution of the NNPP is supreme and binding on all members, without prejudice to the overarching Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act.

With the he nation’s Constitution being the unquestionable grundnorm, every other establishment in Nigeria derives its powers of establishment and operations from the said Constitution.

The mandate and powers of INEC to register, control and regulate political parties are constitutionally provided. We all know that, certainly.

However, INEC does not have powers to meddle in the internal administration and management of political parties. Otherwise it would tantamount to avoidable breach of the constitutional rights of Nigerians to freely associate

What we try to put across herein is simple, straight-forward and unambiguous: The extant powers of the Board members of the NNPP in relation to resolution of the Party’s internal matters are very clear. The Board has powers to call to order any member of the Party who acts contrary to the Party’s norms.

In this connection, Senator Kwankwaso, Elder Buba Galadima and the sacked and defunct National Working Committee, NWC, led by Alhaji Abbah kawu have been in gross abuse of the constitutional provisions of the new NNPP with impunity.

While we do not have intention of speaking ill of any one, it suffices to indicate herein that the unceremonious exit of Prof Alkali, Prof Angwe Samuel and Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, etc and their joining the APC is a pointer that all is not well with the nternal administration of the party.

Indeed, for Senator Kwankwaso to run the affairs of the NEW NIGERIA PEOPLES PARTY as a personal estate was as undemocratic as it was unacceptable. This is aside issues bothering on corruption, high handedness, lack of transparency and accountability on the part of the defunct NWC members.

All these avoidable acts of gross misconduct led to the invitation of the concerned persons by the Board of Trustees for explanation, but they refused to provide answers to the queries. Indeed, the Board had to invoke its inherent powers by calling them all to order and decisively expelling them from the Party.

The action of the Board, having subsequently been ratified by the General Assembly of the Party, has been communicated to the Chairman of INEC, and the Commission duly acknowledged same and pledged to update its records.

The surprising and very embarrassing thing today is that INEC is still dealing with the expelled members of the party. This is aside the fact that this matter is pending before a Federal High Court, with INEC duly served and notified.

While we note and acknowledge the powers of INEC to regulate and control political parties, INEC should be seen to act as a neutral boby to all political parties and try to respect the internal administration of each of the parties.

Under these circumstances, it shall be more responsible on the part of INEC as a regulator, having recieved a notification, to invite both parties with a view to ascertaining facts and be in a better position to make an informed decision.

It is our abinding view and opinion that the Chairman of INEC, and the Commission itself, shall take a cue from the judiciary at the moment and strive to add value to the ethos of democracy , rule of law and conflict resolution.

For the media, we want to clearly let them know that there is no faction in our PARTY, the NNPP. Rather, Senator Kwankwaso and the entire membership of the old NWC led by Alhaji Abbah Kawu have since been expelled and INEC appropriately and duly informed in that regard.

For the avoidance of doubt,the new principal officers of the NNPP are Dr Gilbert Agbo Major as the National Chairman, Comrade Ogini Samuel as the Secretary General and Dr TKO Aluko as the Chairman, Board of Trustees.

Dr Aniebonam Boniface Okechukwu is the Founder and Spiritual Leader of the Party and Governor Abbah Yusuf of Kano State is the Leader of the Party.

It is also our hope that IPAC should be allowed to operate without any strings from the INEC. By so doing, we shall be adding value to the cause of genuine democracy in Nigeria.

University Of Cross River Union Leaders Claim Responsibility For Workers Protest Over Non Payment Of Salary Arrears

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Ayodele Oni

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January 20, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Industrial unions and management of the University of Cross River state have engaged in trading words over the recent protest by some workers over non payment of backlog of salaries.

Teaching as well as non-teaching staff of the University had protested nonpayment of their salaries by the management of the institution.

The workers carried placards denouncing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Austin Angbah, and calling for his sack.

Reacting, the VC berated the workers’ unions, alleging that they incited their members to take to the streets.

The VC said there was no need for the protest as management has begun to pay the backlog. I don’t know what they are going to ask for because salaries are being paid.”

He explained that the leadership of the Joint Action Committee (JAC), NASU, NAT and SSANU at the institution decided to back out of the protest since the backlog was being paid.

Amgbah alleged that four members hijacked the workers’ union, inciting people to go out to the streets to protest.

“The four persons are not representing the opinion of the Congress. They have taken the law into their own hands. Their national president must hear this.”

However, the chairman of the UNICROSS branch of SSANU, Mac Enang Ayu, denied the accusation of incitement.

He stated that “My members were hungry and didn’t listen to me. The people who protested are not SSANU members but NASU.”

The plight of the workers occassioned by non payment of backlog of salaries attracted the attention of the leadership of the UNICROSS Alumni Association, led by Dr Peter Iyali, that donated bags of rice to the workers and also wrote letters appealing to the state governor to intervene to clear the five-month backlog of salaries.

Ibadan Explosion Has Exposed The Type Of Leaders We Have In Yorubaland – AOKOYA

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Ayodele Oni

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January 20, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Apapo O’Odua Koya, (AOKOYA) said on Saturday that the response of politicians and leaders of the Yoruba race to the explosion in Ibadan, Oyo state early in the week fell short of expectation.

It stated that politicians and traditional rulers in Yorubaland failed the entire race by their passive reaction to the incident.

According to the group, “The attitude of Yoruba politicians and traditional rulers to the explosion in Ibadan, Oyo State is an indication that they represent the worst set of leaders in Yoruba history.”

The group pointed out that since the explosion, neither Yoruba traditional rulers nor politicians have visited the site while they have failed to show deep concern expected from responsible leaders.

“Both the Senator and House of Rep that represent the Bodija constituency have not visited the area as we speak.

“Ibadan is the political headquarters of Yoruba Nation. There is no Yoruba family from Lagos through Kwara, Kogi to Itsekiriland that does not have a family member living in Ibadan.

“The explosion was an assault on Yoruba heritage. But as we speak, Yoruba Senators, House of Representatives, State Governors have not visited the site not to talk of giving the required support to victims.

“This is the height of irresponsibility on the part of these self acclaimed leaders”, AOKOYA said in a statement signed by Col. Abimbola Sowunmi (rtd) and Ahmed Korede

AOKOYA added that “compared with Northern politicians and Emirs, Yoruba political class is callous, irresponsible, self-driven and rabidly anti people.”

The group maintained that the growing gap between Yoruba elected representatives and the people they claim to lead is responsible for the very low turn out of voters across Yorubaland.

“It’s a shame. Yoruba know those who claim to lead the traditional institutions and the political space are not for them. They are for themselves.”

The group recalled the swift response of Northern political leaders to the Kaduna drone attack that killed Northerners.

“Senators from the northern part of Nigeria donated N58 million to families of the victims of accidental military drone airstrike in Tudun Biri village, Kaduna.

“The Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum (NSF), Abdul Ningi, led a delegation to visit the victims and donated N58m. The Northern Senators also donated 109m jointly from their salary.

“The Northern caucus in the House of Representatives donated N48m. These happened within few hours after the incidence.

“The Kaduna mistaken drone strike was raised in the National Assembly prompting immediate very serious concern.

“The Sultan of Sokoto also donated money while many Northern Emirs and religious leaders in the North paid visits immediately after the blast and took decisive decisions with the Sultan promising to ensure justice.

“Where are the true Yoruba leaders? This incidence has further exposed them. Days after the Ibadan deaths, nothing tangible has been done by those who claim to represent Yoruba in politics and in culture.

“They have not caused the National Assembly to intervene and none has visited to donate money or blood to the victims.

“Yoruba traditional rulers and politicians this weekend were sighted attending parties and visiting their girl friends while many of them were hosting various social events without a heart for Ibadan and the victims killed in the most cruel manner.

“There is a tragedy of leadership in Yorubaland. The worst set of traditional rulers and politicians currently sit on the seat of power.

“They have no sense of history. They have no agenda for the Yoruba Nation. They are in power for personal gains and for profit. They are happy to feed on the misery and agony of Yoruba people.

“We reiterate our commitments to Yoruba Nation. We urge Yoruba people all over the world to support the on-going efforts for Yoruba Nation that will rid and purge Yoruba territory of street criminals and rogues who have seized the political and cultural space for profit.”

ABUAD Founder, Afe Babalola, Says FG Responsible For Certificate Racketeering In Universities

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Ayodele Oni

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January 20, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government has been accused of granting operational licenses for the establishment of Universities to proprietors who did not meet the required standard.

Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, (ABUAD) Aare Afe Babalola, made the remark while playing host to former senate leader, Mohammed Gobir and former governor of Zamfara state, Aliyu Shinkafi.

Welcoming the visitors, Babalola described recent media reports that over 107 private universities in Nigeria are involved in certificate racketeering as both disturbing and embarrassing.

He said this would never have happened, if the Federal Government had been very decisive, in not granting operational licenses to proprietors who did not meet the required standard.

“For those who do not understand why ASUU is always on strike, please read my book.

“They gave over 62 reasons why they always go on strike, and mostly because the universities are underfunded. In many of our universities, the students use the nearest bushes as toilets.

“Going to my Engineering Department in this university, for instance, even the teachers, confessed that they had not seen the type of equipment I bought there.

“The same thing in Medicine and Pharmacy, the teachers said they have only learned them in books.

“We are joking too much about education in this country, whereas, education is very important. The importance can also be seen in me.

“But for the quality education which I acquired, through University of London correspondence, I would have died long ago. Quality education ordinarily takes away ignorance from people.

“Anything you want to do in life, if you have a quality education, you can achieve it. We are playing with quality education in this country, and this is worrisome.

“Let us try to update, and improve what we have in public universities. Nothing can be more unpleasant than a situation where it is reported that 107 private universities face a probe for degree racketeering.

“That will never happen in ABUAD. I knew what I went through to get my license to start this university.

“The NUC people came to this place to first see the land, to see the drawing and to see the first sets of buildings.

“They told me then that until you have graduated your first set, we will not allow you to start certain degrees. For instance, they said we can’t start Medicine until after 10 years, and now it sounds funny and unbelievable that some are establishing universities to start Medicine, even when they don’t have buildings”.

“The laws are there. I believe that whatever our national lawmakers say in the parliament, should be subject to the NUC law on how you can establish a university.”

Babalola vowed to take this up with the Minister of Education, saying, “I am going to write him a letter.”

Corroborating him, Shinkafi who said ABUAD, under Babalola had set a good example of how a University should operate and function, noted that the priority of government should be to improve the existing universities, rather than dissipating energy on establishing more, without considering the infrastructure and facility deficit in them.

“We are going to join you in this struggle. Even some of the older universities need to be funded. The ASUU strikes are caused by a lack of proper funding for the universities.

“We can see that the lecturers here are highly skilled. So other universities should learn from this. There is no basis for establishing more universities without taking care of those already in existence, as well as their lecturers.”

On his part, former governor Gobri, who explained that the team came to acquaint themselves with activities in ABUAD, noted that the ranking of the university, both in the country and globally, was a very good advertisement for Nigeria in itself.

“Quality is very important in anything, and that is why we have come to ABUAD to acquaint ourselves with what is happening here.

“We have gone around the institution to see things for ourselves, and we are proud to say the achievements so far by the institution, are commendable.

” Even when you talk about medical tourism, there are lots of things that we saw at the Multi-System Hospital, owned by ABUAD, particularly the issue of kidney transplants.

“The issue of acute kidney transfer is the reason why many people go to India, Germany, and Dubai. If people have the experience of what is happening here, there will be no need to travel to those places, and will also save the pressure on the Naira.”

US Secretary Blinken Visits Nigeria, Three Other African Countries

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Ayodele Oni

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January 20, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

The United States Embassy in the country has announced that Secretary Antony Blinken will be travelling to Nigeria and three other African countries from January 21-26. The three other countries are Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire and Angola.

According to a statement by US Embassy in Nigeria, throughout the trip, the Secretary will highlight how the United States has accelerated the U.S.-Africa partnership since the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, including in areas such as climate, food and health security.

The statement added that: “He will also emphasize our future-focused economic partnership, and how the United States is investing in infrastructure in Africa to boost two-way trade, create jobs at home and on the continent, and help Africa compete in the global marketplace.

“Additionally, the Secretary will advance security partnerships based on shared values such as respect for human rights, promotion of democracy, and expansion of the rule of law.

He will reaffirm U.S. commitment to our coastal West African partners through the Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability, U.S. partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to address regional challenges, and U.S. efforts to support African leadership in de-escalating tensions and adopting diplomatic solutions to the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.”

The United States reaffirmed its sustained commitment to high-level U.S. engagement with Africa.

Aba Traders, Market Leadership Hail Otti’s Supreme Court Victory; Call For Unity

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The Source

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January 20, 2024

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Governor Alex Otti and Chief Alphonsus Udeigbo

By Daniel Maduka

The leaderships and traders of Aba Markets have described the Supreme Court victory of Abia state Governor, Dr Alex Otti, as answered prayers from God for the continued liberation of Abians and transformation of the State.

This is even as they have urged the Governor to remain focused in the task of reclaiming the lost economic fortunes of Aba, in particular, and Abia State in general.

In a statement issued on Friday January 19 2024, signed by the Chairman of All Chairmen of Aba Markets Hon Alphonsus Udeigbo, and made available to The Source, the traders noted that Governor Otti, within the short period in the saddle, has succeeded in rekindling the hope and aspirations of the teeming populace through his dedication to the renewal of infrastructural facilities and the creation of an enabling environment for the thriving of business and other economic activities.

The traders noted with joy the rehabilitation of many otherwise unaccessible roads within the Aba metropolis,which has in turn resulted in the seamless conduct of business activities and economic growth and development.

“We are eternally grateful for the rehabilitation and on going reconstruction of roads in Aba ,particularly the PortHarcourt/ Aba and Cemetery roads.

“The opening up of these roads and the rehabilitation of other related infrastructural facilities, no doubt has positively impacted on the fortunes of Aba traders and other stakeholders in the economic activities in the state” the traders stated.

On their part, the traders assured of partnering with, and supporting the government in the task of rebuilding Abia state.

“We also wish to assure the Governor of our unflinching and unalloyed cooperation and support as he strives to take the state to a new height.

“We offer also our prayers for God to continue to guide ,direct,and protect the Governor, Abians and Abia state as we collectively march towards the promised land.” the statement further stated.

The traders while calling on the opposition political parties and actors to come together, and join hands with the government of the day to move Abia forward, appealed for unity, understanding, and peaceful coexistence among all Abia residents irrespective of ethnic and political party affiliations.

Ibadan Blast Dangerous For Yorubaland, Says Gani Adams

By

James Orji

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January 20, 2024

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Gani Adams, the Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, has charged Governor Seyi Makinde on the urgent need to find those responsible of the explosion in Ibadan, the state capital this week.

Adams said such blasts could spread to other parts of the South west if nothing concrete was done.

On Tuesday, multiple explosions rocked Bodija part of the ancient city killing at least six persons, leaving more than 100 others seriously injured.

The blast which occurred around 8 pm has also left several destroyed buildings dotting the landscape of the capital.

Prominent Nigerians including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Godswill Akpabio have reacted to the incident.

The state government said the explosion was caused by some explosives stored by an illegal miner in one of the buildings in the area.

In his reaction, contained in a statement released by Kehinde Aderemi his media assistant, the Yoruba leader urged the state government to get to the root of the incident, by ensuring that those responsible are arrested and made to face the law.

More should be done by the state government to contain the activities of illegal miners, who he described as a threat to the lives and property.

He 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.