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Edo: PDP Faction Rejects Outcome Of Ward Congresses Over Alleged Manipulation

By
The Source
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Godwin Obaseki

By Ayodele Oni

  • “It is a Governor Obaseki Congress, not PDP Congress”

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) in Edo State, has called for a fresh ward Congress due to an alleged manipulation.

The party explained that it has no option than to reject the outcome of the ward congresses conducted last Sunday, which it described  as a “Governor Obaseki Congress” and not a “PDP Congress.”

Apart from an alleged manipulation of the Congress, it claimed that thugs were deployed to prevent supporters of nine of the ten aspirants from partaking in the exercise.

The PDP faction,  in a statement on Wednesday, also alleged that the materials for the exercise were handed over to the Governor even as State Government officials were used to supervise the Congress.

The statement issued by the State Publicity Secretary, Ogie Vasco,asked the National Leadership to address the issues of the State PDP concerning the alleged malpractices.

“The leaders of the Edo State Chapter of the PDP have rejected in totality the results of the purported ward congresses that took place on Sunday the 4th of February 2024 across the state.

“The results are not a true reflection of what took place, as they only represent a Governor Godwin Obaseki Congress, not a PDP Congress.

“After a cursory overview of the whole charade put up by the state government and certain individuals in the NWC, the leaders in their wisdom have denounced the whole process as a sham marred by acute manipulation.

“In particular, the leaders noticed that:the agents of Governor Godwin Obaseki, made the stipulated venues inaccessible to the other nine aspirants and their supporters by flooding the venues with armed thugs that were hostile and intimidating.

“They would only grant access if an individual was going to vote for the pre-selected delegates in favour of the Governor’s aspirant. Consequently, no voting was conducted in 92% of the stipulated venues.

“The office of the National Organizing Secretary published three conflicting letters on the composition of officers in charge of the congress both at the wards and local government areas.

“The last letter comprised names of serving government officials in Edo and Delta States. This irregular act had earlier been communicated to national leadership of the party by the nine aspirants so affected.

“The materials for the conduct of the purported Congress had been deposited with the state governor who is an interested party in this Congress, for days prior to the stipulated date.

“Where is the fairness the NWC has preached in the various engagements with stakeholders leading to the this Congress? These and other infractions observed need to be addressed properly.

“Consequently, the leadership of the party calls on all party faithfuls to join in the call to right the wrongs of the sham perpetrated this past weekend. And also call for a total cancellation of the exercise.”

Insecurity: Again, Senate To Meet Service Chiefs Next Week

By
James Orji
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The Nigerian Senate has postponed the security briefing from Service Chiefs.

The briefing would now hold on February 13, according to the Senate President Godswill Akpabio who ruled on the motion moved by Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate Leader that the meeting needed to be expanded to accommodate other stakeholders in the country.

The motion was seconded by Senator Abba Moro, Senate Minority Leader.

The Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber had last week summoned the security top brass to brief them on the security situation in the country which has gone hay wire in the last few weeks.

Sources in the chamber told the magazine that the Senate decided to summon the service chiefs which included the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Maj. Gen. C.G Musa; Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen T. A Lagbaja; Chief of Air Staff, AVM H.B Abubakar; Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla;  Inspector-General of Police, DIG Kayode Egbetokun  in response to Nigerians outbursts over the current insecurity in the country.

Recall that gunmen attacked two local governments in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi on Christmas Eve last year, leaving close to 200 dead in the wake of the brutal attack on the two communities.

Barely a week after, gun men returned to Durbi village of Shere district, Jos East local government area, of the state killing a father and his son.

Within the same period, Abuja, the nation’s capital was sacked by armed bandits who ran riot by kidnapping many residents, killing some of the abductees when ransom could not be raised by their families for their release.

Calm has now returned to the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, after security agencies swung into action to root out criminals from their hideouts, sources in the nation’s capital said.

Ogun: Double Trouble For Adebutu

By
James Orji
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Oladipupo Adebutu

For Ladi Adebutu, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the last governorship election in the state, things are not going on well.

Ladi, the son of Betting Mogul, Adebutu Kessington, who lost his appeal against the election of Governor Dapo Abiodun, last month,  was on Tuesday arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC over alleged vote buying during the March 18, 2023 governorship election in the Gateway state as Ogun is popular.

The politician was arraigned by the federal government in the criminal case marked AB/10c/2023 in Abeokuta the state capital yesterday.

According to the facts of the case seen by the magazine, the PDP governorship candidate was alleged to have induced voters during the poll by giving them 200,000 vouchers pre-loaded with N10,000.

He pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned alongside five others before Justice Abiodun Akinyemi of the state High Court in Kobape Road, Abeokuta.

He had been released on bail by the judge after his counsel pleaded for him that he would be available in court whenever he’s required to do so.

For those watching the state, Adebutu’s situation can be described as a double jeopardy having recently lost his appeal at the nation’s Supreme Court which affirmed the incumbent as governor.

Following the declaration of Governor Abiodun by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the PDP candidate challenged his election at the state Election Tribunal, on the basis that the election did not comply with the Electoral Act 2019 as amended.

The tribunal rejected his plea and affirmed Abiodun as dully elected.

Adebutu later approached the Court of Appeal last year, praying that the verdict of the tribunal be overturned in his favour, his appeal was thrown out by the panel, after which he approached the apex court for justice.

On January 19, the Supreme Court upheld the election of Abiodun, ruling that Adebutu failed to prove allegations of non-compliance with the Electoral Act during the conduct of the 18 March election .

“This appeal is unmeritorious and ought to be dismissed and it is hereby dismissed. The judgement of the Court is hereby affirmed,” Justice Tijjani Abubakar, who read the judgement, said.

Insecurity: Angry Pan Yoruba Group Demands Recruitment Of Indigenes  Into Security Agencies; Threatens Report To UN

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Kayode Egbetokun - IGP

By Akinwale Kasali

Pan Yoruba Group, Alliance For Yoruba Democratic Movements, AYDM, has lamented the absence of Police presence in the communities where Obas were murdered.

AYDM has, therefore, written to the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun and the Governor of Ekiti State, Abiodun Oyebanji to,  as a matter of urgency, to establish Police Stations in those communities.

The Pan Yoruba group, also, called for the immediate recruitment of indigenes of affected communities into the police, DSS and Amotekun for effective policing of the area.

In a statement on Tuesday signed by AYDM leadership, called for the immediate provision of security stations in affected communities.

AYDM is an alliance of over 130 Pan Yoruba and community based groups including Oodua Peoples Congress, (OPC-New Era), O’odua Nationalist Coalition, (ONAC), Covenant Group, (CG), Agbekoya, Iteskiri Nationalist Congress, (INC), O’Odua Peoples Congress,(OPC-Reformed), Yoruba Network Alliance, (NENA), South West Professional Forum,(SOWPROF), Association of Amalgamated Unions of Motor Mechanics and Technicians of Nigeria (South West), South West Progressive Youths Congress,(SWYC),Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association, (NATA-South West) and many others.

AYDM General Secretary, Popoola Ajayi, in the statement said it is regrettable that there are no single police stations in Ekamefa Communities with a population of some 30,000 people.

Ekamefa is made up of six ancient communities of Itapaji, Iye, Ipao, Oke-Ako,. Ijowa and Irele communities, but none of them has any police station.

The nearest Police Station to some of the communities is about 20km away.

AYDM said that for the past 25 years, Police Stations have never featured in these communities, leaving them at the mercy of terrorists and armed banditry.

The group said the absence of police stations has turned the areas into an ungoverned territory where kidnappers have a free reign.

“We appeal to the Inspector General of Police and the Governor of EKiti State to see the establishment of six police stations, one in each community as an immediate step to be taken, to stop the continuous killing of Royals, Professionals and Ordinary people alive.”

Popoola said that in less than one week the IGP can setup make shift Police Posts in these communities while preparing for the establishment of standard Police Stations in the months ahead. The group said the lack of Police Stations makes life unbearable and empowers armed groups to operate unhindered.

It added that the communities are historical settlements dating back to over one thousand years of history and are of significant relevance to Yoruba history, culture and economy.

“Ekamefa unknown to many people has one of the most fertile land in Yoruba land and the hub of rare species of plants and animals. It is rich in biodiversity with its vast green lurch tropical forest and extensive farmland. It is one of the few forests in Yorubaland that still boasts of Cheetah and Buffaloes all of which now face extinction.

AYDM recalled that the Action Group, (AG) and the Unity Party of Nigeria,(UPN) led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo chose the area for ranching that flourished for many years”.

The Group said the communities in the 18th  Century produced remarkable warriors that defended Yoruba land against Fulani invasion and also played a significant role in the Ekiti Parapo War which ended in 1886.

It added that the communities are ready to partner with the Inspector General of Police, but are frustrated by security initiatives that exclude the indigenous people who are the direct victims of atrocities of murderers.

“We are prepared to take the case of Ekamefa to the United Nations if the IG fails to do the right thing.

“Creating Police Posts is the easiest thing the IG can do.There is a military checkpoint in the area that has been compromised. What the people need are police stations made of people that live with them and experience their fears and aspirations. ‘The  Ekamefa people are traumatized and many have been forced to flee their community, due to the siege of fear and melancholy,” AYDM said

According to the AYDM, no fewer than fifty people have either been killed, maimed or attacked in the past ten years at Ekamefa communities. The group said it was embarrassed by the attitude of National Assembly members representing the area who acted as if they do not understand what it means for traditional rulers to be killed like chicken.

“Instead of crying like a baby, we expected the House of Representative member representing Ajoni and the Senator representing the area to have relocated to the communities until police stations are set up. We expected them to have moved swiftly to even begin the construction of police stations as a constituency project.”

The AYDM said it was shocked, but not surprised, by the attitude of Yoruba political class to the sad event in Ekiti State. “It is surprising that after the killing of two traditional rulers in Ekiti State, and one in Kogi, it is as if the burden has been left for Governor Oyebanji alone while other South West states apart from Ondo are literally drinking and wining while their fatherland is under fire.’

It however commended the Governor of Ekiti State for his swift responses, his dedication, hardwork to get to the roots of the violence in the state in the face of legal limitations occasioned by Nigeria’s defective Federalism.

The group cautioned Security Operatives to update Nigerians on investigations in line with global best practices and not to create diversion through selective arrests of some people meant to divert Yoruba people from the real issue of alien armed invasion and terrorism in Yorubaland.

Catholic Church Shocked As Top Church Members Plan, Abduct Two Parish Priests, Ask For N25m

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Catholic Church Kidnapping

By Adesina Soyooye

Christians in Nigeria, and especially,  Roman Catholics, are reeling in shock over the report that two young Priests abducted from the Parish House recently, were kidnapped by top ranking members of their Church.

The victims were two Claretian Missionaries, Reverend Fathers Kenneth Kanwa, CMF and Jude Nwachukwu.

They were abducted, according to the initial reports, by “terrorists” from the Parish Rectory in St Vincent De Paul Parish,  Fier, Pankshin Diocese, Plateau State.

Nigerians were asked to “In your charity, kindly pray for the safe and speedy release of these Priests and other abducted persons in Nigeria.”

The strong suspicion was that the Priests were kidnapped by “rogue Fulani herdsmen.”

However, the shock came when it turned out that the Priests were abducted by four of  their own Parishioners who they work with, and pray with everyday.

The four suspected, and now arrested  kidnappers, were Church members, allegedly,  led by the Financial Secretary of the Church.

It is not known how, or why the devilish thoughts became their lot. What is obvious, however, is that they kidnapped the young Priests for money.

While the Priests were in their custody, they demanded for the sum of N25m in ransom money.

Said a devastated Parishioner who pleaded anonymity: “That the Financial Secretary of the Church led the criminal gang gives out the why. In his position, he has an idea how much the Parish has, which is why they asked for  N25m. This shakes the faith.”

Professor Emezue, Abia University DVC Released

By
The Source
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Professor Godwin Emezue DVC Abia State University

By Daniel Maduka

  • N25m Paid

Eleven days after Professor Godwin Emezue, Deputy Vice Chancellor, DVC, (Academics), Abia State University, was kidnapped, he finally regained his freedom.

His freedom cost his family and friends the sum of N25 million. The initial offer of five million Naira made to his abductors was flatly rejected by them.

The University Don was kidnapped on 26th January 2024, at a fuel filling station, Umuopara, Umuahia, where he stopped to fill his car tank.

At the time of his abduction, he was with his wife who, mercifully, was spared by the hoodlums.

Inspite of the assurances given by the Abia State Police Command that Emezue would be rescued, it never happened. The abductors had threatened to kill him if their demand was not met.

Friends and relations were forced to rally round  to provide the money to stop the kidnappers from  making good their threat to kill him.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, had lamented Professor  Emezue’s abduction, especially, as he was kidnapped within the State capital. He assured of his rescue, and revealed that the DVC was whisked to outside Abia State by his abductors.

Professor Emezue is said to be in bad health condition and, presently, receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital.

Pakistan’s Premier Meets Jonathan-led Commonwealth Observers, Promises Peaceful Elections

By
The Source
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0

Pakistan’s Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has assured former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and other members of the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) that the best possible arrangements have been made to ensure peaceful and transparent conduct of the scheduled February 8 general elections, despite numerous challenges ahead of the polls.

Mr. Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar who stated this on Tuesday while receiving Dr. Jonathan and other members the COG in the State House in Islamabad Pakistan stated that Pakistan proud to honour its commitment as a Commonwealth member, stressing that the country had invited independent international observers to witness the general elections.

The Caretaker Prime Minister also stated that his administration had fulfilled its responsibilities to run the day-to-day affairs of the state and create a conducive environment ahead of the elections.  He further urged the people of Pakistan to reciprocate by exercising their democratic right to vote.

Speaking earlier in his capacity as the Chairman of the Commonwealth Observers Group, Dr. Jonathan expressed appreciation for the warm reception since arriving in Islamabad. He told his host that they were in Pakistan to observe the elections in line with the Commonwealth’s guidelines for such exercise, following an invitation from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

The former president noted that in conducting their duties and undertaking an assessment of the elections, the COG will be neutral, impartial, objective, and independent.

Dr. Jonathan and other members of the group made up of experts from across the Commonwealth arrived in Pakistan last week and will be present in the country throughout the electoral process.

In the group’s arrival statement, Dr Goodluck Jonathan said: “It is my honour and privilege to have been asked by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, to lead the Commonwealth Observer Group to Pakistan’s General Elections 2024, and to be here in the country for this election.”

“I am grateful to be joined by twelve experts selected from across the Commonwealth. They bring together a diversity of experience, in the fields of elections, law, civil society, politics, human rights, and the media, amongst others. The group’s presence reaffirms the Commonwealth’s solidarity with Pakistan and its democratic processes.”

Since their arrival, the observers have been conducting stakeholder briefings, including meeting with political parties, the police, the army, civil society groups, citizen observer and monitor groups, the media, as well as the Election Commission of Pakistan.

On Election Day, members of the COG will observe the opening, voting, closing, counting and results management processes across the country, before issuing an interim statement on its preliminary findings on 10 February 2024.

Speak Truth To Power, Delta Gov Oborevwori Charges The Church

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has said power of prayer made him survive 38 court cases in his quest to be governor.

He noted that Nigeria is facing challenges and called on the Church, to fervently pray for its enduring peace, security and development.

The governor also charged the Church, as the conscience of the nation to speak truth to the power.

Governor Oborevwori made the call on Tuesday, when the Standing Committee of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, led by the Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, paid him a courtesy call in Asaba.

The Governor thanked the delegation for the visit and commended the Anglican Church for praying for him during the electioneering campaign.

He said: “I want to sincerely thank you for coming to pay this courtesy call on the government and people of Delta State. We are happy to receive you.

“I know you brought blessings to this state. This state is a praying state and we believe in God. Its only God that has helped me survive 38 court cases.

“I want to use this opportunity to thank you for allowing the fathers of faith, led by the Archbishop of the Bendel Province, Most Rev’d Cyril Odutemu, to pray for me during the elections.

“As a government, we believe in the role of the Church as the conscience of the nation and it is only the Church that can speak truth to power. I urge you to continue to fervently pray for this nation for unity, peace and security.

“It is your duty to continue to pray for the government for us to govern very well. We are also very happy that Delta State is hosting this programme because all the prayers that will be said here will remain with us.

“You have also stated that you will partner us in the areas of health, education and social development. If the church continues like this, this state will continue to prosper.

“This government is God-centered and people-oriented. We will continue to do things for our people, irrespective of party affiliations. By the grace of God, we are determined to improve the living conditions of our people.”

Earlier, Archbishop Ndukuba who commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for being a practical Christian in office, charged leaders across board to rule with the fear of God.

The Primate said the leadership of the Anglican Church in Nigeria were in Delta for a spiritual programme where the challenges of the nation would be tabled before God and gave assurance that it would positively enrich the state.

He said the Anglican Church in Nigeria would continue to stand against any doctrine that would promote gay, homosexuality, lesbianism and other unholy doctrine to undermine God’s ordained plans for His children.

Most Reverend Ndukuba assured the Governor of the synergy and prayers of the church in advancing his MORE agenda.

Abia Government To Give LGA’s N100m Monthly, Denies Allegations Of Financial Recklessness

By
The Source
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Alex Otti

By Daniel Maduka

The Abia State Government has promised to make available ,at least, the sum of N100m monthly to each of the 17 Local Council of the State for the purpose of some developmental projects.

Special Adviser to  Governor Alex Otti on Media, Ferdinand Ekeoma, who made this known while reacting to scathing criticisms by the opposition  in a  session  of the media on alleged reckless spendings by Governor Alex Otti’s Government, on  Tuesday February 6 2024, called on well-meaning people to disregard the distracting antics of a  section of the opposition, and  described them as unfounded.

According to the Governor’s media Adviser, the said N100m which will be drawn from the Monthly Federal allocation, is to enable the Local Councils embark on grassroots and people oriented projects ,in line with the overall development mantra of the present administration.

He, therefore, called on the people to hold the Mayors/ Transition Chairmen of the Councils accountable, with a view to ensuring that the funds are judiciously applied for the benefits of the people.

He noted that the decision to adequately empower the Councils represents a clear departure from the past where funds meant for  Local Council Developmental projects were shared to croninies and puppets of top government officials.

He expressed satisfaction that under the current dispensation,  Local Councils will be encouraged to meet most of their statutory responsibilities to the people just like it used to be in the glorious days of Council Administration in the country.

While appealing for more support for the Government in its determination to take the state to the next level, Mr Ekeoma noted that Governor Otti, as a renowned Economist and Banker highly appreciates the imperatives of proper planning and strategic implementation of visioned objectives and prudent management of public resources.

Plateau: Gov Mutfwang Sacks Five Heads Of State Owned Tertiary Institutions

By
Ayodele Oni
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Caleb Mutfwang - Plateau state Governor

By Ayodele Oni

Five heads of tertiary institutions in Plateau state have been relieved of their appointments with immediate effect.

Those affected include the Vice Chancellor of the Plateau State University, Prof Bernard Matau.

Matau was appointed as the Vice Chancellor of the state university while serving as the state Commissioner for Higher Education in the last administration led by former Governor Simon Lalong.

Others are the Rector of the State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi; Provost, College of Health Technology, Pankshin; Provost, College of Health Technology, Zawan, as well as the Provost, College of Education, Gindiri.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau, on Tuesday.

The statement read in part “His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Plateau state, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of the Plateau State University, Bokkos with immediate effect.

“Similarly, the governor has also approved the removal of the following heads of tertiary institutions: Plateau State University, Bokkos; Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi; College of Education, Gindiri; College of Health Technology, Zawan and College of Health Technology, Pankshin.”

The statement, which offered no reason for their removal explai affected heads should take note and hand over any government property in their possession to the next most senior officers in the institutions immediately.

It added “The governor has also approved the cancellation of recruitment earlier conducted by tertiary institutions in 2022 and early 2023 that have been under suspension.

“Consequently, applications for an all-inclusive recruitment for all tertiary institutions would be advertised.”

The statement quoted the Governor as thanking the Chairman and Members of the Governing Council for the services rendered in the state and wished them success in their future endeavours.

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