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Ondo: Governor Aiyedatiwa Distributes FG’s Grain Palliatives To Farmers

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

It was the turn of livestock farmers in Ondo state as Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa distributed 40 trailers of maize to poultry, fish, and piggery farmers.

This is in line with Governor’s vision to place food security at the forefront of Ondo State’s development agenda.

At the flag off of the programme on Monday in Akure, the Governor explained that this gesture was in form of palliatives  to farmers in the State.

A statement by Ebenezer Adeniyan, chief Press Secretary to the governor, stated that the 40 trailers of grains, were supplied by the Federal Government, and will be distributed to poultry, piggery and fishery farmers across the 18 local government areas of the State.

The Governor highlighted the establishment of the committee on Agriculture and Food Security tasked with taking immediate action in response to this challenge.

The Governor said: “Today’s programme is the first among the activities and initiatives lined up to make our State zero tolerant to food insecurity accompanied by massive modern agricultural interventions needed to catapult us to an enviable position in the comity of States.

“The effects of painful but necessary subsidy removal on petrol had compounded the food security situation in Ondo State and indeed Nigeria. Rising inflation on food items and others have made life somewhat unbearable to the people.

“As a government, we must check this ugly trend and make sure that food is not just available, but affordable to the generality of the people.”

The Governor highlighted infrastructural projects aimed at improving market access via rural roads, as well as empowering smallholder farmers, particularly women and youths, through training, capacity building, and access to credit.

Governor Aiyedatiwa praised the significant contribution of agriculture to the state’s economy, noting Ondo State’s role in supplying 75 percent of tomatoes to markets in Lagos State.

The Governor also appreciated the support of the Federal Government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in approving the distribution of grains and other commodities across the country.

Earlier in his welcome address, Mr. Rotimi Akinsola, Chairman, Committee on Agriculture and Food Security, commended the governor for establishing the committee as a testament to the commitment to the welfare of the people.

He stated that the committee is dedicated to realizing the governor’s agricultural initiatives and encouraged farmers, who have received agricultural commodities to utilize them effectively, thereby contributing to lower prices.

He envisioned the state becoming a leading agricultural hub due to its abundant natural resources, pledging to visit farmers in their communities to understand their challenges and relay them to the governor for prompt solutions.

Pro-Abure Supporters Mobilize, Stage Protest Against NLC

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Abure Supporters Protest Against NLC in Abuja

By Akinwale Kasali

“Abure’s  problem is not only the NLC. A number of the Party’s stakeholders are not happy with him over  the controversial National Convention he insisted on holding where he was returned as the National Chairman. They include Party Elders, BoT members, Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, House of Representatives caucus of the Party, and more”

Supporters of National Chairman of the Labour Party, LP, Julius Abure took to the streets in Gudu, Abuja, to protest against the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, following what they say is the “Labour Group meddling into the affairs of LP.”

Dozens of protesters carrying placards with inscriptions such as “On Abure’s mandate we stand”, “NLC leave Abure alone,” and “Nnewi National Convention is valid”, began their march from the new Abuja chapter secretariat.

Abure has been in conflict between the NLC and the Abure-led Labour Party leadership.

The situation had escalated to the point where the NLC accused Abure of running the affairs of the LP as a sole administrator. As a result, the NLC passed a vote of no confidence in the leadership of the national chair of the party and consequently called for his resignation.

The friction between them  captured public attention when the political wing of the NLC invaded the Abuja Headquarters of the Party and  demanded for Abure’s resignation.

At the heart of the conflict is the battle for the control of the party structure.

Major stakeholders of the party have accused Abure of running the affairs of the party like a personal estate, a charge Abure consistently denies.

It would be recalled that the demand  for Abure resignation stated soon after the 2023 general elections when some party members under the leadership of Alhaji Lamidi Apapa and Abayomi Arabambi accused him of mismanaging party’s funds.

A series of court cases followed and Abure’s leadership was upheld by the Court of Appeal.

However, not long afterwards, the party’s erstwhile National Treasurer, Ms. Oluchi Oparah, went public with allegations that Abure be made to account for over N3.5bn she claimed the party received from the sale of forms and donations for during the 2023 elections.

For her efforts, she was suspended for six months for bringing the reputation of the party to disrepute.

The Abure-led NWC of the LP is currently at loggerheads with not only the NLC but also the House of Representatives caucus of the party over the conduct of the national convention by Abure without the impute of stakeholders.

Traditional Ruler Allegedly Slaps Chief In Ekiti, Others Boycott Palace Activities

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

For allegedly slapping one of his Chiefs, the Traditional Ruler of Itapa in Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Oba David Ajaja, has incurred the wrath of other title holders in the community.

Traditional Chiefs in the community, in reaction, staged a walkout on the Monarch and vowed not to return to the Palace for any meeting over an assault against the Elemo of Itapa-Ekiti, Chief Samuel Osasona, during a meeting on the installation of a new chief priest.

The chiefs further accused the traditional ruler of exhibiting high-handedness in governing the community.

Speaking to journalists in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, alongside 14 other chiefs, Chief Osasona claimed that he was assaulted by the traditional ruler for opposing his plan to install a new chief priest when the occupier of the position is still alive and without adhering to the community’s established traditions.

Chief Osasona explained that the traditional ruler did not possess the sole authority to replace the current chief priest, Chief Ilesanmi Osanyigbemi, without the approval of the council of chiefs.

He asserted that the assault on him, which occurred on March 18, 2024, led the majority of the chiefs to boycott palace activities until further notice.

Chief Osasona stated that: ” I was slapped by the Kabiyesi during our meeting on March 18 when the issues of a new chief priest was being discussed.

“Our traditional ruler was saying he will install a new person as chief priest even though we have someone at the position which was recognized by the community.

”But due to the allegations that the person was not loyal or doing his biddings, he wants to replace him and I objected at the meeting, which made him to assault me in front of other chiefs.”

Chief Abiodun Onipede also spoke on the matter, highlighting that the recent actions of the traditional ruler had prompted them to submit a petition to the state deputy governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, and other relevant authorities.

He urged the state government to intervene and encourage Oba Ajaja to govern with dignity in the interest of peace within the community.

He expressed concerns that the traditional ruler was threatening to depose any chiefs who opposed him, noting that such actions could hinder the progress and development of the community.

Onipede emphasized, “We are appealing to the state government to protect us from our traditional ruler. He is even threatening chiefs who oppose him with deposition, belittling us as High Chiefs and claiming we are not significant.

“We have already submitted a petition to the office of the Commissioner of Police and the office of the deputy governor.”

Meanwhile, the Olominio of Itapa-Ekiti, Chief Folorunsho Ogunleye while reacting on behalf of the traditional ruler, denied knowledge of the alleged assault on the chief by the Owatapa of Itapa-Ekiti.

The Olominio disagreed with his colleagues for abandoning the palace in protest against the monarch, urging them to retrace their steps in the interest of peace in the community.

He disclosed that the traditional ruler is out of the country at the moment, expressing optimism that upon his return all contentious issues would be soon resolved.

37-Year Old Omobayo To Be Sworn-in Friday As Edo’s  Deputy Governor

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Few hours after the impeachment of Philip Shaibu, Omobayo Godwin who Governor Obaseki picked as his new Deputy Governor will be sworn-in.

A video posted by Channels Television on X shows that Omobayo’s inauguration is set to hold Monday at the State Government House in Benin City.

The video shows that some guests were already seated while some were just arriving for the swearing-in ceremony.

The relatively unknown 37-Year Omobayo Godwin would be sworn in a the New Deputy Governor of the State.

The Edo State House of Assembly impeached Shaibu today after it adopted the report of a seven-member probe panel set up to probe allegations of gross misconduct against him.

The State Assembly had accused Shaibu of leaking the State Government ’s secrets and committing perjury, describing Shaibu’s alleged offences as impeachable.

“My Impeachment Dangerous Descent Into Dictatorship,  Threat To Foundation Of Democracy – Philip Shuaibu

By
Ayodele Oni
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Philip Shaibu

By Ayodele Oni

Impeached deputy governor of Edo state, Philip Shuaibu has declared that his impeachment by the Edo state House of Assembly was based on trumped up charges and remains illegal.

Reacting to the Monday morning sack by the assembly, Shuaibu described the action as “dangerous descent into dictatorship and a threat to the foundation of our democracy.

Shuaibu stated that “I thank you all for standing by me under these troubling circumstances. As the Deputy Governor of Edo State, it is with a heavy heart, yet a resolute spirit, that I stand before you to address the recent events that have unfolded within our dear state.

“I denounce in the strongest terms the illegal impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly over trumped-up charges. This is not just an attack on me as an individual, but on the very democratic principles that we hold dear. It is a dangerous descent into dictatorship and a threat to the foundation of our democracy.

“Let me be clear – I believe that this impeachment was hatched because of my ambition to contest the Edo 2024 governorship elections under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“It is a sad reality that in our political landscape, ambition is met with resistance, and those in power seek to silence opposition through illegitimate means.

“I have dedicated my life to serving the good people of Edo State with integrity and honesty. I have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of our citizens and to uphold the values of democracy and justice. And yet, in return, I am faced with baseless accusations and a blatant disregard for due process and the rule of law.

“The allegations brought against me are nothing more than a smokescreen to conceal the true motive behind this impeachment. It is a flagrant abuse of power and a betrayal of the trust that the people of Edo State have placed in their elected officials.

“We refuse to stand idly by while our democratic institutions are manipulated and exploited for personal gain. We will fight this injustice with every ounce of strength in my being, for the sake of the people of Edo State and for the future of our democracy.

“I call upon all well-meaning citizens of Edo State, and indeed all Nigerians who believe in the principles of democracy and justice, to stand with me in this moment of crisis.

“We cannot allow tyranny and oppression to take root in our society. We must resist the forces that seek to undermine our freedoms and trample upon our rights.

“To the members of the Edo State House of Assembly who have chosen to forsake their oath of office and participate in this charade, I say this – history will judge you harshly for your betrayal of the people who elected you to represent their interests. But know this, you do not have the power to silence the voice of justice and truth.

“I call upon the judiciary and all relevant authorities to intervene and uphold the principles of justice and fairness. Let the truth prevail over lies and let the rule of law triumph over lawlessness. I am confident that the legal system will vindicate me and expose the sham that has been orchestrated against me.

“I want to reaffirm my commitment to the people of Edo State and to the values that bind us together as a collective. I will not be deterred or intimidated by those who seek to subvert our democracy.

“I will continue to fight for the rights and freedoms of all Nigerians, and I will stand firm in my resolve to see justice done.

“As we stand united in the face of tyranny and oppression. Together, we will overcome this dark chapter in our history and emerge stronger and more resolute in our pursuit of a free and just society.”

Edo Gov Obaseki Nominates 38 Year-Old Engineer As Shuaibu’s Successor

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Few hours after Edo state House of Assembly impeached Philip Shuaibu as deputy governor, Governor Godwin Obaseki has nominated Omobayo Marvellous Godwins as his deputy.

Omobayo Marvellous Godwins hails from Akoko-Edo, Edo North Senatorial District of the state.

Shaibu was impeached by the State Assembly after they adopted the report of a seven-man panel that investigated allegations of misconduct against him.

The retired Justice S. A. Omonuwa-led panel had its inaugural sitting last Wednesday in Benin, the state capital.

The panel ended its sitting on Friday with Shaibu or his counsel failing to show up to defend the allegations levelled against him.

The panel had adjourned till Thursday for Shaibu to open his defence, and when he did not show up, he was given till Friday to come and defend the allegation against him, which he failed to do.

The Edo State House of Assembly, which is the petitioner in the case, had on Wednesday opened and closed its case, paving the way for Shaibu to defend the allegations levelled against him.

The state House of Assembly will still have to screen and approve the nominee before his inauguration as the deputy governor.

Godwins is a seasoned Engineer with a proven track record and professional experience in the oil and gas sector. Born July 19, 1986, Omobayo hails from Akoko Edo Local Government Area of the State.

With a B.Eng Degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Msc in Public Administration from the University of Benin (UNIBEN), he is well suited for the role as a professional and an expert in public administration.

He is a registered member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).

Edo Assembly Impeaches Deputy Governor Shuaibu

By
Ayodele Oni
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Philip Shuaibu - Edo Deputy Governor

By Ayodele Oni

Edo State House of Assembly has impeached the embattled deputy governor of the state, Philip Shaibu.

The Assembly which began sitting at 9.41 am on Monday, voted for the impeachment of the deputy governor by a vote of 18 against one who voted against, among the 20 members present with the speaker expected to give the deciding vote in case of a tie.

Shaibu, according to Justice Stephen Omonua (Rtd)-led a seven-man panel set up by the Chief Judge (CJ) of the state, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, to investigate the allegation of gross misconduct levelled against the deputy governor, submitted that the deputy governor was guilty of disclosure of official secret.

The panel, however, exonerated the impeached deputy governor on the allegation of perjury as it was not “made up”, that is proven.

With his impeachment, Shuaibu can no longer seek elective office, except he goes to court to reverse the assembly’s decision.

Shuaibu travails started immediately he signified intention to contest for the governorship of the state, a decision that was opposed to by Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Nollywood Actress, Adejumoke Aderounmu Is Dead

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

Less than Two Weeks to her 38th Birthday Celebration, Nollywood Actress, Adejumoke Aderounmu, popularly known As Esther in the popular Sitcom, ‘Jenifa’s Diary’, has bid the world farewell.

She has thus joined the long list of Nollywood Actors that have, so far,  died in 2024.

The late Aderounmu died in the early hours of Sunday, April 7th, 2024, to the disappointment of her teeming fans and the Nollywood Industry at large.

The circumstances that led to her death remains sketchy and yet to be made available to the public by her family of the deceased.

The untimely death of the actress has left many including her colleagues in shock, considering her talent and dedication to acting which has attracted many to the deceased.

They reflected on the profound impact she had on those around her as well as audience globally through her craft.

Throughout her short career, Aderounmu showcased versatility and depth through her performances, earning acclaim for her ability to breathe life into her characters.

Her role as Esther in “Jenifa’s Diary” endeared her to viewers across the nation, solidifying her status as a respected talent within the industry.

She starred on movie projects like Alakada 2, and Wings of My Dreams, among others.

Tributes have been coming in over the death of the late Actress.

Celebrity Journalist, Seun Oloketuyi, who shared an update on the actress’ demise, wrote: “A family member of former star of hit series jenifa diary Jumoke Aderonmu has tweeted that the budding actress is dead. Details are still sketchy. May she find peace with her maker”, he wrote.

Other Actresses took their Social Media Handles to mourn Her;

Sad!!!! @jideawobona I still asked about her. Omg. May her soul rest in peace.”

faithiawilliams: “OMG.”

temmyttz: “Sincerely she cross my heart last month. Was like she is out of the country living a quiet life. This is so saddening.”

feyixclusive: “May Almighty Allah grant her eternal rest and make Aljanah firdous her final Abode…this is disheartened.”

Kwankwaso Says NNPP Is Best Alternative For Nigerians

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Kwankwaso

By Akinwale Kasali

Following series of complains by Nigerians over the economic downturn of the Nation, New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Presidential Candidate during the 2023 Presidential Election, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has told Nigerians to shift its attention and trust to the NNPP.

The former Kano State Governor said that the NNPP is the best alternative for Nigerians over the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

“Speaking at the National Convention of the Party, Kwankwaso who have been enmeshed in crisis with the leadership of the NNPP which he brought to limelight said, in many parts of this country, especially in the North particularly in my own part of the North, so many people have been chased out of their homes and many have been killed.

“Some are in the bushes now in the forest under the forces of bandits and other criminals. And looks like many people don’t care.

“I believe it is only in this country that this sort of nonsense is happening. It is the responsibility of every government, responsible government to ensure peace of its people, “ he said.

Kwankwaso said that as former Miinister of Defence and a governor, he believed that Nigeria had the enough resources and manpower to ensure security for citizens, as well as build stronger and united country.

He congratulated the party for its achievements within a very short time of its formation and lauded stakeholders for speedy amendment of its constitution, slogan and logo from the National Convention.

He said that the development would pave way for its victory in future elections.

“Even my humble self, I found it very difficult to identify our logo during the last general election. That was why we thought it is very important for us to have a brand new logo for our party.

“In our party today we have this logo. You can see new Nigeria People’s Party written very clearly and NNPP very boldly.

“I believe that in the next elections nobody will be confused about our logo.

“ That is why we now have in our logo a book and academic chapter. And of course by the side of the book it is written education for all, meaning we will do whatever it takes like we did in Kano and elsewhere to ensure that every child in Nigeria goes to school,” he said.

Kwankwaso added that:

“We have taken note of the challenges of the day because in many states, especially in northern Nigeria, our children are not going to schools now because of insecurity, because of poverty and so on and so forth.

“So by implication, we are saying we will do whatever it takes to ensure security, and poverty are eradicated.

“We have all what it takes to do that, so that our education can flourish, so that every child will go to school, from primary to tertiary institution.”

He commended the party for electing him as its National Leader, pledging to ensure unity fairness and all party members.

“All our members will continue to have an internal democracy within the party so that everybody is given an opportunity to attain his or her potential, “ he said.

Agonies Of Displaced Kogi Residents, Seek Govt’s Assistance To Return Home

By
Ayodele Oni
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Kogi Displaced Residents

By Ayodele Oni

It was tales of woes and lamentations from displaced people of Agojeju-Odo community in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi state as they could not return home after bandits attacked them.

They said the hope of returning to their birth place will depend on how government handles their case, pleading with the federal and state governments to assist them to return home.

The community was attacked last Thursday by suspected bandits, killing not less than 25 persons with unspecified numbered injured.

Some of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs),that spoke to News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) made the appeal at Bagaji-Odo community, their temporary place of abode.

Mrs Patience Akauwu, a 67-year old woman, said that life had become tough and hard for them, having lost their farm produce to the attackers.

“We have been displaced and suffering here in Bagaji-Odo due to lack of food and conducive place to stay.

“All we are asking for is the federal and state governments to assist in providing adequate security for us to return home.”

Also, Joshua Salifu, a farmer, said that his wife and children were still missing and pleaded with government to help find them.

According to him, when the bandits attacked the community between 3:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, everyone in the village began to run helter skelter

“At that time, we were running for our dear lives. I’m here in Bagaji-Odo not knowing where my wife and children are.

“I took part in the burial of the 25 persons killed, but my wife or any of my children was not among them.”

Salifu explained that he was afraid to go back to the village to search for his loved ones and was helpless

Another IDP, Paul Achabo, a farmer, begged the government to help set up military presence in Agojeju-Odo community, a border village between Benue and Kogi states.

Achabo stated that unless there was adequate security in the community, they could not go back for fear that the bandits might return.

He disclosed that all their foodstuffs such as yam, cassava, maize, cashew and beans were carted away by the bandits.

The District Head of Bagaji-Odo, Chief David Akpa, also pleaded with the government to assist the IDPs and the affected communities.

“This is because we don’t have the kind of sophisticated weapons the bandits have to face them.

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