Gumi: Why Security Agents Should Arrest Him

By

-

October 23, 2023

By Femi Fani-Kayode

Fani-Kayode, in a viral voice mail, tackles Islamic fundamentalist, Abubakar Gumi, for inciting Muslims against Christians, saying Christians cannot be trusted with power, and asking for the removal of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike from office – obviously because Wike is a Christian

I am not too concerned about the rantings of this little monkey against the government because there are many people that are in government that are paid to respond to him and handle that and I am not in government.

However, I am concerned about his rantings against Christian community and what I believe is southerners generally – both Christians and Muslims, that is how I am reading all he has said.

He has said Christians cannot be trusted with power because when in power, and when they are in control of guns or when they are in power, they people – they kill leaders and followers whereas the Muslims do not. But let me ask these questions: was it the Christians that slaughtered over 150 people in northern Nigeria in 1966 in pogroms? Was it the Christians that killed 300 Igbo officers in the July 29, 1966 counter-coup?

Was it Christians that slaughtered people all over the north from 1970 up until the present day – all over the north – slaughtered Christians – whether it is through Boko Haram, Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP), Maitatsine and so many other extremists, barbaric, terrorists organisations?

Was it a Christian who said that he would rather die than allow a Muslim to rule the affairs of Nigeria? Was it not Gumi’s father, Sheikh Abubakar Gumi, that said that he would rather die than allow Christians rule our country and amazingly he died a few months later and a Christian took power.

All the butchery and mass murders that have taken place in northern Nigeria and even parts of southern Nigeria – in Zango Kataf in southern Kaduna, in Numa in Adamawa State, in Benue State, in Taraba State, Plateau State all over the north where Christian communities were targeted by various Islamic groups and various terrorist groups and butchered in their homes into pieces and even parts of the South when the Fulani herdsmen were attacking the South, butchering the people as far as the East and Yoruba land, and South-South.

Were the people that perpetrated these things Christians? Or were they terrorists? I wouldn’t call them Muslims; I called them terrorists because they do not represent Islam. These people are butchers and barbarians rather like Hamas and what they were doing to people is precisely what Hamas did to the Jews on October 7, of this month.

So, he should stop trying to make it look as if only Christians kill. Human beings kill one another and that is a tragedy but he should stop pointing fingers at the Christian community and stop disregarding the fact that there are many millions of decent God God-fearing Muslims in both North and South who cannot be categorized as terrorists like him.

Let me just add this: the terrorists that he represents kill not just Christians but they kill Muslims too. If that was not the case, how do we explain the fact that these same terrorists this man represents and constantly defends and helps and rationalises and negotiates on their behalf and so on and so forth, and speaks for them and… these same terrorists slaughter Muslims in Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and Jigawa and all over the core north.

They also slaughter Muslims in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and all over the northeast. So the people he represents or rather the animals that Gumi represents are not Muslims, they are terrorists and they kill as many Muslims as they do Christians – they kill both Christians and Muslims so who is he?

To now get up and say that Christians cannot be trusted with guns or positions of power or in the military or security agencies or intelligence agencies. This issue is above politics. If we are one nation, we should respect one another. Nothing matters more than this. Whether you are a northerner, a southerner, a Christian or a Muslim, respect one another. Other than that, we may not have a nation left, and God forbid that this country should be engulfed in a religious crisis or another war.

Let it be clear to the whole country that we, the Christians, will not bow to anybody and neither will rational reasonable Muslims bow to this side of terroristic rhetoric and neither will we let such people push us into a civil war.

We want peace in this country and call on the government, the DSS (Department of State Services), police and all the security agencies and President Bola Tinubu to ensure that this man is called to order, that he is called in, he is warned and arrested and if necessary prosecuted for incitement and an attempt to destabilise our country.

Fani-Kayode was a former Aviation Minister in the Government of former President Olusegun Obasanjo

Supreme Court: What Tinubu, Atiku, Obi Said In Court Today

By

James Orji

-

October 23, 2023

0

9:04 a.m: A seven-member panel of the Supreme Court led by John Okoro files into the courtroom.

The seven-member panel include: John Okoro, Uwani Abba-Aji, Lawal Garba, Ibrahim Saulawa, Adamu Jauro, Tijjani Abubakar and Emmanuel Agim.

9:07 a.m: Court registrar calls Atiku’s appeal against Mr Tinubu.

09:10 a.m.: Chris Uche, a SAN, announces appearance for Atiku.

09:12 a.m: Abubakar Mahmoud, a SAN, announces legal representation for Nigeria’s electoral commission, INEC.

9:14 a.m: Wole Olanipekun, a SAN, announces appearance for Mr Tinubu.

9.16 a.m: Akin Olujinmi, a SAN, announces legal representation for the APC.

9:18 a.m.: Chris Uche, a SAN, says the appeals are ripe for hearing.

Mr Uche says there are some pending interlocutory applications.

09:20 a.m.: Mr Uche moves a motion filed 6 October 2023.

He seeks five minutes of adumberation of the application.

“We are praying for an order of leave to present fresh evidence on appeal based on the deposition on oath from Chicago State University,” he says.

He says the application is predicated on 20 grounds and an affidavit of 20 paragraphs filed on behalf of Atiku.

Mr Uche says upon the receipt of counter-affidavit from Mr Tinubu, the APC and INEC, his team filed a written address dated 18 October.

Mr Uche adopts the application and urges the court to grant their request.

9.26 a.m.: He says the issue involving Mr Tinubu’s certificate is a weighty, grave and constitutional one, which the Supreme Court must decide. He urges the court to admit the fresh evidence of President Tinubu’s academic records from Chicago State University presented by Atiku.

He says the Supreme Court has a duty to take a look at Mr Tinubu’s records and reach a decision devoid of technicality.

9:28 a.m.: The presiding justice, Mr Okoro, asks Mr Uche whether the Supreme Court should rely on the Electoral Act or the Constitution.

In his response, Mr Uche says the issue about Mr Tinubu’s certificate is a constitutional matter which the court should look into.

9:29 a.m.: A member of the panel, Emmanuel Agim, asks Mr Uche to explain the nature of Atiku’s fresh documents he seeks to tender before the Supreme Court.

9:32 a.m. Justice Agim asks whether the testimony by CSU registrar was conducted in a court.

Justice Agim says from Mr Uche’s court filing, the testimony by the CSU registrar held in Atiku’s lawyer’s law office in the US.

9:35: am: Justice Agim says the CSU did not issue any letter discrediting Mr Tinubu’s certificate
“We are dealing with a matter that touches on the national unity of Nigeria,” the Justice adds.

9:36 a.m: Justice Okoro seeks clarification from Atiku’s lawyer, Mr Uche.

9.38a.m.: Mr Okoro asks Mr Uche why he wants the Supreme Court to brush aside constitutional provisions and entertain the fresh evidence.

09:39 a.m.: Mr Uche explains that Section 233 of the constitution gives the Supreme Court the power to entertain questions about whether a person has been properly elected.

9:43 a.m.: Mr Uche responds to the issue raised about the CSU proceedings.

“There is a slight distinction between proceedings in the US and the UK.

“In the US, that is how court proceedings are done.
“Mr Tinubu was represented by a US lawyer, but he did not object to the proceedings being held in Atiku’s lawyer’s office.”

Mr Uche says depositions are more effective than letters from the CSU authorities regarding the authenticity of Mr Tinubu’s academic records.

9:43 a.m: Justice Okoro says criminal matters have to be proved beyond reasonable doubt. But that in this case, there are two conflicting letters from the CSU – one authenticating the president’s certificate and another discrediting it. “Which do we rely on?” he asked.

Mr Uche refers the court to a letter earlier issued to Michael Enahoro-Ebah, a lawyer, who testified for Atiku against Mr Tinubu at the Presidential Election Petition Court in Abuja.

9:48 a.m.: INEC lawyer, Abubakar Mahmoud, asks the Supreme Court to dismiss Atiku’s application seeking to tender Mr Tinubu’s academic records.

9:49a.m.: Mr Olanipekun, who is Mr Tinubu’s lawyers, urges the Supreme Court to “dismiss this very unusual application” seeking to tender fresh evidence against Mr Tinubu.

He says the fresh evidence is not admissible.

Mr Olanipekun argues that the CSU depositions are dormant until the deponent comes to court and testify. INEC should have been a party at the deposition proceedings in the US, the lawyer says.

Mr Olanipekun further says the question of 180 days (the statutory period within which an election petition should be filed and determined) is clear. It is sacrosanct. It cannot be shifted. Therefore, Atiku cannot seek to tender fresh evidence at the Supreme Court.

9.51 a.m.: Mr Olanipekun wonders how the Supreme Court will compartmentalise Atiku’s fresh evidence. “This is an application in wonderland. It has no merit. We urge the court to dismiss.

“The courts are bound by the law, and the law is to be interpreted as it is,” he says.

10:a.m.: Akin Olujinmi addressesbthe Supreme Court.

“This application lacks merit, it is misconceived and we urge the court to dismiss it,” the APC lawyer says.

Mr Olujinmi adopts Mr Olanipekun’s arguments.

“You cannot smuggle in a document into the Supreme Court without first tendering same at the trial court,” the lawyer added.

10:04 a.m: Justice Okoro asks, “what do we do with the fresh evidence?”

Mr Olujinmi says the burden is on Atiku to prove why the fresh evidence should be admitted by the Supreme Court.

10:05 a.m: Mr Uche responds to Tinubu’s lawyers regarding the CSU proceedings.

10.06 a.m.: Mr Uche says the CSU depositions can be used in the Nigerian court.

10:11 a.m.: Mr Olanipekun informs the court of a motion his team filed on 7 October praying for the striking out of some of the appellants’ grounds of appeal.

10:12: a.m.: Chris Uche says, in opposition, that his team filed a counter-affidavit on 18 October. He says the counter-affidavit is accompanied by a written address.

“We urge the court to dismiss Mr Tinubu’s motion,” he adds.

10:14 a.m.: Supreme Court begins hearing of substantive appeal in Atiku’s case against Mr Tinubu.

Mr Uche adopts his court filings in the substantive appeal.

He urges the court to allow the appeal, and set aside the judgement of the Presidential Election Petition Court.

He says germane constitutional issues are involved in the appeal, therefore, the Supreme Court should critically examine the appeal.

10:17 a.m: INEC lawyer, Mr Mahmoud addresses the court.

He prays the court to dismiss the appeal as it lacks merit.

Mr Olanipekun jokingly points out the contradictions in Atiku’s prayers, where he prayed the court to disqualify Mr Tinubu as a candidate in the election, and in another breath, called for a rerun to be conducted between him and Mr Tinubu.

Courtroom erupted into laughter.

10:24 a.m.: Court rises for a five-minute recess.

10:52 a.m.: Mr Olanipekun addresses the court. He urges it to strike out APM’s grounds of appeal.

10:53 a.m.: APM lawyer said he filed a counter-affidavit to Mr Olanipekun’s motion seeking to strike out the appeal.

He prays the court to allow the appeal.

“What will you gain if you win this appeal,” Justice Okoro asks APM lawyer.

11:00 a.m: APM lawyer tries to justify the merit in his client’s case.

But he now moves to withdraw the appeal.

The APM lawyer says, “I apply to withdraw this appeal.”

INEC lawyer is not opposed to the withdrawal of the appeal.

APC’s and Tinubu’s lawyers also have no objection

Premium Times

.

Wike: APC Chieftain Calls For Gumi’s Arrest For Making Inflammatory Comment

By

James Orji

-

October 23, 2023

0

A chieftain of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Yekini Nabena, has called for the arrest of Sheik Ahmed Gumi for attacking Federal Capital Territory, FCT, minister, Nyesom Wike.

Gumi had in his reaction to the meeting Wike had with Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria Mr Freeman, alleged that the duo met over plan to bring Israeli operatives to the country to kill Muslims.

The Islamic cleric had demanded from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the immediate removal of Wike as FCT minister.

The controversial cleric also stated that Muslims have not really benefitted from the Tinubu’s administration despite supporting the APC Muslim-Muslim ticket in the last presidential election.

Political analysts insist that Gumi was only trying to stir up anger among Muslims in the country against the federal government amidst the ongoing Israeli- Hamas War.

Reacting, Nabena said the cleric’s comment is capable of causing disunity in the country.

Gumi should be arrested immediately for trying to cause religious unrest in the country, and for threatening the former Rivers state governor, adding that Niger Delta people will hold him accountable if anything happened to the minister.

The former APC Deputy Spokesman stated in Abuja on Sunday, calling on other Nigerians to condemn Gumi over his “sense of entitlement” that only northerners are qualified to be FCT Minister.

He said “religious and ethnic bigots like Gumi and others” should explain why the FCT ministry and other juicy positions should be reserved for Muslims and northerners.

Describing the cleric as “satanic” the APC chieftain said northern Muslims are in charge of juicy government agencies such as NIMASA, NPA, NNPC, amongst others.

According to him, “How can you justify the rationale behind some Northerners heading some positions that are naturally meant for the people of Niger Delta and the South? Up till date a Northerner is still the GMD of NNPCL.

“If religious and ethnic bigots like Gumi and others are saying a Southern Christian, especially from the oil rich Niger Delta, can not hold the positions of FCT Ministry and the Senate President, we demand explanations on what qualifies a North Muslim in the leadership of agencies like NIMASA, NNPCL, NPDC, NLNG, NPA, and so on.

“I will call on the presidency to deliberately caution Sheik Gumi and his co-travellers against statement that is capable of causing disunity and encourage sense of entitlement.

“I will also call on the security agencies to take Gumi’s reckless but deliberate statement serious. Sheik Gumi should be arrested, questioned and prosecuted.

“Let it also be on record that we the Niger Delta sons and daughters will hold Sheik Gumi responsible if any evil befall Nyesom Wike throughout his days in office as FCT Minister.”

Minister Wike, in his reaction to Gumi’s allegation on Sunday, stated that the meeting he had with the Israeli envoy was meant to promote agriculture in the FCT.

Kogi: You Lied, Bello Counters Commissioner Over Alleged Assassination Attempt

By

James Orji

-

October 23, 2023

0

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State — Yahaya Bello

Kogi state governor, Yahaya Bello has refuted claims that some gun men tried to kill him on Sunday on his way to Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The state commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo had in a statement made available to journalists, yesterday stated that his principal was almost killed by some unknown “soldiers.”

According to Fanwo, it was the governor’s security guards who saved the day by repelling the alleged assassins.

“The Kogi State Government wishes to inform the general public that there was an assassination attempt on the Governor of the state, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, CON, a few kilometres away from Abuja, on his way to an official engagement from Lokokja,” the commissioner said.

However, Governor Bello has debunked the claim. You lied about the alleged plan by some hoodlums to kill me, the governor said.

In his reaction the governor while addressing a press conference in Abuja, said his security only had an encounter with another security agency on his journey to the nation’s capital.

He said “there was no assassination attempt on me, Yahaya Bello, the executive governor of Kogi State,” adding that his men only had a brush with another sister agency which was immediately resolved.

Part of the governor’s statement: “This afternoon, at about 14:00 hours, I took off from Lokoja to Abuja, and the journey was smooth. Just about 16:00 hours, my convoy, especially the security, had an encounter with another sister agency, and there was a fracas.

“Immediately, we waded in, and it was resolved.

“From there, we had a smooth journey down to Abuja, and ever since I came, I’ve been engaging in all the activities that brought me to Abuja, and it’s been very smooth.

“Thereafter, I began to hear on social media about assassination attempt. I want to state categorically very clearly, dear Nigerians, there was no assassination attempt on me, Yahaya Bello, the executive governor of Kogi State, by the military or by anybody.

“Between Kogi state and FCT, it is a secure route, thanks be to God Almighty and members of the military, the Nigerian police, the DSS, the navy, the civil defence, the vigilantes, the professional hunters, and the citizens of our dear state.”

The state government had on two different occasions, claimed that attempts were made to kill the state’s helmsman ahead the November 11 Governorship election.

“Why I Sponsored Imo Pilgrims To Holy Lands – Uzodinma”, Governor Is Godsent Say Beneficiaries

By

The Source

-

October 23, 2023

0

Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has said he did not have any political intention in sponsoring the 1200 Imo Christian and Muslim pilgrims who visited Jerusalem, Jordan, Mecca and Medina this year on Pilgrimage, noting that he was rather interested in the spiritual upliftment of the beneficiaries with its attendant moral benefits and their relationship with God.

The Governor spoke on Sunday at the Eze Imo Palace in Mbari, Owerri in his remarks during the Interdenominational thanksgiving service organised by the pilgrims to appreciate him for the opportunity given to them to visit the Holy lands at no cost to them.

The Governor had paid for the airlift, feeding, accommodation and other living expenses of 1000 Christian pilgrims to Jordan and Jerusalem as well as of 200 Muslims who went to Mecca and Medina from Imo State.

The thanksgiving service turned out to be a moment of emotional outpour as Governor Uzodimma was treated with tales of how, through the exercise and his magnanimity, many beneficiaries, both Christian and Muslim pilgrims, had the opportunity of either traveling by air for the first time in their lives as well as traveling outside the shores of Nigeria, also for the first time.

The Christian and Muslim pilgrims, most of who clamoured to see the sponsor, were therefore excited to behold Governor Uzodimma in their midst on Sunday and also happy over the opportunity to lavish prayers on him as his governorship election draws closer.

Though they reminded the Governor that they prayed for him, his family, his government, Imo State, among others at the Holy lands, the pilgrims also told him that the pay back time which is November 11 has come.

They were therefore happy to enter into a prayer of agreement after which they endorsed the Governor for re-election and resolved to vote massively for him.

The Interdenominational thanksgiving service was organised by the Imo State Christian Pilgrims Welfare.

Appreciating their prayers, the Governor told the congregation that he was not only humbled by their experiences, but that it gives him satisfaction having a better relationship with his creator. He urged them to do the same.

He said that pilgrimage means a lot to the Christian and Muslim faiths, and appealed to Imo people to “first live together as a people irrespective of religious differences because all of us are of one God.”

He recalled that before the visit to the Holy land a lot of killings and violence were going on in the State, noting that he was convinced that after the visit, “the State is now far better and peace has returned to the State.”

He enjoined the pilgrims to pray that next year there will be opportunity for another set of contingents to visit the Holy lands also.

The Governor reiterated that his administration’s sponsorship of Imo citizens to pilgrimage is not political, “rather it is to strengthen our relationship with God.”

He used the opportunity to pray for a free and fair governorship election in the State and urged the pilgrims to freely vote their consciences in the coming election even though they had all resolved to cast their ballot for him.

He thanked the organisers for the honour done him with the award and decorations and described them as an “encouragement to do more.”

In their various speeches earlier, the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prof Placid Njoku thanked the Governor for his Godly dispositions that made it possible for him to sponsor the number of people from the State to the Holy lands.

Prof Njoku said that the Governor has shown the world that “all about Imo State is in the hands of God.”

The Chairman Imo State Pilgrim Welfare Board, Rev Fr. Dr. Gilbert Alaribe thanked the Governor and God Almighty for a seamless exercise and journey mercies “because it was a difficult and complex programme.”

Alaribe who recalled that “never in the history of Imo State had any administration sponsored such a number of pilgrims to the Holy land,” appreciated all that made it possible.

The Chairman, Imo State Muslim Council, Baba Sule expressed sincere gratitude to the Governor for the gesture, saying that it is the first time the Government of Imo State sponsored Muslims to the Holy land.

Sule, the Sarikin Hausawa Imo State prayed God to continue to “put Governor on the front seat and always put him above all his enemies.”

He described the Governor as “excellent” and that he will “shine again”.

“The large population of Muslim Umar will vote for the Governor come November 11 this year,” he said.

Other speakers included the Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice Theresa Chikeka; the Chairman of APC Imo State, Dr Macdonald Ebere and HRH Eze Mathew Nwokoma.

They all thanked the Governor for his magnanimity and prayed God to continue to preserve and grant him success in his future endeavours.

Both Bishop Henry Mbamaonyeukwu and Bishop Akanabu, representing the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, CCN, ECWA, Anglican Church, said the Governor has sown bountifully hence he will reap bountifully.

They offered other prayers of grace and success for the Governor in the coming election and beyond.

Most Rev. (Dr.) Moses Chikwe, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Chief Uche Nnaji, Senator Patrick Ndubueze, Rt Hon Jerry Alagboso, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie, Deputy Speaker, Amara Iwuanyanwu, APC Chieftain, Chief Tony Chukwu, Eze Imo, HRM, EC Okeke and his wife, among other dignitaries graced the occasion.

How Governor Bello Allegedly Escaped Assassination, As Gunmen Attacked Convoy

By

Akinwale Kasali

-

October 22, 2023

0

By Akinwale Kasali

For the second time in three months, Governor Yahaya Bello has allegedly escaped assassination.

The convoy of the Governor was allegedly attacked by unknown gunmen.

The Kogi State Government raised alarm over the alleged third assassination attack on the Governor, and stressing that the attempts on the Governor’s life were part of a plan to portray the State aa unsafe ahead of the November 11 Governorship election.

A statement to the effect was signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, titled, ‘Assassination Attempt On The Governor‘.

The gunmen were said to be dressed in military uniforms, ambushed the Governor’s convoy and started shooting sporadically at his vehicle and other vehicles on the convoy.

He noted that Governor Bello was attacked at three different points on the Lokoja-Abuja highway, the last being around Kwali Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) at about 4.20pm on Sunday evening.

Fanwo added that it took the swift intervention of the security personnel attached to the governor to foil the “satanic plans of the unknown soldiers.”

“The Kogi State Government wishes to inform the general public that there was an assassination attempt on the Governor of the state, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, CON, a few kilometres away from Abuja, on his way to an official engagement from Lokoka.

“The attack occurred at about 4pm on Sunday, October 22, 2023.

“The attackers who were dressed in military uniforms waylaid the Governor’s convoy and started shooting sporadically at his vehicle and other vehicles in the convoy. It took the swift intervention of the security personnel attached to the Governor to foil the satanic plans of the unknown soldiers.

“The attacks were at three different points, the last barricade being around Kwali Federal Capital Territory at about 4.20pm.

“The report of these strange attacks has been properly documented at security offices in the state and at the national level for prompt and thorough investigations to avert future occurrences.

“We are not oblivious of the fact that certain elements are bent on painting Kogi unsafe ahead of the Governorship Poll slated for November 11, 2023. As an administration, we will spare nothing to ensure our citizens are not subjected to security threats by desperate politicians sponsoring violence and terrorism.

“We call on the citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements in the domain to relevant security agencies. It is the responsibility of the Government to ensure security and we want to assure you that the peace we have enjoyed as a state in the last eight years won’t be lost on the altar of violent politics,” the Commissioner stated.

Not Minding Political Divide, Fayose, Two Other Ekiti Governors Unite, Give Oyebanji Support For Second Time

By

Ayodele Oni

-

October 22, 2023

0

By Ayodele Oni

The first year anniversary celebration of Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji ended on Sunday with an uncommon political development, as three former governors of the state threw their support for second term for the incumbent governor.

Ekiti State former Governors, Adeniyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose and Kayode Fayemi unanimously endorsed Oyebanji for a second term in office based on his unique leadership style and development strides.

The three former Governors that spoke through Fayose said they have reviewed Oyebanji’s one year in office and believed he deserved a second term, having united every political and religious tendencies in the state and mobilized the people for massive development.

The trio spoke just as the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele said he would be glad to be the Chairman of Oyebanji’s second term Re-election Campaign Council, stressing that the incumbent Governor has earned the confidence and trust of the people for a second term.

They all gave their backing to Governor Oyebanji at a special thanksgiving service organized to mark the first anniversary of his administration, which was held at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel Okesa, Ado Ekiti and attended by eminent personalities.

Also extolling the virtues of the Governor, Senator Bamidele, who represented the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio at the service, offered to serve as the Chairman of Oyebanji’s Re-election Campaign.

Earlier, the Bishop of the Diocese of Ekiti, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Olusola Ajayi, had hailed Oyebanji for making positive impact in the lives of the people of the state in the last one year saying “Ekiti should continue to celebrate the greatness of God and His power manifesting in the works of the Governor.”

But the action of the three former governors in endorsing the incumbent governor stole the show at the church service and drew a deafening ovation from the congregation who were watching the unfolding spectacle.

First to be invited to make a speech among the former governors was Fayemi who said: “We are Ekiti and we observe seniority, even among governors, we observe ranking.

“We all feel the same way on the current occupant of the seat. It is the most senior among us, that should address the people first.”

Adebayo said: “I am the most senior of the former governors, I will call my younger brother, Ayo Fayose, to address this gathering.”

Fayose said: “You know me very well that I am not the one who will tell you what you like. I will always tell you as it is.

“We are all together for Abiodun Oyebanji, I am not a member of your party, APC and I will not be. I am with you, Oyebanji 100 per cent.

“Where is Bisi Kolawole, PDP governorship candidate? We are going to support you, Oyebanji, you have come to visit me in my house several times. You are doing it differently and you will get a different result. This church will pray for you and you will do it a second time.”

Fayose said the old practice in Ekiti State was more of a sitting Governor witch-hunting the predecessor.

“When I was here I was after Fayemi, when Fayemi was here he too was witch- hunting me. But you are doing it differently. You have United all of us and your performance is superlative.

“On your matter, all of us are unanimous in our support for you. You are doing well, your leadership style is different and am not surprised your performance has been excellent. Ekiti will do well to have you for eight years. And all of us will support and mobilize for your to achieve that.

“I am not in your party, and some people will say it is too early. It is not too early. You have done well and you deserve two terms so that Ekiti will benefit from your purposeful leadership.”

After Fayose’s speech, Adebayo said: “This is the position of we, the former governors. Thank you very much.”

Insecurity: Police Ban Protest By Benue Youths

By

Akinwale Kasali

-

October 22, 2023

0

By Akinwale Kasali

As the search for suspects involved in the Bloody Otukpo Bank Robbery in Benue State on Friday intensifies, the Benue State Police Command on Sunday, warned against any protest in any part of the state.

The Command stated that it gathered from intelligence report that some people were planning to stage a protest, and has warned sternly against any form of such protest.

Though the Benue Police Command did not state the reason for the planned protest, but it stated that any protest will not be condoned in the State, most especially at a time the State is going through insecurity challenges.

It would be recalled that the Bank Robbery incident saw Five Banks raided, and several people, including an Otukpo Divisional Police Officer, and three police officers were murdered by the armed robbers in their offices. Three Police women were shot dead in front of the Police Division, and the DPO shot dead, reportedly, in his office.

A statement titled, ‘Benue Police Command Warns Against Protest At This Trying Time’ issued by the Command spokesperson, Catherine Anene, described the planned protest as a plan to sabotage efforts of the police to manage the “fragile security situation” in the state.

The statement reads in parts: “The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP. Bartholomew Nnamdi Onyeka has described this as a plan to sabotage efforts of the police to manage the fragile security situation that is currently being handled.

“He further explained that a protest at this time would avail hoodlums and other criminal-minded persons an opportunity to cause mayhem.

“The CP warns intending protesters to refrain from such actions as the environment is not conducive for a protest.

The police boss has also directed the Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to tighten up security in their areas of responsibility and resist any efforts of protesters to encourage breach of peace.

He also called on stakeholders including; Traditional rulers, Religious leaders, youth leaders, and parents to warn their children/ wards to desist from any form of protest at this sensitive time.

CP Onyeka assured the people of of the state of his commitment to fight crime and enjoined the people to provide useful and timely information to the police.

Lamentations Of Atiku’s Wife, Titi: “For Being His Wife, My Project Sponsors Abandoned Me”

By

Akinwale Kasali

-

October 22, 2023

0

By Akinwale Kasali

Founder of Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation, WOTCLEF, Titi Abubakar has opened up on her challenges, most especially the neglect her Pet Project is experiencing from sponsors and prospective sponsors.

She said Nigerians who once supported her project have backed out because she is the Wife of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.

Titi said that people believe she is married to a politician and business tycoon, so there isn’t any need to support her.

The founder of the Abubakar Titi Schools in Yola, Adamawa State said she would never be deterred by the development, stressing that she is determined in her efforts of seeing complete eradication of the twin evils of women trafficking and child labour across the globe.

The women tracking and child labour eradication advocate revealed that she has been running the affairs of the foundation she founded some 24 years ago with the stipends provided to her for food by her husband.

Speaking in Abuja at the weekend after being conferred with the Champion 2023 Leadership (Heart of Gold) Award,by Champion Newspapers Limited, she thanked the Media Organization for recognising her relentless efforts in the fight against women trafficking and child labour and according her the award.

She said:”I have been doing this job for 24 years and nobody has ever recognised me. They have not called me for recognition and I said to myself that I’m just doing God’s work, that my reward is in heaven.

”There was a day I put an advert in the newspaper that these children I’m taking care of are not my children but Nigerian children ,that even if it is one Penny, they should all contribute, and still nobody contributed anything. They said after all,

I’m Atiku’s wife. It is one thing to be married to Atiku and it is another thing to have the passion to do what I’m doing. And because I have the passion for what I was doing, I continued to strive.

“When I was in the Villa, I was feeding these children with government ‘s food and out of government, I’m still taking care of these children.”

She, however, appreciated all those working in the Foundation, saying they have stood by her even as she doesn’t have so much money for them.

“I have been carrying this crusade for so many years. These people you see working with me, I don’t have so much money to give them but they are working.

“Our children don’t only go through primary schools but secondary and tertiary education. Two of them just returned from Nasarawa,they are graduates now and here I’m still standing strong,”she said.

Going down memory lane she said on the founding of WOTCLEF led to the establishment of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking Persons,NAPTIP.

Continuing,she said:” I thank you all for coming, especially those that donated, because I have been doing all these all these years with my food money, the stipends my husband is giving me and I’m happy to do it because I’m serving humanity.”

She hailed the organisers for not only recognising her good work but also chosen to give her the coveted award .

”It is my utmost pleasure and delight to be here today as a recipient of Champion Newspapers’ Leadership Award. I am the champion of champions today. Champion Newspaper, you are the only one that brought me out to come into a gathering like this and for people to donate to my cause and to the Nigerian cause,because these children are not my children and they are all over the country.

“It is my utmost pleasure and delight to be here today as a recipient of Champion Newspapers’ Leadership Award 2023, being conferred on me today in recognition of my relentless fight against the twin evils of human trafficking and child labour.

“Through my foundation -WOTCLEF, Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication,I want to commend your initiative and organisational efforts which has made it possible for this galaxy of notable men and women in our society to be under this roof today, for this epoch making event. I’m deeply touched and I cannot thank you enough.”

Mrs Abubakar said, ”The Champion 2023 Heart of Golf Award has further spurred my determination, inspiration and enthusiasm and motivated me further to pursue this cause to humanity to logical conclusion”.

Israeli Envoy: Wike Replies Gumi, Sues For Peace

By

James Orji

-

October 22, 2023

0

The meeting with the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman was basically to promote agriculture in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, the nation’s capital Minister, Nyesom Wike, has said.

The former Rivers state governor made this known after he was accused by Shehu Ahmed Gumi, an Islamic cleric that the minister was planning to bring Israeli security operatives to the country to kill Muslims.

He demanded that Wike be sacked by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for having a meeting with the ambassador.

Gumi made the allegation last week amidst the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, a militant Islamic group in Gaza, Palestine designated by the United States and some European countries as a terrorist group.

The war was instigated by Hamas after they launched a surprise attack against Israelis, killing scores and taking over 150 people hostage, among them foreigners.

Foreign affairs analysts insist that the Islamic cleric capitalized on the war to attack the minister, to stir up anger among Muslims in the country.

Explaining the meeting he had with Freeman, the FCT minister, who spoke during a meeting with officials of the Abuja National Mosque management stated that he cannot determine the relations between Israel and Nigeria.

According to him, it’s the duty of President Bola Tinubu as the commander-in-chief to determine relations between Nigeria and other countries.

The FCT minister said he “cannot determine a relationship between a country and another country. So, it is difficult for anybody to say ‘I am doing this, I am doing that’.

He stated further: “Any foreign body that wants to have anything to do with Nigeria, it is the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who will write to me and state that these people want to see me; it is simple.

“ And when they come, it is in my position to say ‘look, we want to partner with you’. Take for instance, you are going into agriculture and we want to partner, then we tell you where exactly,” he explained.

“In Abuja here, most of them have cultural farms and we say look, it is our desire to help anybody who wants to invest in Abuja particularly in agriculture to employ our people and to get more revenue. It has nothing to do with another country. It doesn’t work that way.

“When our people begin to think from different angles, people may not understand that it is not correct. So, I will like to use this opportunity to say look we have to talk to our people. We must live harmoniously. We must live together to make sure that development is promoted,” Wike said.

Nigeria does not support any of the warring parties in the Israeli-Hamas conflict and has sued for peace in line with her neutrality posture in international diplomacy.