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President Tinubu Replaces PDP Members On The Board Of NDDC; Ondo, Cross River Affected

September 1, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

After two days of protests over nomination of a member of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as Ondo State representative on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), presidency has yielded to the People’s demand.

President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, approved the immediate replacement of the NDDC’s Ondo State Representative nominee, Mr. Victor Akinjo, with a new Ondo State Representative nominee, Otito Atikase.

This was contained in a statement by the presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale

The President has equally approved the immediate replacement of the NDDC’s Cross River State Representative nominee, Mr. Asi Oku Okang, with a new Cross River State Representative, Rt. Hon. Orok Otuk Duke.

Furthermore, the immediate past Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, is reappointed to a second term and will remain in acting capacity, pending the Senate’s confirmation of his reappointment.

Tinubu’s Wife Says Uzodinma Has Full Backing Of Abuja For Second Term; Empowers 2000 Imo Women At August Meeting Grand Finale In Owerri

The Source

September 1, 2023

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has said that Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has the full backing of President Bola Tinubu’s Government for his re-election to a second term in office. Mrs Tinubu, therefore, urged Imo Women to come out in their hundreds of thousands on November 11, 2023, and vote massively for Governor Uzodinma.

On same occasion, Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, and his wife, Barrister (Mrs) Chioma Uzodinma, harped on the role of women in national development

They said these on Friday in Owerri, September 1, 2023, when Nigeria’s First Lady, Wife of President Bola Tinubu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, arrived Owerri, Imo State, for the grand finale of the Annual August Meeting where she spoke to a mammoth crowd of Imo women.

She said that already, the Governor has the backing of the current administration at the centre to complete his second term in office.

Nigeria’s First Lady spoke at the Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu Square in her capacity as Special Guest of Honour at the 2023 Grand Finale of Imo Women’s August meeting organised by the First Lady of Imo State, Barr (Mrs) Chioma Uzodimma.

Also at the occasion, Governor Uzodimma and his wife were in agreement that women have great roles to play in the development of the Nigerian society and are, indeed, doing a lot already and should be encouraged to be the best they can.

The event which attracted women clad in motley of beautiful attires from the 27 Local Government areas of Imo State, was also graced by wives of serving and former Governors, ministers, lawmakers, All Progressives Congress stalwarts, captains of industries, traditional rulers, among other dignitaries.

The wives of the Governors of Abia, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Nasarawa, and former wives of Governors of Kano and Oyo States attended the event.

It was an event where Mrs Tinubu announced the empowerment of 2000 women from Imo State in support of the efforts by Mrs Uzodimma to lift the women and the girl-child out of poverty, with a pledge to do more in line with her Renewed Hope Empowerment Initiative.

In her remarks, Mrs Tinubu described the Women August meeting as a wonderful occasion “worthy to be borrowed by every tribe in the country.”

“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the voices of women are heard, their needs are addressed, and their legacies are preserved.”

She said, “empowering women is not just a slogan, but a commitment towards a better life for families in every State of the Federation because when we support women and uplift their status, we uplift the entire society.”

She described her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) as a concept which focusses on women and families, with scope in agriculture, education, health, economic empowerment and social investment.

On the forth coming Imo State governorship election, Mrs Tinubu said: “As we navigate the part towards the governorship election in Imo State let us not lose sight of the transformative power that women hold.

“I call on all of you great women of Imo State, to come out en mass and vote overwhelmingly for Governor Hope Uzodimma for a well-deserved second term and to complete the good work he has started, and I believe you know that he has the backing of this present administration.

“I believe that you will give him that vote so that his dreams and aspirations for the people of Imo will be actualised.

“With his re-election by the grace of God, Imo State will be set for a greater lease of life. I urge you, all of us here present, to stand united behind Governor Hope Uzodimma who has championed gender equity and parity. He has continued to pursue the course of a better life for all the people of Imo State.”

Mrs Tinubu who said she was delighted to be here in Owerri to celebrate the wonderful women of Imo State extended her appreciation to Mrs. Uzodinma for inviting her “for the first time to experience the Imo Women August Meeting.”

” I salute her commitment to the course of the great women of Imo State and her resolve to ensure that the women get the best dividends of democracy. Thank you,Your Excellency.”

Mrs Tinubu thanked the people of Imo State for the overwhelming support she got from them during the 2023 Presidential election and assured that the current administration is doing everything possible to ensure a better life for every Nigerian.

She said one of the reasons she came to Imo was to reassure Imo women of “the Federal Government’s commitment to making Nigeria a more prosperous nation, where all of us and generations yet unborn will be proud to belong.”

Mrs Tinubu’s speech read in part: “Today, as we gather to commemorate and celebrate the achievements and progress of women at this Annual Imo Women August Meeting, we are reminded of the remarkable strength, resilience, and contributions that women bring to our society.

“While we note the accomplishments of the younger generation which are undoubtedly inspiring, let us not forget the invaluable role that the elderly women play in shaping our communities and indeed our future. Our elderly women have been the backbone of our families, our communities, and our States.

“At this year’s celebration which has the theme – Women Supporting Each Other, Making Things Happen – I am delighted to be here in Owerri, celebrating the wonderful women of Imo State.

“I extend my appreciation to the wife of the Executive Governor of Imo State, Her Excellency, Barrister Chioma Uzodimma for inviting me for the first time to experience the Imo Women August Meeting. I salute her commitment to the course of the great women of Imo State and her resolve to ensure that the women get the best dividends of democracy. Thank you,Your Excellency.

“I must also at this time thank the good people of Imo State for their overwhelming support during the 2023 Presidential election – daalu noor.

“I assure you all that the administration is doing everything possible to ensure a better life for every Nigerian.

“This is one of the reasons we are here today, to reassure you of the Federal Government’s commitment to making Nigeria a more prosperous nation, where all of us and generations yet unborn will be proud to belong.

“Today, as we gather to commemorate and celebrate the achievements and progress of women at this Annual Imo Women August Meeting, we are reminded of the remarkable strength, resilience, and contributions that women bring to our society.

“At this year’s celebration which has the theme – Women Supporting Each Other, Making Things Happen – we must take cognizance of the experiences, struggles, and triumphs of our older women, which have paved the way for the progress we enjoy today. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the voices of women are heard, their needs are addressed, and their legacies are preserved. The wisdom they possess, the stories they tell, and the guidance they provide are essential pillars for our society.

“The support we are advocating is what we have come to present today through the Renewed Hope Initiative’s (RHI) Social Investment Agenda by celebrating the elderly and the widows at this event.

“We join our voices with that of Her Excellency, Barrister Chioma Uzodimma and indeed that of His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodimma, against all forms of sexual and domestic violence, fight against trafficking in persons, drug abuse and other gender-based vices in the society.

“Empowering women is not just a slogan for us in the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI, but a commitment towards a better life for families in every State of the Federation.

“When we support women and uplift their status, we uplift our entire society. And this empowerment extends to women of all ages, from the young girls who dream of their future to the elderly women who have shaped our past.

“These are the hallmarks of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI). It is an Initiative which is focused on women and families with its scope in Agriculture, Education, Health, Economic Empowerment and Social Investment.

“I assure you all that the Initiative will soon be back in Imo State to give you our modest contributions in the area of Economic Empowerment, which the wife of the Executive Governor has said you are all interested in…

“In the pursuit of a better future for Imo State and our nation Nigeria, let us remember that we are strongest when we stand together.

“In closing, let us honour the women who came out today—the pillars of strength, the bearers of wisdom. We celebrate the potential and promise of the women who walk among us today. And let us commit ourselves to a future where every woman’s voice is heard, every woman’s contribution is valued, and every woman’s dreams are within reach.

“As we celebrate The Women of Imo State today, let us also celebrate the elderly women who have nurtured us, guided us, and set examples for us who never abused us, but loved us even when we do not do right. Let us recognize that their strength and wisdom as invaluable assets that we must cherish and protect.

“Together, as a united community, we can ensure that their contributions continue to shape the course of this State, not only today but for generations to come.”

Earlier, the Chief Host, Mrs Uzodimma reminded the women of what they stand to gain by supporting and helping each other, particularly as they find themselves in positions to do so.

In her address, Mrs. Uzodimma informed that the 2023 August Meeting was outstanding with reports showing that women in the 27 Local Government Areas of Imo State were highly enthusiastic and attended the meetings with joy.

She said that the level of participation of Imo women in the meeting and their readiness to take responsibilities shows that “the days when women are ignored are over.’’

She urged Imo women to ensure peace reigns in their families and society at large, noting that when they do so the level of insecurity in the society will be reduced to the barest minimum.

She reiterated that without peace not much can be achieved among the women, the family and the society, “therefore women have a big role to play in restoring peace by talking to their children and educating them to be good citizens of the State and Nation.”

Imo First Lady told the audience that in today’s Nigeria women are better educated and occupy positions of authority and have the opportunity to lead the way for a better tomorrow, emphasising that there is every need for women to love one another.

On the theme for the meeting, she said: “Women should support one another, because; women have common problems, women achieve more when they support each other. When women support each other their children are better off and women by nature like to give assistance… for every successful woman there is another supporting her. Women benefit more by cooperation than competition.’’

Mrs. Uzodimma recalled that the Governor had executed projects in Imo State aimed at empowering the women, youths and moving them away from crime and criminality, identifying the programmes like the Skill-Up programme, skills acquisition and empowerment and more importantly, conducive environment for the youths to thrive as part of them.

Mrs Uzodimma said that her office has keyed into the programmes of the Governor and his women friendly government and by doing so, “Imo women have gained a lot beyond mere empowerment,” through the offices of the Chief Judge of Imo who is a woman, several women Commissioners, SAs and SSAs and Chairmen of Commissions and Agencies.

She said despite the several achievements recorded in the 3R Government of her husband, her office will continue to push for more women and people leaving with disabilities (PLWD) to be included in the programmes and policies of the Governor.

Mrs Uzodimma announced that her Office was rounding off the August Meeting with the empowerment of 500 women with different household equipment, foodstuffs, agricultural/farming seedlings and stems in addition to 1,000 indigent women that will go home with cash empowerment.

She thanked the wife of Mr. President for honouring the invitation and pledged continued loyalty to her and the President Tinubu.

In her opening remarks, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Uju Kennedy Ohanenye expressed joy for being part of the August Meeting Grand Finale in Imo and used the opportunity to reveal that the World Bank has some packages for Nigerian Women to enhance their economic growth.

The minister said her Ministry plans to assist women to uplift themselves and appealed to the girl child to protect herself by being responsible and asking all women to stay away from crime.

In his brief remarks, Governor Uzodimma on behalf of the Government and people of Imo State thanked the wife of Mr. President for finding time to attend the programme in person and for supporting the women empowerment programme through counterpart funding.

He also congratulated the wife and members of the Organising Committee for mobilising Imo women in such organic manner and magnitude that was “overwhelming in the eyes of all present.”

“I sincerely congratulate all the women, and more importantly, my adorable wife, the First Lady of Imo State, Her Excellency Chief (Barr.) Chioma Uzodimma, for well-thought-out theme for this year’s Meeting: Women Supporting Each Other Makes Things Happen.

“I have always known that women are strong believers in the maxim, ‘united we stand and divided we fall.’

“Therefore, I am not under any illusion that the strength of our women lies more in their ability to work together to achieve results, the reason they make a lot of differences where the men folk flounder.

“As you round off your activities for the 2023 August meeting, be rest assured that my 3R government which most of you are key players, and which has shown

considerable interest in the welfare of the entire womenfolk in our State, will stop at nothing to promote the positive ideals that you as our wives, mothers, sisters, aunties and daughters represent.”

The ceremony featured other programmes like march past by different women groups in Imo State and had in attendance the three Senators from Imo State, Federal House of Representatives members, female Ministers, traditional rulers and distinguished Nigerians too numerous to mention.

Oguwike Nwachuku
Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Governor
September 1, 2023.

“Wike Is A Glorified Commissioner, Will Be Expelled By PDP” – Daniel Bwala

Adesina Soyooye

September 1, 2023

By Adesina Soyooye

The brazen boasts by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that nobody can expel him from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has rankled not a few people, especially, members of the Party.

Wike, immediate past Governor of Rivers State, in an interview with Channels Television, a couple of days ago, taunted PDP and its Leaders, and dared them to suspended or expel him from the Party.

As PDP Governor, Wike openly worked against the party in the Presidential election of February 25, 2023. He supported, financially and morally, the then candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, now President Bola Tinubu. He gave Tinubu a still-controversial victory in Rivers State.

As a pay off, the President ignored his Party members in Rivers State, and appointed Wike into his Cabinet.

In a reply to a question during the interview on Channels, Wike boasted that nobody in PDP has the capacity to suspend or expel him from the Party, and dared them to try it.

One of those angered by Wike’s boast is Daniel Bwala, a former spokesperson for the Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign Council in the 2023 presidential poll.

In response to Wike on Thursday, Bwala who, also spoke on Channels Television, said the Minister of FCT, “will be expelled from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the appropriate time.”

Bwala, himself, a former APC chieftain, did not say when the appropriate time will be, but he said: “Why we hardly react to what he (Wike) says is because he loves drama, everybody knows that.

“The quietness of the party is not weaknes. The party knows what it is doing. At the appropriate time, he (Wike) would not only be suspended but expelled. Take that to the bank.”

He dismissed Wike as a glorified Commissioner, but admitted that the Minister has the capacity to develop the FCT.

As a “glorified Commissioner, Bwala said Wike should not “arrogate the power of a State Governor to himself.”

Bwala, also, warned Wike not to engage in a revenge mission on opponents in Abuja by threatening to demolish their structures.

“You cannot terrorise residents of the FCT by threatening to demolish structures in places outside Abuja original Master Plan.”

According yo Bwala,

Aso Rock and many Military Barracks were not originally captured in FCT Master Plan. He, therefore, advised Wike to first demolish those buildings before “terrorising Abuja residents with demolition threats.”

FG To Adopt National Policy On Eye, As President Tinubu Receives Document

Ayodele Oni

September 1, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

A national policy document on eye health has been presented to President Bola Tinubu.

At the presentation by Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate in Abuja on Friday, President Bola Tinubu, declared his unwavering support for a partnership between the Federal Ministry of Health’s National Eye Health Programme and the Peek Vision Foundation to provide more than 5 million pairs of eyeglasses to Nigerians with sight impairments.

The president was speaking during a courtesy visit by the Founder and CEO of Peek Vision Foundation and Co-Founder of the Vision Catalyst Fund, Prof. Andrew Bastawrous.

Recounting how his first intervention in eye health was made, President Tinubu said “My first experience was with my mother of blessed memory. She was ill and she could not recognize me. When I intervened, she was treated and given a pair of glasses.

“The next question she asked me was: I have you, and you are able to do this for me. What about those other women and their children who may not have somebody like you to intervene for them?

“So I made a promise to her that I will pursue the mass provision of eye care vigorously and that I would provide free eye screenings and surgeries to people because of that question my mother asked me and because of her passion to see others healed.

“We eventually impacted the eye health of millions of people in Lagos, and you could see their joy over the immediate sight enhancements when they were given a pair of glasses,” the President fondly recalled.

A statement by presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale stated that the president highlighted the need for improved eye health services in Nigeria, and expressed concern about the more than 24 million Nigerians grappling with varying degrees of vision impairments.

“We must act now because sight and vision is critical to economic development and growth.”

Recalling his programme in Lagos state “Jigi Bola”, initiated during his tenure as the Governor in 2001, he said that it provided free eye screening and surgery to Lagosians while setting a new precedent for proactive eye care initiatives in West Africa.

“I am in support of this initiative, and I will encourage the mobilisation of further commitment to see this through and to reach vulnerable people across our country. Some parents may not pay attention to this, but I will, because I am touched,”

Prof. Bastawrous in his remark said “Good vision unlocks human potential. It improves earning, learning, and wellness for individuals, communities, and countries.”

Wike Has Become Minister Of Demolition – NLC; Says He Is Against Demolition The Poor; To Embark On Strike Action

Ayodele Oni

September 1, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

The continued threat by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), Nyesome Wike to embark on massive demolition of structures which are illegally constructed is among demands by the organized Labour to embark on a two -day warning strike from Tuesday.

The Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC), in a communique at the end of its National Executive Committee, (NEC) meeting in Abuja Thursday, insisted that the new Minister of the Federal Capital Territory should desist from threatening poor masses in the FCT with demolition of their properties built from their years of toil but should focus more on making houses available to the people.

“He is not a Minister of Demolition and should be prepared to meet Nigerian workers and citizens on the street if he carries out his insensitive utterances.”

The Communiqué, signed by NLC president, Joe Ajaero, stated that

“Consequently, NEC-in-Session resolved as follows: To embark on a total and indefinite shutdown of the nation within 14 working days or 21 days from today, until steps are taken by the Government to address the excruciating mass suffering and impoverishment being experienced around the country.

“To commence a 2-day nationwide warning strike on Tuesday & Wednesday the 5th & 6th of September, 2023 to demonstrate our readiness for the indefinite strike later in the month and to also demand that the State vacates the illegally occupied National Headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

“To embark on a mass protest and rally in Imo State within this month of September, 2023 in preparation for a major shutdown of the state to compel the state government to stop the abuse and violation of the rights and privileges of workers and trade unions in the state.

“To begin the shutdown of the operations of Airpeace Airline and other companies in the Aviation sector that are involved in serial violation of the rights of workers in the sector to freedom of Association and to collectively bargain and Organize.

“To call on communities around the nation to stop taking laws into their hands but report to the authorities for amicable resolution any matter involving members of the Amalgamated Union of Food Stuffs and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria (AUFCDN) which is one of our affiliates.”

The Union said further stated that it “scrutinized the Federal Government’s failure to establish essential structures to address the widespread suffering in our nation. Furthermore, it considered the government’s deliberate neglect and disregard for engaging with national stakeholders through the channels of social dialogue, a commitment it had solemnly declared during the President’s inaugural address on May 29, 2023.

“It further examined the renewed threats against trade unions and their leaders by various Governors and organisations and was alarmed on the new dimensions and shape these sordid events have taken.”

“My Heart Is Broken, But I stand Tall And Strong; Let God Be The Judge” – Actor Ninalowo On His Broken Marriage

Akinwale Kasali

September 1, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

Talented Nollywood Actor, Ninalowo Bolanle, has spoken of his heartbreak over his separation from his wife, Bunmi. But there is a consolation: He says he stands tall and strong and faces a brighter future than before.

The handsome Actor revealed the breakdown of his marriage, and the resultant separation in a post on Friday, September 1. The news at once shocked and took many of the Actor’s fans and admirers by surprise. The couple looked good together.

But in lengthy post on his verified Instagram handle, iamnino_b, the actor disclosed the state of his marriage, and declared that the end has come.

The post reads: “Finally i accept the reality of the End to a Road!

“A sad reality that gives room & hope for a brighter and more fulfilling future!

“A reality that is SAD for my loving and adorable children but necessary for a peaceful and loveable future.

“A sad reality i prayed, nurtured and worked tirelessly hard never to experience for the sake of all.

“A sad reality i now have to accept as i realize that my kids are much grown with better sense of understanding and knowledge of my pain & struggles regarding them!

“A sad reality that screams that i wont live or be around forever and must take care of my health & mental state for the goodness of all.

“May God help me and reward me with all i truly deserve or punish me for all i have done wrong if that be the case.

“In the end we will all live with the consequences of our actions.Sad but real and true!

“Now i have to do and be better for the sake of the same children i fought so hard never to be seperated from.

“The journey thus far only makes me stronger as i come to terms with what i truly need and deserve for all my relentless hard work & efforts in life.

“Heart broken but not shattered yet i stand tall as i break this sad but true news to the same world who adores my beautiful family & I.

“My wife & I have decided to go our separate ways and headed for an irreconcilable marriage dissolution.

“Please respect our privacy and pray for us during this process as we heal and move on with our independent lives while jointly taking care of what we love most, Our children!

God bless all.”

The Actor 43, a native of Ikorodu, Lagos, and Bunmi were married for 18 years, and have two children together – a boy and a girl.

Commissioner-Nominees List: Sanwo Olu, Obasa’s Cold War Continues; Fears Of Impeachment Loom

Akinwale Kasali

September 1, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

Though the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has stated there is no rift or rancour between him and Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu of Lagos State, close observers still see the handwriting on the wall – which is that all is not well between the Number One and Number Three Citizens of the State.

Obasa’s outburst a few days ago of an alleged threat attack on him and other lawmakers over the rejection of some Commissioner-Nominees sent to the House by Governor Sanwo Olu was telling. Defending the rejection, he said it was “in tandem with the constitution, which stipulates its responsibilities and, as such, the Assembly would not succumb to threats and intimidations, including planned sponsored protests and analysis by some civil society groups and activists.”

Obasa went further to make some statements which political observers said was targeted at the Governor. He said: “Those who live in glass houses should be conscious not to throw stones.”

Though he stated that the House does not have any fight with either Sanwo-Olu or the Executive arm as projected by some people who, he emphasized, may not be aware of the actual reasons for the rejection of the nominees.

“There is this erroneous belief that we are waging war against the Governor. There is no basis for me and the House to fight the Governor. I will continue to say that the Governor is a brother and colleague in the Lagos project and service to the people of our State.

“The Governor and I have been around in the system for long. While he was SA to the former Deputy Governor, Femi Pedro, I was in this House as chairman, Committee on Rural Development. He was SA on Establishment and Pensions and I was chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts (Local Governments). While he was heading LSDPC, I was chairman, Committee on Economic Planning and Budget. Then, I became the Speaker and when he became the Governor, I remained the Speaker. So it’s been a long journey together.

“But I wonder why anytime the House says no to a particular request of the Governor, it is taken by some people to mean there is a fight with the Governor. This House has passed so many resolutions that the executive arm refused to carry out, but people don’t see that as something to talk about and the House does not raise eyebrows. So I don’t know what brings the erroneous belief that the House is fighting the Governor, who is our brother and who we will continue to work with.

“However, we have a constitutional responsibility. Just as the Governor has the responsibility to inform the House about his nominees, the House has the responsibility to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ which we have exercised by confirming some and denying some and we have our reasons for saying ‘no’ to some of the nominees.

“The House, as a body, has refrained itself from exposing what it discovered during the screening exercise and we are not going to be forced to spill to the public,” Obasa said.

The magazine gathered that the Cold War between Obasa and Governor Sanwo Olu did not just start. Insiders said it started long before the 2023 General Election.

Governor Sanwo Olu is alleged to be uncomfortable with the political power of Obasa who had been Speaker for three terms, and had schemed to cut down his powers.

When Obasa made his intention known to contest for the Lagos Central Senatorial District Ticket, Governor Sanwo Olu, it is alleged, was relieved that he would put his own man as Speaker of the 10th Assembly. But his relief was short-lived as the Powers- that-be in the All Progressives Congress, APC and the Leaders and decision makers of the Lagos Political enclave thought otherwise. They gave the Party Ticket for the Lagos Central Senatorial District to Obasa’s Deputy Speaker, Wasiu Eshinlokun.

Resigning to fate, Obasa returned to the Lagos State House of Assembly when he won the 2023 Election to represent Agege 1 Constituency.

But Governor Sanwo Olu had other plans. He tipped Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda to succeed Obasa as Speaker in the 10th Assembly.

To achieve that, Sanwo-Olu, allegedly, backed Hon. Meranda with a huge financial war chest to contest against Obasa for the Speakership position.

On his own, Meranda, allegedly, also induced some of the Lawmakers with money and promised them juicy Committee positions if elected as Speaker.

Unknown to Governor Sanwo Olu and Hon. Meranda’s faction, Obasa was privy to their plans and was also strategizing.

To keep the Speakership position, Obasa ran to Abuja to meet with President Bola Tinubu where he revealed the scheming Governor Sanwo Olu’s scheming.

President Tinubu waded into the matter and ordered that Obasa should be made Speaker for the third consecutive time unopposed, while Hon. Meranda was made the Deputy Speaker.

Since this, things have not been the same between Obasa and Governor Sanwo Olu. Their relationship became cold.

Obasa felt betrayed by Governor Sanwo-Olu and waited to pay him back in his own coin. This was what led to the brickbats and rejection of the Nominee Lists brought forward to the House by the Governor.

However, some political observers allege that shortcomings in the Commissioner- Nominees list. They noted that some Local Governments do not have any nominee on the list and that the Party was not represented.

The list also generated controversy across religious lines, as the Joint Muslim Group lamented that the list had just eight muslims as against Christians which 25 persons.

Damilola Atoyebi, a political analyst, said that the APC leadership has weighed into the cold war between Obasa and Sanwo Olu, but it is glaring that all is still not well. There is likely to be more crisis in the coming days if the leadership of the APC in the State and at the National Level do not quickly attend to this brewing crisis.

“What Governor Sanwo Olu is doing is basically to build a structure for himself and also have a say in the Lagos political terrain. Those he chose as Nominees for Commissioner – positions are his people and trusted persons who he can entrust the State in their hands when he relinquishes power in 2027.

“Governor Sanwo Olu is intimidated by the power Obasa possesses, so he is scheming and doing anything humanly possible to cut him to size. And with the look of things, Obasa will never succumb to his antics, likewise the Governor, who is bent on asserting his authority as the Governor of the State.

“It is glaring that we are sitting on a keg of gun powder in the State. President Tinubu is presently racking his brain to attend to the issues affecting the economy of the country, he doesn’t have time foe Lagos. The Federal needs urgent attention and his attention can’t be divided, that is why Obasa and Governor Sanwo Olu are scheming on each other.

“In the coming days you wil seel what will happen. Don’t be surprised if this degenerates into a likely impeachment of the Governor, because Obasa has control over the Lagos State House of Assembly. The Lawmakers are loyal to him, he has the wit, charisma and the political intrigues which Governor Sanwo Olu does not possess”, Atoyebi revealed.

Over the week, a reconciliation meeting was held between Obasa and Governor Sanwo Olu with APC stalwarts including members of the Governors Advisory Council, GAC, in attendance.

The body language of the concerned persons speak volumes, raising questions whether there would be a lasting solution to the ensuing crisis.

Odili Says No Threats Can Stop Coups In Africa, Blames Bad Governance

Ayodele Oni

September 1, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

National President of Campaign for Democracy, (CD) Ifeanyi Odili, has said the only way to put an end to coups in the continent is for elected leaders to fulfill their electoral promises to the people.

Odili, apparently reacting to remarks by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) that the Nigerian Military should not emulate the Gabonese army which on Wednesday overthrew President Ali Bongo, pointed out that any government in Africa which fails to make life comfortable for the people should expect reactionary reaction.

The CD leader wrote on his social media account that “No threat from anyone or group of Politicians can stop coup in Africa. The only thing that can stop military incursion in Africa is giving the people what they truly deserve.

“I mean what Politicians promised them during electioneering campaign. Give the people good governance, put food on their tables and have peace.

“You can’t be making life difficult for people and expect peace. We have disappointed Nigerians. We have betrayed the trust people had in us. There is hunger in the land occassioned by hyper inflation and poor Government policies.

“People can’t drive their cars to work, Insecurity everywhere. Is that what we promised Africans while we were agitating for democracy? The answer is NO!

“I will not join issue with you about Muslim-Muslim ticket and coup. Rather, I will suggest that any coup in Nigeria, may God forbid, is a direct consequential effect of bad governance.

“Since I became an adult, I have never seen a situation where coup was a talk of everybody.

When people insult democracy, it hurts me. They make fun of it in public places and the drunkards, fools make up songs about democracy. All these hurt me.”

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) had advised the Nigerian military not to emulate the Gabonese army that on Wednesday overthrew President Ali Bongo in a bloodless Coup d’etat.

MURIC’s Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, who gave the advice in a statement stated that

“While we frown upon the sit-tight syndrome adopted by the Bongo family in Gabon and some African countries, we strongly condemn this military coup. MURIC advises the Nigerian Army to remain apolitical and to resist the temptation to emulate the Gabonese army by staging any coup in Nigeria.

“Any Nigerian soldier who contemplates coup in the present dispensation is doing so for selfish reasons. It is noteworthy that the Nigerian political firmament is absolutely different from that of Gabon where the Bongo dynasty has been in power for more than 50 years.

“A military coup against the current Muslim-Muslim ticket will be interpreted as a direct attack on Muslims in the country in view of the deep religious sentiment which pervaded the controversy surrounding the Muslim-Muslim ticket.

“Any military coup in Nigeria now will carry a religious taint. Nigeria has not recovered from the one-sided anti-North coup of 15th January, 1966 staged by Igbo soldiers and the vengeful counter-coup of July 1966 staged mainly by soldiers of Northern extraction,” Akintola said.

Ekiti: Monarch Withholds Monthly Salaries Of Chiefs For Four Years; Govt Wades In

Ayodele Oni

September 1, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Government has condemned a Traditional Ruler in the State for withholding the monthly stipends of some Traditional Chiefs perceived to be disloyal to him for four years.

The Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, has, therefore, directed the Alawo of Awo, Oba Abdulazeez Olaleye to immediately look for money and pay the affected chiefs.

The affected chiefs are said to be against Oba Olaleye’s enthronement as Alawe, and even went to Court to challenge his emergence.

The Deputy Governor condemned the act, and ordered those perpetrating the act to effect immediate payment to restore unity and peace.

The State Government described as wrong and undemocratic, the way some Chiefs loyal to Alawo of Awo- Ekiti, Oba Abdulazees Olaleye, had stopped the salaries of 2015 -2019 to these victims for opposing Alawo’s selection and enthronement, despite the release of the money by local council.

Mrs Afuye, expressed Government’s position, on Friday, while intervening in the petition written by some Awo-Ekiti chiefs over the stoppage of their monthly salaries.

The peace parley was convened by the Deputy Governor to resolve the accusation raised by some kingmakers in the town that their salaries were stopped for a period spanning four years on the order of Alawo due to their opposition to his ascendancy.

In her position, Mrs Afuye disagreed with the defence put up by the monarch that the fund was withheld because the chiefs allegedly abdicated their duties, saying there wasn’t sufficient evidence to prove the allegation or showed that they were under suspension to warrant such deprivation.

The Deputy Governor, also said the claim that the money was used to prosecute a litigation filed against the Kingmakers over the selection of Oba Olaleye, was tantamount to misappropriation and diversion of funds, since the fund was specially released for payment of salaries.

“Government operates with laws and guidelines and these must be strictly followed. The statutory monthly fund being released by the Local Government to traditional rulers was for their upkeep and it is strictly for that purpose.

“So, you couldn’t have used it for any other purpose without the consent of the petitioners. If they pursue this case against you in court, you will all be charged for fraud.

“The arrangement to use the money for litigation was wrong. If you wanted to do that, you should have carried them along. You shouldn’t have spent the money without putting the concerned chiefs into confidence.

“I want you to go and resolve within yourselves how the money will be paid, because it is their entitlements and you have no power to deprive them.

“When you spent government’s money wrongly, it is called misappropriation or diversion. I expected you to have spent the money on what it was meant for, which was to pay the salaries of the chiefs, whether they are with the king or not.

“It could have been a different game now if you showed enough evidence that they were suspended within that period”.

Meanwhile, Mrs Afuye also directed the aggrieved chiefs to release available documents relating to the town’s accounts and minute books to Oba Olaleye, saying inaccessibility to those documents prompted resort to diversion of salaries to fund litigation.

“The accounts of the town must be returned to the monarch because he is still in charge pending the determination of the case at the Supreme Court. The petitioners must do proper handing over of all accounts to the monarch to avert crisis.

“Kabiyesi should go and summon a peace meeting. He shouldn’t allow division. We thank God that the money between 2019 and now is in the custody of the Local Government. Coming together is the only way your town can have development.”

Earlier in his defence, Oba Olaleye, disclosed that none of the chiefs took salaries within that period under contention, revealing that they unanimously agreed to use the fund to prosecute their case in court.

“In the case filed against the kingmakers, those opposed to my enthronement were also joined as defendants that was the reason for the decision by the chiefs to use their salaries to defend everybody, so that they won’t go to jail. It wasn’t a case of embezzlement.”

PDP: Ayu Gets A Bloody Nose

Tosin Olatokunbo

September 1, 2023

Efforts by a former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Iyorchia Ayu to get a reprieve for his removal have failed to materialized, as a Benue state high court has dismissed a suit seeking his suspension to be set aside.

Ayu was suspended by the Ward Executive of the party in Igyorov Ward of Gboko Local Government Area, LGA, on March

26 this year, for alleged antiparty affairs, including that he “worked against the success of the party in Igyorov Council Ward.”

Since then, the former PDP chairman has tried to get a reprieve from the court unsuccessfully.

The ruling on Thursday, according to those monitoring what is going on in the party could be described as giving the former PDP boss a bloody nose.

Delivering a ruling on Thursday, D.M Igyuse, the presiding judge, described the suit as an abuse of the court process.

The case was filed by one Nongo Ordue on behalf of the 17-member executive of Ayu’s Igyorov council ward of Gboko LGA.

Aside from seeking to void the suspension, the plaintiff also asked the court to reinstate Ayu as the national chairman of the PDP.

However, Clement Mue, counsel to the PDP, submitted that the suit constituted an abuse of the court process.

Mue said a similar case filed before a high court in Makurdi had sufficiently addressed the issues raised by the plaintiff.

In the suit marked MHC/85/2023 cited by the PDP lawyer, Maurice Ikpambese, a high court judge, held that Ayu could no longer hold the office as the national chairman having lost his membership of the party at his ward.

Mue informed the court that Ayu had since filed an appeal against the decision which is yet to be determined.

He said hearing and determining the present suit would amount to sitting on an appeal against the earlier decision of the court.

In his judgment, Igyuse described Ayu’s case as “the worst form of abuse of court process,” pointing out that the plaintiffs had filed a similar claim in a suit marked GHC/36/2023 between themselves as plaintiffs, including Ayu who was the 18th complainant.

The judge noted that the said suit was struck out by the high court 3, Gboko, on June 27.

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