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“Why I Dumped PDP For APC” –  Hon. Jerry Alagbaso

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The Source
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Jerry Alagbaso

Immediate past House of Representatives Member for Orlu Federal Constituency comprising Oru East, Orsu and Orlu,  Hon Jerry Alagbaso has said that Governor Hope Uzodimma’s performance in office was the key reason he decided to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Alagbaso spoke Monday in Owerri at the Sam Mbakwe Executive Chambers when he came to present himself to the Governor as an APC chieftain together with his supporters, some of who are officials of the opposition political party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

“The main reason I am joining the APC is because of the performance of the governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma. He has done exceptionally well and we need to support and encourage him to continue with the good work he is doing in Imo State,” he said.

Alagbaso who said he had earlier submitted himself to the leadership of the APC in Abuja noted that it was necessary to also reaffirm his membership at the State, zonal and local government levels, hence he sought the approval of the governor to present himself again.

He also singled out the recent Imo Charter of Equity proposal on how to go about political contestation in the State, an idea he said the governor has thrown his weight behind, as another major factor that convinced him and most of his political allies, that Governor Uzodimma means well for the people and the State.

Alagbaso who said that he came with his supporters in his former Party, the PDP, including officials at the Ward, Zonal and State levels, noted that having seen that the APC is the Party at the federal government, State government and local government area and that the Party means well for Imo State, they resolved to be part of the efforts by the governor to better the lot of the State and the people.

Receiving the former federal Lawmaker, Governor Uzodimma who was represented by his deputy, Prof. Placid Njoku thanked Alagbaso for the bold step he took and the kind words he used on the Governor over his performance and assured him and his supporters of a level playing ground to contribute their own quota in the interest of Imo State and the Party.

Prof. Njoku said Alagbaso’s political journey in Imo State and Nigeria is noted for great accomplishment, hence his joining APC will mean a lot to the Party in terms of gains.

The highpoint of the event was the presentation of the broom, the APC symbol, the constitution and the flag to Alagbaso and some of his key supporters, assisted by the officials of the State Working Committee.

The Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, his deputy, Rt Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief COC Akaolisa, members of the State expanded executive council witnessed the occasion.

Also present were the State APC deputy Chairman, Hon. Dan Ogu, the Secretary, Chief Greg Madu, the Organising Secretary, Hon. Ik. Ibe, former Imo State APC Chairman, Barr. Marcellinus Nlemigbo, and other officials of the APC at the State and zonal levels.

PDP Flays Threats, Intimidation In Tinubu’s, APC Lawyers Written Address To PEPC

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the All Progressives Congress, (APC) of attempting to blackmail the Judiciary, by inserting threats in its final written address, which it made public.

PDP asserts that the threat contained in the written address by lawyers to President Bola Tinubu and the APC to the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) is a pre-emptive move to intimidate the Judiciary.

This was contained in a statement in Abuja on Monday by the spokesman of the opposition party, Debo Ologunagba

It adds that “The statement by the lawyers in the said written address threatening crisis and anarchy in the country in the event of the Court ruling that their clients did not meet the Constitutionally required 25% votes in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is subversive, an affront to Democratic Order and assault on the corporate existence of the nation.

“It is alarming and disturbing that the APC externalized to the public, their final written address in which they also threatened national peace if the Court upholds the clear provisions of Section 134 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) with regard to the mandatory and statutory requirements for which a Candidate in a Presidential election can be declared winner.

“The threats, either through Counsel or officials of the APC is calculated to intimidate and harass the Judiciary and indeed Nigerians.

“The PDP holds that the clear intent of the APC is to blackmail the Court and emasculate the independence of the judiciary to discharge its duties in accordance with the dictates of the law.

“This action is ostensibly to set the stage to orchestrate violent crisis in various parts of the country with the intention to further blackmail the PEPC.

“We ask, why is the APC externalizing their final written address to the public? Is the APC being pre-emptive and now seeks to heighten tension, subvert the judicial process and trigger anarchy, having realized the weakness of their case before the PEPC?

“The PDP however cautions and emphasizes that Nigeria is a country of Rule of Law. The statutory requirements for a winner in a Presidential election as provided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2022 are clear and unambiguous.

“The APC must therefore respect the provisions of the law and allow the judiciary to discharge its duties independently, without threats, intimidation and coercion.

“Contrary to the doomsday claims of the APC and its lawyers, upholding the provisions of the Constitution and the laws at this point will rather promote peace and stability in the polity, deepen our democracy and engender confidence in the Institution of the Judiciary.

“The PDP calls on Nigerians to remain calm, at alert and hopeful in the ability of the Judiciary to dispense justice accordingly.”

Niger State Records First Outbreak Of Anthrax Disease

By
Ayodele Oni
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Anthrax Disease

By Ayodele Oni

Nigeria has recorded its first case of anthrax, a bacterium disease which mostly affects livestock such as cattle, sheep and goats.

The Federal Government, which confirms the outbreak, in Niger State, had earlier warned Nigerians weeks ago after learning of an anthrax outbreak in Northern Ghana where all infected animals had died.

This was disclosed in a statement on Monday, by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development,signed by the chief veterinary officer, Dr. Columba  Vakuru.

According to him, animals showing signs of a possible case of anthrax on a farm in Suleja, Niger State, were reported to the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria on July 14, 2023.

“The case was in a multi-specie animal farm comprising of cattle, sheep and goats located at Gajiri, along Abuja-Kaduna express way Suleja LGA Niger State, where some of the animals had symptoms including oozing of blood from their body openings – anus, nose, eyes and ears.

“A Rapid Response team comprising of federal and states Health Professional Team visited the farm to conduct preliminary investigations and collected samples from the sick animals.

“Subsequent laboratory tests by the National Veterinary Research Institute confirmed the diagnosis, marking the first recorded case of anthrax in Nigeria in recent years.”

The statement appealed to Nigerians to immediately report cases of animals bleeding from body openings to veterinary authorities, or agriculture extension workers.

“The blood of an anthrax-infected animal does not clot. Do not process or move the dead or sick animal, quickly report to your veterinary doctor or veterinary authorities at the ministry of agriculture in your state.”

Ondo: How Two Teenage Female Students Faked Their Own Kidnapping, Demanded Ransome From Parents

By
Ayodele Oni
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Kidnapping - Teenage Female Students

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun, has announced the arrest of 28 suspected kidnappers in some parts of the state.

Those arrested include two secondary school students from Oka-Akoko in Akoko, Owo-Ose and Ilaje areas of Ondo State.

The two female students were picked up in Oka-Akoko for faking their own kidnapping and demanding ransom money from their parents.

The students are between the ages of 12 and 14 while they are in JSS 3 and SSS one classes.

Parading the suspects in Akure, on Monday, the Commander of Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, said they were arrested in different parts of the state for kidnapping, cult activities, illegal possession of fire arms among others.

The Commander, expressed happiness that several joint patrol by Amotekun operatives, the military and other security agencies had been yielding positive results.

Adeleye noted that the joint security patrol teams had combed some forests like Jubere forest, Ilale in Owo, Aromogija, Ute, to the boundary between Ondo and Edo States to Akoko where some of the kidnappers were arrested.

“The 28 suspects we are parading today shows that we have more of kidnappers than any other criminal activities. This is in continuation of our efforts at ensuring that kidnapping in Ondo State becomes a thing of the past”.

“We have people who kidnapped themselves and raised alarm and in our diligent investigations, we were able to unravel the mystery surrounding the disappearance to the extent that they confessed. We equally have kidnapped suspects of some very high profile individuals in the society that we are working on”.

He added that some of the victims who were rescued,  lost their senses and even forgot things for days.

Adeleye also urged the public not to use their names to register sim cards or anything on behalf of others.

“In the last three weeks, we carried out several joint patrols between the men of Amotekun and the military, Civil Defence as well as with with police and the joint patrol teams combed the forest like Jubere forest, Ilale in Owl, aromogija, Ute, to the boundary between Ondo State and Edo State through Akoko where some of the kidnappers were  arrested.

“The kidnappers are aware now that the forests in Ondo State are not for them again.”

APC: As Kyari, Faunter Take Over, NEC Meeting Postponed Indefinitely

By
Ayodele Oni
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Iyiola Omisore and Abdullahi Adamu

By Ayodele Oni

The Acting National Chairman of the party, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has announced an indefinite postponement of the meeting of the party’s National Working Committee slated for Tuesday and Wednesday.

The announcement came after an emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee(NEC) in Abuja on Monday.

Kyari also confirmed  Abdullahi Adamu’s resignations, as the National Chairman of the party and the National Secretary. Iyiola Omisore.

While Kyari took over as Acting Chairman, Deputy National Secretary, Festus Fuanter, took over as acting Secretary.

Seventeen members of NEC were in attendance at Monday’s meeting with only National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka and the National Women Leader, Dr Betta Edu absent after due permission.

It is not immediately known whether Kyari and Fuanter will become substantive officers of the party.

Both Adamu and Omisore may have been caught on the web of President Bola Tinubu corruption war as both had earlier been accused of allegedly misappropriating about N30 billion realized from sales of nomination forms to Aspirants seeking to contest during the last election.

Adamu was reported to have been conspicously absent at Mondays meeting while Omisore who showed up was prevented from entering.

Obi@62: Celebrate Me With The Poor, Obi Urges Friends, Well-wishers

By
The Source
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Peter Obi

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25, 2023 election, Peter Obi has urged his friends and well-wishers who wish to celebrate him on his 62 birthday coming up on Wednesday to do so by identifying and touching the lives of the poor around them.

Obi who always marks his birthday with the less privileged in society or with the sick in the hospital said that mood in the country today does not even call for celebration of any kind outside being with suffering masses.

In his pre-birthday wish sent out on Monday, 17, Obi said

“Wednesday 19th July 2023, marks my 62nd Birthday. While I remain immensely grateful to God for His infinite mercies, I still maintain my decision of over 20 years, that I will not celebrate my birthdays in today’s Nigeria, with the current deplorable state of the nation.

“However, some friends, members of the Labour Party, and OBIdient Family and supporters have asked how they can join me in celebrating that day, and even present some gifts. Let me humbly and respectfully appeal to all those who desire to celebrate me with any kind of gifts, to look around them, and extend such gifts to the people in need, especially in these difficult times.

“I urge them to visit hospitals, orphanages, and homes for the aged and people with disabilities, and offer them such generous gifts. They can also visit schools of basic studies in remote areas and support them with the basic amenities they need.

‘Those who wish to do more can visit various IDP camps in different parts of the country. I intend to do the same thing. Aside from sharing my time and resources with the less fortunate people around me, I plan to raise money for schools, hospitals, etc.

“I have already said that the sacrifices for a better Nigeria must now start from us, the leaders and the well-placed. The state of our nation must give us cause to pause and ponder. There is far too much insecurity, violence, and bloodshed. This month alone over 200 lives have been lost to sustained violent attacks in Mangu LGA in Plateau State. Similarly, in Benue State, over 100 lives have been lost in recent times, the latest being 27 persons killed in Adogo Ugbaam, Akpuuna, and Diom communities in Ukum LGA.

“There are also many other cases of kidnappings and killings in different parts of the country. I want to celebrate in a New Nigeria where the lives and properties of citizens will be secure. I want to celebrate in a productive Nigeria that can create opportunities for our youthsI want to celebrate in a Nigeria that works for all and which Nigerians can be proud of. This, and not my birthday, is the true celebration that will be beneficial to all Nigerians.

“As Nigerians, we must always expand our imagination of the Possible, believing as we do that a New Nigeria is POssible”.

South East Waits As APC Set To Pick National Secretary

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

With the gale of resignations rocking the national leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC) the coast seems clear for the south east to produce the National Secretary of the party.

With the resignation of Abdullahi Adamu, National Chairman, Sunday night, and the expectation that natioñal secrerary, Iyiola Omisore Sunday night, the two vacancies are likely to be filled before close of work Monday.

Already, the Deputy National Chairman (North), Abubakar Kyari, has stepped into Adamu’s shoes as the Acting National Chairman.

An emergency meeting of the National Working Committee  (NWC) is expected to hold on Monday to possibly effect the new changes and prepare for an enlarged one slated for Tuesday and Wednesday. However, Omisore stormed tye Party Headquarters Monday.

A replacement from the South-east east is being favoured for the position of the National scribe. Omisore is from the south west, same zone where the president comes from.

Political watchers are banking on the possibility that in the interest of balancing, and since the South East has not fared well in appointments already made by President Bola Tinubu, the opportunity may be now.

Adamu has been in stormy waters with President Tinubu since the process of picking Presidential candidate for the party started last year.

He had flown a kite then when while the party’s primary was still ongoing  he announced former Senate President as consensus candidate of the party.

Just last week, Adamu had denounced candidates for the position of Principal Officers of the National Assembly as they did not receive the blessing of the party.

How Enugu Lawmaker Was Killed By Gunmen

By
The Source
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Nelson Sylvester

By Charles Igbo

Nelson Sylvester, a young Enugu State Lawmaker, had gone to bed, and was fast asleep when sudden death came calling.

Sylvester, popular as Ofunwa, was  the Councillor representing Eha-Olu Ward, Nsukka Local Government Area Legislative Council. But his representation of his people ended in the uncivilised hours of Monday morning when assassins came calling.

On arrival to his house, they wasted no time in raining bullets on it. Shocked, scared, panicky, he made efforts to escape the raining bullets.

Reports say he jumped the wall into his neighbour’s premises. But it was in vain.

Apparently, the bullets caught him as he jumped. He was found dead sprawled in his own blood.

“It is heartbreaking; it is too hard for us to swallow. We are in deep agony”, a report quoted a source in the Community to have lamented.

As at the time of filing this report, there has been no reaction from either the Enugu State Police Command or the State Governor.

Gunmen have been brazenly visiting the South-east with violence, pain, tears and death. So far, efforts to put a stop to it have failed.

Obi Salutes The Guardian @40, Recalls Huge Sacrifice For Democracy.

By
The Source
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Peter Obi and Alex Ibru

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25, 2023 election, Peter Obi has praised the Guardian Newspaper at 40 years.

In a congratulatory message he personally signed and sent to the Publisher, titled, ‘the true flagship at 40’ Obi recalled the huge sacrifices of the newspaper to see democracy blossom in our country.

He praised them for their mature and high ethical editorial content that merits them being referred to as the flagship of Nigeria Journalism.

Full text of Obi’s letter.

Guardian @40: Forty years of a true flagship.

“May I join the media community in Nigeria to congratulate the Guardian Newspaper for reaching the landmark age of 40 years?

The entry of the Guardian into the country’s print media Journalism was very significant because of the discipline, and the high ethical quality editorial content that merited it being referred to in the media space as the Flagship of Nigeria Journalism.

The Flagship Carries the Commanding Admiral of the ship and that was what the Guardian has done in its forty years of operation with its thought-provoking and enriching news content.

“The Newspaper lived its motto: Conscience, Nurtured by Truth” through its succinct, mature, and unbiased editorial contents that stood it out as a utility partner in nation-building.

The Guardian’s contributions to the nation’s current democratic evolution remain outstanding as it helped to fast-track the exit of the military regime in our polity. Not forgetting the huge sacrifices the Newspaper made at some point during the democratic struggle in our land.

“We recall two of its Editors, Tunde Thompson and Nduka Irabor going to jail during the military era the Publisher, Chief Alex Ibru escaping an assassination attempt on his life, and the military juntas and shutting down the Newspaper.

“The history of the Guardian and the success it recorded in the last 40 years in the face of all the obstacles, the hostile entrepreneurial and political environment are reassuring and give hope that a new and great Nigeria is possible for the patient and dogged fighters like the Guardian.

“I wish to, therefore, pay special tribute to the Publisher, all past and present staff of the Guardian who helped to make this great institution worth its name, the guardian of the people. Congratulations.

“Peter Gregory Obi”

Stop Blackmailing The Presidential  Election Tribunal

By
The Source
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0
Bola Ahmed Tinubu

The NEO AFRICANA CENTRE has asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to stop blackmailing and intimidating the Presidential Election Petitions Court (PREPEC) as he has been doing. Tinubu had, in his final written address to the petitions challenging his declaration as president warned the PREPEC not to nullify the February 25 presidential election on the ground that he did not score 25 percent of lawful votes cast in the election in the Federal Capital Territory as doing so could lead to chaos and anarchy.

The Centre said it frowns on this belligerent disposition of the president and advised him to desist from it as it is injurious to the peace and progress of the country.

In a statement by its Director of Public Affairs, Jenkins Udu, the public policy think tank expressed regret that threat and intimidation are becoming the trademark of the Bola Tinubu democratic culture.

It recalled that Tinubu’s supporters, about a fortnight ago, embarked on a mission of intimidation and harassment within the premises of the European Union in Abuja over the report of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU-EOM) which was critical of the conduct and outcome of the 2023 presidential elections in Nigeria.

The pro- Tinubu group had warned the EU and the PREPEC which was availed of the report that adopting the EU-EOM position could lead to anarchy and doom. The Centre notes with sadness that sending warning notes to public institutions may have become Tinubu’s well-worn tactic in the bid to sustain his highly questionable mandate.

The statement reads in part:

“We have noted with disappointment the growing penchant by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his supporters for resorting to intimidation and blackmail on any issue that touches the shaky mandate he holds as Nigeria’s president. We witnessed this about a fortnight ago when a pro-Tinubu group besieged the premises of the European Union, threatening fire and brimstone over the report of the European Union Election Observation Mission which was unfavorable to Tinubu’s claim to the presidency on the basis of the presidential election of 25 February.

“Now, lawyers representing President Tinubu at the PREPEC have resorted to the same strong arm tactic by telling the tribunal that anarchy and chaos could break out if Tinubu’s election is annulled on the strength of his failure to secure 25 percent of the lawful votes cast in the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja in the 25 February elections.

“We find this resort to blackmail and intimidation very condemnable and unconscionable. It is reckless, to say the least, that any person or group should arrogate to themselves the power to issue threats and intimidate public institutions and their officials. This belligerent tactic is reprehensible and most unacceptable. It portrays its purveyors as threats to the peace and progress of the country.

“We are disappointed that rather than rely on fine points of law in arguing their case, Tinubu’s lawyers chose to play to the gallery by assuming that Nigerians of all persuasions are pro-Tinubu. As a public policy think tank, we are aware that Nigerians are sharply divided over the outcome of the 2023 presidential elections. It is therefore preposterous and misplaced to assume that Nigerians will take to the streets if Tinubu is removed from office.

“We advise Tinubu and his supporters to tread softly. In fact, Tinubu should borrow a leaf from Mr Peter Obi and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Tinubu’s challengers in the election, who have managed their supporters well by prevailing on them at all times to shun any action that could lead to the breach of public peace. Since violence begets violence, we urge Tinubu and his supporters to refrain from statements that could set Nigerians against one another. We are aware that Nigeria is nobody’s personal estate. Therefore, blackmail and intimidation as instruments of power grab will not work.

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