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Akeredolu Rejects APC Zoning Formula For NASS Leadership, Says  Skewed Arrangement Reinforces Injustice, Enhances Inequality

By
Ayodele Oni
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Rotimi Akeredolu
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo state Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, still fresh from annual vacation, has described the proposed zoning arrangement of the incoming national assembly leadership by the All Progressives Congress, (APC) as one that “reinforces injustice and enhances inequality.”

In a statement he personally signed on Wednesday, Akeredolu, who is Chairman, Southern Governors Forum, states that “it is with great concern, and indeed, with a huge burden that I read in the news of the purported zoning arrangement released by the National Working Committee of our Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) as regards the leadership positions in the yet-to-be inaugurated National Assembly.

“Aside the unpretentious ambiguity in the purported Press Statement issued by the leadership of the APC, the contents, intentions and motives of the zoning formula represent early signs of steps aimed at attempts to cabin the hard-earned Presidency for our Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu by a few individuals with eyes on ASO ROCK POWER BUTTONS.

“It is trite to aver, that, it stands logic on the head that one geo-political zone, Northwest in this regard, will be favoured with two presiding officers positions out of four, while North Central suffers the consequences for its innocence and shrewd loyalty by having none.

“It is an insidious permutation that North East will be deprived in the face of the unsavoury generosity dispensed through two slots to a particular geo-political zone.

“It is self-repudiating for one to argue, therefore, that the Speaker of the House of Representatives cannot also emerge from the North East.

“Therefore, the move to zone the National Assembly leadership positions on the behest of interested personalities with perceived closeness to the President-elect manifestingly, lays the dangerous foundation of distrust, needless suspicion even as it structures nothing but a combination of booby traps. We must avoid all these.

“Let the North play a stronger, more robust and all-inclusive roles in the emergence of the positions zoned to the region, especially the Speakership.

“Furthermore, it strikes a huge ingratitude that the role of the Progressive Governors Forum appears unimportant.

“As leaders of the Party in their respective States, there cannot be a greater disservice to them that a consensus was yet to be reached when the NWC hurriedly released a dangerous tool for the opposition in the guise of a zoning formula. To me, even on this note, it’s unacceptable.

“Does it not also exude a serious discomfort that the aspirants to the Speakership were not consulted, approached and effectively engaged before the purported zoning formula? It does, and clearly so.

“It is in this regard that I salute the courage of the Speakership aspirants for their show of solidarity, companionship and applaudable love for the Party in their rejection, resentment and objection to the brazenly teleguided zoning arrangement that is skewed and targeted against some zones and identified individuals.

“Their action is commendable just as they are urged to ensure they pursue this to a logical conclusion. This is an unworkable arrangement that reinforces injustice and enhances inequity; and I join them in rejecting this zoning formula.

“I call on the NWC of our great Party to follow the path of purity and Justice. It is perhaps expedient that Mr. President-elect interrogates this skewed arrangement and give direction that reflects our collective commitment to equality and fairness.

“In this particular case, and for the purpose of avoiding a repeat of untoward situations, it is advised that the APC NWC immediately summons the National Executive Committee (NEC)after robust National Caucus/Stakeholders parley to agree on terms that would strengthen our great Party.”

Governor Makinde, PDP Mourn Late PDP Deputy National Chairman, Soji Adagunodo

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has described the death of Soji Adagunodo, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Deputy National Chairman, South West, as a big loss, not only to the Party, but to the entire South West.

Makinde said that the Party has lost a very strong Party Man, who worked tirelessly for the growth and success of the Party.

Expressing his heartfelt condolences to the PDP family in Osun State and the South-West, stated that the late Adagunodo was a strong party man and administrator whose death will leave a huge vacuum in the South-West.

A statement by the Special Assistant (Print Media) to the Governor, Moses Alao, said the Governor commiserates with the immediate family of the late politician and also prayed for the repose of his soul.

He described the late Adagunodo as a politician with strong perseverance and vision as well as a fighting spirit, and said the PDP family will greatly miss him.

He said: “On behalf of the Government and People of Oyo State, I express my condolences to the immediate family of our late Zonal Chairman in the South-West PDP, Hon. Soji Adagunodo, the Osun State PDP and the South-West PDP.

“Hon. Adagunodo was a great fighter and a strong party administrator, who gave his best for the party and made countless sacrifices for its continued stability.

“His perseverance and vision were exemplary and his death will, no doubt, leave a huge vacuum in the party.

“It is my prayer that God will rest his soul and abide by the family and the party he left behind.”

Mourning the demise of Adagunodo, the PDP in its condolence message described  Adagunodo as a very courageous leader, dedicated and fearless partyman, true democrat, brilliant lawmaker, selfless administrator and grass root mobilizer who dedicated his resources, intellect and energy towards the wellbeing of the people in line with the ideals of the PDP.

This was contained in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba.

The statement read in part, “As a Student Union Activist, two-time member of the Osun State House of Assembly, State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, PDP Osun State Chairman and later National Vice Chairman (South West) of our great Party, Hon. Adagunodo distinguished himself in all spheres as a statesman with uncommon commitment to duty.

“As the National Vice Chairman (South West), he worked tirelessly with other PDP leaders in the effort to rebrand and strengthen our great Party in the bid to rescue, rebuild and redirect our nation from the misrule of the APC.

“His death is indeed a big blow which has created a huge vacuum in our Party in Osun State, the South West Zone and the national level.

“The PDP family commiserates with Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State; the wife, children and all members of the Adagunodo family, the Osun State Chapter of our Party and the good people of Osun State at this moment of grief.

“Our Party prays to the Almighty God to comfort the family and grant us all the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

Osun Govt Election: Supreme Court Judgement Double-Edged Sword – Keyamo

By
Ayodele Oni
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Festus Keyamo

By Ayodele Oni

The decision of the Supreme Court on the Osun State Governorship Election may be precedent in determining pending petitions on the outcome of February Presidential Election.

Festus Keyamo, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, has warned that the Supreme Court ruling on Governor Ademola Adeleke could be a double-edged sword.

Those celebrating Adeleke’s victory, according to Keyamo, should study the Supreme Court’s principles on the tenability of results retrieved from the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, to prove over-voting.

He stated that the decision could have an impact on the pending Presidential Election Petitions.

The Supreme Court confirmed Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), as governor of Osun State on Tuesday.

The decision was delivered by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, who ruled that former Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, who challenged Adeleke’s victory, based all of his allegations against the election on unfounded hearsay.

While reading the judgement, Justice Emmanuel Agim also  held that the Court of Appeal correctly set aside the decision of the Tribunal as there is no way Oyetola could depend on only the information of the back end server and not look into the voters register which forms a foundation of the electoral process in any polling unit.

Keyamo, on the other hand, cautioned those who were celebrating Adeleke’s Supreme Court victory.

Tweeting, Keyamo wrote: “They have not even stopped for a minute in their euphoria to reflect on the principles enunciated by the Supreme Court as it affects the tenability of results obtained by BVAS to prove over-voting and how it affects their pending Presidential Election Petitions that will go before the same Supreme Court in a few months’ time.

“The Supreme Court has set a precedent that can be a two-edged sword and when I reflected on it, I just chuckled. Awaiting the final decision of the Presidential Election cases.”

House of Reps Officers: Opposition Members Elect Set To Wrestle Power From APC, To Choose Candidates For Contest

By
Ayodele Oni
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Victor Ogene

By Ayodele Oni

It may not be a smooth ride for adopted candidate from the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC), for speakership of the incoming green chamber as Opposition members-elect are set to give a good fight to clinch the seat.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Enugu State Branch, Chief CNN Nwagbara, had said that selection of speaker or Senate president is not determined by party majority.

The legal luminary was of the view that the members-elect had the sole right to choose their leader through indirect election within themselves in line with section 92 of the 1999 constitution.

Some members of the House of Representatives elect mainly from opposition parties have set up a committee to screen and select candidates to run for Speaker of the 10th Assembly.

In a statement in Abuja, the members-elect announced  Nicholas Mutu as Chairman, and Victor Ogene as Secretary of the 11-man committee.

The statement, which was signed by Ogene and three other members of the caucus, said that the committee has one week to turn in its report.

The members, drawn from eight parties which refers to itself as the “Greater Minority” said that with 183 members, they have what it takes to produce the speaker as against the 173 members of the APC.

“Based on the common pact which our respective political parties have with the Nigerian people, which is to holding government accountable to the people, we resolved to step into the arena, by offering credible and alternative leadership options.

“In keeping with this resolve, the “Greater Majority” of the 10th House of Representatives has put together an 11-man Committee – complemented by a chairman and secretary – charged with the task of shortlisting, screening and eventual recommendation of aspirants for the Speakership and Deputy Speaker positions.

“With a long-standing member of the House of Representatives, Nicholas Mutu as Chairman, and Victor Ogene as Secretary, the Committee has one week to turn in its Report.”

Members of the Committee include, Rep. Abdulmumini Jibrin, Deputy Chairman (NNPP) Rep. Oluwole Oke (PDP) Rep. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi (SDP) and Rep. Beni Lar (PDP).

Others are, Dr Ali Isa (PDP)  Kabiru Rurum (NNPP) Donatus Mathew Kuzalio (LP) Yusuf Salisu Majigiri (PDP) Nnabuife Chinwe Clara(YPP)  Maureen Chinwe APGA, Idris Salman(ADC) and Afam Ogene Secretary (LP)

The APC dominates the House of Representatives with 175 seats, while the PDP has 118 and LP controls 35.

The NNPP has 19 seats, APGA, five seats, while SDP and ADC have two seats each while the YPP has a single seat.

Ondo: Suspected Cultists Invade Owo, Kill Three Persons, Cart Away Bodies

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Owo, an ancient town in Ondo State has been bombarded by suspected cultists, an operation that has led to the death of three persons as at Tuesday night.

Some residents in the town explained that the killings were allegedly carried out by suspected cultists.

Apart from shooting dead victims, their corpses were carted away by the invaders.

The state security agencies including the police and Amotekun corps confirmed the incident and their readiness to track down those behind the incident.

The State Police Command Spokesperson, Funmilayo Ibklam, said policemen were yet to track down the killers.

“The Police is currently on patrol within Owo, just spoke with the Area Commander and DPO, no one is ready to report or even assist with an information. However, the anti-cultism men have been deployed.”

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the governor on security matters, Adetunji Adeleye who doubles as commander of Amotekun corps, said security operatives had been deployed to curb the killings and to make necessary arrest immediately.

Governor Oyebanji Backs Akpabio For Senate Presidency, Says Ekiti Senators Solidly Behind Him

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Godswill Akapbio and Abiodun Oyebanji

By Akinwale Kasali

The Senate Presidency aspiration of Godswill Obot Akpabio has received a huge boost following the backing of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji and Ekiti State Senators.

The Governor  said he has endorsed Akpabio for the position to succeed the incumbent Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, stressing that Ekiti State is committed to a united and formidable 10th National Assembly and the decision by the All-Progressives Congress, APC, National Working Committee to zone the Senate President position to the South-South.

Oyebanji gave the assurance to Akpabio when he hosted him in Abuja, alongside some senators-elect. The meeting also had in attendance elected senators from Ekiti: Opeyemi Bamidele, Yemi Adaramodu and Cyril Fasuyi.

Speaking during the meeting, Oyebanji said Ekiti APC had keyed into NWC’s decision on the 10th Assembly leadership.

“in Ekiti State, we are committed to a united National Assembly and we are also committed to the decision of the National Working Committee of the APC with respect to the zoning and you can attest to the fact that all the senators are here with me just to have dinner with Akpabio.

“We are supporting his aspiration as directed by the national body of the party. We are in this together, we are not only supporting, we will identify with him publicly and that is what I have done.

“All Ekiti senators and the leaders, all the former governors – we are in the same boat. We respect the sanctity of the party and we appeal to all contenders to also follow the advice of the National Working Committee.

“It is only when we are united that we can ensure progressive development of the country. Senator Akpabio has been called to serve and he needs all support and we shall give him that,” Oyebanji was quoted as saying in a statement by his media aide, Yinka Oyebode.

There have been issues regarding the zoning of the Senate Presidency, in which the South East Senators have urged the President Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to look their way as they have been marginalized.

Kano: Farmers Lament Lack Of Modern Equipment, Want 20 Percent Budgetary Allocation To Agriculture

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Farmers in Nigeria

By Ayodele Oni

Clusters of farmers associations in Kano state have lamented that obsolete farming equipment coupled with lack of access to fertilizers and services of extension officers may force them out of business.

The group of farmers, that have branches across the 44 Local government areas of the Kano state, under the banner of ‘We Farm the Food’  have appealed to the Federal government to invest and allocate 20percent, of its budget to Agriculture for gross domestic product and economic transformation.

Chairman of the State’s Farmers Association:‘We Farm the Food’ Bako Ibrahim Sabo, made this call during a one day capacity building seminar tagged ‘Mu koma Gona’ in Hausa which means Let go back to the farms, at Dagumawa, Wudil Local government area.

The seminar was primarily aimed at educating the farmers and boost their morale despite the set backs they are encountering.

Bako Sabo, added that past governments neglected the sector, despite the numerous plans and Programmes for Agriculture, but they are merely on paper rather than practical.

“Irrigation scheme has been severely reduced due to the excessive cost, which endanger livelihoods of thousands of people, the authority needs to come to boost the capacity.

“There is possible drought and famine threats across the state and nationwide, also last year low crop yields in some areas still continue to have ripple effects, we are in danger of drought ravaged food insecurity, which need broad based development to salvage the flight of the rural farmers.”

The Agriculturalist called on the incoming federal administration to invest heavily in Agriculture, which he suggested that it should allocate 20 percent of its budget to the sector to close the gap and compete globally as Agriculture remains one of the economy most important driver.

Rural farmers that participated at the event, lamented the obstacle they are facing ranging from obsolete and outdated mechanized farming tools, to high cost of fertilizer, shortage of ADP’s and Agricultural extension workers, lack of know how and usage of seeds and crops.

They called for routine  seminar/workshop/capacity building as it improves their knowledge as well as bridging the gap.

Power Is Back To The People, Atiku Speaks On Adeleke’s Victory

By
James Orji
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Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has praised the Supreme Court for validating the election of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
On Tuesday, the apex court five-man panel affirmed the judgment of the Court of Appeal that Adeleke was the winner of last year’s governorship election in the state, a decision that finally ended the legal tussle that lasted for months, after Gboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress, APC, challenge the  declaration of Adeleke as winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
The state Election Petition Tribunal had earlier declared the former governor the winner of the tight election.
In his reaction, Atiku who lost the presidential election in February said the apex court ruling on the matter is a clear warning to those that may want to subvert the country’s Electoral process in the future
The PDP candidate said the supreme court stood in the side of the people of Osun by its decision to validate the election of Adeleke.
“The law governing our elections has truly brought power to the people, and those power mongering politicians who believe that they can freely subvert the inherent power of democracy now have their hopes dashed.” he said.
Meanwhile, the APC in the state has accepted the judgment, saying it will now effectively play its role as the opposition party.

Buhari To See Dentist In London

By
James Orji
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President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari will remain in London for another week to see his dentist, the presidency has said.

The president left the country last week to take part in the coronation of England Monarch, King Charles lll, and was billed to return after the elaborate ceremony attended by many world leaders.

Buhari will now have to stay back in London to see his dentist, according to Femi Adesina, the president’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.

Adesina said in a statement on Tuesday that Buhari decided to stay back at the behest of his doctor, saying treatment has already started and will take five days.

According to Adesina, “President Muhammadu Buhari will be in London, United Kingdom, for an additional week, at the behest of his dentist, who has started attending to him,” the statement reads.

“The specialist requires to see the president in another five days for a procedure already commenced.”

Buhari who left the country on May 3, alongside some federal government officials took part in the May 6 coronation.

He was accompanied on the trip by Boss Mustapha, secretary to the government of the federation; Geoffrey Onyeama, minister of foreign affairs; Lai Mohammed, minister of information and culture; and Babagana Monguno, national security adviser.

Not a few Nigerians have condemned the president’s decision to always seek medical treatment abroad when he can conveniently find better medical facilities in the country.

The president who has spent a better part of his administration seeking medical treatment in London has been dragged by not a few Nigerians who said he has not shown good example to others.

Why can’t the president made use of the multi-billion naira Aso Rock clinic, many are asking.

NIMASA DG Harps On Maritime Tourism For Economic Development

By
James Orji
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0

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, has called for collaboration between the tourism and maritime sectors in Nigeria, stating that with the enormous resources inherent in the maritime sector, the tourism industry when fully tapped will benefit the nation’s economy.

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Jamoh stated this at the 6th National Tourism Transportation Summit and Expo organised by the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria, ITPN, in collaboration with the Ministries of Transportation, Aviation, Information, and Culture at the International Conference Centre Abuja.

Speaking on the topic, “Tourism and the Development of Nigeria’s Blue Economy,” Jamoh observed that investment must not necessarily involve huge materials and human capital, noting that, like other economic sectors, small and medium-scale business was also possible to generate the number of jobs and other economic benefits associated with the tourism sector.

According to Jamoh, “I must acknowledge here that tourism is one sector that Nigeria is doing very well. But unfortunately, the marine tourism component is one area where we are currently lagging behind when compared to other economies of the world. I am fascinated, and must commend the organisers of this event, because a Well-managed tourism sector can support conservation while contributing to sustainable development and providing income opportunities and a higher quality of life”

Speaking further, Jamoh correlated the relationship between NIMASA, maritime potential and the tourism sector, noting that maritime safety and security was sacrosanct for marine tourism development. He stressed that there was need for stakeholders to support all engagements and policies statement of government on preservation of Nigeria’s biodiversity, maritime ecosystem and other endowments, which are valuable assets for marine tourism development.

He also noted that the benefits from tourism would only be achieved with security guarantees, suggesting that this couldbe achieved by closing gaps and linking associated cities through building of infrastructure, while the bodies of water between them are used for tourist attractions.

“Research shows that the Oceans economy is worth about 20 trillion dollars. These include the fishing, pharmaceutical, and renewable energy industries. Therefore, we have to develop, preserve and protect our maritime endowments and link these industries appropriately, to achieve the desired goal. As an Agency of government, NIMASA will always play that complementary role of supporting economic growth and development. We have invested a lot in the acquisition and deployment of maritime security assets, so I urge stakeholders in the maritime sector to take advantage of what we have done and invest in relevant marine tourism areas because our waters are now safe”, Jamoh said.

He called for proactive measures, stressing that Pollu tion of marine and freshwater resources, Soil and land resources, desertification and salinification due to excessive water use, overuse of fertilizers, erosion, air pollution, loss of cultural resources, and social disruption could be result of marine tourism development.

The 6th National Tourism Transportation Summit, aimed at discovering and exploring the opportunities in the Nigeria tourism sector was themed, “AFCFTA: Exploring Intra-African Trade, Tourism and Transportation Opportunities and Mitigating the Barriers to Collaboration”.

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