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Kwara APC Boasts Of Gov AbdulRasaq Reelection

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

The All Progressive Congress, (APC) Campaign Council for the re-election of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in Kwara State has expressed confidence that his achievements are enough to guarantee his reelection.

The Council expressed the hope that people of the state are resolute and unswerving in their decision to extend the stay of the Governor in office.

This was contained in a statement on Saturday by its spokesperson, Florence Oyeyemi Olasunbo  who is also the state Commissioner for Finance.

She claimed that Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration has delivered on its promise to make the people and their needs the “heart and centre of government plans and operations” contrary to what previously obtained.

“There is no doubt that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq will be returned by the people of Kwara State for another term in office.

“He has delivered on his central promise to make them the focus of government plans and actions, contrary to what was witnessed in the dark years of the PDP when only a few people sat on our common patrimony and awarded exclusive privileges to themselves and their cronies.

“The Otoge revolution in 2019 was a total rejection and complete break from these charlatans who perverted democracy and fed fat on public resources whilst the majority of our people suffered.

“Although they are gathering again because of their unhealthy addiction to the public treasury, their efforts will end in a resounding failure because the people can see through their lies and pretensions.

“This administration has shown what is possible when the government is sincere and forthright about its duty to the people, particularly the provision of security and welfare alongside the right socioeconomic conditions for self-sustenance and dignified life.

“We have given new life to infrastructure in the state so that our people can do business and receive crucial support from investors who now consider our state a safe and conducive place for their investments.

“We have invested in education, rebuilt schools, improved teachers’ welfare, and provided educational materials for our kids to learn effectively in friendly environments and become drivers of future growth.”

“We have delivered quality healthcare, renovating and expanding PHCs in the state so that women and children, for example, are no longer made to travel several KMs just to see a doctor.”

Mrs Olasunmbo was of the view that the people would not neglect all of these and fall for the “empty grandstanding of those who are butt-hurt and still mourning their loss of access to the public treasury which they lived on for many years and have become addicted to.”

She advised the opposition, particularly the PDP, to quit the white noise it is making and not bother expending efforts on its purported plan to regain lost prominence through lies and distortions.

“The evidence of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administrative success is felt daily by the people in the most personal area of their lives, and that trumps whatever falsehood these yesterday men who were rejected for their mendacity and dubious nature plan to sell.”

Ndigbo In Finland, Tackle Simon Ekpa, Hold Emergency Meeting On Sunday

By
The Source
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By Charles Igbo

Worried by the incessant sit-at-home in Igboland, usually ordered by Finland-based Simon Ekpa, the Igbo in Finland will hold an emergency meeting on Sunday, December 18.

They are worried about the consequences of the order on the socio-economic and cultural lives of the Igbo. Most important, they are worried about the violence and killings which follow the order.

Ekpa, a self proclaimed disciple of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, now estranged from both IPOB and Kanu, is leading a splinter Group of the Organisation, known as Auto-IPOB.

Allegedly, this group is responsible for the killings and blood letting in Igboland  which have grounded the Zone to a halt, almost.

But it does seem that Ekpa has over-reached himself with the recent declaration of a five-day sit-at-home order which began on December 9, and has just ended. Ostensibly targeted at stopping the Igbo who had not picked their Permanent Voters Card, PVC, from doing so, it ushered in blood bath, deaths, tears and destruction of properties and businesses.

Ekpa’s order and its consequences have sparked outrage amongst Ndigbo, and he has been under attack since then from across Igboland and beyond. Petitions are being signed by thousands of people to the Nigerian and Finis Governments, asking for Ekpa’s arrest and prosecution.

Detained IPOB leader, Kanu, on Tuesday, lamented the attacks and blood bath in Igboland.

Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, who visited the detained IPOB leader in DSS detention on Monday, said Kanu was very  sad over the scary situation in Igboland.

Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel, while condemning the attack, descibed Ekpa as one acting like a paid agent.

He noted:  “There is no doubt he is working for some people because no true-blooded Igbo will do something to jeopardise the lives of his people. The Leader has always said that he cannot take a life because he doesn’t give life. So, why will people take other people’s lives?

“Why will you kill the same people you say you are fighting to protect? It doesn’t make sense. It is just obvious that Ekpa is working for some people to destroy what the Leader has built over the years. Why would he give a sit-at-home order? Under whose authority will he do that?

“My brother told me clearly that he did not authorise any person or group to order for sit-at-home. So, why do that? Who is he doing it to impress? It is only a paid agent that will behave the way he does.”

In its reaction, Ohanaeze Ndigbo condemned the violence.

On Thursday,  an angry Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, said  that Ekpa’s splinter group was leading terrorists to destabilise the South-east.

Speaking to stakeholders and All Progressives Congress (APC) members in Abakaliki, Umahi noted, again, that Ebonyi State would not be part of Biafra.

He lamented the loss of lives, and said: “When this agitation for Biafra started, I told them that this matter would go beyond Nnamdi Kanu. And today, it has gone beyond Nnamdi Kanu. Every criminal says he is IPOB. Every criminal says he is ESN.

“Is this the Biafra we desired, to be killing ourselves and displacing others? That’s why we said in the heat of that crisis that Ebonyi State can never be part of Biafra. We are not Biafra.

“If Biafra means to kill ourselves, to go to the market and start shooting people that have done nothing, to be declaring sit-at-home in our homeland and destroying the economy, for what reason? These things are strange to our culture.

“They have killed a lot of Ebubeagu people who are trying to protect our people.

“I ask all the Local Government people to give us information because we are ready to enter into the forest to flush out these bandits.”

Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Counsel to  IPOB and Kanu, recently sued Ekpa alleging crimes  against humanity in Igboland.

Defendants in the suit include: Simon Ekpa, Anibueze Juliet, Obinna Uzoaganaobi, Chukwuemeka Livingstone, and Raphael Ajaere.

Marked: CU/788/2022  the suit was filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on December 12, 2022.

And now, the Igbo in Finland have joined the fray. They have summoned an emergency general assembly scheduled against Sunday, December 18, 2022.

As a community, at the meeting, they will agree on an action plan over the havoc being wreaked in Igboland by the gunmen  masterminded from Finland.

Chairman of Igbo Union in Finland, Kingsley Orji, in a statement said the meeting billed  for Kilpakuja 1 is very important, in view of the ongoing carnage in Igbo land.

“We all must have read or be informed of the extent of bloodshed orchestrated by one singular command announcement from Finland. Evidential documents and/or order for action alluding to this indiscriminate bloodbath and destruction of property is our primary focus for discussion.

“The essence of the meeting is for us as a community to agree on an action plan.”

The South-east has become a no-go area for its people over killings, kidnappings, and destruction in the region.

NDDC Board: Will Onochie Lose Out Again As Court Stops Her Confirmation And Ogbuku’s

By
Adesina Soyooye
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By Adesina Soyooye

Will President Aide, Lauretta Onochie lose another plum job offered to her by her boss, President Muhammadu Buhari?

If she does, that will be the second time such fate would befell her.

Months ago, Buhari had, to the shock of not a few people, nominated Onochie, a very vocal aide, and a card-carrying member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as a Commissioner on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The nomination sparked an outrage. Petitions went to Senate from all corners, condemning her nomination, and asking the Senate to reject her nomination.

The protesters had their way.  Onochie was rejected by the Senate. Now, a few months after, Onochie faces another rejection of her nomination to a plum job.

Buhari, a couple of weeks ago appointed her as the Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, and Chief Samuel Ogbuku as the Managing Director, amongst other nominees. He forwarded their names to the Senate for screening.

But Onochie’s appointment is again stuck.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has halted her confirmation and that of Ogbuku by the Senate.

The Court ordered evety action on their confirmation  suspended, until the determination of a suit filed by Chief Edward Ekpokpo Esq., Engr. Victor Wood (both representing the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILOT) and Mr. Edward Omagbemi (representing Omadino Unity Forum) on behalf of the Itsekiri ethnic nationality.

The suit is challenging the nomination of Onochie and Ogbuku as Chairman and MD of the intervention Commission. It was filed on Monday, December 12.

The plaintiffs in the suit,   Chief Ekpokpo Esq., Engr. Wood and Mr. Omagbemi, in the suit, has President Muhammadu Buhari, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, the House of Senate, Mrs. Lauretta Onochie and Chief Samuel Ogbuku as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th defendants.

The originating summons,  suit number: FHC/ABJ/CS/2294/2022,is seeking,  among others, a restraining order on the National Assembly from screening and confirming  Onochie and Ogbuku as substantive Chairman and MD of the NDDC board.

Filed by Ama Etuwewe SAN & Co., on behalf of the plaintiffs, the suit says that the provisions of the NDDC Act has not been followed in the process.  It insists that it is the turn of the Itsekiri ethnic nationality “being the highest oil producing community in Delta state,” to produce the NDDC Board Chairman and MD.

It posited that the rights of the Itsekiri people are being “threatened” by the nomination and confirmation of the Onochie and Ogbuku.

The Judge, Hon. Justice J. K. Omotosho, upon reading the affidavit and listened to  Counsel to the plaintiff, ordered “that the reliefs relating to Interim injunction are hereby refused.

“That leave is hereby granted to the plaintiffs to serve the 5th and 6th defendants with the originating processes in this suit by substituted means to wit by advertising the processes in at least one national newspaper circulating within the jurisdiction of this to court and to deem same as proper service.

“That an order is hereby made that no party in this suit shall take any step or act or action that may make the outcome of the pending motion on notice for injunction Dated and filed 12th December 2022, nugatory.

“That any act or step or action taken in this order to make the outcome of the said motion on notice dated and filed 12th December, 2022 nugatory shall be a nullity”.

Further hearing was adjourned to February 11, 2022.

OSPOLY: Governor Adeleke Suspends New School Fees; Students Applaud

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Osun State Polytechnic Iree

By Akinwale Kasali

Students of the Osun State Polytechnic, OSPOLY, Iree, have showered praises on Governor Ademola Adeleke for suspending the New Fee Implementation that would have seen new students paying N112,850, as against the old fee of N67,850, while returning students would pay N97,300 as against N57,300.

A memo signed by the Permanent Secretary, Osun State Ministry of Education, Adelani Aderinola, addressed to the acting Rector of the polytechnic, dated December 15,  indicated that the new fee regime was to take effect from the commencement of the 2023 academic session.

The decision to halt the increment in the School fees has been  applauded by the National Association of University Students, NAUS, Osun Campus Monitoring Committee.

NAUS, in a statement on Saturday, signed by its Chairman and Deputy, Eruobami Ayobami and Oyedele Omowunmi respectively, said that “the tuition fee for fresh students was (earlier) increased from N67,850 to N112,850 for students offering science-related courses while those offering management-related courses were asked to pay N97,300 from the initial N57,300.”

The reversal was approved in a bid to make it clear that the Governor is prioritising the interest of Nigerian students.

“As Nigerian students, we want to commend the efforts of the governor and as well as the Osun State Government on this action, and we further implore you to do more,” the statement added.

Qatar 2022: Gallant Morocco Bows Out, Loses Third Place Playoff To Croatia

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Morocco vs Croatia

By Akinwale Kasali

The Atlas Lion of Morocco ended their 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign in Qatar bowing to the superior firing power of Croatia in their place match at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

As expected, both sides were gunning for the Bronze Medal having failed to secure a place in the finals losing to Argentina and France, 3-0 and 2-0 respectively.

As early as the fifth minute, Josko Gvardiol headed-in a powerful shot past Moroccan goalkeeper, Yassine Bono, to give the Croatians the lead.

Interestingly, the lead lasted for only two minutes a set piece cross from Hakim Ziyech found defender Achraf Sari who equalized from close range to give the North Africans the desired equalizer.

It, however, became a cagey affair as both teams became cautious but Bono within the sticks for Morocco denied Luka Modric from giving the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup runners up the lead by stopping a shot from him and a rebound.

With less than two minutes to the end of the first half, Mislav Orsic gave the Croats the lead with a curling strike that Bono was unable to stop.

On resumption for the second half, the Moroccans didn’t rest on their oars in getting the equalizer but Dominik Livakovic in the Croatia goal denied Youssef En-Nesyri and Sofiane Boufal on different occasions.

Though the Moroccans had a penalty shoot at the closing stages of the encounter, it was waved away by the Qatari referee.

A last gasp chance was headed off the bar by the Sevilla Football Club of Spain forward, En-Nesyri, to the disappointment of the players.

With the victory of the Croatians they have secured their second Bronze Medal in the FIFA World Cup. They got their first at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France which was the Croatians debut.

The Croatians defeated the Netherlands in the Third Place Match with goals from the legendary Davor Suker and Pronsinescki.

This could however be the last match for the Croatians mercurial midfielder, Luka Modric for the National team. Through his future with the National side is not yet certain.

The history set by the Moroccans will linger on for a long time till another African country achieve this remarkable feat of getting to the semi finals of the FIFA World Cup.

Atiku and Obi of Onitsha: Media Group Sets Record Straight; It Does Not Add Up, People Say

By
The Source
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Atiku Abubakar - Obi of Onitsha and Soludo

By Charles Igbo

The ripples from the Peoples Democratic Party’s Presidential Rally organised in Awka, Anambra State is yet to settle.

The Presidential Candidate of the Party, Atiku Abubakar, and his entourage had paid a courtesy call to the Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, at the Government House, and, in a rather controversial manner met with the Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers, including the revered Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha at same venue.

Not a few Ndigbo were angry over two things. One, that Achebe and the other Monarchs went to the Government House to meet Atiku instead of Atiku going to pay a courtesy call to the Obi in his Palace. They noted that it is the norm in all the States visited so far by Atiku, and other Presidential Candidates and wondered why that of Anambra was different.

Another area of concern was that Igwe Achebe stood up while addressing Atiku. And they said that was disrespectful. No Emir, or Oba, or any other First Class Traditional Ruler will do that.

They also blamed Governor Soludo for allowing the Monarchs to assemble at the Government House to receive Atiku.

But a Group called the Onitsha Media Group has jumped to the defence of Igwe Achebe in a statement it issued on Friday. The Igwe and the Monarchs, they posited, were there for their meetings, which according to the Group holds at Government House at times.

They said the Igwe received Atiku as part of the regular meetings of the Monarchs.

They said that Achebe was not summoned to Awka, as is strongly speculated to receive Atiku in audience, but that the reception was part of their meeting.

However, the Group contradicted itself when it said in the statement it issued that Obi would go to Awka to receive any Presidential Candidate who requests that of him.

It said: “If the PDP Presidential candidate or any other candidate for that matter had requested to be so received, His Majesty would have been duty bound to oblige. This is in line with his customary role as father of all.”

Part of the statement reads:

“His Majesty sits on the throne of Eze Chima, and as the Obi of Onitsha, the Jewel of the Lordly Niger, he traditionally receives Presidents, past and present, Presidential aspirants, foreign dignitaries, notable personalities, the people of Onicha Ado N’Idu at home.

“It would be recalled that the Council had some months ago similarly granted audience to the Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, in the same room in which it met Mr. Atiku yesterday.

“All courtesy calls are paid at the Ime Obi Ezechima Palace, and anything outside the Palace is not considered a courtesy call.

“Agbogidi, the Obi of Onitsha is the Chairman, Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council (ASTRC), and in his capacity as Chairman, he regularly hosts meetings of the state’s traditional rulers to discuss issues affecting individual communities, the state and Igbo land at large as well as how to advance the development of Anambra State.

“ASTRC has its headquarters in Awka, and yesterday (Thursday),  as part of its regular meeting, received the former Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar as a guest.

“If the PDP Presidential candidate or any other candidate for that matter had requested to be so received, His Majesty would have been duty bound to oblige. This is in line with his customary role as father of all.”

However, the statement has been dismissed as an after thought which failed to address the issue by many people.

Said one reaction: “The Obi made a mistake. He belittled his and  Ndigbo. He should not do it again, even for the President (Muhammadu Buhari). They should go to his Palace and see him.”

Jonathan Felicitates Buhari At 80

By
The Source
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Buhari and Jonathan working secretly with APC

Former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated President Buhari on the occasion of his 80th birthday and prayed for God’s guidance and protection as he pilots the affairs of the nation in the remaining months of his administration.

In a goodwill message he personally signed, Dr. Jonathan noted that President Buhari has had an exceptional opportunity of leading the country twice, both as a military Head of state and civilian President.

The former President stated; “I am delighted to felicitate you on the occasion of your 80th birthday. I join your family , friends and other well-wishers to thank God for the gift of life and the strength to pilot the affairs of this nation for the past seven and a half years.

“As a leader, you are one of the few Nigerians who have been privileged to administer our country at different political eras; both as a military Head of State and civilian president. During these  times, you have offered your best efforts in the pursuit of your aspirations for the nation.

“As you celebrate, I wish you the strength, peace and God’s guidance in the remaining months of your administration and even beyond. On behalf of my family, I wish you a happy birthday.”

The Unforgettable Mrs Dele Adigun

By
The Source
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Betty Akeredolu and Margaret Adigun

By Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu

From December 15-16, 2022, I paid my last respect to a dear friend, Mrs Dele Adigun, the wife of Engineer Adigun (late), Founder and Chairman of popular Sahara Engineers Limited in Ibadan.

She was among the very few people who did not run away from Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) because of the name but rather, identified strongly with my vision in the late 90s when it was very difficult to recruit members.

The words “breast cancer” scared a lot of people away who ignorantly thought that being a member of BRECAN was like bringing the affliction upon themselves.

That’s was then. That’s part of BRECAN’s story although the story is different in recent times.

Mrs Adigun was kind and forever giving and lived a life of service. She had this air of western lifestyle or “oyiboness” if you like.

Later, I found out that she studied and lived in Germany.

The first time I visited her, she offered me German tea, no, it was German coffee and bread. When I disclosed that I loved the bread, she would from time to time bake German bread and brought to my house in Jericho, Ibadan.

She was a mother of five boys popularly called “THE BIG 5”. And with their 5 wives, that’s a village!

When one of the boys found an Igbo girl as a wife, she excitedly informed me and was eager to know more of the Igbo culture. With such a favourable disposition, I thought she would be a wonderful and caring mother-inlaw.

She was a constant participant of BRECAN jog for life in Ibadan for years until she became immobile. How can we forget her peculiar dance steps that added fun and laughter for all of us, the participants, both the young and old!

She will be sorely missed. May her soul rest in perfect peace.

Anyanwu-Akeredolu is the First Lady of Ondo State, and Founder of BRECAN

How Buhari Saved Fmr. Ekiti State Governor, Fayose, From Disgrace – Presidential Spokesman

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

It has been revealed that former Governor Ayo Fayose’s Media campaigns against President Mohammadu Buhari while in office as Ekiti state helmsman almost caused him his office but for Buhari.

It would have caused him a second disgrace out of office no thanks to some people in the Presidency who were livid over what they termed Fayose’s irresponsible criticisms of the President.

While serving his second term as Governor of Ekiti state, Fayose was in the forefront of attacks on Buhari, while he was away due to health challenges.

The former Ekiti Governor insisted then Buhari was dead in United Kingdom, (UK) and that there was a sort of cover up to hide the facts about his state of health.

Even on his return to the country, Fayose claimed that he had video clips to show Nigerians that Buhari was dead and cloned, saying one Jubrin of Sudan is president.

The Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the President, Femi Adesina, in his birthday message to President Buhari on his 80th birthday, revealed that the presidency was uncomfortable with Fayose’s barrage of media attacks on the President.

He, however, said President Muhammad Buhari did not approve the impeachment of the former Ekiti State Governor, from office when he had the power and opportunity to do so.

The President’s Adviser said it is because Buhari has “no malicious bone in his body,” that was why he did not effect Fayose’s impeachment through the Ekiti State House of Assembly, which at the time was largely dominated by members of the All Progressives Congress.

In the article titled ‘Buhari at 80: No Malicious Bone In His Body’, Adesina recalled how Fayose had tackled Buhari in the build up to the 2014 elections and how he had said the president, if elected back then, would not survive his tenure in office.

He said Buhari could have retaliated when he assumed office and could have further ordered the Inspector General of Police to lock down the Ekiti State Assembly, but stated that the President chose peace instead.

He also recalled that instead of violence, Buhari gave Fayose a warm handshake during a Council of State meeting at the Presidential Villa.

Adesina wrote, “How about Ayo Fayose, the Irunmole that eats Jollof rice. The former Ekiti State Governor had taken a stand against Buhari since 2014, during the campaigns.

“There was that infamous advertisement he placed in newspapers, displaying a coffin, and insinuating that if Buhari was elected, he would not last the distance.

“Fayose’s party was beaten black and blue, and entered President Buhari. What would an average, vengeful person have done, if he were in the mould of the man with the teacup and saucer?

“When Buhari came, the Ekiti House of Assembly was largely populated by APC members, whom Fayose had inherited. What to do?

“Just give a directive: remove that Governor within a week, and he directs the Inspector General of Police to lock down the Assembly chamber. But not Buhari. Why? Because he has no malicious bone in his body.”

Recall that during the PDP Government of President Olusegun Obasanjo, Fayose, a PDP Governor, was impeached from office.

2023: N50m Cash Gift, SUVs Divide APC NWC

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Senator Abdullahi Adamu

The ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, is embroiled in a fresh crisis over the sharing of N50 million to each members of the party’s National Working Committee, NWC, involved in the party’s Presidential Campaign Council, PCC.

Those believed to have received the car and cash gifts are the Deputy National Women Leader, Zainab Abubakar Ibrahim, Deputy National Women Secretary, Festus Fuanter, Deputy National Financial Secretary, Hamma-Adama Ali Kumo, Deputy National Organizing Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru, and Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Yakubu Murtala Ajaka.

Apart from the N50 million allegedly shared to the select NWC members, they were also said to have received a Lexus 570 SUVs after being drafted to the PCC.

Apparently, the development did not go down well with other members of the NWC who did not make the membership of PCC.

Those now spoiling for war for alleged marginalisation include Bolaji Alabi Edu, deputy national legal adviser; Olufemi Akpedeyi, deputy national auditor; Jamalu Kabir, deputy national youth leader; Omorede Osifo-Marshall, deputy national treasurer; and Christopher Akpan, deputy national welfare secretary.

The angry NWC members, according to a complaint lodged with the party leadership expressed their unhappiness with the manner they have been marginalised since the current NWC was inaugurated in February this year.

Meanwhile, sources in the party in Abuja told the magazine that the largesse was for members of the PCC and not all the NWC members. 

“But don’t worry, the issues will be resolved in line with the peaceful resolution mechanism of the party,” one of the sources said.

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