Home Blog Page 1876

South-east Governors Seek Political Solution To Kanu’s Trial; Sets Up Joint Security Patrol on Highways

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0

By Ayodele Oni

The Governors of the South Eastern States of the country, on Sunday, restated their position on the ongoing trial of their kinsman, Nnmadi Kanu,  leader of the  Indigenous People’s of Biafra (IPOB), for a political solution as the way out.

Rising from their meeting in Enugu, the Governors said they were monitoring the situation.

“South-east Governors are watching with keen interest, the developments with respect to the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu viz-a-viz the Court rulings. However, we believe that a political solution is still possible in this circumstance.”

They called on the Federal Government to provide adequate security in the zone ahead of next year’s general elections.

They lamented the increasing wave of insecurity within states in the zone and agreed to set up a 24-hour Joint Patrol in all major highways within the South East, especially during the Christmas season.

In the communique issued at the end of the meeting, the Governors also dismissed media reports that they’re responsible for the creation of ESN, stressing that they only created Ebubeagu and Forest Guards.

Ebonyi State Governor and Chairman of Southeast Governors’ Forum, David Umahi, who read the communique, decried the state of insecurity in the region lamenting that “Our economic activities have come to a halt while kidnapping and wanton killing have become the order of the day.

“South-east Governors call on the Federal Government to come to our aid in providing security in the Zone bearing in mind that elections are around the corner.

“Meanwhile, South-east Governors have agreed to set up a 24-hour Joint Patrol in all major highways within the South East, especially during the Christmas season.”

The Governors commended the States and the Federal Government on “efforts to alleviate the sufferings of the victims of the recent flood menace in the Country. We hope, however, that long term solution is desirable.”

“South-east Governors have decided to put funds together to further assist the victims of flooding in our five States in the South East.

“We, also plead with the Federal Government to please initiate action in the dredging of rivers in the South East, to ameliorate the destruction of houses, farmlands and properties.

“We request the Federal Government to come to the aid of the victims in terms of rehabilitation of the internally displaced persons.”

The forum “congratulated and welcomed His Excellency, the Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Prof. Charles Soludo, who was represented by His Deputy, His Excellency, Dr. Onyekachukwu G. Ibezim.

The Governors were however, silent on the 2023 Presidential election especially, the issue of Peter Obi, candidate of Labour Party, (LP) who is one of the leading presidential candidates from the zone.

Also present at the meeting were; Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State and Imo state, Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma who was represented by his deputy; Prof. Placid Njoku.

Nigeria Agog, As  Flamingoes Breaks Record,  Makes History

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Flamingoes

By Akinwale Kasali

Nigeria’s Under-17 Female Football team, Flamingoes, has made Nigeria proud. In making the country proud, the girls broke the record and made history

At the PYT Davil Stadium in Goa, India  Flamingoes  defeated Germany 3-2 on Penalties after a 3-3 draw at the end of 90 minutes.

The victory gave the team the Bronze medal. But to Nigeria and Africa, the Bronze is like Gold. It is the first time any African country would get to that stage. On their way to this stage, the Nigerian girls upstaged a number of Football powerhouses, including, USA!

The Coach Bankole Olowookere Girls, surprisingly, took the lead courtesy of Opeyemi Ajakaye, top scorer in the African qualifier who ended her goal drought with a brilliant opener for the Flamingos in the 20th minute, before Amina Bello doubled the lead with a brilliant header just three minutes into the second half.

Few minutes later,  Edidiong Etim, who came on for Chidera Okenwa in the 59th minute, made it three goals for Nigeria.

At this point, the Flamingoes were confident of victory before the Germans proved their mettle as no pushovers. They pulled one back through Jella Viet’s effort in the 73rd minute and scored the second in the 88th minute through Platiner Paulina, before Loreen Bender equalised for the European champions in the 92nd minute to drag the match into the lottery of penalties.

During the spot kicks, Blessing Sunday, Etim and Ajakaye, all scored from the spot for Flamingos but defender Tumininu Adeshina’s miss did not matter as Pauliner Bartz fluffed the crucial kick for Germany.

The Flamingoes finished the tournament on a high note winning the Bronze medal, hereby achieving a feat that no African country has ever achieved.

They made history with this feat, giving the nation its first medal at any FIFA Women tournament.

Spain defeated Colombia in the final 1-0 to record a back-to-back triumph at the Under-17 Female World Cup, retaining the trophy it won in 2018 in New Zealand.

“I Asked Buhari To Nominate My Running Mate, He Refused” – Tinubu

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0
Tinubu and Buhari

By Adesina Soyooye

Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, told a cross section of the Yoruba that President Muhammadu Buhari rejected to nominate a running mate for him, Tinubu.

Asiwaju Tinubu spoke in Akure on Sunday, at the residence of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, where he met with  members of the apex Yoruba socio-political Group, Afenifere. He presented his agenda to them, and was endorsed.

Explaining to them how much confidence Buhari has in him, and how much backing the President and the North have given him, the Presidential candidate said: “Northern APC Governors resolved that the Presidency must go to the South, especially, the South-west. Governors Nasir El-Rufai, Abdullahi Ganduje and others supported me to the end. The battle was tough, and at a point, I was in doubt. There were many rumours, and I became confused of what to believe.

He said he enjoys, fully,  the support of the President, and disclosed that Buhari has assured him of victory in 2023.

Tinubu; “President Buhari told me I promoted his name the way I won the Primary election because the process was clean and transparent and nobody can accuse him of manipulating the process. President Buhari said I gave him credibility and I deserved to be President.

“When I asked him to nominate the VP candidate for me, he said I should pick whoever I wanted, and it is the reason I chose a competent man in Kashim Shettima who never lost any election and protected Christians in time of trouble in his State.”

The choice of Shettima, a fellow Muslim, by Tinubu, has polarised both the APC and religious bodies.

PDP’s Governor Makinde Endorses Tinubu For President

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0
Governor Seyi Makinde with Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Adesina Soyooye

Oyo  State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has endorsed the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Party, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Makinde is a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governor.

The Governor endorsed Tinubu in Akure, Ondo State, on Sunday, when the APC Candidate met with the apex Yoruba socio-political Group, Afenifere. The meeting was held at the residence of Chief Reuben Fasoranti.

Fasoranti was the leader of Afenifere, but voluntarily, months ago,  handed over to Chief Ayo Adebanjo, allegedly due to old age. Fasoranti is a nonagererian. Incidentally, nether Adebanjo nor the Secretary, Chief Sola Ebiseni, was present at the meeting where Tinubu presented his agenda to the Yoruba. Adebanjo and his faction of Afenifere support Peter Obi of the Labour Party, according to them, for justice and equity.

The attendance at the meeting cut across political parties. Attendees endorsed  Tinubu who assured them that he he would bring the trophy home. Fasoranti who  prayed for him, also told Tinubu that he would win.

Makinde was represented by his Deputy,  Chief Bayo Lawal who assured the meeting that his Governor, Makinde, would abide by the decision of the meeting on Yoruba matters.

Said Lawal: “Baba invited him (Makinde), but he could not reject the call of Baba.

Second, it is a Yoruba matter that is being discussed. In Yorubaland, if you are doing things without inviting Oyo, it is not complete. He (Governor) doesn’t joke with Yoruba matter even though we are not united by the Party, but Region united us, and everything discussed on Yoruba, he (Makinde) would support. If he had not supported Amotekun project, it would not have succeeded.”

Makinde is one of the five  PDP Governors led by Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, who are at loggerheads with the National Chairman of the Party, Dr Iyorchia Ayu. They want Ayu to give way to a Southerner because the Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, is from the North. They have, since  Wike’s loss to Atiku and Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, distanced themselves from all the activities of the PDP.

Makinde joins Wike and Ortom, who, in the past few days, have hinted they are not likely to support Atiku’s Presidential ambition in 2023.

Yoruba Leaders Who Received Tinubu In Akure

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Akure

By Ayodele Oni

Dignitaries present during the visit, by the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Bola  Tinubu, to the leadership of Afenifere, in Akure on Sunday cut across political divide.

During the visit, Tinubu declared that he is well prepared to win the 2023 general election, noting that anybody that will defeat him shall sweat.

Speaking after he presented his manifesto to the national leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti,  Tinubu stated that  support for his ambition is massive and cut across all parts of the country.

According to the APC Presidential Candidate, the action plan tagged “Renewed Hope” is progressing as many governors and leaders in the north are giving his ambition massive support.

Two of the Afenifere leaders, Chief Sehinde Arogbofa urged Tinubu to address issue of insecurity and restructuring with all seriousness, while Chief Olu Falae charged Tinubu to look into falling value of naira and economic hardship when he emerges the President.

Also speaking, the Oyo state governor, Mr Seyi Makinde represented by his deputy, Adebayo Lawal promised to follow the path of Yoruba leaders to ensure the emergence of Tinubu as President.

Others who were at the event included governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state represented by his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; new Ekiti state governor, Mr Abiodun Oyebanji, who drummed support for the aspiration of Tinubu.

Among leaders who witnessed the event  in Akure were Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Chief Bisi Akande; Professor Isaac  Adewole, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and retired General Olu Bajowa,

Others are  former Chief of Army Staff, General Alani Akinrinade; Ambassador Sola Iji; APC National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore; APC National Vice Chairman (South West), Isaacs Kekemeke; Ondo State APC Chairman, Ade Adetimehin; Dr Kunle Olajide, ace journalist, Dare Babarinsa; Chief Pius Akinyelure; former Ondo State House of Assembly Speaker, Dr Bakkita Bello and Chief Olusola Oke, SAN.

Anglican Church Commends Uzodimma For Massive Road

By
The Source
-
0
Governor Hope Uzodimm

It was commendation galore for Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and his government, Sunday, as the Diocese of Isi-Mbano Anglican Communion rounded off its 2nd Session of the 10th Synod.

The entire congregation, led by the Bishop of Isi-Mbano Anglican Diocese, The Rt. Rev Godson Ukanwa, could not hide their feelings over the first phase of the newly reconstructed Owerri-Okigwe road that has made life more meaningful for the people residing on that corridor when Governor Uzodimma was introduced at the St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Amaraku, venue of the Synod.

“We cannot thank you enough for this road and your intervention on other roads in Imo State. God will bless you and support you,” the Bishop said.

The Theme of the Synod which was also the kernel of the day’s Sermon was: From Trials to Triumph (The Test of Genuineness and Strength of True Faith) and drawn from the Book of James 1:2-4.

Addressing the congregation at the end of the Church Service, the Governor thanked God for keeping everybody alive to witness the day’s event and assured the people that by “God’s grace and with the relative peace now experienced in Imo State the government will do more in infrastructure and human capital development.”

He said Imo State situation fitted the theme of the Synod and the sermon, and acknowledged that “despite the struggles, violence, jail breaks and kidnappings, killing of innocent citizens and burning of individuals and public property and institutions, God intervened and the trials of Imo people are now their triumph.”

Governor Uzodimma who said the people are the reason why government exists noted that “an occasion such as the Synod helps to bring government nearer to the Church,” adding that “as a Christian it is our heart that God looks at and not our Church.”

He reiterated that the government and the Church are partners.  “Government is to complement what the Church is doing and government will continue to support the Church as God is responsible for everything we do in life and as the Psalmist puts it, what we owe God is to trust and obey.”

He also poured encomium on Bishop Ukanwa for being unique in the ways he goes about God’s work and other activities and used the opportunity to announce a N10 million donation in support of God’s work in the Diocese.

Governor Uzodinma further commended the Diocese for finding some women worthy of honour,  including the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs. Rubby Emele and the Senior Special Assistant on Urban Beautification, Mrs Izuchi Duru.

The Governor also commended the visiting preacher, The Rt. Revd. Foreman Nedison who is also the Bishop of Jalingo Anglican Diocese for his message that was impactful and prayed God to grant the congregation the grace to learn from the sermon.

Earlier in his sermon,  Bishop Nedison had charged all Christians to anchor their faith on the belief that their trails will always turn into triumph.

But he warned the congregation that for them to achieve the above, they must have to look unto God for everything, including their security.

Also, he said, “Christians must maintain Godly character, they have to maintain the joy of the Lord and never allow the enemy to take away their joy.”

Bishop Nedison thanked the Diocese of Isi-Mbano for the opportunity of allowing him to be the guest preacher at the Synod.

In welcoming the Governor and his entourage as well as other members of the congregation, Bishop Ukanwa did not just appreciate the Governor for his love for the Diocese but acknowledged the infrastructural development in Okigwe zone under the able leadership  of Governor Uzodimma.

He also thanked his brother Bishop for the powerful message from the pulpit and said “the Diocese did not make mistake bringing him all the way from Jalingo.”

Highlights of the Synod Service were the raising of funds for the development of the Diocese and the presentation of awards to some distinguished members of the Diocese.

Those who accompanied the Governor to the Synod Service were the Speaker Imo State House of Assembly,  Rt. Hon. Anthony Emeka Nduka, the Deputy Speaker,  Rt. Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu, other House Members, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, Hon. Commissioners, members of the Expanded Exco, top government functionaries, political appointees, traditional rulers and business moguls.

“Ayu Is Corrupt, Shouldn’t Be Talking” – Wike; Dares The PDP National Chairman On Ortom

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0
Nyesom Wike and Iyorcha Ayu

By Adesina Soyooye

For about the third time, Nyesom Wike, Rivers State Governor, has dismissed the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, as corrupt and lacking in credibility.

Wike is a PDP Governor.

He said this on Sunday when he reacted to Ayu’s pronouncement on Friday that he has the capacity to stop the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, from contesting for a Senate seat in the 2023 General elections.

Ortom, a second term Governor, is seeking for a Senate seat in 2023. He is one of the four PDP Governors, led by Wike, vehemently opposed to Ayu’s leadership of the Party. They demand that Ayu steps down for a Southerner  since the Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, is also from the North. Ayu is from Benue State, while Atiku is from Adamawa.

Their disagreement with the Party began when Wike lost the Presidential ticket to Atiku, and also lost the Vice Presidential ticket to Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa. Since then, they have excluded themselves from the activities of the Party, including the Presidential Campaign activities.

Wike and Ortom had, a few days ago, more than hinted they would not work for Atiku’s victory at the polls.

Responding to Ayu’s claim of being in a position to stop Ortom from contesting, Wike dared Ayu, and called him a man without credibility.

While briefing newsmen at his private residence, Wike said: ” I dare the National Chairman to stop any contestant if he has what it takes. It is in this country where you say a man is very corrupt and he is trying to talk.”

What We See In Tinubu – Afenifere

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Bola Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

Pan Yoruba socio cultural organization, Afenifere declared on Sunday that the presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress, (APC) Bola Tinubu can usher in a better Nigeria if elected next year.

In a statement in Akure after the APC flagbearer presented his manifesto to the leadership of Afenifere, the group said Tinubu has demonstrated the ability in building physical and human capital.

The statement, signed by Kole Omololu, national organizing secretary of Afenifere pointed out that “Having taken cognisance of his commendable antecedents as Lagos State Governor and his demonstrated ability in building physical and human capital, the Yoruba Leaders at today’s meeting are in no doubt that Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria offers the best opportunity to produce a government of that will usher in a new Era of hope, peace, security, harmony, gainful employment for the multitude, economic development, social and political stability.

“Following the indication by the Presidential Candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, in the forthcoming 2023 Elections, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to visit The Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere,  Pa Reuben Famuyide FASORANTI, OFR, invited Leaders from all parts of Yorubaland to be with him as he receives the astute Politician.

“The Leaders and some other eminent Yoruba intelligensials responded positively by sitting with him as he hosted Tinubu in Akure  today.

“The meeting was attended by Yoruba Leaders from Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Lagos, Kogi and Kwara States.

“The meeting was fully briefed about the aspiration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to contest for the Presidency of Nigeria in the forthcoming Elections in February 2023. He even presented his Manifesto to Baba, the Asiwaju of Yorubaland.

‘He shared with us his vision of a greater and more prosperous Nigeria where democratic rights, rule of law, justice and fairness will reign supreme.

“He also gave assurance on steps to be taken to ensure safety and security of Nigerians and their properties.

“Following exhaustive deliberations informed by presentations by various stakeholders, the Afenifere  states as follow:

“We affirm that Nigeria as a country must be established on the basis of democracy, true federalism and social justice.

“We affirm that Democracy is the most civilized method of governance because it is based on the fundamental human rights of every citizen to determine how he or she wants to be governed.

“We support the decision of all qualified citizens to exercise their fundamental rights of seeking offices provided by the federal Constitution.

“We were also assured us of his commitment to the promotion of true federalism that will give states more control over their affairs.

Afenifere wishes him success in the pursuit of his vision.

“The Meeting urged other presidential candidates to utilize similar opportunities to articulate their vision.”

Terror Threat: Atiku Holds Crucial Meeting With Officials Of US State Department

By
The Source
-
0
Atiku Abubakar

With alert and terror threat looming, Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party and former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, on Friday held a crucial meeting with officials of the US States Department in Washington DC.

The meeting which focused primarily on enhancing cooperation with the U.S. authorities on Nigeria’s security challenges, elections and democracy was led by Atiku and Assistant Secretary, States Department, Bureau of African Affairs, Molly Phee.

According to sources from the PDP presidential candidate’s side, “the meeting last night with officials of the States Department could not have come at a better time with the terrorist threat alert by the U.S. UK and Canada and the withdrawal of its non essential staff by the U.S Embassy in Nigeria.”

A press statement signed by Paul Ibe, Media Adviser to Atiku, on Saturday, said that, “the focus of discussions were on the critical need to seek collaborative solutions to our local issues on democracy and governance, our deteriorating security and the economy.

“Most importantly, the meeting secured commitments to support for free and fair elections in Nigeria, an announcement of a sanction policy before the elections to deter anti-democratic forces, and commitments for continued partnership with Nigeria in areas of security and development.”

Other officials of the States Department at the meeting included Karl Fickenscher, Acting Assistant Administrator, USAID; Scott Busby, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary

Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour; Michael Heath Deputy Assistant Secretary Bureau of African Affairs; Brian Neubert; Director Office of West African Affairs; Skye Justice Deputy Director

Office of West African Affairs; Toby Bradley

Deputy Assistant Secretary Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs; Christopher Landberg, Principal Deputy Coordinator, Bureau of Counterterrorism and Stanley Brown,

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary

Bureau of Police-Military Affairs.

Those on the official delegation of the PDP presidential candidate include former Senate President and Special Envoy to the presidential candidate, Dr. Bukola Saraki; Sokoto State governor and Director-General of the PDP presidential campaign council, Right Honourable Aminu Tambuwal; former governor of Imo State, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu.

Afenifere Hosts Tinubu In Akure, Receives Blessing From Pa Fasoranti

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Reuben Fasoranti

By Ayodele Oni

Chieftains of the Yoruba socio cultural organization, Afenifere converged at the premises of the octogenarian leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti on Sunday to receive presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress, (APC) Bola Tinubu.

Leaders including Chief Alani Akinrinade, Chief Olu Falae and other Chieftains in defiance of the stand of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, that is clamouring for a presidential candidate from south east, gave Tinubu a rousing welcome in Akure.

Chief Adebanjo, who is the national leader of Afenifere, has endorsed Peter Obi, candidate of Labour Party, (LP) believing that since south west has had its turn in the presidency, south east should be given a chance.

Tinubu, used the occasion of the visit to receive the blessing of the National Leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti.

He will also present his Action Plan on how to reposition the country to greatness to the leadership of Afenifere, the Yoruba cultural and political organisation.

Bayo Onanuga, Director of Media and Publicity of Tinubu/Shetimma Presidential Campaign Council, stated that during the visit, Tinubu will present 80-page Action Plan document on how he intends to tackle the economic and other problems the country is grappling with to Pa Fasoranti and other leaders of Afenifere.

The manifesto, christened Renewed Hope, was formally launched in Abuja on 21 October by President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to the statement, “The APC torch bearer will speak on his plans before the Yoruba group, led by Pa Reuben Fasoranti.

“He will on Tuesday in Lagos discuss with the chambers of commerce in the South West on how he intends to improve the economy of Nigeria, to achieve a double-digit growth.”

It will be recalled that on penultimate Monday, Tinubu addressed a coalition of Arewa groups in Kaduna during which he highlighted the key elements of the plan, especially as they benefit the people of Northern Nigeria.

1...1,8751,8761,877...2,979Page 1,876 of 2,979