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2023: Atiku Vows To Reduce Taxation, Tackle Insecurity If Elected President

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar has vowed to end the spate of insecurity ravaging the country if elected as President at the 2023 Polls.

The former Vice President, at the PDP’s Rally in Boko Haram-torn  Borno State Capital, Maidugiri, vowed to end insecurity in the North-East, reactivate the Lake Chad Basin in Borno Sate and reduce the exorbitant taxation policy in the State

Atiku said, “I promise to restore peace and security in the State. and I promise you that by the grace of God, if the PDP is elected, we shall restore peace and order in Borno State.

”Secondly, the Shehu of Borno requested us to make sure that we reactivate Chad Basin development so that our farmers can go back to the farm so that we can produce food and reduce unemployment.

“He requested that we should make sure the local governments are supplied with electricity which we promise, we would do.

”Again, he requested that we should reactivate the exploration of oil in the Chad Basin, which we promise to do by the grace of God.”

Speaking further, he appreciated the people of Borno State for the  massive reception accorded him in the State, and urged them to vote for the PDP at all levels during the 2023 polls.

He said, ”People of Borno, we thank you very much for this reception and support. We look forward to the day you will vote for the PDP.

”Enough of hunger, enough of insecurity, enough of unemployment, enough of sufferings and enough of too much taxation. We will make sure that you are exempted from exorbitant taxation.”

War Against Insurgency: Police Acquires Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

By
Ayodele Oni
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Alkali Baba Usman - IGP

By Ayodele Oni

  1. As the battle against insurgency is being taken to the doorstep of bandits, the Inspector-General of Police, (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba has announced acquisition of three high-powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

According to force spokesman, Olumiyiwa Adejobi, the facilities “are for improved armed surveillance operations to checkmate criminal activities in the country as a further manifestation of the IGP’s determination to integrate the use of innovative technology in the law enforcement duties of the Nigeria Police Force.”

In a statement on Wednesday, Adejobi stated that “The newly acquired drones will surely assist the Police in monitoring active crime scenes, coordinating response operations, and providing armed aerial support to officers on reconnaissance operations.

“The three newly acquired UAVs are rotary wing aircrafts capable of flying up to an altitude of 1000ft with high operational endurance and capacity of firing at acquired threats and targets from reasonable distances.

“The Nigeria Police Air wing has equally concluded trainings for the operators of the drones in partnership with foreign experts who have been consulted for trainings and maintenance of the drones.

“The IGP has directed the immediate, and strategic deployment of these drones based on necessity, while noting that three (3) more UAVs of the same specifications are still expected at the shortest possible time.

“The IGP while reiterating the constant deployment and judicious use of the drones, ordered total clamp down on non state actors and criminals in Nigeria, and similarly warned criminal elements across the country to steer clear and turn a new leaf else the environment would not be conducive for them, and they may meet their waterloo soonest.

“The Inspector-General of Police has further re-emphasized the firm determination of his administration to continue to explore the use of technology in the fight against crime and criminality while seeking full cooperation from members of the public on intelligence gathering and vigilance.”

Why I Set Ablaze My Step Children – Suspect Recounts

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ojo Joseph - Man that killed his step Children

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Police Command on Wednesday paraded five suspects, including a 64 year old man, Ojo Joseph, who set ablaze five of his step-children.

Out of the children, one died instantly in that inferno while four were rescued and taken to Ondo general hospital.

The second child died on Saturday morning on the way to the Federal Medical Centre,(FMC), Owo, while the third one died on Tuesday.

The suspect while being paraded said he set the children ablaze because of a quarrel between him and their mother.

Briefing Journalists, Command Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Omissnya, explained that  “Tayo Akinfolarin Aged seven years was burnt beyond recognition while the other four children were rushed to FMC, Owo. Aanu Akinfolarin Aged 10  died on the way to the Hospital and Tope Akinfolarin Aged 14  died on the 8th of November, 2022, while the two other children are still receiving treatment in the Hospital.

“During interrogation, the suspect, Ojo, claimed his wife was not taking care of him because of the step children and that the wife picked up a quarrel with him because he dropped ₦600,00 as feeding money for the family.

“The husband also said that he became angry, siphoned petrol from his chainsaw (felling machine) and poured it in the children’s room before setting it ablaze.

“The twins born to the suspect by the mother of those children are in safe condition, as they were not in the same room with their step siblings.

The suspect will soon be charged to court.”

Other suspects paraded one Patrick Ejeh arrested for an alleged armed robbery, Adeyeye Deji, Adesuyi Damilola, and   Abiodun Lekan  for cultism.

Police spokesperson said “A Toyota Camry 2012 model, red colour with Chassis number 4TIBFIFK6CU576240, Registration number AKD 972 HR was snatched from the owner at gun point on 3rd September, 2022, at about 2100hrs, at her residence, around FUTA North gate.

“To hrough intelligence gathering, Detectives trailed the robbers down to Abuja where the said vehicle was recovered on 18th October, 2022. One Patrick Ejeh ‘m’ Aged 35 of Dutse Alhaji, Tipper Garage Junction, Abuja, was arrested while other gang members are currently at large. Investigation is in progress.

“On 29th October, 2022, at about 1200hrs, upon information received that some group of Eiye Confraternity were mobilizing to attack some OPC members at Abusoro, Ijoka Road, Akure, on a revenge mission, a team of Detectives from SWAT moved to the scene and arrested the following suspects:  Adeyeye Deji ‘m’ Aged 28, Adesuyi Damilola ‘m’ Aged 26 and Abiodun Lekan ‘m’ Aged 25

“During investigation, two locally made pistols were recovered from their hideout. Investigation is still ongoing and they will soon have their day in court.”

Convoy Attack: 74 People Hospitalized – Atiku

By
The Source
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Atiku's Convoy Comes Under Heavy Attack In Maidugiri

By Gideon Njoku

Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, whose convoy inexplicably came under heavy attack in Maidugiri, has disclosed that 74 of his supporters were injured and are hospitalized.

The former Vice President who was on a Campaign for his Presidential project had paid the traditional courtesy call on the Shehu of Borno on arrival.

But just as Atiku’s convoy drove out of the Shehu’s Palace, thugs numbering over 100 swooped on and attacked it, and attacked from all sides  with dangerous weapons.

The Spokesperson for the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Dino Melaye, confirmed that no fewer than 74 people were injured and hospitalised..

The aim of the attack on the convoy which Dino said was the handiwork of the APC, was to stop the rally. But he assured that nobody can stop the Atiku campaign.

More than 10 vehicles were destroyed in the attack.

The Vice Presidential candidate of the APC is from Borno State where he was also a two-term Governor.

2023: Igbo, Give Up Presidency, Give It To Yoruba

By
The Source
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Chimaroke Nnamani

By Chimaroke Nnamani

“How did the Igbo get to this? Who sold this massive con job? Who are the snake oil salesmen? Why the perceived mistrust of the Yoruba?

“We never fought? Our properties never seized? Our businesses thriving in their Homelands? Blossoming inter-marriages with multiple offsprings? Common language etymology.

“They stayed out of Nigeria/Biafra war until the Benin expedition. Fajuyi died for Ironsi’s sake. Bola Tinubu gave his financial life line to Igbo’s Ben Akabueze.

“President Obasanjo had highly dependent Igbo mentees including myself. Called me son and seriously shared confidentialities with me. That I will carry with me to the Lord’s vineyard.

“Our properties were returned immediately in the second quarter of 1970 with collected rent and interests.

“The ‘ontogeny’ of our revered kolanut Yoruba.

My brothers where is the disconnect?

Okpara and our forebears saw it.

“The NCNC/NPC alliance was a colossal failure for South East. Ditto NPN/NPP. History repeats.

“AG/NCNC alliance 1956/57? Was aborted. Could have provided Chief executive to either party.

“The AG/NCNC alliance in United Progressive Grand Alliance, Awolowo & Okpara mired in pre-66 coup imbroglio.

“The UPN/NPP alliance could have done the same. The threat of Ekwueme Presidency writers claim added filip to collapse of the 3rd Republic.

“When you shift power to Yoruba, you don’t go to Kwara or Kogi, you go to Southwest. But the weakness of the South East zone is patently obvious such that they throw any bones to us and we bite.

“We must always be expected to show gratitude for any pittance. After all we were spared with ‘no victor, no vanquished.’

“We should be happy and don’t worry. We can always resort to spare parts and hugging containers. For this ongoing political expedition, my Igbo people have suffered the consequences of socio-political insularity.

“Confused by mediocres and cry babies. Emergency politicos. Whose ticket out of the burden of inferiority and underachievement is ethnocentric preachments.

“One a pure exercise in self-driven political catharsis, the other a know abuser and denigrator of my people.

“The Igbo are out of the power echelon of an African State they helped found. Product of self-injury and own goal. We need a restart. Based on a paradigm shift. Careful but calculated risk.

“The Igbo has to retrace the steps of Okpara and Awolowo, the United Progressive Grand Alliance. An Igbo-Yoruba Alliance.

“It is not late for the Igbo to reflect on and carefully X-ray the looming reality of a President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“A marathon politico Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, City Boy they call him, paid his dues over decades, performed creditably in governance and politics.

“With an A-Game, decades of hardwork, patience, resilience and tenacity. And a lot of swagger and chutzpah, Tinubu is it. A consummate and well navigated City boy. A winner always.

“Only saw him complain once, and probably his last. The rest is history. That Alliance, Handshake across the Niger that is, and a resultant Southern Coalition will build a Great no Nigerian Partnership with our Northern brothers and sisters cutting across tribes, religions and all differences.

“A land where truly all Tongues may differ but the voices will coalesce and resonate in a crescendo of synergy, amity and good conscience. The answer to the Igbo power conundrum maybe.”

Dr Nnamani, a serving PDP Senator, former two-term Governor of Enugu State, made these points in a Post he entitled “The Igbo Insularity and its Yoruba Wahala”

Osun: Oyetola Calms Victims, As Fire Razes Osogbo Market

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

A delegation of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun state on Wednesday visited and commiserated with the victims of the fire incidence of Oja-Oba market that occured in the early hours of Tuesday, in Osogbo.

Oyetola, who sent in his words advised  the citizens to prioritize personal and collective safety as part of efforts to forestall possible disasters as dry season is approaching.

Governor Oyetola’s delegation, led by secretary to state government, Wole Oyebamiji, made on-the-spot assessment of the site of the inferno at popular Oja-Oba market, Osogbo, the state capital.

A section of the market was razed by fire around 1:00am on Tuesday where valuable properties and personal belongings of the occupants of the affected shops were lost in the incidence.

Addressing journalists shortly after the inspection and assessment of the level of damage caused to the incidence, Governor Oyetola expressed deep grief just as he thanked God that no life was lost to the incidence.

Oyebamiji was accompanied by the Chief of Staff, Dr. Charles ‘Diji Akinola, and other cabinet members.

Addressing some of the victims on behalf of the Governor, Oyebamiji said “Mr Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola is not around now, but he has requested that a powerful delegation must come to commiserate with the affected market men and women, most importantly the Iyaloja and Babaloja of this market and that is why we are here.

“Mr Governor sympathizes with the victims and prays that an incidence of such will not reoccur.

“As you all know, our Governor is always concerned about the welfare and comfort of the citizens and as soon as he comes back, he will make a statement.

“So, on behalf of himself and the good people of Osun we commiserate with the victims and entire members of the market community”.

One of the occupants of the affected shops, Mrs. Kudirat Sande, said the source of the fire could not be traced as it suddenly started from a section of the market.

She narrated that the fire incidence started around 1:00am on Tuesday and lasted two hours before it was eventually quenched by fire fighters.

Mrs Sande, however, appealed to the government to come to the aid of victims as they couldn’t give exact assessment of the worth of the valuables lost to the fire incidence at the moment.

Also, Iyaloja of the market, Mrs. Wosilatu Kasali, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, just as she appealed to the government and well-meaning citizens to support the victims and the market community.

Members of the Governor’s delegation after the assessment of the site moved to the Ataoja’s palace to identify and commiserate with the monarch, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun.

At the palace, Oba Olanipekun appreciated Governor Oyetola and his government for taking the welfare and general well-being of the people of the state as priority.

He further lauded the Governor for the show of concern over the recent fire incidents in Osogbo, saying the move was indeed a reflection of his administration’s commitment to the welfare of the people of the ancient town.

The monarch however called on his subjects to take precautions as the dry season is fast approaching saying this would further help to prevent such ugly incidence in the future.

Atiku’s Convoy Comes Under Heavy Attack In Maidugiri

By
The Source
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0
Atiku's Convoy Comes Under Heavy Attack In Maidugiri

By Gideon Njoku

A prelude to the violence likely to engulf the General Elections in 2023, played out in Maidugiri, capital of Borno State on Wednesday.

The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar escaped being seriously hurt when his convoy came under heavy attack by thugs.

It is not known, yet, if Atiku was in the State on a private visit or on a campaign for his Presidential project, but he was met by a hostile environment.

Thugs, allegedly, waving the flag of the All Progressives Congress, APC, swooped on the convoy as it was driving past and attacked the vehicles with dangerous weapons.

Borno is the home State of the the Vice Presidential candidate of the APC, Senator Kashim Shettima. He was, also, a two-term Governor of the State. He was the Governor when hundreds of Chibok Girls were abducted from their hostels.

A few days ago in Rivers State, PDP faithful who were pasting Atiku’s posters, came under heavy attack. At least, two of them landed in the hospital with serious injuries.

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, is at loggerheads with Atiku ever since he lost both the Presidential and Vice Presidential ticket of the Party to Atiku and Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, Delta State Governor, respectively. He has since declared any Atiku supporter in Rivers State an enemy. And so did the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, a Wike disciple.

Wike is leading four other Governors, including Ortom, on a mission against Atiku’s Presidential aspiraton.

Imo State Government Condemns Izombe Violence; Says It Was Reprisal Attack By Security Agencies

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma

Imo State Government said it is saddened by the unfortunate events that occurred in Izombe, Oguta Local Government Area of the state recently. It led to loss of lives and destruction of property.

The Government, in a statement signed by Declan Emelumba, Commissioner for Information, said:

“It is regrettable that inspite of advice by Government on the need for restraint from untoward acts,  even in the face of provocation,  the fracas between illegal oil bunkerers and security agencies was allowed to snowball into a fatal violence.

“Government also understands that the security agencies went on a reprisal attack after losing one of their own. But since two wrongs cannot make a right, the matter instead of abating, escalated.

“The Government insists that no matter the situation, the rules of engagement must always apply.

“The state government sympathizes with the families of those who lost either their loved ones or property in that ill advised  violence.

“The Executive Governor of imo state, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma has already ordered a holistic investigation into the remote and immediate cause of the crisis.

“While Government awaits the report of the investigation, both parties to the conflict are advised to maintain the peace.

“While the security agencies are urged to always ensure the maintenance of rules of engagement, the civilian populace are encouraged to refrain from provoking the men in uniform no matter the temptation.

“Government will continue to do all within its powers to ensure a harmonious relationship among all segments of imo populace.”

Senator Ararume Sues Buhari For Removing Him As Chairman NNPC Ltd, Claims N100bn

By
The Source
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Ifeanyi Araraume and Muhammadu Buhari

By Gideon Njoku

Even though he was never sworn-in or inaugurated as the non-Executive Chairman of the  Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, a former Senator from Imo State, Ifeanyi Ararume, has sued the Federal Government over what he described as his unlawful removal as the Chairman of the NNPC Board by President Muhammadu Buhari.

It is not known in what capacity Ararume sued the  the Federal Government, but he is asking for a whopping N100bn, and has assembled some of the best brains in the legal profession to see that he gets the money.

Ararume had been announced as the Non-Executive Chairman of the then newly but yet to be taken off NNPC Ltd. But in a letter dated January 17, 2022, he was dropped.

His choice to the high profile office shocked not a few people as well as gladdened the hearts of many, especially in his native Imo State where he has suffered series of political disappointments.

The appointment was, therefore, seen as a compensation for a man, who at the time, again lost another election to the Senate. But many were surprised because, at the time too,  he was not in the good books of the main leadership of the recognized faction of his Party, the All Progressives Congress, APC. He was in the Senator Rochas Okorocha Camp which members had refused to reinvalidate their membership of the Party.

As far as the faction loyal to Governor Hope Uzodinma was concerned, Ararume was no longer, technically at the time, a member of the APC.

When he was appointed, therefore, his faction celebrated it no end, as they saw it as a humiliation of the Governor. The advert spaces bought to congratulate him, especially, in the very vibrant local newspapers in the State, told the story.

But suddenly, the story turned awry. On the eve of the inauguration of the Board by the President, it was aborted, and so was the celebration planned by Ararume and group.

No reason was given for the abortion of the ceremony.

Weeks later, when President Buhari inaugurated the Board, Ararume’s name was conspicuously missing. The President dropped him. And in his place, Senator Margery Okadigbo, the cerebral wife ot the equally cerebral former late Senate President, Chuba Okadigbo, and a Buhari friend was appointed as non-Executive Chairman. Until her elevation to the Chairmanship position, Mrs Okadigbo, a lawyer, was named as a Board member.

Again, no reason was given. But in a write-up, main Presidential Spokesperson, Femi Adesina described Margery’s elevation as an appreciation of friendship by the President.

Suddenly feeling humiliated the way his name was publicised and dropped, Senator Ararume thinks he deserves some compensation if not an explanation. He also wants his removal nullified.

In the suit, FHC/ABJ/691/2022 filed on his behalf on Wednesday by Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SANs,  Chief Chris Uche, Ahmed Raji, Mahmud Magaji, Ogwu James Onoja, K.C.Nwufor and Gordy Uche, Senator Ararume is claiming damages, according to report in Daily Telegraph, he suffered by “the alleged unlawful and unconstitutional ways and manner he was removed as the NNPC Chief after using his name to incorporate it.”

He presented four issues for determination by the Court. They include: “Whether in view of the provisions of the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the NNPC, Companies and Allied Matters Act 2010, and the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, the office of the non-Executive is not governed and regulated by the stated by the stated provisions of the law.”

The Senator, also, wants the Court to determine “whether by the interpretation of section 63 (3) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, the President can lawfully remove him as non-Executive Chairman of the NNPC for any reason outside the provisions of the law.”

For the records, Ararume is still a chieftain of the APC.

OPINION: The Painful Truths About The Ekweremadu Travails

By
The Source
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0
Ike Ekweremadu and SKC Ogbonnia

By SKC Ogbonnia

For obvious reasons, I had resisted every press inquiry on Senator Ike Ekweremadu – both local and foreign — since he was detained in the United Kingdom on the allegation of organ harvesting. The most relative reason is that our basic African norms dictate that we show empathy for the adversities of others–whether friends or foes.  However, I am provoked to offer the following statements of fact because of the crude timing of the attempt by the Federal Government of Nigeria to seize the properties believed to be proceeds of corrupt practices that belong to Mr. Ekweremadu.

IS EKWEREMADU CORRUPT?

Yes, very, very! A partial testament is his shameless acquisition of 40 properties scattered around the globe. In fact, I had always told the Senator in his face and written extensively on how he used his time in the Senate to collude with contractors to loot the funds budgeted for several public projects in Igbo land. These, of course, include Enugu/Onitsha, Enugu/Port-Harcourt, and Oji-River/Awgu roads, which have continued to claim many innocent lives. A simple scan of the internet on my name alongside Ekweremadu will show more, including a library, water, and road projects that were looted in my hometown of Ugbo, Enugu State.

SELECTIVE WAR ON CORRUPTION

I am well-known for promoting serious consequences for bad behavior. But the timing of Ekweremadu’s punishment is crudely selective. Mr. Ekweremadu is by no means more corrupt than other Senators of his time. More curiously, Ekweremadu’s  degree of corruption is a pint in the ocean compared to that of, allegedly, Senator Bola Tinubu. Oddly, the same Tinubu is the current Presidential candidate of no other party than the party of the current Nigerian government that is determined to convict Mr. Ekweremadu in absentia. Ike Ekweremadu is definitively NOT more corrupt than many of his colleagues who equally have pending cases at the EFCC but presently being embraced by the same Federal Government to promote the candidacy of the same Tinubu.

WHY EKWEREMADU REMAINS IN JAIL

Ordinarily, Ike Ekweremadu, a three-time Nigerian Deputy Senate President, former Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, and a serving Senator —for that matter–would not be denied bail in the United Kingdom. Neither this man nor his wife is a flight risk. The objective fact is that the Nigerian Government is behind the Senator’s continued detention. What must not elude the thinking faculty of fellow Nigerians is that President Buhari is shamelessly vengeful. He is very shameless about the extent he travels to perpetrate vendetta politics. Buhari will never forgive Abubakar Saraki and Ekweremadu whom he perceives as the diabolic duo that hijacked the Legislature to frustrate his first term agenda as a democratic president. If Buhari can, for the first time in Nigeria’s socio-political history, discard a well-known convention by excluding Saraki, a former President of the Senate, from a recent traditional National Honors award, one can then imagine what awaits Ekweremadu, an Igbo for that matter.

WHO BAILS THIS CAT?

Sadly, not sure! Since the Ekweremadu saga broke, I have had ceaseless calls from all over the world, calling me prophetic. One of the perceived prophesies is that I never ceased to tutor the Senator on the genius of the adage: “A tree does not make a forest.”  I even reminded him on several occasions that a day like this could come. I warned the Senator to consider that none of his political associates from his area (entire Old Awgu Division) has the influence, capacity, or the status to bail or even speak for him should he be arrested. The point here is that, unlike some of his crooked colleagues, who excelled in elevating their associates, Senator Ike Ekweremadu made sure that none of his political associates from his area could rise or shine. He could not even recommend any of them as an Ambassador, Chairman of Board of any major parastatal, or a Minister, let alone helping any of them to become a federal contractor. In fact, the Senator is the owner of the construction firm that executes the projects he attracted to his constituency.

The man wanted to be all and all in the area since 1999. He even waged war against few of us outside his realm of control who have the capacity and willpower to oppose his primitive accumulation of wealth, as well as his seductive despotism. Put it this way: the three-time Deputy Senate President and former Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament had his knee on the neck of our people for over two decades.

WAY FORWARD

To garner broad sympathy and support, Ekweremadu must toe the line of Father Ejike Mbaka by retracting his sardonic statements on Mr. Peter Obi’s candidacy, which happened few days before his London palaver.

Any person, and Igbo for that matter, who nurses any motive to sabotage a path to a fair, just, and progressive nation readily attracts the wrath of the gods of Nigerian youths, as well as progressive minds. This truth is that our country has hit the rock-bottom, but our God has remained faithful by presenting us with two simple choices to finally get it right through the 2023 elections. It is a clear case of Evil Vs Good. For now, Ekweremadu is stuck in the middle: His crooked colleagues have already abandoned him while the masses view him with suspicion. He must, therefore, atone and openly choose good over evil.

Ogbonnia, a Political Analyst,  is a regular commentator on National issues

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