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Obi-Datti ‘Obidient’ To Law, Dismisses Violation Of Electoral Act; Says Structure-less Now Their ‘Headache ’

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The Source
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The Obi-Datti Media Office’s attention has been drawn to the desolate and baseless allegation by a support group of Tinubu-Shettima calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disqualify the Presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi and his running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba- Ahmed from the 2023 Presidential election for allegedly violating a section of Electoral Act on Election funding.

All of a sudden, the structure-less and social media candidates are now the headache of the ruling party that they now had to fabricate and imagine things they want the electoral Commission to act on, the office said.

“Obi’s successful trip abroad which is essentially  to sensitize and carry along Nigerians aboard on his upcoming agenda of rebuilding the country is open and transparent and not a fund raising. But we know why its discomforting some people, because they cannot meet Nigerians in diaspora knowing that they contributed to their leaving the country in the first place.

“We have always said it umpteenth times that their own understanding of structure is the abundance of looted funds in their kitty that they plan to deploy on hungry Nigerian voters during the election to sway their votes.

“They know nobody has the kind of stolen funds they have and are always uncomfortable at anything suggesting to them that their opponents could match them. Obi did not go to beg for money but to sell himself and his mission to Nigerians outside the shores who are critical stakeholders in the Nigeria project.

“Since June 2022 that they deployed a lump of their loots to get the ticket of their party, the nation’s currency crashed and is still battling for breath. And since then they have been mopping up foreign currencies ahead of the election to buy voters.

“The Media office therefore needs to educate them that Obi and his Running mate are knowledgeable duo who know the law and operates within it and who became what they are financially, politically and socially doing legitimate businesses. They have no bullion van history of questionable wealth and are ready and willing to be scrutinized.

“Just as Obi and Datti backgrounds and antecedents are verifiable so also is their source of income before and now are unambiguous and auditable.

“Obi and Datti, reached where they are today in this 2023 journey giving no ‘shishi’ to anybody, because they are investing on the suffering Nigerians impoverished by the greedy leaders of the past who diverted public funds to their private and family pockets.

“We understand their predicament, the dearth of contents from their principal, the lack of what to market, using the ample opportunity provided by the campaigns and the resort to searching blindly for reasons to disqualify the people’s only hope for a new and better Nigeria.

“Suddenly, they are beginning to realize that the social media giant, the structure-less and inconsequential candidates, are in the heart of the people who are convinced by their pragmatic messages. In frustration and envy they are now desperately looking for all crooked ways to stop them.

“Finally, we like to advise all those in this school of thought that the old order that kept us down as a nation will still work, to read the hand writing on the wall and know that their time is up and that Nigerians are ready and determined to take back their country  now.”

Iwuanyanwu Made Imo Airport Possible – Uzodinma; Says He Is Stabilising Force “In My Administration”

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The Source
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Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has said that Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu who celebrated his 80th birthday on Sunday is deserving of every honour done him by family, friends and well wishers alike.

The Governor spoke at the Cathedral Church of Transfiguration of Our Lord (CATOL) in Owerri during a Thanksgiving Service to mark Chief Iwuanyanwu’s 80th birthday, the climax of a week long event lined up for that purpose.

Addressing the audience at the Cathedral’s auditorium that was filled to the brim with Chief Iwuanyanwu’s family, friends, associates and well wishers alike, Governor Uzodimma said that “nothing can be more fulfilling than to be celebrated while alive.”

The Governor explained: “Yesterday (Saturday), Nigerians celebrated our father and leader, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu at 80. Yesterday (Saturday), Ndigbo expressed their profound gratitude to Ahaejiagamba for his many years of service to our people and Nigeria.

“Yesterday (Saturday), the government and the good people of Imo State stood in unison to proclaim to the world that Chief Iwuanyanwu is our son in whom we are well pleased. Not all mortals are so fortunate to witness such rare honour alive. And not all who live up to 80 years are so honoured.

“It is only natural that the week-long celebration is peaking with a Thanksgiving Service at this historic Cathedral; THE CATHEDRAL OF THE CONFIGURATION OF OUR LORD  (CATOL), which Chief Iwuanyanwu was pivotal to its building.

“In his lifetime, he has watched the growth and expansion of this edifice. As those close to him know, nothing gives Chief Iwuanyanwu more joy than building for the Lord. This explains

why he is currently embarking on the construction of even a more gigantic Cathedral in his hometown, Atta.”

Governor Uzodimma used the ocassion of the thanksgiving to appreciate the galaxy of Nigerians who have identified with Chief Iwuanyanwu on his 80th birthday with prayers and goodwill messages.

Hope Uzodimma At Iwuanyanwu's 80th Birthday Lecture

“Let me, therefore, appreciate in a very special way those who were in Owerri yesterday to celebrate this iconic figure.I  thank our caring President, Muhammadu Buhari for his sincere goodwill message. I equally appreciate former President Goodluck Jonathan for being physically present at the lecture. The guest lecturer, Dr. Nnia Nwodo was at his cerebral best. I didn’t expect anything less. Our own brother, General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd) was also there in flesh and blood. For those who also sent representations, you also deserve my regards. All of us working together gave Ahaejigamba a deserving birthday present,” the Governor said.

Governor Uzodimma recalled Chief Iwuanyanwu’s effort in making the Imo State Airport a reality when it was like an aberration for States to own airports in the country.

His words: “Most people who came in through the Imo airport should salute Chief Iwuanyanwu. When the project was conceived, he was one of the very few that facilitated the realisation of the airport, the first to be built by the ‘never say die’ Imo people; the symbol of lgbo resilience and determination.

“Mark you, in the early eighties, one million was a huge sum of money.

“In the same period, many accident victims survived because of Iwuanyanwu”s blood bank. There are several other interventions by this great son of ours that changed the course of history in Igboland and Nigeria. We therefore cannot celebrate him enough.

“Indeed, the eulogies so far paid him are only a drop in the ocean in comparison to the positive impact he has made in society. However, I am glad that we are in the House of God, who alone has the adequate resources to reward Chief Iwuanyanwu according to his invaluable good works to humanity.”

The Governor expressed gratitude to Chief Iwuanyanwu for the support he has shown to his government that stands him out as a true statesmen and leader of men.

He, therefore, noted: “For me as the Governor of Imo State, I am grateful to our son and father, for the stabilizing role he has continued to play in my administration. He has truly been a father to the government. The only way I can reward him is to continue to serve Imo people with utmost honesty and accountability.

“My promise to him and the people of the state is that I will continue to serve diligently, selflessly, honestly and for the good of all Imo people irrespective of party or clan.

“Once again, congratulations, our dear patriot. By this time next year, we shall also return here to thank God for your life.”

Earlier in his sermon,  the Anglican Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province who is also Anglican Bishop of Okigwe Diocese, Most Rev Dr David Onuoha extolled the good virtues of Chief Iwuanyanwu, insisting that he never withheld God’s blessings from his people.

Archbishop Onuoha said Chief Iwuanyanwu impacted the lives of so many people in Nigeria, including those he did not know.

He said Chief Iwuanyanwu is a classical example of God’s word of being gracious to whom he chooses and of showing mercy, compassion to whom he likes.

Bishop Onuoha maintained, therefore, that all our struggles may come to nothing if God’s grace, mercy and compassion are not involved.

He prayed God to grant Chief Iwuanyanwu many more years of fruitful service, particularly in God’s Vineyard where he has not hidden his passion.

The highpoint of Chief Iwuanyanwu’s birthday celebration was the unveiling of his biography – Amazing Grace of God – written by some members of his Alumni, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, at the Landmark Event Centre Owerri, venue of the reception for guests.

PDP To Tinubu: “You Are Incoherent, Battling With Ethical Issues; Intimidated By Atiku

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The Source
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By Gideon Njoku

The Peoples Democratic People, PDP, has described the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as a paper tiger in a dead party, totally intimidated by the PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

The PDP, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said this in reaction to Tinubu’s attack on the Party and its Presidential Candidate.

The APC Presidential candidate, in a statement had expressed surprise that the PDP is still in existence. He blasted the PDP for even trying to present a Presidential candidate after it had, for eight years, destroyed Nigeria. It took an umbrage of Atiku, and dismissed him as unqualified for the job,  and incapable of the job.. Tinubu, also, reeled out a number of things allegedly achieved by the APC in its seven years plus in office, including it claimed, the revival of the Railway as a means of transportation.

But in response, the PDP said the APC Presidential candidate is incoherent and suffering from ethical issues. It also alleged that Tinubu spoke like someone under the influence. Said the Party: “It is distressing that Asiwaju Tinubu speaks like someone under the influence with incoherent discourse and absence of mind that further expose a lack of capacity for leadership especially at the Presidential level.

“From his incoherent discourse, the APC Presidential Candidate appears to be battling with issues of ethical challenges and ineligibility to contest election on account of inconsistencies in his educational qualifications, name, ancestry, age, corruption allegations among myriads of issues.”

Tagging Tinubu a huge baggage for his Party,  the PDP said it was surprised that the Presidential candidate could allude to, and claim the revival of Nigeria’s railway as a Muhammadu Buhari Government achievement.

Said the PDP on that: “It is rather shameful that the APC Presidential candidate alluded to the Nation’s Railway sysyem which was revitalized by the PDP administration but painfully surrendered to terrorists and bandits by the APC Government”

Following is the full text of the PDP statement.

You are a Paper Candidate, APC is Dead, PDP Replies Tinubu; Says Asiwaju is Intimidated by Atiku, PDP Achievements

“Nigerians are appalled by yet another attempt by the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to divert attention from the main issues of the failures of the APC government by making derogatory remarks on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“Such fixation on the PDP only exposes Asiwaju Tinubu as a paper candidate who is confused, nervy and intimidated by the PDP’s Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and the achievements of the PDP, which stare him in the face in mortal fear of failure ahead of the 2023 general elections.

“Unlike the APC that is dead, the PDP is not only alive and existing as acknowledged by Asiwaju Tinubu in his statement, but also strong, united and focused on its mission to Rescue, Rebuild and Redirect our nation from the misrule of the APC.

“It is distressing that Asiwaju Tinubu speaks like someone under the influence with incoherent discourse and absence of mind that further expose a lack of capacity for leadership especially at the Presidential level.

“It is rather shameful that the APC Presidential Candidate alluded to the nation’s railway system which was revitalized by the PDP administration but painfully surrendered to terrorists and bandits by the APC government.

“From his incoherent discourse, the APC Presidential Candidate appears to be battling with issues of ethical challenges and ineligibility to contest election on account of inconsistencies in his educational qualifications, name, ancestry, age, corruption allegations among myriads of issues.

“Moreover, Nigerians have realized the futility of Asiwaju’s non-existent and heavily concocted achievements, influence, leadership prowess and skills.

“Nigerians gave Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu the benefit of the doubt but he failed them by engineering a deceitful government leading to the ugly indices of insecurity and bloodletting, economic hardship, unemployment, disunity and low life expectancy imposed on our nation in the last seven years.

“He should know that Nigerians are aware that he is in the Presidential race not to serve but to gain control of the nation’s treasury so as to expand his exploitative enterprise and economic empire beyond Lagos State.

“The APC Presidential Candidate has not responded to allegations that he is the promoter of the increase in VAT, electricity tariff, import duties, Stamp Duty, fuel price hike as well as other exploitative tolls by the APC Federal Government, from which he allegedly benefits through many stooges in the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and other revenue generating agencies of government.

“Asiwaju is a huge baggage to the APC. He should know that because of him there is a daily exodus of millions of APC members across the country into the PDP. In the last one month, over 5 million APC members have defected to the PDP. In the Lagos State axis, his supposed stronghold, close to one million APC members have decamped to the PDP since his emergence as APC Presidential Candidate.

“This is because Nigerians have recognized the PDP and its Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar as the solution our nation needs at this moment while Asiwaju has been identified as “Another Problem Coming” (APC).”

Why I Will Host Peter Obi – Umahi; Says It Would Have Been A Disaster If There Was No Serious Candidate From SE.

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The Source
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By Charles Igbo

Dave Umahi, Ebonyi State Governor, has obviously made an about-turn in his opinion and relationship with Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party.

In 2019, Umahi could not hide his anger when Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, then and now, picked Obi as his running mate. He spoke against it publicly. He said he was not consulted nor was other PDP South-east Governors consulted.

Not a few people think Umahi did not vote for the PDP ticket in 2019, and they also think it is one of the reasons Umahi defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC, from the PDP.

Now all that has changed.

Speaking on Arise Television, Friday, in an interview session, Umahi said he is proud of the waves Peter Obi is making in his aspiration to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.

Peter Obi
Peter Obi

He said it was because he knew that PDP was not going to give anybody from the  South-east its Presidential ticket that he left. For all the support the South-east gave to the PDP since 1999, Umahi said the Party has been unfair to the region. He said that is why he is happy with Obi and the waves he is making. For that, Umahi disclosed that he would publicly host Obi in Ebonyi State.

Umahi: “I foresaw that the PDP was not going to give its Presidential ticket to an Igbo man and I said no, that was not fair because we had served this party since 1999. That was my position.

“A lot of people crying today were the people who were attacking me for leaving the Party at that State but subsequently, they left. They owe me a lot of apologies.

“Peter Obi is my brother. I am proud of what he is doing and it would have been a disaster if the South-east was not heard at all in the quest for the Presidency and I wish him well. What happened to me at the Presidential Primaries  was the will of God.

“Peter Obi is my friend and I will do that publicly. I like what he is doing and it is very encouraging. I have never mentioned him in my interviews and that is it. Campaigns have not started.”

Obi is the only serious Presidential candidate from the South-east. He dumped the PDP three days to the Party’s Presidential Primary for the then moribund LP, when he found out the PDP ticket would be a no-contest between the aspirants and the eventual winner, Atiku.

He has since revived the almost dead LP.

NIDCOM Boss, Dabiri-Erewa, Sensitizes Diasporans On Campaign Laws

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman, Nigerians In Diaspora, NIDCOM, has appealed to Nigerians living in Diaspora following their inability to participate in the 2013 General Elections.

The NIDCOM Boss said this is because it hasn’t been  backed by legislation.

She, however, advised the diaspora to intensify efforts to engage the National Assembly for Diaspora Voting to be passed into law. She also warned against flouting the nation’s laws in their efforts to raise campaign funds in support of Presidential candidates.

Dabiri-Erewa stated this during the 2022 Annual General Meeting of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Americas held at the Nigeriam Consulate in New York monitored virtually by journalists in Abuja, with the theme: ‘NIDOA Renaissance: Leveraging on New Generation Leadership.’

Representatives of NIDOA from Sao Paulo, Brazil; Calgary, Canada; Washington, DC; Savannah, Georgia; Columbus, Ohio; Minnesota; New Jersey and

New York were in attendance.

“I know that you can’t vote in 2023, but don’t be disappointed. Rather, you need to work harder to lobby the National Assembly to make it possible for the Diasporans to be able to vote. However, you have the voice and use your voice to urge all eligible voters to vote”, Dabiri-Erewa said.

The National Assembly had recently voted against the Bill seeking to provide for Diaspora voting in the constitution.

Dabiri-Erewa, however, cautioned the Diasporans against flouting the Nigerian laws in their efforts to raise campaign funds in support of presidential candidates of their choice.

“ I have been hearing stories that you are going to raise this money for one person or the other person. Whatever you do, don’t break the laws of elections and funding in Nigeria. I think that is very important.

“So, I won’t encourage you to break any law relating to political funding; you know how it is operated in America. Ensure you observe the laws also in Nigeria. So as we move on, I can guarantee you that under this administration, we will continue to protect our Diasporans.

“I urge you as the President always says of three things: be good ambassadors, obey the laws of whatever countries you are and let us continue to be proud of you and what you are doing”, she said.

Dabiri-Erewa assured members of NIDOA of the commission’s robust partnership.

The Chairman, Board of Trustees of NIDOA, Tope Esan, said the organisation’s mission was to promote the spirit of patriotism, networking and cooperation among Nigerians in the Diaspora for their individual and collective success in the countries of the Americas where they reside.

He said they are also on a mission to mobilise the vast resources of manpower, technological know-how and wealth of knowledge among Nigerians in the Diaspora towards building a greater Nigeria.

The present Board, he said, after a SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threat) Analysis, identified a three-pronged approach to the present challenges facing the organisation.

The focus areas are NIDOA image redemption, strategic partnerships and giving back to Nigeria and growing NIDOA’s base”, he said.

Some of the activities at the event included a morning breakfast meeting with state’s legislators, an afternoon AGM session of members and chapters represented and an evening gala and dinner for members and the community at large.

Participants also used the occasion to pay a tribute to the Edo-born former Chief of the Molecular Pathogenesis Laboratory, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia in 2002, Prof. Joseph Igietseme.

Igietseme who was also the President of NIDOA in South Savannah, Georgia Chapter, died on May 24, 2022.

2023: Vote For My Husband, Let Nigeria Recover –  Titi, Atiku’ s Wife; Says Obi’s Future Bright

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Titi And Atiku Abubakar

By Akinwale Kasali

Titi Abubakar, wife of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar is optimistic that if elected into the saddle as President in 2023, her  husband will change the fortunes of the nation positively.

She also promised her husband would give 40 per cent of his cabinet positions to women and youths.

Mrs Atiku Abubakar said that the importance of women and youths in national development, cannot be overemphasized. She worried over the high cost of living in Nigeria, and  blamed  it on the failure of the Federal Government of the All Progressives Congress to effectively manage the nation’s economy.

Titi who was represented by  the Spokesperson of her husband’s campaign organisation, Senator Dino Melaye, expressed the view during the inauguration of the Atiku-Okowa Vanguard Nigeria on Saturday in Abuja.

Appealing to Nigerian women and youths for support, she said that her husband was well prepared to rescue the nation and bring it back to working ways.

“If my husband is elected, I will do more for Nigerian children and women. Atiku has promised women and youths 40 per cent in the cabinet, he is a man of his word and he will do it but it is you alone that can make it happen.

“I am appealing to you, our women and youths, don’t sell your conscience and your tomorrow but rather, stand for the right thing and your tomorrow will be better because Atiku will bring back Nigeria’s lost glory,” she stated.

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including wife of a former Senate President, Mrs Helen Mark, and Director of Support Groups Atiku Campaign Organisation, Hon. Fabiyi Oladimeji.

Without women and youths, there is no nation and part of my policy direction is to populate my appointments and empowerments by youths and women minimum 40 per cent.

“While women are asking for 35 per cent, Atiku is offering 40 per cent and let me assure you that this will be implemented to the letter when we come on board.

“I used to fly economy from Abuja to Lagos for N18,000 but now over N100,000. We used to buy loaf of bread for N120 and now N1,200. We  used to buy Diesel at N150 per litre but now it is N800 per litre. Dollar used to be exchanged for N210 and now N700 and rising.

“We cannot continue like this as a nation; so let us save Nigeria by electing Atiku Abubakar. You know no Nigerian can accuse Atiku of being a tribalist or a religious bigot.

“Nigeria is looking for a healer not a patient; so let us go house-to-house, door-to-door and campaign for Atiku and Okowa to rescue this country.

“Bola Tinubu, Peter Obi and others are prepared to be President but Atiku Abubakar is adequately prepared for the task of rescuing, uniting and rebuilding the nation.

“Obi is an upcoming President, his future is bright and age is on his side but we need a father figure who can unite the country,” Melaye said.

Former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, who was the Chairman of the occasion was represented by Ebonyi State PDP Governorship candidate, Obinna Ogba, said political awareness has escalated with the advent of the social media.

Anyim commended the Atiku-Okowa Vanguard Nigeria for their efforts at marketing the party.

According to him, PDP had the best presidential candidate in the country and urged the group to intensify efforts at marketing Atiku to Nigerians.

The keynote Speaker at the event and National Secretary of PDP Samuel Anyanwu, said, “The attendance here today is a clear testimony that our presidential candidate is very popular and accepted by majority of Nigerians.

“Nigerians are looking up to the PDP for immediate rescue from the lacklustre leadership of the All Progressives Congress.

“This group is therefore a welcoming effort in our quest to rescue and rebuild Nigeria from the maladministration of the APC.

“The country is in a paralytic condition awaiting immediate rescue because every facet of the economy has become dysfunctional and putting the country under imminent collapse.

“Today, very few Nigerians can afford three square meals with unprecedented unemployment and poverty level earning the country the poverty capital of the world.

“No nation can survive the present circumstance of insecurity, banditry and terrorism, therefore the Atiku-Okowa Vanguard must embark on a strong mass mobilisation effort if we desire that our country must change,” Anyanwu stated.

Welcoming guests earlier, National President of the group, Hon. Oby Nwaogu said the group first debuted in 2018 and revalidated in 2022 to educate and inform Nigerians on the sterling leadership qualities of Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.

She described Atiku Abubakar and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as detribalised Nigerians, and very experienced leaders Nigerians needed to rescue the nation from the hardship and underdevelopment brought on the people by the APC.

2023 Presidency: Wike And I Are On The Same Page –  Governor Umahi

By
The Source
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By Charles Igbo

In, perhaps, an indirect manner, Ebonyi State Governor, Engr. Dave Umahi, has disclosed where the Presidential vote of Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike is likely to go.

If Umahi is to be believed, Wike may not vote for the Presidential candidate of his Party, Atiku Abubakar.

Speaking in an interview with The Arise Television on Friday, September 2, Umahi disclosed that as far as the Zone which should produce the next President of Nigeria after President Muhammadu Buhari is concerned, he and Wike are on the same page. He said they are moving together. He said they are agreed that a Southerner should be the next President. Umahi is also calling on the other Southern Governors to be men of honour and credibility and vote for a Southern candidate just as they agreed in their meeting before the Presidential Primaries of Political Parties.

There are only three main Presidential candidates seeking to succeed Buhari in 2023. They are Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the new kid on the block, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP.

Out of the three, two – Tinubu and Obi – are from the South. Atiku is from the North. Meaning that Umahi and those on the same page with him have a choice to make between Tinubu and Obi.

Umahi is of the APC. Wike is of the PDP. Umahi did not say if he and Wike and other Southern Governors who he is appealing to will vote for the same candidate in other to make the desired impact.

But, here’s what he said:

“Let me also let you know that Wike and all the Southern Governors believe in Southern Presidency and this is the spirit that is flogging the PDP even though I don’t like to be talking about  another Party  but all  the Southern Governors came together and agreed that Presidency should  rotate between the North and South and I think that every Southern Governor should have the honor to abide by that decision.

I spoke in anger against Wike

“Wike is a fine gentleman, and he has a very good heart and those things (the negative things he said about Wike before) were not  said from the bottom of the heart but from the lips and borne out of anger  at the time.

Nyesom Wike
Nyesom Wike

I was Wike’s Best Friend. He was angry I left him in PDP

“Wike is  my brother and good friend. We had quarrels and when you have quarrels, there might be anger and that anger might not be a holy anger. We were best of friends even before I left PDP and you know when your best friend leaves you know how bitter it will be. We have since reconciled, and we are moving together.

But Umahi debunked the story on Social media  that he and Wike met and had a meeting in London.

He said: “I just came back from an eight day trip to Dubai and I was reading in the social media that Wike and some others met in London. I was never in London and the immigration service can testify.

However, Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, is definitely not one of the Governors Umahi is asking to back a Southerner in 2023. He is the running mate to Atiku.

Wike not sincere

A PDP chieftain laughed at Umahi over Wike. He said: “Wike was desperate to be Atiku’s running mate.  Because he was denied, he wants to scatter the Party. If Atiku had chosen him instead of Okowo, would Wike and Umahi be talking about a Southern President in 2023. Forget these people. None of them is to be trusted. They are all playing the same selfish game.”

Kidnappers Strike In Ondo, Abduct 32 Passengers; Director’s Beheaded Body Abandoned

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Suspected kidnappers have abducted 32 persons who were in transit in Ondo State.

The victims were said to be returning from a burial service in Benin City, Edo State over the weekend when the incident happened.

It was learnt that the victims were ambushed along Benin/ Owo highway by the gunmen while travelling in a Coaster bus.

Reports explained that operatives of the Amotekun Corps, have been deployed to Benin-Ifon to Owo forest in search of the abducted persons.

Commandant of the corps in the state, Adetunji Adeleye confirmed the incident and said that the command would do all possible to rescue the victims.

In order to release the victims, the Amotekun Corps and other security agencies, according to Adeleye, had been informed and had since started a search and rescue operation.

Also at the weekend in Akure, the mutilated body of a Director in the Ondo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Mr. Gbenga Olofingboyegun, was discovered abandoned in a primary school premises.

Olofingboyegun, who was the Director of the Department of Research and Statistics in TESCOM, was declared missing on Thursday, after the close of work.

His body was found on Sunday dumped within the premises of a primary school at Oyemekun area of the state capital.

Family and friends had suspected that he was a victim of kidnapping and were waiting for the call of his supposed abductors for a ransom payment.

Efforts to trace him were fruitless until his decomposing body was found in Saint Theresa Primary School beside Saint Peter’s Unity School in Akure.

Eyewitnesses said Olofingboyegun’s head and other sensitive parts of the body were cut off and taken away by the suspected assailants.

A close relation said he was still in office dress of suits and tie that he wore to the office when his decomposing body  was found.

However, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Funmi Odunlami who confirmed the discovering of the mutilated human body, said she was not sure about the identity of the decomposing body.

Oyo State Governor, Makinde, Warns OBIdients Not To Mess With His Reputation

By
The Source
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0

By Adesina Soyooye

An obviously angry Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has warned OBIdients not to toy with his name.

OBIdients are the millions of  Nigerians, especially, youths, fiercely loyal to the  Presidential aspiration of the Labour Party candidate in the 2023 Presidential election, Peter Obi.

Makinde’s anger and subsequent warning stem from an Online story which alleged that the Governor was present at the OBIdients rally held in Ibadan, Oyo State capital on Saturday, September 3, 2022.

In a statement released on Sunday, signed on behalf of the Governor by his Chief Press Secretary,  Taiwo Adisa, the Governor said he was still in London, enjoying his vacation, and dismissed the story as false and misleading.

He wondered how possible it was for him to be at two places at the same time and warned that he would “not accept falsehood from Obi’s  supporters” and the messing up of his reputation.

The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to an online publication which indicated that Governor Makinde was spotted among the Obidients during a rally in Ibadan on Saturday September 3, 2022.

“For the avoidance of doubt,  Makinde was nowhere near Ibadan when the said rally was held.

“How is it possible for the Governor who was observing the last days of his leave outside the country to be spotted among the so-called Obidients in Ibadan?

“While we will not begrudge the Obidients’ desire to propagate their candidate, we will not oblige anyone the luxury of dragging the reputation of the Governor of Oyo State  on accounts of false claims.”

The Governor is of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Nkwocha Spoils Nigeria’s Fun, Breaks Its Heart, Strips It Of Gold

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Nigeria 400m Race Gold

By Adesina Soyooye

Perpetua Nkwocha, Nigeria’s anchor in the 4 × 100 Relay Race during the just concluded Commonwealth Games has wiped the smile off the faces of Nigeria.

The Nigerian quartet of Tobi Amusan, Favour Ofili, Rosemary Chukwuma and Nkwocha had had a record- breaking outing, beating Britain and Jamaica to the second and third places. The quartet took the Gold medal in style. And were celebrated no end.

No longer.

Nkwocha has wiped all that away and broken the hearts of Sports-loving Nigerians.

She has been caught by the World Athletics anti-doping body for doping. She allegedly used banned enhancing drugs.

On Saturday, September 4, 2022,  when the news broke that Nigeria could lose its prized medal in the 4 ×100 relay race due to an alleged doping scandal involving one of the anchors, the identity of the culprit was not made public.

But identifying her late Saturday, the Athletics body disclosed on its website that Nkwocha failed the doping test. It revealed that Ostarine and Lingadrol, both banned substances, were found in Nkwocha’s sample urine taken for test on August 3, 2022.

Nkwocha has been placed on a provisional suspension  and will not be allowed to participate in any Athletics event until the result of a confirmation test and a hearing by the World Anti-Dope Agency, WADA.

If the result is positive, she faces a ban. And Nigeria will be stripped of the Gold medal, making way for Britain to pick it,  and Jamaica the Silver. The fourth placed country will be upgraded to Bronze winners.

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