Home Blog Page 1973

Niger Delta Group Gives Conditions For Support Of Presidential Candidate

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Niger Dela Group

By Ayodele Oni

Niger Delta coastline Vanguards (NDCV), one of the militant Groups in the oil rich region of the country has said its preference for any of the presidential hopefuls during next year’s election, will be decided by certain conditions.

Coming at a time the federal government is contemplating on scrapping the Amnesty Programme, under which the ex militants receive empowerments, the Group maintained that any candidate that will receive members’ nod should be ready to protect their interest.

Convener of the Group, Chief Omotuwa Job, insisted that the group will consult very well to know who among the leading Presidential candidates will be supported.

He spoke at a programme tagged “a walk by Niger Delta Coastline Vanguards in support of Democracy in Nigeria and Emancipation of Niger Delta Region from Neglect” held at Ogo-Oluwayo community in llaje local government area of Ondo State.

Niger Delta Coastline Vanguards is a  conglomeration of all the agitators in the states within the coastline of Nigeria.

The programme was organized by ex-militants and agitators from Ondo, Lagos, Delta, Bayelsa, Edo, Rivers, Cross Rivers and Akwa Ibom states.

In an address by Olarotimi Omomuwasan  on behalf of the group, the agitators said, “we will support any Presidential Candidate in the forthcoming general elections, who is ready to protect the interest of the members and attend to the agitations of the group.

“Through our findings, we recognize three major Presidential Candidates – Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Of APC, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of PDP and Peter Obi of LP, and by so doing, one out of these three candidates will be supported by our group in the forthcoming 2023 general elections, and we will only support whoever listen to our agitations.

“The devasting condition of the region as a result of oil exploration and exploitation is grossly incalculable to the degree that the traditional means of survival, such as fishing, farming and other means of survival have gone into extinction without superb government’s intervention for alternative means of survival by the people in the region.

“It would be recalled that we fought against the government and oil companies operating in our territory some years back to do the needful by ameliorating our condition.

“However, our actions and acts did not only cause huge loss to the government but to the oil companies and some other corporate bodies.

“As a result of these huge damages, the Federal Government sought our understanding by calling several meetings through the Ondo State Government in November, 2017 that we should take the path of peace in other for the Government to look critically into our yearnings and agitations.

“Without any further delay, we agreed to the terms and conditions of the government by dropping our arms and ammunitions for grant of amnesty on the part of the Government by a way of skill acquisition programme, free education and other means of empowerment.

“Surprisingly, Government is yet to fulfill her part with the terms agreed upon since 2017 we had been disarmed.

“Government is continuum and another opportunity to usher in another set of leaders who are to pilot the affairs of the country is far approaching and we have decided not to take a back seat but a front seat by causing our presence to be felt so that our agitations or yearnings against neglect would be timeoulsy attended to.

“The ex-militants and agitators under the leadership of  Omotuwa Job, are basically agitating that the hens that lay the golden eggs should be given what is due for it.”

Dispute Between Edo, Delta Over Boundary Rages, Edo Assures Early Settlement

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0

By Ayodele Oni

Almost over 30 years of its balkanization to two states of Edo and Delta from old Bendel State, the two states are still engulfed in border disputes.

The ragging disputes, according to findings, stems from discovery of crude oil from some of the border communities between the two states.

However, Edo State Commissioner of Mining and Energy, Engineer Osaze Uzamere has expressed optimism that the issue of the age long boundary dispute between the two neighbouring states of Edo and Delta States will be resolved before the end of the year.

Uzamere, who spoke in Benin confirmed that there are about three or four oil and gas communities in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State where there are boundary disputes between them and some communities in Delta State.

The commissioner said that the state government is in conversation with the National Boundary Commission (NBC) to settle the matter and determine the actual length of the boundary between the two states, which used to be part of Bendel State, before it was split into Edo and Delta States by former military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida in 1991.

He said that the dispute started in 1996 during the military era, decades before the return to  democracy in 1999.

Uzamere, the former Chief of Staff to Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki assured that each of the oil and gas rich communities will get what rightly belongs to it.

“The federal government is in control of those oil and gas fields because oil and gas belong exclusively to it. The federal government gives each state its own share of what it rightly deserves.”

“We have to follow the law and due process in all that we do. We are aware that over the years, there have been boundary dispute between the two neighbouring states. It’s not even over oil and gas but about the whole space.”

On conflict between host communities in Egbokor, Orhionmwon Local Government Area, the site of a modular refinery and the investors, Uzamere commended the youths for keeping the peace instead of resorting to violence.

He added that the government, like an umpire, will have to protect the citizens and create an enabling business environment so that people get their just dues.

Courage, Nigerians, Do Not Despair

By
The Source
-
0
Hope Uzodimma

By Hope Uzodinma

Today marks yet another milestone in the history of our great country, Nigeria. Exactly 62 years ago – on 1st October, 1960 – our dear country was admitted into the membership of the United Nations General Assembly. This made her the 99th member of this comity of independent nations. From that day our march into nationhood commenced.

Three years later – in 1963 – Nigeria became a full – fledged independent Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Breaking completely from the yoke of colonial rule, Nigerians looked forward to real freedom, both of association and of speech, and the right to govern themselves.

There is no doubt that much was expected by Nigerians at independence. Our people were optimistic that independence would come with equal rights and justice for all. They eagerly looked forward to a nation that will offer equal opportunities to all, irrespective of creed or clan. Indeed they looked forward to all these and were determined to overcome whatever obstacles  that stood in their way.

However, the greatest of the post independence challenges must have been how to turn the different ethnic nationalities that made up the new nation into one, big united country.

Without doubt, sixty-two years down the line, we have made some progress in the task of building a nation, but we have recorded some failures too. The truth is that it is not yet Uhuru for Nigeria.

Therefore, this occasion of celebrating the 62nd anniversary of our independence is one we should use for sober reflection on the journey so far. First, we should remember our forbears who struggled to secure our independence from colonial rule.

It is also an opportunity for all of us – both the leaders and the followers – to do a soul search on the roles we have played individually and collectively to bring Nigeria to where she stands today. We should all ask ourselves this pertinent question: Are we doing our bit to ensure that we fulfil the dreams of our forbears and meet our expectations as a nation?

At this juncture, let me pause to salute our heroes past whose blood and sweat brought us to this day. I remember their heroic exploits and sacrifices which brought us independence. I also remember our compatriots who died in the civil war in our bid to sustain the peace. Just as our national anthem enjoins us, may their blood and labour not be in vain.

Let me also use the auspicious occasion of this independence celebration to sincerely congratulate ordinary Nigerians for their resilience these past 62 years. By living in different parts of the country to earn your livelihoods, even in the face of security threats and daunting economic challenges, you have continued to demonstrate your commitment to a united Nigeria. I declare you the real heroes of this independence celebration. You have shown incredible faith in the country. Please, do not despair.

Yes, some of our expectations have not been met, and as a result Nigeria may not have become the nation we dreamed about at independence. But we must also acknowledge the fact, as Julius Caesar will say that,” The fault is not in our stars, but in ourselves ”

There is no doubt that we may have squandered many opportunities to make Nigeria great. One of these is the opportunity to make all Nigerians see themselves as true citizens in a country where equity and justice prevail. We have also missed the opportunity to build a resilient economy that guarantees  good quality of life for everyone. It is a fact that we still struggle to guarantee the safety and security of all citizens in different parts of the country.

Yet, inspite of all these shortcomings, the way forward is not to dwell on our failures. Instead, we should make concious effort to celebrate and be proud of our successes. And they are by no means few. Thereafter, we should use them as a foothold to march on with greater confidence into the future.

It is important that as a nation, we should  not allow our past mistakes or failed dreams hold us hostage. Rather, we should learn from our mistakes and turn the lessons into veritable tools that can help us navigate the future better. I believe that the greatest success story of our great country is that it has remained together as one indivisible nation, in spite of the many challenges that have assailed us .

The memorable words of Oliver Goldsmith, that “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall “, should constantly inspire us to trudge on irrespective of the setbacks we may have faced or are facing at the moment.

Therefore, we must resolve to forge ahead, more united and less distracted by the things that divide us. As a matter of fact, every successful nation had its fair share of turbulent and uncertain moments. But they were able to overcome because their faith in themselves and their country remained unshaken.

No nation can survive without trust amongst its people. To succeed, a nation needs trust, love and the fervent patriotic commitment of her citizens.  I, therefore, see the occasion of this 62nd Independence Day celebration as an opportunity for us to re – dedicate ourselves to promoting and defending our common interests over and above self interests.

We should also resolve to accommodate one another, irrespective of our differences, believing that the God that made it possible for us to find ourselves in one entity called Nigeria, did not make a mistake.

If we can shun avarice, greed and ethnic irredentism, we will be helping in no small measure in building that nation that guarantees equal opportunities for all. This is the Nigeria which our founding fathers dreamt of and fought gallantly for. Let us first shower our country with the love she needs, and she will in return surely avail us with the opportunities we desire.

I firmly believe that Nigeria still holds a strong promise and can still become that great nation that we shall all be proud of. Let us not give up, for the future is still very bright. If we all resolve today to be patriotic, to love one another, to love our country and to do only those things that promote the unity and development of Nigeria, even the sky will not be able to limit how high we will soar. Yes, our destiny is in our hands, that is, the hands of both the leaders and the followers.

It is not by accident that Nigeria has survived many seemingly intractable challenges, including a civil war, and is still waxing stronger. Surely, there is God’s hand in it. A nation that has passed through these adversities and still stands, cannot afford to make a second mistake.History will not forgive us if we do.

In the last one week, in churches and mosques across the country, we prayed for peace and unity and beseeched God to continue to bless and protect Nigeria and Nigerians. But we also have to put our hands on the plough to ensure that we make Nigeria work for all of us. After all, faith without work amounts to nothing.When we recall the sterling qualities that defined our founding fathers as outstanding  statesmen, the need for our present leaders to demonstrate an unflinching sense of patriotism and nationalism, will not be compromised.

That is the least expected of us as leaders. Our forbears actually sacrificed a lot for this country and some even paid the ultimate price in the course of building a strong and united nation which they bequeathed to us. Sadly, not many of our present day leaders are willing to emulate them. Sadly, some of us have become glorified ethnic and religious champions.

Rather than strive to do those things that unite us, some leaders now prefer to widen our fault lines and have ended up dividing the country even further. Such leaders must rethink their mission in politics and decide whether they want to serve our nation, their tribe or their religion. But in doing so, they must remember that both tribe and religion can only exist when there is a nation that guarantees their safety, and not the other way round.

More importantly, they should remember the moving words of a teenage girl, Malala Yousafzai in her  acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace price in 2014. She said  and I quote ” It does not matter what’s the colour of your skin, what language do you speak, what religion you believe in. It is that we should all consider each other as human beings.”

It appears that in the quest for power and influence, some of our leaders have forgotten or jettisoned those values that drove the passion of our forebears. Instead of embracing the ideals that brought us together, we have increasingly become more individualistic, and are now guilty of fanning the embers of divisiveness, ethnic irredentism and religious sentiments.

Today’s leaders should be reminded of this popular line in our first national anthem which was first sung at our independence: “though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand..”

It is unfortunate that through wild propaganda, some of our leaders now tend to emphasize more on what divides us than what unites us. They have failed to promote the comparative advantages we have as a united country.

Those who preach separatism often do not open the eyes of their followers to the dangers inherent in a fragmented country.While I concede that our system has not  been perfect; and there have been pockets of injustice here and there, I insist that all of us are better off in a united Nigeria. All we have to do is to work collaboratively to ensure that the country serves all of us well.

As we mark this 62nd Independence Anniversary, may it serve as a wake – up call to all political and religious leaders to fashion out ways of promoting our unity. We should eschew politics of hatred and divisiveness. We should stop engaging in such acts that question our loyalty to this great nation. Such activities include sponsoring insecurity and promoting separatism.

For us in Imo state, let us use the opportunity of this anniversary to rededicate ourselves to the service of this state. We should support our government to serve us better. As a matter of fact, the state of our dream can only be built through our collective efforts.

As the Governor, I remain committed to the task of restoring your trust and faith in government. I shall remain sensitive and responsive to the needs of all well-meaning and law-abiding citizens of the state. Under my watch, our state would be renowned for peace and progress.

I wish all Nigerians, especially Ndi Imo, a happy 62nd  Independence Day Celebration.

Senator Uzodinma, Governor, Imo State, delivered this address on October 1 to mark Nigeria’s 62nd Independence Anniversary

I did Not Die – Tinubu; Says Viral Story On His Quitting Presidential Race, Rubbish

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0
Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Adesina Soyooye

Bola Tinubu, the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has debunked the viral Story of his death. “I am not dead”, said the Presidential ticket on Sunday in a tweet.

Tinubu also dismissed another viral story to the effect that he has quit the Presidential race over the state of his health as rubbish. He disclosed that in London where he is for what Bayo Onanuga, Director of Publicity and Communications, Tinubu Campaign Council, called “a short break”, he is hale, hearty and strong.

Proof: Tinubu posted a seven-second video of where he was riding a fitness bicycle. He looked sporty.

Tinubu: “Many have said I have died. Others claim I have withdrawn from the Presidential race. Well, Nope…

“This is the reality: I am strong. I am healthy, and I am READY to serve Nigeria from Day One.”

Tinubu’s trip to London and the state of his health have been a fertile ground for speculation, especially after he missed the all-important signing of a peace accord by Presidential candidates, and has delayed the take-off of his Presidential campaign due to his absence. It is not yet known when his short break would end.

PDP: Nigerians In Bondage; Says APC Has Balkanised Nigeria

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0

By Adesina Soyooye

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, says Nigerians are in bondage and  suffering an untold hardship under the All Progressives Congress, APC administration.

The PDP was reacting to the state of the nation, especially, as Nigeria marks its 62nd Independence Anniversary. The Party, also, accused the APC of balkanising Nigeria.

“In the last seven years, the APC has balkanized and dislocated the unity of our country, promoted mutual distrust among the once happy and harmonious people, created a mass of internally displaced persons, the worst since tge Civil War in our country”, the PDP said in a statement signed on its behalf by the National Secretary of the Party, Debo Ologunagba.

Following is the full text of the statement.

“As the nation marks her 62nd Independence Anniversary, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates Nigerians urging them not to lose hope in the country as the misrule of the vicious, corrupt and anti-people All Progressives Congress (APC) would soon come to an end.

“It is regrettable and heartrending that Nigerians are celebrating yet another Independence Anniversary under palpable bondage and harrowing stranglehold of the suppressive, coldhearted, insensitive and inhumane APC which relishes in inflicting pain and anguish on the citizens.

“In the last seven years the APC has foisted and supervised a reign of terror and subjected Nigerians to the worst form of suppression that have turned a once cheerful and prosperous nation into the poverty capital and the third worst governed country of the world.

“In the last seven years, the APC has balkanized and dislocated the unity of our country, promoted mutual distrust among the once happy and harmonious people; created a mass of internally displaced persons; the worst since the Civil War in our country.

“Since 2015, when the corrupt and treasury-looting APC, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) fraudulently crept into our nation’s political landscape, Nigerians have witnessed life-discounting experiences with hyper-inflation, escalated unemployment, collapse of the nation’s currency and economic meltdown arising from poor and uncoordinated fiscal and economic policies of the APC administration.

“This gloom in the state of affairs of the country is revealed by official statistics which shows unprecedented 20.9% inflation rate, 30% unemployment rate, high cost of food and medication, over 20 million out of school children, university shutdown for almost a year, collapse of the productive sector, weakened naira to abysmal N720 to a Dollar and over N40 trillion external debt without corresponding evidence in infrastructural and human capital developments in the country.

“In spite of the above the PDP salutes the resilience of the Nigerians people in their “never say die” spirit which is further emboldened in their determination to return the PDP to power in 2023.

“Our Party is mindful of the confidence Nigerians repose in the PDP and its Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in our mission to Rescue, Rebuild and Redirect our nation and return her to the path of peace, national cohesion and economic prosperity.

“The PDP, therefore, calls on President Muhammadu Buhari to use the remaining period of his administration to ensure and guarantee peaceful, free, fair and credible 2023 general elections.

“The PDP felicitates with Nigerians and wishes them a Happy Independence Anniversary.”

This is President Muhammadu Buhari’s last Independence Anniversary as the President. He will hand over on May 29, 2023, to whoever wins the Presidential election scheduled for February 2023.

State Of The Nation: Pastor Adeboye Says Nigeria In A War Situation

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0

By Akinwale Kasali

General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye has lamented the pathetic state of the country, saying it is tantamount to being in a war.

Making this disclosure at the Church’s monthly thanksgiving service, on October 2nd, 2022, the Clergyman while delivering a sermon titled, ‘Perfect peace in the land’, from II Chronicles 7: 13-14, said peace is the absence of war, the absence of storm, and  added  that perfect peace refers to one which is permanent.

The insecurity situation bedeviling the nation, Adeboye said,  has seen Traditional Rulers and their stools defied, and not accorded respect, adding that currently they are being arbitrarily kidnapped.

He said, “In the olden days, except you are one of the special people, they don’t allow the king’s dress to touch you.

“Now kidnappers can go to the Palace to kidnap the king. We are in a war situation, let’s no one deceive you.”

While Prophesying the end in sight, Adeboye, stressed that God would bring an ultimate end, “What kings, soldiers can’t do, the Almighty God will do for you,” he added.

Adeboye also urged the people to cease criticising their leaders, maintaining that residents should instead pray for them.

He lamented that people have opted for condemnation instead of seeking solutions through intercession. The General Overseer said, “Pray for the rulers, we have spent so much time criticising them. You should pray for them. I’m praying for them, I pray you will join me to pray.”

How Ayu Pushed Peter Obi Out Of PDP – Jamo, PDP Chieftain; Says Ayu Needs To Go

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0
Iyorcha Ayu

By Adesina Soyooye

But for the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, Presidential candidates of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi, and that of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Rabiu Kwankwaso, would still  be members of the PDP.

This was submitted by a chieftain of the Party, Mohammed Jamo, while fielding questions on a Channels Television Programme, Politics Today.

Jamo, while reacting to the corruption allegations against Ayu in respect of the over N100 million Naira paid into the account of members of the National Working Committee, NWC, allegedly for housing, which some of them returned, insisted that it was Ayu’s incompetence and non-capacity that saw to the exit of Obi and Kwankwaso from the Party.

If the two men had not left the Party, Jamo said, the 2023 Presidential election would have been a walk-over for the PDP. He noted that before now, there were only two major Political Parties in Nigeria, the PDP and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. But no longer. Jamo said no thanks to Ayu, Nigeria now has four major Political Parties, two of them, LP and NNPP, made strong by Obi and Kwankwaso all because Ayu did not address the issues which led to their exit.

His words: “Ayu needs to go. Today in Nigeria, we have four major Political Parties. Before these four major political parties emerged, what we had were two political parties.

“The other two political parties were a creation if the incapacity of Mr Iyorchia Ayu, the Chairman of the PDP, because under his watch, we lost Mr Peter Obi. Under his watch, we lost Engr. Rabiu Kwankwaso.

“If he had managed this party properly, Mr Obi and Kwankwaso would be in the PDP by now. It could have been a walk-over election for us. But now, we have these two forces to contend with.”

Countdown To October 16: Fayemi Receives Report Of Transition Committee

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Ekiti Transition Committee Report

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has said that the outgoing administration will prepare the ground for the incoming government to have a seamless and smooth take-off in the overall interest of our people.

The Governor spoke on Sunday while receiving the report of the 20- man Transition Committee, set up to midwife the new administration and disengage the outgoing one.

He pointed out that the report would assist the incoming administration have a seamless and smooth take-off in the overall interest of the people.

Receiving the 332-page report from the Chairman of the committee, Mr Foluso Daramola, Dr Fayemi said the committee was set up in pursuance of the Ekiti Transition Law, 2019 as an enduring legacy aimed at setting the standard for the process of handing over power to succeeding administration in the State.

He also noted that part of the responsibility of the committee was to ensure adequate briefing of the incoming Governor before he assume office, as well as provide avenues to ensure that salaries and retiring benefits of political office holders are paid without delay.

Dr Fayemi said he was glad the assignment of the committee significantly captured the activities, programmes, projects and achievements of the outgoing government in line with the agenda of the administration.

“I must commend Ekiti people for electing Mr Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji, who had been part of the outgoing government in which in function as SSG.

“This singular commendable decision of Ekiti kete has rightly resulted in the continuity of the good works of this administration, I am very confident that in view of this development, Ekiti will witness accelerated sustainable growth on all fronts of human endeavour.

“Your committee was constituted in pursuance of the Transition Law 2019 which remains an enduring legacy of this administration, setting the standard for the process of handing over of power from one administration to the other in Ekiti state.

“This occasion therefore is strategic being a major event to the programme lined up for the inauguration of the incoming administration.

“As a government that values due process, it is inevitable for us to prepare the ground for the incoming administration to have a seamless and smooth take-off in the overall interest of our people.

“I’m aware that the committee receives returns from Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government through which the entirety of this government have been significantly x-rayed.

“I have no doubt that the report that has just been submitted would provide the needed starting point for the incoming administration to hit the ground running.”

Submitting the report to the Governor, the Chairman of the Committee, Mr Foluso Daramola stated that the committee did its job thoroughly in line with the provision of the transition law 2019.

Daramola, who is also the Secretary to the State Government, expressed appreciation of the Transition Committee and the Advisory Council to Governor Fayemi for obliging them the opportunity to serve among the vast equally qualified persons.

He said he was hopeful that the observations and recommendations of the report would be useful to guide the policy direction of the incoming government.

Buhari Breaks Record, Honours Okonjo-Iweala With GCON, Amina Mohammed Too; Saraki Loses Out

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Ngozi Okonjo Iweala with President Buhari

By Akinwale Kasali

President Muhammadu Buhari has broken the ice. He has broken a record. For the first time in the history of the award of National Honours in Nigeria, two women are being honoured with the second highest honour in the land.

The pace-setting and record-breaking Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, currently the Director General of the World Trade Centre, will, on 11th October 2022, be honoured with the award of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, GCON. To be honoured with the same award is Amina Mohammed, the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations. Both high profile women were Federal Ministers under the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

GCON is an honour usually reserved for the Vice President, the Senate President, and the Chief Justice of Nigeria. But Jonathan, during his Government, honoured two Nigerian extraordinary businessmen and serial entrepreneurs, Aliko Dangote and Mike Adenuga with it. Before them, the late Premier of the defunct Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo was also honoured with the award. And a couple of years ago, Buhari honoured the late presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 Presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola, posthumously, with the GCON award.

Okonjo-Iweala’s award is for her impact in the development of the country and also putting the most populous black nation on the World map. She is the first woman, and the first black to occupy the office of the DG of the WTO.

Others to be honoured with GCON are the Senate President, Dr Ahmad Lawan and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the Honourable Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, and his predecessor, Honourable Justice Tanko Mohammed.

Inexplicably, the immediate past Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, was skipped, an action not a few people attributed to politics, and described as petty.

Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the President, will be honoured with the award of Officer Of the Order of the Niger, OON, while legendary musicians, Tu Face Idibia and Burna Boy will be honoured with the Member of the Order of the Niger, MON.

The list has five persons listed for the award of the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger, 54 listed for Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic while 67 are for the Commander of the Order of the Niger.

Others include 64 for Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic, 101 for Officer of the Order of the Niger, 75 for Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, 56 for Member of the Order of the Niger, and eight for Federal Republic Medal.

Serving and former governors, serving and former presiding officers of the National Assembly,  former members of the National Assembly are also included in the list, with serving and former Service Chiefs, Traditional Rulers, retired Public ser3vants, Lawyers, Philanthropists, Businessmen, Ministers and members of the academia.

Onanuga Invokes God’s Wrath On Tinubu Haters

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0
Bayo Onanuga and Bola Tinubu

By Adesina Soyooye

Accomplished Veteran Journalist, Bayo Onanuga, has invoked the wrath of God on haters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Candidate,  Bola Tinubu.

Onanuga, who is the Director, Media and Publicity, APC Presidential Campaign Council, reacted to the various stories, accompanied by an apparently doctored  photograph, alleging and depicting a very ill Tinubu.

The Presidential aspirant had, a few days ago, travelled to London for what Onanuga called a “short break”. But the trip coincided with two important activities concerning the 2023 Presidential election.

And Tinubu was absent.

There was the kick-off of the Campaign slated for September 28. Tinubu was not around, and so officially, APC has not kicked off its Presidential Campaign. Adams Oshiomhole, former National Chairman of the Party and Deputy Director-General of the Presidential Council, had attributed the delay to the absence of President Muhammadu Buhari, Chairman of the Council, and the Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, who is also the Director-General of the Council. Both men were away to UNGA, but have since returned.

There was, also, the signing of the  all-important Peace Accord for Presidential candidates. Tinubu was absent and was represented by his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima.

Tinubu’s absence at both events, especially, triggered wild speculations about his health. The story out there is that he is very ill in London and is taking treatment.

But Onanuga, in a post debunked the reports and insisted that Tinubu “is hale and hearty” and is on “a short break” to prepare himself for the upcoming rigorous Presidential Campaign.

Onanuga’s angry post reads:

“Here is a fake photo of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu forwarded to me just now, another handiwork of purveyors of deep fake.

“Whoever is behind this malicious falsehood will face the judgment of God at the right time.

“The man in the photo does not look like Asiwaju, except for his baldness. The man is fatter. Tinubu is slimmer.

“Look at the frame of his glasses. it is certainly not Tinubu’s trademark frame. Let me assure Nigerians who genuinely want to know Tinubu’s whereabouts. He is in London, in his house.

“Tinubu left Nigeria on Saturday night for a short break and in readiness for what will certainly be a gruelling campaign. I saw him, and spoke with him two hours before he left. He was hale and hearty. He was not ill. He didn’t go to treat any ailment.

“We spoke today at about 2pm. And he told me how his one-week retreat has not made any difference. He was still working like in Nigeria. Today, he still burnt his candle till 4.30 a.m.

“Nigerians should stop spreading rumours about Tinubu, who by the grace of God and fellow Nigerians, will be elected our leader next February. We should learn from the divine fate of the man who wished Tinubu dead.”

Onanuga made the post on Friday, September 30, 2022.

Months before the Presidential Primary, Tinubu was in the United Kingdom for about six months where he underwent surgery for, allegedly, knee replacement.

However, the state of Tinubu’s health has always been a subject of speculation with not a few people insisting he is exhibiting signs of alleged  parkinson disease.

1...1,9721,9731,974...3,041Page 1,973 of 3,041