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Wike, Atiku Rift : PDP South West Leaders Move To Present Common Stand
By Ayodele Oni
Details of last weekend’s meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, by some leaders of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) from south west are beginning to unfold.
The leaders among whom were Party Chairmen, former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, had met with Governor Seyi Makinde last Sunday.
The meeting, which was said to be behind closed doors, was confirmed by one of Fayose’s Media Aides, Lere Olayinka, on his Facebook page.
There are indications that one of the main issues discussed at the meeting centred on the stand of the zone in the ongoing rift in the leadership of the party at national level.
Fayose and Makinde have been fingered among those behind Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State in the post Presidential Primary election crisis rocking the PDP.
The Rivers state Governor has insisted that with the emergence of Atiku Abubakar from the North as the Presidential flagbearer of the party, Dr Iyorcha Ayu should resign his appointment as National Chairman of PDP.
The Ibadan meeting is also reported to have discussed the likely successor of Ayu in the event of zoning the position to the South-west.
The PDP Presidential candidate is expected in Lagos before the end of this week and may likely stop over in Ibadan in furtherance of his nationwide consultations with stakeholders.
The meeting also counselled Party Chairmen from the zone on the need to speak with one voice on the current situation for as long as it lasts, in order not to portray south west as being divided.
2023: NLC, TUC Promise Obi 12m Votes
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC has promised to mobilise its 12 million strong members to vote for the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.
Obi, whose popularity has been growing among mainly young voters and workers’ unions, according to those watching the country’s politics is in a three horse race with Bola Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar of the All progressives Congress, and Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, respectively.
Ayuba Wabba, NLC president disclosed this on Monday, stressing that the union will ensure the victory of Obi in next year’s presidential election.
The labour leader said at the National Retreat of the party in Abuja that its members will ensure Obi’s victory in 2023.
“The structures of all our affiliates, both TUC and NLC, membership together is 12 million,” he said.
Ayuba said one of the things the union is doing is to unite Nigerians, across all walks of life behind the LP presidential candidate, adding that no country can move forward without unity.
According to him, “One issue that we must take very serious is actually conscientising our members and also Nigerians because Nigeria is so much divided along many primordial interests and many interests that are self-centred that we need to address
“No country in the world can prosper and work in unity if the country is so divided. So one of the responsibilities of Labour Party is to unite Nigerians along a common goal of development and prosperity.
“Let us organise at all levels. Let us send a message at all levels. I assure you that as Britain did it in 1945 when all the structures were actually won by the Labour Party and recently… Australia also did the same.
“It’s not that we don’t have we have structures; human beings are the structures. It is just to activate the structures and put them to use. It’s just like a weapon in military circles. You service them when the need arises.
“So the need has (arisen) for all the structures of the political commission of both TUC and NLC to be activated in all the 774 local governments. Importantly, also the structures of all our affiliates, both TUC and NLC, membership together is 12 million.”
2023: Obi Demands Probe Of Tinubu’s Wealth
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Pary, LP has questioned the source of wealth of APC presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Obi in a now-viral video believed to be referencing Tinubu said the former Lagos state governor has made so much wealth without any company traced to him.
Recall that Dele Alake, one of the spokesmen of the APC presidential hopeful recently claimed that his principal made his fortunes from stocks he owns in blue chip companies across the world.
Alake said, Tinubu ”has been buying stocks and bonds and all of that. I am not a finance person. So, I am not going to be interested in the nitty-gritty of it all. But I know he has been trading in stocks.
“I know that when you trade in stocks and you are a finance person, you know how to juggle the stock market and all of that. Those who are adept at it know what I am talking about. They wouldn’t start questioning how he made his money from stocks.
“He was buying stocks of blue-chip companies and all of that. He was making money and he was spending money. He has been doing all of these years before he got into office,” Alake, a former Commissioner for Information in Lagos state said.
He added, “Why people are querying the source of his wealth is because he had been a successful governor of Lagos and a successful politician even after office.
“He is about the only one of the class of 1999 who is at that enviable political height today. He is bound to attract all of these negative comments. That, to him, was crucial.
“He made his money well before he got into office. I think what is important to Nigerians, really, is to know that this man was not a pauper before he came into office, like some others,” he said.
Alake however failed to mention companies where Tinubu owns shares.
Speaking Obi said Tinubu’s sources of wealth should be questioned, asking how the APC presidential candidate made so much wealth after losing so much during the late Gen. Sanni Abacha dictatorship.
Obi also urged Nigerians to take back their country from moneybags.
Referencing Tinubu, the LP presidential candidate noted, “What company gave this candidate who people claimed fought Abacha and lost everything own that gave him the money to buy two planes? Bad behavior has become a measure of success in Nigeria and we must all rise up and take back our country and rule it the right way.
“We have a crisis, a crisis; and that’s why I am pleading for all of us to take back our country. It’s our own; it’s not like any other country. When the leader is responsible to the people, they can question his rascality; his behavior must that of somebody who is sane and who wants to serve.”
NIMASA: Transport Minister Orders Deployment of Moribund Floating Dockyard
The Minister of Transportation, Mu’azuJaji Sambo has charged the Management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, to ensure prompt deployment of the Modular Floating Dockyard the Agency acquired sometimes ago.
The Agency’s Director General, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, who disclosed this while speaking with the media in Lagos, said that the Honorable Minister described the deployment of the Modular Dockyard as one of the low-hanging fruits he hopes would be delivered to the nation within the next few months.
“When we met with the Honorable Minister last month, he made it clear that we need to deploy the Modular Floating Dockyard for the benefit of Nigerians. The truth is that we are working round the clock daily to ensure the Dockyard is put to use.
“We are working closely with the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, using lessons from past mistakes, to ensure a productive and sustainable deployment of the Modular Dockyard.
Jamoh said that both NIMASA and NPA are set to complete the operationalization of the NIMASA Modular Floating Dockyard with the installation of dolphins and repair of facilities at the NPA Continental Shipyard facility, where the floating dock would be operated from.
He noted that NIMASA has completed the ongoing discussions with its co-partner, NPA and other managing partners to provide the Continental Shipyard for the anchoring of the Dockyard. The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, ICRC, is closely providing guidance for the deployment of the national asset on a Public Private Partnership PPP model, adding that the floating dock needs to go through an installation process before it starts functioning or be put to use.
Ecobank: Awori In, Ayeyemi Out As Group CEO
Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, ETI has designated Jeremy Awori to succeed Ade Ayeyemi as the new Group chief executive.
This was disclosed in a corporate filing by the Pan African Bank on Monday. Adeyemi is retiring after attaining the mandatory age of 60, in line with corporate policy, the bank said in the filing signed by the company’s Secretary, Madibinet Cisse.
“Jeremy Awori is joining Ecobank Group following a twenty-five-year long career in the banking industry, with almost a decade leading Absa Bank Kenya Plc as the CEO & Managing Director,” the statement reads.
“Before joining Absa, Jeremy held multiple leadership roles at Standard Chartered Bank across the Middle East and Africa. He brings a wealth of experience, skills, and industry know-how to the Ecobank Group,” the bank said.
“It is a great honour to be appointed Ecobank Group’s Chief Executive Officer. I look forward to consolidating the transformation of Ecobank, a truly pan-African institution full of talented people while innovating to create value for all Ecobank’s stakeholders,” Awori said on his appointment.
Meanwhile, Ecobank Chairman, Alain Nkontchou has described the incoming group CEO as a well-respected banking guru who has contributed immensely to the sector.
“Jeremy Awori is a highly respected leader in the banking industry with significant achievements in his previous capacities. The Board of Directors strongly believes that his drive and strong focus on results will be vital in steering the Group in its next phase,” he said.
On his part, he said Ayeyemi should proud of “his success in leading the implementation of the Roadmap to Leadership strategy, navigating Ecobank through challenges, seizing opportunities, and positioning Ecobank for sustainable long-term growth.
“Ade’s deep knowledge, unrivaled vision, commitment and infinite passion made all the difference. It has been a real pleasure working with him. I count on his continuous support to ensure a smooth transition as we onboard Jeremy Awori as the new Group CEO.”
Senator Ike Ekweremadu, ILL, Diagonised With Acute Kidney Damage – Daughter; Pleads For A Donor
By Adesina Soyooye
Former Deputy Senate President, Dr Ike Ekweremadu, has been diagnosed with acute kidney damage. This was revealed by his daughter, Sonia, who is, also, suffering from a rare kidney disease.
Sonia, 25, who lives in London, revealed her father’s status in an emotional statement she released on Monday, September 12, where she pleaded that her life be saved by a compassionate donor.
“In the time that my father has been incarcerated, he has been diagnosed with acute kidney damage”, Sonia wrote.
The Senator and his wife had arranged for a donor from Nigeria who they sponsored to the United Kingdom for the purpose of donating one of his kidneys to their daughter, Sonia. But the proposed donor turned rogue when he arrived London. He reported the Ekweremadus – the Senator and his wife, Beatrice – to the London Metropolitan Police, and alleged that unknown to him, he was brought to London by the Ekweremadus for the sole purpose of harvesting his kidney for the benefit of their daughter.
On 21st June, 2022, the Senator and his wife were arrested at the Heathrow Airport, London, on their arrival from Istanbul, Turkey, and charged to Court on allegation of illegal organ harvesting.
Since then, while the trial is going on, the Senator has remained in Prison custody and denied bail. His wife, after a couple of months in custody, was granted bail.
In an emotional statement she released on Monday, Sonia wrote about her ordeal and the ordeal her family is going through because of her. She disclosed that she is suffering from a rare kidney disease – FSGS Nephrotic Syndrome – which forced her to drop out of school. Presently, Sonia said, she undergoes a five-hour dialysis three times a week.
She is begging for a kind donor because, she said, the ailment is genetic and the Doctors advised her against a donation from any member of her family, as the ailment is most likely to reoccur.
She said her family had battled to save her life, but that the ailment kept degenerating. “I am alive today by the special grace of God”, she noted.
Sonia lamented her parents present fate in London, but said she wouldn’t go into details since the case is in Court. She is, however, optimistic that the truth would come out.
Sonia: “The last three years have been extremely challenging. The charges being faced by my parents in London, presently, are directly connected to my illness and have complicated matters for me and my family. I do not intend to delve into details of this unfortunate development as the matter is still in Court. I am, however, optimistic that truth will prevail and it will end in praise to God.”
The full text of her statement reads:
“I, Sonia Ekweremadu, hereby appeal to the general public to come to my aid and save my life.
“I am 25 years old and a graduate of Media and Communications, University of Conventry. I dropped out of my post graduate studies at the University of Newcastle in 2019 when I was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease, FSGS Nephrotic Syndrome.
“My family has battled to save my life, and has taken me to various hospitals, but the illness persisted and kept degenerating. I am alive today by the special grace of God.
“I am presently in London, UK, receiving five hours of dialysis, three to four times a week. This is at the expense of my family as I am not qualified for NHS, due to my immigration status.
“The last three years have been extremely challenging. The charges being faced by my parents in London, presently, are directly connected to my illness, and have complicated matters for me and my family. I do not intend to delve into the details of this unfortunate development as the matter is still in Court. I am, however, optimistic that the truth will prevail and it will end in praise of God.
“In the circumstances above, I am appealing to anybody whom it may please to assist me, willingly, with a kidney donation, in the name of God.”
She noted that she didn’t have to resort to a public appeal if the Doctors had not told her that her illness is genetic, making it impossible for a family member to donate to her because the disease would reoccur.
Sonia: Regrettably, comprehensive medical examination showed that my case of Nephrotic Syndrome is a genetic illness, and the Doctors advised against donation from any of my family members, as it would likely reoccur. In the time that my father has been incarcerated, he has been diagnosed with acute kidney damage
“Anybody that is moved by this appeal, and wishes to donate his or her kidney to me, may send an email to: [email protected] and include his or her name, phone number, email address and place of residence.
“Please, note that under the laws of England and Wales, organ donation must be purely driven by compassion and, therefore, no reward is involved.
“Finally, I have decided to commit and dedicate myself to helping people with the challenges of kidney disease, upon my full recovery.
“Thank you and God bless you.”
The case of the Ekweremadus will come up again in October. It is not known if the Judge would be moved to grant bail to Senator Ekweremadu or not. If bail is not granted in October, he is likely to be in prison till the first quarter of 2023, probably, until the end of the sad and unfortunate case.
Gombe: PDP Protests Demolition Of Campaign Office
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has protested, in strong words, the demolition of its Campaign office by the State Government.
The Party described as wicked the Demolition which it said was ordered by the Governor of the State, Inuwa Yahaya.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the Party accused the Governor of being nervous over what it said would be his imminent defeat at the 2023 polls.
The Party said it was the height of irresponsibility and rascality for the Governor to demolish the office for no just cause. The Party has, therefore, asked the Governor to rebuild the demolished Campaign Office.
Following is the full text of the statement.
Demolition of Gombe PDP Campaign Office Invitation to Anarchy- PDP; Insists APC Must Leave in 2023
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condemns in the strongest terms the unprovoked invasion and demolition of PDP’s campaign office in Gombe, Gombe State capital by the jittery and outgoing All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration in the State.
“This cowardly and provocative action by the Governor Mohammad Inuwa Yahaya-led failed APC administration in Gombe State is a call for anarchy and a vicious attack on the generality of the people of the State, whose Will, aspiration and resolve for good governance is symbolized and embodied in the PDP as a Party.
“The PDP, without any equivocation, demands that the Gombe State Government should immediately rebuild the demolished Campaign Office and tender unreserved apology to the people of Gombe State.
“Governor Inuwa Yahaya is in mortal fear of the PDP Gombe State Campaign office which has become the rallying point of the people in the determination to liberate their State from the misrule and stranglehold of the APC administration.
“Nigerians were shocked by the display of hatred, violence and brute force by the Inuwa Yahaya-led APC administration in Gombe State, which also enlisted heavily armed police operatives, who reportedly fired tear gas and live shots at innocent citizens to assist the demolition squad to carry out its dastardly act.
“This failed governor is discomfited because the APC in Gombe State has fallen apart in the face of mass exodus of prominent APC members arising from his abysmal failure in office for which the people of the State have rejected him and the APC.
“It is inexcusable that being flustered by rejection and inevitable electoral defeat in 2023 given the soaring popularity of PDP’s Governorship Candidate, Jibrin Barde, the failed Gombe State Governor has resorted to inflicting violence on the people of Gombe State.
“Governor Inuwa Yahaya is aware that he is no match to PDP’s Jibrin Barde and as such he is now seeking to foist a fascist regime as a way to forcefully perpetuate himself in office beyond May 29, 2023.
“The PDP alerts that Governor Inuwa Yahaya has become a clear and present danger to national security as well as a huge threat to our democratic process and corporate existence as a nation.
“This is particularly as there are apprehensions in the public space that the Governor Inuwa Yahaya-led APC is setting up killer squads to unleash terror on the people ahead of the elections.
“Our Party cautions Inuwa Yahaya to note that he has been exposed and would be held responsible for any breakdown of Law and Order as well as any terrorist attack in Gombe State ahead of the elections.
“The PDP therefore invites President Muhammadu Buhari to call Governor Inuwa Yahaya to order before he causes another mayhem in Gombe State.
“We also charge the Inspector General of Police to order an investigation into the use of police operatives to attack the people of Gombe State to facilitate the demolition of the Campaign Office.
“Governor Inuwa Yahaya should accept the reality of his rejection. He must know that he can never intimidate or cow the people of Gombe State to submission with his resort to violence.
“The people have made up their mind that he must leave office in May 29, 2023 and there is no going back on that resolve.”
Lagos: Heavy Rain Wreaks Havoc, As Victims Count Loses
By Akinwale Kasali
Lagos Residents are counting their loses as properties worth Millions of Naira were destroyed owing to the heavy rain that led to flooding and crippling of commercial activities.
The rain witnessed in many areas of the State caught many residents unawares as it started midnight.
Many houses were flooded as occupiers scampered for their lives to avoid being swept away by the heavy flood.
Roofs of houses were blown away as the effect of the storm which accompanied the rain was terrifying. Cars were submerged in the heavy flood.
Salami Ifedayo, who just moved to Aboru, in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, could not hold back tears. He watched his properties destroyed.
His house was flooded and all his properties submerged by the flood. “All I laboured for has been destroyed”, he cried.
So also was the lot of Jacob Semako, who just moved to Oke Ishagun, Command Area of the same LG. He had all his wares destroyed by the rain. The shop where he sells Elle truck Wares was destroyed as the heavy storm removed the roof of the shop and exposed his wares to destruction.
Semako said he just stocked his shop Friday, but the rain that fell over the night wrecked his life.
Houses and Cars in Lekki, Victoria Island, Ajah, Lagos Island, Satellite Town, Alimosho, Aboru, Surulere and its environs were submerged and all roads flooded leading to gridlock unbelievable gridlock on major roads.
The flood prompted motorists to ply alternatives routes as commercial vehicles hiked transport fares.
It would be recalled that the Lagos State Government had earlier alerted of the coming heavy rains, amounting to 1,750 mm in 2022, with attendant socio-economic implications for Residents of the State.
Commenting on the development, an environmental expert, Segun Lawal, made an appeal to the State Government to work on coordinating their drainage channels and linking them to avoid perennial flooding.
Also, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged residents of the State to observe safety precautions.
Ibrahim Farinloye, Acting Assistant Zonal Coordinator, South-west Zonal Office, NEMA, said residents should avoid driving when flood covers half of vehicles’ tyres.
“Once the rainwater gets to half of the wheels it sweeps off your vehicle,” he said.
“Kindly park and move on to higher ground for safety.”
Farinloye also advised that trekking should be avoided during downpours.
“The rainwater must have risen above our ankles, once it happens like this, the flood has the capacity to carry us off,” he added.
“Residents of Lagos Island, Eti-Osa, Alimosho, Amuwo Odofin, Ikeja, Ojo, Kosofe, Apapa, Epe, Oshodi-Isolo, Shomolu, Surulere and Ajeromi /Ifelodun LGAs are advised to be more careful when it rains.”
Flooding issues have become more frequent in Nigeria as a result of climate change.
Obi is Hale and Hearty – Obienyem
By Valentine Obienyem
The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, and by the grace of God, fueled by his merit, the next President of Nigeria, Mr. Peter Obi, is back to the country.
In the last three weeks, he transverse the world, convincing Nigerians on the need to take back their country and move in sync with the rest of the world.
Kindly ignore the falsehood making the rounds that he was attacked.
May God forbid that even the very thought of such barbarism be visited on him.
Obi has consistently reiterated his belief that politics should always be devoid of violence. This remains his political credo.
It is pertinent to note that the news, coming shortly after Barr. Festus Keyamo’s press release, alleging plan by Obi to stage manage his own assassination is worrisome. It shows that the devil may be at work in endless and familiar scheming.
We shall continue to entrust Mr. Peter Obi into the protection of the Almighty, while he ensures he is adequately protected to see through the work of re-building Nigeria that providence has entrusted unto him.