It goes down as the most high profile kidnap case in Nigeria. In an unprecedented incident, the Prelate of the Methodist Church in Nigeria, His Eminence, Samuel Uche Kanu, has been kidnapped.
The Prelate was kidnapped in Abia State, on Sunday, along with his Chaplain, and the Bishop of Owerri Diocese, His Lordship, the Rt. Rev. Dennis Mark.
The incident took place along Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia.
They had gone to a Church program and were on their way back, Sunday afternoon, when the gunmen swooped on them.
The Abia State Police Command, has confirmed the embarrassing incident through the Public Relation Officer, SP Geoffrey Ogbonna.
He said: “It’s quite unfortunate. Efforts are on top gear toward his rescue as well as other priests with him.
“We solicit credible information from the public toward their rescue, please.”
A Sokoto-based legal practitioner, Prof Mansur Sa’id is at war with the national President of the Nigerian Bar Association, (NBA), Olumide Akpata, accusing him of religious bias and attempt to break the NBA.
The petitioner, a Principal Partner of Mansur & Mansur Attorneys, pointed out that Akpata has deviated from his promise to unite the NBA when he took over about a year ago.
The legal practitioner writes that “On the eve of the exit of former NBA President Paul Usoro in 2020, he withdrew an invitation extended to Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai to speak at NBA Conference scheduled to take place from August 26th to 29th, 2020 on ground of how the governor handled southern Kaduna crisis and other sundry accusations.
“But other serving Christian Southern Governors who were also accused of similar allegations were allowed to speak at the conference, and such caused a very serious rift within the NBA to the extent movement for registration of NNBA was kicked up which its processes were almost concluded.
“After the swearing-in of Olumede Akapata as NBA President on August 28, 2020, at his inaugural speech, Mr. Akpata stated that ‘The Bar that I want to lead, henceforth, is one that is united on all fronts and that recognises that our diversity is, perhaps, our greatest strength.
“I plead with all Nigerian lawyers to bear this philosophy of unity in mind; as we commence a new journey together.’
“About a week after his swearing in, Olumede Akpata invited northern bar leaders to a meeting where he pleaded with them to discard their idea of creating NNBA and subsequently a vote of confidence was passed by the northern bar leaders to his administration and he apologized to the aggrieved lawyers and promised to be just to all lawyers across the federation.
“However, from several Committees set up by the NBA President and his recent unfortunate statement condemning extra-judicial killing of Deborah Yakubu without condemning her blasphemy against our noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW), coupled with postponing of NBA-SPIDEL Conference 2022, scheduled to take place at Sokoto between 22nd-26th-May, 2022 without contacting the branch, it is apparently clear that the NBA President has engaged into an act capable of accelerating the breaking up of the NBA.
“Or at least hand over a more divided NBA to his successor contrary to his promise to northern bar leaders during their vote of confidence.
“Going through the committees set up by President Akpata, for example in February, 2022, the NBA President set up the 2022 NBA-AGC Technical Committee on Conference Planning, out of 17 members (including 5 Ex-Officio) there is only and only one northern Muslim member.
“Any reasonable person would definitely conclude that northern Muslims lawyers are not only marginalised in affairs of NBA but also discriminated.
“Moreover, the recent statement issued by NBA President, which inter-alia contains condemnation of gruesome murder of Deborah Yakubu who insulted Noble Prophet Muhammad (SWA) and postponing the NBA-SPIDEL Conference 2022 scheduled to take place at Sokoto between 22nd-26th-May, 2022 was received by many Muslim lawyers with great shock, embarrassment and disappointment.
“From the President’s statement one could understand that he put reliance on social media speculations shared by notorious enemies of Muslims and Islam who hid under the human rights activism and formed opinion on what transpired in Sokoto instead of making personal enquires in order to have a first-hand information of what really happened and whether the security situation in Sokoto warrants postponing the NBA-SPIDEL conference.
“That going through the comments made on Muslim lawyers’ social media platforms, the NBA President’s Statement, is a complete insult and demeaning to Muslims generally and Muslim lawyers in particular due to the following reasons:
“That the ground upon which the postponement of NBA-SPIDEL Conference 2022 was predicated was both provocative and insensitive to the psyche of Muslims generally and Muslim lawyers in particular.
“That the President, Nigerian Bar Association in his statement relied on speculations and social media fake news instead of at least calling the Hon. Attorney General of Sokoto State or consulting the NBA Sokoto Branch as to the level of investigation and nature of charges filed against the suspects.
“It is regrettable the President allowed himself to be used by Islamophobic agents.
“That two serious crimes were committed in Sokoto, to wit: blasphemy and extra-judicial killing of blasphemer, however, the statement of the NBA President, has for six times mentioned Deborah Yakubu condemning her murder but lamentably failed to for even once make reference to the terrible blasphemous remarks she made to the personality of our noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
“The intentional dead silence of the NBA President over the horrible murder of a Muslim woman along with her three children by Christian terrorists in Anambra State on Sunday 22nd May, 2022 has clearly confirmed to us the true colour of the NBA President.
“Finally, while I am urging the NBA President not hand over more divided NBA to his successor as it was handed over to him by his predecessor, I condemn in the strongest terms her insult to the Prophet Muhammad SAW which resulted in the unfortunate incident.”
Fresh from the Presidential Primaries where former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, a Presidential aspirant, complained about the secrecy which surrounded the Delegates’ list from Ebonyi State, the National Leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has cancelled all the Primaries held in the State.
Anyim is from Ebonyi State.
In a statement on Sunday, May 29, 2022, signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the Party, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP said: “After very extensive consultations, deliberations and review of all issues, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has approved the cancellation of all Party Primaries in Ebonyi State.”
Following is the statement.
PDP Cancels Primaries in Ebonyi State…To Announce New Dates
“After very extensive consultations, deliberations and review of all issues, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved the cancelation of all Party primaries in Ebonyi State.
“To this effect, all State House of Assembly, National Assembly and Governorship primaries of our Party in Ebonyi State are hereby cancelled. The NWC will announce new dates for the affected Party exercises in the State.
“The PDP charges all aspirants, critical stakeholders, leaders and members of our great Party in Ebonyi State to remain calm, united and focused as the PDP takes firm steps to rescue our nation from the misrule of the rudderless, corrupt and incompetent All Progressives Congress (APC).”
Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, one of the Peoples Democratic party (PDP) presidential aspirants has sent a message of congratulations to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar on his victory as the Party’s presidential candidate in next year’s general election.
Anyim also commended the 2022 PDP Special Convention Committee for successfully conducting the primary election.
The former President of the Senate said he was proud to have fully participated in the race to the end and praised his supporters for being with him to the end.
Anyim, however, lamented that voting preferences at the election still reflected old pattern of primordial sentiments, wondering if the national desire to find solutions to her problems would be realized by such actions.
In a statement signed personally by Anyim and issued by Anyim Presidential Campaign Organization on Sunday, Anyim said “I must sincerely commend the PDP 2022 Special Convention Committee for doing a great job.
“I’m proud to have gone through the race to the end.
“However, I am shocked that consideration for voting the PDP presidential candidate was not based on burning national issues and how to resolve them, but still on the old primordial sentiments.
“It appears doubtful if our search for nationhood is yielding any results”, Anyim wondered.
Turning to his diehard supporters, Anyim said, “I deeply appreciate and thank all those who stood by me throughout this race, especially those that voted for me at the primary election.
“I want to assure all of you that we shall continue to stand tall until we birth the Nigeria of our collective dreams.
“Let me also congratulate His Excellency, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar for emerging the PDP flag bearer for the 2023 presidential election”, Anyim said and concluded by wishing Nigerians well.
Both men had been in the same party two times- Action Congress, AC and the All Progressives Congress, APC.
At the AC, where both Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar were, Atiku was the Presidential candidate in 2011. He failed.
Now, both are again in different parties. Atiku in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, where he has just secured the ticket to fly the Party’s Presidential flag. Tinubu, in the All Progressives Congress, APC, as a Presidential aspirant. He hopes to clinch the ticket.
In anticipation that he would run against Atiku in the 2023 Presidential election, Tinubu hailed Atiku’s victory on Saturday but told him his candidacy is “burdened”
In a statement signed by the Director Media and Communication of his Campaign Organisation, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu congratulated Atiku on his victory in one breath, and in another breath, tackled him.
He said: “Unfortunately for the PDP, its candidate will be burdened to explain why Nigerians should give it another opportunity after squandering 16 years at the Central Government, without much to show.”
And as if he has already become the candidate of the APC, Tinubu said: “We should make our campaigns peaceful and issue-,based. Election season should be a festival of ideas that will lift our country and improve the living condition of all our people.”
The APC Presidential Primaries is scheduled for June 6 and 7. Tinubu has a formidable line of competitors, including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
Following, his message to Atiku.
“I welcome the victory of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the just concluded primary. I look forward to squaring up with him as a worthy opponent in the coming election. I have known the former Vice President as a formidable politician and a patriot who believes in the unity and progress of our dear country.
“As we move further into the election season, I charge the PDP presidential candidate and all political actors across Party lines that we should make this election season one that is devoid of bitterness, rancour and strife.
“We should make our campaigns peaceful and issue based. Election season should be a festival of ideas that will uplift our country and improve the living condition of all our people.
“Unfortunately for the PDP, its candidate will be burdened to explain why Nigerians should give it another opportunity, after squandering 16 years at the central government, without much to show”.
“Nigerians are yet to forget the national ruin and mismanagement of our country for 16 years by successive PDP administration and this bad memory will dog the campaign of the PDP Candidate”
“ Nevertheless, I once again congratulate our former Vice President for his victory in his party’s primary.”
Just like that of former Senator Dino Melaye is the lot of Journalist turned- Politician, Smart Adeyemi, the Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, who has failed to secure the All Progressives Congress, APC, ticket at the Primary.
Adeyemi lost the APC Senatorial Primary Election to Hon. Sunday Karimi.
Karimi floored the three-time Senator and three other aspirants at the party‘s primary held in Kabba on Saturday, to emerge the APC flagbearer for the Kogi West Senatorial District.
Karimi represented the Yagba Federal Constituency between 2011 and 2015.
He scored 288 votes, while Muyiwa Aina came second with 73 votes. Adeyemi garnered only 43 votes, while the only woman in the race, Doyin Eshanumi scored one vote.
Isah Abdulkareem scored 9 votes while six invalid votes were recorded. Elsewhere, Engr. Abubakar Ohere picked the APC ticket for the Kogi Central Senatorial District. He scored 260 votes to defeat Hajia Ramatu Attah who had 13 votes , and Sheriff Dalhatu with 11 votes.
Melaye had earlier lost the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Primary to Hon. Tajudeen Yusuf who will hoist the Party’s ticket at the poll.
The Imo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has accused a Senatorial Aspirant for Owerri West, Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, of pushing to undermine the process of the Primary, and rubbish the image of the Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma.
The Ondo State First Lady, who is aspiring to represent her Senatorial District, Imo East, in the Senate, had rejected the Consensus arrangement, suddenly, introduced by the State Chapter, and insisted on voting by delegates.
She blamed the Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma for hijacking the process, dismissing as unfair; a situation where Aspirants, after tedious, energy sapping campaigns, are asked to step down for a candidate who very recently, she said, picked the Senatorial forms. She refused to stand.
Speaking to Reporters, she asked the National Leadership of the Party not to accept any results from the State, as there was no election. She dismissed it as a huge fraud and a sham.
But in a statement on Saturday signed by the APC State Publicity Secretary, Cajetan Duke, the Party said Mrs Anyanwu-Akeredolu’s allegations were unwarranted and unprovoked. The Party said it would not be distracted.
The statement said: “The Party with every sense of responsibility, urges the general public and our esteemed Party men and women, to disregard such unprovoked and unwarranted allegations deliberately orchestrated to undermine the credibility of the Primary election and impinge on the integrity of our dear Governor.”
Following is the full statement from the Imo APC:
IMO APC TO AKEREDOLU: ENGAGE THE DELEGATES AND LEAVE UZODIMMA ALONE
“… IMO APC SENATORIAL PRIMARY ELECTION IN PROGRESS, UNHINDERED AND UNINTERRUPTED.
“The attention of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Imo State chapter ably led by Hon Macdonald Ebere, PhD, has been drawn to a false allegation making the rounds on social media against His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, credited to our dear sister, Her Excellency, Chief Mrs Betty Akeredolu (Ada Owere), and with the intent to undermine the entire process and discredit the eventual outcome of the primary election.
“It is however regrettable that such an outlandish and ridiculous allegation could come from Her Excellency, Chief Mrs Akeredolu, wife of Ondo State Governor and an aspirant for the Imo East (Owerri Zone) Senatorial position, having received all the necessary support and solidarity from the governor and the leadership of the party in the course of her aspiration.
“While we understand and appreciate the huge pressure associated with political contest, particularly in a star-studded area like Owerri Zone, we wish to call on Mrs Akeredolu to refrain forthwith from reckless use of inciting words that are capable of setting the foundation of the party on fire. It will be more profitable for her to engage with and concentrate on the delegates instead of dragging the name of the governor into the Owerri Senatorial contest.
“We wish to however reiterate the governor’s commitment to providing a level playing field for a peaceful, transparent, free and credible primaries in the state.
“The party under the Chairmanship of Hon. Macdonald Ebere will not be distracted in its resolve to provide for all aspirants and stakeholders the enabling platform to actualize their aspirations.
“Therefore, the party with every sense of responsibility urges the general public and our esteemed party men and women to disregard such unprovoked and unwarranted allegations deliberately orchestrated to undermine the credibility of the primary election and impinge on the integrity of our dear governor.”
What played out during the Presidential Primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Saturday, May 28, 2022, was a betrayal. It was a classic confirmation of the saying that in politics, there are no permanent enemies, only permanent interests.
Otherwise how can one explain that it was the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, a Presidential aspirant until at the venue of the Presidential Primaries, who bailed Atiku Abubakar out, and pushed him to defeat Wike
In 2019 when both Atiku and Tambuwal contested at the Primaries held in Porthacourt, Wike not only campaigned for Tambuwal, backed him with everything at his disposal, but he made enemies over Tambuwal.
One of them: Atiku who was, also, the eventual winner but was defeated at the main election by the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari. It took time to appease and console Wike over Tambuwal’s loss.
On Saturday, it was different. Wike was on the ballot,along with Atiku and Tambuwal. He was on the ballot because he and other Southern Governors insisted it was now the turn of the South to produce the President after Buhari’s eight years in office.
For Wike in, particular, he asked that it be zoned to the South-south which, since 1999, he said, has been a strong base for the PDP.
So, on Saturday, the three of them filed out, along with 10 other candidates. Both Atiku and Wike were the frontrunners. They were also the front-spenders. Both were intimidating. The result could go either way, most people speculated.
Then, enters Tambuwal with a masterstroke. He pulled the rogue from under Wike’s feet. He stepped down for Atiku, and asked his many supporters from his Zone, including Imo State to vote Atiku. From then on, the game changed.
Out of a total number of 767 accredited delegates, the former Vice President polled 371 to prevail. Wike garnered a respectable 237 to come second. He beat former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki who scored 70 votes to the third place, and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel who scored 38 votes to the fourth position. The others were “also ran.”
Opinion is that Wike should walk with a swagger. He was not humiliated. Seeing that the North was more united than the South, he did well. And, there are many ifs
What if Tambuwal did not step down for Atiku? What if Emmanuel stepped down for Wike in the spirit of the South-south and especially, in the spirit of the decision reached by Southern Governors in Asaba that the Presidential seat rotates to the South? What if all Imo delegates supported Wike, who backed Imo PDP in 2019, instead of having a divided house – a few for Wike, and most for Atiku?
Where Was The South-east?
The South-east was humiliated. More than any other Zone, it cried out that it was their turn. The Zone had two major candidates, former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim and Peter Obi. But on May 20, Obi resigned from the PDP, and its Primaries. He probably knew what was afoot.
There was, also, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, who nobody reckoned with.
He did not do much to woo delegates. He was just there. But that cannot be said of Anyim who campaigned hard. He traversed most of the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory. He was given some hope everywhere he went. He had a solid message. But on Saturday, he was abandoned by even the South-east.
All the trips he undertook, all the promises he got, amounted to a humiliating 14 votes. He couldn’t even count on the delegates from his Zone, a Zone which he made proud by being the first to declare interest when people were saying the South-east had no candidates.
When it mattered most, the South-east split its votes mainly between Wike and Atiku. Anyim was thus given an undeserved bloody nose. Ohuabunwa got only one vote, apparently, the one he cast for himself.
Peter Obi Was Smart
The chorus after the humiliating outing of the South-east on Saturday was: Peter Obi is smart. He saw the handwriting on the wall and quit. Otherwise, he would have suffered Anyim’s fate. Obi, comfortable in the Labour Party where he is now, must be having a good laugh.
Atiku’s Fifth Attempt, Last Chance
This would be Atiku’s fifth attempt at the Presidential seat since 1999 when he contested at the PDP Primaries along with Obasanjo and others. He ended up becoming the Vice President. Since then, the Adamawa born politician had contested under other political parties, including AC and/or ACN and the PDP.
At over 70 years of age, the 2023 contest will be his last bus stop. If he wins, fine. If he fails, it is goodbye to a chequred political journey.
He understands that. In his acceptance speech, he called for unity, reconciliation, and promised to unify Nigeria and Nigerians.
Said he in a post: “Today, the March to rebuild and unite our great nation moves forward. I am honored to be named the Presidential candidate ot the Peoples Democratic Party.
“I look forward to speaking with Nigerians across the country, taking the message of hope and unity as we build one future for one people – AA #One Nigeria,”
Real Madrid Goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois can be described as the hero of the pulsating UEFA Champions League Final against England’s most successful in Europe, Liverpool.
Having denied Mohammed Salah on three occasions, Sadio Mane on two occasions and Diogo Jota’ ricky shave, Courtois becomes a Cult hero and for the first time in his football career, he lifted the coveted UEFA Champions League trophy having been denied in 2013, when his former Club Side, Atletico Madrid lost to Real Madrid 4-1 in the final during extra time.
Junior Vinicius’ strike in the 64th minutes was the only difference that separated the two teams, as The Reds of Liverpool had 28 shots for the entire duration of the Match as against Real Madrid’s three shots.
Liverpool was disappointing and missed out on the chance to win a cup treble. The Reds were aiming for their third trophy of the season, but were made to pay for a string of missed chances and series of poor play.
With the triumph by Real Madrid, they have won 14 UEFA Champions League trophy to become the most successful Club in the World.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti has also set another record of being the first Coach in modern football to Win Four UEFA Champions League trophies, having won twice with AC Milan Football Club of Italy and Two also with Real Madrid.
With this victory by the ‘Galaticos’ as Real Madrid is called, Toni Kronos becomes the most decorated UEFA Champions League winner in history, having previously won one with Bayern Munich Football Club of Germany and five with Real Madrid, he becomes the first player to have won the prestigious trophy on Six occasions.
The likes of Luka Modric, Karim Benzema, Marcelo Vieira and Gareth Bale have all won the coveted trophy on five occasions.
It was not her first shot at Politics. She had contested for an elective office before – long before her husband became the Governor of Ondo State. Even though she was not successful, she was treated a little fairly, with respect
This time , 2022, it was different. Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, wife of the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, was “harrassed. She literally saw hell. But not a woman to be harrassed, she gave back hell for hell, fire for fire. She refused to be cowed. She insisted on what she thought, and felt, was due process. It is a democracy, afterall. In the end, she lost out. The good thing: She did not bow out quietly. She made her points. Held her head high. Her dignity intact.
Not a few people were surprised when the Imo State-born First Lady of Ondo State declared her interest in running for the Senatorial seat of Owerri Senatorial zone – Imo East. Even though she is an Owerri daughter, from Emeabiam, and well-grounded in her Zone, many felt she stood no chance of winning.
Very capable, competent, deep, the reason for the doubt was not in her ability to represent the zone, it was if she would be given a level playing ground to contest.
Even at that, some people thought she would have that.
Her husband is an APC Governor. Imo State is an APC State which Governor is also APC – Senator Hope Uzodinma.
So, she went to work to achieve her ambition. For months before she made public her aspiration, she weaved her basket – being present at a number of high profile events in the State, visiting community leaders and traditional rulers, talking to, and mentoring youths, expecially, the girl-child, using her Foundations to enlighten many, especially, women, on the importance of taking care of their health, simplified breast cancer, being a survivor, and garnering awards, including from the Correspondent’s Chapel, Imo State NUJ, and the prestigious “Ada Owere” Chieftaincy title conferred on her by Owerri Traditional Rulers. She prepared well. And campaigned hard.
Things began to fall apart for her two days to the APC Senatorial Primaries in the State which held on Saturday, May 28. She said all the candidates were called and asked to step down. She refused. She said they were asked to step down for an aspirant who had just picked his forms.
But the real hell was on Saturday, the day of the election. Wearing a pair of blue jean trousers and a tee-shirt, she stormed the APC Secretariat where she went to complain about the unfairness of the procedure, and asking her to step down. She said she was not for consensus; that election must take place. She tackled the Governor, Uzodinma, and told him off for his role in hijacking the National Assembly elections which she said is very critical.
But except for Reporters and her supporters, nobody listened to her. She was finally chased out, literally.
The real trouble began when her supporters insisted voting must take place. Confusion ensued. And then, a stampede.
Everybody scampered to safety. Policemen then chased her and her supporters outside to continue with her protest.
Addressing the Press, she said: ”I am insisting that we must go by delegate election. I cannot waste time and resources campaigning only to be told that candidates would emerge by consensus. We must vote and if I lose gallantly, I will accept the result.
Governor Ayade Loses APC Senatorial Primary
Prof. Ben Ayade, Cross Rivers State Governor, apparently, bought two forms – one for Presidential election, and the other for the Senatorial seat of his District, Cross Rivers State North.
Prof. Ben Ayade
But on Saturday, his ambition came crashing. He failed hard, taking the third position.
The Incumbent Governor lost his bid as the result declared by the party saw Cecilia Adams emerge winner after polling a total number of 140 votes, while Ayade came a distant third position with just 52 votes.
Ayade, who had initially declared for presidential seat under the APC, calmed down when he couldn’t play the game with the “big boys”. He became the first sitting governor to lose a primary election in the 2023 Primaries.
But his spokesman, Christian Ita, denied that his boss took part in any Senatorial Primary election.
In a statement, he said:
Anambra APGA: Victor Umeh Loses
The profile of the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, did not help him. A former Senator, he is, also, reportedly close to the Governor, Professor Charles Soludo.
But on Saturday, none of those mattered. Umeh lost the bid to represent his Anambra Central District in the Senate.
He was roundly defeated by a member of the House of Representatives Dozie Nwankwo.
Nwankwo is currently the member representing Njikoka/Anaocha/Dunukofia Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives.
Oshiomhole Resurfaces
“The attention of the Cross River state government has been drawn to a video circulating in cyberspace purporting to be a parallel All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primaries for Northern Cross River where His Excellency, Professor Ben Ayade was listed as a participant.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we hereby state clearly that Governor Ayade did not take part in any senatorial primaries.
“His Excellency is a Presidential aspirant who will be taking part in the APC presidential convention now slated for June 6.
“We make bold to say that the so-called parallel primary election as contained in the said video was at best a poorly scripted skit comedy shot by three persons sitting in a room.
“The sham video is indeed a joke taken too far. It was a vapid, infantile but failed attempt at manipulation as the clowns behind it tragically forgot to also manufacture ballot boxes, delegates, observers and APC panel members.
Adams Oshiomhole
“It was a handiwork of political desperadoes who are out to embarrass the governor.
“We wish to assure teeming APC members and supporters, particularly in Northern Cross River, that there was no parallel Senatorial primaries in the district.
“The only valid and recognised senatorial primaries that took place in Ogoja and which was won by the former Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Martin Orim and which does not have Ayade on the ballot, was monitored by the INEC and representatives from APC’s National Secretariat.
“The purported video suggesting a parallel exercise should therefore be ignored.”
In Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, the sacked National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, bounced back.
He rose from a political cemetery, to clinch, unopposed, the Senatorial ticket for his Edo North District.
His opponent, Senator Francis Alimikhena, on Friday resigned his membership of the party and stepped down as an aspirant of the party.
