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INEC: Voters’ Registration Ends July 31

By
Ayodele Oni
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Voters Cards

By Ayodele Oni

After series of extension occasioned by litigation and legislative order, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday announced that the continuous voter registration (CVR) will end on July 31, 2022.

The commission made the decision at an extraordinary session which took place in Abuja.

The electoral umpire said the exercise has also been extended to eight hours daily from 9am to 5pm instead of the current duration of six hours daily.

INEC national commissioner in charge of Voter Education, Festus Okoye, said that moving forward, the exercise will also include weekends as against only weekdays.

INEC had earlier fixed June 30 as the deadline for the ongoing CVR ahead of the 2023 elections, but the commission later extended the exercise by two weeks following a court order.

The commission has therefore, urged Nigerians to take advantage of the new two-week extension to register for their permanent voter cards (PVCs).

According to INEC, “We appeal for the patience and understanding of all Nigerians as we conclude the exercise which will resume after the 2023 General Election.

“We observe that following the continuation of the exercise beyond 30th June 2022, many of the registration centres recorded low turnout of prospective registrants.

“With this two-week extension, we appeal to eligible citizens not to wait until the last few days before they inundate the centres again to register.”

Muslim-Muslim Ticket: DSS Warns Buhari Of Danger Ahead

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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The Department of State Services, DSS warned President Muhammadu Buhari in a report that a one faith presidential ticket will destabilize the country, according to People’s Gazette.

The online newspaper said the secret police warned the president  before  Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the ruling APC picked Kassim Shetima, a former Governor of Borno state as his running mate last week.

Tinubu had cited competence as his reason for chosing the former Governor to run with him in next year’s presidential election.

But the Pople’s Gazette, said a processed intelligence report to President Buhari had warned of grave consequences if the APC pressed ahead with picking somebody of the same faith for the position.

The report was said to have been submitted to the NSA Major Gen. Babagana Mungonu (rtd) for onward transmission to the president days after Tinubu emerged APC presidential candidate.

The document had advised Tinubu to consider security implications of his selection before making it public, according to three officials briefed on the report.
“The SSS produced the report and handed a copy to the NSA,” an intelligence officer said.
“The NSA looked at the report and added it for security briefing to the president.’’
“Simply put, our understanding is that the alliance will destabilise Nigeria and embolden attacks on Christian citizens from their fellow Muslim citizens,” the official said.
“The distrust Christians are likely to harbour against a presidency occupied by two Muslims won’t make our work easy at national security level.”
The official said Buhari was not involved in the deliberations that led to Tinubu’s announcement of Kashim Shettima, from the Boko Haram stronghold in Borno, as his 2023 running mate to the ire of Christians across the country.
“People can say whatever they like about the President, but as a senior intelligence administrator I can guarantee you he was not involved in Tinubu’s decision at all,” the official said n a remarkable moment of candour.

Another official said the report was commissioned after Tinubu became the standard-bearer of the party on June 8 and started embracing the idea of a Muslim-Muslim ticket as the most potent strategy to be elected as president in an ethnically and religiously polarised country like Nigeria
Traditionally, northern Muslims have voted more than southern Christians, a traditional pattern which Tinubu looked to exploit, particularly as a similar ticket in 1993 saw the election of Moshood Abiola as president despite picking Babagana Kingibe, a northern Muslim, as running mate.
While the ticket was accepted by Nigerians at the time, the victory was annulled by former dictator Ibrahim Babangida and augured a protracted turmoil across the country.
“Strong intelligence led us to believe that he was passionate about the idea of a Muslim running mate,” the second official, an assistant director at the SSS, said.
“By the time our analysts reassessed the state of the country right now and what would likely come out of a Muslim president and vice-president, everything tilted towards negative and very dangerous times ahead.”
A spokesman for the SSS declined requests to comment on the memo, and both the State House and Tinubu’s campaign headquarters did not respond to requests for comment.
Yet, the report could drive a wedge between the secret police and the man who may be the country’s next president on the back of President Buhari and the ruling party.
The second official also dismissed questions about whether or not the SSS was injecting itself into uncharted political waters which could warrant serious consequences should Tinubu go on to be elected next February, saying it was after Tinubu had already taken the decision that he informed the president.
“We have it in our files that Tinubu went to the president to ask him about who to pick but the president was very reluctant to contribute and Tinubu noticed this before walking away,” the official added. “We have a role to play towards safeguarding national security and our report was not intended as a political intervention.”

Tinubu had unveiled Shettima after paying a Salah homage to Buhari in his Daura, Katsina home last week.

The National Chairman of APC, said Tinubu’s decision is the ‘work of God in response to scathing remarks from not a few Nigerians who said the Muslim-muslim ticket will further polarised the country along religious lines, apart from worsening the security situation in the country

Court Raises CJN’s Salary To N10m

By
Uche Mbah
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National Industrial Court - NIC

By Uche Mbah

The National Industrial Court, NIC, Friday ordered the federal government to increased the monthly salary of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN to N10 million.

The court also ordered the upward review of  salary structure of other judiciary workers.

In a judgement delivered by Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki-Osagie, the court ruled that salaries of judges and justices have been marking time for over a decade. This, he said, is despite the increased workload placed on judicial officers, which the court calls “embarrassing”.

“There is no doubt that from evidence adduced before this court that salaries payable to judges as well as their conditions of service, has been greatly altered to their disadvantage”, Obaseki-Osagie ruled.

“Judicial officers are daily impoverished by the devaluation of the Naira.

“They have suffered financial hardship and embarrassment owing to their poor pay. It is a shame to the country.

“In spite of this, our judges have continued to carry out their statutory duties.

“Justices are themselves victims of a great injustice. What an irony”, She held, arguing that the salary review is a right of judges, and the duty of NIC to right such wrongs. Hence NIC can compel the Federal government through its agencies to effect an upward review of salaries of judicial workers.

Consequent upon this, the court ordered an  increase in the salary of the CJN to N10million, while those following in hierarchical order; justices of the Supreme Court and President of the Court of Apeal was increased to N9m.

Court of Appeal Justices, Chief Judges, President of the Industrial Court, Grand Khadis and President of Customary Courts will now earn N8 million, while other Judges are to receive N7 million each.

The court therefore, directed the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN be served the judgment.

The cost of N1.5 million  was awarded against RMAFC, the AGF and the National Assembly, who were joined as Defendants.

The judgement was as a result of a suit filed by by Sebastian Hon, SAN.

Meanwhile, the magazine learnt that the federal government will challenge the judgment at the appellate court.

Ondo Donates 50 Smart Patrol Vehicles To Security Agencies To Fight Terrorists

By
Ayodele Oni
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Rotimi Akeredolu
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo state government is doing everything possible to ensure that the Owo incident, during which Gunmen invaded a church and killed score of worshippers does not repeat itself.

To this end, 50 electronically fitted patrol vehicles were on Friday donated to Security Agencies, as part of the administration’s  commitment  to further protect lives and property in the State.

Just few days ago, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, signed into law the first amendment to the Ondo State Security Network Agency Law.

The Governor, who assented to the bill at the State Executive Chamber, noted that the new amendment became imperative in light of the heightened insecurity across the state.

He assured that the amended Law will enhance the security architecture of the State and help the Amotekun Corps to perform better.

Governor Akeredolu  handed-over the fitted Patrol Vehicles to heads of the Security Agencies in the State including the Army; Navy, Nigeria Police, the Civil Defense Corps, Department of the State Services and the Amotekun Corps.

The Governor noted that the commissioning and handing over of additional 50 Vehicles was a further demonstration of his administration towards providing the needed support for all security agencies operating in the State.

Governor Akeredolu, who said his administration places premium on the dignity of human lives, vowed to smoke out all criminals in the State from their hidings and make the State uncomfortable for them.

”We still recall with trepidation the dastardly act of last month when some daredevil terrorists who have lost their souls to the devil launched an attack at the St. Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa in the ancient city of Owo,” he said.

According to him, “One of my promises then to the people of Ondo State was to do everything humanly possible to strengthen the capacity of our security agencies to be able to anticipate, prevent and combat a recurrence of such man’s inhumanity to mankind.

“Today, it gives me great delight to commission and hand over additional security equipment particularly fitted Patrol Vehicles, to security agencies operating in the State towards boosting the capacity of our men in the line of duty of crime fighting so that our people can go about their businesses and livelihood without fear of molestation or attack.

“In doing this, the agencies would be better equipped and strengthened to carry out their constitutional duties of protecting lives and property and combating acts of criminality in our dear State.

“Let me emphasise that procurement and distribution of vehicles to security agencies have been a recurring exercise in our state since we came on board.

“We have done this for the umpteenth time. As a government, we are aware of the inadequacies of our security agencies and we are prepared, more than ever, to be supportive because it borders on the lives of our people who voted us into office.

“I wish to reassure the good people of Ondo State of our avowed commitment to the constitutional responsibility of every government which is the security of lives and property and welfare of the people as enshrined in Section 14 of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended).  This will remain our topmost priority.”

Governor Akeredolu noted that the provision of the vehicles is in addition to other logistic supports his administration has continued to render because of its conviction in the dignity of human life.

“I, therefore, wish to inform naysayers that we are prepared to make Ondo State uncomfortable and too hot for any identified criminals to hibernate.

“Therefore, these vehicles will be deployed to relevant security agencies in charge of internal security to enable them function more effectively and efficiently. Our Key Performance Indicator shall remain a Zero Tolerance to Crime of whatever dimension.” He stressed.

Governor Akeredolu commended the sustained cooperation among the security agencies , which he said has culminated in a more peaceful environment and reduction in crime.

“It is apposite to state that in spite of the occasional flashes of incidence of criminalities, Ondo State still remains one of the relatively peaceful states in Nigeria. I salute you all for your efforts in this regard,” the governor noted.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Oguntoyinbo and the Vice Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the State, Rt. Rev Daniel Ayodeji Akomolafe commended the Governor for his efforts at securing the lives and property of the people.

They called for the establishment of State Police and better  empowerment for the Amotekun Corps to be able to bear arms so as to complement the efforts of the security agencies in fighting crimes.

Food Prices Push Inflation Above 18 Percent, NBS Says

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed,minister of finance

Nigeria’s inflation rate has continued on the double digit trajectory after it rose to 18.6 per cent in June from 17.7  per cent in May this year.

This represents a 0.9 percent point rise when compared to 17.7 per cent recorded in May, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS.

The report comes on the heels of the Government of Ghana announcement of 15 percent salary allowance for civil servants in the country due to rising inflation in the neighboring West African country.

The federal government has failed to provide such economic buffers for Public workers despite rise in the prices of essential commodities especially food items.

 According to NBS in its Consumer Price Index, CPI Report  food inflation has increased by 1.1 percent point to 20.6 per cent from 19.5 per cent in May.

The NBS said:”In June 2022, the inflation rate increased to 18.60 percent on a year-on-year basis. This is 0.84 percent points higher compared to the rate recorded in June 2021, which is 17.75 percent.

” Increases were recorded in all COICOP divisions that yielded the Headline inflation. On a month-on-month basis, the Headline inflation rate increased to 1.82 percent in June 2022, this is 0.03 percent higher than the rate recorded in May 2022 (1.78 percent) .”

”The composite food index rose to 20.60 percent in June 2022 on a year-on-year basis; the rate of changes in average price level declined by 1.23 percent compared to 21.83 percent in June 2021.

“The rate of changes in food prices compared to the same period last year was higher due to higher food prices volatility caused by COVID 19″.

“This rise in the food index was caused by increases in prices of Bread and cereals, food products, potatoes, yam, and other tubers, meat, fish, oil and fat, and wine,” the NBS said.

Third Term Agenda: I rejected N100m From Obasanjo-Gbajabiamila

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Femi Gbajabiamila, the Speaker, House of Representatives, has recounted how former President Olusegun Obasanjo tried to recruit him for his Third Term agenda.

The former president had tried to extend his tenure in office through the back door by trying to fraudulently amend the constitution to that effect.
Many politicians in the People’s Democratic Party at the time bought into the agenda, after being allegedly bribed.
The plot eventually failed, but not a few insist that the agenda cast a slur on Obasanjo and still hunt him, even when the former president denied ever  nursing elongating himself in office.
 Gbajabiamila said he was offered a whopping N100 million to back the unpopular agenda.

The speaker recounted his role in the Third Term saga, in a book titled ‘Mr. Speaker: The Legislative Life, Service and Resilience of Femi Gbajabiamila’, recently launched in Abuja to mark his 60th birthday.

According to him, “My best moment as a lawmaker was the death of Third Term; the day it was pronounced dead, because we had sleepless nights. We were meeting; we got a place in Asokoro, hidden somewhere. We would start our meetings sometimes at 11 at night and leave at 4am. I can’t remember how many of us. It was a risk to life.

“So, the day it was pronounced dead was a happy day and a relief for me. I was a free man. Look, I was offered inducement, at that time, by one of the major proponents of Third Term. At this point, I would not mention his name, but he is a major player in this country.

“While they were offering members N50 million, I was offered double, a N100 million at that time, and you know what N100 million was, which, of course, I turned down. I say that for you to understand the pressure; financial, mental and physical pressure.

“We had no other job in the House except Third Term, constitutional amendment. For me, as noble as that work was, the best time was the day it died, not the Third Term itself, but the day it was killed on the floor.”

One of the many revelations in the book, is Gbajabiamila’s account of how Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto state betrayed him when he contested for the Speaker of Nigeria’s Lower House in 2015.

Recall that he lost the Speakership to Yakubu Dogara from Bauchi state in that historical election to elect leaders of the National Assembly immediately after the All Progressives Congress, APC unexpectedly swept to power in 2015.

Osun Election: Atiku In Last Minute Push For Adeleke

By
Ayodele Oni
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Atiku with Oyetola in Osun State Mega Rally

By Akinwale Kasali

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, Atiku Abubakar on Thursday made last minute effort to drum up support for Demola Adeleke, the governorship candidate of the party in Osun state.

The election will be held in  less than 24 hours.

Senator Adeleke is squaring up with Governor Gboyega Isiaka, the incumbent and governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC in a make or mar election on Saturday.

For days, the PDP presidential candidate has received scathing criticisms from some members of his party for not galvanizing enough support for his party ahead the election.

Atiku, who’s currently grappling with the problems from the fallout of his selection of Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate, had rushed down from a trip to the United Kingdom and UAE to lead the campaign.

stayed away during the Ekiti governorship election.

By leading the campaign, analysts say PDP, is not leaving any stone unturned to take over power from APC which has ruled the state for eight years, uninterrupted.

Atiku led other party’s stalwarts such as his running mate in next year’s election, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state, Iyorchia Ayu, PDP National Chairman, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Vice President Namadi Sambo, amongst others to the well attended campaign in Oshogbo, the state’s capital.

The PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his running mate Ifeanyi Okowa, on Thursday stormed Osogbo to canvass votes for the party’s governorship candidate Sen. Ademola Adeleke, for the July 16 election.

In his remarks, Atiku appealed to electorate in the state to vote for Adeleke, he also urged them to “protect their votes from being stolen.”

“Do not allow them to steal your votes like they did in 2018.

“Osun is a PDP state and I appeal to you to vote for the party and safeguard your votes,” Atiku said.

Also in his remarks, Ayu also appealed to electorate to vote for the party on Saturday.

He said, ”there is darkness in Osun. We want light and that is why we want you to vote for PDP and Adeleke on Saturday”.

Governor Aminu Tambuwal of  Sokoto state  also urged the electorate to vote PDP for the restoration of good governance.

He said that a vote for PDP on Saturday would bring progress and prosperity in the state.

On his part, Sambo urged registered voters to vote for PDP on Saturday.

The Caretaker Chairman of the party in the state, Akindele Adekunle, also urged the electorate to vote for the party.“Osun people have decided to vote for Ademola Adeleke. Vote for prosperity, vote for PDP,” he said.

In his remarks, Adeleke  commended the party members for coming out en masse for the campaign.He said a vote for him and PDP was a vote for progress.

Adeleke said if elected, he would ensure prompt payment of salaries, pension and also give financial  autonomy to local governments.

The high point of the campaign is the performance of Music Superstar, David Adeleke aka Davido who added colours to the event.

IPOB: FG, UK Fret Over Threat To Assassinate British High Commissioner 

By
Uche Mbah
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Catriona Laing

By Uche Mbah

The British High Commission, says it will not respond to warning by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB on its High Commissioner Catriona Laing to stay away from the region.

IPOB had claimed that there was a plot to assassinate the British envoy while traveling to the south east, saying it will not take the blame if she’s killed.

The warning has however raised serious tension in the diplomatic circles, as the federal government, the magazine learnt is weighing on how to respond.

But Dean Hurlock, the Head of Communications at the Commission in Abuja, told Daily Trust, when asked to respond to IPOB threat that “We don’t have any for you right now. Sorry.”

The commission’s response may have further raised tension as many Nigerians are still wondering on whether the High Commissioner will still travel to the south east despite being warned by the separatist group.

Sources in the Commission informed the magazine that the British government is not taking the warning with a pinch of salt.

“The threat of the militant group is not what to be taken lightly considering the number of prominent persons that have been killed in the past few months. We are weighing our options, and a feed back from the Foreign Office will play a significant role in knowing how to proceed on the matter,” a source in the commission said.

IPOB had claimed it’s in possession of an “orchestrated conspiracy” to assassinate the high-ranking UK official.

In a statement signed by Emma Powerful, IPOB spokesperson, Thursday, IPOB said Laing should cancel the trip as the advice is to “save her life”. The statement reads in part:

“The reason for this sincere security advice is to save her life despite her hatred for Biafra and Igbos in particular. We have optimal respect and value for the sanctity of life, especially for visitors to our land,”

“In view of the recently intercepted Intel by our M-Branch, the IPOB Intelligence Unit Department, there’s an orchestrated conspiracy to perform a sacrifice big and powerful enough to strengthen the potency of the British hatred against the Igbos and Biafra. Such high profile plan is zeroed toward using a highly placed person capable of making headline news globally as a scapegoat.

“The leadership of IPOB do hereby advise that Ms Catriona Liang must as a matter of life and death suspend all her planned activities involving travels within Biafran Territories. Those that are threatened by the Biafra restoration project have perfected evil plans to assassinate Ms Catriona Liang, the British Envoy on Biafra soil as a quick and cogent reason for Britain to disengage their weapons supplies to Ukraine and concentrate same towards Nigeria to be used against Biafrans. Their aim is to quash the agitation for Self-Determination and to kill as many Indigenous Biafrans as possible and other residents in Biafra land.

“IPOB does not wish the British Envoy death or dead, however, if she ignores this advice and walks into the trap already set by the enemies of the Biafra struggle, that will be considered suicidal.”

IPOB, he said, will not tow the violence path to achieve its ultimate goal of achieving the Biafran dream.

“The UK Government must understand that IPOB’s grudges against them have not reached to the extent that warrants assassination of their citizens in Biafraland, in Nigeria or in any other part of the World for that matter,” he said.

Rumpus in Lagos Assembly, Clerk, Service Comm Boss Sacked

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Wale Mogaji

By Akinwale Kasali

In a unanimous decision on Thursday, July 14, 2022, the Lagos State House of Assembly voted for the sack of the chairman of the State House of Assembly Commission, LAHASCOM, Wale Mogaji.

Mogaji’s sack was approved after a voice vote by the 50 members of the House at plenary.

The lawmakers then appointed Folashade Raulat Latona as the new Secretary of the Commission.

Latona replaces Mrs. Esther Lambo, who retired recently.

The House also confirmed Barrister Olalekan Onafeko as the substantive Clerk of the House while it elevated three other senior staff to the position of Deputy Clerks.

Those elevated Deputy Clerks include  Babs Animashaun, Mr. Taiwo Otun and

Mrs. Adenike Oshinowo.

Onafeko was appointed Acting Clerk in 2020.

Earlier during the plenary, the House raised concerns over the recent boat mishap that led to the death of about 15 people on June 8, as well as the floods recorded in some parts of the State.

The lawmakers urged  Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to find a permanent solution to the problem.

Ondo: Akeredolu Warns Deji Of Akure, Others Against Abuse of Power

By
Ayodele Oni
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Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State
Rotimi Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo state Governor,  Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has warned that it is illegal for any traditional ruler to assert authority beyond his domain.

The Governor is apparently referring to recent action by Deji of Akure,  who’s also  the chairman, State Traditional Council, Oba Ogunlade to remove some village heads, whose territories, he said are under his jurisdiction.

But Governor Akeredolu said traditional rulers should limit their activities to their domain.

The Deji also meddled in the selection process of Iralepo of Isinkan, but was stopped by a court action.

Governor Akeredolu handed down the warning at the presentation of staff of office to the new Iralepo of Isikan,Oba Oluwagbemiga Olofin-Adimula,  in Isinkan in Akure South Local Government area of the state.

Presenting the staff of office to the new Iralepo,  Akeredolu represented by his Deputy Lucky Aiyedatiwa urged the people to support Oba Oluwagbemiga Olofin-Adimula to ensure his reign is sweet and peaceful.

“It will be recalled that the stool of Iralepo became vacant on 4th February, 2021 following the demise of Oba Joseph Olu Ojo,” the governor said.

According to him, “The selection process to fill the vacant stool of Iralepo started on 11th October, 2021 when the State Government acceded to the request of Isinkan Community through Akure South Local Government for approval to commence the process of appointing and installing a new Oba.

“As you know, the law, custom and tradition of Isinkan provide for 14 kingmakers out of which 13 are alive, while one (Chief Lisa) is dead.

“In line with the laid down procedure, the Iralepo Ruling House nominated and presented five candidates at the meeting of the kingmakers on 2ist October, 2021.

“The kingmakers conducted the selection exercise among the five contestants and Prince Olugbenga Ojo got the highest votes and was thereby declared as the Iralepo-elect.

“The selection and appointment was subsequently approved by the Ondo State Executive Council on 21st June, 2022 after confirming that the process which led to the emergence of Prince Olugbenga Ojo as the Iralepo-elect was in conformity with due process.”

The Governor said government will continue to do its best in making life more meaningful to residents through the provision of security, social amenities and infrastructural development through its REEDEEMED mantra.

“Let me also advise the Kabiyesi to restrict your governance to your domain only. Any idea to extend your territory to other areas outside your domain will not be tolerated. May God help you to succeed in this onerous task.”

The Iralepo of Isinkan,Oba Oluwagbemiga Olofin-Adimula thanked the people of Isikan for their support, assuring them of quality performance to lead Isikan to the next level of development.

“By the special grace of the Almighty God, there will be peace and tranquillity in our land throughout our reign and thereafter.

“We shall leverage this throne to get development to our people. We pledge our support to the government for the development of this land and the entire state and to ensure our people benefit immensely from this democracy,” the traditional ruler said.

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