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Pastor Adeboye Orders ‘Operation Show Your PVC’ In Provinces; Wants Summary Of Registered Members

By
Adesina Soyooye
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By Adesina Soyooye

The failure of one of his Senior Pastors, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Vice President of Nigeria, to secure the Presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress, has not waned the interest of Pastor Enoch Adeboye in the 2023 General elections.

Instead, his interest has upped a notch. The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG,  has launched an “Operation Show Your PVC” in all the Provinces of his Church. The idea is to encourage the millions of the RCCG members to get their PVCs and vote.

He asked them to make an arrangement to open Registration Centres in the Churches. More important, he asked them to send a summary of those who registered to the Church authorities.

A letter dated June 17, 2022, from the Intercontinental Youth Pastor/PICR, Belemina Obunge, which was addressed to all Pastors in charge of provinces,  in obedience to the G,O’s order  entitled:

Nigeria’s General Elections Will Hold  In Earlh 2023, stated:

“We refer to the above and wish to kindly inform you that we have received a directive from the Mission Authority to ensure a high level of sensitization in all our Parishes on the need for all our members to get their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

“Based on the above, Provincial Hqtrs and Mega Parishes are encouraged to use their Parish as a centre for one or two days to facilitate their members’ & interested neighbours’ registration considering the closeness of the deadline (June 30th, 2022) of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise.

“Provinces will be required to send a summarized report of parishes’ compliance with the above directive to the office of the undersigned, stating the number of adult members versus the number of PVCs counted.

“The report is expected on or before Tuesday 27th, June 2022 for onward compilation to the Mission Authority.”

RCCG is arguably one of the biggest Churches in Nigeria and boasts of millions of members.

Anambra: Gunmen Dare Soludo, Behead Hon Emeka Achukwu After Collecting ₦15 Million

By
Adesina Soyooye
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By Adesina Soyooye

Rampaging gunmen in Anambra State has, again, dared the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Soludo.

For the second time in weeks, they have beheaded three people. The first was the abduction and beheading of a serving Member of Anambra House of Assembly, Hon Okechukwu Okoye,

and his Aide. Until he was abducted on May 15, 2022,  and beheaded, the Honourable member was Governor Soludo’s representative in the Assembly – Aguata 2.

This time, it is the beheading of a former member of the House of Assembly,  Hon. Nelson Emeka Achukwu.

According to the Anambra State Police Command which confirmed the killing and beheading,  the heinous crime was committed by yet to be identified gunmen.

The Police Command’s spokesman, Ikenga Tochukwu, told Reporters that Achukwu’s body was found between the boundary of Uke and Ukpor communities.

According to him, “The victim was abducted at about 10:15pm in his house on June 9, 2022 and efforts were being made to rescue him before this unfortunate development. His body was found between the boundary of Uke and Ukpor.

“We are still not relenting on our investigation as we will ensure that the culprits will face the full wrath of the law.”

Achukwu, physically  challenged, was kidnapped in his home in Ukpor, Nnewi South LGA.

His body, badly decapitated, was found by the bank of River Ulasi. His family had earlier paid the sum of N15m in ransom money for his freedom. They took the money, and still killed him.

Achukwu was quickly buried by the family on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, due to the State of his body. It was already decomposing.

Until his gruesome murder, he was  the owner of Nelly Oil & Gas filling station, located along Onuselogu road, Utuh. This was the second time he was abducted. Just a couple of months ago, he was abducted  but was later released.

A family source said that at the time, he told his family after his release,  that his abductors had accused him of providing information  to the Military about their activities. They later found out the allegation was false and let him go with a little ransom money.

Sadly, they killed him the second time.

Governor Soludo has been in hot pursuit of the hoodlums who have made life hell in the State since he was sworn into office. But the abductions continue unabated.

My People Abused APC Everyday, And Voted For Money On Saturday – ADC Candidate, Oluyede

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Governorship candidate of the African Democratic Party, (ADC) in last Saturday’s election, in Ekiti state, Dr. Wole Oluyede, has said the result of the poll is a reflection of the wish of the people.

Oluyede pointed out that the election was not all that free and fair but that people voted for a candidate of their choice.

The ADC candidate explained that despite irregularities observed, he would not challenge the outcome at the Tribunal, saying key stakeholders in the election including INEC and Security agents compromised.

He told Journalists in Ikere Ekiti, that money was shared openly to induce electorate without any check by INEC officials and security agents.

“I believe the person Ekiti people deserve is who they voted for but certainly the best candidate was not the winner because the election was procured with money.

“Everybody involved in the election were compromised, the INEC inclusive. If anybody said INEC did a good job, it is either that things are so bad that we can’t recognize what is good.

“It was so evident that they favoured a particular party above the others, party agents of that particular party are the ones INEC asked questions.

“Areas that belong to opposition parties are the places where things are difficult, my polling unit for instance, nothing worked until about 11am.

“In my hometown, people were going out with Government vehicles with security agents to arrest and openly give out bribes, is that a free and fair election? So, security people were compromised, INEC itself was compromised.

Oluyede maintained that Ekiti people cannot say that the Government forced anything on them.

“The funny thing is that until Thursday before the election, people were complaining about the APC Government, but then they woke up on Saturday and everyone was for vote for money.

“Then a few people came to my house and started accusing me of not bringing money and asking if the people I gave money didn’t bring the money out.

“Yes, I gave the instruction that nobody should distribute money. I did not and will not buy the vote of an Ekiti person.

“I am possibly the only person that has spent money from his own personal fortunes for the past  eight years, I deliberately did not sort money from anybody, if anybody gave me money, they will be my personal friends.

“This incoming Government, whatever the outcome, it  is not forced on the Ekiti people, it is their choice which they made based on how much money they got.

“Personally, I learnt a new lesson from the Ekiti people and if I had known, I would not have become a politician.

“I became a politician because I felt the Ekiti people would be upright and make a good choice irrespective of the situation.

“But I found out that Ekiti people have actually owned poverty, because we are poor, anybody that brings money has our vote, so, they are happy with it.

“Every community I visited they complained of how Government presence is not there even in the State capital, they claimed that they are making efforts as a community to do things themselves, and as a person who believe in charity, I help them.

Oluyede expressed disappointment in Ekiti people who voted based on money, especially, his kinsmen in Ikere Ekiti who failed to support their own son, despite the fact that they called him to contest the seat so as to enable the town produce a governor.

“I really don’t think Ikere can get any political office. Ifaki voted their son, Ikogosi did too, its only Ikere that didn’t vote their own.

“I am really worried on how things will go, but so far that I am not a politician anymore, I don’t think it is my business.

“I ran for governorship because of the way the south has been cheated out of power and when I returned in December, the people of Ikere put so much pressure on me saying it  is our time to do it and I decided to run for Ikere sake, on that day, they were over 2,000 people in my house.”

2023: Kumuiyi Says Muslim/Muslim, Christian/Christian Ticket Threat To National Unity

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Pastor William Kumuiyi

By Akinwale Kasali

Pastor William Kumuiyi, the General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, has urged Political Parties whose Candidates are vying for electoral positions in the forthcoming 2023 General Election to consult widely and conduct research before concluding the issue of Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Christian tickets, especially for the 2023 Presidential election.

The revered Televangelist gave this admonition while speaking with Journalists in Ilorin, Kwara State, Wednesday, June 22, 2022, after meeting with Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq.

Kumuiyi said that the Presidential standard-bearers should look at the heartbeat of the country and the desires of the people before making their decisions, as their decisions could heat up the polity and cause crisis in the country.

“Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Christan ticket is a difficult and slippery area. So, what I will say is that the political office holders should look at the heartbeat of the country as well as the desires of the people.

“They should know that they are not there for themselves. They are there for all of us. They should ask and make their research about what the country wants, what the people want and if they listen to the people, we will be confident that they will listen to us when they get there”, he said.

Kumuiyi delved into the prevailing security challenges bedeviling the nation, and thanked the security agents for doing their best, but needed to do more to bring an end to the menace.

“By the grace of God, I believe that the security agents are doing their best. We can always improve. In every area of life, I will say there’s room for improvement. I want to credit the officers who are putting their lives on the line to secure the whole country. We should be praying for them that God will give them more wisdom and visible victory in the security of the country.”

The Cleric, who said that his mission in Kwara State was meant to be a blessing to the State, under special supernatural deliverance for everyone through Christ, added that “I’ll be praying for everyone at the end of every ministration for their desires, aspiration and blessings.”

“God is our Creator, whether we are, Muslims or Christians or whatever religion you belong to. We are creatures of God. God is interested in blessing everyone. I’m here to be a blessing to everyone. There will be an empowerment programme for all youth across religious divides as it is meant to redirect the focus of the youth for positive future endeavours.”

In his remarks, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq said that the empowerment programme of the Church is a welcome development, adding that it is in line with the administration’s youth-focused agenda.

The Governor said the State Government set up a probe panel at the end of the #EndSARS protest, and added that one of the recommendations of the panel was to pay more attention to the demands of the youth.

Wike, Obi In Closed Door Meeting; Defection Speculations Persist

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Nyesom Wike and Peter Obi

By Adesina Soyooye

His recent political misfortunes in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, notwithstanding, the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike is the go-to in the South-east and South-south politics.

Wike, to his shock, had lost the Presidential Primary of the PDP to former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, coming a respectable second. His hope was, again, dashed when he was denied the Vice Presidential candidate in favour of Delta State Governor, Senator  Ifeanyi Okowa.

Wike has, uncharacteristically, been quiet since his loss of the VP slot but this magazine learnt that both the PDP and  the Atiku camp are making frantic efforts to appease him and bring him back, fully to the fold.

But Wike has remained very relevant in the PDP, especially because of his war chest and his aggressive manner of campaign. PDP cannot afford to lose Rivers State.

They may because other political parties are also after Wike. They want him.

On Saturday the All Progressives Congress, APC, Governor of Ebonyi State, another failed Presidential aspirant, Dave Umahi, visited Wike in Porthacourt. The two have not always been in good terms. They have had spats a couple of times. But, on Saturday, they had a three-hour closed door discussion. None of them made public what they discussed.

On Wednesday, June 22, 2022, it was the turn of Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party. Obi, the darling of millions of Nigerian Youths, was also in a closed door meeting with Wike. Both were Presidential aspirants under the PDP before Obi suddenly dumped the Party and defected to the LP.

There are speculations that Wike is  plotting to dump the PDP. But he has vehemently denied such speculations  insisting he is PDP for life.

Obi is, also, in serious discussion with the New Nigerian Peoples Party’s (NNPP) Presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Obi and Kwankwaso, both two time Governors of Anambra and Kano States, admit their discussions are going on smoothly. Not a few people say it could change the political architecture in the country if it works. Both the APC and PDP are nervous about it.

Nigeria’s Accountant General, Nwabuoku On His Way Out

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed,minister of finance

By Tosin Olatokunbo

Anamekwe Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, the Acting Accountant General of the Federation, AGoF may be on his way out barely a month after President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him into that office.

The Acting AGOF was appointed on May 22, 2022 following the suspension of Ahmed Idris for allegedly stealing over N80 billion by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

“Mr. Anamekwe Chukwunyere Nwabuoku has been appointed to oversee the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, pending the outcome of the EFCC investigation of the suspended AGF, Ahmad Idris,” Bashir Ahmed, Buhari’s former aide said last month on Nwabuoku’s  appointment.

But,  it appears his tenure will be shortlived following the administration’s decision not to confirm him as the substantive AGOF.

The government has commenced the process of replacing him amidst report that he’s also under Investigation of the Anti-graft agency. The magazine has been unable to confirm his graft status with EFCC, neither has it been able to find out whether the decision to replace him is based on his alleged probe by the anti-graft commission.

In a memo sent by President Buhari to the Head of Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi-Esan, the president directed that the post be advertised for qualified civil servants to apply.

The circular, with reference number HCSF/PS/CMO/193/03, directed all Accountants in the mainstream Federal Civil Service in the pool of Accountant General of the Federation who have attained the position of Substantive Director (Salary Grade 17) on or before 1st January 2020 and are not retiring from the service earlier than 31st December 2024, to apply.

Nwabuoku: On his way out
Nwabuoku On His Way Out?

The circular, however, stated that Officers undergoing disciplinary proceedings are excluded from the exercise.
Sources told the magazine that the current AGOF will not apply due to his alleged problem with the EFCC. “If he does, he will not be interviewed until he clears his name with EFCC for alleged corruption. The government does not want the new AGOF to be associated with any baggage following the experience with Idris. We are trying to start on a clean slate” a presidential source said on Wednesday.

According to the circular, “Following the approval of Mr. President. the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation is commencing the process of the appointment of a substantive Accountant General of the Federation from eligible Directors (Accountant) in the pool of Accountant General of the Federation.

“Consequently, all Accountants in the mainstream Federal Civil Service in the pool of Accountant General of the Federation who have attained the position of Substantive Director (Salary Grade 17) on or before 1* January 2020 and are not retiring from the service earlier than 31st December 2024 are eligible to participate in the exercise.

“Officers undergoing disciplinary proceedings are however excluded from the exercise. Permanent Secretaries are therefore requested to forward the following to facilitate the process: List of eligible Directors on SGL. 17; confidential and personal files of all eligible Directors; five copies of Curriculum Vital of each of the eligible Directors; brief on each of the eligible Directors in the attached format to be produced in Microsoft Word and in both Hard (5 copies} and soft copies.”
Meanwhile, the president directed in the circular that all the required documents must get to the office of the Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office (CMO), Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation on or before 4:00pm on Wednesday July 6, 2022.

Ekiti Gov Election: Rights Groups React To Vote Buying

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ekiti Election 2022

By Ayodele Oni

Nigerian Human Rights Community, (NHRC) and the Civil Society Coalition for Mandate Protection, (CSC-MAP) that witnessed the June 18 Governorship election in Ekiti state have noted that incident of vote buying did not start on that day.

The groups pointed out that “On vote buying, the Nigerian Human Rights Community, (NHRC) said it received information of vote buying by some of the participants which appears not restricted to a particular political party.

“The groups said why there have been outcries; this immoral attribute is not new. It noted that prior the Ekiti elections, the same cash-for-vote was associated with the two mainstream political parties during their primary.

“In Ekiti State, it is also not a new phenomenon. For instance, vote buying was once institutionalized in Ekiti State under a former State Governor when bank accounts of voters were collected and credited with state funds before the election.

“That some voters took money to vote for their candidates should be seen within the broad context of the moral decline of individuals and the state across Nigeria which reflects the dramatic change in human orientation and sociology of Nigerians.

“It reflects the weak institutions that manage the country and the almost impotent is the mechanism for the enforcement of law and order.”

In the report signed by Messrs Fred Ojinika and Samuel Omotoyinbo, the groups noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) and security agents performed well during the Ekiti poll.

“The election materials arrived early enough in almost all the 2,445 polling units across the 16 Local Governments and 19 Local Council Development Areas, (LCDAs).

“In all the 2,445 polling booths, there were reports of non availability of ink in only three of them, as observed by NHRC, which the INEC officials and ad hoc staff improvised by using ink from pen.

“This did not in any way affect the ability of voters to choose their candidates on the ballots.

“In previous elections, the NHRC and the CSC-MAP said Ekiti had dominated national discourse for the wrong reason adding that since 2007, elections in Ekiti have been characterized by violence.

“In 2007, some people were either killed or maimed. In 2014, the then incumbent State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi was nearly killed when a civilian not too far from him was shot by a police officer sent from Abuja by the then Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) controlled Federal Government.

“In 2019, Senator Bamidele Opeyemi also of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) was shot and wounded.”

“The group said the 2022 June 18 election was a complete departure from the ugly past.

“There was no single incidence of violence and bloodletting, abduction, ballot snatching or killing on the day of the election.

“There was however the murder of a citizen few days before the election, an act allegedly traced to the Civil Defense Official protecting a chieftain of the Social Democratic Party, (SDP).

“The group said the Ekiti State Government also did not deploy Amotekun to be involved in the electoral process which remains a significant step by keeping the state security outfit from the platform of internal politics.

“Generally, the atmosphere before, during and after the election was peaceful. The security officials, the Police, Soldiers and Civil Defense were less visible on the election day.

“While few of the soldiers mounted the highways, the armed police men kept a distant, polite watch on the polling units.

“There were no reports of violent human rights violations by state or non state actors unlike in the previous years.”

The group commended the stakeholders the Ekiti State Government, INEC and other party leaders for their conducts during the election saying that there were no acts of aggression, intimidation or terror associated with the State Government or any of its officials.

“This is commendable. The June 18 election was the most peaceful election in Ekiti recent memory.”

WAFU Under-17: Golden Eaglets Qualifies For Continental Championship In Algeria; Books Final Spot

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Golden Eaglets

By Akinwale Kasali

Just like the Flying Eagles of Nigerian that qualified for the Under-20 African Championship courtesy of its triumph in the West African Football Union, WAFU, tournament weeks ago, Nigeria has once again underscored its stature in youth football on the African continent as five-time world champions, Golden Eaglets reached the finals of the 2023 Africa U17 Cup of Nations in style.

Two goals by deadball expert Emmanuel Michael and a glancing header by Abubakar Idris Abdullahi condemned the U17 boys of Cote d’Ivoire to a 1-3 defeat in the first semi final of the ongoing WAFU B U17 Championship in Cape Coast, Ghana.

Yet, the Eaglets uncharacteristically conceded first when Yan Diomande scored from the penalty spot in the very first minute after a foul in the Nigerian box.

The Nigerian boys launched onslaught after onslaught and were rewarded on the half-hour mark when Emmanuel Michael, who scored a spectacular goal from a 22-yard free-kick in the opening match against hosts Ghana, found the range off another free-kick from the right wing.

Thirteen minutes later, Nigeria was ahead for the first time in the encounter when Michael, again from a free kick at the edge of the box, blindsided goalkeeper Mohamed Cisse with an intelligent attempt that swept past the static wall.

The Ivorians came into the second half determined to browbeat the Eaglets with their size and stoutness, but they were pegged further back on the hour mark when Abubakar Idris Abdullahi found the net with a glancing header.

Four minutes later, the Ivorians were down to 10 men after Makhete Moustapha N’diaye was shown the red card.

Another free-kick by Emmanuel Michael in the 77th minute missed target narrowly, and Precious Tonye Williams came very close with four minutes left after a brilliant team move set him up with a clear chance.

In Friday’s final, the Eaglets will take on the winner of the second semi final between hosts Ghana and Burkina Faso. However, victory over the Ivorians means they will be one of the eight participating teams at next year’s Africa Under-17 Cup of Nations in Algeria in few months.

Defender and deadball prodigy Emmanuel Michael was presented with the Man-of-the-Match award, for the third consecutive match.

2023: ‘Youth Vote Count Initiative’ Train Moves To Abuja; As Youths Defy Rain To Get PVC

By
Akinwale Kasali
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INEC Youth Vote Count Initiative

By Akinwale Kasali

After a successful outing in Lagos, the ‘Youth Vote Count Initiative’ by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in partnership with European Union, Yiaga Africa and other Civil Society Organizations, CSOs has moved its train to the Eagle Square in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory to enable Youths participate enmasse in the ongoing Voters Registration Exercise.

The initiative which is targeted at encouraging youths to troop out in large numbers and register for the Permanent Voters Cards, PVC, in order to exercise their franchise as the 2023 Election gathers momentum.

According to the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Abuja, Yahaya Bello, INEC has made available over 50 Machines for Voters’ Registration at the Eagles Square, Abuja, with over 150 Personnels for those who want to register newly for their PVCs, those seeking transfer to another State and those that have damaged or lost their PVCs.

Interestingly, INEC revealed that the turnout has been encouraging as Youths in the FCT defied torrential rainfall to register for voter cards at the open air Continuous Voters Registration (CVR).

Laolu Olawunmi, Programme Manager, European Union, said that INEC commitment to inclusiveness and  transparency has made the EU to collaborate with the Commission, and that the Youth Vote Count Initiative is a non partisan campaign for youths to participate in the electoral process.

Olawunmi stressed that there is need for Nigerian youths to get involved in the policy making of the nation and choose the leaders they want to rule them by getting their PVCs and bring an end to the voters apathy the nation has been witnessing in previous elections.

She added that she is optimistic that the exercise will achieve its purpose, as the EU is expecting a large turnout of Youths more than that of Lagos weeks ago.

Yiaga Africa Executive Director, Stanley Itodo, said Youths need to come out in large numbers to get their PVCs and decide their future, rather than sitting back and complaining.

He said the Mega Concert will see the likes of MI Abaga, Kiss Daniel, 2Face Idibia, Teni, Omawunmi, Pasuma, Small Doctor, Mayokun and a lot of Nollywood Stars coming to sensitize the youths on the need of having their PVCs and to have fun to the senerous lyrics of their idols.

The open air Permanent Voter Cards registration is expected to run from June 20-June 25, with the “Youth Vote Count 2.0 Mega Concert’’ to hold on June 25 at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja.

Some of the Participants at the ongoing exercise who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, said that the initiative is commendable, while some complained that the process is hectic.

Rosemary Okereke, a youth, commended the initiative.

“What actually brought me here is to transfer my PVC from my state to Abuja to enable me to vote.

“The organisers really tried; they did their best; it is just that the crowd outnumbered them initially.

“Most of us got the information on Twitter, so my advice for other people out there is that this is real.

Also, Sor Orduen, a youth, complained that the process is rigorous and hectic.

“It is worth the effort, so what I am telling youths is to get the voter card.

“I am very sure with this, we can change the government to the one that will favour us,’’ he said.

Sandra Edeh, a Youth Corps member commended the organisers for the initiative to help youths to collect the PVCs

Fayose Tackles Ikimi Over Comments On Ekiti Poll

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Ayodele Fayose and Tom Ikimi

By Ayodele Oni

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has taken up a chieftain of People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) in Edo state, Chief Tom Ikimi, describing him as a serial loser.

Fayose while reacting to comments by Ikimi on the outcome of Ekiti poll, threw away decorum and came down heavily on the former chairman of the defunct National Republican Convention, (NRC) and former Foreign Affairs Minister during the General Sani Abacha Regime.

The former Ekiti Governor said: “Age, they say comes with decorum and maturity not only grey hair.

“However, it appears that the reverse is the case with Chief Tom Ikimi, who is ranting on matters of Ekiti. Apart from being the Chairman of NRC, a Party he led to electoral defeat in 1993, has he ever contested or won any State election before?

“If this latest vituperation of Ikimi is a fallout of my support for Gov Wike during the PDP Presidential primary, then he should match his age with numbers and recall that this same Fayose gave PDP 16/0 over APC in 2014 and defeated Niyi Adebayo, an incumbent Governor in 2003.

“He should also be reasonable enough to understand that the same PDP that lost election in Ekiti on Saturday to various factors had, in the past, won elections and will still win elections in future.

“To this end, if Ikimi is seeking relevance with Atiku, he should do same more decently. He should allow the sleeping dog to lie and save the PDP from unnecessary shootouts and fireworks at this time as we approach the general elections.”

Ikimi had, at a Stakeholders meeting of the PDP, held Fayose responsible for the poor performance of the PDP in the just concluded Ekiti Governorship election.

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