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DIG Heads Police Team For Ekiti Gov Election

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Usman Alkali Baba

By Ayodele Oni

As the 18th June Governorship election in Ekiti state is being heralded with violent clashes among supporters of candidates, the Inspector General of Police, (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba has ordered the mobilization and deployment of adequate police personnel.

Also being deployed are Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), technical capabilities of the Police Airwing, the Force Marine, Mounted Troops, K-9 Section, and other operational assets for the Elections.

A statement on Sunday by the force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi disclosed that seasoned Strategic Commanders from the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police and above have also been deployed for effective supervision of security personnel and operations in the Election.

The statement added that “The IGP noted that the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) who is the supervisory DIG for the South-West Geo-Political Zone, DIG Johnson Babatunde Kokumo, psc(+), mni, has been deployed to Ekiti State as the Coordinator of the security component for the Election.

“DIG Kokumo is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Operation Order evolved from the Election Security Threat Assessment, to ensure a peaceful and conducive environment devoid of violence and to guarantee law abiding citizens of secured freely perform their civic responsibilities without molestation or intimidation.

“DIG Kokumo will be assisted by four (4) Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs), three (3) Commissioners of Police (CPs), five (5) Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) and eighteen (18) Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs).

“The Senior Officers are to coordinate human and other operational deployments in the three (3) Senatorial Districts, sixteen (16) Local Government Areas and the 2445 polling units in Ekiti State.

“The IGP noted that the Force has carried out these necessary operational deployments as part of actions aimed at creating a conducive and enabling environment that will guarantee the peaceful and proper conduct of the election in Ekiti State.

“The IGP further noted that the personnel, comprising conventional police officers, Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Special Forces personnel, Explosives Ordinance Unit (EOD), Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB), INTERPOL, Special Protection Unit (SPU), Force Public Relations Department (FPRD), as well as Police Medical Teams, will be on ground to guarantee free, fair, credible and acceptable election.

“In addition, five (5) Armored Personnel Carriers for patrol as well as four (4) helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for aerial surveillance amongst other unique operational capabilities.

“The IGP reassures the nation and the international community that the Force is adequately prepared for the Gubernatorial Election in Ekiti State which is scheduled to hold  on June 18, 2022.

“He reiterates that the Force will do everything within its powers to work with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all stakeholders to protect democratic values, provide level playing field for all political actors, ensure adequate protection of voters, INEC officials, equipment, accredited observers, both domestic and international, and other key players in Ekiti State.

“The IGP therefore admonishes the good people of Ekiti State to be law-abiding and comply with the restriction of movement order which will be announced by the Commissioner of Police as and when due.

“The IGP equally calls on the Good people of Ekiti State to come out en masse and exercise their franchise as adequate security has been emplaced by the Police and other security agencies to protect them before, during and after the election.”

Saturday violent clash between supporters of the candidate of the All Progressive Congress, (APC), Biodun Oyebanji and that of Segun Oni, of the Social Democratic Party, (SDP) continued on Sunday.

Many people could not attend church service as major roads in Ado Ekiti were blocked with suspected members of the drivers union that were protesting killing of one of them on Saturday.

Armed military personnel were drafted to remove barricades before free vehicular movement was restored.

2023 Same Religion Ticket: This Is Not 1993; You Will Fail -CAN Warns

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
MKO Abiola

By Adesina Soyooye

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has warned all Political Parties against fielding a same religion ticket for the 2023 Presidential election.

The warning comes at the time Nigerians are celebrating Democracy Day in honour of Chief Moshood Abiola, popular as MKO Abiola.

In 1993, Abiola, Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, had won the race on a same religion ticket.

A Muslim, Abiola chose Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, another Muslim, as his running mate. The duo won the election which was held on June 12, 1993. But it was cancelled by the Military Government led by General Ibrahim Babangida. Abiola, clamped into detention, and charged to Court for alleged treason by General Sani Abacha, Head of State, for insisting on his mandate, sadly died in custody.

Since the Presidential Primaries of all the Political Parties ended, attention has shifted to who their running mates will be. For the big parties in particular, especially the All Progressives Congress, APC, which candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, is a Muslim from the South, the controversy on who to choose, has boiled over, almost.

While some people are encouraging him to pick a Muslim running mate as long as the person is competent and can help move Nigeria forward, others warn that it is not only a no-no, it is a recipe for crisis.

For the Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, competence and capacity and capability should be the driving forces. Religion should be separated from governance. To him, therefore, there is nothing wrong with a Muslim-Muslim ticket as long as the person is competent.

But a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, disagrees. He said it is a recipe for crisis and failure.

CAN agrees with Lawal.

In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Barrister Joseph Bade Daramola, CAN warns that “2023 is not 1993.”

 

Following, the full statement by CAN in which it rejected a same religion ticket.

 

Christian Association of Nigeria Rejects Proposed Muslim/Muslim Presidential Ticket in 2023

 

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has once again warned the leading political parties to bury the thought of Christian/Christian or Muslim/Muslim presidential ticket in 2023. We want to unequivocally state that it is a threat to the fragile peace and unity of Nigeria.

 

We congratulate the Presidential Candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP):Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Mr. Peter Obi respectively, including other parties that are participating in the forthcoming Presidential election.

 

CAN urges that a balance of both religious practitioners be considered in the choice of running mates of the presidential candidates. We do not subscribe to Christian/Christian ticket or Muslim/Muslim ticket. Politicians can talk politics but we have stated our view long before now.

 

Any party that tries same religion ticket will fail. This is not 1993. Even when we have joint Muslim/Christian ticket, the church still goes through hell.

 

Only God knows the number of Christians that have been killed in the last seven years with no one apprehended or prosecuted.

Imagine how bad it will be if we have two Muslims in power?

 

The extant Nigerian Constitution promotes religious balance. So, if any political party wants to try Muslim/Muslim ticket, it’s at it’s own peril. CAN is only forewarning, but will make a categorical statement in the event our warning is not heeded.

 

The Presidential runningmate for the APC presidential flag bearer, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu should be a Christian from the North, Atiku’s runningmate should be a Christian from the South while Obi should choose his own among the Muslims from the North. Anything contrary to the above means that the leadership of these political parties do not bother about the unity of this entity called Nigeria.

 

Those who are planning Muslim/Muslim ticket should also find out what was the outcome of MKO Abiola and Kingibe ticket in 1993. If they try Muslim/Muslim ticket this time around, the outcome will be worse because our fault lines are very visible.

 

There is no party that has no great, good and patriotic Christians who can preside over the affairs of this nation not to talk of being the Vice President as some mischievous people are trying to say. If merit and competence are used as yardsticks, we have many qualified Christians in all the 774 Local Government Areas of this country.

 

In the ongoing dispensation, CAN leadership cried in vain to ask President Muhammadu Buhari to break the monopoly or dominance of the security architecture with people of same faith. We are all seeing the outcome now. It is obvious that the Nigeria of today is different from that of 1993.

 

Our politicians should stop flouting the Constitution by respecting the North and South dichotomy and religious factor.

 

To those arguing that people do not care about the religions of their leaders once they are competent and credible, we dare APC to pick its Presidential runningmate from the South and PDP pick its own from the North and see what follows.

 

When the late sage, Papa Obafemi Awolowo picked Chief Mrs Oyibo Odinamadu, a fellow Christian and Southerner, as his runningmate in 1979, we all know the consequences of his performance in the North. Our politicians should be doing what will unite us instead of what will further polarise the country.

 

Signed

Barrister Joseph Bade Daramola,

CAN’s National Secretary.

Friday, 10 June, 2022

We Saw The Worst Of Our Leadership On June 24, 1993, The Day Abiola’s Victory Was Annulled

By
The Source
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Muhammadu Buhari

By Muhammadu Buhari

 

“I will conclude this Democracy Day speech, my last as President, by assuring you of my commitment to protect Nigeria and Nigerians from all enemies from within and outside.“

 

Fellow Nigerians, Today, June The 12th, marks another Democracy Day anniversary and an occasion to celebrate freedom and unity of our Nation.

 

  1. From 1999, we consistently celebrated Democracy Day to mark the end of military rule and the return of power and control into the hands of those freely elected by the people. On this day, Nigerians recommit themselves to ensuring we protect and preserve the ideals of democracy.

 

3.In 2018, we moved Democracy Day from 29th of May to the 12th of June. This change was to remind all Nigerians of one free election after which the presumed winner along with Nigerians were denied their rights and their choice.

 

  1. On June 12th 1993, Nigerians saw the best in our citizens as we all went out to vote peacefully. By June 24th 1993, we also saw the worst of our leadership as the elections were annulled.

 

  1. We must never forget the sacrifices of the heroes of Nigeria’s democracy during 1993. Their patriotism and peaceful struggle should guide our actions especially when it comes to electing our leaders and holding them accountable, now and in future.

 

  1. Fellow Nigerians this is my last Democracy Day speech as your President. By June 12th, 2023, exactly one year from today, you will already have a new President. I remain committed and determined to ensure that the new President is elected through a peaceful and transparent process.

 

7.It is important for all of us to remember that June 12th, 2023 will be exactly 30 years from the 1993 Presidential elections. In honour and memory of one of our national heroes for democracy, Chief M.K.O Abiola, GCFR, we must all work together to ensure this transition is done in a peaceful manner.

 

8.I am hopeful that we can achieve this. The signs so far are positive. Recently, all registered political parties conducted primaries to select their candidates for the 2023 general elections.

 

9.These primaries were peaceful and orderly. Those who won were magnanimous in their victories. Those who lost were gracious in defeat. And those aggrieved opted to seek judicial justice as opposed to jungle justice.

 

10.I followed the party primaries closely from the state level to the Presidential level. I was very impressed to see across all the political parties that, most candidates ran issued based campaigns. The language and tone throughout were on the whole measured and controlled.

 

11.Another positive that came from the 2022 party primaries was the significant increase in women and youth particularly across all parties. I was very pleased to see this development. This augurs well for the future. These trends clearly show the level of maturity our democracy has achieved in the last 23 years.

 

12.As we move into the general election campaign season, we must sustain this mature attitude to campaigning and ultimately, voting. We must never see it as a “do or die” affair. We must all remember democracy is about the will of the majority. There must be winners and losers.

 

  1. I will therefore take this opportunity on this very special day to ask all candidates to continue running issue focused campaigns and to treat opponents with dignity. As leaders, you must all showcase high character and never forget that the world is watching us and Africa looks up to Nigeria to provide example in governance. The tone you set at the top will surely be replicated in your followers.

 

14.For the voters, I am pleased to inform you that in the last 7 years, our government across all tiers, has made significant investments to reform and enhance our electoral laws, systems, and processes to safeguard your votes.

 

  1. The Executive, Legislature and Judiciary were and still remain united and committed to ensure these reforms are fully implemented in the 2023 general elections. Fellow Nigerians, your right to choose your government will be preserved and protected.

 

  1. I know many of us are concerned with the rise in insecurity due to terrorist activities in parts of the country. As a government, we are working hard to contain and address these challenges. And ensure that the 2023 general elections are safe and secure for all Nigerians.

 

  1. To achieve this however, we must all contribute. It is not the job of government alone. I ask all citizens to support and cooperate with our security agencies by reporting any suspicious characters and activities to law enforcement agencies. We can only have a safe country if we are able to prevent crime not after the crime has been committed.

 

18.On this special day, I want us all to put all victims of terrorist activities in our thoughts and prayers.  I am living daily with the grief and worry for all those victims and prisoners of terrorism and kidnapping. I and the security agencies are doing all we can to free those unfortunate countrymen and countrywomen safely.

 

19.For those who have lost their lives, we will continue to seek justice for their families against the perpetrators. For those currently in captivity, we will not stop until they are freed, and their kidnappers are brought to justice. If we all unite, we will be victorious against these agents of terror and destruction.

 

20.We have reformed some of our security structures. Some of the defence assets we procured three years ago have arrived and have been deployed.

 

21.Our cyber security and surveillance systems are being upgraded to further enhance our ability to track and trace criminal elements. We are also recruiting and training new personnel across all our security and intelligence agencies to strengthen the country’s over-all security.

 

  1. I will conclude this Democracy Day speech, my last as President, by assuring you of my commitment to protect Nigeria and Nigerians from all enemies from within and outside.

 

  1. I am also promising you a free, fair and transparent electoral process. And I am pleading with all citizens to come together and work with Government to build a peaceful and prosperous nation.

 

  1. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

President Muhammadu Buhari delivered this speech on June 12, 2022, to mark the 2022 Democracy Day

South West Governors Move To Strengthen Amotekun To Tackle Insecurity In The Region

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Akeredolu and Oyetola

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, on Sunday received his Osun State counterpart, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, at the Government House, Alagbaka, Akure.

Governor Oyetola was in Akure to commiserate with Governor Akeredolu over the last Sunday terror attack on Owo.

Governor Akeredolu, while thanking his Osun State counterpart, acknowledged his several calls since the incident occurred.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Richard Olatunde said Akeredolu, still recounting the incident noted that it was better imagined.

“When one looks at the pool of blood and the damage to the church and listens to the accounts from the priest and those who were in the church that day, one would conclude that these terrorists came to kill and maim.

“Our security architecture, we have to do something about it. What we are talking about now is the issue of state police.

“Restructuring is what we should be discussing. A police command in Abuja can not ensure the security of the country.

“We face so many dire situations in this country and it is time for us to sit up. Not the time for us to jump into conclusion. We are the ones that will have to protect our people.

“Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Fayemi has assured that the Amotekun in Ekiti will join hands with the ones in Ondo.

“Also, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has promised to deploy some of the Amotekun vehicles in his state to Ondo state to help us track these criminals.

“We must pursue this cooperation in the Southwest. If there is an attack on any of us, we must mobilize Amotekun in other Southwest states and go.

“The DAWN commission’s committee on Security will have to start working now. It is a challenge, an attack on one is an attack on all.

“We believe our forest is invaded. We believe there will be an end to this terrorism. Terrorism of the highest order is what we are facing now in this country. Losing 40 people in a day is devastating.”

Earlier, Governor Oyetola said there is need to reinvigorate security architecture in the region, adding that insecurity will not be allowed to fester in the Southwest.

“On behalf of the people of Osun state, I want to express our condolences. May God give the family of the victims the fortitude to bear the loss.

“We have done so much in our zone in terms of cooperation on security especially on Amotekun. Amotekun is doing well in the southwest, particularly the Ondo amotekun has been very active. We need to intensify efforts in ensuring that amotekun is strengthened.”

Catholic Priest Tells Students: “You Will Have ‘Carry-over ‘Unless You Show PVC”; Priests Bar Members From Mass Over PVC

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
Priest and PVC

By Adesina Soyooye

The drive for PVC has taken another  serious  dimension.

It is not the youths who, for the first time,  are trooping-out in their millions to register and get their PVCs. It is not the thousands of traders who are closing down markets to enable traders get their PVCs. It is not even the Law Firm in Awka, Anambra State, where the Senior Partner ordered staff members to get their PVCs or no Salary. No, the drive has gone spiritual.

Non ownership of PVC can stop a Christian from making Heaven, literally. And it can stop students in faith-based tertiary institutions from graduating.

Two trending videos which surfaced on Sunday, June 12, confirm this.

During Mass on Sunday, a Priest of the Roman Catholic  Church, obviously the Rector of a School, stopped the congregation from entering into the Church. Not just his students, but everybody and anybody without PVC or an evidence that you had registered.

He told the students: “All those without their PVCs will have carry-over. And I am serious.” Meaning: They will deliberately be failed in their examinations or will not be allowed to take the examination.

He told the congregation: “Without your PVCs, you will not be allowed to worship in this Church. You will not be allowed to even enter the Church. The Federal Government says it will end on June 30, so go and get yours.

“You must carry your PVCs to Church.” To show how serious he is, he made way for those with their PVCs to enter the Church. “Those with your PVCs, show it and enter. Those without it, go and register and come with it next time.”

In another Roman Catholic Church, the Priest in-charge did much the same. It was a 6.00am Mass, but as at 6 30am, he still wouldn’t let the Service start. It was “operation show your PVC first.”

Blocking the entrance to the Church from where he stood and addressed the congregation, he told them: “Without your PVCs, you cannot enter the Church. And you cannot take Communion from now on.

What is the point in the Church filled every Sunday, and yet, Christians can’t do anything with it. On election days, we are nowhere.”

The fear, however, is that with the millions of people desirous and struggling to get their PVCs  the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, may not be able to cope with the registration. And, on election day, if they will cope with the number of voters.

Democracy Day: Obi Tasks Leaders On Good Governance, Preaches Hope To Nigerians

By
The Source
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0
Peter Obi

Labour Party (LP) Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, has tasked leaders at all levels in the country to see the Democracy Day as an opportunity to reflect and recommit themselves to their constitutional responsibility of providing good governance to the people.

Obi who made the remark in his Democracy Day message, decried the fast rising insecurity, poverty and  unemployment, and called on the leaders to take urgent decisive action to stop total failure of our country.

He noted with pains that even with her abundant human and material resources, Nigeria ranks among the poorest countries and most terrorised nations of the world.

Democracy, he said, is about the people, hence efforts should be made at making them the topmost priority among the undertakings by the leaders.

He reminded the policy makers of the philosophy behind the June 12 celebrations, saying that it is in remembrance of the collective decision of Nigerians to chart a new course in nation building which they demonstrated in voting for the late MKO Abiola on June 12, 1993 presidential election.

“Democracy Day is an occasion for reflection and recommitment by our leaders at all levels to provide good governance to the people. It is a moment for stock taking on the extent we have gone in chatting a new course in our journey to nation building which Nigerians demonstrated in voting enmasse for MKO Abiola, beyond ethnic and religious lines.

He congratulated Nigerians on the occasion and urge them to keep faith in the country as we have no other country other than Nigeria.

He urged Nigerians not to lose hope, pledging that with the Labour Party we will commence the recovery of dear country. He reiterated his vow to lift the country from *consumption to production*

June 12: Uzodinma Hails Abiola, Calls Him A Martyr; Says June 12, Collective Struggle, For Democracy

By
The Source
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0
Hope Uzodimma

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has congratulated Nigerians for keeping faith with democracy with June 12, noting that the day resonates the collective struggle and resilience of the people to enthrone and sustain democracy.

In Governor Uzodimma’s goodwill message, Sunday, to Imo people to mark June 12 Democracy Day, he said one of the major take-aways from the Day is that the will of the people in a democracy is supreme and cannot be underestimated.

He said the fact that Nigeria has experienced 23 years of uninterrupted civil rule speaks to the collective desire of the people to sustain democracy and congratulated them for the sacrifices they made to enthrone democracy.

However, he challenged Nigerians to search their consciences whether, by their behaviour, they have truly internalized the spirit of June 12.

On his own, Governor Uzodimma reiterated his resolve to sincerely serve the people of Imo State by providing services that would  enhance their wellbeing, using his 3-R mantra of rehabilitation, reconstruction and recovery.

Governor Uzodimma’s address reads:

“It gives me a great pleasure to address the good people of Imo state today on the auspicious occasion of this year’s Democracy Day celebration. For our young ones, June 12,1993 was the day Nigeria conducted what has been described as the fairest and freest presidential election in the  nation’s modern history. But it was annulled by the then government, thus precipitating a long and bitter struggle for freedom and democracy.

“In the course of that stuggle, some of our citizens paid the supreme sacrifice, others went into exile while others were incarcerated. By the grace of God and consequent upon the relentless struggles, the country returned to democratic rule on May 29th . Consequently President Muhammadu Buhari did the needful by institutionalising  June 12 as  democracy day, which serves as  acknowledgement of the the foundational impetus that led to the  struggle for democracy.

“Today, is therfore symbolic because it resonates  our collective struggle and our resilience as a people to enthrone  and sustain  democracy. June 12th serves as a constant reminder to all of us that no force on earth can stop the will of the people if they are determined. It is a clear pionter to the age long fact that power and sovereignty belongs to the people.

“Let me therefore use this auspicious occasion to congratulate Nigerians in general and Imo people in particular for their individual and collective efforts and sacrifices in sustaining democracy since 1999. The fact that democracy has thrived uninterrupted for 23 years is an eloquent testament of the determination of Nigerians to sustain democracy. I congratulate all of us.

“For me, each democracy day should be a day of deep meditation and reflection, both by the political elite and the people, on how far we have kept faith with the spirit that inspired the June 12th struggle. Are our actions or inactions helping to deepen the hard earned June 12th democracy or helping to erode it? As leaders and participants in the democratic process can we in our right conscience say that we are good Apostles of the June 12th struggle? These are but a few of the issues that ought to agitate our minds as we celebrate June 12th today because our answers to the questions will help us to further deepen our democratic gains.

“Let me also use this auspicious occasion to salute those whose tenacious struggles and invaluable sacrifices brought us to the glorious dawn of the democracy we are savouring today. I hail Chief M K O Abiola, our Martyr of the struggle. I salute our own Chief Ralph Obioha and Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu. I remember the thousands of Imo people who were forced out of their homes in many parts of Nigeria. Some died, others never recovered from the economic trauma. I salute all of them.

“With the benefit of this historical hindsight, it is not only imperative but  germane for us to guard this democracy jealously. We should do all in our power to ensure that we don’t toil with this freedom of choice which is the foundation upon which our development is predicated. That freedom should never be tired to pecuniary gains lest the foundation of our democracy  be threatened.

“Consequently, we should, all of us, take seriously  our Civic obligation to freely elect our leaders. This begins with citizens obtaining their permanent voters cards. By the end of this month,  INEC will not be issuing these cards. So those who are yet to obtain theirs should use this window of opportunity of just 18 days to do the needful.

“June 12th has taught us the evergreen lesson that we have the power to freely elect our leaders. If  we fail in discharging that sacred  responsibility, we should  blame ourselves for the consequences. Let us therefore be proactive by taking our destiny into our hands. The first step is to obtain our PVC today. The second is to make it a piont of civic duty to vote in all the elections.

“As we celebrate this democracy day, let me reaffirm my commitment to serve Imo people with all the energy at my behest for the utmost good of the state and citizens. I am happy that this administration has been consistent in the implementation of our prosperity agenda encapsulated in the 3Rs of Rehabilitation, reconstruction and Recovery. In the coming days,our signature projects of dualization of Owerri- Okigwe and Owerri- Orlu roads will be formally commissioned as a catalyst towards the economic development of our dear state. The more than 72 roads built and reconstructed across the state are also geared towards enhancing social and economic development of the people. Our intervention in the health, education, agriculture and other sectors is aimed at making life easier for our people.

“Let me use this opportunity to appeal to our youth to leverage on our empowerment programme to better their lives. They should refrain from being used by disgruntled politicians to destabilize the state. We need peace to sustain the progress we are making. Because there is no viable alternative to democracy,our youth and indeed every resident of Imo state should defend this hard won democracy by maintaining the peace.

“May we all collectively recommit to protecting our democracy by engaging in only acts that will promote its sustenance and growth.

Prof Adiele Arrested For Fraud, Not Abducted – Police

By
The Source
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0
Professor Jachimike Adiele

By Charles Igbo

The Imo State Police Command has put a lie to reports that Professor Jachimike Adiele was abducted on Saturday morning from the premises of Boss Radio where he co-hosted a programme.

The Radio Station had put out an alert that Adiele was abducted from their premises by armed men and asked the general public for help to locate him as his whereabouts were unknown.

Many hours later, Adiele put out a statement that he has regained his freedom, and thanked all those who came to his rescue. He did not explain what happened or who exactly abducted him.

But in a statement by the Police Command signed by its Public Relations Officer, CSP Michael Abattam, the Police revealed Professor Adiele was arrested for jumping bail in a case of fraud involving him.

According to the Police, Adiele was reported in March by a lady who accused him of collecting the sum of N1.2million to give her a shop at Douglas Road, Owerri. When he reneged on the promise, and wouldn’t refund the money, the Lady reported him to the Police.

Adiele was thus arrested and, on his promise to pay back the money in April, 2022, he was granted bail. But the Police said he did not pay, but instead jumped bail. When his surety was invited, he said he had not seen him.

Luck ran out on him when the Surety learnt he would be at Boss Radio Fm, and alerted the Police who went to the Station, waited outside for him, and arrested him as soon as he stepped out.

Following the Police statement:

RE: ARREST OF PROF.

ADIELE JACHIMIKE

“The attention of the Imo State Police Command has been drawn to a news making rounds that, today 11/6/2022 at about 0940hrs, one Prof. Jachimike Adiele a staff of Boss FM Radio was abducted by unknown persons. The news is false, because he was never abducted rather, he was arrested by police operatives from Police Area Command Owerri, lmo State.

“The facts was that, sometime in the month of March, 2022, a lady reported a case of fraud against Prof. Jachimike Adiele at the Police Area Command Owerri, alleging that, the said professor collected the sum of one million two hundred thausand (1.2 ) naira from her with a promise to give her a shop in Douglas market. But, after some months, she discovered that there was no shop and demanded for her money but could not get it hence, her report .

“On the strength of the complaint, Prof Jachimike Adiele was invited. After his statement, the Area Commander released him on bail due to his status in the society. And he promised refunding the money back to the lady on 1/4/2022, but never did rather, he jumped bail. When all efforts made to reach him proved abortive, the surety was invited and he claimed not know the whereabout of the suspect and pleaded for time to trace him.

“Luck ran against him today 11/6/2022 at about 0940 hours, when the surety got information that, he was in the studio presenting a programme and alerted the police. On arrival, the police were professional, they never went to the station rather, they waited until he concluded his programme presentation and was heading home when he was arrested to the station.  He has since been released and on conclusion of investigation, he will be charged to court.”

His Abduction Alert

“After the Program “THE FORUM”, some unidentified armed men stormed the premises of Boss Radio, Owerri, and abducted the co-host of the Forum, Prof Jachimike Adiele to an undisclosed location.

“We cannot confirm his whereabouts or his present state.

“We implore the law enforcement agencies to please, come to our rescue.

#bossradioowerri

#bossradio989fm”

His Appreciation Post On Release

“May I use this opportunity to thank my friends, relations and associates who called to check on me after the news that I was abducted by Policemen.  I am now safely at home.

“May I particularly thank Harriet Ijeomah, the host of The Forum at Boss Radio 98.9FM, who immediately sent out the information on my abduction, the General Manager Mr McDonald,  who followed up and the Chairman of Boss Radio,  Mr Michael Ikoku who ensured I was safe.

“Also,  thank you Dr Nma Olebara , Dr Fidel Onyeneke , Editor and Publisher Gele Agbai , Professor Chinedu Asinu-Anosike, Mr Nick Opara-Ndudu, Jones Fcc Onwuasoanya , Barrister Mbuba Ilobi Asika , Editor and Publisher Nwadike Precious U, and many other journalists in the Owerri area for reacting promptly in my defence.

“Thanks Superintendent of Police Chidi Maxwell for your professionalism.

“Nigeria must get better.

“I shall be making comments on this later.

Jachimike Adiele”

Democracy Day: Obasa Felicitate With Nigerians, Says Nigeria On Pathway To Greatness

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Mudashiru Obasa

By Akinwale Kasali

Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has described Nigeria as a country currently on a track to greatness just as he urged the citizens to play active roles for this to be fully achieved, as the nation celebrates its Democracy Day.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Eromosele Ebhomele, Obasa commemorated Nigeria’s Democracy Day which coincides with the 29th anniversary of the June 12, 1993 elections, presumably  won by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.

According to the Speaker, Nigeria had, since 1999, experienced what could best be described as the teething stage of its democratic journey with the need for unity taking the centre-stage of public discourse.

“However, it is now very glaring that we are on the threshold of history with the forthcoming general elections that is now heralded by the smooth convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the emergence of our flagbearer, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The new story that we all anticipate, envisage and dream about for our country is achievable and right before us. Our hopes are rekindled. All that is required is our collectively resolve to be part of the ship of progress,” Obasa said in the statement by his media office.

Thanking Nigerian leaders, the civil society and citizens who joined in the struggle for the emancipation of the country from the military, Obasa added: “We remain steadfast in our resolve to make our democracy truly work for us all as Nigerians.

“History will forever be kind to those who made Nigeria’s democracy possible. They are our country’s real heroes.

“We are honoured to be the current bearers of the baton of democracy and we look forward to upholding the labour of these heroes.”

Owerri: “I Was Abducted By Police” – Professor Adiele; Released, Thanks All

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The Source
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Professor Jachimike Adiele

By Charles Igbo

Professor Jachimike Adiele who was abducted Saturday morning from the premises of a Radio Station in Owerri has been released.

In a post like where he thanked all those who came to his rescue, Adiele said he would tell the full story of his ordeal later, and added: “Nigeria must get better.”

His appreciation post reads:

“May I use this opportunity to thank my friends, relations and associates who called to check on me after the news that I was abducted by Policemen.  I am now safely at home.

“May I particularly thank Harriet Ijeomah, the host of The Forum at Boss Radio 98.9FM, who immediately sent out the information on my abduction, the General Manager Mr McDonald,  who followed up and the Chairman of Boss Radio,  Mr Michael Ikoku who ensured I was safe.

“Also,  thank you Dr Nma Olebara , Dr Fidel Onyeneke , Editor and Publisher Gele Agbai , Professor Chinedu Asinu-Anosike, Mr Nick Opara-Ndudu, Jones Fcc Onwuasoanya , Barrister Mbuba Ilobi Asika , Editor and Publisher Nwadike Precious U, and many other journalists in the Owerri area for reacting promptly in my defence.

“Thanks Superintendent of Police Chidi Maxwell for your professionalism.

“Nigeria must get better.

“I shall be making comments on this later.

Jachimike Adiele”

Reports had emanated from Owerri, capital of Imo State, Saturday morning to the effect that  Adiele was abducted from the premises of a Radio Station.

He had gone to Boss Radio to co-host a programme, THE FORUM.

Just as he stepped out, armed men stormed the premises and abducted him.

A posted frantic message from the Radio station said:

“After the Program “THE FORUM”, some unidentified armed men stormed the premises of Boss Radio, Owerri, and abducted the co-host of the Forum, Prof Jachimike Adiele to an undisclosed location.

“We cannot confirm his whereabouts or his present state.

“We implore the law enforcement agencies to please, come to our rescue.

#bossradioowerri

#bossradio989fm”

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