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Breaking: APC Choses Lawan As Consensus Presidential Candidate

By
James Orji
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By James Orji

Ahead the All Progressives  Congress,  APC National Convention  slated for June 7, the party has announced the Senate President,  Ahmad Lawan as the consensus presidential  candidate. Lawan is one of the late entrants into the race.

According to the Nation newspaper, Adamu made the announcement at the meeting of National Working Committee, NWC on Monday in Abuja. The APC said the party came to the decision after consultation with President  Muhammadu  Buhari. But the president said last Saturday that he will not foist any candidate on the party.

It is,however, unclear whether other aspirants which include Vice President Yemi Osinbajo,  Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Emeka Nwajuba, Rotimi Amaechi, Governors Kayode Fayemi, Dave Umahi, amongst others had accepted the decision.

For instance,  Tinubu had recently said he was not prepared to step down for any aspirant. Also,  Osinbajo said last week he had not stepped down for the Senate President contrary to speculations.

President Buhari had met the APC governors on Saturday where he appealed to them to chose a consensus candidate ahead the primaries  coming up tomorrow.  The president  had earlier told the governors to allow him chose his successor.

It remains sketchy whether Lawan will be acceptable to a cross section of APC leaders for the party in next year’s  election. The decision to chose Lawan, many watchers of the party said, will definitely  shake the party to its very foundation as it plans to consolidate  power next year.

FCT Police Command Deny Invasion Of Estate, Abduction Of Residents

By
The Source
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Nigeria Police Force

By Gideon Njoku

The Abuja Police Command has denied the viral story on Social Media to the effect that Bandits invaded an Estate in Gwarimpa, Genuine  Estate, in the early morning of Monday, June 6, and abducted a number of residents.

The viral story said that the bandits operated for hours.

But the FCT Police Command has dismissed the story as fake, and lamented the damage such fake stories do to the psyche of Nigerians.

 

What happened, the Command said in a statement signed by its Spokesperson,  DSP Josephine Adeh, was that a “distress call was received from Queens Efab Estate, Kasana, Galatians Area that there was an ongoing armed robbery operation. Operatives of the Command attached to Galadims Divisional Headquarters swiftly responded, and upon arrival at the Estate, the robbers took to their heels.”

Following is the full text of the Statement.

“The attention of the FCT Police Command has been drawn to news making the rounds in some sections of the media space alleging erroneously that bandits attacked an estate in Gwarinpa Estate, Abuja, and abducted residents.

“The Command wishes to set the records straight that on the 6th June, 2022, a distress call was received from Queens Efab Estate, Kasana, Galadima Area that there was an ongoing armed robbery operation. Operatives of the Command attached to Galadima Divisional Headquarters swiftly responded and upon arrival at the Estate, the robbers took to their heels. The gallant operatives however gave them a chase which led to them abandoning some items they had already stolen including some phones and laptops.

“It is disheartening to discover that some news platforms chose to trend a false narrative without following the ethics and standards of balanced reportage, thereby inundating the public with false, imaginary and spurious account of what actually transpired. The Commissioner of Police, CP Babaji Sunday, however assures residents of the Command’s commitment to their safety and of swift response to all distress calls.

“In addition to the above, members  of the public are  urged to remain vigilant, strengthen partnership with the Police as touching the rendition of prompt and actionable intelligence, reporting any suspicious or abnormal occurrence to the Police through the following emergency lines: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883, While the Public Complaint Bureau (PCB) desk, could be reached on: 0902 222 2352.”

Peter Obi Mourns Ondo Catholic Church Terrorism Victims; Says He Is Broken

By
The Source
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Peter Obi

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Former Governor Peter Obi, has expressed shock over the terror attack that rocked Ondo State, in which many lives were reportedly lost, describing it as a very sad day in the history of the nation.

Terrorists attacked St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, the headquarters of Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State. About 50 worshippers died and several others injured.

In a Press Release,  Obi decried the continued descent of the country into insecurity and failure of the state. He lamented the mindless killing of innocent worshippers, saying it is heart breaking.

He condenmed the rising tide of violence in almost every part of the country, warning that no nation ever progresses with the level of insecurity Nigeria is currently experiencing. He said that what is more painful is that the worshippers were killed, without any sense of sacredness, right in their place of worship. Nigeria has become a failed State, almost, he lamented.

Obi: “The heartless waste of precious lives at Ondo, today, and indeed other parts of the country, where lives are lost in droves, reminds us how awfully we have retrogressed as a nation, and the herculean task, of nation building, ahead of us, in taking back our nation from insecurity and every form of failure holding us down.”

He condoled with the Government and people of the State, the Bishop and the entire Catholic Diocese of Ondo, and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured, and the repose of the souls of the departed.

Nigeria’s Governors Forum Donates N50 Million To Ondo Catholic Diocese; Promises To Fish Out Killers

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governors Forum

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF)  has paid a condolence visit to Ondo State to commiserate with the Governor, the State and the Catholic diocese over the Sunday terror attack at St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, Owo.

Chairman of the NGF and Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi had earlier visited Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu,SAN, at the Government House, Alagbaka, Akure.

Governor Fayemi was accompanied by former Governor of Ogun State and serving Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

They were later led by Governor Akeredolu to the residence of the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Bishop Jude Arogundade before moving to Owo to commiserate with the Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye.

Governor Fayemi, who described the ugly attack as least expected, stated that Owo has been a very peaceful environment.

“It is a serious and unusual attack on the people who can’t go out and farm or worship God in peace. We are all shock.

“Just like the Governor said, these people shall not go unpunished. They will be hunted down and brought to book. But this can not save the lives that have been lost or save the wounded from discomfort.

“As leaders of the people, we will redouble our efforts. This is happening across the county and we are concerned. We know how troubled you will be. And we know that this is something that troubles our minds.

“For now, the government at the state and federal levels are working to bring the perpetrators to book.

“My colleagues in the Governors forum have asked me to donate N50 million to the Catholic Church to ameliorate the condition of the families of the victims. This is a crime against humanity.”

The Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Bishop Jude Arogundade described the attack as evil.

He urged the Governors to ensure that those behind the killing and their sponsors are brought to book.

“I appreciate your coming and comment. How did we get here? Have we lost our mind and humanity? Even in war situation, nobody kills children and women. Nobody attacks the church.

“I am calling on you the leaders of the country, I think we need to talk and we need to be frank with each ourselves.

“This can not happen without the backing of some powerful people. Those behind this no matter how powerful they are, must be brought to book.

“How are we presenting ourselves as primitive. Ondo state doesn’t deserve this . Humanity doesn’t deserve this. This doesn’t present us well. People are laughing at us.”

At the palace of Olowo of Owo, Fayemi commiserated with the people of Owo and the Olowo over the ugly incident.

“Our people are traumatized. The entire Governors asked me to deliver their condolences to you and the entire Owo. We are all still in shock.

“This is not an attack on owo or Ondo state. It is not attack on all of us. We must restore our pride. So that our people can feel safe again. We need to restore our country to sanity, to safety.”

The Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye said the perpetrators of the ugly attack wanted to make a statement.

He said the federal government needs to be proactive, saying “Our forest here in owo, in Yoruba land have been invaded. Our farmers can’t go to farms again. Those in our forest illegally must be flushed out.”

Governor Akeredolu later led the visitors to the St Louis hospital in Owo, where some of the survivors are receiving medical attention.

Owo Catholic Church Attack: Akeredolu Orders Flags To Fly At Half Mast; Reactions Pour In

By
The Source
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Akeredolu Weeping over Owo Attack

By Ayodele Oni

Reactions continue to trail Sunday invasion of a Catholic church in Owo, Ondo state by suspected terrorists.

St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, was, in an unprecedented incident,  attacked by Terrorists during the Holy Mass on Sunday, May 5, 2022.

With the death toll put at almost 50, Royal fathers, Religious leaders, Christian and muslim groups and Political leaders, continue to express outrage, describing it as callous.

Already, Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, who has been on ground since Sunday when he hurriedly left the convention venue of the All Progressive Congress, (APC) in Abuja, has directed all public buildings, facilities and official residences to fly the Nigerian flag at half -mast for seven days in honour of the victims of the Owo terror attack.

Governor Akeredolu said the attack on innocent worshipers at St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street,Owo was a deliberate and calculated assault on the people of the state.

The Governor said: “Those who unleashed this unprovoked terror attack on our people have tested our collective resolves. We will not be deterred in responding appropriately to this dastardly act.

“In honour of the victims of this unfortunate attack, I hereby direct that all flags be flown at half-mast for seven days, starting from today, Monday, June 6, to Sunday, June 12, 2022. It is a collective loss to the people of our dear state.

“We should all be reminded that yesterday made it exactly one year when an invading gang of killer herdsmen killed at least over 20 people in Igangan, Ibarapa North local government of Oyo State on a Saturday night.

In his reaction, Ooni of Ife, Oba  noted that “What occurred yesterday was a gruesome massacre dastardly targeted at turning Yorubaland to a war zone.

“However, we the descendants of Oduduwa although peace loving, cannot be overrun in our own homes, do not be mistaken, we have the capacity and are prepared and ready to defend ourselves against all external invaders.

“We should all be reminded that yesterday made it exactly one year when an invading gang of killer herdsmen killed at least over 20 people in Igangan, Ibarapa North local government of Oyo State on a Saturday night, leaving several houses, the palace of the Asiganga burnt in the attack, whilst people were asleep.

“When calamities like this befall us without a single trace, the interpretation is that the intelligence unit of our country’s security architecture is probably faulty or completely missing.

“I implore the six governors across the south west region and their brothers nationwide as well as the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government, to live up to their oaths of securing Nigerians and ensuring safety for all citizens irrespective of their age, sex, religion or tribe.

“Rather than discouraging us, this will rather strengthen us especially in our resolve to deploy manpower, resources and technology towards the protection of lives and properties.

“I’m consulting with Traditional rulers across the south-west alongside the governors across the southwest to come up with concrete plans to safe guard our people.

“We have deep obligations to them in the face of inadequate state security challenges that are threatening the fabric of our existence.

“To my brother the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, and the entire Owo kingdom, to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, to the Ondo State Government, to the people of Owo, to the Priest and parishioners of St. Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa, Owo, to the families of all the victims, and the entire people of Ondo State, it is my prayer that Olodumare will comfort you all and give you peace in these trying time.”

Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas and the Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, described the unprovocative attack as barbaric and highly traumatizing which had left the ancient city of Owo in unquantifiable pains and agony.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Adeyeye Michael, Oba Aladetoyinbo said that the massacre of innocent and law abiding worshippers including women and children was the height of crime against God and humanity.

“It is so sad that there is no sanctity and respect for human lives by these assailants who killed innocent souls who have gathered to worship God and also pray for our dear nation.

“This is sad for us in Ondo State and the hearts of all the traditional Rulers and good people of the sunshine state is heavy over this ugly incident and our heartfelt condolence and prayers is with the family of those who lost their loved ones in this barbaric attack.”

The Deji urges the security agencies to go after theses attackers and bring them to justice for sins against humanity.

Traditional Rulers in Ondo State will continue to support the Government in ensuring that the state is rid of all criminal elements.

Breaking: Not True, VP Osinbajo Not In A Vehicle Accident

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0

By Adesina Soyooye

Nigeria’s Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo is safe. Neither he nor his convoy, was involved in any vehicle accident.

Initial reports by Peoples Gazette said Vice President was  involved in a Vehicle accident  along the Abuja Airport Road Monday morning and that efforts were being made to pull him out.

But the VP’s Spokesman, Laolu Akande, has debunked the story.

In a post, Akande said: “On his way to the Airport this morning, VP came across a road traffic accident, stopped to lend assistance, & ensured victim was taken to hospital with VP’s convoy ambulance. He then proceeded on his trip and is now in Ondo State heading to site of yesterday’s attack .”

Osinbajo was on his way to Ondo State to condole with the Government and people over the gruesome terrorist attack on  Worshippers at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo on Sunday, June 5, 2022 which claimed over 30 lives, including children.

For the records, Vice President Osinbajo is one of the Presidential aspirants under the All Progressives Congress, APC. The Primaries to pick the Party’s candidate began Monday, June 6.

Breaking: Ondo: Catholic Bishop Calls On Buhari To Resign After Terrorists Killed 40 Worshippers

By
James Orji
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0

By James Orji

The Catholic Bishop of Ondo, Right Rev Jude Arogundade has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to resign in the face of the insecurity pervading the country.

The Buhari administration, the catholic leader said has failed to secure the country and must be held responsible for the spate of killings across the country.

President Buhari has however condemned the massacre, saying that “no matter what, this country shall never give in to evil and wicked people, and darkness will never overcome light. Nigeria will eventually win.”

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, in a statement, said Buhari has directed security agencies and emergency workers to swing into action immediately, to fish out the criminals.

Arogundade spoke after terrorists attacked St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, in Owo LGA of Ondo State, killing over 40 worshippers and injuring many on Sunday.

TheSource (magazine) learnt  that the church, which is located behind the Olowo of Owo Palace, in the hometown of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, came under attack as it was rounding off its morning service.

The terrorists who stormed the church in their numbers, opened fire on worshippers indiscriminately.

“We were about to round off service. I had even asked people to start leaving, that was how we started hearing gunshots from different angles.

“We hid inside the church but some people had left when the attack happened. We locked ourselves in the church for 20 minutes,” said Rev Father Andrew Abayomi, one of the priests who survived the attack.

It was gathered that the terrorists, who are now on the run used dynamite to gain access to the church before shooting at worshippers at close range.

Speaking on the issue on the African Independent Television, AIT on Monday, Arogundade said the government has failed to apprehend terrorists unleashing mayhem on Nigerians, calling on President Buhari to resign immediately after failing to handle the situation.

He said Nigerians are tired of the incessant killing while appealing to the international community to come to the aid of the country.

According to him, “Nigeria’s situation is unbelievable. This is what nobody believed could ever happen in the country. Those people need to be fished out. This is a serious situation.

“The government should come out to tell us what is going on, or else we will begin to take laws into our hands. some of those killed yesterday were medical doctors; what kind of country is this. They said they are rehabilitating terrorists…..

“I will do everything on my part to call the whole attention to this act. Somebody must be held accountable.”

Shedding light on victims of the bombing, the bishop said the church has no accurate number of worshippers that were killed by the terrorists and those who received bullet wounds and are now being treated in various hospitals across the state.

“So many people have bullet wounds; they are in hundreds. Surgeries are going on, on the wounded we cannot even count the number of those wounded.

He explained that over 1200 worshippers were in the church as at the time of the attack.

 

Oyo 2023: Makinde In Search For A Running Mate

By
James Orji
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0
Oyo Deputy Gov Rauf-Olaniyan

By James Orji

Governor Seyi Makinde will contest the 2023 governorship election with a new running mate. His current deputy, Rauf Olaniyan has dumped the ruling party in the state, the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP for the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Anytime from now, the governor is expected to announce a running mate after winning the PDP governorship ticket for re-election two weeks ago.

The defection of the Deputy Governor, close watchers of party say has finally put an end to the silent power struggle between Governor Makinde and his estranged deputy.

Though the two former political allies had long denied the existence of any feud between them, but sources in government House Agodi, Ibadan insist that the duo parted ways as soon as Governor Makinde Swept to power in 2019, after defeating Adebayo Adelabu, a former Deputy Governor of the CBN and All Progressives Congress, APC governorship candidate.

The frosty relationship first became a public item two years ago, after the Deputy Governor complained to a Reconciliation committee set up by the PDP to reconcile aggrieved members in the party that Governor Makinde has sidelined him in the affairs of the state. The committee was led by Dr Saka Balogun.

Speaking to journalists, on Sunday, Olaniyan said he had no reason to remain in the party following the decision of the governor to make him look like a stranger in running the affairs of the state. He, however, said he still remain in his position as the number two citizen of the state, having been jointly elected with the governor on a joint ticket.

He explained that he will continue to discharge his duty as Deputy Governor, and will continue to cooperate with Governor Makinde in moving the state forward.

Olaniyan said, “This was a joint ticket. I was promised many things. Alhamdulilah for everything. It is not about money. If it was about it, I wouldn’t have attempted to join politics. I am not uncomfortable but by being in position of power, you have the right to assist many people.

“My people have been calling. Those from Ibarapa called yesterday. The Okeogun are meeting in Iseyin as we speak. The people are what make me. They can’t say something and I say otherwise.

“Whatever the governor expects from me, I will do. I have been sidelined in politics. So there is no problem with us. I am still loyal to him except they want to misinterpret the meaning of loyalty.”

Meanwhile, the magazine learnt that Olaniyan took a pre-emptive action against the governor, who many say, was already planning to choose a new running mate ahead next year’s election.

“The frosty relationship has been on for a long time. The two of them have been trying to manage the situation away from the glaring eyes of the public, so that the government will not run into a hitch. But the Deputy Governor seemed to have made things easier for the governors on the issue of choosing a running mate for next year’s election.

“We are sure the governor will be looking at Oke Ogun where the current Deputy Governor hails from to chose a replacement,” a PDP source told The Source Magazine on Monday.

 

Jonathan Condemns Ondo Church Killings

By
The Source
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0
Former President Goodluck Jonathan
Former President Goodluck Jonathan

Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has condemned the deadly Sunday attack on a Church in Ondo State by unknown assailants which claimed the lives of scores of worshippers.

Jonathan charged the security agents to be swift in their efforts to apprehend the criminals and make them pay for their actions.

Dr. Jonathan who stated this in a condolence message to the Government and people of Ondo State said: “I offer my heartfelt condolences to the victims, their families, the entire congregation of Saint Francis Catholic Church, in Owo as well as the Government and people of Ondo State.”

He denounced the “brutal killing in cold blood of innocent worshippers by mindless outlaws, out to cause havoc and mayhem in the society.”

The former President further decried the nefarious activities of murderous criminals in the country and urged security agencies to go after them, adding that all efforts should be made to apprehend and bring them to justice.

Owo Massacre Despicable, Assault On Humanity And Desecration Of The Church Of God – Anyim

By
The Source
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0
Anyim Pius Anyim

Former President of the Senate, Anyim Pius Anyim has condemned, in the strongest term possible, the massacre of Christians by gunmen at the St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State on Sunday.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and signed by his Media Adviser,  Sam Nwaobasi,  Anyim said the killing of the worshippers during Sunday service was despicable, callous, as well as an assault on humanity and desecration of the Church of God.

He wondered why the evil men could enter into the sacred House of God to kill innocent and defenceless worshippers who had gone to commune with their Creator.

The former PDP presidential aspirant said he condemned the heinous murder “in the strongest term possible as despicable, barbaric, callous, evil and as an assault on humanity.”

“I cannot understand why these evil men would carry out this dastardly act against defenceless citizens who had gone to the Holy Temple of the Lord Almighty to commune with their creator.

“I call on the Ondo State Government and all the Security Agencies to go after these criminals, fish them out and make them face the law for the mindless murder of innocent citizens”, Anyim, former secretary to the Government of the Federation charged.

Anyim prayed for the repose of the souls of those killed. He equally condoled with relations of the deceased.

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