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Anyim To Bayelsa PDP Delegates: I’ve The Knowledge, Experience, Capacity To Rescue Nigeria

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The Source
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Anyim being welcome by Bayelsa Delegates

A frontline Presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, has said that the 2023 election presents a golden opportunity to rescue Nigeria from the doldrums.

And Anyim, former Senate President, said he is in a pole position to provide the country the quality leadership that will accomplish that onerous task.

Anyim spoke on Monday evening in Bayelsa State when he met with PDP delegates.

The former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) said Nigeria was at the crossroads.

“We are faced with many serious crises today,” he reiterated and warned that “if we fail to get it right in 2023, there will be trouble.”

“Our debt crisis today is scandalous. Our economy has become so unproductive and the Naira so valueless that if nothing is done urgently, before December, N1000 will be exchanging for $1,” he lamented.

Anyim, who said that the country needs someone with the requisite knowledge, capacity and competence to pull it back from the brink, told the delegates that he is that person.

“This is not a time to occupy office just to answer Mr President. This is a time to save Nigeria. It is a time to plan for the future. It is a time to rescue this country. If you partner with me, I know what to do. I have the knowledge, I have the experience and I have the capacity.

“I left the Senate at the age of 41. I became Senate President at 39. I have headed the secretariat of the presidency. Today, you find presidents battling with the National Assembly, but I have headed the NASS and I know how it works.

“I know how the rule of law works and how to give human rights the protection that democracy demands because I trained as a lawyer at the Masters level.

“I understand what the challenges are and have clarity on what it takes to make the country work again for all.

“I have no other country other than Nigeria. I know Nigeria well. All the schools I attended in this world are in Nigeria. I have never stayed outside this country for more than two weeks at a stretch. By the time I spend one week, I am itching to come back home. Nigeria is my home and I owe her a duty to ensure that things work.”

The frontline PDP aspirant who paid a courtesy call on the Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri, at Government House, Yenagoa, before proceeding to the PDP secretariat was accompanied by Chief Eze Duruiheoma, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), immediate past Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC) and former Imo State PDP chairman, Dr Mohammed Adah Shuaibu, former PDP governorship aspirant in Kogi state who doubles as the Director of Mobilisation in the Anyim Campaign Organisation; Dr. Ferdinand Agu, former DG of NIMASA; Chief Callistus Anyanwu and Chief Felix Nnodim.

Talking about the raging issue of zoning, Anyim warned that the rules should not be changed in the middle of the game.

“One thing I know for sure is that democracy thrives on three certainties – the certainty of tenure, which is why it is defined in such a way that you know when to begin and when to end; certainty of structure, and the certainty of process. The process must be definite. You don’t change the rule midway. You don’t shift the goalpost midway. Once you breach any of these rules, you have aborted democracy.

“This is the issue that faces us today. Our party has zoning principle clearly stated in our Constitution. Now it is the turn of the some people and you think that because you have the might, you can manipulate the process. It will not work.”

Anyim recalled that it was the same sleight of the hand that cost the PDP power in 2015.

“It is the blackmail and manipulations against the Jonathan government that plunged us into this darkness and the same people are again moving around trying to manipulate the process once more to plunge us into deeper darkness. We will not allow it,” the frontline aspirant vowed.

“There is no zone in this country that is not in a position to produce capable people that can govern Nigeria. And if we are talking about the Southeast and the capacity of those aspiring to govern this country, I challenge any other aspirant to place his curriculum vitae on the table beside mine.

“And I dare say that in terms of competence, capacity, hard work, training, whatever it is, I am over and above any other person running for the presidency in this election circle.”

Anyim, who described himself as a son of the soil said President Goodluck Jonathan gave him his biggest break in public service and for that he remains indebted not only to him but the good people of Bayelsa.

Narrating how he became the SGF, he said: “One day, somebody called me and said that the new President wanted to see me and I quickly rushed to Aso Rock to see him and he said he wanted to consult with me.

“It is my desire to get a Secretary to the Government of the Federation from the Southeast who will help me run the administration and from all the suggestions before me, you are the one the cap fits and I wanted to know whether you will accept to do this job,” he quoted Jonathan as saying.

His response was simple: “I said, you are the President of Nigeria and anything you want me to do, I will do.”

And the next day, his name was announced as the SGF.

Anyim said he will remain eternally grateful for that.

“Today, the real bright spot in my CV after my Senate Presidency is my experience as the SGF. My history will be incomplete without that record. If today, I am talking about my capacity to run Nigeria, if actually you were to screen those who have cognate experience, I am the one because I headed the secretariat of the presidency for four years and that gave me the cognate experience to run the Presidency of Nigeria.

“I have, therefore, come home to thank the people of Bayelsa for that. This is the first State I am visiting in the South. I said before I go to any other State, I must first go to my second home.

“Before I embarked on this journey, I went to my boss, my mentor, the former President, and said ‘Sir, I am setting out on this journey, do I go or not?’ He said I should go.

“So, I am asking the people of Bayelsa that gave me the cognate experience to send me again to go and continue the work our dear former President Goodluck Jonathan started. You and I agree that he hasn’t finished the work that God has called him to do in Nigeria and there is no other person that can continue that work, improve on that work, finish that work and deliver to Nigerians the peace that has eluded them since he left that office than me. That is what I have come to seek your permission to do.

“The only thing I am asking for is that the Work God used our boss to start is not completed. Send me to go and not only continue with the good work but to complete it.

“There were specific targets we planned and had already processed but because we could not return for a second term, we couldn’t execute those plans. Those plans should not be allowed to die. We have to resurrect and perfect them.

“We had already set this country on a path of progress, peace and development before some people came and through blackmail, and all manner of manipulations, the second term of President Goodluck Jonathan was scuttled. And now the country is in trouble.

“Let me go back and continue from where we stopped. There were many plans which we thought we will execute in our second term and one of them was a deep seaport in Bayelsa.

It was also our plan to ensure that all oil companies not only have their headquarters in Bayelsa but also to build an oil city just like the Centenary City we also proposed in Abuja.

“Others may send delegates or their agents to come and talk to you but I have to be here in person so that I will give you my word and you can count on me. Join hands with me so that together we can rescue this country.

“With you as my partners, continuing from where we stopped in 2015, Nigeria will know peace once again, Nigeria will know progress and assume its proper place in the comity of nations.”

The Bayelsa PDP chairman, Mr Solomon Agwanana, led other delegates including former Senator, Emmanuel Diffa, and members of the State House of Assembly in welcoming Anyim.

In his remarks, Agwanana, who said that APC was not a political party, assured Anyim of support.

Jonathan Condoles With Senator Wabara Over Wife’s Death

By
The Source
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Former President Goodluck Jonathan
Former President Goodluck Jonathan

Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has commiserated with former President of the Senate, Adolphus Wabara, over the death of his wife, Mrs. Felicia Wabara.

In a message of condolence to the former President of the Senate, Dr. Jonathan expressed sadness over the exit of Mrs. Wabara and prayed that  God grants her soul eternal rest.

The former President also described late Mrs. Wabara as a devout woman who lived an impactful life, adding that her passing has created a vacuum in the family.

He stated:  “I condole with Senator Adolphus Wabara, former President of the Senate, on the demise of his dear wife, Mrs Felicia Wabara, at the age of 69.
“I know this is a very sad moment for you and members of your family, owing to the vacuum that her death has created in your family.

“Your wife was a pillar of support and strength to you,  having been with you all the way and played a significant role in your success and achievements in life.

“Please take solace in the fact that she lived an exemplary and impactful life of service to God and humanity. On behalf of my family , please accept my condolences.”

Ondo Information Commissioner, Ojogo Resigns, Set To Contest House Of Reps

By
The Source
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Donald Ojogo

By Ayodele Oni

The Commissioner for information and orientation in Ondo state, Donald Ojogo, has resigned.

His resignation followed directive by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu earlier on Tuesday directing those among political appointees nursing ambition in 2023 to quit within 48 hours.

The secretary to the state government, Mrs Oladunni Odu stated this in a memo dated 11th April ,2022 and addressed to all Political Appointees in the state.

In his resignation letter, Ojogo said he was resigning because he wanted to contest the House of Representatives seat for Ilaje/ Ese-Odo Federal Constituency in the 2023 general elections under the ruling party in the state, All Progressive Party (APC).

Ojogo said he was resigning in line with the provisions of Section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act, 2022.

“My resignation is sequel to the 2022 Electoral Act Section 84 (12) as amended and the circular received from the office of the Secretary to the State Government.

“I wish to write and tender my resignation as Honourable Commissioner in the Government of Ondo State to enable me to pursue my aspiration to run for the office of the House of Representatives in the National Assembly come 2023.”

Ojogo, an Ijaw from the riverine area, Arogbo, was appointed a commissioner during the first term of Governor Akeredoku and reappointed last year.

He was formerly deputy Chief of Staff attached to the office of the former deputy governor, Mr Agboola Ajayi.

Ekiti Sexual Assault Referral Centre Accomodates Victims From Neighbouring States – Bisi Fayemi

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Wife of Ekiti state Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi has revealed that the Sexual Assault Referral Centre, otherwise known as Moremi Clinic, built by the present administration in Ado Ekiti now attracts people from neighbouring states of Kwara, Ondo and Osun.

According to her, the centre was constructed and equipped with professionals and facilities to attend to victims of rape and other sexual violence free of charge.

Speaking on a radio programme on Tuesday, the Ekiti state first lady pointed out that rape victims from neighbouring states like Kwara, Ondo and Osun have been coming to the Centre to access treatment, counselling and legal services without paying any kobo and to give them a new lease of life.

Erelu Fayemi added that a 208-bed Shelter and Vocational Centre for women and children in distress has also been put in place to provide a temporary abode and skills acquisition platform for victims chased away from their homes.

She said that the state government also established a Gender Based Violence Survivors Fund to assist victims to resettle and live a normal life.

She advocated a stoppage to violence against women and children in the state.

Erelu Fayemi called on parents and religious leaders to join the campaign against domestic violence and abuse of women, expressing regrets on the killing of a popular gospel musician, Osinachi Nwachukwu by her husband.

“It is better to leave an abusive marriage than to lose one’s life. When you are being abused, leave that home temporarily at least to save your life.

“Let our religious leaders talk to our men to stop violence against their wives. When you are in a church where they are telling you to stay in an abusive marriage, leave that church and go to another church. Your life is important to you.”

The Governor’s wife also appealed to the people of the state to vote massively for the candidate of the All Progressive Congress, (APC) during June election to allow some programmes of the present administration to be sustained.

Erelu Fayemi said the Dr. Kayode Fayemi Administration has bettered the lives of women, children and the aged in Ekiti with various policies, programmes and empowerments noting that a vote for the APC candidate, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji would ensure their continuity beyond October 16, 2022.

She stated that the gains recorded in the first tenure of her husband between 2010 and 2014 could not be sustained by the succeeding government as the Gender Based Management Committee became moribund after Dr. Fayemi left office in 2014.

Erelu Fayemi added that a vote for Oyebanji is a vote for continuity of good welfare package for the less privileged, women, children and the aged who had enjoyed support and care in the last three and half years.

“How can we sustain our good works? I believe Ekiti people love what Governor Fayemi is doing and they also love what this Government is doing. We want you to vote for our party (APC), we want you to vote for BAO (Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji).

“Dr. Yemi Oyebanji is a good woman, she will sustain our good legacies. I have been taking her around to see what we have been doing and I believe that she will do well for our people as well.”

Erelu Fayemi explained that she has influenced the passage of six bills into law at the State House of Assembly which have enhanced the status of women and children and also protected them against victimisation and dehumanisation.

The laws, according to her, include Gender Based Violence Law, Equal Opportunities Law, HIV Anti-Stigma Law, Treatment, Care and Protection Law for Sexually Abused Minors and Gender Composition Law which affirm 35 per cent representation for women in political positions.

The First Lady noted that the Cooperative Scheme set up in all the local government areas of the state has provided 3,544 poor women with access to credit facilities to boost their businesses while also serving as a platform for a virile political participation for women.

She disclosed that more women were elected into political positions in the last Local Government elections in the State as three (3) of them were elected as chairpersons, fourteen (14) as vice chairpersons and forty three(43) as councillors.

Erelu Fayemi said Ekiti now has a woman, Mrs. Peju Babafemi as the Head of Service, for the first time in history while the House of Assembly also has four female lawmakers who were elected at the last general elections.

The Governor’s wife revealed that over 1,000 aged persons benefit from a food support programme known as “Ounje Arugbo” in all the local government areas of the state to give them succour.

ASUU: Strike Continues Until Demands Are Met

By
Uche Mbah
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ASUU Meeting

By Uche Mbah

Information is trickling down from the meeting held between the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, and the Federal government Monday evening over the almost two months strike action embarked by the former.

The meeting was said to have been attended only by the ASUU Renegotiation Committee.

The Federal Government’s position was for renegotiation  of the disputed welfare package for university workers “in line with current realities” and ASUU insisted that the renegotiated package must be implemented. The committee, according to Ngige, the Labor Minister, has a six week mandate as stipulated by the Memorandum of Action, MoA, of the Unions.

Indications were that the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, held unto this position during the meeting with FG and ASUU renegotiation committee Monday.

According to Ngige, Government frowns at the approach by ASUU in pursuing its demands.

This Magazine reported that the Federal Government invited ASUU to a meeting Monday over the lingering strike action by the former over welfare. But the meeting was attended by the 2009 Renegotiation Committee.

During the meeting, Ngige advised the leadership of ASUU to find a better way of putting pressures on the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission, NUC, to pursue  implementation of agreements reached with the government instead of “rushing to strike” every time there was a disagreement.

“I am not Minister of Education. I cannot go to the Education Minister and dictate to him how to run his place. But I told ASUU that you should be bombarding them at the Federal Ministry of Education for this to be moved forward.

“There are many ways to do so. If you go to the labour act, there is something called picketing. You can picket. The strike is an ultimate thing. Picketing means that you can stay in the corridor, clapping or singing. Workers are permitted to do so.

“But I am tired of every time there is a disagreement, it is a strike. And the bosses in the Federal Ministry of Education don’t feel the strike. It is the children and some of us parents that have our children in public schools” he said.

“Why won’t I support if ASUU and their Unions now want a renegotiation of their conditions of service, which is the main thing in the proposal by the previous Committee.”

Chairman of the 2009 FG and university-based union renegotiation Committee, Prof. Nimi Briggs said his Committee is consulting all the stakeholders with a view to finding an amicable solution to the ASUU dispute.

Meanwhile, the ASUU zonal coordinator, Dr Salawu Lawal, says there will be no end to the strike untill their demands sre met.

According to him,  public Universities will not resume until the renegotiated 2009 agreement is signed and implemented.

Also the University Transparency and Accountability Solution must be deployed before they csn call off the strike.

Lawal said this during a press conference at the University of Abuja in Gwagwalada.

“You would recall that the Academic Staff Union of Universities declared a four-week rolling strike at the University of Lagos National Executive Council meeting held on Feb. 14″, he said.

“Owing to the failure of the Federal Government to act within that period, the national action was rolled over for another eight weeks following the resolution taken at an emergency NEC meeting at the Festus Iyayi National Secretariat on March 14.

“The action as you are probably aware is to among other things, compel the Federal Government to sign and implement the draft renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement submitted to it by the Prof. Munzali Committee since May 2021.

“As usual, the Federal Government has ignored ASUU’s call for full implementation of that famous agreement and other memoranda signed with the union.

“No meeting has been held between the two parties since the commencement of the ongoing strike. The only exception is our union’s re-submission of UTAS for a retest.

“The summary is that unless and until the renegotiated 2009 agreement is signed and implemented and UTAS deployed, there will be no work in public universities,” Lawal said.

Election 2023 : Akeredolu Gives Aides 48Hours Ultimatum To Resign

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has given political office holders interested in contesting for positions during 2023 elections till Thursday, 14th April 2022 to resign from their offices.

Secretary to the Ondo state government, (SSG), Princess Oladunni Odu stated this in a memo dated 11th April ,2022 and addressed to all Political Appointees in the state.

The Memo said: “As you are aware, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His  Excellency ,Gen Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) has signed the amended Electoral bill Into Law and the independent Electoral Commission (INEC) has released guidelines on the conduct of the impending general elections thereby signaling the commencement of intense political activities both at the Federal and State levels:

“Consequently, and In line with the provision of section 84 (12) of the electoral act, 2022.

“Political and public office holders desirous of participating in the political process either as a contestant for elective positions or as delegate should resign their appointments on or before Thursday. 14th April 2022.

“This is for your Information and strict compliance, pIease.”

The Commissioner for Information, Donald Ojogo is among those that have been working underground at their Constituencies to convince electorate on their next political adventure.

Ojogo, from Ese Odo local government is said to be eyeing the Ilaje/Ese Odo seat at the House of Representatives

Tein Jack-Rich: A Curious Name in The 2023 Presidential Jigsaw

By
The Source
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Tein Jack-Rich

By Victor Afam Ogene

I can wager that at first mention, his name is not known within political circles. It sounds esoteric and so, would not elicit much interest, beyond the ‘Rich’ appellation attached to it.

But if anyone has heard about the name Belemaoil, chances are that given Nigeria’s oil propelled economy, the company, though hardly a household name, sure rings a bell.

Yet, the name, Tein Jack-Rich and Belemaoil share an affinity. They are consanguineous. One and the same; the former is the promoter of the latter. The big name behind the oil giant. By way of recapitulation, Jack-Rich is the President/Founder of Belemaoil Producing Limited, arguably the first indigenous oil exploration and production company in Nigeria to emerge from an oil producing community located deep in the heart of the Niger Delta: Kula in Akuku-Toru LGA of Rivers state.

Born on January 28, 1975, the Jack-Rich personae however does not revolve only around Belemaoil as the Operator of the NNPC/Belemaoil OML-55 Joint Venture. At 47, he is rather focussed on reengineering Nigeria and has therefore indicated interest in the 2023 presidential contest. His vehicle: The All Progressives Congress, APC.

Of the about half-a-dozen aspirants jostling for the APC presidential ticket, only Jack-Rich comes seemingly ready and well made, through what the famed novelist, the late Professor Chinua Achebe termed, “solid personal achievements.”

I wonder how many Nigerians have heard Jack-Rich speak. Perhaps, with the possible exception of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, one can vouchsafe that no other aspirant, across party divide, can match Jack-Rich’s oratorical prowess.

Unarguably, he can hold his audience spellbound and mesmerize them with the sheer mellifluity of his own expressions, dissecting and deconstructing otherwise complex issues in  very sensible and practical ways.

As a matter of fact, he possesses the added advantage of enunciating and canvassing policies and programmes that resonate with the mass of the society.

While one is compelled to say that the other aspirants either had their palm kernels cracked for them by benevolence or benefited over time from public funds as former/current public office holders, it’s not so for Jack-Rich.

From the relatively tender age of 10, the challenges of adulthood was inexplicably foisted on Jack-Rich. Having lost both parents at that tender age, he had to meander through a labyrinth of the most chronic level of penury, and deprivation.

Toiling night and day, through thick and thin, fishing in the cold, rumbling seas of the Niger Delta was, for the most part of Jack-Rich’s adolescent life, the only means of eking out a living for himself and his siblings.

Through unwavering perseverance and an abiding faith in God, a window of opportunity opened for Jack-Rich at the age of 21, in 1996, when a Louisiana, United States of America, USA-based oilfield firm, Dickson International, offered him employment.

Twelve years afterwards, through a combination of hard work and honesty, Jack-Rich founded J+G Global Gas & Oilfield Limited. Several other subsidiaries quickly followed, each providing specialised services in “oil and gas related fields such as pipeline works, oil field personnel supply, oil producing facilities upgrade, gas processing facilities installation and production operations profiling for oil flow optimization, both offshore, swamp and onshore for USA, UK, Norway, Singapore and Nigeria based international operators and service providers.”

Goaded by his philanthropic disposition, and a desire to give back to society, he established the Belema and the Jack-Rich Foundation, through which he awarded scholarships to thousands of students, many of whom have graduated from schools in Canada, Ghana, Ukraine, the USA, UK, Malaysia, Nigeria, North Cyprus, and the Philippines.

Notedly, he has extended same selfless support across Nigeria, with footprints of industrial type potable water for struggling communities in three locations in each of the about 12 states chosen by his Foundation across the six geo political zones.

The completed and ongoing projects are located in Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Kano, Adamawa, Bayelsa, Katsina, Sokoto, Enugu, Osun, Ondo and Rivers.

A multidimensional strategic thinker, motivator and firm believer in a Greater Nigeria, Jack-Rich holds the view that Nigeria is the economic trigger required to set the African continent on the path of sustainable growth and development.

Whenever the question about his foray into the seemingly murky waters of politics arises, Jack-Rich appears to have a ready made answer: “I’m not the owner of the wealth brought into my care; it is to impact generations positively and to serve humanity for the good of all. Wealth stockpiled without placing it in motion to create more wealth is stagnant wealth capable of causing toxins. It is destructive and can be a curse to me if I fail to create wealth for others.”

Would members of the APC, nay Nigerians, offer Jack-Rich the opportunity to live up to his name: jack up the rich potentials of the country?

The answer is tucked in the womb of time. But for sure, someone with the necessary prerequisites and appropriate credential for the top job can be found in Jack-Rich.

Hon. Ogene, a former member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC

Setback, As Suit Filed To Stop Ekiti, Osun Polls Is Adjourned Indefinitely

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Dr Banji Akintoye

By Ayodele Oni

Easter break embarked upon by Judges of the Federal High Court nationwide has led to the adjournment of the case filed by a Yoruba Self Determination Group, Ilana Omo Oodua to stop the Ekiti and Osun States Governorship elections.

Ekiti poll is slated for June, while that of Osun holds in July.

The Group, under Prof Banjo Akintoye, filed two suits at  Federal High Courts in Ado-Ekiti and Osogbo, praying for a declaration that the current 1999 Constitution of Nigeria is illegal, invalid and of no effect whatsoever because no referendum was conducted before it was enacted.

The Activists, who are members of the umbrella body of Yoruba Self-determination Groups, Ilana Omo Oodua Worldwide, in the suits filed on their behalf by their Lawyer, Mr. Tolu Babaleye, has the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as Defendants.

The Activists, are demanding for a total rejection of the 1999 constitution of Nigeria to pave way for a referendum so that the indigenous people of Yoruba Land can decide on their nationhood.

They are also praying for a categorical order that against the backdrop that the current Nigerian Constitution is illegal and invalid, INEC does not have the law that can be used to conduct elections anywhere in Yoruba Land.

The Activists want the forthcoming Ekiti and Osun Governorship Polls and all future elections to be stopped in Yoruba Land until a referendum is held to decide on the system they want for themselves within Nigeria and whether they even want to remain as Nigerians.

Communications Secretary of the Yoruba Group, Maxwell Adeleye confirmed in a statement  to members that the case has been adjourned to no fixed date.

The statement : “This is to inform you that the mention of our case against the validity of the 1999 constitution of Nigeria earlier scheduled for Wednesday April 13th, 2022 at Federal High Court, Osogbo, Osun-State has been adjourned till further notice.

“Our Lawyer informed us that Judges in all Federal High Courts nationwide have proceeded on Easter Break thus, the case will not be heard in the fixed date.

“We shall communicate the new date to you as soon as we receive a correspondent from the Lawyer.”

NURTW Crisis: Traders Count Their Losses As MC Oluomo Loyalists Clash With NURTW; Many Injured

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
NURTW Crisis at Fagba

By Akinwale Kasali

There was pandemonium in Fagba area of Lagos State, as loyalists of the newly appointed Chairman of Lagos Parks and Garages, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo engaged in a free for all fight with members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, over control of Lagos Parks.

Traders scampered for safety as loyalists of the Two Groups fought each other with dangerous weapons leading to series of injuries on both parties.

An eyewitness account disclosed that the fight occurred in a bid by the loyalists of MC Oluomo to officially take over the parks from NURTW, but this was met with resistance by those who were previously in-charge of the areas.

The clash which started mid day on Monday, and continued uninterrupted, degenerated and extended to Ogba in Ifako/Ijaiye and Pen Cinema where a yet to be ascertained number of people were injured.

It was gathered that traders in this areas are presently counting their losses, as the fight became an Avenue for area boys and street urchins to cart away goods.

One of the officials of the NURTW in this area who pleaded anonymity told this news medium that  immediately Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo Ol appointed MC Oluomo as the New Chairman of the Parks and Garages, they knew he was coming to cause chaos, exact authority and revenge his dismissal from the NURTW fold by the National Body.

According to him, “One of his loyalists from Yaya Abatan area was seen moving from garage to garage forcefully asking people to denounce their membership with NURTW and pitch their tent with ‘MC Oluomo’ but this came to its peak on Monday when some hoodlums arrived major parks simultaneously insisting that people denounce their membership with NURTW.

“This led to an altercation whereby those who refused to denounce their membership with NURTW were injured while others scampered for safety. Affected areas were Ogba, Ifako, Fagba and Pen Cinema where people including passersby were injured.” he said.

It was gathered that the crisis escalated at Pen Cinema, Agege, as hoodlums, wielding dangerous weapons took to the parks as traders and people ran helter-skelter  for safety. They were allegedly shouting, ‘say MC, say Oluomo’.’

Several people are said to have sustained different degrees of injuries with many hospitalized as at filing in of this reports in different hospitals within the said axis of the clash.

It took the intervention of the Police for calm and relative normalcy to return to the area as it was gathered that the Lagos State Chairman, Tricycle Owners and Operators Association of Nigeria (TOOAN), Alhaji Azeez Abiola, popularly known as Istijabah  alerted security operatives including the State Commissioner of Police, CP Abiodun Alabi, of imminent danger in the state.

It would be recalled that the crisis rocking the NURTW that degenerated into a bloody case following the sack of MC Oluomo as the Chairman, Lagos State Chapter of the NURTW. It started with a leadership tussle between him and Istijabah which lasted for some months.

The Lagos State Police Public Relation Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, is yet to comment on this development.

2023: Lagos APC Tackles Osinbajo; Spokesperson Says He Is A Pawn On A Chessboard

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Seye Oladejo

By Akinwale Kasali

24-hours after Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo declared his interest in the Presidential race for the 2023 Election, criticism and counter criticism have trailed it.

Osinbajo had earlier declared that he was no longer a member of the Lagos State All Progressives Congress, APC, fold, since he had moved his membership to Ogun State when he revalidated his APC membership status in Ward One, Ikenne, Ogun State.

Prior to his movement, Osinbajo was a chieftain of the Lagos APC with his polling unit at Code 33, Unit 2 Victoria Garden City, Lagos. His Spokesperson, Laolu Akande, confirmed this development.

However, Lagos State APC spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, has openly criticised Vice Osinbajo over his decision to throw his hat into the ring for the party’s ticket ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

In a statement, Oladejo said the Vice President he should come to the Primary and face Tinubu.

“There is no problem. We knew he was going to declare. They should allow us to go to the primary. Let him come and face Asiwaju (Tinubu),” said Oladejo, who last weekend also declared his interest to contest for the House of Representatives.

He stressed that Osinbajo’s declaration on Monday pits him against his former boss and political benefactor, Bola Tinubu.

It is believed that Tinubu was instrumental in the emergence of Osinbajo, a Law professor and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, as Muhammadu Buhari’s running mate in 2015.

“I am not worried at all. We acknowledge his constitutional right to contest. We also observed keenly how he struggled to paint his role in the past eight years in gold.

“At a time,  l thought I was listening to a dirge until I realized it was a political declaration in a living room. Nigerians will have something to say about the scorecard in the fullness of time. The last time I checked, the Vice President was in charge of the economy.

“The only demand is for us to go to primary. Let us see how much support Osinbajo can garner from the party members. This is someone who could not even win his polling booth.

“I’m not aware of any change in political relevance and popularity since the last elections. I want to congratulate him for finally summoning the courage to throw his hat to the ring.

“We know that Nigerians at this time need a prepared President who has paid his dues in enthroning democracy, mentoring potential leaders and being an intestine helper to numerous people aside from being the reference point for good governance in Nigeria.”

No doubt, the declaration of Osinbajo has angered a lot of Tinubu’s loyalists who felt their principal has betrayed by Osinbajo. Before his declaration on Monday, Osinbajo had traversed the country holding consultations with notable politicians.

It was gathered that few hours after his declaration, social media accounts sympathetic to Tinubu’s cause began trending ‘Judas,’ an apparent reference to the Biblical Judas who betrayed his master, Jesus.

In a tweet by Jagaban Borgu@JideSGroup wrote;  “This is the week that Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus Christ in the Christian calendar. That this declaration is coming this same week is not a mere coincidence. May God be with Tinubu in Pilates’ Court when he shall face the Peoples verdict on whether to pardon him or nail him”.

Tinubu had publicly declined to speak on Osinbajo’s aspiration, distancing himself from him when some reporters referred to Osinbajo as Tinubu’s Son. He told them he had no such son old enough to make a Presidential declaration.

Oladejo maintained that Tinubu enjoys a lot of support across Nigeria.

“There are a lot of people who will come out to support him all over the country; even more in the North than South. So, we will be ready,” he said.

“We know Osinbajo is just a pawn on the chessboard of some game-masters.

“The message in the fact that this declaration came during the Holy Week is definitely not lost on all and sundry.”

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