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Lawan, Akpabio Not On Our List As Senatorial Candidates – INEC

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) has insisted that names of the President of the Senate,Ahmad Lawan and former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio are not on its list as candidates for 2023 election.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Festus Okoye, said in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday that the commission is not aware of any doctored list from any political party, which contains their names.

The statement titied, ‘Spurious allegations in respect of candidates in some senatorial districts,’ it also clarified that the position of Yo e North and Akwa Ibom North West senatorial districts has not changed.

“As evidence of the alleged role played by the Commission, a certified true copy of Form 9C uploaded by their political party and received by the Commission on 17th June 2022 when the nomination portal closed was presented.

“For clarity, the Form EC9 (submission of names of candidates by political parties) is the Form uploaded by parties on the INEC nomination portal.

“This is clearly indicated on the title of the Form which was received on 17th June 2022 when the portal closed.

“What follows is the publication of the personal particulars of nominated candidates which was done a week later.

“The Forms of the two personalities in question were not published by the Commission. The decision of the Commission triggered legal action which are still ongoing.

“It therefore defies logic and common sense to go around and submit doctored documents purportedly recognizing the duo as candidates when the matter is clearly sub-judice.

“As part of the ongoing case in Court, a law firm requested the Commission for a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Form EC9 submitted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) as its candidate for Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District which we are duty bound to oblige them under the law.

“The Form was certified on 15th July 2022. If minimum care has been exercised by the promoters of the story, they would have seen the two stamps of the Commission bearing different dates on the Form. It is this Form that is now misconstrued as INEC’s endorsement.

“For the record, the Commission has not recognized any of the two personalities as  Senatorial candidates.”

During the primary of the ruling All Progressive Congress, (APC) the former Minister, and senate president did not participate as they were presidential aspirants.

It was after they failed at the presidential primary they they are putting pressure on candidates with senatorial ticket to step aside for them.

Akpabio was reported to have sponsored a family member to contest the primary on his behalf.

Owo Catholic Church Attack: Gov Akeredolu Confirms Arrest Of Landlord

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

The Landlord of the apartment, where two suspects of the Owo Catholic Church attack, whose arrest was announced by Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor,  stayed has also been nabbed.

Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, who disclosed this on Tuesday in Akure also confirmed the arrest of the attackers of St Francis Catholic Church, Owo.

The Governor, who spoke shortly on the arrest after  General Irabor made the announcement in Abuja, disclosed that the total number of suspects arrested in connection with the incidence is now five

Mr Akeredolu further disclosed that the suspects lodged at the house before they carried out the June 5 attack at Catholic church.

He noted that Government did not spare a moment in trailing the terrorists since the horrendous attacks on innocent worshipers at the St Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa, Owo.

He spoke during a courtesy visit to his office by the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) led by the Chairman of the Council, Prince Leke Adegbite.

”Now that the Military has announced it, I can tell you that five of them have been arrested now.

“They are still on the trail of the rest. The home where they lodged in Owo and the person that accommodated them before the attack, has also been arrested.

“We did not spare a moment. I am happy that the Chief of Defence Staff has announced it. We have known for a while but we needed not to come out with it because more works are still ongoing. I can confirm that this arrest has been made. And they are still on the trail of some of them.”

Governor Akeredolu advised leaders of the Ebira community in the state to warn their young ones not to copy the bad venture of kidnapping.

The Governor said recent reports from victims of kidnap in the state have established that some Ebira indigenes are now involved in the unwholesome act.

He noted that the Ebiras have lived together with the people of the state peacefully for several decades, adding that they have always been supportive and hardworking.

“I want to use this medium to urge our brothers to concentrate on their farming trade. It will be unfortunate to know that the Ebiras in our midst are now involved in kidnapping.

“We are appealing to them not to copy bad thing. The traders selling by the road side should not become informants. We are not fighting them.

“We have seen their numbers, they supported and voted for us during elections. I will call their leaders and talk to them.

“Our brothers who were  kidnapped on their way to Ikare, talk to them. They were taken to Ebira farmsteads.

“For me, we have lived together for too long for this to happen. I am ready to make any effort to ensure that the conviviality that we have enjoyed continues.

“But we are begging their leaders to urge them not to copy bad thing. They are in our midst, we are surrounded by them. The issue of security is key and it’s dynamic.”

The Governor, who  thanked the NUJ in the state for the cooperation extended to his administration, assured members of sustained efforts at developing the state.

On the issue of Security, Governor Akeredolu disclosed that aside the recent recruitment and training of new Amotekun personnel, 20 hunters and local vigilantes will be trained by the Amotekun corps in each of the eighteen local government areas in the state.

Earlier, the Chairman of the NUJ, Ondo State Council thanked the Governor for his support for the state owned media, adding that the upgrade of facilities in the two state-owned media outfits is commendable.

He equally appreciated the Governor for the approval of the Weigh-in allowance for journalists and information officers working in the State and Local government service.

2023: Pastor Oyakhilome Suspends Nephew As Pastor Over Tinubu, Places Him On Spiritual Rehabilitation

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Chris Oyakhilome and His Nephew

By Akinwale Kasali

The Founder of Love World Church, popularly known as Christ Embassy, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome has placed his Nephew, Oyawikre Oyakhilome, who is a Pastor in his Church on suspension for delving into partisan politics and openly declaring his support for All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Oyawikre is the President of Love World Innovation before his suspension by his Uncle, Pastor Oyakhilome.

He has been suspended from partaking in any Church related activities and placed on a Spiritual Rehabilitation.

The decision by Pastor Oyakhilome to suspend his Nephew for his gross misconduct has gone viral, as the Founder, in a viral video announced his indefinite suspension.

Pastor Chris a few years back, saw his marriage to his ex-wife Pastor Anita Oyakhilome hit the rock following allegations of negligence made against him by his wife and alleged extra marital affairs.

INEC Releases Final Schedule For 2023 Election

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) has reaffirmed the sanctity of dates fixed for 2023 general elections.

In the latest guidelines released by INEC for outstanding guideline On General Elections Schedule Of Activities, submission of Presidential and National Assembly election forms remains June 10, 2022 – June 17, 2022.

The schedule states that candidates for Gubernatorial and State Assembly election are to submit their forms between July 1, 2022 – July 15, 2022.

Last Date For Withdrawal by Candidates/Replacement Of Withdrawn  Candidates by Political Parties is July 15, 2022 – August 12, 2022.

Submission of Replacement  Nomimation Forms is fixed for

August 8, 2022 – August 18, 2022.

On Campaign by  Political  Parties, presidential and national assembly will commence on September

28, 2022 – February 23, 2023

while Governorship and State Assembly starts October 12, 2022  to March 9, 2023.

Political parties are expected to submit names of Polling Agents to INEC by December 30, 2022 – January 6, 2023.

The grand finale of the programme is the presidential and national assembly election slated for

25th February, 2023 while Governorship and State assembly election holds 11th March 2023.

Nigeria Now At Its Most Unsafe; Afenifere Raises Alarm

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Pan Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has expressed concern that no part of the country is safe and asked President Muhammadu Buhari to show that he is still in charge of the nation.

Publicity Secretary of the Group, Jare Ajayi, while expressing concern with the rising insecurity in Nigeria, in a statement, wondered if Buhari is aware of the situation in the country.

According to Ajayi, no part of the country is safe at present saying specifically that in Ogbomoso, Oyo State in the South-West, three cases of kidnapping were recorded which involved death of the victims.

Describing handling of  insecurity by the present administration as “kid-glove manner” he adds, “terrorists and kidnappers have been so emboldened that they now attack security institutions at will and malevolently go into houses of their victims to deal with fellow Nigerians, all under the watch of government and security agencies.

“Instances that can be cited in this respect included the following: Reports have it that bandits on the night of Sunday, August 7, attacked and killed three persons, while scores were reportedly abducted by the attackers in Bali town, headquarters of Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.

“The bandits began to raid people from house to house after overpowering the security personnel at the checkpoint.

“Just last Friday, four police officers were killed when gunmen attacked Agwa Divisional Police Headquarters in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria’s South-east.”

The Afenifere scribe pointed out that government and security agencies have been “doing one thing or the other but that the expected result has not been achieved due to uncoordinated strategies among others.”

On re-integrating confirmed terrorists and bandits, he stated that “evidence had shown that such seemingly reintegrated bandits go ahead to commit crimes that are more heinous than the ones they were known for beforehand.

“Equally important, President Muhammadu Buhari needs to come out and let perpetrators of terrorism and kidnapping know that he has had enough.

“He should let them realize that the pact he signed with Nigerians was not to come and see to the serial termination of their lives but to ensure their security, improve their welfare and move the nation to a desirable next level.

“Unfortunately, the president has not been able to deliver on any of the desirables. He only brought to the nation, the negatives which were far from the expectation of anybody.”

Ondo Attack: Military Nab Terrorists

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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The long arm of the military has finally caught up with terrorists who attacked St. Fracis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State on June 5.

Suspected terrorists are said to have attacked St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, the headquarters of Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The attack, two months ago led to the death of many worshippers and several others injured. Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state, had cried while taking on the spot assessment of the of the church where the attack took place, vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Last month, the local security outfit Amotekun claimed to hace arrest some of the masterminds of the attack. It was also claimed that police have arrest some of the terrorists.

Both claims were later debunked.

Speaking to journalist in Abuja on Tuesday, the Chief of Defense Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabo said the terrorists have now been apprehended.

According to him, the criminals were arrested by soldiers in conjunction with other security agencies in the country.

The CDS said security agencies are on top of the situation and are on the trail of other bandits causing problems across the country.

Recall that few weeks after the Owo attack, some suspected terrorist had launched a fresh attack on the ancient town.

Many people were also believed to have been injured in the attack which took place at Folahami Junction, where a construction company called Craneburg Construction Company was located.

Governor Akeredolu later said the mission of the yet-to-be identified terrorists was to attack the construction firm.

2023: Controversial Oluwo Says Tinubu Is Solution To Nigeria’s Problem

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Oluwo of Iwo

Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has described Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress, APC presidential candidate is the solution to Nigeria’s problem.

The monarch who had been slammed severally by not a few Nigerians for making controversial political statements, said the only way put of the nation’s political and economic problems is to elect the former Lagos State Governor as president and Commander-in-chief.

Recall that Oba Akandi had before the Osun state governorship election. last month boasted that incumbent Governor Gboyega Oyetola will coast home to victory over his close rival, the candidate of the PDP, Ademola Adeleke, who later defeated the governor in the make or mat election.

Many are still wondering how Governor Oyetola lost the election after the Oluwo promised him 80 per cent of the votes.

The traditional ruler had since congratulated the winner.

Speaking on the 2023 presidential election, the traditional ruler said Tinubu has the solutions to the nation’s problems at his fingertips, and should be elected to succeed President Muhammady Buhari.

He disclosed this in a statement by his spokesman, All Ibraheem, noting that the former governor will develop Nigeria using the same model he used in Lagos.

Tinubu was Lagos governor between 1999 and 2007, and has been credited with some transformation experienced in the state.

He slammed those who said the former governor should step down from the race for his alleged ill health and old age, saying governance has nothing to do with age.

Olu said Tinubu is a detribalized Nigerian who is ready to foster national unity by bringing everybody on board, adding that when he becomes president Nigerians Nigerian “will see wonder when you wake up.”

The statement said, “Most of those castigating Tinubu have personal issues. Many are saying he is arrogant because he tells the truth.

“People may think he is arrogant because he tells the truth. Anybody who tells the truth is adjudged to be arrogant. People say I’m arrogant too. It is because I love and cherish the truth.

“Give him Nigeria to rule and go and sleep. He will do wonder before you wake up.”

It’s Fake News; I Never Ridiculed Soludo – Gov Uzodinma

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma,  has distanced himself from a social media report where he was said to have criticised Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State.

Uzodinma, according to the report, criticised Soludo over his position on the reintroduction of history in schools. But the Governor, in release signed by his Media Adviser/Chief Press Secretary, Oguwike Nwachuku, attributed the linkage to him as mischief and a complete fabrication.

Governor Soludo had, recently, suggested that the reintroduction of history in  Anambra State’s school curriculum will go a long way in ensuring that the people know where they were coming from and where they are going.

But the said mischief makers, the release said, who are out to undermine Governor Uzodinma and create mistrust between him and Governor Soludo took to the Facebook to say that the Imo State Governor knocked his brother-Governor, Soludo, and that the “re-introduction of History subject by Soludo will bring about bitterness against Nigerian Government, cannot stand.”

Governor Uzodinma said the report credited to him on Facebook was done by depraved minds who will never see anything good in what someone does, including the suggestion made by Governor Soludo on the reitroduction of history in our schools which he said is long overdue.

“It is only those who do not have anything to contribute to the society that would be against their history. Governor Soludo could not have been wrong in his suggestion that a people’s history is key to their progress and development. Most developed countries of the World do not joke with their history just as the world is replete with the history of great men and women.”

Governor Uzodinma, therefore, urged the public to disregard the report and remain positive in all things.

2023: Ihedioha Denies Calling Peter Obi Crafty; Says He Never Asked The Igbo To Wait Till 2031

By
The Source
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0

The immediate  past Governor of Imo State and a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, has distanced himself from a story which alleged that he called the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, crafty.

The story which, also, alleged that Ihedioha asked the Igbo to wait till 2031 before making a bid for the Presidency, went viral on Monday, August 8, 2021.

But in a  Press Release signed  by his Media Aide, Chibuike Onyeukwu, Ihedioha said he never made such statements. The statement attributed the story to one of the many orchestrated efforts by political opponents and their collaborators who are afraid of squaring up against Ihedioha in the coming elections.

The full text reads:

RE – 2023: Igbos Should Wait Till 2031, Peter Obi is Crafty

“Our attention has been drawn to another fake news, with the above caption, circulated in some social media platforms.

“This is one of the many orchestrated efforts by political opponents of His Excellency,  Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha CON and their collaborators who are afraid of squaring up against him in the coming elections.

“It is noteworthy that, His Excellency did not grant any interview in Abuja or elsewhere as claimed.

“His Excellency is known to acquit himself in the most civil, decent and respectful manner and therefore could not have employed such uncouth words.

“We are aware that the purveyors of these unfounded reports are unrelenting in their desperation to impugn His Excellency’s integrity and reputation.

“The public therefore is alerted and indeed advised to kindly ignore and disregard the fake news.”

The Imo political field is filled with fake news. It is a competition between the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The question is which fabricates more fake news to undermine the other.

Ihedioha was declared Governor of the State in 2019. But he was removed from office after seven months by the Supreme Court which declared Uzodinma the duly elected Governor. Since then, politics in the State has been at its bitterest.

Ihedioha is expected to fly the PDP flag again in 2023, and will square-up with Uzodinma who will be seeking a second term in office.

FG, NNPC, Army Partner Uzodimma On Fight Against Oil Theft In Imo

By
The Source
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0
Hope Uzodimma and FG Delegation

The Federal Government, Security Agencies and the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, are partnering with Governor Hope Uzodimma and Oil Producing Communities in Imo State to ensure that the fight against pipeline vandalism and oil theft in the State is contained.

Speaking at the Stakeholders meeting held at the New Executive Chambers Government House Owerri, Monday, Governor Uzodimma described the consequences of crude oil theft as ‘’very alarming and too much to be tolerated.’’

He noted that the problem has not only led to the drop in earnings for the government but has also created environmental pollution and other health hazards.

The meeting is part of industrial wide intervention to curb crude oil theft in Nigeria. It afforded the Governor the opportunity to host a high powered delegation comprising the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, the Minister of State Education,  Rt. Hon. Gooduck Nana Opiah, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor and the Group MD/CEO NNPC Limited, Mele Kyari and other stakeholders of Imo State that include traditional rulers and representatives of Producing Community.

The Governor expressed worries by Stakeholders over banditry and oil theft in the South East and Imo State in particular and thanked the Armed Forces for their concerted efforts in the fight against the crime in the past years.

While welcoming them to Imo State, the Governor described the visit as a very important one “meant to discuss national issues bordering on national security, economy, national peace, and unity of Nigeria.”

He acknowledged that two years ago, oil production in Imo State and in most places where oil theft was a business, was almost at a bottom level and commended security agencies for their dexterity and efforts in the fight that has brought the production back to near normal.

He canvassed the need to cooperate with the oil companies and the management to enjoy the rich natural resources endowed to the States that produce oil.

On the suggestion to engage private security contractors, the Governor described the idea as ‘’a delicate one,’’ noting that “for such to take place the Nigeria Security Agencies must take interest and profile the security contractors to ascertain their genuiness before engaging them.”

He emphasized that those to be engaged “must know the geography, the policies and programmes and the workings in the places they are to operate before engaging them to avoid engaging some of the thieves as security contractors.”

Governor Uzodimma added: “Crude oil theft is run by a cabal and a cartel that are ready always to resist the security agencies. This, in other words, informs that the oil thefts and pipeline vandals are sophisticated in their operations, which means there is the need for a strong support to the Armed Forces and other Para-Military Agencies that are involved in the protection of the Nigerian oil economy.”

Emphasizing the need and essence of the stakeholders discussion and its benefits, the Governor said that “it has come to a point where all hands must be on deck to save Nigeria, save the economy, create job, discourage banditry and the pollution of our environment and the water resources.”

He called for the need to strengthen the environmental laws to save our environment and our society from extinction.

Governor Uzodimma promised that Imo State Government will do her best to support and work with the Federal Government, the Army and Oil Producing Companies to achieve the fight against the hydra-headed monster of pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.

He also thanked the NNPC for the 200 bed hospital the company is building at the Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUT), Orlu and prayed them to speed up the project with the target of commissioning it soonest.

Earlier while briefing the Governor and the Stakeholders, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva said that “the problem of crude oil theft has reached a level of national emergency” and that “the situation cannot be handled in Abuja alone.”

The Minister said:  “It is a national emergency because the theft has grown wings and has reached a very bad crescendo. This is because the thefts are taking place in the Communities that host the oil pipelines and as a result, it has become necessary to involve the Stakeholders, especially the host Communities.”

Sylva said Nigeria looses over 400,000 barrels of crude oil per day to oil thieves.

“And because of the height and the orchestrated nature of oil theft Nigeria could not take the advantage and opportunities that are bound in the gas production because no investor would want to invest where there is incessant insecurity and vandalism of the infrastructure.”

He therefore canvassed the need to come together, and collaborate to solve the problem “and avoid the problem killing us as a Country.” He added: “And to achieve the above there is the need to involve the State Government and the people at the grassroot.”

He thanked the Governor for putting a lot of efforts to ensure that Imo is safe and the economy is not closed down.

“The sit-at-home is not working in Imo State as against the thinking out there.”

Adding his voice,  the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, appreciated the Governor for his efforts in supporting the Armed Forces towards contending the escalated actions against all criminality along the oil producing areas in South East.

He called on the State Government, the Stakeholders and the Communities to “be involved in the fight against oil theft to a reasonable percentage and leave the rest for the Armed Forces,” assuring that “the Armed Forces are always available to receive further support to fight banditry and all other forms of criminality in Nigeria and Imo State in particular.”

Present during the visit were the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prof. Placid Njoku, the Speaker Imo State House of Assembly,  Rt. Hon Kennedy Ibe, members of the State expanded Executive Council, the Chairman, Imo State Council of traditional rulers, HRH Eze (Dr) Emmanuel Okeke and stakeholders of the oil producing Communities in Imo State.

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