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Ekiti Poll: PDP Candidate Accepts Defeat, Congratulates Gov-elect, Oyebanji

By
Ayodele Oni
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Biodun Oyebanji

By Ayodele Oni

The Campaign Organization of Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, Governor elect of Ekiti state,(BAO)  has hailed the people  for electing the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate.

Also, Governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) Bisi Kolawole, who placed third in the election, has rejoiced with Oyebanji on his victory.

The Campaign Organisation in a statement by the Director of Media and Publicity, Taiwo Olatunbosun, on Sunday, described Oyebanji’s success at the poll on Saturday as a victory for all the people of the state.

The BAO Campaign said the icing on the cake for the triumph of the Governor-elect was the record-breaking electoral victory which has broken the jinx of ruling party not succeeding in achieving a back-to-back victory in the state.

The statement said: “The victory was remarkable in so many ways. We have predicted a landslide victory for BAO few days ago and this has come to pass with the popular mandate given to him by the electorate in a spectacular fashion

“It also marked the first time that a ruling party would produce a successor to an outgoing governor, the first time a ruling party would be succeeding itself by winning power back-to-back.

“Governor Fayemi has made history, the Governor-elect, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has made history as well.

“This victory was an endorsement of the widely acknowledged unprecedented and stellar performance of Governor Fayemi for over three-and-half years now.

“Ekiti people have shown appreciation to this great statesman for his diligent service to them with this victory.

“The victory was also a gesture of confidence in the leadership ability, competence and pedigree of the Governor-elect judging by his glorious antecedents in public service which have prepared him for the task ahead.

“We thank the people of Ekiti State for making BAO a part of history by giving him a popular mandate.

“We thank them for giving the APC an opportunity to make history as the ruling first party to produce a successor to an incumbent Governor. This marks a watershed in the political history of the state.”

A statement personally signed by the PD Candidate, reads :  “Following the announcement of your victory in the June 18 Ekiti Governorship Election by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, I hereby write to congratulate you accordingly.

‘I believe that power belongs to God and He bestow upon whoever he chooses.

“I also believe in popular choice ie the unfettered expression of the peoples mandate as one of the crucial hallmarks of democratic principle and practice.

“Democracy must, therefore, deliver to the people dividends of security or protection and enhance their social welfare and well-being basically,and among other deliverables.

“These were the motivation for my own ambition in the governorship of Ekiti state which I feel strongly to reiterate here in view of the precarious situations of our people at the moment.

“Please take urgent actions aimed at redressing the plights of our people when you fully assume the mantle shortly.

“Finally, I wish you the guidance of the almighty God in the onerous task ahead. Congratulations to your spouse and also running mate.”

“Don’t Rest Until You Win Osun Gov Election” – Buhari: Congratulates Ekiti Gov-Elect, Oyebanji

By
Ayodele Oni
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Muhammadu Buhari

By Ayodele Oni

President Muhammadu Buhari has charged the leadership of the All Progressive Congress, (APC) to extend its victory to Osun Governorship election slated for next month.

This was contained in a congratulatory message by the President to Biodun Oyebanji, the candidate of the APC, in Ekiti State, declared Governor-elect in Saturday’s gubernatorial election.

The President said the victory is well deserved, considering Oyebanji’s contributions to the development of the State and the Party, before his nomination as the standard bearer.

A statement signed by Femi Adesina,  his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity,  stated that the president urged the Governor-elect to be magnanimous in victory in the interest of the people of the State.

President Buhari also rejoiced with the APC Chairman, Abdulahi Adamu, and the National Working Committee for the victory, the first during the tenure of the newly elected executives of the party.

“This is a good beginning for you and your team. The APC is getting stronger and more united.

“The victory of our party in Ekiti is an indication of the confidence of Nigerians in the ability of our great party to deliver quality governance to all.”

He charged APC members across and outside the country to see this as a good omen for the 2023 general elections and work assiduously to ensure the party’s victory, continuing the trend with Osun State next month July.

President Buhari also felicitated with the people of Ekiti State for the smooth conduct of the election, affirming that they are the real victors as they have been able to freely choose their leader for the next four years.

He lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) and the law enforcement agencies for the preparations put in place, urging them to keep the momentum for upcoming elections.

Imo Vigilance Group not responsible for Okporo killings – Govt; Governor Distressed By The Gruesome Killings

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The Source
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Imo Vigilante Group

The Imo State Government has declared that the state controlled Vigilance Group was not responsible for the gruesome recent killing of three family members in Okporo, Orlu Local Government Area.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon Declan Emelumba in a statement in Owerri deplored the allegation making the rounds that the Vigilance Group carried out the killing.

He said it was ironical that members of the Vigilance Group being accused of the killing actually took the wounded to the hospital when they were informed of the attack.

He described as unfortunate and provocative the haste with which enemies of the State Government rushed to the press to level accusations against it, apparently to score cheap political points.

Emelumba said while it is only the Police that can make a  definite pronouncement on the perpetrators of the crime at the conclusion of exhaustive investigation, the Imo Vigilance Group was not responsible at all.

“The Vigilance Group operates under the law, in fact they work under the supervision of the Police and, therefore, cannot engage in any extra judicial killings,” Emelumba submitted.

He warned purveyors of such dangerous and fake news to desist from stoking the embers of crisis in the state.

Said he: “Some of them said it was Imo Vigilance Group, others said it was Fulani militia, thus creating ethnic tension. My appeal is that they should allow the Police do their job.”

He said contrary to the wild allegation of the opposition, the Vigilance Group was not set up to witch hunt anybody but to assist the security agencies to maintain law and order.

“They are not mad as to murder people in cold blood. For the avoidance of doubt, Imo Vigilance Group is not responsible for the Okporo killings. Mischief makers should stop linking them to the crime,” the Commissioner submitted.

This medium learnt that the State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, is very sad and distressed  by the gruesome killings, and has given security agencies a marching order to get to the root of the unprovoked attack on innocent citizens in their home.

Gunmen had barged into a family compound at Okporo, Orlu, and opened fire on family members holding a meeting. When the gunfire ended, three people lay dead, and about four others critically wounded.

The heartbreaking wailing in the compound, as shown in the viral video of the tragedy, tells the story  of the agony and pains of bereaved family members.

Orlu area of the State has been the centre of violence and blood and kidnappings.

Ironically, Uzodimma and his two other predecessors, Achike Udenwa and Rochas Okorocha are from Orlu zone. Not a few people, including Uzodimma insist that killings are political, meant to make the State ungovernable and provoke a declaration of a State of Emergency in the State.

Jonathan Commiserates With ThisDay Publisher, Obaigbena Over Mum’s Death

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The Source
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Former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has conveyed his condolences to the Royal Palace of the Obi of Owa Kingdom and the Obaigbena family in Delta State on the passing of Princess Margaret Obaigbena, who died at the age of 88.

In a message of condolence to Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Chairman of THISDAY/Arise Group and other members of the family, Dr Jonathan described Princess Obaigbena as an outstanding matriarch and celebrated leader who dedicated her life in service to God and humanity.

The former President noted that she left enduring legacies in works of charity and worthy contributions to the growth of the society and prayed that God grants her soul eternal rest.

He stated: “On behalf of my family, I convey our deepest condolences on the passing of your dear father, Princess Margaret Obaigbena, to eternal glory.

“It is always a painful experience to lose a loved one. The death of a mother makes it even more agonizing, considering the priceless roles mothers play in moulding the lives of individuals and in shaping and safeguarding our societal values.

“Your mother was an outstanding matriarch and celebrated leader who dedicated her life in service to God and humanity. She distinguished herself as an accomplished health worker and in her works of charity and community service.

“Mrs Obaigbena’s exit would have left a deep void in your hearts and in the hearts of all those she dearly loved because of her exemplary care, sociability and high moral standards. May you all be comforted by the fact that your mother’s legacies and contributions to societal growth will continue to endure.

“May God grant her soul eternal rest and bless you and your family with the strength to bear her absence.”

Mbaka Accepts Fate, Stops Activities At Adoration Ground

By
The Source
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Ejike Mbaka Fr

By Charles Igbo

The embattled Spiritual Director of the Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Nigeria, Rev. Father Ejike Mbaka, has accepted his fate.

He has stopped every activity of the Ministry at the Adoration Ground till further  notice.

Mbaka did this on the heels of the order by the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, His Lordship, Calistus Onaga, who shut down the Ministry.

The Bishop shut it down after Mbaka embarked on an unprovoked hateful attack on Peter Obi, a former two-time Governor of Anambra State and the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party on  Wednesday during his mid-week Service.

Mbaka had called Obi stingy, placed a curse on him that as far as God lives, he would never be President. He asked the Labour Party to remove Obi as its candidate, and asked that Obi should never be voted for.

Mbaka garrulous nature and such un-Priestly utterances caused an uproar, outrage and backlash against him. He was pummeled from all sides. The Enugu Catholic Diocese distanced itself from Mbaka.

Seeing that he had bitten more than he could chew, Mbaka issued a personally signed statement where he apologised to Obi and the millions of youths who are the foundation of Obi’s supporters, many of whom started an immediate exit from Mbaka’s Ministry. The apology did not save him.

On Friday, Bishop Onaga shut down the Adoration centre and ordered all Priests in the Diocese and every Catholic faithful not to step foot on the grounds of the Centre again.

On Saturday, Mbaka  AMEN, in a statement, asked all his adherents to keep off the Centre in obedience to the Bishop’s order. They were informed that there will be no activities at the  Ministry from June 19, 2022.

The statement reads:

“Dear Adorers,

“There will be no program starting from tomorrow being 19th June, 2022, at Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria, Amen, Umuchigbo, Emene, Enugu State.

“Sunday Mass, Wednesday (E No Dey) and Night Programs will not hold until Further Notice.

“God bless Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria, Amen, and God bless Our Spiritual Director, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka.

“Keep praying for Our Daddy and may God Bless you all.”

Not a few people have described the use of “Our Daddy” as un-Catholic. They say it sounds more like what Pentecostal adherents would say.

This is the second time Mbaka would be sanctioned. The first time was when he was suspended for one month over his scandalous tango with President Muhammadu Buhari who he, suddenly, began to attack after supporting him since 2014.

In response to the attack, the Presidency, in a statement signed by the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Shehu Garba, revealed it was because Buhari refused to give Mbaka the Contracts he requested for without due process. Mbaka did not quite deny.

He said he took three foreigners to the President for a contract to improve the power situation in Nigeria. Not a few people were unimpressed and disappointed by his explanation.

Okowa: I Am Igbo; You Can’not Deny Me; I Represent The South-south And South-east

By
Adesina Soyooye
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By Adesina Soyooye

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has reinstated that he is Igbo, and cannot be denied or deprived of his Igbo identity.

Okowa, a Medical Doctor turned politician is the Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. He was chosen by Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, from a shortlist of three names. The other two were Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike and Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel.

Okowa spoke on Arise Television, Saturday, on the heels of critisms against his acceptance of the VP slot by the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum. The Forum had accused him of betrayal for accepting the slot when he was the one who hosted a meeting of Southern Governors where they agreed that the seat of the President rotates to the Southern part of the country from the Northern part of the country after President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure.

With Okowa’s choice for the VP slot, many also decried that the South-east has been removed from the Political calculation by both the PDP and the All Progressive Congress, APC, which Presidential candidate is Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. His running mate would come from the North.

But Okowa says perish the thought that the Igbo were schemed out by the PDP. He says his candidacy represents both the South-south and the  South-east. Okowa explained that even though he is from Delta  in the South-south zone of Nigeria, he is from the Igbo speaking area of Delta, and cannot be denied of his Igbo root. For good measure, the Governor said he represents the old Eastern region.

Okowa: “For me, yes I’m from Delta State. I’m definitely an Igbo man. There’s no doubt about that. I’m from Delta State in the South-South, but if you’re looking at the Igbo across the country, I’m an Igbo man, I can’t be counted out and that is the true situation.”

On what informed his choice, he said:

“The issue of the Vice Presidency has not been on the debate. Where it will go to is actually premised on the fact that when the Presidential candidate emerges he looks for what possible zone and what person can work with me and what can be part of the team that can make us actually succeed in governing the people aright. I think that is what informed the decision.

Emphasising how his emergence has killed two birds with one stone, Okowa said:

“I am just a lucky person. Being from the South-South I am also an Igbo man and to that extent, I fit into all the divides, because my brothers from the South-east, I’m part of them. I am also part of the South-South, but that does not stop the agitation for the future as it stands for the Igbo for the presidency of this country.”

He said Atiku’s emergence is good for the South-east, as it would give more weight to the demand of a President of South-east extraction in future.

Okowa: “There are two geo-political zones that feel shortchanged. The North-East (where Atiku is from) and the South-east geo-political zone, because none of them, no son from these zones have actually been President of this Nation. They obviously have a point and I believe that we sympathize with them.

“And I believe also that since one of us has emerged from the North-East at this point in time, it’s a good sign for the future, that if the North East has the opportunity and by God’s grace Atiku becomes the President, then it’s a good sign that the South-East will have the opportunity.

“Because the next point in time what we will be talking about is that the South-East itself is the only zone that is left and they will lay claim to it.”

On the allegation of betrayal, Okowa said it does not arise because Party is supreme. Since the Presidential candidate came from the North, he said, it means the VP candidate will come from the South. Otherwise, he argued, a crisis would arise. “The unity and progress of the country is more important than anything else”, he said.

APC Oyebanji Wins Ekiti Governorship Poll

By
Ayodele Oni
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Biodun Oyebanji

By Ayodele Oni

The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), has declared candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Biodun Oyebanji, winner of the Saturday’s governorship election held in Ekiti State.

INEC Returning Officer,  Prof Kayode Adebowale who announced the results in Ado, early Sunday morning said Mr Biodun Oyebanji, having scored the highest number of votes and won more than two-third of the election in 16 Local Government, is hereby declared winner.

Oyebanji won 15 of the 16 Local Governments results declared by INEC, while People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) candidate, Mr Bisi Kolawole won Efon Local government.

The APC governorship candidate polled one hundred and eighty seven, fifty seven votes to lead Chief Segun Oni of the Social Democratic Party, (SDP) who posted a distant eighty two thousand, Two hundred and twenty two votes to emerge second.

Bisi Kolawole of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) scored sixty seven thousand, four hundred and fifty seven votes to emerge third.

Ekiti Election Results

Mr President, Let The Spirit Of 2014 Reign – Tinubu

By
The Source
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Bola Tinubu

Dear Mr President,

DEEP APPRECIATION

I bring you sincere fraternal greetings and congratulations on the successful conclusion of the special Presidential Convention of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

On behalf of my wife, Oluremi, and my entire family, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the very special and personal congratulatory letter you sent to me. I am deeply honored. Your words in that letter were reassuring, reenergizing, and reinvigorating.

Your Excellency, one must admire the sense of purpose, composure, and maturity you demonstrated in the weeks and months preceding the primary elections of our great party. As aspirants and party leaders, we all pleaded with you to “choose” your successor.

Naturally, this is expected especially in African democracy. Up until the 6th of June, 2022, the day of the APC Presidential primaries, the whole of Nigeria, including myself, was waiting for you to announce your preferred candidate. All of us thought and believed this was a very simple matter.

However, it was only as the primary went into the night and as the candidates walked up to the podium and spoke that I fully and truly appreciated your position and stance to be neutral and non-aligned to any of us. As the first person to speak, I also had the special vantage point to carefully hear, without any distraction, what the other candidates had to say.

 

As the hours rolled by that evening, it became clear to me that all of us were your preferred candidates. As you captured it aptly in your letter to me, the “spirit” of 2013 and 2014 when we created and built APC was there for all to see.

In your letter and in our many meetings over the years, you fondly reminisced on fraternal attitude in the days and months before and after formation of the APC, when we all worked day and night to create, sustain and nurture our nascent movements into a credible opposition party and ultimately, become the ruling party. That time, no one spoke about tribe; no one spoke about religion. That was not what drove us. We were driven by a common desire to save and transform Nigeria.

One by one, I saw my colleagues and partners stand on the podium, full of the same passion and patriotic zeal they had in 2013/2014, presenting their ideas on how to build on your successful legacy. Back then, as it is now, we were from all parts of the country, all tribes, and all religions. We all had deep personal and strong bonds with you. We were together back then and our bonds remained strong up till now.

Mr. President, as the night of 6 June turned to morning of 7 June, I fully understood and appreciated your stance. “You belonged to everybody in the party and you belonged to none of the individual candidates of the party.” A true leader, brother and friend.

Mr. President, the delegates from all over the country nominated my humble self to be their candidate. I must acknowledge that my nomination would not have become a reality without your support and that of the party leaders across the country. Indeed, as I reflect on my political journey, most of the 2022 APC presidential aspirants, members of the Progressive Governors Forum and National Assembly leaders and members all had a role to play in my successes and achievements thus far.

I will forever be grateful to them for shaping my political journey over the decades. I want to assure you that I will continue to work with them going forward. My emergence as a candidate is also a victory for them.

I have met most of them in the past few days and will continue these engagements as we plan for the general elections. Mr. President, APC is united and will remain united as we move towards the general elections.

I have taken note of the message you sent to all Presidential Candidates in your Democracy Day speech to the nation on the 12th June, 2022. Our country is going through a very sensitive period and no one should put their personal desires above and beyond the nation’s peace and prosperity. As you said, the “message we set at the top will be replicated in our followers.” At this point, I will take this opportunity to assure Your Excellency of my commitment to running an issue focused campaign as we move into the general elections. I will personally engage the candidates from other political parties to urge them to do same. Voters should elect us based on our policies, programmes, and projects. By the grace of God, we as candidates will avoid having divisive, destructive and disruptive campaigns.

I will conclude by once again thanking you for being there for all of us. By the grace of God and with your leadership, guidance and support, I am confident that we will lead our great party, the APC, to victory in the February 2023 general elections. We will ride on the back of your successes. We will build on the foundations of transparency and integrity which you have laid.

Mr President, together, side by side, in the spirit of 2014, we will win and Nigeria will move forward to a progressive, peaceful and prosperous future.

Asiwaju Tinubu the APC Presidential Candidate sent this letter to President Muhammadu Buhari

Mbaka: Bishop Onaga Closes Down Adoration Ministry; Bars Priests, Catholic Faithful From Ministry

By
Uche Mbah
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Ejike Mbaka Fr

By Uche Mbah

The embattled  Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry, Enugu Nigeria, AMEN, Rev. Fr. Camillus Ejike Mbaka, got his beloved Adoration Center, Enugu, closed by the Catholic Bishop of Enugu, His Lordship, Calistus Onaga.

Mbaka recently fell into disrepute when he declared that the Presidential Candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi, can never rule Nigeria because he is stingy.

Obi is a Knight in the Catholic Church, his elder brother a Priest and his younger sister a Reverend Sister. He has held several personal audience with the Pope in the past.

The uproar generated by such pronouncement against Obi resulted in the Catholic Enugu Diocese dissociating itself from his position. A number of his Priest-Colleagues, thousands of Nigerian Youths, other Nigerians including, Iyom Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu took him on.

Mbaka,as part of damage control, did a mea culpa-apologizing to the former governor of Anambra State calling him “my friend and brother. He also apologized to the youths.

But the leadership of Enugu Diocese Saturday closed down his Ministry. They have had enough of him and his controversies and scandalous incidents.

In a release personally signed by the Bishop, titled” Pastoral injunction on attendance to Catholic Adoration Ministry Chaplaincy, Enugu”, the Bishop said his decision is based on the fact that Mbaka’s teachings are at variance with the teachings of the Catholic Church.

The release reads in part:

“In the light of the happening in the Catholic Adoration Ministry Chaplaincy, Enugu, capable of undermining the Catholic faith and teachings; and after several fraternal corrections and admonitions to Father Camilus Ejike Mbaka, the Chaplain of the Ministry, and after having given him pastoral directives and guidelines for the Ministry Chaplaincy which he persistently violated, and in fulfilment of my Pastoral duties as the Chief Shepherd with the obligation to promote and safeguard the Catholic faith and Enugu Diocese, I HEREBY PROHIBIT ALL CATHOLICS (CLERGY, RELIGIOUS AND LAY FAITHFUL) HENCEFORTH FROM ATTENDING ALL RELIGIONS AND LITURGICAL ACTIVITIES OF THE CATHOLIC ADORATION MINISTRY UNTIL THE DUE CANONICAL PROCESS INITIATED BY THE DIOCESE IS CONCLUDED.

“My decision is based on the fact that some of the teachings and utterances of Fr. Camilus Ejike Mbaka at the Catholic Adoration Ministry are not consistent with the teachings and Faith of the Catholic church.

” I enjoin all the Christian faithful to keep praying for Father Mbaka and the Catholic Diocese of Enugu as I entrust him and the Diocese to the maternal care and the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of the Apostles. ”

This is the second time the Diocese would deal with Mbaka over Obi. In 2019, he was suspended for one month.

Ekiti Gov Election: Turn Out Impressive, Despite Morning Showers

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Governorship election in Ekiti state is ongoing as voters trooped out early in the morning, despite the rain showers.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) kept to its promise of early arrival of materials and officials.

Despite presence of heavy security personnel, the people trooped out to vote for the candidate of their choice, unmolested.

By 1.00pm, voting has been concluded in several units, leaving officials to be idle.

Reports from the 177 wards in the state indicate that the exercise is being conducted in a peaceful atmosphere as no ugly incident has been recorded.

The curfew announced by the state police command covers 6.00am to 6.00pm to ensure peaceful conduct.

Sixteen political parties field candidates for the election, which is expected to produce the sixth Governor of the state.

Governor elect is expected to be inaugurated in October 16, when the tenure of incumbent Governor Kayode Fayemi will terminate.

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