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Osun: CASUOSTI Urges Oyetola To Pay 30 Months Half Salary Arrears Owed By Previous Administration

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Adegboyega Oyetola

By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Gboyega Oyelola’s led Administration in Osun State has been lauded by the Council of Academic Staff Unions of Osun State owned Teritairy Institutions, CASUOSTI.

The Group applauded the Governor  for addressing challenges facing tertiary Institutions in the State since his tenure.

The Chairman, Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) Ila Orangun Chapter and  the State Secretary Council of Academic Staff Unions of Osun State Owned Teritairy Institutions (CASUOSTI), Comrade Bidemi Adeboye, made this disclosure while fielding questions from investigation team of Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) currently on Governance Assessment in the state.

According to him, the staff in Teritairy Institutions have witnessed positive turn around under the leadership of Governor Gboyega Oyetola. The Governor has resolved almost all the outstanding issues bedevilling Osun State owned Teritairy institutions comprising Osun State Polytechnic, Iree; Osun State College of Technology, Esa Oke as well as the Colleges of Education in Ilesa and Ila Orangun.

He noted that the current administration commenced full implementation of Consolidated Polytechnics and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Structure (CONPCASS) in the four higher institutions and cash backed promotion arrears from 2019 to 202022.

His words: “Osun State Owned Teritairy Institutions have not had it good like what we are experiencing under Governor Gboyega Oyetola. The present administration inherited mountain of challenges from previous administration ranging from payment of half salary, outstanding earned allowances,

Staff unjustly disengaged, Non cash backing on promotion, embargo on promotion and Injurious implementation of Contributory Pension scheme.

“So far so good, His Excellency Governor Gboyega Oyetola has been addressing the issues one after the other. He has resolved the issues and to God be the glory as at May-during the Worker’s Day celebration, almost all the pending issues have been resolved. The Governor has commenced 100 percent implemented CONPCASS in our May Salary and cash backed promotion. Promotion of 2021 to 2022 is ongoing while letter for 2019 and 2020 have been issued to the beneficiaries.”

Comrade Adeboye revealed the Teritairy Institutions in Osun State have not embarked on strike since  Governor Gboyega Oyetola.

“With sense of gratitude, I want to say that Osun State owned Teritairy Institutions have not embarked on strike in the last three and half years. Not that we don’t have pending issues but Governor Gboyega Oyetola is a proactive administrator. Once you have a Governor that is a listening type who is engaging the employees and getting issues resolved, you will be assured that other pending issues will be resolved”.

However, the  Council appealed to the Governor to pay 30 months half salaries owed by the previous administration and arrears of last batch of the reinstated staff in the Teritairy Institutions.

“We appeal to the Osun State Government to please look into the 30 month half salaries owed by the previous administration, as this has been on the front burner with the Association waiting anxiously for the Governor to look into the issue in earnest”.

Uzodimma to Obaigbena: We Share In Your Loss

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has commiserated with the Chairman of THISDAY/Arise Group, Prince Nduka Obaiegbena on the death of his lovely mother, Princess Margaret Obaiegbena (Nee Usifoh).

Princess Margaret Obaiegbena died at the age of 88 and the Royal family of Owa Kingdom in Delta State had confirmed her passing.

A statement by Oguwike Nwachuku,  Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to Governor Uzodinma said the Governor, government and people of Imo State share in Prince Nduka Obaiegbena’s loss, particularly at a time like this when her mother’s wise counsel was needed most in the country.

Governor Uzodimma said that Princess Margaret Obaiegbena’s contribution to her community,  state and country,  using her nursing profession, is something that ought to be emulated, noting that it was by dint of hard work, discipline and her believe in God that Mama was able to get to the pinnacle of her profession and even surpassed it.

The Governor said it was, therefore, not surprising that  three Governors found Princess Margaret Obaiegbena worthy of Service as Special Adviser, a position he said she merited based on her outstanding career in the nursing profession.

Governor Uzodimma further urged the Obaiegbenas to take solace in the fact that their matriarch left a legacy of an astute community leader, devout Christian mother, dependable politician and committed family woman of which many people will bear witness.

The Imo State governor maintained that there is no other mirror to assess Princess Margaret Obaiegbena’s contribution to the wellbeing of the society other than her surviving six children, many grand and great grand children, all of who are making positive impact in the society, nationally and globally in their chosen careers,  vocation and callings.

He therefore consoled all those Princess Margaret Obaiegbena has left behind to mourn her passing, particularly the Royal Family of Owa Kingdom, the Government and people of Delta State and prayed God to grant them the fortitude and grace to bear the loss.

Nduka Obaigbena Loses Mum; Governor Sanwo Olu Commiserates With Him

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Princess Margaret Obaigbena

By Akinwale Kasali

Chairman and Publisher, Thisday Newspaper and Arise Television Owner, Nduka Obaigbena, has lost his Mother, Princess Margaret Obaigbena (Nee Usifoh), to the cold hands of death.

His  mother was 88 Years of Age before her passage after a brief illness.  She was married into the Royal family of Owa Kingdom, Delta State.

Princess Margaret was a former Nursing officer in the former Bendel State Government, which later became Delta State Government.

Princess Obaigbena who is survived by five children including the Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of the Thisday/Arise Media Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, died just before midnight at a London hospital.

As a young woman, she studied nursing and rose to become the Chief Nursing Officer of the defunct Bendel State Goverment and later transferred her services to Delta State Government.

She also served as a Special Adviser to three Delta State Governors.

Her funeral arrangements will be announced by the family.

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo Olu has commiserated with the Chairman of Arise TV Group over the demise of the Mother.

Governor Sanwo-Olu in a statement issued on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, urged the deceased’s family, friends, associates and the entire people of Owa Kingdom and Delta State to immortalise the good name and legacy of the deceased.

He said the death of the matriarch of the Obaigbena family was a loss not just to her children and family but to the people of Owa Kingdom, Delta State and the society at large because of her positive impact in the lives of many people during her lifetime.

“On behalf of my family, the Government and the people of Lagos State, I commiserate with the Chairman of the ThisDay Newspapers and Arise TV Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena on the demise of his beloved mother, Princess Margaret Obaigbena.

“No doubt the death of a loved one is usually painful as it is irreparable but we must always take solace in God especially for a good life spent by the deceased persons. We should be consoled by the fact that the late Princess Obaigbena lived an exemplary life and did her best for humanity both in private and public service.

“She impacted many lives positively as a Nursing Officer in the old Bendel State Government and also served the state passionately in different capacities as Special Adviser to three different governors in Delta State. She lived a life of great accomplishments and left indelible footprints in her family, Owa Kingdom and Delta State.

“The elderly and wise counsel of Princess Obaigbena will be sorely missed not only by her children and family but the entire people of the Owa Kingdom and Delta State at large.

“I pray that God will grant the late Princess Margaret Obaigbena eternal rest and grant the family and associates the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” Governor Sanwo-Olu prayed.

Again, Garrulous Fr Mbaka Eats The Humble Pie, Apologises To Peter Obi, Blesses Him

By
Uche Mbah
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Ejike Mbaka Fr

By Uche Mbah

Pummelled from all sides, losing credibility every second, denied by the Catholic Church, ridiculed by  his colleagues, being abandoned in hundreds by youths who make up his congregation, the garrulous Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka has eaten the humble pie.

He has gone back to his vomit, back-tracted, and apologised, in writing, to Peter Obi, a former two-time Governor of Anambra State, and the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Presidential election.

Mbaka, the Spiritual Director of the Adoration Ministry Enugu, Nigeria, AMEN, had, on Wednesday, launched an unprovoked bitter and hateful attack against Obi while he was addressing his congregation.

He called Obi stingy. He cursed him. He said Obi would never be President unless there is no God, among many other tirades.

It back fired on him, as thousands of people literally ate him raw and asked what kind of Priest he is. They called him a blackmailer, and accused him of wanting to fleece Obi of money. The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu issued a disclaimer on him, and hinted he could be sanctioned. The widow of  Dim Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Iyom Bianca, in a post where she spoke of her experience with Obi, politely told Mbaka off. From Obi, as usual, there was no reaction.

On Friday, June 17, Mbaka realised he has hit rock-bottom. He knew he needed to apologise. And, shamelessly, he did.

He not only apologised to Obi, he also apologised to the thousands of youths who adore Obi

In a statement signed personally by him to mark  the burial of those killed during the terrorist attack at St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, Mbaka said he was praying for good governance and good leadership in Nigeria, and that it was not his intention to malign Peter Obi, but “to pray for him”.

The statement reads:

“I am grateful to God for His unquantifiable and favourable blessings, miracles, love and life for the Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Nigeria. I assure the people of God and Nigerians that I am praying for Good Governance and Good Leadership in this country and that God will give us leaders after His own Heart.

“As it stands right now, it is obvious that Nigeria is passing through an indescribable insecurity, inestimable unemployment, massive corruption, heinous crimes and unbearable suffering engendered by bad leadership. I bear with my fellow country men and women in whatever we are passing through in this trying time. I call on the adorers and the entire people of God to join hands in praying that God will deliver us from the plans of the devil and it’s wicked agents.

“I am a servant of God and my intention is not to malign His Excellency, Peter Obi’s image, but to pray for him. May God’s will be done in his life. I pray to God whom I serve to give our beloved people good and excellent leaders who will take care of them and lead them to the promised land. Anyone who God wishes to make our Leader is my choice.

“In this vein, I give my blessings to the supporters of His Excellency Peter Obi.

“In any way they feel offended by my utterances or, however, I was misunderstood by them, I ask for their understanding and forgiveness.

“As a servant of the Most High God, I pray that it shall be well with my people. I am an ardent supporter of Good Governance, Justice, Equity, Love and Godliness.

“At this time, our people are passing through the valleys of shadows of death (Ps23.4), I pray for peace, love and anything that will bring blessings and favour to our people and to our suffering teaming youths. I will always stand with you in all your ordeals. God will take care of you and bless you miraculously for me.

“My intention is not to fight or malign Mr.Peter Obi. He is my friend and I remind my friend and brother I love him and I wish him Success. May God bless him and his good supporters. God’s will be done in his political endeavours (Mk.14:36).

“The followers of Peter Obi are the same youths I am praying for, sacrificing for, fighting for,  speaking for and working for their integral well being. What the youths are passing through and their conditions give me sleepless nights.

“It is for this reason that I yearn for good governance and worthy leaders that will take care of them. We are passing through indescribable ,unbearable and undeserved hardship in this country.

“I pray for Divine intervention.

I am not in any political party but I support good people and good governance. Any good person that God can give us is my choice candidate. I am a servant of God; For the sake of peace, I ask for forgiveness  in any way I am misunderstood. And to Peter Obi himself, I ask God to bless him and manifest his will in his life. When God says Yes, who can say No? And when God says No, who can say Yes? I bless Peter Obi and pray for him. I bless my dear fellow Adorers and pray for them. I bless the people of God everywhere and I pray that it shall be well with you all.

“For the sake of those who were gruesomely killed on Pentecost Sunday at St St. Francis Xavier parish Owo, Ondo State who are being buried today, there will be no all-night Adoration program today,17th June 2022. We join the entire Catholic Church to mourn their demise. May their souls and the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in Perfect Peace. Amen.

“Meanwhile, all adorers are asked to convene on Sunday 19th June 2022 for our usual 10 am Mass and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Fellowship. Thank you and God bless you”.

This is the second time Mbaka will be apologising to Obi. In 2019, he had humiliated Obi, then a Vice Presidential Candidate under the PDP, in his Church because Obi refused to fall for his antics, pressurising Obi to donate money to his Ministry.

Breaking: Kogi Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Mohammed, Impeached

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Ahmed Mohammed - Kogi State Deputy Speaker

By Akinwale Kasali

In a coup which played out at the Kogi State House of Assembly, its Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Mohammed, has been impeached.

Mohammed, representing Akpa 1 Constituency was impeached during an emergency sitting of  the  Assembly.

Hon. Enema Paul, the member representing Dekina/Okura Constituency began the process when he  moved a motion of urgent importance on the floor of the assembly.

The Assembly accused Muhammed alongside three other Principal officers of gross misconduct and arbitrary use of their offices.

The three principal officers are:  Bello Hassan Balogun (Majority Leader), Idris Ndako (Deputy Majority Leader), and Hon. Edoko Moses Ododo (Chief Whip).

Paul said 17 out of 25 lawmakers signed the impeachment notice of Mohammed and the suspension of three other Principal officers in the House.

The House announced Momoh Rabiu, a lawmaker representing Ankpa II Constituency, as the new Deputy Speaker.

Other new Principal Officers elected are Hon. Muktar Bajeh (Majority Leader), Umar Isah Tanimu (Deputy Majority Leader), Enema Paul (Deputy Chief Whip), and Ahmed Dahiru (Chief Whip).

During the impeachment process, the Assembly complex was heavily guarded and surrounded by various security operatives.

Sir Mela, Educationist, Philanthropist, Dies; Egbu Diocese, Nekede Community, Mourn

By
The Source
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Mela Sir

By Chidi Onyewuchi

The Diocese of Egbu,  Anglican Communion, is in deep mourning. And so is the  Nekede Community, Owerri West, Imo State.

To them, an Iroko has fallen.

Sir Herbert C. Mela, KSC,  who passed recently was a pillar of support to his Community, his local Church, St Michael & Angels Anglican Church,  Umudibia, Nekede, all Churches in Nekede, Egbu Diocese, Anglican Communion,  Knights of St Christopher which very visible member he was, and a whole lot of people and organizations.

He was, also, an Educationist, a Unifier, and a Philanthropist of the first order.

Aside from all those, and raising a good Christian family, Sir  Mela, will be best remembered for his services in saving and taking care of abandoned children.

To be able to render this Godly service, he founded the Save The Child Motherless And Abandoned Babies Home, Owerri, where he ploughed his resources into  to make the children comfortable. With his death, those children have been dealt a significant blow. They have lost, at once, a father and grandfather with a heart of gold.

A lively man, Sir Mela had no dull moment. At Church events, he took joy in showing off his hobby as an amateur photographer. His camera in hand. one never misses him taking photographs at such events, especially, during the annual Synod of the Diocese.

Within the Diocese which founding member he was, Sir Mela was fondly called Incashito, a name he earned because he abhorred monetary pledges. He paid up, immediately, in cash.

Among other positions held, Sir Mela was:

*Secretary, Imo State Branch of the Nigerian Red Cross for 35 years.

*Secretary of all State Red Cross Secretaries at the National level.

*A former President-General, Nekede Town Union.

*Welfare Chairman, Umuerim, Umudibia, Nekede.

* Deputy President, Council of Knights, Egbu Diocese.

A strong  alumnus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Sir Mela was happily married to his devoted Lady Philomena Onyemachi Mela with whom he had five children – three females and two males – all of whom are doing well in their respective careers, and blessed him and his wife with adorable grandchildren. He doted on them.

He held the Chieftancy title of: Omere Oha Mma 1 of Nekede

Sir H.C. Mela will be sorely missed by not a few people. He was aged 86 years, and will be buried on June 24, 2022.

Owo Terror Attack: Evidence Of Govt Failure – Akeredolu; Victims, Buried; Governor, Wife, Breakdown

By
Ayodele Oni
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Owo Attack Victim Burial

By Ayodele Oni

Tears flowed freely on Friday at the funeral mass for the victims of the June 5th, Terror attack at the Saint Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa, Owo, Ondo state.

Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, and his wife, Chief Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu attended the funeral mass held at the Mydas Resort and Hotel, Owo, could not control their tears. They broke down.

Governor Akeredolu, who wept during his speech said the Government failed to protect the victims of the terror attack.

He stressed that the forces on the other side are evil, assuring that they will not triumph forever.

“We have failed to defend these people. Not because we have not tried. But because these forces on the other side are evil and they have supports. They will not triumph over us forever.”

The Governor noted that something must be done in the country, adding that the Security architecture of the nation needs rejigging.

“When I see the sea of heads that are here it speaks volumes. What has happened to us in Owo in Ondo state is indescribable.

“A lot of words are used to qualify it. Dastardly, horrendous. But I still believe there are words to use to describe it but I still short of those words.

“We have just 22 (deceased) in this hall. A few of them have been buried. Because the relatives couldn’t wait till today.

“But as at the last count, these animals came to the church and murdered 40 people.”

The Bishop of Ondo Catholic Diocese, Dr. Jude Arogundade declared that Governor Akeredolu has not failed in protecting his people.

Bishop Arogundade wondered why the people of the country need to beg for state police, despite the endless attack and killings.

He thanked the Governor for accepting to designate a memorial park in honour of the victims, stressing that those who created the situation that made the incident happened has bloods on their hands.

Meanwhile, the expansive hall of the Mydas Resort and Hotel was filled to the brim as families of the victims, people of Owo, and other sympathizers thronged the venue of the funeral mass.

Members of the State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. David Bamidele Oleyelogun also attended the service.

Also, Members of the state executive council, led by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu, were present at the  funeral mass.

Other dignitaries at the funeral mass included: Former Governor of Ondo State, prominent politicians in the state.

The local government chairmen were also led by the chairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALCON) Ondo State chapter, Hon. Augustine Oloruntogbe.

Anyim: Okowa Is Cool-headed & Brilliant; Congratulates Him On Choice As VP Candidate

By
The Source
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Anyim Pius Anyim

Former President of the Senate, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, has congratulated the Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa,  on his emergence as the Vice-Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for the 2023 Presidential election.

He described  Okowa as a cool-headed gentle man and a brilliant and focused leader.

In a statement Anyim signed personally, he said:

“I heartily congratulate His Excellency Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, the Executive Governor of Delta State on his emergence as the Vice-Presidential candidate of our great party for the 2023 presidential election. Senator Okowa has remained a cool-headed and focused leader who has, over the years, devoted his time and energy to the service of our dear country in various capacities.

“I have no doubt that Senator Okowa will effectively compliment our Presidential candidate, H.E Atiku Abubakar, for the urgent task of rescuing, reuniting and rebuilding our dear country”, Anyim said.

Furore Over Governor Okowa’s Acceptance Of VP Slot; SMBLF Slams Him

By
The Source
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0
South And Middle Belt Leaders

The Leaders of the Southern and Middle Belt Forum are angry with Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa.

Their anger stems from Okowa’s acceptance of his selection as the running mate to the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar.

Atiku had, on Thursday  June 16, 2022, unveiled Okowa as his running mate after choosing him from a list of three given to him by the Party. The two others on the list were Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike and Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel.

Atiku preferred Okowa to them. But that has attracted the anger of the  SMBLF to Okowa. The leaders are calling Okowa a traitor and a betrayer.

In a statement dated June 17, 2022,  the Forum which had been agitating for a President of Southern extraction, wondered how Okowa, who is the Chairman of the South-South Governors Forum, and who hosted the first meeting of the Southern Governors Forum where it was agreed that no Southerner should accept the position of the VP, turned round to accept it.

Said the statement: “It bears recalling that the 17 Governors of the Southern States of Nigeria, both of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the All Progressive Congress, APC, under the chairmanship of the Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, met in Asaba the capital of Delta State on May 11, 2021, and took far reaching decisions, including that based on the principles of fairness, equity and justice, the Presidency should rotate to the South  at the end of the statutory eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure. And this same Governor Okowa was the host of that historic meeting.”

But not a few people have dismissed the stand of the SMBLF as unreasonable. What; they ask, did they want Okowa to do? Were other Southern Governors and Stakeholders not interested in the same VP slot? Would they have preferred a North-North ticket? Would they have preferred that the PDP had no Presidential candidates? Are they members of the APC in disguise?

However, there seems to be a crack. One of the signatory-organisation to the statement, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has already congratulated Okowa on his nomination.

In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Dr Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, the Group hailed Okowo, and described him as “a purveyor of morals and a poster personality.”

Following is the full text of the statement.

“STATEMENT BY SOUTHERN & MIDDLE BELT LEADERS’ FORUM, SMBLF (17-06-2022)”

“The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum (SMBLF) has berated the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for accepting his nomination as Vice Presidential Candidate to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming 2023 general elections. It is unspeakable and quite disappointing that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who is currently Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, and a native of Owa-Alero in Ika North-East Local Government Area (one of the Igbo-speaking areas) of Delta State, would exhibit such barefaced unreliability.

“It bears recalling that the 17 Governors of the Southern States of Nigeria, both of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), under the Chairmanship of the Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, met in Asaba, the capital of Delta State on May 11, 2021, and took far-reaching decisions, including that, based on the principles of fairness, equity and justice, the presidency should rotate to the south, at the end of the statutory eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure. And this very Governor Okowa was the host of that historic meeting. The Southern Governors later met again in Lagos, on July 5, where they reaffirmed their decision, and again in Enugu, on September 16, to restate the call that the presidency should rotate to the south in 2023.

“It is essential to underline that the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum (SMBLF), applauded the meeting of the governors, given its significant representation and the gravity of the outcome; we followed up and issued a similar statement after our meeting in Abuja on the 30th of May 2021, asking that the presidency should rotate to the south. And went further, on several other occasions, to caution political stakeholders from the South, including serving and former governors, ministers, senators, etcetera, not to, on any account, allow themselves to be appointed or nominated as running mate to any presidential candidate, if the presidency is not zoned to the south and that we will work against such person or persons.

“It is, therefore, most unfortunate that the Governor of Delta State, Senator  Ifeanyi Okowa who should know better, accepted his appointment as running mate to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. We do not have anything personal against  Ifeanyi Okowo but his action is treacherous and tantamount to a despicable pawning of the political future of the people of Southern Nigeria.

“Sadly, it is also now common knowledge that he spent extensive sum of money to lobby for the position. And that explains why he never made any statement when his party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), thoughtlessly jettisoned the zoning principle, which has become established as a norm and an intrinsic part of the nation’s political trajectory.

“It is difficult to fathom how a political party can claim to be on a supposed “rescue mission” with such false footings of unfairness, injustice, duplicity and gross insensitivity to national outlook.

“It is regrettable that while most of Governor Okowa’s southern and northern counterparts have maintained gallant, patriotic deference to the unity and peace of the country, above blinkered political considerations, by their resolute stance on the rotation of the presidency to the south in 2023, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, the Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, of all people, would gullibly and slavishly capitulated to the bonbon of absurdity. Thus, acceding to a situation whereby, one person rules for eight years and hands over to another of his stock, in a country of at least 360 ethnic groups. What a shame!

“The people of southern Nigeria chimed at Asaba, Lagos, Enugu, Uyo, Port Harcourt, Umuahia, and Abuja, continuously, on the zoning of the presidency and warned that another northern presidency, after the eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari, would be injurious to the unity and peace of the country.

“Governor Okowa has, by his action, betrayed the trust reposed on him by his colleagues; the southern governors, the entire good people of southern Nigeria and all well-meaning Nigerians. He has made himself persona non grata, not only, with SMBLF but all citizens who treasure our oneness and yearn for a more united and peaceful Nigeria.

“We, therefore, reject Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and his Vice Presidency, and leave him to his lot, but let the world know that this is a betrayal of the highest order.

“And that this is not a matter of loyalty to one’s political party, but rather a greedy, parochial and unpatriotic action, committed against the general interest of his State, Delta state, the Niger Delta region, and Southern Nigeria. It is, certainly, also not in the interest of the nation at large.

“We commend the patriotism of all Nigerians who cherish our unity and progress as a country and further urge all such Nigerians; in the North and the South; young and mature, the high and mighty; irrespective of religion and tribe, to remain steadfast on the centrality of the presidency rotating to the South in 2023, in the national interest.”

 

Signed:

Chief (Dr.) Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, CON

Leader SMBLF/PANDEF

Chief Ayo Adebanjo

Leader, Afenifere

Dr. Dru Bitrus

President-General, Middle Belt Forum

Ambassador (Prof.) George Obiozor

President-General, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide

Breaking: Shocker As Tinubu Picks Masari As Running Mate

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Tosin Olatokunbo

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu the Presidential Candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has beaten the deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC for political parties in the country to submit names of running mates to their Presidential candidates.

His party, the APC on Thursday submitted the name of Alhaji Kabir Ibrahim Masari from Katsina state less than 12 hours to the midnight deadline set by INEC.

Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP had on Thursday, chosen Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State as his running mate against earlier prediction that he would pick Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state.

Wike lost to Atiku in a keenly contested primary election that took place three weeks ago.

Masari is expected to be the APC Vice Presidential nominee temporarily, a stop gap, until the Party concludes ongoing consultations on who the substantive nominee will be.

The nominee is believed to be a brother to Governor Bello Masari of Katsina State.

The political greenhorn is expected to step down as soon as the party picks the real candidate, which will be immediately forwarded to INEC, before the end of the week, sources in the party said on Friday.

It was learnt on Thursday that the party has been unable to arrive at a particular candidate, as it has not decided whether the candidate would be a muslim or Christian from the North east or North west based on the party’s current agreement that the candidate must come from either of the regions.

Tinubu had hinted on Wednesday that the nominee will be a Christian from North east.
His assertion, sources in the party insist, flies against the preponderance opinion in the party that it must present a Muslim-muslim joint ticket.

“More consultation is required as the party is polarised, and all that matters now is how choose a team which can win next year’s election,” an APC chieftain said on Thursday.

INEC disclosed today that it will not extend deadline for parties to submit names of their presidential candidates and running mates.

The Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, told The Punch that it’s untrue report that the deadline has been extended. He insisted that the Commission had not changed the deadline.

“We have to wait till 6pm, Friday 17th June (the deadline), to have the accurate figure. There will be no extension,” Oyekanmi said.

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