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Diesel Explosion Claims One Life, Causes Traffic Gridlock in Calabar

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The Source
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Diesel Explosion in Calabar

By Stanley Ekpenyong, Calabar

The ever-busy Murtala Muhammed Highway, Calabar was Monday thrown into a bedlam following the explosion of a mini-van carrying drums of diesel suspected to be adulterated.

The explosion claimed the life of the driver of the van while other occupants managed to escape with injuries.

The incident caused rare traffic gridlock on the Highway which is the only land corridor for entrance into and exit from the Cross River state capital.

The Source Magazine gathered that the driver was on top speed and did not notice a speed bump around the Bebobsco bus stop on time prompting him to apply the brake suddenly leading to a spark and the subsequent explosion.

Motorists and commuters frantically tried to help put out the raging inferno to no avail.

The arrival of the men of Federal Fire Service Operations with their fire fighting truck could not do much to salvage the situation as both the driver and his van had already completely burnt into ashes before their arrival.

At the time of filing, this report carcass of the victim and the van were still blocking a section of the Highway.

Two PDP Ondo Senators Lose Bid To Return To Senate; Defeated In PDP Primary Election

By
Ayodele Oni
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Senator Ayo and Nicholas

By Ayodele Oni

Two sitting Senators from Ondo state have lost bid to return to the Senate for another term in office.

This followed their defeat in the keenly contested primary election of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) which was held on Monday nationwide.

Senator Ayo Akinyelure, representing Ondo Central was defeated by a legal practitioner from Akure, Ifedayo Adedipe SAN, while his counterpart, Nicholas Tofowomo, from Ondo South lost to former Deputy Governor, Chief Agboola Ajayi.

Ajayi scored 78 votes to beat Tofowomo who polled 74 votes, Iroju Ogundeji : 23 votes, Godday Erewa : 12 Votes, Raphael Ademulegun : 11 Votes.

In Ondo Central, Mr Adedipe had 82 votes, Mr Akinyelure polled 58 votes, while Clement Faboyede scored 57 votes.

Akinyelure blamed former Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko for being the brain behind his inability to win the  Senatorial ticket as the Party’s candidate ahead of 2023 general election.

Reacting to the outcome of the primary election, Akinyelure expressed regret that despite all he did to help the people of Ondo Central Senatorial District, the delegates paid him back with an instruction from Mimiko that he should be voted out.

“As a ranking Senator and with all I have done for them in Ondo Central Senatorial District, the three ad-hoc delegates that favour Olusegun Mimiko, they gave instructions for them to vote me out. I am happy for this but I know my God will never fail.

“I know what I am talking about. We have six Local Governments in the Central, by the grace of God I am still a sitting Senator.

“The election was so transparent, but I know that with the volume of what I have done for Ondo Central Senatorial District, I did not expect to be paid this way. But I have a destiny that nobody can stop.”

These are some of the sidelines that trailed the PDP Primary election with some members of the party applauding the development.

DSS Dismisses Online Publication; Says It’s Malicious

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The Source
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By Gideon Njoku

The Department of State Services, DSS, has dismissed a claim by one Adio Oluwole Bashir, who in a write-up, said he has resigned from the Service over the murder of a Sound Engineer, David  Imoh, as a non-existing character.

The ghost writer, the DSS said, is not only a pathological liar, but does not even have a clue to the operations of the Service.

Bashir in a write-up that cast doubts on his identity, claimed that he led the team that arrested suspects involved in the gruesome murder, in Lekki, Lagos, of a  Imoh, on May 12, 2022, but was shocked  that the suspects he and his team arrested, who were Hausa people, were replaced with Christians. He, therefore, he claimed, decided to quit the Service when he was transferred to Borno State, thereafter.

In a statement on Monday, May 23, signed on its behalf by Dr Peter Afunanya, its Spokesperson, the DSS said among other things that besides not being a serving or a retired staff on its pay roll, “his writing style and use of of paraphernalia gave him out as fake and an impostor.”

His aim, the Service said “is to ignite an ethno-religious conflict. His co-conspirators are elements of separatist groups who are desirous of achieving the same objective as well as pitting security agencies against one another.”

Hereunder is the full text of the statement issued by the DSS.

DSS DISMISSES MALICIOUS ONLINE PUBLICATION

“The Department of State Services (DSS) hereby dismisses a false online publication authored by one Adio Oluwole Bashir who purported to be a former staff of the Service. Bashir claimed to have led the team that arrested suspected killers of David Imoh, a sound engineer allegedly murdered on 12th May, 2022 at Lekki, Lagos State. He further alleged that the suspects who were of Hausa origin were exchanged with Christians.

“2. Consequently, the Service states that Bashir is neither a serving nor retired staff on its roll. Besides, his writing style and use of paraphernalia gave him out as fake and an impostor. Findings have, however, revealed that his aim is to ignite an ethno-religious conflict. His co-conspirators are elements of separatist groups who are desirous of achieving the same objective as well as pitting security agencies against one another.

“3. Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command has issued an unambiguous statement on the entire episode. The Command’s clarification should guide public understanding of what actually transpired. Dragging the DSS which never participated in the operation at Lekki into his skewed account exposes the lies and intentions of Adio Oluwole Bashir and his cohorts.

“4. The DSS wishes to state that the write-up is completely false and frowns at the calculated effort to use its name for malicious purposes. It therefore requests the public to disregard the misleading narrative.

“The Service also warns those bent on throwing the country into violence to retrace their steps and give peace a chance.

“While it reaffirms its commitment to continue to work with sister agencies to ensure lasting peace in the country, it will also not hesitate to bring to book those determined to break the law.”

Ekiti Varsity Directs Students To Resume As ASUU Insists Strike Still Ongoing

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ekiti State University to resume May 24

By Ayodele Oni

Academic Staff Union of University, Ekiti State University branch (ASUU-EKSU) has advised parents not to allow thier wards return to the university now as directed by the management.

The Directorate of Information & Corporate Affairs of the university in a statement on Monday had directed students to resume for academic activities as from 24th May.

The statement, signed by Bode Olofinmuagun, head of the directorate, said “Management of Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti (EKSU), at its meeting held today, 23rd May, 2022, discussed the impact of the ongoing national strike embarked upon by all the four staff unions as it affects the University vis a vis academic and other activities.

“The Management noted the pains being experienced by students and parents as a result of the on-going protracted industrial action. It noted further that one academic session (2021/2022) of admission is still outstanding, while the second semester of the 2020/2021 academic session is yet to be concluded.

“Moreover, the admission process for the 2022/2023 academic session will commence soonest.

Consequently, in the interest of the students, parents, guardians and indeed the society at large as well as the survival of the university, Management decided to reopen the institution for normal academic activities with effect from Tuesday, 24th May, 2022.”

But ASUU, in another statement alleged that the resumption order, originated from the state government and was part of plans to use the students as thugs during the June 18 Governorship election.

The statement, signed by K.K. Arogundade and I.D. Ogunwale, chairman and secretary respectively  claimed that “on 23rd May 2022, where the current strike action was discussed. It is hereby affirmed that the Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU) members, Ekiti State University branch is in full compliance with the national strike that has just been rolled over for the next twelve weeks from 8th May 2022.

“The instruction handed down by the Vice-Chancellor in a meeting with the committee of Deans, that all academic staff should resume academic activities should be disregarded as it negates our current struggle as a union.

“ASUU EKSU Executives were reliably informed from an impeccable source (name withheld) in EKSG that the visitor to the University has mandated the Vice-Chancellor to re-open the University in the next 24 hours or forfeit his Job.

“ASUU EKSU wishes to use the medium to announce to the general public that mandating the re-opening of the University is purely political and EKSG is not ready to attend to the demand of the University.

“Also, it is worth noting that ASUU-EKSU Executives Members have been receiving threats from various government agents and the University management.

“In view of this, the general public is hereby notified and put on alert to the threats, that if any harm is inflicted on any member of the ASUU-EKSU Executives, the Ekiti State government and University management should be held responsible.

“Parents are to monitor the movement of their wards who are the main target to be used as thugs in the coming election hence the resumption saga.

“One wonders why the lackluster administration in Ekiti State on its way to Golgotha is now keen on school resumption only to put the life of our students at risk.

“The students themselves should be aware of the insincerity of those parading themselves as their leaders whose only interest is their temporary benefit from whichever government is in power.

“We are equally aware of the antics of insignificant lecturers playing Political harlotry with the destiny of the majority of our members. We are watching and they shall be brought to book soonest.

“All academic staff of Ekiti State University are therefore directed to stay off their duty post as the current strike action is comprehensive and total. Members are to be on the lookout for further directives.”

Ekiti Gov Election: APC Itches For Victory, Inaugurates National Campaign Council

By
Ayodele Oni
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Senator Abdullahi Adamu

By Ayodele Oni

The first major task for the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adamu Abdullahi, is the June 18 Governorship election in Ekiti state and the leadership is doing everything possible to ensure victory.

The national chairman has therefore challenged the party’s National Campaign Council for Ekiti State Governorship Election to ensure victory for the party’s candidate, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), in the June 18 poll to maintain leadership for APC in national politics.

Speaking at the inauguration of the council members in Abuja  on Monday, Adamu said victory in Ekiti for APC would be a litmus test for his leadership of the party at the national level, assuring that necessary support would be put in place to ease their job.

He said the party looked up to members to carry out their assignment as a national duty that must not fail, adding that APC cannot afford a reversal of fortunes for Ekiti people after Governor Kayode Fayemi had laid a solid foundation for the attainment of APC’s people-oriented manifesto for the progress of Ekiti people.

He charged the Chairman of the campaign council, who is also the Governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu, to effectively coordinate his men for the challenge.

Assuring that the council would deliver on the mission, Bagudu said he was not new to election supervision in Ekiti State, having participated in the election victory for Fayemi in 2018.

Bagudu urged the Director General of BAO Campaign Organisation, Cyril Fasuyi, to effectively coordinate all campaign activities for an easy run in the poll.

According to him, the campaign council was already preparing to arrive Ekiti State to strengthen efforts at winning the election.

Fasuyi said campaign activities were alive in Ekiti State, including house-to-house campaigns and various enlightenment programmes in the media, to ensure victory for APC.

He added that various campaign groups were also on the field canvassing for votes in both urban and rural communities for Oyebanji’s victory.

“We are already on the field educating and enlightening people on Oyebanji’s programme appeal.

“Various groups are also on the field for public campaigns, including education on APC’s manifesto and house-to-house visits, to canvass for votes for our candidate.

“We have been telling the electorate to keep their voter’s cards for the day of election to enable them cast their votes, while we have also been telling our people to behave in appropriate manner for a peaceful poll.

“Oyebanji’s personal reputation is a plus for us in this campaign and we are also lucky to have a united house that makes APC a strong party to win this election.”

The campaign DG also promised local support for the National Campaign Council, to have successful campaigns to ensure victory for the APC’s candidate.

Ned Nwoko Wins Delta North Senatorial District PDP Primary

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Ned Nwoko, Billionaire Husband of Nollywood Actress, Regina Daniels, has clinched the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to contest the Delta North Senatorial District Election in 2023.

The former member of the House of Representatives polled 242 delegates’ votes to defeat his rival, Paul Osaji who scored 67 votes.

Nwoko  who is vying for the Senatorial Seat for the third time after previous failed attempts will now hoist the Party’s flag to represent the Anioma Nation as Delta North is fondly called.

A total of 310 delegates from 98 wards across the nine Local Government Areas of the District were accredited for the primary election which held in Asaba, the State capital.

The Grand Patron of the National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE, contested in 2011 on the platform of Democratic Peoples Party, DPP and lost to incumbent Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State.

He again lost at the 2019 PDP senatorial primary to incumbent Senator Peter Nwaoboshi who has now defected to the All Progressive Congress (APC).

In next year’s National Assembly, Nwoko would be slugging it with Nwaoboshi who will fly the APC flag.

Kwara NUT Calls Out Gov. AbdulRazaq; Asks Him To Obey Buhari; Pay Arrears Owed

By
Akinwale Kasali
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AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and NUT

By Akinwale Kasali

The Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, has lamented the failure of the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration to implement the pronouncement of President Muhammadu Buhari that pegged the retirement age of teachers to 65 Years and 40 Years of Service.

Like some States that have keyed into the Federal Government’s pronouncement, the  Kwara State NUT Secretary and Senior Assistant General Secretary, Moni Mike Modesty Itua, said the Governor should join the bandwagon of other States that have aligned with the pronouncement.

Itua added that the Governor AbdulRazaq-administration has been supportive and formed a cordial relationship with the NUT, but stated that it isn’t yet uhuru, urging the Governor to take steps in liquidating the 342 Percent Arrears owed the Kwara State teachers.

He made this remark during the Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists, NGIJ, Governance Assessment Tour to the State.

Stressing further, Itua said that from 2017 to 2021, there has been limited promotions for Teachers, with no financial backups, which isn’t palatable.

“It should be noted that all this aforementioned is the rights of the teachers and not a privilege. The Teachers must be catered for, because they have over the years showed commitment, zeal and passion for the job. There is need for this government to step up its game in this regard.

“The Governor is trying his best as he is not owing any teacher their salaries, and he is trying all possible means to change the narratives. There have been consequential adjustment done by this government since I came into the saddle in 2021, there is massive commitment by this government to improve and revamp the educational sector in the State.

“But the government should further prioritize the welfare of teachers within the limited available resources in the State coffers”.

Deborah Samuel: Soyinka Faults Islamic Virtues

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

Nobel Laurette, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has aired his view on the inhumane killing of Deborah Samuel, a 200-Level undergraduate of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, who was publicly gruesomely murdered by her fanatic Muslim colleagues over a WhatsApp post which they  said, allegedly, denigrated Islamic revered Prophet Muhammed.

Soyinka, at the One Year Memorial of the Late former Chief of Army Staff, Ibrahim Attahiru, dismissed the “theocratic rhetoric” by Muslim faithfuls in Nigeria when discussing the virtues of Islam or the person of Prophet Muhammad.

Speaking, Soyinka said, “It is no longer adequate for everyone to proclaim that Islam is this and that, that Sharia is this and that, that Prophet Mohammed set this and that example and made this and that humanistic proclamation.

“We have progressed beyond theocratic rhetoric that pays lip service to civilised norms. Let affirmative action back up all pietistic condemnations.”

He also called for the immediate dismissal of Ibrahim Maqari, Imam of the National Mosque in Abuja, for his comments on the killing and lynching of Deborah Samuel.

He accused the Islamic preacher of directing his Muslim followers to take the law into their hands under the guise of protecting their religion.

He also demanded that Maqari be removed from office as an “apostate of humanity’s credo”, and  observed that what the Islamic cleric has done with his message is to incite his followers to kill anyone who again, allegedly,blasphemes prophet Muhammad.

Fmr NIIA Boss Akinterinwa Flays ‘Stunted’ Polytechnic Education In Nigeria, Wants Supervisory Commission

By
Ayodele Oni
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Prof Bola Akinterinwa

By Ayodele Oni

A former Director General of the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs, (NIIA) Prof Bola Akinterinwa, has observed that the growth of polytechnic education in Nigeria has been stunted due to poor funding and inept leadership.

The former NIIA boss also called for the establishment of Polytechnic Commission in the country.

Akinterinwa spoke while delivering the  fourth Foundation Anniversary Lecture of the Federal Polytechnic, Ile – Oluji in Ondo state titled: “Polytechnic Education in National Development: Global challenges and strategic leeway for the FEDPOLEL in Nigeria.”

While enumerating some of the problems causing the stunted growth of Polytechnic Education in Nigeria, stated that “poor leadership; financial crisis and poor funding; poor infrastructure; management; dichotomy between University Education and Polytechnic Education, or poor perception of Polytechnic Education; brain drain; lack of Polytechnic Commission; volatile and militant students’ unionism, secret cults, examination malpractices and sexual harassments, among others.”

Citing a Polytechnic teacher, Obasi, he stated that “Polytechnics exist to boost industrialization efforts, create technical manpower and especially middle-level cadre to contain the industrial dynamics, develop indigenous technical capacities for self-reliance, and make up for the inadequacies of ill equipped Universities in terms of technical contents, and technical skills development.

“Today, the situational reality in Nigeria points to the sad fact that the objectives of Polytechnic education have not been fully realized as noted earlier.

“The problem is not simply that there is unemployment of many graduates, but more seriously that the few graduates who are lucky to get employed are underemployed, not well-paid, and are rated as middle or low-level employees in the Technical Manpower Team. This should not be so.

“Thirdly, Polytechnic education is, and should always be, an instrument of sustainable national development. It is yet to be seriously taken as such.

“The implication of this is that opportunities through access to information and advanced technologies have been made available to all educational institutions particularly technical education institutions in the globalized world.

“There is the need for total restructuring of the polytechnic educational system, with emphasis on creative thinking, entrepreneurial skills, positive social and cultural values.

“Put differently, the review of the structure of Polytechnic education in Nigeria and their relevance to current global and national socio economic developments towards the realization of sustainable national development must be taken as a desideratum.”

Akinterinwa criticised the unimpressive way polytechnic education is being handled by the nation’s policy makers, saying: “First, my appreciation is against the background of my strong belief that polytechnic education cannot but be the bedrock of a self-reliant industrial development in any developing country.

“In many parts of the developed world, polytechnics also have a university status and award undergraduate and post-graduate degrees. Many global leaders also have polytechnic educational background.

“Yet, in Nigeria, whose government recognised in the 1980s the need for a Crash Programme and therefore sent hundreds of students abroad to acquire technical education for purposes of mid-level manpower, has not given due attention to monotechnic and polytechnic education.

“In fact, impression is wrongly given, because of differences in the scope and methodology of teaching and learning, that polytechnic education is inferior to university education.”

He noted that despite the recent Federal Government’s decision to put first degree and HND holders on the same pedestal, the perception of inferiority is still much there.

He agreed with the observation of Mr. Obafemi Omokungbe that “the perception of polytechnic education in Nigeria is not what one should be proud of.

“Many, even among policy makers, still view polytechnic education as inferior compared to university education. This inequality and perception continue even when government has stated its willingness to remove the dichotomy between polytechnic certificate and University B.Sc.”

Akinterinwa said: “In addressing this lecture topic, let me respectfully ask you what your understanding of polytechnic education nationally and globally is. What should we mean by national development in a globalizing world?

“Can there be national development without community development that is a constituent of it? If the whole world is considered a community, and even as a village, is Nigeria not a community and another village? Is Ile-Oluji kingdom not a community, not a village?

“In every sense, to me, any community where the people are not belligerent, where there is peace and tranquility derived from traditional parliamentary democracy and where development policies predicated on self-reliance, altruism and rule of law, such community cannot but be a global village per excellence and should be internationally emulated. Ile-Oluji is undoubtedly a community, a global village that is worth seriously studying as a model.”

Ekiti: How APC Aspirants Stalled Their Disqualification

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ekiti State APC Secretariat

By Ayodele Oni

Following a stalemate which was occasioned by the dropping of some aspirants for Ekiti State House of Assembly, the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the State has reversed its earlier stand disqualifying 17 aspirants.

The aspirants, seeking the House of Assembly tickets to contest the 2023 polls in the state on the ticket of APC, were disqualified last week by a Committee set up to interview them.

The Committee had disqualified 17 aspirants, some of whom were sitting members of the State Assembly from contesting during the primary election slated for later this week.

Sensing that their political future was being mortgaged, the affected aspirants mobilized their supporters who staged a peaceful protest at the State Secretariat of APC in Ado Ekiti.

The aspirants were later re- invited for fresh screening and cleared to participate in the primary by the House of Assembly Appeal Panel.

It was gathered that the Appeal Panel found out that some of the aspirants were disqualified by the screening Committee over “untenable and flimsy excuses.”

A statement by the Screening Committee member, Dele Akinleye, confirmed their disqualifications, but gave no reason for the action.

Another allegation against those disqualified was that they refused to fill a section of the nomination form indicating their withdrawal from the race even, when no primary had been held.

Some serving lawmakers and aspirants cleared for reelection include: Deputy Speaker, Hakeem Jamiu, (Irepodun/Ifelodun 2), Yemisi Ayokunle(Ekiti South West 2), Adeoye Aribasoye(Ikole 2), Teju Okunnuga(Gbonyin constituency), Lateef Akanle(Ekiti East 2), Adeoye Oyekola(Ekiti West 2), among others.

Tension rose at the JKF centre, Ajilosun area of Ado Ekiti, the screening venue, on Friday, as the aggrieved aspirants massed and threatened to protest against the party and subsequently take legal action individually to challenge their disqualifications.

Some of the aspirants alleged that they were disqualified to give way for the return of some incumbent lawmakers seeking reelection, which they described as undemocratic.

Sensing that the legal backlash may portend danger to the party, as primary conducted under that “shoddy” exercise might be annulled, a powerful government official, was said to have stepped in and gave legal advice that their former action must be rescinded.

The official was said to have overtly submitted that all the reasons adduced as responsible for the aspirants’ disqualifications were flimsy and couldn’t stand legal scrutiny.

An unsigned statement by the party, said: “It has been resolved that every aspirant is now cleared and should go to the field in preparation for the coming primaries, which in extant, is scheduled to hold on Friday 27th May 2022.

“Further briefing will be duly communicated. May the best emerge to represent our party, APC, in the general election.”

When called to ascertain the authenticity of the statement, the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe said: “The statement was genuine. All the aspirants have been told to prepare for primary.”

Some of the affected assembly aspirants have applauded the party for the decision saying that allowing all aspirants to participate will lend credence to the fact that APC is truly democratic.

“APC is a party of peace and love and this decision has confirmed that.

“But we appeal to the national leadership to as a matter of fact protect us further by ensuring that the primary is conducted in line with the provisions of the law.

“I am a loyal party man with huge respect for the leadership. If I lose at the primary, that won’t stop me from supporting whoever the party picks.”

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