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Rivers APC Crisis: Amaechi, Abe’s Dog Fight Worsens

By
Bayo Bernard
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By James Orji

On Tuesday, Senator Magnus Abe Inaugurated Golden Chioma as the Chairman of his own faction of  the All progressives Congress, APC in Rivers state in what watchers of the state described as a twist in the dog fight between him and Rotimi Amaechi, the Minister of Transport over who is in control of the soul of the party in the oil bearing state.

The APC congresses across the country were marred by crisis in many states such as Lagos, Osun, Akwa Ibom, Delta etc,., where opposing sides could not agree on the selection of new state official to lead the party. In Ekiti,  some aggrieved party supporters simply stayed away from the congresses waiting for the courts to decide on the legal action instituted against the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker Committee. Also, in Adamawa state, the congress was postponed due to the same crisis.

The inauguration of Chioma by the Abe faction was held at the Freedom House, a campaign secretariat set up by Senator Abe located in the GRA, Port Harcourt in 2019. Apart from Chioma, members of the executive included Mike Amakiri, Deputy Chairman, Inye Jack as Secretary, Joy Woko, State woman leader among others.

What makes the development in Rivers unique, watchers of events in the state insist, is that it has further polarised the party, with the rivalry between Amaechi and Abe taking turn for the worst as the combating sides appear not prepared to shield their swords.

Chioma, had at the last minute pulled out of the state congress, last Saturday, expressing dissatisfaction with the outcome of the exercise.  “I think the congress is not right at this point,” he said after Dr. Abubakar Idris, who was delegated from the APC National Secretariat, announced that Beke pulled an overwhelming 1,575 of total 1,61.

According to Chioma, “We have also complained to the National Secretariat of our great party that there was no ward congress in Rivers, and I am of the opinion that you cannot put something on nothing and expect it to stand.

“Since there was no ward congress in Rivers, there can’t be a valid state congress for the state. I and others petitioned the National Secretariat that people have hijacked the ward congress in the state.

“The party then stated how things should be resolved. Those things were not resolved. A faction hacked everything. We petitioned the National Secretariat and a delegation was sent to verify our petition.

“They found out that our petition and complaints were genuine and right. So, we are waiting for the National Secretariat to take a position on that. It will be foolhardy, having complained ahead, to participate in the state congress,” he added.

Recall that Senator Abe served under Governor Amaechi as Chief of Staff. The former allies parted ways after President Muhammadu Buhari came to power in 2015 and appointed the former governor a minister, and one of the most influential official in his administration.

Meanwhile, following his inauguration as the Chairman of the Abe-led faction, Chioma has sent a strong message to the state Governor Nyesom Wike to begin to pack his loads from the Government House as the opposition party was set to take over the affairs of the state in 2023.

Sokoto Bloodbath: Buhari Promises Bandits Hell

By
Bayo Bernard
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0

By James

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians that the bandits are in the last phase of being crushed by security agencies. The President has, therefore, issued a strong warning to the criminals, to lay down their arms because “the clock of your ultimate destruction is ticking as you will no longer have a place to hide.”

The president’s warning, however, appears to be at variance with those appealing to the administration to grant amnesty to the bandits who kill indiscriminately, kidnap women and children for ransom. Sheik Ahmed Gumi, a medical doctor and prominent critic of the administration has been at the forefront of those appealing to the government to forgive the bandits for the crimes they committed.

it also comes on the backdrop of killing of over 30 persons in Sokoto state, by bandits, who went on rampage, on Monday, during a weekly market in Goronyo local government area of the state.

The incident happened barely 12 days after bandits killed dozens of people in a similar attack on Unguwar Lalle market in Sabon Birni local government area of the state. The two local governments have been under sporadic attack by bandits recently.

Narrating the account of the incident to Premium Times, a human rights activist in the state, Basharu Guyawa, said the bandits raided the market with a force of about 200 men.

“What we learnt is that over 150 to 200 of them (bandits) on motorcycles rode through the Gundumi forest to Goronyo town. They went straight into the market and started shooting sporadically. They were not selective in their shooting; they obviously came to kill,” Guyawa said.

The activist who said “the attack was horrendous”, added that nobody could ascertain the number of those killed in attack that locals said lasted for several hours.

But in what looked like the president’s direct warning to the bandits, the nation’s commander-in chief, in a statement by Garba Shehu, Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, said their days were numbered, as the security forces are closing in on them.

According to the statement, “the bandits are living in fool’s paradise of invincibility, but reality will soon dawn on them harder than ever before. The bandits are currently under desperate pressures because of the intense and sustained air and ground operations against them in their hideouts by our security forces.

“The cowardly attacks on innocent people by the bandits show a rearguard action of criminals under pressure.”

Meanwhile, a panel of United States policymakers has disclosed that bandits are working in collaboration with dreaded Islamic group, Boko Haram to destroy the country, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal, WSJ.

“The bandits are a distant priority for U.S. policy makers focused on Nigeria’s jihadist threat, though American officials say they have intercepted calls from suspected Islamist militants in the northeast who are advising bandits in the northwest on kidnapping operations and negotiations,” the Journal said

Unlike Boko Haram, the administration has refused to designate Bandits as terrorists despite pressure from Nigerians.

EndSARS: Lagos CP Bans Protests, Debunks Claim Of Giving Go Ahead

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Hakeem Odumosu - Lagos State Police Commissioner

By Akinwale Kasali

24 hours to the memorial of the #EndSARS protest that shut down the nation last year over the inhuman treatment, extra judicial killings, abuse of fundamental human rights, extortion and Police brutality of Nigerians by the now disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, has banned all forms of protest in the State.

Contrary to the viral reports on social media that the Lagos State Police boss has rescinded his decision and given a go ahead for the #ENDSARS memorial protests in the state, he banned it.

Odumosu described the reports as  mischievous and an attempt to plunge the State into unnecessary chaos, having been quoted to have endorsed plans by youths to stage anniversary protest in memory of victims of the violence that preceded last October’s mass movement.

Debunking the claims, Odumosu said the position of the Police banning all forms of protests was still in order, urging residents to disregard the falsehood.

He said: “It is false and mischievous. At no time did I say that #ENDSARS protests are allowed to hold. Our position against protests for the mow still stands. We will issue a statement on that soon.”

It would be recalled that Odumosu had  kicked against any such protests, warning it would use all lawful means to prevent “misguided elements” from disrupting the peace and serenity currently being enjoyed in the state.

Adekunle Ajisebutu, the State Police Public Relation Officer and Spokesperson said the command had credible intelligence on clandestine plans by some youths, individuals or groups to embark on protest in commemoration of one year anniversary of ENDSARS.

He said: “Lagosians and indeed Nigerians cannot afford to relive the distasteful experience of last year protest which caused pain, anguish, needless loss of lives and wanton destruction of public and private property.

“In view of the volatility of the present situations in the country, and the breakdown of law and order which the planned protest might cause, the Lagos State Police Command sternly warns against any form of protest today.

“The Command wishes to use this medium to warn the youths, groups, or associations planning such protest to jettison the idea forthwith. The police in the state will not fold their arms and allow some misguided elements disrupt the peace and serenity currently being enjoyed in the state.

“To forestall breakdown of law and order, the police will use all legitimate means within their constitutional powers to suppress the planned protest.

“Therefore, parents and guardians are advised to warn their children against participating in the planned protest. Individuals or groups sponsoring such protest are also warned in their own interest to desist from such unpatriotic plan or face the full weight or wrath of the law,” he said.

He, however, assured all law-abiding residents that adequate and additional security measures have been taken to protect them from harassment or intimidation, urging them to go about their legitimate duties.

N1 Billion Misappropriation: Pinnick Slams Former Minister, Dalung

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, President, Amaju Pinnick, has lashed the immediate past Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Barrister Solomon Dalung, describing him as an unserious person that shouldn’t be taken serious by anyone.

Pinnick criticized the Plateau born former Minister for witchhunting and raising dust over the alleged N1 Billion diversion of funds released by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to his successor, Sunday Dare, for the National Female Basketball Team, and the failure to pay the D’Tigress since 2019.

Dalung had demanded the whereabouts of the money, pointing accusing finger at Dare to give explanation.

In an interview on the Morning Show with ARISE TV programme , Pinnick said it is unethical and morally wrong for the former Minister to continue to cast aspersions on his successor who he said has brought stability to Nigerian sports, particularly football.

When asked to comment on the allegation made by Dalung against his successor, Pinnick said, “I think that is very pathetic.

“You do not de-market or disparage a system or Government that gave you extraordinary opportunity to be a Minister. You enable that Government from behind.

“For instance, a month to the Olympics, Ese Brume’s dad was very ill. He needed money for surgery. He called me and I provided funds for him to go for the operation.

“The father didn’t call Ese because she was concentrating on her preparations for the Olympics.

“She never knew about the surgery until after the Olympics. That is how you help a system that nurtured you to that great height.

“So, what was his motive. Tome there are somethings that are better left unsaid about the former Minister.

“You can’t come to public space and be criticising your successor daily, saying things that are not meant to be said. It is morally wrong, it is unethical.

“Under Sunday Dare, I am not here to defend him, there is relative stability in Nigerian football. I don’t want to go into any form of comparison because to say the truth, there is no basis for comparison.

“There are some people who shouldn’t be taken seriously. I don’t like talking about individuals when we should be talking about issues, issues that will bring about solutions and not killing myself over things that visibly, we all know that there is a motive. And what is that motive? It is a sense of entitlement to that office.”

Fayemi Intensifies Lobby To Drag Ally, Niyi Adebayo Into 2022 Guber Race

By
Ayodele Oni
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Niyi Adebayo and Kayode Fayemi

By Ayodele Oni

Intense lobby and pressure are piling up on the Minister of Trade and investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, to contest for the Governorship of Ekiti state during next year’s election.

Otunba Adebayo was the first civilian Governor of Ekiti state, when he won election on the platform of the defunct Alliance for Democracy, (AD).

He, however, lost his second term bid when he was defeated by Mr Ayodele Fayose who was candidate of the People’s Democratic Party,(PDP), and enjoyed the backing of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s  Federal Government.

The Governorship election in Ekiti is due to hold in June 2022, and the winner sworn in by October.

At the emergence of the present administration, there were posters and billboards of Otunba Adebayo as a successor to Governor Fayemi, but he came out to dissociate himself from the programme of the authors.

Incumbent Governor Kayode Fayemi said a few days ago at a function in Abuja that he is interested in who will succeed him as continuity brings development.

Since the creation of the State, no Governor has had the opportunity to win election for the second term and spend eight years without a break.

With the defeat of Adebayo by Fayose in 2003, Fayose too was ingloriously removed due to a faceoff with his erstwhile godfather, Obasanjo.

Chief Segun Oni later was elected to succeed the administration of a Federal Government appointed Administrator, the late Brig Gen Adetunji Olurin.

Segun Oni’s Government was truncated by a Court of Appeal judgement in Ilorin which declared Dr Kayode Fayemi winner of the earlier poll which brought Oni.

On completion of his first term tenure, Fayose again reappeared on the political scene and contested against Fayemi, won and completed his second term in 2018.

Fayose’s attempt to make his deputy, Prof Olusola Eleka, to succeed him was aborted when Dr Fayemi, serving as a Minister then, showed interest, won APC primary and the general election, thus returning to complete his second term by October 2022.

With few months to the election, there are not less than 10 aspirants that have shown interest to contest on the ticket of the PDP, while the few ones that came out in APC have gone into oblivion.

With the completion of the State Congress of the APC last Saturday, and the Chairman coming from the Southern Senatorial District, the coast seems a little bit clearer as to where Fayemi’s successor will come from.

It is now a battle between the Central and Northern Senatorial Districts that have been producing the Governor since the creation of the state.

The South, which has not produced a Governor, seems to have lost out again despite the clamour and agitations by the people.

The under current pressure on Otunba Adebayo is reportedly being spearheaded by Governor Fayemi who is said to be so desperate to have a trusted and reliable ally as his successor.

Dr Fayemi, according to reports, is said to be working on close relations of the former Governor to convince him to change his mind and join the Governorship race.

One very clear issue is the fact that Dr Fayemi is the sole determinant of his successor, but whether his annoited will win the General Election is another issue.

Investigations further revealed that a third force, which will be an offshoot of the aggrieved members within APC may likely emerge, bring up a candidate from the South Senatorial District and contest the election on the platform of another political party.

Jonathan Extols Colin Powell, Mourns Him

By
The Source
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0

Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has paid tributes to former United States Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Colin Powell, who died on Monday at age of 84.

In a tribute Dr. Jonathan personally signed, he described late Powell as a renowned United States public servant and great leader who left solid and indelible footprints in the sands of time.

He also stated that his stellar military career paved the way for other African Americans to reach for the top, adding that he articulated a new paradigm for engaging in military action.

The former President further stated: “ Until the election of President Barack Obama in 2008, Colin Powel was the highest ranking African American to have served in the public sector of the United States. In that capacity, he served as a beacon of hope and was a pride of the Black Race.

“His stellar military career, which saw him become the first Black Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, which pivoted him to also becoming the first US Secretary of State of colour, paved the way for other African Americans to reach for the top. His articulation of the Powell Doctrine gave the United States, and the world at large, a new paradigm for engaging in military action with honour and decorum.

“As Secretary of State, he was known for his tactful management of America’s foreign relations, of which he extended a right hand of fellowship to the Yar’adua administration when I was Vice President.

“His death at 84 after a long, useful and fulfilled life, is mourned by my family and I, as well as the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation. He left solid and indelible footprints in the sands of time, and would be greatly missed. Our prayers are with his family at this trying time for them.”

How APC, PDP Are Undermining Nigeria’s Democratic Growth – CNPP

By
The Source
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0
Chief Willy Ezugwu

Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of gradually killing Nigeria’s democracy by failing to live up to their democratic responsibility to the nation.

The CNPP, in a statement issued in Abuja by the Secretary General of the umbrella association of all registered political parties and political associations in the country, Chief Willy Ezugwu, noted that the two political parties have continued on the part of the impunity as a result of lack of internal party democracy and other cornerstones of democracy.

According to the CNPP, this has resulted in emergence of factions and cliques in the parties after every election or party primary.

The CNPP, therefore, noted that “Due to the continued indulgence in anti-democratic tendencies, internal democracy in Nigeria’s political parties has continued to nose-dive in the last 22 years of our democratic experiments.

“The two self-acclaimed biggest political parties in Nigeria, the APC and the PDP have continued to clench on practices that negate the core tenets of democracy globally, leading to stagnated growth of Nigeria’s democracy and the sustenance of bad governance at all levels of government.

“As a result of lack of interest in such cornerstones of democracy like freedom of speech and rights to hold divergent opinion, inclusiveness and equality, citizenship, consent of the governed in decision making, and trampling on their rights to choose their leaders, among others, Nigerians have continued to wallow in wants and penury in the midst of plenty.

“This is why the two parties have continued to manipulate the country’s political space, exchanging members and elected officials who decamp at will and maintaining a high level of disregard to their own party’s constitution such that the courts have become the last resort for most aggrieved members who can afford the cost of litigation.

“The internal conflict resolution mechanisms in both political parties are either hijacked by competing godfathers or such mechanisms are comatose, merely existing in their party constitutions.

“As impunity has continued to thrive in the two political parties, the consequence is the unending emergence of factions and cliques of aggrieved members at the end of every internal election, including congresses and primary elections.

“Nigeria’s democracy cannot advance beyond where we are as the country will continue to recycle corrupt politicians and their cronies that end up impoverishing the populace. This will remain our experience if the bar of internal democracy and adherence to the cornerstones of democracy are not raised and given priority by the two dominant parties.

“We therefore challenge the APC and the PDP, as leading political parties, to live by example of standards of democratic parties as we approach the 2023 general elections. This will not only deepen democracy in the country but also ensure that the people’s rights to choose their leaders within the parties and at general elections are upheld without manipulations, rigging or impositions”, the CNPP stated.

Gov Akeredolu Woos Investors To Ondo State

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State
Rotimi Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, has extended invitation to investors to come and invest in the State.

In a statement on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Richard Olatunde, in Akure, the Governor stated that Government partnership with the private sector would guarantee development.

The Governor, who attended the Nigerian Diaspora Direct Investment Summit (NDDIS) on Friday at the Balmoral Hall, Holiday Inn, London, UK, showcased the various potentialities in the State to the potential investors at the event.

“In view of dwindling global and national revenue base and the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on national and sub-national economies, the need for development partners has never been more urgent and crucial than now.

“It is in view of this that our administration set up the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA) to seek development partners in the private sector and across international communities.”

Governor Akeredolu pointed that development could only be achieved through partnership with the private sector, saying that no government could drive development alone.

He said that the State has the largest scale production of Cocoa, Oil Palm, Cassava, Rubber, Maize, Cashew Nuts, Kolanut and Yam due to its rich vegetation.

“We are richly blessed with varied and favourable climatic conditions with vegetation ranging from mangrove swamps to Southern coastal riverine areas through the rain forest of the midlands to derived Savannah in the Northern part of the State suitable for cattle grazing.

“The Southern part of the State is home to some of the most exotic timber in Nigeria and forest resources like teak, milinea and other indigenous trees species dot the landscape.”

The Governor emphasized the State has 75 kilometres of continuous Atlantic Ocean Coastline, which he said would support his administration’s proposed Deep Sea Port and the blue economy.

According to him, the presence of a large deposit and variety of fish offer remarkable opportunities for potential investors.

Group Demands Investigation Into Disappearance Of Vanguard Newspaper Reporter

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Tordue Salem

By Akinwale Kasali

Media Group, International Press Centre, IPC, has demanded a thorough investigation into the sudden disappearance of Vanguard Newspaper Reporter, Tordue Salem, attached to the House of Representatives in Abuja, the nation’s Capital.

Salem has been declared missing since Wednesday, 13th October, 2021. He was last sighted within the premises of Total Filling Station, opposite the FCT, Abuja Police headquarters.

As at today, Monday, October 18th, 2021, the Editor of Vanguard Newspaper,  Eze Anaba confirmed that Salem was yet to be seen.

Following this development, IPC’s Executive Director,  Lanre Arogundade, in a statement, said that Salem’s disappearance is disconcerting and the search for him should be accorded high priority by the Police and other Security agencies.

The former Lagos State Nigeria Union of Journalist Chairman, said, “In a country where the rights of Journalists and mMedia professionals are continuously violated, concerted efforts by relevant stakeholders are necessary to ensure that Mr. Salem returns to his family and beat safely, and that the safety of other journalists and media professionals is guaranteed”, he added.

Arogundade, therefore, appealed to the Government and the security agencies to do all within their powers to locate the missing Journalist.

Felabration 2021: Fela Honoured, Posthumously, As Voice For The Voiceless

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Felabration

By Akinwale Kasali

The annual one-week festival of music and art in honor of the late Afro-beat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, came to an end on Sunday 17th October, 2021, with its usual glitz, glamour, pageantry and fireworks, as thousands of fans of the legendary afrobeat thronged to the New Afrika Shrine, Ikeja, Lagos, to celebrate the life and times of the international artist.

The theme of this year’s Felabration tagged “Viva Nigeria, Via Africa”, was memorable as the likes of Senator Sani Shehu and other prominent Nigerians were present at the symposium.

What made this year’s Felabration unique was the opportunity given to fans who were unable to come to the New Afrika Shrine to watch the live broadcast of the week long event on two dedicated channels on Dstv and Gotv.

This was the first time since inception of the Felabration Festival that would afford those who could not physically make it to the New Afrika Shrine the opportunity to feel the vibes in the comfort of their homes through a pay TV Channel.

The 2021 Felabration ended on a high note with the headline sponsors of this year’s event, Rite Foods, presenting a Fearless posthumous award to the Afrobeat King, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti by Fearless energy drink.

The late Afrobeat legend used his musical distinctiveness and political activism targeted at creating a better society, present and future for the citizens, was recognized by the headline sponsors with a

beautifully designed award that looks magnificent and depicts what the music icon stands for.

Fela wrote songs like “Trouble Sleep, Yanga Wake Am,” “Zombie,” “Sorrow, Tears and Blood,” and “Unknown Soldier” as a form of resistance against oppressive leadership. He composed other songs on inhuman acts against Africans like “Colonial Mentality,” “Teacher Don’t Teach Me Nonsense,” ”Mr. Follow Follow”, among others.

Saleem Adegunwa, the Managing Director of Rite Foods commenting on the award posited that the Late Fela deserved honour for the impact he made in the music industry, having fought for justice and equality for all Nigerians through his songs.

He pointed out that Fela resonates with what Fearless stands for, positive energy, courage, leadership, and can-do spirit that comes with Fela’s creativity and leadership quality.

Adegunwa affirmed that Fela demonstrated fearless attributes through his songs, which led to constructive criticism of injustice, inequality, and oppressive tendencies against Nigerian citizens and Africans.

The founder of Felabration Foundation, Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti, was applauded for such a courageous innovation and legacy by Rite Foods Brand Manager, Boluwatife Adedugbe, who said it signifies respect for the megastar who traversed the globe, with outstanding performance that made the nation proud. An enigma of exceptional talent, an African pride, just like Rite Foods with its leading position in Nigeria’s food and beverage industry.

She said the initiative demonstrates the company’s commitment to the growth of the entertainment industry and promoting what is Nigerian.

Adedugbe stated that the event was also a platform for consumers to get rejuvenated with the company’s brands comprising the premium Fearless energy drink, the 12 Bigi variants of carbonated soft drinks, Table Water, and Rite Sausages.

Yemi on her part while appreciating the headline sponsors said that she was filled with the euphoria created by the audience, expressed her gratification for the support and honour bestowed on her father for the legacy left behind for posterity.

She eulogized the World-class company for refreshing participants at Felabration with its unique brands and the creativity introduced to make it more exciting.

Yeni, who was highly excited, praised the Fearless energy drink brand, stating that the award was the best thing that has ever happened since the inception of the Felabration, and from a leading brand in the energy drink market.

Highlights of the event was the performance by D’Banj, a megastar in Nigeria’s musical industry, who thrilled the audience with one of his hit songs, “Top of the World.”

Other interesting activities include an Arts competition, Afrobics dance competition, schools’ debate with the topic “Covid 19 is a Blessing,” a Symposium themed “A Presenting National Question Devolution or Evolution” with the moderator/chairman, as Femi Falana, amongst prominent speakers like Senator Shehu Sani.

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