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Anambra Guber: Andy Uba Welcomes Deputy Governor, Okeke To APC

By
The Source
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Andy Uba Welcomes Deputy Governor, Okeke To APC

The Senator Andy Uba Governorship Campaign Organisation, SAUGCO has welcomed the Deputy Governor of Anambra state, Dr. Nkem Okeke into its fold.

Dr. Okeke  joined the All Progressives Congress, APC this evening after being presented to President Muhammadu Buhari by Governor Mai Mala Buni, chairman of the APC’s Caretaker and Extra Ordinary Convention Planning Committee, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He was joined by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo state and Chairman of the National Campaign Council for the Senator Andy Uba Governorship Campaign.

“We heartily welcome our Deputy Governor, Dr. Nkem Okeke, an intellectual of no mean standing who has over the years striven to steer the ship of Anambra state from the parochialism and maladministration which his Principal, Governor Willy Obiano has foisted on the state,” Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, Director, Media and Publicity, Senator Andy Uba Governorship Campaign Organisation, SAUGCO said in a statement.

“For several years, Dr. Okeke remained the only sane voice of reason in Government House, Awka, thus before long he was easily sidelined by a Governor Obiano who elevated his wife to the status of co-Governor.

“For taking this patriotic step, in the face of daunting personal discomfort, this generation of ndi Anambra, and indeed Anambra children yet unborn, would remember the name, Dr. Nkem Okeke, as one who rejected the accoutrements of high office and elected to align with the people.”

Court Sacks Kontagora As Emir Of Kontagora Emirate

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Justice Abdullahi Mikailu of Niger State High Court in Minna, Niger State, has sacked Alhaji Mohammed Barau Kontagora, as the 7th Emir (Sarkin Sudan) of the Kontagora Emirate.

The Court barred Kontagora from parading himself as the Emir with immediate effect, and ordered that he vacates the throne, following the hearing of an ex parte motion brought before the court by 15 contestants to the throne.

The defendants in the motion were’: the sacked Emir, Mohammed Barau Kontagora, the Attorney General of Niger State; and the Commissioner for Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Kontagora was restrained from parading himself as the 7th Emir “pending the hearing and determination of the plaintiff/applicants’ Motion on notice dated and filed on 11/10/2021.”

“An order of interim injunction is hereby made and issued retraining all the defendants/respondents, their agents, privies and/or any other person by whatever name called acting on the authorities or persons claiming and/or parading or presenting or installing the 1st defendant by presenting a staff of office as the 7th Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora pending the hearing and determination of the plaintiffs/applicants’ motion on notice dated and filed on 11/10/2022,” the court ruled.

Counsel for the plaintiffs, W. Y. Mamman Esq, had urged the Court to restrain Barau from parading himself as the 7th Emir. The he case been adjourned till October 20, 2022.

It would be recalled that Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani-Bello of Niger had appointed Alhaji Mohammed Barau Kontagora as the 7th Emir of Kontagora following the demise of 84-year old Sa’idu Namaska in September, but some parties were not satisfied with the appointment leading to legal tussle.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Emmanuel Umar, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, explained that the selection of the 7th Emir (Sarkin Sudan) of Kontagora was held on September 19, 2021, in Kontagora by the kingmakers of the Kontagora Emirate in line with the Customary Laws and Practice of the Kontagora Emirate.

The Commissioner said after the selection, aggrieved contestants petitioned the Governor, alleging some irregularities in the selection process.

He said in response to the petition, the governor, acting on section 3(2) and 7 of the Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) Law of Niger State 1989 (as revised), held meetings with the kingmakers and also consulted the State Council of Chiefs.

Umar explained that the Kingmaker, during their interaction with the Governor, affirmed that the selection followed the Customary Law of Kontagora Emirate and their decision was based on their own conviction without any undue influence.

He noted that the Governor, thereafter acted under section 3 subsection (1) of the Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) Law Chapter 19, Law of Niger State 1989 (as revised) and all other powers conferred on him and appointed Mohammed Barau Kontagora as the 7th Emir of Kontagora.

BREAKING: Obiano’s Deputy, Okeke, joins APC

By
Uche Mbah
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Nkem Okeke- Deputy Governor of Anambra State

By Uche Mbah

Less than a month to the November 6 governorship election, Dr Nkem Okeke, Deputy Governor of Anambra State under Governor Wilie Obiano, has decamped to the All Progressives Congress Party, APC.

Okeke dumped the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, his former party, in search of better deals as reports indicate he was not in the best of terms with his boss.

Okeke was presented to President Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday at Aso Villa by the Imo state Governor, Hope Uzodinma, and Mai Mala Buni, Chairman of APC National Caretaker Committee, and  Governor of Yobe state.

With this, APGA continues to suffer political hemorrhage, even though it is the ruling party in the state.

Fayose Visists Tinubu Amidst Rumoured Defection To APC

By
Bayo Bernard
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By James Orji

Will former Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti state be the next politician to defect from the People’s Democratic Party, PDP to the All Progressives Congress, APC? That, obviously, is the question on the lips of many Nigerians, after he visited APC National Leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his Lagos home.

The opposition party has been bleeding lately after no fewer than three state governors left for APC. Some members of the National Assembly have also changed sides as the hemorrhage in the PDP continued.

Fayose is the latest among politicians who has visited the Bourdillon, Lagos home of the APC stalwart since he returned from a medical trip in the United Kingdom, last week, amidst suggestion that Tinubu nurses presidential ambition. The APC bigwig has yet to make his interest public.

The Ekiti strongman has been speculated to leave the PDP, the party under which he ruled Ekiti state for eight years, following his recent travails in the party, particularly in his state where he’s having a running battle with Senator Abiodun Olujimi and other party leaders over the control of the soul of the party.

His squabble with Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state for the control of the South West PDP leadership has further fueled speculation that his days in PDP were numbered. Earlier in April, Fayose’s candidate for the South West PDP Chairmanship position, eddy Olafeso lost to Makinde’s candidate in the election, Taofeek Arapaja, a former Deputy Governor of Oyo state.

Speaking after visiting Tinubu on Wednesday, the former governor said his action had nothing to do with defection, adding that it was a normal thing for him to pay the politician who has just recovered from a knee injury a visit.

He said such rumour remained in the imagination of those that peddle it because he had no intention of defecting from his party that has given him so much.

According to him, “to those negative political analysts, this visit notwithstanding, I remain an unrepentant PDP leader and key stakeholder.

“Health issues know no political party and in this part of the world, we seldom celebrate people when they are alive,” Fayose said. “Rather, we like to sign condolence registers. To me, that is not the best way to live.”

At the height of his disagreement with Governor Makinde early this year, rumoured spread that the former Ekiti helmsman was prepared to dump his party. He denied.

“I’m over 60. What do I want to become? I was governor at 42. All the opportunities anybody could offer, PDP offered me,” Fayose said on Channels TV’s Sunday Politics in February.

“I will not go to APC. What is missing? Some people choose to be dishonourable. Not me. I will rather go and be the husband of my wife, Feyisetan Fayose, and my son,” Fayose said.

In 2010, the former governor defected to the Labour Party, LP, vowing to chase PDP from the state in the 2011 elections. He returned two years after, going ahead to win the governorship election for a second time in June 2014.

Meanwhile, a former Governor Gbenga Daniel of Ogun state also paid Tinubu a visit on Wednesday. A former member of the PDP and Director General of Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign in 2019, Daniel dumped his former party for the ruling APC early this year.

PDP North Central Tips Iyorcha Ayu For National Chairmanship

By
Ayodele Oni
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Iyorcha Ayu

By Ayodele Oni

Countdown to the National Convention of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), coming up between 30th and 31st October in Abuja, leaders of the party from the North Central zone, have unanimously adopted former Senate President, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu as consensus candidate for the position of National Chairman.

Barring any last minute change, the party is expected to hold its Convention on the dates going by the decision of the stakeholders.

The dates were arrived at after mounting pressure, spearheaded by one of the Governors to remove the national Chairman of the Party, Prince Uche Secondus.

Already, a High Court in Rivers State has restrained Secondus from parading himself as the PDP national chairman, following his suspension by his ward.

The National Vice Chairman of the party from the north central, Mr Theophilus Daka Shan, and Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom who is also the leader of the PDP in the zone, briefed journalists immediately after a marathon meeting of the critical stakeholders held at the Benue State Governor’s Lodge, Abuja.

The meeting was in continuation of series of meetings by leaders of the zone in arriving at a consensus candidate of the party.

The Governor, flanked by former Senate President David Mark, Dr. Ayu, zonal chairman of the party, and other leaders in the zone stated that Senator Ayu would be presented to the Northern stakeholders of the PDP in a meeting to be held for ratification.

The Governor explained that leaders of the party from the zone took time to search for someone with the capacity, commitment, love, and passion for the PDP and arrived at Dr. Ayu.

As a result of this, he said the party’s leadership in the North Central Region unanimously agreed to sponsor Dr. Ayu out of the other aspirants.

According to the Governor, other critical decisions would also be taken during the Northern stakeholders meeting of the PDP to be held in Abuja.

Yoruba Activist, Sunday Igboho, Diagnosed Of Kidney Related Problem

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Yoruba Nation Activist, Chief Sunday Igboho, currently being detained at the Benonise prison may be having issues with his health, as he was reportedly diagnosed with possible kidney or lungs illness.

One of his lawyers, Yomi Aliyu, disclosed this in an interview with BBC Yoruba, noting that the rights activist developed the illness in Benin Republic prison custody.

According to him, the agitator has also been critically ill and rushed to the hospital for treatment.

Igboho is currently facing trial in Benin Republic after he was arrested at the airport along with his wife while attempting to travel out of that country.

The lawyer raised an alarm that Igboho needed urgent medical attention, saying, “Igboho was not diagnosed with this sickness before he was arrested in Cotonou. It was so critical that they had to rush him to the hospital.

“I can’t tell if he has been returned to the prison from the hospital but what I know is, he’s battling ill health and it seems his kidney and lungs are already being affected.

“Even though I cannot tell which part of his body the sickness has really affected, I know it has to do with his internal organs.”

Yoruba self-determination group, Ilana Omo Oodua, confirmed the development.

“Yes, he is ill and his kidney appears affected. We are not very sure yet. Another test result is expected for confirmation. We are working on that and I can assure you that he is in safe hands,” one of the sources said.

Spokesperson for Ilana Oodua, Maxwell Adeleye, said, “Expect our reaction soon. But the government should be warned that nothing must happen to Igboho.”

Obasanjo Hounded Odili To Pave Way For YarAdua, Nnamani Alleges

By
Uche Mbah
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Ken Nnamani

By Uche Mbah

Former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, has alleged that former President Olusegun Obasanjo frustrated PDP Presidential frontrunners to pave way for Umaru Yar’Adua’s emergence as the Party’s ’s Presidential candidate.

Critics believe that Obasanjo unilaterally installed Yar’Adua as his successor in 2007.

Yar’Adua was later to die in office, and his Vice, Goodluck Jonathan became President.

Nnamani, in his recently released book, ‘Standing Strong: Legislative Reforms, Third Term and Other Issues of the 5th Senate’, told how former governor of Rivers State, Peter Odili was hounded out at the last minute by Obasanjo, allegedly, using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Not only Odili, but other serious contenders who refused to willingly withdraw from the race were either frustrated out, or forced to jettison their ambition.

According to him, Odili was “the most prepared of the lot for the ticket. But as the election approached, there was a “skeleton in his cupboard, about the EFCC and some documents”. Allegedly, because he lost the third term bid, he wanted still to be President by proxy. Hence he could not tolerate a strong willed candidate like, for example, Ahmed Makarfi. He stood against Makarfi even though he- Makarfi – was the runaway favorite of Northern Governors.

“An interview granted the Interview Magazine in 2017, Chief Ayo Fayose, who was the Governor of Ekiti State during the third term period revealed that Markarfi was the preferred candidate of a Committee set up by the President to find a suitable flagbearer for the party. Fayose, who was Chairman of that Presidential Committee, claimed that Obasanjo rejected the choice of Markarfi because he felt the Governor was too intelligent to be controlled”, he wrote.

“In the end, the list of contenders tapered out to 12 candidates who ran for the party’s ticket. They included Governor Yar’Adua. Chief Rochas Okorocha, General Aliyu Gusau (Rtd), Professor Jerry Gana, General Buba Marwa (Rtd), Navy Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (Rtd), Late Admiral Mike Akhigbe (Rtd), Chief Albert Horsfall, Mrs Sarah Jubril, Chief Ralph Uwechue, Andreas Sawa and General Mamman Kontagora (Rtd). None of those generally regarded as front liners for the ticket was on the card.

“After the vote, Yar’Adua was declared the winner with 3,024 votes out of a total of 4,101 voles. In the end, the Presidency’s will was done, as all those who stood a chance had been either silenced or run out of the party.

“As I watched the proceedings of the PDP Presidential primaries for the 2007 elections in Eagle Square that day, the evidence of an inverted and corrupted democracy was all too clear. The party members – the contestants and the delegates – making their way to the arena to cast their votes were just following the motions to give the impression of democracy in action. It was clear to anyone who had been following the events of recent weeks that the whole process at the Eagle Square that day was a charade because the outcome of the election had been predetermined. All serious contenders for that election had either been hounded out of the way or ‘convinced’ to withdraw. Governor Yar’Adua was the anointed of President Obasanjo.”

Finally, Bandits Release 90 Students, Staff Of Federal Government College In Kebbi State

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Abducted Federal Government College

By Akinwale Kasali

There was a huge sigh of relief for the Governor Atiku Bagudu-led Kebbi State Government following the release of 90 abducted students and staff of the Federal Government College, Birnin Yauri, Kebbi State by Bandits.

Having spent over 118 days in the captivity of their abductors, the students and staff of the school were released, but it wasn’t disclosed whether a ransom was paid for their release as the Government has been mute on this.

DSP Nafi’u Abubakar, the Police Public Relations Officer in the State, confirming the release did not make any clarification or disclosure on the circumstances behind their release.

The joy of parents seeing their wards, families and loved ones was unquantifiable, as they danced, sang and praised God for their release.

One of the fathers of an abductee confirmed their release saying; “Yes. They were released yesterday but are still with the authorities. They are expected to undergo some medical check up before they are released to parents,” he said.

Asked whether there was ransome paid before the bandits released the students, he said, “I am not going to speak on that. I hope the authorities are in the position to explain better”.

Presidential Aide, Ojudu Thumbs Up Senate Over Direct Primary, Says It Will clip Wings Of Governors

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Presidential Aide, Babafemi Ojudu has said the decision by the Senate to give nod to Direct Primaries for political parties would clip the wings of sitting Governors that have turned themselves to lords in their respective States.

Reacting in a widely circulated message, Ojudu stated that “We were at the FEC Retreat yesterday when the news came in that the Senate has passed an amended  Electoral Law. With this action it is now mandatory for all the political parties to do Direct Primaries.

“Members of the National Assembly have been threatening to do this since the Ward Congress of APC took place. Many of them were disenfranchised in their constituencies and had no hope of returning.

“Many were chased away from their Wards on the order of their governors. They could not vote and their supporters could not be voted. Those who emerge of officials at this level end up being delegates in INDIRECT PRIMARIES. The almighty governors let them know that their political careers are  now at their mercies.

“If the Indirect mode of primaries were left in place most of the present lawmakers will not return in 2023 as many were not allowed in the past thus robbing the NASS of experienced members. The governors would have found new alter boys and girls.

“For those who may not know, Direct Primaries allow all members of the party in a particular electoral constituency to vote to elect who will represent them in particular elections. The Indirect Primaries allow only delegates to vote. Delegates in most cases are put in place by governors and godfathers.

“Governors  also have huge funds to resource them. This gives undue advantage to the man currently in power and in money. It does not allow the emergence of the independent minded, most competent but the most malleable and sometimes most stupid.

“I was not surprised when at the retreat, friends who were Governors and are now Ministers or Appointees  were jubilant. They were so excited that they now have a window of opportunity to be relevant in their states again.

“It was an opportunity for me to tell them that you people were opposed to this when you were governors . Why are you converts now that you are no more governors. It is simply because there are new masters, new Lords of the manor now in their states and they too are experiencing the other side of life.

“Many are political exiles in Abuja having been driven out of their states by present governors and are now irrelevant in the scheme of things.

Yesterday’s decision was a victory for the lawmakers and a loss for the despots in the states.

“It is also a victory for President Buhari who has all the while canvassed for mass participation in choosing candidates as opposed to the process that subsists and allow for manipulation.

“It is not as if the Direct Primaries are fool proof or perfect but it gives an advantage to a good organiser or a candidate loved by the people but detested by his governor, particularly when INEC may have to organize this.

“The lesson is however is, governors today will tomorrow be no governors. Let us put in place  a democratic and fair process that serves all of us. Not the one that gives us advantage today and tomorrow makes us hold the wrong side of the stick.”

Ojudu was one of those that participated in 2018 Governorship primary in Ekiti state through indirect primary, which saw incumbent Governor Kayode Fayemi, using his resources to sway the delegates leading to his victory.

AWCON: Waldrum Invites Oshoala, 22 Others For Tie Against Black Queens Of Ghana

By
The Source
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Randy Waldrum

By Akinwale Kasali

After so much condemnation and criticism of Africa Soccer Governing Body, Confederation of African Football, CAF, for pitching the two top female soccer nations of the continent, Nigeria and Ghana together in the qualifiers of the African Women Cup of Nation, AWCON, slated for next year, in Morocco, CAF has refused to bulge, rather, the match between the duo will go ahead.

The qualifiers between the Super Falcons and the Black Queens of Ghana is also the qualifying route for the 2023 FIFA World Cup in Australia. The semi finalists for the 2022 AWCON tournament will qualify for the World showpiece.

Not leaving any stone unturned and preparing ahead of the crunchy tie with its West African neighbour and rivals, Super Falcons Coach, Randy Waldrum has invited -form Barcelona striker, and Captain of the National team, Asisat Oshoala, who has now scored nine times in her last six games in all competitions. and Madrid CFF’s Rita Chikwelu also made the cut.

Atletico Madrid’s Rasheedat Ajibade, AIK FC’s Joy Bokiri, Paris FC’s Chiamaka Nnadozie

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has said that camp will open ahead of the October 20 tie on Sunday, with the first leg taking place on Wednesday, October 20 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

The reverse fixture takes place four days later in Accra as the winners on aggregate join host nation Atlas Lionesses and ten others for the 12th edition.

The full squad of players invited for the double header are: Goalkeepers: Tochukwu Oluehi (Maccabi Kishronot Hadera, Israel); Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France); Yewande Balogun (California Storm, USA).

Defenders: Onome Ebi (Minsk FC, Belarus); Glory Ogbonna (Umea FC, Sweden); Osinachi Ohale (Deportivo Alaves, Spain); Ayomide Ojo (Edo Queens); Rafiat Imuran (Rivers Angels); Opeyemi Sunday (Edo Queens); Oluwatosin Demehin (Rivers Angels); Akudo Ogbonna (Edo Queens).

Midfielders: Rita Chikwelu (Madrid CFF, Spain); Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Toni Oyedupe Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain); Regina Otu (Minsk FC, Belarus); Goodness Onyebuchi (Edo Queens); Joy Bokiri (AIK FC, Sweden).

Forwards: Asisat Oshoala (FC Barcelona, Spain); Francisca Ordega (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Gift Monday (FC Robo Queens); Uchenna Kanu (Linkopings FC, Sweden); Desire Oparanozie (Dijon FC, France); Vivian Ikechukwu (Rivers Angels).

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