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Ondo, Malaysia In Joint Rice Production

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has assured that his administration will continue to create more enabling environment for industries and investors to thrive without hiccups.

Governor Akeredolu gave the assurance on Tuesday during the exchange of Memorandum of Agreement between the Ondo State Government and the La-RUTA Malaysia in Akure.

The event was also attended virtually by the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Nigeria, Her Excellency, Mdm Gloria Corina Peter Tiwet; High Commissioner of Nigeria to Malaysia, Hajara Salim Ibrahim.

Also present at the Governor’s office in Akure were: President, Nigeria Malaysia Business Council; CEO, Laruta, Madam Shirley Ther; and the Director, Investment Promotion, NIPC, Mr Emmanuel Adeshina.

The Governor described the exchange of the MOA as the beginning of a sustainable partnership and collaboration, adding that the State has provided an enabling environment with continuous government supports.

“It should be recalled that over two years ago, I traveled with a team from the State to Malaysia to explore the possibility of a mutually beneficial partnership in Agro-business because we were of the view that Malaysia enjoys   comparative advantage over us in this area.

“Officials of Ondo State Government have met on several occasions both physically and virtually with Malaysia institutions and investors.

“Today’s signing of the Memorandum of Agreement, I believe is the beginning of a sustainable partnership and collaboration.

“I was reliably informed that your advance team was on the project site last Saturday.  Let me assure you that you are in the right State as the enabling environment has been provided and you will continue to enjoy the support of the government.”

Governor Akeredolu, while identifying rice as the stable food for most Nigerians, stressed that rice consumption is increasing daily in the country.

“I recall that when we were just a country of about 40 million people, rice was only eaten during special occasions and ceremonies, but with time, rice has become a major food in almost every home.

“With a population of over 200 million, therefore, you can imagine what the market and potential of rice value-chain has become in Nigeria and will continue to be.

“No doubt, there has been a significant rise in rice production in Nigeria and it got to the highest level so far in year 2020 with about 5.06 million tons per annum.”

The Governor maintained that farmers in the state are already producing paddy rice, assuring that La-RUTA will have reasonable supply of paddy rice from the local rice farmers across the State, for processing, while they embark on their own cultivation for enhanced capacity utilisation to be achieved.

“It is apposite to inform you that we are not looking at Ogbese/Uso axis alone.  In the Southern Senatorial District of the State, there is a large expanse of land suitable for rice cultivation in Irele Local Government.

“The place will be made available for your use too, for expansion.  You can cultivate directly and have out growers too.

“Let me assure you that our people are friendly and reliable and we will continue to support you.”

Malaysia’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gloria Corina Peter Tiwet expressed confidence that Ondo State will soon begin to export rice, adding that the efforts of Governor Akeredolu is commendable.

The Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Salim Ibrahim said Governor Akeredolu has brought an interesting development to the sunshine state, saying “We are proud of you. You have opened up Ondo State for something big and very interesting. We are very proud of you.”

Kyari: Court Threatens To Strike Out Human Right Violation Case

By
Uche Mbah
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Abba Kyari in Court

By Uche Mbah

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, Tuesday, all but accused the defence lawyer to Abba Kyari of deliberately trying to stall N500million fundamental right enforcement suit that Abba Kyari filed against the Federal Government, effectively threatening to strike out the case if thar continues.

Suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, is currently in the custody of the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, held on drug-related charges.

His lawyers had on March 7, approached the Court to challenge his arrest and detention by the Drug Agency.

He is asking the Court, among other things, to order the FG to pay him the sum of N500m compensation and a written apology to be published in two national dailies for violating his fundamental human rights.

Part of his prayer is for “a declaration that the arrest and continued detention of the Applicant by the Agent of the Respondent without bringing him before a court of competent jurisdiction from 12th of February 2022 till date, is Illegal, unlawful and a gross violation of Applicant’s fundamental right to personal liberty and freedom of movement guaranteed by Section 35(1) of the I999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and Article 6 of the African Charter on human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act.

“A declaration that announcing the Applicant in the Press without giving him right to fair hearing nor establishing a prima-facie case against him is illegal, unlawful and an infringement on his fundamental right.

“A declaration that declaring the Applicant syndicate of the suspect without establishing a prima-facie case against the Applicant is unlawful and an infringement on his fundamental right”.

“A declaration that torture, degrading and in human treatment given to the Applicant by the Agent of the Respondent is illegal, unlawful and an infringement on the Applicant’s fundamental human right.

“A declaration that refusal to grant administrative bail to Applicant on alleged bailable offence is unlawful and infringement on the Applicant’s fundamental human right.

“An order of this Honourable Court restraining the Respondent’s agents, servants proxies, police or anyone acting on their behalf from further harassing, detaining, intimidating, arresting the Applicant unlawfully”.

While responding to the NDLEA lawyer who insisted that the plea was filed “out of time”, Kyari’s lawyer, Cynthia Ikenna, requested for a short adjournment to regularize her briefs.

Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned the matter to April 7, but warned that he would strike out the matter for lack of deligent prosecution if the defence continues to stall.

“If on next date you are not ready, I will strike out the matter.

“Put your house in order before the date of hearing.

“If you have an excuse not to be here on that date, I will take it that you are out to frustrate this matter and I will strike it out”, Justice Ekwo warned.

CBN Says Cash Hubs Are Not Bureau de Change

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Godwin Emefiele

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN has warned operators of cash hubs not to deal in foreign currency or turn themselves to bureau dechange, BDC operators. The warning was contained in the guidelines released by the apex bank on Monday, in which the regulator also pegged the minimum withdraw for individual and corporate entities at N500,000 and N1 million, respectively.

The Godwin Emefiele’s led CBN the Bank Neutral Cash Hubs operations will be closely monitored to ensure that they abide by the guidelines set by the regulator.
The apex bank said the BNCH was set up in conjunction with the Bankers Committee, a body representing all the commercial banks in the country, noting that the cash centres will serve as a one stop shop for customers and relieve banks of certain costs.
“The threshold for eligible transactions at a BNCH shall be as follows: A minimum transaction value of N500,000 for individuals; a minimum transaction value of N1m for corporate entities,” the CBN said, noting that the BNCH was launched in a bid to reduce cost and improve operational efficiency in the country’s cash management value chain.

According to the apex bank, “BNCHs are cash collection centres to be established by registered processing companies or Deposit Money Banks based on business needs.

“They will be located in areas with high volumes of commercial activities and cash transactions. The hubs will provide a platform for customers to make cash deposits and receive value irrespective of the bank with which their account is domiciled.”

It added that the guideline aims to provide minimum standards and requirements for BNCH registration and operations for effective supervision.

The BNCH system, it explained, is set up to reduce the risks and costs borne by banks, merchants, and huge cash handlers in the course of cash management activities, apart from  deepening financial inclusion, enhance cash management efficiency, among other reasons.

The apex banks narrates the primary functions of BNCH thus: “a BNCH may carry out the following: Receipt of naira denominated deposits on behalf of financial institutions from individuals and businesses with high volumes of cash.

“High volume cash disbursement to members of the public on behalf of financial institutions; any other activities that may be permitted by the CBN.

“BNCH shall not carry out investing or lending activities; receive, disburse, or engage in any transaction involving foreign currency; undertake any other transaction which is not prescribed by this guideline; sub-contract another entity to carry out its operations; any other activities that may be prohibited by the CBN,” the government bank said.

NURTW Crisis: Baruwa’s Deputy, Agbede, Pitch Tent With MC Oluomo

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Musiliu Akinsany- MC Oluomo

By Akinwale Kasali

The crisis rocking the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, is yet to abate, as the Union has remained polarized following the crisis that led to the suspension of Lagos State NURTW Chairman, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo.

This has seen the Union having many factions that have been aligning and realigning with the National Body and those that have angrily denounced the Union.

Tajudeen Baruwa, the National Chairman of the Union is presently in the eye of storm as his Deputy, Tajudeen Agbede; a former National Trustee of NURTW, Alhaji Alamu Otegbeye,  and other past and present leaders of the Union have thrown their weights behind MC Oluomo and his loyalists over their decision to withdraw their membership from the national body.

Agbede accused the Baruwa- led National Secretariat of creating problems in Lagos Chapter by meddling into its affairs.

According to Agbede, a former Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of NURTW, “The constitution allows the State Council to run the affairs of the state. It is the duty of the state secretary to give official monthly reports of activities of the state to the national Secretariat. But under this regime, the president (Alhaji Tajudeen Baruwa) wants to know and oversee Lagos State. The President has no business about how inauguration of branches and zones are being done.”

He stressed that the tricycles and motorcycles’ operators are under the state council from inception, that changing the narratives was the major cause of the imbroglio.

He added that: “On the issue of Tricycle Owners and Operators Association of Nigeria (TOOAN), the state chairman has the right to divide the TOOAN of NURTW into zones. I did similar thing during my tenure to Okada riders’ union otherwise called Motorcycle Operators Association of Lagos State (MOALS). When I came, it was one body under Comrade Tijani Pekis, but I divided it into zones without any interference from the national headquarters. It is within the powers of the state chairman to create, divide and expand to enhance administrative convenience.”

He  also accused his Boss of neglecting the structures of the Union in going about his official duties.

“Another mistake made by the National Headquarters is the neglect of the strictures. I am the National Vice President in charge of Southwest, but the headquarters don’t involve me in any issue going in my zone. It is not appropriate. Let us learn to do things appropriately. The president should let the state council be. Whatever information he needs should be given to him by the state secretary through monthly reports,” he stated.

On the part of Otegbeye, who is also Special Adviser to National President, he said leaders of the union won’t allow Baruwa to destabilise the state council, promising to join other leaders to expel anyone hobnobbing with Baruwa to destroy the Lagos State Council.

In the same vein, the Former National Head of Women Affairs, Comrade Bola Lemboye said the elders are backing Akinsanya’s action.

“We don’t want crisis in Lagos State. We won’t allow what happen in Ogun State to repeat itself in Lagos. We are peaceful people,” she said.

The pioneer Chairman of NURTW in Lagos State, Comrade Samuel Jonah, urged Baruwa to be guided by the union’s constitution in his action.

Jonah described as unfortunate the action of the national body.

According to him, the administration of Akinsanya has been peaceful since coming on board.

Former NURTW Lagos State Council Chairman Alhaji Alao Adewuyi accused Baruwa of not respecting elders in the union.

Adewuyi warned those fraternising with him to destabilise Lagos to desist or face the music.

“We cannot allow a peaceful atmosphere we’re enjoying now be truncated because of selfish agenda of some people. We support actions taken by Akinsanya and members of the union in the state,” he said.

It would be recalled that Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo Olu of Lagos State had suspended NURTW activities in the State for Security and safety of lives and properties.

However, there was speculation that the NURTW in Lagos is still selling tickets at motor parks and garages, despite the suspension of all activities by the national body and Governor Sanwo Olu.

It was rumoured that MC Oluomo had remained defiant instructing union members to continue operations, as a circular was alleged to have emanated from him that activities should continue.

“This is to formally inform all NURTW Chairmen and entire members to operate your day to day union activities at the various motor parks & garages.

“Disregard any patrol policemen parading themselves to disrupt your union operations.”

The notice advised that any disruption of activities by police be reported to the leadership “for rectification”.

Debunking the allegations, MC Oluomo issued an update denying that he authorized the sale of NURTW tickets.

He made clarifications that the ones being sold belong to the Lagos government.

“I am a law-abiding citizen. I have never authorised the sale of union tickets”, he noted.

“Lagos State tickets issued (are) being sold at all the parks and garages. I cannot stop the sales of government tickets. I don’t even have such powers”, the statement reads.

HURIWA Alleges Police Cover Up Over Baby Found In Dispatch Box

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Chid Caught in Dispatch Rider

By Akinwale Kasali

A video of the Dispatch Rider that allegedly kidnapped a 10-month old Baby has surfaced on the internet, with the Mother of the Baby and the owner of the Logistic firm the Dispatch Rider works for exonerating him, thus,quashing the impression that he was a kidnapper.

In the video, the Dispatch Rider was carrying the baby while the Mother of the baby said that the Dispatch Rider was an Uncle to the baby, with the owner of the Logistics firm claiming that it was a plot to tarnish her image and that of her company. It is a plot by bloggers and mischief makers to bring her down, she cried.

Both the Ajah Police Station and the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja exonerated him.

The twist in the tale of the kidnapping incident was suspicious, prompting a deluge of questions begging for answers.

If the Dispatch Rider was, as claimed,  the Uncle of the baby, why put him in the Dispatch box? What was the motive behind putting the baby in the box? Where was he headed to? Why taking such risk? Why did he make attempt to run? Why does he want to snuff life out of the baby by endangering the baby’s life?

These and more questions are begging for answers.

Following this development, Civil Rights Advocacy Group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has faulted the Abiodun Alabi- led Lagos State Police Command over its stand on the issue.

A statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA alleged that the Police is trying to cover-up the suspected abduction of the baby to give an untrue impression that Lagos is safe whereas it is not.

According to the police, Tadule and Bitrus were neighbours and the baby was fond of the rider.

“To pacify the baby, his mother allowed him go with the rider,” said police spokesman in Lagos, Adekunle Ajisebutu, noting that the baby caught with the rider was not stolen.

But HURIWA faulted the police, stating that the narration defied logic.

HURIWA’s Onwubiko said, “The Lagos State Police Command must go back to their scriptwriters because the script released justifying the dispatch rider’s custody of the baby looks like a Nollywood movie.

“The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, must answer the following questions:

“Who on earth will keep a 10-month-old baby in a courier box without access to air except a criminal and kidnapper?

“With the delicate and the exposed manner of motorbikes, who on earth will allow a 10-month-old baby go on a bike with a neighbour just to pacify him save an accomplice?

“There is more than meets the eye in this case. The Police must quit attempt at repackaging and explaining away crimes. The Police must stop its attempt at image laundering to protect its failures to secure lives and property in Lagos and all over the country.

HURIWA said the State is no longer safe, recalling the murder of a Bus Rapid Transit passenger, Oluwabamise Ayanwole, who was brutally murdered by her abductors who later dumped her dismembered body on the Carter Bridge by Ogogoro Communityin Lagos.

“Also, masked gunmen kidnapped Air Vice Marshal Sikiru Smith (retd.), in the Ajah area of Lagos in September 2021 but later released him after ransom was paid.

“The Lagos Police must realise its failures as the security situation in Lagos further worsens and rise up to launch a renewed war against the criminals rather than explaining away crimes.”

HURIWA further called on the Federal Government to enforce stringent legal frameworks and sanctions against crimes targeting kids such as baby’s factory, kidnappings, sexual molestation of children, murders, etc.

Recall that five-year-old pupil, Hanifa Abubakar, was recently mutilated and killed by her Kano State-based school proprietor, Abdulmalik Tanko, who was supposed to protect her.

From Kankara in Katsina State to Kagara in Niger State, Chibok in Borno State, Dapchi in Yobe State, amongst others, school children have been abducted in hundreds by marauders, married off by the bandits, and some killed. The pathetic case of Leah Sharibu is still fresh in mind.

HURIWA’s Onwubiko said, “The crimes against children and the vulnerable in the country is becoming alarming and unacceptable. The Federal Government must act fast, change the name of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to MINISTRY OF BABIES AND FAMILY AFFAIRS.

“FG must also charge the National Assembly and the 36 states assemblies to make stringent punishments for those who commit crimes against children. Recall that due to these rising crimes against children, the United Nations Children’s Fund classified Nigeria along with Somalia, Congo, Cameroon, and Niger based on countries with the highest cases of verified abductions in 2021.

“Practical measures must be taken to tackle headlong these crimes. The need for police to have a national data bank of persons caught in these types of crimes against children is non-negotiable. Repeated offenders should get life imprisonment.”

Nigeria’s Federal System Is A Skewed One Says Akeredolu

By
James Orji
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By Ayodele Oni
Ondo State has honoured some people who played vital roles in the creation of the State.
The old Ondo State which comprised of the present Ekiti, was carved out of the defunct Western State with headquarters in Ibadan in 1976.
Among those honoured were Chief Reuben Fasoranti, ex leader of Afenifere; Chief Seinde Arogbofa, Ilu Adeyemi, R.A. Olusa, J.O. Okukoju and Baba Animashaun, for their  struggle in the creation of Ondo State.
Ondo State Governor,  Rotimi Akeredolu,SAN, at the event, stressed the need for component units in the Federation to enjoy considerable latitude to explore avenues for sustenance.
“The present system, as practised, is a skewed one that erodes the Identities of the States.”
The Governor described the current arrangement which renders States of the Federation almost helpless as deplorable, adding that the identity of each State is being eroded in a mistaken apprehension of the needs for unity and peaceful coexistence.
While noting that the current practice in the Country militates against ingenuity, relentlessly, the Governor stressed that the current political arrangement must be tinkered with significantly for real progress to ensue.
He charged the present crop of leaders to continue to demand governance based on the principles of justice and equity.
“We must not opt for the opportunistic path of political correctness which predisposes us to ambivalence when principled stance on issues of national development is discussed.
“The States of the Federation cannot continue to depend on hand-outs from the Federal Government for even the payment of workers’ salaries.”
Governor Akeredolu, who described the Local Government autonomy as a political ruse, said it must be exposed for what it is.
He described the autonomy as a deceptive charade designed to hoodwink and dispossess, adding that various regions of the country must be in control of their
Governor Akeredolu called on the Federal Government to divest itself of the responsibilities which are local, pointing out that as a federation, the states should be able to determine the number of Local Governments they want.
 “We celebrate you, most enthusiastically, for your vision. We remember the departed elders who have gone to join our ancestors.
“I must not fail to express gratitude to the past leaders of this State, and by extension, those of our sister State, Ekiti, for their contributions to its development.
“We acknowledge their roles as pivotal to the advancement of this State within the permissible limits of the current political configuration in the country.
“We shall continue to insist on the best arrangement for our people in the Nigerian Federation.”
The Governor assured that the State, under his leadership, will continue to engage the polity constructively.
“We are convinced that rural-urban integration programme is the genuine pathway to real development. We have embarked on massive infrastructural development in all the three Senatorial districts of the State.
“We have taken bold steps to improve on the security of lives and property. We established Amotekun to combat the menace of banditry and the unwholesome activities of criminal herdsmen.”
Responding, Bashorun Arogbofa thanked Governor Akeredolu for reminding them and re-assuring that they fought a good fight for the creation of the state.
He commended the Governor for implementing the programme of the founding fathers of the state which he said included; provision of security for the people; deliberate industrialization of the state; sending out signals that the indomitable character and omoluabi spirt of the Ondo State man is not negotiable or comprimisable; respect for the rule of law and fair distribution of the state’s common heritage.
Pa Fasoranti expressed appreciation to the Governor for remembering to honor them while they are alive.

INEC Releases Names Of  Candidates For Ekiti Gov Poll

By
James Orji
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0
By Ayodele Oni
The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) on Monday published the final list of candidates nominated by political parties to contest in the June 18th gubernatorial election in Ekiti state.
INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, in a statement, explained that 16 candidates would contest at the polls. And out of the 16 names on the list, 14 are men while two are women.
INEC called on the political parties to adhere strictly to election laws, to ensure free and fair polls.
The statement reads, “On Wednesday 16th February 2022, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) published the personal particulars and list of candidates (Form EC9) for the Ekiti State Governorship election in our State and Local Government offices as required by law.
“In compliance with the Electoral Act 2022, the Commission hereby publishes the final list of candidates for the election, following the close of nominations by political parties.
“The Commission wishes to remind political parties that under Section 32(2) of the Electoral Act 2022, any party that observes that the name of its candidate is missing from the list ‘shall notify the Commission in writing, signed by its National Chairman and Secretary, supported with an affidavit not later than 90 days to the election.’
“Furthermore, the attention of parties is drawn to Section 32(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, which provides that failure to notify the Commission ‘shall not be ground to invalidate the election’
“The final list is published in our State and Local Government offices in Ekiti State as well as our website and social media platforms for public information as required by law.
“Political parties are enjoined to note the provision of the law for compliance.”

Obaseki Says Wike Destabilised PDP In CRS Over Ambition, Calls Him Bully; Says Will Be Handled

By
The Source
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Godwin Obaseki

By Gideon Njoku

The urbane Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, on Monday, March 14, 2022, took on Nyesom Wike, Governor of Rivers State.

Obaseki painted Wike in unflattering colours, and used a few choice words to describe him.

For instance, he called Wike a bully, but quickly reminded him that Edo State does not tolerate bullies, and has the capacity to tame such characters.

Obaseki: “In Edo, we don’t accept political bullies and overlords and, historically, we have demonstrated our capacity to unshackle ourselves and dethrone bullies and highhanded leaders”

Wike had, in his usual blunt manner, publicly threatened Obaseki’s Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu. He accused Shaibu of ungratefulness for, according to him, threatening the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, on national television. Wike chided Shaibu for daring to say that there is an alternative to PDP.

Shaibu had complained that those of them who, with Obaseki, joined the PDP after they were, literally, kicked out of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and denied a second, have not been fully accommodated by the PDP.

However, Wike chided Shaibu, reminded him of how they knelt down begging to be accommodated by the PDP. He wondered who gave him the guts to threaten the PDP, yabbed him for wearing khaki, and asked: “Who is his father?. He, also, threatened serious disciplinary action against the Deputy Governor, and disclosed that he had petitioned the National Chairman of the Party against Shaibu.

But Obaseki, stopping short of calling Wike an Emperor, said if anybody is a threat to the PDP,  it is Wike. He gave instances, and reminded him that he, Wike, does not own the PDP, nor is the Party Wike’s property.

He revealed Wike’s Presidential ambition, and told him that the way to go about it was not to bully people and destroy the PDP. “You cannot procure Edo”, Obaseki told Wike.

He accused Wike of destroying the PDP in Cross River State, which almost confirms the speculation, months back, that the State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade, defected from the PDP to the APC because of Wike’s alleged bullying.

Following is the full text of Obaseki’s response to Wike.

“The recent personal attacks by His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Nyesom Wike, against my Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu is, to say the least, most unfortunate and totally uncalled for.

“If Governor Wike was one who is wont to show respect and courtesy to his colleague-governors, he would have ordinarily reached out to me to express his concerns about the views made by my deputy governor, rather than embarking on this unwarranted public onslaught.

“My deputy governor was a former National President of the National Association of Nigerian Student (NANS) and his comment is representative of the essence of the nation’s youth population, who are inclined to openly speak up and question the status quo. If Governor Wike cannot understand and adequately respond to the style and character of the Nigerian youth, how can he aspire to lead them?

“His Excellency, Governor Wike should have taken a cue from the manner in which the National Chairman of our party, Sen. Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, responded to my deputy’s remarks, as a conscientious leader who is able to show empathy and consideration.

“The concerns expressed by my deputy governor bordered on pertinent issues affecting the PDP in Edo State which since the September 19th 2020 elections, has been able to register over 500,000 members; and till date, these new members have not been properly integrated into our party after two years.

“Also, the leaders, executives and members who came with me into the party have still not been accepted, integrated or harmonized into the party.

“More worrisome is the fact that old members of Edo PDP, who are open to inclusion and supportive of building a large party are being vilified and ostracized by a cabal purportedly led by Chief Dan Orbih, who is your perpetual guest in Port Harcourt and is remotely used to orchestrate the destabilization of the party in Edo State.

“It is necessary to recall at this point that a political solution gave rise to the emergence of Chief Dan Orbih first as Acting and then as Substantive National Vice Chairman, South South, of our party, when Chief Emma Ogidi resigned that position to allow Chief Orbih to ascend.

“It is therefore curious why this type of political solution is no longer tenable to resolve the political impasse in Edo State PDP.

“We can categorically state that in the comments of the deputy governor, he at no point threatened the party as Governor Wike has alleged. Rather, it is Governor Wike, who has at different times, threatened the PDP. Some of these instances include:

“1. On September 16, 2018, Governor Wike threatened the party that there would be grave consequences if it moved the National Convention from Port Harcourt in the run up to the 2019 presidential election.

“2. On September 12, 2019, Governor Wike also threatened to cause trouble for the party over the emergence of Hon. Ndudi Elumelu as the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.

“Undoubtedly, Governor Wike has contributed to the advancement of the party, just like others, since 1999.

“No one is against his desire to run for president, however, his ambition should not be embarked on in such a way that it would cause disruption at different levels, such as the PDP Governors’ Forum as well as different chapters of the party across the country.

“It clearly amounts to delusion of grandeur, for any one man to nurse the idea that he owns or has more stake in the PDP and everyone should pander to him.

“We are all equal stakeholders in the party and an aggregate of the ideas, opinions and contributions of all leaders and members should form the position of the party and not the view of one individual or a select few.

“While Governor Wike is free to use his resources as he deems fit in pursuit of his ambition, he should not attempt to cow, intimidate, cajole and threaten others into doing his bidding. Edo State cannot and will not be procured for anyone’s personal ambition.

“What Nigeria needs now are strong democratic institutions and not strong men; that is why we will join the great leaders of our party across the country to build PDP into a strong, large and indomitable party that will win next year’s presidential election.

“Governor Wike and his collaborators headed by Chief Dan Orbih in Edo State will not succeed in destabilizing the PDP in Edo State as they did other states like Cross River just to secure delegates to actualize his alleged personal ambition to run for presidency in 2023.

“In Edo, we don’t accept political bullies and overlords and historically, we have demonstrated our capacity to unshackle ourselves and dethrone bullies and highhanded leaders.

“I appeal to all well-meaning leaders of our great party to call Governor Wike to order, to desist from his current unguarded and disruptive tendencies. From all indications today, PDP is set to take over the leadership of Nigeria provided we can rein in the self interest of a few leaders to put the task of rescuing Nigeria above their personal ambitions.”

APC; CNPP Commends INEC For Foiling Coup Against Buni

By
The Source
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0
Chief Willy Ezugwu

Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has urged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) “to end the confusion in the party and be an example of due process and high regard for laws of the land in effecting leadership change at all levels of the party.”

Speaking in its reaction to the current APC leadership uncertainties, the CNPP commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), “for standing up to its constitutionally guaranteed regulatory and enforcement roles while dealing with the APC national leadership change.”

In a statement signed by its Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, the CNPP noted that the leadership crisis “simply resulted from the arbitrary removal of Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State as the National Chairman of the national chairman of the APC’s Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) based on the reported directive of President Muhammadu Buhari.”

The CNPP therefore warned that “if APC is not adequately checked by both INEC and the judiciary, the party will definitely derail the country’s democracy through its many procedural pitfalls in the operations and administration of the party.

“The arbitrary and obviously unconstitutional move to remove Governor Mai Mala Buni as the National Chairman of the APC’s CECPC is capable of leading to a major crisis in the party, which can jeopardize the country’s democracy in view of the timetable released by INEC for the 2023 general elections.

“We call on President Muhammadu Buhari to learn to jettison any advice urging him to interfere with his party’s internal democracy without recourse to the rule of law.

“As a ruling party, APC ought to be a good example in internal party democracy in Nigeria for other political parties to emolate. But, in this matter, the reverse is the case.

“Therefore, the CNPP in strong terms condemns the reported initial directive of President Buhari to sack Governor Buni as chairman of the party’s Caretaker Committee.

“The reported initial presidential order was undemocratic, an attack on internal party democracy in APC, and capable causing unprecedented party crisis in the country’s history, with costly consequences on smooth general elections in 2023”, the CNPP observed.

While commending INEC’s position as contained in its letter turning down an invitation to the emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee where a new leadership of the APC was to be ratified, the CNPP said “the commission was in order to have drawn the attention of the CECPC that the letter of invitation was not signed by the National Chairman and National Secretary of the CECPC, Buni and Dr John Akpanudoedehe, respectively.

“We also agree with the commission that the invitation was ran fowl of  the provision of Article 1.1.3 of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Party Operations (2018) and that of the provision in Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which requires ‘at least 21 days’ notice of any convention, congress, conference, or meeting convened for the purpose of merger and electing members of its executive committees, other governing bodies or nominating candidates for any elective office.

“With this move by INEC, the CNPP is further convinced that the leadership of INEC can be trusted to conduct free and fair elections in Osun and Ekiti States as well as the general elections in 2023.

“INEC literally foiled the coup against Governor Buni’s leadership resulting in the inevitable u-turn by the presidency and this must be highly commended by lovers of democracy all over the world”, CNPP concluded.

Wike Threatens Obaseki: I Will Smoke You Out; I Will Make You Lose Weight

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has threatened to deal with his Edo State counterpart, Governor Godwin Obaseki.
“I will smoke you out. I will make you lose weight”, Wike threatened Obaseki.
Wike said these at the commissioning of a community secondary school, Omuanwa, in Ikwerre LGA. He was responding to his being categorised as a bully by Obaseki. Obasaki, stung by Wike’s open threat against his Deputy, Philip Shaibu, called Wike a bully, and told him Edo State, historically, does not tolerate  bullies.
But responding, Wike, not one to take prisoners belliwed:
“Obaseki said I’m a bully, but he came to beg a bully for ticket. A bully was his campaign DG, and a bully bullied him into Edo state Government House.
“It didn’t end there, he still came back with his wife to thank the bully after the election.
“I slept in Edo State for three days just to deliver Obaseki, but today, I’m a bully.
“If you check the DNA of Obaseki, what you’ll see is betrayal, serial betrayal and ungratefulness.
“He said I threatened PDP, assuming without conceding that I threatened PDP, I have every right to do so. I have invested in the party. Rivers State has invested in the party.
“Rivers State is one of the few states that has voted PDP since 1999, we have invested in the party.
“You’re a tenant in PDP, I have more stake in PDP than you.
“You said I’m causing crisis in Edo state, I have capacity, that is why I’m causing crisis. I challenge you to come and cause crisis in Rivers state, then you’ll know who is who.
“Obaseki, I know your cohorts, I will smoke all of you out.
“Obaseki, I challenge you to defect back to the APC, we’ll shave your head
 “I know those using you, if I decide to run for President, I will win all of you.
“Obaseki, melembe melembe.
“The game has started, I will make you lose weight”
Wike, also, apologised profusely to Obaseki’s former boss and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Adams Oshiomhole. He said he now believed Oshiomhole’s warning that Obaseki is ” a serial betrayer and an ungrateful person.”
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