Petrol/Electricity Tariff Hike: Group Calls For Buhari’s Resignation; MIX Gives 14 Says Ultimatum |The Source

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September 17, 2020

By Akinwale Kasali

Over the past few weeks, the President Muhammadu Buhari administration has been receiving knocks and strong criticism over the recent hike in the prices of Petroleum and Electricity Tariff.

A Group, Joint Action Front, JAF, on Wednesday, staged a peaceful protest, labelling President Muhammadu Buhari a “failure”.

And, after a fruitless long meeting with Federal Government officials, the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has given the Federal Government a-14 day ultimatum to reverse the hikes, or face a strike that would shut-down Nigeria.

Earlier, the Trade Union Congress, TUC, had given the FG a seven-day ultimatum to reverse the hike, or face a strike action.

The aggrieved Human Rights Group, in its protest on Sunday, called for the immidiate resignation of the President unless he reverses the increment in the petroleum price and electricity tariff with immidiate effect.

Members of JAF described the hike as the highest level of insensitivity and wickedness from the President Muhammad Buhari-led APC government.

Speaking, the convener of JAF, Comrade Alfred Adegoke, called on Nigerians to resist the increases in fuel price, electricity tariff and VAT, adding that if the President cannot reverse the price from the N160 to the N86.50 that the price was from 2012 to May 10, 2016, then he should voluntarily resign his office as the President.

Adegoke said Nigerians, especially South-westerners were decieved to vote for Buhari by the leadership of the APC, using the name of Late Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Bola Ige to lure them into believing their cause.

He said: “This struggle has just started. We must stop it. The President has said that petroleum is going to be N300, are you prepared to pay that? If we accept that today, education will be more commercialised. Electricity, you can’t buy. House, you can’t buy. Food, you can’t buy. Government cannot provide water, houses or jobs. That is the mess we have been seeing. Irresponsible government all the time. We say no that this must end.

“We say no to all oppressive and exploitative government. This struggle has just started. Power for the people. Power for the workers. Power for the students.”

“This Government has failed us. President Buhari should reverse the price of fuel from the N160 to the N86.50 that the price from 2012 to May 10, 2016 and if he knows he cannot reverse it then he should resign with immidiate effect, Adegoke said.

Also Speaking, Comrade Waheed Lawal, Chairman Coalition for Civil Society in the state, called on labour unions such as NLC, TUC among others to declare general strike and mass protest.

Lawal who educated people of the state on the need to join the struggle said they would continue to express their displeasure over the dual approval of new electricity tariff and increment in pump price of petrol through demonstration.

He said “We can’t do this in isolation. TUC, NLC, they have not said anything. And we know the meaning of that silence. Silence has a meaning. If they don’t want their people to stamp them to death on the street, they have to come out now and issue a statement.

Also, speaking, the Director of Program, Centre for Sustained Dialogue, Comrade Waheed Saka said , everything about the new tariff regime speaks about how insensitive and wicked the leaders of this country have become even in a democracy.

Saka further explained that, “How on earth will anybody happily approve a new tariff regime and increment in pump price of petrol at a time our people are still languishing in pains and pangs triggered by lockdown due to Covid 19 pandemic? How on earth will successive leaders of our nation kowtow to the world bank/IMF directives without due diligence on the negative impact such directive will have on the citizen of this country? Saka asked Rhetorically.

Echoing similar views, the Coordinator of ACIS-M, Comrade Akin Asifat noted that Nigerian students are prepared to take the future in their own hands, adding that it is time to let the government realize that Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians.

He also called upon other bodies to support the move to resist the anti-people policies of the Buhari-led government while maintaining that the government has failed in its promises to provide social welfare for all the citizens.

In his words, “Nigerian people, the poor working masses with Nigerian students are ready to take the future in their hands and say enough is enough. There is no aspect of the economy in Nigeria that the poor can hang their heads. Electricity in Nigeria hike, fuel price hike, stamp duty.

“Everything in Nigeria is poor. It is time for us to say it loud and clear even when you are enjoying crumbs from the table of those at the statehouse over there. We have to let everybody know that nobody is safe in this kind of noxious, wicked, anti-people policy of the most corrupted capitalist government of Buhari.

“Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians. It does not belong to Buhari alone. It does not belong to Osinbajo alone. It does not belong to Aregbesola alone. It does not belong to Oyetola alone, neither does it belong to Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The government has failed. They are being sworn in with a constitution of which under the state principle they promised to provide social welfare for all the citizens”, the Group stressed.

Gani Adams Warns Alaafin, Yoruba Leaders Against Terrorists’ Infiltration |The Source

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Bayo Bernard

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September 17, 2020

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By Tosin Olatokunbo

The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams has called on Yoruba leaders to rise up against the infiltration of arm terrorists group in the region, who he said have killed over 1000 persons in Kisi, Oyo state in the past few months.

Adams is the leader of Oodua Peoples’ Congress, OPC and holds the title of Yoruba Generalisimo.

According to a statement on Wednesday from his office, the OPC leader said hundreds of armed men were spotted by intelligence moving into Old Oyo Game Reserve at Sooro village in Kishi town, Irepo Local Government of the State.

He said the development posed a great danger to the security of the entire South-West, as the sect has been known to be involved in rape, kidnap of locals, threats to livelihoods as well as access to forest resources in the region in recent times.

He urged leaders in the region to rise up against the infiltrators before they do more damage to the economic and lifelihood of Yoruba people.

He said the infiltrators have occupational agenda.

Adams said “I have received numerous reports from Kishi, North-West of Oyo State. The reports range from ceaseless kidnapping, rape and threat to lives of Yoruba people in the Oke Ogun area with Kishi as the present hub of terrorist attacks. It’s my responsibility to alert the public and also the relevant authorities”, he said.

“The occupation of the land by armed groups is an assault on Yoruba heritage and civilisation. Part of the forest hosts the sacred tabernacle of ancient Yoruba Alaafin whose graves were located in parts of the forest. The killing and kidnapping of over a hundred people is frightening and worrisome.

“The records are there. The recent Intelligence report from Kishi is too frightening because terrorists have taken over the area, with the number of victims growing by the day. We need to react to these senseless killings because of the timing and exigencies. I have sent the report to the Oyo state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde.

“I have also alerted the Director-General of Amotekun in Oyo state. I have also informed the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, through a message to his Assistant, and I have informed the Okere of Saki”, he said.

Meanwhile, some governors in the south west has blamed the shortage of funds on the slow take off of the regional security outfit, Amotekun.

Only Ondo state, among the six states in the region has inaugurated the outfit, set up last year to rein in insecurity across Yoruba controlled states.

How Nollywood Actress, Louisa Nwobodo Died Inside Her Car |The Source

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Akinwale Kasali

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September 16, 2020

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By Akinwale Kasali

Less than a week after veteran Nollywood Actor, Prof. Ayo Akinwale died, another Veteran Nollywood Actress, Louisa Nwobodo.

Nwobodo was said to have died shortly after collapsing in her car, in Enugu state.

The magazine was told that the veteran Nollywood actress, Louisa Nwobodo, died at the age of 78.

Shortly after she collapsed in her Car, sgr was rushed to St Mulumbas Catholic Church, New Haven, Enugu, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Her remains were deposited at the morgue pending the conclusion of her burial arrangement.

She will be missed by her colleagues in the make- believe industry.

Nigeria Has Never Been United, It Has Always Been Divided – Presidency |The Source

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The Source

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September 16, 2020

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By Gideon Njoku

The Presidency says Nigeria has always been a divided country, and that every effort to make it united, have not worked.

Speaking on a Channels TV Programme, Politics Today, Femi Adesina, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, to President Muhammadu Buhari, insisted that Nigeria has always been divided since amalgamation, and has never been one.

At best, Adesina said, Nigeria is just an “inconvenient” contraption.

Adesina was reacting to the recent strong criticisms against the President Muhammadu Buhari Government, by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, supported by another statement by Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyjnka.

Obasanjo had decried the state of the Nation, saying Nigeria had become a basket state, and was on the verge of becoming a failed State.

Obasanjo, also, submitted that Nigeria had become a very divided country under Buhari.

The Presidency had replied, rubbishing his fears, and dismissing him as one jealous of the achievements of the President. He is “The Divider-in-Chief”, the Presidency fired.

But it came as a surprise when Soyinka, who has never agreed with Obasanjo, backed and, reinforced Obasanjo’s opinion.

Backing the former President, Soyinka lamented that Nigeria was on the verge of a total collapse under Buhari.

But speaking, Adesina said the Presidency does not get worried over Obasanjo’s opinions, because Obasanjo had always criticized every Government, from the time of President Shehu Shagari.

The only Government, Obasanjo has not criticised is “Obasanjo’s Government”.

Adesina tried to justify the Presidency’s opinion that Obasanjo is jealous of Buhari, remembering that Obasanjo had boasted that nobody would rule Nigeria as long as he did – three years as a Military Head of State, and eight years as a Civilian President. Drawing from that, Adesina said, Obasanjo could be feeling that this man (Buhari), is coming close to him.

Taking on Soyinka, Adesina said Soyinka will always be Soyinka. “We respect him, we will look at what he said, but we are not expected to take it hook, line and sinker.”

He said Soyinka is known as a critic, saying he really never supported Buhari in 2015, but only said: “This candidate is a shade better than this.”

Adesina said of Soyinka “Even the Government he served in, as the Corp Marshal of the Road Safety, he criticized.”

He disagreed that Buhari is becoming unpopular by the day, insisting that the President won with more vote margin in 2019, than he did in 2015.

CBN Targets 300,000 Houses In A New Loan Scheme |The Source

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Uche Mbah

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September 16, 2020

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By Uche Mbah

The Central Bank of Nigeria has continued on its intervention streak as it has released N200 billion facilities to finance mass housing constructions across Nigeria in a new infrastructural development scheme, the Sustainability Program.

The Apex Bank, Monday, published guidelines for the intervention in the manufacturing sector, with special emphasis on solar energy. This was with the view of boosting power in rural areas.

It was followed by Tuesday’s rollout of a program involving real estate and mortgage programs which aimed at lending to private concerns in these sectors at five percent annual interest. The fund is expected to be disbursed via Family Home Funds Limited, with the Minister of Finance and Budgets serving as the guarantors.

The CBN is targeting three hundred thousand homes in the thirty-six states of the federation and Abuja. They are targeting 1.5 million jobs in five years.

Only recently, the bank had intervened in the Aviation industry. They have embarked on facilitating anchor borrowing to finance rice production together with other agricultural produce-though the CBN said the default rate for these anchor borrowing programs is up to 65%.

It is not clear, however, whether there is a provision for a comprehensive external audit of the scheme.

The apex bank has been accused of usurping the job of development banks in interventions. Recently they were in altercations with the Nigerian economic summit group who claimed that they-the CBN-are becoming dictatorial in the way it is intervening in certain financial issues, particularly as it concerns Bureau de change. However, they have been lauded in some quarters for providing soft loans for SMEs and others.

“The program will aim at creating rapidly, up to 1.5 million direct construction sector jobs (at the rate of 5 jobs/home) particularly young people on low income. In addition, the program has the potential to create a further 1m jobs through its supply chain.

“The Development Finance Department of the Central Bank of Nigeria shall be responsible for the management of the intervention facility,” the bank said.

In a related development, the Presidency has defended the continuous borrowing to finance critical infrastructure while hosting an economic advisory body to discuss the tension being experienced due to the recent increase in petroleum pump price and electricity tariff.

Edo 2020: CNPP Condemns FG Over Alleged Vote Buying By Proxy, Asks INEC And Security Agencies To End It |The Source

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The Source

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September 16, 2020

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The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has strongly condemned what it described as vote buying by proxy ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State, calling on the Federal Government of Nigeria to refrain from acts capable of killing Nigeria’s democracy.

The CNPP in a statement signed by its Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, warned that “acts of benevolence by the federal government in states during campaign periods have gone beyond coincidences to becoming a suspicious vote buying by proxy as is being witnessed in Edo State today.”

Calling on the international community “to seriously take note of the strategic death blows the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has continued to give Nigerian democracy since the historic election that brought the party into office in 2015.

“The APC and PDP must be made to realise that they are not the only registered political parties in Nigeria and that every act of election rigging perpetrated by these two political parties that have continued to alternate their members and candidates is a death blow on democracy in Nigeria.

“At least, the PDP could be forgiven for coming to a realisation that election rigging will kill the country’s democracy and gave Nigeria the most transparent election in the history of Africa in 2015, leading to the defeat of a sitting President who was also a candidate in the election.

“The ordinary Nigerian electorate, who believed in the change mantra of the APC, voted the then opposition party into office, reasoning that the party, with the anti-corruption disposition of President Muhammadu Buhari, will leave up to its promise to do things differently.

“Alas, five years down the line, Nigerians are now counting their losses rather than gains. APC is gradually killing all other political parties in the country.

“We must recall that even with the level of election rigging under the PDP led federal government before the globally celebrated 2015 general election that brought the APC to power, smaller political parties were able to win governorship elections in states like Abia, Ondo, Edo, Anambra, to mention a few states.

“However, since the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government has been conducting elections, opposition parties have been at the receiving end as the PDP and APC members can no longer be distinguished with their level of cross carpeting at the slightest convenience, and the result is the stunted democracy and a dying opposition parties that cannot win elections, not because they don’t have strong candidates but for the singular reason that they cannot afford to buy votes.

“Under the Buhari administration, with anti-corruption war as its selling point, electoral corruption through all manners of Federal Government induced vote-buying have been invented in the last five years.

“Such vote buying by proxy schemes like Tradamoni and school feeding programme, nicknamed social investment programme, were fully deployed ahead of 2019 general election, which was superintended by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who went from market to market to distribute cash to would-be voters before the elections, with allegations of the APC government collating the permanent voter’s card numbers of the beneficiaries.

“In Kogi State recently, billions of naira were released to the state few days to the state governorship election, an act seen by many stakeholders in the Nigerian pro-democracy family as monies intended for vote buying.

“Today, in Edo State, barely three days to the state governorship election, the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), under the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, and an APC member, found the wife of the APC governorship candidate, Idia Ize-Iyamu, as partner in “empowering” women in the state.

“How would the wife of a candidate in an election be partnering with the Federal Government, a few days before the election to “empower” Edo people? How do you defend it? That is a clear vote buying by proxy.

“Right now, desperate APC and PDP chieftains are engaging in a war of words over allegations and counter allegations of vote buying, which was never heard of in all the days of PDP’s electoral impunity.

“The CNPP, therefore, calls on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all security agencies to save Nigerian democracy by preventing all acts of vote buying before they occur.

“If Nigeria must survive in 2023, it’s about time President Muhammadu Buhari prevailed on INEC to do what is right to save Nigerian democracy from desperate politicians who see elections as do or die.

“No lover of Nigeria will stand while the APC and PDP continue to rape democracy in broad day light.

“The Judiciary has not lived up to the general expectations of Nigerians in deciding post-election disputes. However, most pre-elections matters have been dealt with fairly by the judicial arm of the government but more needs to be done in post-election matters to discourage electoral violence and vote buying”, the CNPP stated.

Alleged Libel: Tinubu Threatens To Sue Obaseki |The Source

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Adesina Soyooye

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September 16, 2020

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By Adesina Soyooye

If Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, loses the September 19 election, his first gift may not be a consoling one.

It would be a Court case.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, Lagos State chapter, says the party and its leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, would drag Obaseki to court for alleged libel against them.

In the heat of the campaign for the September 19 Governorship election, the APC, the PDP, and their supporters, have been throwing one allegation or the other at one another.

On Tuesday, the PDP and its candidate, Governor Godwin Obaseki, in response to a video message to the Edo electorate, by Tinubu, had alleged that Tinubu plans to buy the election with the sum of N300million.

In the video, which has since gone viral, Tinubu urged Edo people to rehect Obaseki for “not being a democrat.” Obaseki was not involved in the fight for democracy, he said. He also called him a dictator.

The video, however, earned Tinubu a strong rebuke from the Governor, and a former National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

Oyegun, a former two-time Governor of the state, urged the people to ignore any external influence, and vote their conscience. He reminded them that Obaseki suffered indignity, and was forced to leave the APC, because he stood by the people and protected their pride.

And, in a release titled:

You can’t extend your political empire to Edo, Obaseki told Tinubu Edo is not Lagos, and that it is not possible for him to extend his political empire to the state.

Speaking through Crusoe Osagie, his Special Adviser on Media, in a statement on Tuesday, Obaseki said Edo voters would end political godfatherism on September 19.

He said:

“Our attention has been drawn to a television broadcast in which a former Lagos State Governor and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his quest to extend his political dominance and empire to Edo State, decided to take over the role of Edo people to choose through the ballot who to govern them for the next four years.

“It has become obvious that the spirited fight which Edo people have put up against godfatherism has sent tremors beyond the shores of Edo to the likes of Tinubu who, has for years, sustained a stranglehold on Lagos and other states in South Western Nigeria, hence this desperate, last ditch effort to rescue the unproductive political instrument, now popularly referred to as godfatherism, with which he has feathered his nest and built his political empire at the expense of the people.

“Tinubu knows clearly that come September 19, when godfatherism would have been dismantled in Edo State, the people of Lagos may just have found the recipe and formula for removing the choke-hold placed on their collective destinies for decades by Tinubu, hence the inciting television broadcast.

“He should take note that Edo people do not yield their will, liberty and power of choice to oppressive figures because they are perceived to have economic and political means.

“Like one of the great sons of Edo, former Governor and former National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, recently said, our people do not give in to ‘primitive loyalties.’

“We always chase noble causes and a little study of our history, should show Tinubu the indomitable spirit of the Edo person.”

Earlier, both the PDP and Obaseki had alleged that Tinubu is allegedly planning to purchase the result with the sum of N300m.

But the APC Lagos, immediately jumped to Tinubu’s defence, saying it would sue Obaseki for alleged slander against Tinubu “once he loses the election, and subsequently, his immunity.”

Its Chairman, Alhaji Tunde Balogun, in a statement accused Obaseki of being the architect of his misfortune.

Balogun: “The latest untruth of the PDP and Obaseki is the evil lie that the All Progressives Congress, APC, and our National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, plan to rig the election, and buying votes with N300 million, allegedly polled from Local Councils in Lagos State.

“His allegation is a pure malicious lie, and after he loses his immunity as Governor, he will be asked to pay for this slander.”

The election has drawn attention from across Nigeria and the International Community because of the tension and violence it has, so far, generated.

Both candidates, on Tuesday, signed a peace agreement, initiated by the former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s Peace Committee, which has the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Mathew Kukah as a member.

But not many people believe the peace agreement would have any effect. Before this, the revered Oba of Benin, Ewuare 11, had held a meeting with both parties, and asked them to behave, and give peace a chance. They have, hardly, done that.

Edo: Secondus Says If Election Is Rigged, It May Be An End Of Election In Nigeria |The Source

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Akinwale Kasali

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September 16, 2020

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By Akinwale Kasali

Prince Uche Secondus, the National Chairman of opposition Party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has warned that Edo election may be the last held in the country should anyone rig it.

Secondus who gave the warning on Tuesday, September 15, 2020, in Benin at the campaign grand finale for the PDP governorship candidate, noted that “if security agencies fail to fulfill their promise of being non-partisan, Edo election may be the last in Nigeria.

“Security agencies have made promises. We want to see if they will fulfill their promises. If they fail to fulfill their promises, there might not be election again in Nigeria. It should be one man one vote.”

Seconds lamented that Nigeria’s democracy is sitting on a keg of gun powder because of rigging, and called on world powers to rein in election riggers in the country.

“I have a special message for the Federal Government. The Edo election is a special election, the entire world is interested in Edo election. The American government is putting everything in place to curb election rigging in Nigeria.

“Nigeria’s democracy is sitting on a keg of gunpowder because of rigging. Rigging must stop here in Edo, if not, it will be difficult to carry on election in Nigeria,” he said.

The PDP National Chairman called on the people of Edo to vote enmasse for Obaseki because of his sterling performance.

He also noted that the best punishment for APC and its leaders is to vote for the PDP.

“Punish APC, punish Oshiomhole by voting for Obaseki on Saturday,” he added.

Present at the rally were former Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 general elections, Peter Obi; Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum and Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal; Chairman, South-south Governors’ Forum and Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa; Governors Nyesom Wike, Seyi Makinde, Ben Ayade, Duoye Diri, Victor Ikpeazu, Udom Emmanuel of Rivers, Oyo, Cross-Rivers, Bayelsa, Abia, Akwa Ibom states respectively, among other dignitaries.

Also speaking at the PDP rally, Candidate of the PDP, Godwin Obaseki declared that with the support of Edo people and endorsements by over 100 groups in the state, he is certain of victory in Saturday’s gubernatorial election in the state.

According to Obaseki, “I don’t have anything to say to you my Edo people but to thank you; you have been wonderful especially as we went through the 192 wards to seek your support for reelection.

“We will win this election because, so far, over 100 groups have endorsed me for the race. With groups like the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Trade Union Congress (TUC) Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) and other groups in the state behind me, tell me how we will lose the election?”

Obaseki continued: “Democracy is not a government of godfathers but a government of the people, by the people and for the people. In Edo we have been fighting godfatherism and by Saturday we will put an end to it, and after that go Lagos and put an end to godfatherism in Nigeria.

“The godfather disturbing Nigeria came up this morning. He is afraid because he knows when we finish that of Edo, we will come for him in Lagos and finally end godfatherism in Nigeria”.

On his part, Tambuwal urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure the conduct of a free, fair and credible poll in the state.

He said: “I learnt they are coming to Edo with a bullion van; don’t sell your votes; vote and protect your votes.

“I am appealing to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a free, fair and credible election. I also want to appeal to all the security agencies not to intimidate anybody on election day. Even when you are being intimidated, don’t run home, stay back and protect your votes.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State in his remarks noted that, “this is the first time a governor went round from ward-to-ward to campaign. As you vote, remain vigilant and shine your eyes. No one can cheat the majority. Edo will not be left out; all South-south states are PDP, so we don’t want anybody to cheat on us.”

In his address, Chairman of the Edo State Governorship Campaign Council of the PDP, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State said, “If we must fight and put an end to godfatherism in Nigeria, it must start on Saturday in Edo State. The IGP has assured us of a secure election in Edo and the INEC Chairman has, also, assured Edo people of a free, fair and credible election but don’t let us go and sleep with all these promises but stay awake and be vigilant and ensure that Obaseki wins.

“Obaseki must be voted for, to bring an end to godfatherism in Nigeria. The Edo election is important as it will show the way out to eliminate godfatherism in Nigeria.”

The election holds on Saturday, September 19.

To discourage its being corrupted, the USA, to the applause of many, has barred some politicians, involved in the rigging of the 2019 Bayelsa and Kogi Governorship Elections from the US. It also extended that to those involved, so far, in the up-coming Edo and Ondo Governorship Elections.

The United Kingdom, also says it would not only bar election riggers from the UK, it would drag them to the International Court, as well as seize their assets.

Most Nigerians support the move, and have asked the European Union and Dubai to do the same.

Edo: Angry Oyegun Says Obaseki was Humiliated For Standing-up For Edo People; Warns Tinubu |The Source

By

Adesina Soyooye

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September 16, 2020

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By Adesina Soyooye

A disgusted and angry Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has told the people of Edo State that their Governor, Godwin Obaseki, was punished, and suffered indignity for daring to protect the pride and good of Edo people.

Oyegun was a two-time Governor of Edo State, and a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The respected retired Federal Permanent Secretary said he stands by what he had always said that Obaseki was treated very badly by the APC for defending his people, and standing for their pride.

Oyegun was forced to issue the statement for two reasons.

One, a statement credited to him, purportedly predicting victory for the candidate of the APC, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

Two, a viral video made by ACP chieftain, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, asking the Edo electorate to reject Obaseki on September 19, and vote Ize-Iyamu. In the video, Tinubu, also, installed himself as the leader of all democrats in Nigeria, irrespective of party affiliations.

But in a statement he personally signed, the former National Chairman of the APC, said he couldn’t have issued any statement as his stand on the scandalous humiliation of Obaseki has not changed.

Asking the eloctorate to vote their coscience, he reminded them that Obaseki suffered indignity and humiliation for standing-up for them and, therefore, couldn’t have issued such a statement. The statement, Oyegun said, could only have from a demented, criminal mind.

Oyegun, also, indirectly chided Tinubu, warning him not to dare meddle in Edo politics, or who becomes the Governor of Edo.

Oyegun: “I read with great consternation and disgust a statement purportedly issued by me on a so-called outcome of the gubernatorial election in Edo State.

“First let me state, emphatically, that at no time did I issue any statement, verbally or written, on the fortunes of the APC, or any other party in the imminent election.”

“The said statement which is making rounds in social media could only have originated from sick minds and desperate persons of criminal orientation.

“My views and statements on the Edo State political situation have been consistent.

“I strongly advised against the mistreatment of Governor Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki by the late unlamented National Working Committee, (NWC), of the APC, and his subsequent forced exit from the APC.

“Governor Obaseki stood bravely for the dignity and pride of his people, and in the process suffered unacceptable indignities.

“In the matter of who governs Edo State, the people are sovereign and no individual or group, whatever their status, can decide on their behalf.

“I stand with the people of Edo State and urge them to come out massively to exercise their democratic right!

“They should vote for good governance, common decency, principled leadership, especially in the political arena and the protection of their vital democratic rights.

“They should, by their votes, make clear that it is their right to choose their Governor and nobody else! There is no room for fence sitters.

“This is a special situation and primitive loyalties should, and must be set aside.

Remember Mr President’s admonition in an equally challenging pre-election situation in Imo State.

“Vote your conscience”. There will be peace on Saturday. Come out and vote your conscience.”

LASG Launches LAWMA Academy |The Source

By

Akinwale Kasali

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September 16, 2020

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By Akinwale Kcasali

The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to a cleaner and habitable Lagos by making sure the State achieves its goal of a megacity.

In attaining this feat, Governor Sanwo-Olu has launched the LAWMA Academy, the educational arm of Lagos Waste Management Authority, with the aim of promoting knowledge and awareness creation on effective waste management, especially among the younger generation of Lagosians.

The Governor, represented by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, noted that effective waste management played a pivotal role in ensuring cleaner and livable environment, hence the need for policies and programs to promote sustainable environment, and boost LAWMA’s capacity to perform its statutory duties.

He said: “As we all know, waste management plays an important role in ensuring a sustainable and healthy environment, which is why many nations and states expend huge resources on developing strategies to ensure clean environment through efficient, effective and sustainable waste management system. Lagos is certainly not different and that is one of the reasons why we are here today”.

Sanwo-Olu stated that it was gratifying for the state government to launch the LAWMA Academy, an initiative aimed at making Lagos a safer, cleaner place to live in, noting that only a safe environment, free of toxins and filth, could guarantee the good health of the citizens, improve productivity and enable them to operate at optimal level.

He said, “Our dream of course as a government is to make Lagos a 21st Century economy and a very smart State, but you will agree with me that this will be impossible, if we do not take the issue of waste management seriously and that’s why we must all commend the ministry of environment, management and staff of LAWMA for the good job they have been doing to keep Lagos clean, healthy and habitable for all us.”

He commended LAWMA for its unrelenting efforts in keeping Lagos clean and for the initiative, the first of its kind in this part of the world, adding that he had no doubt that the academy would impart attitudinal change, for proper and sustainable waste management in the State.

“It is heartwarming to know that LAWMA has not just been doing a good job in managing our waste in Lagos, but they have been doing this with steady improvement. An example is the collection and disposal capacity which we have raised from 433 trips per day in May 2020 and has gone to 720 trips per day, which is what they are currently doing”, the governor stated.

In her address, the First Lady of the State, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said that the event marked the beginning of another milestone for LAWMA, as the government launched various initiatives aimed at improving the environment.

She noted that the state was aware that quality education, proper engagement, adequate sensitization and monitoring, were critical to acceptability and conformity to laws and regulations in the waste management sector, which was why the state government and LAWMA continued to introduce various initiatives for improved and sustainable environment.

The First Lady noted that LAWMA Academy was critical at this time, as it would contribute immensely towards waste management education, with the aim of promoting literacy improvement, career development and advancement, grooming responsible citizens that were capable of changing the social order in waste management, adding that the initiative was designed to raise the next generation of solid waste management scholars and entrepreneurs.

She called on residents to champion the cause of cleanliness and effective waste management in the state, to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment, stressing that the act of indiscriminate waste disposal had hazardous consequences such as flooding, blockage of drains and traffic obstructions, among others.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello, noted that the LAWMA Academy was a laudable initiative, adding that the academy would create the right atmosphere to share experiences, and to groom the populace on effective waste management, especially the young ones.

Bello also said the launch of the Street Captains and Community Marshals initiatives were critical to curtailing indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the metropolis, urging residents to support efforts of the state government, to ensure that improper waste disposal became a thing of the past.

In his speech, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Ibrahim Odumboni, noted that LAWMA Academy would deploy innovative approach to impart knowledge of effective management of personal and corporate waste, thus entrenching best waste practices in society.

“LAWMA Academy is the educational arm of LAWMA instituted to educate the good citizens of Lagos State of all ages on the concept of proper waste management and also create career paths in the waste management sector”, he stated.

Odumboni said that people had over time perceived waste management as dirty job, done at dirty places, by dirty/downtrodden people and often for very poor wages, resulting in poor attitude towards the environment, a mindset which must change, to pave way for sustainable solid waste management.

“To attain a paradigm shift where waste is seen as a job for notable citizens of the State and as a resource rather than something that should be trashed, LAWMA is committed to deploying more interactive, educative and informative approaches in her transformational agenda”, he emphasized.

He commended the state government for the uncommon passion and commitment towards maintaining a cleaner and healthier environment, by supporting LAWMA’s various initiatives