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From Kano To Edo, Bye- Election Marred By Violence, Malfunctioning Of BVA Machine

By
Ayodele Oni
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INEC BVA

By Ayodele Oni

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to cancel the bye-election for Shanono/Bagwai Constituency and the rerun election for Ghari Constituency in Kano State over what it called widespread violence and disruption

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party said the elections were marred by “extreme violence and disruption by armed thugs across several polling units” in the affected areas.

According to Morka, “verifiable reports from Shanono and Bagwai Local Government Areas and Ghari constituency have voters fleeing polling areas, with deployed security personnel overwhelmed by the violence, making the prospects of a credible election impossible.”

He argued that allowing the exercise to continue would amount to endorsing electoral violence and undermining the integrity of the democratic process.

“Proceeding with the Shanono/Bagwai Kano State Constituency bye-election and Ghari rerun election in the atmosphere of utter brigandage and outright violent voter intimidation will be against democratic dictates of free, fair and peaceful election, and set a dangerous precedent for undesirable and unacceptable electoral heist.”

The party, therefore, urged the electoral body to “immediately cancel” the bye-election and rerun “to protect the sanctity of the ballot” and safeguard the country’s democracy.

Kano state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Audu Zago in another report, confirmed that over 100 suspected political thugs arrested at bye- election at Bagwai local government area of the state will be prosecuted in accordance with the rule and regulations guiding the election.

“More than 100 political thugs have been arrested. The police have confirmed this. The process is continuing and you have seen for yourself. Those political thugs arrested will be prosecuted,” he added.

He however, noted that the election was peaceful and commended the security personnel for providing adequate security of live and property. I am very impressed by the security arrangements here in Bagwsi town,” the REC said.

In Edo state, Governor Monday Okpebholo  expressed concerns over the slow performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in the bye -election in Edo Central Senatorial District.

Okpebholo said this while casting his vote at Ward 2 Polling Unit 1 in Udomi Primary School in Esan Central Local Government.

Speaking with journalists shortly after casting his vote, Okpebholo said that although the exercise was peaceful, the BVAS machines deployed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were causing unnecessary delay

Seized Funds For Payment Of Party Agents, Workers, Not Vote-buying,  Kaduna PDP

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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By Election in Kaduna

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kaduna State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has rejected claims that the money seized from one of its chieftains was allegedly for vote-buying purposes.

The Source reports that the Kaduna Police Command had earlier, on Saturday, August 16, 2025, announced the apprehension of one Shehu Aliyu  Pantangi and a recovery of about N25 .9 million from him, suspected to be for the manipulation of the State and National Assemblies By-elections in the State.

According to a statement by DSP Mansir Hassan, the spokesperson for the Kaduna State Police Command, Pantingi was arrested at a hotel along Turunku road in Kaduna, from where he was allegedly coordinating the vote -buying largese.

The Police claimed the  suspect, during interrogation, admitted that the seized money was for the purpose of influencing the By-elections.

But in an interactive session with the Media on Saturday, the Kaduna State PDP Chairman, Edward Percy Masha, insisted that the seized money was purely for election logistics, including payment of party agents and other party officials involved in the election.

The PDP Chairman while describing the allegation of vote-buying as false, malicious and politically motivated, accused its main rival, the All Progressive Congress, APC, of being behind the false alarm.

He emphasized that every party involved in an election sets apart some money for  logistics, noting that the money being branded was meant for vote-buying was the funds voted for PDP agents and other officials during the by-elections.

According to him, over 5000 PDP agents and other officials were deployed across the Constituencies involved in the by-elections, with the now seized  N30 million representing their stipends.

” Let me, at this point, make it clear that the money was for election logistics. We have 169 wards, and if you multiply the number of agents, supervisors, and collation officers by their allowances, you will arrive at well over N30 million.

“That is the reality. To now turn around and say it was for vote-buying is mischievous and insult to the intelligence of Nigerians”, Masha stated.

This is as he pointedly accused the APC of using state apparatus, including security agencies, to hound and intimidate opposition parties.

The PDP Chairman regretted that the Party has been targeted in recent times by security agencies for molestation and intimidation at the instance of the ruling party APC.

He described the clampdown on the PDP as a clear sign of desperation on the part of the APC, having been rejected by overwhelming majority of Nigerians owing to the despondent state that it has plunged the country.

Finally, WHO Approves Injection Against  HIV

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Lenacapavir (LEN) - HIV Injection

By Akinwale Kasali

“It’s a game-changer” -Experts

In a bid to curtail the spread of Human Immuno Virus, HIV, the World Health Organisation, WHO, has approved an Injection.

Experts have named this as a game-changer in the global fight against HIV.

WHO has formally endorsed lenacapavir (LEN) — a long-acting injection that only needs to be taken twice a year — as a new pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) option.

The landmark announcement of a preventive injection was made in Kigali, Rwanda, at the 13th International AIDS Society Conference (IAS 2025), and is being hailed as a major breakthrough for millions of people at high risk of HIV infection.

Lenacapavir is the first PrEP product in the world to offer Six-month protection against HIV with a single injection, giving people a powerful alternative to the daily oral pills that many struggle to take consistently due to stigma, forgetfulness or poor access to health facilities.

The move towards this long term injection comes at a time when HIV remains a stubborn global threat, with 1.3 million new infections recorded in 2024 — most of them among key populations such as sex workers, men who have sex with men, transgender people, injecting drug users and adolescents.

To ensure faster access to the injection , WHO has also rolled out a simplified HIV testing protocol using rapid test kits — removing laboratory barriers and making it easier for pharmacies, community clinics and even tele-health platforms to deliver long-acting PrEP.

With this decision, lenacapavir joins daily oral PrEP, injectable cabotegravir and the dapivirine vaginal ring on the growing list of WHO-recommended prevention tools. Although lenacapavir access is still limited outside clinical trials, the WHO says governments and donors must move quickly to add the injection to their national HIV response and collect real-time data on uptake and impact.

In addition, new WHO treatment guidelines now recommend long-acting cabotegravir/rilpivirine (CAB/RPV) injections for people living with HIV who have achieved viral suppression, giving them more flexibility and support with adherence.

Beyond PrEP and treatment, the agency has also issued new service delivery guidance, urging countries to integrate HIV care with hypertension, diabetes and mental health services. Updated STI guidelines now recommend routine gonorrhoea and chlamydia screening for high-risk groups, while people with mpox and HIV are advised to start antiretroviral therapy immediately.

With 40.8 million people still living with HIV and 630,000 deaths in 2024, WHO warned that declining global funding threatens to roll back hard-won gains. Its message out of Kigali is blunt:

“We now have the tools. What we need is bold implementation.”

Kano Crash: FRSC Confirms 12 Dead, Says Accident Avoidable

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Kano accident at Samawa Community

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The authorities of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Kano State, have blamed the fatal road mishap that occurred in Samawa Community of Garum Malam Local Council of Kano State, on human errors and recklessness.

The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, in a postmortem of the tragic incident on Saturday August 16, also described it as avoidable.

The Source reports that no fewer than 12 persons have been confirmed dead as a result of the crash which involved a DAF long truck within the Garum Malam axis of the ever busy Kano/Zaria Expressway on Friday August 15.

According to a statement from the spokesperson for the FRSC, Olusegun Ogungbemide, the ill-fated truck was laden with both passengers and goods.

While condemning the seemingly in-vogue practice of carrying both passengers and goods by heavy duty trucks, the Commission  sued for urgent action to prevent further avoidable loss of lives through human recklessness.

He warned against the habit of loading both passengers and goods together, and noted that the Commission will no longer sit by and watch as human lives are wasted.

He called on operators to urgently phase out what he termed “old and mechanically unsafe vehicles from their fleet.

Mohammed emphasized the need for motorists to refrain from the highly dangerous practice of loading goods, animals and human beings together in same vehicle.

Further indulgence in such unwholesome practice, according to him, will attract maximum penalty from the FRSC.

“The recurring loss of lives from preventable crashes underscores the urgent need for haulage companies to adopt modern fleet renewal practices and adhere to safety regulations”, the FRSC Corps Marshal stated.

” Preliminary investigations revealed that the cab hook of the trailer broke, detaching the cab from the trailer, and causing a total loss of control.

“Of the 19 individuals involved, 12 died at the scene, five sustained injuries, and two were rescued unhurt” the FRSC noted .

According to Ogungbemide, while the remains of the dead victims have been deposited at the Nasarawa General Hospital in Kano, the injured are presently receiving medical attention at the Kura General Hospital, close to the scene of the accident.

Juju Gospel Singer, Ayefele Counts Loses Over Fire At His Radio Station

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Yinka Ayefele Radio Station

By Akinwale Kasali

Yinka Ayefele, Juju-Gospel Maestro is counting his loses, following a mysterious inferno that gutted his two Radio Station, Fresh 105.9 FM and Blast 98.3 FM.

The Radio Stations popular as the ‘Music House’ in the Challenge Area of Ibadan, Oyo State Capital, was gutted by fire on Friday night.

Though, the Fire was eventually put off by Fire Fighters, it had already caused significant damage, and destroyed properties worth billions of Naira, according to the Management of the Radio Stations.

Samson Akindele, Group Head of Corporate Affairs of Fresh FM Nigeria and Yinka Ayefele Limited, confirmed the sad incident in a press statement issued in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. He declared that the cause of the inferno was yet unknown.

Akindele said the studios of Fresh 105.9 and Blast 98.3 “were badly burnt”, alongside proximal offices like the newsroom, the transmitter/server room and several equipment burnt to ashes.

Announcing Friday’s fire disaster, Akindele said: “We are sad to inform the general public that the Head Office of Fresh FM Nigeria, Challenge – Ibadan was razed by a devastating fire incident this evening, August 15, 2025.

“In the ensuing mishap, the studios of Fresh 105.9 and Blast 98.3 were badly burnt, with proximal offices like the newsroom, the transmitter/server room and several equipment that got razed during active operations.

“All efforts to fight the fire, before the arrival of the professional fire fighters, with our in-house fire extinguishers proved abortive because of the strength of the inferno.

“We can’t immediately quantify the extent of the damage caused by the devastating inferno, the cause of which is also yet to be ascertained presently.

“We heartily appreciate everyone, good-spirited Nigerians, who joined us in fighting the inferno.

“From the residents around our studio complex who were the first responders to passersby and the officials of the Oyo Fire Service, we appreciate everyone for their assistance during the emergency.”

It would be recalled that seven years ago, precisely August 19, 2018, bulldozers of the Oyo State Government roared and brought down a part of Yinka Ayefele’s Music House for alleged contravention of the State’s Property Laws.

This led to public outcry from Nigerians, stakeholders, the Nigeria Media and sympathizers who queried the rationale behind the demolition, which many said was mere witch hunt and jealousy from Ayefele’s contemporaries in the media and entertainment industry.

The Governor of Oyo State then, Late Abiola Ajimobi denied knowledge of the demolition order, and his administration helped the musician rebuild the property.

“Forgive Us, Politicians Misled Nigerians” – Northern Group Begs Jonathan

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Goodluck Jonathan
Dr. Goodluck Jonathan:

By Akinwale Kasali

A North Eastern Group under the aegis of “Bring Back Our Goodluck” has urged  former President Goodluck Jonathan to forgive them over past allegations linking him to the sponsorship of terrorism in the region.

The Group stated that they were deceived by a former United States President and some desperate Nigerian politicians, who portrayed Jonathan in bad light to them.

At a press conference in Maiduguri on Friday, the Group ’s National President, Grema Kyari, described the allegations as “lies” and insisted they were part of a grand strategy to remove Jonathan from office in 2015.

Kyari admitted he was among those who once believed the claims, stating that the group now recognises the accusations as false and politically motivated.

“I come before you not only as the National Chairman of “Bring Back Our Goodluck” but as a witness to history and as a Nigerian who, like millions of others, was once misled. I am from Borno State, one of the epicentres of the Boko Haram insurgency. During the Presidency of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, a damaging narrative was that he sponsored Boko Haram and used the military to suppress us. These lies thrived in an environment of limited and restricted access to truth,” he said.

The Group tendered a “heartfelt public apology” to the former President, declaring that with broader exposure and clearer understanding, they now know the allegations were baseless.

“We now recognise that he was a leader of integrity, compassion, and national vision. We now believe that President Jonathan was removed from office in 2015 as a result of regime change orchestrated by foreign powers in connivance with some desperate politicians in Nigeria,” Kyari added.

Highlighting Jonathan’s legacy, the group hailed him as a democrat who put the nation first.

“In 2015, President Jonathan made history by conceding defeat even before the final election results were declared. He called then-General Muhammadu Buhari to congratulate him, a courageous and selfless act that prevented post-election violence and safeguarded our democracy,” Kyari said.

He also pointed to Jonathan’s defence of Nigeria’s cultural values, recalling how the ex-President signed the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act into law in January 2014 despite international pressure. According to him, the move safeguarded the country’s moral values, in contrast to the recently signed Samoa Agreement, which he claimed undermines them.

Kyari further argued that Jonathan’s administration showed humility when it partially reversed the 2012 fuel subsidy removal following nationwide protests, unlike the current government’s abrupt removal, which has caused widespread hardship.

He added that Jonathan’s appointments were based on merit and competence, not tribal or political favouritism.

“He sought to unite rather than divide, a quality Nigeria desperately needs today,” Kyari stressed.

Calling for Jonathan’s return to politics, the group urged him to contest the 2027 presidential elections.

“On behalf of “Bring Back Our Goodluck”, I call on all well-meaning Nigerians, from the North to the South, East to West, to join hands in urging Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR, to once again answer the call of history. And in this moment of economic crisis, he deserves another chance to lead,” Kyari declared.

Health: Ondo Gov Aiyedatiwa Inaugurates Third Oxygen Plant

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ondo State Oxyegen Plant

By Ayodele Oni

An international health interventionist agency, Global Fund, in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Health and National Agency for the Control of AIDS, has constructed a Pressure Swing Absorption Oxygen Plant in Akure, Ondo state capital.

Facilities at the Oxygen Plant include Oxygen Concentrator, Air Compressor, Air Dryer, Booster Compressor, Oxygen Tank, Air Tank, Voltage Stabiliser and power generator.

The Inauguration of the Akure facility brings to three the number of such in the state with one in Okitipupa, serving the southern senatorial district and another in Owo for the northern district.

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, while inaugurating the plant, described the development as a great relief, noting that the project would go a long way in complimenting the efforts of his administration towards enhancing healthcare services in the state.

The governor represented by Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Fasoranti, assured that the facility would be protected and secured, commending the strides President Bola Tinubu is recording in the health sector across the country.

Aiyedatiwa stated that in less than six months of his administration, the health sector has begun to witness a turnaround as an upgrade of health facilities is in progress across the state, while employment of professionals is being carried out in all cadres.

He urged the Chief Medical Director of the State Specialist Hospital at Oke-Aro to put in place safety precautions to ensure that safety of staff is prioritised.

The Special Adviser to Governor on Health, Simidele Odimayo said the signing of Memorandum of Understanding, (MoU), to transform the Federal Medical Centre in Owo into a Teaching Hospital would be signed before the end of the month.

This, he said would bring to three the number of Teaching Hospitals in the state.

While disclosing plans to enhance emergency medical services, Odimayo said emergency and ambulance services would be enhanced to accommodate private sector participation.

In his comments, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka also highlighted the various interventions of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the health sector, noting that people used to get Oxygen in Lagos before the construction of the plants in Okitipupa, Owo and now Akure.

Ajaka also appreciated the federal government as well as Global Fund for the collaboration and charged officials to make judicious use of the facility.

Bye Election: Police Foil Voters’ Inducement In Kaduna, Arrest Suspect

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
By Election in Kaduna

By Ayodele Oni

As the bye- election to fill vacant positions in National and State Assemblies is ongoing in some states, security agents in Kaduna swooped on a hotel in the state capital, where a man was caught in the early hours of Saturday with a sack filled with bundles of cash believed to be intended for vote buying ahead of the Bye-elections.

The suspect, identified as Shehu Aliyu Patangi, was picked up at about 3:30 a.m. from a popular hotel on Turunku Road in Kaduna metropolis. He was found with ₦25,963,000 in cash, according to the Police.

A preliminary inquiry, officials say, suggests that the money was meant to induce voters in order to skew the outcome of the elections.

Police claimed that: “He confessed to the crime and begged for mercy,” said DSP Mansir Hassan, the spokesman for the Kaduna State Police Command.

“The said amount was believed to have been earmarked for bribing voters.”

The Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, vowed that the authorities would not tolerate any attempt to undermine the polls.

“Anyone found attempting to subvert the electoral process through vote buying, thuggery, violence, or any other illegal conduct will face the full wrath of the law,” he warned.

The police also issued a broader caution to political actors, urging them and their supporters to shun violence.

Reports, claimed that plan by unnamed politicians to trigger unrest during the voting exercise.

Security personnel have been stationed at polling units, collation centres and identified flashpoints.

“The command will deal decisively with troublemakers,” the statement continued. “Anyone, no matter how highly placed, who engages in violence, intimidation, vote buying or thuggery will be arrested and prosecuted.”

Residents were urged to go about the elections without fear, with assurances of security before, during and after the vote.

Insecurity: Ondo LG Floats Own Security Outfit

By
Ayodele Oni
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Owo LG Floats Own Security Outfit

By Ayodele Oni

Following escalating insecurity, Owo local government in Ondo state has floated a security outfit to tackle incessant kidnappings and terrorists attacks.

Already, the first set of the personnel, numbering 150 are currently undergoing training, being coordinated by the Ondo state Police Command.

The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, Adebowale Lawal, has visited the trainees to assess their preparedness for the task.

The newly formed Owo Security Network, an initiative of Omolayo Tope, Chairman, Owo Local Government Council, will complement efforts of the police, other security agents in tackling insecurity in the area.

Spokesman of Ondo police command, Olusola Ayanlade who shed light on the new outfit, explained that “The security network, comprising men and women drawn from the local communities, is currently undergoing specialized training by the Nigeria Police Force, Ondo State Command.

“The initiative aims to complement the efforts of the police in ensuring effective and efficient service delivery in the protection of lives and property.

“A total of 150 operatives, constituting the first batch of trainees, are being prepared for their new role as vigilante operatives. Two additional batches, expected to number between 150 and 200 operatives each, will subsequently undergo the same training.

“Upon completion, all operatives will operate in close collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force to enhance security across Owo Local Government.

“In addition to their overt security duties, the operatives will also work covertly to gather and provide timely, accurate, and actionable intelligence to the police, thereby strengthening the Command’s capacity to prevent and respond swiftly to security threats.

“As the ember months approach — a period often associated with increased criminal activities nationwide — the Ondo State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Lawal, is proactively emplacing robust security measures to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

“This targeted training of both state and non-state actors is part of the Command’s comprehensive strategy to ensure a peaceful, crime-free season across the state.

“The Commissioner assured that the Command will provide continuous training and capacity building for the operatives, noting that the protection of the rights and freedoms of all citizens remains paramount in all security operations.

“This pioneering programme further affirms the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment — under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM — to community policing, engagement, and partnership.

“It also aligns with the IGP’s vision and mission statement, which emphasizes people-centered policing, transparency, adherence to the rule of law, and enhanced community participation in security.”

In his remarks, CP Lawal expressed profound appreciation to the IGP for his continuous support to the Command and for championing the cause of community policing nationwide.

The CP commended the vision behind the Owo Security Network and tasked other local governments within the state to embrace such initiatives, noting that security is a collective responsibility that requires all stakeholders to work in synergy.

He further encouraged the operatives to discharge their duties diligently, remain law-abiding, act strictly within the provisions of the law, and recognize that their role — both in visible patrols and discreet intelligence gathering — will be critical to safeguarding the community, especially during the ember months.

The Chairman of Owo Local Government, Omolayo Tope, pledged the council’s continued cooperation with the police and other security agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in Owo Local Government Area.

Oloto Of Oto:  Do Not Sell The Land

By
The Source
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0
Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju

By Tajudeen Olanrewaju (Major General rtd)

“Arising from the humongous piece of land purchased by Zenco, the video of which went viral, and now,  this!”

I have a lot of respect for our traditional rulers as the custodian of our culture, tradition and values. But I am beginning to wonder if some of our traditional rulers are actually protecting the Lagosian heritage. The case at  hand  here is the reported sale of Otumara land at Costain to an Igbo developer by the present Oloto of Oto Oba Muh’ Bashir Abisoye Odesanya, Arokunsha 11.

Over 6,000 square meters of prime lagoon front of expansive family estate has been  hastily disposed off without regard to our norms, indifferent to our heritage and the long term impact of displacement and ethnic cleansing this insidious action may inflict on  generations yet unborn. I don’t want to believe this potential sacrilege.

I write as a Prince of Lagos, as one who  treasures the blood and the bond of our ancestors who protected our heritage with vigor and defiance against the colonial power from usurping our lands which define who we are.

If the late Oluwa of Lagos had succumbed to the British over-reach in their attempt to usurp our traditional land  holding system in 1862 after the illegal cession of Lagos, will the Oloto have anything to sell now ? Why is it that some of our traditional rulers easily forget the sweat , the painstaking challenges, the sufferings  that our ancestors confronted in our earliest beginnings  in the struggle to protect our identity ?

I have not forgotten. We have not forgotten.

As one who has reached the highest height of power in this country as a member of the former Provisional Ruling Council, as a former  GOC, former Communications Minister and effectively number 3 in command, I believe  I can come out firmly that I understand this country far better than the Oloto and I appreciate the importance  of  protecting what belongs to us.

We cannot fritter our hard earned cultural identity on the platter of temporary monetary gains. On behalf of all Omo Eko Pataki  I am asking the Oloto to cancel forthwith the illegal sale of the Oloto family land to the trespassing Igbo developer and return his money immediately.

Lagos is not for sale. We  are already under pressure everywhere as these migrants by stealth and deceit acquire innumerable properties across our homeland.

Is the Oloto aiding and abetting this outrageous erosion of our heritage? Is he happy with  the daily displacement of Lagosians from their family holdings as shylock Igbo developers rampage our homeland with filthy lucre ? Oloto, please return their money and let your family members plan the proper usage of that important traditional property. It must remain within the control and purview of the Oloto extended family use.

Lagos state is already undergoing outright conquest in  population, politics, power struggle, investment engagement, and displacement in land space.  Pray, Is the Oloto encouraging the gradual and relentless expansionistic tendencies of non-indigenous people against the interest of the Lagosian natives ?

Does he treasure transient monetary advantages over the irreplaceable savaging of  our heritage ? I hope not.

Again, Oloto, please return their money and let our people breathe. We are already suffocated and barely thriving. Do not sell the land.

Major -General Tajudeen Olanrewaju

Former GOC, Third Armored Division

Former Minister of Communication

Former member of the defunct Provisional Ruling Council.*Former member of the defunct Federal Executive Council Trustee DE RENAISSANCE Patriots Heritage Foundation- Lagos State

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