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PDP Continues Its Slow Death, Expels Odefa, National Vice Chairman SE

December 19, 2024

Ali Odefa - PDP South East National Vice Chairman

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Peoples Democratic Party PDP, Ebonyi Chapter, has finally expelled, the South East National Vice Chairman of the party, Ali Odefa.

The Source reports that, the embattled PDP Odefa was, on September 11, 2024, first suspended by his Oguduokwor Ward in Aniocha local Council of Ebonyi State.

The ward executives had cited gross anti-party activities as a major reason for the disciplinary action.

However, Odefa and his loyalists’ attempt at seeking a legal remedy worsened his plight when an Abakaliki Federal High Court endorsed his suspension on November 29, 2024.

The Court’s affirmation of the decision of his ward executives, was to lead to his final expulsion announced on Wednesday December, 2024.

According to the Acting Chairman of the Oguduokwor Ward PDP, Onyeka Herbert Ovuta, Odefa’s expulsion was sequel to the recommendation of a Disciplinary Committee of the party

At a media briefing, Ovuta informed that the committee based on its findings, confirmed all the allegations against the erstwhile National Vice Chairman, including that bordering on anti-party activities.

The Ward Chairman noted that going by the new development, Odefa, is no longer a member of the PDP.

“The Peoples Democratic Party ,PDP, Oguduokowor Ward, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State,hereby announce the expulsion of Chief Ali Odefa, the suspended National Vice Chairman of the PDP, South East Zone from the Party with immediate effect.

“The expulsion of Chief Ali Odefa, followed the findings and recommendations of the Ward Disciplinary Committee of the party which is in line with the provisions of the party’s constitution.

“Recall that Chief Odefa was suspended from the party by the Ward leadership on 11th September 2024.

“Consequent upon the Judgment of the Federal High Court, Abakaliki, in suit number FHC/AI/CS/182/2024 which affirmed the suspension of Chief Ali Odefa, the Disciplinary Committee of PDP, Oguduokwor Ward, after their sittings on the above subject matter, unanimously recommended. that Chief Ali Odefa, the suspended PDP National Vice Chairman South East Zone, be expelled from the party.

“The Executive Committee of PDP Oguduokwor, Ward on 11th December 2024 after receiving the report findings and recommendations of the Disciplinary Committee, of PDP Oguduokwor Ward unanimously approved the expulsion of Chief Ali Odefa from the party which is in compliance with section 58,(1) and section 59(1) of the PDP constitution”, part of the PDP statement reads.

It is not known yet if the National body of the Party will endorse the expulsion or not. But the PDP has been on a self-destruction journey for two years, almost. The party which prided itself as the largest political Party in Africa has been embroiled in one crisis or the order and has gradually embarked on burying itself.

Ondo: Amotekun Returns House To Landlady Ejected For Six Months By Suspected Herders

Ayodele Oni

December 18, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Amotekun security corps in Ondo state has arrested some herders that forcefully ejected a landlady from her house and occupied the property.

State commandant of the corps, Adetunji Adeleye disclosed in Akure on Wednesday that the herders occupied the building for six months, using it as a grazing and resting ground for over a thousand cows.

Briefing newsmen on recent activities, the commandant explained that “In a particularly distressing case in the Central Senatorial District, herders allegedly drove a homeowner out of her property, warning her not to return under threat of death.

“Despite multiple appeals to vacate the premises, the herders refused to leave, forcing the homeowner to abandon her property.

“Acting on credible intelligence, Amotekun operatives conducted a dawn raid, finding cows grazing and resting in the woman’s sitting room and bedroom. One herder, identified as Umoru, was arrested, and several cows were confiscated.

“We have ensured that the house is now free from illegal occupation, and the rightful owner can return to live peacefully without fear,” the Commander assured.

The corps, in a bid to enforce the anti-open grazing law and address rising crime in Ondo State, also apprehended seven suspects linked to various offences, including farmers-herders clashes, burglary, car theft, and motorcycle dismantling.

He also urged residents to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies, particularly as the festive season approaches, to prevent lawlessness and ensure public safety.

The Commander disclosed that two individuals were apprehended for infringing on the anti-open grazing law, with one incident in the Northern Senatorial District and another in the Central District.

“We want to place it on record that in recent times, there has been an increase in the destruction of farms by herders, which has led to tension between farmers and herders.

“On a broader note, the Amotekun Corps has been engaging the Miyetti Allah leadership to educate herders on peaceful grazing practices to prevent further clashes with farmers.

“However, enforcement of the anti-open grazing law remains a priority as the Corps intensify efforts to protect farmers’ livelihoods.”

On cases of theft, the Commander detailed the activities of a car theft syndicate dismantled by the Corps.

“The group, led by a kingpin named Hassan, used locally fabricated master keys to steal vehicles. Their modus operandi involved parking stolen cars at clubs or recreational centres to avoid detection by law enforcement. Hassan was arrested after attempting to steal a Toyota Hilux in Ore.

“Security guards raised the alarm, leading to a coordinated operation by Amotekun operatives. Though Hassan initially escaped, he was eventually captured after the area was cordoned off.”

The Corps also arrested a suspect, Rabi Waliu, who specialises in dismantling stolen motorcycles.

“Waliu’s gang reportedly attacks motorcycle riders with heavy objects, dispossessing them of their bikes before dismantling them overnight.

“Two other suspects were apprehended for stealing vehicle batteries, tyres, and brain boxes from parked cars, particularly at mechanical workshops. Another suspect, Samuel, was arrested for stealing two air conditioners from a residential property.

The Commander praised the role of actionable intelligence in the success of these operations. “We were able to apprehend these criminals because of timely information from the public.”

Among those paraded were Ibrahim, 25, arrested in Isua Akoko for violating the anti-open grazing law; Bulude, apprehended in Ijigba, Akure, for burglary; and Hassan, the notorious car theft kingpin.

Others were Waliu, the motorcycle thief; two suspects involved in stealing vehicle parts; and Samuel, who stole air conditioners.

Stampede At Ibadan Fun Spot: Unspecified Number Of Children Feared Dead

Ayodele Oni

December 18, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Unspecified number of persons, mainly children have been confirmed dead as a result of an early morning tragedy at a fun spot in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Wednesday.

The tragedy occurred at a fun spot organized by a local radio station at Islamic High School Bashorun, Ibadan.

Report claimed that a large number of children had gathered at the spot for the annual Yuletide rendevoux held by most radio stations before there was a stampede.

A quick response by the state government has reduced the number of casualties.

The government said it mourned “the tragic loss of lives at a children’s carnival in Ibadan.”

According to a statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, “a stampede occurred at the private children’s fun fair held at Basorun Islamic High School, leading to loss of lives, mostly children, with some others injured in the early hours of today.”

Oyelade added that the state government swiftly mobilized a rapid response team immediately it heard about the incident.

The commissioner noted that victims had been swiftly transported to various hospitals within the Ibadan metropolis for medical attention.

While appreciating the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, for immediately activating all available response teams to assist at the scene of the incident, Oyelade, said government would do “all in its power to stand by victims of the fateful incident through this trying period.

“The state government was not involved in any of the planning; neither was the Ministry of Health requested to provide any logistics to support the private children’s end-of-the-year funfair.”

The commissioner emphasized the importance of proper coordination when organizing events of such magnitude, especially those involving children and elders.

He indicated that government is currently awaiting a detailed report from the Commissioner of Police to clarify “the total number of victims involved in this unfortunate incident.”

The commissioner announced that parents who were concerned about the whereabouts of their children are urged to check the following medical facilities in Ibadan where children affected were taken for proper medical attention with valid means of identification: Patnas Hospital, Basorun; Western Hospital, Basorun; Ringroad State Hospital; Molly Specialist Hospital; and University College Hospital (UCH).

Security, Infrastructure, Health, Education Get Higher Allocations In 2025 FG Budget Proposal

Ayodele Oni

December 18, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu highlighted significant allocations for key sectors, including security and defence, infrastructure, health, and education in his budget presentation to amount session of the national assembly on Wednesday.

In the N47.9 trillion, budget proposal, President Tinubu named security and defence, infrastructure, health, and education among the key sectors.

The allocations include N4.91 trillion for defence and security, N4.06 trillion for infrastructure, N2.4 trillion for health, and N3.52 trillion for education, among others.

The President emphasized that food security is a top priority, assuring that the government is committed to ensuring that Nigerians have access to food and do not go to bed hungry.

“Our budgetary allocations underscore this administration’s strategic priorities, particularly in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda and achieving its developmental objectives.

“As we embark on implementing the 2025 Budget, our steps are deliberate, our decisions resolute, and our priorities are clear. This budget reflects a renewed commitment to strengthening the foundation of a robust economy, while addressing critical sectors essential for the growth and development we envision.

“Security is the foundation of all progress. We have significantly increased funding for the military, paramilitary, and police forces to secure the nation, protect our borders, and consolidate government control over every inch of our national territory.

“The government will continue to provide our security forces with the modern tools and technology they need to keep us safe. Boosting the morale of our men and women in the armed forces will remain our government’s top priority.”

Tinubu was joined at the presentation by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other senior government officials.

The budget presentation, originally scheduled for Tuesday, was postponed to Wednesday following a meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the Presidential Villa.

2025 Budget Can’t Be Passed By End Of The Year- Sen Izunaso

James Orji

December 18, 2024

Senator Osita Izunaso representing Imo state in the National Assembly has hinted that the 2025 Budget may not be passed by the end of the year.

The senator, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Capital Markets and Institutions made this revelations today in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently at the NASS to present the 2025 Financial estimates before the joint session of the Assembly.

The magazine had earlier reported that the presidency shifted the presentation to Wednesday, December 18 from December 17. 2024 citing the need to make necessary adjustments.

Speaking today, Izunaso said the budget came late to the NASS which makes it impossible for it to be passed before the end of the year.

The Source magazine reports that the president is presenting a budget of N48 trillion before the NASS.

The senator said, “The budget is coming late. Today is December 18, so we will lose that culture of beginning a new year with a new budget. Nevertheless, the budget has a lifespan of 12 months.

“So whenever we pass it, it will have a lifespan of 12 months. Even after 12 months, we still have the liberty to extend it. In fact, we are extending the 2024 budget today.

“But that culture of starting on the 1st of January, we have lost it. The executive ought to have brought this budget way before now. But I believe that maybe they are putting things together.

“They wouldn’t want to delay deliberately bringing the budget to the National Assembly. So I’m saying that that is not a problem, but we have lost that culture.”

Critics of the administration however insist that the development is a clear departure from the NASS tradition to pass the budget before the end of the year.

NASS had in 2020 passed a resolution mandating the Executive to comply with the January to December budget cycle.

Biafra Agitators Are ‘Organised Criminals’- Soludo

James Orji

December 18, 2024

Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra state have accused secessionists groups in the south east of criminality, saying those agitating for a separate country from Nigerians are now doing so for pecuniary gains.

Prof. Soludo made the remark on Tuesday while speaking to journalists at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia.

According to the state’s helmsman, these criminals have become turn-coats from genuine agitators like Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB because they are now driven by financial greed, which they do by kidnapping people for ransom, and other criminal acts.

He warned that the release of Kanu will not solve the problem of insecurity in the region because the secessionist struggle have been hijacked by these elements who activities have continued to fuel organised crime in the region.

The governor described the agitators as opportunists who hide under IPOB by engaging in crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, and idolatry, amongst others. Soludo lashed out at them saying they are engaged in ‘lucrative criminality”.

“The so-called agitators have transformed into organised criminal gangs,” Soludo said. “They hide in forests, kidnapping innocent citizens for ransom, and they justify their atrocities under the pretext of Biafra. Let us be clear—this has nothing to do with any liberation movement. Criminality has taken on a life of its own. These people have tasted blood, and now, money is their motivation.

“Kanu and IPOB have repeatedly dissociated themselves from these criminals,” Soludo explained. “Even if Nnamdi Kanu is released today, I’m not sure they would listen to him because what they now pursue is wealth, not liberation. They have become enemies of the people they claim to protect. Who are they fighting for when they kidnap and kill their own people?”

The governor accused some people of aiding the criminals saying “They are our brothers, cousins, and neighbors,” noting that it will be impossible for the government to fight the criminals while they are being aided by some unscrupulous individuals in the region.

He said, “It’s unfortunate that in some communities, people contribute food to sustain these criminals hiding in the forests. How do you fight insecurity when people see criminals as heroes and the police as the enemy?”

He also called for a concerted efforts among residents and government to combat the menace of insecurity in the region, calling on the agitators to surrender, adding that the government is adopting both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to stamp out the criminals from the state.

Soludo said, “We are intensifying our security measures with both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches. We have trained forest guards to work with vigilantes and LG authorities to reclaim our forests. I call on these criminals to embrace our amnesty window, which remains open until the end of February.

Calling for collective action, Soludo urged religious leaders, traditional rulers, and

“Insecurity is a monster that must be confronted collectively. If you see something, say something. Anambra will no longer be a haven for criminals masquerading as freedom fighters.”

Security experts insist that the problem of insecurity in the region has seriously nosedived following the arrest of Simon Ekpa, the Finland-based leader of the militant faction of IPOB by the Finnish authority last month.

Ekpa’s trial , according to the country’s authority which accused him and other accomplices of International terrorism and terrorism financing, will begin in June next year.

Nigeria’s Kidnappers N2trn Richer, As Victims Count Loses

James Orji

December 18, 2024

Kidnappers in the country have raked in a whopping N2. 2 trillion from their victims within one year, raising concerns among Nigerians, of the thriving evil business of abducting people for money.

According to a report by the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, kidnappers received the sum form their victims between May 2023 and April 2024. The agency however disclosed that most of the abductions were carried out in the nation’s rural areas.

The NBS report, released on Tuesday, also listed, region by region basis the level of exposure to kidnapping within the period.

The agency revealed that more than half of the households that experienced kidnapping paid ransoms to secure the release of their loved ones. The report noted that the average amount paid as ransom was ₦2.7 million per incident. The Northwest reported the highest ransom paid, totalling ₦1.2 trillion, while the Southeast recorded the least with ₦85.4 billion.

The NBS report said: “65.0 per cent of households that experienced kidnapping paid ransom. Overall, the estimated amount paid as ransom for kidnapping during the reference period was ₦2.2 trillion, with an average amount of ₦2.7 million per incident. The Northwest reported the highest ransom paid with ₦1.2 trillion, while the Southeast recorded the least with ₦85.4 billion.”

According to the survey, Nigeria recorded 2,235,954 incidents of kidnapping. Rural areas accounted for more than half of the total incidents, with 1,668,104 cases, while urban areas recorded 567,850 cases.

States in the Northwestern part of the country recorded the highest number of kidnapping incidents, while the Southeast reported the least.

“Kidnapping incidence was estimated at 2,235,954 nationally. The results show that rural areas (1,668,104) recorded more kidnappings than urban areas (567,850). Further analysis by zones revealed that the Northwest had the highest cases (1,420,307), followed by the North-Central (317,837), while the least was recorded in the Southeast (110,432),” it added.

Interestingly, households in urban areas that experienced kidnappings paid higher ransoms than those in rural areas.

“Households in urban areas paid an average of ₦3.7 million compared to ₦2.3 million in rural areas,” the NBS noted in the report.

A total of 1,416,856 households experienced kidnapping in Nigeria, and only 80.5 per cent of this population reported the incidents to the police.

Almost all the victims of abductions were kidnapped for ransom.

“About 91 per cent of kidnapping incidents were carried out for ransom in the form of money, goods, or other benefits. Also, 2.4 per cent of cases were attributed to political, criminal, or terrorist objectives, while 2.1 per cent were linked to personal or family disputes. Custody disputes accounted for 0.5 per cent of cases.

Meanwhile, security experts who spoke with the magazine on the issue said the figure released by the agency is very conservative, considering that many cases of kidnappings are not reported by the victims or their families, in other not to jeopardize the safety of their loved ones.

The experts added that the cases of abductions have reduced tremendously as the nation’s security agencies stepped up their onslaught against the criminals.

“Calm Down, We Will Take Care Of You”, Governor Otti Assures Abia Airport Land Owners

Suleiman Anyalewechi

December 18, 2024

Alex Otti - Governor of Abia State — Governor Alex Otti of Abia State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has assured that all land owners in the Abia Airport project will be adequately compensated.

This is just as the Federal Government and the Abia State Government on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 flagged off the construction of the airport project in Nsulu ,Isiala Ngwa North Local Council of the State.

The Source reports that stiff resistance from the host communities of Nsulu ,and environs almost overshadowed the essence of the landmark airport project

The host communities had, in the last few weeks, mounted strong opposition to the Government’s acquisition of large expanse of their ancestral farm lands

Their resistance as it were, was anchored on their argument that same Abia State authorities had disposed them of a large portion of farm lands for the same project under the immediate Dr Okezie Ikpeazu’s administration.

Their leaders had insisted that Government return the earlier acquired land before another will be given and or the authorities should site the airport at the already acquired site.

Pockets of protest matches by the host communities and accusations of Abia State authorities clamp down on some vocal voices through the instrumentality of security agencies had blighted the euphoria of the launch of the project.

However, a fragile truce was last weekend brokered by the Lawmaker representing Isiala Ngwa North/South in the green chamber of the National Assembly, Hon Ginger Onwusibe .

He told the host communities, who are part of his constituents to hold him personally to accountable if the Abia State Government goes back on its promise of compensating them .

The trouble-shooting efforts came on the heels of alleged Government arrest and detention of some prominent opposition voices from the host communities, including a veteran political actor Dr Max Nduaguibe.

At the Flag off ceremony, Governor Otti assured that none of the original and genuine owners of the airport project land will be short-changed.

“Let me, on this note, thank the good people of Ubaha ,Umuaala ,Ikputu, Umuosu ,Umuezeukwu , Umuode and Umuomaiyainta Nbawsi for their generosity and support for this project.

“May I quickly informed you that we have started preparations for the payment of compensation to genuine landowners.

“We are a compassionate administration. So even when the law has vested ownership of land on the State Government ,we will still go ahead to pay very reasonable compensation to those whose lands are used for projects that are geared towards the greater public good..

“At any rate, the most important fact is that like the State Government, the land owners in these communities are also investors in opportunities.

“Having joined us in the faith that this would be a profitable investment, one that will create jobs for our children and opportunities for local entrepreneurs .

“I can readily assure you today that you shall reap the full benefits of your investments in the fullness of time.

“May I again assure you that this is our collective Project ,and we have a responsibility to work together to actualize it.

“We have activated a multi-level support structure to be coordinated from the office of the Chief of Staff, who is not only from this community ,but is also an anointed man of God to respond to your enquiries .

“The coordinating team shall be populated by senior officials of the Government ,the contractors and, of course, the representatives of the land owners.

“One thing you can take to the bank is that no one will be cheated”, Governor Otti assured .

The groundbreaking ceremony was jointly performed by the Minister of Aviation ,Festus Keyamo and Governor Otti.

The project which is essentially Federal Government’s is however being supported by the Abia State Government to be upscaled from an airstrip to a full airport .

Gov Adeleke Wades Into Death Sentence On Teenager, Directs Attorney General To Initiate Process For Pardon

Ayodele Oni

December 18, 2024

Segun Olowookere - A 17 Year Old sentenced to death in Osun State

By Ayodele Oni

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has announced that he has personally taken up the case of a-17 year old boy, sentenced to death for stealing.

The governor has directed immediate investigation and possible pardon of the young man reportedly sentenced to death by hanging by a High court in Osun state for stealing fowl.

Parents of the teenager who was 17 years old when he was condemned and currently detained at Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison, Lagos State, awaiting the hangman’s noose had pleaded clemency for the convict.

Segun Olowookere was sentenced to death by Osun High Court, for stealing a fowl and eggs.

The parents had appealed to Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke for pardon for the convict. He was reported to have been sentenced to death by an Osun State High Court at Ikirun, Osun State.

Segun was accused of robbing a poultry farm in Oyan, located in Odo-Otin Local Government Area. His parents have expressed their devastation, stating that he is their only son and pleaded for his life to be spared.

In a statement on Tuesday evening by the governor’s spokesman, Olawale Rasheed, the Governor ordered the Attorney General to intervene in the matter and ensure that the youngman is listed for prerogative of mercy before the end of the year.

“I have read about the case. I recognize separation of powers in our democracy. In this particular case, I have directed the Commissioner for Justice to initiate processes to grant prerogative of mercy to the young man.

“Osun is a land of justice and equity. We must ensure fairness and protection of the sanctity of lives.

“I assure the public that the matter is receiving my direct attention. A sense of urgency is also attached to our response to the matter as a responsible State Government.”

Dalung Says Cabals In President Tinubu’s Government Sophisticated, Dangerous

Akinwale Kasali

December 17, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Solomon Dalung, former Minister of Youth and Sports under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has lamented the activities of alleged Cabals in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Government.

Dalung described the Cabals as sophisticated and dangerous, adding that they are more informed and deadly than those who formed the cabal that was in Buhari’s presidency.

Dalung stressed that in the political space, the Cabals are highly-placed individuals in a government who have hijacked the government and run it their own way.

The Plateau State born activist said the Cabals keep the President out of the loop, shield him from prevailing realities and ward off anyone trying to bring him up to speed.

Differentiating the Cabals in Buhari’s government and the Cabals in President Tinubu’s Government, Dalung said while the Cabals in Buhari’s government were just after what they could get, those in Tinubu’s government have been in power for a long time, well informed, sophisticated and more dangerous.

He made this remarks during a chat with Seun Okinbaloye in the podcast ‘Mic On.’

Speaking further, Dalung said he gave certain information to former President Buhari regarding insecurity, but these information were not readily available to him because those in position to do so were shielding him from the real situation on ground.

“Cabal exists in Nigeria’s presidency till today. Tinubu has the most sophisticated cabal, worse than Buhari.” Dalung stated.

“Buhari’s cabal was a group of uninformed people with little experience that was why they were dipping their hands in everything that was available, but Tinubu’s cabal is a sophisticated group of people who have been long in power, they know power, and they are also informed. So they are more dangerous than any other cabal that I’ve ever known and seen.”

He further disclsoed that he is not afraid of death and being attacked after his statement as he has survived ten assassination attempts already and believes he will only die when his time has come.

It would be recalled that Dalung was sacked by Buhari in his first term in office.

Dalung has often times criticised the President Tinubu administration. He supported the #EndBadGovernance and hunger protest, where he openly criticised the policies of President Tinubu, saying it was anti masses, urging the youths to come out enmasse to air their grievances against the government of the day.

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