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Tinubu Intensifies ‘Pogrom’ Against Igbo

By
The Source
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Steve Osuji
Steve Osuji

By Steve Osuji

  • Two Ministers To Southeast, 12 To Southwest

WE THOUGHT BUHARI HATED IGBO:
Ndigbo  believed the immediate past president, Muhammadu Buhari hated them. He did. He does. As number one, he showed it; he proved it and he virtually said it with such Freudian slips like, “dot in a circle,” language they understand and “ 97% to 5%.”

Buhari, like the average Fulani, does hide his feelings. Igbo knew/knows that there’s no love lost between them and Buhari. President Buhari showed Igbo hot pepper over two terms or eight years.

But if Buhari’s  was pepper,  President Bola Tinubu’s is becoming like ‘pogrom’ in less than two years.  But while Buhari was open about it Tinubu pretends, using decoys and masquerades to annihilate Igbo.

POGROM BY ANOTHER MEANS: The recent cabinet reshuffle by Tinubu has brought the unstated vicious policy to the fore. At inception  Tinubu had allotted the five southeast states four inconsequential ministries – Women Affairs,  Labour and Productivity, Science and Innovation, Trade and Industry. The only portfolio to Ndigbo that made sense is Works.

But the catch is that, the occupant, Mr Dave Umahi, former governor of Ebonyi State, must have funnelled a chunk of the State’s fund to the Tinubu campaign to grab such a plum ministerial job. But the bigger catch is that Umahi has the mentality, and indeed, the loyalty of the house negro – like the field negro, Igbo are doomed in his hands. He has shown it over and over again that his people are disposable wipes.

As if that wasn’t enough punishment,  Tinubu used the cudgel in the recent cabinet reshuffle. He chucked out two ministers holding substantive positions  – Women Affairs and Trade and Industry. He sacked one of them, the effervescent Mrs Uju Kennedy Ohanenye of Women Affairs and reassigned Doris Uzoka-Anite  from Industry Ministry to a redundant, sub-minister in the Ministry of Finance.

If you thought these portfolios would be filled by Igbo candidates, you don’t understand the Tinubu game. He filled the position with more Yoruba and Hausa-Fulani ministers. He played the wayo gambit of dredging up Odumegwu Ojukwu’s widow, Bianca, degrading her to a junior Minister. (She should have rejected it but there’s ‘hunger’ in the land).

Today,  Igbo effectively has only two Ministerial appointments out of 48 available. Yoruba  has 12 substantive: Petroleum, Justice,  Finance, Communication, Power, Interior, Solid Minerals,  Education,  Health,  Maritime Economy, Industry and Youth Development.

And note that these are the plummest jobs in the cabinet.

IT’S A SCORCH EARTH POLICY AGAINST IGBO:
Remember that the constitution prescribes that every state in Nigeria must have one substantive minister. That’s not the case with the southeast. They have only two.

If the statutory cabinet appointments are blatantly denied Ndigbo,  you can guess what’s happening in numerous other strategic federal job.

For instance,  all the crucial economic departments of the sovereign, like the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Central Bank, Customs,  Immigration,  Ports Authority, name them…  Igbo are carefully denied  all of them. Buhari did same.

The presidency administration,  the judiciary, the legislature,  the military, the police,  security agencies… Igbo are intentionally side-lined. All the hundreds of federal agencies of value,  Igbo are kept at bay. If this is not a premeditated scorch earth policy on Ndigbo,  what is it?

NO MAJOR FEDERAL PROJECT IN IGBOLAND:
If you don’t get nary appointments, how could you dream of infrastructure projects.  Even in his meanness, Buhari managed to complete the Second Niger Bridge.  He also repaired a few roads in the southeast.  But side-tracked the southeast in constructing the gas pipeline from the delta to the northwest. Yet southeast has the most gas deposit.  Rail lines were built everywhere,  including Niger Republic.

We have Abuja-Kaduna rail and  Lago-Ibadan rail already completed. Lagos-Abuja-kano rail construction has been prioritised; so is Ibadan-Abuja-Kaduna-Kano also being expedited. When you hear about China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), it currently represents the massive rail network on going in parts of Nigeria.

The Eastern Corridor which runs from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, with spur to Aba and Enugu seems like an afterthought by Buhari. It remains the only rail line under the BRI which is single gauge. Work has been going on at snail pace since its  delayed flag off in 2022. Yet the pains of the massive sovereign loans from China will be borne by all the zones. Yet the tangential rail line coming into a highly populated zone like  the east is a single gauge while most others are double gauge.

Today we have Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway,  Badagry to Sokoto Superhighway , not to mention the Lagos-Algiers Trans-Africa Highway.  All these are strategic infrastructure that somehow seems to skirt the east.

ATTRITION AGAINST THE SOUTHEAST IS SELF-ANNIHILATION: 
Any vital mind is bound to notice this series of infringements,  unveiled alienation and the unprovoked shove of Igbo to the margins at every juncture of federal decisions in the APC decade.

It was common knowledge that Buhari fractured the polity, giving fillip to Fulani uprising. One would expect President Tinubu to unite the people and initiate a robust healing process.  But no. With the Igbo he seems to have found joy putting his knee to their neck. Apart from the gruelling inequity in allocation of commonwealth, Igbo psyche  is collectively being traumatised by the continued unlawful detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. This is particularly hurtful after a Sunday Igboho, detained by Buhari for same offence as Kanu was promptly released by Tinubu upon ascending office.

Some of us also have an idea how the no-good Hope Uzodinma was drafted to depose the people’s choice in Imo, Emeka Ihedioha. We also know whose dark paws is deep inside the Imo soup pot.

The telling irony of the situation is that Igbo is not just an integral part of Nigeria, Igbo has become the heart of Nigeria. An unscripted policy to damage Igbo since the advent of APC continues to manifest like a march to self destruction. Nigeria can only thrive if all the people pull as one under an atmosphere of equity, justice and fair play to all. Besides, it’s a no-brainer that a tripod will never stand on two legs.

But Tinubu doesn’t seem to have such sportsmanlike heart. Indeed, he seems to have found a new sport of kicking Igbo arse. And he does it we relish, we dare say! But on this route, the auguries are dark.

▪FEEDBACK:[email protected]

▪Osuji was editor at The Guardian, THISDAY and  NewAge. He was also editorial board member at The Nation

BREAKING: EFCC Arrests Okowa In PH, Detains Him

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Dr Ifeanyi Okowa

By Adesina Soyooye

The immediate past Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa  has been arrested by the Economic Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Okowa was arrested in Port Harcourt, and is being detained at the EFCC office in Port Harcourt.

Okowa, who was the Vice Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was arrested, according to a newsflash on Channels Television Monday night for alleged fraud and other sundry issues while he was Governor. He is to answer questions on the diversion of funds to the tune of over one trillion Naira, and another for over N40 billion.

Last week, there was a speculation that Okowa had been arrested by the anti-fraud Commission, but it was quickly denied.

Okowa, a Medical Doctor-turned Politician, had served  as the Secretary to the State Delta State Government.  From there, he won an election to the Senate and represented Delta North. Thereafter, he contested for, and won the Governorship seat of Delta State.

He won the seat a second time and served for eight years.

While he was Governor, the Predidential Candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar, picked Okowa as his running mate.

Atiku picked Okowa in preference to the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike. That exacerbated the crisis in the PDP. Wike, for being ignored by Atiku, decided to fight the PDP from within, and backed Bola Tinubu, the Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC. For his efforts, President Tinubu appointed Wike his Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

Indications are that Okowa would be in the custody of the EFCC to answer to some questions and thus clear some grey areas.  He is likely to be moved to Abuja from PH.

The EFCC has become a destination for former Governors as soon as they leave office.

Tinubu Orders Investigation Of Those Connected With Trial Of Underaged, Immediate Release

By
Ayodele Oni
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Minor Protesters

By Ayodele Oni

Bowing to public outcry and condemnation, President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate release of all minors who were arrested over their alleged participation in August’s #EndBadGovernance protests.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced this to State House correspondents on Monday during an emergency briefing at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

Idris said: “The President has ordered the immediate release of all the minors who have been arrested by the Nigeria Police without prejudice to whatever legal processes they are undergoing. He has directed that they be released immediately.

“Secondly, the President has also directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to immediately attend to the welfare of these minors, and to ensure their smooth reunion with their parents or guardians wherever they are in the country.

“Thirdly, the President has directed that an administrative committee will be set up immediately, to be headed by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, to examine all issues surrounding the arrest, detention, treatment, and finally, the release of these young minors.

“Fourthly, the President has also directed that all law enforcement agents involved in the arrest and the legal processes will be investigated, and if any infractions are found to have been committed by any official of Government, whether from a law enforcement agency or another appropriate authority, disciplinary action will be taken against him or her.”

The directive follows an uproar over the trial of at least 76 people, including 30 children, who were arraigned on Friday and charged with 10 felony counts, including treason, destruction of property, public disturbance, and mutiny.

The Nigerian Police bad insisted that there was nothing wrong with their trial as they are not covered from it by any law.

Kano: NMA Issues 48 Hour Ultimatum To Kano Govt To Sack Commissioner For Assault

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

■If within 48 hours the Commissioner is not sacked, the NMA said its members would withdraw their services

For allegedly assaulting a female medical doctor ,the Kano State Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA,  on Monday, November 4, 2024, demanded the immediate sack of  Kano State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Amina Abdullahi.

In a press statement issued by NMA’s  Kano State Chairman, Dr Abdulrahman Ali, and Secretary Dr Ibrahim  Muhammad, the umbrella body of medical practitioners noted that the Humanitarian Commissioner on Friday, November 1, at the Emergency Paediatric Unit of Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, allegedly, assaulted a female doctor unprovoked.

The body also alleged that the Commissioner, her aides,  including security personnel were involved in the assault.

They noted that the assault was provoked by the non availability of prescribed drugs which they said was well outside the professional responsibility of the victim.

According to the statement ,the Commissioner’s conduct is a gross abuse of power and act of irresponsibility .

“This assault not only undermines the health sector’s integrity but, also, violates the ethical obligations Public offficials should uphold.

“Such behaviour endangers healthcare workers and disrupts essential services .

“The Commissioner’s actions are a misuse of authority and abuse of power by an official expected to uphold humanitarian values” NMA stated

The Medical practitioners noted that the body, at an emergency meeting, took some far reaching decisions which include the demand for the dismissal of the Commissioner, the deployment of more doctors to the Specialist Hospital, and enhancement  of security.

“The doctor (victim)was on duty, single- handedly managing multiple pediatric cases under challenging conditions.

“This incident highlights broader challenges in our hospitals, including understaffing, lack of resources and inadequate security for medical personnel” NMA stated.

The Doctors have warned that failure by the Kano state Government to sanction the Commissioner as demanded within the next 48 hours,  it will have no other option than to order the withdrawal of members services at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital.

“Our decision to suspend services is difficult, but necessary. Healthcare professionals should not have to work in fear .

“This action calls on both the Government and the public to recognize the daily challenges we face in delivering healthcare”, NMA stated .

PDP Calls Abia Council Poll Huge Joke As Otti Swears-in Elected Officials

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Alex Otti - Governor of Abia State
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

■Finally PDP holds State Congress as Amah emerges new Chairman

The Peoples Democratic Party PDP,  Abia State Chapter, has described the Local Council Polls held last Saturday in the State as a huge charade.

This is even as Governor Alex Otti, on Monday November 4, swore-in the newly elected Council officials.

The Source reports that the ABSIEC on Saturday November 2, 2024 conducted election in the 17 Local Government Councils of the state in line with the Supreme Court judgment on Local Council autonomy in the country .

The election was, however, boycotted by the All Progressive Congress, APC, which cited lack of confidence in the electoral process as a major reason.

However ,the PDP, Labour Party,  LP, Zenith Labour Party, ZLP, and a host of others took part in the election which Governor Otti, and ABSIEC  described as free and fair.

The Prof George Chima-led ABSIC declared the ZLP winners in 15, out of the  17 local Councils of the state, while the Young Progressive Party YPP, won two Councils.

But speaking on the conduct of the polls, immediate past Commissioner for Trade ,Commerce and Industry under Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s administration, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, expressed regret and disappointment in the whole exercise.

Chief Kalu who spoke at an interactive session with the media during the Party’s State Congress in Umuahia ,noted that the  polls  were marred by fraud and out right manipulations by the Governor- Otti backed ZLP.

“The so called election was nothing, but a joke. It is unfortunate that what should have been a Democratic exercise turned out to be a travesty, failing to meet even basic standards of fairness and transparency,” Kalu stated

Further speaking Chief Kalu ,who was also former Commissioner for information, lamented that even before the election, the ABSIEC, in conjunction with the State Government, had written the result, allocating bogus figures that even made nonsense of the figures that were posted during the last gubernatorial election in the State.

“Local elections typically see lower participation, not a sudden surge in turnout that surpasses even the Governorship election figures.

“The outcome of this election lacks credibility”,  he noted

At the swearing-in ceremony, the Governor urged the Local Government officials to key into the State Government’s mantra of “Abia first” in their adminstration of the Local Governments.

He emphasised the need for the Council leaders to work towards the economic transformation of the grassroots as is being done at the State level

“Our people should be able to see the impact of your leadership in the next six months through measurable improvements in the living conditions of the people, especially, women, youth, and the vulnerable in the various localities.

“Your task is to solve the basic problems that bedevil our people in the various communities for ages now.

“Access to water, basic health, and education, effective maintenance of Trunk C roads, and quick response to security threats in your communities should rank high in your order of priorities”, Governor Otti noted.

The elected Council Officials had earlier, on Sunday, November 3, been presented with their Certificate of Return by the ABSIEC .

Meanwhile, the PDP in the State, after several postponements occasioned by restraining Court orders, finally held its Congress on Sunday, with erstwhile Vice Chairman/Acting Publicity Secretary Abraham Amah emerging as State Chairman.

In his acceptance speech, Comrade Amah promised to work in concert with all relevant stakeholders to return the party back to winning ways.

He also assured that efforts will be made to reconcile and return genuinely aggrieved members who have left the PDP .

While appreciating the delegates for the confidence reposed in him, the State PDP Chairman-elect, stated that his adminstration will be guided by the core values and ideals of  the founding fathers of the PDP.

“As we embark on this journey together, I promise to uphold the values and ideals of our founding fathers, ensuring that we engage in robust and constructive dialogue with all stakeholders.

“It is through unity and collaboration that we will strengthen our party and advance the cause of the PDP

“I would like to take a moment to salute all our stakeholders whose commitment has been invaluable in our efforts to rebuild and strengthen our party.

“To my fellow aspirants who contested alongside me, I salute your courage, and commitment to rebranding Abia PDP. Your sacrifices and efforts in rebuilding our party shall not be in vain and I commend the spirit of sportsmanship that you all show-cased.

“I invite you all to join me in the daunting, yet rewarding task of returning the Abia PDP to power in our great State”, Amah stated.

Terrorism: Over 40 Soldiers Declared Wanted For Deserting War Against Boko Haram

By
James Orji
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Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyele

No fewer than 44 soldiers fighting Boko Haram in Nigeria’s North East have been declared wanted by the Nigerian Army, after abandoning the ongoing war against the Boko Haram Terrorists, Sahara Reporters, an online newspaper said.

According to the newspaper, the soldiers were expected to report to the war front, following a signal sent to them, but have failed to report to their bases.

The Army authority has now declared the deserting soldiers wanted after accusing them of Absent Without Leave, AWOL, a serious crime in the military.

The development comes barely few days after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Maj General Olufemi Oluyede, acting Chief of Army Staff, COAS.

Gen. Oluyele was appointed following  the indisposition of Lt. Gen. Taoheed, the COAS who is currently on a leave absence abroad battling an undisclosed ailment.

The magazine reports that some personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces have been deserting the war against the terrorists, while others have resigned their regiment,  citing inadequate weapons and platforms to fight with.

Some angry soldiers have also cited welfare, and alleged compromise on the part of  their superiors in prosecuting the war against  terrorism as some of the reasons for leaving the force.

Citing a military signal, the online newspaper said the Army authority have vowed to punish the soldiers whenever hey are apprehended.

The Army authorities have also frozen the banks accounts of the affected personnel, the newspaper said.

The signal mandated any soldier with information on the whereabouts of the missing personnel to “intimate NAIC and NACMP to apprehend them if seen and bring them under military escort for disciplinary action.”

SaharaReporters learnt that the affected soldiers were deployed from various units and formations to 403 Amphibious Brigade in Baga community, Borno State.

403 AMPH BDE is under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Sector 3, Nigeria.

MNJTF is a combined multinational formation, comprising units, mostly military, from Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria and mandated to bring an end to the Boko Haram insurgency.

However, while the wanted soldiers were expected to report at the unit not later than October 31, 2024, they have remained absent a month after without notice.

“Reference A promulgated the posting of the above named SNCO and 42 others from unit indicated against their name at Annex A to this formation. However, Reference B requested for their release to report for military duties to avoid AWOL action against them,” the military signal dated November 1 and signed by Major HO Akoh on behalf of 403 Amphibious Brigade Commander read.

“Furthermore, Reference C as well raised a reminder on the initial request of their release to report not less than 31 Oct 24 and they are still absent. In view of the aforementioned, I am directed to respectfully request you declare them on AWOL WEF 1 NOV 24.

“I am to further add you please cause HQ NAFC to freeze their salary account accordingly while you intimate NAIC and NACMP to apprehend them if seen and bring them under military escort for disciplinary action. Please find at Annex A List of soldiers posted in to 403 Amphibious Brigade (Rear).”

Uzodimma: Commissioner DJ Wysei Making Imo Proud

By
The Source
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Emeka Mandela Ukegbu with DJWyse
Representative of the Governor/Commissioner for Youth Development and Talent Hunt, Dr. Emeka Mandela Ukegbu with DJWysei ( Miss Ebere Patricia Iwuagwu) during the event at Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu Square Owerri.

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has described Miss Ebere Patricia Iwuagwu popularly known in the entertainment world as Commissioner DJ Wysei as an embodiment of talent who is making Imo State in particular and Nigeria in general proud.

Governor Uzodimma did weekend at the Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu Square where he organised a star studded all night reception in honour of the budding talent who has captured the world through her extraordinary DJ outings.

The Governor who congratulated the Mbaise born sensational female DJ, reiterated his administration’s resolve to support Imo  youths with extraordinary talents and creative mindset.

Governor Uzodimma said the government decided to celebrate the homecoming for the young, vibrant entertainer whose birthday, incidentally fell on the same day, November 2, as a way of encouraging her to keep making Imo proud in the entertainment world.

The Governor was represented by the Commissioner for Youths Development and Talent Hunt, Dr. Emeka Mandela Ukegbu who was joined by other government appointees like the Special Adviser on Youth, Mr. Eric Uwakwe.

Dr.  Ukegbu said: “DJ Commissioner has made a mark in the entertainment world, and is known to be the only African with over two million followers on TikTok.

“The government was ready to welcome all Imolites who are making their mark in the entertainment and other industries/profession, to contribute their quota towards the growth of the State.

“We are using programmes like this to tell the world that Imo is very safe. You can see this is midnight, but we are here celebrating.

“Before now entertainers have been afraid to come to Imo State, because they feel the State is not safe, but with what His Excellency has done today, to make this homecoming a success, we can proudly say that more and more entertainment events like this are going to be coming up more often.”

The Commissioner added that the event was also used to showcase a lot of talented Imolites to the world, disclosing that renowned entertainment television stations were on hand to televise the programme to the world.

“The world will see that this is happening live in Owerri, and it can only happen, because we have a Governor who has provided the security and environment for all of us to be happy,” Unegbu said.

Former Chief of Staff to former Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, Mr. Uche Nwosu, was among the dignitaries who graced the occasion.

Finally, Bobrisky Jets Out Of Nigeria Amid Ongoing Legal Tussle

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Bobrisky
Bobrisky

By Akinwale Kasali

Controversial Cross dresser, Idris Olarenwaju Okuneye, popular as Bobrisky, has flown out of the country following series of ugly events that kept him in the spotlight.

Bobrisky was arrested by officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Nigeria Immigration Service last week aboard an Amsterdam-bound KLM Flight at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, while attempting to travel out of Nigeria.

He claimed to have sustained injuries during the incident and alerted his followers on social media.

Subsequently, he was taken to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja for questioning regarding the bribery allegations he made against EFCC Operatives.

But he denied the allegations in his confessional statement and was later released on bail on Saturday.

Surprisingly, Bobrisky departed Nigeria on Monday, boasting about traveling first-class and sharing videos on his Instagram story.

He wrote, “See you soon, Nigeria. This girl bought a first-class ticket three times; that’s over 30 million. Raise the bar for this girl,” he boasted.

Although his destination remains unknown, his departure comes as no surprise given the connections he flaunts around.

Bobrisky’s legal troubles began in April 2024 when he was sentenced to six months in prison for Naira abuse. Initially incarcerated at Kirikiri Prison, reports suggest he spent only three weeks in confinement before he was relocated to a private location.

The situation took a turn for the worse in September when social media influencer Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, released an audio recording allegedly featuring Bobrisky discussing bribery of EFCC officials to drop money laundering charges against him.

His departure has sparked mixed reactions from Nigerians, with some expressing relief while others criticize the perceived leniency in his treatment.

The EFCC and the Nigeria Correctional Service, NCoS, have faced scrutiny over its handling of Bobrisky’s case, with many questioning the Commission’s  effectiveness in tackling alleged high-profile corruption cases.

Ahead Gov Election: INEC Chairman Relocates To Ondo, Commissions BVAS Facility

By
Ayodele Oni
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Prof Mahmood Yakubu Commissions BVAS Facility in Ondo State

By Ayodele Oni

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)  Prof Mahmood Yakubu has assured that major lessons learnt during previous elections, especially that of Edo state, will assist in the Ondo Governorship Poll coming up next week.

Yakubu, who spoke in Akure on Monday, stated that “We have learnt a lot of lessons not only from the last election, but also previous elections.

“Basically, there are two challenges, the first one is logistics for election, so that polling units open promptly on election day.

“The second one is result management and my assurance to voters in Ondo State is that they are going to see fast improvement in these two processes.

“We have received positive reports from our state office in Akure but we decided also to come for readiness assessment.

“So, we are here basically to look at what is happening, the good work that the state office has done, we are going to meet with the stakeholders including political parties, civil society organisations, the media, security agencies and we are also going to meet with our staff to assess our readiness. We will be here for a few days.

“One of the activities we are also going to observe is the mock accreditation of voters, which will take place in 16 polling units across six Local Government Areas in the three senatorial zones of the state.

“In addition to other activities, we are also going to meet with the stakeholders on Thursday, and the following day, the National Peace Committee will also invite all the stakeholders for the signing of the National Peace Accord.

The Chairman had earlier commissioned the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System ( BVAS) storage facility for the conduct of the Ondo State Governorship election.

Yakubu, who arrived Akure airport about was led to the premises of the Commission in Akure by the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola.

Ondo PDP Gov Candidate, Ajayi, Accuses Aiyedatiwa Of Plagiarism

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Agboola Ajayi

By Ayodele Oni

The Peoples Democratic Party’s, (PDP) candidate in Ondo State  Gubernatorial Election, Agboola Ajayi, has accused Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of exploiting incumbency privilege to steal some of his programmes.

Ajayi and Aiyedatiwa featured in a debate, organized by Channels Television during which the PDP flagbearer levelled the accusation.

He, specifically, claimed that the idea of the APC candidate to add Forest Rangers to Amotekun, was his initiative saying the Governor plagiarized his idea of a planned Forest Guard, meant to beef up Security in the forests and secure farmers who have practically been unable to go to  their farms.

He pledged a minimum wage of N76,000 for Civil servants in the state, as against N73,000 being offered by the present administration, even as he promised free primary and secondary education if elected  governor.

Governor Aiyedatiwa too had, during the live programme, described his PDP opponent as a liar for saying that he was receiving about over one billion naira monthly as security vote.

“There is nothing like that. I don’t know where he got his figures from. I have never even drawn up to N1.2bn before. It is not true. It is all political lies.

“Are you the Accountant General of the State or Commissioner for Finance? Are you part of the Government?, he queried the former Deputy Governor.

Ajayi, a former Deputy Governor,  condemned the incumbent Government led by Ayiedatiwa, for its, alleged,  lack of focus, which has made insecurity and economic hardship more pronounced in the State.

Lucky Aiyedatiwa
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, accused of plagiarism.

Ajayi who promised to make the State financially independent by exploring the economic potentials of the State, mentioned that his major panacea for insecurity in the state, is provision of employment for the teeming  youths, adding that, his Government will ensure that the people in the state are gainfully employed, which will drastically lower the cases of insecurity in the State.

He encouraged his APC counterpart to feel free and  seek from him, the template to secure the State, instead of attempting to bastardize the Local Security outfit  in the state, the Amotekun, which Ajayi mentioned he was part of its formation when he was Deputy Governor under Late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

He stated that with even promise to pay N73,000 more than two months, the administration still find it difficult to pay.

Ajayi further assured that primary and secondary education will be at no cost, while all the Universities in Ondo State tuition fees would be reduced by 30 percent if elected as Governor.

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