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It’s Fake, Aim to Tarnish Gov. Aiyedatiwa’s Image

October 13, 2024

By Adesina Soyooye

The embarrassing video of a man alleged to be Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in a fist cuff with a woman said to be his estranged wife has been dismissed as not true.

The video of the man with a striking resemblance of the Governor went viral and caused a lot of uneasiness.

It happened in London, with both the man and woman exchanging verbal abuses. The woman, also, went physical.

Because of the striking resemblance, not a few people took it for granted that it was the Governor. That was reinforced by the knowledge that the Governor and his wife have a not-too-tidy relationship. About two years ago when Aiyedatiwa was the Deputy Governor, his wife had released a disturbing story on their relationship. Aiyedatiwa was presented as an irresponsible, indifferent, abusive, adulterous husband and father. His wife, thereafter, was said to have moved out of their official lodge in Akure to London.

But the Ondo State Government has dismissed the story that it was the Governor. It called it fake; said it was the handiwork of the Governor’s detractors; that it was aimed at tarnishing his image; that the ultimate aim was to chip away on his chances at the upcoming Governorship Election in which the Governor is a front line runner on the ticket of the All Progressives Congress, APC. The Government also pointed out a couple of differences in the physical structure of the man in the video and Governor Aiyedatiwa, and added that unlike the man, the Governor had never worked in London before.

Following is the full text of the Government’s statement signed by Allen Sowore, the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Strategic Communication.

The Circulation of a Female Abuser’s Video to Tarnish Governor Aiyedatiwa’s Reputation is Propaganda Taken Too Far

“As preparations for the November 16th, 2024 Ondo State Governorship Election intensify, it is becoming evident that the incumbent Governor, His Excellency Lucky Aiyedatiwa, is gaining the upper hand. In response, opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), seem willing to resort to any means, including blackmail, fake news, and falsehoods, to tarnish the Governor’s image.

“The latest tactic involves the circulation of a video showing an average age man engaged in a domestic scuffle with his spouse. The malicious intent behind sharing this scandalous clip is to damage the reputation of Governor Aiyedatiwa, who is also the APC candidate.

“For the benefit of the unsuspecting public who may be swayed by the video at first glance, it is crucial to clarify that the man in the video is not the Governor of Ondo State. A closer examination of the video reveals several striking differences:

“1. Facial Hair: Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa no longer wears that type of beard, unlike the individual in the clip. The Governor changed his appearance over a year ago.

“2. Diastema: The man in the video has a noticeable gap between his upper and lower teeth (diastema). Governor Aiyedatiwa does not have this feature.

“3. Voice: The man in the video speaks loudly, and his voice is distinctly different from Governor Aiyedatiwa’s vocal tone.

“4. More importantly, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has never worked in the United Kingdom at any point in his life, as implied in the conversation from the video.

“5. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has an oval face while the individual in the video has a round face.

“The public is encouraged to carefully examine the video and notice these clear distinctions before arriving at the erroneous conclusion that the man in the video is Governor Aiyedatiwa.

“Finally, those responsible for circulating this misleading video and falsely attributing it to Governor Aiyedatiwa should conduct proper fact-checks and desist from such cheap blackmail. The members of the PDP, who have been circulating this video surreptitiously to paint the Governor in a bad light, should cease their efforts and focus instead on addressing their party’s own issues. Àwon alairikanse.”

Sowore’s statement

is dated October 12th, 2024

How Fmr. Gov. Makarfi Lost His PhD- Student Son

Adesina Soyooye

October 13, 2024

By Adesina Soyooye

For a former Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, Saturday evening could not have been longer or darker or more sorrowful than it turned out to be.

The urbane Makarfi lost his very promising son, Faisal Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, to a vehicle accident.

The former Governor is devastated. And so is his entire family and Community.

He was present, and watched in utter disbelief as his son slipped away from Mother-earth. His first reaction was: “He was not only my son, he was my friend.”

The younger Makarfi, a certified Engineer, was a PhD student at the Greenwich, London, where he also had his undergraduate and master’s degrees.

The accident which took his life, happened along the Kaduna-Zaria highway. He was on the steering, allegedly, had a head-on collusion with another vehicle along the narrow busy road.

He attended Adesoye College, Offa, Kwara State for his High School.

His body already left the hospital where he was rushed to, at the time of this report for interment according to Islamic rites.

Ondo PDP Campaign Flag Off: Gov Aiyedatiwa Has No Control Over Usage Of Democracy Park – APC

Ayodele Oni

October 12, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has reacted to allegations by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa disapproved the usage of Democracy Park in Akure for flagging off its campaign.

Describing the allegation as not only false but also mischievous, APC explained that Governor Aiyedatiwa does not have direct dealings with the management of Democracy Park.

Mr Steve Otaloro, APC Director of Media stated that “We are compelled to respond to the baseless allegations leveled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa the Ondo State Governor.

“The PDP claims that Governor Aiyedatiwa denied them access to Democracy Park for their campaign flag-off, citing pettiness and a lack of statesmanship.

“This allegation is not only false, but also mischievous. Governor Aiyedatiwa does not have direct dealings with the management of Democracy Park, and as such, he cannot unilaterally deny any individual or organization access to the facility.

“The governor is committed to upholding the principles of fairness and justice, and he would not engage in petty politics.

“It’s essential to note that the use of public facilities like Democracy Park is guided by established rules and regulations.

“If the PDP has fulfilled all requirements, including payment and paperwork, there’s no basis for denial. We urge the PDP to verify their claims and provide evidence of payment and approval.

“We view this allegation as a desperate attempt to score cheap political points. Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration has consistently demonstrated its commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability.

“We will not be distracted by frivolous allegations and will continue to focus on delivering dividends of democracy to the people of Ondo State.

“We advise the PDP to focus on issue-based campaigning rather than spreading falsehoods and misinformation. The people of Ondo State deserve better.”

NASS Considers Bill For The Establishment Of Bola Tinubu University

Akinwale Kasali

October 12, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The Bill for the establishment of Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages has passed its first reading at the House of Representatives.

The University is aimed at promoting the learning of Nigerian Languages for them not to go into extinction.

The Bill is sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, and eight others.

According to section II part I of the bill, the University when established shall, “Encourage the advancement of learning and to hold out to all persons without distinction of race, creed, sex or political conviction, the opportunity of acquiring a higher education in Nigerian languages and cultures.”

In Section 14 (2), the President is required to “As often as the circumstances may require, not being less than once every five years, conduct a visitation of the university or direct that such a visitation be conducted by such person or persons as the visitor may deem fit and in respect of any of the affairs of the university.”

Sub-section 3 provides that “It shall be the duty of the bodies and persons comprising the university to make available to the visitor and to any other person conducting a visitation in pursuance of this section, such facilities and assistance as he or they may reasonably require for a visitation.”

The Visitor (President) is also vested with the powers to remove from office council members apart from the Pro Chancellor and the Vice Chancellor of the University.

It also aims to “Develop and offer academic and professional programmes leading to the award of diplomas, first degrees, postgraduate research and higher degrees with emphasis on planning, adaptive, developmental and productive skills in the field of Nigerian languages and cultures.

This is aimed at “Producing socially mature persons with capacity to communicate, understand and use Nigerian languages for national development.”

The Federal Institution, when established would also “Act as agents and catalysts, through postgraduate training, research and innovation for the effective and economic utilization, exploitation and conservation of Nigeria’s natural, economic and human resources.

“Establish appropriate relationships with other national institutions involved in training, research and development of Nigerian languages and cultures.

“Provide and promote sound basic training as a foundation for the development of Nigerian languages as well promote and emphasise teaching and research activities around Nigerian languages, including outreach programmes, in-service training, continuing education, and adaptive research,” among others.

The mandate of the University as spelt out in Section 1(2) includes “To teach and train high calibre Nigerian languages professionals.

“Conduct research and participate in outreach and community services and facilitate the acquisition of knowledge and skills in different Nigerian languages.”

Section 15 (1) reads, “If it appears to the council that a member of the council (other than the pro-chancellor or the vice-chancellor) should be removed from office on the ground of misconduct or inability to perform the functions of his office or employment, the council shall make a recommendation to that effect through the Minister to the President after making such enquiry, if any, as may be considered appropriate.

“If the President approves the recommendation, he may direct the removal of the person in question from office.”

The bill is expected to be listed for a second reading in the weeks ahead

Ondo: Aiyedatiwa Topples FG, Pays Workers N73,000 Minimum Wage, Flags Off Campaign

Ayodele Oni

October 12, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Saturday, flagged off campaign for his re-election with cheering news to workers as he announced the implementation of N73, 000 minimum wage in the State.

The Governor stated that the new wage, which is over the N70,000 agreed by the Organized Labour with the Federal Government, is to demonstrate his administration’s commitment to the welfare of the people of the State.

Aiyedatiwa made the announcement during the flag off of the Ondo Central Senatorial District’s leg of the Gubernatorial Campaign of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo City on Saturday ahead of the November 16 election in the State.

The Governor said despite the fact that the federal government approved N70, 000 as the new minimum wage, Ondo will go a step further by paying N73, 000 to its workers.

Aiyedatiwa addressed supporters, urging them to convert their backing into votes for the APC to ensure the continuity of developmental initiatives across the state.

“On November 16, I urge everyone gathered here and those who are not present to convert your support into votes for the APC to ensure the continuation of our significant progress in the state.

“Based on reports and my personal observations, I am confident that you all want this administration to continue beyond 2024.

“I see the love and appreciation from you, and I do not take it for granted. The best way to demonstrate this love is to vote for continuity, which will bring even more dividends of democracy.”

The Governor highlighted the achievements of his administration over the past 10 months, stating, “During my time in office, we have initiated several important projects, including those started by the late governor.

“In agriculture, we’ve taken significant strides, boosting food production across the state. We’ve also approved over a billion naira for land clearing and launched various rural road construction projects to facilitate our farmers’ activities and improve productivity in rural areas.”

The governor reaffirmed his dedication to enhancing security, the health sector, education, and youth empowerment.

He noted that his administration’s efforts have made doctors more willing to stay in the state instead of leaving for opportunities elsewhere, a trend known as the “Japa” syndrome.

To address this, he mentioned that his administration increased doctors’ salaries and allowances.

The State APC Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, also addressed the crowd, urging them to vote for the party to maintain its power.

He emphasized Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to infrastructural development across the state and reminded party members of the importance of safeguarding their voter cards, which are essential for ensuring the party’s continued leadership.

Matawalle Slams Amaechi For Allegedly Inciting Nigerians

Akinwale Kasali

October 12, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Transportation has been slammed by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, for allegedly making statements that incite violence and unrest among the Nigerian populace.

In a statement signed by Henshaw Ogubike, Spokesman for Ministry of Defence Matawalle “issued a stern warning to the former Minister of Transport, urging him to desist from making inflammatory remarks that threaten the peace and stability of the nation.

“In addition, the Minister expressed deep concern over the dangers posed by such rhetoric”.

He continued: “It is both reckless and irresponsible for a former public servant of Amaechi’s standing to incite Nigerians against their own government.

“At a time when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working tirelessly to address the challenges facing the nation through various reforms that are yielding results.

“It is absurd, preposterous and shameful for anyone to exploit the genuine situation of our citizens for selfish political gain.”

The Minister further reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to safeguarding the peace and security of every Nigerian, warning that any attempt to destabilize the country through incitement will not be tolerated.

Matawalle further cautioned Amaechi not to cast aspersions on government’s genuine intentions for the people.

“It is expected that Amaechi joins hand with the Government to move the country forward, rather he chose to stay aside with myopic assertions,” Marawalle added.

Abure’s Court Case Cannot Distract Us – Abia Labour Party

Suleiman Anyalewechi

October 12, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State Chapter of the Labour Party, LP, has rejected suggestions of any manipulations and Impositions of candidates ahead of the forthcoming Local Council Polls in the State.

The party’s denial is coming on the heels of agitations from some quarters alleging that Governor Alex Otti, in concert with LP top hierarchy in the State imposed his cronies and perceived loyalists as LP candidates for the November 2, 2024 election.

In an interview with this Magazine on Friday October 11, Organizing Secretary, Engr Darlington Enyinnaya, said the party was guided purely by the demands of fairness, justice ,as well as wide consultations in the process of conducting its primaries.

“It is a known fact that propaganda and gossip are parts of the ingredients of democracy. People are free to say their minds .

“But the fact here as far as our party’s primaries were concerned is that the Governor never interfered with the process as some people are alleging.

:Even me the Organizing Secretary, I must say that none of the candidates that emerged from the Chairmanship position to that of the Councilorship is known, and/or related to me in person.

“The party simply set out its rules for the exercise and followed them to the letter. This was because we felt that the only way to ensure unity and cohesion within the party was to adhere strictly to the extant rules and regulations guiding the exercise.

“In doing this ,we also made wide consultations from the ward to the council level with a view to factoring the peculiarities of some communities .

“At the end of the day, we were convinced that we had done our best in carrying everybody alone. But ,as you know in politics ,there is no way you will stop those who have lost out not to criticise the process.

“The people who did not have their way, will always complain. But the most important thing is for people ,be it the Governor, Party leaders and any other persons to have a clear conscience about what have been done.”

Engr Enyinnaya insisted that the LP in the state, in the aftermath of the Local Government Primaries remain a strong and united force.

This is even as he maintained that the ongoing leadership crisis in the party will neither negatively affect its fortunes in the scheduled Council polls nor undermine the efforts of the administration in the state to deliver on its mandate to the people.

The Source reports that a Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday October 9 ruled to recognize the Julius Abure led National Working Committee NWC as the party’s authentic leadership.

The leadership had emerged from the controversial Nnewi Convention earlier in the year which was, however, boycotted by many stakeholders including Peter Obi, its Presidential Candidate in the 2023 election, his running mate Datti Ahmed and Dr Otti, its only elected Governor.

However ,on September 4, 2024 ,Governor Otti, convened an enlarged stakeholders meeting in Umuahia ,the Abia state capital, at which a Caretaker leadership was enthroned.

The 29 member Interim NWC led by former Finance Minister, Senator Esther Nenadi Usman was given 90 days within which to organize an all inclusive national Convention for the party .

The Abure-led NWC has since rejected the move, insisting on the sanctity of the outcome of the Nnewi Convention.

In the countdown to the Abia State Local Government Election, the Abure faction, led by the National Vice Chairman South East ,Ceekay Igara ,last week submitted a rival list of candidates to the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission ABSIEC for the election.

But the Esther Usman-led leadership of the party, has warned the public and the ABSIEC to be wary of the antics of the Abure-led faction of the party.

Engr Enyinnaya, while speaking with The Source dismissed the chances of the leadership tussle derailing their focus.

“While the party has appealed the Abuja High Court Judgment, let me add that there is no party today in Nigeria that is not facing one crisis or the other .

“So there is nothing extraordinary about the leadership crisis in LP and I believe that it will not negatively affect our direction and focus .Rather in the end ,we will emerge even stronger”, the Organizing Secretary noted .

No Pre-Paid Meter, No Payment Of Electricity Bills, Aba Landlords Tell Geometric

Suleiman Anyalewechi

October 12, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Landed property owners in the commercial hub of Abia State have resolved to, henceforth, shun the payment of all electricity bills to the Aba Power Limited, a subsidiary of Geometric Power Plant.

They said they will no longer be paying for services not rendered by the power generating and distribution giant.

The Aba landlords under the auspices of Aba Landlords Protection and Development Association ALPADA, made known on Friday October 12, 2024, through its President General Sir Alphosus Udeigbo ,at a media briefing in Aba.

Sir Udeigbo informed that the Association which arrived at the decision at its emergency meeting on Wednesday October 11,2024, has subsequently directed all its members without pre-paid meters in their properties not to honour electricity bills any longer.

“The Aba Landlords Protection and Development Association met on Wednesday, October 10, and resolved that members will no longer be paying estimated bills from Aba Power Limited.

“The reasons are the same problems that we faced during the era of EEDC. The problems are even worse now.

“Apart from issuing out outrageously high estimated bills to the unsuspecting consumers, the services are nothing to write home about.

“Aba Power Limited will make electricity available for less than six days in a month ,and end up giving to its consumers over-bloated bills at the end of the month .

“So, we are now worse off than when EEDC was in charge. Yes, when EEDC was here ,the people were being inundated with crazy bills and unprecedented poor services.

“But the situation now under Aba Power ,which is a subsidiary of Geometric, is more worrisome. Epileptic power supply, estimated bills, and exploitations are rife .

“So, we the Aba landords have decided that only those with pre-paid meter should honour their obligations to Geometric”

According to Chief Udeigbo, ALPDA also resolved that if Aba Power wishes to disconnect its members ,it should do so without taking away the wires.

“Our position is that in the face of the present poor service delivery, high estimated bills, and exploitations, if Aba power wishes to disconnect ALPADA defaulters ,it is free to do so ,..But they should not take away the service wires because experience has shown that the wires more often than not are sold by some unscrupulous staff of the company.

“If they (Geometric want to carry away the poles ,they should go a ahead and do so ,and return them when they are ready to serve the people well.” the ALPADA President General stated.

He expressed regret that what the people were promised at the beginning is no longer what they are being served.

According to him, all the problems and shortcomings of the EEDC era have all resurfaced even more potently.

“We don’t know what are the problems. But, when this project was launched early in the year ,we had great expectations.

“But months down the line, we are not only disappointed. but feel betrayed. And worse still, nobody cares to explain to the people what are the real problems.

“At a point, we ALPADA members approached Geometric seeking the constitution of a joint Committee to sit down and iron things out,and also to have insight into any problems hindering steady power supply in Aba and its environs.

“But as we speak, Aba Power Limited has continued to evade us on that. Now we are fed up with the whole insincerity, abysmal service delivery and exploitative attitude of Aba Power Limited .

“Our position is simple: install pre-paid meters at every consumer’s property,so that the people will be paying in line with the supply of power .

“With the pre-paid meter, the issue of exploitative estimated bills will be resolved. As it is now, those without Pre-paid meters are the once paying for the power consumed by customers with pre-paid meters” Udeigbo noted .

The Source reports that the Aba metropolis and nine other adjourning Local Councils which hitherto were under EEDC ,were about two years ago transferred to the operational control of Geometric Power, the county’s 12th power distribution company.

However, unlike others,it also has the license to generate its own power through its 188 MW capacity plant in the Osisioma area of Aba, the commercial nerve centre of Abia state.

High expectations of regular power supply to its area of coverage- the Aba Ring fence had trailed the commissioning of its three turbine powered plant early in the year.

But that great expectations appear to be receding fast amidst continued epileptic power supply.

Fraud Rocks Kano Higher Education Ministry Over Foreign Scholarship, Two Officials Quizzed

Ayodele Oni

October 12, 2024

Abba Yusuf - Governor of Kano State — Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State

By Ayodele Oni

Two officials of the Kano state Ministry of Higher Education are being investigated over a foreign scholarship fraud rocking the ministry.

Already, the state Anti-corruption and Public Complaints Commission has been invited to investigate the alleged N1.5 billion foreign scholarship fraud.

The the two senior officials from the Ministry are being interrogated regarding the status of 1,001 students who were reportedly sent to study in India and Kenya.

The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) report indicates that the state government had sponsored 1,001 postgraduate students to pursue master’s degrees in India and Uganda under its foreign scholarship scheme, which was initiated by Governor Abba Yusuf.

Governor Yusuf, at a recent farewell dinner for the first batch of 550 scholarship beneficiaries held at the Government House, expressed gratitude to former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso for establishing the scheme.

However, reports indicate that only 418 students were actually sent abroad, sparking concerns over the discrepancy and the fate of the remaining students.

When contacted, the Commission’s Public Relations Officer, Kabiru A. Kabiru, confirmed the investigation, stating that two officials were being questioned in connection to the alleged fraud.

He added, “An investigation is underway to identify those responsible and ensure they are held accountable for the alleged scam.

“Preliminary investigations revealed fraudulent activities within the Ministry for Higher Education concerning the postgraduate scholarship scheme for studies in India and Uganda.

“We are committed to uncovering the truth, and anyone found involved will face prosecution, regardless of their position.”

Ahead November Poll: Ondo PDP Accuses Gov Aiyedatiwa Of Blocking Campaign Venue

Ayodele Oni

October 12, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Political intrigues and power play have resurfaced as political parties set to flag off campaigns ahead of November governorship election in Ondo state.

The opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of denying it usage of the democracy park to flag off its campaign. The flag off has been scheduled to hold on Tuesday.

PDP Campaign Organisation Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ayo Fadaka said on Saturday that the organization applied for the use of the venue for the event slated for October 15 and that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration decided to deny the PDP the use of the Park.

Fadaka said, “To say we did not anticipate this pedestrian action will only indicate that we have not taken deep cognizance of the indecorous approach of Governor Aiyedatiwa to governance.

“We recall that in years late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu was in power, not once was any political party denied use of public space, that was a statesman, now Ondo State is unlucky to have a worse variant in its saddle, this degeneracy must be taken care of.

“We, however, declare that we are going to hold our Campaign Flag off in Akure, as people from across the State and nation will grace the event.

“We regret whatever inconvenience our gathering may have and apologize in advance, however please note that the irresponsibility of the pedestrian government is the cause.

“We, however, wish to pointedly underscore the fact that once a fire is set, there is no hiding the flames. The PDP is set for this election, and we will win; no cheap, petty, and pedestrian attitude will stop that.”

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