By Ayodele Oni
The Presidency has announced that President Bola Tinubu will begin a two-week working leave. He is expected to depart Abuja on Wednesday for the United Kingdom.
The two-week leave is part of the President’s yearly leave.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, stated that the President will use the two weeks as a working vacation and a retreat to reflect on his administration’s economic reforms.
He will return to the country at the expiration of the leave.
By Ayodele Oni
Citing what they allege is an unholy relationship with some chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, a group, Ondo state Youth Vanguard, has demanded for the transfer of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, (REC) in the state, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola.
Members of the youth group, which backed their demand with a street peaceful protest on Wednesday in Akure, maintained that their demand was to ensure a credible governorship election in the state come November.
In a petition to the INEC chairman on behalf of the group,
Mr Adeniyi Farinto, a lawyer, explained that the REC was posted to the state on the request of the governor to assist him during the election.
It claimed that Mrs Babalola grew up in Akure living with her parents all of whom are card carrying members of the APC.
Part of the petition reads “We have the firm instructions of our Clients to bring to your notice the activities of the Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner and to implore you, as a matter of urgency, to immediately transfer Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola as the Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner before the forthcoming Ondo State Gubernatorial Elections set to hold on the 16th day of November, 2024.
“This demand became necessary and imperative in order to safeguard the Electoral Integrity and Fairness and level playing ground in the forthcoming Gubernatorial Election in Ondo State.
“The compromised position of Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola is further undermined by her activities and alliance with members of political parties within the state.
“This clearly, is a conflict of interest which threatens to undermine the foundation of our democracy and imperil the trust of the people of Ondo State in the Electoral process.
“Her association with notable politicians in Ondo State especially members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) indicates the politicization of the Electoral process leading to loss of faith in the democratic system
“It is our firm believe that your Commission has the sacred duty and responsibility to protect the integrity of the Electoral process and maintain public trust in the forthcoming Election in Ondo State.
“We hereby urge you Sir to use your good offices to immediately transfer Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola out of Ondo State and to be given another role within your Commission and appoint a neutral, unbiased, and credible individual as the Resident Electoral Commissioner of Ondo State to superintend the forthcoming Governorship Election.
“This is not merely a request, but also an imperative duty to safeguard the integrity of the Independent National Electoral Commission as the Commission responsible for protecting democracy and electoral processes carried out in the nation at large.”
The administrative secretary of INEC in Ondo State, Biodun Amosun, while addressing the protesters, assured them that their votes would count.
Amosun stated that allegations against the REC would be handled at the national headquarters of the electoral body.
“We have heard your demands. The thing is being handled at the headquarters. It is not easy for INEC to do anything if you vote. Ensure you have a situation room where you collate results from the polling units.”
By Akinwale Kasali
As the Flamingoes of Nigeria prepare for the FIFA Under-17 Female World Cup in Dominican Republic, Head Coach of the Team, Bankole Olowookere has listed Captain Taiwo Afolabi and forwards Harmony Chidi and Peace Effiong in his 21-woman Flamingos’ roster for this Championship.
The clinical Chidi scored 13 of the team’s record-setting 25 goals in the qualifying series, as the bronze medallists from the last edition of the championship in India barnstormed their way past Central African Republic, Burkina Faso and Liberia in the continental campaign.
Petite midfielder Afolabi will lead the midfield, alongside Faridat Abdulwahab, Shakirat Moshood and Ayomide Rotimi, while first-choice goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma will have Sylvia Echefu and Elizabeth Boniface pushing her to her best all the time.
Taiwo Adegoke leads six other defenders, with Harmony Chidi leading six other forwards including Peace Effiong.
Nigeria will compete in Group A of the 16-nation finals alongside host nation Dominican Republic, Ecuador and New Zealand.
The delegation of Flamingos will depart the shores of Nigeria aboard a Turkish Airlines flight on Tuesday, 1st October for a two-week training tour in Santo Domingo, capital city of the Dominican Republic, ahead of the commencement of the tournament.
FLAMINGOS FOR FIFA U17 WORLD CUP DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 2024
Goalkeepers: Christiana Uzoma (Edo Queens); Elizabeth Boniface (Sunshine Queens); Sylvia Echefu (Confluence Queens)
Defenders: Prisca Nwachukwu (Imo Strikers); Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels); Taiwo Adegoke (Remo Stars Ladies); Rokibat Azeez (New Generation Academy); Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies); Vivian Ekezie (Heartland Queens); Ololade Isiaka (Abia Angels)
Midfielders: Taiwo Afolabi (Delta Queens); Faridat Abdulwahab (Nasarawa Amazons); Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens); Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy)
Forwards: Oghenemairo Obruthe (City Sports); Harmony Chidi (Imo Strikers); Kudirat Arogundade (Green Foot); Ramotalahi Kareem (Honey Badgers); Aishat Animashaun (Naija Ratels); Peace Effiong (Rivers Angels); Blessing Ifitezue (Delta Queens)
FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Dominican Republic 2024 Groups are;
Group A: Dominican Republic, Ecuador, New Zealand, Nigeria
Group B: Spain, USA, Korea Republic, Colombia
Group C: Korea DPR, Mexico, Kenya, England
Group D: Japan, Poland, Brazil, Zambia
By Akinwale Kasali
In fulfilling his Independence Day Promise to the Youths during his Independence Day Speech, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, has flagged off the distribution of 2000 CNG-Powered Tricycles to empower Nigerian youths.
The flag-off held at the Old Parade Ground in Abuja was part of activities to commemorate the 64th anniversary of Nigeria’s Independence.
In his address, the Project Director of the Presidential Initiative on CNG, Michael Oluwagbemi, said the distribution of the tricycles marked the fulfilment of promises made by President Bola Tinubu to reduce the cost of transportation, enhance economic well-being, enhance the environment through the utilisation of clean fuel, and create jobs for the youth population, through the introduction of CNG.
He said the CNG tricycles were assembled in Shagamu, adding that it was expected that the delivery of the tricycles would create employment both in operations, maintenance, and deployments of the tricycles across Nigeria.
“I’m pleased to announce to you that we are here to deliver on Mr President’s promise and to hand over 2,000 CNG-powered tricycles that will begin to form the bedrock of this revolution.
“These tricycles you see here are not just here to be used in Nigeria. They are also wholly assembled in Nigeria in a factory in Shagamu. Over 50 young people were trained in the last three weeks and are putting together these CNG tricycles, and many more of them are coming,” he said.
He noted that “beyond the tricycle assembly, we expect that with this delivery thousands of youths across our country will be employed not just in the operations of these tricycles, but also in the maintenance and efficient deployment of these tricycles across Nigeria.
By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The All Progressive Congress, APC, Abia State Chapter, has announced its withdrawal from the November 2, 2024 Local Council Polls in the State.
This is coming at a time its main rival, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, just reaffirmed its participation in the election being midwifed by the Labour Party, LP-led Abia State Government.
The Source reports that the Abia state Independent Electoral Commission, ABSIEC, penultimate week, rolled out the time table for the polls. Political parties were given between September 24 and October 2,2024 to organize their Primaries.
The PDP, after its stakeholders meeting at its Umuahia headquarters last week, formally informed that it is ready to fully participate in the exercise.
The meeting presided over by its Caretaker Committee Chairman, Dr Alwell Asiforo Okere, also announced the fees for its expression of interest and nomination forms .
Those interested in the Chairmanship race are to pay N200,000,while Councilorship aspirants are to pay the sum of N25,000 .
Women aspirants are to pay half of the official fees for both positions .
Only on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, Jude Ndukwe, Head of Abia PDP Media team cautioned party followers, particularly aspirants to be wary of orchestrated fake campaign to dissuade members from the polls.
According to him, the news making the rounds in some quarters to the effect that the PDP has withdrawn from the scheduled local Government election is not only false, but a calculated attempt to undermine the party .
He reiterated PDP’s preeminent position in the political equation of Abia, despite not being in control of the Executive arm of Government .
Conversely however ,the APC Publicity Secretary, Engr Sterling Chinwe Uruakpa, on Wednesday October 2, cited lack of official communication and observance of extant rules governing the polls by the ABSIEC as major reasons for its decision to boycott the exercise.
According to him, the decision was reached on Tuesday October 1, at a joint meeting between the state Working Committee and APC Local Government Chairmen at its State Secretariat Umuahia
The APC spokesperson noted that as the ruling party at the centre and the biggest in the land, it is completely averse to relying on social media to learn about a serious issue as the scheduled council election.
He emphasized the imperativeness of ABSIEC in exploring proper channels in communicating to parties ,as well as in information dissemination.
Uruakpa stated that as at the time the party concluded to boycott the election, the electoral umpire had not officially notified it of the election and its date .
“The All Progressive Congress is the ruling party in Nigeria and the biggest party in Africa and will not tolerate any form of contempt and disrespect from ABSIEC .
“It (ABSIEC) must follow due process in the conduct of its activities ,ensure inclusiveness and provide a level playing field for all the parties in order to gain the confidence and trust of the political parties and the people” the APC Spokesman noted.
Signs that the APC may toe its present line of action, manifested on Saturday September 21, 2024, following its boycott of an interactive session between ABSIEC and the leadership Office the political parties.
By Akinwale Kasali
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, has confirmed that no fewer than 10 persons died in a tragic vehicle accident. Three others sustained varying degrees of injuries in the auto crash which occurred along the Lagos-Badagry expressway Lagos State.
Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, in a statement on Wednesday, noted that the agency, alongside other stakeholders battled hard to ensure that the death figure reduced.
A breakdown of the fatalities showed that three were male adults, four females, two female children and one male child. All died around Abule-Osun end of the Lagos-Badagry expressway in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of the state.
The accident occurred after a Toyota Sienna with number plate BDG 342 FS, rammed into a stationary truck landen with granite stones while trying to navigate the road.
Oke-Osanyintolu disclosed that the accident occurred at about 23:00 pm yesterday when the ill-fated Sport Utility Vehicles, SUV, returning from the Eastern region of the country suddenly experienced brake failure and rammed into the truck.
“Further investigations revealed that the truck, which was laden with granite, was parked on the road shutting down about half of the carriage way, while the Toyota Sienna on top speed, unknowingly crashed into the parked truck from behind.
“10 people lost their lives to the unfortunate incident, while three were critically injured.
“The injured passengers were rescued and taken to a nearby hospital by officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC) before the arrival of the Agency’s LRT at the scene of the incident include: one female adult and two children.
“The recovered bodies have been handed over to the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU) for onward transfer to the mortuary pending when their families could be located”, he added.
By Ayodele Oni
Tragedy struck in Niger State as, at least, 150 passengers are, reportedly, missing following a boat accident in Mokwa Local Government Area of the State.
Report reveal that the tragic incident, involved a boat, that was transporting over 300 passengers predominantly women and children, which capsized during a journey to celebrate Maulid on Tuesday.
The passengers were coming from Mundi Community to Gbajibo town for the Maulid festival when the tragic incident occurred.
The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, confirmed the event in a statement issued on Wednesday, stating that rescue operations are currently in progress to find additional survivors.
Baba-Arah indicated that NSEMA received notification of the boat accident that took place on the evening of October 1, 2024, at approximately 8:30 pm, along the River Niger, upstream of the Jebba Dam, near Gbajibo Community in Mokwa LGA.
According to him, “The boat, which was transporting about 300 passengers, mainly women and children from Mundi Community, was en route to Gbajibo for the Maulid celebration.
“NSEMA is coordinating search and rescue operations in partnership with the State Ministry of Transport, Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee, local divers, and other community volunteers.
“Thanks to the swift response of the local volunteers, over 150 persons have been rescued alive so far.”
Baba-Arah, however, assured that the search and rescue operation was ongoing, with further updates to be provided to the public as more survivors are located.
Amidst the plan by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reshuffle his cabinet the president has been urged to consider some prominent individuals for ministerial appointments.
The clarion call was made by the Mandate Protection Vanguard, MPV, on Tuesday in a statement singed by the group’s coordinator, Comrade Gbenga Soloki.
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Publicity and Strategy to the President recently hinted that Tinubu was planning to rejig his cabinet. The presidential aide said this was necessary to ensure performance and enhance the success of the ministration.
Not a few Nigerians have been calling on the president to weed out non-performing ministers in his cabinet so that his electoral promises to Nigerians could be achieved.
According to the MPV, those that should be considered for ministerial appointments include former governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna state, Bart Nnanji, a former Minister of Power, Senator Olorunimbe Mamora, a former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Senator Shehu Sani amongst others.
If appointed, the group said these individuals are capable of making huge performance in the cabinet, it cited their track records in public offices where they had earlier served, adding that President Tinubu should priotise the appointment of more technocrats in his new cabinet rather than populating it with just politicians.
The statement read in part: “While no one is begrudging Mr President for appointing politicians and close allies as ministers and ministers of state, there are several other qualified Nigerians who have excelled in both private and public services, while some have served at the state level, others have been privileged to operate at the federal level.
“The present economic challenges in the country deserve the services of credible and economically savvy ministers, who can deliver on their core areas of competence to make the programmes and projects of the administration popular and to achieve far-reaching results that will ultimately rescue the country out of the present quagmire.
“Firstly is, Mallam Nasir el Rufai, who the group described as a cerebral politician from the northern part of the country, saying that though trained as a quantity surveyor, he obtained a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University.
“He was Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, minister of Federal Capital Territory and the immediate past Governor of Kaduna state.
“Another person is Senator Shehu Sani, who is one of the few personalities from the northern part of the country that joined forces with pro-democracy activists to fight for the restoration of democratic rule in the country,” the group said.
“Ye another personality is the one-time minister of power in Nigeria, Prof Bart Nnaji. No doubt, Bart Nnaji is a seasoned administrator, who is also experienced in the power generation sector. He is a professor of Electrical Engineering, who was the minister of power, special adviser on power to the president and the Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC),” MPV said.
Former Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna state has hinted of his plan to return to politics in 2027.
The immediate past governor of the state made the revelation on Tuesday while speaking on the Hausa programme on Freedom Radio Kaduna .
“I intend to return to politics in 2027 after completing my studies. There is no retirement in politics. By the will of Allah, we will return and continue serving the people,” he said.
The revelation comes following suggestions that the former governor was planning to contest the highest office in the country, the president.
The former governor left office on May 29, 2023 after spending eight maximum years as the chief executive of the state.
Since his departure from office more than a year ago, El-Rufai, analysts insist has been in the political wilderness, particularly after his ambition to be a minister was thwarted by perceived political opponents.
The former governor, has also been at loggerheads with his successor, Uba Sani, the man he assisted to be governor, but has now dumped him over irreconcilable difference.
To make matter worse for El-Rufai, he’s been probed by the Governor Sani administration for an alleged financial impropriety while he was in office.
According to those familiar with the issue, the former governor had earlier been penciled down as the Chief of Staff, CoS, to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu among other juicy positions in his cabinet.
“But everything just went wrong for him at the last minute,” a source said adding that the former governor is coming back “with a revenge in 2027.”
Those who spoke on the ambition of the former helmsman to contest for president, disclosed that he has recently been making necessary consultations to ensure that this is actualised
Recall that the former governor had recently met with former President Muhammadu Buhari, former Vice Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Kwakwanso even though nothing was made public on why he met the political leaders.
The magazine also reported that El-Rurai is seriously angry with the administration of President Tinubu for dumping him after he supported the former for the president last year.
The former governor was among those that staunchly supported President Tinubu during the 2023 Presidential election, and for his support, Tinubu was said to have promised to make him a member of his cabinet, by giving him a lucrative ministerial appointment.
But this was not to be, as the former governor was dumped at the eleventh hour after he failed to scale the Nigerian Senate screening, sources told the magazine.
The former governor, those close to him said, believed that he was betrayed by the president who refused to stand up for him when it really mattered.
“The president could have prevailed on the Senate to clear the former governor if he wanted to. The fact that he did not pull his weight behind him is an indication that he actually didn’t want him to be a minister. The president action, is the height of betrayal to someone who risked everything for him when other northern politicians were not ready to stick out their necks for him,” a source close to the former governor said on Wednesday.
By Ayodele Oni
President Bola Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians to forget the past and forge ahead so that Nigeria can attain greatness.
In a nationwide broadcast to mark the 64th independence anniversary of Nigeria, the president stated that one of the roads to progress is not to allow mistakes of the past to reflect in future endeavours.
“Dear compatriots, our independence anniversary gives us another chance to reflect on how far we have gone in our journey to nation-building and to renew our commitment to building a better nation that will serve present and future generations of Nigerians.
“While we celebrate the progress we have made as a people in the last sixty-four years, we must also recognise some of our missed opportunities and mistakes of the past.
“If we are to become one of the greatest nations on earth, as God has destined us to be, our mistakes must not be allowed to follow us into the future.
“My administration took over the leadership of our country 16 months ago at a critical juncture. The economy faced many headwinds, and our physical security was highly impaired.
“We found ourselves at a dizzying crossroads, where we must choose between two paths: reform for progress and prosperity or carry on business-as-usual and collapse. We decided to reform our political economy and defence architecture.
“Fellow Nigerians, better days are ahead of us. The challenges of the moment must always make us believe in ourselves. We are Nigerians—resilient and tenacious. We always prevail and rise above our circumstances.
“I urge you to believe in our nation’s promise. The road ahead may be challenging, but we will forge a path toward a brighter future with your support.
“Together, we will cultivate a Nigeria that reflects the aspirations of all its citizens, a nation that resonates with pride, dignity, and shared success.
“As agents of change, we can shape our destiny and build a brighter future by ourselves, for ourselves and for future generations.
“Please join our administration in this journey towards a brighter future. Let us work together to build a greater Nigeria where every citizen can access opportunities and every child can grow up with hope and promise.”
