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28 Years Of Creation: Gov Oyebanji Says Ekiti Is Building Robust Profile

October 1, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed satisfaction with strides made by the State since it was created as a political entity exactly 28 years ago.

The Governor noted that the creation of the State on 1st October, 1996 has accelerated the development of Ekiti land which has culminated into the state becoming a trail blazer in every aspect of human development under his watch as the chief executive in the last two years.

Addressing the people of the State in a broadcast to mark the 28th anniversary of the creation of Ekiti State and the 64th anniversary of the nation’s Independence, Governor Oyebanji also hailed President Bola Tinubu for his unflinching support for Ekiti development since coming to power on 29th May, 2023.

Governor Oyebanji said Ekiti is “grateful for President Tinubu’s numerous interventions and approval of critical federal infrastructure in the State and his support especially in tackling security challenges that confronted us early in the year.”

He noted that the presidential intervention has provided Ekiti with the right atmosphere for its growth as a State.

He eulogized the former Military Administrators and former elected Governors, who had held office before him for their contribution to the growth and development of the State on which his administration is presently building.

The Governor paid respect to the Founding Fathers especially Royal Fathers, who championed the struggles for the creation of Ekiti State through the Committee for the creation of Ekiti State under the chairmanship of Chief Deji Fasuan.

He also appreciated Aare Afe Babalola for his contribution towards the actualization of the Ekiti Project.

Making reference to empirical evidence of social and economic growth being witnessed in the Land of Honour, Governor Oyebanji stated that Ekiti is building a robust profile on all indexes of development attested to by recent figures released by Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) which was realized through the robust implementation of his administration’s six-pillar development agenda.

“There is no doubt the creation of Ekiti State has accelerated the development of Ekitiland. Today, we are more than happy to affirm that Ekiti is now a trailblazer in every aspect of human development index, with those who started before us, now struggling to catch up with us in critical development indices.

“For instance, in the recent data on education by the National Bureau of Statistics, Ekiti was adjudged the second most literate State after Lagos in the South West and one of the most literate in Nigeria. Similarly, the same Bureau also reported that Ekiti has the least out-of-school children in the South West.

“We are very proud to say Ekiti is a front-liner in education, life expectancy, access to quality healthcare services, physical infrastructure development, access to water, peaceful co-existence, ease-of-doing business, gender equality, social inclusion among others.

“Gradually and assuredly, Ekiti is building a formidable profile of a progressive and development-oriented State that is poised for prosperity for all.”

The Governor acknowledged some challenges being faced in the governance of the State, such as macroeconomic, security and infrastructural challenges and low industrial presence,

“To respond to this, we came up with the Six Pillars of Administration with the primary objective of ensuring a shared prosperity for all. It is gratifying to note that our efforts are already yielding fruits across all sectors. We are not only meeting targets, we have surpassed targets in many instances.

“We believe in inclusive growth and sustainable development without leaving anyone behind. As it can be seen in our efforts so far, our Government is very focused and strategic in our development drive.

“We want to ensure every policy and programme of Government is connected to the chains of Ekiti Development Master Plan and the Six Pillars of Administration to deliver the shared prosperity promise.

“We are also deliberate in our plan that every Government spending must lead to job creation, inclusive growth and sustainable development.

“In the last two years since we came on board, we are glad to report that we have made some giant strides in different aspects of administration in accordance with our social contract with Ekiti people.

“Law and order is the primary responsibility of every government, Accordingly, we have made security of life and property our topmost priority.

“As a State, we have, like many other parts of the country, had to contend with occasional opportunistic attacks of ‘hit-and-run” kidnappers, I am glad that we have been able to bring them to book while we continue to do our best to prevent future recurrence.

“Similarly, we have been able to end the frightful incidence of street hoodlums who troubled the city of Ado-Ekiti in recent months. We have arrested them and they are currently facing trial.

“I therefore want to assure you that we will continue to do our best to protect you while we also appeal to you to help the Government by providing helpful information that can assist the security agencies to prevent and fight crimes in our dear State.”

El-Rufai: “I Will Swear By Quran, I Did Not Steal As Governor”

Akinwale Kasali

October 1, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

As corruption and embezzlement allegations continue to rock the administration of Nasir El Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, has vowed to swear with the Holy Qur’an that he didn’t steal money while in office. He challenged his predecessors to do the same.

The former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, made this assertion Tuesday during a programme on Freedom Radio Kaduna.

El Rufai said he was in politics to serve the people and not to steal, adding that he was financially strong before he became Governor.

“I did not join politics to steal money or enrich myself. I was satisfied with what I had before becoming governor. I am ready to swear with the Qur’an to prove my innocence if other former Governors and current leaders would do the same.”

“I have always prayed for guidance in all I do, and I strive not to betray the trust of the people. Whenever the former governors of Kaduna State and other leaders are ready to swear with the Qur’an that they never misappropriated public funds, I will join them. I have no fear because I know I never took money that belonged to the people.”

“My administration has been accused without any clear evidence of where the money went missing or who took it. My allies are being targeted and invited by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as part of a smear campaign against me.

“I have left everything to Allah’s judgment. I have prayed and will remain silent on the issue. I have instructed my lawyers to take legal action against those tarnishing my name, but for now, I’m focused on my activities like reading and writing.

“I will continue to serve the people. You don’t need to hold a position in government to serve. We are still working with like-minded individuals who genuinely want to serve the people, not those seeking to enrich themselves.

“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 .

“I was quiet to see how things would turn out, but for me, I always ask Allah to help me in whatever I do in life because, as a human being, I always try not to do anything wrong or betray people’s trust.

“I always say that whenever the former governors of Kaduna State and other leaders decide to take an oath swearing with the Quran that they never took people’s money, I’m also ready to swear. This is because I know that I didn’t go into public service to steal or take people’s money. I joined politics only to serve the people of Kaduna State; I didn’t come to look for money, because I give glory to Allah that I’m content with what I had even before becoming governor. Yet, we were accused of misappropriation of funds during our tenure without being given a specific area where the money went missing or who took it.

“I already prayed two Raka’at on Friday night, leaving everything to Allah seeking His judgment. This is why I’m not saying much about the issue,” he said.

El Rufai has been criticized by the incumbent Governor of the State, Uba Sani, who accused his administration of mismanagement, embezzlement, unserviced Loans, inheriting an empty treasury etc.

Former Senator Shehu Sani also called for the probe of El Rufai’s administration, labeling it a corrupt government.

Rivers: Police Command Denies Sealing RSEIEC Office, Explains Presence

Ayodele Oni

October 1, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

FCT Police Denies Attacking Protesters

Police Commands in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) explained their roles in two different incidents which took place within the mandate areas.

In Rivers, the Police Command on Tuesday denied sealing off the office of State Independent Electoral Commission, (RSIEC) in Port Harcourt.

Spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe Koko, clarified that the Police officers seen at the RSIEC office were posted to the place on the directive of Commissioner of Police to protect the facility against any attack during the ongoing nation wide protest in Port Harcourt, on Tuesday 1st October.

Koko also revealed that there is no iota of truth in the allegation that the Police assaulted and beat up some protesters.

Recall that RSIEC had fixed 5th October,2024 to conduct Local Government Area Elections.

At the FCT, the Police Command denied attacking the October 1 protesters in Abuja.

This was contained in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, FCT police command, SP Josephine Adeh on Tuesday in Abuja.

Adeh said the operatives only took proactive measures to prevent looting, adding that it was necessary to address the allegation, following reports making the rounds that policemen attacked protesters at Utako Market in Abuja earlier Tuesday during the protest.

She urged the populace to disregard such misleading and mischievous information, stressing that the command was committed to ensuring the safety of the populace in the exercise of their civil rights.

Earlier reports said police officers on Tuesday fired teargas at protesters during the #FearlessInOctober protest over bad governance in Abuja.

“The command wishes to categorically debunk the narrative, tagging it completely false and misleading.

“Acting on intelligence, the operatives only took measures to forestall miscreants who were taking advantage of the protest to loot shops in the market and as a result, extended focus to them.

“As a responsible agency, we could not stand by and allow traders to be robbed of their hard-earned money and belongings without intervening.”

Nigeria@64: Primate Ayodele Calls For Sober Reflection

Akinwale Kasali

October 1, 2024

Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele — Primate Elijah Ayodele, has cautioned President Bola Tinubu of a plot by Trump to remove him from office.

By Akinwale Kasali

As the nation marks its 64th Independence Day Celebration, vocal Clergyman, Primate Elijah Ayodele, Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has stated that Nigeria has no reason to celebrate its 64th independence because the country has not recorded any significant achievements worthy of being celebration.

The alleged controversial Clergyman in his Independence message to Nigerians stated that he has not seen anything special in Nigeria’s 64th independence celebration because the country is still far behind in terms of development, human capital, economy and leadership.

Ayodele described Nigeria’s democracy as a failure, explaining that independence is more like bondage for the people and the country is gradually moving into a hopeless state because of the kind of people that have emerged as the country’s leaders.

‘’Sincerely, I have not seen anything special in Nigeria @ 64 because there is no serious improvement in terms of what the government needs to do. In terms of human capital, everything is on standstill, in terms of judiciary, it’s something else. We are still seeing things that we can’t be proud of despite being 64 years old. Our democracy has been destroyed, what we have is democracy of failure, starvation, bondage, difficulty. Nigerians have voted for leaders with no conscience. We have been praying but it doesn’t look like this country will get better.’’

While speaking on the current administration, Primate Ayodele said the Government is confused and has no fear of God. He also called on the Government to embark on seven things to restore hope to the people.

‘’The present Government is confused; they don’t have the fear of God and don’t understand why they are ruling. Nigeria @ 64 is nothing to celebrate. The government should do seven things that include stable electricity, educational reforms, Restructuring, Judiciary reforms, economic reforms, security and total overhauling of our petroleum ministry to bring back hope.’’

Speaking further, Primate Ayodele noted that a serious government leading a country that is 64 years old will not allow mediocrity and would let go of any unserious minister or appointee. He frowned at the EFCC chairman for failing to arrest the former governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello but quick to go after ordinary Nigerians that have committed lesser offences compared to Bello’s.

‘’A serious government leading a nation that is 64 years old would sack people in the oil sector including NNPC GMD, Mele Kyari, Minister of Petroleum and others in the sector. We have ministries that are not performing, the President should remove their leaders.’’

‘’For months, EFCC has been trailing Yahaya Bello all to no avail but if it is an ordinary Nigerian, he or she would have been arrested and paraded. It appears the EFCC chairman doesn’t know his job too, the president should find something to do if not, we will keep encouraging corruption.’’

In the same vein, Primate Ayodele blasted the national assembly for not working towards achieving success in the country.

Generally, he noted that leaders of the country have to reflect on what has happened and what should be done instead of celebrating independence at 64.

‘’The national assembly has also failed, they are just going there to relax, President Tinubu should improve and enhance workers welfare. Our sectors are not doing well including communications, we don’t have anything to celebrate at 64, it’s a period to evaluate what we have done so far. It’s a time of sober reflection. There is hunger in the land, a bag of rice isn’t affordable anymore. At 64, a fertile land has failed in agriculture. We have voted for the wrong choice and of course, the result of that will be wrong. It’s 64 years of sadness, without achievement, and failure.’’

He furthermore expressed disappointment in the religious sector especially Christian leaders who are fond of hiding the true situations of things with ‘all is well’. The prophet noted that all pastors have been compromised and what they do now is fashion.

‘’The religious sector too has failed, all the pastors have failed. We have been compromised and all we know how to say is ‘All is well’ but it is not. We only have fashion pastors, they don’t talk when they are supposed to talk apart from ‘All is well.’’

At Independence: Fubara Calls For Defeat Of Judicial Terrorism, Abuse Of Power

Suleiman Anyalewechi

October 1, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Says he cannot be intimidated ● Pledges unalloyed loyalty to Tinubu

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called on his colleagues from the Northern region to redouble their efforts towards halting the scourge of insecurity currently ravaging the area.

This is even as he called for concerted efforts by the Governors of the oil producing States to fight the spate of pipeline vandalism and oil theft .

Governor Fubara who spoke in Port-Harcourt Tuesday on the occasion of Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary, thumped up President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold policies towards revamping the moribund economy of the country.

In a statement issued by his Media Aide Nelson Chukwudi, Governor Fubara, however, warned his traducers that he will not give in to intimidation and blackmailing antics

This is just as he assured that his administration will always make the security of lives and properties the cornerstone, while also promoting equal socio-economic opportunities for all irrespective of political, religious, and ethnic persuasions.

“We will continue to support and work with the Federal Government and Security Agencies to advance the security and wellbeing of all citizens, protect national economic assets and guarantee the security and smooth operations of Local, National and Multinational companies and investment in our State.

“We also assure the Federal Government and Mr President of unalloyed loyalty and support from the Government and good people of Rivers state and reaffirm our commitment to the unity and progress of Nigeria as one indivisible nation”, the Governor stated

The Rivers State Governor, particularly, lauded President Tinubu’s economic reforms policies, insisting that they are bold and potentially impactful in the vision of correcting the structural defects of the past.

He, therefore, appealed to Nigerians to come together, and keep faith with the dreams and missions of the founding fathers.

He expressed the optimism that with unity of purpose, Nigeria will overcome the present challenges facing it as a nation.

“We are also known for our rich cultural diversity – a vibrant nation where different religions, languages and traditions co-exist peacefully.

“It is, therefore, important for Nigerians to keep faith with the vision of the founding leaders and do so by reaffirming their fidelity to one indivisible nation under God and pledge themselves to each other in freedom ,peace and justice.

“Let us also commit ourselves to work hand in hand with the Federal Government to tackle the economic ,social and political challenges including judicial terrorism nepotism,corruption ,and abuse of power that have diminished our democracy, stifled our economic growth and caused untold hardship to our people.

“With an unyielding commitment to democracy, rule of law, and good governance, and working together for the common interest, we can overcome all our challenges and prevail over the enemies of progress”, Fubara noted .

The Rivers State Governor stated that despite distractions, his administration will not waver in its determination to deliver on its mandate.

He expressed confidence in God’s abilities to see his administration through the present travails and propel it into promoting, protecting and defending the political, social and economic interests of Rivers state at all cost.

“I further assure you that we will never compromise on our commitments to delivering the dividends of democracy and good governance to the citizens of Rivers state,” he stated.

Nigeria Is Winning, Uzodimma Insists On Independence Day

The Source

October 1, 2024

Hope Uzodimma at Nigeria 64 Independence Celebration

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State on Tuesday took a holistic view of Nigeria after 64 years of attaining political independence and came to the conclusion that the Country is winning.

The Governor who spoke at the Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu Square Owerri during the celebration of Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary, insisted that though the journey has come with certain challenges, Nigerians cannot deny the positive sides since October 1,1960 that the colonial masters handed over the reins of power to the indigenes.

He noted that both in the field of sports, education, healthcare, global impact, military prowess, skill acquisition, arts, science and technology among others, Nigeria has recorded commendable gains.

Governor Uzodimma commended the spirit of resilience in Nigerians that has brought the country thus far and advised the citizens not to despair in their belief in an envisaged great Nation called Nigeria by the founding fathers.

He noted that Nigeria enjoys the respect of other countries in the world because she is making appreciable and steady progress in the face difficulties.

The Independence Day Anniversary was celebrated with pomp and circumstance as the military, police, paramilitary agencies, schools and other groups showed outstanding performance in match past with the Governor taking the salute.

Governor Uzodimma had earlier inspected the guard of honour before retiring to take the salute during the match past.

He also cut the Independence Day Anniversary cake and performed the symbolic release of the pigeons that signals peace in the country.

Governor Uzodimma’s speech read in full:

“Sixty-four years ago, on 1st October 1960, the green-white-green flag was raised for the first time, marking the birth of our great nation, Nigeria. Today, as we celebrate another anniversary of this milestone, I feel very proud of our progress as an independent nation.

“Despite our numerous challenges, our country enjoys the respect of other members of the community of nations. I am equally proud of the individual achievements which our citizens have continued to record in the global space in various fields of endeavour, including academia, business, sports, the arts, science, and technology.

“The icing on the cake came recently with the brilliant outing of world-class Nigerian athletes at the recent Paralympic Games in Paris. I also feel very proud of the industrious and promising young Imo boys and girls who have acquired cutting-edge digital skills from our Skill Up Imo Project and are today waxing strong in the new technology-driven global employment market.

“That is the spirit of Nigerians innovative, resilient, and ever-tenacious. That spirit is part of what we are celebrating today. Indeed, Nigeria is winning, and we have so much to celebrate.

“So, I welcome you all to this year’s Independence anniversary celebrations with profound gratitude to God. His benevolence has sustained us through six decades of self-governance, allowing us to take our destiny into our own hands. While our journey has faced challenges, we owe immense gratitude to God for the progress we have made. Thus, I congratulate all Nigerians, especially the resilient people of Imo State, on this joyous occasion.

“The story of our nation, like that of many others who fought for independence, is one of unwavering determination. As a country that endured a civil war in its early years, the urgency of nation-building is even more pronounced. Yes, we have faced obstacles that tested our unity; yes, we have not built that perfect nation that we all hoped for at independence, but we have made remarkable progress, which gives us more than enough reason to celebrate. As Johnson Oatman wrote in one of my favourite hymns, “Count your blessings, name them one by one, it will surprise you what the Lord has done”.

So let us attempt to count our blessings:

“1. Education: From just two universities at Independence, we can now boast of over 270 universities and countless other tertiary institutions that are nurturing the bright minds that will shape our future.

“2. Healthcare: Our citizens now live longer and enjoy better health, thanks to expanded access to healthcare and improved health facilities.

“3. Sports: We have conquered the world stage and raised our flag with pride on many occasions.

“4. Global Impact: Our nationals continue to make significant contributions to global advancements in science, technology, innovation, and creativity. Nigerian scholars have continued to shine across the globe, embodying excellence and innovation.

“5. Military Prowess: Our armed forces not only secure our borders but also contribute to global peacekeeping efforts, earning international respect and admiration.

“I can go and on, but let me stop at this point.

“Here in Imo State, we have recorded transformative progress in infrastructure, education, and economic development. Our state institutions are training graduates who are equipped and ready to compete on the global stage. Our infrastructure, especially the roads, is improving steadily, thereby enabling us to connect more communities and stimulate commerce in and around the state. These achievements reflect the larger Nigerian success story.

“My beloved Ndimo, I recount these accomplishments not to ignore our challenges but to remind us of the glorious country we are building. While recent years have been economically challenging, when we consider the full picture, we can confidently say: that Nigeria is winning.

“Winning, in this sense, does not mean the race is over. We still face hurdles in security, economic stability, and national unity. But be assured that my administration will continue working harmoniously with the federal government to address these issues. We are implementing several well-thought-out policies aimed at boosting our economy, improving our security, and fostering unity among all Nigerians.

“On this historic day, I would like to renew my commitment to transparent and accountable governance to you, my fellow indigenes and residents. Our 3R administration will continue to give priority to the development of infrastructure development, economic growth, and social welfare. But this can only be possible with everyone’s support and cooperation. We must give peace a chance to enable us to deepen our democracy and accelerate our development.

“As we reflect on this Independence Day, I hereby repeat my invitation to all Imo people and Nigerians to join hands and contribute to making Nigeria the country of our dreams. I am talking of that country which our forebears from different corners of the country with different tongues had in mind when they fought for our freedom and independence. It is not enough to identify problems; we must actively participate in seeking solutions. We must, therefore, emulate the patriotism of our founding fathers, who made a lot of sacrifices for our freedom.

“Remember, this is our home. While some may be tempted to seek opportunities elsewhere, there is no place like Nigeria. As an immigrant, you are tolerated and restricted, but at home, you are beloved, entitled, and free. Here, we have the freedom to shape our destiny, to innovate, and to lead. Our diversity is our strength and our resilience, our sustenance.

“To the youth of Nigeria, you are our greatest asset. Your energy, creativity, and determination are the fuel that will drive our nation forward. I urge you, therefore, to take the opportunities before you, challenge the status quo, and take charge of building the Nigeria of our dreams.

“As we step into our 64th year of independence, let us do so with renewed hope and unwavering faith in our nation. Nigeria is winning, and with each passing day, with every individual effort, we inch closer to greatness.

“On this glorious occasion, I congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our past leaders, and all Nigerians whose belief in our country has kept us united. Let us keep the flag flying high.

“Finally, like all nations of the world, Nigeria is a work in progress, and despite the worries and challenges of today, I remain optimistic that better days will come, and like we say when we pray, “our future will be better than our past”.

“God bless Imo State!

God bless Nigeria!

God bless Nigerians!

“Thank you, and happy Independence anniversary.”

Thereafter, Governor Uzodimma treated the guests to a sumptuous Independence Day Anniversary lunch at the Banquet hall of the Government House Owerri.

Youths Attack Yoruba Communities, Burn Houses In Kaduna

Akinwale Kasali

October 1, 2024

Youths Attack Yoruba Communities and Burn Houses In Kaduna

By Akinwale Kasali

Irate Youths have caused tension in Kaduna State by attacking Yoruba Communities and burning down their houses.

The angry Youths suspected to fundamentalists, stormed the Yoruba Communities destroying properties and burning down Houses.

Sources said the attack led to the death of some Yoruba residents in the Community

According to an eyewitness, “Some people may have been killed. I do not have the exact number, the irate Youths just stormed the Community unaware, unleashing attacks on innocent residents, mostly of the Yoruba tribe”.

But multiple sources said there were no reports of deaths as at press time though the risk of people losing their lives remain.

Local sources said several houses which belong to Yoruba communities were burnt in attacks staged by youths, mostly unemployed.

The source said trouble started when an Hausa boy was accosted by a youth leader in the Yoruba community. The Hausa boy had, allegedly, stolen money belonging to a Yoruba woman prompting his arrest.

The suspect was said to have been beaten by youths in the market after which he was taken to the Seriki in the area.

A source said the boy later died which prompted some suspected youths to mobilise and launch attacks on Yoruba property destroying and wounding many.

“I do not think anyone is dead but many were wounded” Akin Ajode who works in the market disclosed.

He said the situation is dangerous and could spread unless the brewing crisis is arrested.

He said the problem started on Sunday when the boy died.

“The youths launched the first attack on Monday evening. They organised again and attacked Yoruba Communities. Many have left their homes,” Ajose said.

The Kaduna State Police Command is yet to issue a statement or confirm this news as at the time of filing in this report.

Nigeria @64: Obi Seeks Independence From State Capture, End To Suffering

The Source

October 1, 2024

The Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 polls, Peter Obi has urged Nigerians to seek a true independent Nation free from state Capture and end the unprecedented hardship and suffering.

“On this day, we must make a sober commitment to build a nation truly independent from the present state capture that has held it down in failure and has kept the people suffering.

Writing his Independent Day message on his X handle on Tuesday, the former Anambra State Governor said, “Anniversary celebrations, whether of an individual or country, provide opportunities to Reflect on memories, celebrate accomplishments, look to the future, and offer gratitude.

“This is exactly what we are doing today as our dear nation marks its independence anniversary, 64 years since our country, Nigeria, took charge of its destiny and began its journey to development as an independent nation.

‘It’s a Day to appreciate God for lavishly endowing us with everything natural, human, and material to be a great nation.

“For me, however, this day should be a day of sober reflection for every Nigerian, especially for us, the leaders, whose actions and inactions have continued to contribute to the retrogression and very visible failure we are all witnessing.

“An unexamined life, they say, is not worth living. We must, therefore, examine our lives in the light of our journey as a nation within these last 6 decades.

“Have we pulled our people out of poverty or have we thrown more people into poverty? Have we made education accessible to every Nigerian child, or have we raised an army of over 18 million out-of-school children roaming the streets? Have we built a productive economy, or have we built a nation with now the worst debt profile in our nation’s history?

“On every measure of development, from the critical areas to every aspect, we are performing badly. From ranking poorly on safety and peacefulness to being one of the most terrorized countries in the world. From being ranked among the most highly corrupt countries in the world to being placed among the nations with gross disobedience to the rule of law. Our nation has continued its dangerous dance on the edge of a precipice.

“When compared with some countries who gained independence around the same time as ours, before and after us, Nigeria stands out as a failed nation that must be urgently rescued from further decadence.

“On this day, we must make a sober commitment to build a nation truly independent from the present state capture that has held it down in failure and has kept the people suffering. We must build a nation independent from tribal disunity and religious disharmony. We must build a New and Productive Nigeria that cares for the well-being of the people. That is the Independence we will celebrate as a nation, and it is POssible.”

Nationwide Protest: Ondo Residents Fume Over Hardship

Ayodele Oni

October 1, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Residents of Ondo State on Tuesday stormed the streets to express displeasure over the current economic hardship ravaging the country under President Bola Tinubu’s government.

The residents, who were joined by Human Rights Activists under the aegis of the #RevolutionNow, besieged the roads and demanded immediate action over the high cost of staple foods and inflation amid growing frustration on the price of petrol nationwide.

The protest came despite warnings by the state police command against any demonstration on the streets during the celebration of October 1 Independence Day.

The state commissioner of police, Abayomi Oladipo, had earlier on Monday in a statement issued by the spokesperson for the command, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, asked residents not to join any protest in the state.

Oladipo said the command had deployed its men to the town to ensure no protest is used in truncating the celebration of the independence day.

But kicking off at the popular Cathedral church junction in Akure, the peaceful protesters chanted anti-government songs, while demanding that President Tinubu should address the issue of hunger, cut in pump price and electricity prices in the country.

The protest, which was closely monitored by the combined team of armed police officers and men of the State Security Services, (SSS) also drew the attention of commercial vehicle drivers and motorcyclists, who lamented over the disparity in the prices of fuel at filling stations in the state.

Addressing journalists, one of the leaders, Kunle Wiseman Ajayi, accused the government of not being sensitive to the needs of Nigerians in the face of the economic challenges in the country.

Mr Ajayi explained that the various “anti-government policies” of the current administration have further plunged the country into economic crisis, noting that Nigerians can no longer bear the hardship.

“As you can see, Nigerians are angry and at the same time hungry because of the poor economic policies of Tinubu’s government.

“Imagine the price of fuel. The high price of food, the common man, can no longer feed well. Do they want to kill us? Why is this government not listening to the people?

“There is hunger in the land. Inflation in the country because of poor and unfavourable economic policies. We are demanding an end to this suffering.

“They should immediately reverse both fuel subsidy and electricity. This government continues to waste our resources and enrich own pockets. We want to say Enough is Enough. They should allow the common man to breathe.”

While listing some of the demands of the protesters to include an end to hunger and high cost of food, creation of jobs for the youths, reduction in the price of fuel and electricity, introduction of free education, Mr Ajayi vowed that the people would continued with their action by demonstrating on the street until the Government addresses their grievances.

Also speaking, Seyi Ogundipe, an Activist, said the economic hardship in the country has worsened the plans of many Nigerian youths who are self-reliant and entrepreneurs.

He noted that if the situation persists without being addressed, the country may record continuing high rate of unemployment with the youths resulting in crime.

However, despite the protest, business activities were booming with traders and shop owners opening for sales as other residents moved about with their daily routines in the state.

In his nationwide broadcast earlier on Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu had appealed to Nigerians to be patience as the administration is doing everything possible to cushion effects of the harsh policies.

“PDP, Dead, APC Out Of Touch With Current Realities” – Rabiu Kwankwaso

Ayodele Oni

October 1, 2024

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso — Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

By Ayodele Oni

The National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has said the party remains the only viable and fastest growing political party in Nigeria.

He described the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a “dead party” while also criticizing the All Progressives Congress (APC) for being out of touch with the realities facing Nigerians, such as rising insecurity, poverty, and hunger.

Speaking in Abuja during the NNPP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, Kwankwaso emphasized that despite the many challenges facing the party, the NNPP is the fastest-growing political movement in Nigeria.

He thanked supporters for their commitment and expressed confidence in the party’s future as a strong alternative in the country’s political landscape.

“I’m pleased to say that, despite all the challenges, today our party is the fastest-growing party in this country.

“I remember when I visited Katsina State to open our state office; there I mentioned that the two parties, especially the PDP, were dead, and there are so many concerns within the fold of the PDP.

“I’m sure when I was making that statement, many of them did not see what was happening today, that the party was being made into pieces.

“The party is imploding, and therefore if they didn’t understand at that time, now I believe they will agree with all of us that the party is dead.”

On the state of the APC, Kwankwaso remarked, “The APC, as it stands today, you can see that the leadership is just up there in the air, and the entire nation, the people of this country, are on the ground.

“At that level, whether they believe they are doing well, all of us, especially the voters in this country, believe that they are performing very, very badly, especially if you look at the issue of security, the level of poverty in this country, and of course the issue of hunger that we are witnessing in this country.”

In his remarks, NNPP National Chairman, Dr. Ajuji Ahmed, called on Nigerians to prioritize doing what is right and unite to build a better future.

Also addressing the gathering, National Secretary Dipo Olayoku encouraged party members to actively participate in local government elections to boost visibility and strengthen democracy.

He recalled that the last NEC meeting on April 5th, 2024, ratified the party’s new Constitution, logo, slogan, and flag in accordance with the NNPP’s internal regulations, the Electoral Act, and the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, along with other legal statutes and guidelines from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Olayoku further emphasized the NNPP’s commitment to supporting its leaders and upholding the electorate’s will amid the country’s ongoing political challenges.

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