The Nation Newspaper

Author: Emmanuel Oladesu

  • Special forces deployed to battle terrorists in Benue

    Special forces deployed to battle terrorists in Benue

    Special security forces yesterday landed in Benue State to battle terrorists and halt the spate of killings and other forms of violence across the local governments.

    The combined security team is made up of intelligence agencies, the police and the military.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu mandated them to take control of the security operations.

    Their deployment followed a fresh directive by the President to the security chiefs to implement without delay his earlier instructions that lasting peace should be restored to the troubled Northcentral state.

    President Tinubu also implored Benue political leaders to close ranks and cooperate with security agencies in their bid to put an end to the tension.

    “The latest news of wanton killings in Benue State is very depressing. We must not allow this bloodletting to continue unabated. Enough is now enough,” the President said in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

    He urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to rise to the occasion by initiating a robust reconciliation with aggrieved groups in the state.

    “This is the time for Governor Alia to act as a statesman and immediately lead the process of dialogue and reconciliation that will bring peace to Benue.

    READ ALSO; June 12: Remembrance and omissions

    “Our people must live in peace, and it is possible when leaders across the divides work together in harmony and differences are identified and addressed with fairness, openness and justice,” President Tinubu added.

    Aggrieved youths protested the persistent killings and other forms of violence in the state, blocking highways in Makurdi, the state capital.

    The protesters, who converged on the Wurukum Roundabout in the town, urged the Federal Government to save the state from the bandits, arsonists and other unknown gunmen.

    They also urged security agencies to redouble their efforts to ensure that all displaced people return to their ancestral homes and continue with their normal lives.

    Their spokesman, Brahms Ikuan, said the state had been under siege for a long time, adding that the government’s response has been slow.

    Miffed by the prolonged agony, distress and fear, Pope Leo XIV offered prayers for the victims for justice and peace to prevail over tension.

    No fewer than 200 people, including five security personnel, internally displaced persons (IDPs), children and women, were killed over the weekend in a bloody attack by suspected terrorists in Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government.

    The invaders stormed Yelewata in their numbers from two fronts and, after overpowering the youths and the Police who stood up against them, opened fire on defenceless IDPs who were taking refuge in market stalls and other community members.

    Also, many farmers were killed, with some reportedly burned alive in makeshift shelters.

    Reports said there is no synergy between the Benue authorities and federal security agencies on modalities for halting the killings and violence.

    The attack came less than 48 hours after the killing of 25 people in Mtswenem and Akondotyough Bawa communities in Makurdi local government.

    Concerned Nigerians, who are worried by the spate of bloody attacks, have called for a state of emergency to be declared on the security situation by the Federal Government, but without suspending the governor.

    The Northern chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) condemned the bloodletting and called for a clampdown on the killer gangs.

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who expressed dismay at the pattern of bloodshed, urged the government to nip the violence in the bud.

    In its renewed determination to bring the ugly situation under control, Police Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun had moved to the state to coordinate police operations before the fresh presidential directive.

    The President described the persistent violence between farming communities, herders, and other local groups as “inhuman and anti-progress,” saying that no meaningful development can occur in an environment beset by bloodshed.

    He also decried the inflammatory remarks by political and community leaders in the affected areas, which had only deepened the divisions.

    “Political and community leaders in Benue State must act responsibly and avoid inflammatory utterances that could further increase tensions and killings.

    “They should also rein in those who go out to cause provocations and ignite reprisal attacks,” the President said.

    President Tinubu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring peace in the region, stressing that justice would be pursued on all fronts and perpetrators held accountable.

    Special forces already in Benue, says Alia

    Alia confirmed that a combined team of tactical and response squads has started arriving in the state to address the security challenges.

    The governor, who announced the deployment in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Tersoo Kula, said the special forces and additional security deployments were for vulnerable areas.

    He condemned the attacks and massacre of innocent citizens at Yelwata by suspected criminal herders.

    Alia said: “I acknowledge and share in your pains and grief caused by these attacks on the community by criminal elements suspected to be armed herdsmen.

    “The state government is consistently engaging with federal security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders to strengthen security interventions and provide lasting solutions to these persistent attacks.

    “We assure citizens that more tactical teams have started arriving in Benue from the Federal Government, and additional security deployments are being arranged for vulnerable areas.

    “Response squad teams are also deployed and will be in Benue from Sunday; strategic community dialogues are ongoing to enhance active intelligence sharing.

    “The state’s joint operations units are also being strengthened, and the government will not relent in its utmost commitment to defending the lives and properties.”

    Alia urged religious, traditional and political leaders to sensitise and guide the youths under their influence against unlawful gatherings or confrontations that may spiral out of control.

    The governor appealed to the public to make use of official communication channels to report any suspicious activities and to stay informed through credible sources.

    Pope prays for peace in Benue

    Speaking before the Sunday Angelus prayer, the Pope, who prayed for Nigeria, said he was particularly thinking of the “rural Christian communities of the Benue State who have been relentless victims of violence”.

    “I pray that security, justice and peace will prevail in Nigeria, a beloved country so affected by various forms of violence.

    “I pray in a special way for the rural communities in Benue state who have been unceasingly the victims of violence,” he said.

    Northern CAN urges total war against killer-gangs

    The CAN in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) urged President Tinubu to take decisive action against the killer gangs.

    The group said in a statement by its Secretary General, Elder Sunday Oibe, that violent activities perpetrated by criminal ‘herdsmen’ and Boko Haram terrorists have made life increasingly unbearable for innocent citizens.

    Protesting youths block highways in Makurdi

    Youths who took to the streets in Makurdi said despite the useful information about the movement of the attackers and reports to authorities, nothing was done to avert the attacks.

    Ikuan accused the authorities of maintaining a conspiratorial silence on the ongoing genocide, adding that Benue may cease to exist if urgent steps are not taken to end the killings.

    “We cried, sent messages and opened letters, but nobody listened to us. Nobody came to our aid. At this moment, we are not sure if there will be any place called Benue tomorrow.

    “Despite the attacks and killings in Yelwata, up till now, no word from the government or any prominent person. They have abandoned us.

    “We want the world to know that Benue is being wiped out on the face of the earth and nobody cares about what is happening,” he said.

    Also, a youth, Gideon Inyom, accused the government of giving the herders unfettered access to the Benue communities by relaxing the state’s anti-open grazing law.

    However, Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, said the IGP had taken over the security of the state.

    Ifeanyi said the IGP has already deployed special forces to the state to end the attacks and killings.

    He added that security agencies were on top of the situation, urging the youths and Benue people to give the new forces a chance.

    “What you saw happening in Yelewata is because we have taken over Apa, Gwer West, and are moving seriously in Agatu.

    “They just want to do something to show that they are in control, while they are not and will never be.

    “We are feeling more pain than you. We are here to protect lives and property.

    “We have security everywhere now; even in Yelwata, there are tactical teams in the bush even before the attack.

    “Give the special forces and tactical teams a room to work. If you prolong your stay here, you are giving the enemies more time to plan.

    “We have intelligence reports of their movement, and we are blocking them, and you will see the result.”

    Ifeanyi further explained that Alia has given them all the logistics support needed to restore peace in Benue.

    Deputy gov, VeryDarkMan address protesters

    The Deputy Governor, Sam Ode and Social Media activist, Very Dark Man, VDM, who addressed the protesters, pleaded with them to withdraw from the streets and clear the barricades on major streets.

    Very Dark Man himself joined security agencies to clear woods, tyres and stones from the roads to make way for a free flow of traffic.

    Police fire tear gas

    Police operatives in Makurdi dispersed protesters using tear gas during a demonstration against renewed attacks in the state.

    The protest, held at the Wurukum roundabout on Sunday, was organised in response to the killings.

    Protesters, dressed in black clothing and carrying fresh leaves, gathered to demand urgent action from authorities to address the recurring violence in the state.

    The demonstration, under the hashtag #StopBenueKillings, attracted a large crowd and drew the attention of security agencies.

    The CP Ifeanyi addressed the protesters before the crowd was dispersed.

    He appealed for calm and assured the demonstrators that security agencies were working to apprehend the attackers.

    The commissioner also advised against prolonged protests, stating that it could interfere with security operations.

    “I was monitoring and at the checking point for more than six hours. Tell your people to calm down, we need to support the youth and everybody in Benue State.

    “It is a phase, and we are passing through it already. We have already cut the head of the snake, and we will get the peace that we deserve.

    “Instead of being in the bush with other security agencies, we are here.

    “If you prolong your actions here, you’re giving opportunity for the enemies to plan.

    “We have intelligence of their movement, and we are blocking them.”

    Shortly after his address, videos of protesters being teargassed by the police surfaced on social media.

    “There are security trucks stationed at the Wurukum roundabout in Makurdi, where the #StopBenueKillings protesters gathered, and a helicopter is hovering over them,” a protester said in one of the videos.

    “If this energy were directed toward securing lives in the state, residents wouldn’t be protesting. Protesters have, as usual, been tear-gassed and dispersed.”

    As canisters hissed through the air, protesters fled in different directions, coughing and shielding their faces.

    A police helicopter hovered overhead with several patrol vans stationed at strategic locations in the state capital.

    Suswan decries killings

    Former Governor Gabriel Suswam expressed dismay at the devastating attacks, urging the Federal and state governments to devise a lasting solution to the protracted crisis.

    He said in a statement by his media aide, Bede Batholomew, that a collective action, rather than futile accusations or blame-shifting, is required to restore normalcy.

    Victims need support, says Atiku

    Former Vice President Atiku, in a statement posted on his X account, said the killings underscored the escalating insecurity crisis facing Nigeria.

    He said: “I urge the Federal Government and Benue State authorities to launch a prompt, transparent investigation into the attack. The identities of the perpetrators must be swiftly uncovered and justice served.”

    He also called for an engagement with affected communities through dialogue with the traditional leadership and civil society to restore confidence and foster resilience.

    Atiku said compensation and support, including medical aid, trauma counselling, and livelihood restoration,  should be accelerated for survivors and bereaved families.

    He added: “This assault on innocent Nigerians is not just a local tragedy; it is a national emergency that demands immediate attention and decisive action.

    “I call on all Nigerians, regardless of tribe or religion, to unite in condemning this atrocity.

    “We must hold our leaders accountable and insist on sustainable solutions to the violent tragedies claiming lives across the country.

    “May God comfort the grieving families, heal our nation, and help us reclaim peace and security for all.”

  • JUST IN: Former military administrator Olubolade dies at 70

    JUST IN: Former military administrator Olubolade dies at 70

    Former Military Administrator of Bayelsa State, Navy Captain Omoniyi Caleb Olubolade (rtd), is dead.

    He celebrated his 70th birthday on November 30, 2024.

    Olubolade, the Ipoti-Ekiti-born retired officer, died on Sunday, May 11, in Apapa, Lagos.

    According to a statement by his first daughter, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Akinadewo, and first son, Mr. Dayo Olubolade, he left the house to play lawn tennis at a nearby facility where he slumped.

    Read Also: Fubara, Daniel, Bode George, Olubolade, Gani Adams, others for Freedom Online’s 6th yearly lecture Thursday

    “He drove himself to the facility to play lawn tennis in the evening and slumped while playing. Efforts were made by medical officers around to revive him to no avail. He was immediately rushed to Obisesan Naval Medical Hospital, Apapa, where he was pronounced dead.

    Olubolade was also Minister of Special Duties, Minister of State, FCT, and Minister of Police Affairs.

    Burial announcement will be announced later.

  • Rivers emergency rule vs Borno, Yobe, Adamawa in 2013

    Rivers emergency rule vs Borno, Yobe, Adamawa in 2013

    The emergency rule declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the crisis-ridden Rivers State has sparked hot debate about its conceptual meaning, elements, scope and limitations under the constitution. 

    For partisan reasons, the decision has generated emotion, particularly among interested parties who delude themselves into thinking that emergency rule does not entail the suspension of a legitimate government at the state level. 

    Their jaundiced argument is that when a state of emergency was declared by former President Goodluck Jonathan in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states to tackle the growing insurgency, the democratic institutions  – the Executive and Houses of Assembly- were not suspended. 

    The critics have uncritically confused a state of emergency declared to salvage an ailing sector with the declaration of an emergency rule in a sub-national unit of the federation about to be plunged into violence by warring politicians. 

    While they cleverly highlight the limited similarities between the two forms of critical intervention, they are eager to de-emphasise the glaring differences. 

    Both instances – a state of emergency declared in a troubled sector and comprehensive emergency rule   – are targetted at problem solving, but in varying degrees. 

    Generally, a state of emergency is perceived as “a special legal regime designed for extraordinary circumstances, which enables the government to act in ways that it could not under the  ordinary legal framework.”

    It is a situation in which a government is empowered to put through policies that it would normally not be permitted to do, for the safety and protection of its citizens. A government can declare such a state of emergency before, during, or after a natural disaster, civil unrest, armed conflict, medical pandemic or epidemic or other bio-security risk.

    However, while a state of emergency can be declared by the president in sectors like education, health, agriculture and security, such a state of emergency can be accomplished through an Executive Order or mere presidential pronouncement. 

    In this circumstance, the President is not mandated or required by the constitution to make a recourse to the National Assembly for approval or consent.

    Thus, when former President Jonathan declared a state of emergency in the three states, his goal was to arrest the grave security situation by deploying more troops and strengthening them to tackle bandits who were making life difficult for residents and assaulting national sovereignty. 

    The governors had raised the alarm that many local governments were occupied by members of Boko Haram sect, who were disrupting socio-economic activities. 

    Read Also: Edo Gov predicts landslide victory for Tinubu in 2027

    There was no protracted political crisis in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe when those actions were taken by the president. The actions were not directed against the legitimate governments and democratic institutiond in the three states. In fact, the three governors invited the president for urgent assistance, because as camouflage chief security officers of the troubled states, they lacked power over the security agencies – the police, Army, Navy and Air force. 

    Apart from the president, the governor of a state can declare a state of emergency in any sector or in any local government when he believes a disaster has occurred or may be imminent, and the problem will be severe enough to require state aid to supplement local resources in preventing or alleviating damages, loss, hardship or suffering.

    It means that when a local state of emergency is declared, decision-makers believe, following accurate assessment, that the emergency situation exists beyond the response or recovery capabilities of the local jurisdiction. The enactment of such a directive will enable the state authorities to initiate local emergency preparedness and response actions.

    Emergency rule is a different ball game. Only the President can invoke the power under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. That was what President Tinubu had done to salvage Rivers. Parliamentary approval is required. There are legal frameworks to follow and timeframe, usually an initial period of six months. If there is justification for extension, the whole process would have to be repeated.

    The situations in the old Western Region, Plateau, Ekiti and Rivers state where emergency rule were declared followed the same pattern. 

    In the Western Region, two Action Group (AG) leaders – Ladoke Akintola and Dauda Adegbenro – laid claims to being Premier. There was commotion in the House of Assembly. The peace of the region was threatened. To prevent the breakdown of law and order, Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa declared an emergency rule in the West and appointed his Health Minister, Dr. Koye Majekodunmi, as administrator for six months. He obtained approval from the National Parliament. 

    In Plateau, there was breakdown of law and oder, following the escalation of ethnic and religious tension that engulfed the state. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who accused the former governor, Joshua Dariye, of taking sides in the conflicts, suspended him and the House of Assembly after declaring an emergency rule.

    Former Chief of Army Staff, Major General Chris Alli was appointed administrator for six months. He later informed the National Assembly for approval

    In Ekiti, after former Governor Ayodele Fayose was impeached in a controversial manner by the House of Assembly, three people-  Fayose, his deputy, Mrs. Biodun Olujimi, and Speaker Friday Aderemi – laid claim to the number one position. There was confusion. To prevent likely breakdown of law and order, Obasanjo declared an emergency rule and appointed Gen. Idowu Olurin as administrator. He got parliamentary approval later.

    In Rivers, only the Executive arm that was not properly constituted had functioned for almost two years. Governor Siminalayi Fubara never allowed the House of Assembly to perform its duties. When the judgment of the Supreme Court compelled him to obey the constitution, he was reluctant. The state was enveloped in apprehension. 

    Then, unscrupulous elements started attacking oil pipelines. Instructively, the governor, some weeks ago, had told his wild supporters to wait for some inexplicable directives. 

    There is a line of demarcation between some forms of urgent intervention by the Federal Government to halt some emergencies and problems in some critical sectors not triggered by protracted political crises, and an emergency rule characterised by the suspension of elected government and Parliament to prevent escalation of conflicts and imminent slide into avoidable violence and choas.

  • Kuye installed as Otunba Ajana Ijebu

    Kuye installed as Otunba Ajana Ijebu

    Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, was aglow with festivities at the weekend, following the installation of eminent politician, Ademorin Kuye, as Otunba Ajana of Ijebuland, by the paramount ruler, Oba Sikiru Adetona, Ogbagba 11.

    The first-class monarch and his high chiefs, who showered prayers on the new chief, urged him to protect the interest and values dear to the sub-Yoruba ethnic group.

    Kuye, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), is a House of Representatives member representing Somolu Constituency.

    He is a former Somolu Council chairman and one-time commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Lagos State.

    Read Also: Is Nigeria’s problem one of failure of leadership?

    Accompanied by his family, friends and associates, the Otunba Ajana was resplendent in his voluminous brown agbada, with long flowing beads on his neck.

    He thanked Oba Adetona for the honour, promising to uphold the interest of Ijebuland and fight for the well-being of its people.

    At the ceremony were House of Representatives members Fuad Laguda (Surulere Constituency), Yemi Ali (Mushin), Sesi (Badagry), Abiodun Akinlade (Yewa), Yinka Kazeem (Mushin 2), Lekan Osiyemi, Lagos State Senior Special Assistant on Civic Matters, Ruth Lijirin, House of Assembly members Damola Kasumu (Ikeja), Adebisi Ege (Ojo) and Okanlawon (Kosofe); and Sule Bamidele Yusuf.

  • 2026: No vacancy in Ekiti Government House, says Senate Leader

    2026: No vacancy in Ekiti Government House, says Senate Leader

    Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central) has declared that there is no vacancy in Ekiti State Government House in 2026.

    He said  members of Ekiti State Caucus in the National Assembly would join hands with other progressive minded people to support Governor Biodun Oyebanji for second term in office based on the Governor’s excellent performance and exemplary leadership quality.

    The Senate leader, who spoke at Igede-Ekiti during an inspection of some of his constituency projects across Ekiti Central Senatorial district, said himself and other National Assembly members from the state would soon publicly declare their support for the governor’s second term in office. 

    The declaration, according to him would be give wide publicity in all the national daily and broadcast media. 

    Senator Bamidele, who was accompanied on the project inspection and inauguration by Oyebanji, said the governor’s transformative leadership and people oriented policies and programmes has  brought a lot of significant development to the state and its people.

    The Senate Leader who affirmed that Governor Oyebanji’s ability to unify every political tendencies in the state and mobilize the people for development has brought a huge and significant growth to the state.

    He explained that the Governor has continued to collaborate with members of the National Assembly and get them actively involved in his development agenda. 

    The Senator said he is able to carry out a lot of constituency projects across the six local governments that make up his Central Senatorial District because the Governor has created and sustained an atmosphere of peace and tranquility in the state that is devoid of hostility and mutual suspicion. 

    He said the peaceful atmosphere, coupled with the Governor’s open hands to the various political tendencies has encouraged everyone to contribute his quotas to the development of the state. 

    “I want to use this opportunity to thank our Governor, I say this everywhere I go to, if you elected somebody to represent you in Abuja and he comes back home to do something it is because they allow him to come back home. If they don’t allow us, we will just remain in Abuja, we will not pass our boundary. 

    “But we have a Governor today who will sit down with us and say this is what our people need, if you want to do your constituency project, please, work on this list and I know that market development was part of what the Governor discussed with us, transformer was part of it, solar street light was part of it and by the grace of God every member of the national Assembly would pick from the list given to us by the Governor  because if we do not do what the people want at where they want it, it will be useless.

    “Your Excellency, we are proud of you and I know that by the grace of God like everyone is saying, anybody that thinks there is vacancy in 2026 is only deceiving himself and I am begging you, don’t let anybody deceive our people. 

    Read Also: Senate leader Bamidele raises alarm over alleged campaign of calumny against him

    “You sent nine of us to Abuja, three senator and six House of Representative members and at the appropriate time, the nine of us will do our advert jointly signed endorsing Governor Oyebanji as our consensus candidate in all the dailies” the Senator stated. 

    “Speaking further, the Senator who promised to rebuild the Igede- Ekiti market to Iyin Ekiti standard, said all the market, solar power, roads and hospital projects would be replicated across the six local Government areas on the district. 

    Governor Oyebanji, in his response, hailed the commitment of the Senator Leader and his colleagues in the National Assembly to Ekiti development adding that their exemplary performance underscored the importance of electing people of proven integrity and capacity as representatives in government.

  • JUST IN: Oborevwori swears in 25 elected LG chairmen 

    JUST IN: Oborevwori swears in 25 elected LG chairmen 

    …”You should maintain fiscal discipline”

    Delta state governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has charged newly-elected chairmen and vice chairmen of the 25 local governments to embark on viable infrastructural projects.

    He urged them to ensure modesty, fiscal discipline, prudent management, judicious allocation of resources, and excellent service delivery. 

    Oborevwori also tasked them to avoid profligacy typified by wasteful spending and extravagant lifestyles but to address the recurring problems of insecurity, poverty, unemployment, and environmental decay in the various local government areas. 

    The governor gave the charge while swearing in the chairmen and vice chairmen in Asaba, the state capital. 

    He advised the chairmen to stay close to the people by operating from their area headquarters and warned that they must shun the unhealthy practice of running the local governments from offshore, especially Asaba and Warri. 

     Oborevwori said: “To the elected Local Government Council Chairmen, I urge you to reciprocate the huge mandate that has been given to you by giving preference to the needs and aspirations of your people with a view to delivering good governance. 

    “You must discharge your duties with sincerity of purpose, impartiality, compassion, fairness, and justice and I expect you to work assiduously for the actualization of the MORE Agenda.  

    “As the third tier of government closest to the people, you need to improve the environmental sanitation in your communities. Our urban centres are riddled with filth as a result of improper waste disposal and poor sanitation habits of our people. 

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    “I will like to see you step up in this regard by devising proper waste disposal measures while embarking on an aggressive public enlightenment campaign to educate our people on good sanitation habits.” 

    Oborevwori, who reiterated that the state government does not tamper with local government funds, said he welcomed the Supreme Court’s ruling on Local Government autonomy, emphasising that statutory allocations to the local governments in the state for the last three months remained intact. 

    He said as the then Speaker of the State House of Assembly, they voted for autonomy for the Councils during the 5th Constitution alteration session. 

    “I, therefore, expect you to hit the ground running by embarking on visible infrastructural projects that can be commissioned.  You must shun wasteful spending and extravagant lifestyle.  

    “Let your administrations be characterized by modesty, fiscal discipline, prudent management, judicious allocation of resources, and excellent project delivery. 

    “As Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, we advocated for financial autonomy for the legislature and judiciary.  The House also voted YES to Local Government autonomy during the Fifth Alteration of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

    “Therefore, the Supreme Court judgment on financial autonomy for local government councils is a welcome development. Actually, Delta State Government has never tampered with local government funds. Rather, the state government has often had to augment the allocations to the local government councils to enable them to meet their financial obligations”, he said. 

    While charging the Chairmen to improve on their internally generated Revenue, Governor Oborevwori cautioned against overtaxing an already burdened populace reeling under the painful effects of the current economic hardship. 

    He said: “Your success on this job will also depend on your ability to work seamlessly with your Vice Chairmen, the legislative arm, and other critical stakeholders in the Local Government Area. Please, avoid running a one-man show.  

    “You must demonstrate the political sagacity to manage the local politics, and the administrative acumen to be all-inclusive to ensure peace, stability, and cohesion in your domains.” 

    He expressed appreciation to the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission, DSIEC, for conducting free, fair, and credible elections and to the security agencies for ensuring peace and security throughout the exercise across the state. 

    The chairmen are Emmanuel Bazim Chinye, Aniocha North; Jude Chukwunkwike, Aniocha South; Dagidi Andaye, Bomadi; Julius Takeme, Burutu; Augustine Ogedegbe, Ethiope East; Christian Onogba, Ethiope West; Monday Odigwe, lka North East, Jerry Ehiwarior, lka South; Godwin Ogorugba, Isoko North; Warri Ovoke Friday, Isoko South; Vincent Osilonya, Ndokwa East; Obi Nzete, Ndokwa West; and Isaiah Esiovwa, Okpe. 

    Others are Innocent Esewezie, Oshimili North; Obi Kelvin Ezenyili, Oshimili South; Isaac Aguanah, Patani; Bright Abeke, Sapele; Vincent Oyibode, Udu; Jaro Egbo, Ughelli North; Lucky Avweromre, Ughelli South; Possible Ajede, Ukwuani; Anthony Ofoni, Uvwie; Festus Ashima, Warri North; Weyinmi Agbateyiniro, Warri South and Sylvester Oromoni, Warri South West. 

    While congratulating the new chairmen and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the resounding victory at the polls on Saturday, Governor Oborevwori said it was a product of weeks of grassroots campaign in which they did not take for granted and thanked the good people of Delta State who, despite the heavy downpour, came out and voted for the leaders of their choice.

    The Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Council, Innocent Esewezie, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues expressed appreciation to the governor and leaders of the PDP in the state for the opportunity given to them to serve at the grassroots level of governance. 

    He commended the electorate in the various local government areas for endorsing their candidature through the electoral mandate given to them at the polls and assured them that they had adopted the MORE Agenda of the governor and would not betray the confidence reposed in them. 

    The highpoint of the ceremony which was attended by the wife of the governor, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori; the Deputy Governor,

    Sir Monday Onyeme, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Kingsley Esiso, and other top government functionaries, were the administration of the oath of office on the chairmen and their deputies by the governor.

  • Lagos PDP strategises for 2027

    Lagos PDP strategises for 2027

    …George: we should put our house in order

    The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has returned to the drawing board to strategise for 2027.

    The founding fathers of the chapter discussed the challenges confronting the fold, particularly why it has failed to win governorship polls in the state since 1999.

    At the Leaders and Elders Stakeholders’ Meeting, they resolved to forge unity and chat a roadmap for victory in the next general election.

    Former National Deputy Chairman Chief Olabode George said PDP should be positioned and projected as a viable alternative ahead of 2027.

    Urging the party elders and leaders to reflect on the journey so far, he said they should brainstorm on where the chapter got it wrong. 

    He said: “As a life member of the Board of Trustees (BoT), the Upper Chamber, and the conscience of our party, my appeal today is to all members, young and old, from the North to the South, that we have another golden opportunity, before the next election in 2027, to bury our differences and put on our thinking caps.

    “We should do everything humanly possible to ensure that the PDP does not go into the dustbin of history in 2027. God forbid this should happen to our party.

    So, this is the time for all elders and members of PDP to be concerned about the future of our great party.”

    George said inclusion should be the watchword, saying that victory at the poll is conditional on unity.

     He added: “Some might say 2027 is still far away, but realistically, it is not. By 2026, two years from now, politicking will start for the 2027 elections.

    “So, I reiterate my solidarity to the tenets of our party constitution and we should not allow the collective unity of this party to be fragmented. 

    “How we collectively address the issues at stake will be a major determinant of the fate of this party in months and years to come.

    “It is our determination to ensure that the PDP returns to the Presidential Villa in Abuja and takes over Governance in Lagos State on May 29, 2027, but, we can only do this if we are united, not divided.”

    Goerge said that the crises in many PDP state chapters should be resolved.

    He stressed: “Nigerians are waiting for us in 2027, but we must put our house in order. This is the time to promote justice, fairness, and equity in our party.

    We are beginning the drive to the process of uniting the party today with this meeting in Lagos.”

    George recommended that a zonal committee should go round the states and zones in the next six months to calm frayed nerves and encourage genuine reconciliation:

    Lamenting that PDP is where it is today because of a self-inflicted crisis, he said reconciliation is the answer. 

    He added: “We should bury our Individual ambition now and not allow the PDP to crumble. We have no choice but to put our house in order. We are brothers and sisters, so we should put on our thinking caps to achieve a collective goal.

    Read Also: Ex-Lagos PDP N/Assembly candidates reject litigations

    “I want to state clearly that as one of the founding fathers and a former Deputy National Chairman of our party, I will never do or say anything against the interest of this party. But, I abhor and hate injustice at all levels.”

    Goerge said at close to 80 years, his priority is not to fight for any position, but to guide the party to victory.

    He said: “We should not allow any sentiment-ethnic or religion-to divide us. Unless we are united, with equity, fairness, and justice being the pedestal for any political decision taken, this party will be heading to disaster in 2027.

    “If we want to win the 2027 governorship election in Lagos, we must have a very strong, iron-clad, and formidable PDP in the build-up to the 2027 elections. We should not allow ourselves to be divided.

    “We must change the narratives now so that we don’t embark on a suicide mission, a self-destructive journey for our party in 2027. Lagos residents are waiting for us in 2027 to kick APC out of Alausa.”

    While commending the convener of the meeting, Prince Tommy Ogungbe, the party elder poured encomiums on PDP’s founding fathers, including Chief Solomon Lar, Dr Alex Ekwueme, Chief Bola Ige, Alhaji Adamu Ciroma, Chief Sunday Awoniyi, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, and others.

    He said these leaders did not allow personal Interests to overshadow the collective interests of the party, urging members to emulate them and shun bitterness.

    Lagos State PDP Chairman Philip Aivoji commended the party leaders and elders, saying that the meeting would chat a road map for a stronger and more cohesive PDP in the party.

     He said:” Reconciliation is the key, our strength lies in our unity. We are on track, we are focused. We must bring everybody together and bring the party to its old glory. By His Grace, 2027 is ours.”

    Former Minister of Integration and Cooperation in Africa Dr Bimbo Ogunkelu said reconciliation is the way forward.  

    He said: “We must work together to build our party.  We have to restructure our party so that PDP can be in power. And also, you may discover that there are another party’s hands in our fighting. “

    Former state chairman Alhaji Muritala Ashorobi said unity and inclusiveness are the conditions for success in future elections. 

    Ogungbe commended the stakeholders for considering it necessary to meet for reconciliation.

    He said the party’s performance in the 2023 general elections in the state was the worst since 1999, adding that division, greed, and disunity have been the bane of the Lagos PDP.

  • Ondo 2024: Jimoh Ibrahim, Omogoroye file appeals against result

    Ondo 2024: Jimoh Ibrahim, Omogoroye file appeals against result

    • Ex-Speaker, Enikuomehin seek cancellation of primary

    • Aiyedatiwa thanks supporters on visit to party’s secretariat in Akure

    • APC lauds Ododo’s conduct

    Two more aspirants in last Saturday’s governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State have filed petitions at the party’s Primary Appeal Committee, headed by former Bauchi State Governor Abdullahi Abubakar.

    Senator Jimoh Ibrahim and Folakemi Omogoroye filed their petitions against the announcement of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the winner of the primary.

    Previous aspirants who had filed appeals are Wale Akinterinwa, Jimi Odimayo, and Olugbenga Edema.

    In their petitions, Ibrahim and Omogoroye claimed that the governorship primary was marred with irregularities and fell short of appreciable standard.

    They called for the cancellation of the primary and conduct of a fresh primary.

    Omogoroye said: “I am urging you to cancel the election and order a fresh election in which all the laid down guidelines for a credible election will be followed and a level-playing field will be assured and ensured for all players in the election.

    Read Also: The APC governorship primary in Ondo

    “Anything short of this is an open endorsement of the robbery of Saturday by the leadership of our party.”

    Jimoh Ibrahim said: “This is an appeal to your committee to cancel the primary election held in Ondo State on April 20, 2024 on the ground that there was no election in the 203 wards and this is evidenced from the many petitions before your committee, as captured on the ground below.

    “Ground One: non-compliance with your rules. I paid N100 million for the validation of over 40,000 party members and those members were not allowed to be revalidated across Ondo State. This was because no voters’ register was made available in the wards to which members could be validated.

    “On Ground Two on provision of electoral materials: No electoral materials were provided for the conduct of the election, the local government electoral officials were kept in the hotel during the period of the election for several hours and only result sheets were given to them. The ward electoral officers were provided by one of the aspirants – Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    “My agents were not accredited in all the wards, and they did not sign election the result sheet since none was made available to them.

    “I received in my house in the village, Igbotako, at 7 p.m on the day of election, the local government’s Returning Officer and members of his committee. They informed me that they were in my house to capture my vote, but I sent them away since my house is not a polling venue. The returning officer said he was instructed from above.

    “Based on the four grounds stated above, the election should be cancelled and re-conducted immediately.”

    None of the other 15 aspirants that participated in the primary has congratulated Governor Aiyedatiwa.

    Also, Governor Aiyedatiwa yesterday paid a “thank you” visit to the APC secretariat in Akure, the state capital.

    He was received by the party’s State Chairman Ade Adetimehin, who promised that the party would support and mobilise for him to win the November election.

    Accompanied by some party leaders and supporters, the governor received cheers from residents as his motorcade made way into the party’s office.

    He was received by members of the State Working Committee (SWC), led by Adetimehin, who said the governor’s visit was a sign of unity within the party.

    In a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the state chairman said: “A primary election in APC is a family affair. We have elected our governorship candidate. Now that the primary is over, we must remain the same progressive family and we must all come together for the election in November.

    “The last time the governor was here, he came as an aspirant, but today he has come as the candidate of our party. Now that our candidate has emerged, all other aspirants and party leaders must join hands to support him for the success of the party in the November election.”

  • There is hope for better domestic aircraft maintenance, says Defence minister

    There is hope for better domestic aircraft maintenance, says Defence minister

    The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, on Tuesday, November 21, raised hope about the better prospects of Aircraft maintenance in the country. 

    He said with facilities on the ground, Caverton, can become a hub for aircraft maintenance in Africa.

     Abubakar commended Caverton Helicopters management for their vision and foresight in bringing the state-of-the-art facility to the country, thereby promoting economic growth and human capital development. 

    The minister spoke on the import of maintenance during a facility tour of Caverton Helicopters’ Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) at the premises of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja Lagos.

    Badaru, who was the second minister to visit Caverton within a month, said he was impressed by the achievements of the company.

    He said: “Our dream in the Ministry of Defence is to produce all the equipment that we need for Defence in Nigeria and, here at Caverton, I have seen proofs of assurance that we can partner to do it.

    “I assure you that you have what it takes to produce what we need and we will partner. We are working tirelessly to make sure that in the next four years, most of the equipment we go abroad to buy will be produced locally. And from what I have seen with you, we can partner in areas of air assets.

    The minister was received by the Chairman of Caverton Helicopters, Mallam Bello Gwandu, Chairman of Caverton Marine, Mr Akin Kekere-Ekun, Chief Executive Officer of Caverton Offshore Support Group (COSG), Mr Olabode Makanjuola, and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Rotimi Makanjuola and other top management staff.

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Kana, said: “While we were on the tour of the facility, my Honourable Minister said to me in Hausa: ‘Seeing is believing’. He came to Lagos to see what is on the ground especially at Caverton” in his getting set for the military-industrial complex take off. 

    “He came, he saw and he is impressed by what he saw. He is a talk-and-do minister and will be ready to work especially with you.”

    Makanjuola described the day of the visit as special because of the honour of “hosting a very distinguished guest in the person of the Honourable Minister of Defence for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Mohammed Badaru Abubakar (MON), Sardauna Ringim and Walin Jahun.”

    Makanjuola spoke on the Caverton Offshore Support Group, which is to be a listed company on the Nigeria Stock Exchange.

    He said the company “takes great pride in being the leading offshore support logistics company in Nigeria” with its subsidiaries, Caverton Marine and Caverton Helicopters, equally positioned as leaders in their respective fields. 

    He added: “Caverton Marine started out in 1999 as a vessel owner, and operator and recently diversified into designing and building GRP boats ranging from passenger ferries to security boats. 

    “Caverton Helicopters Limited is the largest indigenous aviation logistics support company in Nigeria, with over 2 decades of experience providing rotary and fixed-wing services to the oil and gas industry. We currently operate a mixed fleet of aircraft across multiple locations in Nigeria and West Africa.”

    One of the key achievements of the company, he said, was the establishment of the MRO facility that he described as the only world-class in sub-Saharan Africa, right on the ground in Lagos, Nigeria.

    Makanjuola further stated: “This facility has allowed us to deliver light and heavy maintenance, repair, and overhaul services to our clients. We are honoured to have had the opportunity to serve the Nigerian Navy, Air Force, and other government agencies, ensuring the safety and reliability of their aircraft.

    “Furthermore, our Training Centre houses the first-ever full reality AW-139 simulator, as well as a to-be-commissioned AW-109 simulator. These simulators enable us to provide comprehensive and realistic training to our pilots, ensuring the highest standards of safety and operational excellence. We hope that the Honourable Minister will have a memorable and enlightening experience during his planned first flight in the AW 139 simulator. He also stated the company’s landmark achievements.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Chief of Defence Staff not dead – DHQ

    “Our success at Caverton is built on the pillars of innovation, professionalism, safety, and unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction. We are proud of our achievements and the positive impact we have made in the Nigerian aviation and maritime sectors,” the CEO said.

    Makanjuola said Carverton, which has its base in Caverton Lagos, Warri, Port Harcourt, and Cameroon, would now extend its operations to the Gambia and Senegal.

    He gave a brief about images in the MRO and training centres, saying the company has trained 200 pilots who are now flying here in Nigeria and in other countries.

    The Director of Quality and Safety, Mr. Kofo Macaulay, gave a safety brief regarding the operations of Caverton after which presentations of gifts were made to the minister.

  • Tribunal ruling deepens democracy, says Afenifere

    Tribunal ruling deepens democracy, says Afenifere

    Afenifere, pan-Yoruba socio-political group, has congratulated President Ahmed Bola Tinubu on his victory at the Presidential Electoral Court (PEPC).

    Leader of the organisation,  Chief Ruben Fasoranti,  in a statement by National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, said the judgment will deepen democracy. 

    The elderstatesman said the verdict has shown that Tinubu and his deputy, Senator Kashim Shettima, won the February 25 poll.

    He said the victory is a challenge on the current administration to actualize various promises contained in the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Fasoranti said: “As I indicated in my congratulatory message when you, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, was declared winner of this year’s presidential election, your victory raises a lot of hope and you can not afford to fail Nigerians.

    Read Also: Fasoranti: I’m disappointed how Adebanjo conducted Afenifere affairs

    “Incidentally, your manifesto on how to reset Nigeria resonates with my vision for having a Nigeria of which we all would be proud – as I mentioned to you on the two occasions you visited me last year in Akure. Going by the steps you have taken so far; I believe that you are setting the country on a sound footing for progress”

    Fasoranti said the hardship arising from the withdrawal of fuel subsidy should be halted as quickly as possible so that “Nigeria can begin to enjoy life more abundant and good welfare that they deserve”

    He commended all the parties involved in the petitions, saying that their decision to go to court has deepende democracy.

    He said: “The petitions gave the judiciary the opportunity to make far-reaching pronouncements on some important aspects of our electoral law and aspects of the constitution that deals with election matters. 

    “The pronouncements by the eminent judges shed more light and enlighten us more on how to go about our electoral processes.” 

    Fasoranti urged politicians to learn lessons from the verdict so that they would be better guided in their future electoral activities. 

    He saluted Nigerians, the judiciary and all those involved in the judicial processes for the peaceful manner in which the litigation was handled.

    Fasoranti charged those in power to brace up for proper governance “so that Nigerians would quickly put the present hardship behind them and begin to experience improved standard in their welfare while the country itself begins a fast-paced journey towards becoming a developed nation. 

    He also said restructuring and proper federalization of the country should form important aspects of the rejigging.