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  • UPDATED: Olubadan-in-Council reunites, agrees to resolve legal tussle

    UPDATED: Olubadan-in-Council reunites, agrees to resolve legal tussle

    Indigenes and friends of Ibadan waiting for the official announcement of the next Olubadan might have to wait a bit longer.

    But the good thing is that indication has emerged that all the crisis rocking the Olubadan-in-Council on the succession plan has been laid to rest.

    The Council assured that the legal tussle hindering the pronouncement of the next Olubadan would also be sorted out by next week.

    This was confirmed on Saturday by former Oyo Governor Rashidi Ladoja, who is also the Osi Olubadan during a media briefing after a closed-door meeting between the Council and Governor Seyi Makinde.

    The meeting, which was held at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan was attended by High Chiefs Lekan Balogun, Eddy Oyewole, Abiodun Kola Daisi and Amidu Ajibade.

    Others were: High Chiefs Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, Tajudeen Ajibola, Gbadamosi Adebimpe, Kolawole Adegbola, John Isidore and Dauda Agagagugu.

    The Governor had called a meeting of the members of the Olubadan-in-Council which lasted over two hours behind closed doors.

    The meeting was the first time some of the members of the Council were meeting face-to-face since the crisis erupted on the review of the Olubadan Chieftain Laws and the award of beaded crowns to members of the Council by the immediate past administration in the State.

    But after the meeting, members of the council said they have resolved issues causing trouble.

    Although The Nation observed some members of the Council, including High Chief Lekan Balogun, High Chief Owolabi Olakuleyin, High Chief Gbadamosi Adebimpe, and High Chief Eddy Oyewole, were seen come out of the meeting earlier than others, it could not be confirmed if their somber look had anything to do with the outcome or discussion at the meeting.

    But Ladoja said the meeting had been concluded before Balogun and other High Chiefs left, adding that they only refused to take launch.

    Ladoja said: “I can tell you that Ibadan is very lucky. Very very lucky. The meeting was held in an atmosphere of conviviality, and again we were treated to a nice lunch afterward, which means that there was no rancour, all the matters that were causing crisis in Ibadanland had been resolved.

    “So, the Governor has been magnanimous to have called this meeting because those of us that said we were never going to meet again at all finally met and we resolved all the matters.

    “I can tell you that by next week you will see that there is no tension in Ibadanland again.

    “The resolution of the meeting is simple. The only thing that was holding it up was the objection by Barrister Lana on the court case and we have resolved on how we are going to go about it. That was the only thing that was in contention.

    “None of us argued that the Otun Olubadan, Senator Balogun is not the next Olubadan, he is the next Olubadan, there is no controversy about that because that is our hierarchy.

    Speaking on the high Chiefs that walked out earlier, the former Governor said: “Nobody walked out, we had already finished the meeting before they left. It was when we were about to go for lunch that they said it was not time for them to eat and that they should be excused.

    READ ALSO: BREAKING: Makinde, Balogun, Ladoja, Olubadan-in-Council in closed door meeting

    “Senator Lekan Balogun, Chief Balogun Olakulehin, Chief Eddy Oyewole all asked to be excused. I am telling you unequivocally that all is well, the Council is one and undivided.”

    On how soon the next Olubadan would be announced, Ladoja said: “We have our procedures, now that everything ad been cleared, the kingmakers will now meet and we will present the candidate to the Governor for assent.

    “On the court issues, we are going to brief the lawyers and they will do the needful. By next week you will see the new development to confirm that there is no crisis whatsoever in Ibadan again.

    “The good thing is that, we thank the good people of Ibadan, the indigenes and friends of Ibadan. Ibadan is very lucky and I always tell people that Ibadan trained people to go and rule in their towns.

    “Go and ask them, Agagu was in Ibadan, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Gbenga Daniel, Bola Tinubu were from Ibadan, go and ask all of them, so, when we trained them here, we send them back home to go and rule. Even Ooni of Ife was brought up in Ibadan.

    “So, why should we not be able to solve our own problems? We are very happy that we have solved all the problems and all of us are very grateful to Mr Governor and we are happy that all is well that ends well.

    “We assure that all rancor surrounding enthronement of Olubadan of Ibadan has been addressing and all the steps and move that we need to make is what we will make from next week.

    “There is no fight anywhere, it is not ambiguous, the person that should be the next Olubadan is clear and it is Senator Lekan Balogun and that will not change.

    “We thank those around from home and abroad for their love for Ibadan and their support, we assure them that all issues had been addressed and there is no more crisis and rancor.

    “Many people are always happy that we have never had issues with the Olubadan succession method and I can assure you that there won’t be any crisis this time around again.”

  • BREAKING: Eguaevon keeps same line-up against Sudan

    BREAKING: Eguaevon keeps same line-up against Sudan

    Super Eagle coach Austin Eguaevon has maintained the same line-up that defeated Egypt for the tie against Sudan in the ongoing AFCON 2021 competition.

    Find the starting eleven below:

     

     

  • Makinde, Balogun, Ladoja, Olubadan-in-Council in closed door meeting

    Makinde, Balogun, Ladoja, Olubadan-in-Council in closed door meeting

    Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde has entered a closed-door meeting with members of the Olubadan-in-council.

    According to sources, the nominated Olubadan of Ibadan Senator Lekan Balogun; Ex-Governor Rashidi Ladoja and other members of the Council, numbering about 10, are attending the meeting.

    The meeting started shortly after the Governor attended the Armed Forces Remembrance Day event at the Remembrance Archade, opposite the Government House, Agodi Ibadan.

    READ ALSO: Understanding Olubadan succession row

    Barring last-minute change, the Governor, to be accompanied by the members of the Olubadan-in-Council are expected to brief the press.

    A source close to the government hinted that the meeting was facilitated to resolve and address all issues bordering on the selection of the next Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    It was gathered that, if things go well at the meeting, the Governor may appoint and or confirm the nomination of Balogun to ascend the Olubadan stool.

    Details shortly…

  • Buhari honours fallen heroes at Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration

    Buhari honours fallen heroes at Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday led Nigerians in honouring the memory of fallen heroes during the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Abuja.

    The activities started October 28, 2021, when the President launched the remembrance emblem at the presidential villa, Abuja.

    Earlier in the week, a memorial Christian service was held at the National Ecumenical Centre, on Sunday, while a special Islamic service and prayers were held on Friday at the National Mosque, both in Abuja.

    During Saturday’s ceremony, which took place at the National Arcade, opposite the Eagle Square in the Three Arms Zone, the President inspected a Guard of Honour, mounted by detachments of the Nigerian Army, the Navy, the Air Force and the Nigerian Legion.

    READ ALSO: PHOTOS: Buhari lays wreath for Armed Forces Remembrance Day

    He also laid a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as a mark of last respect to the fallen heroes who paid the supreme price to keep global peace and the nation’s territorial integrity.

    Others who laid wreaths were Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila.

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Mohammed Bello, represented by the Minister of State, Hajia Ramatu Aliyu; and the Minister of Defence, Maj. Gen. Bashir Salihi Magashi (Rtd), also laid wreaths at the event.

    Others were the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, Service Chiefs and the Nigerian Legion, among others.

    Three volleys of 21 gun salute were fired at the event followed by the signing of the Remembrance Day anniversary register by the president accompanied by heads of the other branches of government, military chiefs and other top officials of government.

    President Buhari thereafter released white pigeons to indicate the harmony at the venue and the nation.

  • APC governors set for showdown talks over convention, primaries

    APC governors set for showdown talks over convention, primaries

    By Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation; Jide Orintunsin and Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja

    • Convention may hold Feb.25 
    • Abia APC leaders accuse National Secretariat of masterminding local crisis

    Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have summoned an emergency meeting for tomorrow in their latest effort to stop the party’s downhill slide.

    Top on the agenda, The Nation gathered last night, is finding a way to douse the tension sparked by the continued delay in fixing a date for the party’s crucial national convention.

    Some of the governors are kicking against alleged plot by some forces to retain the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the party till after the primaries.

    A few of the governors have also asked President Muhammadu Buhari to call the CECPC to order.

    Investigation by our correspondent revealed that the APC is divided along the lines of pro and anti-February convention date.

    It was gathered that those that are pushing for June timeline are finding it difficult to sell their agenda because it could affect the conduct of the party’s primaries ahead of next year’s elections.

    Proponents of the June timeline, allegedly being backed by three governors, are said to be the brains behind the latest litigation to stop the national convention.

    It was gathered that some governors and party leaders are tired of what they perceive as foot-dragging by the Caretaker Committee on the national convention.

    A source said: “The waiting game is over because time is not on the party’s side. APC leaders and members’ patience has been exhausted.

    “Even the President has demanded for convention timeline from the Caretaker Committee, because as the ruling party, our government must provide direction for political and electoral developments in the country.

    “So, the pressure has been too much on the CECPC, which is now mostly on the defensive.

    “Although the delay has enabled the governors and party leaders to consult on the way forward for APC, the governors have to resolve the impasse because the fate of APC is at stake.

    “Actually, the governors were expected to meet on Wednesday but Governor Dapo Abiodun (of Ogun State) was said to have requested a slight shift to enable his state host President Buhari on Thursday.

    “Also, the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Governor Atiku Bagudu, postponed the meeting to enable all his colleagues to participate.”

    Confirming the pressure, one of the governors said: “We have received a notice of an emergency meeting in Abuja on Sunday.

    “There was no agenda in the notice, but because of its emergency nature, it presupposes that we are going there to manage the looming crisis in the party.

    “Imagine, at our level, we do not know what we are going to discuss.

    “Certainly, no other issue can be on the table than fixing a date for the national convention of the party.

    “The CECPC knows that there is heat on them. They have burnt their goodwill, but they are lucky that Governor Buni, who we respect, is chairing the caretaker committee.

    “This is a democracy. Our party should not be managed by an ad hoc committee.

    “We are going to the meeting to demand a definite date for the national convention. We have about six options to choose from.”

    Responding to a question, the governor said: “When we agree on the convention date, we can start horse-trading on the choice of the next national chairman of APC.

    “The outcome of Sunday’s meeting will pave the way for some activities in the party, like the election of a new APC national  chairman, zoning of offices for 2023 poll, reconciliation, preparation for Ekiti and Osun governorship elections and the conduct of presidential and other primaries for the general election.

    A party source said “the Caretaker Committee may meet on Tuesday on the decisions of the governors’ meeting.

    “But the plans of the governors include going to consult with the President after their session in Abuja.”

    When contacted, the Director-General of PGF, Comrade Salihu Lukman, said: “I can confirm to you that the governors are going to meet on Sunday. There is a notice to this effect.”

    The six options on the convention allegedly being considered by the governors and party leaders are as follows:

     

    • Holding convention in February as initially agreed upon and despite ongoing reconciliation

     

    • Fixing a new date in March or April to conduct congresses in Anambra, Zamfara

     

    • Allowing all congresses, reconciliation to be completed, court case resolved before convention

     

    • Conducting primaries for 2023 poll before convention

     

    •Holding presidential primaries, national convention on the same date

     

    •Adopting consensus approach for convention, presidential primaries.

    All Progressives Congress state governors had met with President Buhari penultimate Friday in Abuja just 24 hours after the President warned that the party must keep its house in order if it was desirous of winning next year’s elections.

    Buhari, at the meeting, had personally asked for the convention timetable from the CECPC.

    Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State had told reporters at the end of the meeting with Buhari that the President’s warning to the party to resolve its differences immediately was a signal for the APC to have a seamless convention to avert disintegration.

    The warning, according to him, was for the APC to redouble its efforts and do the right thing.

    Lalong also said the governors would meet last Sunday, but the meeting never took place.

    He said: “All the fears that we’re talking about, which the President also re-echoed, is all about telling the governors: please do more, keep the party alive. So, by God’s grace, we’re going to keep our party alive.

    “Well, these are things we’re going to discuss, but I’m not drawing conclusion. But I always tell you that a political party is a cumulation of interests.

    “The interests may be the same, they may not be the same, but at the end of the day, what we’ll do is that we are going to elect people who are going to represent you.”

    Lalong said tomorrow’s meeting would address all the contending issues affecting the conduct of the convention.

     “When we meet, we will harmonise all interests and we will come out as one APC, and that’s what we’re hoping; that whatever will be the interests that we’re going to discuss, I have a very great hope that at the end of the day, our goal is to elect people who will take care of our party, because that will be the beginning of the process towards electing those who will take over from this present government.”

    Asked if the many court cases pending against the party and its leadership would not scuttle the plans for the convention, he said: “There are procedures to holding court processes.

    “Many of the court processes were there when we set up the caretaker committee, but up to this moment, if you go to take a census of some of the court proceedings, you will realise that a lot of them have been resolved out of court.

    “So, it’s still the duty of the party, it’s still part of the functions of the party to resolve.

     “But we must not wait to resolve all court processes before you go for convention. I don’t think so, because there are also machineries for resolving court process, even after convention.

    “I had a court process in my state; that did not stop me from going on, and at the end of the day, we resolved the court process and we’re still going on, preparing and waiting for convention.”

    Abia APC leaders accuse National Secretariat of masterminding local crisis

    The party’s leadership in Abia State has accused the Secretary of the party’s Caretaker/Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, as the brains behind the crisis rocking the party in the state.

    Akpanudoedehe, according to them, is working with some elements in the state to impose an unpopular candidate on the party at the expense of the interest of the generality of members and the party.

    But the CECPC Secretary dismissed the allegation as untrue, saying he lacks the power to impose a leader on the party.

    The State Caretaker Committee Chairman, Hon. Donatus Nwankpa, levelled the allegation against the party Secretary shortly after a meeting with Senator Adamu Abudullahi-led National Reconciliation Committee (NRC) in Abuja.

    The Abdullahi committee invited the two factions to a meeting to resolve the crisis in the party in Abia State.

    The faction led by Chief Ikechi Emenike was absent from the meeting.

    Addressing newsmen after the committee’s meeting with the stakeholders in Abuja, Senator Abdullahi said his committee had a successful session but noted that the complainant (Emineke) failed to show up.

    He said: “We had very, very useful discussions. We have reasons to be very optimistic about what we’ve heard and seen of Abia State and the person who would want to be seen as a complainant has not appeared.

    “Whichever role we’ve given that complainant or the person given complaints against has not turned up. He was duly invited and from all indications, he has no case to put before us and we have no hesitation whatsoever to listen to the delegation from Abia State.

    “I don’t believe we could have any better representation in terms of the interests of the party, the leadership of the party and stakeholders of the party than we have had this morning. So we appreciate them.

    “We’ll make our report to the national headquarters, the National Chairman and with time we’ll do reports for all the others that we have undertaken. And we are hoping that the outcome will be extremely positive.”

    The state caretaker committee chairman, Hon. Donatus Nwankpa, said: “ln 2015, we didn’t win any elective position. In 2019 we got a Senator, we got members in Federal House, we got at the state assembly, and to that effect in 2023, mathematically, you know where we’re going to.

    “And because there is interest to sabotage this pattern, some people have conspired with the national secretary of this party to undermine the growth of APC not just in Abia but in the Southeast.

    “You all are aware of the recent drama that happened in Anambra State. That is the picture of a conspiracy that they want to put Abia State and we are saying no to it.

    “Besides that, the leaders don’t have their congress arising from the ward congresses and INEC have certified all the congresses we did in Abia and a court of competent jurisdiction has equally validated every of our congress procedures.

     “You can’t beat a child and say the child should not complain. That is what we are here to tell them.

    “You cannot impose leadership on Abia APC. Abia APC runs on a collegiate system, which means leaders man their wards. This is the directive from Mr. President.

    “The President is opposed to the imposition of any leadership at any level. He wants the leadership to grow from the grassroots, and that is why the APC is here today.”

    But the Secretary of the party’s CECPC, Senator Akpanudoedehe, said he was being wrongly accused.

    “He maintained that neither he nor the office of the National Secretariat has the power to impose anybody on the party anywhere in the country.

    Akpanudoedehe, while reacting to the allegation, said: “The accusation is not right. I don’t know why they should accuse me.

    “The allegation of conniving to impose candidate is not true. The office of the National Secretary cannot single-handedly or unilaterally impose candidates. That is not true and that is not me.

    “The office of the National Secretary can only transmit the official position of the party; it does not have the power to unilaterally decide on behalf of the party. It is not true.

    The APC Abia stakeholders that attended the meeting were Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State, Senator Chris Adighije; Senator Nkechi Nwaogu; former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu; Chief Alex Oti; DIG Azubuko Udah (rtd);  Chida Maduekwe; Rt. Hon. Uzo Azubuike, former Speaker Abia State House of Assembly; Sir Marc Wabara; Hon. Nnanango; Sir Stanley Ohajuruka; the longest-serving Speaker of Abia State, Hon. Nnanna Kalu; Nduka Anyanwu and so many other leaders.

    However, Chief Ikechi Emenike faction was absent.

    National convention to hold February 25

    The national convention may now take place on Friday, February 25 in Abuja, well positioned party sources told The Nation last night.

    The convention was originally scheduled for December 2020 by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party in June 2020 during the inauguration of the Mai Mala Buni-led 13-man committee.

    Sources said the Buni-led caretaker committee has resolved to hold the convention next month.

    “I can tell you now that our national convention will hold on February 25 here in Abuja, which has been agreed by the National Caretaker Committee,” one of the sources said.

    He added: “The Buni-led leadership is not against those that we’re calling for the convention in February, but the leadership wanted a situation where the house will not be too divided against itself during the national convention.

    “If some of the life-threatening crises rocking the party are not amicably resolved, they will further polarise the party even after the convention, and we have to bear it in mind that after this exercise (convention), we will face the general elections.”

    The Secretary of the caretaker committee, Akpanudoedehe, in a statement on Wednesday denied reports that the committee had shifted the national convention to June.

    In the statement, he maintained that the committee was embarking on nationwide consultations with stakeholders to prepare the ground for a rancour-free convention, adding that a sub-committee on budgeting and other substructures would be set up in due course.

     Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Abdullahi Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi State governor), had  in November led the CECPC chairman Buni and Jigawa State Governor Mohammed Abubakar Badaru to a meeting with President Buhari where February was  approved for the meeting.

    But the inability of the CECPC to set machinery in motion for the conduct of the convention led to speculations and allegations of tenure elongation by the Buni-led committee.

  • Ohanaeze: Igbo President will ensure balance, sense of belonging

    Ohanaeze: Igbo President will ensure balance, sense of belonging

    By Emmanuel Badejo and Yetunde Afolabi

    A President of the Southeast extraction will ensure political balance and a sense of belonging to the region, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prof George Obiozor, said yesterday.

    Nigeria, he added, must create a political equilibrium that accommodates all the regions.

    Obiozor pointed that it is only the Southeast that has not had a shot at the presidency since the return of democracy in 1999.

    Speaking on Channels Politics Today, he said the Southeast has qualified candidates who can perform if elected.

    The former Ambassador to the United States said history, the principle of fairness, morality and “all logical reasoning” justify the demand for an Igbo president.

    He was of the view that the Southeast was being accorded little or no significance in the sharing formulae and is usually placed last in all zonal allocations.

    Obiozor also made a case for state police, saying it was the surest way to solve the country’s security challenges.

    He appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to use the prerogative of mercy and not force to resolve pending issues against the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu.

    On Igbo President, the Ohanaeze President-General said: “It is important at this time in the history of Nigeria for each region to be given a sense of belonging for peace to reign.

    “We in Igboland are ready to give you candidates that are confident, with the capacity to perform.

    Read Also: Ohanaeze: Tinubu is a man of conscience

    “We ask the nation to create a political balance that includes not just the South and North but the Eastern region of Nigeria.”

    According to Obiozor, every zone has produced a president; therefore, the prospect of Igboland being denied again will not be accepted.

    On the role of his organisation in producing a candidate, he said: “Ohanaeze will not be biased while selecting candidates. The country is gradually receding from nationalism.

    “We need someone to re-energise the nationalist spirit in Nigeria and the Igboland will produce one.

    “Man proposes and God disposes but by all logical reasoning and judging by history, it is high time Southeast produces the next president.

    “By history, logic, morality and politics, it is fair for the Igbos to produce the next president.

    “We can’t be revealing our strategies in the public space. We have our strategies and we are united enough to produce the president of Nigeria.

    “Our candidates will emerge from their parties, but anybody that emerges will do that nationalistically and we need somebody from the Igbo land to do that.

    “However, I can’t predict the Igbo president, but from all we can see, an Igbo should be the next president. It is our time to produce the next president.”

    On Kanu, Obiozor said it would not be the first time such a similar case would be resolved politically.

    “We have made our position known that we prefer political solution through dialogue. This is the answer to the issue. The Igbos are not in a war with Nigeria.

    “Mr. President has the prerogative of mercy to handle this matter. And we have made this statement several times.

    “It is public knowledge that similar treatment has been given to others in other parts of the country.

    “It is certain that, if the President can do this, it will douse the tension in the Southeast and the country at large.

    “But, if the President does not do this, he can handle the matter in any other way other than using force.

    “And as good citizens of Nigeria, we will love to meet the President again and again on this matter,” Obiozor said.

    He believes the security challenge in the Southeast was politically motivated, adding that the region used to be the most peaceful.

    He said: “Southeast was the most peaceful region until the political season crept in.”

    The Ohanaeze helmsman again called for state police, saying the present centralised policing system was inadequate.

    According to him, the Nigerian security challenge has been settled by the 2014 National Conference that recommended state police.

    “We will not solve this challenge until we do this (have state police).

     

    “It is not a luxury but a necessity that must be done and the earlier we do it, the better for us as a nation,” Obiozor added.

  • Kanu begs supporters to be peaceful in court Tuesday

    Kanu begs supporters to be peaceful in court Tuesday

    Detained leader of Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu has appealed to his supporters to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner during his next court appearance.

    His lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor made this known in statement after his visit on Thursday to Kanu in detention.

    He said the IPOB Leader was in a cheerful mood and confident of victory in the long run.

    Ejiofor said: “We undertook our customary visit to Onyendu in DSS custody today. In the course of the visit, our discussions focused primarily on our final preparations for the legal battle that would resume on the turf of the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, from next week and on subsequent adjourned dates, if any.

    “We coalesced the product of our individual reflections on the most potent legal strategies henceforth to be adopted, fine tuned and harmonised them, and then distilled them into a single, conclusive, potent, workable formula.

    “We are optimistic that the court outings of Onyendu would be impressive. Onyendu himself is in high spirit. Our discussions with him further reassured him and strengthened his determination to persevere unrelentingly.

    “Onyendu is fully prepared to appear in court as from the 18th of January, 2022. He is rooting for victory and knows that, with the help of Chukwuokike Abiama, victory is assured. ”

    Ejiofor said the World will behold interesting dimension in the harmonised workable formula the IPOB Leaders legal team has evolved, adding that Kanu’s detractors will be comprehensively humbled and permanently put to shame.

    “Further, Onyendu utilised the opportunity afforded by our visit to mandate us to admonish his teeming supporters and followers.

    Read Also: Court to determine validity of Kanu’s trial Jan. 19

    “He advises those of them that would appear in court in demonstration of their unflinching support and loyalty to him to conduct themselves with decorum, be civil in their conduct and comportment, shun violence and deviant behaviour in any manner or form, and exercise restraint in speech”.

    “On our part, we have caused formal correspondences to issue on responsible, sovereign, democratic Governments and other international institutions to prevail on the Nigerian Government to caution uncouth and overzealous security agents.

    “We can authoritatively declare to you, that those correspondences are receiving the requisite attention they deserve.

    “We are optimistic that there would be a positive transformation in the conduct and general approach of the said overzealous security agents at the next appearance of Onyendu in court.

    “We make bold to state for the umpteenth time that Onyendu has not committed any offence known to law. For this reason, he must be released unconditionally.

    “We specially appeal to you to demonstrate profound understanding and fortitude in these trying times. You must remain focused, dogged, and resilient.

    “On no account must your untiring spirit be shaken and your resolve diluted. You must keep the peace at all times and comport yourselves with decorum.

    “In no too distant time, you will surely savour the sweetness of victory. Celebration and jollity will resound in your respective dwellings and sorrow and sighing shall take a permanent and unremitting flight to the abyss”, the Lawyer said.

    Ejiofor said that Kanu expressed his profound gratitude and appreciation to millions of his followers and supporters scattered throughout the face of the earth.

  • JUST IN: Nasarawa council chair slumps, dies

    JUST IN: Nasarawa council chair slumps, dies

    Chairman of Akwanga Local Government Council in Nasarawa State Hon Emmanuel Leweh is dead.

    Sources close to the family informed he was admitted after he slumped on Monday 10th January 2022 in his office at the council Secretariat, Akwanga.

    The chairman was said to have slumped shortly after addressing senior staff of the council with a promise to work with them for the development of the local government.

    Leweh, who is barely three months in office, died at a private hospital in Abuja where he was receiving treatment.

    Read Also: Former Kaduna Attorney General Barde dies at 72

    He was confirmed death shortly after Governor Abdullahi Sule and his Deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, visited him at the hospital in Abuja

    He took oath of office in October 2021 for a tenure of three years and was yet to constitute his cabinet.

    Nasarawa Assemblymember representing Akwanga south, who is the younger brother to the late chairman, Samuel Tsebe, confirmed the incident.

    ” I lost my elder brother (Hon Emmanuel Joseph Leweh, Executive Chairman of Akwanga LGA) to the cold hand of Death this evening after a brief illness.”

  • 2023 president: APC, PDP weigh options on zoning

    2023 president: APC, PDP weigh options on zoning

    By Emmanuel Oladesu, Gbade Ogunwale and Jide Orintunsin, Abuja

    The two major political parties are grappling with the headache of where to zone the presidential ticket in next year’s election.

    There has been no direction yet on where the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will pick their candidates.

    The lack of agreement about zoning in the PDP is underscored by the declaration of presidential aspirations by Southeast and Southsouth chieftains – Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, former Senate President Pius Ayim and veteran journalist Dele Momodu.

    Anyim, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has maintained that whether the ticket is zoned to a particular region or not, he will contest for president.

    Besides the trio, likely presidential aspirants from the North include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and his Sokoto State counterpart, Aminu Tambuwal.

    Sources said Southern Governors – Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta) and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), may be interested in being running mates.

    A party source said many PDP chieftains were disposed to the choice of a presidential standard-bearer from the North.

    According to the source, it is expected that after the emergence of the candidate from the North, the National Chairman, Dr. Iyocha Ayu, who is also from the North, is expected to resign.

    This is because both the presidential candidate and national chairman cannot come from the North at the same time.

    Read Also: 2023: PDP has settled for northern presidential candidate – Babangida Aliyu

    However, National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, insisted that the party has not zoned its 2023 presidential ticket.

    Ologunagba said on phone: “As I speak with you, the PDP has not zoned its 2023 presidential ticket.

    “We are going to make wide consultations with all stakeholders before we take any decision on the matter.

    “I can assure you that our position on zoning will be made public the moment we take the decision.”

    Last week, former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu said PDP will zone its ticket to the North.

    He was, however, not specific about whether the Northwest, Northcentral or Northeast will fill the slot.

    In the APC, there is no consensus about which zone should produce the candidate.

    Two stalwarts from the South, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (Southwest) and Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi (Southeast), have declared interest.

    Also, Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello (Northcentral), has thrown his hat into the ring.

    The APC National Caretaker Committee said zoning for elective offices has never been accorded recognition by the party.

    Its Secretary, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, said zoning of party positions was not part of its mandate.

    He said: “I have the mandate to report whatever decision the CECPC takes and to the best of my knowledge, the committee has not discussed zoning.

    “People are just flying what will favour their interests.

    “All I know is that the caretaker committee has not discussed or reached a zoning decision.”

  • Day Faleke, wife bagged chieftaincy titles

    Day Faleke, wife bagged chieftaincy titles

    The lawmaker representing Ikeja Constituency in the House of Representatives, James Faleke, has been conferred with the Atunlushe-Akorode of Ikejaland. His wife, Esther, was also conferred with Yeye Atunlushe-Akorode. OYEBOLA OWOLABI reports that both the high society and middle class came together to celebrate one of their own.

    The ground of the Police College, Ikeja, was agog on Friday, January 7, 2022, as lawmakers, friends, colleagues and constituents of Ikeja came together to celebrate James Abiodun and Esther Faleke as they were conferred with the titles of  Atunlushe-Akorode and Yeye Atunlushe-Akorode of Ikejaland.

    The title was jointly conferred on the Faleke’s by the three monarchs in Ikeja – Alaguda of Aguda, Oba Hakeem Agbaosi Saibu (Ewe-Obaja I); Awise of Onigbogbo Oba Oluwasegun Adeyemi Ajasa (Olaside I) and Oloregun of Oregun, Oba Olukunmi Olusesan Akingbola (Ikudoro I).

    Atunlushe- Akorode, loosely translated, means one who restores/repairs the land and the bringer of everything good.

    Faleke, a two-time member of the House of Representatives, has continued to impact the lives of his constituents for good. In December 2020, about 15,000 members of his Ikeja constituency got empowerment tools to make life better for them. This of course is not the first time the lawmaker would be giving out empowerment tools.

    Guests were colourfully decked in their best attires while wining and dining flowed endlessly. The voice of the popular chanter, Ayo Ewebiyi, resonated loudly as she sang the praises of the very important guests, and especially of the celebrants. The police band also churned out melodious tunes from their instruments, while King Sunny Ade serenaded the audience with his evergreen lively and danceable tunes, and of course not leaving out his awe-inspiring leg work. Ace comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka, was the master of ceremonies.

    Aside from the main canopy set for VIPs, about 10 other canopies were set aside for as many as would love to be part of the celebration, with enough to eat and drink, and of course, music to lift the body and soul.

    Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila, who was there with his wife Salamotu, described Faleke as a reliable man who deserved the double honour. “Honourable Faleke deserves these titles. He has a proven track record, and the people can attest to this fact. I am proud of him and wish him goodness in all his endeavours. He is a good representative of the people, as evidenced in today’s outing, and we can only pray for him to go higher and higher,” he said.

    The lawmaker representing Ikeja II in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adedamola Kasumu, described Faleke as a man with ‘an exemplary character, a man of substance and a man with a big heart, a heart of gold.

    He added: “Little wonder the traditional rulers of Ikeja conferred on him the titles. It is a double honour because the titles mean two different things, and when both are given to one person, it shows the person is of exemplary character. I want to wish him longer life prosperity and the grace to do more for the community, the generations here and yet unborn. He has started a good thing and I pray he ends well.”

    Assistant Women Leader of the APC in Lagos State, Kehinde Babalola, who also represented Chief (Mrs). Kemi Nelson, said: “I’m so happy for him because he has done pretty well in his constituency, Ikeja. You can’t fault him. He has done well, and I’m proud of him. I pray God to continue to guide him till the very end in glory.”

    For honourable Oluwasegun Olulade (Eleniyan), Faleke deserved the titles because he is a man of the people. “I am not surprised he got the titles because he’s worthy of them. He is a man of the people and they love him. He is a philanthropist who is always ready to help.

    “I have known Faleke way before now, we worked together in the local government, and he built the present Ojodu LCDA secretariat from the scratch. So I’m not surprised that all the kings in the Ikeja constituency are conferring this title on him and his wife,” he added.

    The lawmaker representing Shendam/Mikang/Quan’An Pan Federal Constituencies of Plateau State, Komsol Longgap, said he cut his trip to Ghana short to be a part of the celebration because of what Faleke means to them in the National Assembly.

    He said: “The entire national assembly is here because honourable Faleke is a leader and father, and we all learn from him. I had to cut my Ghana trip short to be a part of this celebration because of who Faleke is to us.”

    It was double honours for Faleke that day as he also received an ‘Award of Excellence from the Association of Lagos Artisans and Technicians (ASLAT) Ikeja branch. The association, led by the Chairman, Adesina Akinyemi, said the award was presented to the lawmaker in recognition of his extraordinary and exceptional passion and support to Ikeja artisans and technicians.

    He said: “Faleke has been our life support for more than 15 years; assisting us with so many things in kind and cash just to uplift and boost our trades and business. At the last mega empowerment he did, 100 mini busses, 200 tricycles, thousands of working tools and equipment were given to about 15,000 artisans and technicians across the Ikeja council.

    Read Also: Faleke, TSG hail Asiwaju

    “It has never happened before. No one has ever done so much for artisans and technicians in Lagos State as honourable Faleke has done in the last 15 years. No wonder that title Atunlushe (the one who upgrades the city) Akorode (one who brings goodness), combined with our own Award of Excellence, fits him and his adorable wife perfectly. We will continue to remain loyal and support him in all his endeavours and aspirations.”

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former local government official, Gbenga Akindele said: “We call him koseleri because all he is doing has never happened before. In the last year, for example, Faleke has done five mega empowerments, giving vehicles, tricycles, tools and machines worth billions of naira to uplift artisans and help our unemployed people get something to do with their lives.

    “Apart from empowerments, he has brought Grade ‘A’ development to our local government; most of our roads are tiled and motorable through his facilitations. He has rebuilt and equipped many schools and health centres, solar street light has been provided by Faleke in all the communities and streets in Ikeja. I can continue to mention more of what Faleke has done and he is doing. So these honours bestowed on him are perfectly befitting. I congratulate him and thank those who honored him. These, I am very sure, will prompt him to do more.”

    Another APC chieftain in Ikeja, Lateef Onisuna, popularly known as ‘D Guvnor’, described Faleke as ‘simple, calculative and brilliant’.

    Onisuna, who is also the Regional Coordinator (Southwest) of ASLAT, said the lawmaker deserved the award. “Faleke is a great politician who knows his people’s needs and is always ready to provide the needs if they are at his reach. I have known him for over 30 years; giving and helping has always been his character. I am happy for him and pray many more of such comes his way again and again,” he added.

    Also, the World Pan-African Movement and Pan-African in Diaspora United Royal Fathers gave the celebrant a certificate of recognition for being a full member and believer in the Pan-African Movement.

    Director of the Movement, Eze Nwabueze, who presented the certificate said: “We are here because of the way Faleke has been touching lives in Nigeria and in Africa. Our foreign network in The Gambia and Senegal urged us to witness and felicitate with him. Honourable Faleke is a humanitarian. He is a full Pan-Africanist, and that is why we ordered a certificate for him which is being presented to him today.”

    Faleke, who was excited with the honours, thanked them for deeming it fit to honour him. He said the titles and awards showed that his constituents appreciated him, especially since he has been representing them in the House of Representatives.

    The lawmaker assured his constituents that he will not relent in his efforts to serve them passionately. “I was not expecting this but I am grateful all the same. It shows my people appreciate all I have been doing for them, especially since I represent them.

    “What I do is part of duties, and for the people. I wasn’t expecting any reward from anywhere, but when it came, we have to thank God for it. It means that my people recognise and appreciate my hard work. It is also a wake-up call for me to do more, and I will continue to do more for people for the rest of my life.”

    Mrs. Faleke appreciated the monarchs for finding her husband worthy of the title. She said: “I’m so excited and I know it is an honour well-deserved. My husband is a man of the people, he puts laughter into people’s faces; he wants everyone to be settled, to be in a position whereby they can stand on their own and doesn’t want them to wander before they feed. This title is well deserved and I’m so excited. I give God the glory.”

    There was an array of royal fathers who graced the occasion aside from the three from Ikeja, while other dignitaries who attended the event were Senator Magnus Abe, Ossai M. Ossai, Wale Raji, Ademorin Kuye, Folajinmi Mohammed, Wale Raji, Bisi Olatilo, and ace actor Prince Jide Kosoko. The White Cap Chiefs, who represented Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, were led by the Opeluwa of Idoo, Chief Lateef Ajose. They said special prayers for the Faleke’s for good health, long life and greater heights.

    The event was also attended by prominent personalities, politicians, religious and traditional leaders, captains of industries and community leaders, among others, from within and outside Lagos.