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Category: Politics

  • Why I hit the ground running, by Okpebholo

    Why I hit the ground running, by Okpebholo

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, spoke with reporters on governance, security, economy, agriculture, education, and infrastructural development, EMMANUEL BADEJO reports.

    Road infrastructure in Edo State

    Before i came in, the state was totally cut off due to the bad road, and my administration would not allow that to happen. We have no time to waste. We have no time to waste as we turn Edo into a construction site and are ready to partner with reputable organisations. We promised our people that we would fix and construct the roads. Edo people should expect good things to happen. We will fix our roads and ensure that our people enjoy the dividends of democracy. The failed portion at Upper Mission Extension Road was terrible when we took over. My administration is determined to solve the problem and put smiles on the faces of Edo people. When i took over, President Tinubu was not happy with the way Edo State was going. But you can see that we are already working as he will join us to fix Edo State and that we must surely accomplish. The Ramat flyover), for instance, will transform the economy and social fortunes of our capital city and indeed Edo state. Ramat Park is a gateway to Benin City and other parts of the country. This is the first fly-over we are constructing, and we are going to construct more. There will be one by Dawson Road junction and another one by Sapele Road/Adesuwa Road junction. Ramat Park Fly-Over will provide a new lease of life for motorists in Benin city and communities along these two corridors; the Benin-Auchi expressway and the Benin-Asaba express We have instructed the contractor to work day and night to ensure the road is completed on time. My job is not to sit in the office, I promise Edo people practical and good governance, and sitting in the office will not allow me to achieve that. So, I have to monitor every project embarked on by this administration to ensure quality of work and also ensure the work is delivered on time and to specification. I am elected to work and must work for Edo people. The reason why Edo people elected me as governor is to work for them, and that is exactly what i am doing for them by the grace of God Almighty.

    Federal Roads in Edo State

    We are working to fix the failed portion of Federal roads. We have fixed Obadan Junction, Benin-Auchi road. This road is a gateway between the South East and Northern part of the country. This is a Federal road in Edo State, and it does not really matter. People from Edo State, Eastern, and Northern parts of the country use this road. Doing this road (Obadan junction) will boost the credibility of our party and the government of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Nothing is wrong in fixing this road for Edo people. I am very honoured and very happy seeing the remedial work on the Benin/Ekpoma/Auchi Express Way. The President promised to fix this road and now has matched words with actions, and people and Edo people in general are happy with this development of this road, which is now passable. You can see what my administration has done in terms of fixing federal roads in the State. Initially, the road was not passable as several accidents were recorded on the Benin-Iruekpen federal road, both small and big vehicles, and lives were lost as well. Once upon a time, we had a government in Edo State that was used to placing signboards across all federal roads with the inscription ‘this is a federal road, bear with us’. But today, we know Edo people used these roads and it is now Edo roads and by the grace of God, we will continue to move forward to see that our people enjoy good roads across the State. For me, working for my people is the only thing that can give Edo people happiness and joy. Reducing the time of travel along this road is our achievement. A journey that will take up to four hours is now 45 minutes.

    Education

    Do you remember when we went to one abandoned Ebomisi Secondary School in Ugbogiobo Ovia North East Local Governments area during my campaign? I had imagined that the former governor would have rebuilt the school, but nothing happened there. For me, this was not acceptable. The situation of Edo schools is terrible, and children attend these so-called EdoBest schools. For me, this is not acceptable. My administration will fix these schools. My administration will correct the wrong, make, and change the narratives of our schools in Edo State. Our job is to make Edo people happy and our children educated in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Education is the bedrock of development. For instance, take a look at Ambrose Alli University (AAU). It holds a special place in Edo State as the institution has produced the finest minds in Nigeria, and it’s our responsibility to restore its lost glory and ensure its continuous existence. One of the first steps my administration took in restoring the lost glory of the institution was to increase the monthly subvention from N41 million to N500 million. This is a bold step that reflects our commitment to the revival of AAU and also introduced special intervention to accelerate infrastructural development, ensuring that students and staff have the needed resources to strive. You can see the massive work ongoing across schools in Edo State. I have visited several schools and you can see for yourself the massive renovation, reconstruction and remodeling of the schools. Edo people are happy. We will continue to do more for the benefits of our people. By the time we would be one or two years in office, Edo State and its people would have experienced a lot of transformation across the State in the education and other sectors. When I was campaigning, I told Edo people that I would declare a state of emergency in our schools across the State.

    Security

    As a government, our responsibility is to provide the people of the state with security. During my campaign, I placed security above all, and it’s an area of focus and priority for my administration because it is important. The issues of cultism dominate the discussion, and the rate of cultism is not acceptable. The issue of cultism is not acceptable in Edo State. We do not want to lose anybody, and we will be firm about this. We have ordered the security agencies to collaborate and ensure Edo is safe for all, but not safe for criminals. We charge them to smoke criminals out of the State wherever they are hiding and ensure the State is safe for all.

    You are aware of the recent unfortunate incident in Uromi where some persons purporting to be members of a vigilance team, took the laws into their hands and murdered some people who were traveling home for the festivities.

    It was a very distressing incident which tended to cast a blight on what we are doing in security.

    I visited the area and also spoke with my brother-Governors of Kano and Katsina states and before then, we had even apprehended 14 persons who are currently under interrogation and appropriate further actions will be taken.

    In Edo state, there is no room for savagery. There is no room for jungle justice and or mob attacks. We will never condone such behaviours. I won’t want to talk more on that so as not to jeopardize security investigations.

    We have reorganized the Security Corps of the State. As soon as I came in, I purchased security vehicles equipped with modern gadgets. The challenges in the area of insecurity you see in Edo State are being addressed. I have also signed some bills into law to strengthen the security of our State. Kidnappers and cultists are on the run. When we took over government, cultism was a common thing in Edo State. We have addressed that now. Other security challenges we face will be addressed soon, I assure you.

    Economy

    We are ready to provide an enabling environment for businesses in the State to strive. We urge investors to bring more investments to the State. My agenda is to develop Edo State and make it a better place than we met it. Key decisions have been taken, and more good decisions will still be taken to improve the lives of Edo people. We shall begin to provide interest-free loans to Edo traders. Our traders are the backbone of our economy, and we must support them with the capital to help boost their businesses and improve the State economy. The interest-free loans will help empower our traders, enhance growth, development, and stability, and improve the livelihoods of the people.

    Healthcare

    There are challenges in the health sector, and we need to face the challenges head on and ensure a vibrant, efficient, and effective healthcare sector in Edo State. We need to work hard, face the challenges, and move the Ministry of Health forward. Moving the healthcare sector forward is a challenge we must face and ensure our people receive quality healthcare services. With hard work, commitment, and dedication, my administration would deliver the dividends of democracy to Edo people in the area of healthcare. After inspecting the facilities at Stella Obasanjo Hospital, it is clear that nothing was done here by the Obaseki led administration. They just painted the building and put air conditioners to deceive the people to think the building is completed. Construction work was ongoing when former governor Godwin Obaseki commissioned the Stella Obasanjo Hospital building. This is unacceptable. It is unfair. It is cheating.

    Read Also: Edo varsity management hails Okpebholo for favourable policies

    Tourism

    I visited the water fountain built by Comrade Adams Oshiomole’s administration, but abandoned by the previous administration of Godwin Obaseki. I remember when Oshiomole was the governor of Edo State, how beautiful this place was. We want to clean up this place so that people can come here for site seeing and relaxation. This place has been abandoned for some time now. My administration wants to revive it so that Edo people can go there with their families to have a nice time during weekdays and holiday

    Culture

    I will work closely with the traditional rulers to bring peace to Edo State. We have started writing the wrongs of the immediate past administration, and if you listen to news recently, we restored the statutory rights of the Oba of Benin Kingdom.

    Good Governance

    It is obvious that my administration is set to make a huge difference in governance, which is my campaign promise to the good people of Edo State. We want to take up this challenge very responsibly because things can not remain the way they are. My administration is determined to raise the bar for good governance, infrastructural development, and social services for our citizens. Our governance is practical as well as our projects. It is what everybody can see, and we will continue to do more for Edo people with more projects that will benefit Edo people and ensure that they feel and enjoy the dividends of democracy. We have embarked on practical governance, doing what the people will see and benefit from. We will continue practical governance as my administration will embrace people-oriented policies and programs that will make life meaningful for Edo people.

    Agriculture

    There are plans by my administration to revolutionize the agricultural sector through mechanized farming. We have started massive mechanized farming in Edo State. We are poised to ensure that food is available to all, even in these challenging times. Agriculture is vital to our State’s economy. Investing in mechanized farming, we will boost food production, create jobs, and ensure food security for our people. I want to thank the farmers at Iguoriakhi farm settlement because they have been farming before, but this time, we will farm together and produce food that will not only feed Edo State but also feed Nigeria. It is time for all of us to go back to the farm. Farming has become a very serious business, and together, we will produce the food and feed our people. My administration will provide the people with equipment, fertilizers, and support with resources to farm and produce food for the nation. We will have farms across the three Senatorial Districts of the State. As an administration, we are focused on farming. I have been talking to the governor of Niger State. He has made a mark in agriculture, and my administration wants to follow his footsteps to develop Edo State through agricultural activities. Mr president has asked Nigerians to farm and the farm initiative for Edo State citizens is very important as my administration increased agricultural budget from about N5 billion to N70 billion to create the enabling environment for the people to go back to farms. We have embarked on our drive to embrace agriculture, which will be used to grow and develop Edo economy. We have cleared large hectares of land as we are ready to clear more. We will clear about 3,000 hectares as we have embarked on the first stage. We still have similar farm settlements in Edo Central and Edo North. We are ready to farm, and we are not going back in line with Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which is part of feeding the nation. We have keyed into the agenda. As far as Edo is concerned, it is back to the farm.

  • Moghalu: Anambraians have lost faith in Soludo

    Moghalu: Anambraians have lost faith in Soludo

    When he joined the Labour Party (LP) last year, George Moghalu was categorical about his resolve to govern Anambra State. In an interview with JIDE ORINTUNSIN, the former Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) explains how integrity and not money will secure him victory at the polls.

    What are your chances in the forthcoming Anambra governorship election?

    It is a simple question that requires a simple answer. My chances are very bright. I can repeat it a thousand times, so my chances are bright. You asked again about the threats from the other political parties, especially the ruling APGA and the APC. However, I have not even started looking at the strengths of the other parties yet.

    I am not bothered about what is happening in other parties. I am concerned about what is happening in my party, the LP, because every election has two stages: the primary and the main election. For now, we are concerned with the primary. An Igbo proverb says one must first struggle to get the land before getting a mat. This is because if one doesn’t get the land, there will be a problem of where to put the mat. The emphasis now is to convince party members to choose me for the assignment. It is after I secure the ticket on April 5, God willing, before I start thinking about what is happening in other political parties.

    As a new entrant into the party, you have been accused of planning to reap where you did not sow. What’s your reaction to this accusation?

    It is not about reaping where I did not sow. The truth is, yes, I am a new entrant into the LP, but I am not a new entrant in the political space in Anambra and the nation. I have remained a political player from 1990 to date. So, you can’t expect me to be an unknown quantity. For now, it’s not about reaping what one did not sow. The party also needs politicians of my stature to be able to run the election. I have been around. It is about me and the platform. It would be a wrong assumption for anybody to say that I am trying to reap where I did not sow.

    The LP leadership has assured all aspirants of a level playing ground. Do you think they are paying politics?

    Why do you think that they are playing politics with it? So far, I have every confidence in the leadership of the party of being able to deliver on their promise, because the best thing that can happen to any political party going into any political contestation is to ensure a free, fair, credible primary process so that at the end of the day, everybody will be happy. Like I have always said, there is no difficulty in calling the winner to congratulate the person once you feel that the process is free and fair.

    Are there moves by aspirants for a possible consensus or alliance ahead of the April 5 primary?

    I’m not aware of such an arrangement. What I know is that a good relationship exists among the aspirants. I see it as a family affair because only one person will represent the party. Granted, we all have the right to contest for the ticket once we feel qualified, but, in the end, it is thrown back to party members who will vote during the primary. It will become a matter of the delegates choosing whoever they think can present their interest better.

    Why do you think you have an edge over other aspirants?

    It is not in my place to start determining the edge. It would be better for you to make inquiries when delegates emerge. Ask them questions, and they will tell you who will emerge as the winner.

    The fear is that the indirect mode of primary would give the ticket to the highest bidder. Does this bother you?

    I don’t see it as such, particularly in the LP, where I am contesting today, because delegates that will emerge will come out through a direct process. It means that they are representing the people’s interest: locality, local government, ward, and things like that.

    How strong is LP in Anambra, considering the speculations that the Obidient Movement has dumped the party?

    There is no iota of truth that Peter Obi will leave the party or has pulled out members of the Obidient Movement from the party. It is not true. I usually don’t like commenting on speculations because there is no fact to back them, but as for this one, I can tell this is not true. The Obi I know will announce it if he wants to leave the party. He will make it public. So, people are just speculating.

    I also don’t see anything wrong with visiting the governor of Bauchi State. They are both national leaders. Before he became the presidential candidate of LP, he was a two-time governor of Anambra State, and he visited a second-term governor of Bauchi State and the chairman of the governor’s forum of a major political party like PDP.

    Read Also: Tinubu, Obi, Soludo, Otto mourn Nwosu in Anambra

    What is wrong with that? They are consulting because Obi wants to be president of Nigeria, so he is moving around to consult with those he can work with. As for the visibility of LP in Anambra, I can tell you that the party is very much on the ground.

    We can test the strength of a political party when the campaign begins and after the election. Since politics is very local, the party still occupies many elective offices. The LP has two out of the three senators representing Anambra at the National Assembly, seven out of the 11 House of Representatives members, and more than 10 in the State House of Assembly.

    Does that not show you that the LP is on the ground? This is coupled with the fact that its 2023 presidential candidate is from Anambra State. Some of us aspiring to fly on the flag of the party have our followers that we have kept from our days at the National Secretary of APP and ANPP, down to when I became the National Vice Chairman, to when I became the National Audit till now that I am running for governor. Don’t also forget that I have tried to be the governor under APC.

    What are your fears as you approach the primary?

    I don’t have any fear, to be honest with you, because if you are looking at fear from the general perspective, the only concern I have for the election scheduled for November is the insecurity in the Southeast. I hope INEC lives up to its responsibility as the umpire. They owe it as a duty to give us a credible election. It provides them an opportunity to redeem their image. It’s an opportunity to cancel out all the negative comments about their performance. So, to be honest with you, I don’t have any fear,

    I have said it repeatedly: power belongs to God, and He gives to whomever He pleases at His own time. God’s will must be done; that is why I am always worried when we, as politicians, make pronouncements like I must do this or that. We have had cases where people declare what they will do on Monday but could not wake up after Sunday. The moment you play God, be ready to face the consequences.

    What is your impression about the rate of defections in recent times, especially that of Nasir El-Rufai to the SDP?

    Defections of politicians have remained a problem in Nigerian politics because most politicians see political parties as vehicles to actualize their ambitions, not necessarily as a platform for ideological development. I cannot give you an honest answer because my recent defection to the LP was my first time moving from one platform to another.

    I may not be experienced enough to talk about this, but some politicians have moved from one party to another up to six or 10 times. The moment they disagree with anybody or do not get what they want, they leave.

    It is common here, and it is worrisome because it does not show development and growth of our political and democratic institutions. Political parties should be more than vehicles for the actualisation of political power. They should be seen as institutions for the development of political ideology.

    In Britain, we talk about the Conservatives and the Labour Party. In the USA, they have the Republicans and the Democrats and what they stand for. Any contestant has the conviction of what they believe. It provides them an opportunity and platform to sell, and that is why you can be challenged.

    When a Democrat becomes Republican, it raises eyebrows, and questions will be asked. It is unlike here in Nigeria, where somebody can be in party A in the morning, party B in the evening, and by the time you think that he has settled in party B, he will have gone to party C. All the movements are just trying to shop where it will favour him.

    From the APC to the APGA, most aspirants in the forthcoming Anambra election believe they have a strong network with the presidency. Meanwhile, many of them, do you have much to do with the presidency? I don’t have any network with the presidency. However, my network is connected to God Almighty, who holds the ultimate power and determines what happens to mankind. We can only talk about today, not about what will happen tomorrow.

    None of us can talk about the next hour, let alone tomorrow. Some stakeholders believe in my candidacy and are supporting me. As for the determining factor of what will happen about the contest, it is for God and God alone.

     What are you going to do differently about the insecurity in Anambra?

    It is a serious issue and challenge. You are part of the system to know that news about Anambra has always been negative. It is either one person being killed or kidnapped. It has now become our consistent narrative, and that is most unfortunate.

    A lot of things can be done better. There is a need for a rejig of our security architecture. I don’t want it politicised because that is the direction everybody is going. Addressing the issue requires both a kinetic and non-kinetic approach.

    Soludo says the insecurity in Anambra is exaggerated. Do you agree with him?

    How can anybody claim that we are exaggerating? When a 75-year-old retired Archbishop was kidnapped and kept for one month, was it also an exaggeration that a sitting House of Assembly member was kidnapped, killed, and his corpse found over one month after?

    Was it also an exaggeration when a band of armed gang arrived at a burial ceremony at Ihiala and hacked down over seven to nine persons? Was it also an exaggeration when a lecturer in Awka was mowed down? I don’t want to appear as if I am playing politics with this. My concern is that the primary responsibility of the government is the protection of lives and property, and anytime that government fails to do that, the government has failed, and there should be no defence for it.

     If I may ask again, why did it take us three and a half years to come up with a solution or pretend to come up with one? Why have we failed to invest properly? You want to address the issue of insecurity, and you are bringing used tokumbo vehicles.

    How many points of agenda do you have to govern Anambra?

    I have said that the principal thing is to restore the people’s confidence in their government because everybody has lost faith. People are counting days, and until you restore the people’s confidence in their government, you are wasting your time. For me, that is the principal responsibility, and for you to do that, you must address the needs of the people.

    We come from a state that is small in terms of landmass, but we have enormous human capital in every facet. We have it in abundance in Anambra State. It is only for the government to create an enabling environment for the people to develop their state. So, it ought to address the fundamental issues and get the people to feel safe because you cannot talk about attracting investment without addressing insecurity. You can’t talk about industrial agriculture without addressing insecurity. The moment a farmer cannot feel safe going to the farm, you are wasting your time because the potential for agricultural development is enormous. I keep asking myself what has gone wrong. Time was in this country, before the advent of oil, that every region was living independently and progressively on agriculture.

    Then, it was about oil palm in the Southeast, groundnut pyramids in the North, and cocoa in the Southwest. Our leaders then invested in agriculture and used it to develop the religions. What has gone wrong? Has God left Nigeria? The answer is no.

    What is your comment on the growing incidence of vote buying during primaries and the general election?

    I am very much worried about that. Very worried because we have successfully weaponised poverty, and the political class is effectively using it to their advantage. I feel sad about it, but I am going into this race believing that my credibility and who I am will sell me. It is not about money.

    Let people throw their money. I will encourage the electorate to collect it because poverty has been weaponised to put the people down so that at every election, you give them peanuts and collect their destiny. I feel sad about it. We must improve our voter education so that people will understand that their vote is their power to change the narrative. It is not about the money they will collect because no amount would be enough to mortgage their future for four years.

    What are the other areas the governor can do better?

    There are areas, like infrastructure, that he has not impressed me. That you have some patches of it like road infrastructure is not enough. That cannot solve the problem. Our hospital system, investment in agriculture and a lot of things need to be done to change the narrative. So much needs to be done, and the current government has not impressed me.

  • Agege APC leaders kick off mobilisation for poll

    Agege APC leaders kick off mobilisation for poll

    • Ahmed: Nigerians should support Tinubu

    The leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Agege, Lagos State, have kicked off a campaign for membership drive and mobilisation ahead of future elections.

    Their approach is to encourage each party member to woo more supporters for the party as part of efforts to enlarge its coast at the grassroots.

    According to the leaders, party members should support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by explaining the the polices, programmes and achievements of his administration to Nigerians.

    The local party leaders, who converged on the Women Development Centre, Agege, for an economic empowerment programme, hailed President Tinubu and their lawmakers – House of Representatives member Dr. Wale Ahmed and House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa – for not abandoning the local APC chapters.

    The Economic Assistance Scheme was orgsnised by Ahmed, who had served the party as state secretary and Lagosians as two-time commisioner.

    At the event, over 600 beneficiaries went home with empowerment items, including cash, scholarships, grinders, hair dryers and generators.

    It was attended by APC chieftains – Chief Safari Adaranijo, Owolabi Dada, Baala Agege, Rotimi Adesina, Chief Ayeni Shittu, Olorogun Agege, Pa Olusanya, Ade Jombo, and Akeem Opeifa.

    Also at the event were the Ologba of Ogba, his Olori, baales, ward leaders, women groups and youths.

    Ajide hailed Ahmed, saying:”If Agege had experienced something like this some years back, Agege would have developed more than thus.”

    He urged the beneficiaries to use the empowerment items judiciously.

    Adaranijo said:”Our representative is performing. The provision of this empowerment items is mobilisation..”

    Urging the party members to prepare for local government polls, he said it is a rumour that the list of candidates has been prepared.

    The planning committee chairman, Segun Okunnuga, thanked the federal lawmaker for hids kindness, generosity, loyalty and dedication, adding that he has created opportunities for youths to learn skills and secure their future.

    He stressed:”His dedication to education, skill acquisition and youth empowerment has not gone unnoticed. His leadership and generosity continue to uplift the people of Agege.

    “I strongly believe that as he remains committed to the progress of our people, God will bless his efforts and his name will be written in gold in the history of Agege.”

    Ahmed thanked the leaders of Agege for standing firmly behind the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Read Also: APC leader MacIver hails Tinubu over S ‘South devt commission

    He said he sponsored the empowerment programme in fulfilment of his campaign promise of “lets toil together and reap the benefits together.”

    Ahmed said he learned the act of fulfilling his promises from the instruction of his Muslim cleric-grandfather, who was known in Agege as a man of honour, integrity and discipline.

    He said:”We did it together and we must reap the reward together. That’s why before i started receiving salary as a legislator, I started ploughing back.”

    Ahmef thanked President Tinubu for extending a duty of care to Agege, assuring that the constituents will not forget his gestures.

    Ahmed, who highlighted his empowerment programmes, recalled that he set up a committee on education and distribution JAMB and GCE forms to youths who could prove that their LASTRA card reflected residency in Agege.

    He said to cater for those who are not able to go to the university, he introduced vocational training, stressing that beneficiaries are making progress in their trades.

    Ahmed disclosed that he had given scholarships to tertiary students, distributed learning materials to pupils and built blocks of classrooms that are due for commissioning.

    Noting that the empowerment items cannot go round, he assured that those not captured would have an opportunity in the nearest future.

    Ahmed added:”I am not an Abuja politician. I come home every weekend to interact with my constituents.”

  • Why Desmond Elliot’s efforts I constituency go unnoticed – Femi Branch

    Why Desmond Elliot’s efforts I constituency go unnoticed – Femi Branch

    Actor Femi Branch has praised colleague Desmond Elliot for his dedication to politics. 

    In a recent interview on Nollywood on Radio, Branch acknowledged Elliot’s consistent efforts in his constituency, noting that his good work often goes unrecognised.

    According to Branch, Elliot’s lack of recognition can be attributed to poor publicity and his position on the political ladder. 

    Despite the challenges, Branch affirmed that Elliot is doing exceptionally well in his role as a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Surulere Constituency since 2015.

    Branch said: “I want to praise Desmond Elliot because he has been the actor who has been consistent with politics.

    “I think the problem Desmond has had over the time is probably poor PR because I know a lot of things that he is doing in the constituency.

    “There is also the possibility that his case is the case of being under a boss on the political ladder. So when you do something, they don’t give you credit for it. Rather, they give it to the boss. I would tell you that Desmond is doing very well.”

  • Osun PDP quakes amid defections

    Osun PDP quakes amid defections

    The tempo of internal wrangling in Osun Peoples’ Democratic Party is increasing, sending signals of a divided house, as the 2026 governorship election in the state draws closer and more notable party members are in talks to ditch the party. Assistant Editor EMMANUEL BADEJO and TOBA ADEDEJI write on the danger that faces the ruling party in the southwest state.

    The race to win the 2026 governorship election in Osun had since begun, with leading political parties – the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress strategizing on how to outsmart each other.

    Like it was in 2022, the battle for Bola Ige House will be between the incumbent and its main challenger, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    APC, which was in charge of the state pre 2022 election, lost the seat to its main opposition party, the PDP. The party had lost following cracks within its fold. 

    The inability of the APC government to manage its success and some political juggernauts in the state favoured the PDP’s candidate and now the governor, Ademola Adeleke to win the poll with 403,371 votes, while his strongest challenger, immediate past governor Gboyega Oyetola, now Minister of Marine and Blue Marine Economy polled 375,027. 

    The result showed that Adeleke won the election with less than 30,000 votes.

    The APC though at the centre, had gone into the election with a divided front. While the APC was contending with internal forces, the PDP’s camp was swelling with mergers, alignments and endorsements both from party members and other political parties.

    But, soon after the election, those odds that paid off for Adeleke’s emergence started waning, leading to defection of notable party chieftains, many of whom have found abode in the APC.

    With changing political dynamics, especially in the ruling party in Osun, the PDP now faces the threat of losing the governorship election. What would have been a seamless contest, may consume the governor and his party, if the gale of defections hitting the PDP continues.

    Adeleke didn’t have it all smooth to become the governorship candidate of the PDP in 2022. It was not a free road for Adeleke as his nomination met stiff opposition from some bigwigs in the party.

    Some of them felt short-changed by allowing Adeleke who recently defected to the party to be its governorship candidate.

    This group includes ex-governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, ex-deputy governor, Erelu Olusola Obada, Senator Olu Alabi, ex-National Deputy Chairman of the PDP, Shuaib Oyedokun, Prince Dotun Babayemi, Tajudeen Oladipo and other aborigine members of the party. 

    However, Adeleke had the support of the state party chairman, Sunday Bisi, Chief Ajeigbe, Prof. Wale Oladipo, Bunmi Jenyo, Clement Akanni, Alhaji Gani Olaoluwa, and Diran Odeyemi among others.

    Two parallel governorship primaries were held in 2022. While the primary that produced Adeleke took place at Osogbo City Stadium, another primary held at WOCDIF Center produced Dotun Babayemi.  Oyinlola, a PDP Board of Trustees (BOT) member was one of the backers of Babayemi’s camp.

    The Supreme Court eventually rested the matter as the court upheld Adeleke’s primary.

    Thereafter, some APC chieftains including a former commissioner under the administration of Rauf Aregbesola, Biyi Odunlade defected to PDP.  This strengthened the support base of the governor.

     Some PDP members were aggrieved and vowed to work against Adeleke’s candidature. But efforts were made to pacify them to support the party and its candidate.  They were promised an inclusive government.

    But, soon after the PDP’s victory, the promise of collective governance became a challenge.  Some felt used and a cold war began within the ruling party.

     Unable to resolve their differences, Babayemi and Akin Ogunbiyi along with their supporters decided to dump the PDP for the APC.

    Babayemi, who is from Gbongan Town in Osun West Senatorial District with Ogubiyi of Ileogbo community in the same district, joined APC with his supporters.  That was May 2024.

    According to Babayemi, he decided to leave the PDP because the governor’s camp didn’t keep to their part of the bargain.  He added that there was gentleman agreement to include some of his group in government, a deal he alleged the governor has failed to honour.

     Babayemi, who claimed that Adeleke’s group was already jittering, said: “They are begging and moving about with money for us not to cross over to APC but it’s already a late call. When they had the opportunity, they were abusing us all over the place.

     “They also started remembering leaders of the party hitherto denigrated to achieve this purpose with a joint call to reactivate the jettisoned Elders Forum. 

    “For us, our involvement in the APC will bear fruits as the party will have clean sweeps at the coming polls in 2026,” he assured.

    Earlier, a former PDP National Vice Chairman, Chief Shuaib Oyedokun had renounced his PDP membership and pitched a tent with the APC.

    Oyedokun, a notable personality within the political circle in Osun and beyond, said he decided to dump the PDP after consultation with his loyalists.

    Read Also: How to resolve Osun LG control crisis between APC, PDP—CSOs

    He said he was joining APC, where his experience, efforts, and leadership roles would be valued and appreciated. This indicts Adeleke’s government of running a government of winners take all administration.

    His resignation letter addressed to the National Chairman of the PDP through the ward, local government and state chairmen of the party further read,  “As a functional member and leader of PDP (Ward 13, Jagun/ Osi-Bale Ode, Odo-Otin South Local Government, Osun State,) whose high electoral productivity and value have been credibly and positively acknowledged in my ward, across the local council, state and country-wide for the enhancement of the fortune of the PDP, I have the honour (though with pain) in announcing the renunciation of my membership of the party on principle, having observed that the ideals of we, founding members, had been sorely contaminated.

    “In taking this step which is not even without due consultation with my teaming loyalists in the PDP, I have consequently decided to shift my allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC) where I believe my experience, efforts and leadership roles would be valued and appreciated.”

    Similarly, it was learnt that Oyinlola and other strong founding fathers of the party attempted defecting to the APC, but an intervention by ex-president, Olusegun Obasanjo made them rescind that move.

    Sources said that their stay in the ruling party, notwithstanding, may cause more damage to Adeleke return to the Bola Ige Government House.  

    Obasanjo confirmed the speculation when he visited Adeleke for the flag off the Presidential Lodge at Government House, Oke-Fia, Osogbo in May 2024. 

    Obasanjo said, “I am happy that he (Adeleke) called them for deliberation. Senator Olu Alabi is here, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade, former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola… We should bring everyone on board; it is the best. I have talked to two out of three of them. It is a good move, which is not only good for the party but also for the state and the country.”

     Also, a former aspirant of House of Representatives in PDP, Kayode Oduoye from Ikirun Town, headquarters of Ifelodun Local Government Area dumped PDP for APC in August 2024 with his supporters. 

    Barrister Oduoye, who was a close ally of Adeleke, was allegedly tipped to be the Chief of Staff to Adeleke because he relinquished the ticket for his ambition for his former boss. His defection from the ruling party to the APC has been said to be a monumental political achievement for the latter in the state.

     According to Oduoye, his decision to denounce the PDP was a deliberate effort to pitch a tent with a political party built on internal democracy and democratic tenets in order to further impact the people’s lives positively. 

    “As things are now with the Osun State PDP, what is left of the party is a mere carcass awaiting the services of the eagle-eyed undertakers who are speedily anxiously waiting and voraciously willing to consign its remains to a readily constructed vault in the Ede country home of the Adelekes where horrendous directives for the ruling party and the governor are strangely oozing out from.”

    In less than 24 hours that Oduoye defected to APC, a former Chief of Staff to Oyinlola, Peter Babalola was suspended from the party (PDP) on the speculation that he was nursing governorship ambition against the interest of the incumbent, who is the leader of the party in the state.

     Babalola, who is from Ikire in Osun West District later defected to APC resigning his appointment as the Chairman of Ila Orangun College of Education Governing Board Chairman. 

    At the twilight of 2024, Osun PDP was faced with disarray as a member of House of Representatives for Ijesa North Federal Constituency, Oluwole Oke protested against Adeleke’s style of governance and neglect of Ijesa people.

    Oke, who is the Chairman House Committee on Foreign Affairs and fifth-time member of the National Assembly under the platform of PDP alleged that Adeleke abandoned Ijesa people especially Ijesa North after his emergence, warning of the consequence of such action in the 2026 contest. 

    The lawmaker in a post on his Facebook account titled “Ijesa North People are not stupid” recounted that the administration of Chief Bisi Akande of Alliance for Democracy (AD) now All Progressives Congress fixed their roads, the government of Olagunsoye Oyinlola established a university. 

    He added that “President Musa Yar’adua and Goodluck Jonathan respectively approved Armed Forces Games Village, Armed Forces Physical Education Institute Institute in Esa Oke (yet to be completed) and Air Safety Training Institute, Ipetu-Ijesa. 

    “Gov Rauf Aregbesola established Bola Ige Mech Institute in Esa-Oke, appointed Esa-Oke’s son as a member of the Board Governing Council ditto Gov Gboyega Oyetola.” 

    He noted that “I and other patriotic leaders and members laboured to install a government and after two years, what I can point to from my governor Sen. Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke in my constituency including Obokun and Oriade is 1.5klm road in Obokun and Oriade local governments respectfully.”

     He accused Adeleke of neglecting Ijesa people even in appointment, threatening that “Ipetu-Ijesa with 54 villages has over 10,000 votes in her kitty, and without Ipetu-Ijesa votes, nobody can win any election.

     “No son or daughter of that community holds any prominent position in our government; yet, some of our members want me to keep quiet.

     “For our upcoming young politicians who are playing eye service to Gov Adeleke, I pity you. Ijesa North people will speak and they will speak louder at the appropriate time. You don’t know them as much as I do. You all met me here.”

    He advised that Adeleke has more time to correct his style of governance as the party chairman, Sunday Bisi is from Ijesa land. 

    “I have won elections five times through the support of my people. It will be a curse for me to keep quiet. I told my younger Brother, Ibukun Fadipe, Chairman SUBEB some of these things, nothing happened. I have equally drawn the attention of the governor’s Chief of Staff and Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, nothing happened. I won’t keep quiet. We must get what belongs to us.” 

    But Adeleke’s men have joined issues with Oke, refuting his claims. In a statement jointly signed by three of Adeleke’s commissioners, Bayo Ogungbangbe (Cooperatives and Empowerment); Mayowa Adejorin (Environment); and Tola Faseru (Agriculture), they dismissed Oke’s claim. 

    They described the claims as misrepresentation of fact, saying “It is disheartening and reprehensible to see a long-serving representative of our people spread misinformation that could potentially mislead our constituents.”

     The release said Adeleke appointed three commissioners with 15 other political appointees in the constituency as a 1.5 km road ongoing, renovation of 13 primary health centers, and construction of classrooms in more than eight schools across Oriade/Obokun among others.

     “All 22 wards in Ijesa North Federal Constituency have significantly benefited from the Ward-Based Cooperatives initiative launched by this administration.” 

    “We urge Oke to refrain from actions and statements that could potentially mislead our constituents and disrupt the unity of purpose needed for further progress.”

    Commenting on Adeleke’s moves to strengthen the party, the Director of Media, Osun PDP, Oladele Olabamiji said “Nothing has happened to the ruling party, PDP that warrants any repositioning.”

    He explained that “What the governor is doing is to deliver good governance to the people. If there is anything to strengthen the PDP, it is the performance of His Excellency in office. Everything he is doing is face-lifting the infrastructural deficit, improving the health system which earned him accolades far and near. He was adjudged the best in the Southwest. 

    “He is doing so much in education, prioritises workers’ and pensioners’ welfare. He provided enabling environment for entrepreneurs, enrolled all the pensioners into free health insurance scheme.”

    He noted that Adeleke is only strengthening the party because PDP is no longer faced with any internal wrangling. 

    According to Olabamiji, Adeleke has done so well and that has earned him commendations within the first two years of his administration. 

    “Adeleke has done so well for the people of the state and he has won the trust of many people to continue supporting PDP in subsequent elections.”

    The PDP Media Director added: “We have our ways of doing things. We believe that our work will speak for us, which is happening now. Any serious politician in Osun state will see PDP as a viable option.

    “PDP has become a movement; the party has become the cynosure of everyone. The people have seen the difference between the two parties and they know that PDP is the best.

    “We are winning a lot of people into our fold, but we have our ways of doing things. We are not given to propaganda. What we are doing is to ensure we improve the state than how we met it.”

    Reacting to defection of bigwigs from the PDP, he stated “It is unfortunate that you called them bigwigs but as far as we are concerned, you can only be as big as your last contribution to the party.

    “These people plotted for the downfall of our party in 2022 election. They would have been cheerleaders if Adeleke had lost. But they are human beings; and we wish them well because we are not playing politics of bitterness.”

    According to him, “We cannot lose sleep over their defection because ordinarily, they don’t wish us well. It was clear that Babayemi supported by Baba Shuaib took our governor to court up to the Supreme Court wanting to take back mandate given to Adeleke through the backdoor.

    “This is not the kind of person we lost, he only lost himself. He has ceased to be a member of our party long ago before he did jamboree defection to APC.”

    Will Adeleke return to the government house or not? It is a matter of months away.

  • Clark: His politics, activism

    Clark: His politics, activism

    From his roots in Delta State to becoming a national advocate for justice and unity, Chief Edwin Clark’s journey encapsulates the struggles and aspirations of post-independence. NTAKOBONG OTONGARAN explores his rise from educator to statesman, his strategic political engagements and his enduring legacy in shaping a more equitable Nigeria.

    Edwin Clark’s life was a profound narrative of advocacy, education and political influence in Nigeria, particularly for the Niger Delta.

    Birth and early life

    Edwin Kiagbodo Clark was born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo; a small town in the Ijaw area of what is now Delta State.

    Clark’s early life was marked by the tranquil yet challenging environment of rural Nigeria, where community ties were strong and the reality of colonial influence was still palpable.

    Clark’s journey began in the African Church School, Effurun, where he began his primary education in 1938. His secondary education took him to various schools, including those in Okrika and Afugbene; reflecting the somewhat nomadic educational path many Nigerian youths of that era had to endure due to limited local facilities.

    His passion for education was evident from a young age, influenced by a family that valued learning and community service.

    After completing his secondary education, Clark’s academic pursuit led him to the Government Teachers’ Training College in Abraka, where he trained to become an educator. The institution, which later evolved into Delta State University, provided him with foundational skills that he would use in his later public service roles.

    His dedication to education did not stop there; Clarke travelled abroad to further his studies, earning a law degree from Holborn College in the United Kingdom between 1961 and 1964. This educational sojourn was not just about acquiring knowledge but also about understanding the broader world, which would later inform his activism and political strategies.

    Upon returning to Nigeria, Clark briefly worked as a schoolteacher, an experience that shaped his later focus on educational reforms. His legal education opened doors to various governmental roles, starting with his appointment as a counselor for Bomadi in 1953, just before Nigeria’s independence.

    Foray into politics

    Edwin Clark’s entry into the complex arena of Nigerian politics was marked by the chaotic yet transformative period post-independence. His involvement was far from being merely opportunistic; it was deeply rooted in a commitment to fostering national unity, advocating for the development of the Niger Delta and ensuring that the voices of minority groups were heard in the national discourse.

    Nigeria’s independence in 1960 was followed by a period of political instability, marked by ethnic tensions, regional disparities and the struggle for power among different groups.

    The first military coup in January 1966, led by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu and the subsequent counter-coup in July of the same year, underscored the fragility of Nigeria’s newly independent democratic structure. This era was crucial for Clark, as it provided the backdrop against which he would define his political identity and influence.

    In this turbulent period, Clark’s political journey took a significant turn when he was appointed as an advisor to the Military Governor of the Mid-Western Region, David Ejoor.

    His primary responsibilities included advising on matters of national unity, particularly in the context of the brewing secessionist movements and the subsequent Nigeria/Biafra War.

    Clark’s advice was sought on how to maintain regional autonomy while fostering a sense of national cohesion, a balance critical in Nigeria’s multi-ethnic society.

    Clark’s involvement in high-stakes negotiations was pivotal. He was part of the discussions that led to the Aburi Accord in Ghana, aimed at resolving the political crisis among Nigeria’s regions. Although the accord failed to prevent the civil war, Clark’s role highlighted his diplomatic acumen and his commitment to peaceful resolutions.

    His experience from these negotiations gave him insights into the delicate balance of power, the importance of dialogue and the necessity of compromise in Nigeria’s political landscape.

    Political associations and alliances

    Clark’s relationship with military leaders such as General Yakubu Gowon was not only professional but also personal. His advisory role during Gowon’s regime helped shape policies aimed at national reconciliation post-civil war.

    Read Also: Edwin Clark University VC assures safety, stability as school resumes after temporary closure 

    Over the years, Clark cultivated friendships with many political figures across Nigeria. His relationship with Samuel Ogbemudia, another significant figure in Mid-Western politics, was instrumental. Ogbemudia’s support was crucial during Clark’s tenure as Commissioner for Education, where he pushed for educational reforms.

    Perhaps, one of his most influential political associations was with former President Goodluck Jonathan. As an Ijaw like Clark, Jonathan benefited from Clark’s mentorship and political guidance, particularly when he ascended to the presidency.

    Clark’s influence was evident in the policies regarding the Niger Delta, including the push for resource control and environmental protection.

    Influence on policy and national discourse

    Edwin Clark’s ascent in the political echelons of Nigeria was a testament to his strategic acumen, his ability to forge alliances and his deep understanding of Nigeria’s political and social fabric.

    His journey from regional to national prominence was marked by significant roles, achievements and an unwavering commitment to advocating for the Niger Delta.

    As Commissioner for Education in the Mid-Western Region, Clark’s influence extended beyond policy into institution-building.

    The establishment of the Mid-West Institute of Technology was not just about creating an educational facility; it was about laying a foundation for technological advancement in a region that had been seemingly economically sidelined.

    This institute, later transforming into the University of Benin, was among the first of its kind in Nigeria to focus on technology and science, reflecting Clark’s vision for a Nigeria where education was not just about literacy but also empowerment through science and technology.

    Clark’s appointment as Federal Commissioner for Information under General Yakubu Gowon’s regime was a strategic placement that allowed him to shape national narratives and policies.

    In this role, he was instrumental in managing the communication strategy during Nigeria’s civil war period, focusing on national reconciliation and unity.

    Clark was adept at building bridges across Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups. His understanding of Nigeria’s socio-political dynamics allowed him to mediate between conflicting interests, often advocating for a Nigeria where regional identity did not overshadow national unity.

    This was evident in his work with Gowon’s administration, where he helped to navigate the delicate balance between regional autonomy and federal control, particularly in the post-war era where rebuilding national trust was paramount.

    Edwin Clark’s ascent to becoming a national figure in Nigeria was shaped by a confluence of strategic political engagement, leadership within various political entities and a profound commitment to justice and equity.

    His journey was marked by formal roles and informal alliances, creating a complex tapestry of influence that spanned decades and significantly impacted Nigerian politics.

    In the Second Republic, Clark’s involvement with the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) as a treasurer in Bendel State showcased his organisational prowess and financial acumen.

    This period was crucial for Clark, as it not only highlighted his ability to handle political finance but also positioned him as a key player in the party’s strategy, particularly in the Southsouth region.

    However, Clark’s influence was not confined to his ethnic group. His ability to forge alliances with leaders from other regions illustrated his understanding of Nigeria’s complex ethnic and political dynamics.

    His informal advisory roles under different administrations, from Gowon’s post-civil war era to Jonathan’s tenure, underscored his reputation as a bridge-builder and a statesman, trusted across political divides.

    These relationships were built on mutual respect and a shared vision for Nigeria’s future, focusing on unity, development and equitable resource distribution.

    Several defining moments contributed to Clark’s rise. During the Nigerian Civil War, his advocacy for national unity, while simultaneously pushing for the rights of the regions, showcased his statesmanship.

    He was a key participant in the 1966 Constitutional Conference under General Yakubu Gowon, where he argued against the idea of confederation, emphasising a strong, united Nigeria, which was a critical stance during a time when the country’s unity was at risk.

    His efforts in promoting reconciliation and integration after the civil war further positioned him as a figure of national healing, advocating for policies that would mend the societal rifts caused by the conflict.

    Clark’s outspoken nature on issues of justice, especially concerning the Niger Delta, made him a national figure whose voice could not be ignored.

    His critiques were often directed at the Federal Government’s neglect of the region, the environmental degradation due to oil exploration and the need for resource control.

     Political activism

    Edwin Clark’s political activism has been a driving force behind significant changes in Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly centred on the Niger Delta.

    Clark was a vocal advocate for resource control, arguing that regions producing oil should directly benefit from their resources.

    His relentless critique of multinational oil corporations, especially Shell, for environmental degradation and socio-economic marginalisation, included legal battles, public campaigns and community mobilisation to demand better terms and environmental cleanup.

    Clark’s call for political restructuring was a response to the centralisation of power and resources in Nigeria, advocating for a federal system where states are more autonomous.

    His open letters to Nigerian presidents, notably his critique of Muhammadu Buhari’s administration for regressing Nigeria, became rallying points for those pushing for systemic change.

    This stance often put him at odds with federal authorities, yet Clark managed these tensions by maintaining alliances across the political spectrum, ensuring his advocacy was heard without alienating too many stakeholders.

    As the leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Clark unified diverse interests within the region, providing a platform for collective advocacy on issues such as the 13 per cent derivation fund.

    His leadership was crucial in navigating internal politics and ethnic rivalries to present a united front. Clark’s advocacy for peace, particularly during periods of militancy, was pivotal.

    His support for the Presidential Amnesty Programme led to negotiations that disarmed many militants, bringing stability to the region. Here, Clark positioned himself as a mediator, promoting dialogue over violence, although this drew criticism from those who saw his methods as too conciliatory.

    Navigating the political conflicts that arose from his activism was challenging. His criticisms often led to public spats with political figures, yet Clark managed these by focusing on issues rather than personalities, framing his critiques within the broader context of national interest.

    Balancing being seen as an activist for the Niger Delta without being merely an ethnic champion was another challenge; he managed this by engaging in national discourse on governance and justice, broadening his activism’s scope.

    Clark’s political activism has left an indelible mark, pushing discussions on resource control, environmental protection and restructuring the Nigerian federal system.

    On February 17, 2025, Edwin Clarke passed away at the age of 97, marking the end of an era in Nigerian politics.

    Clark leaves behind a legacy of relentless advocacy, strategic political engagement and a deep commitment to the welfare of not only his people but also the broader Nigerian society.

    His activism has laid a foundation for future generations in the Niger Delta, teaching them the value of persistence, strategic alliances and the importance of speaking truth to power.

    His story is one of a movement for justice, where his legacy will inspire not just politicians but activists and citizens across Nigeria to continue the fight for a more equitable and just society.

    The younger generations of the Niger Delta will look back on Clark’s life as a blueprint for activism, understanding that change comes from consistent, informed and courageous advocacy.

    A farewell to a titan

    As Edwin Clark prepares to be laid to rest in Kiagbodo, the Niger Delta braces for a farewell steeped in reverence and sorrow. The burial, expected in the coming weeks, will draw thousands—elders in flowing wrappers, youths clutching his writings, and leaders from Abuja to Warri—to the mangrove-lined banks of his hometown.

    The air will hum with dirges, the river reflecting tears, as canoes glide in silent tribute to a man who carried their dreams to the country’s doorstep.

    For his immediate family, it’s a private loss magnified by a region’s grief; for Nigeria’s over 200 million people, a call to honour a titan by mending the fractures he exposed.

    Amid the soil of Delta State, Clark’s voice will linger, a restless echo urging equity from beyond.

    As the sun sets on Edwin Clark’s life, his influence will continue to shape the political, social and cultural fabric of Nigeria, ensuring that the voices of the Niger Delta resonate loudly in the halls of power for years to come.

    Expect not just a ceremony, but a reckoning: his grave, a seedbed for the justice he sowed, will whisper to the living—carry on, fight on.

  • Lawmaker urges Nigerians to be patient with Tinubu

    Lawmaker urges Nigerians to be patient with Tinubu

    • By Halimah Balogun

    The lawmaker representing Ikeja Constituency 2 at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adedamola Kasunmu, has called on Nigerians to exercise patience with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, assuring them that the nation’s future holds immense promise.

    Speaking at the third edition of a Ramadan lecture held in honor of the late Habibat Mogaji, Kasunmu emphasized the importance of community bonds and the virtues of giving, while also addressing the current economic climate.

    The lawmaker acknowledged the challenges Nigerians are facing, stating, “It may seem tough. It may seem bleak, but I know that the future is great, and the future has lots of benefits to come. If only we can just, for now, bear the sacrifices of that labor that we need to go through to be able to harvest something great”.

    He expressed confidence in Tinubu’s leadership, noting, “I must acknowledge our president, President Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, our dear father, who has also taken in such direction and such footsteps as the late matriarch because he is one person that I know that also gives and has a large heart. And I know that if given the opportunity, he would take Nigeria as a nation to its proposed destined destination.”

    Kasunmu stressed the significance of unity and togetherness, echoing the theme of the lecture, “Strengthening community bonds to foster a sense of unity and togetherness even beyond Ramadan.” He drew parallels between the Islamic and Christian doctrines, noting the universal values of compassion and support for the less privileged.

    According to him, the lecture, held in remembrance of the late Habibat Mogaji, served as a platform to celebrate her legacy of generosity and community service.

    Read Also: Lekki, Italy-based businessmen arrested over illicit drug shipments to Nigeria, Europe

    Kasunmu explained that the event aimed to perpetuate her good deeds, ensuring they resonate across generations.

    “Those are the virtues of parents and the good morality that has sustained most of us in the older generation to this point in time of our adult world stage. And, of course, those are things that we pass on to our own generation for the betterment of the future,” Kasunmu said.

    He stressed his efforts in providing access to quality education, including free JAMB and GCE support, reflecting the values instilled by his mother.

    He urged Nigerians to embrace their national identity, transcending tribal and regional differences. “As a Yoruba, as Hausa, as Igbo, as wherever you may have come from, we must remember that we are first Nigerians, and it is whatever we do together as a community, as a Nigerian community that will speak for us in the international community,” he said.

    Kasunmu reiterated the importance of charity and community support, emphasizing that these values serve as a foundation for future generations.

    He called on Nigerians to strengthen their communal relationships and foster a sense of unity that will propel the nation forward.

    The guest speaker, Dr. Abdullateef Shekoni who spoke on the theme of the event empasized that Allah created people in diverse nations and groups for the purpose of identification, not discrimination.

    “Almighty God needs us to create unity in diversity. Togetherness. To be united. Because in unity, there is power”, he said. He stressed the importance of respecting one another’s rights and giving honor to whom it is due, noting that these virtues are pleasing to Allah and lead to development, progress, and strength. “Ramadan period is a good example of togetherness because during this period, we see families, friends, and even well-wishers coming together to pray together, to have a talk together, and even circle together.”

    He urged Muslim women, and all attendees, to carry the lessons of Ramadan beyond the holy month, emphasizing the need to put into action the values learned. “The qualities and the virtues, the lessons that we learn in Ramadan… we need to exhibit those virtues and values after Ramadan,” he said.

    He stressed the importance of sharing and giving to the needy, stressing that these values, rooted in the Quran, are essential for achieving lasting peace and harmony in society.

  • Ajadi preaches selflessness at Eid-el-Fitr

    Ajadi preaches selflessness at Eid-el-Fitr

    The South West Chieftain of New Nigeria Peoples Party, (NNPP), Amb. Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has urged political leaders in to be selfless and always promote interest of the masses.

    Ajadi congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of Ramadan, urging them to continue with the spirit of togetherness and sacrifices.

    He called on political leaders to use the occasion of joy to have a rethink and be selfless.

    He said the leaders should please have the interest of the masses at heart and must always be  good servants to the people who elected them.

    Ajadi’s statement reads: “I rejoice with all Muslims on the successful completion of this year’s Ramadan. I wish to remind us that Eid-ul-Fitr is more than just a festival . It’s a reminder of Allah’s boundless mercy and the power of love that brings families together. 

    “Let us continue in the spirit of sacrifices as we have done during the Ramadan. Sacrifice is the essence of peaceful living. We need to be modest in our celebration and accommodates others that are less privileged in our celebration.

    “To our political leaders, the lessons of Ramadan should guide them in ensuring that they display selflessness. They should strive hard to promote programmes and policies that will enhance the living of the masses.

    “We all should use the occasion of Eid- ul- fitr to pray for our leaders for God to guide them aright. Eid Mubarak! May Allah’s infinite blessings fill your life with happiness, prosperity, and love.”

  • How Alia’s gamble is threatening APC’s stronghold in Benue

    How Alia’s gamble is threatening APC’s stronghold in Benue

    Part of the open ‘secret’ behind the vibrant followership and huge electoral success of the ruling party in Benue State was the promise to ensure the relocation of all displaced persons in their respective towns and villages. However, according to Austin Agada, the chairman of the Benue State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the promise and other populist assurances given to the people now appear to be far from the thoughts of the state governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, who has not hesitated to tackle members of the Agada-led APC exco as well as several party members in the Benue State House of Assembly.

    In Makurdi, the state capital and other parts of Benue State, citizens readily attest to the ongoing execution of various infrastructural projects. However, Austin Agada repeatedly asserts that hugely increased federal statutory allocations to the state are not being optimally utilized and that much of the developments being seen across Benue State today should be attributed to the Federal Government in Abuja.

    All these reflect a dangerously strained relationship within the APC in Benue State, with the state governor on one side and several others, including the Agada-led leadership of the APC, appearing to be on a collision course against the governor. Indeed, the APC in Benue State is currently embroiled in a deepening crisis, primarily stemming from the actions and political manoeuvres of Governor Hyacinth Alia. These internal conflicts pose significant threats to the party’s cohesion and could adversely affect its prospects in the 2027 general elections.

    A central issue in the ongoing crisis is the deteriorating relationship between Governor Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

     This discord has raised alarms among party stalwarts who caution that such internal conflicts could jeopardize the party’s future electoral success in the region. In response to the escalating tensions, the APC’s national leadership is quietly intervening towards restoring harmony between the two prominent figures. Despite these efforts, reports indicate that Governor Alia has been unresponsive to peace initiatives and overtures from Austin Agada and other loyalists of Senator George Akume who all featured prominently during the APC’s 2023 political campaigns that successfully ended years of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) dominance in Benue state.

    Thus, the political landscape in Benue State is currently embroiled in a crisis of monumental proportions, one that threatens to unravel the very fabric of the APC in the state. At the centre of this storm is the incumbent Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, whose actions since assuming office have not only alienated key party stakeholders but also raised questions about his loyalty to the party that brought him to power.

    Read Also: From Lagos to Aso Rock: Tinubu’s transformation of Nigeria’s political landscape

    The fallout between Governor Alia and the SGF, a former governor of Benue and the architect of APC’s dominance in the state, has become the defining feature of this crisis. What began as a promising partnership has devolved into a bitter feud, with Alia’s missteps and unilateral decisions undermining the party’s unity and weakening its political structure.

    Akume, a political heavyweight and the SGF is widely regarded as the backbone of APC in Benue. His political acumen and grassroots mobilization were instrumental in securing victory for the party in the 2023 general elections, both at the state and federal levels. However, Governor Alia’s tenure has been marked by a series of actions that have strained his relationship with Akume and other party leaders.

    Alia’s alleged penchant for anti-party politics has been a major point of contention and baffled party members who continue question the governor’s commitment to the APC’s interests, also assert that the positioning of Benjamin Omakolo as an APC factional state chairman could be the prelude of a planned movement to a new political coalition being built by people like former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai’s around the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

    However, Alia, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Tersoo Kula emphatically denied alleged plans to dump APC, stating that those who keep repeating such allegations on social media were only trying to sow a seed of discord between him and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to Kula, “These actions do not only wholly miss the mark, but they also portray a significant lack of awareness regarding my bond with the President. The lies that I am contemplating a shift to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), alongside Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and others are absolutely gratuitous and lack any trustworthy evidence,” he stated.

     Over a period of three days when The Nation on Saturday paid a pre-informed visit to Makurdi, it was not possible to have an audience with the governor or his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula who was also unable to respond to Whatsapp messages requesting their side of the story. Questions on the impacts made by Governor Alia, allegations of deliberate factionalization of APC, possibilities of resolving frictions with the Agada-led APC state exco, thirteen members of the State House of Assembly and the state Chief Judge as well as sundry complaints about Governor Alia’s alleged decampment plot, insecurity and disinterest in implementing the Ortom-era non-grazing laws went unanswered.

    While talks about the alleged move to SDP appear to have abated, within the state chapter of APC, there still remain some concerns about unilateralism and fictionalization. Early in February this year, Alia appointed Benjamin Omakolo as acting chairman of APC in the state. One week earlier, Omakolo who was Welfare Secretary had been suspended by the  Ward Disciplinary Committee of the APC in Apa Local Government area of Benue State over allegations that included non-payment of party dues and gross insubordination.  Alia’s leadership style has been characterized by a lack of consultation and collaboration with key party stakeholders. His attempt to unilaterally remove the legally recognized State APC Chairman, Dr. Austin Agada, and replace him with his loyalist, Omakolo, sparked a factional crisis within the party. This move, widely seen as an overreach, created deep divisions and disaffection among party members, further eroding the party’s cohesion.

    With Governor Alia controlling the Omakolo-led faction and Senator Akume leading the Austin Agada-led faction as well as the support of almost all members of the Benue State National Assembly Caucus led by Senator Titus Zam, a crisis ensued and in efforts to resolve the logjam, the APC National Working Committee was said to have endorsed a Unity Caretaker Committee led by Chief Benjamin Omale, a strong party loyalist known to be a unifying factor.

    Nonetheless, Comrade Austin Agada who insists that only a state congress can replace him rather than a conspiratorial agenda has continued to further assert his authority.

    Furthermore, Governor Alia’s handling of the October 2024 local government elections has also been a source of widespread criticism. The elections were marred by logistical failures, including the absence of ballot papers and electoral officers, leading to widespread condemnation and accusations of a sham process. The outcome, announced under questionable circumstances, has alienated grassroots supporters who have been the backbone of the APC in Benue since 2011.

    Also, across the judicial and legislative arms, some of the governor’s actions are being perceived as judicial and legislative overreach.  Perhaps the most alarming aspect of Alia’s tenure has been his interference with the judiciary and the legislature. On February 18, 2025, the suspension of the Chief Justice of Benue State was orchestrated through a compliant state assembly, an action that drew strong condemnation from the National Judicial Council (NJC). This blatant disregard for the rule of law may have set a dangerous precedent and further tarnished the governor’s reputation. In Benue State, the Center for Judicial Integrity (CJI) led by Solomon Adodo has charged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate alleged plans by the state government to allocate N500 million towards influencing some individuals close to the National Judicial Commission (NJC) and its proceedings on the removal of the state’s Chief Judge.

    Similarly, Alia’s handling of the state legislature has appeared to border on authoritarianism. The suspension of thirteen lawmakers who opposed his agenda has weakened a critical institution of governance and deepened the political crisis in the state.

    Insecurity presents itself as a challenge in various states but in Benue State where about thirty persons in five villages near Kwande lost their lives on Christmas Day last year, the death toll from insecurity has continued to mount in Benue State. The state government as well as the police and other security agencies have kept mounting. A four-day attack mounted by herdsmen against communities around Jato-Aka cost more than twenty lives, including that of two soldiers, in the hands of marauding herdsmen who also burned down several houses, farms and farm produce.

     Benue State Police Command spokesperson, Catherine Anene who gives regular updates on the police’ ceaseless efforts to tackle insecurity in the state noted that the insecurity in the Jato-Aka community and surrounding areas has something to do with the borders it shares with Taraba and Cameroon.

    About three weeks earlier, suspected armed herdsmen had attacked Tse Ugema Chul, Mbakesa community, Ugbaam in Ukum local government area where several persons got missing in the bush with others suffering serious injuries. It was gathered that a Saturday night attack provoked youths in the community to gather and pursue the rampaging herdsmen towards the nearby Kafe stream where they unknowingly ran into an ambush by more than fifty herdsmen wielding guns, machetes and other weapons. Six villagers’ bodies were immediately recovered, farm produce got looted and various properties got destroyed.

    The criminals also kidnap people. Around 10pm on March 19, in Wannue, Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State, many were jolted awake when sporadic gunshots rent the air as gunmen abducted Nathaniel Kumashe, an official of the Benue State Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), FRSC spokesperson in the state, Ngozi Ahula who spoke with reporters in Makurdi said that the armed men fired gunshots to scare the victim’s family members and neighbours before taking him away to their hideout.

    About one week earlier, youths in Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue state took to the streets in protest, burning down the council secretariat and the Ter Tyoshin Palace in anger over the killing of three vigilante men by armed herdsmen in On-Mba-Aondo village. According to the council chairmen of Gwer West LGA, Hon. Victor Torsar Ormin, Chairman of LGA, the irate mob’s attack left some dead, with many people injured.

    This series of deadly wanton attacks by herdsmen in Benue State is part of reasons why many, including members of the governor’s political party, express doubts and question the state government’s ability to protect its citizens.

    Almost every other state experiences some form of security threats but the consistent trend of killings as well as farmers/herdsmen clashes in Benue State in recent years obviously call for urgent and effective measures. Last year, at a press conference in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, Director of Amnesty International,  Barbara Magaji stated that between January 2023 and February 2024 alone, about 2,600 persons, mostly women and children, were killed following attacks on 50 Benue communities. She also said that 18 out of the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state were constantly under security threats by armed attackers.

    “These attacks are significantly affecting food security and livelihoods because the affected communities are farmers, and displacement makes them unable to carry out any farming activity,” she noted.

    In response to such killings and displacements across the state, the All Progressives Congress (APC) which strongly campaigned with a promise to prioritize the return of the masses of internally-displaced is doing its best but it seems there is far much more to be done towards actualizing the APC’s campaign promises in this regard.

    Amidst all these is the suspicion that there seems to be a conspiracy of both circumstances and persons to weaken and destroy APC in Benue State. Some of Governor Alia’s critics even suspect that his alignment with opposition figures, including former Governor Gabriel Suswam who is poised to defect with former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to the SDP, yields only feelings of discomfort despite formal assurances.

    In Benue State, the APC faces an escalating crisis that threatens to erode its once-strong base and undermine its future prospects.

     Alia’s actions, particularly the perceived disregard for party unity and somewhat unilateral approach to governance appear to have sown division among key stakeholders. The urgent need for reconciliation cannot be overstated. For the APC to regain its footing, it must unequivocally recognize Dr. Austin Agada’s leadership, and uphold the independence of the judiciary.

    The state government and the party must also consider reinstatement of the thirteen suspended lawmakers to restore legislative integrity and governance credibility. These steps are vital, not just for Governor Alia’s success and APC’s survival in Benue State, but for the party’s long-term political future in the North Central region. The 2027 elections are fast approaching, and the party cannot afford to wait any longer. If action is not taken now, the consequences could be catastrophic, leaving the APC vulnerable to a deepening crisis. The time to act decisively is now.

  • Demure policies, justifications that Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is working

    Demure policies, justifications that Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is working

    By Atoyebi Bamidele

    It is no brainer that most Nigerians never gave a chance to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to make any mark on what was termed the Nigerian mess, moreso when he came with the Emilokan Sobriquet. Now people know better in real terms.

    A peek into what he has done since he was sworn in on May 27 shows grit, determination and resolve to not only make a difference but fix things  in a manner that all lost hopes will be renewed.

    In the gamut of events where no sector was left in the pervading decay, it was even suicidal, unless with good escape plans for anyone to voluntarily step forward to take the bag of blames which the Nigerian situation literarily was.

    But like he publicly announced, “I applied for this job and I will deliver, do not pity me, I know my plans to turn things around and renew your hopes”. That was not a mere political rhetoric as many have seen though people complain of the pains brought by policies as if we can make an omelette without breaking eggs. However, before our very eyes, things are turning out for the better and still improving.

    Before Asiwaju was sworn in, Southern Kaduna was a killing field, Borno was an unofficial headquarters of terrorists, Benue state spoke of killings as statistics while Zamfara and Katsina always count days as they survived each. The security situations may not have turned totally 360 degrees but those who felt it now knows that there is a Commander in Chief who is unwilling to leave any space under his sovereignty ungoverned. From the East to the West, North to the South, security of lives and properties have improved. Without this stepping stones, development would be a mirage.

    When most people were contesting that it was a mistake to announce the removal of fuel subsidy and carpeted him for creating hardship,  little did they know that if a wound festers, you don’t don’t handle it with kid gloves but you apply the plaster style by pulling it because if you do it gently the pain won’t let you. So at the long run, people have seen he adopted the right approach. Market forces are daily bringing down prices of petroleum products.

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    Again, the budget of the country couldn’t have sustained the payment of subsidy which was based on fraud, so he used one stone to kill two birds. The subsidy was operated by a cabal which spanned the highest echelon of the nuveou rich and very difficult to handle, but Asiwaju has the strength of character to take the bull by the horn and saved the country from collapse.

    When he took power, the exchange rate regime had no particular shape and the Naira value was in the hands of speculators who daily determined the value at which it exchanges with other world currencies. Tinubu went into the mess and streamlined it; now water as they say, is finding its level. He has unified the exchange rates and brought stability into the system.

    Another bullet point of what has turned around within a short period is the introduction of the Nigeria Students Loans scheme which liberated every person who has intention of pursuing education but without the financial wherewithal. Parents heaved a sigh of relief that the burden of providing the rising cost of education for their children had been taken off them. It also leveled the field of educational pursuit to all Nigerians thereby restoring the opportunity for all to get lettered. An educated population they say is  a ladder to development.

    Before now post harvest loses wasted over 70 per cent of farmer’s harvests  but within a short period, Tinubu launches commodity boards that served as off takers for any farm produce. It did the dual magic of saving post harvest loses as well as ensured availability of goods and food items for the teeming population. it tamed food inflation and in general, contributed to stabilising the economy.

    The voting of huge sums to support tech companies and opening more windows for online jobs through concentration on information technology and tech hubs within a short period was able to engage our youths and provide them a lee way to content creation which has since boomed.

    Before now, food baskets of the nation had all but shuttered by a number of factors. Land pressure, clashes between herdsmen and farmers, lack of seedlings and fertiliser as well as failure of irrigation programmes for all season farming but Asiwaju through his lieutenants who he constantly holds their feet to the fire were made to turn in results within a short period.

    Now farmers are back to their farms and grains are available both for local consumption and for for.export. There have been structures in place.like the ministry of livestock which is fashioning out permanent solutions to herding and saving farmer’s harvests. All these are within a space of less than a tenure.

    On the democratic front he realised that without grassroots development, most people would not feel the impact of democratic governance so he approached the Supreme Court which ruled in his favour  and the issue of local government autonomy was fortified. However, till date, entrenched interests are still fighting to frustrate the scheme as governors see local government funds as free funds with which to play around. They are still gallivanting, looking for another means of seizing those funds.

    Asiwaju has been on strong footings on economic policies as well as plugging revenue loopholes. He declared war on oil thieves and the output of the country which in years always fell below the Organisation of Oil Producing Countries (OPEC) has now not only been met but surpassed.

    Also, local refining which had defied all measures was realised and for the first time, the country is not only meeting its internal consumption supply but is also earning foreign currencies by exporting to other countries. Last week, Reuters reports confirmed that Dangote Refinery was exporting aviation fuel to United States of America while the Port Harcourt refinery also exported scertain component to Aramco. All these were within the tenure of Asiwaju.

    He has plugged revenue leakages that revenue allocation has been highest since he took over power. Asiwaju has pushed for diversification of the economy to the extent that oil revenue is no longer making the country look like a mono economy while exports have also increased across board.

    The rebirth of credit loan scheme whereby people could rebuild confidence to buy goods and pay later which was dead has become a means of cushioning hardship since mobilisation of finances to do one time purchase as has been the practice for long is no longer sustainable given the economic realities. He brought back the good old time that enable people to buy goods and pay without pressure.

    Space will infact fail me to touch most of the areas where there have been turnarounds but the sure thing is that Nigerians are feeling the relief.

    •Comrade Bamidele, a philanthropist, public commentator and political activist is of the BAT Ideological Movement and Accountability Group wrote in from Abuja