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Tag: All Progressives Congress (APC)

  • ‘Sylva should declare his intention now’

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Mr. Festus Daumebi, has called on former Governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, to declare his aspiration to contest the November 16 governorship election.

    Daumebi, a senatorial candidate for Bayelsa Central in the February 23 election, spoke Yenagoa yesterday. According to him, the people were yearning for Sylva to rescue them from poverty and underdevelopment.

    He said: “Chief Timipre Sylva is the only man with the requisite political structure to win elections for the party and salvage the state from the shackles of misgovernance.

    “Sylva was forcefully removed from office in 2012; he was a victim of political circumstances. But I am sure those who orchestrated his removal to bring the current government are even more disappointed than Sylva himself.

    “So, the only way to re-write our past wrongs is to support him to complete his remaining four years. Under his leadership, we experienced near 24-hour power supply in Bayelsa. Residents were able to close their eyes and sleep.”

    Read Also: Sylva mocks Dickson’s airport in Bayelsa

    Daumebi noted that there was no crisis in the Bayelsa APC, and called on members to support Sylva’s emergence as the APC flag bearer for the November 16 election. He also acknowledged the constitutional rights of other members to contest the election, but appealed to them to shelve their ambitions and work for Sylva’s victory in the interest of party unity and cohesion.

    He warned that any attempt to ignore Sylva in the election would spell doom for the APC.

    “In APC, even if any other person in Bayelsa is going to win an election, that candidate, inclusive of myself, needs the support of Chief Sylva. You can’t win an election in Bayelsa without the support of Sylva.

    “Anyone coming to govern Bayelsa should not centre his attention on his party alone because you are not coming to govern a party. Bayelsans in the last seven and half years have experienced misrule. Our economy as a state is completely crumbled. Nothing is happening in the state. The truth is that our leader, Timipre Sylva, is the only man that can win an election. Our national party should be mindful how they go about this election. Any other person with this party’s ticket without Sylva or his support is an exercise in futility,” he added.

  • Buhari, Oyetola, Abiodun, Okowa, others greet Osoba at 80

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday led governors and other eminent personalities in congratulating veteran journalist and former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba on his 80th birthday.

    The birthday was beautifully heralded last Monday in Lagos with the launch of Osoba’s memoir, “Battlelines: Adventures in Journalism and Politics”.

    Buhari felicitated with family, friends, professional colleagues and political associates of the elder statesman and loyal All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart.

    Also on Sunday, Governors Adegboyega Oyetola (Osun), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta) separately described Osoba as a leader with great accomplishment in his journalism profession and as an administrator.

    The Ogun State APC extolled his virtues, describing him as “an epitome of integrity and service”.

    A former member of the House of Representatives, Kunle Adeyemi, called the former governor a “die-hard progressive and staunch believer in grassroots development”.

    Buhari, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said Osoba has successfully translated words into action by fully participating in politics and governance, and leaving a legacy of service as a governor of his state in two republics – 1992-1993 and 1999-2003.

    The President hailed Osoba’s unwavering commitment to building strong institutions that would encourage participatory democracy and development in the country.

    He noted that their many conversations, including the visit to the State House last week, had always centered on Nigeria and her people, with wise and insightful counsels on engendering a better country.

    “President Buhari prayed that the almighty God will grant the former governor longer life, good health and strength to continue serving the country he loves so much, and bless his family,” the statement said.

    Oyetola, in a letter to the APC leader, also noted Osoba’s “contributions to the development of the country and service to humanity over the years”

    According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS) Mr. Adeniyi Adesina, the governor said: “Your attainment of the octogenarian rank attests to the fact that you have enjoyed tremendous divine grace and blessings from the Almighty God.

    “You have distinguished yourself in all your endeavours as a journalist, political leader, governor, administrator and elder statesman.

    “Your impact as a two-time Ogun State Governor is etched on the minds of citizens and residents of the state. No wonder you were bestowed with important chieftaincy titles in acknowledgement of your performance by the key traditional rulers in the state.

    “As you look forward to your next birthday, I, on behalf of my family, the government and people of Osun State, share in your celebration and pray that the Almighty God will continue to protect you and grant you good health and longer life.”

    To Abiodun, “Chief Osoba will be remembered for his resilience, tenacity of purpose and political brinkmanship that has honour”.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Kunle Somorin, Abiodun said: “The title ‘statesmen’ is not an honorific ascribed or acclaimed by default of social status. It is a journey through the path of excellence, sacrifice, selflessness and dedication to the destination of honour and fulfillment.

    “You have journeyed that path for eight decades as a thoroughbred reporter, politician and administrator.”

    He said as a political son of Osoba, he has learnt a lot from the octogenarian, saying: “We are so very proud of the heritage you bequeath to us”

    Okowa described Osoba as an “accomplished patriot and role model to modern day journalists in Nigeria”.

    A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, in Asaba, noted that Osoba did not only excel in journalism, but also in politics, culminating in his election as Ogun State governor on two different occasions.

    The governor lauded the celebrant for his exclusive reports that shook the nation in his heydays in the journalism profession, adding: “Chief Osoba is a man of “courage and resilience”, whose selflessness is worthy of emulation by the younger generation of journalists and politicians.

    The Ogun State APC extolled his virtues, describing him as “an epitome of integrity and service.”

    The Ogun APC, in a statement on Sunday by its Publicity Secretary, Caretaker Committee, Tunde Oladunjoye, remarked that it acknowledged the ex-governor’s contributions to the overall growth of Nigeria and the state.

    The party added that Osoba is a pillar the party rested on when it was abandoned and also confronted by the party’s biggest beneficiary in the last eight years.

    Read Also: Osoba: No longer waiting for Godot

    The party stated:  “As you celebrate your  80th birthday today sir, we acknowledge and appreciate your contributions to the overall development of Nigeria, especially Ogun State. As a leader, you have demonstrated uncommon passion for mentoring and actualisation of common goals for the benefit of the greater majority.

    “Yours is a commendable and recommendable model. On behalf of the leadership and entire members of the ruling APC in Ogun State, we wish you many more years in good health and in service to humanity.”

    Adeyemi, who represented Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency between 2011 and 2015 at the National Assembly, said Osoba’s background in journalism contributed immensely to his penchant for progressive politics, which culminated in the pursuance of grassroots development while he governed Ogun.

  • Outrage over Fasoranti’s daughter’s killing

    •Buhari orders security agencies to fish out, prosecute perpetrators
    •Speaks with bereaved father
    •Tinubu too, says it’s a personal loss to him
    •We’ll find them, IGP vows; deploys crack detectives to scene of attack
    •Obasanjo: Nigeria diminished with the act
    •Jonathan, PDP others react

     

    Nigerians were united  on Saturday in denouncing Friday’s killing of Mrs Funke Olakunrin, daughter  of elder statesman, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, by unknown gunmen.

    Mrs. Olakunrin was shot at Ore, headquarters of Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State when the hoodlums opened fire on her car.

    President Muhammadu Buhari directed security agencies to swing into action and bring the brains behind the killing to justice in the shortest possible time.

    Buhari personally spoke with Chief Fasoranti by  phone on Saturday to commiserate  with him on the death of Mrs. Olakunrin.

    The president prayed that God might comfort and give him the fortitude to bear the grievous loss.

    National leader of the  All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, also spoke with Chief Fasoranti on phone Saturday, expressing shock at the killing.

    Tinubu said Mrs Olakunrin’s death was a personal loss to him in view of his relationship with the bereaved family.

    He is expected to be in Akure today on a condolence visit to Chief Fasoranti.

    A similar challenge to the security agencies came yesterday from Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State.

    He asked them to fish out the killers and make them face justice.

    The governor who personally visited the bereaved elder statesman at his Akure residence condemned the killing and said the security agencies should do everything to apprehend the killers.

    “This sad development once again, heightens the level of fear that has pervaded our nation even as it represents a despicable commentary in all ramifications,” he said.

    “To say the least, it represents an unenviable turning point, the depth of everything that is evil.”

    Police Inspector General Mohammed Adamu said the hunt for the killers is already on with the deployment of crack detectives to the state to hunt down the suspects.

    Governor Kayode  Fayemi of Ekiti State also paid a condolence visit to Pa Fasoranti as were the deputy governor of Ondo State, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, former Secretary to the Federal Government, Chief Olu Falae, former governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, and Senator Tayo Alasoadura as well as clergies notably the  Bishop of Akure Diocese, Church of Nigeria (Anglican communion) the Rt. Rev. Simeon Borokini.

    Condolence messages came from former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), Yoruba Unity Forum, Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Ohanaeze Youths.

    Sympathizers took turns to sign the condolence register and pray for the repose of the soul of the deceased and for her family.

    Governor Akeredolu appealed to the people of the state to remain calm and allow the Police to unravel the perpetrators of this murder.

    The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Undie Adie, said he had been directed to comb all the forests of Ondo State to bring the murderers to book.

    Akeredolu said he would keep the media abreast of steps being taken to unravel the killers.

    Hunt on for the killers, says IGP

    Police Inspector General Mohammed Adamu  said yesterday that  operatives from different  police units have  been deployed to Ondo State to commence a manhunt for the killers with a view to tracking, arresting and bringing them to justice.

    The units which are expected to work with the State Police Command in the manhunt  include special forces and seasoned investigators from the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and the Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU).

    He promised that the perpetrators would not escape justice.

    Adamu, in a statement through the Force Spokesman, DCP Frank Mba, condemned the “heinous and barbaric crime” and ordered an overhaul of the security architecture on highways across the southern states.

    The Commissioners of Police in the affected States were ordered by the IG to emplace adequate security arrangement in their areas of jurisdiction (AOR).

    The IG said the Force Headquarters has perfected plans to replicate on major highways in the south, the special security arrangement powered by “Operation Puff Adder” on the Kaduna- Abuja expressway.

    He called for calm and support from all Nigerians, especially residents of Ondo State, in aid of the current investigation.

    Nigeria diminished with the killing, says Obasanjo

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo declared that Nigeria has been diminished by the killing of Mrs Funke Olakunri.

    He described the incident as a worrisome development in the polity, especially, at a time when all well-meaning Nigerians are preaching tolerance and political accommodation.

    Obasanjo, in a condolence letter to Pa Fasoranti, said: “I must say Nigeria as a whole is diminished by the manner of Funke’s death.

    “We deplore this dastardly act and seize this opportunity to call on governments at all levels to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that our security agents vigorously pursue and find the perpetrators of such heinous crime and make them face the full weight of the law.

    “We must, together, find solution to all acts of insecurity in the country, particularly acts of banditry, kidnapping, robbery and killing.

    “As you mourn the tragic loss of our very dear Funke, please be assured of the sympathy and profound sorrow of many others like me who are saddened by the manner of her demise, especially as she still had a lot to contribute to the nation and her family to which she was highly devoted.

    “Let me also implore you to be strong for the entire family. I pray that God Himself will comfort you and sustain the whole family in this hour of painful trial. And may the soul of the dear departed rest in perfect peace.

    “Because I have to be in Morocco, I am sending a delegation of Otunba Oluwole Fasawe and Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola with this letter and to personally deliver my condolence.”

    Jonathan to Fasoranti: My heart goes out to you

    Immediate past President Goodluck Jonathan took to Twitter to pour out his grief on the shooting.

    He said: “My heart goes out to Chief Reuben Fasoranti and his entire family over the untimely death of his daughter, Mrs. Funke Olakunrin, at the hands of suspected herdsmen.

    “No one deserves to hear such news, not the least being Pa Fasoranti, a man that has given so much to Nigeria and asked so little.

    “I am encouraged by the message from the Governor of Ondo State and his assurances that those behind this heinous and callous crime will be brought to book.

    “Baba, may God comfort you and your family and grant you the fortitude to bear the loss, even as we pray that the Almighty returns peace to Nigeria.

    “My family and I offer you our deepest solidarity now and always. We also extend our arm in love to Afenifere.”

    It’s heartrending, says PDP

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said it was heartrending that Nigeria has  “become a killing field and large funeral palour with insurgents, bandits and assassins having a field day waylaying and killing innocent compatriots, especially those making very useful contributions to the development of our nation.”

    The opposition party in a statement said it was “worried that security agencies are rather engaging in debates over the identity of the killers and hurriedly pointing to a case of abduction even before any extensive investigation has been carried out on the horrific and dastardly act.

    “The party bewails that the killing of Funke Olakunrin marks yet another national loss occasioned by the failure of the Buhari administration to secure the nation beyond lip service, a development that has emboldened marauders in our country.

    “The PDP posits that Funke Olakunrin must not die in vain. Our dear nation must not continue to lose her finest and brightest in the hands of bandits. Our party therefore charges the authorities to go beyond condolence messages from Abuja and take concrete steps to apprehend Funke Olakunrin’s killers, as well as ensure security of lives in our nation.

    “The PDP, while condoling Pa Fasoranti, charges the Inspector General of Police, Adamu Mohammed, to take immediate and decisive steps, beyond the lip service of the Buhari administration, to track down the killers without further delay and make them face the full wrath of the law, no matter who they are.”

    Oyetola calls for probe

    Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State described the killing of Mrs Olufunke Olakunri as a dastardly act that should be probed.

    The governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Adeniyi Adesina, condemned the killing and called on security agents not to leave any stone unturned in the probe to ensure that the killers are nabbed and brought to justice.

    “This should not be another case of unresolved murder. All efforts should be made to get to the root of this,” Oyetola said.

    He condoled with Pa Fasoranti and Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, over the death.

    Makinde: It’s darkest hour of our contemporary history

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State said the killing was not only shocking but also saddening, despicable and darkest hour of our contemporary history as a nation.

    He tasked the security agencies to urgently fish out the perpetrators of the evil incident said that the perpetrators must be made to face the full wrath of the law.

    He also called on the Yoruba to take heart and be strong following Olakunrin’s killing, adding that the death further signified a dark spot in the history of the Yoruba’s renewed struggle to protect its land from invaders.

    He commiserated with Pa Fasoranti and the family as well as Governor Akeredolu on the killing.

    ARG demands ‘appropriate action’

    The Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) also condemned the killing.

    Chairman of the group, Olawale Oshun, in a statement said: “ARG shares in this colossal loss and condole with the bereaved family, especially Pa Fasoranti and Mrs. Olakunrin’s nucleus family. This loss is a burden too heavy and a steep price to pay for steadfastly serving this nation and our people.

    “Mrs. Olakunrin’s death at the hands of these savage herdsmen could not but have been part of a grand plan to break the soul of Yorubaland and set the roof on fire. But the fire this time will consume the perpetrators and their collaborators.

    “ARG therefore challenge the Yoruba governors and the socio-political leadership to rise up to the occasion, as it would now seem that the central government and its clinging to central policing has failed woefully in providing Nigerians the needed security.

    “Our governors must realize that they shall be held responsible, individually and collectively, should they fail to prioritize and support one another in securing their people. The time to act is now.

    “We dare say that Mrs Olakunrin’s is the latest victim of Nigeria’s wobbling and ineffective unitary governance structure. The gory stories of kidnapping, maiming, raping and killing that emanate daily from Yoruba land should be stopped by whatever means possible including pursuing the dismantling of this unworkable unitary constitution and replacing it with a truly federal constitution.

    “The time for our governors to stand up on our behalf is now, they can count on the support of our people in their bid to drive out  these senseless criminals from our land. It is only by doing this that Mrs. Olakunrin and all those murdered by these beasts would not have died in vain.”

    Killing is baseless, mindless, grossly unacceptable- Yoruba Unity Forum

    The Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF) said it received news of the incident with shock, sadness and trepidation.

    The Publicity Secretary of the group, Mr Lanre Ogundipe, said the killing stemmed from alleged ineptitude of the security agencies.

    It said it was alarmed by the claim that Mrs. Olakunrin’s killing was a failed armed robbery attack, saying: “we’re yet to see where armed robbers, whose primary motive is to dispossess victims of their belongings, will kidnap or riddle the same victim’s car with bullets. YUF finds this claim spineless and absolutely ill thought;

    “YUF reiterates her call for the total restructuring of the country, as that in our well informed opinion, is the panacea to the myriads of problems confronting a disjointed and faulty union like Nigeria’s. Failure to adhere restructuring principles.

    “Without immediate restructuring along the lines of the 2014 National Conference Resolutions, the continued existence of Nigeria as one country is very much open to doubt.”

     

    It’s time for action by Southwest governors- Gani Adams

    The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, asked the Southwest governors to begin the immediate implementation of the decisions they took on the security of the region at a recent meeting in Ibadan.

    He also advised traditional rulers in the region to take bold steps to stamp out killings by herdsmen in their domains and devise means of identifying visitors or new settlers in every community.

    Adams, in a statement by his Media Assistant, Kehinde Aderemi, said: “We only want the whole world to know what has been done and being done to our people. They should be aware of the actions that preceded our reaction when it eventually comes. We are not bereft of ideas of how to stop this criminality on our land.

    “It is just so that we should not be blamed when the reaction comes. We are like the proverbial goat that is being chased. When it gets to the wall, it will certainly react. We are at that stage now.”

    “Yoruba people are not paper tigers and dogs who can only bark without biting.”

    He commiserated with Pa Fasoranti, and prayed that God might comfort him and his entire household.

    “Papa, these are trying times but it is certain justice will come”, he said.

     

    SDP condemns killing

    The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, (SDP) Professor Tunde Adeniran  called the killing repugnant and  unacceptable to Nigerians.

    He asked the Federal Government to intensify  action to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice without delay and urged President Buhari and the security agencies to deploy more resources to the fight against banditry  in the country.

    His words: “This is one death too-many. What a sad day, what a great loss for the family and humanity.

    “This is a tragic moment for the family. We pray that God will console the family she left behind and also grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

     

  • Revealed: Kaduna politician behind Tinubu 2023 items

    ALL Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on Thursday disowned a “faceless group” pushing his alleged 2023 ambition.

    The group of “mischief makers” has packaged campaign souvenirs, such as T shirts, fez caps and leaflets to embarrass the former Lagos State governor. The items have been traced to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, The Nation learnt last night.

    Sources confirmed that the materials were prepared and embossed with Tinubu’s name in Dubai to cause disaffection in the ruling party.

    Although the souvenirs were credited to an unknown group christened “Asiwaju Reloaded Ambassadors”, the sources said they were bankrolled by a Kaduna politician.

    Pictures of the souvenirs had surfaced on the social media on Tuesday and went viral.

    Read Also: Photos: Lawan, Tinubu meet in Lagos

    But, the Tinubu Media Office distanced the APC stalwart from the souvenirs, describing them as the handiwork of mischief-makers.

    According to the sources, the materials were sent out to create a schism between President Muhammadu Buhari and Asiwaju Tinubu, with a view to truncating whatever ambition the APC leader may have in 2023.

    Tinubu has been a major ally and supporter of President Buhari in the task of building a better Nigeria.

    Many APC leaders have dismissed the alleged campaign materials as a grand design to blackmail Tinubu and create friction within the APC family.

    A top government official, who spoke on a condition of anonymity, asked rhetorically: “How can Tinubu, who has been working hand in hand with President Buhari to engender stability in the country, ensure stability of the National Assembly with the emergence of a united leadership and the revitalisation of the economy, be working at the same time on 2023 presidency when President Buhari has just been re-elected for a second term and the new government is yet to take off?

    “Didn’t that stand logic on its head? Those who know the dynamics of politics know so well that Asiwaju Tinubu is too politically savvy to engage in such.”

    Tinubu distanced himself from the souvenirs and their alleged sponsors.

    His Media Office, in a terse two-paragraph statement signed by Tunde Rahman, said: “We have seen pictures of fez caps, T shirts, shirts and even leaflets with Bola Tinubu 2023 embossed on them purportedly by a faceless group which christened itself ‘Asiwaju Reloaded Ambassadors Nigeria’.

    “Neither the group nor its souvenirs are known to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

    “We hereby, through this medium, categorically deny any knowledge of the group and dissociate Asiwaju Tinubu from the group’s unsolicited and unwarranted materials.”

  • Atiku’s witnesses claim presidential election results were falsified

    Nine witnesses called on Thursday by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the last presidential election, Atiku Abubakar insisted that results of the elections were falsified to favour the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Muhammadu Buhari.

    The witnesses, who said they served as Local Government and state Collation Agents of the PDP,made sunday allegations of result manipulation, voters’ intimidation and harassment, mutilation and tearing of result sheets, and cancellation of election where the petitioners won.

    At cross-examination, majority of the witnesses were however unable to substantiate the allegations as contained in their written statements, which they adopted as their evidence in chief before the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT).

    Nicholas Msheliza, who said he acted as PDP’s state collation agent for Borno State claimed that virtually all the result sheets from the various local governments in the state were mutilated.

    Msheliza also claimed that accreditation of voters did not take place in over  200 polling units out of the 3,933 statutory polling units in the state.

    Also alleging over-voting in the state, Msheliza said the 911, 786 declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) “was well over the accredited voters across the state”.

    But, under cross-examination, lawyer to INEC, Yunus Usman (SAN), the witness said he did not have the true figures of votes actually scored by the parties.

    Read Also: Atiku’s witnesses allege manipulation of results

    When asked by lawyer to APC,  Adeniyi Akintola (SAN),if he visited all the polling units in the state  during the election, Msheliza said, “I could not have visited the polling units because of the peculiar security challenges in Borno State.”

    The lawyer drew Msheliza’s attention to part of his statement, where he said he “observed in the course of transmitting the results from local government result sheets to the state result sheets wrong figures were being entered by INEC officials.”

    Akintola then asked the witness to reconcile his claim that the results were already collated before he got to the collation centre with his assertion,in his written statement,  that he observed when the figures were being tendered, Msheilla said “They were merely announcing the results to the hearing of people present.”

    John Makama, who served as the PDP collation agent for Sanga Local Government Kaduna, claimed that results were wrongly cancelled by INEC officials in some polling units won by his party, with the intention of reducing the votes of the petitioners.

    When asked by Usman to produce the actual scores of his party,which he claimed were cancelled, the witness said he did not have them.

    Makama said the result sheets containing the actual scores were submitted to his party, but that they were not attached to his statement that was tendered before the tribunal.

    When asked by Buhari’s lawyer, Yusuf Ali (SAN) whether he would be surprised to know that cancellation of results is not one of the grounds of the petitioners’ case in respect of his Local Government, the witness kept mute.

    On how he knew that the allegedly cancelled results belonged to his party, the witness said it was generally known that the PDP was popular in most part of his Local Government, where the results were cancelled and that the APC was only popular in three wards

    Bukar Petrol, said he served as PDP’s collation agent in Dambowa Local Government of Borno State.

    Petrola claimed that the APC took advantage of the series of bomb explosions carried out by boko haram a day before and on the morning of the election to manipulate the election results.

    When asked how he knew all that happened in all the 10 wards and 100 polling units in his Local Government, the witness said the whole election was conducted in the LG Secretariat, because of the problem of boko haram.

    Under cross-examination by Ali, Petrol said all the ward collation centres were also located within the LG headquarters, which made it easy for  him to move around all the voting points and know witness what was happening.

    When questioned further, the witness said although devoted after being accredited with card reader, the electoral process was disrupted later when explosions occurred.

    He said everyone ran away when bombs exploded, “and the 2nd and 3rd defendants took advantage of the situation, with the alleged collaboration of members of the civilian Joint Task Force (JTF).

    When asked how he was able to monitor what happened during the election, even when he claimed the explosions chased everyone away, the witness said he hid and watched from a distance.

    Yau Yusuf said he was PDP’s collation agent in Dass Local Government of Bauchi State.

    He said although he was fully accredited and voted, voters were intimidated and harassed.

    On why he was able to vote if his claim of intimidation and harassment of voters were that pronounced, the witness said: “the intimidation did not stop me from voting, but it altered the result after the voting process.

    “The original result was torn by agents of APC in the office of INEC right at the presence of INEC officials,” he added.

    When asked where he kept the torn results, he said they should either be with INEC or the police, who collected the torn results and promised to investigate.

    On whether the person, who tore the results has been prosecuted and  convicted, the witness said no, “because he is still moving around town.”

    When asked why he excluded the information about torn result sheet from he written statement, Yusuf said he did not because the statement was a summary of what happened and that he was at the tribunal to elaborate.

    The witness,who claimed to have visited most of the polling units in his local Government, said under cross examination, that “there are 116 polling units my his Local Government. I visited minimum of three in each of the 10 wards in the Local Government.”

    When asked why he signed the result sheet if he was not happy with the results, the witness said he signed to obtain a copy of the result sheet for the purpose of the tribunal.

    Jafar Abbas Ibrahim, who said he was a collation agent in Zaria Local Government of Kaduna State, also claimed the election process was manipulated against his party.

    On whether the alleged vote switching, which he claimed took place in his presence, Ibrahim said he witness some and some were contained in the result sheets passed to him by the party agents at the polling unit and ward levels.

    When asked whether the agents were still alive, the witness said they were at home and not before the tribunal.

    On why he signed the result sheet, Ibrahim, who said he has been a lawyer since 1981 and was once the Chairman of the Local Government, said he signed just to indicated his presence, “not to authenticate the result.”

    Further hearing continues on Friday.

  • Lagos APC chieftain hail Oyetola’s victory

    A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State Toyin Balogun has hailed the Supreme Court judgment on the Osun State governorship election.

    According to him, the victory of Governor Gboyega Oyetola was a confirmation of the people’s will. Balogun added that the state could now witness progress and development because the Supreme Court had halted the quagmire to hold Osun people to ransom.

    “It is time to face the reality of building Osun State. I urge all and sundry to lend their support to good governance in the state,” he said.

    The Director, Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, Osogbo, Osun State, Prof. Siyan Oyeweso, has also congratulated Oyetola for his electoral victory.

    He said the verdict had settled the climate of political uncertainty that pervaded the state after the 2018 election.

    Oyeweso, in a statement, said all hands must be on deck to ensure the best for the state.

    Read Also: Oyetola promises to clear workers’ salary arrears

    The statement reads: “It is my pleasure and that of my constituency to congratulate Your Excellency on the reaffirmation of your mandate as the elected governor of Osun State by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

    “Like every stakeholder in the politics and governance of our state, I keenly awaited the court verdict to resolve the political uncertainly, and to the glory of God, the judgment came in your favour.

    “With the court distraction out of the way, I believe that you will put your private and public sectors experience to reposition the economy of our state. This will ensure good governance and the delivery of dividends of democracy.

    “I am sure that our state, under your watch, will soon become a model of good governance, sustainable infrastructure development and social welfare.”

  • Oyo APC, ALGON fault Assembly’s endorsement of council dissolution, others

    The Oyo State All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) have described Tuesday’s endorsement of the dissolution of councils and the State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) by the House of Assembly as illegal and contempt of court.

    The House had approved the dissolution at its plenary on the grounds that the election conducted on May 12, 2018 into the 35 local council development areas (LCDA) along with the 33 local governments was illegal.

    It declared that the LCDAs were illegal and approved the constitution of a new board for the OYSIEC to enable it to conduct a fresh election.

    The decision was taken against the revelation from an opposition member that the same House approved the creation of the LCDAs in 2002.

    Reacting to the development, the APC and ALGON said they were not surprised at the decision of the House of Assembly, alleging that it was acting the scripts of Governor Seyi Makinde.

    APC, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Dr. AbdulAzeez Olatunde, affirmed confidence in the judiciary to correct what it regarded as an illegality.

    “The judiciary will put them all to shame,” the statement said.

    Read Also: Oyo Assembly okays sack of council chiefs

    ALGON Chairman Prince Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye also described the approval as another illegality and contempt of court by the Governor Seyi Makinde administration.

    Abass-Aleshinloye said the May 2019 judgment obtained by ALGON restrained the governor and the House of Assembly, among others, from sacking them or tampering with the councils’ funds.

    He added that the judgment also restrained OYSIEC from conducting another election into the councils, pending the expiration of their tenure.

    The ALGON chairman said the endorsement did not come as a surprise, stressing that the association had already predicted it.

    “We are not surprised. We already alerted the whole world that they wanted to use the House to approve their illegality. But the House decision is also illegal because the judgment on ground restrained it from doing so. It is a contempt of court. They are just rolling illegality over illegality. We are not surprised at all. The court will handle everything.”

  • Delta polls: APC witness slumps in court

    A witness for the All Progressives Congress (APC), Akpos Willy (P.W 10), slumped yesterday during cross-examination at the resumed sitting of the Delta State governorship tribunal panel 1 in Asaba, Delta State.

    Before Willy slumped, he told the tribunal that at Unit 6, Kunukunuma community, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South/West “nobody was accredited yet voting held”.

    Several witness also testified alleged diversion of electoral materials, stuffing of ballot boxes with connivance of the military, the police and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    John Enakhirero (P.W 6), who testified before the Justice Suleiman Belgore panel, alleged that accreditation of voters in Effurun, Uwvie council was not done in compliance with the Electoral Act or INEC guidelines.

    While being cross-examined, Enakhirero said: “Voting/accreditation did not happen at the same time. I witnessed voting/accreditation in nearly all the units. Voters were chased away in some areas”.

    Another witness, Jacob Ekpekurede (P.W 7), said   some men in military uniform chased him away while voting was still on. He added that voting was going on when his attention was drawn to the fact that collation of results had started in one of the classrooms.

    Read Also: Two in police custody for raping minors in Delta

    Jacob John (P.W 8) alleged that at the end of election in Unit 10, Ward 7, INEC workers allocated votes to the PDP. “The use of the smart card readers was not regular as some voters, whose names were not on the register, voted,” he said.

    Johnson Ichime (P.W 8), APC Ward collation officer for Okpe council alleged that units 2,8,9,10,11,12 and 13 were characterised by over voting. Yet, another witness, P.W 11, Uvo Royce said: “I spent few minutes in some wards because election materials never arrived. The bulk of the materials were nowhere to be found.”

    The APC governorship candidate, Great Ogboru, is challenging the outcome of the March 9 election on grounds that the election was conducted in breach of electoral guidelines. He is praying the tribunal to cancel the election.

    Joined in the suit is Governor Ifeanyi Okowa (first respondent); PDP (second respondent) and INEC (third respondent).

    The matter was adjourned till July 4.

     

  • Tinubu, Omo-Agege, Kalu condole with NGE, Kano govt over Tudunwada’s death

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege and the senator representing Abia North, Dr. Orji Kalu have expressed deep sadness over the passing of the Deputy President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Malam Umar Saidu Tudunwada.

    The APC leader commiserated with the Tudunwada family, the NGE, Kano State government and the management of Kano State Radio Corporation over the demise.

    Asiwaju Tinubu prayed God to comfort the family left behind by the late Tudunwada.

    He also prayed that Allah grant the deceased Al-Janna Firdaus.

    The late Tudunwada has been buried according to Islamic rites.

    Tudunwada, the immediate past Managing Director of Kano Radio Corporation, died in an accident on Sunday while returning from a meeting of the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

    The accident occurred at Kura town in Kura Local Government Area of the state, about 30 kilometres from Kano metropolis.

    He was said to be traveling with one of his wives, a daughter and a driver, who all survived the accident.

    The trio are currently receiving treatment at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.

    In his condolence message to the NGE and the Kano State government, Omo-Agege said it was unfortunate that the experienced and widely travelled journalist died in an auto accident on his return from an official engagement in Abuja.

    While praying for the repose of the soul of the departed, the Deputy Senate President noted that Tudundwada’s death created a vacuum in journalistic reporting, especially in a democratic setting that needed the informed interventions of his likes.

    He said: “I received with sadness the shocking news of the death of the Deputy President of the NGE, Umar Tudunwada, in an accident.

    “Tudunwada, who, until his death, worked for various local and interactional media organisations, was returning from a meeting of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) when he met his untimely death.

    “My thoughts and prayers are with his immediate and extended families as well as the good people of Kano State as I pray God to rest his lovely soul in peace.

    “Let me also extend my deepest condolences to the NGE over this irreparable loss. Tudunwada’s untimely passing has, no doubt, created a vacuum, especially at this period of our democratic journey.

    “May God console us and may He glide and protect us all.”

    Kalu said the late journalist was a thorough-bred professional who played leading roles at various times in the media industry.

    Extolling the virtues of the late Tudunwada, the senator urged the deceased’s family to uphold his good deeds.

    In a statement by his media office, the former governor prayed for the repose of Tudunwada’s soul.

    He said: “I received with pain the news of the demise of the Vice President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Alhaji Saidu Tudunwada.

    “The late Tudunwada was a notable figure in the media industry. He served meritoriously in different capacities in the print and electronic media.

    “Our prayers and thoughts are with the Tudunwada family at this difficult time.”

    Read Also: Oando seeks to join Tinubu’s suit against SEC

    Kalu also commiserated with members of the NGE and other stakeholders in the media industry.

    Also, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), Dr. Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna, has expressed grief over the death of a respected journalist and former Managing Director of Radio Kano, Umar Saidu Tudunwada.

    A statement on Monday in Kano by KEDCO’s Head of Corporate Communication, Ibrahim Sani Shawai, said the KEDCO MD also commiserated with the family of the deceased, members of the state’s council of the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), the state chapter of the Correspondents’ Chapel and all residents of the state.

    He said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by the news of Tudunwada’s passing. It is on record that as a result of decades of professional practice, Tudunwada carved a niche for himself, rising through the ranks to the peak of his career.”

    Describing the late Tudunwada as an “uncommon professional”, Dr Gwamna said: “As MD of Radio Kano, Tudunwada demonstrated one of his leadership qualities when he once led the management of Radio Kano to KEDCO head office for a courtesy visit and amicable resolution of some pressing issues between the two organisations.”

    Gwamna prayed Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest, adding that Tudunwada would be remembered as peace-loving, hardworking and patriotic.

     

     

  • Kogi primary: Workers endorse Usman for governor

    Civil Servants under the aegis of Concerned Kogi Workers Forum have endorsed the Kogi State All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftainVice Admiral Jibrin Usman for governor. They warned against attempt to foist Governor Yahaya Bello, saying that “it would amount to further shortening our life span”.

    According to their spokesman  Hassan Abdul, “ as workers who bear the brunt of Governor Bello’s misrule, another opportunity given to him by the APC would mean reducing our lifespan”

    The forum is made up of workers who were arbitrarily sacked and not paid for about 30 months.

    The workers said many of them have died untimely, with many unable to meet family obligations.

    The workers said while they do not have grouse with President Mohammadu Buhari and the APC, they have an axe to grind with Bello.

    Read Also: Just In: Faleke backs out of Kogi governorship race

    They said their support for Usman stemmed from his achievements.

    Abdul said Usman facilitated the Naval Command Secondary School Okura, the Naval Base in Idah and Lokoja. He said Usman will perform better as governor, if given the chance.

    He described Vice Admiral Jibrin Usman as matured, experienced and has the qualities needed to bail the state from its current mess, say he is the best thing that would happen to Kogi state if the APC field him as their candidate.

    Abdul described the present administration of as unfriendly to workers, lamenting that, after many months of clearance by the screening committee, their salaries have not been paid.

    He said despite the bail outs and Paris Club refunds, Bello has remain insensitive to the welfare of workers.