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  • Ex-Ebonyi Governor, deputy governor honoured

    Ex-Ebonyi Governor, deputy governor honoured

    Ebonyi state Governor David Umahi saw it all as his predecessor Sam Egwu, and deputy Kelechi Igwe were honoured at the the Abakaliki Township stadium. There was also a third honoree Senator Sonni Ogbuoji.

    The Assemblies of God Church honoured the three politicians who are members of the church.

    The event was organised by the Southeast Zone 4 of the church.

    In attendance also was the General Superintendent of the church, Rev Chidi Okoroafor who in a sermon charged Christians with the fear of God not to allow ungodly men to take over the political space of the country.

    He said, “Time has expired when the church will sit at the fence and then allow occultists, drunkards, immoral people and idol worshipers to take over government, while we just sit on the fence and pray alone. When the righteous is in authority the people rejoice”.

    Rev Okoroafor also eulogised the three awardees, saying they are “God-fearing believers; they are members of Assemblies of God. We charge them to remain our pride, we charge them to be good ambassadors of Christ and to be good ambassadors of Assemblies of God Church.

    “Their godly performance will provoke the constituency to pick more Assemblies of God people because they have seen that they fear God and they practice what they proclaim”.

    Earlier, the Chairman, Southeast Zone 4 of the church and Abakaliki District Superintendent, Rev Emma Nshi noted that the church has grown like a mustard seed from 1934 when it was started by Rev Augustus Wogu to a worldwide church vigorously drawing people closer to God.

    He said the church has also produced many individuals in various fields of endeavour who have contributed to the growth of the nation and the church.

    “The Chruch started making inroads into politics during the Second Republic when it produced the Senate president, Joseph Wayas.  It also produced Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, another Senate President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation.”

    Others are first civilian governor of Ebonyi amd current Senator representing Ebonyi North, Dr Sam Egwu, Senator Sonni Ogbuoji and Deputy Governor of the state, Dr Kelechi Igwe.”

    In his speech, Governor Umahi noted the important role played by Egwu during the elections that led to his emergence as the flagbearer of the Peoples Democratic Party.

    He said, “During the peacekeeping meeting in Abuja most people that came to make peace were ready to trade off my position for his own but he said that my own position was first as far as he was concerned and his was secondary”.

    Umahi noted that his deputy has been loyal and dependable.

    He said, “At the time of negotiation, the party said I must concede the deputy governorship position to somebody else but I was so stubborn to say no.  When it was 24 hours to sign my papers and send them to INEC I had filled Kelechi as deputy but the party refused to assent to it unless I remove his name and put the person of our choice. But I said if you will not sign it, you can give the entire ticket to someone else”.

    “And he has been a capable hand in the efforts to develop and transform the state. When situations are tough in the executive council we refer it to him. I once asked myself, whom do you like best. Is it an honest man that doesn’t know his work or the dishonest man that knows his work?

    “But God gave me an honest man that knows his work in my deputy governor. If he tells me something is hundred naira I will not question it. And this is very important to every leader, when you have such a helper it is by the special grace of God.  It is very much in lack in our society and in this nation. So we thank  God for him and we are very grateful”.

    The governor described Senator Ogbuoji’s second term to represent Ebonyi South as the divine will of God.

  • Ekiti deputy speaker, panel chair incur Fayose’s wrath

    Ekiti State House of Assembly Deputy Speaker Olusegun Adewumi and Information Committee Chairman Gboyega Aribisogan may have run into trouble for allegedly meeting with those perceived as an enemies of Governor Ayo Fayose, it was learnt yesterday.

    They were accused of meeting with Senator Buruji Kashamu,  former Ekiti State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Secretary Temitope Aluko,  Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, activist, lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) and a new entrant into Ekiti All Progressives Congress (APC) Yinka Akerele last Saturday in Lagos.

    Adewumi, who represents Ekiti West Constituency I, was said to have been impeached on Fayose’s alleged order at plenary and replaced with Ekundayo Akinleye representing Ijero Constituency

    Aribisogan, who represents Ikole Constituency I, was said to have been suspended at the session.

    The plenary was yet to hold by noon  when reporters visited the assembly, but the lawmakers led by Speaker Kola Oluwawole, were said to be meeting with Fayose at press time.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti is polarised. The faction loyal to Fayose has Gboyega Oguntuase as chairman; the other faction loyal to Kashamu is led by Williams Ajayi.

    Fayose and Kashamu, who used to be allies are now battling for PDP soul in the Southwest.

    Adewumi could not be reached for comment but Aribisogan denied being suspended.

    Aribisogan, who spoke on phone, claimed that he was in Abuja. He said he had not committed any offence to warrant suspension.

    Speaker Oluwawole debunked insinuations of a leadership crisis in the Assembly, saying whatever might have happened at plenary was a “family affair.”

    Oluwawole said: “Nothing of such happened. I am not aware of any impeachment or suspension plot. The Deputy Speaker is still there as my deputy.

  • Ekiti College reappoints deputy provost

    The Governing Council of the College of Education Ikere Ekiti has approved the re- appointment of Dr Olu Aturamu as the Deputy Provost of the College.

    Dr.  Aturamu who holds a Doctorate Degree in Agricultural Economics obtained from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), joined the services of the College in 1993 as an assistant lecturer and rose through the ranks to the status of a chief lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Education in 2011.

    He was appointed the Deputy Provost in 2014 for an initial term of two years and subsequently renewed for another term.

    Aturamu has occupied various positions within the College and at the same time carried out different professional consultancy works and has authored several scholarly publications.

    He is a member of different organisations and professional bodies including: American Agricultural Economics Association, Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria and International Agricultural Economics Association among others.

    Aturamu is a member of Rotary Club, Akure District 9125, an organisation he led as President between 2007 and 2008.

  • YABATECH gets Deputy Rectors

    The Federal Government has approved the appointment of Dr Olukemi Taiwo Oyelola and Mr Taofeek Raheem as deputy rectors of the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH).

    They replaced Mr. Innocent Akhuemonkhan and Dr. Moroof Adebakin, whose tenures, expired recently.

    The approval letter, dated September 8, and signed by Mr. E.O Fayemi for the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, stated that the two-year appointment was with effect from September 1, 2016.

    Dr. Oyelola, Deputy Rector, Academics, was the former Director, Centre for Entrepreneurial Development of the College; while Raheem, Deputy Rector, Administration, was the Dean, Student Affairs and a Chief Lecturer in the School of Liberal Studies.

  • PDP warns against agitating for deputy governorship slot

    The Ahmed Makarfi’s faction of the Ondo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged groups on its platform to stop agitations for the deputy governorship slot .

    It reminded the supporters that it has concluded the governorship primary election, which produced Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) as its flagbearer.

    The faction said the party was now putting machinery in place to ensure that the PDP win the November 26 poll.

    The factional PDP Chairman, Clement Faboyede, has directed that all support groups candidate stand dissolved.

    A statement by its Publicity Secretary, Banji Okunomo, said: “Such individual supporters and support groups are hereby directed to return to their various units, wards and local government councils to enhance well-coordinated campaign activities.

    “Within the next one week, the party will unveil its programmes and activities preceding the governorship election in a calendared format.”

    The party stressing that at the appropriate time, it would do what is fair, just and politically strategic to guarantee the party’s overwhelming success at the poll.

  • The NSCIA’s Deputy President-General

    The NSCIA’s Deputy President-General

    Preamble

    Habits die hard. They come with human nature and grow with human nature. They are the symbolic traits with which human personalities are identified and labeled in any society. Great people are known, not by the mighty castles in which they live or the sizes of cars they ride on roads or even the power of oratory they possess. What rather makes some people great in the sight of their fellow human beings is the conduct by which they relate with others as well as the footprint they leave on the sands of time at the point of their departure. The true greatness of any human being is permanently encapsulated in the pearl of humility rather than in the cave of vanity. The one is indelible. The other is ephemeral.

    Habits of great People

    Philosophers believe that humble people are invariably characterised by certain distinct habits which are manifest in them. Some of such habits can be summarised as follows:

    • They are consciously aware of the situations around them.
    • They retain their relationships with others without minding the differences in their habits. •They make difficult decisions with ease and stand by them.
    • They put others first in their consideration. 5. They listen patiently but with rap attention when others are talking.
    • They exemplify endurance with maturity.
    • They talk only when necessary and give room for others to express their views.
    • They are far from domineering despite the giving hands with which they are endowed.
    • Above all, they radiate the fear of Allah in their judgments on issues and in their lifestyles.

    Which of the above listed habits is not manifest in the newly elected Deputy President-General of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, His Excellency, Alhaji (Dr) Sakariyau Olayiwola Babalola OON?

    For those who know him closely, none of those habits can be faulted. His election to the second highest position in the apex Islamic body in Nigeria is a confirmation of the pure intention with which the Muslim Ummah of the South-west Nigeria (MUSWEN) was established a few years ago. Nothing can better depict Allah’s guidance in the choice of leadership in MUSWEN than the replacement of humility personified (Aare Arisekola) with humility personified (Dr. S. O. Babalola).

    Clarification

    By the way, it is necessary to clarify here once again that the election of the late Aare Abdul Azeez Arisekola-Alao as NSCIA Deputy President-General was not because he was Aare Musulumi of Yoruba Land. It was rather due to his unsurpassed role in the NSCIA for years as recognised by the apex Islamic body and his well known humility. The title of Aare Musulumi of Yoruba Land is regional and peculiar to the League of Imams and Alfas in the South-west Region which initiated it and appoints the conferee. On the other hand, the post of Deputy President-General is national and appoint-able only by the NSCIA without any recourse to the League of Imams and Alfas of South-west. In a nutshell, the one has no direct bearing with the other.

    Happiness and Solidarity

    To show happiness and solidarity with Dr Babalola as the new NSCIA Deputy President-General, many Muslims, men and women bombarded the ‘Message Column’ with a deluge of congratulatory messages and felicitations some of which could only be accommodated here today. Others will be published later. They are as follows:

    Chairman,  MUSWEN’s BOT

    On behalf of the Muslim Ummah of South-West Nigeria (MUSWEN), I heartily congratulate the NSCIA President-General, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar and the entire Muslim Ummah of Nigeria on the laudable election of our amiable Chief S. O. Babalola as Deputy President-General of the apex Islamic body in Nigeria. I pray the Almighty Allah to make the great task easy for him.

    Prince Bola Abdul-Jabbar Ajibola, Chairman, BOT, MUSWEN.

    Lagos State FOMWAN

    On behalf of all Muslim women in Lagos State, I wish to congratulate Alhaji Babalola on his appointment as NSCIA Deputy President-General. May Allah give him the strength and wisdom to carry out his duties in the new office.  Congratulations Sir!

    Dr Ajoke Sariyu Ashiru, Amirah, FOMWAN, Lagos State.

    Osun State Muslim Community

    The entire members of Osun State Muslim Community congratulates our father, Alhaji  Babalola on your well deserved appointment  at NSCIA General Assembly/NEC meeting in Benin, Edo State. Baba, we are proud to identify with you in your wonderful dedication to Islam and inspiring insight into the general well being of world-wide and Nigeria in particular. We wish you many more years of greater achievements.

    Alhaji Mustafa Olawuyi, 1st Vice-President, Osun State Muslim Community.

    Ondo State Muslim Community

    The entire members of Ondo State NSCIA and my humble self congratulate Alhaji Babalola on his well deserved elevation. It is a round peg in a round hole. I pray Allah to give Baba long life with good health to lift Islam to higher pedestal.

    Imam Habibullahi Akinpelu, Chairman, NSCIA, Ondo State.

    FOMWAN, Ondo State

    I hereby join others to in congratulating our Baba. May Allah see him through in playing a leading role in piloting the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria.

    Alhaja Faosat Aliu, Amirah, FOMWAN, Ondo State.

    Ekiti Muslim Community

    The Ekiti Council of NSCIA felicitates with Alhaji Babalola on his election. The cap really fits the man who has demonstrated his love and commitment to Islam with his wealth, time, energy and experience. All of us in Ekiti State pray that Allah will grant him a successful tenure.

    Alhaji  Y. O. Sanni (President); Alhaji Tajudeen Adejumo (General Secretary)

    Oyo State Muslim Community

    The muslim Community of Oyo State (MUSCOYS) hereby felicitates with Dr. S. O. Babalola on his election as Deputy President-General of the NSCIA. May the Almighty Allah grant him wisdom and other wherewithal with which to guide and guard the Ummah as he has been doing on the path of glory.

    Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni, Chairman, Oyo State Muslim Community.

    NACOMYO

    The leadership of Southern Zone of NACOMYO congratulates Alhaji Babalola on his election. If his antecedent is anything to go by and his performance as MUSWEN President, he is no doubt a right choice for the new position. He together with other leaders can take the Ummah to the next level.

    “And holdfast to the cord of Allah and do not be disunited…” (Q. 3: 103). We advise the new Deputy President-General to bring all groups together including youths.

    Alhaji Mustapha Balogun, Chairman/NVP2 Southern Zone

    UNIFEMGA

    The Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates Association (UNIFEMGA) heartily congratulates Dr Babalola on his election. May Allah elongate his life  and bless him with good health to be able to shoulder the responsibility. Engineer Abdul Waheed Olayimka, President, UNIFEMGA

    MURIC

    The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) congratulates Alhaji Babalola. It is a well deserved post. We have no doubt that the Ummah will benefit from his wide experience and immense philanthropy.

    Prof Ishaq Lakin Akintola

    MUSWEN’s Finance Committee

    We thank Allah for His favours and blessings on the Muslim Community in Nigeria. Congratulations to our indefatigable Baba S. O. Babalola on his election.

    Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti, Chairman, Finance Committee, MUSWEN.

    MUSWEN’s Shura Committee

    My dear brothers and sisters, let us  rally round Alhaji Babalola and give him our maximum support towards a successful tenure in this laudable assignment which Allah has just given him. May Allah grant him wisdom, patience and increase him in knowledge with which he canrun the office.

    Imam Sulaiman Titilope, Chairman Shura Committee, MUSWEN

    MUSWEN’s Education Committee

    This is to heartily congratulate an inspirational leader, a great philanthropist and a devout Muslim, Alh Babalola on his election . Considering his antecedent and pedigree, you very well deserve this position. With you occupying the position, the Muslim Ummah is sure to witness peace and harmony in Nigeria. May Allah strengthen you to be able to achieve more for Islam in Nigeria.

    Prof. Muhib Opeloye, Chairman, Education Committee, MUSWEN.

    MUSWEN’s Health Committee

    The election of Alhaji Babalola, the visionary President of MUSWEN is a well deserved honour. It is our belief that Alhaji Babalola will add value to the body. May Allah (SWT) reinforce his Iman and give him the wisdom, patience and good health to make a success of Allah’s grace on him.

    Professor and Dr. Lateefah Durosinmi, Chairman, Health Committee of MUSWEN & former National Amirah of FOMWAN respectively. (Both are also members of MUSWEN’s CWC).

    MUSWEN’s Planning & Strategy Committee

    The entire members of Planning & Strategy Committee of MUSWEN congratulates our President, Alhaji Babalola . We equally congratulate His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto  and President-General of NSCIA for the gift of an able hand to assist him. May Allah (SWT) provide the duo and all members of NSCIA NEC the enablement to accomplish the task of propelling Islam to greater heights.

    Aare Sulaiman Afolabi Ogunlayi, Chairman, Planing & Strategy Committee

    IET

    Alhmdu Lillah! The election of Alhaji Babalola is another welcome case of a round peg in a round hole in the Council’s recent appointments. His dedication to the Ummah is palpable and all he needs is the Dua’au of every member of the Ummah that Allah (SWT) grants him every success in the post.

    Abullah Jibril Oyekan, former IET Director and member, CWC, MUSWEN

    MMPN

    On behalf of Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), I hereby felicitate with our father, Dr Babalola on his new election. We in MMPN have seen you, through your pedigree, with listening ears who practices what he preaches as you have demonstrated as the President of MUSWEN. We herby assure you of our full cooperation and support in the discharge of your national duty as we pray Allah to continue to strengthen you in health and faith.

    Alh. Abdur-Rahman Balogun, President, MMPN

    TMC

    It is not surprising that the nomination of Alhaji Babalola was met with overwhelming and resounding support from all Islamic organisations and eminent personalities at the recent NSCIA General Assembly/National Executive (NEC) meeting held in Benin, Edo State. No matter how big a crowd may be, Alhaji Babalola always stands out because of untiring charitable support service to Islam and humanity. You worked hard, you deserve it and you are unsolicited. Please, accept the felicitations of ‘The Muslim Congress (TMC) on this wonderful and well-deserved recognition to serve Allah and His course. May Allah strengthen and guide you always.

    Dr. Luqman AbdurRaheem, Amir, TMC.

    MSSN Lagos State Area Unit

    We rejoice with Alhaji Babalola and wish him a successful tenure. We have no doubt that you would bring positive changes to the apex Islamic body in Nigeria.

    It is our expectation that you would complement the efforts of your predecessor (the late Arisekola Alao) and that of the NSCIA Secretary-General, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede in ensuring the rights of Muslims are guaranteed and not trampled upon in South west.

    We appeal to you to be a voice against oppression of Muslims in your region and Nigeria at large.

    Saheed Ashafa, Amir MSSN Lagos State Area Unit

  •  Excitement as Ogbe-Ijoh monarch gets staff of office

     Excitement as Ogbe-Ijoh monarch gets staff of office

     

     

    There was jubilation in Ogbe-Ijoh, headquarters of Warri Southwest Local Government Area of Delta State last weekend, as the state government presented staff of office to the traditional ruler, Pere Couple Mackson Oromoni, Amakosu Monbene III, as 12th Pere of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom.

    The ceremony, which was performed by the state governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, was the culmination of a rigorous selection process and fractious contest by aspirants to the throne.

    Couple Oromoni, who is the pioneer chairman of Warri Southwest LGA, emerged the 12th Pere of Ogbe-Ijoh, following his selection by the kingmakers to succeed the late Amakosu Oduwor III, who died in 2013. He thereafter adopted the title, Pere Monbene III.

    With his presentation with the staff of office by the state government on Friday, he scaled the last hurdle to his ascension to the throne.

    Governor Okowa, who was represented by his deputy, Dcn Kingsley Otuaro, a lawyer, urged the monarch and other traditional rulers in the region to treat their people fairly.

    He said, “As the custodian of the tradition of your people, it is important that you do not, in words or action, give any cause to your subjects to doubt your ability to uphold the sanctity of their customs.

    “I sincerely appeal to you to imbibe the democratic norms of dialogue and consultation in all your dealings with the people.”

    Otuaro, who was accused by the defeated aspirant of meddling in the selection process of the Pere, stated that “It is statutory for the State Government to present Staff of Office to traditional ruler after due installation and endorsement by his people according to the Laws of Delta State.

    “This event is in compliance with the statute and an endorsement of the peaceful manner, the whole process of this ascension has taken”.

    Speaking on the protracted crisis between the Ogbe-Ijoh and Aladja people in Udu LGA, the Otuaro assured that the government was working out an amicable and workable lasting solution to the crisis.

    “We are doing our very best to bring the boundary issue between Ogbe-Ijoh people and Aladja community to an end”, he said.

    Earlier in his address, the Fie-Owei (Spokesperson) of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom, Chief Favour Izoukumor, had appealed to the state government to resolve the boundary dispute in order to ensure peaceful coexistence between the two communities.

    Nevertheless, he expressed delight at the peaceful conduct of the presentation of staff of office to the Ogbe-Ijoh monarch and commended the state government for its neutrality in the process and the courage in doing what was right for the people, peace and stability of the kingdom.

    “I am so much delighted for your (Okowa’s) courage and resilience you exhibited on the event of official presentation of staff of office to HRM Mobene II. I want to unequivocally state that this peaceful event wouldn’t have been possible without your inputs and your timeless love for the people of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom.

    “I have no doubt in my mind that these your acts which resulted in the peaceful presentation of staff of office will definitely go down in the annals of the history of our Kingdom and it will be forever memorable for all the sons and daughters of the present generation and generations to come.”

     

     

  • Deputy hails Okorocha for uniting Ndigbo

    Deputy hails Okorocha for uniting Ndigbo

    Imo State Deputy Governor Eze Madumere has hailed Governor Rochas Okorocha for uniting Ndigbo to put their resources together for the development of the zone.

    Madumere said the governor’s directive was a step in the right direction.

    In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Uche Onwuchekwa, the deputy governor was elated by Okorocha’s effort, particularly reconciliation of factions in Ohaneze Ndigbo, which hitherto made the Pan-Igbo group a toothless bulldog.

    He described Okorocha as a visionary leader known for his love and sacrifices for the peace and unity of Ndigbo.

    According to him, the governor achieved same feat under Nigeria Peace Forum and other platforms.

    Madumere praised the parties in the peace accord, saying their sacrifices were by the Ndigbo and would be remembered by generations.

    The deputy governor noted that a united Igbo had the best opportunity to re-launch itself into a progressive place in Nigeria and beyond.

    But he regretted that Ndigbo controlled 30 per cent investments in other zones but had nothing on ground at home.

    Madumere said the effort of Igbo past heroes should not be allowed to waste.

    He called for a more united Ndigbo with new thinking, approach towards achieving a strong, virile, sustainable and self-sufficient economy.

  • Oshiomhole: i have reconciled with my deputy

    Oshiomhole: i have reconciled with my deputy

    Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, said he has reconciled political differences with his deputy, Dr. Pius Odubu.

    Oshiomhole stated this at a reconciliation and thank you party organised for ward leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday in Benin City, the state capital.

    Odubu and some of his supporters were however absent at the party. The relationship between Oshiomhole and his deputy became frosty after the governor threw his weight behind the aspiration of the Chairman of his Economic Team, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, to succeed him.

    Oshiomhole told party chieftains at the event to go back to the wards and reconcile with all aggrieved party members.

    He said he would personally visit some APC chieftains and urge them to help in the reconciliation with aggrieved members.

    The governor said the campaign message of the APC would change since, according to him, “a more credible candidate has emerged in the PDP.”

    He said: “Let us imbibe the spirit of oneness. I was excited by the privilege of briefing President Muhammadu Buhari about the outcome of our primary and the Preisdent said he is proud of all of you who participated in that process. This will be the first time a sitting President will hold the hand of our party candidate and present him to the people of our great state.

    “As you return to your wards, align with leaders of each of those wards to call a meeting and rob minds. Remind them that they voted for the party. Convene meetings at the ward level to bring all the ward leaders together.  We need to visit them and we will visit them. They worked much harder and they deserve  our commendation.

    “This is the time to settle small quarrels within the party; no more rumours. Help us to unite, to reconcile, to restore old friendship and old alliances. I have renewed mine with my deputy governor. It is one party, one family and one destination.

    “PDP has elected a more credible candidate. The problem with that is that the candidate is not carrying the kind of baggage the fake pastor is carrying. Our campaign message must be different.”

    APC State Chairman, Anselm Ojezua, said many of the aspirants have promised to work for the success of the APC during the election.

    Obaseki promised to continue the process of reconciliation and work towards making the party solid.

    His words: “Every member of the APC will benefit. We are one party. We watch the language we use because we know one day will come when we will come together to work. Forgive and forget whatever mistakes we made in the past.  Come September, we will sing victory song.”

  • Ohaneze youth threaten showdown with AGF over Saraki /Ekwerenmadu

    Ohaneze youth threaten showdown with AGF over Saraki /Ekwerenmadu

    The Ohanaze youth forum at the weekend threatened a showdown with the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Mr. Abubakar Malami over planned arraignment of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and his Deputy, Ike Ekwerenmadu on Monday.

    The federal government is to arraign the duo over alleged forgery case of the Senate Standing Rules.

    Noting that the prosecution was politically induced, the youth in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday and signed by the co-chairman, Mazi Okemiri Alex, said that they would mobilize similar groups to scuttle the arraignment.

    They warned the AGF not to touch the deputy senate president, Ekwernmadu who they claimed was their son.

    The group also pointed out that the Senate as an independent body had investigated the case in question and found the presiding officers not guilty.

    They demanded the federal government to allow the national assembly do its job in the spirit and letters of the principle of separation of powers.

    The statement reads: “The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council is alarmed by the sudden resurfacing of the arraignment of the Senate President Bukola Saraki and the Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu over the purported forgery of the Senate 8th session rules.

    “In as much as we do not condone any act of illegality, from any quarters, we make bold to state that the present attempt to arraign Senator Saraki and Ekweremadu  is ill -motivated and politically induced.

    “The issue at stake has been investigated by the Senate and the duo found guiltless in the past. The Senate is the highest law making body in the country and the principle of separation of power confer on them the privilege to internally investigate and even discipline any of their erring members.

    “Also the principle of Separation of powers presupposes that the three arms of government viz, Executive, legislature and the Judiciary have a reasonable level of independence, though working in synergy. If the Senate has not found the duo guilty, is it the Judiciary or the Executive that should do so.

    “We therefore advise the AGF representing the judiciary and the Executive arm to allow and respect the principle of separation of powers. In particular our son Senator Ike Ekweremadu is occupying the highest political office in the South East and should not be unduly humiliated and embarrassed by these recurring antics. We shall no longer take this lightly.

    “We shall mobilize other like groups all over the country to resist the tyranny of democracy in our country,” It stated.