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  • LP members protest  Whip’s sack

    LP members protest  Whip’s sack

    Members of the Abia State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) yesterday marched on the streets of Umuahia, to protest the sacking of Senate Minority Whip Darlington Nwokocha by the Appeal Court last weekend.

    The court, sitting in Lagos, declared the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Col. Austin Akobundu (rtd), the winner of the February 25 Abia Central Senatorial District election.

    LP members, who wore black clothes, carried placards, describing the judgment as pervasive.

    The protesters, led by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Augustine Meregini, marched from the party secretariat on Ikot Ekpene Road to Aba Road.

    Some of the inscriptions on their placards read: “Judicial impunity must stop”; _we voted for Darlington Nwokocha and not Col. Austin Akobundu”, “Darlington’s mandate must be recovered.”

    Read Also: Appeal Court upholds Orji Kalu’s election

    Addressing the protesters, the state party Chairman, Chief Ceekay Igara, said he wondered why the panel of the appeal that sacked Nwokocha also upheld the election of the member representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, Chief Ginger Onwusibe, who had a similar case with him.

    He said: “We are in shock about the judgment because Section 77 of the Electoral Act, which the panel relied on to deliver the judgment that dealt with the membership of a party, has been decided by the Supreme Court as an internal affair of the political party.

    “We are demanding details of the judgment to enable our lawyers study and decide on the next line of action”.

    Reacting, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) through its Vice Chairman, Abia North and acting Publicity Secretary of the party, Amah Abraham, said in a statement: “It is unbecoming of a party to make a public declaration to reject the judgment of a court of competent and final jurisdiction and ask it to review its judgment because that is nothing but a call to anarchy.”

  • Adeleke appoints 309 board members

    Adeleke appoints 309 board members

    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke yesterday appointed 309 people as members of non-statutory boards as well as chairmen, secretaries and members of local government education boards. 

    The governor in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said the appointments take immediate effect and urged the appointees to observe the rule of law, due process and procurement laws in their doings. 

    The statement said: “The governor had appointed chairmen and vice chairmen of the non-statutory boards. 

    Read Also: Fubara: Rivers NASS caucus declares support for Wike

    “The board members are: Uniosun board, Gbadeshin Lawal, Prof. David Oladeji, Tunji Omole, Olawale .A. Oludayo, Hassan Adegoke, Prof. Aworemi and Dr. Kamoru Kadiri. 

    Other boards are University of Ilesa, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree; Osun State College of Education, Ila and Esa-Oke, College of Health Technology, Ilesa; Local Government Service Commission, Hospital Management Board, SUBEB, Pilgrims Welfare (Muslim and Christian wings), Osun Council for Art and Culture, Osun Tourism Board, Osun Internal Revenue, Water Corporation and Osun State LGEA Boards in local councils. 

  • World Social Work Day: Workers’ president felicitates with members

    Osun State President of Nigeria Association of Social Workers Mr. Ayoade Ojekale has felicitated with Nigeria and Osun social workers on World Social Work Day.

    The 2019 World Social Work Day highlights the ‘Promotion of the Importance of Human Relationships’.

    Today is World Social Work Day. It is the key day in the year that social workers worldwide stand together to celebrate the achievements of the profession and take the theme message into their communities, workplaces and to their governments to raise awareness of the social work contributions and need for further actions.

    This year’s theme focusses on the social relationships between people’s essential relationships with each other, their environments, governments and their futures.

    IFSW Secretary-General Dr. Rory Truell said: “There was a famous moment in recent history when the late politician and Prime Minister of United Kingdom (UK) Margaret Thatcher, ushered-in the current global period of conservatism and the dismantling of state services when she stated that ‘there’s no such thing as society, there are individual men and women’. Thatcher’s view continues to have devastating effects as it remains dominant over many aspects of world and national politics.

    “This 2019 World Social Work Day theme directly addresses this false and brutal conservative dogma. From the social work experience, all people are bound together by social relationships that determine the quality and security of life. Worldwide, the social work profession will enhance and unify the promotion of the importance of building policies and practices that recognise, cultivate and enrich our interdependent relationships – for peace, and the realisation of all people’s equal rights within the context of a sustainable world.”

  • Union urges members to vote out anti-workers governors, politicians

    The Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) has asked its members not to vote for governors and other candidates who are anti-labour and anti-people in the general elections.

    The Union affirmed Comrade Lawrence Amaechi as its president and dissolved the caretaker committee.

    Rising from its Special National Delegates Conference, the union called on its members and Nigerians to vote wisely.

    The  National Industrial Court (NIC) had ordered the immediate past leadership of the union to back their successors, an action which was complied with, before the leadership stepped down, following the expiration of their tenure and a caretaker committee, when the union went on appeal.

    The conference confirmed Comrade Idris Yahaya Ndayako as the union’s general secretary.

    In a communique signed by the union’s President Comrade Lawrence Amaechi and General Secretary Comrade Yahaya Ndayako, the union commended the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) leadership in ensuring that the new minimum wage of N30,000 bill is passed into law.

    The conference also elected  Comrade Kabiru  Gaya as the new national auditor, following the resignation of Comrade Aliyu Mutazu who had retired from the Civil Service of Katsina State.

    The communique said: “On the other hand, Special National Delegates’ Conference reiterates NEC’s directive that an impostor, Mr. M. Z. Nzidee who had been since expelled from the union, must be prosecuted from wherever he is hiding for his recent act of hooliganism, culminating into vandalism of the  National Secretariat, stealing huge sums of money and molesting Staff of  the union with his collaborators.

    “Special NDC decried the activities of politicians as relate the February 2019 General Elections, particularly on their campaign strategies.

    Read also: First aircraft lands in Bayelsa airport

    “Conference reiterated its position that governors that are anti-labour and anti-people must be voted against. It called on its members and Nigerians to vote wisely in defence of democracy

    “The NEC passed a vote of confidence on the national Leadership of the union led by Comrade Amaechi L. U.  for its commitment, initiatives and purposeful Leadership since assumption of leadership of the union”.

  • Lagos gets new customary court president, members

    Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Opeyemi Oke, yesterday swore in four new Customary Court presidents and two members.

    They are Mr Ojora-Adejiyan Adeyinka, Mrs Ogunsanwo Adeola, Mr Sodimu Idowu, Mrs Keshinro Aramide. The members are Mrs Olaoye Oredola and Mr Shonowo Ayoola.

    Justice Oke urged them to do justice without fear or favour and to have the fear of God.

    She said: “As customary court judges and members, you must act with a high level of decorum and within the dictates of your conscience. The fundamental rights, freedoms and principles underpinning our Constitutional Democracy must guide you.”

    According to her, they must be above board, warning that the Judicial Service Commission would sanction erring members. Justice Oke said they must shun corruption.

    “Let it resound in your hearts at all times that as Customary Court Judges and members, you are to maintain a high standard of judicial conduct.

    “In addition to good morals, judicial etiquettes and high ideals of conduct, it is equally important that your knowledge of the native law and custom of the people must be exceptional.

    “It is now abundantly clear that a judge who is not fully aware of the law can ruin lives by interpreting the law wrongly and thereafter giving the wrong judgment.

    “It was in the light of this that the Commission conducted a thorough screening from which you emerged as the best candidates based on your track record, integrity, ability and qualifications, and were therefore appointed without any unwarranted interference, whether externally or otherwise,” she said.

    The CJ said customary court’s jurisdiction has been expanded. She urged them to enhance their knowledge of case management especial with their increased workload.

    She added: “The Lagos State Judicial Service Commission and I have the burning desire for the Customary Court of Lagos State to achieve distinction and we urge you to buy into this and assiduously work towards it”.

    Lagos State Judicial Service Commission Executive Secretary Mrs Olubukola Salami reminded the new appointees that their conduct and carriage would come under public scrutiny.

  • APC loses Two House of Reps members

    Two All Progressive Congress (APC) members of the House of Representatives have resigned their membership of the ruling  party with one defecting to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The lawmakers announced their resignations in two separate letters to the green chambers, which were read on the floor of the house on Wednesday by the Speaker, Mr Yakubu Dogara.

    Rep. Babatubde Kolawale, representing Akoko North East/West Federal Constituency in Ondo, in his letter, announced that he was defecting to the PDP.

    Read Also: ‘Deceased Kwara APC members die for emancipation of state’

    However, Rep. Mukaila Kazzim, representing Abeokuta North/Obafemi-Owode/ Odeda Federal Constituency of Ogun, did not state the party he would join.

    In the letters, both lawmakers made references to irreconcilable issues relating to the party primaries as part of the reasons for the resignation and defection.

    Kazzim stated that “god-fatherism” played a vital role in the emergence of candidates to represent the party in the 2019 general elections.

    He said that the phenomenon was not only undemocratic but against relevant sections of the Constitution.

    The legislators said after due consultations with their constituents, it was time for them to part ways with the APC.

    NAN

  • Don’t be intimidated, Kwara APC urges exco, members

    The Kwara State All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged executives and party members not to be intimidated or despair.

    Chairman Bashir Bolarinwa spoke in Ilorin during the swearing in of state executives.

    Bolarinwa, who counselled the executives to be united and committed to the development of the state, reminded them that their assignment was a call to serve.

    He said: “We adopted consensus to cement our bond in our efforts to take off almost immediately to confront the problems confronting our state.

    “We have come a long way in the journey to liberate the political space. We have walked different roads and have sacrificed a lot. The fact that the journey has not ended is the reason we must continue to push forward. The ongoing membership drive is also receiving your blessings. We can never quantify your sacrifices in this building process.

    “This assignment committed into our hands as executives of the party is a call to serve and therefore, we must give it our all. This assignment cannot be achieved individually; we must work like ants in a colonywhere there is division of labour. Each member of the colony carries out a definite task and it is done to the benefit of all.

    “When each of us contribute a block to this building process, we will eventually have an enduring house to accommodate all, thereby providing shelter for all of us. Let us remain focused and be committed to the goal of providing a new and purposeful leadership for the state.”

  • Oshiomhole to APC leaders, members: I don’t belong to any faction

    •’We must work for unity’

    ALL Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Comrade Adams Oshiomhole yesterday told party faithful and leaders that he did not belong to any faction or bloc within the ruling party.

    His emergence as national chairman, he said, was a product of the collective unity of the party members.

    Oshiomhole, who spoke when he received two different delegations of party members from Taraba State, said members of the party must work for its unity.

    He added that unity can only be achieved in an atmosphere of justice and fairness.

    The party’s national chairman assured those with grievances in the various states that his leadership would soon move into action to address such challenges.

    Oshiomhole noted that he was presently studying his handover notes to know where there are challenges to address them.

    He said party members and leaders at the various levels must be prepared to make sacrifice and unite for APC’s common good.

    According to him, there was no way the party could make inroad with a divided House.

    He told the delegations that he was still studying the handover notes given to him by the former chairman as well as awaiting the report of the convention committee on what they did to ensure peace during the exercise.

    Oshiomhole said the fact that even those who had grievances behaved maturely and waiting for his emergence as chairman to address such grievances meant that he has a duty not to disappoint them, but ensure that justice and fairness prevail.

    He said: “Luckily, I am not a product of a faction; I am not a product of a bloc. I am a product of unanimity within the rank and file and leaders of our party. Therefore, I have a duty to translate into action what they expect of me, which is that the unity that prevailed in my election should be transplanted to all the states so that we have unity in all the states. That, I will work for without fear or favour.

    “My plea is that let us be guided by this pillar of justice and fairness. We must also recognise that in a free society and in the real world, nobody get what he wants, but what you are able to negotiate.

    “That is why the tool in this business is the tool of persuasion, mediation and negotiation. Those we will bring to bear to assist us and every group that has challenges to help them fight on a common ground because our party will move in as one united and indivisible party.”

    He added: “The convention committee chairman has informed me that he is working on his report which will contain a number of states where we have challenges, what he had to do before the convention, those he assured that their matter will be looked into after the convention.

    “I appreciate that even those who had grievances had confidence that with me coming in, we will be able to resolve their grievances and People generally behaved even though they have their reservations.

    “I am very grateful for the patience that people have shown and the maturity that has been demonstrated. When I have the report, the secretariat will inform you when your attention is required so that we find a win-win solution.”

    He said the party leaders must work for the unity of the party and the country, saying “the unity of the party must flow from the unity from the ward, state and National levels”.

    Oshiomhole added: “I listened to you referring to two parallel congresses at various levels in Taraba state and that is rather unfortunate. We must do everything possible to ensure that we maintain the unity of the party in every state, including Taraba State.

    “I am happy by the comment made by one of you that you are all committed to ensuring that the tenure of the current governor will be brought to a close on May 29 next year by ensuring that we vote him out in February. I am committed to that project.”

    The two delegations were led by the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Aisha Alhassan, who said led what she called the mainstream APC in Taraba State and Yusuf Abubakar Yusuf, who led what they described as the Taraba APC Unity Group.

     

     

  • CAC to fight indiscipline among clerics, members

    The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) has pledged to fight indiscipline among its clerics and members.

    This followed the effects of false prophesies on the church and their consequences on people’s lives.

    The church’s General Evangelist Worldwide, Prophet Hezekiah Oladeji, said this was part of efforts to flush out fake prophets and eliminate false prophecies to restore people’s confidence in the church.

    The cleric said the church would henceforth constantly monitor prophets within the mission to ensure their compliance with the patriarchs’ standards.

    Oladeji spoke at the weekend at Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola Memorial Grounds at Ikeji Arakeji in Osun State during his inauguration as CAC General Evangelist Worldwide and Duty Commencement Service.

    The church leader advised members to cooperate with CAC clerics to reawaken evangelism, which he called the hallmark of the church.

    Oladeji was appointed the fifth CAC General Evangelist five months ago, following the retirement of his predecessor, Prophet Samuel Abiara.

    CAC President, Pastor Abraham Akinosun, who presided over the event which was graced by clerics from various denominations, Christians, traditional rulers and crème-la-crème of society, extolled the virtues of the new general evangelist, who he said had taken giant strides to move the church forward within the few weeks of assumption of office.

    Senate President Bukola Saraki lauded the appointment of Oladeji, who he described as a preacher of righteousness and a reformer.

    He added: “It is a new dawn.”

    Saraki, who was represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Gbenga Makanjuola, said the new CAC General Evangelist “is trustworthy, God-fearing and humble,” adding: “With this new responsibility, I pray that the Lord gives him the spirit and anointing to carry on.”

     

    Akeredolu, Dogara, others excited by CAC’s unification

    Eminent Nigerians at the weekend converged on Joseph Ayo Babalola Memorial Camp at Ikeji-Arakeji in Osun State for the inauguration/duty commencement service of Prophet Hezekiah Oladeji as the New General Evangelist of CAC (Worldwide).

    At the impressive ceremony, Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), Ekiti State Deputy Governor Kolapo Olusola, former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Akin Olujimi (SAN), among others, attended the event.

    Oladeji, 51, from Odo-Owa in Kwara State, succeeded Prophet Kayode Abiara, an indigene of Erin-Ijesa in Osun State.

    Akeredolu expressed delight about the moves by CAC leadership to settle their aged-long dispute to embrace unity.

    As one of the lawyers who handled the church’s litigation alongside Olujimi, the governor recalled the past acrimony and rejoiced with CAC leadership and members for the new development, especially the enviable heights attained by Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), which he said was founded with good vision.

    Akeredolu described Oladeji as a “great Evangelist” who would use his position to win many souls and enhance unity within the CAC’s fold.

    House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara, who was represented by Biodun Adeogun, representing Ife Federal Constituency, hailed Oladeji’s elevation as General Evangelist.

    The speaker said he was ready to support evangelism and unity within the church.

    Olusola, who is also a Pastor in the church, said the story of the humble beginning of the new General Evangelist would rekindle an end-time revival of unity as the helmsman is a “young man” with greater testimony.

    He said: “This is the era of youths. It had never happened in the history of CAC for a 51 year-old to become its General Evangelist.”

    CAC President Abraham Akinosun congratulated Oladeji and urged him to re-invigorate evangelism across the world.

    According to him, grassroots evangelism has suffered, mostly in the hands of mass media revivals.

    He said: “Church ministry is a battleground. You should imitate greater evangelists, be exemplary and remain an embodiment of spiritual reality.”

     

  • Sdp seeks members

    The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ekiti State has begun a house-to-house membership drive ahead of the July 14 governorship election.

    Tagged “Operation Talk To One Person,” the drive is aimed at bringing in new members and strengthening the party and make it an election-winning platform.

    The chairman of the party, Dr. Dele Ekunola, spoke in Ado_Ekiti, the state capital, when a governorship aspirant, Mr. Akinloye Ayegbusi, visited the party secretariat with his supporters to submit his nomination form.

    Ekunola explained that the has become the “third force,” adding that it is a force to be reckoned with. He said the party would shock the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the poll.

    He added: “I want to assure you that the way we are going, we have all that it takes to occupy the Government House because the first eleven politicians are already here.

    “Go everywhere and tell the people that it is SDP all the way. Tell them that it is only this party that can save us from the current mess we find ourselves.

    “The era of backlog of salary arrears is gone with SDP in power. We will take Ekiti to the next level and make look like Lagos. Youths, women and children won’t suffer under our government.”

    Ayegbusi said Ekiti cannot continue to depend on federal allocation,  adding that the solution to the problem of Ekiti is in Ekiti and not in Abuja.

    He said: “We must focus on our potential and explore them for our greatness. We must unite together and banish poverty in our state.

    “I expect the leadership of the party to conduct very transparent, free and fair primaries. I plead with all the aspirants to all come together as one.

    “Our goal should be to win the governorship election in July 14. We must ensure that we have a primary that is devoid of rancor. We must show other parties how to conduct an election through our primary.”