The Nation Newspaper

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  • Leadership crisis:  I remain authentic AA Chairman, Anifowose -Kelani insists

    The leadership crisis rocking the Action Alliance ( AA) at the weekend took a new turn as the National Chairman of party , Dr. Tunde Anifowose-Kelani, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to stop Chief Kenneth Udeze and Vemimbe James from parading themselves as the National Chairman and National Secretary of the party respectively.

    He also warned INEC against recognising Alh. Mohammed Abubakar and Mr El Moses as acting National Chairman and acting National Secretary of the party.

    Anifowose-Kelani, in a letter written to INEC through his lawyer, Mr. Olaniyi Okin, said that he remained the authentic national chairman of the party.

    This, he said, was pursuant to his election at the party’s convention “properly organised and held on 13th of April, 2013, under the supervision of INEC for a four-year term which is renewable for another four years, in accordance with the constitution of the party”.

    Anifowose-Kelani said in the letter that his attention had been drawn to a publication by the Vanguard online of August 11, 2019 that the party’s National Think Tank Committee had ratified the decision made by the party to suspend Udeze and James for alleged anti-party activities and violation of AA’s constitution.

    He added that the decision to suspend the duo were made on June 14, 2019, with the representatives of INEC in attendance.

    “It was further reported that Alh. Mohammed Abubakar and Mr El Moses were appointed as acting National Chairman and acting National Secretary respectively.

    “We wish to advise that the cause of action in the pending suit in the Federal High Court, Abuja is about the chairmanship position of the party.

    “Our client was not allowed to complete his tenure as the elected National Chairman of the party before he was overthrown in the most fraudulent and unconstitutional manner by virtue of a letter of leave of absence which he never wrote as prescribed by the party’s constitution.

    “The cause of action in the said suit concerns a letter dated 22nd June, 2015 addressed to our client by your office whereby your office purportedly recognised Alhaji Issa Haladu, the then National Organising Secretary of Action Alliance as its Acting National Chairman instead of our client.

    Read Also: Obaseki throws weight behind Ogie’s leadership in Ikpoba-Okha

    “This is pursuant to a fraudulent and unconstitutional letter of leave of absence written by the then national secretary of the party on 6th February, 2015, purportedly on behalf of our client.

    “We hope you will obviate the necessity for such action with the inconveniences, expense and negative publicity attendant upon committal proceedings by not taking further steps to jeopardize whatever judgement that will be given by the court,” the letter read.

    He expressed the hope that INEC would not take further steps by recognizing the said appointed acting officers which, he said, might have the effect of foisting a faith accompli on the court.

    “We will not hesitate to commence committal proceedings for contempt of court against the commission on the occurrence of such event,” the letter stated.

    It would be recalled that Udeze had recently said that he and James remained the national chairman and national secretary of the party respectively.

    Udeze had stated that their purported suspension from the party was incorrect, false, misleading and should be disregarded by all Nigerians and AA members across Nigeria.

  • Plane conveying Pilgrims crash lands in Niger

    Plane conveying over 600 pilgrims returning from the 2019 annual pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia crash landed at the Minna International Airport.

    The aircraft, a Boeing 744 with registration number 5N/ DBK was said to have developed technical fault in one of the plane’s four engines when it approached the Minna airport.

    A Source at the airport who confirmed the incident to newsmen said that no one was injured or died in the incident but the passengers were visibly shaken over the incident.

    Evidence of the crash landing of the plane could be seen as part of the tarmac and some materials were damaged when the aircraft skidded off the runway.

    The Public Relations Officer of the Niger state Pilgrims Welfare Board, Hajia Hassana Isah when contacted also confirmed the incident but did not give further details.

    The Nation gathered that five officials of the Accident Bureau of Investigation from Lagos had arrived the airport some hours after the incident and had inspected the partly damaged aircraft after which they went into a closed door meeting with the management of the airport.

    Read Also: Don’t attempt coming abroad if you owe workers – Kanu warns S/East govs

    On the part of the passengers, it was thanksgiving galore as most of them after rushing out of the plane after the incident gushed their thanks to God for saving them from death.

    Eyewitnesses said that the Minna International Airport was saved from a big disaster as they said the fire from the aircraft, if the plane had crashed would have burnt down the airport as there are no fire fighting vehicles in the airport.

    “The fire that would have followed would have spread to all parts of the airport because we don’t have fire fighting vehicles in this airport”, a senior Official of the airport said.

    No official statement has been released from the management of the airline.

  • Lil Kesh features Iyabo Ojo’s daughter in ‘Nkan Be’

    Popular Nigerian rapper, Lil Kesh has featured Iyabo Ojo’s 18-year-old daughter, Priscilla Ajoke in his new music video titled, ‘Nkanbe’ .

    The song features DMW’s Mayorkun, Zlatan Ibile and Naira Marley.

    Keshinro Ololade, popularly known by his stage name Lil Kesh, is a Nigerian singer, rapper and songwriter. He rose to fame after releasing the chart-topping song called “Shoki”.

    Read Also: Toyin Abraham gets 1m as birthday gift from fans

    Lil Kesh was born and raised in Bariga, a suburb of Lagos State.

    As a recording artist affiliated with YBNL Nation, Lil Kesh established his own record label YAGI Records (an acronym for “Young And Getting It”

  • Obaseki throws weight behind Ogie’s leadership in Ikpoba-Okha

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is intact and insisted that only God makes leaders and not men, despite plans of some persons to cause disunity in the party.

    Obaseki who said this while passing a vote of confidence on the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., who is the party’s leader in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of the state, declared that his administration is working with the state APC structure and delivering result to Edo people.

    Obaseki’s visit to the SSG in his house in Benin City, on Saturday, coincided with the visit of Ikpoba Okha youths, who also paid a solidarity visit to their leader.

    The governor said his administration is working with the state APC structure to make the state chapter of the party, the strongest in the country, adding that thuggery would not be allowed in the party and in the whole of Edo State.

    He warned that anyone who wants to be involved in anti-party activities would be thrown out of the party.

    According to him, his administration would not be distracted by the antics of some few members of the party and would continue to deliver good governance to citizens of the state.

    “I am bringing jobs for the youths especially in Ologbo-axis of Ikpoba Okha. Youths should organise themselves into units and I will empower you with different skills and trainings to do the jobs we are creating. For the ongoing renovation of basic schools, youths will be in charge of the fencing work while women will be in charge of furniture,” he said.

    Obaseki expressed appreciation to the people of Ikpoba Okha LGA for believing in the leadership of the SSG and for fully supporting his administration.

    Ogie, who was elated by the presence of the governor and the youths in Ikpoba-Ohka at his residence, said he will continue to attract development to the area.

    “Until I came into politics, Ikpoba Okha had no commissioner. I promised you that my coming into politics will change things for the better,” Ogie noted.

    He said he was not perturbed by detractors who go about denting people’s image, noting that the Governor Obaseki-led administration would continue to deliver good governance to citizens of Edo State.

    Read Also: Residents back Obaseki’s restoration of value-driven governance

    The APC Youth Leader in Ikpoba-Okha LGA, Mukhtar Yusuf-Osagie, said the SSG has been a good and hospitable leader since he served as Chief of Staff.

    He said youths in Ikpob-Okha, where Ogie hails from, has made it a habit to always visit the SSG’s residence at weekends to appreciate his contributions to the development attracted to the council area.

    He explained that there was no internal crisis within the APC in Ikpoba-Okha while stressing that non-APC members are trying to cause confusion in the party.

    Hon. Princess Taiye Obanor, a leader in Ward 7, Ikpoba-Okha, commended Ogie for being a true grassroots leader, adding, “We are here to pay a solidarity visit to our leader, and we are happy to have the governor join in the celebration.”

  • Residents back Obaseki’s restoration of value-driven governance

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has been applauded for prioritising infrastructure and human capital development projects that are geared towards building a virile and active workforce in the state and restoring value-driven governance.

    In separate statements, a cross-section of residents in the state said they are proud of the state government’s achievements in office, noting that the projects bring back nostalgia of what obtained in the old Mid-Western Region and Bendel State, forerunners to the present Edo State, where development was uttermost in the plans and programmes of the government.

    One of the residents, Osagie David Aduwa, said that the governor’s developmental strides are spread across the state’s three senatorial districts, noting that Obaseki has invested in the development of roads, renovation of the Benin Airport, the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and empowering returnees in the state.

    In a message to the governor, he said “My name is Osagie David Aduwa. I live in Benin City. We the people of Edo state are seeing all your good work in Benin City, Edo State and the three senatorial districts.

    “Development of roads, renovation of the airport and stadium are creating more job opportunities.

    “You are empowering the Libya returnees, empowering people for mechanised farming, renovating our Benin stadium, bringing Bendel Insurance back to life, new court complex and renovating the old buildings, and making it possible for everyone to have Certificate of Occupancy in Edo state.”

    “I have seen that you are God-sent and your name has been added among one of the governors that have taken Edo State to a great height, including General Ogbemudia, Prof Ambrose Alli). Your 2020 election will be the election of the people of the whole Edo State, you will rule us to 2024 by the special grace of God.”

    Read Also: Obaseki affirms trust in Edo SSG

    Another resident, who didn’t include his name in a private statement, said that the state government is restoring the lost glory of the state through reforms in education, and a clear-headed and honest approach to governance.

    According to him, “You see a Governor like Obaseki who’s doing well, who you cannot accuse of squandering Edo State money. He is restoring the lost glory of the state through education and you want him out because he’s not sharing money with thugs etc?

    “I like his attitude. It is not a do or die matter with him. He will only do those things that his conscience can live with. He’s a product of the good old Midwest/ Bendel when hard work was rewarded and excellence prevailed.

    “He cannot be anything else. He has pedigree and will protect it. That’s why we all support him. Through him there is a scintilla of hope that the good old glory days can return to Edo State. He will not betray his pedigree and we all stand solidly with and behind him.”

  • Don’t attempt coming abroad if you owe workers – Kanu warns S/East govs

    The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has warned governors who owe workers in their states to forget about traveling out of the country.

    This is even as the IPOB leader said that his group would continue to hold Nigerian politicians accountable for the services they were elected to render by the electorate.

    Kanu, who spoke on Saturday during an interview with Rose Peter Graham, the anchor of ‘Rose On All Sides,’ on Ben TV, United Kingdom, said very soon, all governors in Nigeria who have refused to pay their workers’ salaries, but travelling aimlessly across the world would be stopped from doing so.

    The IPOB leader who spoke to the UK based television station from his temporary base in Germany, also condemned the xenophobic attacks in South Africa, describing it as something that should not be happening in this current generation He said: “Very soon, any governor who has not paid salaries will not come abroad anymore. If you owe salaries you’re not allowed to go abroad anymore. “You bank teachers’ salaries, you bank the salaries of pensioners, you cannot come abroad anymore.

    So this is just the beginning. “We’ll not attack them. We’ll just ask them questions. It is called picketing. It’s allowed within the ambit of democratic rules. “So, if we see you, we’ll ask you what you’ve been doing with teachers’ salaries, nurses’ salaries and why you’ve not been paying people and what are you doing here? “Any governor owing workers once we catch you abroad you’ll tell us what you’ve been doing with the salaries you’re supposed to pay.

    Read Also; One ‘Kanu’ for a thousand ‘fraudsters’ (II)

    “There’s no time on this earth that any process of agitation will be palatable for everyone or easy for everyone to buy into. When Nnamdi Azikiwe was campaigning for Nigeria to be free from colonial rule, he was sent to prison. “Many people felt he was radical and declined to associate themselves with him. But in the end, he succeeded in freeing Nigeria not knowing that we are jumping from the frying pan to fire.

    “Awolowo was the same thing. He was a firebrand. Many people didn’t like his approach from the beginning, but on reflection and review of what he did and how he managed to accomplish them, people have come to understand that he meant well for his people.

    “So, now that these things are happening, most people would not appreciate it, but I’m sure that in many years to come, historians will look back to what’s happening today.”

    He described Senator Ike Ekweremmadu’s experience in Nuremberg as a family matter within the Igbo people that would be settled in a family way.

  • Obaseki affirms trust in Edo SSG

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has affirmed his trust in the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Barr. Osarodion Ogie.

    Governor Obaseki said Barr. Ogie remained the recognised leader of Ikpoba-Okha local government area.

    Obaseki stated that only God makes leaders and not men.

    He said plans by some few persons to cause disunity in the Edo APC would fail.

    Governor Obaseki spoke on Saturday when he paid an unscheduled visit to the SSG at his residence in Benin City.

    Obaseki who passed a vote of confidence on the SSG said his administration is working with the state APC structure and delivering result to Edo people.

    He reassured that thuggery would not be allowed in the party and the entire Edo State.

    Read Also; Obaseki lauds security operatives on doctor’s release

    Governor Obaseki warned that anyone who wants to be involved in anti-party activities would be thrown out of the party.

    According to him, “My administration will not be distracted by the antics of some few members of the party and will continue to deliver good governance to citizens of the state.

    “I am bringing jobs for the youths especially in Ologbo-axis of Ikpoba Okha. Youths should organise themselves into units and I will empower you with different skills and training to do the jobs we are creating. For the ongoing renovation of basic schools, youths will be in charge of the fencing work while women will be in charge of furniture.

    Barr Ogie, who was elated by the presence of the governor said he would continue to attract development to the area.

    “Until I came into politics, Ikpoba Okha had no commissioner. I promised you that my coming into politics will change things for the better,” Ogie noted.

  • SSANIP, NASU rejects Management decision to downsize

    Staffers of the Abia State Polytechnic, Aba have rejected the attempt by the management of the institution to downsize its workforce.

    The leadership of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) and Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), Abia State Polytechnic chapter, rising from a joint congress issued a 14-day ultimatum to the management of the polytechnic.

    SSANIP and NASU in the meeting jointly attended by its executive officers gave the management conditions to meet even if it must sack or downsize its workforce.

    In a statement jointly issued to journalists in Aba, the commercial nerve of the state at the end of a joint congress of the chapter unions held at the ICT Auditorium of the polytechnic, SANNIP and NASU gave the management of the institution till September 12, to pay the workers their 16 months arrears of salaries.

    The leaderships of the staff unions stated that the workers may not have any other choice than embarking on an indefinite strike to press down their demands if the management fails to address some of the issues plaguing the staffers of them at the end of the ultimatum.

    According to the release which was signed by Comrade Aforole Nnenna and Comrade Emmanuel Eze (NASU Chairperson and branch secretary) and Comrade Nwachukwu Chuks (SSANIP chairman) and Comrade Ugbaja Fred (SSANIP Secretary, Abia Poly chapter) respectively also asked the management to shelve any planned restructuring/downsizing of staff until all salaries are fully paid and issues relating thereto are discussed and agreed upon by all the stakeholders (Unions and Management).

    Read Also: South West speakers parley over insecurity

    The workers’ unions while demanding that all outstanding promotions from 2016-2018 be released with full financial implications, also that 2015 promotions released were given “financial implication and other related issues arising therein be harmonized.”

    Continuing, the congress while calling on Abia Polytechnic management to remit fully all NASU, SSAANIP, and ASUP (Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics) check-off dues which they claimed had been deducted by the management, said that it frowned at the continued withholding of cooperative funds by the management.

    “This is having an adverse financial effect on cooperators who had saved their personal salaries for future use. Therefore, congress demands that management should release this fund with immediate effect to ameliorate the suffering of cooperators,” part of the statement read.

    Meanwhile, information gathered by our reporter has it that the workers may be forced to go on an indefinite strike to press on their demand.

  • No bomb explosion in South African High Commission – FG

    The Federal Government has said that there was no bomb explosion in the High Commission of South Africa.

    It said the video being circulated was that of the bomb explosion at Emab Plaza, near Banex, in
    Abuja on June 25 2014.

    It accused “desperate opposition of allegedly using fake news and disinformation as handy tools to portray Nigeria as ungovernable.

    It said some emerging fake videos were parts of strategy to trigger chaos in the country.

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alh Lai Mohammed made the clarifications in a statement in Abuja.

    The statement said: “The Federal Government has debunked the report being circulated on the social media of a bomb explosion at the South African High Commission in Abuja on Saturday, calling the report fake news orchestrated by the desperate opposition to cause panic and chaos among the populace.

    “The video of the purported bomb explosion, which is being circulated on the social media, is that of the bomb explosion at Emab Plaza, near Banex, in Abuja on June 25 2014.”

    The government fingered those in the opposition as behind the fake video.
    Mohammed added: “It is now apparent that the desperate opposition has decided to use fake news and disinformation as handy tools in their
    avowed determination to make Nigeria ungovernable, having lost woefully at the polls.

    ”A pattern is emerging of the antics of desperate opposition to latch on to the use of fake news and disinformation as a strategy to trigger chaos in the country.

    “On Friday (6 Sept 2019), they doctored and circulated the video of my appearance on Channels Television in January 2015 (when I was the spokesman of the APC) to make it look like I was begging Nigerians to forgive President Buhari for not having a school certificate.

    ” Worse still, they posted the video afresh, giving the impression it happened last Thursday and that I acted in my capacity as Minister of Information and Culture.

    ”Unfortunately for them, this doctored video came out on the same day a report emerged that the PDP had sent lawyers and party agents to the university of Cambridge to confirm the authenticity of the President’s West African school certificate, only to be stunned to discover that not only did the President write the examination, he also passed.”

    The government advised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to wait for the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal to give its judgment instead of resorting to self help.

    The Minister added: “One would have expected a party that trumpets its belief in the rule of law, a party that challenged the result of the last presidential election in court, to wait patiently for the impending judgement on the issue instead of engaging in underhand tactics and resorting to self help.”

    Mohammed urged Nigerians to be very discerning at this time, and to check the veracity of any information they receive.

    He said: “This is just the beginning. Nigerians should expect an explosion of fake news and disinformation in the days and weeks ahead. “This is because the desperation of this opposition is alarming. But theirmstrategy will fail, just like every other dubious strategy that they have been employing in their desperate bid to grab power.”

    The Minister warned those behind the orchestrated fake news and disinformation campaign to stop forthwith or be made to face the music.

  • Xenophobia: Nigeria’s message to S’Africa must be loud, clear – Sen Sani

    In his reaction to the xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa, Senator representing Kaduna Central, Uba Sani has said, Nigeria must send a loud and clear message to South Africa that, Nigerian lives matter.

    Senator Sani who described the attacks as shocking, deeply disturbing and an affront on African unity, equally frowned at the nonchalance of the South African authorities.

    The Senator, in a statement made available to newsmen in Kaduna, condemned the inaction of the South African authorities, saying it betrayed the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and South Africa, strengthened by “the frontline role played by Nigeria in the apartheid struggle”.

    While carpeting the South African leaders for “inaction” and describing their lack-lustre disposition on the matter as highly condemnable, the Senator said, “the seeming nonchalance of the South African authorities has reinforced the perception in informed circles that there may indeed be complicity from the highest level”.

    Read Also; Xenophobia: Nigerians in S/A optimistic over proposed Buhari, Ramaphosa meeting

    The lawmaker noted that the message for South Africa must be loud and clear, that Nigerian lives matter.

    “Henceforth no country or people must be allowed to harrass, humiliate or intimidate our people. The principle of reciprocity must be applied in our dealings with other nations and their people.” The Senator warned.

    Senator Uba Sani, however, commended Senate President, Dr. Ahmed Lawan for condemning in strong terms the xenophobic attacks, while applauding President Muhammadu Buhari for dispatching a special envoy to the South African President and directing the Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister to summon the South African Ambassador to Nigeria”.