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  • Police deploy 5,000 personnel, two helicopters, others

    As part of measures to ensure a hitch-free convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the police said it has deployed 5,000 personnel from various units and two helicopters to the venue of the convention.

    The police also said that six Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) had been deployed to the venue of the convention billed to hold at the Eagle Square in Abuja today.

    The police also said it would divert traffic from the venue from 10 pm on yesterday till the end of the convention.

    The foregoing were contained in a statement issued by Force Spokesman, Ag. DCP Jimoh Moshood in Abuja yesterday.

    Moshood said that only one aide would be allowed entry to the venue with their principal.

    The statement reads: “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris has directed the implementation of a robust security arrangement to ensure a secured and hitch-free convention.

    “A total 5,000 police personnel comprising the Police Mobile Force (PMF), the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Special Protection Unit (SPU), the Explosive Ordinance Department (EOD), the Police Mounted Troop, The Dog Section (K9), the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (FCIID), the Police Air-wing and the Force Armament Unit have been deployed under the supervision of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Department of Operations, to ensure adequate security for all the accredited participants at the convention.

    “Security coverage have been provided also at all the accreditation centres.

    “Two Police helicopters, Six Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) are already deployed for the security of the convention.”

    The police also said personnel of other security and safety agencies would also be deployed to complement the police in ensuring adequate security and hitch-free convention.

    The Force also stated that only accredited delegates and accredited party officials bearing the APC identification tags will be allowed into the venue.

    The police also said that personnel of all security and safety agencies deployed for the security of the convention must also wear the certified identification tag conspicuously at the venue.

    “The Nigeria Police Force hereby warns all unauthorised individuals and groups who have no business with the convention to steer clear of the venue.

    “The full weight of the law will be applied on any person or group of persons who try to disrupt the orderliness and conduct of the convention,” the statement said.

    Moshood also said the personnel deployed are under strict instruction to be civil, polite but strict and firm in the discharge of their duties during the convention.

    On the diversion of traffic, he said: “There will be diversion of traffic from all the routes to the Eagle Square from Ahmadu Bello Way, Shehu Shagari Way and other roads leading to the venue of the convention.

    “Road users and other members of the public are advised to use alternative routes. The diversion of traffic will take effect from 2200hrs of 22nd of June, 2018 till the end of the convention.”

    He also charged members of the public with complaint or observation on security issue to call the following numbers: “08032003913, 08061581938, and 07057337653”.

  • Agbakoba, Nwodo, others to speak at VOR colloquium

    FORMER president of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, President- General Ohaneze Ndigbo, Mr. John Nwodo and Niger/Delta activist, Anko Briggs will on Thursday, June 28, 2018, speak at think-thank group, Voice of Reason (VOR) Leadership Series and 1st Colloquium with the theme: Restructuring: A Panacea For Justice and Peace of Nigeria: The Imperative for a People’s Constitution.

    According to a statement jointly signed by the convener of the group, Dr. Goke Omisore and the Chairman of Media and Publicity Committee of the event, Otunba ‘Deji Osibogun, the programme will be chaired by Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist and cofounder, Eko Hospitals, Olorogun (Dr.) Sunny Folorunso Kuku, OFR. Other speakers expected at the event scheduled to hold at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos, are publisher of Sahara Reporters and presidential aspirant, Omoyele Sowore, social entrepreneur, Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji and Col. Tony Nyiam (Rtd). Also to speak at the event is the son of former Nigeria Prime Minister, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Dr. Abdul Tafawa Balewa, International Trade and Investment Lawyer and Activist, Nathasha Akpoti and Secretary- General of Lower Niger Congress (LNC), Comrade Tony Nnadi.

  • Iyanya, Beverly Naya, others for MTV Base ‘Fit Fam’

    Following a successful earlier run, MTV Base’ VJ, Folu Storms, has returned with another season of the channel’s hit show, ‘Fit Fam’.

    According to information, the new season will feature a number of celebrities working up a sweat as they show their fans how they get their bodies ready for summer.

    The new season of the show will up the ante as A-list celebrities such as Eva Aloridah, Beverly Osu and Iyanya will all appear. The third season of the show will feature even more cardio, lifting and of course, gisting, than the previous ones.

    Producers of the show have promised gym enthusiasts a thrill with this new season as ‘Fit Fam’ takes things to a whole new level.

  • Osinbajo, Tinubu, Oyegun, others storm Ekiti

    All is now set for the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag off mega rally in Ekiti State ahead of the July 14 governorship election.

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and other key party figures are expected at the rally scheduled for Oluyemi Kayode Stadium.

    Members of the APC National Campaign Council headed by Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu, National Working Committee, governors and ministers are also expected at the rally.

    Security has been beefed up at the venue with riot policemen stationed within the vicinity of the arena. The stadium was being decorated ahead of the rally.

    Osinbajo is expected to hand the party’s flag to the governorship candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and his running mate, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi.

    Fayemi took his campaign to communities in Ekiti West and Ijero Local Government Areas yesterday, urging the people to reject the continuity agenda of Governor Ayo Fayose, which he said was aimed at keeping them perpetually in poverty.

    Communities visited include Aramoko, Erio, Ido-Ile, Okemesi, Ikoro, Ijero, Ijurin, Iloro, where more leaders and members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defected to the APC.

    The defectors promised to ensure victory for Fayemi in their various localities, saying they were rejecting the PDP in protest against Fayose’s alleged “deceit, wickedness, lies and greed”.

    In Aramoko, a stronghold of the PDP where the visits kicked off, no fewer than 30 of its top leaders led hundreds of supporters to defect to the APC, while in Ido-Ile, residents said they would vote for Fayemi for the water project, roads, schools rehabilitation and social security for the elderly people he provided in his first term.

    Fayemi expressed delight that it was mainly those giving the APC headaches that defected to the party in Aramoko and assured them of equal treatment in their new party.

    He listed his achievements in agriculture, schools and hospital rehabilitation, social security, appointments, education, roads and electricity, among others, in Aramoko to the thunderous applause of supporters.

    Fayemi regretted that nothing had been added to what he did in the town, except for Fayose to introduce payment of tax by school pupils, while workers are unpaid for between six and 10 months.

    He urged the people to dismiss Fayose’s lies on debts, saying though he borrowed N25b to implement projects that are verifiable, including completing projects started by Segun Oni’s administration.

    The APC candidate revealed that he paid back N14.5b of the loan before leaving office, while Fayose had so far borrowed N56b but did nothing with it, except a bridge built at over-bloated cost.

    Fayemi said the road he awarded but abandoned by Fayose would be completed, including new projects that the community might request for in his budget.

    He urged the people to reject continuity of sufferings, unpaid salaries and lies that Fayose wanted to sustain by working to install Prof Eleka as his successor.

    In Erio, the hometown of Fayose’s wife, residents regretted that though Fayose is their son-in-law, they had not seen any development assistance from neither Fayose nor his wife in the last three years.

    The community presented a copy of the Holy Bible to Fayemi, declaring that the APC candidate represented a soldier of Christ who will always win his battles. They said victory is sure for Fayemi on July 14.

    Fayemi expressed shock that the road he initiated leading to Erio worship centre was abandoned by Fayose. He promised to complete the project and implement other ones they choose in his pre-budget meetings with the people.

    He also promised to continue his pro-people schemes, including social security, free education and helping students to pay for public examinations and scholarships.

    The rally at Okemesi was dramatic, as residents in the town openly rained abuses on one of her sons in Fayose’s administration who early in the morning allegedly led thugs in knife battle to create sense of insecurity to disrupt APC rally.

    The Owa Ooye of Okemesi, Oba Gbadebo Adedeji, in his palace praised Fayemi for appointing indigenes, including Adewale Fapohunda, into his government, while Kayode Fasakin was a member of the House of Assembly. The monarch said they were the best to represent the town in government.

    He said the town had the best of times while Fayemi was governor, even as he praised Fayemi for constructing the abandoned road to the town’s hospital. The monarch assured Fayemi of total support of the community.

    At Ikoro, country home of the third runner-up in APC primary, Kayode Ojo, the former aspirant, who described Egbeyemi as his father’s friend, urged the people to vote for Fayemi, reminding the people that Fayemi’s years as governor was an evergreen experience in the development process of the town.

    Another party chief from the town, Dr. Femi Thomas, regretted Fayose’s neglect of the town despite support for him in 2014.

    He described Fayemi as a man of honour who can be trusted with his words while another former aspirant, Dr Bayo Orire, spoke in the same vein, urging residents to vote for Fayemi.

  • Ambode, Akeredolu, Aregbesola, Ganduje, others preach peace, tolerance at Sallah

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State yesterday charged Muslims across the state to keep up acts of charity with a view to fostering mutual understanding and unity in the country.

    Ambode spoke through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tunji Bello, at an Eid-el-Fitr celebration held at Evan Square, Ebute Metta, Lagos.

    Muslims, he said, should not forget the lessons of the holy month which is the fear of God and care for the needy as they celebrate the successful conclusion of this year’s Ramadan fast.

    He noted that a year ago, this same occasion was celebrated in 20 locations across Lagos State in furtherance of the commitment of the State Government to promote all inclusive governance and ensure that Lagosians feel the pulse of good governance irrespective of their location within the state.

    He added that apart from the festivities and the promotion of the social bonding, the occasion is also a way of showing gratitude to God for his love which made it possible for Lagosians to experience an atmosphere of peaceful co-existence and religious harmony which has contributed significantly to the progress and prosperity that has been achieved in the state.

    He explained that the Government has made giant strides in the march towards the Smart City of everyone’s collective dream, adding that Lagosians should keep supporting the Government through their commitment to the discharge of their civic obligations.

    Funsho Raji and other dignitaries including the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, Mrs Taiwo Oyemade, Chairmen of Lagos Mainland Local Government and Yaba Local Council Development Area, Hon Omolola Essien and Hon Kayode Omiyale and several Muslim faithful.

     

    Akeredolu hails Muslim faithful

    Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State rejoiced with Muslims across the country on the successful celebration of this year’s Ramadan.

    Akeredolu said yesterday that the successful celebration of this year’s Sallah is a proof that Islam is a religion of peace.

    He urged the Muslim faithful to continue to sustain the lessons learnt during the Ramadan by contributing to the selfless service of humanity and offering assistance to the less-privileged.

     

    Akeredolu expressed optimism that Nigerians, irrespective of their religious, ethnic or political belief, will continue to promote unity, love, oneness and peaceful co-existence, which Islam as a way of life is promoting.

    The governor, however, urged Muslims across the country to imbibe all the lessons learnt from the one-month Ramadan.

     

    Aregbesola tasks Nigerians on disciplined, focused life

    The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, urged Nigerians to re-dedicate themselves by living disciplined, focused and pious life that will translate to prosperity for the country and her people.

    He called on Nigerians to work in unity, love, peace and harmony and form a formidable force that will help to stimulate the commonwealth of the nation for the benefit of all.

    Aregbesola made the statement while addressing the Muslim faithful during the 2018 Eid-el-Fitri prayers at Osogbo ýCentral Eid Praying Ground.

    He named productivity as the panacea to nation’s challenges, saying Nigerians must begin to champion hard work in the quest to reposition Nigeria on the path of greatness.

    Governor said the time has come for Nigerians to keep hope alive and engage in things that will enhance productivity.

    Aregbesola admonished Nigerians to jettison any act capable of promoting and aggravating resentment, anger and bitters in the course of their national daily lives.

    The Governor implored those at the helm of affairs to justify the essence of their positions by being sensitive to the needs of the electorate in the implementation of their policies and programmes.

    He called on Nigerian leaders to see leadership as service to humanity and not to amass undue gratification, adding that the interest of the people must be at heart of every leader for the nation to be great again.

    While speaking on the significance of Ramadan and Eid-el-fitri, Governor Aregbesola admonished Muslim Ummah to maintain the virtues they have inculcated during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

    He charged Muslims on love, peace, patience and perseverance, saying it has become incumbent on every Muslim to love others as he or she loves himself or herself.

     Bayelsa charges Nigerians on perseverance

    In a statement signed by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the state government congratulated the Muslim faithful in the state and across the country on the successful completion of the Ramadan.

    The statement enjoined Muslims to live in peace with one another irrespective of their differences. He said as they celebrate Eid-el-Fitri, they should uphold the vital lessons of love, peace and perseverance which the holy month teaches. He also called for more prayers for Nigeria.

    It urged Muslims to pray for the nation’s leaders to remain focused in the discharge of their duties for the overall interest of Nigerians.

    The Commissioner stressed the need for religious tolerance which he noted would engender peaceful co-existence, unity and a prosperous Nigeria even as the 2019 general elections draw near.

     Amosun preaches religious tolerance 

    Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State yesterday advised residents of the state to continue to live peacefully with one another to sustain the pace of progress and development recorded in the last six years.

    Amosun said the state is one, regardless of differences in people’s faith, saying everybody should live in love, harmony and unity with one another.

    The Governor made the appeal in his Sallah message shortly after observing the Eid-el-Fitr prayer with Muslims in Abeokuta.

    He charged Muslims to practice the good virtues they have acquired during the Ramadan and not go back to the vices they jettisoned.

    He said: “It is all about Ogun State. Whether Muslims or Christians, we are one and the same. There is no difference.

    “As we celebrate the Sallah to today, we shall celebrate more in good health.

    “All the things we did not do during the Ramadan, we should not go back to them. We should not go back to life of vices because Allah is against it.

    “We should tolerate one another, share in love with one another and continue to live the good attitude we have imbibed during this period.”

    Adopt Ramadan lessons as lifetime habit —Masari

    Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State urged Muslims to make the lessons learnt during the just concluded Ramadan “their lifetime habit’’.

    Masari made the appeal in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Audu Labaran, in Katsina.

    “Having gone through the fasting period in devotion, obedience, charity, perseverance and respect for others, these traits should be a lifetime habit that should outlive the limited period which the Ramadan fasting was observed,’’ the governor said.

    Masari also urged Nigerians to continue to live in peace with one another and pray for the nation and its leaders.

    The governor praised non-Muslims who became their brother’s keeper by joining in feeding less privileged Muslims in many parts of the country.

    Gaidam lauds sustained peace, security

    In his Sallah message to the people, Yobe State governor, Ibrahim Gaidam, praised the sustained security in the state, attributing it to the prayers of the people and the resilience of security operatives in the state and the region.

    Gaidam noted that sustained prayers of good people is what has defeated insurgency in the state.

    He called on the people to use the lessons of Ramadan which instils discipline, truthfulness, patience, humility, devotion and obedience to the Almighty Allah, and move those virtues beyond the Ramadan period.

    The governor noted that through prayers, the kidnapped Dapchi schoolgirls were safely returned except for a few that died in the process, calling on the people not to relent in their prayers for the total return of peace in the region.

    He praised the gallantry of the security forces whom he said fought very hard and made sacrifices to secure the state and the region from the hands of Boko terrorists.

    Gaidam also thanked international Non-Governmental Organisations and other NGOs while calling on them to assist in the recovery and rehabilitation programme of the state as peace has returned.

    Ganduje urges Muslims to imbibe Ramadan lessons

    Kano State governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, urged Muslims to continue to cherish the teachings of Ramadan and imbibe its lessons on self-discipline, piety, love, unity, peace and support for the weak and less privileged in order to attain spiritual upliftment and peaceful coexistence.

    Congratulating Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr marking the completion of Ramadan fasting, Governor Ganduje also called on Nigerians, irrespective of religious, ethnic or political inclination, to love one another, live peacefully and selflessly contribute to the development of Nigeria.

    “As we approach the 2019 general elections, politicians must learn to be tolerant, accommodating, decent in their utterances and avoid hate speeches so as to sustain the peaceful atmosphere in the state.”

    A statement signed by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Youth and Culture, Mallam Muhammad Garba, said Governor Ganduje also expressed appreciation and gratitude to the people of Kano for their support and goodwill to the administration.

    He also reiterated his commitment to the completion of all major projects and implementation of youth skills acquisition and empowerment programmes for the improvement of the wellbeing of the people and general development of the state.

    Tambuwal counsels youths against violence

    Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State called on youths to resist any move by politicians to use them as political thugs to foment violence.

    Tambuwal, who made the call in a special broadcast yesterday, said the 2019 election campaign has commenced and many politicians are devising means to secure political gains.

    “Use your intelligence on productive means capable of contributing to the country’s development and shun the antics of using you (youths) on disturbing peaceful coexistence.

    “You (youths) along with all categories of politicians should strive towards ensuring the nation’s peace and progress and  refrain from all forms of fomenting trouble which deter the nation’s growth,’’ Tambuwal said.

    Tambuwal also challenged all Nigerians to work for the unity and peaceful coexistence in achieving a successful 2019 general elections.

    “We must focus on ensuring the progress of Nigeria and her budding democracy by ensuring that only those who have our collective interests are given the privilege of leadership, ’’ he said.

    The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to enhancing the socio-economic conditions of the people in the state through viable projects on health, education, agriculture and infrastructural development.

     Dankwambo sues for peace

    Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State called for peaceful co-existence amongst Nigerians as Muslims celebrated the Eid-el-Fitri.

    He said that meaningful development for the wellbeing of all Nigerians could only be achieved with peace.

    He asked everyone to “live in peace with one another as no meaningful development can be achieved without peace.

    “We must embrace the tenets of peaceful co-existence as the catalyst for the socio-economic development of the state and the nation.

    “Islam preaches peace, tolerance and mutual respect amongst members of every community, irrespective of ethnic or religious differences.

    “So I admonish us, in the spirit of the season, to imbibe the good lessons of Ramadan, which connotes selflessness, endurance, sacrifice, piety, generosity and total obedience to Allah (SWT), “ he said.

  • Ekiti: Protect your land from external invasion, Fayose, others tell indigenes

    EKITI governor, Ayodele Fayose, has urged indigenes of the state to protect their land from invasion by kidnappers, Fulani Herdsmen, others. The governor made the call in tandem with a general clamour, at a no-holdsbarred session held with civil societies, to discuss the ways out of the multiple cases of kidnappings, destruction of farmlands by Fulani Herdsmen and other security vices plaguing the state. Speaking at the dialogue powered by a Pan Yoruba Socio-cultural Movement, Yoruba KOYA Movement, Fayose, founder, Afe Babalola University, Afe Babalola, Secretary General, Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), Kunle Olajide, and the Iyaloja-General of Ekiti State, Waye Oso and several others unanimously declared that ‘Enough is enough.’ Commercial activities around Dave Hotel, Iworoko road, venue of the event in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, shut down for over five hours as representatives of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Hunters, Harmonized Surveillance Guard (HSG), Farmers, Market Men and Women, Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Nigerian Artisan Technician Association (NATA) and several others joined the deliberations on security challenges plaguing the state.

    In his speech, Fayose said all Yoruba people irrespective of their political interest and religion should unite together to wage war against the invasion of Yoruba land by external forces. He said that self-defense against criminal elements masquerading as herdsmen, is not illegal, buttressing his position with biblical verses that only the courageous will make heaven. “Let me say very expressly, that, resistance is not easy but only the courageous wins. I was at Ibadan restructuring crusade organized by Afenifere in September 2017, all that I said there, I have no apology for them. “Yoruba people should be allowed to be in right places. If we are not allowed, we will all die.

    These poor people (pointing to the large crowd of participants) don’t have access to press but only people like you can help them. “I want to appeal to our people that this is a collective struggle. If you say you cannot defend yourself, someone wants to cut you, you want to wait and allow people shoot you? Even God does not appreciate cowards,” he said. The governor berated the police for not doing enough to protect the people, stressing that, the real police are the hunters and vigilantes in attendance at the event. Afe Babalola who was represented by a Prof. Deji Olofintila, said he had written several letters to the Directorate of State Services (DSS), the Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), on the need to step up surveillance across the state without any meaningful response. “This is our fight in Ekiti, I am shocked that an Ijebu man, Deji Osibogun, will come to Ekiti to mobilise our people. The role I played in the creation of Ekiti State cannot make me watch helplessly without doing anything.

  • PSC promotes two CPs, 16 DSPs, others

    THE Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the promotion of two Commissioners of Police to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG).

    It also approved the promotion of 16 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) to the rank of Commissioners and 3,665 others to various ranks.

    One of those promoted as  AIGs is Igbodo O. David, who until the promotion was the Commissioner of Police (Legal), Force Headquarters.

    Details of the promotion were contained in a statement issued yesterday by the commission’s Head of Public Affairs, Ikechukwu Ani, after the PSC’s 28th plenary meeting in Abuja.

    The meeting was also the last official function of former IG Mike Okiro, whose tenure came to an end on Monday, June 11.

    The statement reads: “The Police Service Commission has approved the promotion of 3,665 senior police officers.

    “Two Commissioners of Police, Igbodo  O. David, Cp, Legal, Force Headquarters and Olalekan Abdulfatai, Works, also of Force Headquarters, were promoted substantive Assistant Inspectors  General of General.

    “Sixteen Deputy Commissioners of Police were also promoted to Commissioners of Police. They include DCP Wakili Maye and DCP Kurawa Abdullahi Sarki.

    “The commission also approved the promotion of 13 Assistant Commissioners of Police to Deputy Commissioners, 60 Chief Superintendents of Police to Assistant Commissioners and 631 Superintendents of Police to Chief Superintendents.

    “Promoted to ACP were Msheliza Simi Masomene, Samuel Osman Onoja of Police College, Oji River, Enugu State, Lateef Adio Ahmed and Umar  Kabir among others. Promoted CSPs included Adekunle Char Ige, Bassey Essang, Liman Salisu Sulaiman and Emmanuel Adam.”

    It further reads: “The commission approved the promotion of 820 Deputy Superintendents of Police to substantive Superintendents. They include Ola Rosanla, Yusuf Abdulmumini and John Alesagba.

    “Others, whose promotions were approved by the commission, were 1,922 Assistant Superintendents of Police, ASPs, promoted to Deputy Superintendents. They Include ASP Chijioke Ogbodo, Divisional Police Officer, Umumba, in Enugu State, Arukwe Edward and Ozochi Amaechi Marcel, Area Crime Officer, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State

    “Also, 201 Inspectors were promoted to Assistant Superintendent of police.”

    Ani added that the commission also approved confirmation of appointments of 42 officers of different ranks, approved acting appointment for another 73 and converted 1,060 specialists to general duty .

    The commission said the promotions have been forwarded to the IG for implementation in a letter signed by the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the commission, Musa Isitifanus.

  • ‘June 12 symbolises free, fair election, others’

    JUNE 12 symbolises free and fair election, continuity of Moshood Abiola’s name, farewell to poverty and a political order that does not tilt towards ethnic or religious sentiment,” Dr. Adeolu Olusodo has said.

    He was the guest lecturer at the June 12 celebration, organised by Lagos Mainland Local Government (LG) and Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), in Yaba LCDA, Lagos.

    The event also featured the launch of two books by Hon. Olawale Oshun, titled: “Clapping With One Hand” and “Crisis of a State Nation”.

    Dr. Olusodo said political positions should be based on who can do the job well and not on religious or ethnic basis.

    “Let us not use religion to pick political candidates; let it be based on who deserves the position and has the ability to do the job, just as it was in the days of Abiola,” he said.

    He urged political leaders to be givers.

    “Before you seek political positions, first learn to be givers. For June 12 to be fully actualized, no Nigerian must be without food, clothing and shelter. As long as there is still a poor Nigerian, the struggle for June 12 continues. We must struggle until we achieve the Nigeria of our dream.”

    He also called for a two party system at the national level, noting that Nigeria needs to remodify the open ballot system

    “June 12 has significance in nation-building. If we truly want progress in this country, our system of multi-party political system cannot work. We should go back to two political party system at the national level (President, Senate and House of Representatives). We can have the multiparty system at the state level (governor, house of assembly, chairman and councillors).

    “When we have two political parties at the national level, we will be cohesive as a nation and things would be done better; we will not have tribal parties, since we have three main tribes in the country. With a two party system, we will be forced to work together as one,” he said.

    He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct primary elections across the country, noting that this would help prevent violence in such elections.

    Chairperson, Mainland Local Government, Omolola Essien, said MKO Abiola and June 12 is a struggle for doggedness and perseverance.

    “After 25 years, our government at the federal level finally recognised June 12 as a national holiday. This event is to compliment the struggle and the spirit of the struggle left behind by MKO Abiola.”

    She thanked the president for his statesmanship.

    “I also thank Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his tenacious belief in the struggle and his continuous effort by supporting the movement both at home and abroad.  My thanks also goes to Governor Akinwumi Ambode for recognising and carrying the baton of this movement,” she said.

    Chairman, Yaba Local Council Development Association (LCDA), Kayode Omiyale, urged Nigerians to cooperate with government.

  • NCC seeks NAE’s partnership to tackle multiple taxation, others

    The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof Umar Garba Danbatta, has sought the partnership of the Nigeria Academy of Engineers (NAE) to tackle the non-technical issues affecting quality of service (QoS) in the telecoms sector.

    He said the NCC would continue with the culture of support and cooperation with the academy.

    He spoke when the  academy’s Vice President, Prof Fola Lasisi,  led other professors on a courtesy call on him to convey the readiness of the group to induct him as Fellow of the elite engineering body, at NCC Headquarters, Abuja.

    Dambatta urged the Academy to also lend its voice on the issues of Right of Way (RoW), multiple taxations, and regulations to ensure that all the non-technical factors that affect the QoS are tackled.

    He said: “We will leverage the experience of the Fellows of the Academy and bring this to bear in improving QoS. QoS is normally measured, using four key performance indicators, and we believe that more additional indicators can be brought in to improve the QoS further,” he explained.

    Earlier, Lasis, said the addition of the NCC chief to the body is a testimony to the quality of his leadership at the NCC.

    Danbatta will be inducted as a fellow of the Academy on June 21, just some 48 hours before he receives an honorary doctorate from the University of Jos.

    Lasisi said: “We want to show that NCC has always had very brilliant people at the top. Ernest Ndukwe was also one of us and became a fellow when he was here. Prof Danbatta continues in the same way, so we want to congratulate him and tell him that we appreciate his becoming a Fellow.”

    Danbatta lauded what he described as the tradition of excellence in the NCC, adding that his induction as a fellow of the academy will be a big honour to the regulatory agency.

    “We acknowledge this recognition as a great honour to the NCC. I, therefore, pledge to continue to impact in a way and manner that will lead to the transformation of the industry, its stability, resilience and general contribution to the economy,” he said.

  • Dickson, Fasanmi, Ita-Giwa, ex-MOSOP leader, others hail Buhari on June 12

    BAYELSA State Governor Seriake Dickson; Second Republic senator, Chief Ayo Fasanmi; former Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters, Mrs Florence Ita-Giwa; former President of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), Comrade Ledum Mitee and labour leader Isa Aremu yesterday added their voices to the commendations that have trailed the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to declare June 12 as the nation’s Democracy Day.

    On different occasions yesterday, they commended the President not only for recognising the landmark that the June 12, 1993 presidential election represents for the country but also for honouring the acclaimed winner of the election, Chief MKO Abiola, with the highest national honour.

    In a statement issued in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital yesterday, Dickson commended President Muhammadu Buhari for immortalising Abiola, the winner of the presidential election.

    The governor said although the award was belated, the gesture would partly address the wrongs of the past and strengthen democracy, insisting that it was better late than never.

    But the governor called on President Buhari to declare Abiola as a President that was never sworn in and urgently sponsor an executive bill to the National Assembly in order to legitimise it.

    He said declaring June 12 as Democracy Day, giving national honour to Abiola’s running mate, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, as well as giving posthumous national awards to Abiola and the late legal luminary, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, were in order.

    The governor, however, called on Buhari to show the same political will and patriotism on the critical issue of restructuring Nigeria.  He said the President should ensure that Nigeria is restructured with power devolved from the centre to the federating units and fiscal federalism enthroned to guarantee balance, peace, prosperity and stability in the country.

    He said a restructured Nigeria would address the dysfunctional system, over concentration of power at the centre, pseudo-federalism and the expropriation of the resources of the Niger Delta.

    While stressing that, those championing the cause of restructuring were the real patriots, the governor believed Buhari would etch his name on the sands of time and become “a Nigerian hero of all times if he restructures the country.”

    The governor  also urged the President to honour the then Chairman of National Electoral Commission (NEC), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu with a national award for his uncommon courage and commitment to the conduct of transparent elections in June, 1993, stressing that what is sauce for the goose is also sauce for the gander.

    On her part, Ita-Giwa said with the development, democracy has been strengthened and entrenched in the country.

    “I look at it from the point of view of honouring people who put in efforts and those who lost their lives in ensuring the sustainability of democracy,” she said.  She said it was also a relief, especially for the family of the late Abiola, who must have carried the burden and anger for many years.

    Ita-Giwa said the declaration will give them more confidence in Nigeria.   Reacting to insinuations that it was a political move, she said: “In democracy, in my many years of experience, people would apply politics to things that are done devoid of political thinking.

    “For me it is a good thing to happen to this country.” Expressing support for the declaration of June 12 as Democracy Day, former President of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), Comrade Ledum Mitee, said the decision was worthwhile.

    In a telephone interview with one of our correspondents yesterday, Mitee lauded the change but added: “Beyond the pronouncement, the Federal Government should ensure it upholds the values of June 12, as the 2019 general election is coming.

    “What made June 12 remarkable is not the month and number but the values MKO Abiola held for the return of democracy and for free, fair and credible election.”

    He challenged the government at all levels to replicate the credibility and fairness in the forthcoming elections.  Second Republic senator, Chief Ayo Fasanmi, said the declaration of June 12 as Democracy Day was in order.

    He said: “What Mr. President did really made me happy because it is better late than never. “The 1993 presidential election was the best, freest and most transparent election in the history of Nigeria, and acknowledging that and declaring the day of the election as Democracy Day is worthwhile.”

    He said on the day of election, Nigerians from the North and South went ahead to do away with ethnic and religious sentiments and voted for Moshood Kashimawo Abiola and Baba Gana Kingigbe on Muslim-Muslim ticket.

    According to him, June 12 really brought all Nigerians together and the day that had provided a united front for the nation must be celebrated.  Labour leader, Comrade Issa Aremu, also hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for bestowing on the late Chief MKO Abiola Nigeria’s highest honour and making June 12 Democracy Day in place of May 29.

    Comrade Aremu who is a member of NLC NEC and General Secretary of the Textile Workers Union, said President Buhari has ensured democratic consolidation by posthumously honouring Chief Abiola, as long demanded by democratic forces.  Aremu added that by conferring Chief Abiola with GCFR, President Buhari had commendably rekindled faith in sustainability of democracy in Africa’s largest democracy.

    According to him, “The President gave the correct signal that never again would any group of people violate the mandate of Nigerian people through mandate annulment.

    He said: “President Buhari has brought integrity to governance by shunning the hypocrisy and shameless denials of past leaders of Nigeria that June 12 was truly a watershed in the struggle for democracy in Nigeria.

    “Labour agrees with the administration that June 12, 1993 was far more symbolic of democracy in the Nigerian context than May 29, as it was on June 12, 1993 that Nigerians in millions expressed their democratic will in what was undisputedly the freest, fairest and most peaceful elections since our independence.”