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  • Wada, Karimi, Baba Ali rally grassroots support for Tinubu’s re-election

    Wada, Karimi, Baba Ali rally grassroots support for Tinubu’s re-election

    Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State, operating under the Kogi Progressive Stakeholders Forum (KPSF), on Wednesday endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term, pledging to double the state’s votes for his re-election in the 2027 general elections.

    The endorsement followed a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held at the Reverton Hotel in Lokoja, where party leaders, lawmakers, elders and other key figures resolved to align fully with the ruling party at the centre.

    The forum said its objective is to promote unity and cohesion within the party while addressing internal gaps.

    Chairman of the forum and former Governor of Kogi State, Captain Idris Wada, said KPSF was established to unite and mobilise grassroots supporters of the APC towards the success of President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

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    He urged party members across the state to embrace peace, unity and internal cohesion, stressing that only a united APC could effectively support the president’s reform agenda and secure electoral victory.

    Wada said inclusiveness remains a core principle of the forum, noting that all party members, regardless of status or political leaning, must be carried along in the collective effort to strengthen the party and deepen democratic participation.

    Vice Chairman of the forum and member of the governing board of the North Central Commission, Alhaji Suleiman Baba Ali, expressed confidence that President Tinubu would secure overwhelming support from Kogi voters in 2027.

    He said the president’s leadership had continued to inspire confidence nationwide, adding that ongoing reforms would ultimately reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth and development.

    Ali called on APC members and supporters across the 21 local government areas of the state to remain united and focused on consolidating the party’s gains, stressing that grassroots mobilisation remains critical to electoral success.

    Also speaking, Senator Sunday Steve Karimi, representing Kogi West, described the endorsement and the growing alignment of the state with the APC as a positive development.

    He said President Tinubu deserved a second term to complete the economic and security reforms initiated by his administration, citing improvements in foreign exchange stability, security, access to student loans through NELFUND, infrastructure development and economic reforms that previous administrations avoided.

    Karimi acknowledged existing grievances among some party members and assured that their concerns would be addressed.

    “We know there are so many people in this state that are not happy and if we leave them like that, we will not win 2027 elections. We want Mr. President to win and win well.

    “We are not fighting anybody but we not pretenders. We are not liars. We are truthful. We are people that love Mr. President, we love Kogi and want to move the state forward”.

    Also speaking, Former Director General, National Productivity Centre, Dr. Kashim Akor, said the forum has created an avenue for aggrieved members of the party to channel their grievances with expectation that it will be addressed. He urged party leaders to embrace reconciliation and sacrifice. 

    A former local government chairman and lawmaker, Hon. Ganiyu Salawudeen (Erukutu), called on the reconciliation committee recently set up by President Tinubu to visit Kogi state.

    He said current leadership of APC in the state is one sided and political appointments are also lopsided.

    At the end of the meeting, stakeholders issued a communiqué in which they unanimously declared their total and unwavering support for President Tinubu as the APC’s sole presidential candidate for the 2027 elections. 

    The communiqué rejected what it described as divisive politics, calling for unity of purpose among political leaders of the state.

    The leaders urged the people of Kogi within and outside the state to embrace the APC as the most viable platform for advancing the state’s political and economic interests.

    They further pledged to mobilise human, material and political resources to deliver bloc votes for Tinubu across the 21 LGA’s of the state come 2027. 

    The motion endorsing President Tinubu for a second term was formally moved by Senator Sunday Steve Karimi, Chairman, Senate Services Committee and Senator Representing Kogi West and seconded by Dr Kashim Akor, Former DG, National Productivity Center who described the decision as courageous and strategic.

    Other prominent figures at the meeting included a Retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Abutu Yaro, Former House of Representatives Member Representing Lokoja /Kogi Hon Haruna Isah among several stakeholders and party elders from the state. 

    The meeting concluded with a call for sustained unity, equity and fairness, voter mobilisation and strategic engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections, as the forum declared that the state  had “spoken with one voice” in support of President Tinubu and the ruling party the APC.

  • Medvedev reveals stance on  Sinner’s doping settlement with WADA

    Medvedev reveals stance on  Sinner’s doping settlement with WADA

    Former world number one Daniil Medvedev said he hopes other players can also reach settlements with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) after Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner accepted an immediate three-month doping ban on Saturday.

    Sinner reached a settlement with WADA, who had appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against an independent tribunal’s decision to clear the Italian of wrongdoing after the three-times Grand Slam winner failed drug tests.

    Rather than face the prospect of a lengthy ban, with a decision expected by the end of the year, Sinner accepted the three-month suspension which will allow him to return before the French Open. WADA withdrew its appeal after the settlement.

    “I hope that the next few times, the players will be able to do that. WADA will say, ‘We’ve found that (anti-doping rule violation), you get two years.’ And you say, ‘Well, no, I want one month’,” Medvedev told reporters.

    “So I hope that it will create a precedent where everyone will have the opportunity to defend themselves better than before. Otherwise, if it’s not going to be possible, it’s going to be bizarre.”

    Medvedev said Sinner was probably able to reach a settlement as he had a good team of lawyers, a luxury most players on the tour do not have.

    Read Also: Wrestlers counselled against doping at Abuja Championship

    “I hope that everyone will have the right to represent themselves because sometimes players don’t have the money for a lawyer, they do it themselves,” Medvedev added.

    “It’s a bad sign if he’s the only one who can do that, but it’s a very good sign if, after that, everyone will be able to do it.”

    The settlement was criticised by current and former players, with Australian Nick Kyrgios saying it was a “sad day for tennis”.

    The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), an organisation established by Novak Djokovic, said the “bias is unacceptable” after many other players received longer bans.

    The PTPA said last month it was launching a new pro-bono legal defence programme for players facing allegations of doping or corruption.

    Former British number one Tim Henman said the settlement left a “sour taste for the sport”.

    “I don’t think in any way he has been trying to cheat at any stage,” Henman told Sky Sports.

    “However, when I read this statement… it just seems a little bit too convenient. It seems that there’s words like ‘agreement’, and it almost seems like there’s been a negotiation.

    “I think when you’re dealing with drugs in sport, it very much has to be black and white. It’s binary, it’s positive or negative – you’re banned or you’re not banned.”

    Britain’s former number one-ranked doubles player Tara Moore, who was cleared of an anti-doping rule violation 19 months after she was suspended, said on X: “Can someone explain how a negotiation was possible?”

    Moore had spent $250,000 in legal fees and said she expects her expenses will climb as the International Tennis Integrity Agency told her it would appeal an independent tribunal finding of no fault or negligence.

  • Wada commends Bello for his stewardship

    Wada commends Bello for his stewardship

    • ‘My predecessor is an exemplary leader’

    Former Kogi State Governor Idris Wada yesterday hailed the achievements of his successor, Yahaya Bello, saying that he is leaving indelibe marks in the areas of security, healthcare, education and infrastructure.

    He visited Bello in Lokoja, the state capital, where he commended his stewardship since he assumed office in 2016

    Wada also pledged his full support for the incoming administration in the state.

    The outgoing governor and his predecessor discussed state affairs, the challenges of governance at various levels, particularly in Kogi State, and broader security issues.

    Bello described Captain Wada as an exemplary leader and a statesman of progressive qualities.

    He acknowledged the challenges that confronted him during his tenure and commended the diligent efforts made in the face of available resources.

    Read Also: Tinubu advocates equitable capital market access for developing countries

    Bello said: “Sir, I feel deeply honoured to host you in my house, and I want to express my gratitude for all you have done, both within and outside your time in office as governor. Those of us following your footsteps are proud of your statesmanship and exemplary leadership. Your humility, fear of God and progressive qualities are virtues everyone speaks of.

    “I pray that God continues to guide and protect you with good health. As you are aware, I will be handing over to the Governor-elect, Ahmed Usman Ododo, and the transition event is scheduled for next week Saturday. Ododo will need our support to succeed for the overall interest of the state. I want to thank you for this honour sir.”

  • Despite repeated reminders from WADA before and during the Games, the OCA refused to comply.

    Despite repeated reminders from WADA before and during the Games, the OCA refused to comply.

    Under Article 9.3.1 of the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories (ISCCS), all these Signatories have 21 days following the date of receipt of the formal notice of non-compliance to dispute WADA’s assertion of non-compliance, as well as the proposed consequences and/or the reinstatement conditions proposed by the Agency. 

    For all Signatories above, it should be noted that the decision (including the consequences) will enter into force on 8 December 2023, unless the decision is challenged by the same date.

    The ExCo also followed the recommendation of the CRC to place the NADOs of Bahamas and Cambodia on the ‘watch list’, giving them an additional four months to correct outstanding non-conformities. A recent review of the countries’ legal framework revealed that they were not in line with the 2021 version of the Code. 

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    Since this was identified, the NADOs in question and the relevant public authorities have finalized draft amendments in line with the 2021 Code and have provided a timeline for adoption of the required amendments within four months (by 16 March 2024) therefore meeting the criteria of the ‘watch list’ as stated in Article 8.4.5 of the ISCCS. By being placed on the ‘watch list’, if either NADO fails to correct its outstanding non-conformity within the timeline, as per Article 8.4.5 of the ISCCS, WADA shall automatically send the NADO a formal notice asserting non-compliance and proposing consequences and reinstatement conditions.

  • WHD: Okafor, Wada, others to be honoured

    In commemoration of this year’s United Nation’s World Habitat Day (WHD), Managing Director of Marcopolo Group of Companies, Chief Emmanuel Frank Okafor;  wife of former governor of Kogi State, Mrs. Ijeoma Wada and Chief Executive Officer of Bstan Homes, Engr. Becky Damilola Oke, are among personalities to be honoured at the 5th Annual World Habitat Leadership Summit and International Honours.

    The summit, whose theme is “Effective Leadership -Its role in ensuring a Sustainable Habitat”, is  scheduled to hold on October 27 at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja, the nation’s capital. Their selection was in view of their commitments to community projects and developments, which include human capital development and youth employment.

    Speaking to newsmen ahead the summit, the spokesperson of the summit organisers, World Habitat Ambassadors Foundation (WHAF), Principal Consultant, Global Peace Ambassador Hillary Emoh, said the selection of Wada was as a result of her relentless drive to empowering the rural woman and consistency in community development projects over the years. He described her as an agent of transformation and development, who has done commendably well for Nigeria.

    Emoh also said the nomination of Oke is long overdue as she is one of the few exceptional women who have contributed immensely to the development of Nigeria and indeed a nation builder.

    Other personalities to be honoured include, Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Prince Matthew Kolawole, Professor James Adams and Mr Enobong Emmanuel Abang.

  • Wada denies squandering Kogi’s N4.5b

    Wada denies squandering Kogi’s N4.5b

    Former Kogi State Governor Idris Wada has denied giving his predecessor, Ibrahim Idris, N4.5 billion belonging to the state, as payment for a deal.

    The embattled former governor, who is embroiled in the Deziani Madueke’s N23 billion poll scam, said the peddlers are jittery ahead of 2019.

    Wada was recently invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly receiving N500 million from the 2015 campaign slush fund.

    Idris on his part, described as unfounded, allegations linking him with the purported N4.5 billion deal with Wada, as settlement for installing him governor in 2012.

    He described the publication as the handiwork of those bent on creating misunderstanding in the Kogi PDP family, and urged members to disregard it.

    “The allegation is blatant lies and a figment of the imagination of the peddlers. It is an attempt by mischief makers bent on causing disaffection. At no time or fora was such an unholy agreement to tinker with the commonwealth of the people brokered,” he said.

    A statement by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Youth Leader, Usman Okai Austin, said those behind the “falsehood are afraid of the party’s successful ward and local government congresses”.

  • Kogi raises panel to probe Idris, Wada

    Kogi raises panel to probe Idris, Wada

    Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello plans to set up a Commission of Inquiry to probe the past administrations from 2003 to date.

      He said the commission would help recover funds allegedly looted during the administrations of Ibrahim Idris and Idris Wada.

    The governor spoke yesterday at the celebration of Nigeria’s Independence, which attracted a large crowd at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja, the state capital.

    Bello said: “This past 56 years has been very challenging no doubt, but there have also been years in which the Nigerian spirit has proved how indomitable and resilient we are in keeping the country as one.”

    The governor urged Kogi people to key into the “Change begins with me” campaign of President Muhammadu Buhari, stressing that it is not a ploy by the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC) to renege on its promises.

    The governor said the panel would review the activities of the past administrations, adding that whoever is found culpable will be sanctioned accordance to the law.

    He added that the ongoing staff screening would soon come to an end. Bello assured that no genuine Kogi civil servantwould lose his or her  job.

  • Wada ‘accepts’ court judgment in Kogi poll

    Wada ‘accepts’ court judgment in Kogi poll

    Former Kogi State Governor Idris Wada has accepted the Supreme Court judgment, which affirmed the election of Governor Yahaya Bello.

    A statement yesterday by his Chief Communications Manager, Mr. Phrank Shaibu, said Wada accepted the judgment in good faith, but noted that it “was against the golden dawn for lovers of democracy”.

    He called on party supporters to accept the judgment in good faith, even as he promised to provide quality opposition in the days ahead.

    The statement reads: “The esteemed justices of the Supreme Court only upheld the decision of the lower courts on the governorship election.

    “The judgment is against the golden dawn in the state that bears the cradle of the people. It is against the golden dawn for all lovers of democracy in Nigeria and all over the world, but we are proud to be at the vanguard of the revolution.

    “The decision of the apex court brings to an end a legal battle we initiated, not because we just wanted a second term in office; but to serve as a historic denunciation and a befitting dirge for electoral fraud.

    “Though we expected the dispensers of justice to deliver a judgment untainted by lucre and uncowed by the threat of immoral power, unfortunately, it was not so, but we are proud to have represented the moral imperative in a polity struggling to retrieve its conscience from the depravity of men who have no honour.  “We are proud to have stood beside the people in their struggle to assert the legitimacy and dignity of their vote. We give God the glory for the strength and support of the masses to maintain the legal battle.

    “We thank Nigerians, especially the good people of Kogi State, who stood by us through this tortuous legal journey.

    “Finally, we are comforted by the fact that beyond the judgment, there is the judgment of God.”

  • Wada’s supporters declare for Bello

    Many supporters of former Kogi State Governor Idris Wada have pledged their support for Governor Yahaya Bello.

    The supporters, including some former chairmen and commissioners in Wada’s administration, trooped to Ogugu in Olamaboro Local Government to identify with the Chief of Staff to the governor, Edward Onoja, who was hosted by the Ogugu Development Initiative (OGI) for his appointment.

    One of Wada’s supporters, who pleaded for anonymity, said the judgments from the tribunal and Court of Appeal have shown that Bello is God-sent. He said they could not continue in the opposition and lose everything, hence, their support of Bello’s government.

    Coordinator of OGI Mr. Gabriel Akor thanked Bello for the honour done to the community. “United for a common cause, irrespective of our political divide, we have resolved to promote our rich cultural heritage and improve in agriculture, health, education, youth and women empowerment and skill acquisition.”

  • Wada faults Bello on bailout

    Wada faults Bello on bailout

    The ex- Governor of Kogi State, Capt. Idris Wada, has faulted reports credited to his successor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on the status of the N20 billion bailout fund approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), saying there was no truth in the assertion that the new administration applied newly for the money from the Federal Government.

    Wada in a statement issued by his Chief Communications Manager, Mr. Phrank Shaibu, said it was part of the bailout approved for the state during his tenure that ‎the CBN released, adding that Governor Bello could not have fulfilled the conditions precedent for a state to benefit from such fund.

    He said, “It is curious that Governor Bello announced that the CBN has approved N20 billion as part of N50 billion bailout fund applied for. It was the same N50 billion we requested for out of which N20 billion was to have been released before the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government created bottlenecks to frustrate us from getting the bailout. But the coincidence in the figures leaves a very sour taste in the mouth.

    “We wonder how the new administration could have applied for a bailout when there is no state executive council in place to approve, neither has the state assembly ‎met to deliberate on the application, nor the staff audit embarked on by Bello to determine exact overhead cost completed.

    “Since the advent of the new administration, commissioners have not been appointed. So, could the state executive council have met to approve the application? The state house of assembly has been in turmoil since January this year. Could some ghost lawmakers have been employed to approve the application? And has the current staff audit ended as to have determined the monthly workers’ pay? How was the so called fresh application done without meeting these conditions?”