₦airaland Forum

A Coalition of 25 civil society organisations have called on security agencies to caution political parties against activities that could plunge states into serious crisis, ahead of the off-season governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states.

The Civil Society Organisations, in a communique issued after a three-day election preview on the three states, specifically singled out the Social Democratic Party's slant of activities in Kogi State as an example of what security agencies must caution stakeholders against.

According to them, the wild allegations and ethnic profiling which have become the hallmark of the SDP's campaign in Kogi State, "are
capable of compromising the peace and security of the electorate, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, election observers and other candidates in the state."

The CSOs said they came to this conclusion after painstakingly monitoring campaign strategies of various political parties participating in the November 11 gubernatorial elections in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo States.

They pointed out that it was necessary to nip these activities in the bud to forestall possible security breaches and utterances that may provoke ethnic disaffection and electoral violence during the off-season polls.

The communique was signed by the Director of Research and Data Analysis of the coalition, Dr. Jaiyeola Isiaka, and jointly presented to the media, in Abuja on Thursday.

"The State's Police Commissioner recently had reason to caution the same SDP candidate as published by many media platforms not to drag him into the politics of the wild allegations he has been making which have the potential to overheat the state prior to the election," the coalition said.

On how Bayelsa and Imo States have been faring since their campaign activities began, the communique said, "In Bayelsa State, the signs of security concerns are already surfacing but not so serious. The tone of campaign language between the two leading candidates of the APC and PDP is becoming more accusatory and volatile. Security agencies must monitor the supporters of both leading candidates of APC and PDP in order to forestall any serious breakdown of law and order before, during and in the immediate aftermath of the election. Possibility and rate of violence is 35%.

"Imo State: This is the state that security agencies must pay serious attention to because of the seemingly worsening security situation in the state. The activities of the unknown gunmen are not helping matters at all. 

"Security agencies must up their game in Imo state because it is a major flashpoint in this particular off-cycle governorship election.
Just yesterday (Tuesday), eight security operatives - soldiers and policemen were ambushed in the state, and allegedly killed and set ablaze. The possibility and rate of security challenges are projected to be 55% or more."

The groups, while revealing their projections on voter turnout in these states said 35 to 40 per cent would come out to vote in Bayelsa, 20 to 25 per cent in Imo, while about 50 per cent turnout was expected in Kogi.

On the election outcomes, the communique read, "The following projections are based strictly on delegates' reports and research carried out by Coalition of Civil Society Organisations involved in this effort and are totally nonpartisan.

"Bayelsa State: The incumbent Governor seems popular in the state and, judging by the reports of the Bayelsa State delegates at this preview, the election is a straight action between the candidates of the APC who is a former Governor of the state and the incumbent who is flying the flag of the PDP.

The results are projected as follows: APC: 30% of the total votes to be cast; PDP: 40% of the total votes to be cast; Others: 30%.

"Imo State: The incumbent who is the candidate of the APC is a strong contender in this election. The influence of incumbency, among other things, are likely to work in his favour, all other things being equal. However, opposition Parties in the state are gathering significant momentum, especially the Labour Party.

"Our projections are as follows based on independent reports by organizations based in the state - APC: 35% of the total votes to be cast; PDP, 25%; and LP, 30%.

"Kogi State: Based on the reports of the Kogi State delegates at this conference and our research, the upcoming election in the state will be keenly contested among the candidates of the ruling APC, the SDP and the PDP.

"Our projections are as follows on the basis of independent reports by organizations based in Kogi State: Accord, 15% of estimated votes; APC, 45% of the total estimated votes; PDP, 10%; SDP, 15%, others,15%."

...Award underscores Gov Yahaya Bello's commitment to good governance - Finance Commissioner

Kogi State has again won the 2022 fiscal transparency and accountability award in a survey conducted across the states in North Central Nigeria.

The first position award was presented to the state on Tuesday in Lokoja during the launch of the 2022 North Central State Budget Transparency Survey Report carried out by the Social Economic Research and Development Centre (SERDEC).

The National Coordinator, State and National Budget Transparency Survey for the agency, Mr. Tijani Abdulkareem, who presented the report and the award, said the objective of the budget Transparency and Accountability Program was to promote focus and attention of Nigerian States towards the improvement of their budget performance in providing good governance to the people.

"Good governance starts from budgeting. This report and award are aimed at strengthening fiscal transparency to help build trust in government, facilitate accountability in public resource management and ensure sustainability in the participating states," he said.

He added, "It is evident from the 2022 SNBTS on the public availability of budget document and transparency that there are positive changes. Most of the North Central states now publish their budget documents in 2022 compared to 2020.

“Nevertheless, in terms of state by state performance, none of the states provided extensive budget information to the public in 2022. Only Kogi State can be said to be significantly transparent and provide adequate amount of budget information to the public, as they score more than 60 per cent.”

Tijani explained that the reports were collated across the six states of the North Central zone between 2021 and 2022, adding that the states were judged based on parameters such as Public participation, availability of budget, oversight functions of the state legislators and level of transparency of the procurement process.

He noted, “The survey was set up as a model to improve budget transparency amongst North Central states towards a better fiscal outcome.

“As in previous surveys, the SNBTS 2022 survey report employed a questionnaire approach like the International Budget Partnership, and Open Budget Survey questionnaires, which evaluate the availability of budget information (Transparency); Civic engagement opportunities in the budget process and methods; the strength of the legislature as well as the level of transparency of the North Central states’ procurement process."

The report, however, said the states' legislators failed in their oversight functions.

“On Civic participation in the budget process, the 2022 survey reveals clear evidence of a poor level of engagement or interaction between the Legislature and the public in terms of the depth of scope of the public hearings," the report said.

"Consequently, on the issues of Audit, the 2022 survey reveals that not much effort was made by the states' Auditors General to involve the public in the Audit phases of the budget process," it added.

The state commissioner for Finance, Budget and Planning, Asiru Idris, said the award underscored the premium the state governor, Yahaya Bello, placed on providing good governance.

Asiru said, “The success of the state in the areas of fiscal transparency and accountability can be linked to self-discipline, as well as the institution of a transparent and accountable governance system by Governor Yahaya Bello from the inception of his administration.

“Kogi State is blessed with a Governor who provides leadership from all fronts, a professional to the core that has surrounded himself only with persons that have the capacity to deliver.

“The governor believes that governance is about the people and whatever you do must be open and transparent to the people.

"The philosophy of the Governor of the state is making every single kobo available work for the entity of the State, hence he has instituted self-discipline, as well as a transparent and accountable governance system from day one of his administration.”

According to the report, this is the second time in a row that Kogi State will top the chart in fiscal transparency and accountability in the North Central, having won the award in 2021.

The name, Micheal Omoloye is clearly a household name that readily commands huge respect amongst the leading players in Nigerian business climate. The name is quite synonymous with entrepreneurial success, financial independence and business excellence in the petroleum downstream subsector of Nigerian economy.

The name of Micheal Omoloye needs no introduction in the business climate of Nigeria and in Okitipupa where the business guru was born. Even across the stretch of Ondo State, the popularity of Micheal has steadily been soaring on account of his phenomenal business successes.

Omoloye can be likened to a prophet that has honour everywhere and even in his household as well as place of birth. He has done so well for his people and Nigerians by given them economic lifelines. A good number of individuals that may have been wallowing in grinding poverty now life in comfort by the virtue of the economic platforms provided by the young entrepreneur.

Mike, as he is popularly known, is the Chief Executive Officer of a successful petroleum marketing company, Revelation Energy Resources Limited. The company is basically concerned with the marketing and delivery of highest quality petroleum products to the door steps of discerning companies. The company also conscientiously ensures optimum satisfaction of its customers. More so, Micheal is a major service provider in both the onshore and offshore sector of Nigerian petroleum industry.

Interestingly, Micheal Omoloye is a business partner of a multi-billion naira petroleum marketing company, NIPCO Plc. He has also grown his Revelation Energy Resources Limited to the enviable level of owning the franchise of
Reveal Lubricants. The company has since secured technical and marketing agreement with the biggest and best petroleum marketers across Nigeria and in the sub-saharan region of Africa.
Reveal Lubricants are fast selling products that have become globally recognized and accepted for sufficiently meeting the expected standard of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

Mike is a seasoned Geologist with almost two decades of robust experience in the efficient
marketing of petroleum products, with a major concentration on the distribution of diesel to stakeholders in the telecommunications sector of Nigerian economy. The intellectual
Omoloye attended Oyemekun Grammar School, Akure where he passed his Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) in flying colours. He thereafter took a giant academic leap by obtaining Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Geology.

The visionary Mike Omoloye was from the beginning very clear about his dream to be a successful entrepreneur and he has given his all to the pursuit of this path. He did have a short stint of practice as a Geologist after his graduation from the university; but quickly activated his entrepreneurial vision by setting up Revelation Energy Resources Limited. The company has since its establishment been moving steadily from one level of business success to another.

The Okitipupa born Micheal Omoloye is undoubtedly imbued with excellent leadership qualities, team playing attributes in addition to his outstanding negotiating skills. He is consistently committed to personal development; and for this reason, Mike has attended several courses and seminars within Nigeria and abroad.

The devout Christian also belongs to a number of professional bodies both locally and overseas. Mike is a member of Nigeria Mining and Geosciences Society. He is also certified in Negotiation Skills by the Spearhead Training in the United Kingdom. He has been a regular participant in the Offshore Technology Conferences that holds yearly in Texas, USA.

The astute businessman and administrator has severally been honoured for his outstanding successes in business. He was given the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Recognition Award and the NUPENG Recognition Award few years ago. Mike was in year 2020 given the award of Young Entrepreneur in the West Africa sub-regiin. He was also in year 2021 honoured wit the Man of the Year Recognition Award by the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS).

Aside providing employment opportunities for thousand of Nigerians, Mike Omoloye has also put machinery in motion to greatly impact huge number of lives and humanity through Felicia Omoloye Foundation; which is a humanitarian platform incorporated in honour of his late mother.

The strategic Micheal Omoloye unwinds by engaging in intellectual discussions, playing chess game and golf. As an ardent respecter of family values, Omoloye is happily married and blessed with healthy and responsible children.

A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress in Ondo State, Adeyeri Stephen has warned politicians in the state to refrain from bitter diatribe capable of causing disaffection between Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and his Deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Adeyeri said in lieu of fanning the embers hatred, politicians should harmoniously ensure cohesion in order not to retard the development of the Sunshine State, noting that some politicians are bent on disrupting polity in the state.

The APC Chieftain stated this in a statement he personally signed and issued to newsmen on Tuesday in Akure, the State capital.

Adeyeri who was reacting to a viral news suggesting that the relationship between the Governor and his Deputy have become strained, urged the people of the state to shun rumours which he described as “grapevine”.

He said, “I would like to clarify that the rumors circulating regarding the relationship between Governor Akeredolu and his Deputy Aiyedatiwa are entirely false and baseless.”

“Both individuals maintain a professional and healthy working relationship, focused on serving the best interests of the people of our state. Any claims suggesting otherwise are mere speculation and should not be taken seriously.”

“Some vested interests and politicians are needlessly causing disaffection, stoking hatred because of abysmal reasons best known to them. Governor Akeredolu is a man of peace who represents the true Omoluabi, while Aiyedatiwa is also a gentle man with calm spirit.”

“The Akeredolu led-administration remains committed to the well-being and progress of our state, and we encourage responsible reporting and fact-checking in all matters.”

Senator Sadiku Abubakar Ohere representing Kogi Central Senatorial District has expressed optimism that he is confident of victory, as he heads to Appeal Court.

Abubakar stated this in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen this evening.

The statement reads, “I received the judgement of the Tribunal with great shock.”

“Particularly worrisome is the aspect bordering on the Tribunal’s decision that as Respondent, I ought to have filed a cross-petition to be able to challenge votes in an election petition.”

“I feel strongly that, that decision is contrary to Paragraph 15 of the First Schedule to the Electoral Act, 2022. As a matter of fact, I presented before the Tribunal through my team of lawyers a decision of the Appellate Courts which held that a Respondent does not need to file a cross-petition to challenge votes in an election petition, if the ground for challenging the election is “majority of lawful votes”.

“While I am waiting for my team of lawyers to give me full details on the judgment, I urge all my supporters to be calm and peaceful as their mandate is not lost.”

“I verily know that I have option of Appeal to the Court of Appeal which I shall exercise after due consultation with my lawyers.”

“I am confident that we shall triumph at the next floor of justice by pointing to areas where we strongly disagree with the ruling. Your mandate shall be protected.”

“I urge my supporters not to be disturbed but to believe that we will get it right.”

...Says 'From all indications, we have no opposition in Kogi State'

. Look elsewhere for votes, Kogi not available for other parties, Sanwo-Olu tells opposition

The Chairman of the National Campaign Council for Kogi State Governorship Election, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, on Saturday, assured the All Progressives Congress' supporters that the national leaders of the party across the country would work together and provide all the necessary support to ensure overwhelming victory for the APC Governorship Candidate, Usman Ododo, on November 11, 2023.

Describing Kogi as an APC state, he said, from the reality on the ground, it was clear that there was no vacancy for any other party in Lord Lugard House.

Gov. Abiodun spoke at the inauguration of the Kogi State National Gubernatorial Campaign Council held in Lokoja.

He noted that, with the inauguration of the Campaign Council, election victory had begun in Kogi State, and commended the
resilience and hardwork of Governor Yahaya Bello, which he said had led to the restoration of peace and security in the State.

"Governor Yahaya Bello's outstanding achievements in virtually all the critical sectors of the state are visible for all to see and I assure you the next APC Governor will build on these achievements in the interest of the good people of Kogi State," he added.

The National Campaign Council Chairman said, with the result of the last general election held in the State, it was certain that the APC would beat any opposition party in the governorship poll.

He urged all APC members to join hands in securing victory for the party, stressing that the election was for the party to win with the palpable absence of opposition in the state.

Governor Abiodun expressed satisfaction with the caliber of people nominated into the Campaign Council, describing the election as the first test for President Bola Tinubu and the National Chairman of APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.

Also speaking, Co- Chairman of the Campaign Council and Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urged the opposition political parties to look elsewhere for votes, insisting that Kogi was a no-go area for opposition parties in the November governorship election.

The Lagos State governor urged the people of Kogi State not to be deceived by the rantings of opposition parties, saying there was no alternative to APC, "a party that has the interest of the people at heart.

On his part, the Chairman of the APC Governor's Forum, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, said the people of Kogi State had resolved to stay with the APC.

He said Kogi State had fared better under the APC-led administration, adding that the opposition parties were being driven by those who did not mean well for the State.

In his remarks, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State appreciated President Bola Tinubu for leading the way in the sustenance of the nation's democracy and promised not to disappoint him in the provision of gains of democracy to the people of Kogi.

He assured that the Party would deliver for the APC, landslide, in the November governorship poll, saying the election "is a done deal".

He described the APC flagbearer in the State, Usman Ododo as one "who is coming with a whole lot of experience to consolidate on the unity and achievements recorded in the State under our administration."

Governor Bello urged supporters to campaign based on issues and shun violence, stressing that Kogi State would remain united before, during and after the election.

The Pioneer District Governor of District 404A-4, Nigeria Dr. Kofoworola Jegede, PMJF, NLCF, LCIP has described as heartwarming the gains of her just concluded visits to some Media Stations in Ondo State.

Speaking at the end of the 3-Day advocacy visits to the Media Stations the District Governor said several commitments were gotten from the Chief Executive of the Media outfits that will further poulate the Lions Club with quality membership.

"It took us ten years to get District 404A-1 Nigeria bifurcated into District 404A-3 and District 404A-4, by the time the outcomes of our media advocacies and other networking strategies we are currently deploying begin to manifest, we will be on the fast lane of sustainable growth and another District might just be a matter of time",she said.

Dr Kofoworola Jegede accompanied by Lion leaders and Cabinet Officers during the tour visited the Chairman of Hope Newspapers Chairman / Editor-in-Chief, Sir Ademola Adetula; Head of Station, Crest FM, Mr Godday Ighoteguono; General Manager of Breeze FM, Mr Sunday Ajongbolo ; General Manager of ADABA FM, Sir Martins Ayoola and General Manager NTA, Akure, Mrs Olubunmi Oke with their respective management staff.

The Media Executives promised to collaborate with the Lions Club to showcase its ideals that are geared towards promotion of selfless services, national growth and responsible citizenship.

The visits were part of activities to herald the inauguration of District 404A-4, Nigeria and the Public Presentation of Dr Kofoworola Jegede as Pioneer District Governor to hold on Saturday 2nd, September 2023 in Akure the Ondo State Capital.

The Kogi State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dissociated itself from news making the rounds that the National Working Committee of the party has replaced the former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party as well as the former Zonal Organising Secretary.

The two party Chieftains resigned recently.

However, the State APC Chairman, Abdullahi Bello in a statement said he was surprised that the NEC Committee came up with strange names which didn't pass through the state chapter.

The statement partly read, “Consequent upon the resignation of the two officers from the party, the Kogi State All Progressives Congress under the leadership of the Governor, His Excellency Alh. Yahaya Bello, CON , met to ratify and forward names of replacements for the national and zonal officers that left the party.”

“The State Chapter ratified Hon. Yahaya Ade Ismail as the new Deputy National Publicity Secretary and Hon. Isiaka Musa as the Zonal Organising Secretary for North Central. And in line with the provisions of our constitution, communicated the ratified replacements to the National Working Committee, through the North Central Zonal Chairman of the Party.”

“To our dismay, the National Working Committee came up with strange names which didn't pass through the State Chapter nor the North Central Zone of the party and purportedly went ahead to ratify them, citing "Presidency interest" as the rationale for their action. We strongly reject the action as we will not be parties to the blatant and flagrant violation of our party's constitution.”

“Our belief in Mr President as a man who respects the Constitution of our party and a man who believes in due process is unshaken in the face of the current confusion foisted on the party by people dropping the name of the President to achieve their selfish aims.”

“We call on the National Working Committee of the Party to reverse the unconstitutional replacements done on our behalf without our ratification or approval, and revert to our ratified list as they occupy those offices on behalf of the State Chapter of our party. We have delivered Kogi State to the APC and the least we will expect is for the party hierarchy to continue to support us to achieve greater heights.”

“The Kogi State Chapter of the APC therefore rejects the decision of the National Working Committee in its entirety and urge it to follow the constitution of our party and the due process our party is known for. We are confident that the interest of the party is for Kogi State to remain a stronghold of the APC,  especially now that we march towards November 11 to retain the state.”

. Says 'beyond lies, wild allegations, party has no image making strategy for candidate'

Spokesperson for a former Deputy Governor under the People’s Democratic Party in Kogi State, Abu Michael, has berated the Social Democratic Party in Kogi State, especially its media handlers, over what he described as spurious lies and continuous unfounded allegations being churned out by them, mainly in the social media, as against constructive campaigns, which responsible Kogites are looking forward to.

Abu who was the Chief Press Secretary to Arc. Yomi Awoniyi, Deputy Governor to former Governor Idris Wada, said those he called "media mismanagers" of the SDP governorship candidate, Muritala Yakubu, had continued to display ineptitude as regards communication matters by sticking to an outdated strategy of cooking up lies against a sitting government to gain public sympathy.

He said in a statement released on Monday that, while the people of Kogi State were looking forward to issue-based campaigns of what the opposition would want to do better, what the state had witnessed in the last couple of months "is a reckless SDP campaign hinged on ethnic agenda with absolutely no blueprint for development."

He noted that, instead of this helping their cause, it had inadvertently portrayed their principal "as not having any other vocabulary in his dictionary other than violence", and might have also knocked him off the list of serious contenders prematurely.

According to him, "what people are insinuating is that the SDP might be trying to create an air of importance around their Principal, probably because they are aware that he may be the weakest contender in the governorship race in terms of track record and capacity."

The media practitioner said it was high time well meaning Kogites called the SDP to order, saying, "It is very unfortunate that besides fanning ethnic discords in a heterogeneous State like Kogi and making wild allegations that responsible media houses will not touch with a long pole, they have no image making communication strategy for the candidate of their party."

The statement reads in full: "It is no longer news that the Kogi State Governorship Election is a few months away. What is however becoming worrisome is the attempt to overheat the polity, particularly by the media managers of the Social Democratic Party.

"The need to begin to show concern over the spurious lies churned out in the name of propaganda or attempt to curry sympathy by the SDP media managers has now come to the fore if we must forestall breakdown of law and order as well as ethnic crisis.

"It is unfortunate that in Kogi State, the SDP has chosen to heighten tension in the state with spurious allegations, mainly fabricated lies, for no just cause, while other opposition parties have chosen to focus on issues.

"It is strange that, aside from the SDP, none of the others, including the PDP candidate, Sen. Dino Melaye, Hon. Leke Abejide of the ADC, Olayinka Braimoh of the AA, Hon. Hassan Baiwa of NNPP, Jibrin Usman of Accord, who are key contenders in the race, have been engaging in outrageous propaganda filled with lies.

"As a media professional, one skilled in the art of conflict sensitive reporting, I find it rather unfortunate that the SDP media managers have chosen the path of dishing out unfounded information and making unsubstantiated allegations, where others are showcasing what they have to offer the people different from what the current government is doing.

"What people are insinuating is that the SDP might be trying to create an air of importance around their Principal, probably because they are aware that he may be the weakest contender in the governorship race in terms of track record and capacity.

"It is high time responsible Kogites from around the world called to order, these so called media managers. It is very unfortunate that besides fanning ethnic discords in a heterogeneous State like Kogi and making wild allegations that responsible media houses will not touch with a long pole, they have no image making communication strategy for the candidate of their party.

"It won't take too long for their principal, Alhaji Muritala Yakubu, to discover that his media managers have, with their offensive communication style, been inadvertently portraying him as not having any other vocabulary in his dictionary other than violence.

"While the people of Kogi State are looking forward to issue-based campaigns of what the opposition would want to do better, what we have since witnessed, in the last couple of months, is a reckless SDP campaign hinged on ethnic agenda with absolutely no blueprint for development.

"Having been privileged to witness all elections held in Kogi State, since the advent of the current democratic experiment, I make bold to state that no section of the state has ever had the opportunity to produce a governor of the state without crossing the divide and building bridges with other ethnic groups of the state. But, in this their journey, they have chosen to alienate others in their propaganda around a certain agenda.

"I also find it laughable that those stoking the unwarranted tension in the state in the name of media managers are quick to mention the name of Gov. Yahaya Bello for every political misfortune.

"This could easily be linked by those concerned to the rejection they may be facing and their inability to cover some political mileage they might have envisaged with the ethnic card.

"They have continued to churn out lies on a daily basis with a view to misleading the public, to the extent that even major contenders in the next election from Kogi East have drawn the attention of Igala people and well meaning Kogites, in general, to these lies.

"Aside from the social media with no gate keeping tenet, no Editor worth his salt in the mainstream media would risk libel and unprofessionalism, going by the spurious and unfounded lies that have formed the bedrock of the strategies of the SDP mismanagers.

"In every society, particularly in election seasons, overzealous, unscrupulous elements do politically unethical things. But the manner in which the SDP guys have made propaganda and clout chasing their watchwords, it is easy for right thinking people to wonder if those attacks purportedly carried out by opposition were not perpetrated by SDP themselves to create content for their strange media strategy.

"When a state government facility was attacked in Kogi East by hoodlums recently, and properties carted away, the state government did not accuse opposition, it simply said the perpetrators would be fished out and dealt with. That is the hallmark of a government mindful of security. One area the administration of Gov Bello has received applause within and outside the State is in the area of securing lives and properties in the state. No amount of propaganda can take this fact away. And I'm sure, Kogites would not fold their arms and watch selfish and tactless politicians take them back to the old, chaotic days.

"For instance, while a recent action culminating in the attack on the Campaign Secretariat of the SDP will continue to remain condemned in strong terms, if truly it was not stage-managed, with strong appeal on security agencies to fish out the perpetrators, attributing the action to the Chief Executive Officer of the State with unprintable names and unsubstantiated claims, underscores the quality of the SDP campaign.

"It is important to state that it is within the constitutional right of the opposition SDP Governorship Candidate, Alhaji Muritala Yakubu Ajaka, to seek to wrestle power from the APC. However, those who are his genuine supporters should re-engineer his public exposure if Kogites must count him among serious contenders.

"Right now, it seems his media mismanagers have unwittingly knocked him out prematurely."

The Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has vowed to ensure the victory of the gubernatorial candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State, Ododo Ahmed.

He disclosed his support for Ododo while receiving some defectors into the party, stressing the crucial significance of fostering unity among the diverse ethnic communities within the state.

The Zonal Chairmen of the Social Democratic Party in the three senatorial districts of Kogi State, officially dumped the party for the All Progressives Congress, along with all the party's chairmen in the 21 local government areas of the state.

The SDP top executives, who made their decision to join the ruling party public at the Government House in Lokoja, said they weighed their options and chose the continuous development of the state and wellbeing of indigenes above other considerations.

SDP's Zonal Chairman for Kogi East, Suleiman Isah, criticised what he described as SDP's campaign, based on ethnicity, saying it was detrimental to the state's socio-cultural wellbeing, and could undermine the peace enjoyed in the past few years.

"We are happy that this is happening today. Even while we were in the opposition, we were aware that you did a lot for the state. The infrastructure projects are what anyone cannot deny, Your Excellency. We have all decided to join the APC to support the efforts at further developing the state. And we will give all the necessary support to ensure victory for the APC candidate in the governorship election," Isah said.

He acknowledged Governor Yahaya Bello's commendable accomplishments in health, education, road infrastructure, and agriculture, among others, over the past seven years.

Governor Bello however, stressed that the timing of their movement from SDP to APC was significant, given his administration's noteworthy achievements in Kogi State, which had earned the APC widespread support.

He underscored the importance of collaborative, issue-based campaigns and noted that success in any election would depend on broad support.

The news media was awash with stories of the legal case filed by the embattled deputy governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, against his boss, the governor of Edo State, whom he accused of orchestrating an impeachment plot against him.

According to documents filed in the Federal High Court in Abuja, Shaibu is seeking a restraining order to prevent Governor Obaseki from proceeding with the alleged impeachment plot.
However, no concrete evidence has been provided to substantiate these claims, leading many to speculate about the true nature of this dispute.

In response to Shaibu's allegations, Crusoe Osagie, the Governor's Special Adviser on Media Projects, released a statement firmly denying the accusations. The statement portrayed the deputy governor's actions as akin to "fleeing when no man pursues," suggesting that the legal
case is an unwarranted reaction to a situation that does not exist.

The statement also highlighted Shaibu's behaviour, painting a picture of an immature man driven by a sense of entitlement who is willing to create a crisis to further his ambitions of
succeeding Governor Obaseki “by any means necessary”.
Osagie's statement has cast serious doubt on Shaibu's allegations and raised questions about his suitability for leadership.

Political analysts have noted that the legal case comes at a time when rumours of Shaibu's desire to succeed Governor Obaseki have been circulating. Some believe that the legal
manoeuvre is an attempt by the deputy governor to position himself as the leader of the PDP in Edo State, while others see it as a sign of a deeper rift within the state's leadership.

Whatever the motivations may be, the legal battle between the governor and his deputy has put the political dynamics of Edo State in the spotlight once again.

The situation also raises concerns about the stability of governance in Edo State, as the discord between the two top leaders may hinder the effective administration of the state. Citizens and political observers alike will be watching closely as the legal case unfolds, seeking to understand the true nature of the allegations and the impact this may have on the political future of Edo State.

As the legal proceedings continue, the people of Edo State will be looking for reassurances from the deputy governor that his actions are guided by the best interests of the state, rather than personal ambition or baseless fears.

For now, the legal case stands as a symbol of a political system in turmoil, with a deputy governor who is at odds with his boss and the people of Edo State caught in the middle of a
dispute that many believe should never have reached the courts.

Only time will reveal the truth behind these allegations and whether the actions of Deputy Governor Shaibu are a sign of genuine concern or a political manoeuvre gone awry.

And, in fact, because many people were left very surprised by the verve and fervour with which a supposed political novice, Godwin Obaseki, fought and eventually defeated his predecessor and perceived political godfather, Senator Adams Oshiomole, prior to the 2020 elections.

Even Oshiomhole himself was reported to have been mystified by the audacity of Obaseki, whom he handpicked
to succeed him at the time.
What many people did not realise at the time, though, was that it was Philip Shaibu that stoked the tensions that eventually bubbled into a full-blown crisis that eventually led to the exit of the governor and his team from the APC at the time.

In fact, it is reported that a dismayed Oshiomhole lamented how the very man whom he had planted into office with the hope that he would checkmate an inexperienced Obaseki eventually led an onslaught against him.

Today, the reasons behind Philip’s actions are coming to the fore. In his childish mind, he had hoped that once he had orchestrated the demise of Oshiomhole, a grateful Godwin Obaseki would hand over governance of the state over to him in repayment of his “loyalties”.

Except that, like most of the politicians before him, he vastly underestimated his boss.

It is a matter of historical fact that Godwin Obaseki was one of the few governors in the history of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic to officially hand over power to his deputy several times while proceeding on vacation or leave.

The governor had also, on many occasions, elevated his status
beyond that of any other deputy governor in the history of deputy governors in Nigeria.

Such was the might of Philip Shaibu that he presided over virtually every affair of the government, enabled by a governor who, in his naivete, assumed he was upholding the rule of law and levelling the playing field.

Philip Shaibu superintended over the revenues of the state and was in charge of its political strategy- a role that he now seeks to weaponise against his boss.

None of the confidence that was reposed in him by his boss matters. All that is important is that he insists on succeeding the governor, and becoming the number one citizen of the state, no matter whose ox is gored.
This type of reasoning and behaviour is not surprising.

A few of us lonesome voices had warned the governor several times about the character of his deputy, but all our entreaties fell on deaf ears, and now, the chickens have come home to roost. We warned against the fight with Oshiomhole, but egged on by a self-interested deputy, the governor rejected all voices of reason.

Now, the governor has seen first-hand the true nature of his deputy. The shadow games played by Philip Shaibu reveal a desperate man fuelled by an over-inflated ego and a misguided ambition.

This is not the temperament of a leader, nor does it signify the level of strategic thinking required of somebody aspiring to the highest office in the state.
What is equally alarming is the foolishness with which the deputy has acted, as if the governor’s trust and responsibilities bestowed upon him were not privileges to be honoured, but tools to be exploited for personal gain. The tragedy here is that the people of Edo State are the ones who will ultimately suffer from this needless foolishness.
Instead of focusing on governance and the overall well-being of the people, the state's leadership is embroiled in a drama of ego, betrayal and misguided ambition.

The precious time and resources that could have been devoted to meaningful development are now consumed by a political theatre that serves no one but the lead character in his own drama.

This recent legal case is a clear sign of a man lost in his delusions. Philip Shaibu has lost touch with reality believing in his own hype, intrigue and conspiracy.
At the end of the day, his phantom impeachment plot is a clear sign that “our husband has gone mad again”.

Adams Osato Ogbemudia wrote in from Benin City.

Many Kogi State indigenes, under the auspices of Kogi Indigenes Collective Interest Group, have risen in fervent defence of their Governor over what they called  "unfounded and irresponsible allegation by an equally irresponsible fake news peddler whose stock-in-trade is either to blackmail for clout or cash."

In their response to a tweet that Governor Yahaya Bello bribed election tribunal Judges to influence them against the cases of some senatorial candidates in the last elections by one Jackson Ude, who they described as a notorious fake news merchant, the indigenes threatened to drag Ude to court and called on relevant security agencies to investigate and bring "the notorious fake news peddler to book once and for all".

According to them, Jackson Ude has turned himself to the laughing stock of the social media, having allegedly churned out many spurious lies in the past about innocent Nigerians and "is notorious for raising absolutely unfounded allegations with a view to blackmailing politically exposed persons".

The statement, signed by the Coordinator, KOGIC, Chief Abduganiyu Yusuf, on behalf of the indigenes from across the 21 local government areas of Kogi State, accused Ude of being a hireling of failed politicians who were desperate to use all foul tactics to pursue their dubious objectives.

The statement reads, "It has just come to our notice that a notorious blackmailer on social media and fake news peddler whose stock-in-trade is either to blackmail for clout or cash has released another unfounded and irresponsible allegation.

"Jackson Ude is notorious for raising absolutely unfounded allegations with a view to blackmailing politically exposed persons because he is a hireling of failed politicians who are desperate to use all foul tactics to secure whatever they are after.

"This time politicians who might have found that they do not stand a chance at the election tribunal have decided to recruit the well-known peddler of fake news to publish a laughable fiction claiming that Governor Yahaya Bello bribed tribunal judges with N300million to compromise them.

"Jackson Ude must provide indubitable evidence of his satanic allegations or be prepared to go to jail for a very long time as we will spare no legal means to commit him to prison.

"Our intervention has become incumbent due to the fact that, in his characteristic nature, Governor Yahaya Bello may just shrug it off and overlook what this fake news criminal has done and allow him go scot-free. But we,  as patriotic indigenes of this blessed state, won't allow that to happen. We will fight to defend the integrity of our state by protecting our Governor from a social media rogue who misuses his page for criminal libel and blackmail.

"We are giving Jackson Ude an 8-day ultimatum to produce concrete and indubitable evidence of his spurious allegation or be prepared to have his day in court.  Thankfully a colleague of his in the business of social media criminality just got a three-year jail sentence.

"Responsible media professionals must speak out against this stain on their profession by this man who pollutes the social media constantly with ridiculous, reckless, senseless and wanton fallacy. He should not be treated differently from criminals who kidnap for ransom."

...Hail GYB for complete turn around of state

Over 300 appointees who served in the administration of former Governor of Kogi State, Capt. Idris Wada, on Sunday, commended Governor Yahaya Bello over what they described as the complete turn around of critical sectors of Kogi State, saying they had decided to totally submit to his leadership.  

They also declared their total support for the candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the November 11 polls, Usman Ododo, describing his detrabilised personality as a good selling point.

Speaking on behalf of the others during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Lokoja, the leader of the delegation and former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Abubakar Sadiq Ainoko, highlighted specifically that it was pleasant to see that the first flyover in the state had been watered to fruition by the pragmatic leadership of Governor Bello.

He added that the project completion had improved the rating of Lokoja in terms of aesthetics.

He said, ‘’The Reference Hospital at Okene and of course the establishment of two citadels of learning - Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara (CUSTECH) and Kogi State University, Kabba - are also legacies that the people of Kogi State will cherish till eternity.

"Mention must also be made of the completion of Anyigba-idah road and several other landmark projects of your New Direction government.’’

Ainoko thanked the governor for approving the courtesy visit in record time despite his tight schedule, asserting that the workaholic and historic Governor Bello had shown his love and magnanimity which had endeared him to many hearts, including themselves.

The former Commissioner pointed out that one area the governor had also excelled is his penchant for human development, attesting that many people who never thought they could be appointed to positions of authority had found themselves at the driver's seats of many government agencies while some of their members had also benefited from this unique posture endowed on the governor by God.

Also speaking, former commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Kayode Olowomoro, commended the governor for his developmental stride across the state, especially his effort in securing lives and livelihoods of the people.

The former appointees also lauded the recognition of their Principal, Captain Idris Wada, as the first leader of the state visited by the Governorship Candidate of APC, Usman Ododo, during his post primary election ''Kogi Agenda'’ consultation.

They described the gesture as a display of maximum respect, which gladdened  their hearts, while also expressing commitment and readiness to support Governor Bello’s drive towards achieving a Kogi State of everyone’s dreams.

Court of Appeal refuses bail applications of suspected criminals allegedly linked with Kogi SDP guber candidate, Muritala Yakubu



The Court of Appeal in Abuja, on Friday, refused the applications for bail of suspected criminals allegedly associated with the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party in Kogi State, Muritala Yakubu.

The Appellants/applicants' motion for bail had earlier been refused by Hon. Justice Jamil Isah of the Kogi State High Court, sitting in Lokoja.

The Court of Appeal, presided by Hon. Justice Mohammed Mustapha JCA, in a well considered judgement delivered on Friday, in the appeals marked "CA/ABJ/PRE/CR/544MI/2023", also refused their bail applications.

Ojonimi Apeh, Esq appeared for the Appellants/Applicants, while Badama Kadiri, Esq (DPP) appeared for the Respondent.

The Appellants - Kabiri Echi Iyalo, Adama Kerim, Kabir Abdullahi and Salisu Isah Umar - were intercepted during a joint operation of security agencies on their way to Abuja on March 26, 2023, according to a statement signed by the spokesperson for the Department of State Services, Peter Afunanya, on that day.

The suspects were found with dangerous arms and ammunitions in their vehicle after credible intelligence made available to security agencies that some thugs loyal to one Alhaji Muritala Ajaka and who were disgruntled by his suspension and consequent exclusion from the Kogi State APC gubernatorial screening exercise were planning to storm the venue of the screening exercise in Abuja to disrupt the exercise.

The applicants were charged and arraigned before Kogi State High Court for offences bordering on criminal conspiracy, terrorism and unlawful possession of weapons contrary to sections 97, 418 and 424, respectively.

Their motion for bail was refused by the Kogi State High Court, sitting in Lokoja.

Thereafter, in a bid to secure the bail of the defendants, their counsel filed an application for bail pending appeal and filed an interlocutory appeal at the same time.

The Counsel for the respondents, on behalf of the State, vehemently opposed the application for bail separately filed for each of the four Appellants/applicants. The application was argued and reserved for ruling and was ultimately refused.

. Says he's not a contender, only forcing on himself garment of importance

. 'SDP Candidate should sort his problem with security agencies'

. Warns those spreading falsehood to prepare to face the law



We wouldn't have bothered to respond to the watery, evasive and sympathy seeking sinking candidate of the Social Democratic Party, who is dipping himself in the messy mud and and having an ignominious macabre dance on the sensibilities of Kogites and Nigerians as a whole.

It is important to tell Nigerians and the world that Muritala Yakubu Ajaka, the said Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party, is on a blisteringly shameful agenda of whipping sentiments, spreading falsehood with reckless abandon so as to put on himself, a garment of importance and create unnecessary air around himself as a contender that he is not.

Kogites and Nigerians know Muritala Yakubu Ajaka and they know that his intention is to create ethnic division and blow his own ego. We know the contenders and the pretenders and he is not a political threat as far as Kogi State is concerned.

The ignorance of Muritala Yakubu Ajaka and his team is such a flourishing folly, thinking that the Governor is an interested party and would therefore allow his state to become a state of anomie and lawlessness.

The Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alh. Yahaya Bello, CON, is the Governor of all the people of Kogi State and he owes them a duty of care and security. He swore to protect them and protect them he shall.

The State Government has no clandestine plan to frame up anyone, not to talk about political Lilliputians with questionable character.

As a Government, we will not condone reckless statements as we urge the security agencies to arrest the current trend by acting decisively against inflammatory statements. A lack of action has emboldened some political opportunists to think they can spread lies, incite the people, play politics of ethnic profiling and still get away with them.

Muritala Yakubu Ajaka knows what he has done and should carry his cross boldly instead of hiding behind one finger. We have no hand in the problems that his unbridled inordinate ambition has brought upon him.

The tactless and dubious attempt to blackmail media practitioners shows the myopia of Muritala Yakubu Ajaka and his co-travellers to political oblivion. History has shown that no one can ever defeat the media, especially when practitioners are on the path of truth. The media won't be cowed by an unknown, misled, dubious and unguarded political minor.

Let me use this opportunity to assure all political parties and candidates of their safety as they go about their electioneering. The State Government will not succumb to the blackmail of the unpopular candidate of the SDP.


E-signed: Kingsley Fanwo
Hon. Commissioner for Information and Communications

. Vows to do everything lawful to guarantee peaceful poll in November

. Reiterates endorsement of recent joint security operation

. Reveals it has reduced crime by 40%

. Says 'we'll never submit our authority to criminals'



The Kogi State Government has reiterated its endorsement of the recent joint operation carried out by security agencies in the state, in which a notorious gang leader was neutralised, saying that the operation has reduced crime in the area by over 40 per cent.

The Commissioner for Information in the state, Kingsley Fanwo, who said this at the quarterly press briefing of the ministry on Monday in Lokoja, stressed that no amount of blackmail by desperate enemies of the state would stop the government from protecting lives and property of Kogites and cooperating totally with law enforcement agencies to rid the state of crime.

He said the Kogi State Government would not submit its authority to criminals, while calling on security agencies to invite those tagging the operation an extrajudicial killing and inciting violence for thorough investigation.

"They must be held to account for their claims," he stressed, adding, "We can't come this far taming terrorists for the past 90 months only to lose it to the garrulous crime-sponsors defending a criminal."

The Commissioner said the government would do everything within the curve of law to guarantee a peaceful poll in November, warning that intimidation, ethnic/ religious profiling and other anti-social and unconstitutional acts would be met with stiff resistance.

"It is our responsibility to give confidence to our people that they are free from attacks while exercising their franchise," he noted.

Fanwo stated, "The recent happening at Ejule was a necessary stitch-in-time led by security agents in the state to rid our state of criminalty. For the upteenth time, we reiterate our endorsement of the operation that has brought down insecurity in that area by over 40%.

"The late Kabir Bala popularly known as Okwo was a terror in the East, kidnapping and raping young women and housewives and terrorising the entire Kogi East.

"Motorists traversing the state were subjected to 'Okwo levy' to the embarrassment of the State, among other acts of extreme intimidation and criminality.

"Chapter 4, Section 33 of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria talked extensively about the various rights conferred on the citizens of Nigeria, one of which is the right to life. But these rights have limitations.

"Kabir Bala opened fire on security operatives with the intent to murder them. According to the report by the security agencies, they engaged his gang at this point and he was neutralised in the process.

"A person who attempts to evade lawful arrest and even attempts to kill security agents can no longer hold on to such rights. His killing couldn't be termed extra-judicial by any standard.

"The question you need to ask the SDP fans of the late Kabir Bala is: What is their interest in the criminal enterprise of the late crime-lord? Was there a pact between them and the late notorious leader to assassinate members of other parties?

"We are patiently waiting for the Law Enforcement agents to unravel the mystery by inviting those making unguarded, reckless statements without minding the approbrium of being associated with a serial killer.

"Our Government will not submit its authority to criminals. We can't come this far taming terrorists for the past 90 months only to lose it to the garrulous crime-sponsors defending a criminal. We call on security agencies to call the actors inciting violence for thorough investigation. They must be held to account for their claims."

.Ask Kogites to shun mischievous politicians playing victims, sponsoring crime

. Call on DSS, others to fish out, arrest politicians behind anti-security propaganda



Lawyers, leaders of Civil Society Organisations and professionals across all sectors of the economy have called on Kogi State indigenes at home and in the Diaspora to help security agencies to make the state uninhabitable for criminals masquerading as politicians in the state, especially as the November 11 governorship election draws closer.

They called on the good people of Kogi State to resist those they described as criminal political merchants trying to blackmail security agencies in the interest of their "unpopular ambitions."

Representatives of more than 50 CSOs and scores of lawyers, under the broad platform of Lawyers and Activists for Good Governance, made this position known at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday.

Barr. Mohammed Abdulrazaq Sani, a lawyer from Igalamela LGA, Kogi State, and Co-Convener, Lawyers and Activists for Good Governance, who addressed the press on behalf of others, said, "Personally, I am from Kogi State like a few of those on this high table. Therefore, we know exactly what is happening in that state beyond the propaganda engaged in by some unscrupulous elements in the state fond of trading in blackmail and crocodile tears.

"An average Kogite who understands the state's terrain very well would testify that Kogi State in the last seven years plus has witnessed the uprooting of violent criminals like kidnappers, terrorists, armed robbers and others from the state since the inception of the current administration in the state."

The activists, however, warned that some mischievous political figures in the state were working towards bringing back the dark days of instability by supporting criminal elements to cause chaos.

The same sponsors of criminal activities, they said, would, thereafter, quickly rush to the public to point accusing fingers at security agencies or the state government.

"These characters would rather that criminals and terrorists be left to run amok unchallenged while law abiding Kogi State residents and indigenes who have been enjoying peace and security for over seven years live in fear and panic," the lawyers and activists said.

They called on security agencies not to relent in their efforts to rid the state of criminal elements, saying their backers must be arrested and prosecuted for the peace and stability of Kogi State.

The activists' statement reads, "This Press Conference is necessitated by our concern over the activities of some desperate politicians in Kogi State who are in the practice of orchestrating violence and at the same time playing victim in order to deceive unsuspecting members of the public by pointing fingers in the wrong direction.

"Personally, I am from Kogi State like a few of those on this high table. Therefore, we know exactly what is happening in that state beyond the propaganda engaged in by some unscrupulous elements in the state fond of trading in blackmail and crocodile tears.

"Of recent, we have seen an upsurge in the activities of some of these desperate politicians boldly sponsoring antidemocratic forces to consistently blackmail the security agencies who are carrying out their legitimate constitutional duties of protecting lives and properties and tagging them as being overzealous in keeping criminals out of the streets of Kogi State.

"These characters would rather that criminals and terrorists be left to run amok unchallenged while law abiding Kogi State residents and indigenes who have been  enjoying peace and security for over seven years should live in fear and panic.

"These sponsors of disharmony specialize in playing one ethnic group in Kogi State against the others in their wicked and evil agenda to make sure that crisis erupts in the state which they reckon could work in their favour to clinch political offices, especially as the state's governorship election is approaching.

"They have been engaging in criminal propaganda on social and regular media to create mass disaffection against the incumbent government in the state. An average Kogite who understands the state's terrain very well would testify that Kogi State in the last seven years plus has witnessed the uprooting of violent criminals like kidnappers, terrorists, armed robbers and others from the state since the inception of the current administration in the state.

"But there are mischievous political figures in the state who wish to bring back those dark days of instability by supporting criminal elements to cause chaos in the state and thereafter quickly rush to the public to point accusing fingers at security agencies or the state government.

"This is in a failed bid to cover their poorly disguised criminal tracks, especially when security agencies go after their criminal protégés.

"These are the same political goons who move round the state to erect structures of ethnic acrimony and suspicion for political advantage. They don't mean well for the state and Kogites are enjoined to resist anyone or group desperately trying to fan the embers of disunity and mutual acrimony in the state. They are atrocious  characters with wicked and evil agenda to benefit from the crises they are provoking.

"We urge the security agencies not to relent in their efforts to rid the state of not only the criminal political merchants, but also to ensure that their backers are arrested and prosecuted for the peace and stability of Kogi State.

"No purveyors of organized crimes and criminalities should be allowed to roam free no matter how highly placed. Kogites must shine their eyes well and not allow expired politicians with zero political relevance to hoodwink us into a sophisticated trap of political waterloo for the sake of their insatiable and pitiable ambition."

The Lawyers and Activists for Good Governance, the parent body of the Concerned Lawyers And Activists Coalition, is an organization with the primary focus of advocating for justice and peace. It consists of over 50 Civil Society Organizations made of activists, lawyers and other professionals.

1. The Kogi State Government wishes to state clearly and unequivocally that the good people of the state are totally in support of actions being taken by the security agencies to rid the state of crime and allow the peace that has been enjoyed over the years endure.

If there is anyone on the streets protesting against the peace and security of the state, that person must immediately be regarded as a criminal whose trade has been cut short by the "zero tolerance for criminality" approach of the security agencies.

We want to state clearly that there are no extrajudicial killings in the state as some naysayers and purveyors of violence who were hard-hit by the recent onslaught on criminals in the state want people to believe.

They have been mourning a criminal, gunrunner, kidnapper who was taken down by security agents after his attack on security operatives in the state. We cannot sacrifice the peace of the state on the alter of violent politics.

2. The need for us to clear the air on the matter is occasioned by a purported protest by ill-informed political agents in wigs, who are clearly acting the script of sponsors of violence in Kogi State.

The protest was a deliberate act to misinform the general public and create an impression of crisis in the confluence state ahead of the Guber poll. It was a part of a list of activities that was drawn by some unpopular political actors who desperately want power and are banking on using killers and criminals to achieve their blood-drenching ambition.

3. We wish to inform members of the general public that the Kogi State Government will continue to make deliberate and legally-certified efforts at ensuring peace and security in the state, as that remains the principal responsibility of the Government. Politicians harboring criminals with the intent of disturbing the peace of the state will always have security agencies to contend with.

4. We again call on security agencies to invite politicians expressing sadness over the death of a criminal for questioning. Our people should go about their normal business without let or hindrance as Kogi will be made safe before, during and after the poll. We are Kogi and we will keep our state safe.


Kingsley Femi Fanwo
Hon. Commissioner for Information and Communications

04/07/2023

The Pioneer District Governor, Lions International, District 404A-4 Nigeria, Lion Dr Kofoworola Jegede,PMJF, NLCF LCIP has outlined her projects of service across the three states that make-up her mandate areas.

The Pioneer District Governor assured that her tenure will be action-packed in view of several activities lined up to make life worth living for the needy, especially the youths within the mandate areas of Ondo, Edo, and Delta states.

Topical on the projects is the building of a Youth Empowerment and Recreational Centre to be sited in Akure, the Ondo State capital to serve as a hub for the training and retraining of young persons across professional callings.

Addressing Journalists at her Maden Press Briefing in Akure, Lion Dr Kofoworola Jegede said the Centre will scale-up the professional skills and competences of the youths along the path of sustainable development and global competitiveness.

According to her, “If you look at the average profile of a great number of our youth, their thinking is about money, 419 and Yahoo business, and the image of this country has been bastardized through them, and that is why we have to target and engage them in a positive way for a better society.

“We must arrest this disturbing trend and re-orientate them to channel their energy positively, and it is because of this we are doing this. My project is to provide for them a functional facility, where they can have the freedom to come together to brainstorm for the benefit of our society.

“When we talk about skills and intelligence, we are there, so all hands must be on deck to assist these youths".

On the thematic areas of Lions Club, which include Vision, Diabetes, Feeding, Environment, and Paediatric Cancer, Lion Dr Kofoworola Jegede said that the club would mobilize actions and resources to carry out diabetes screening programmes in Ondo, Delta and Edo States.

"Also, we will go round to screen people for diabetes. Diabetes is on the increase due to what we are eating, so because of that, we want to go out to screen people and refer them to the hospitals in order to reduce the increase of this ailment.”

While reiterating the inherent joy in serving the needy, Dr Kofoworola Jegede called on persons with heart of service to join the lions club to make the human society better for all.

"In Lions Club there is no barrier to serving the less-privileged. Neither Religion, Politics nor Ethnicity is a barrier. We network for greater opportunities and actualisation of potentials", she said.

She equally called on the media to be a collaborative partner showcasing the various programmes of the Lions Club which is the only Non-Governmental Organisation, NGO, that has a seat in the United Nations.

The Press Briefing which had in attendance, PCC Tokunbo Jegede;PDG Adekunle Adedipe; Cabinet Secretary, Lion Olu Akinsiku; Cabinet Treasurer, Lion Foluso Bodunde; District Chief of Protocol, Lion Bode Akinwumi; District GLT Coordinator, Lion Queensly Adedipe and representatives of clubs in Regions 1, 2 and 3.

Bode Akinwumi
Chairman Media Committee
District 404A-4

. Advise him to limit Kogi politics to Kogi Elders Forum


Longstanding members of the Arewa Consultative Forum have warned the new Chairman of the forum, Gabriel Aduku, to desist from dragging the ACF into his personal political warfare in Kogi State or risk being removed as Chairman.

According to the members, representing the different Arewa states, the idea behind the formation of the ACF is, among others, to promote the development, unity, peace and prosperity of the Arewa North as an entity, while having a healthy relationship with other areas of the country.

In a statement on Tuesday, titled, "Stop Using ACF For Your Political Fights in Kogi State", jointly signed by
Dr. Asha Manga, who was the Governorship Candidate for Action Alliance in the just concluded elections; and Alhaji Sadiq Bulama, member, Borno State/ Secretary to the immediate past chairman of ACF, among others, the Arewa leaders said the ACF was never meant to be a divisive political tool in the hands of an individual or a few to use for their local political fights.

"This Press Release is necessary to quickly inform the general public that the recent position taken by the new chairman of ACF, Architect Gabriel Aduku, on the politics of his home state of Kogi should not be considered as the position of the ACF as an organization but a personal expression of his political sentiments," they stressed.

The ACF stakeholders noted that though Aduku was barely two months in office, any leader of ACF,  especially its chairman, was expected to be a father to all, irrespective of political affiliations, and not a champion of divisive politicking that could undermine the unity and peace of any part of Arewa.

"We are to unite the North, not divide it. Limit your Kogi politics within your Kogi East Elders' Forum, don't bring ACF down into it," the ACF members cautioned the new Chairman.

"It is a public knowledge that Architect Aduku who also doubles as Chairman of the Kogi East Elders' Forum has recently thrown his weight behind one of the governorship candidates in the November governorship election in Kogi State. Therefore,  he cannot claim to be a disinterested party in the election. So, for him to now proceed to the ACF headquarters in Kaduna where he made scathing partisan political statements that are extremely divisive with regard to the November election could be mistaken as the collective position of the ACF which is not," they said.

Those who signed the statement include Alhaji Ahamed Musa Kumo, ACF member, Gombe state; Hassan Mohammed, Bauchi State; Alhaji Tanko Malami,  Kebbi State; Alhaji Munir Mohammed,  Katsina State; Alhaji Nasiru Zakaria-Gwarzo, Kano State; Alhaji Bello Wadata, Sokoto State; Malam Usman Kabiru, Taraba State; and Umar Modibo, ACF member, Adamawa State.

The statement reads in full:
"We are members of the Arewa Consultative Forum from different states of Northern Nigeria. Most of us have been members of the ACF since the year 2000 and even prior.

"We wish to restate that the idea behind the formation of the ACF is, among others, to promote the development, unity, peace and prosperity of the Arewa North as an entity, while having a healthy relationship with other areas of the country.

"Therefore,  ACF was never meant to be a divisive political tool in the hands of an individual or a few to use for their local political fights. This Press Release is necessary to quickly inform the general public that the recent position taken by the new chairman of ACF, Architect Gabriel Aduku, on the politics of his home state of Kogi should not be considered as the position of the ACF as an organization but a personal expression of his political sentiments.

"It is a public knowledge that Architect Aduku who also doubles as Chairman of the Kogi East Elders' Forum has recently thrown his weight behind one of the governorship candidates in the November governorship election in Kogi State. Therefore,  he cannot claim to be a disinterested party in the election. So, for him to now proceed to the ACF headquarters in Kaduna where he made scathing partisan political statements that are extremely divisive with regard to the November election could be mistaken as the collective position of the ACF which is not.

"Architect Aduku is barely two months in office. Any leader of ACF,  especially its chairman, is expected to be a father to all, irrespective of political affiliations, and not a champion of divisive politicking that can undermine the unity and peace of any part of Arewa. It is highly condemnable for a person of Architect Aduku's status to be fanning the embers of violence and instability by promoting such pessimistic political scenario in which he is suggesting that the November election might not hold.

"This could be taken to mean that he is engaging in a ridiculous fear-mongering that could instigate mass violence or cataclysmic bloodletting in the state.

"A real leader would never engage in promoting division but cohesion,  especially a leader of our beloved ACF, which was founded on the honorable sociopolitical pedestal to promote peace, harmony and progress of every part of Arewa without exception.

"Mr. Aduku must stop this nefarious political adventurism or, at least, desist from dragging the ACF into his private political warfare. There are many ACF members in Kogi State and all of them belong to various political persuasions. They cannot afford to see their overall chairman giving the erroneous impression to the public that the ACF had anointed his own candidate in the next election and, therefore,  utilize the platform of ACF to engage in political blackmail against his perceived political enemies.

"He either stops this kind of conduct immediately or resign from office or be removed.

Any further unguarded statement like this from him will lead to massive protests against him and we'll ensure his immediate removal from office.

"We are to unite the North, not divide it. Limit your Kogi politics within your Kogi East Elders' Forum, don't bring ACF down into it."

A group of Abuja based youthful professionals from Ondo south senatorial district, under the aegis of Ondo South Youthful Professionals (OSYP), have advised Hon. Tajudeen Adefisoye to drop his gubernatorial ambition and pursue ministerial appointment instead.

The group appealed to the immediate past legislator who represented Idanre/Ifedore federal constituency of Ondo State at the 9th National Assembly to give-up his gubernatorial ambition in the interest of unwritten rotational agreement which exists amongst the three senatorial districts of the Sunshine State.

This position was made known on Friday during a strategic political discussion titled 'Ondo 2024 Governorship Election : Roles of Youthful Professionals'. The event was held at the Ritman Hotels in the Asokoro area of the Federal Capital Territory.

The group's Coordinator, Engr. Kingsley Maggie remarked that it had become a general and acceptable consensus that the next governor of Ondo State should come from the southern senatorial part of the Sunshine State. He therefore advised Hon. Tajudeen Adefisoye who is from Idanre Local Government Area in Ondo central senatorial district to shelve his gubernatorial ambition in the overall interest of equality, togetherness and sense of belonging amongst the three senatorial districts of the Sunshine State.

Maggie said, "We are aware that Hon. Tajudeen Adefisoye (Small Alhaji) has already declared interest to contest the governorship election of Ondo State. It is within the constitutional right of Small Alhaji to seek any elective position in Ondo State and in Nigeria at large; but he needs to bear in mind that we have an unwritten rotational agreement that exists among the three senatorial districts of our state.

"While we are aware of the popularity of Small Alhaji among the youths of Ondo State, the young man should please allow the unwritten rotational agreement to remain respected. We also salute the courage of Small Alhaji to have declared his intention to contest the 2024 governorship election. We are proud of his gut as a youth as well as his rise and achievements as a politician. Instead of planning to contest the 2024 governorship election, we will advise him to shift his attention towards a higher national service to Ondo State and Nigeria in a different capacity".

Meanwhile, Maggi also opined that Ondo south senatorial district should be given all necessary support to produce the next governor of the state while the ministerial slot for Ondo State should be conceded to Ondo central senatorial district where Hon. Tajudeen Adefisoye comes from.

Maggie particularly encouraged Adefisoye to push for the ministerial slot or any other federal appointment in place of the governorship position. He further stressed that it would not be a bad idea if a fellow youth from Ondo State is chosen as a minister or head of an important federal government parastatal.

"As fellow youths like Small Alhaji, we will appeal to him to allow the southern senatorial district take its turn on the governorship while he shifts his attention towards the ministerial slot for Ondo State. It is already a settled issue that Ondo south senatorial district is to produce the next governor of our dear Sunshine State. Although we are aware that some APC big wigs in Ondo State have been talking to Small Alhaji since he made his governorship ambition known.

"The young man is undoubtedly qualified to represent Ondo State, even as a minister or in any other capacity at the federal level. But as things stand today in our state, both Ondo central and northern senatorial districts should be encouraged to support Ondo south senatorial district to produce the next governor of our dear Sunshine State", Maggie added.

A joint security operation carried out by the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police, Department of State Services, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, on Thursday, launched a full-scale manhunt for a notorious criminal gang in Kogi State, led by one Kabir Bala.

Addressing a press conference at the headquarters of the Kogi State Police Command in Lokoja, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Akeem Yusuf, narrated how Bala, popularly known as Okwo and his gang members opened fire on a joint security team at about 4:30am on Thursday upon sighting the operatives.

Yusuf disclosed that the security team engaged the hoodlums, noting that Kabir Bala was neutralised in the process, while other members of his gang escaped with varying degrees of injuries.
According to the security agencies, the operation was carried out following the decisions reached at the State Security meeting on the upsurge of criminal activities in the state.

The police boss said the Kogi State Government had, in October, 2018, granted Bala pardon in prerogative of mercy as part of efforts to rehabilitate the notorious gang leader in Ejule, Ofu Local Government Area of the state, but added that Bala had turned an unrepentant criminal with many atrocities traced to him.

He said Kabir Bala and his gang attacked troops of the Nigerian Navy and dispossessed them of four (4) rifles at Alloma village on 4th March, 2022.

He however said the firearms were later returned to the Navy following high-powered intervention.

CP Yusuf further disclosed that the State Security Council meeting held on 20th June, 2023, took a decision to revoke the state pardon granted to Kabir Bala based on his rising criminal activities, which he listed.

Unraveling the plethora of criminal activities linked to the suspect, the police chief said, "It would be recalled that the Kogi State Government in October, 2018 granted pardon in prerogative of mercy as part of rehabilitation to one notorious gang leader named Kabir Bala alias (Okwo) in Ejule, Ofu LGA.

"However, the said Kabir Bala remained an unrepentant criminal with lots of atrocities traced to him which includes; dealing in illegal arms, Kidnappings and killings in the State. Several cases had been traced to him such as burning alive of Mrs Salome Abu, a PDP woman Leader in Ofu LGA in her residence on 18th November, 2019 at Ochadamu; killing of two (2) Igala youths - Umoru Areh and Unekwu Sule on 20th April, 2022 at Ejule; killing of five (5) Fulani herders namely - Ibrahim, Haruna and Shuaibu along Alloma Road, Ofu LGA in April, 2022 and Muhammed and Dauda at Imoko in Ofu LGA on 3rd March, 2023.

"Other crimes committed by Kabir Bala and his gang are attack on troops of Nigerian Navy and dispossessed them of four (4) rifles at Alloma village on 4th March, 2022. Though, the Firearms were later returned to the Navy following high-powered intervention; attack on Elisha Aya, Pastor and founder of Kingdom Faith Assembly Ejule on 18th March, 2022, who later paid 1 Million naira to Bala as levy for establishing a Church; Invasion of Egane Fulani settlement, burning 213 huts, rustled 122 cows on 25th December, 2022; Assault on the Lord's Chosen Church, Ejule on 29 January 2023 for disturbing his hotel with their service, during which Joy Abuh, a worshipper sustained gunshot injury on her left hand."

"He was also responsible for seven (7) kidnappings along Itobe-Anyigba highway from 5th to 28th May 2023," he added.

While giving further details of the decision reached at the Security Council meeting, Yusuf noted that the Security Council reached a decision that known agents of Kabir Bala in criminal activities must be apprehended to face the law; all illegal arms in the possession of criminals in that area should be recovered for peace of the State; and that Joint Operations should be set up, comprising the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police, DSS, Civil Defence, to arrest the established criminals and recover the arms in their possession.

"Today, 22nd June 2023, at about 0430hrs in pursuit of the above, the Kabir Bala and his gang members on sighting the Joint Security team opened fire on them and started shooting sporadically. The team engaged the hoodlums; the said Kabir Bala was neutralized in the process while other members of his gang escaped with varying degrees of injuries,
Items recovered from his premises include one (1) AK 47 rifle with three (3) fully loaded magazines; six (6) locally fabricated weapons; two (2) phones and charms," the police boss submitted.

He, however, promised that the force would sustain ongoing onslaught against criminal activities to ensure the safety of lives and properties in the state.

PRESS RELEASE

JOINT SECURITY TEAM COMBATS CRIMINAL ELEMENTS IN KOGI AND NASARAWA STATES; DSS CALLS FOR VIGILANCE PRIOR TO EID-EL-KABIR CELEBRATIONS

A joint security team comprising the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army and Police carried out operations in Nasarawa and Kogi States. On 19th June, 2023 along the Abuja- Keffi Expressway in Keffi LGA of Nasarawa State, the team apprehended Abubakar Muhammad (aka Abu Direba), a suspected gunrunner. During the operation, the team seized the following insidious items:

a. Four Hundred and Eighty-Six (486) rounds of 7.62 x39mm calibre ammunition;
b. Twenty-Two (22) primed IEDs
c. The sum of Thirty-One Thousand, Five Hundred naira (N31,500)
d. One (1) Volkswagen Golf vehicle with registration number- RBC202XA.

In another joint operation in the early hours of today, 22nd June, 2023, a team raided the hideout of Kabir Bala (aka Okwo), one time jail breaker and notorious gang leader in Ejule, Ofu LGA of Kogi State. Okwo and his gang members engaged the troops in a gun duel during which he was neutralised. Others, however, fled the area. Items recovered at the scene were one AK47 rifle with three (3) fully loaded magazines, six (6) locally fabricated weapons, two (2) phones and charms.

On its part, the DSS calls for vigilance prior to the Eid celebrations more so that reports had indicated plans to attack worship and recreational centres before and during the festivities. This is evident in the recovery of primed IEDs among the suspected terrorists.

Operators and patrons of public places including markets, malls etc are advised to be watchful and report any suspicious movements and persons to the relevant security agencies. Accordingly, the Service will continue to partner with sister agencies for necessary proactive drills to frustrate criminals and their activities.

Peter Afunanya, Ph.D, fsi
Public Relations Officer
Department of State Services
National Headquarters
Abuja.
22nd June, 2023

. Adeyemi of SUN Newspapers wins N2m star prize

NUJ commends Gov Bello's 'unwavering commitment to empowering journalists'



Two journalists in Kogi State became millionnaires on Tuesday at the presentation of prizes to the different categories of winners in the maiden edition of the GYB Essay Competition for journalists in the state.

The Correspondent of The Sun Newspaper in Kogi State, Emmanuel Adeyemi, won the competition with a total score of 75.8 per cent. He was followed closely by Richard Elesho of The News, who scored 72.6 per cent.

The Correspondent of Independent Newspapers in the state, Julius Atabor, was the second runner-up, with a total of 70.6 per cent, while Adeiza Momohjimoh of Nigerian Link and Bashir Muhammad of New Telegraph were tied for the Fourth Place, each scoring 70.4 per cent.

At the prize presentation ceremony in Lokoja, which was well attended by top government officials, including journalists in the state and across the country, the winner went home with N2million.

The first runner-up got N1 million, second runner-up, N500,000, while the two journalists who tied for the fourth place prize went home with N250,000 each.

There were consolation prizes, ranging from N20,000 to N100,000 for many other journalists that participated in the competition.

The President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Chris Iziguzo, in his goodwill message, commended the Governor for his unwavering support for journalism in Nigeria and the recognition of the importance of the profession in building a better Kogi State.

“By establishing this essay competition, you have indeed demonstrated your unwavering commitment to nurturing and empowering journalists to excel in their craft," he said.

He noted that this would not be the first time Governor Bello would be empowering, and at the same time, rewarding outstanding journalists with cash and other prizes, but that he was particularly glad that the beneficiaries of Tuesday’s event were journalists practising in Kogi State.

The NUJ President said the feedback from the state was that the government of Governor Yahaya Bello had placed premium interest on the welfare of journalists in the state, adding that the result was visible in terms of positive reportage.

While thanking the Governor for putting smiles on the faces of journalists, he congratulated winners and encouraged practitioners to continue in their pursuit of excellence while adhering to the highest standards of professionalism.

The Chief Host, Governor Yahaya Bello, expressed confidence in the professional capacity of journalists in Kogi State, saying, "They are my own special people. If I don't embark in capacity building and empowerment for them, no outsider will."
He assured media practitioners that the essay competition would be institutionalised and would outlive his administration.

He said he would want to be remembered as a leader who was determined and dogged in fighting for his people and providing visionary leadership.

The governor added that, at the end, he would be satisfied that he left the state better than he met it and handed over to a successor that will sustain his legacies in the person of Alhaji Usman Ododo.

The governor congratulated the winners of the essay competition and encouraged those who won consolation prizes to strive harder and sharpen their skills towards the next competition.

In his vote of thanks, the overall winner, Emmanuel Adeyemi, who was highly elated, expressed gratitude to God almighty and Governor Bello.

According to him, the N2 million prize was "a big shock".

"Such gesture is an encouragement to media professionals in the state and also an eye opener for better performance," he said.

Dr. Tunde Akanni, Associate Professor of Journalism at the Lagos State University, led the panel of five judges.

General Manager and Deputy Director, Radio Nigeria, Bimbo Oyetunde, who presented the scores on behalf of the panel, listed the criteria for the award of marks to include Grammar, Content and Flow, among others.

Other members of the panel include Eddy Odivwri, member, Editorial Board of This Day Newspapers; Ayo Olesin, Editor-in-Chief, The News Matrix and member, Nigerian Guild of Editors; and Gabriel Akinadewo, Managing Director, Freedom Online and Asst. Gen. Secretary, NGE, among others.

A governorship hopeful on the platform of All Progressive Congress (APC) and the immediate past member representing Idanre/Ifedore federal constituency of Ondo State, Hon. Tajudeen Adefisoye has constructed one kilometer Imogun road at Ibule-Soro community in Ifedore Local Government Area of the state.

The newly constructed Imogun road was described by the residents of Ibule-Soro as a timely project that would boost their livelihoods. The road was also described as the solution to erosion problem in the very area of Ibule-Soro community.

Meanwhile, the constructed Imogun road according to the residents of Ibule-Soro has been in a bad shape before Adefisoye thought it necessary to get it fixed. The residents also opined that the constructed road is expected to open up Ibule-Soro community for further development and expansion.

The residents that were full of praises said the constructed Imogun road was one of the many fulfilled electoral promises made by Hon. Adefisoye to the people of ifedore Local Government Area and Ibule-Soro community in particular. The project was expectedly completed with drainage and other necessary road furniture.

Speaking after the road was completed, a resident of Ibule, Mr Sijibomi Adetoba commended Adefisoye whom he described as a promise keeper. He also said that it was uncommon to come by a legislator like Adedisoye who had impacted the lives of his constituents through infrastructural projects and welfare programmes.

Adetoba added that the immediate past federal legislator may have chosen not to go ahead with the road construction for obvious reason. He further said that Adefisoye instead, toed the path of honour by going ahead to fulfil his electoral promise. He also said that the community would identity with the governorship ambition of Hon. Adefisoye.

"I am glad that Small Alhaji has fulfilled his electoral promise to our people in Ibule-Soro community. Politicians have been coming to our community to canvass for votes and they have made lots of promises that were not fulfilled. But, Small Alhaji has proven himself as a different politician whose words can be taken to the bank.

"Small Alhaji is one legislator that embark on infrastructural projects as if he is a state governor. This is another evidence of his many infrastructural projects and welfare programmes that were always aimed at bringing comfort to the people. Now that he has promised and delivered; our people in Ibule will be glad to support his governorship ambition. The youths in particular are willing to proclaim the governorship gospel of Small Alhaji. We have all seen what he did as MHR and a lot more should be expected form him as a governor", said Adetoba.

Former Presidential candidate and Restructuring campaigner,Rev Chris Okotie has broken his silence since the Presidential inauguration.

In an explosive statement released in Lagos early today by his media adviser,Ladi Ayodeji, the Reverend expressed concern on a range of burning national issues and capped them up with his vision for Nigeria.

Below is the full statement, issued to mark the Reverend 's 64th birthday:

" It is hubristic naivety to envisage the emergence of a new Nigeria from a moribund political cocoon corrupted by duplicity, political criminality and the travesty of the electoral-social etiquette.

"The current presidential system of governance has again manifested itself as a hydra-headed monstrousity.

"No matter the outcome of the adjudications of the cases brought before the Nigeria assizes, by opposing political parties, nothing tangible will be achieved under this debilitating system. "We must be willing and courageous enough to abandon this circadian rhythm of political disaster and leadership deficit.

"I am fully persuaded that aboriginal democracy is the only way forward. Let us make hay while the sun is still shining. To do otherwise is tantamount to mindless illogicality and clueless ineptitude.

"At sixty-four (64), I envision Nigeria standing on the brink of the River Jordan anticipating an Aquarian miracle to facilitate our entry into the promise land. The God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Nigeria will make a way where there seems to be no way. He has heard our cry. He is faithful. Delay is no denial."

Rev Okotie assured Nigerians that he would continue to pursue his dream of getting the country restructured to pave the way for Aboriginal democracy.

There was jubilation in Lagos on Thursday as leaders of over 150 Anti-Corruption Civil Society Organisations gathered with their supporters to celebrate what they termed the first step in the cleaning process for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

They hailed the President Bola Tinubu administration for showing a bold will to fix the wrongs in critical areas of the Nigerian system and doing the right things in seemingly complex circumstances.

They noted that the suspension of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, was long overdue.

According to them, genuine Anti-Corruption CSOs are indeed happy that their struggle against "politicisation of the EFCC, disobedience to lawful court orders and infringement on the human rights of Nigerians with impunity" has yielded a positive result at last.

The anti-graft crusaders, led by popular human rights activists, including the Chairman, Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, Debo Adeniran;
Executive Director, Zero Graft Centre, Kolawole Sanchez-Jude; Declan Ihehaire of the Activists for Good Governance; Ayodeji Ologun, Transparency and Accountability Group; and Olufemi Lawson, Spokesperson for the Coalition, among others,
began a consistent call for Bawa’s removal about six months ago, holding rallies and town hall meetings across the country to press home their demand.

They had called on former President Muhammadu Buhari to direct the Inspector-General of Police to effect the arrest of Bawa as ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction and commit him to prison for contempt.

They also petitioned the President on the need for a thorough investigation into the activities of the EFCC under Bawa, saying weighty allegations of corruption had been leveled against him.

The activists had said, despite obvious intimidation from certain quarters, they would not relent until Bawa stepped aside, noting that if the Buhari administration failed to do the right thing, the then incoming Tinubu administration would remove him.

To show their support and mark the beginning of victory on what they described as a just cause, they trooped out on the streets of Ikeja in Lagos, defying the heavy rain and chanting solidarity songs, after which they converged on a hall to address the press.

Speaking for the 150 CSOs, CACOL Chairman stated, "The Coalition of Anti-Corruption Organizations in Nigeria, is delighted to receive the news of the indefinite suspension of Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa, as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

"The suspension of Mr Bawa, which is long overdue, is not only a welcome development, to the community of genuine Anti-Corruption Organizations in the country, but is considered by us as an opportunity for the thorough investigation into the many atrocious conduct of Mr Bawa during his reign as the Chairman of the EFCC.

"We wish to state that the decision of the President is very timely, especially when coming at a time it has become necessary to shore up waning public confidence in the EFCC.

"It is very sad that the reign of Mr Bawa as the Chairman of the EFCC was characterised by grave allegations of disobedience to the Rule of law with regard to court orders, alleged massive corruption and mismanagement of recovered public funds and assets.

"The office of EFCC Chairman is one which must be high above reproach and any semblance of moral turpitude, therefore making the suspension of Mr Bawa a necessary action to protect the agency’s troubled image.

"For over six months, our Coalition consistently demanded for the removal of Mr Bawa as Chairman of the EFCC based on several allegations of disobedience to the Rule of Law, allegations of personal enrichment, subversion of the course of justice in particular cases prosecuted by the EFCC and open politicisation of the Commission’s activities.

"This timely intervention of President Tinubu will not only help in restoring the confidence of Nigerians in the credibility of the EFCC, but will further convince Nigerians about the readiness of the administration to tackle the menace of corruption.

"Meanwhile, we are demanding for a thorough probe of the activities of the EFCC during the reign of Mr Bawa as Chief Executive of the Commission. This will not only assist in unraveling the numerous misconduct and abuse of office by Mr Bawa, but will indeed send a serious signal to intending abusers of their public offices that it is no longer business as usual, and that there are indeed no hiding places in the extant laws and procedural systems of Nigeria for power and position abusers.

"We wish to state our commitment, in partnering with the new administration, to ensuring the survival of the Anti-Corruption efforts in the overall interest of our dear Nation."

The 'Bawa Must Go' protests were led by CACOL Chairman, Debo Adeniran; Executive Director, Zero Graft Centre, Kolawole Sanchez-Jude; Chairman, Coalition Against Corruption and Bad Governance, Toyin Raheem; Executive Director, Centre for Public Accountability, Olufemi Lawson; Spokesperson for the Transparency and Accountability Group, Ayodeji Ologun; Director, Activists for Good Governance, Declan Ihehaire; and Ahmed Balogun of Media Rights Concern, among over 120 notable leaders of Anti-corruption CSOs.

. Commend Governor Bello's infrastructure development



Many stakeholders and former Executive members of the People’s Democratic Party in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State have, again, officially joined the All Progressives Congress in the state.

They were warmly received by Governor Yahaya Bello at the Banquet Hall of the Governor's office on Monday.

Governor Bello, in his welcome address, emphasised that the APC provides equal opportunities for both old and new members.

He encouraged opposition politicians to join the party to contribute their quota to his administration's efforts at enhancing the socio-economic well-being of the people of Kogi State.

The governor also announced that the state university in Okunland, initiated under his administration, would enroll its first students before the end of his tenure.

Furthermore, Governor Bello urged the people not only to unite for political participation but also to foster stronger bonds that could attract socio-economic development to the state, noting that a politically united Kogi State had a lot to benefit under the current administrations, both at the federal and state levels.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, a former member of the State House of Assembly and immediate past treasurer of the PDP in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, Hon (Barr) Alfred Bello, highlighted the governor's exceptional infrastructure development and exemplary leadership, characterised by inclusiveness, fairness, justice and equity as the reasons for their defection to the APC.

Hon Bello commended the governor for establishing a state-owned university in Okunland, stressing that access to tertiary education had been lacking for the Okun people in Kogi state under previous administrations. He viewed the establishment of the university as a clear testament to Governor Bello's belief in a unified Kogi State, demonstrating his commitment to equity, justice, and fairness.

The former PDP chieftain assured the governor that he and his fellow members, including other Okun individuals, would work towards the success of the APC in the upcoming gubernatorial election in the state.
According to Hon Bello, Hon Obamoh, Dr. Enimola Dare, Hon Olori Janet Ikusemo, Hon Joseph Ayeribe, Hon Aiyepeku Paul, Hon Joseph Olorunfemi, and others were past executive members of the PDP in Kabba/Bunu local government area of the state who have abandoned their party and decided to join the APC.

The decampees assured the governor of their unflinching supports ahead of the November 11 gubernatorial election in the State.

A group of young professionals in different fields of endeavor under the aegis of the Forum of Youthful Nigerian Professionals (FYNP) has advocated for the inclusion of Ondo State youths that have distinguished themselves in the cabinet of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

This appeal was made by the National Coordinator of the group, Dr Wilson Chibuna in Abuja on Thursday during an event organized in honour of outgoing members of the 9th House of Representatives
that have distinguished themselves.
Chibuna praised the sterling achievements of some youthful members of the lower legislative chamber and also advised them to leverage on their records of performance to climb the ladder of higher national service.

He however spoke glowingly on the transformative strides of a 38-year-old Hon. Tajudeen Adefisoye, who is the outgoing member representing Idanre/Ifedore federal constituency of Ondo State. Chibuna further said that he was most impressed with the oversight performance of Adefisoye in the capacity of Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Army. He added that the recent improvement in the output of Nigerian Army personnel could be divorced from the diligent and important oversight recommendations by Adefisoye and other members of the House Committee on Army.

While giving testimonies of the redefined representation and sterling legislative performance by Adefisoye, the FYNP coordinator said, "I was attracted to Hon. Adefisoye, who is better known as Small Alhaji by his patriotic and excellent oversight job that he did as the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Army. This effort has undeniably manifested in the improved welfare of our soldiers and this has also in turn expectedly led to improvement in the performance of Nigerian Army personnel in the last three years.

"Having seen the great qualities and competence of Hon. Adefisoye, I insisted that we should visit his federal constituency some two years ago, all in a bid to satisfy my curiosity. As expected, the number of projects already executed completely by Hon. Adefisoye got me marvelled. He came up with a lot of innovative projects that got him endeared to the grassroots. The constituents openly described him as obviously the best House of Representatives member since 1999. I was therefore not surprised when Small Alhaji won the 2021 African Best Legislator Award and other several national awards".

Chibuna also commended the outstanding performance of another youthful legislator from Ondo State, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. The medical doctor added that he was also quite impressed with the quantum and quality of projects executed in Akoko North East/Akoko North West Federal Constituency of Ondo State by Tunji-Ojo.

He therefore urged Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State to project his youthful best that have been able to prove their mettle for positions in the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Chibuna also harped on the need for the older political class in Ondo State to allow the younger politicians to showcase their competence and capacity in the new dispensation at the national level of Nigerian politics.