₦airaland Forum

A month after the Independent National Electoral Commission announced him as winner of the February 25 presidential election, the whereabouts and health condition of the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to generate ripples.

Although the media managers of the President-elect had hinted that his travel overseas was for the purpose of taking a deserved rest from the bruising toll of the campaigns, informed sources within his ruling All Progressives Congress party say that Tinubu’s travel abroad and stories about his failing health condition “are already getting many leaders of the party nervous.”

The apprehension over Tinubu’s health was further heightened when his spokesperson, Tunde Rahman, announced on Monday, “that the president-elect had directed that prayers should be offered across Lagos in celebration of his 71st birthday anniversary.”

Tinubu, who is celebrating his 71st birthday anniversary on Wednesday, had hitherto earmarked lecture series under the auspices of the Bola Tinubu Colloquium in honour of his previous birthday anniversaries.

While no one has been able to put a definite location where the President-elect visited overseas, it becomes even more worrisome, that no optics of his recreation activities has surfaced either online or through his media handlers since he left the country a week ago.

In both the ruling party and the opposition parties, there are growing concerns among political leaders on the prospects of Tinubu being inaugurated as president on May 29 when the incumbent, Muhammadu Buhari is expected to handover to his successor.

While the candidates of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s (LP) Peter Obi are currently challenging the declaration of Tinubu as winner of the February 25 presidential election, associates around Tinubu, especially one of his campaign’s media directors, Mr. Festus Keyamo, among others have continued to express worries about “plots to truncate Tinubu’s inauguration and undermine democracy.”

Competent sources say that the development is beginning to brew a cold war between the incoming First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and the incoming Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima.

“Remi Tinubu no longer trusts Shettima because she believes that he is the one mobilizing marabouts, in the hope that he will be the beneficiary of the tragedy if anything untoward happened to the President-elect,” a source said.

In fact, it was gathered that Tinubu’s wife has flatly refused to open up to anyone in the ruling party about the whereabouts of her husband as she is said to continue to take up hostility with anyone who makes inquiry to her on the topic.

The deafening silence from Tinubu’s immediate family, especially the hostile demeanor from his wife about the President-elect’s whereabouts and health condition is already causing nostalgia within the circle of political associates of the situation when former President, Umaru Yar’Adua was ill and the then First Lady, Turai Yar’Adua kept everyone out of the picture.

In fact, it was learnt that the incumbent Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, known to be a close associate of Tinubu “was barred from seeing him because of the state he (Tinubu) was in, last week, necessitating the overseas trip.”

The just concluded General Elections in Plateau State came with a lot of surprises for both the ruling APC, its main challenger, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and others such as the Labour Party who put up a strong fight for power.

From the Presidential and National Assembly Elections held on the 25th February 2023 to the Governorship and House of Assembly Elections held on March 18th 2023, winners have been announced while jubilations and protests have greeted the pronouncements by INEC.

As expected, those who lost are already heading to the Election Petition Tribunals raising various grievances on the conduct of the Elections. For Candidates of the PDP who were declared winners in the Elections from Governorship, National and State Assembly, their victory appears to be standing on shaky ground owing to the weight of the Petitions being filed by the APC and other Parties at the Tribunals.

Apart from the issues of alleged Election malpractices, the question of validity of nominations of Candidates by the PDP for the Election seems to be looming large and may be the Game changer at the Tribunals.

BACKGROUND
What started as a small fire or what politicians will call a “family affair” might be the albatross of the PDP in Plateau State possibly leading to the Zamfara State Scenario where all Candidates that won Elections under the APC were declared ineligible because of the fact that the process that brought them up to contest was said to be faulty. The PDP on that occasion was the major beneficiary.

For the Plateau PDP situation, the trouble started sometime in 2020 when they conducted their disputed State Congress Elections that saw the emergence of the Hon. Chris Hassan-led State Exco. The Exco believed to be supported by former Governor Jonah Jang was rejected by the Jeremiah Useni Camp of the PDP which vehemently cried out that the conduct of the Congress Elections did not follow the Constitution, the Electoral Act and the Guidelines of the Party.

To register their grievances, Hon. Bitrus Kaze and other members of the PDP instituted an action against the Party at the High Court of Plateau State in Jos (Re: SUIT NO: PLD/J304/2020 BETWEEN: BITRUS B. KAZE & 11 ORS V. PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY & 24 ORS) where they sought the court to order for the proper conduct of another election for the Executive Committee in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act and the PDP Constitution.

Having listened to the arguments, Hon. Justice S. P. Gang made an order, to wit:
“directing the 1st Defendant to take all steps, actions to conduct election for the PDP Executive Committee Members for Plateau State in accordance with the combined provisions of Section 223 (1) (a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 85 (3) of the Electoral Act (2010) (as amended), Article 49 (1) of the Constitution of the People’s Democratic Party and Paragraphs 5.2 -5.5 of the Guidelines for the conduct of Ward, LGA, State, Zonal Congresses and the National Convention of the People’s Democratic Party.”

EXCLUSION OF PDP FROM PLATEAU LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS

Rather than comply with the Order of Hon. Justice S.P Gang, the PDP went back to compose a so-called “Caretaker Committee” which went ahead to nominate Candidates for the Local Government Elections held on 9th October 2021.

Again, Hon. Bitrus Kaze & 11 others petitioned the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) asking it not to accept any list of candidates from the so-called Caretaker Committee because the Order of Hon. Justice S.P. Gang was not complied with.

The PDP upon being turned down by PLASIEC, rather than retrace its steps and obey the Court Order, decided to approached another Plateau State High Court to compel PLASIEC to accept their Candidates for the Elections. Hon. Justice Ishaku Kunda who heard the case again affirmed the position of Justice Gang, concluding that the PDP was in contempt of Court by refusing to obey the Order of Justice Gang.

With the Local Government elections fast approaching, the PDP quickly rushed to the Court of Appeal Jos Division seeking orders of Injunction to stop the Elections until their case is heard to enable them participate. The Court of Appeal not only refused the Prayers, but the PDP lost the Appeal as the Court of Appeal affirmed the two High Court judgements by Justice S.P Gang and Hon. Justice Ishaku Kunda.

Due to their failure to comply with the initial order, the PDP was excluded from participating in the Local Government Elections in Plateau State which saw the APC clinching all the 17 Local Government Chairmanship and 325 Counsellorship seats. Dissatisfied with the judgment of the Court of Appeal, the PDP headed to the Supreme Court against PLASIEC seeking to set aside the Judgment of the Court of Appeal.

JOS NORTH/BASSA HOUSE OF REPS BYE –ELECTION

Shortly after the Local Government Elections in Plateau State, INEC set the date for the bye-Election to fill the vacant seat for Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency after the death of Hon. Haruna Maitala. Again, the PDP under the leadership of its disputed Chairman Hon. Chris Hassan conducted Primary Elections for aspirants where a then serving member of the Plateau State House of Assembly Hon. Musa Avia Agah emerged its flag bearer. This happened without the PDP going back to remedy its problem of not constituting a valid Executive Council in the State. INEC nevertheless went ahead with the Election in which PDP’s Musa Agah was declared Winner.Not satisfied with the outcome, Adamu Muhammad Alkali of the PRP (popularly known as Dan London) who came second went to the Tribunal and canvassed among other things the fact that based on the Judgments of their Lordships Justice S.P. Gang and Justice I. Kunda, as well as that of the Appeal Court Jos Division, the PDP lacked the capacity to nominate Musa Agah for the Election in the first place. The Tribunal agreed with him and annulled the Election of Musa Agah. Hon. Agah appealed and lost at the Court of Appeal which is the final court to determine post-Election matters of the National Assembly as well as State Houses of Assembly.

PDP NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS & CONDUCT OF PLATEAU PRIMARIES FOR 2023
For the PDP, the situation continued to deteriorate heading towards the 2023 General Elections.

Time was no longer on its side having failed to cure itself of the ills that led to its being shut out of the Local Government Elections and losing the Jos North/Bassa House of Representatives seat they earlier won. Again, rather than go back to conduct proper Elections for its State EXCO, the PDP National Headquarters sent another “Caretaker Committee” under the leadership of the North Central Vice-Chairman Hon.Dakas Shan that came and conducted the Primaries for all the Candidates who contested recent 2023 Elections on the platform of the PDP in the State.

QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS AND MORE QUESTIONS!
But the questions many have asked are: where did the PDP NWC derive such powers to post a delegation not to “supervise” but “conduct” primaries for aspirants in the State? Have they now replaced the State EXCO which the Court Ordered to be properly constituted? Did the coming of the Hon. Dakas Shan delegation change anything on the ground as per the Judgements of the High Court and Court of Appeal? Who eventually submitted the list of PDP Plateau State Candidates since only the State Chairman and Secretary are empowered by law to submit list of nominated Candidates to the National Headquarters and INEC? Who submitted the list of Party Agents for the PDP during the last General Elections? Was it Dakas Shan or Chris Hassan? Why did the Plateau PDP not participate at the National Convention which saw the emergence of Senator Iyorchia Ayu-led NWC ? Did they also participate in the Presidential Primaries where Alh. Atiku Abubakar emerged? Were the Court Orders earlier issued against PDP Plateau State Chapter or PDP National Body since there is just one registered PDP in the eyes of the Law? Several renowned Legal Experts agreed that it made no difference that it was a PDP National Delegation that came and conducted the Primary Elections for the Candidates that contested in the recent General Election.

There is a Consensus of Legal opinion that if the PDP National had any role as such, it should have been to come to correct the error by conducting EXCO Elections as ordered by the Court, not to come and conduct Primary Elections for aspirants!
PDP’S APPEAL AT THE SUPREME COURT

The PDP and its Elected Candidates’ last hope was hinged on the slim possibility that the Supreme Court would at least consider their Appeal in SC/CV/1341/2022, PEOPLES’S DEMOCRATIC PARTY VS PLATEAU STATE INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSION and reverse the Judgments of the Plateau State High Courts and the one by Court of Appeal Jos Division all of which found and held that the Party not only lacked a competent Exco in Plateau State but was in contempt of Court Orders.

However, because they failed to file their Appellant’s Brief within time and were lackadaisical about the prosecution of the Appeal, the Supreme Court, on 7th December 2022 dismissed the Appeal for want of diligent prosecution, pursuant to Order 6 Rule 3 (2) of the Rules of that Court! The Appeal was among the 50 Civil Appeals and 6 Political Appeals that were disposed of.

CONCLUSION
Going by this development, the predicament of the PDP in Plateau State could best be described as self-inflicted and a very bad one because a judgment or order of Court remains valid and subsisting until same is set aside by a Court of competent jurisdiction. In the case at hand, the Order of Hon. Justice S.P. Gang of the High Court of Plateau State remains valid, subsisting and binding on PDP until same is set aside.

Moreover, the affirmation of the same judgment by Hon. Justice I. Kunda and the Court of Appeal Jos Division also remains valid with no hope of being set aside since the PDP’s appeal at the Supreme Court was dismissed in 7th December, 2022 which legally means the matter has been put to rest.

As the Election Petition Tribunals begin sitting to hear Cases brought before them, the Zamfara State scenario may just be loading in Plateau State where all PDP Candidates who won Elections and those who lost may be declared ineligible to have contested the 2023 Elections in the first place. PDP’s perpetual disobedience of the Orders of Court may be their undoing as Political Disaster of monumental proportions looms very large on the Plateau.

A Civil society group under the Aegis of “Young people for Social Justice (YPSJ) have called on the All Progressives Congress and the President Elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to zone the speakership pf the House to the North West Geo Political zone. The statement was released in a press conference in Abuja by the group’s spokesperson, Solomon Kazure.

According to YPSJ, in line with the principle of Federal Character enshrined in the constitution, After the Presidency in the South West, VP in North East and the Senate Presidency expected to be zoned to the South East or the South South for religious balance, the next zone to be settled is the North West, the zone with the largest voting number and contributed to Asiwaju’s victory more than any other zone with 32% of the total votes.

Mr Solomom Kuzare highlighted the importance of competence and experience for the position of speaker but one thing that must also be higky considered is the spread of top positions across the country and the North West can be proud of presenting ranking members of the house with good experience. Ranking members like Hon. Tajudeen Abass, Ado Doguwa and Hon. Sada Soli.

The race for National Assembly will soon reach a fever pitch with several contenders, APC currently have a sufficient majority in the House to nominate leaders for the National Assembly barring any divisions in the party and most spectators expect the President and the party’s leadership to provide proper guidance.

The President elect is also reportedly open to having a Speaker from the North East in order to consolidate and reward the zone for giving him the most votes in the election, seeing as there are competent ranking members that will allow him to carry out his legislative agenda and work amicably with the National Assembly.

Describes his victory as a true reflection of the people’s will

The Ughelli North born philanthropist, business mogul, Brand manager and PDP chieftain, has issued a congratulatory message to RT Hon Sheriff Oborevwori over his victory at the polls.

HON Oke Umurhohwo who spoke from his Ughelli country home, described the electoral process as a fair and transparent one, which has provided and delivered the true will and desires of the masses.

“My Governor-Elect sir, it is with great pleasure that I write to congratulate you on your victories at the just concluded polls. You have emerged the Governor-Elect of our dearly beloved state in one of the most transparent electoral process in the history of our state.

The people have massively decided that you are fit to be our governor, and I couldn’t agree less. You have shown uncommon acceptability with the landslide victory over your opponents.

It is my prayer that our God will grant you the wisdom to move the state to the next level, and deliver massively on the MORE AGENDA.

Congratulations once MORE

Signed:
Hon Oke Umurhohwo

Nigeria is no stranger to political controversies, and unfortunately, the February 25, 2023, election was not an exception. The election was marred by irregularities and allegations of rigging in favor of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. However, amidst all the chaos and confusion, it is essential to encourage Nigerians not to lose hope and give up on their country.

It is no secret that Nigeria has had a tumultuous history of political instability, corruption, and violence. From military coups to rigged elections, the country has faced several challenges in its journey towards democracy. However, despite all these obstacles, Nigerians have remained resilient and determined to fight for a better future.

The February 25, 2023, election was a crucial test for Nigeria’s democracy. The outcome of the election was expected to determine the country’s future and its ability to sustain its democratic institutions. Unfortunately, the election was marred by irregularities, voter intimidation, and allegations of vote rigging.

The situation was worsened by the fact that Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the candidate who was declared the winner of the election, was seen by many as a controversial figure. [/b]His critics accused him of being corrupt, divisive, and unfit for public office. As a result, many Nigerians felt disillusioned and frustrated by the election’s outcome.

[b]However, despite all the challenges, it is essential to remember that Nigeria is bigger than any individual or political party. The country’s strength lies in its people, and it is the people who have the power to shape Nigeria’s future. As Nigerians, we must not give up on our country, but rather, we must continue to fight for a better Nigeria.

One way to achieve this is through active citizen participation in the democratic process. Nigerians must exercise their right to vote and hold their elected officials accountable for their actions. It is essential to support the efforts of civil society organizations and human rights groups that work towards promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in the country.

Furthermore, Nigerians must resist the temptation to resort to violence and embrace peaceful means of expressing their grievances. Violence only perpetuates the cycle of insecurity and instability in the country and undermines the progress made towards building a stable and prosperous Nigeria.

In conclusion, the February 25, 2023, election in Nigeria was marred by irregularities and allegations of rigging. However, as Nigerians, we must not lose hope but rather continue to fight for a better future for our country. It is essential to embrace peaceful means of expressing our grievances, exercise our right to vote, and hold our elected officials accountable for their actions. With determination and perseverance, Nigeria can overcome its challenges and emerge stronger as a nation.

As results of the guber and state house of assembly seats for Enugu State trickle in, the APC guber candidate , Chief Uche Nnaji has emerged winner of his polling unit and is said to have taken an early lead in the state.

Nnaji, who is seeking to succeed the outgoing governor, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi polled the sum of 74 votes in his Ogbashi Polling Unit 15 beating his closest opponent Peter Mbah who polled 8 votes , Frank Nweke of APGA polled 4 votes while Edeoga of Labour Party polled no vote.

In an adjoining polling unit Ogbashi Polling Unit 16, Ward 3, Nnaji polled a whooping 75 votes defeating Mba, Edeoga and Nweke who polled 4, 2 and 0 votes respectively.

Results ferreted from other polling units in his ward and a number of other local governments so far also happen to project Nnaji as the leading candidate with other parties scrambling to catch up.

Efforts by pressmen to speak with Nnaji on this development did not yield any effort as it is said that he is in communication with party agents and leaders in all other local governments monitoring the situation reports garnered from other areas.

However a source who pleaded for anonymity told the newsmen present that the results churned out so far were going in APC’s favour .

Another group operating under the aegis of Plateau APC Renaissance Movement ( PAPCRM) on Thursday accused Minister of women affairs Dame Pauline Tallen of being insincere and working against her party the (APC) ahead of the 2023 Governorship elections in the state .

The group led by its Chairman Hon George Yilji , said we have it on good authority that the Minster and a federal lawmaker Hon.Komsol Alphonsus Longgap ,who got elected under the platform of our great party the APC has been deeply involved in large scale anti party activities and has thrown their support to the main opposition party in the state .

They added that ” We have it on good authority that Pauline Tallen also worked against the party in the recently concluded Presidential election in the state but hurriedly went to congratulate the President elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu when he was declared winner .”

The group alleged that ” As we speak , Tallen has directed her supporters led by Comrade Prince Maiphen who served as a member of the Presidential Campaign council of the APC now Presidential elect Bola Tinubu to work for the PDP Governorship Candidate Caleb Mutfwang.

The group also accused the Incumbent Senator representing Plateau Central in the National Assembly, Senator Hezekiah Dimka of allegedly working for the opposition in the forthcoming Governorship polls and called on the National headquarters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to expel the Senator for anti-party activities.

The group further alleged that Senator Dimka’s and his followers have endorsed the governorship candidate of the People Democratic Party (PDP), Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, a lawyer, for the March 18 gubernatorial election in the state.

Members of the group, the group alleged comprised of some governorship aspirant including Senator Dimka , who contested the APC primaries and lost to the Candidate of the APC Dr Nentawe Yilwatda .

According to the group, “it noted that Senator Dimka and his cohorts should be cut to size by the hierarchy of the party, adding that he should not be allowed to think that he is bigger than the party.”

“We call on the party APC at the national to impose maximum sanction on the recalcitrant Senator, Pauline Tallen ,Hon Komsol and others working against the APC in our state as we approach the Governorship election.”

They added that “Governor Simon Lalong and the Governorship Candidate of the APC Dr Nentawe Yilwatda has showed capacity in taking the party to victory .”

” Party politics has rules and regulations. Senator Dimka ,the Minister of women affairs Dame Pauline Tallen and their cohorts have been destabilizing the APC for a while ,they worked against our party at the recently conducted Presidential election and are planning to do so in the Governorship polls .”

The national leadership of the APC, led by Senator Adamu Abdullahi must as a matter of urgency expel Dimka and his cohorts from the party.

“This is necessary to ensure that the party goes into the Governorship 2023 election as a united front as it is very dangerous to deal with enemies within the APC .”

By May 29, 2023, the baton of leadership in Delta State will change hands. This is because the current occupier, His Excellency Governor Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa will have exhausted the constitutionally allowed two-term in office as Governor, hence the need for a new occupier of the topmost political seat in the state.

This reality is provoking a salient question on the minds of Deltan– who should take over from Governor Okowa? On the surface, it will appear simple and easy to answer, but a deeper look, especially the implication of a wrong choice, call for deep thinking in arriving at a choice when we cast our ballots on March 18.

Under Governor Okowa, Delta State has seen progress in many sphere of affairs and this gives rise to expectations that whoever will be succeeding him must be up to the task to consolidate and continue the thread of growth and development attained for the state.

And if the experience and impressive standing of the incumbent Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, and now the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Rt Honourable Sheriff Oborevwori, has demonstrated anything, it is that he is uniquely suited to keep up the pace of developments set by the previous administrations and move the state forward.

From 2017 when he was elected as the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly by his colleagues, Oborevwori exuded impressive managerial prowess, bonding lawmakers together to work for the good of the people irrespective of their political difference. For Oborevwori, the people come first, and this was the motivating factor behind his quest to lead Delta State as Governor.

Outside Delta, Oborevwori management acumen is a well established fact, serving as the National Treasurer and now Deputy Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria. Oborevwori is a good manager of resources, who will ensure that Deltans enjoy the full benefits of whatever accrued to the state coffers.

Even more persuading about his choice is the fact that he will put the interest of every Deltans ahead of his own, which is something hard to say about his challengers for the seat. By every measure, Oborevwori clearly has the experience, knowledge, and zeal needed to maintain and improve the quality of governance that Deltans get. As Governor, Delta state and its people will benefit from Oborevwori’s experience in local, state, and federal affairs.

As a former councillor, Oborevwori has a better grasp of the need of people at the grassroots, and his time in various executive positions adequately equipped him for the task ahead. Equally endearing, is Oborevwori’s legislative experience, which will facilitate a harmonious relationship with the state legislature to deliver good governance for the people of Delta State.

And more is Oborevwori’s friendly posture to young people, which preface that he will run a youth friendly government. In his campaigns across the state, Oborevwori demonstrated strong desire to explore the various talents possessed by young people in Delta state, promising to cultivate their innovative ideas in his mission to take the state to a greater height.

Oborevwori understands the issues facing our state and offers practical solutions that turns them into opportunities that benefit all. Unlike other contestants for the governorship seat, Oborevwori will not be working on assumptions or fantasies that do not address any challenges. He will bring to bear his resourcefulness and grasp of the policies needed to lead the state into desirable growth.

Delta State has made considerable progress over the years and we can not afford to reverse all those gains with unfeasible ideas. By all measures, the candidature of Oborevwori is a choice that promises to build on the policies and legacy of Governor Okowa, and this means that Delta state will continue on the path of progress and development.

As the Speaker of the state legislature, Oborevwori has demonstrated that he has the potential to fulfill not just the expectations of the people, but also a proper sense of the huge demands of the Governor’s office. The fact that Oborevwori listens to differing opinions, and welcomes suggestions augurs well for the task ahead– delivering the Delta of our dream.

It is not just that Oborevwori would make a fine Governor, he would go on to create a future we would all be proud of. This is because Oborevwori has spent a lifetime thinking about how to make things better for everyone and working to make that happen. The same can not be said of most of his challengers to the coveted governorship seat.

If Oborevwori is elected Governor, he will aspire to serve all Deltans; listen to all sides, advance the welfare of all; and equitably spread developments in parts of the state. This will bring about incremental progress and ensure that all citizens, no matter partisan learning or status, have a real sense of governance.

The choice for Delta voters who are concerned about the state’s prospects could not be clearer. Oborevwori’s humble background has prepared him well enough for the task ahead, and more than anyone in the race for the governorship seat, he has a better chance of building the Delta we all wanted. For all Deltans who care about the progress of this state and their children’s future, the right thing to do is to get Delta Sheriffied on March 18.

Hon Oke Umurhohwo writes from Ughelli, Delta State

A few days after the autopsy report of Winifred, the 12-year-old student of Chrisland Schools who lost her life in unclear circumstances was made public, there were rumours that the school had demanded another autopsy. It was alleged that Chrisland has rejected the findings of the initial autopsy and requested that the body be exhumed for another autopsy to be carried out by a renowned pathologist.

However, recent reports may suggest otherwise[b]. A member of the Management staff at the school who pled anonymity, because the school had not authorized her to speak on their behalf, said the reports that Chrisland had demanded another autopsy were false and misleading.[/b] She said “I was personally shocked to read on social media that the school was dissatisfied with the initial autopsy and was demanding for another one to be carried out. I can tell you for a fact that this is not true, and I know this because I’m carried along in the decision-making process.”

Additionally, she noted that “we are all still hurting from the loss of the child and that is why we are not even making public statements even when people are lying against us. We are saddened by the loss and we cannot be so insensitive as to demand her body be exhumed for another autopsy. Never! I’m sure that in due time, the school will speak and tell its own side of the story but it is unfair that certain elements have embarked on a smear campaign to spread falsehood about the school. It is unfair and uncalled for.

Just few days after our Presidential Candidate His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Jagaban was declared President elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by INEC, those seeking political patronage have started emerging from the shadows to congratulate him and lobby for positions.

While we have nothing against anyone for seeking political patronage, we deem it necessary to warn the President elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu over people like the Minister of Women Affairs Dame Pauline Tallen who despite working against Asiwaju and APC in the Presidential and National Assembly elections by openly and clandestinely working for the Labour Party, has in her usual character activated her machinery to lobby for appointment from Tinubu.

This warning becomes necessary because of the fact that Tallen has been a member of the APC in Plateau State only by mouth and has equally done everything possible to frustrate the Governor, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong with a view to killing the party as well as ensure that the opposition takes over in the State and nation at large.

To buttress our point, we wish to say without any fear of contradiction that Dame Pauline Tallen tacitly, mobilised, canvassed for, and voted for the opposition parties during the Saturday 25th February elections.

Further, we have been vindicated having raised concerns in the past and noted with huge disappointment and disgust the revelation that Tallen is among those working hands in gloves with the opposition to cause confusion in Plateau State APC family by hob-nobbing with the opposition parties having come out clearly to wage war against their party and the Administration of Governor Simon Bako Lalong.

Our disappointment was heightened by available facts that showed that Dame Pauline Tallen is one of those who have been playing an underground role together with the opposition in the various upheavals with the view to destabilising the Government and discrediting the APC in the State.

She played an active role in the House of Assembly Saga involving former impeached and disgraced Speaker Ayuba Abok Her with a view to create adequate confusion that will divide the party in the State to give her an excuse to move to the opposition party officially.

Much as she may want to deny, her recent activities apart from those done under cover of darkness (which are at the tip of our fingers), put her out clearly as one of those who do not wish APC progress in Plateau State and will therefore not hesitate to see the downfall of the Lalong administration.

Shortly after the Southern Senatorial bye-election where she failed to realise her ambition of going to the red chambers, she unequivocally declared a cold war and virtually went underground working with her supporters and the opposition to distabilise the Government of Governor Lalong.

Little wonder, she was conspicuously absent from all the process of the Local Government elections in the State. She neither showed her face, nor mobilised anyone in her constituency and at the local government towards the success of the party before and during the elections.

In addition, she refused to be part of all the process for the congresses of the APC from the unit, ward and State levels. Neither was she part of any stakeholders meeting of the party where all political office holders at the Federal level were present. She did not also see any need to send apologies whenever she was absent which showed that her absence was deliberate.

Just when the party organised a successful State Congress where leaders emerged, the Minister who had jettisoned the process pushed her stooge, one Ishaya Itse (who was her known ally and her former SA) to proclaim that he is a factional Chairman of the APC in the State. This wild dream at factionalisation failed to hold water despite the frutiless efforts of the Minister and her opposition PDP collaborators to propagate the fake assertion.

Her loud silence and absence throughout the period of the attacks in Plateau State was not only suspicious, but another sign that she has severed ties with the APC administration in the State. If not, how could she explain the fact that when top Federal officials including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha, Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Lucky Irabor, former CAN President Rev. Dr. Samson Ayokunle, Sultan of Sokoto Sa’ad Abubakar, Former Chairman Governors Forum Kayode Fayemi, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouk and many prominent leaders paid visits to Plateau to show solidarity and profer solutions to the disturbances, she was nowhere to be found.

Even before this incident, she had not shown so much commitment to assist the Government in the efforts of managing key challenges such as COVID-19. At the height of the pandemic while many illustrious sons and daughters of Plateau State in the public and private sectors eagerly came forth to make donations to provide succour to the most vulnerable people, our dear Honourable Minister representing Plateau State in the Federal cabinet remained aloof. She only surfaced when she was heavily criticised for her deafening absence.

With these and other facts which we don’t want to share at the moment, we are convinced that the Honourable Minister is guilty of working in cahoots with the opposition party in Plateau State to pull the rugs off the feet of the APC and her kinsman, Governor Simon Lalong for her selfish political ambition.

For her political ambition and desperation to run for Senate in 2023, Dame Tallen threw caution to the wind and embraced the opposition in fuelling the uproar in the Plateau State House of Assembly by instigating and joining forces with the former impeached Speaker Abok Ayuba in working against the the APC in Plateau State.

When her shanainigans failed, she shifted her attention to the national primaries of the APC where she hoped to do further damage to the party. She never contributed to any activity towards the convention and only sneaked in after the convention to visit the winner Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu with her co-travellers in sabotage, Dasuki Nakande and Hon. Komsol Alphonsus Longgap.

In that visit to Asiwaju as candidate of the APC, Tallen and her cohorts tried to poison the mind of Jagaban that Lalong did not work for him and should not be considered for Vice President position. We refer you to the statement issued by Nakande on behalf of the group (https://dailytrust.com/why-tinubu-should-not-pick-gov-lalong-as-running-mate/).

After listening to this act of witchcraft by Tallen and Company, Asiwaju ignored them and ended up giving them a shocker of their lives by appointing Governor Simon Bako Lalong as the Director General of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Council.

Lalong did his best depsite the acts of sabotage, backstabbing and betrayal from Tallen, her cohorts in active connivance with the opposition, he delivered Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President elect with Senator Kashim Shettima as his Vice.

As usual, the over ambitious Tallen ran immediately to Abuja after ensuring the defeat of Tinubu and APC candidates in her pulling unit in Shendam and Plateau State by Labour Party and the PDP which she funded and openly to pay a fake and hypocritical congratulatory visit to Asiwaju where she launched another campaign for either a Ministerial post or appointment as SGF. Vintage Tallen!

Those who don’t know the political history of madam Minister may be surprised, but we are not. For the records, her history of pulling down others in order to rise to positions is legendary. For example, she holds the record of being the first Deputy Governor to contest against a sitting Governor during contest for re-election after first term in office. She did it to Governor Jonah Jang in 2011.

She also holds no record of electoral success despite all her attempts as she has never won even Councillor position. All she has done is to run up and down destroying people and crawling on the ground begging for appointment after people have fought hard to win elections. Her politics is best described as “Food is Ready” and “Come and Chop”.

While she is already restless and running helter skelter in her desperation for appointment under Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we wish to advice his Excellency the President elect to distance himself from her and ignore her desperation.

He can never trust a character like Tallen and hwr group who after pulling the roof off the APC which revived her from political oblivion and gave her yet another seat at the Federal Executive Council where she sits and dines with our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari, decided to work against it in broad day light.

Instead of working for the crucial Gubernatorial elections and supporting the APC Candidate Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda and State Assembly candidates, Tallen and her team have never been associated with Nentawe and the APC either openly or secretly, but have been seen and touched by the opposition PDP and Labour Party.

However, we assure her that we will win and get Nentawe to succeed Governor Lalong with a full compliment of House of Assembly Members from the APC.

Finally, we call on the APC Chairman in her unit, ward, LGA and Plateau State; Chairman, Plateau State Governor; APC National Chairman; and President Muhammadu Buhari to take note of the grievous travesty of the Honourable Minister and act accordingly to save our great party the APC from being destroyed by people like the Minister who is APC in the day, but collaborator with the opposition in the night. She should be suspended, investigated and expelled immediately.

Jok Samuel Camillus (Central Zone)

Kate Gambo Miaphen ( Southern Zone)

Haruna Maidabino Hamza ( Central Zone)

For: CONCERNED PLATEAU APC CONSOLIDATION VANGUARD.
5/3/2023.

#FeatureByitel: If you haven’t gotten, or begun making plans to get, itel’s latest smartphone, the itel A60 4G, then you are sleeping on an excellent package!

In fact, I dare say the legendary D’banj had you in mind when he said, “you are on a long thing!”

For just 45,900 (forty-five thousand, nine hundred) naira, you can own the itel A60 smartphones! Shocked? Well, allow me to remind you that besides being a trailblazer in the world of smartphone, accessories and electronics, itel is renowned for delivering quality at affordable prices and this is no exception!

In 2022, itel grew to be the 15th Africa’s most-admired brand! Not only has the firm established itself as a trustworthy brand, but it also ranked Global Number One for 2022Q2 for SMARTPHONE BRAND UNDER $100 and FEATURE PHONE BRAND.

It achieved this feat by delivering a lineup of top shelf products while working with its over 300 partners across the globe including foremost service providers, Airtel.

itel A60: Affordability and Quality All in One.

For many entry level devices, there is always a compromise to be made: quality or affordability. While this is fast becoming the norm, itel has broken that barrier by releasing the itel A60- a smartphone that erases the lines between quality and affordability.

Not only does it improve on existing models, the itel A60 wields conspicuous competitive edges over its peers of the same price range.

During its official launch, itel’s Marketing Manager for West Africa, Oke Umurhohwo described the itel A60 as “a product with a touch of class and a highly efficient device designed to make user experience even better at no huge cost.”

This is true and I can testify to the veracity of that claim. So, the question I put to you is: why pick either quality or affordability when you can have both with the itel A60

itel A60: 4G for Everyone

While it is true that 4G is everywhere, it is still not readily accessible to everyone because most devices with the technology come with a heavy price tag.

As a result of this, many smartphone users have chosen to put up with tacky internet connection rather than break the bank to get a better device. I know you crave a smoother, stronger and more stable internet experience and that’s why I am telling you unequivocally that the itel A60 is your best bet; your go-to 4G smartphone.

Again, don’t fret! The itel A60 is a pocket-friendly entry level device that will not bore a hole in your pocket, wallet or bank account! You may be wondering how you can afford such an awesome device with its promising features but itel's got you covered for just N45,000.

itel A60: A Class of its Own

For years, itel has always been a trailblazer in the smartphone industry so it is little wonder that the A60 stands heads and shoulders above other devices in the same range.

Its 5000mAh battery, 6.6" large screen size (WaterDrop FullScreen) and 32GB ROM large capacity, expandable up to 128GB and 2GB of RAM qualify the itel A60 as peerless and unrivalled.

Add that to the 8MP+QVGA Rear facing camera with flashlight accompanied by a 5MP front facing camera with the Fingerprint and Facial Recognition features and you know you've gotten the deal of the year.

Ready to enjoy ease and peace while using a mobile device? Get the itel A60 now! No other device comes close!

FairMoney, a financial service provider in Nigeria that offers its users an easy and stress-free access to credit, savings and investments, has announced the launch of its redesigned mobile banking app home page. This revamp is aimed at providing its users with a more seamless and innovative banking experience. The new app comes with a host of features that make banking easy and transactions faster.

According to the Head Marketing and Branding, FairMoney, Nengi Akinola, the revamped FairMoney app home page is a significant upgrade from the previous version, with improved functionality and better navigation to provide users with an even more convenient banking experience.

“At FairMoney, we are committed to providing our customers with a world-class banking experience, and we believe that the new app redesign is a big step towards achieving that goal. Our customers can now access all the essential information about their accounts as well as bank services, all at just one glance.” Nengi said.

The app's home page has been redesigned to ensure that all the essential functions are easily accessible. The home page has added features including shortcuts to transfer money, fund your account, request an ATM card, and pay bills, all in one tap. Users can also view their account balances, outstanding loan balances, and savings all in one place, at the top banner.

The loan homepage has been optimized to display current loan details, and options to extend or top-up loans, while the savings homepage has been placed at the bottom right corner of the screen, with easy access to both FairSave and FairLock.

The new FairMoney app also comes with an information bar that reminds users of all the juicy discounts and deals, ensuring that they are up-to-date with the latest promotions.

“We are excited to launch this redesigned app, and we believe that our customers will find it easier and more convenient to use. With the new features and functionality, we hope to reinforce FairMoney's positioning as a leading digital bank in Nigeria, and we encourage everyone to download the app and experience the future of banking,” added Nengi.

The revamped FairMoney app is now available for download on Google Play Store.

Adewole Adebayo, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), says Peter of the Labour Party (LP) and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should concede to Bola Tinubu.

His statement comes amid calls by the LP and PDP for Mahmood Yakubu, the chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to cancel the presidential election.

Also, Olusegun Obasanjo, former president of Nigeria, had said the INEC chairperson should declare “void and inadmissible” election results where “BVAS and servers have been manipulated or rendered inactive.”

Adebayo, in a Twitter post on Tuesday, said Abubakar and Obi should show they love Nigeria by conceding to Tinubu.

“Chinua Achebe was right that leadership is the problem of Nigeria. Where are the true leaders? Same drama every election year is not progress,” Adebayo wrote.

“@GEJonathan saved us in 2015. It is now time for @atiku and @PeterObi to show that they love Nigeria. Time to call @officialABAT is now.

“I have more grievances than all the presidential candidates combined. I’m least satisfied with the results. I am dissatisfied with the choice of the electorate.


“It is the prerogatives of the people to make unwise choices but the choice is clear. We can be more honest all around.”

This is Mc Oluomo. He voted in Methodist Oshodi and still in Oshodi. Disregard the Surulere Mc.
Stop fake News.

This is Mc Oluomo. He voted in Methodist Oshodi and still in Oshodi. Disregard the Surulere Mc.
Stop fake News. pic.twitter.com/fxl7KFwN72

— Ehmzed (@Az_muheez) February 25, 2023

Barely 2 days to presidential election Former Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, has urged the Southeast to vote for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar on Saturday.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_wuEdQ5Zrk

Ihedioha speaking during a town hall meeting organised by PDP youths tagged: “Youths and students as catalysts for PDP’s 2023 general election” in Owerri, the state capital said Atiku’s victory would resolve the anger in the Southeast’s people caused by marginalisation.

While emphasizing on the need to unify the country Ihedioha said the youths should not make the mistake of voting for another party that will compound the woes of the nation promising that PDP will win twenty-five percent across the States plus FCT,

He however condemned the insecurity situation in the state calling on Nigerians to vote in the president that will restore security so the citizens will have access to their villages with out fear of harassment or intimidation

In the past few months leading to the general elections, the Nigerian political terrain became rife with mudslinging, hate speeches, and misinformation of all sorts.

Also, permutations flew high about whomever various analysts speculate to be the next president of the country and ideologies were consigned to the back burner as insults become tradable commodities to push the agenda of many camps.

It is instructive that voters make informed choices by finding out for themselves which candidate is best for the job, taking into account their past record of achievements to ensure the prosperous nation we want, which is the reason why I am appealing for us to cast our votes peacefully for the candidates of our choice. Downplaying the ethnic and religious cards is a logical necessity at this juncture.

Indeed, at this juncture of our nation’s history, a careful and focused exercise of our voting-right is more than mere civic responsibility; it is the only way we can move our country forward and for that change to happen, it begins with each one of us.

There may be a thousand reasons you might just want to stay indoors on that day such as the usual fear of the unknown, Naira scarcity, skepticism or doubt about whom to cast your vote for, I don’t care attitude, and indeed, a host of other ‘reasons’ but remember that it is a necessary sacrifice for the kind of change we desire – the kind of change that impacts the future we envisage for our children and future generations.

It all begins with our vote! In that light, my personal conviction is that a vote for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed, of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a vote well cast, one that will bring prosperity because he is tested, trusted, and capable of birthing the Nigerian dream as a visionary, pragmatic and compassionate leader with many other admirable traits.

Tinubu possesses a unique vision that allows him to see the big picture and the ability to convey the such vision to others, helping them to stay motivated and engaged. He is a strategic and critical thinker, he demonstrates empathy, engages in active listening, and builds meaningful working relationships with people around him. He is authentic and self-aware, open-minded and creative, flexible, and open to new ideas. He is a dependable person with unshakeable determination, courage, and has respect for others’ opinions.

He is a proven leader that many people admire and pretend to hate at the same time just for the fact that he is a great leader with exceptional leadership qualities. Tinubu is a bridge builder, who has often united regions, ethnic, and religious groups, a symbol that indicates his capability to strengthen national unity if allowed to lead the country.

A man with the interest of his people at heart, Tinubu – more than any other Nigerian politician – has built several young people in many areas of endeavor and not just governance. A lover of youth, this is evident in the fact that youth constitute a significant proportion of his administration and this is a legacy that continues in Lagos State.

It is therefore time that youths built on that desired pathway that would see them transit without encumbrance into true leaders of tomorrow.

A devout Muslim husband to a devoted Christian wife who is a Pastor, Tinubu undoubtedly is the quintessential leader for a nation at the crossroads. Play your patriotic part in this great historical process; go out on Saturday, February 25, 2023 to cast your vote as a responsible citizen. Vote Asiwaju Bola Ahmed for a prosperous, forward-moving and peacefully united Nigeria. Vote for the APC.

Idris Aregbe is the Southwest Secretary, National Youth mobilisation for APC PCC.

A Political Group In Ilorin , The Kwara State State capital known as Save Kwara Group has accused the Kwara state Government of bribing a policeman directly from the state Treasury just days before the General Elections.

Governor Abdulraman Abdulraman Abdulrazak has started a last-minute payment to Police Officers in Kwara state, a move that appears illegal, as the Federal Police are statutorily paid by the Federal Government the group spokesman Kassim Ishola said.

Governor Abdulrazak’s payment to police officers on the eve of the Presidential election has been seen by political watchers in the state as a discreet bribe to buy the Loyalty of the same Police Force that has been ignored in the state as they have lacked equipment, uniform, and ammunition.

In Several screenshots obtained, a sum of 10,000 has been paid with the reference “Red cross project” into the accounts of the Policemen in the state, with more money going to officers higher up, it remains to be seen if this is in contravention of the Electoral act and the money laundering laws in Nigeria. According to multiple sources in the Police, the alert was unexpected and the surprising part is the source designation: “Kwara State Government Suregate”, many were bewildered that the state itself decided to pay from the official treasury.

In the middle of a cash crunch that has led to protests and riots, Nigerians will go to the polls to elect the next President on Saturday, and many have complained that while the cash crunch may have been planned to curb vote buying, it could actually exacerbate the issue as most people are in need of cash and others believe scrupulous politicians may resort to mass credit alerts like the one in Kwara state.