Indigenes of Kogi State have cautioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against those they described as embittered and desperate ethnic jingoists who are strengthening the public opinion that the Commission is collaborating with certain opposition figures to persecute the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.

The indigenes said since the allegation of corruption by the EFCC against the former Governor became a national discourse, "some persons who are afraid of chasing their dreams at the polls have hidden under the veneer of activism to sponsor their tribesmen to impugn on the character of ex Governor Yahaya Bello maliciously".

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, the Chairman of Kogi Youth Leaders Forum, Benjamin Oguche, PhD, specifically noted that those still calling for the arrest of Bello even in the face of an ongoing court process, were either uninformed or out to rubbish the image of EFCC while pursuing their prolonged vendetta mission.

The Kogi youth leaders said this particular group had consistently pursued a "we against them" agenda, causing division and hate among the ethnic groups in Kogi, spreading falsehood and propaganda to the public on the matter.

"It is sad and regrettable that the so-called corruption allegation against Bello, which remains an allegation until established in the court of law, has become an opportunity for chronic political failures to unleash their intolerance and deep-rooted frustration on a state that our founding fathers have laboured so hard to unite.

"Without credible reasons, they have been said to have mobilised resources to fight him for daring to govern a state he hails from and for overseeing a free and fair election which produced another Governor, not from their fold," they stated.

According to them, the polarisation, ethnic and religious colouration that have been introduced in recent times into the EFCC trial of the immediate past Governor calls for worry, especially among every Kogi indigene who has a firm belief in the peaceful co-existence of the state as an indivisible entity.

"Suffice to say that what we see playing out today is a microcosm of what our country represents, where the so called minority is discriminated against, sidelined and treated like a lesser citizen in a country he has made equal, if not greater, contributions to building. The so called minority has been made to believe his voice does not count and his fundamental right to pursue social, economic and political interest taken away.

"Since through divine providence that former Governor Yahaya Bello became governor in 2016, several arrow of ethnic bitterness, needless attacks and corruption profiling have been targetted at him and his government for no offence other than for the simple reason that the responsibility to lead our dear state at that time fell on his shoulder.

"While God saw him through his four years in office, the people of our dear state equally and overwhelmingly renewed their mandate for him, sending him to go again, amidst hate campaign, violence attacks and ethnic war by some ethnic driven elites who have sworn never to allow certain ethnic groups have a taste of leading the state. While this gathering is not about catalogue of exploits he achieved and the records he broke within these eight years, it is important to note that since he left office, same known tribal jingoists and ethnic champions have been having sleepless nights plotting the downfall of the man.

"The anti-Bello protests in the UK last week, Lagos last week and Abuja today highlight the glaring danger those they regard as minority ethnic groups face in the hands of those who feel that their population is for the purpose of suppressing the fundamental rights of others to seek political interest. One continues to wonder where the protesters gathered the money to go on a protest spray, if some people are not bankrolling them, which suggest a sinister plan different from genuine fight against corruption as the public is made to understand.

"We understand that the case for which these hate-induced protests are going on is in the court and the court is a place of orderliness where every party will push their stands without necessarily drawing dagger to murder our peace. We are, however, surprised that dimension of sustained protests have been added to their inglorious mission.

"We have often expressed our confidence in the judiciary and irrespective of how long it could take, the wheel of justice must grind to a logical end. We, however, frown at the seeming open hands the EFCC has been showing to the protesters which is fuelling an unfortunate suspicion that must be immediately corrected.

"While we welcome in its entirety the probe of the former Governor, we, however, reject the deliberate image smearing against him. We call on the EFCC to disregard the propaganda of ethnic agents and face the task of diligent prosecution," the Kogi Youth Leaders advised.

The newly appointed Senior Special Assistant to Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo on Drug Rehabilitation, Comrade Richard Otitoleke has congratulated his principal on his victory at the Election Petition Tribunal, saying it is a re-affirmation of the will of people of the state.

He said the decision of the court represents the overwhelming mandate the people of Kogi freely handed to Ododo to pilot the affairs of the state during the Nov. 11 governorship election.

Recall that a three-member tribunal led by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu held that the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its governorship candidate, Murtala Ajaka failed to prove their allegations against Ododo, and therefore upheld his election.

In a congratulatory message on Tuesday, Comrade Otitoleke while commending the courage of Ajaka to approach the court in order to enrich the country's electoral jurisprudence urged him to place the welfare and development of Kogi first, insisting that the endless litigation will serve no interest.

While expressing hope that Gov. Ododo will justify the confidence the people reposed on him by choosing him as their leader at this time, Comrade Otitoleke called on Ajaka to support the governor in building a Kogi for which generations to come will be proud of.

Source: https://equitynews.ng/2024/05/28/gov-ododos-victory-at-tribunal-re-affirmation-of-will-of-kogi-people-comrade-otitoleke/

Coalition of Civil Society Organizations and Kogi youths under the aegis of Kogi Youth Renaissance Movement (KYRM) have accused the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in the 2023 off-season election, Muritala Ajaka of sponsoring malicious blackmail against the immediate past governor of the state, Yahaya Bello, urging him to get healed from the trauma of his failure at the poll.

This comes as the groups also urge EFCC to end media trial and propaganda against ex-governor Yahaya Bello, stop being a tool for satanic alliance and wait patiently for June 13 when he is expected to appear in an Abuja federal high court.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja on Saturday, the Convener Coalition of Civil Society Group, Ayanwale Idris and the National Coordinator, Kogi Youth Renaissance Movement (KYRM), Dr. Ben Uguche wondered why EFCC despite a subsisting case against Yahaya Bello has continued to sponsor unwarranted media trials against Bello, accusing the anti-corruption agency of making itself a willing tool in the hands of desperate politicians to malign the image of law-abiding citizens of the country.

While insisting that the commission has demonstrated desperation and biases in prosecuting Yahaya Bello, the groups noted that its unholy alliance with Ajaka is both embarrassing and unprecedented absurdity of a creation of the law like EFCC.

They said, "Since the November 11, 2023 governorship election in Kogi in which the people of Confluence State spoke in clear and unambiguous language on the kind of leadership path they have chosen for themselves by massively and overwhelmingly electing His Excellency Usman Ododo as their governor, those who feel that Kogi is an extension of their ancestral inheritance to be shared have not stopped scheming evil against leaders of the state.

"While it must be put on record that the Social Democratic Party's candidate in the election, Muritala Ajaka, and his cohorts have exhibited an unprecedented and un-statesman level of desperation to rule Kogi State at all costs, his unholy alliance with the EFCC to malign, blackmail and deride the immediate past Governor of the state, Yahaya Bello whose track record of selfless service in the state beams of Honour and pride is condemnable and uncalled for. One wonder why a Chairman of a Commission like EFCC will continue to speak to Press and make unguided statements over a case that is in court and still go so personal and emotional to denigrate an accused using unprintable names and EFCC as an institution making quotes on their social media space obviously to denigrate the former Governor as if the matter before the court has become a personal issue between the Commissioner's Chairman and the accused.

"We are truly convinced of this satanic alliance with EFCC using Ajaka's counsel, Barr Okutepa, as the prosecution counsel in the purported corruption case against the former Governor, Yahaya Bello. An act that is widely considered as desperation taken too far."

They accuse Ajaka of being behind series of protests by his tribesmen in Lagos and other parts of the country in the name of civil society organization against Yahaya Bello, urging him to end un-statesmanly desperation.

The groups urged the duo of Ajaka and EFCC to allow the wheel of justice grind gradually instead of calling the proverbial dog a bad name just to hang it.

They also wondered why some politicians are calling for the deployment of military to forcefully abduct Yahaya Bello in a democratic environment, saying it will be an absurd on the judiciary.

"In a constitutional democracy, for desperate politicians to be calling for the deployment of military to forcefully effect the arrest of a former Governor over a matter that is already in court is not only an aberration but a slap on the judiciary and constitutional democracy which we as a nation have willingly signed up to.

"It will be the height of absurdity and abuse of human rights to abduct Bello under any disguise before his appearance in court next month. We are really worried at the haste, venom and way with which these desperate fellows are pursuing the matter.

"The needless victimization, melodrama, propaganda, malicious falsehood, media and criminal threat against lawful citizens of this country does not help our human rights record before the international community and must therefore be immediately brought to an end", they noted.

They therefore called on the International community to call law enforcement agencies in the country to order and encourage them to carry out their duties within the confines of the law and stop the multi-layered Illegality that have embarrassed our country's image before the global space.

The groups say if this act of persecution continues, it will be safe to demand international community to blacklist corruption fight under the current EFCC Chairman.

They therefore expressed optimism that irrespective of how slow, the wheel of justice must grind to an end and enrich the country's legal jurisprudence.

Source: https://equitynews.ng/2024/05/27/csos-kogi-youths-accuse-muritala-ajaka-of-malicious-blackmail-against-yahaya-bello-say-efcc-willing-tool-for-satanic-alliance/

A Coalition of Civil Society Organizations, comprising no fewer than sixty-four registered CSO groups have petitioned the Senate Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters and House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC over the alleged attack on peaceful protesters at the Commission's headquarters in Abuja last week.

The Coalition in a four page petition submitted on Monday detailed how a well planned protest turned violent as the officials of the EFCC allegedly attacked demonstrators of the various CSO groups and Kogi Youth.

They had arrived the Commission's headquarters to show their dissatisfaction over alleged refusal of the EFCC to obey court order on the ongoing case between the Commission and the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alh Yahaya Bello which in recent times has generated unusual media frenzy.

The petition which was co-signed by Mr Richard Otitoleke and Clement Nduka alleged that the security Officials of the Commission assaulted, injured and molested the protesters and harrased journalists present.

The petition further accused EFCC officials of vandalisation of the vehicles, musical instruments and gadgets the group brought for the protest, including two luxurious buses belonging to the Abuja Urban Mass Transit.

They accused EFCC of causing loss of valuables belonging to the protesters, including their phones, midgets and laptops.

Details of the petition is hereby attached here


The Chairman,
Senate Committee on Human Rights,
National Assembly (Senate Wing)
Abuja
Sir,

FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION: ATTACK ON PEACEFUL PROTESTERS IN ABUJA, VIOLATION OF RIGHTS AND EXECUTIVE LAWLESSNESS BY OFFICIALS OF EFCC: CALL FOR SENATE PROBE OF THE INCIDENT

We are a joint committee of sixty-four registered Civil Society Organizations operating under the auspices of COALITION OF CIVIL SOCIETY GROUPS. We have over a decade ago remained consistent in our advocacy for the advancement of an equitable, fair and just society through the due processes of our establishments as a country, as required of our corporate mandate and as the conscience of the society.

This petition has become expedient and very necessary in view of recent occurrences in our country, which if not properly checked, could further tighten the grip of some of our establishments (which are products of the law) being used as tools for oppression, suppression, intimidation, harassment as well as for perpetration of illegalities which could threaten not only our human rights records before the international community but also portray us as a people with no confidence in our judicial system, hence resort to self-help.

While we choose not to appear sub-judice by commenting on the ongoing impasse between the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello and the anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) because of the pendency of the case in the court of justice, it is important to bring to your notice, Distinguished Senator, that on Monday, April 29, 2024, two groups of protesters staged demonstration at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, one clearly against former Governor Yahaya Bello in solidarity with the commission. This group staged their protest seamlessly without hitches as they naturally enjoyed the Commission's protection and were attended to by the Commission.

On the other hand, Distinguished Senator, the other group, a coalition of Civil Society Organizations and Kogi Youth group, who came with placards, banners with different inscriptions suggesting that the commission should carry out their national assignment within the confines of our constitution were brutally harassed, dispersed with teargas and gunshots.

The protesters which the EFCC might have perceived as pro-Bello had merely taken their demonstration to the Commission's headquarters to submit a letter, urging it to explore the judicial system to pursue its case instead of the media trial against Yahaya Bello and several other high profile Nigerians whose integrity, name and characters have been assassinated and maligned by same EFCC but later won their several cases, an action that has been severally condemned as unprofessional and unnecessarily dramatic.

The protest according to our findings was largely peaceful and just as the leaders were approaching to submit their protest letter, officers of the commission started firing teargas, releasing their dogs on the demonstrators and dispersing them with gunshots.

That is not all, Distinguished Senator, their vehicles, especially the ones rented from Abuja Urban Mass Transit were destroyed, journalists attacked, and some passersby injured as everyone scampered for safety following the unprovoked attack by those who ordinarily should protect them.

Apart from their paper placards calling on the EFCC to go to the courtroom to advance their case as against playing to the gallery before the camera lens, nothing incriminating was found on any of the protesters, raising questions as to what prompted the EFCC and its official to unleash an unprovoked attack on harmless protesters? Does this give credence to the assumption that EFCC is only interested in persecuting and not prosecuting Yahaya Bello and most of the people they have investigated and tried in court but later won?

Their action is in sheer contravention and outright violation of the Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution as amended which confers every citizen with the Right to personal liberty, Right to fair hearing, Right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, Right to freedom of expression and the press, Right to peaceful assembly and association and Right to freedom of movement.

The action of officials of the Commission is also in violation of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights which declares that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.

It further states that they are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood. Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

These were all brazenly observed in the breach by the EFCC and its officials and it casts our dear country in a negative light when x-rayed in the lens of our Constitution and existing international laws which our great country signed up to.

The Commission did not deny its unprofessional conduct against the coalition of Civil Society Organizations, journalists and passersby who witnessed the disturbing episode. Their defence has only been that the demonstrators were "unruly" without a single trace of evidence, bearing in mind that there are video clips of everything that transpired on the said day.

OUR DEMANDS

1. That this honourable and noble Commission should immediately set up a panel of enquiries to look into this ugly trend with a view to recommend punitive measure for whoever that erred on the matter.
2. That the honourable Committee should invite the Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede to appear before it to answer to the issues raised.
3. That the honourable Committee should extend invitation to the Reporters of Africa Independent Television (AiT), Arise Television and all journalists on ground who were also victims of the barbaric attack by an institution like EFCC.
4. That the honourable Committee extend invitation to the drivers of the Abuja urban Mass Transit who drove some of the damaged vehicles and who have been suspended by their employers, Abuja Urban Mass Transit, due to the unfortunate action of EFCC destroying their buses.
5. That the honourable Committee should invite the manager of the filling station beside the EFCC Headquarters whose station and customers on queue for fuel were badly harrased, attacked and two arrested by the Commission.

6. That the honourable Committee should consider such other things that will promote justice, fairness and rule of law in this case.

As distinguished Senators and responsible Committee members who are known for defending the rights of Nigerians where they have been breached, we are counting on you as the last hope of the common man to get justice in the interest of our nation and defence of the defenceless in the society. While we anticipate your usual kind consideration of this, please accept the assurances of our solidarity towards nation building.

Dr Clement Nduka
Convener,
Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria

Richard Otitoleke,
Director of Operations.

The founder of Advocates for Moral Values & Civic Duties Initiative (AMVCDI), formerly Value System Initiative (VSI), John-Freeman O. Ondoma on Friday, April 26 joined other patriotic Nigerians in a national dialogue aimed at building a united country.

At a National Integration Conference at Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Centre, Abuja, with the theme: “Revisiting the national question: Nigeria’s elusive search for National integration,” organised by the Kukah Centre, with support from Foreign Commonwealth Development Office, speakers were in unison in their call for a mechanism that will foster peace and national integration.

In his remarks, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, said that Nigeria’s pluralism and its vast diversity in ethnicity, language and religion, remains a valuable asset to the nation.

A NAN report quoted the Speaker as saying that embracing and leveraging the country's pluralism would propel Nigeria towards a more unified and prosperous future where the collective strengths of its diverse population would be fully harnessed.

Also speaking, the founder of Kukah Centre, Bishop Matthew Kukah while stressing the urgent need for nation building, urged all Nigerians to stop the blame game and unite for the good of the country.

“Building our nation is not about apportioning blame. It is about the urgency of national integration. National integration doesn’t necessarily mean everybody must be the same. It is for us in Nigeria to understand the intricacies of managing diversity.

"National cohesion is important because without it, it is impossible for us to grow. This country is increasingly in recession. So, the urgency of national cohesion is a call that we must make and continue to make,” he said

Others present at the event include, Annup Vyas -Head of Conflict, Stability and Security, Foreign Commonwealth Development Office, Prof. Talla Ngarka S. FHSN- Chairman, Taraba Independent State Peace Architecture, Jake Epelle - founder TAF Africa and Chief Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu CFR OFR MFR, President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

Others are former chairman of NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi, BOT member, The Kukah Centre, Dr. Enyantu Anna Ifenne, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa Mr. Samson Itodo, Managing Director of Beacon Consulting Limited and security expert Kabir Adamu, former Commissioner in Kogi State Zainab Okino, former NLC president and a member of the Nigerian Senate, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole, Barr. Gloria Ballason, and a host of other dignitaries.

Source: https://equitynews.ng/2024/04/29/founder-of-amvcdi-john-ondoma-joins-in-abuja-national-integration-conference/

Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmbaku, the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) cleric and political engineer, is one of a kind who stands in a unique class of his own.

His types don't happen too commonly. Infact, in our clime, he is a rarity, to have one person clothed in celestial and terrestial robes so fittingly.
Only few of his peers can honestly say they don't envy his sartorial elegance whenever he appears in his ecumenical garments. And when he sheds that, to adorn the political regalia, he's also a people's delight.

Few of his type readily come to mind anywhere - in Africa or in any continent. I think of Bishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa and, elegantly speaking, Archbishop Makarios of Cyprus who ruled from both the pulpit and the polity in his life time.

Odunmbaku, better known as "Baba Eto", is a mortal, but given the extraordinary gift of the garb and demonstrable style that is uniquely his own, he's fast assuming the status of an indispensable human specie.

His type acquire larger than life status that is bound to attract positivity and negativity.
Those who are enamoured of him present to the world a cult-like image of him. To them, he can do no wrong. One such person, before the satanic instinct in man, reared its ugly head in him, was so fanatical of the man, Eto, he registered some of his personal vehicles "Aremo", for which he used to tell those who cared to know, that he was "heir-apparent" to Eto. Today, that person is singing new tunes, as if his new listeners cannot decipher sychophancy and crass opportunism in his new drumbeats.

Another was said to have appeared at a political interview panel where, when asked what credentials she had to seek a position, she matter-of-factly told the panelists "Eto". And when repeatedly asked what qualifications did she have to think she was fit for the job, she retorted: " Eto ! Eto !! Eto !!!That secured the job for her !

Such a person is bound to attract envy, jealousy and disdain, dislike or even hatred to himself. That is the fate of Baba Eto !

There must be something extra going for the "priestly-politico" that the talent-discoverer, otherwise known as Bola Ahmed Tinubu, identified him to drive his gubernatorial campaign in Lagos State; and has ever since held on to him like a leech that he has solely led the campaign of other guber candidates like Babatunde Raji Fashola, Akunwunmi Ambode and Babajide Sanwoolu to roaring successes.

If beneficiaries of Baba Eto's gifts turn round to paint scurrilous pictures of the man, such people can only be consigned to the dustbin in which immortal Chief Obafemi Awolowo put those he described as ingrates of his large-ness of heart. As the late sage declared: " There's no escape for those who deny benefits"

Let the person without any blemish come out and cast the first stone. If we put aside belly-aching, jealousy and such-like vices, you cannot encounter Odunmbaku, Baba Eto, on the pulpit or the political rostrum and not doff your hats for this quintessential orator, mobiliser and professor of political mobilisation.

If some see him negatively from the positive binoculars with which Tinubu and many more view Baba Eto, then such minority must be wearing blurry blinkers in their faces

Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmbaku, the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) cleric and political engineer, is one of a kind who stands in a unique class of his own.

His types don't happen too commonly. Infact, in our clime, he is a rarity, to have one person clothed in celestial and terrestial robes so fittingly.

Only few of his peers can honestly say they don't envy his sartorial elegance whenever he appears in his ecumenical garments. And when he sheds that, to adorn the political regalia, he's also a people's delight.

Few of his type readily come to mind anywhere - in Africa or in any continent. I think of Bishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa and, elegantly speaking, Archbishop Makarios of Cyprus who ruled from both the pulpit and the polity in his life time.

Odunmbaku, better known as "Baba Eto", is a mortal, but given the extraordinary gift of the garb and demonstrable style that is uniquely his own, he's fast assuming the status of an indispensable human specie.

His type acquire larger than life status that is bound to attract positivity and negativity.

Those who are enamoured of him present to the world a cult-like image of him. To them, he can do no wrong. One such person, before the satanic instinct in man, reared its ugly head in him, was so fanatical of the man, Eto, he registered some of his personal vehicles "Aremo", for which he used to tell those who cared to know, that he was "heir-apparent" to Eto. Today, that person is singing new tunes, as if his new listeners cannot decipher sychophancy and crass opportunism in his new drumbeats.

Another was said to have appeared at a political interview panel where, when asked what credentials she had to seek a position, she matter-of-factly told the panelists "Eto". And when repeatedly asked what qualifications did she have to think she was fit for the job, she retorted: " Eto ! Eto !! Eto !!!That secured the job for her !

Such a person is bound to attract envy, jealousy and disdain, dislike or even hatred to himself. That is the fate of Baba Eto !

There must be something extra going for the "priestly-politico" that the talent-discoverer, otherwise known as Bola Ahmed Tinubu, identified him to drive his gubernatorial campaign in Lagos State; and has ever since held on to him like a leech that he has solely led the campaign of other guber candidates like Babatunde Raji Fashola, Akunwunmi Ambode and Babajide Sanwoolu to roaring successes.

If beneficiaries of Baba Eto's gifts turn round to paint scurrilous pictures of the man, such people can only be consigned to the dustbin in which immortal Chief Obafemi Awolowo put those he described as ingrates of his large-ness of heart. As the late sage declared: " There's no escape for those who deny benefits"

Let the person without any blemish come out and cast the first stone. If we put aside belly-aching, jealousy and such-like vices, you cannot encounter Odunmbaku, Baba Eto, on the pulpit or the political rostrum and not doff your hats for this quintessential orator, mobiliser and professor of political mobilisation.

If some see him negatively from the positive binoculars with which Tinubu and many more view Baba Eto, then such minority must be wearing blurry blinkers in their faces

Continuous Ethnic Clashes/Kidnapping: Kogi indigenes call for immediate sack of State Security Adviser, Omodara, says Security has collapsed under his watch

In response to the resurgence of security concerns in Kogi state especially continous ethnic clashes, abduction, killings and robbery, indigenes of the state have called on Governor Usman Ododo to relieve the State Security Adviser, retired Navy Cdr. Jerry Omodara rtd of his duty with immediate effect.

The indigenes say Omodara has had an unduly prolonged stay in office and no more adds the needed value to drive the visions of the new government in line with the security of Kogites and residents.

Our correspondent had visited Lokoja, the state capital where a section of the indigenes were interviewed on what their views are on the growing insecurity across the state.

They were in unison in their call for the immediate rejig of the security architecture in the state, beginning with the immediate sack of the State Security Adviser Omodara who they said he was not an intelligence driven Naval officer but a mere protocol and Media related official in the Navy prior to his retirement, they insist that the state needs a thoroughbred who is vast in intelligence gathering and security control.

Recall that the North Central state has in recent times witnessed growing record of security challenges especially since the current administration came into place.

In February, gunmen had kidnapped nine travellers who took off from the Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall, Kabba in Oshokoshoko, along the Kabba/Obajana/Lokoja Road in the State and demanded N2.6m ransom.

Also in the same month, 13 passengers travelling from the south-east to Abuja, were kidnapped in Inyele Eteke, Olalamaboro LGA of the state.

The Ibo Community in Kogi state have been confirmed to be the worst hit due to.their business interest, they become victims of serial kidnapp. Our reporter gathered that when the Ibo Community got fed up recently, they observed a one day sit at home in Lokoja and Kabba in order to show their frustration and problem, an act that made all market stores in the communities affected to close down business activities for that day.

The number of kidnapping that have taken place in 2024 alone have gone to an alarming stage that suggest for immediate change or redeployment of the State Security Adviser.

Several robbery cases have also been recorded across the state, even as the Security Adviser appears helpless to deal with the situation.

The latest occurred on Friday when unidentified hoodlums invaded Agojeju-Odo, a community in Omala Local Government Area of the State, shot community members and burnt houses without any arrest made or prior intelligence gathered.

According to residents who spoke to our correspondents, Omodara has no fresh ideas to bring on board as he has exhausted any idea he has on the management of security in the state since last administration where he also served in the same capacity.

They therefore called on the governor to replace him with a more vibrant and energetic Adviser who will bring fresh strategic approach on ways to address burgeoning security issues in the state.

Escalating Insecurity in Kogi, failure of needed security advisory and evidence of lack of intelligence — Expect, Alh Nda Yahaya

A Lagos based security expert of Kogi origin Alh. Nda Yahaya have traced the escalating security breakdown across Kogi State to lack of prompt security advisory and much needed intelligence gathering as is required by professionalism.

Alh. Nda affirmed this during a Kogi Professionals in Lagos lunch on Tuesday at the Ikeja area of Lagos.

Nda who is a security consultant of over three decades and award winning private security provider across the nation says if the government doesn't immediately rejig her security advisory template, the state may become more prone to escalated kidnapping, travelling vehicle hijack, campus robbery and other form of criminalities. He said the fleeing criminals from Kwara, Ekiti and other part of southwest have infiltrated Kogi without the Governor being appropriately briefed.

The Gboloko born title holder says the rate of kidnapping between South East and Kogi, robbery across campuses especially in the capital city and other form of criminalities is enough for the Governor to sack some non performing aides to give way for professionals that can complement the excellent efforts of the security agencies in Kogi state. He commended the Nigeria military, Police, DSS and Civil Defense Corp for doing their best but insist that a Security Adviser who will establish an environment of sound inter agency collaboration is visibly missing, stating that no meaningful progress can be made without that.

Alh. Yahaya advised Governor Ododo not to politicize or handle security matter with emotions but be decisive in his ability to hire and fire. He argued that it is obvious that the current State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omoda is lacking in ideas and wherewithal to sail the ship of modern security sophistication required for intelligence gathering, security advisory and workable security architecture. He says such a very sensitive office should not be a political reward but a product of competence and results.

He lamented the unfortunate incidents of kidnapping, vehicle hijack, state capital robberies, Fulani herdsmen rampaging and other criminalities as avoidable embarrassment to the commitment and dedication the new government have shown since assumption of office. He urged that immediate action must be taken to forestall unquenchable breakdown of law and order

The President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku says the upcoming National Spokespersons Summit being organised by the Institute in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation is an opportunity for spokespersons to equip themselves with fresh skills that would help them perform their jobs better, describing it as first of its kind.

Dr. Ike Neliaku who stated this at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday said highly experienced veterans from within and outside the country have been carefully selected as resource persons to share knowledge with participants at the two-day Summit coming of March 26—27 in Abuja.

With the theme, "Change Narratives, Change Society", the Summit will be declared opened by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima.

The NIPR boss underlined topics to be treated to include, "Emerging Trends in Crafting Press Statements, Press Briefings and Talks Shows", "Public Speaking Skills for 21st Century Spokespersons", "Artificial Intelligence Tools For Spokespersons", "Future Proofing Corporate Communications", "Global Trends In Managing Risks, Disaster and Crisis Communications", "Bridging Citizens-Government Communication" among others.

He further emphasized that high profile individuals will be part of this historic gathering of spokespersons.

"We will take goodwill message from various sectors, and from prominent Nigerians as well as the international community.

"They will include members of the two chambers of our National Assembly, governors, former governors, senators, former senators, leaders of professional organisations".

Also speaking, the Chairman of National Spokespersons Summit Organising Committee, Dr. Sule Ya'u Sule said time has come for the spokespersons and communication managers to update their skills to enable them perform effectively in line with the growing demands of the job.

"Gone are the days when the spokesperson can only issue a press statement. Now certain situations demand not even to speak to the press. Certain actions will take care of the situation.

"There are so many innovations now as far as this job is concerned. That is why we try to gather spokespersons so that they can be updated", he said.

Every man has his appointed time. Right now, it is ETO O'CLOCK or ET O'CLOCK or 8 O'Clock, if you like.

It is his time to fluorish and shine. Without being told, even the deluded and confused naysayers and detractors know Baba Eto has paid his price, and in full, in fact.

He has served the party diligently and deserves nothing but a massive support for this bigger assignment.

Tell everyone who cares to listen - It is Et O'Clock

We stand with Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmbaku Baba Eto National Chairman The Mandate Movement.

As NUJ Chairman lauds firm for promoting effective reportage through capacity building

The Leisure Court Estate Ltd, a leading real estate development form in the nation's capital Abuja and Lagos has been commended for sponsoring a two-day refresher capacity building training for reporters and correspondent of all media organizations that cover Works, Housing and Infrastructure in an effort to advance its corporate social responsibility (CSR).

The commendation was made by the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Chapter, Comrade Osaretin Patrick Osadebamwen while making his remarks during the opening session of the two-day retreat in Abuja on Thursday.

The refresher programme was organized by the Africa Media Roundtable Initiative (AMRI) a group that campaigns for safe, better and secured journalism across Africa and sponsored by the foremost Real Estate firm, Leisure Court Estate Ltd.

The elated NUJ chairman describes the occasion as a renaissance of better and more rewarding social corporate responsibility by corporate organizations in Nigeria and Africa by extension.

He commended the organizers of the event for being thoughtful, patriotic and friendly with the media.

Osadebamwen further said the partnership with the press is likened to the renewed hope mantra of the President Bola Tinubu's administration but urged that the sponsors should sustain the partnership for a symbiotic relationship that will engender national development.

While declaring the program open, Chief Executive and Managing Director of Leisure Court Estate Ltd, Bldr Segun Abolaji noted that the media is pivotal to business development and economic rediscovery and therefore must be supported by all stakeholders.

He said Leisure Court Estate Ltd is one corporate firm that appreciates the role and place of the media in national development, pledging to make the sponsorship of the workshop a yearly event for the continuous capacity building of the members of the press.

Bldr Abolaji noted the housing challenges Nigeria is faced with and emphasized that it takes collective interprofessional relationship with the media to assist Nigeria confront her housing challenges. He said he has always been a lover of the press and would continue to support them to succeed, especially with the role it plays as the watchdog of the society.

Also speaking, the Executive Director, Africa Media Roundtable Initiative (AMRI), Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi said such a parley at a crucial time like this is the most needful collaboration that can promote economic recovery and mutual business benefits.

He said as journalists it is important that they unlearn, relearn and update themselves in area of capacity building for better service delivery as the fourth estate of the realm.

The AMRI boss described the resource persons for the capacity building programme as highly resourceful and informed enough to impact knowledge and share experience through a roundtable like the summit.

He called on stakeholders in other fields to take a cue from this and promote better journalism through regular capacity building.

The workshop which was well attended by members Television, Radio, Newspaper and Online media Organizations continues comes to end on Friday.

Sources: https://www.abujapress.com/2024/02/csr-abuja-real-estate-firm-leisure.html

Amid recent unwarranted allegations surrounding the tenure of His Excellency Yahaya Adoza Bello, the ex-governor of Kogi State, the youth leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kabba Bunu, Kogi State, Hon Prince Olwakayode Emmanuel Eseyin, defends and celebrates the exceptional leadership legacy and transformative impact left by the former governor.

In a statement to newsmen on Saturday, Eseyin refuted the allegations of misappropriation with a resolute commitment to facts and evidence.

He said: "By substantiating the achievements and prudent management of state resources during his tenure, we can effectively refute these baseless allegations and reaffirm the legacy of exceptional leadership."

Eseyin reiterated that Yahaya Bello, who served the state diligently for a remarkable eight years, deserves acknowledgement for the transformative impact of his tenure.

In a detailed breakdown, Eseyin defended against unfounded allegations, covering sectors given due consideration by the former governor, including "infrastructure development, educational advancement, and upholding democratic principles."

He emphasized the need to substantiate achievements and prudent management of state resources during Bello's eight-year tenure, aiming to disprove baseless claims and reaffirm the governor's legacy.

Despite the tangible progress made during Bello's tenure, Eseyin expressed disappointment in baseless allegations and called for unity among stakeholders and citizens.

He further encouraged a discourse grounded in evidence and recognition of the former governor's exemplary stewardship, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging his enduring legacy.

Eseyin challenged those levying allegations of misappropriation to present substantiated evidence, asserting that baseless accusations detract from the remarkable strides made during Bello's tenure and undermine the enduring impact of his service to Kogi State.

He urged all stakeholders and citizens to unite in celebrating the tangible progress and enduring legacy of former governor Yahaya Bello, setting aside divisive rhetoric and unfounded allegations.