Umo Eno shuns Attah's failed elders council meeting

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno shunned the recent elders council meeting convened by the former governor of the State, Obong Victor Attah.

Attah, a self-acclaimed chairman of Elders Council, had convened a meeting last Wednesday all the governorship candidates in the State but only a handful of candidates attended the meeting.

Eno, who was unveiled by Attah and presented to Governor Udom Emmanuel and PDP stakeholders for adoption as preferred successor in January 2022, allegedly said that the elders council meeting was meaningless to him as he was already favoured to win the governorship election.

A source closed to Eno said the PDP governorship candidate intentionally shunned the elders council meeting because he no longer considers Attah to be relevant to his ambition.

“Umo Eno deliberately shunned the elders council meeting because he thinks he has won the election already. When he got the invitation, he was like 'This is meaningless. What is the importance of the meeting? I have won the election already.'

“He feels that Attah does not have any value to him again because he had used to get the adoption of the party stakeholders,” the source said.

Other frontline governorship candidates who did not attend the elders council meeting were Mr Bassey Albert of Young Progressives Party (YPP), and Mr Akanimo Udofia of All Progressives Congress (APC).

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44

Exposed! Why Dupe is angry with DSS

...As DSS HQ refuses her overture to get director replaced

...How she instigated brother, Gov Adeleke to revolt

More facts have emerged as to why the elder sister of Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, Mrs. Dupe Sani is angry with the Department of State Services, DSS.

In a statement released by an Osun-based Socio-political group, Osun Shall Rise Again, OSRA, and signed by its Chairman, Lanre Akeju and Secretary, Saheed Bakare, the group maintained that the refusal by DSS headquarters to get the Osun Director of DSS replaced the same way they got the State’s Police Commissioner, Olaleye replaced was what infuriated Mrs. Dupe.

"We are therefore calling on the DSS headquarters in Abuja not to dance to their tune.

"They are secretly raising a killer squad. CP Olaleye refused to play boy. They pressed botton and got him transferred. Although, the Police is still awaiting the approval of the Police Service Commission to approve of the transfer formally, while that was on, they wanted the DSS director too out, so they could get official cover for their nefarious activities. But the DSS headquarters was said to have refused their overture. And so they resorted into bullying the DSS officials attached to the Governor, an action that led to the withdrawal of the personnel from him.

"We urge the DSS operatives to commission a thorough profiling of the Governor's Chief of Staff and his CSO, one CSP Omoyele. You will realise that their only expertise is in the coordination of political thugs. He was on record to have warned the thugs when CP Olaleye was still in Osun to behave themselves because the CP would not condone their excesses. He assured that a CP that would do their bidding would soon be posted. Also, CSP Omoyele has several murder cases hanging on his neck, the latest is the killing of two persons in Ede, including a pregnant mother on the orders of a PDP chieftain.

"True is to his assertion, apart from the fact that their political thugs openly jubilated when the appointment of CP Longe was announced, as replacement for CP Olaleye, they have so far killed four innocent Osun citizens within just one week of the announcement.

"This is why we see the DSS as last line of defense to save Osun from being plunged into avoidable political violence," the group added.

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44

Atiku in Imo, vows to resuscitate businesses, trades, stop insecurity if voted

Says, Southeast has no reason not to vote PDP

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has promised business and trade will pick up again if elected in the presidential election slated for February 25th, 2023.

The former Vice President made this known at the PDP’s presidential campaign rally which witnessed large supporters of the party at the Dan Ayam stadium in Owerri, Imo state.

He said, “For me it is homecoming to imo again. The first Chiefaincy title I got in southeast was in Imo state.

Atiku said in appreciation, “I gave airport to the community I belong to. So, If I become the president, imo is the president”.

On insecurity, the PDP Presidential candidate noted that if elected he would sit and dialogue with agrieved individuals to resolve the insecurity problem in the state.

“If you elect me, I will seat with stakeholders and sort out the issue of insecurity. If you elect me, business and trade will pick again. This is part of my policy document. There will be no need for any young man and woman not to have anything to do. We will provide an environment where things can work.” The former VP stated.

The Adamaea born politician and former VP reiterated his stance on restructuring when he said, “We will work with National Assembly to ensure powers are devoluted to all parts of the country. As the chairman said, we are capable of bringing stable development to this state as we have done before and we would do it again. Look at me, I am still strong and I can do it.

While delivery his speech, the crowd was heard chanting Atiku! Atiku! Atiku!

Responding, Atiku said “As I see you like this, I don’t feel like leaving you. God bless you all and bless Nigeria.”


On his part, Chairman of the PDP, Senator Iyorcha Ayu warned that the party will lot tolerate division in the party. He assured the people that if Atiku is elected he will bring development to the state and tackle insecurity.

“I brought the good people of Imo a goodnews. The state is PDP state. The last election uou won. Since 1999, the state has always been a PDP. All that left including Rochas Okorocha were all PDP. We must ensure unity to win. We won’t tolerate division in the party. We must work together and produce the president on the 25th February. Everyone must mobilize everyone. Once you win ghe presidency, we will take Imo back.

“If you vote Atiku, he will bring security and development to the state. Vote a person who understands the country and know how to tackle insecurity.”

“Igbo people are prosperous people and we will support the youths and women.” Ayu said

Earlier in his address, Vice Presidential candidate of the PDP, Ifeanyi Okowa who address the multitude in Ibo to the delight of the gathering, said “The Imo youths have shown they are ready to vote for the PDP. I am impressed by the numbers.”

Okowa noted that has entrepreneurs, Imo youths will benefit immensely from the PPD.

He said, “Atiku will set aside $10bn to support small business across the country. He told the large crowd.”


The DG, PDP Presidential campaign council, Gov Aminu Tambuwal while addressing the corpus ealier, said “Atiku is very familiar with the issues of Imo state, southeastern states and Ndigbo. He is here seeking your support to recover this country from
Insecurity, poverty and economic woes. If you vote for him you will be convinced that Atiku is the only candidate that can set Nigeria to the path of greatness.”

Earlier, Former Governor of Imo state, Chief Emeka Ihedioha told the people that a vote for Atiku will ensure their vote is secured and no one would steal their mandate again.”

“if we vote Atiku nobody will steal our votes again. Under 7 months, I paid all pensioners owed, restore good governance. I ask you to transfer the love you have for me to my boss, Atiku Abubakar, the former Deputy Speaker said.

Other present at the rally included Governor of Edo state , Mr Godwin Obaseki, Governor of Akwa Ibom state, former governor of Abia Theodore orji and many other party bigwigs.

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44

EFCC's fresh media trial clearly shows desperation to tarnish our image - Kogi Govt

... 'Ask them what happened to bail-out probe'

The Kogi State Government has debunked an allegation of money laundering levelled against it by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, describing it as a sustenance of the persecution of the government by the Abdulrasheed Bawa-led EFCC.

The government in a sharp reaction to a statement by the EFCC on Thursday, observed that the Commission, with its present allegations, had shown clearly that it was desperately seeking to save its face after the Commission hit a road block in its N20bn Sterling Bank media trial.

The Commissioner for Information and Communication in Kogi State, Kingsley Fanwo, however, noted that just as with the Sterling Bank affair when the commission went to the media before proper investigation, the EFCC was again set to embarrass itself and its legacy by again jumping to the media to continue its persecution of the Kogi government.

While insisting that no money belonging to the Kogi State Government was laundered, the Commissioner insisted that Nigerians should ask the EFCC if its "biased" corruption searchlight was only meany for Kogi State.

"The media trial by the EFCC is a calculated and orchestrated plan to embarrass the State Government by going after its Officials and Associates with trumped up charges to satisfy the destructive fangs of their paymasters," Fanwo noted.

The government in its reaction said that the inclination of the EFCC was against the acknowledgment of due process and financial accountability given to the Kogi State Government by international organisations. It particularly cited the recent honour accorded the Kogi State Government by the World Bank funded SFTAS project in which Kogi was lifted above peers in financial accountability.

The statement reads, “Our attention has been drawn to a press statement on the website of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to the effect that they arraigned some persons who they alleged were linked with laundering monies belonging to the Government of Kogi State.

“Inasmuch as we would not want to delve into the depth of the matter which is now sub judice, it is pertinent to draw the attention of the general public to the fact that the desperation of the EFCC to crucify Kogi State at all costs may have landed them in another trouble. Unlike the EFCC that has been known for serial contempt of court under the current leadership; we are committed to allow the law to take its due course on the matter and our innocence, again, proven beyond reasonable doubt.

“It would be recalled that this same EFCC once accused the Kogi State Government of stashing 20 billion naira bailout funds in a fixed deposit account in Sterling Bank. When the legal fireworks were about to ruffle their biased feathers, they quickly backed out and claimed the money had been returned to the Central Bank of Nigeria. Till date, they have not shown Nigerians any proof of the return even when Sterling Bank Plc has under oath denied the return of any monies belonging to the Kogi State Government. It is trite that what does not exist cannot be taken or returned.

“The media trial by the EFCC is a calculated and orchestrated plan to embarrass the State Government by going after its Officials and Associates with trumped up charges to satisfy the destructive fangs of their paymasters.

“Let it be on record that no money belonging to the Kogi State Government was laundered. SFTAS is a World Bank accountability project to ensure the Government stays accountable to the people. For many years, Kogi has won Awards as one of the most transparent State Governments in Nigeria. A responsible anti-graft agency would have made Kogi an example of transparency and excellence. However, with its endless wild goose chase, Nigerians would even wonder if EFCC's obviously biased corruption binoculars are only designed for Kogi State.

“It is not unexpected that the EFCC would feel disappointed that the monies they claimed had been stolen from the coffers of the state have been used to build Nigeria's best hospitals, good roads, best schools that are about to be commissioned. We cannot help their descent into political pawn. We will continue to make the resources of our state work for our people.

“Nigerians know that the recent Gestapo-like operation against the State was occasioned by EFCC's failure to sell the “fixed” Bailout funds debacle to the people. They became desperate to save their face from the disgrace bestowed on them by their "Destroy Kogi" Agenda.

“We urge our people not to take the laws into their hands as we are prepared in fact and in conscience for the legal battle ahead.”

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44

Osun PDP Are Raising Killer Squad - Group Alerts IGP

A social political group, Osun Shall Rise Again, OSRA, has called on the Inspector General of Police, Usman Akali Baba, to beam his searchlight on the security development in Osun State, especially with the recruitment of notorious criminals by the State Chapter of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor Elect, Senator Ademola Adeleke ahead of his inauguration on November 27, 2022.

The group said the call became imperative with the inclusion of some criminal suspects in the Inauguration Committee of the Governor -Elect, particularly one Olalekan Ajagungbade popularly known as Emir who as at the period of issuing this press statement, is a wanted criminal suspect in the State.

It further noted that the said suspect was declared wanted by the Osun State Police Command on July 2, 2022 for various criminal offences including murder and being in possession of firearms.

According to the group, it is a dangerous security development in Osun that signifies a reign of terror and thuggery that the State may witness under the leadership of the PDP after November 27, 2022 if necessary steps are not urgently taken to curtail the situation.

In a statement by the Secretary and Chairman of OSRA, Saheed Bakare and Lanre Akeju, respectively, the group accused the State Police Command of not taking the arrest of Ajagungbade seriously which has emboldened him and other criminal elements who are moving around freely and continuously formenting trouble in the state.

The statement reads in part " we are shocked and surprised with the recent security development in Osun which requires the attention of all security agencies especially the Inspector General of Police with open parade of criminal suspects as members of the Inauguration Committee of Governor-elect, Ademola Adeleke, with specific reference to Olalekan Ajagungbade popularly known as Emir who is at the top of police wanted list in the State.

"Giving such individual a responsibility suggests that the PDP and Mr Adeleke are recruiting criminal to harass kill ahead of the November 27 handing over day, and a confirmation that the party and Governor-elect have been harboring him for long to escape the wrath of the law.

"We consider his inclusion in the security committee as a way of conffering on him, a legitimate authority to carry out a sinister motive in the state and at the same time, shield him from security agents. We also doubt if the Osun Police Command can do anything because this development has shown that for long, they knew his whereabouts and who is hiding him.

"If the Osun Police Command really means business, by now, it is expected that they should have invited the PDP leaders and even the Governor- elect as contained in the statement issued when Ajagungbade was declared wanted that anyone who harbor him will be treated as sn accomplice in the offence he was declared wanted for. If he has not been hobnobbing with PDP, why would the party appoint him as a member of its security committee ?

"The IG would also recall that it is the same manner that Osun Command attempted to cover up a gruesome murder case in Ede, involving the Chief Security Officer to the Governor- Elect, CSP Issac Omoyele who allegedly killed Abedeen Adekunle and Kafayat Adekunle in Ede, Osun State in a gruesome manner before the intervention of the Force Headquarters that constituted an investigation team which later led to the arrest and investigation of Omoyele.

"It is also a shame on the part of PDP to have contemplated including a wanted criminal suspect in the list of its Inauguration Committee. This is the height of irresponsibility, abuse of power, insensitivity to security of the state and glorification of crime.

"While we are not casting aspersion on the ability of the newly deployed Commissioner of Police to the state, we consider it necessary to call the attention of the IGP to this ridiculous and embrassing development in the state before things get out of hands, considering the previous criminal record of Ajagungbade. It will also be a litmus test for the new Police Commissioner on his capacity to protect life and property in the state.

"It is also the highest level of insult to the police authority and security agents for a wanted criminal to be openly rewarded by a political party and nothing is happening, to the extent that he is already sitting with security commanders in the state strategizing on security arrangements for the November 27, inauguration, that can only happen in a Banana Republic and we don't pray to witness that any longer in Osun.

"We urge the IG to quickly intervene to ensure smooth government transition and protection of life and property in the state," the group added.

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44

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PHOTO NEWS: Atiku Arrived Benin For Campaign Rally.

Atiku Abubakar, Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has arrived Benin, the Edo state capital for the presidential campaign rally holding at Samuel Ogbemudia stadium.

He was recieved by the host Governor, Godwin Obaseki, DG of the campaign Governor Aminu Tambuwal as well as other members of the PDP PCC including Senator Liyel Imoke, Aare Dele Momodu, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi amongst others.

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44

2023: Enugu PDP Chieftain Hails Tambuwal, Udom’s Appointment to Lead Party Presidential Campaign
 
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Chijioke Agu, has applauded the Party for the choice of Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and his Akwa Ibom Counterpart, Udom Emmanuel as Director General and Chairman respectively of its Presidential Campaign Council.
 
The former three (3) time Enugu State Commissioner in a statement in Abuja on Sunday asserted that the appointment of Governor Tambuwal as Campaign Director General is a “masterstroke” by the PDP adding that the Sokoto State Governor is “a practical politician, very tactical and dogged mobilizer with the capacity to lead the PDP to victory in the 2023 Presidential election”.
 
He also described Governor Udom as a very seasoned and highly organized administrator who has the professional and managerial prerequisites to deliver a winning Presidential campaign.
 
“Governor Tambuwal’s appointment as the Presidential Campaign DG is a masterstroke by the PDP. He is the best man for the job at this moment given his proven capacity as a pragmatic politician as well as his wealth of experience as a former Speaker of the House of Representatives and now the Governor of a state such as Sokoto.
 
“Governor Tambuwal is a unifier and team player who understands the nuances of our national life and the sensibilities of the people. He is a practical politician, very tactical and dogged mobilizer with the capacity to lead the Party to victory in the 2023 Presidential election”. Agu said.
 
The PDP stalwart noted that with Governor Udom Emmanuel, who is a seasoned banker and exceptionally performing governor of a multifarious state such as Akwa Ibom State as Campaign Council Chairman, victory is assured for the PDP.
 
Calling on all members of the Party to unite and work with the Campaign Council Agu hailed the appointment of four southerners; Prof. Adewale Oladipo, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Sen. Liyel Imoke and former Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo to head the four Campaign Directorates, describing the development as an ingenious balancing act for the PDP.
 
According to Agu, “it is instructive to observe that this is the first time in the history of the PDP that southerners were given control of all the PDP Presidential Campaign Directorates, the very engine rooms of the Campaign. Is it an ingenuous balancing act by the PDP which points to the recognition of the importance of all parts of the country under the large umbrella that the PDP represents.
 
“I therefore plead all aggrieved members of the Party to set aside all grievances and work together to deliver our Party and the Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar at the election.
 
“Nigerians have suffered untold hardship, torment and grief under the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC). They are now eagerly looking up to the PDP for solution. An Atiku Abubakar Presidency represents the solution Nigerians yearn for and we must not fail them at this critical point in our national history”, Agu stated.
 
He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to put all machinery in place to ensure free, fair, transparent and credible elections that will deliver the desire by Nigerians to return the PDP to power in 2023.

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44

Integrity has been variously defined by different scholars, depending on the issue or subject in focus. But for the purpose of this piece, I shall be relying on this definition: “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles”.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has, over the years, struggled to maintain his integrity, particularly a few years into his appointment. He started with inconclusive elections. But before the end of his first tenure, he overcame the struggle as most Nigerians began to hail him as he put an end to inconclusive elections.

Gradually, he began to give the Commission another identity. Most Nigerians became endeared to him and the Commission he leads. This was why when he insisted he wanted electronic transmission of results and electronic accreditation of voters, most Nigerians supported the move. Today, the rest, as they say, is history.

But recent happenings in Osun, especially after the governorship election in the State, are raising fresh concerns, and unless Prof. Mahmood Yakubu treads with caution, the situation may erode all the positives he had been able to record in the last few years.

As an institution, INEC has tried. But there are certain individuals within the institution who have refused to adapt to the Commission’s positive transformation. Therefore, INEC chairman must not soil his name in an attempt to defend what is obviously a fraudulent human manouvering to favour one party against the other in Osun. You may want to ask how I arrived at this conclusion. This is how.

BVAS was used in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun elections. But hackers from Asia only attempted to hack INEC’s portal during that of Osun and Ekiti. Thank God they did not succeed. However, how come INEC chairman is just telling us that? Or did he just realise that?

Could that also be responsible for the issuance of two contradictory BVAS reports by INEC? I am already smelling a rat. I hope I will be proved wrong in the end.

For the benefit of first time readers, after the July 16 Osun Governorship, INEC declared PDP’s Ademola Adeleke winner, crediting him with about 28, 000 margin of win ahead of APC’s Adegboyega Oyetola.

The final result was declared on Sunday, July 17. By Monday, July 18, 2022, the Osun APC and its candidate, Oyetola, applied for the Certified True Copies (CTC) of the BVAS Report for the election. The reason being that the July 16 election was conducted on the basis of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS.

After they made the necessary payments, INEC, on July 29, 2022, which is about two weeks after the election, issued the CTC of the BVAS Report to APC and Oyetola.

From media reports, the parties after studying the BVAS report, discovered that the number of those accredited to vote did not tally with the results as declared by INEC, and by August 10, 2022, APC and Oyetola served INEC their petitions challenging results in over 700 polling units across 10 local governments on the basis of alleged over-voting in those polling units.

Realising the descripancies between figures recorded as accredited votes on the form EC8A ( result sheet) and the BVAS Report, INEC allegedly tampered with the contents of the original BVAS report apparently to defend at all cost, the Certificate of Return it issued to Ademola Adeleke. This forced it to issue another fresh CTC of BVAS to Adeleke and PDP, claiming that the one earlier issued to the APC and Oyetola was incomplete and unsynchronised. But Adeleke was declared winner on the basis of the BVAS report issued to APC and Oyetola.

The questions which APC and Oyetola are asking and which the Tribunal is expected to help resolve are: Why did INEC declare a winner when its record was untidy and not yet synchronized? Why did INEC, on 20th July, issue the Certificate of Return to the candidate of the PDP when BVAS report, upon which the election was declared conclusive, was unsynchronised?

Already, Oyetola and APC, in their response to INEC’s defence, are of the view that the claim of the electoral body regarding non-syncronisation of BVAS Report, is an afterthought, aimed at cover-up.

Going by Oyetola and APC’s petitions before the Tribunal, they want the results from the over 700 polling units being challenged to be cancelled. Here, we are talking about 173,655 votes. The reason for this prayer, according to the petitions is that voters were not validly accredited as stipulated by the extant laws. And if the prayer is granted, Oyetola will top the table with 314,723 votes as against the 375, 027 votes earlier entered for him by INEC, whereas Adeleke of the PDP will be left with 290,213 votes as against 403,371 entered for him by INEC.

Curiously, when APC and Oyetola petitions became public knowledge, PDP and their sympathisers in Osun went to town with the cry that INEC server was hacked by the APC. INEC did not say a word until yesterday, Friday, September 9, 2022, when its chairman claimed an attempt was made to hack the portal. For me, I found it difficult to believe this latest narrative. This is why I want Prof. Yakubu to please tread with caution not to soil his name. Was the attempt to hack the INEC portal also responsible for the issuance of two conflicting BVAS reports by the Commission?

While the verdict of the Tribunal is being awaited, let me hasten to add that the Northern Patriotic Front, NPF, one of the INEC accredited Civil Society Organisations that monitored and observed the Osun Governorship Election, faulted the late night voting witnessed in Ede South and Ede North, just as the group urged the electoral umpire to investigate the matter with a view to forestalling future occurrence.

It also noted that security was relaxed in some parts of Ede, saying, “Between Sekona roundabout and Edunabon, there were neither checking points nor patrol of any security personnel in that axis.”

In the 18-page report signed by its Administrative Secretary, Rasheed Shuaib, a copy of which has been submitted to INEC, the CSO also observed that there was vote buying in some of the polling units its members visited. It, therefore, urged Nigerians not to leave the fight against vote buying to CSOs and the anti-graft agencies alone. It added that all hands must on deck to eradicate the menace.

It further said: “In some of the polling units, there were separate queues of male and female. Two BVAS were deployed to some of the polling units visited with less than 800 registered voters, while in some other polling units with the same number of registered voters, one BVAS was deployed.

“According to the electoral guideline, the official close of voting at polling units is 2:30pm. In most of the polling units visited and as reported by the NPF observers, voting was concluded at various polling units across the State by 2:30pm in accordance with the 2022 electoral law as amended.

“However, this was not followed in some of the polling units in Ede axis where voting was still going on till around 9:00pm. This is clearly against the provision of the Electoral Act. This anomaly was also reported by some other observer groups’ analyses in the media.

“The conduct of election in Ede South and Ede North should be investigated to assist the Commission in preventing admitting voters to queue after the stipulated time,” the group had said.

I also recalled watching Ismail Omipidan, spokesperson of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, who is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, on TV during an interview on Channels Television, the day Adeleke was declared Governor-elect, speak on the late-night voting witnessed in the two local government areas under reference.

Is there anything INEC is still not telling Nigerians on 2022 Osun election?

I started my piece talking about integrity. I will end it with these words from Eric Thomas, an American motivational speaker:“I realised the secret to success is finishing! And not just finishing, but finishing strong!”

Maidabara writes from Kaduna

Source: https://gobroadsheet.com/osun-governorship-election-and-inec-integrity-question/

cc: mynd44

Strategy, and not noise will win me 2023 presidency -- Imumolen, Accord party candidate

A well articulated strategy that would focus on mobilising Nigerians to buy into his transformation and change agenda is what he is depending on to win next year's elections to become president, and not unnecessary noise.

This is the position of Professor Christopher Imumolen who is the flag bearer of the Accord party, going into the elections.

The engineer, while reacting to questions in a recent interview about whether he had the structure to deliver him the nation's number one office said he believed more in quietly winning converts to imbibe his dream of generational change in the way the affairs of the country is being run than dissipate precious energy canvassing for votes on social media platforms.

"Let me say this," he began while responding to posers.

"Next year's elections is going to produce a few surprises because it is those who come into the race with a well articulated strategy that would carry the day. I am a strategist and I have been all my life.

"I have been planning this for 15 years through affecting the lives of people. I have been building my structure from the grassroots, by the use of empowerment programmes and mass mobilisation.

"If it was due to the level of noise one could make on social media, I would probably not have won the Accord party primaries.
"I know of candidates who made so much noise in the media but failed to get nominated for the positions they sought because they failed the acid test of putting sound strategies in place.

"As a matter of fact, I beat candidates who were more vociferous, more vocal than I was during our own primaries.

"And I tell you. While they were busy making their noise, I was more concerned with how I'd get people to vote for me. Yes, my concern is to see how Nigerians will turn out in their numbers to vote for me and my party on election day.

"To do that, I must convince them that I am the man that has the answers to their problems as far as running Nigeria is concerned.

"As I speak, we are planning on how to get voters, agents to vote as well as represent us in all the 176,000 polling booths across the country on election day.

"Publicity is good. But not at the expense of real strategy to win the required votes to become the president of a country like Nigeria," he added.

Can Imumolen repeat William Ruto's Kenyan experience in Nigeria's 2023 presidential elections?

History has a way of repeating itself in different ways, different forms. Kenya's recent presidential elections in which William Ruto destroyed the age-long power structure led by the country's aristocrats since independence to clinch the presidency has been seen by astute political watchers as not only an upset, but an example for transparent elections on the African continent.

For Nigeria, the supposed 'giant of Africa,' there are definitely new things to learn. First, Ruto who upset the odds to wrest power from a dynasty of rulers that had seemingly passed around the baton of leadership among themselves for decades proved that a candidate from a humble background could rise to the level of a number one citizen.

Ruto, even though the deputy president to the incumbent, Uhuru Kenyatta, was never a silver-spoon kid who benefited from state-sponsored comfort.

He once sold chicken and groundnuts by the roadside. This was why his slogan of being a "hustler," and selling his messages of generational change anchored on relatable slogans resonated with the Kenyan people who desperately needed a break from the past.
Again, he earned huge credibility and mass appeal for vigorously pushing causes which seemed to benefit the people. For example, he made sure that Uhuru Kenyatta's sinister plans to arbitrarily change the constitution in 2020 did not see the light of day after he challenged the move in the Supreme Court.

Ruto would later become a hero when the apex court ruled in his favour, thus frustrating the plan.
His stocks further rose with the electorate when he kept harping on the need for generational change. And his age would ultimately prove a huge factor on the election day. From the way the voting panned out, it was clear that Kenyans actually bought into his vision of seeing a younger man take over from the ageing, sit-tight generation.

Ruto played the age card to the hilt. He came into the election, brandishing his younger age of 55 against his opponent, Raila Odinga who is 77, and was attempting to be country's after 4 previously failed attempts. At the end of the day, age won!

LIKE RUTO, LIKE IMUMOLEN?

A similar scenario is simmering in Nigeria as another elections to determine the country's leaders comes up in 2023.
After several years of misrule in which Nigerians have endured untold economic hardship, they appear set to take their destinies in their hands with a firm decision to do all that it takes to install leaders who would fight for their interests this time.
Enter Professor Christopher Imumolen, an accomplished academic, businessman, philanthropist and industrialist. At 39, he is the youngest candidate ever to contest any presidential elections in Nigeria.

He doesn't only have his age as an asset. He is equipped with a cache of solutions for a myriad of the country's problems that have seemed to befuddle even the astutest of leaders in Nigeria's seat of power for decades.
Interestingly, just like Ruto, he appears to be winning converts. And like his Kenyan counterpart, he is also coming from a humble background with no opportunity for a privileged upbringing.

His message is clear, simple. To return Nigeria to the path of prosperity through formulating and driving policies that would empower and enrich the people. To inject new life into a seemingly dead economy through reviving abandoned and moribund industries in order to create employment for the huge population of the unemployed, to restore the health, educational sectors to their former pride of place where hospitals/schools were well equipped and run, to boost the agriculture sector in order to ensure food security, to end insecurity in the land through tighter border control systems anchored on modern technology, and to rebrand Nigeria and make it a place to be proud of again.
Unlike in the past when his message would have been lost in the cacophony of unbridled tribal and religious sentiments, today's Nigerian is determined to look at the man preaching the message, and not how well connected, rich or privileged he is.
Does he have credibility? Can he deliver if he gets the chance? Will he unite Nigeria or be an ethnic or religious bigot? Will he lead us to economic prosperity?

These are some of the questions they will ask, and are asking.
Imumolen is on the threshold of history. He is not only in the frame to shock the 'establishment' as Ruto did, he would be making a strong case for a paradigm shift that has somewhat eluded the country in ages.

And should he do what now seems unthinkable considering the odds hugely stacked against him as a fresher and a non-conformist to the old order of corruption and bad governance, he would have succeeded to only in replicating Ruto's feat in Kenya, but also end up Nigeria's youngest and most educated president ever.

cc: mynd44

BPE, Ajagbawa plan to unlawfully invade BEDC today despite subsisting court injunction
 
There are strong indications that the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Henry Ajagbawa and the other directors illegally appointed into the board of directors of Benin Electricity Distribution Company Plc (BEDC) have, out of desperation, perfected devious plans to forcefully and unlawfully invade the premises of the company (BEDC) today September 05, 2022 with the support of some security agencies despite a subsisting court injunction.
 
It was learnt that Mr. Ajagbawa has fed the security agencies with tissues of lies and malicious allegations against the statutorily recognized and legitimate management of BEDC.
 
A source that is familiar with the plan said, “We are aware that the said security forces have been deceived to assist Mr. Ajagbawa to unlawfully invade the premises of BEDC despite the pendency of Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1113/2022 between Vigeo Power Limited v. Fidelity Bank Plc & 7 Ors and the orders of interim injunction issued in the said case by the Federal High Court, Abuja against the said Mr. Henry Ajagbawa and his cohorts.
 
The source added that,”The Court has emphatically restrained Messrs Ajagbawa, K. C. Akuma, Adeola Ijose, Charles Onwera and Yomi Adeyemi from taking over the premises and business of BEDC or parade themselves as directors of the said company.
 
It was learnt that despite the subsisting court order of the Abuja High Court, Mr. Ajagbawa working in unison with some government agencies like the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), and the other illegal directorsthe have recalcitrantly been shopping for illegal assistance from security agencies to unlawfully take over the management of BEDC, and there are strong indications that they want to invade the premises of BEDC today September 05, 2022.
 
When the management of BEDC was contacted in the matter, a senior official of the company who craved for anonymity implored all well-meaning Nigerians and the general public to prevail on these desperate individuals to respect the pending proceedings and orders of court.
 
The official also implored all security forces in Nigeria to reject the illegal machinations of Mr. Ajagbawa and his collaborators and respect pending proceedings of court to avoid breakdown of law and order.

cc: mynd44

Accord presidential candidate, Professor Christopher Imumolen has vowed to put an end to the incessant cases of impunity and lawlessness that has seemed to dog the Nigerian way of life for decades.

Nigerians have seemed to be misdiagnosed with the tag of a lawless people for decades because there has been a lack of will to punish crime or acts of criminality when they are committed.

The youthful presidential candidate therefore feels that a change in mentality would naturally come should the government begin to take seriously the issue of swift and adequate dispensation of justice for crimes committed by anyone or group of persons without fear or favour.

Speaking in a recent interview with Television Continental (TVC), the Addo of Abaji said a system which allows people to break the law without being held accountable is a system setting itself up for anarchy, instability and persistent security upheavals now being witnessed all over the country.

"I have never believed that Nigerians are a lawless people. Rather, I'll choose to put the blame at the doorsteps of a system that blatantly refuses to punish infractions or acts of criminality when they are committed," he told a panel of interviewers.

"Are those who insist that Nigerians are lawless not surprised to see them adapt quickly when they travel outside the shores of this country?

"That clearly attests to the fact that they only accept and live the way they live because the system back home does not take the issue of meting out of punishment to those who commit crimes, including the most heinous like kidnappings, rebellion against the state, and wanton killings of people of a particular tribe in the name of ethnic cleansing, seriously.

"We have had convoys of governors, and lately that of the president waylaid, attacked by bandits with no consequence. Can that happen in saner climes where the issue of security is tackled, using technology in gathering intelligence?

"So, this is an area me and my government will beam a searchlight should I be given the people's mandate to become president come 2023.

"We shall not only, as a matter of expediency, pursue a policy that seeks to identify trouble spots, and those behind them, we shall be strengthening our security system through digitalisation to make the process of crime-fighting and punishment for law breakers a key objective.

"And am confident that once Nigerians begin to see this change in attitude where people, no matter their status, titles or level of influence, are not treated as sacred cows but are made to answer for their crimes by the government of the day, Nigerians will naturally begin to adapt," he added.

cc: mynd44

It has been reported that a prisoner at the Kuje correctional facility has passed away. The deceased passed away on August 29th, Monday.

In this regard, the prison administration addressed the situation and provided the actual cause of death in a press release.

This unfortunate incident, in the opinion of Legend Golden Care Foundation, serves as further evidence of the importance of making considerations for the welfare of prisoners a top priority.

The statement reads:-

Press Release On The Death Of Inmate at Kuje Prison

Following official confirmation on the death of a prison inmate at the Kuje Correctional Facility Abuja on Monday the 29th of August 2022 and reports of protests, Legend Golden Care Foundation believes this is an unfortunate occurrence that further emphasizes why prisoner’s welfare is a crucial issue that needs to be prioritized.

Official statements from the prison authorities say that the deceased inmate was provided with special medical management in the prison facility and occasional referrals to the University of Abuja Teaching hospital in Gwagwalada when necessary, until his death. There have however been reports from other external sources with claims that have stirred concerns on prison healthcare.

What this insurmountably shows, is that as a society, we need to ensure that the healthcare and welfare of prisoners are in a state where there is no doubt that their rights are being respected and protected. We need to prioritize the health and welfare of every citizen as this is a fundamental human right. The inmates at the Kuje correctional facility and every other correctional facility in the country have a right to adequate access to welfare that addresses their needs, and every stakeholder responsible for ensuring that this is a lived reality needs to contribute to its actualization.

We expressly call on all Civil Society Organizations and Individuals working to ensure that the human rights of prison inmates are protected to rise up to the occasion and work towards supporting what the government has put in place regarding prisoners’ welfare.

We, send our condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, and firmly stand in our support for prisoners’ welfare as we have over the years in the work we do to help build better.

Signed,

Legend Golden Care Foundation. (LGCF)

cc: mynd44

Ja-de: An Events-only Hub Launched in Nigeria, Caters for Nigerians Locally, Globally

To bridge the gap between events and event-goers, and in order to connect people to the various events taking place around them, the Ja-de event hub has been launched to cater for Nigerians locally and globally.

According to the management, Ja-de was set up to allow users to post events quickly and easily on its platform, giving them a way to easily connect with the appropriate audience for the event. “It’s fun how simple it is to use and navigate.

“Ja-de only posts content relevant to each section as outlined above. We cover events from the global stage to the local level, making sure to cover every angle.”

Jadè serves as a hub for community-style event announcements, where users can learn about and interact with upcoming events in all cultures.

The agency said www.ja-de.co covers events from all sectors, from entertainment, sport, politics to weddings, tech, business, and many more.

The management disclosed that Deefrent media, an Ireland-based PR agency, is the mother company of Ja-de, adding that it was to satisfy most event goers in Africa since its primary target are based in Africa.

A statement issued by the management said:-

“In the first 30 days, Ja-de published over 50 events, and over 50 percent of those searches, according to Google Analytics, were organic.

“So if you have any upcoming events that you would like to share, please get in touch with us. You’ll be able to understand how we plan to publicise this event.

“If you have any additional questions, we would be happy to speak with you further. We’ll be heavily advertising this, mainly through Google search engine marketing.”

https://ja-de.co/

cc: lalasticlala, mynd44

Professor Chris Imumolen, Presidential candidate of the Accord Party, has been spotted kneeling before former President Olusegun Obasanjo for prayers.

The professor, who is one of the 16 candidates of the 2023 Presidential election, visited the Nigerian leader at his Abeokuta, Ogun State residence.

In every political season, the residence of Obasanjo is usually a beehive of activities.

Last week, Obasanjo hosted Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Candidate.

What I discussed with Obasanjo — Accord’s Chris Imumolen

Presidential candidate of the Accord Party, Professor Christoper Imumolen has disclose what he discussed with former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital.

Vanguard had reported that the meeting, believed to be a consolidation visit considering that it is not the first time the young presidential hopeful is visiting the former president.

During the visit, the people’s Prof. was seen at some point on his knees, with head bowed, hands holding that of Baba.

Professor Imumolen who had at other times visited critical stakeholders and elder statesmen did not just leave Baba as Obasanjo is fondly called without showing that he and other well-meaning Nigerians are appreciative of the labours of the founding heroes of Nigeria, living and dead, thus he presented a plaque with the inscription ‘ the labours of our heroes past – shall never be in vain’, to Baba Obasanjo.

Speaking on his visit to OBJ, Prof Imumolen said; ” It is good to get prayers and counsel from leadership icons like Obasanjo whose vast experience through direct leadership encounters and experimentations can never be gainsaid.

“There is no limit to such blessing, prayers and nurture for me as I am set to use such map as a measure and energy to rewrite the leadership narrative of our dear nation, and redefine the economic fortune of the Nigerian people, with the sole aim of placing Nigeria in the comity of prosperous nations.

“Our presentation of the plaque is a mark of utmost appreciation for their great leadership sacrifices through time. I am consulting vehemently preparatory to spearheading a new leadership in Nigeria as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 2023, knowing that the road is rough and that Nigeria’s Presidency is not for the lily liver.

“I represent the long-anticipated better future, the collective ambition and expectation of the youth and the long dreamt paradigm shift, and therefore plead for the support of Nigerians come 2023 towards the realisation of an ‘All for All’ government for true national integration and development.”

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/08/what-i-discussed-with-obasanjo-accords-chris-imumolen/amp/

2023: Don’t blackmail Emeka Ihedioha with Peter Obi’s candidature — Imo Professionals tells Uzodinma

A group named Concerned Imo Professionals has called Imo state residents to ignore the propaganda dragging the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.

The group made the statement via press briefing by Professor Obioma Iheduru adding that Governor Hope Uzondinma involved in propaganda to tarnish the image of former Emeka Ihedioha.

The statement read:-

“Whereas it has never been the intention or tradition of the Concerned Imo Professionals, CIP, to unnecessarily take on matters that are generally regarded as non-issues, we are however very concerned that disgruntled elements within the Imo State ruling All Progressives Congress, APC and their cohorts, in a most nauseating and mindless fashion, have taken it upon themselves to discredit His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha CON.

“It is a mark of gross failure and administrative incompetence of the Governor Hope Uzodimma and his illegitimate regime in Imo State. For this, the regime always drags the name of an innocent, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, through the muddy waters if their clueless regime.

“We wish to state that Governor Uzodinma has failed woefully in the governance of Imo State. Hence his resort to commissioning his hatchet media propagandists, led by his Commissioner for Information, Hon. Declan Emelumba, to attack His Excellency Hon. Ihedioha in a bid to smear his character and distract the attention of the public from the failures of his regime.

“The agents of the Imo State government who are relentlessly using His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi, Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, to misrepresent and blackmail Hon. Ihedioha for the purposes of the 2023 elections are doing so with satanic intention and diabolic inclinations.

“Governor Uzodinma and his cohorts are desperate about using Mr. Obi to cover their shame and failures.

“These fruitless efforts to drag Mr. Obi into Imo State politics are completely out of the question and are bound to fail. The point we are making is that, the issue is about good governance and the future of our beloved Imo State. Therefore nobody should mistake our position or allow the attention of Imolites and Nigerians to be diverted.

“We call on Imolites to resist any effort to drag Mr. Peter Obi into the issues of misgovernance in Imo State. These gross ineptitude and high-handedness have resulted in wanton killings and kidnappings across in Imo State. Need we mention the mindless looting of the state treasury, lack of payment of salaries and pensions, and collapse of local government system and infrastructure in the state? These are the issues that a good government should be addressing rather than chasing shadows.

“Suffice to emphasis that His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, was popularly and overwhelmingly elected by the good people of Imo State across party lines. Under his administration, the people of Imo State enjoyed good governance in all sectors of the economy. And that bond is still intact and strong irrespective of the unjust Supreme Court judgment that cut short the Rebuild Imo administration.

“We in CIP, consider it mischievous and devilish to accuse Hon. Ihedioha, an acclaimed democrat and nationalist of insulting the Igbo. This is no doubt, one of the many blackmails orchestrated by Senator Hope Uzodinma and his collaborators to portray His Excellency Ihedioha in a negative manner and pitch him against Imolites.

“Hon. Ihedioha is an ardent, consistent and loyal member of the Peoples Democratic Party, who believes in the constitutional rights of the people to act according to their will.

“We advise that the ruling party and its agents should desist from these negative politics of bitterness and blackmail and deal with the real issues governance that affects the quality of life of Ndi Imo.”

source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/08/2023-dont-blackmail-emeka-ihedioha-with-peter-obis-candidature-imo-professionals-tells-uzodinma/

cc: mynd44

There are a lot of things to consider when designing the dark mode of any digital product. It really goes beyond inverting the white, black and other brand colours. Attention should be given to contrast, choosing the right colours (for focus), and leveraging negative spaces.

In this FOF, Jos virtual session, Aise Idahor will be taking us on design best practices for dark mode UI.

Aise is a Web3 Product designer, with over 3 years of delivering great experiences worldwide through simplifying complex problems. He is a master at bringing simplicity and ease to complex interfaces.

If you are like “insert any name” here that has been turning #ffffff background to #000000 and vice versa for texts, we cannot wait to have you join us to learn how best to design lovely dark UIs.

When

Friday, Aug 12
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM (WAT)

Reserve your ticket HERE: https://ja-de.co/2022/08/08/an-event-for-designers-design-best-practices-for-dark-mode-user-interface/

APC PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARIES

Open Letter To President Muhammadu Buhari, All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors And National Delegates

A popular Yoruba adage says "Tiaba nsukun, a ma n riran", weeping shouldn't stop us from seeing.. We are in a very critical stage of our survival as a nation; our diversity and unity line is very thin. And getting it right in 2023 seems the only viable solution that will take us out of our present political imbroglio.

We had a lot of lofty promises in sweeping PDP away in 2015 but unfortunately, we have not been able to achieve some of our promises as a result of the effects of 16 years of misrule and wanton destruction wreaked by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), leaving it its wake the root of hopelessness.

We must appreciate the sacrifices of President Muhammadu Buhari in restoring our dignity as a nation , we must appreciate the founding fathers of the All progressives Congress (APC), particularly Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who ensured that money bag politicians were shamed and President Buhari got the APC ticket in 2015.

I am not writing this letter in my capacity as a commissioner in Osun State but as a young Nigerian who sincerely and passionately desires a better Nigeria for all; as a promising young Nigerian who is worried about the future of his children and as a young Nigerian who is worried about the massive brain drain experienced in the country as youths search for greener pastures and better life.

Can’t this country also be a green pasture? All hands must be on deck to ensure that APC gets it right in order to sustain the unity of this great nation, Nigeria. We must sincerely thank President Buhari for throwing his weight behind the southern presidency and the APC northern governors who have again displayed genuine commitment to oneness and the peace of our nation, knowing without doubt that the quest for disintegration of the nation has never been this much.

It is quite unfortunate that PDP has again shown that they do not care about the mood of the nation by picking a northern presidential candidate who incidentally doesn't have the required acumen to tackle our challenges as a nation; PDP once again has been trapped by the whims of moneybag politicians. By zoning the presidency to the south, APC and President Buhari have shown fairness and justice much more than the PDP. The PDP’s choice is in bad faith and hinges on tribal and ethnic sentiments; such a political party can’t be trusted with power.

APC no doubt, parades a fantastic array of presidential materials but we have the best among equals, whose pedigree has shown clearly that he has the capacity to achieve and fulfill not only the common dream but also the dreams of our founding fathers; a worthy successor that President Buhari can be proud of; Atiku is not an underdog, so we must present a candidate with a workable manifesto that will not make Nigerians see PDP as a viable alternative.

We must present a visionary, loyal and selfless leader with high intellectual capacity. We are at the peak of our economic crisis and it is trite to note that we already have a man who has the experience to tackle this; he moved the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of Lagos State from N600m in 1999 to N15bn as Governor. Today, the IGR of Lagos is over N40bn. We have a man who survived the onslaught of PDP, a man who experienced zero Federal allocation , yet, he ran Lagos State successfully; such a leader is highly required in this time of scarcity. Today, Lagos is the fourth largest economy in Africa, a lot of party faithful believes that he deserves the ticket because of the sacrifices he has made in the past; the enormous sacrifices he has made for the APC and the progressive family at large.

But beyond this, we need the best available material who can win election for us now; a lot went in getting power from PDP in 2015, we must not allow the power slip off our hands by presenting a wrong candidate. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu holds the ace to APC’s victory in the next presidential election. Asiwaju might have his flaws like every other human being but he remains the hero of true democracy and a symbol of good governance. In the words of the renowned footballer, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, “Asiwaju made Lagos a place for all and a home for all.”

We are at the point where we need Asiwaju more than ever as a nation; our national delegates must stand by the truth, we must shun the moneybag politicians and pick the best just like we did in 2015 when we picked President Muhammadu Buhari, who was our best candidate then. We must again pick our best candidate now, and that obviously is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a detribalized Nigerian, We must present our best.

Good governance should be devoid of religious and ethnic sentiments. It is on record that as Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu saw potentials in Igbo people; in the Hausa, in people from South South and he brought them on board in his cabinet to move Lagos forward, his detribalized nature will no doubt be a key ingredient for the present situation in the country. He deserves to get our presidential ticket in the APC for the sake of our unity as a nation .

Truth is bitter; Asiwaju is being called a lot of unsavoury names simply because of the role he played in the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 and 2019. In spite of the fact that he has not held any position in the last 15 years, documentaries were prepared just to malign and discredit him in 2015 despite the fact that he was not on the ballot paper, he is attacked for all challenges in Nigeria; he is called names for bad roads in Aba, he is called names for security challenges in Yola and for all ills across the nation.

He has not asked for too much, he has the name bullion van politician all because of our great party. If some people he made decided to stab him in the back or betray him, the President and our governors must not betray Asiwaju. President Buhari as a true, devout Muslim and God-fearing leader should throw his support behind a man who will not betray him. Asiwaju’s absolute loyalty can’t be questioned; he is not like some of the aspirants who will surely betray the president and the party when they get power. If they can betray Asiwaju , the will betray President Buhari .

Mr President, APC governors and our esteemed National delegates must not hesitate in their support for Asiwaju’s aspiration, we must not allow the prayers of PDP, who are fervently praying that Asiwaju should not get the ticket be answered.

They prefer someone that would have been defeated by noon on the day of the election; we have a readily available material that is tested and trusted, he has the capacity to roundly defeat Atiku Abubakar. Asiwaju’s political tentacle is across board, I am sure the likes of HE Bala Muhammed, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, HE Ayodele Fayose all of PDP can testify to this, the only way President Muhammadu Buhari can be remembered in 50 years time is for him to have a worthy successor such as Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we urge our leaders in the APC to create a level playing ground just like President Muhammadu Buhari had in 2015.

Asiwaju’s manifesto in rejuvenating the economy is top notch; the understanding of the electric power challenge and solution as reflected in Asiwaju’s manifesto is mind boggling; his blueprint on agriculture, education and health is what is required at the moment for a better Nigeria. Asiwaju is needed to consolidate President Buhari’s efforts; it is indeed payback time for Asiwaju, who some of those he made have the courage to work or contest against his emergence as the flagbearer of our party.

Our delegates must stand by the truth and ensure we support a man who can roundly defeat Atiku Abubakar and restore our hope as a nation. Let us stand on the mandate of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; we missed it in 1983, we missed it in 1993, we must not miss it in 2023. The mood of the nation is charged; President Buhari, APC governors and APC National delegates must stand by the truth by supporting Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be the flagbearer of our party for the sake of generations to come, let us get it right, if Tinubu wins, we all win for a better Nigeria.

ENGR REMI OMOWAIYE writes from Ilesa.

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44

Breaking: Osibanjo to step down from the presidential race

We have reliably learnt that the Vice President and aspirant for the APC Presidential ticket, Professor Yemi Osibanjo is considering stepping down from the presidential race and throwing his weight behind one of his rivals.

A source who is close to the Osibanjo team revealed to us that the VP had almost made up his mind on this because, after reviewing his chances at a competitive presidential primary, believes he stands no chance.

The Osibanjo team, it was gathered, after contemplating several other options, including pressing for an outright endorsement from President Muhammadu Buhari, decided to throw in the towel when that did not come.

"We agree at our meeting that the VP is more popular among ordinary Nigerians but lacks critical support among party leaders and stakeholders, " the source said. "So, in order not to handover an easy victory to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the VP is considering quitting the race and supporting another aspirant but definitely not Asiwaju."

When pressed on who the VP might support, the source wasn't definitive but revealed that discussions were ongoing with a particular aspirant from the southwest.

"We are looking at a governor from the southwest. We also note the issue of inclusion, fairness and equity, so we are likely to support someone from the South who is a Christian", he said.

This is breaking news and there will be more later.

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44

Abubakar Sani Bello: A True Democrat of Niger State.

By Abdullberqy U Ebbo

“I hope that our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us, that the less we use our power the greater it will be.” –Thomas Jefferson

After the All Progressive Congress (APC) sold tickets to all gubernatorial hopefuls, and as the party counted down to the primary elections, Governor Abu Sani Bello came under no small pressure to anoint a candidate, a successor who would continue the work and protect the interests of camps within the party.

The above was a dilemma not so dissimilar to what President Buhari currently struggles with. Governor Abu Sani Bello must have found the situation impossible: like Buhari, he had the option of his loyal and trusted Deputy, like Buhari, he had the option of party faithful who, if dissatisfied, can shaken the party’s chances at success in the general elections, like Buhari he too had the option of technocrats adjudged as most fitting to run a state. They are all reputable names, all competent individuals, all demonstrating a promise for greatness.

Further, Governor Abu Bello permitted all, including political appointees the liberty to openly support aspirants of their choice. This was why even government officials were divided. Many of his committed lieutenants rooting for different aspirants, and all of them imploring for his support and blessings. The Governor, who loves and respects all his lieutenants, the last thing he would have wanted was to be caught in a situation where something he could do may hurt and disappoint them, but caught he was. He knew that the next step of the coming days before the primary election must be carried out with wisdom and mercy, and that was exactly what he did. He denied himself that liberty he so freely granted others to anoint whom they see fit because he understands that as a leader this is what he must do to guarantee stability. Here was a Governor for the first time, to the greatest admiration of many Nigerlites, having no anointed person.

To be clear he had the power, everybody knew, to impose a candidate. Further, all the aspirants respected his right and political freedom to make and support an aspirant of his own choice. As a human being, certainly Abu Sani Bello must have had someone, a preferred aspirant, he wish, will take over from from him, in mind, but suppressed it for the greater interest of Niger state. It couldn’t have been easy, the discipline, the self-restraint to not wield his power and impose a candidate on the party and his people. This must have taken no small courage as well as faith. Or perhaps the kind of courage that comes only with faith.

The wise leader, Abu Sani Bello demonstrated that discretion was the better part of valor. And in the face of the criticism and indeed pressure of many stakeholders who would have preferred a dictator. Abu Sani Bello held like he has always held that democratic process is the best way out to produce a candidate without malice and rancor.

And so, in the Holy Month of Ramadan, His Excellency had Iftar with all the aspirants and made it clear that he had no anointed person and that he will ensure a level playing ground for all the hopefuls. Many Nigerlites judged this as a political statement, one of those things politicians say but do not themselves believe. The other many who believed him thought his position and neutrality unwise. But the skeptics and the doubters have seen that Abu Sani Bello is a politician who says what he means and means what he says. And so here we are today witnessing history unfold before our eyes.

His Excellency’s neutrality has worked in his long-term advantage. What many politicians may consider foolhardy has turned out to be one of those ironic twists that has now stabilized the party, fostered unity and, in the end, would determine history, and for the first time in our history, the people of the party were given the total power to choose who they want to be the flag bearer, this is history in Niger state. Now, even the staunchest critics of the Governor would admit, that truly Niger now has a new father of its democracy and it is Governor Abubakar Sani Bello.

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44

The All Progressive Congress Niger State gubernatorial candidate Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago this afternoon visited the NUJ Secretariat.

The APC flag bearer donated two buses to the union, and reaffirmed his total commitment to work very closely with all the journalists, and carry everyone along to ensure a successful outcome in the 2023 General Elections.

While receiving the visitor on behalf of the members, the chairman of the union, comrade Abu Nmodu thanked the APC flag bearer for the visit and urge him to have an open door policy where everyone can have access to him for the growth of the state.

After that, Hon. Bago proceeded to the erstwhile campaign office of His Excellency, Deputy Governor Ahmed Muhammed Ketso which was donated to the Bago Campaign Organization by His Excellency, He collapsed his entire campaign structure into the Bago Campaign Organization.

The Deputy Governor who has been friends with Hon. Bago since time and was most decorous with him during the contest similarly implored his supporters and well wishers to support and work assiduously for the victory of the party and Hon. Umar Bago in the general elections.

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44

Hon. The All Progressives Congress-APC Senatorial Candidate for the 2023 Elections is Abdussalam Abdulkarim Zaura.

Zaura emerged the winner after polling 758 votes, beating his only rival, Sen. Bashir Garba Lado, who polled 77.

The returning officer of the APC Kano Central Senatorial primary election, Sen. Tijjani Kaura, disclosed the result after the successful conduct of the election at the Sani Abacha indoor stadium, Kofar Mata, Kano metropolis. He said the total number of voters for the election (delegates) was 855. While 855 were accredited, 836 votes were cast, with 835 valid and 1 invalid vote, making the total valid votes 835.

Kaura said, "AA Zaura, having certified the requirements of law and scoring the highest number of votes, is hereby declared the winner."
The election, which at the commencement had 3 aspirants, was reduced to 2 when Barrister Isma'il Ahmad withdrew his aspiration, narrowing the contest to the 2 contenders that participated in the election. Zaura, who was born in the village of Zaura Babba of Ungoggo Local, was born in 1977, is contesting for senator for the first time after losing the gubernatorial election to governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in 2019.

A successful businessman and philanthropist whose PHYLANTROPIC acts have been compared to those of the state government, he will face incumbent senator Ibrahim Shekarau, a former governor of Kano state and minister of education, who recently defected from the ruling APC to the NNPP.

PHYLANTROPIC acts were compared to state government will be facing the incumbent senator Ibrahim Shekarau, the former governor of Kano state and minister of education who have recently defected to NNPP from the ruling APC.

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44

STOP PRESS!

NIGER STATE APC ON THE VERGE OF TOTAL COLLAPSE

Niger state critical stakeholders, elder statesmen and well meaning Nigerlites should note that the peaceful atmosphere our state is being threatened by few undesirable elements who see themselves as gods. The ruling All Progressives Congress is at the verge of total collapse due to the actions of those "gods" who regards the party as their personal property hence their wishes MUST be respected despite us being in a democratic setting.

Today being Tuesday 24th May, 2022, all the 10 Aspirants for the exalted position of the Governor gathered at the State's Police Command Headquarters on the invitation of the Police Commissioner in order to sign a Peace pact that will guarantee a peaceful primaries of the party through orderly and matured behaviors by adopting the original delegates list. The entire aspirants agreed to append their signatures on the peace pact only for Mohammed Idris Malagi to be called by Yakubu Abdulsalami A K A Baba Yakubu and directed him (Malagi) not to sign the peace agreement and acceptance of the original delegates list. It is very unfortunate that a man who is aspiring to be a Governor is already being controlled by cabals even before getting into the office.

It is also on record that the Nigeria's electoral law has specified for the release of comprehensive authentic delegates to all Aspirants of various political offices in the land but another god, the State's Secretary of APC Barrister Khaleel Ibrahim has vehemently and arrogantly refused to make the delegates list public. He has held on to it and make it so secretive as if it is cult membership list. All appeals and persuasion in that regard has fell on deaf ears.

This actions portends danger not only for the party who can face massive defection and heavy defeat in the forthcoming 2023 general elections in the state but can also bring total chaos, rancour and hatred among peace loving Nigerlites which in turn can be very embarrassing to our Governor whose political neutrality is highly appreciated by all. The Governor himself stands to loose his senatorial bid as it was done in 2015 during the PDP era when the Ex Chief Servant woefully lost election to a less known individual.

The time for Governor Abubakar Sani Bello to take firm decisions and squarely address this ugly trends in the party is now, his long silence and inaction on this matter can be regarded as serious weakness, incompetency, gross negligence and even supportive of those semi gods who thinks Niger State belongs to them only.

A stich in time saves nine, the time to act now is now.

Dauda Ismaili writes from Minna

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44

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A'Ibom PDP inaugurates PMM to consolidate peace, development of state

In her bid to consolidate on the prevailing peace, growth and Industrial development currently prevailing in Akwa Ibom State, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Wednesday officially inaugurated the "Peace Maintenance Movement”, a grassroot mobilisation movement geared towards preparing the State for a future that will guarantee Peace, Prosperity and Sustenance.

The group is also aimed at consolidating on the gains made by the current administration in the State.

Addressing the gathering, Director General, DG, of PMM and National Legal Adviser of the PDP, Hon Barr Emmanuel Enoidem said the group which will be officially known as “Peace Maintenance Movement” will have as her official slogan, "That Same God”

Wednesday's Inauguration which marked the commencement of the Chapter Inauguration witnesses the inauguration of Ikono and Ini Local Government Areas Chapters of PMM.

Barr Enoidem while inaugurating the Ikono Chapter of PMM at the Council Secretariat, Ibiaku Ntok Okpo, said the formation of PMM became necessary given the need to consolidate on the achievements recorded by the Governor Udom Emmanuel led administration in the State. He thanked the people of Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency for their steadfastness with the PDP, and sued for their continuous support going forward, assuring of better times ahead.

The PMM DG tasked the leadership of the movement in the federal Constituency to set up structures at the ward level. Sir. Victor Etefia, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Petroleum Matters, was elected as the Ikono Chapter Coordinator of PMM, while a former Local Government Chairman, Hon Itoro Columba, is the Secretary.

The PDP National Legal Adviser also inaugurated the Ini Chapter of PMM at the Council Secretariat, Odoro Ikpe where Commissioner for Agriculture and Dean of Commissioners, Dr. Glory Edet was inaugurated as the Local Government Coordinator while the Chief Whip of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and Member representing Ini State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ekpenyong is the secretary.

Giving their acceptance speeches, the PMM Coordinators and Secretary in Ikono and Ini, Sir. Victor Etefia and Dr. Glory Edet, and Hon Itoro Columba and Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ekpenyong, thanked Governor Udom Emmanuel and PMM DG, Barr. Enoidem for the confidence reposed in them, pledging their loyalty and commitment towards the actualization of the core mandate and objective of movement in the Federal Constituency in particular and the State in general.

The event was witnessed by the Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey who led other members of the State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, Chairmen and members of Boards, Aides to the Governor and Political stalwarts from all over the State.

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44

Niger State Government is set to connect 14,000 new water lines for supply of water which is expected to boost the revenue generating capacity of the state to between N120 and N150million monthly as soon as the new lines are connected which will all be metered.

The project documents were handed over to contractors and consultants that will handle the United State Agency International Development (USAID) sponsored project in the state.

The project according to the State Commissioner for Water Resources and Dam Development, Alhaji Yusuf Suleiman, is in two phases and are expected to be completed in a span of three month.

The first phase is the disconnection of 2,200 of service lines from the main ment that is, the tank that gives water to the reservoir which is being connected to service line, individual and company lines while the other phase will involve a complete laying of 9km new water pipes on the shiroro line.

On completion, the project would ensure that areas getting irregular water supply and those without would have constant supply while leakages of pipes would be entirely eliminated.

So far areas like Bosso Estate, Dusten Kuran Gwari and Hausa, Shanu Village, Okada Road, Gbaiko and Unguwan Rahma will begin to get regular supply as against once in a week that some of them are enjoying now.

Gov Emmanuel to submit Endsars report to NEC for implementation

...As AKSG injects billions to complete mega projects for economic growth

...Orders increased free Covid19 testing to curb third wave

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel has promised to present the Akwa Ibom State Judicial Panel of Inquiry report to review on police brutality popularly referred to as ENDSARS, to the National Economic Council, NEC, for implementation.

The Governor who stated this on Friday while receiving the Panel'e report from the Chairman, Justice Ifiok Ukana(Rtd), appreciated the intellectual industry and physical energy invested in the production of the report, expressing the deep gratitude of his administration to the Justice Ukana-led panel for the excellent work done by them, which will ensure radical reforms, justice, the rule of law and an effective, efficient, result oriented and people centered policing.

He admonish citizens to take preventive measures to fight the resurgent COVID-19 and advocated for more enlightenment as the country get set to battle the third wave of the pandemic.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Panel, Justice Ifiok Ukana(Rtd), thanked the Governor for the opportunity to serve on the panel, recounting that the procedure adopted by the panel in the discharge of their responsibilities and stated that every police officer (serving or retired) who was petitioned, was served the petition and given time and facility to enter their defence, in order to grant them fair hearing.

Justice Ukana notes that their work is documented in a 4 volume report, which he presented to the Governor and appreciated the Governor for the quality selection of members, who according to him, have made their mark in their different callings.

He highlighted some of the recommendations made by the panel, which he admonished should be implemented to forestall a reoccurrence of such civil unrest and further appreciated the Governor for the support given the panel all through their work.

Present with him were members of the panel which included; Ms. Manti Umoh who represented the Civil Society Organization and Protesters Representative, Mr. Harry Udoh as Representative of Civil Society Organization, Barr. Bassey Essien CP(Rtd) Senior Retired Police Officer, Barr. Omen Bassey who served as Youth representative, Comrade Aniedi Michael, NAAKISS Worldwide President who served asStudent Leader and Mfon Edemekong Esq of the Ministry of Justice who served as Secretary.

The Panel's Chairman, Justice Ukana also informed the state government of the demise of the representative of the human rights commission, Mr. Tony Iji who passed on recently. Members of the Executive Council, Chairmen of Boards and Commissions, Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Extra Ministerial Departments were present at the report presentation.

In a related development, Governor Udom Emmanuel has promised to stimulate the economy of the state with the injection of sufficient funds to complete critical projects in line with the Completion Agenda of his administration. This was part of decisions taken during Friday's State Executive Council meeting held at Government House Uyo.

The Exco which was presided over by the Governor also reviewed the COVID-19 status of the state and directed the COVID-19 management team to swing back into full action to curb the resurgence of the virus through increased free testing at the two state owned PCR laboratories was directed. The meeting also received progress report on Dakkada Luxury Estate which was presented by Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Pastor Umo Eno.

Other highlights of the Exco meeting include the progress report on the 3,000 youths training programme which was presented by Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Prince Ukpong Akpabio and reviewed by EXCO as well as an update on the power for all scheme presentation by Commissioner for Power and Petroleum development which was also reviewed by Exco.

The State Executive Council meeting also directed that the next phase of Interministerial projects be commenced immediately with all allocation to the education sub-sector.

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44

The most anticipated finale of the year is here.

The finale of The Voice Nigeria season 3. With the best six making it to the final round, the finale will be nothing short of thrilling with the electrifying performances of the talents at the most recent episode of the show. But only one winner backed by viewers' votes will emerge.

Last week, the votes were in favour of Esther, Naomi Mac, kepee, Dapo,Eazzie and Kitay leaving Anu and Nuel Ayo out of the show.

You will recall that the show had over fourteen thousand entries, just a handful making it to the blind auditions. While some were lucky to get a chair turn from our distinguished coaches, others were encouraged to try another time and so the journey began for the selected ones.

From the blind auditions which is one of the most unique part of the show, where Coaches choose talents and talents likewise decide their fate by convincing the coaches with their voices just to get a chair turn from either one of them or all four coaches, to each contestant picking the coach they would want to train them through the musical journey then to the battles where talents fight for their spot at the live shows.

The Coaches have been exceptional and excellent in their duties, mentoring and training the talents as a group as well as individually and this has given room for growth and improvements on the talents part.

The live show of the contest is very intense as talents are saved by their coaches first then subsequently by the people’s votes.

The Voice Nigeria season 3 is sponsored by First Bank, Baba Ijebu and Airtel.

Group Flays Presidential Aide for Blackmailing Governor Emmanuel

A socio-political group, Onna Unity Forum has flayed the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Ita Solomon Enang over his attempt to blackmail Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom state on the location of the recently approved Federal University of Technology for the State.

The group while reacting to comments credited to the presidential aide at a press conference against the person and office of the governor said such atrocious narrative by Enang was capable of eroding the peace in the state.

In a statement issued in Uyo, the state capital and signed by the Chairman, Mr. Efiok Bassey, the forum while thanking the President Muhammadu Buhari for the approval of the institution however took a swipe at Enang, stating that it was not only unthinkable but unreasonable for the person of Enang’s status to use the media to incite the people against the governor over the choice the location.

According to the statement “ From all indications and facts leading to the approval, the federal government favours the citing of the University in the Akwa Ibom South Senatorial district to perhaps ameliorate years of deprivation, marginalisation and destruction of natural habitat of the people.”

It noted such gesture was not unexpected considering the fact that Akwa Ibom state and in particular, Eket Senatorial District contribute over 40 percent to the finances of the Federal Government even with nothing to show for it for decades.

“It is however not only unthinkable but unreasonable that the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Ita Solomon Enang could issue a threat to go up in arms against the person and office of the governor over the location of the institution.

“Such grandstanding to a sane mind is an ill wind that does no one any good rather than fanning the embers of acrimony and disunity among the local government areas that may be considered for the location”, it stated.



The Forum described Enang’s obnoxious tale as a sheer blackmail and arm-twisting to put Governor Emmanuel based on a warped assumption and imagination that the governor may influence the location of the institution to favor Onna Local Government Area

“Assuming but not conceding that the state government in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Education favors the location of the University in Onna based on meeting certain favourable criteria for the location, the question is "is Onna not in Eket Senatorial District? Is Onna not an oil bearing and producing local government Area? , it queried.

Explaining further, the group said since Eket Senatorial District is favoured to host the University. It was pertinent to note that Eket federal constituency should be considered since there is no federal presence in the area let alone an institution of higher learning.

“For instance, the Oron Federal Constituency owns Maritime Academy which is on the verge of becoming a full blown University of Maritime Studies while the state owned University, Akwa Ibom State University is located in Mkpat Enin in Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency which also boast of Federal Government Liberty Free Trade Zone, Ibom Power Company, ALSCON and arrays of other companies.

Furthermore, it is doubtful if Mr. Enang who ignorantly claimed that there is an existing tertiary institution in Eket federal constituency truly knows the configuration of the federal constituencies in Eket Senatorial District.

The group said it was worrisome for Enang to be engaging in deliberate mischief and falsehood against the governor to achieve a dubious political mileage.

According to the statement “despite of the fact that the every investor has the right to decide where to locate his business, Mr. Emmanuel as the state governor has been fair in ensuring that investors distribute their factories across the state.

“For instance, there's ongoing construction of Vehicle Assembly plant in Itu, St Gabriel’s Coconut Refinery in Mkpat Enin, Sterling Petrochemical Company in Eastern Obolo and the recently attracted OCP’s $1.4billion investment on fertilizer and ammonia plant to be sited in Ikot Abasi. Besides, the government also constructed a 2×30megahertz power substation in Mkpat Enin, facilitated the establishment of Greenfield Fertilizer Company in Abak and Ibom Agricon Rice Plant in Ini local government area”, it explained.

The forum urged the state governor not to be distracted by the divisive antics of the likes of Enang but rather remain focused on his completion agenda as typified in the recent commissioning of the one kilometer flyover in Ikot Oku Ikono in Uyo.

Cc: Lalasticlala, mynd44