₦airaland Forum

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Tuesday, condemned in strong terms, the scathing attacks by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, against ex-Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili.

Wike, had on Sunday, contemptuously repudiated Odili for allegedly siding with Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.

The Minister who spoke at a Special Thanksgiving Service organised by factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, at the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Oro-Igwe/Eliogbolo Archdeaconry Church of the Holy Spirit, Eliozu Parish, Port Harcourt,
had referred to Odili as an ‘ingrate’ and ‘rent seeker.’

However, Frank in his reaction to the verbal tirade which was contained in a statement he released in Abuja, said that Wike has again exhibited his true character of betraying his friends and benefactors.

Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, said: “Wike’s condemnable outburst against Odili showed how quickly he can turn friends into foes and his irredeemable unpredictability. This is not his first time and it will not be his last.

“Nigerians are aware how Wike betrayed ex-President Goodluck Johnathan and his wife Patience, after appointing him minister of Education and assisting him to become governor of Rivers State.

“Nigerians are also aware of how the Minister worked against the political interests of ex-governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, after benefiting maximally from the latter’s political patronage.

“In 2023, Wike formed an unholy alliance against his party - Peoples Democratic Party - and made sure they lost the presidency. Up till this moment, he has continued to orchestrate crises in the party like he is doing in Rivers state, to weaken it politically ahead of 2027.

“What better evidence of treachery do we need from a man who is both a member of PDP and minister in an APC’s administration.

“This is why I have kept warning President Bola Tinubu to beware of Wike as we approach 2027. Wike, like Brutus in Julius Caesar, often baits his allies with pretenses and subterfuge only to strike them down with fury when they needed him most. He has no respect for elders nor the hands that feed him.

“For Wike, fidelity to political relationships is anathema. If he is not the one in charge, no other person should be.

“Besides, no one is fooled. All his shenanigans and braggadocio of completing and commissioning projects in the FCT are arsenals he is piling up to confront Tinubu in 2027 by portraying himself as a better presidential option, and this shall become manifest as the days unfold.”

He called on Tinubu to be wary and careful of his relationship with Wike, in order not to be his next victim.


Source: https://naijagg.com/timi-frank-condemns-wikes-scathing-attacks-against-odili/

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has raised the alarm over the real targets of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in his ongoing wave of Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) revocations in Abuja.

Frank in a statement in Abuja described the alleged revocations of C of Os belonging to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume and Speaker of the House of Representatives, among others, as a Nollywood Script designed to intimidate members of the opposition who are Wike’s real targets.

He said: “We have intelligence at our disposal that the list of land allottees whose C of O have purportedly been revoked by Wike is part of his grand strategy to harass and intimidate members of opposition political parties and others that may want to contest against President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

“Already Buhari has denied owning the land attached to his name which was purportedly revoked by Wike while Abbas has said he is not indebted to the FCTA.

“Every sane Nigerian knows that Wike as a minister in Tinubu’s administration dare not revoke lands belonging to key officials in this administration listed by Wike.

“Therefore Wike is using their names as a cover to deflect the criticism of his land grabbing spree and his demolitions of properties in the FCT that have been targeted at poor and innocent Nigerians.”

Recall that Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor, the wife of a late military officer, Ikponmwosa Paul-Ogbebor, owner of Paulosa Nigeria Limited had accused Wike of granting approval for the Right of Occupancy (R of O)  and  Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) of their estate land to one Saravera Nigeria Limited - a company allegedly under the control of the House of Representatives Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, a known ally of the minister.

He challenged Wike to show proof that top All Progressives Congress (APC) members who are political office holders contained in the list he published actually owned lands said to have been revoked.

He called on members of opposition political parties who intend to run against Tinubu in 2027 and those that have opposed Wike’s shenanigans in Rivers State to brace up for Wike’s vendetta, persecution and oppression by way of revocation of their land titles in FCT.

He said: “Wike is playing politics with the lives and emotions of Nigerians. He has marked out members of the opposition whose lands and houses he intends to seize.

“What he is doing in FCT is not different from what he did in Rivers State as Governor where he revoked C of O of lands of his political opponents and demolished their property,” he said.

He declared that the next wave of land seizures by the minister would be targeted at members of the opposition who are either against Tinubu or Wike.

He is poised to revoke their land titles and demolish their structures as a payback for backing Fubara against him in Rivers.

Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, accused Tinubu of giving Wike the unrestrained powers to carry out these egregious and anti-people actions and warned that the President should be careful least the Minister gives him the ‘Jonathan treatment.’

“This is the same way he acted sycophantically to curry ex-President Jonathan’s favours and later betrayed him. If care is not taken Tinubu would be Wike’s next victim of subterfuge because betrayal is written in his DNA.

“He is using his powers as a minister to witch-hunt all those he believed to have worked against his interest, especially in the PDP, in 2023 and those he thinks are opposed to him currently in the fight between him and Governor Fubara in Rivers State.

“Wike is very bitter at the moment because he has lost Rivers State that would have been his cash cow to Governor Fubara and that is one of the reasons he meting out vendetta against perceived opponents,” he said.



Source: https://naijagg.com/timi-frank-wikes-purported-revocation-of-buhari-abbas-akume-others-c-of-o-a-nollywood-script/

Popular cleric, Prophet Elijah Bamidele Ilukholor has recently warned the Labour Party 2023 Presidential candidate, Peter Obi to work with Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the PDP, as the only condition by which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be unable to win the 2027 Presidential election.

In a video that has now gone viral, the Prophet warned that Peter Obi must give in to the realities in the country and let reason prevail.

He said further that the coming back together of Atiku and Peter Obi is the only way President Tinubu will not win a second term, come 2027.

There have been high hopes over the weeks in both camps of the Peter Obi supporters and the Atiku supporters that both leaders can come together to form a common front and lead an opposition ticket, come 2027, to ensure Tinubu is voted out of office as President.

This prophecy by Prophet Elijah Bamidele Ilukholor is now the latest in the series of what is to come that has since formed the foundation of the conversation, as the build up to 2027 begins to gain momentum already in the wake of the current harsh economic realities in the country such that are already prompting Nigerians to sought for an alternative they can vote into office of President, come 2027.


Attached is a YouTube link to the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biAx5CYCauA?si=VX1X1Ts__kSbk1_L


Source: https://naijagg.com/2027-work-with-atiku-or-else-tinubu-will-win-second-term-popular-prophet-warns-peter-obi/

…Says Rivers’ Governor more decent, responsible

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Sunday, described the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, as most unqualified to judge the personality and character of the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara.

Frank who made this assertion while reacting to Akpabio’s recent tirade against Fubara in a statement in Abuja, said Akpabio cannot give what he does not have.

Akpabio had while speaking as special guest of honour at a public lecture and book launch held in Port Harcourt to mark the 57th birthday anniversary of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike,
accused Fubara of “treachery and betrayal” against Wike.

He reminded Akpabio that even though the feet of birds may face the ground no matter how high they soar, character is like pregnancy which cannot be hidden forever and that a friend to a betrayal is himself a betrayer, “after all birds of the same feather flock together.”

Frank said: “The man who spoke is a known betrayer, the man who he was defending is a betrayer. So a betrayer and treacherous character is most unqualified to tag a more decent and responsible man a betrayer.

“Akpabio has betrayal in his DNA, alongside Minister Wike. Both of them have castigated the APC in the past, only to turn around to wine, dine with and praise the same party. What should we call that? Is it not strange that Akpabio has suddenly become the mouthpiece of Wike, being birds of the same feather?

“Akpabio has proved overtime that he is a Pharisee who sees the speck in another’s eyes whereas he has a log in his. Who is the betrayer? A man who insists that the the resources of Rivers State should be used for the benefit of its people and not to serve a godfather or a man who approved four budgets for the President that are running concurrently in 2024?

“Who is a betrayer? A man who is fighting to liberate Rivers state from Wike’s strangle-hold of oppression or a man who turned the 10th Senate into a rubber stamp and an extension of the executive?

“When Akpabio was elected to the Senate in 2015 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, he usurped the position of minority leader from Senator James Manager who was then the most ranking Senator from the South South against established Senate tradition despite being a rookie legislator.

“Akpabio betrayed the PDP when he defected to the APC even as minority leader in the 8th Senate. Besides, we don’t think Wike can complain of being betrayed because despite past antecedents, he is still very well in the game of betrayal by being a PDP minister in an APC administration.

“Wike betrayed PDP in cahoots with four other governors and the party lost massively in 2023. Since then he has remained incurable by ensuring that all efforts by leaders of the party to put their acts together are frustrated.

“Akpabio hates Governor Fubara because he is not used to standing for his people, when they need him the most.”

Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, called on Governor Fubara not be distracted as Senator Akpabio is known for what he’s doing presently. He plays the politics of ’where belle face’.

He said: “Remain steadfast Governor Fubara as God will grant you victory over your political opponents and traducers just like your recent victory at the Appeal Court restoring monthly allocations to Rivers State. The end will justify the means at end of the day.

“We urge the public to disregard Akpabio's baseless accusations against Governor Fubara and instead focus on the issues that matter most to the people of Rivers State.”


Source: https://naijagg.com/akpabio-not-qualified-to-judge-fubara-says-timi-frank/

Former National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Friday, in strong terms condemned the deafening silence of President Bola Tinubu over illegal mass demolition of houses by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Frank who made this condemnation in a statement in Abuja, urged the President to urgently call Wike to order and halt the demolitions or suffer the repercussion of the oppressive tendencies of the FCT administration during the 2027 presidential poll.

Frank said: “Mr. President, say, so much has been going on with FCT since Wike took over as Minister of the FCT. In the process of acting sycophantically to impress you, he is demonstrating that he is performing minister, he is inflicting pains for Nigerians. that it's causing more pains to Nigerians in FCT. That Wike is terrorizing the FCT.

He lamented that the actions of the Minister have resulted in immense loss and pain for the owners of the demolished houses.

Frank said: “It is shocking and unacceptable that President Bola Tinubu has maintained a deafening silence on this matter.
“As the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is his duty to protect the rights and welfare of all citizens. His silence on this issue is a clear indication of his administration's endorsement of illegality and disregard for the plight of ordinary Nigerians.”

Frank also condemned comments credited to Senate President Godswill Akpabio who on Thursday said during a motion meant to halt demolitions in FCT moved by Senator Ireti Kingibe, that the Senate cannot stop Wike from demolishing houses in the territory because they are court-ordered.

“Invariably, it means that the resolution of the Senate urging Wike to stop demolitions pending its investigations is dead on arrival, therefore the more reason why the President must wade in and urgently stop the illegal and anti-people actions of Wike,” he said.

He accused Akpabio and his ilks of allegedly being among the beneficiaries of Wike’s land grabbing posture in the name of cleaning and restoring the FCT masterplan and called for something to done urgently to stop the ravaging bulldozers of the FCTA.

Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, however reminded that President not to be unmindful of the fact that it is him and not Wike that will be on the ballot in 2027 because Wike’s action in making enemies for him is enough to make him lose the election.

“From all indications, it does appear that Wike is carrying out the demolitions with the approval of the President which explains why the President has been mum the face of these tyrannical, dictatorial and illegal demolitions being carried out by Wike in the FCT,” he said.

He accused Wike of being vindictive by taking out his anger of losing his political battle with Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State on innocent and law-abiding residents of the FCT through demolitions and disruptions.

He described a situation where Wike will tell house owners after demolition of their property to go to court and follow the law, as inhuman when he knows they will not be able to get justice under judicial system he has done all he can to compromise.
He declared that the present demolition exercises by Wike and the inability of house owners with genuine title documents would further scare away foreign investors that the President is making efforts to attract to the country.

“How will investors come to Nigeria when they know they cannot get justice in the event of breaches,” he declared.

Frank added: “It is most unfortunate that Wike is presently administering the FCT like his personal estate even as the President remains silent. The evidences are there everywhere, how Wike has been pulling down houses and taking over lands from companies, private owners and business people, and thereafter reallocate the same plots to himself via proxies, his family members, cronies and political associates.

“We urge the President to take immediate action to address the suffering of the victims of these demolitions. The President must intervene to ensure that the rights of these citizens are protected and that they receive adequate compensation for their losses.

“We equally call on all Nigerians to join me in condemning the actions of the Minister of FCT and the silence of the President on this matter. We must stand together to demand justice and protection for the rights of all citizens.”


Source: https://naijagg.com/timi-frank-condemns-tinubus-silence-over-wikes-massive-illegal-demolition-of-houses-in-fct/

Edo: Andrew Enantomhen expresses optimism as Asue Ighodalo and team of lawyers storm Edo Governorship Tribunal today



Edo PDP chieftain and youth advocate, Andrew Enantomhen has said he is certain that the Edo PDP governorship candidate in the last Edo State Governorship election, Barr. Asue Ighodalo will prove his case beyond any and all reasonable doubt.

Andrew Enantomhen said "there are overwhelming evidences to prove that Asue Ighodalo won the Edo State Governorship election.

"I am certain that Asue Ighodalo and the team of lawyers he has assembled will do justice to the burden of proof.

"This one will not go away like one of those cases where the APC will manipulate their way through court.

"There are evidences and the Asue Ighodalo team of lawyers are highly experienced enough on election litigation cases for me to say that I am confident that Asue Ighodalo will win the case even up to the Supreme Court."

"It is sad that APC have sponsored their lions and tigers to physically attack our supporters this morning at the Tribunal, I therefore call on the 'six-month temporary selected' Governor of Edo state to call his thugs to order as any other further provocation by his lions and tigers will be resisted by the Edo People," Andrew Enantomhen further said.

Andrew further said, "if you claim you won the election, why are you afraid? Why are you sponsoring Agberos, thugs to attack Asue and his supporters?
Enough is enough!"

In a message to all Asue Ighodalo supporters, Andrew Enantomhen said; "my message to all our supporters is that they should all remain calm. We will win this case. Victory is sure, by the grace of God."



Source: https://naijagg.com/edo-andrew-enantomhen-expresses-optimism-as-asue-ighodalo-and-team-of-lawyers-storm-edo-governorship-tribunal-today/

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Thursday, gave the Federal and Ekiti State Government 48 hours to release a human rights lawyer, Dr. Dele Farotimi from remand or face mass protests.

Frank who made this call in a statement in reaction to the remand of Farotimi, called on Nigerians to occupy all police stations and formations in the country should the government fail to release the rights activist unconstitutionally within the stipulated time beginning from when he was remanded.

An Ekiti State Chief Magistrates Court, Ado Ekiti Division, had on Wednesday, ordered the remand of Farotimi, in the state’s correctional centre.

Farotimi was arraigned in court over alleged defamation of character following his book, ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System’ where he alleged, among others, that a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Afe Babalola, had compromised the Supreme Court.

However, Frank said there is more to the arrest and remand of Farotimi than the alleged defamation alibi.

He said the remand was a way by the Federal Government to intimidate and harass Farotimi for often criticising the anti-people policies of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He condemned the arrest and remand of Farotimi even as he condemned the police and the judiciary for turning themselves into the oppressive arm of the present administration.

According to him Farotimi doesn’t deserve his current travails because he is a man who believes in and respects the rule of law.

“Farotimi is a man of truth, a man of principle and a defender of democracy. If they believe he has done anything inappropriate, they should have invited him peacefully and he honour their invitation rather than the way he was arrested and subsequently remanded on an alleged offence that is bailable under the Nigerian law.

“This shows clearly that it is not because of the petition from Afe Babalola that is making them to give Farotimi this highly dehumanizing experience. There is more to the arrest because Farotimi is known to be a vocal critic of the government.”

Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, called on Nigerians to join in the fight to free Farotimi from remand and equally stop the government from using state institutions to oppress and suppress Nigerians speaking out against their dictatorial and hardship-inducing policies, saying, it is Farotimi today, it may be another Nigerian tomorrow.”

He quoted a German Pastor Martin Niemöller who said: “First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”



Source: https://naijagg.com/timi-frank-gives-fg-48-hour-ultimatum-to-release-farotimi/

A close contact of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah family has come out to refute the Spokesperson of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Yemi Adaramodu on the issue of what roles the Nigerian Senate played during the burial of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.

"On Saturday, 17th August 2024, the Senate President led a delegation of 4 Senators namely Senator Abiru Adetokunbo, Senator Saliu Mustapha, Senator Karimi Steve and Senator Osita Ngwu and attended the wedding of daughter of ranking Senator Victor Umeh, and been that he was in Lagos same day (17th August 2024) paid a condolence visit to the family of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in the same Lagos.

"It is a big lie that 100 Senators attended the night of tribute of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah held on monday evening, 18th November 2024 at NAF event centre Abuja. The Senators that attended the event are not up to 30 in number, despite the fact that the event held in Abuja. Let the Senate Spokesman provide pictorial or video evidence to refute this open fact instead of lying and deceiving the public that 100 Senators attended the event.

"That on Tuesday, 19th November 2024, that the Senate decorated Senator Ifeanyi Ubah's seat with National flag and also that the Senate dedicated the whole legislative day of the said date to pay tribute to the late Senator Ubah is no big deal. lt is their responsibility and role since Senator Ifeanyi Ubah died in active service as serving Senator.

"That the barefaced lie that substantial Senators attended Senator Ifeanyi Uba's burial in Nnewi on 22nd Nov 2024 cannot hold water.
"LET THE SENATE SPOKESMAN LIST THE NAMES OF SENATORS THAT ATTENDED THE BURIAL. WE REITERATE THAT ONLY 9 SENATORS ATTENDED THE BURIAL OUT OF 109 SENATORS (7 SENATORS FROM THE SOUTH EAST, 1 FROM SOUTH SOUTH AND 1 FROM NORTH CENTRAL). THIS 9 SENATORS REPRESENT ONLY 8.2% Senators attendance).
"If the Senate Spokesman has contrary pictorial or video evidence to refute let him present to the public," he said.

"We seriously challenge Senate Spokesman to provide evidence to refute the issue of Senate not liaising with the burial organising committee to know arrangements for the burial of their colleague or that they did not contribute a kobo for logistics for burial arrangements or sent any money to the Burial committee for their departed colleague," he further said.



Source: https://naijagg.com/fact-check-and-bare-faced-lies-by-senate-spokesman-senator-yemi-adaramodu-on-the-allegation-of-abandonment-of-senator-ifeanyi-ubah-family-source/

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Tuesday, called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently direct the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, to stop the ongoing demolition of the houses of the poor and vulnerable in the city.

Frank who made this call in a statement in Abuja, lamented that the minister has engaged in demolition and alleged land grabbing in the FCT as a new means of livelihood by allocating revoked plots of land to himself and his cronies.

He declared that through the demolitions, the FCT minister has given the President bad name more than any other appointee in the present administration.

Frank said: “The minister has continued to cause damage to Mr President’s government by his ill-timed demolitions.

“It will interest you to note that it is alleged that it is a new mode of settlement for Minister Wike.

“He pretends to be doing this for the benefit of the President, but all his activities in the FCT is for his personal benefit.

“Mr President, one of the reasons you are called T-Pain is as a result of Minister Wike’s wickedness and insensitivity as well as intimidation and harassment of the residents of the FCT.

“For your information sir, the residents of some parts of the FCT have become homeless as a result of his greed and insensitivity.

“It is worthy to note that Wike has revoked more land than any other past minister of the FCT.

“The revoked land is allegedly given almost immediately to his cronies, within and outside government, while he asks the victims to go to court to seek redress, when he knows that he has bought the conscience of the judiciary/judges as he has continued to give them land as well as build houses for them, especially in the FCT, for reasons not well defined.

“All his friends from Rivers State and other parts of the country are beneficiaries of the land grabbing as he has allegedly converted the land in FCT to his personal estate without due process and consultation with the National Assembly, particularly the Senate and its committee on FCT.

“I will expose wike and his friends, both within and outside government at the right time.”

Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, also accused Wike of equally selling the plots of land to raise money to fight Governor Siminalayi Fubara, instead of focusing on curing the dearth of infrastructure in the FCT, in terms of health, education and renewable energy to generate power for the people of the FCT.

“What he is doing in the FCT presently, was exactly what he did in Rivers State. However, my advice for him is that FCT is not Rivers State.

“My advice to Mr President is to take action immediately by relieving him of his duty before it’s too late.

“If you (President) fail to do so, you will have yourself to blame. Take a decisive action against Wike who wants to destroy your government; don’t be silent in the face of injustice and intimidation against the very people you govern.

“Don’t listen to his tomfoolery as he’s irrelevant both in Rivers and at the National level. Sack him and you will see how irrelevant he is,” he said.



Source: https://naijagg.com/timi-frank-to-tinubu-order-wike-to-stop-demolishing-houses-of-poor-innocent-residents-in-fct/

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has welcomed the arrest of the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged fraud.

Frank who gave this indication in a statement in Abuja, however urged the EFCC to also arrest and prosecute former Governors who are contemporaries of Okowa with petitions of fraud against them, especially the G-5 Governors.

The G-5 Governors are Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Samuel (Benue), Okezie and Ikpeazu (Abia).

He said while he is in total support of the EFCC’s efforts to curb corruption in the country, he would not condone political vendetta against Okowa now being selectively targeted for prosecution because he is a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Frank said: “We welcome the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's (EFCC) arrest of former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who served as running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 Presidential election.

“Okowa's arrest is a significant step towards holding public officials accountable for their actions, particularly regarding the alleged misappropriation of N1.3trillion from Delta State's derivation funds.

“However, we urge the EFCC to adopt a more comprehensive rather than selective approach in addressing corruption.

“Nigerians are aware that there are pending petitions against other former governors with the EFCC, notably the G-5 Governors - Wike, Ortom, Ugwuanyi, and Ikpeazu - who are members of the PDP but supported Tinubu's Presidential bid in 2023.

“These governors have been accused of various financial misdeeds, and it is essential that the EFCC investigates and prosecutes them accordingly. Wike has no immunity and he cannot be above the law, therefore let the EFCC arrest and prosecute him too.”

Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, added: “While we are happy to see that EFCC has arrest Okowa, it should do same to the rest, particularly the G 5 governors. We want to see them arrested, charged to court and prosecuted.

“Intelligence from our sources, shows there’s a memo from the presidency to EFCC not to prosecute the G -5 governors as part of the bargain they had during the 2023 general election.

“We challenge the EFCC to prove us wrong by arresting members of the G-5 governors based on the various petitions against them.

“Is the EFCC saying that the G-5 governors are saints and have no corruption cases against them? The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, presented a petition against ex-Governor Ikpeazu and nothing has been done.

Besides, there are other officials in Tinubu’s government that have corruption cases to answer, such as the Minister of Works, David Umahi and the Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawale that has engaged in trading corruption allegations with the Zamfara State Government, among others.”

He called on the EFCC to demonstrate its commitment to impartiality and transparency, saying, “Failing to arrest and prosecute other former governors who were Okowa's contemporaries, as well as officials in the Tinubu’s administration with pending petitions, would undermine the legitimacy of Okowa's arrest. Such selective justice would amount to political vendetta.

“We caution the EFCC that failure to act on these petitions and prosecute other corrupt governors may lead us to report them to their UK and US partners, potentially jeopardizing international cooperation.

“Alternatively, we demand the unconditional release of Okowa, if the EFCC cannot demonstrate a genuine commitment to fighting corruption without this glaring bias.

“The EFCC's guidelines on arrest, bail, and processing of suspects emphasize the importance of adhering to the rule of law and international best practices.

“We expect the commission to uphold these principles in its investigation and prosecution of Okowa and other accused individuals.”

He noted that to restore public trust, “the EFCC must Investigate and prosecute all corruption cases, regardless of political affiliation; ensure transparency in its investigation and prosecution processes and demonstrate impartiality in its treatment of accused individuals.”

He said that it is only through comprehensive and unbiased action that the EFCC can truly serve the Nigerian people and uphold the principles of justice.



Source: https://naijagg.com/timi-frank-welcomes-arrest-of-ex-governor-okowa-charges-efcc-to-extend-action-to-wike-ortom-other-g-5-governors/

.....urges FG to compensate victims

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Tuesday, described President Tinubu’s directive on the release of minors arrested and detained during the #EndBadGovernance protests as a step in the right direction.

Frank who made this assertion in a statement in Abuja, however, urged the President to equally order the release of all detainees being held for exercising their constitutional right to protest against bad policies of government because the “President is known to have embarked and led series of protests during the pro-democracy struggle and in 2012 when the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan removed fuel subsidy.”

He urged the President to equally reverse some of his bad economic policies like the floating of the naira and outright removal of fuel subsidy which have brought untold hardship in the country and worsened the condition of living of majority of Nigerians.

He expressed commitment to commend the President when he takes a positive step in governance and criticize him when his action is against the wellbeing of the generality of Nigerians.

He called on the Federal Government to compensate the minors, after release, for violating their fundamental human rights and cruelty meted on them by the police who detained them for over three months under dehumanizing conditions without trial.

Frank said: “We warmly welcome President Bola Tinubu's decision to order the immediate release of minors arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests from detention.

“The President's action acknowledges the concerns of Nigerians and the international community regarding the treatment of protesters, especially minors.


“However, we also call for accountability and reform within the intelligence community.

“The fact that minors were detained for over 90 days without prompt attention from the President's office raises concerns about the effectiveness of our intelligence agencies.

“We urge the President to investigate this lapse and consider replacing intelligence chiefs who failed to bring this matter to his attention.”

He demanded that the probe ordered by the President should start from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Commissioners of Police in-charge of Kano and Kaduna states who arrested the minors.

“This probe must not be swept under the rug, we shall monitor to ensure that the findings are made public and appropriate sanctions meted out to officers found to be complicit,” he said.

Besides, to ensure adequate justice for the victimised and oppressed minors, he urged the Federal Government to provide financial assistance to their families, offer the minors scholarships and enroll them in reputable boarding schools to help them overcome their traumatic experiences.

“The minors should also be availed the services of professional counsellors to address any emotional or psychological distress.

“By taking these steps, we can begin to heal the wounds of the past and build a more just and compassionate society for all Nigerians,” he said.


Source: https://naijagg.com/timi-frank-welcomes-tinubus-order-releasing-detained-minors-urges-fg-to-compensate-victims/

Former Spokesperson of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank has condemned the recent Federal High Court judgement that mandated the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to with-hold Rivers State Federal Allocation.



Timi Frank said the judgement is a plot to distabilise Rivers State.



Attached is the YouTube link to the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qec8K9g_lfw?si=l2ZLwnxg7zv8tzev



Source: https://naijagg.com/timi-frank-says-video-rivers-state-allocation-with-holding-verdict-is-a-plot-to-distabilise-rivers-state/

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu now popularly referred to as ‘T-Pain’ to order the unconditional release of minors being detained over their alleged participation in the recent #EndBadGovernance protests in parts of the country and send them to school.

Frank who made this call in a statement in Abuja, also strongly condemned the detention of the minors in an adult correctional facility among hardened criminals.

He equally condemned the N10million bail posted by Justice Friday Egwuatu of the Federal Hight Court Abuja to be fulfilled by each of the minors before being allowed to regain their freedom, describing it as judicial tyranny and cruelty to children.

He lamented that the children have spent over 90 days in detention under inhuman conditions, saying even looters in the country who contributed to impoverishing and confining these kids to the streets don’t get similar treatment because they are buoyant financially to buy freedom when arrested.

Frank said: “For President Tinubu not to have ordered the release of these children since Friday but watched them sent to prison despite public outcry, shows heartlessness and lack of fatherly love and care for children.

“Even in Western countries like US and the UK, chilldren who are convicted of crimes of murder are not sent to jail but rather taken to juvenile homes for psychological therapy and rehabilitation. That is what Nigerians expected from the President.

“The silence of the President over these cruelty to children is one more reason that Nigerians have resolved to nickname him ‘T-Pain’ because the plight of these children ought to compel the President to act a leader with conscience by considering these minors as his grand children or great grandchildren.

“The President must ditch bureaucracy at this time and immediately order the release of these children with a directive that they be immediately enrolled in school.

“Having watched the children sent to jail, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Justice Minister,  Lateef Fagbemi’s (SAN) after thought in retrieving their case file from the Police is merely a delayed tactics which further aggravates the trauma these children are presently going through.”

According to him, the ruling of the judge after seeing the harrowing plight of the kids in their malnourished and fragile state shows that the judiciary has been heavily compromised to reward corruption within the system of which they are beneficiaries.

“They have sold their conscience too. That's why a judge can post N10million and other stiff requirements as condition for each kid to be granted bail,” he said.

Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, commended Nigerians who have equally condemned the action of the police, FHC and silence of the President and said the only option left for Nigerians is to prepare to stop this ‘T-Pain ProMax’ with their votes in 2027.

He called on the international community and child’s rights advocates to come to the aid of these children and ensure they are released and that they and over 20million out-of-school-children in the country are educated to enable them realise their potentials as future leaders.



Source: https://naijagg.com/timi-frank-to-t-pain-release-send-detained-minors-to-school-not-prison/

Former Spokesperson of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of plots to remove Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State from office.



Attached is the YouTube link to the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVWdiGyqDpE?si=lV8g9rFeKjN5JoVO



Source: https://naijagg.com/timi-frank-accuses-president-tinubu-of-plot-to-remove-governor-fubara/

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has accused President Bola Tinubu of masterminding a sinister plot to remove the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, from office.

This is even as he condemned in the strongest terms the recent bizarre ruling by a Federal High Court seizing the monthly allocations accruing to Rivers State.

Frank who made these disclosures in a statement in Abuja, described the obnoxious court decision as one of the script written by the President in his bid to either force Fubara to join the APC or be removed from office.

“This is why the President has remained mute despite the gross violation of the Constitution by the courts and police in Rivers state all this while.

“The President is angry that Fubara disrespected him by refusing to join the APC because the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has convinced him that he cannot win presidential election in Rivers State in 2027 with Fubara in charge,” Frank said.

According to the Bayelsa-born political activist, Wike is the proxy fighting Fubara on behalf of the President.

“Already all security agencies and federal government institutions are against Fubara because they have been directed to ensure that Fubara succumbs to the President wishes or be removed.

“This is the only reason why Justice Joyce Abdulmalik can make an unconstitutional order concerning statutory allocations to Rivers without fear of consequences but the consequences will be dire,” he said.

He however warned the President to steer clear off Rivers State as any attempt to touch the funds legally accruing to the state or to force Fubara out of office will be resisted by the people of the State and the entire Niger Delta region.

“There will definitely be consequences for any illegal action aimed at destabilising Rivers State or intimidating, persecuting and removing Fubara from office. Rivers’ people and the Niger Delta will resist it to the extent that the entire country will feel the impact as the President will not be able to quell the unimaginable uprising that will result from the action,” he said.

He urged Fubara to remain steadfast in standing for the people and defending the sovereignty of Rivers state saying the people are solidly behind him.

He equally called on leaders of the international community to wade in the crisis by prevailing on the President to stop his plot to remove Fubara or compel him to join the APC, saying that the operations of International Oil Companies (IOCs) in the Niger Delta region would be affected should crisis engulf the region.

“A stitch in time saves nine. Let the international community step in now before the crisis boils over. The IOCs definitely need peace to carry out their operations in the region,” he said.

Besides, Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, described the unconstitutional ruling by a Federal High Court in Abuja seizing the allocations of Rivers State as a severe affront on democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria and urged the people to resist it.

He called on Nigerians to hold Tinubu responsible for any harm that befalls Fubara and the people of Rivers state as his goons beset the state.



Source: https://naijagg.com/rivers-allocation-timi-frank-accuses-tinubu-of-plot-to-remove-governor-fubara/

.....cites Senator Natasha as example of mandates retrieved through court




Youth advocate and one of the front runners of ALIGN Movement, Andrew Enantomhen has expressed optimism that Asue Ighodalo, the candidate of the PDP in the 2024 Edo State Governorship election will be declared winner by the court.

Speaking in Benin City, Asue Ighodalo reminded everyone about Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central Senatorial zone of Kogi State who against all odds retrieved her mandate through the court.

"In Edo State, I expect our case to be similar. We have the legitimate votes, we have presented them in the case filed at the Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal.

"We expect nothing less than a successful case as our lawyers are fully briefed and ready to prove our case up to the highest court in Nigeria.

"Asue Ighodalo's mandate just like Senator Natasha's mandate will be retrieved in some weeks time at the Tribunal and the courts. Our case is as strong as that. We have absolute faith in the case and in the experience of our lawyers," Andrew Enantomhen said.

"If Adams Oshiomole can retrieve his mandate from Prof. Osumbor, I am very optimistic that with the evidence at hand, the Judiciary will definitely use this Asue case to redeem their image," Andrew Enantomhen said.

"We urge all our supporters and the supporters of Asue Ighodalo to be patient as efforts are ongoing by good men and good women to help Asue Ighodalo retrieve his mandate in court," Andrew Enantomhen further said.

"We use this opportunity to call on our youths to be prayerful, and to continue to show open solidarity for 'the Man Wey Sabi'.
We the young people are going to stand by Asue till our mandate is reclaimed," Andrew Enantomhen said.

Former spokesperson of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) recently spoke about the state of the nation under President Tinubu.



He expressed regret for supporting the APC in 2015. He said that President Tinubu and the APC are taking Nigeria backwards.



Attached is the YouTube video link to the interview:
https://www.youtube.com/live/fjPJJ2c2PmM?si=CYS0Wbq0v-ERiw39




Source: https://naijagg.com/video-with-tinubu-as-president-nigeria-is-going-nowhere-timi-frank/

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Tuesday, dismissed President Bola Tinubu’s cost-cutting measures, describing them as superficial and mere widow dressing.

Frank in a statement in Abuja described the austerity measures purportedly aimed at reducing cost of governance as fake and deceitful.

He noted that while countries like Rwanda and Tanzania have genuinely reduced excessive government spending, the reverse is the case in Nigeria where the president is giving austerity directives on one hand and engaging on lavish spending on the other hand.

Frank recalled that Tinubu had in January 2024 ordered a 60 per cent slash in his entourage and that of his wife, the Vice President and his wife, while on a foreign trip.

He said while the President limited his delegation on such trips to 20, the Vice President, First Lady and wife of the VP were to go with five staff only.

However, he lamented that the President and Vice President have not only increased the number of their foreign trips, large entourage continue to accompany them. Ditto for the First Lady and Ministers.

Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East,
said: “President Tinubu's recent cost-cutting measures, including limiting ministers to three official vehicles and reducing their security personnel, is superficial than substantive reforms.

“While these directives may suggest a commitment to fiscal responsibility, they fail to address the underlying issues of Nigeria's bloated bureaucracy and excessive governance costs.

“Notwithstanding that his plan to merge agencies in line with the Steve Oronsaye Report, has been jettisoned, he has equally encouraged the National Assembly to approve the establishments of zonal development commissions out of which he has assented to the North West and South East zonal intervention agencies’ bills.

“Besides, the President keeps creating ministries with multiple agencies - the latest being that of Livestock and Regional Development.

“The President is well aware that restricting ministers' vehicles and security details does not tackle the systemic corruption that inflates government expenditures.

“Furthermore, his administration continues to prioritize lavish spending over meaningful reforms, like the purchase of a new presidential jet, approval of 300 per cent increase in salary of judicial officers, building of official quarters for judges being planned by the FCT and the acquisition of a N5billion presidential Yacht.”

Frank equally raised the alarm that by building houses for judicial officers, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, is out to corruptly compromise the judiciary to decide both ongoing and future cases, including electoral disputes, in favour of himself, President Tinubu and all members of the present administration.

“This, among others, reveal a stark disconnect between rhetoric and action especially his removal of fuel subsidies, which have contributed to high inflation and resulted in crushing economic pain for average Nigerians, yet he keeps telling Nigerians to bear his inflicted economic hardships and wait for a better tomorrow.”

He called on the President to abide by his policy of traveling with only 20 persons on foreign trips, as well as the limit of five persons for the Vice President and the First Lady if he is serious about cutting cost of governance in the country.

He also told the President that reducing the fleet of cars in a Minister’s convoy and security detail accompanying any convoy have no significant impact in reducing the cost of governance.

He called on the President and all officials in the three arms of government - executive, legislative and judiciary - to urgently reduce their salaries and allowances by 50 per cent if the administration is serious about reducing cost of governance.

He called on Nigerians to brace up for more painful measures from the President, while urging them to mobilise and vote in a new government in 2027.



Source: https://naijagg.com/tinubus-cost-cutting-measures-mere-window-dressing-says-timi-frank/

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Sunday, raised the alarm over an alleged plot by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to secure a court injunction to block releases from the Federation Account to the 22 Local Government Councils in Rivers state.

Frank who made this disclosure in a statement in Abuja, said Wike and his co-travelers that are opposed to the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, resorted to the plot following their failure to stop local government elections in the state which held successfully on Saturday the 5th of October, 2024.

According to him, Wike through his proxies will tomorrow (Monday) or any day soon, approach a Federal High Court in Abuja with spurious writ with prayers that monthly funds allocation to the 22 LGAs in Rivers State should henceforth be withheld with claims that the elections were held in violation of a court ruling.

However, the Bayelsa-born political activist called on Wike to abandon the plot in the interest of the people of Rivers State and find alternative means to settle his rift with Governor Fubara.

He also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to allow Wike to dent his democratic credentials with such a retrogressive court action seeing that local councils in Lagos state suffered similar fate during his administration as Governor through the devious orchestration of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, also warned the Judiciary especially Judges and Justices always out to do Wike’s bidding for personal gain not to grant any frivolous prayer brought before them on this matter.

Besides, he condemned the partisan role the police have played so far in the
political crises rocking the state and called on them to protect all Rivers’ people instead of taking sides with the Ruling All Progressives Congress.

He said: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu cannot afford to fold his arms and watch as Wike plots to reverse democracy in Rivers State and by extension Nigeria.

“The anti-democratic tendency of former President Olusegun Obasanjo who seized funds meant for local councils in Lagos during Tinubu’s administration as Governor must not be allowed to repeat itself in Rivers State.

“As we speak, Wike is putting finishing touches to plans to secure a kangaroo court order to stop monthly funds allocation to local government councils in Rivers State. This must not be allowed to happen.”

He warned that such a move could lead to economic disruption in Rivers State in particular and the country in general as well as reversal of of democratic gains the country has made since 1999.

“Any action capable of truncating democracy in the country similar to ongoing scenarios in some West African States must be avoided.

“The people of Rivers State have elected their council chairman and councilors in line with the recent ruling of the Supreme Court to democratize all LGAs in Nigeria and any attempt to truncate democracy in Rivers would be resisted by the people,” he said.

While urging Fubara not to be distracted by the evil machinations of his traducers and political opponents, he congratulated the people of Rivers for successfully electing their council representatives and urged them to redouble their support for the Governor.



Source: https://naijagg.com/timi-frank-accuses-wike-of-plot-to-block-allocation-to-lgs-in-rivers-state/

…Warns IGP Egbetokun not to cause anarchy in Rivers

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, on Friday, called on the people of Rivers State to stand firmly behind Governor Siminilaye Fubara to enable the the state conduct a free, fair and credible Local government elections.

Frank who made the call in a statement in Abuja however warned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, not to use his men to cause anarchy in their state.

He decried the conduct of the police which he described as partisan and called on the international community to hold Egbetokun responsible for any killings destruction of property as the people of the state vote to elect their council chairman on Saturday.

He also warned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who has boasted that he will do anything at all cost to set fire in Rivers state.

Frank said: “The involvement of the Police in Rivers is to destabilise the state and cause unrest during the forthcoming local government elections on Saturday.

“They are relying on illegal instructions given to them by Wike to stop a lawful democratic process in Rivers state.

“From intelligence at our disposal, Wike is boasting that the President has given him the authority to do and undo in Rivers State
and that is why he has engineered the police to engage in illegality by attempting to stop an election meant to usher in a democratically elected local government council administration in the state as ordered by the Supreme Court.

“Besides, Wike has told some persons that he will do everything to scuttle the local government election and ensure that they impose their people to take over the state by force because he allegedly has the backing of the President to take over the state considered to be
strategic to the President’s
plan to win the 2027 presidential election.

“The President is silent today about the illegality and wickedness Wike is orchestrating against Fubara and the people of Rivers state because the crisis is benefiting him, but he will be help liable ultimately for any breakdown of law and order in the state as the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces.

“They have turned Rivers into a theatre to flex federal might and make it a battleground but they must allow the electoral process to be free and fair because it is clear to all that Fubara has the full support of the Rivers’ people.”

According to him, under Wike as the governor of Rivers State, those who fought him were banned from coming to Rivers State to carry out their lawful activities.

“Therefore, it is time for Fubara to take charge and ensure that Rivers State becomes a no go area for all those fighting him politically,” he said.

He lamented that the Nigeria police meant to provide security for the people of Rivers state are only concerned about the political interests and security of Wike.

He called on the international community to note the involvement of the police in foisting illegality in Rivers State on the orders of the Inspector General of Police.

He warned that if the crises now being fanned by the police do occur it would have negative consequences for the people of Rivers state and the economy of the country in view of the level of oil production which is a critical revenue earner for the Federal Government.



Source: https://naijagg.com/lg-election-timi-frank-urges-rivers-people-to-stand-by-governor-fubara/

....says Edo people cannot be intimidated ahead of Saturday election



Edo PDP chieftain and human rights advocate, Andrew Enantomhen has on Tuesday congratulated all the PDP members that got freed from "the captivity of the police brutality, oppression, intimidation and victimization by the police."

"We shall not fall for the intimidation by the APC and the police, we will continue to bounce back, we will continue to stand by our decision to vote for PDP come Saturday, September 21, 2024. It is our future that is on the line as Edo State citizens and we will secure it with our votes for PDP against every evil force of the APC.

"We stand against every injustice. This Edo election is a collective decision from the Edo people that Asue Ighodalo is the next Governor of Edo State. We the people of Edo State must be allowed to decide our destiny. External forces hell-bent on doing the bid of APC must stay away from this Edo State election. The police must stay professional and never again be a tool in the hands of the APC. The police must stay neutral as against being instruments of intimidation.

"We urge our people to come out en masse on Saturday and vote because your vote will count. This election will be peaceful and interesting, we are one big family before political parties. We must not allow party affiliation divide us as a people. We are resolute on what we believe in and we stand by it.

"Once again, we welcome our fellow comrades back to the struggle. Struggle continues till victory is achieved on Saturday by God's grace and by the votes of Edo people. Aluta Continua, Victoria Ascerta!" Andrew Enantomhen further said.


Source: https://naijagg.com/andrew-enantomhen-congratulates-pdp-members-recently-freed-from-police-brutal-captivity/

By Stephen Abia, Esq.

How many former governors in Nigeria openly and honestly refer to their successors as their leader? Governors always want loyalty while in office but how many of them give same to their successors when they bow out of office? He who goes to loyalty must go with clean hands or put differently, loyalty begets loyalty. That is the beautiful story in Akwa Ibom State.

The sentiment that one cannot be a good leader without being a good follower has found expression in the relationship between the immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel, CON, and his successor, Governor Umo Eno. Mr Emmanuel has endeared himself the more to the people through his relationship with Governor Umo Eno.

If his relationship with his successor were to be captured in a book, it would have been a bestseller and a top shelf demand. The former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel has shown that it is possible to be a former governor and still allow your successor fully take charge of the State even when you played such a crucial role in his emergence.

He has made being a former governor almost more attractive and exciting than being in office, deploying his innate qualities of contentment, respect, humility and a huge sense of responsibility to work, thereby stabilizing the polity which has helped Governor Umo Eno to remain focused on delivering on his campaign promises to Akwa Ibom people.

Juxtaposing the reality in neighbouring states, where immediate past leaders make leaving office look like removing oxygen from a man having respiratory issues, Mr Emmanuel should pass for a good example of how past governors and leaders generally should carry themselves.

In the build-up to the election of Pastor Umo Eno as the governor of Akwa Ibom State, the then Governor Emmanuel had made screaming headlines when he said that his then would-be successor, Pastor Umo Eno will perform better than him. But Mr Udom Emmanuel was probably economical with the truth, in the patriotic sense of the word.

He knew that he was going to give Pastor Umo Eno all the needed support to succeed, and he has done exactly that instead of creating rivalry with his successor because of former-governor "fever", a political health condition caused by greed and other viruses of insecurity, which has become an outbreak in other States.

Being a man of class, Mr Emmanuel has lived to his words that he was not seeking a third term by proxy. Despite his invaluable role in the emergence of Pastor Eno as Governor of Akwa Ibom State, the immediate past Governor has never made himself a nightmare to his successor, as this would have led to friction, he has made everyone see and know that it is his successor's show and that the only thing he owes Governor Umo Eno is support, and as he puts it, prayers. His favourite lines, “water is sweeter when we drink from the cup, (not when being drowned in it). Being in a position of leadership is not an easy thing, so we owe our leaders nothing short of unflinching support and prayers, to succeed. So, everyday of my life, I keep praying for our Governor and leader, Pastor Umo Eno, to succeed, and that is the least we owe him.“

Mr. Udom Emmanuel has not only shown support to his successor, but he also commits himself to mobilizing others to give support to the governor, and utilizes every opportunity to preach peace in the State. In his first speech to the people of the State after leaving office, Mr Emmanuel, while declaring open an economic dialogue convoked by the new Government in July last year, announced that there can only be one leader at a time, and that God in his own wisdom has produced for Akwa Ibom, a leader in Pastor Umo Eno.

That gospel of peace and solidarity has surfaced in every fora the former governor finds himself. The most recent was at a church service at Gospel Foundation Mission, Etinan, where he urged members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to go a step further in their unflinching support to Governor Umo Eno through a motion for his second term in office.

With an inspiration that can only come from the pulpit, Mr Udom Emmanuel had last weekend in that church said, “I can see so many state legislators from the Leader of the House to the Chief Whip, the Deputy Chief Whip, and several others. It is even possible to move a motion…if there is any motion to be moved it should be a motion that endorses Governor Umo Eno for a second term.” The lawmakers took the message home, and waited for a convenient day where they could move such motion before Akwa Ibom people and indeed the entire world. The opportunity presented itself during the Appreciation and Empowerment Rally for Youths of Akwa Ibom State where the motion was moved, seconded and confirmed by a unanimous voice vote by the lawmakers who had worshipped with the Governor two days earlier. It sounded like a dream to think that the idea of such motion of support for a successor came from his predecessor. Mr Udom Emmanuel's "book" on how to be a good predecessor is a thriller.

And because Mr Emmanuel has chosen to be a number one supporter of Governor Umo Eno than being a thorn on his flesh like is reported elsewhere, the former governor is loved the more by his people.

That is why they are always looking forward to seeing him visit the State, and often throng to the airport to receive him. The people are always excited to have the former governor around, continue to celebrate him as a hero, committed to championing the course of development of the State. No Governor in the history of Akwa Ibom has enjoyed such unwavering support from an immediate predecessor.

Of course, juxtaposing the gains of the peace in the State with a state of commotion caused by political tension that would have followed if Mr Udom Emmanuel did not genuinely love the State, then Akwa Ibom people cannot celebrate former Governor Udom Emmanuel enough.

It is the prevailing peace in the State, which Mr Emmanuel equally initiated and is sustained by Governor Umo Eno, that has helped the governor to record the many accomplishments of his administration in barely fifteen months in office.

The ARISE Agenda of Governor Eno is thriving because there is peace in Akwa Ibom State rather than peace of the graveyard which is often associated with political war between predecessors and successors. In a country, where headlines of hostilities between predecessors and successors over the control of power structures rend the air. “Someone cannot just come and take control of the structure I built over the years.” A typical Nigerian politician, could be quoted as saying of his successor in other states in the country.

But Mr Emmanuel who is not a typical Nigerian politician, has patriotically kept his promise, that when his time was over, he will pick his iPad and return to work as a professional that he is, and allow his successor to be fully in charge of the State. That was not mere rubric of rheotric; Mr Udom Emmanuel is a man of his word. He believes less in the elevation of greed to the detriment of the masses. Those who chanted that he wanted a third term through surrogacy have since recanted their claims.

The immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel has set a template in predecessor/successor relationship worthy of emulation by other political gladiators in Nigeria.

....says his candidacy is the credible choice





Foremost movement in Edo State, ALIGN Movement has on Wednesday adopted Asue Ighodalo as its candidate for the Edo 2024 gubernatorial election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo and His running mate, Barr. Osarodion Ogie, as their choice for the forthcoming Edo State Governorship election.

"It is with great sense of appreciation first and foremost to GOD Almighty for sparing our lives and for making today’s event a reality, and also to every member of this noble movement , “ALIGN MOVEMENT” spread across the length and breadth of this state that we stand before you all this morning at this much anticipated official endorsement programme.

"ALIGN MOVEMENT as it has come to be known in almost every household in Edo state today, is the largest socio-political movement in the state whose core mandate is to assemble like-minds, mostly of the youth demography, as well as the elderly. We stand on the espoused principles of Equity, Fairness and Justice, coupled with the values of Competence, Capacity, Credibility and Character, to come together to have a conversation around ensuring that the right things and proper criteria are considered and done during the course of making the most important decision between who is to govern and who are to be governed – The leadership recruitment process.

"ALIGN has come to become a rallying point and a vehicle for social engineering and reorientation for the people of our dear state. ALIGN MOVEMENT is a platform that affords a voice to the voiceless and an avenue for the unheard in the society to be heard and listened to. Members of this movement cut across every segment of legitimate human endeavour.

"We cannot totally exhaust or do justice to what this movement is all about given the very limited time factor considered for today’s event. However, permit me to throw some light on the journey thus far. ALIGN started with an official Luncheon in Edo South, sometime in February this year. With relatively less than 30 members to start with, ALIGN has experienced an exponential growth with a few months and can now confidently boast of about 15,000 documented members across the state with presence in every Local government areas, as well as with numerous membership cells and districts present in every ward. ALIGN has also become a mother body to several groups across the state, with its presence in every tertiary institution in Edo state," the group said.

"Today, we stand on the threshold of history and before each and every one of you here present, in this epoch making event to formally throw our weight and support behind the candidacy of men we consider as the right peg in the right hole (ASUE/OGIE) as ALIGN’s official adopted candidate for the Edo state governorship election running under the PDP ticket.

"This decision is one which has been collectively made by every member of this movement through the instrumentality of the ballot at the just concluded ALIGN congress held sometime in July 2024 which saw Dr. Asue Ighodalo emerging as our adopted candidate having considered his qualities and personality, coupled with the collective call that power should move to the Central district of the state for the sake of equity, fairness and justice. This of course is in tandem with the values and principles upon which this noble movement stands.

"As it is widely believed, to whom much will be given, much will also be expected. We want to believe that your eventual emergence as the next executive governor of this state will bring about prosperity and transformative change for the state. As admirers of your very strong, efficient, dedicated, tireless and effective work ethics, we have no doubt that you will work tirelessly to serve the good people of Edo state to the best of your ability.

"Today, we as a body, have decided that we shall mobilize the 15,000+ members of this movement across the 192 wards of the state to vote for you at the polls come 21st of September 2024. We make this commitment today as our own part of keeping to the social contract agreement we shall make with you today. This is a promise we do intend to keep on that faithful day of the election. We have already started putting mechanisms in place to ensure the actualization of this promise even as we gather here today. Permit me to also say that even before this formal endorsement event, we have already started with our door-to-door campaigns, voter sensitization rallies and market storms for your candidacy which is to run throughout the entire campaign calendar.

"As part of our social contract agreement with you today Sir, we as a body want to believe that you are a man whose words are his bond. We want to believe that as a body, we will not regret ever trusting you with our mandate. We also want to believe that ALIGN MOVEMENT will be fully represented, integrated and carried along in your administration upon your assumption of office at Osadebey Avenue come November this year after your official inauguration into office as the executive governor of Edo state. We are also very confident judging by your antecedents that you will deliver the dividends of democracy to the good people of our state whose support for your candidacy is growing increasingly every day on the streets," the group further said.

Further more in the statement, the group said "There is a popular maxim that says 'We campaign in poetry and govern in prose'. However, it is still very much possible to find an equilibrium between campaign rhetoric and governance. We do hope that when we come knocking at your door while in office, we will be given an audience.

"ALIGN MOVEMENT intends to create an agency which will be saddled with the responsibility of catering for the needs and interest of Edo people and most importantly of its members across the 18 LGAs of the state. We also intend to serve as a trusted feedback mechanism for your administration in a way to ensure that you keep to your campaign promises in order not to lose the peoples trust. We would also serve as an information dissemination channel to pass information, progress reports and activities of your government to the people of the state so as to bring your government closer to the people in the Grassroot.

Having said all these sir, on behalf of all members of ALIGN MOVEMENT NIGERIA, the biggest socio-political movement in Edo state today, we hereby confer on your candidacy an official endorsement status and present to you a certificate of return from our ALIGN CONGRESS, this day, 5th September 2024."



Source: https://naijagg.com/edo-2024-align-movement-endorses-asue-ighodalo-for-governor-says-his-candidacy-is-the-credible-choice/

A group of Nigerians have planned to stage #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest in New York in USA.

Furthermore, the group has set September 15 as date. As well, they have rolled out banners and placards in preparations ahead.




Source: https://naijagg.com/group-stages-endbadgovernanceinnigeria-protest-in-usa-on-september-15/

In the face of Nigeria's current challenges, a pressing question arises: What does Nigeria truly need? As the country navigates through economic hardship, insecurity, and a leadership crisis, Nigerian youths have emerged as the Rubicon of hope, echoing an insatiable desire for good governance and a call to "take back Nigeria." However, amidst these aspirations, another critical question lingers: Are those we believe in ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for change? Who are the leaders capable of steering the nation toward a more prosperous future?

Across the nation, various regions offer a glimpse into what leadership could look like. Some regions are showcasing transformative leadership, while others remain stuck in the old order. In the South East, for instance, the changes in Abia raise the question: Can Imo, once a beacon of hope, regain its former glory? In Edo, the dilemma of prioritizing individual competence over party allegiance comes to the fore. As Nigeria stands at a crossroads, its future depends heavily on the choices we make today.

In Imo State, a microcosm of Nigeria's broader struggles, citizens face economic challenges, insecurity, and a widening disconnect between the government and the people. Yet, a glimmer of hope persists, rooted in the collective memory of a time when the state thrived under leaders of integrity, capacity, and a genuine commitment to public welfare. Imo once flourished under the stewardship of leaders like Achike Udenwa, the remarkable M.I. Okpara, and more recently, Emeka Ihedioha, whose brief tenure as governor left a lasting impression. These leaders exemplified governance that aligned with the people's interests, setting a precedent for what could be achieved.

A recent Hybrid Media Cluster Engagement with His Excellency Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha underscored the need for effective leadership and governance in Nigeria. In an open and forthright dialogue with journalists, Ihedioha addressed the crisis of governance in Nigeria, his future political ambitions, and the potential for effective leadership. The discussion highlighted the importance of preparation and sustained engagement with the media, particularly in light of the contentious Supreme Court ruling that prematurely ended Ihedioha's governorship.

Many participants expressed a prevailing sentiment: Imo's redemption is intricately tied to Ihedioha's return to power. The conversation also emphasized the importance of involving youth in the pre-election planning phase, recognizing that younger voters are increasingly inclined to support candidates based on personality rather than party affiliation. Ihedioha's ability to connect with these groups through statements, shared reviews, and interactions was identified as crucial for building a broader base of support.

During the engagement, Ihedioha provided a comprehensive account of his political journey, from his time in the Parliament to his tenure as Governor of Imo State. He spoke passionately about his administration's efforts to prioritize good governance and highlighted his achievements as evidence of his capacity and pedigree. However, he clarified that this engagement was not a declaration of his candidacy but an opportunity to discuss accountability in governance and explore the steps needed to position leading candidates for the upcoming elections.

Ihedioha emphasized the importance of community-led development and the domestication of constitutional processes through community engagement, a model for a people-centric government that should be amplified. He called on the media to focus on presenting credible alternatives to the current system of governance, stressing the need for opposition forces to present strong candidates rather than allowing internal party conflicts to sideline potential leaders.

As the conversation drew to a close, Ihedioha urged the media to foster discussions about credible alternatives and to engage the public on issues that could strengthen his brand while addressing the broader challenge of effective leadership and representation. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to bolster independent and collaborative efforts to engage the public on pressing issues affecting the state and the nation.

As Imo State navigates its current challenges, the dialogue with Ihedioha serves as a reminder that leaders of integrity still exist, willing and able to lead with a commitment to public welfare. The question remains: Will the people of Imo seize the opportunity to return to a path of merit and progress, or will they continue on a trajectory marked by mediocrity? The coming months will reveal much about the direction Imo's citizens choose to take.

At this critical juncture, Nigeria needs leaders who are not only willing to make sacrifices but are also committed to the principles of good governance. The youth, increasingly becoming the deciding factor in elections, must be vigilant and discerning in their choices. It is not enough to call for change; we must ensure that those in a position to effect that change are equipped, prepared, and truly aligned with the people's aspirations. The future of Nigeria depends on it.



Ikokwu Chidozie is an independent writer based in Abuja


Source: https://naijagg.com/amidst-glaring-hardship-what-does-nigeria-truly-need/

.....says "Asue Ighodalo is the way forward"



Edo PDP chieftain and youth advocate, Andrew Enantomhen on Thursday commended the people of Edo State for the massive turn-out at Ubiaja, Esan South-East Local Government of Edo State.

At the campaign venue, Andrew Enantomhen expressed excitement at the massive turn-out and said that the people of Edo State have decided to move forward with Asue Ighodalo and that indeed Asue Ighodalo embodies competence, character and capacity.

"I am glad to be here today. The crowd here today is overwhelming. It is a huge statement. It is a statement that the good people of Edo State are ready to move forward with the man of competence, character and capacity and the man is none other but Asue Ighodalo.

"The facts are clear. Asue Ighodalo is far ahead of his fellow contestants and we the good people of Edo have decided that he is our next Governor and that is why we are here today to show support and to show that indeed we are with Asue Ighodalo and to that effect, we are not going back but we are only moving forward. Come September 21, Asue Ighodalo of the PDP is who we the good people of Edo State are voting for," Andrew Enantomhen said.


Source: https://naijagg.com/edo-2024-andrew-enantomhen-commends-the-people-of-edo-for-the-massive-turn-out-at-asue-ighodalos-campaign-flag-off/

A deadly clash between Nigerian police and Shi’ite protesters in Abuja on Sunday resulted in the deaths of two police officers and left three others hospitalized and unconscious.

The police also reported that patrol vehicles were burnt during the confrontation.

The violence erupted during the Arbaeen Symbolic Trek, a religious event commemorating the killing of Imam Hussain (AS) in 680 CE.

According to eyewitnesses, armed policemen fired teargas canisters and live ammunition at the protesters, killing and injuring an unspecified number of people.

The event, which began on Saturday, August 24, was meant to be a peaceful procession but turned deadly when police and protesters clashed.

Reports indicate that the police forcefully intervened in the IMN procession at Wuse Market, leading to a violent confrontation.

A team of armed policemen deployed teargas canisters and live ammunition to disperse the peaceful procession, causing chaos in the area.

Motorists and passersby sought safety as members of the sect suffered various injuries.

In a statement, Sheikh Sidi Munir Mainasara Sokoto confirmed the incident on behalf of the movement, stating that those with gunshot wounds were rushed to an undisclosed hospital.

He added that they were still compiling the number of fatalities.

According to him, “The police attacked the Arba’een Symbolic Trek in Wuse District, Abuja, killing and injuring numerous mourners.”

He further stated that security agents were arresting the mourners.


Source: https://naijagg.com/shiite-attack-in-abuja-2-police-officers-killed-3-critically-injured/

"#EndBadGovernance protest to continue in New York From September 15" - Group


A group has said it will continue the #EndBadGovernance protest in New York on September 15, 2024.

"We have continued to watch the activities of the Bola Tinubu’s administration where corruption, human rights abuses, injustices, intimidation Killings and insecurities have become the norm.

"While we can no longer stand and watch our country and citizens suffer in the hands of Tinubu and his corrupt government, must account for all the killings, the deaths and missing persons who participated during the peaceful #ENDBADGOVERNANCE protest in Nigeria recently.

"We want the world to know what they have turned Nigerians and Nigeria to.

"Therefore, as Bola Tinubu prepares to attend the 79th UN General Assembly starting from 10-30 September 2024 New York, United States, the #ENDBADGOVERNANCE protests in the Diaspora will take to the United Nations Building, the Nigerian House, and the Hotel that would be housing Bola Tinubu and his entourage from September 15 and demand.

"1. Immediate release of Bristol Isaac Tamunobiefiri aka PIDOM, a journalist and whistleblower and others arrested and detained by the police and other security agencies during the #ENDBADGOVERNANCE protests in Nigeria.

"2. That Bola Tinubu immediately cut down the size of Government and sack non-performing appointees.

"3. Immediate end to corruption, looting of the commonwealth of the country my himself and his cronies.

"4. The immediate return of fuel subsidies so as to reduce the cost of living in the country

"5. Good governance and robust plan to end insecurity in the country,


"Protesters comprising Nigerians in the diaspora and lovers of Nigeria are going to gather in front of the Nigerian House on 828 second Avenue, New York, NY from September 15, 2024 from 9am.

"We must free Nigeria and Nigerians from Bola Tinubu’s kleptocratic and authoritarian regime," the group said in a statement signed by its members; Austin Ikpeme and Peter Olagunju.


Source: https://naijagg.com/endbadgovernance-protest-to-continue-in-new-york-from-september-15-group/

The Presidency and the leadership of the APC seems to have distanced away from the APC campaign in Edo State.

According to confidential sources within the APC, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC leadership are angry that the APC candidate in Edo State, Monday Okpebholo cannot in fact speak correct English language.

Infact there is a major concern that Monday can not even spell Tuesday.

As of the time of this report, the APC is in total disarray and confusion as it battles with the embarrassment the APC candidate is daily causing the party.

Some of the leadership of the APC in Edo State have since been summoned to Abuja to answer to how Monday Okpebholo emerged as candidate of the party.

There are suspicions that Monday may have emerged through a compromised promise that left out the best the party could have fielded.



According to a source that pleased to be kept anonymous, "The Presidency summoned Oshiomole and Monday over Monday's inability to communicate in English. The Presidency fears that the APC chance in this Edo election is very slim based on all indications.


"With this development, some key stakeholders in the party are not happy that each time Monday open his mouth to speak, he causes more damage to the party's reputation.

"As a result of this, Monday and Oshiomole have been advised to stay mute during the campaign in order for them not to destroy the slim chances the party has left to make any good impression before September 21 to Edo people.


According to another insider within the APC, Asue Ighodalo is obviously going to win this forthcoming Edo State Governorship election.


Source: https://naijagg.com/edo-2024-tinubu-apc-leadership-angry-over-apc-candidates-inability-to-speak-english/

.....calls for the immediate release of arrested Esan Councillor



Edo PDP chieftain and youth advocate, Andrew Enantomhen on Saturday criticized the APC for trying to cause trouble in Edo State as the Edo State Governorship election approaches.

He made this statement in reaction to the recent arrest of Hon. Kingsley Osehon, Councillor of Ward 10 and Chief Whip, Esan North-East Local Government Council of Edo State by "suspected policemen".

Andrew Enantomhen called for the immediate release of Hon. Kingsley Osehon and called on the APC to stop intimidating the people of Edo State.

"The people of Edo State have made up their minds. They have decided. We have decided. Our votes are for Asue Ighodalo of the PDP. We don't have anything in common with APC in Edo State just as light has nothing in common with darkness. APC represents darkness, so we don't want them in Edo State. We have chosen the light, hence we chose Asue Ighodalo as the person we will vote for, come September 21, 2024.

"We the people of Edo State cannot be intimidated by the APC. I use this medium to call for the immediate release of Hon. Kingsley Osehon. His arrest is unlawful, his arrest is an insult on the collective decency in Edo State. Hon. Kingsley Osehon is a leader in Esan North-East Local Government. Arresting him is like arresting the people of Esan and we will not take that. We the people of Esan cannot be intimidated," Andrew Enantomhen said.


Source: https://naijagg.com/edo-2024-dont-heat-up-the-polity-in-edo-state-andrew-enantomhen-warns-apc-calls-for-the-immediate-release-of-arrested-esan-councillor/

Edo North Senator, Adams Oshiomhole and Edo APC Governorship candidate, Monday Okpebholo have been cautioned to desist from rubbishing the legacy of Chief Tony Anenih and his son.

According to the Esan natives, Oshiomhole is beginning to bite the finger that once fed him.

"Oshiomole's abusive tendencies against Chief Tony Anenih is an abuse on the collective sensitivity of the entire Esan race.

"We the entire Esan sons and daughters are saying this is becoming too much of an abuse from Oshiomole on the Esan people.

"Oshiomole's abuses against Ose Anineh are completely unacceptable. Oshiomhole has acted uncivilized by his 'senseless' dragging and verbal abusing of of our revered sons and daughters for too long.

"His dirty politics will never be accepted by the sons and daughters of Esan-land.

"Oshiomole is hell-bent on destroying our heritage in Esan land, and we will not sit by and just watch. We will resist him by every decent and lawful means. We will prove that the silence of we Esan people is not cowardice.

"We call on Adams Oshiomole to tender an unreserve apology to Ose Anineh and to the entire Esan race and we caution Adams Oshiomhole to salvage whatever is still left of his political relevance in Edo State and learn decorum even as we are all sure that the ambition of his godson, Monday Okpebholo, is already an exercise in futility," Andrew Enantomhen, of the natives of Esan land, said.

"The people of Esan land are completely resolved on voting for Asue Ighodalo. This decision is not up for debate or re-consideration as the situation has become more serious with Adams Oshiomhole thinking he can use verbal abuses to intimidate the people of Esan land to vote for his own godson. We will at the polls prove to Adams Oshiomhole that we are resolute and fearless and noble people in Esan land and when we vote on September 21, 2024 we will vote for a candidate who is by name Asue Ighodalo," the Esan natives further said.


Source: https://naijagg.com/stop-rubbishing-anenihs-legacy-sons-heritage-esan-agenda-warns-oshiomhole-okpebholo/

"Witches and wizards" allegation: Andrew Enantomhen calls on Esan traditional leadership to call Oshiomhole to order



Edo youth and good governance advocate, Andrew Enantomhen has on Thursday called on the Esan traditional institution to call Edo North Senator, Adams Oshiomhole to order.

He also demanded for unreserved apology from the Senator, to the people of Esan land.

"We call on the traditional leaders, we call on our forefathers and elders of Esanland to as a matter of urgency summon Adams Oshiomole to the open market to tender an unreserve apology to the entire Esan race for calling us witches and wizards.
Esan people reject Oshiomole because he is an enemy of the Esan race.

"Oshiomole's hatred for Esan people is obvious to the blind.
We call on the Federal Government and the security agencies to caution Oshiomole for heating up the polity for his own selfish interest and for causing ethnic division and disunity in Edo state.

"This is the same Oshiomhole that never wanted Esan as Governor, this is the same Oshiomhole that was against Esan Speaker in the EDHA. Except for SMO and Ize Iyamu's stubbornness, someone else would have been APC's candidate in as much as Oshiomhole is concerned," Andrew Enantomhen said.

"Oshiomhole can't be trusted when Esanland is involved.
Oshiomole called Esan people witches and wizards all because of his hatred for Esan land. Oshiomole has bad intentions for Esan people and he will betray the Esan race.
I call on every Esan citizen to be wise and be weary of Oshiomhole because a leopard can never change from its skin. A word is enough for the wise. Oshiomole and Monday must tender an open apology in the open market in the next four market days to the entire Esan race for calling us witches and wizards," Andrew Enantomhen further said.


Source: https://naijagg.com/witches-and-wizards-allegation-andrew-enantomhen-calls-on-esan-traditional-leadership-to-call-oshiomhole-to-order/