BAYELSA GOOD GOVERNANCE INITIATIVE URGES POLITICAL LEADERS, NATIONAL LAWMAKERS TO EMULATE DICKSON

The Bayelsa Good Governance Initiative has called on the senators, reps and political leaders from the state
to emulate the principled nature and bold activities of the Senator representing Bayelsa West, Chief Henry Seriake Dickson.

The Coordinator of BGGI, Mr. Epipadei Lawyer, said in a statement on Saturday that Senator Dickson’s action have shown his continuous passion and commitment to the cause of the entire Bayelsa, the Ijaw nation and indeed the Niger Delta.

He said that others should take a cue from the Senator and begin to look beyond the restrictive confines of their senatorial boundaries to focus on issues that will benefit the entire Bayelsa and the Ijaw nation as Senator Dickson has always done.

Lawyer commended Dickson for the mature intervention when the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Mr Simbi Wabote, was summoned by the Senate.

He said that Dickson’s intervention was in the interest of the state and the Ijaw irrespective of party affiliation.

He said that the BGGI’s observation of the events of the day showed that Senator Dickson’s contributions during the deliberations promoted the interest of Bayelsa because a negative statement emanating from the Senate wouldn’t have meant well for Mr. Wabote.

Lawyer stated further that Dickson’s continuing support for the promotion of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, and the management team led by Col. Dixon Dikio (retd) as a prominent member of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta and his support for the clearance of the Independent National Electoral Commission nominee from the State, Prof. Gumus, who is not from his senatorial district is worthy of emulation.

“The BGGI has observed with keen interest the activities of former Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, since he got to the Senate. We have seen how he has has continued to project and protect the interest of the state, the Ijaw nation, and even the Niger Delta in critical issues in the Senate.

“For instance, it would have been convenient for him to join others to destroy the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, if he were to follow the political affliation but he didn’t.

“It is also worthy of note that Senator Dickson’s stout defence of Prof Gumus left the Senate with no better option than to clear her.

“It is in view of this that the Ijaw nation should speak with him to retain his position In the Senate even if he doesn’t not intend to. He is a voice that cannot be ignored and the Ijaw nation needs him now more than ever before.

“We are particularly interested in his proactive intervention during the Senate proceedings when the NCDMB Executive Secretary, Mr Simbi Wabote, was summoned by the Senate to brief it on the raging controversy involving the Executive Secretary of the commission.

“We admire this courage and attitude which sees representation beyond senatorial boundaries and even party lines.

“What we need at this difficult time is effective cooperation among our people, our representatives and senators at the National Assembly irrespective of party affiliation.

“We call on others to emulate Dickson who has distinguished himself
as a reliable defender and voice of our people all these years .

https://swiftreporters.com/bayelsa-good-governance-initiative-urges-political-leaders-national-lawmakers-to-emulate-dickson/

On 1st June 2019 , 3 days after Governor Babajide Sanwoolu was sworn, I posted those old school pictures with this caption

" THE SHAME OF LAGOS

This is a Secondary School in Lagos in the heart of Lagos , Ojota Secondary, Ojota Lagos

Pictures taken this afternoon..Amb CKN "

It was an agenda setting for me

The pictures epitomized the sorry state of the infrastructure at my Alma Mater Ojota Secondary School , Ojota ( Junior School )

The pictures were taken during my first tour of the school as the newly elected and first National and Global President of the Old Students Association of the 42 year old School with some of my Exco members

I was touched by what I saw especially the dilapidated buildings ( Jakande buildings) some of us used in the 80s

As if reading my post , few weeks later I was informed that the Lagos State Government have moved to site to begin the erection of a modern school block in the compound

Governor Sanwoolu made its a priority project

Two years after what you are seeing is a brand new well structured building ready to accommodate the entire population of the school.

I was shocked by what I saw today when the school Principal took me on a tour of the fully furnished newly built school alongside some members of our Association

I've been reliably informed that the Governor will commission the school in few weeks time

Similar schools have been commissioned by the Governor across the State in recent time too

I am not saying my post had anything to do with the speedy completion of the school , it could be mere coincidence

But my happiness remains that it will be recorded that such a building was erected during my tenure as the President of the Association.

On behalf of the Staff , Students and Alumni of Ojota Secondary School Old Students Association ( OSSOSA)

I wish to thank his Excellency Governor Babajide Sanwoolu for kind this kind gesture to these future leaders of Nigeria

Eko could only but get better under his watch .

We are indeed very grateful sir

Make una help me thank our Governor

Chris Kehinde Nwandu

National President

Ojota Secondary School Old Students Association

**

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday signed the bills for the establishment of additional two universities in the State – Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) and Lagos State University of Science and Technology.

He assented to the bills transmitting Lagos State Polytechnic in Ikorodu, Isolo and Surulere campuses to the University of Science and Technology as well as Adeniran Ogunsanya Colleges of Education, Ijanikin and Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, Epe to Lagos State University of Education.

The signing ceremony, which took place at the Lagos House, Marina, was witnessed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab and Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), members of the Governing Councils and management staff of the tertiary institutions, among others.

Speaking after signing the bills, Governor Sanwo-Olu, said Lagos and its indigenes are now blessed with two additional universities to the existing Lagos State University (LASU), established in 1982 by the first Executive Governor of Lagos State, the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande.

He said: “We are doing this very quickly because we need to take this law to the National Universities Commission (NUC), that will do their due diligence and we are believing they will give us a timely approval when all of us will go and receive the certificates for the establishment of the two universities.

“We believe that the transmission will be smooth. We believe that the process would be without any hindrance. We believe that we will do a good job at ensuring that what is best is the only thing that we do for Lagos. I feel so delighted and proud of all of us creating history today and I believe that indeed generations coming after us will remember this very bold, audacious decision that we have taken.

“The two institutions that have now been transmitted into universities are institutions that have produced professionals, students, lecturers among other notable men and women in our society. I feel what we have done is a proper thing for the existing staff, both academic and non-academic and more importantly for the students today and the future students that would be coming in to be able to recreate their future and be in a position that we are turning out the leaders of tomorrow.”

Speaking earlier, Wahab said the establishment of the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) and Lagos State University of Science and Technology, will solve issues relating to admission for Lagos State citizens.

Wahab also commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for putting his full weight behind the establishment of the two additional universities. He also appreciated the Lagos State House of Assembly led by Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa for believing in the process.


https://leaders.ng/sanwo-olu-signs-bills-establishing-additional-two-universities-in-lagos/

Lagos State is Africa’s premier business and investment destination and the Government will continue to do all within its power to remain so.

This was disclosed on Wednesday by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Business Day Newspaper Africa Business Conference.

“The completion of the Lekki Port will put an end to the intractable Apapa gridlock, the congestion along Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, port access roads and Apapa environs, Sanwo-olu said.

Sanwo-Olu who spoke passionately about his administration’s commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to millions of Lagosians through his T.H.E.M.E.S developmental agenda for greater Lagos said his government had completed iconic projects within the state in the last two and half years.

He also cited some of the infrastructural projects such as Lekki Deep Port, the fourth Mainland Bridge, Red and Blue line rails and Imota Rice Mills, among others that are ongoing or in the pipeline, which according to him would be completed and become operational within the next 24 months.

The governor said the process leading to the commencement of the construction of the fourth Mainland Bridge, which starts from Badore in Ajah and ends in Ikorodu, would be completed before the second quarter of the year.

He said: “Lagos is, in addition to being Africa’s most populous megacity, the continent’s premier business and investment destination, and we will continue to do all within our power to remain so.

“As I speak, several landmark public and private infrastructure and investment projects are underway or nearing completion in Lagos State; the biggest single-train petroleum refinery in the world, one of the largest rice mills in the world, one of the largest and most modern deep-seaport on the continent, and West Africa’s biggest light rail network. Within the next 24 months, we expect all of these to be operational.

“We are also Africa’s startup capital, ahead of Nairobi, Cape Town and Johannesburg, in terms of the number of startups and in terms of investment inflows and the size of exits. Flutterwave and Paystack, two of the most prominent African unicorns of the decade, were born here.

“In addition, we are home to several major investments ongoing in real estate, like Eko Atlantic on the edge of Victoria Island, and Alaro City on the Lekki Peninsula.”

Speaking at the event, the Publisher of Business Day Newspaper, Mr. Frank Aigbogun, applauded Sanwo-Olu for the great work he was doing in ridding Apapa of traffic gridlocks and for delivering on his promise to the people of Lagos State.

He said: “When we had the interview, which I moderated, hosted by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry before the elections in 2019, Apapa dominated that conversation. I don’t know how often you go to Apapa Mr. Governor but I think between 23 and 27 minutes these days, you get Apapa.

Africa Business Conference (ABC) 2022 is a business conference and investment expo that brings together government, business leaders, policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs across Africa and beyond to proffer sustainable solutions to challenges in the business environment.

The second edition of the convention themed ‘Africa recovery’ took place at the Eko Hotel & Suites Lagos,.

Top African government and business leaders as well as high-level networking on the African continent graced the convention and proffer solutions that address challenges in the business environment across Africa.

Akwa Ibom people had waited many months for the god of Hilltop Mansion to speak on his succession plan. Many times in the past year when his worshippers prevailed on him to show them the way, he always fought back pressure to name a successor. Each time the question was thrown at him, his usual answer was that he’s on the mountain waiting on god to reveal his successor to him.

And yesterday, god landed, naming the calm, collected King Yellowman, one of the newest members of his inner sanctum, to his partymen as god’s choice. Yesterday, god spoke.

I am not sure when awa god heard from his god but for a long time, his body language has been pointing towards the cleric who makes money selling beer and renting short-time rooms for men who don’t often tell their pastors and wives what they do behind his closed doors. Remember that wicked press report just a week ago? It wasn’t false prophesy.

I am also not sure which god awa god has been referring to all along. I know without doubt that the Nigerian politician is a god of some sort. If you have been in Nigeria since 1991 and do not know that any politician with some level of executive power is a god, then you have been living in denial. We deified our leaders a long time ago. We worship them, pray to them, genuflect at their appearance. We deliver our thinking faculty to them and believe every thing they tell us. Their wives are the goddesses we ignore at our economic and social peril. Their brothers and associates are the angels who minister at the throne, decide how the government is ran and transport goodness from the throne of greed to us mere mortals. When their children are too young to play serious roles or ride around in motorbikes and cars the cost of a state’s annual education budget or wed in reckless opulence, they are armed with guardian angels and educated at the best schools abroad. Their birth lottery guarantees they are too special to be trained at the school we build for other children. When they show up at state events, men and woman old enough to be their grandparents rise in worship.

We hail them: They are the best things that have happened to us. They are god-sent. They are the answers to the prayers our forefathers prayed before independence. We lie through our teeth and fall over ourselves to find new adjectives to describe them. It is not beyond us to take sacred songs of pure heavenly worship and put in their names in place of God. Haven’t you noticed that nowadays, political campaign songs are modified church praise and worship songs? Why not? Afterall our political leaders are the gods we see. They feed us. They make us as the wife of a former governor here would often tell people. We know the God of Heaven delight in praises. Why not a few to out our gods of politics?

Gods do no wrong. So our presidents, governors, ministers and local government chairmen are infallible. You disagree and question them at your risk! Whoever challenges a god and live? You cannot blame them when they are angered by your refusal to believe the lies they spew out. When they call black white, you must believe and accept. When they say that have fixed Calabar Itu Road just believe. Even if you can’t find the Family rice in our markets, don’t doubt that we are a major rice growing state. Whoever questions a god? When they say they are intellectual giants and go ahead to reel out budget titles that shows they belong to circuses rather than government houses, they expect you to believe! They remind me of an African god before them called Omar Bongo. He ruled Zaire. Now DR Congo. A short man with oversized ego and greed, ruthless with anyone who held the mirror to him so he can see that the little height he had attended was enabled by the six inches high-heeled wedge he stylishly covered with their A-shaped trousers.

They are like the African gods who must be sacrificed to. And what do they want for sacrifice, they best that’s available. They waste the best men and women so they will go unchallenged. They grab the best lands and own the best mansions that are maintained at cost that could train hundred of our people and equip them with skills and competencies the world needs today. Even when we know they are stealing us to death, converting our common patrimony into their personal estates and mortgaging the future so our great grand children will become slaves to their children and cronies, we still hail them, sing their praise and dance to their sneeze.

We call them honorables when they are truly horrorable. Horrific. Deplorable. Men and women who are fitting characters in State of Hell.

Being sworn into public office offers the added advantage of ecclesiastical powers in our clime. I didn’t say getting elected. That doesn’t happen often. The gods chose. The system delivers. And the millions of accomplices which most of us have become just line up behind them.

Awa god has spoken. We will all line up. One sleepy Senator told him last year to bring a cripple and the state will deliver to Government House. In a state where government is the main business, you will only find very feeble opposition. The gods own the ticket. When they speak, we must obey.

There will be angst in the land. Those who love King Yellowman are celebrating already. Many of those who wanted to be awa governor’s pick will rise and protest like headless chicken. Truth is, they all wanted the favour of awa governor. But you see, only one person could be picked. The picker has a right to his pick! The unpicked and unpickables can cry as they wish. Some will look forward to the party primaries to revenge the choice of the gods. Hmmmmmmm. If you watched the primaries in Ekiti, you will know that man proposes, but god disposes. And you remember, awa god was in Ekiti to ensure god’s will is done there. So he sure has some secrets on how to do it here too. Besides, most - if not all - were the ones crying now were the archangels that gave awa god its powers. Once given, you can’t take it back. Of course, the primaries will be a season of harvest; a time to repay some of them with the same treachery they visited on other aspirants before them.

We may have a repeat of G22 of 2015 when those schemed out of the primaries that handed awa governor came together to form a feeble opposition. Many were financially rewarded and soon became active leaders in the praise choir. A few will continue the fight hoping the 2017 scenario plays out. Those who think that way forget awa god was trained by the great teacher from Ukana and has no time for vision and plan like the architect from the lion’s den. Awa people have no room for failure.

My advise to King Yellowman; don’t mind the crowd of aspirants that will gather against you. It has happened before. Only God picked you. That Same God will deliver you to government house. Have you forgotten the quake when God spoke to the children of Israel in the wilderness? They were so afraid! The place shook. Akwa Ibom will shake. It is not the first time. Nor will it be the last.

Congratulations joor. I have been checking my ancestry to see if we are not related in some ways. I need some rights to a choice portion of the goodness you will share to your insiders. Enjoy your bullet - proof car. But don’t intimidate me with it just yet. You are a governor in waiting. And in Nigerian politics, 24 hours can be such a long time. Be very careful, Nigeria, gods change their mind. Remember that guy who won the PDP nomination for mayor of the capital? Where is he now? He saw Canaan but couldn’t enter. Pray; spend more time on the mountain with your fellow Fathers of Faith. Look for Mothers and Children of Faith too. That’s your best antidote to these faithless sons and daughters of men.

As my friend would say, if you are not coming to improve the state, at least don’t plan to leave it worse than you met it.

Since 2023 is still far, let me form my own praise team and sing,

Can we all say Amen?
Can we all say Amen?
god has spoke
Akwa Ibom
Say Amen!

©️ Utibe31/1/22

https://ourdailywire.com/the-evening-god-spoke-by-utibe-ukim/

By Abubakar Yusuf

The decision of Lagos State government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to flag off the construction of the 4th mainland bridge will be the best thing that will happen to Lagos state in recent times.

The project expected to kickstart in the second quarter of 2022 is coming at a time the third mainland bridge constructed by the Military in the 80s and completed in the 90s had reduced to the barest minimum the hustle and bustle of Lagos as well as the perennial traffic gridlock characterized with Lagos movement.

The new 4th mainland bridge convened by the present administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu expected to gulp billions with about 40 kilometers stretch will be a relief to the third mainland for commuters and travellers, as well as the BRT roads specialized for government high capacity buses.

The bridge when completed will assist the over 21M residents of Lagos State aside ease of doing businesses across the areas, but neighboring states of Edo, Oyo, Ogun, along with border communities.

The convening of the fourth mainland bridge will be a major breakthrough by the Lagos state government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the areas of infrastructural development and breakthrough, that will decongest the ever busy Lagos roads to the betterment of cosmopolitan residents.

This also comes at a time the state government has opened up the waterways through acquisition of two big ships to enhance water transportation across the riverine areas of Lagos State and commuters whose intention is patronizing the water transport.

Because of the terrain of Lagos State that is surrounded with water, the natural phenomenon has paved the way for both land and water transportation to thrive on a large scale.

It therefore, allowed some residents of Lagos island that are surrounded with water and other areas will be dependent on predominantly water transportation for ease of their movement to and fro their destination.

Considering these critical situations and the growing population, the need for Lagos State government to key into all round transportation outlets across the state was desirable.

It is on record that despite the acquisition of high capacity BRT buses by the state government in spite of the incidence of EndSARS that affected the buses when most of it were burnt down by hoodlums, and swift acquisition of new ones by the state government, the road transport policy, with specialized roads had assisted greatly commuters movement in Lagos State.

The movement of Lagos State BRT buses on Lagos roads patronized not less 3 Million passengers daily or more, by providing smooth and safer movement from one location of the city to the other, without much gridlock or stress.

Aside, BRT roads, the construction of more link roads across the state and local government areas had contributed to the smooth movements of goods, services as well as people across the state.

Many beneficiaries across the state had given testimonies of the robust transport system of Lagos State that will only be obtainable in developed countries.

The new blue and red rail line in the offing will bring to an end the perennial problems of transportation across Lagos State before the end of the first quarter of 2022.

With a newly constructed initial 8 train stations across Lagos State, the new rail transport on stream by Lagos State government is expected to move Lagosians across the state a quantum of 5Million people daily.

Apart from ease of movement of people across Lagos State, with the fastest set of train coaches to be acquired by the state government, the long hours being spent on a trip will be reduced to the barest minimum daily and weekly.

The initial 8 modern train stations will gradually spread across the state with more stations that will turn rail transport as an alternative to either road and water transportation across Lagos State.

The Lagos State government planned to liberalise the major transport system from road to water, rail transportation will attract a bumper revenue to the state ,as well as attract more investment and investors in the economic and financial capital of Nigeria under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the state.

With rail transportation in Lagos state, the heavy burden of loads and movement of vehicles taking toll on Lagos roads will be reduced to the barest minimum in the course of time.

With all these in place, the present administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu in Lagos state would have overcome all indices of underdevelopment both natural and artificial phenomenon, for the continuous development of Lagos State.

Yusuf, Writes From Abuja. Email: yus.abubakar3@gmail.com

Some founding members of the Peoples Democratic Party in Akwa Ibom has said political calamity awaits the party in the state if Governor Emmanuel Udom failed to be fair to all members.


The stakeholders in an open letter by High Chief Samuel Ukpabio (Eket Senatorial District), Andem Andy (Uyo Senatorial District) and Atuekong Uyoata Udofa (Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District) said any move by the governor to impose his Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Pastor Umo Eno, would not be acceptable to well-meaning members of the party.


They asked the PDP chairman in the state, Aniekan Akpan, to advise Udom and ensure he maintains the peace and unity in the party by creating a level playing field for all aspirants in the spirit of justice, equity and fairness.

Read the letter below:

Open letter to His Excellency, Mr Udom Emmanuel, Governor Akwa Ibom State

Enough is enough: Stop this executive carelessness capable of killing Akwa Ibom PDP

Our dear Governor,

Your Excellency, we hope this letter meets you well. Forgive us for passing through this medium to reach you. You left us with no option due to the need to avoid the bureaucracy of your office that has not helped you or the state in the last six years.

We have decided to write you because of some actions of yours which has proven beyond reasonable doubt that you had only one aim as Governor; the final destruction of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Akwa Ibom State, with your insistence that your successor MUST be Pastor Umo Eno.

Your Excellency, please for once be honest to yourself and search your conscience. If you were not even a Governor and someone else who was Governor was prepping up a character like your Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, would you have supported such a cause? Before now you had bragged that your successor will be someone with an International email address, someone the world listens to and respects, someone who is globally recognized. And we wonder, how does Pastor Umo Eno fit
into this?

It is sad that for more than six years, Pastor Lawrence Achudume and your step brother, Mr Gabriel Nkanang has been the ones controlling your psyche with prophesies that has done more harm than good to yourself and the future of the state. That Pastor Achudume is the one bragging that he made you Governor by prophesy and that he is the one who will choose your successor, presents a sad tale of how far you are ready to allow your executive carelessness ruin the PDP, a party we all laboured to form since 1998 when you were no where near politics of Akwa Ibom State.

Dear Governor Emmanuel, come to think of it, with your obsession with Achudume's prophesies on who will succeed you, we are tempted to ask: Are other brother Governor's of yours having this same fixation on waiting for God through a prophesy from an old school mate before they announce their preferred candidate? Other Governor's who are not waiting for prophesy, are you saying it is the Devil that will nominate a successor for them? Why have you allowed your step brother, Gabriel Nkanang and Pastor Lawrence Achudume ruin you and put the future of the PDP in jeopardy with fake prophesy of God wanting Umo Eno to be your successor?

Even though you may not have been an active political participant before 2014, one would still give you the benefit of the doubt that you were old enough to remember that a state like Cross River was doing massively well in terms of tourism but all such legacies of former Governor Donald Duke are today history because of a wrong succession plan. Is that what you want for Akwa Ibom? To allow your step brother and Pastor Achudume ruin your legacies and kill the party in the State?

Remember, Akwa Ibom PDP delegates after collecting so much money from Attah including his Exco members revolted against Obong Attah because of his family interest in his succession plan and voted in Akpabio who came in and abandoned over 80% of Attah's key projects. Is that what you want for yourself with Umo Eno? Or are you ready to administer oath (Mbiam) to people in order to produce a successor? Is history about to repeat itself?

Enough is enough! Akwa Ibom must not be turned into a comedy show where soothsayers determine who will govern them against all modern norms. Kindly pull the brakes and put a stop to this madness before you destroy the gains of your administration. Most importantly, stop this madness that is capable of bringing the uninterrupted reign of PDP to a sad end in Akwa Ibom by 2023 if you refuse to listen to advice.

As you're about to unveil Umo Eno as your successor to the Fathers of Faith, Traditional Rulers and other Stakeholders in the state, are you saying Akwa Ibom Clergymen such as Prelate Sunday Mbang, Pastor Ntia Ntia, Archbishop Cletus Bassey, Bishop Emma Isong, Bishop Udeme Simon, Pastor John Linus, Rev Uma Ukpai, Pastor Angela Ashong, Prelate Isiah Isong, Rev Patrick Edet, Apostle Nyenneime Andy, Apostle Akan Weeks, and many other great men of God from the state incapable of hearing from God and will have to be relying on Pastor Lawrence Achudume and one unknown pastor from Brazil for prophesies from ...That same God"?

In a state that has produced the likes of Obong Victor Attah, Chief Godswill Akpabio, and yourself, how do you feel wanting to hand over to Umo Eno, a man with pre-colonial mentality and far below the already established standard in Akwa Ibom State since 1999 till date? What happens to the likes of Mr Udom Inoyo, Mr Akan Udofia, Onofiok Luke, Bassey Albert, Senator Effiong Bob, and many competent and qualified Akwa Ibom sons?

As Prince Enobong Uwah and Emmanuel Enoidem are going about bragging that whoever you bring will win because of their interest in Umo Eno, we want to let you know that Akwa Ibom people will shock you as you watch in agony the state slip out of your grip because of your refusal to look beyond family. It is sad that you are about to make the same mistake Obong Attah did in 2007 that brought Akpabio to power.

Save yourself and save the PDP in Akwa Ibom from iminent collapse before it is too late, except your goal from the beginning was to see to the destruction of the PDP. Halt this Umo Eno madness that has enveloped you. If it is a spell, get rid of it before you plunge the party into crisis. A word is enough for the wise.

We also call on the PDP State Chairman, Rt Hon Elder Aniekan Akpan, to note this incoming danger and ensure he maintains the peace and unity in the party by creating a level playing field for all aspirants in the spirit of justice, equity and fairness so that at the end of the day, justice will not only be done but would have been visibly seen to have been done. The Chairman owes the party that responsibility of ensuring that the PDP go into the 2023 elections as one big, strong and united family.

We are the founding members of PDP in Akwa Ibom State and we are ready to take the party back. excellent must count.



Signed;

High Chief Samuel Ukpabio
Eket Senatorial District


Barr. Andem Andy
Uyo Senatorial District


Atuekong Uyoata Udofa
Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District

For : PDP Founding Members, Akwa Ibom State



Cc; 1.
National Chairman PDP and Members of NWC

2. National Vice Chairman South South

3. State Chairman PDP and Members of SWC

A sociopolitical group, Esan Solidarity Agenda (ESA) has claimed that Senator Odion Ugbesia and his twin brother Akhere Ugbesia have compromised their political influence in Esanland by betraying the scion of the family, Osoba Ugbesia, for financial benefits.

ESA, in a statement signed by its Coordinator, Peter Abulime, described the conduct of the Ugbesia brothers as shameful, warning that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Esan North-East/South-East Constituency House of Representatives ticket is not for sale.

Osoba Ugbesia, a surprise entrant into the race, is reported to have accused his father, Akere and his twin brother, Odion, of sabotaging his desire to serve his constituency by selling their endorsement for the Esan NE/SE House of Reps ticket to one Prince Louise Osobase.

“We sympathise with Mr Osoba Ugbesia, the eminently qualified first son of one of our leaders in Esan South-East, over this family betrayal which we consider as embarrassing and painful.

“We wish to warn the Ugbesia Twin Brothers to desist from this mercantile approach to politics because they can no longer lord things over the people of Esan South-East. They must remember that empires rise and fall, and that they cannot hold on to power forever. Indeed, this might be the last elections the twin septuagenarians take active part in”.

“But we commend Elder Giwa Agbomeriele, who rose to the occasion and shot down a motion to endorse Louise Osobase at a meeting of Esan South-East leaders called by the Ugbesia brothers on the 15th of January at Sen. Ugbesia’s house in Benin,” the group said.

Information had it that Osoba, the following day after the Benin gathering, called a meeting of six out of the ten LGA chairmen to his father's palatial country home in Ubiaja where he accused his father and his uncle of mortgaging the development of Ubiaja for their own pocket.

Osoba has vowed to contest the Reps ticket, the same seat his father and twin brother have promised to hand over to Louise Osobase on a platter of gold.

The emergence of Osoba Akhere Ugbesia has heightened tensions in Louise Osobase’s camp. An anonymous source close to Prince Osobase said there is no way Osoba Ugbesia would launch his campaign without the tacit support of his father. “We are studying the situation closely”, he said. “No one is a fool in this game. We will continue to watch what happens in the coming days; before we decide on our next course of action.”
https://leaders.ng/esan-ne-se-reps-ticket-group-tackles-ugbesias-for-betraying-their-son-over-money/

A Social Entrepreneur, philanthropist and promoter of good governance, the Convener Hope Initiative, a non profit organisation, Bashir Abdullahi ll has declared his intention to contest the Nasarawa Federal Constituency seat in Kano state .

Speaking with our correspondent in Kano, Abdullahi ll who is also the Founder and CEO Konad group highlighted the soft spot he has for vulnerable and underserved groups such as the youths, women, children and the elderly, through several philanthropic and Empowerment schemes aimed at improving their human condition.


He also reiterated his determination to work towards the reduction of poverty to its barest minimum when elected .

Bashir assured that he would strive to ensure sustainable empowerment by creating an environment that allows the people to continuously generate a source of income and livelihood.


Bashir Abdullahi ll further said his decision to run for this elected office is to deliver unmatched representation to his constituents, and speak the mind of his people.

He promised to take advantage of other legislative instruments and privileges to indirectly impact the lives of the people of his constituency and the nation by extension.


The Youth activist promised to run an open door policy, welcoming feedbacks from his constituents as democracy is about the people.

"I would work to ensure that poverty is reduced to its barest minimum in my Constituency if elected" he added .

Mallam Abdullahi II on the subject of unity and cohesion stated that "together we can build block by block, hamlet by hamlet, village by village, town by town, but only together", he emphasised the benefits that lies with a paradigm shift in the way we conduct our affairs stressing that unity of purpose remains the key.


Mallam Bashir Abdullahi ll further made a commitment before representatives of the 11 wards of Nasarawa Federal Constituency that his ambition is about service and bringing development to the people.


He added "I am committed to bettering the lives of the Youth ,women the elderly stressing the need for the inclusion of the youth and women in decision making towards a greater and cohesive constituency.

Speaking to our correspondence on the World Education day, Bashir Abdullahi II who had earlier paid a condolence visit to the family of late Hanifa Abubakar, the five year old girl who was brutally murdered by her teacher in Kano stressed the need for putting in place better measures towards improving the security of peoples lives and property especially, school children.

The Bayelsa West Youth Congress has said that zoning during election is only a mere propaganda against Senator Dickson.

According to a release on Thursday, 20th January 2022 signed by the Chairman of Bayelsa West Youth Congress, Ebide Brown, he said enjoined leaders from the Zone to consider first, the collective interest of Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Bayelsa State, the Niger Delta region and Nigeria in general.

Excerpt is the full text of the statement:

THE FALSE ZONING PROPAGANDA IN BAYELSA WEST: THE TRUE POSITION.

We have always put out our views on the issue of the debate about zoning propagated by some persons who are scared of contesting in a free and fair election. Our position has always been that there is no binding and valid agreement on zoning implemented at any election period in the history of Bayelsa West. Our views are out there in the public domain and we know that have majority of the people in alignment with us. Only a tiny minority who are either afraid of contesting elections are supporting these mischief makers screaming zoning for their selfish political interests.

Our attention was drawn on to a publication yesterday by the All Progressive Congress stating their well-known position, that as far as they are concerned, there is no zoning in Bayelsa West.

This is not surprising because prior to the bye-election in 2020, this was clearly stated by all their leaders and members as they went ahead to confirm their rejection in ‘zoning’ by fielding Chief Peremobowei Ebebi, their senatorial candidate from Ekeremor LGA. Ebebi contested against Senator Dickson when Hon. Fred Agbedi an Ekeremor mab as a sitting member of the House of Representatives.

This confirms clearly that APC as a party has never believed in zoning and we agree with the position of the APC, that there is no binding and enforceable zoning agreement in Bayelsa West. It is only mischiefmakers and those who are opposed to persons with intimidating credentials who they think may contest elections that they bring up the issue of zoning periodically to go against such persons.

There are two issues involved. People confuse BALANCING with ZONING. Balancing is when the two offices are shared to both LGAs in the senatorial district. Happily, we have two large LGAs in one Senatorial District unlike the others that have three LGAs each. Therefore it has always been the practice for one LGA to take the Senate while the balance is introduced by giving the other LGA the House of Representatives. This is balancing and not zoning.

Zoning is when the various political parties and every stakeholder agrees in a binding way that a particular office should remain in a particular area for a given length of time. This is not the case in Bayelsa West and it has never been the case in Bayelsa West.

What was proposed severally was for this zoning formula to be adopted by parties and stakeholders but it has not been successful. It has always been opposed or violated. It has never been respected neither has it been implemented. It cannot even be implemented without the support of all the political parties and stakeholders who must own it and who must abide by it. This has not been the case.

For example, in the last bye-election, Hon. Fred Agbedi from Ekeremor LGA was in the House of Representatives yet people supported Chief Peremobowei Ebebi from the same Ekeremor LGA. In other words, if Ebebi had won the election, it would have meant that Ekeremor LGA would have retained both the House of Representative and the Senate seats at the same time. This was what those who proposed the Sagbama meeting wanted to avoid.

The meeting some elders and leaders organized in Sagbama where they proposed that the senatorial bye-election seat should only be kept for Sagbama was to ensure balance but the APC and their stakeholders boycotted it and instead encouraged the APC led by Chief Timipre Sylva to field a candidate from Ekeremor LGA in the person of Chief Peremobowei Ebebi believing that federal might and the treachery by some PDP leaders, would guarantee Ebebi to a win thereby leaving Sagbama LGA with nothing. This was their evil plan.

Chief Peremobowei Ebebi and the APC contested the election, went to all the courts even up to the Supreme Court to challenge the outcome of the election until they lost. It is therefore wrong, mischievous and incorrect for anyone to say the result of the election was because of zoning when the same purported zoning arrangement was violated in the first instance. It is a fact that PDP and its candidate, HE Senator Henry Seriake Dickson won the election and defended the outcome of the election up to the Supreme Court and won.

With the APC fielding Ebebi from Ekeremor and Ebebi contesting, even in the circumstances of a bye-election that had Hon. Fred Agbedi from Ekeremor LGA in the House of Representatives, that automatically meant the end of the notion of zoning in Bayelsa West. The only thing people can talk about is the notion of balancing. Meaning that, any political party can sponsor candidates from any Local Government Area provided that one Local Government does not have both. The APC and their supporters and some mischievous PDP leaders even violated the notion of the balancing.

The meeting in Sagbama that was held was a beautiful proposal and every stakeholder pleaded with the APC, Ebebi, his supporters and other political parties but it was not accepted. The proposal collapsed immediately as both the APC and PDP rejected it and went ahead and contested the election.

So the proposal from Sagbama, contrary to it being portrayed as an agreement was simply a beautiful proposal that was rejected and never implemented. The proposal collapsed immediately Chief Peremobowei Ebebi became the APC candidate. The proposal was even openly rejected by the APC, its leaders and Ebebi’s supporters.

The communiqué from the Sagbama meeting was officially boycotted by the APC which openly rejected its outcome also. The communiqué and the comments in support of the issue of zoning made by Senator Dickson and other leaders before and after the Sagbama meeting were premised on the acceptance by the APC, their candidate and other stakeholders who rejected and condemned the communiqué and went ahead to contest. As it is now, stakeholders and parties can only talk about balancing and not zoning.

A look at the political leaders and stakeholders who rejected and condemned the Sagbama communiqué on zoning even in the circumstances of a sitting member of the House of Representatives from Ekeremor, Hon. Fred Agbedi, will show that the notion of zoning is a mischievous tool employed to hoodwink our people and in particular to galvanise opposition against capable persons whose credentials they cannot match.

It is surprising that when it suits such people they discard the supposed zoning arrangement even in a bye-election with a sitting House of Representatives member from Ekeremor in place. When it suits them now in the build up to the 2023 general election, where they fear that the massive support and acceptance for His Excellency, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson will give him easy victory, in the event that he indicates interest to re-contest, these same stakeholders now turn around to say zoning, zoning, zoning.

Can those talking of zoning answer the following questions?

Why did Ekeremor leaders and those who are in support of zoning not prevail on the APC and Ebiebi not to contest in the last senatorial bye-election in 2020?

What is the effect of the so-called zoning and the communiqué at the Sagbama meeting when the APC and Ebiebi openly rejected it and protested its outcome?

Why did the APC have aspirants for the senatorial bye election from Ekeremor in the person of Ebiebi, Hon. Omonibeke and others from Ekeremor if there is a zoning policy agreed by us all?

Why did the APC not give its senatorial flag to Hon. Capt. Matthew Karimo from Sagbama or Hon. Ebitimi Angbari, Major Andrew Oputa or other leaders who were interested from Sagbama to clearly underscore zoning?

Do they know that EbIebi scored almost 20,000 votes in the last election showing that the majority of the voting public do not believe in zoning but rather voted for candidates of their choice based on capacity and party affiliation?

Do they know that even after losing the general election, Ebiebi relied on the Federal might and the treachery of some PDP leaders, to challenge the election result up to the Supreme Court where he lost?

Have they forgotten so soon that the calculation and plan of the APC and its leadership was that Ebiebi with the support of some disloyal PDP members backed by federal might would defeat Senator Dickson and create a political upset which failed woefully?

Have they forgotten so soon that both Senator Dickson and several stakeholders pleaded with Ebebi severally not to accept the APC offer in order to consolidate the proposal on zoning but they refused which made the election to be the most expensive and seriously contested Senatorial election in Bayelsa State. They did not stop there but took the litigation up to the Supreme Court.

If Ebiebi and the APC had won the bye-election or at the tribunal, would these people still be talking of zoning and what would have been the fate of Sagbama Local Government?

Do these people honestly think that blackmailing Senator Dickson and his supporters with zoning will deter him if majority of our people feel that he should re-contest?

What is so difficult for persons wanting to go to the National Assembly in Bayelsa West to campaign on the basis of their capacity and achievements rather than hiding behind a non-existent zoning policy that has never been implemented?

We ask people to look at the names of the stakeholders from Sagbama and Ekeremor in the last bye-election who at campaigns and interviews openly stated that there was no zoning and fought the election of Senator Dickson on that basis and lost. Are these not leaders and stakeholders of Bayelsa West? Are these not mischief makers who are using zoning as the only argument to fight Senator Dickson at every election in Bayelsa West when it suits them?

We are of the opinion that the zoning debate is only a propaganda weapon used against Senator Dickson and used also to destabilise the PDP in the Senatorial District and in the state in the build up to the 2023 general election.

See the list of those who said there is no zoning in the Bayelsa West Senatorial District.

1. Chief Peremobowei Ebebi: The former Speaker and Deputy Governor was the APC candidate in the last Bayelsa West Senatorial bye-election.
2. Chief Alex Ekiotene: An elder statesman who repeatedly said there was no zoning.
3. Barrister F.B. Olorogun from Ekeremor town.
4. Honourable Chief Christopher Enai: A notable political leader who argued that there was no zoning and supported the APC candidate.
5. Chief Fedude Zimughan.
6. Honourable Dimaro Denyanbofa from Peretorugbene.
7. Hon Member of Ekeremor Constituency 1, Hon. Wilson Dauyegha was campaign coordinator.
8. Chief Tobido Amanana
9. Chief Andrew Egbagba
10. Hinks Dumbo
11. Ken Kayama.
12. Elder Zee Debekeme
13. Robinson Etolor
14. Emar Sakor
15. Awini Sarikeme
16: OJ Martins
17. Hon. Berry Enegeresin
18: Alfred Akamu
14. The Local Government and State officials of APC from Ekeremor and several other leaders.

Elders from Sagbama who in the last bye-election said there was no zoning and therefore supported Ebiebi even against the background of Hon. Fred Agbedi being already in the House of Representatives are as follows:
1. Chief Nestor Binabo, former Speaker and former Acting Governor from Sagbama.
2. Major Andrew Oputa (rtd).
3. Captain Matthew Karimu.
4. Hon. Ebitimi Amgbare
5. Hon. Williams Ofoni: He was campaign manager of the APC and Ebebi from Sagbama.
6. Richard Perekeme Kpodoh
7. Brass Ogola
8. Francis Kolokolo.
9. Senator JK Braimbaifa.
10. Dr. Stella Dorgu.

It is clear from the above that zoning during election is only a mere propaganda against Senator Dickson. They should stop the propaganda against Senator Dickson and the people of Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta in general.

If they want to contest, they should step out and contest and tell the people their achievements and what they are capable of doing instead of this propaganda and blackmail. They are free to contest on the basis of their capabilities not by political demagoguery.

Be that as it may, we enjoined these leaders to consider first, the collective interest of Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Bayelsa State, the Niger Delta region and Nigeria in general.

The Bayelsa West Youth Congress however wishes to inform that there will be a meeting on Saturday, 22nd January, 2022 to discuss critical and pressing issues concerning our Senatorial District and urges its members to attend.

https://swiftreporters.com/bayelsa-west-youth-congress-clarifies-bayelsa-west-zoning-position/

Youths operating under the aegis of Plateau Regeneration Group ,on Wednesday called on an illustrious son and University Don Hon Ishaya David Lalu ,to contest for the Mangu / Bokkos Federal House of Representatives seat under the platform of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) come 2023 .

In a statement jointly signed by the chairman of the group, Panshak Joel and secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Alkali ,they explained that their request was based on the track record and achievements of David Lalu ,describing him as a man who has the interest of Mangu / Bokkos Federal constituency and Plateau state at heart.


They also described Hon Lalu as a grassroot politician , seasoned administrator and a man of the people .

The statement reads that "We want to commend Honourable David Lalu for always keeping in touch with the people at the grassroot and for his massive empowerment programmes and urge him to contest for the Mangu / Bokkos House of Representatives, seat come 2023 .



According to the group, “The call become necessary because right now what the Mangu / Bokkos Federal constituency needs is a pragmatic and realistic grassroot politician that feels the pains, yearnings and aspirations of all in the constituency.

"We need a politician that will give quality and robust representation that will ensure dividends of democracy ,which Lalu represents and stands for ."


" We call on members of the group to give their unflinching support to Hon David Lalu if he decides to contest for the elected position ."



" We are ready to go to the length and breadth of Mangu / Bokkos Federal constituency to ensure that Lalu emerges as our flag bearer in our party the APC as well as win the elections come 2023 " .


The group further said Lalu is a credible candidate with a clear vision of all inclusive government who will carry everybody irrespective of their states of origin, creed, religion or party affiliation”.



They urged all its members to rally round Lalu as he has been proven to be a man of integrity and deserves the support of not only the group but the entire people of Mangu / Bokkos , and Plateau state as a whole .


The group further described Lalu as a visionary leader , a bridge builder, who is accessible and non-discriminatory, urging it's members to go out and spread David Lalu's message to all.

The Homeowners Association of sprawling estate In Gwarimpa, Karsana District, the Mab Global Estate, are living in fear over the brazen diversion of the residential homes in the estate to hotels.

As a result of this, homeowners in the District have petitioned the Department of Development Control, Federal Capital Development Authority.

In the petition signed by the President, Ahmed Ihedioha and General Secretary, Kufre Charles, they urged the department to address the situation and ensure that the buildings were returned to their original purpose.

The last count, three of such home owners have diverted their residential homes to hotels with attendant security implications to bewildered residents and landlords of the estate.

The operators of the hotel, it was gathered, have not got approval from the regulatory authorities in Abuja, to convert the houses in a gated estate to commercial use.

With three hotels in operation, all manner of guests with questionable characters, criminals, drug peddlers now see the estate as a safe haven.

To the consternation of the landlords of the estate, the hotel guests move into the estate at odd hours and expose the entire community to danger.

Penultimate week there was a breakdown of law and order in the estate as two groups engaged each other at the hotel located at Plot 400 and the fight spread to the gate into the night.

Worried by this weird turn of events, the Homeowners Association of Mab Global Estate, a community of 634 houses held its Annual General Meeting to deliberate on the threat posed by the illegal hotels in the estate

The estate agreed with unanimity that the Executive led by Engr Ahmed Ihedioha, wrote to the Development Control to alert the regulatory body of the brazen violation of the estate master plan.

The estate through EXCO wrote Development Control on November 21, 2021 and the regulatory body acknowledged receipt of the petition dated December 1, 2021. No action has taken place on the letter.

The hotel owners are quoted to have said that they have the support of some allies in Development Control in spite of the fact that a Development Control allegedly refused to grant approval to convert the houses to hotel since the estate is a gated community.

https://leaders.ng/abuja-estate-landlords-worry-over-diversion-of-five-residential-houses-to-hotels/

Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Professor Tijjani Muhammad Bande, has hailed the National Youth Service Corps as a well-thought-out initiative for engagement of youths in the nation’s developmental strides.
He made the remarks today when he paid a courtesy visit to the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim, in his office.
Bande stressed that matters of youth development were central to the progress of any country, adding that Nigeria had through the NYSC, demonstrated recognition of youths as critical assets.
The diplomat, who noted that the Scheme had broadened the knowledge of youths about the country and instilled patriotic zeal in them, also expressed delight at its current focus on the empowerment of Corps members for self-employment.
He commended Ibrahim for his achievements since taking office as Chief Executive of the Scheme.
Earlier, the Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim, briefed his guest about the various strides of his administration, including the reinvigoration of the NYSC Ventures and the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme.
Ibrahim said in an unprecedented feat, the Scheme remitted over one billion Naira generated as revenue from its various ventures to the federal account between 2020 and 2021.      
The Director-General further stated that in a bid to enhance the credibility of the mobilization process and safeguard the nation’s education system, the Scheme held separate meetings with Corps Producing Institutions based in some African countries as well as relevant Nigerian regulatory and professional bodies during which measures were evolved to address the identified problems.
He spoke of the role of the NYSC in the fight against COVID-19 through Corps members’ activities such as public sensitization as well as production and distribution of face masks, hand sanitizer and liquid soap amongst others.
Ibrahim also enumerated other achievements, including the completion of NYSC North West and South West Zonal Skill Acquisition Centres and commencement of work on the one for the North Central; publication of nine books on the achievements of the Scheme; the establishment of a museum; the process of establishing the NYSC Radio, which as at advanced stage; and the construction of NYSC Printing Press in Kaduna.
The UN Ambassador was taken on a guided tour of some sections of the NYSC Headquarters complex, including the newly established museum, the studio of the proposed NYSC Radio, and the site of the ICT Centre under construction.

**

The Director General of National Youth Service Corp, Brigadier General Ibrahim Shuaibu has revealed that the Scheme’s Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development SAED will be boosted if the proposed National Youth Service Corps Trust Fund becomes reality.

He gave this assurance at the 2021 NYSC SAED Festival on Wednesday at Kubwa Orientation camp in Abuja where over 222 Corps Members are engaging in 3 days competitive in showcasing Corps entrepreneurial talents and products at the exhibition.

This edition has the theme: “NYSC SAED: a gateway to national development.”

While declaring the three days impactful vocational and entrepreneurship competition open, the DG said he is confident that the gains of the SAED programme will be enhanced if the proposed NYSCTF becomes a reality.

“Apart from providing adequate facilities for more impactful vocational and entrepreneurship training, it will also be a sustainable source of business financing for the Corps members. That way, we will be achieving greater feats in empowering our graduate youths for self-employment and wealth creation.

He therefore, appealed to the relevant authorities to support the actualization of the Trust Fund that believe will help to reduce unemployment amongst Nigerian Youth.

Speaking on the importance of the festival, the Director General said that the programme is taking place in line with Management’s resolve to reinvigorate and deepen the impact of the SAED programme.

“It is a platform for showcasing the innovation, commitment and ingenuity of our Corps members, who have keyed into our vision of raising a crop of young entrepreneurs that will not only strive in the development of Small and Medium Enterprises, but also inspire other youths towards self-employment.

“Over the next few days, these young men and women will be competing in the display of skills in various vocations such as fashion design, baking/confectionaries, leather works, bead making, tie and dye, as well as Information and Communication Technology (ICT). In effect, the event will be an illustration of the functionality and growing acceptance of the SAED training as well as the enormous potential of our Corps members. It will further be an avenue for peer review and improvement of their creativity and business ideas.”

He equally highlighted some steps taken by the Scheme in strengthen SAED programme, which include; Hosting of NYSC SAED Stakeholders’ meeting in 2020 and 2021 respectively, during which the programme implementation strategies were reviewed; Renewal of commitment by NYSC and the Bank of Industry towards resuscitation of the empowerment of Corps entrepreneurs with business loans under the BOI-NYSC Graduate Empowerment Fund (GEF);

Others are development of partnership with Unity Bank Plc on a programme named ‘Corpreneurship Challenge Initiative’, under which Corps members that emerge winners of a business plan development competition benefit from

Financial grants to actualize their business dreams. Commencement of partnership with Access Bank Plc on the “Accesspreneur – The NYSC Edition” business plan development competition which empowers Corps members with business grants;

Partnership with Leventis Foundation Nigeria on Youth Empowerment in Sustainable Agriculture through year-long training and apprenticeship amongst others.

He urged the corps members to make themselves available for self-employment through the SAED, adding that corps members can drive their business visions with passion for their individual benefit and the growth of the nation’s economy at large.

In his opening remarks, the Director SAED, Mr. Hilary Nasamu, said the Festival is contributing in no small measure to the continued relevance of the scheme to our dear nation.

2021 SAED Festival is a follow-up to the maiden edition in 2017, designed to develop Corps member’s competitive but healthy entrepreneurial spirit and showcase the finesse of the products of their endeavor.

“It also aims to bring the public spotlight on the SAED and Corps entrepreneurs as well as expose them to opportunities for peer review and mentorship.

“Over the next 3 days, a total of 222 skill competitors will engage themselves in a process that will produce three top prize winners in each of the skills.

“Even though a few will emerge tops, all of you and the Scheme will be winners ultimately, as this event will serve to expose your talents to public patronage and sponsorship.”

https://ourdailywire.com/how-nysctf-program-will-boost-skill-acquisition-entrepreneurship-brig-gen-ibrahim/

However, on Friday 17th of December 2021 those Corps Members who will emerge top winners will be awarded with prizes.

***As Olorogun Akpofure Commend him massively.

By ~ OkemediaTeam

In the Christmas spirit of sharing love and happiness, Oke Umurhohwo and his itel team today 14th of December, 2021 took to Oharisi Primary school field to share Christmas gifts to over 5,000 school children.

The activity attracted over 21 primary and secondary schools in the Ughelli North local government area.

Oke Umurhohwo who is the frontline aspirant of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) running for House of Assembly, Ughelli North constituency II and also the marketing manager of itel in the West Africa region, was very pleased with the outpouring of love, prayers, happiness from the children as they received their Christmas itel gifts.

Umurhohwo used the opportunity to reaffirm his commitment and love for the people of Ughelli and how he would always be involved in activities that bring happiness to people of his constituency. He also reinstated his mission to deliver quality representation at the House of Assembly come 2023, when elected.

In a press address, Olorogun Peter Tobore Akpofure, the Otota of Ughelli Kingdom, commended the young humanitarian and environmentalist for his visionary leadership, noting that "the people of Ughelli had not seen this type of gesture in recent years."

Items disbursed during the exercise included; mobile libraries, text books, School bags, water bottles, food flasks, Christmas caps, spoons, biros, key holders and a variety of other items.

In response, the pupils appreciated Umurhohwo with prayers, hugs and well wishes and thanked the itel company for remembering them in this christmas season celebration.

Senator Professor Nora Ladi Dadu'ut (APC Plateau South ) has empowered no fewer than 200 youths and women in her senatorial district with agricultural inputs.

Speaking at the occasion which took place in Shendam on Thursday, Senator Dadu'ut said she is determined to encourage Youths and Women to embark on farming as it is a strategic and economic approach towards ensuring food security in Plateau South Senatorial district.


Represented by Mrs Rufina Gurumyen, her Legislative aide , the Senator said the training was facilitated in her bid to ensure youths of the senatorial district were self-employed through productive skills.



“I believe in sustainable empowerment rather than consumables empowerment, and that informs the reason why I am empowering and organizing this training for my constituents she added .

The Senator further said that food as we know is the most important basic human need apart from clothing and shelter , this is reason why food production is being encouraged by the Federal Government and by the Simon Lalong administration, it is in line with the Governor's yearn for improved food production and his zeal to make Plateau state a fulfilled land of green revolution , this I totally commit my programme to train Youths and women in farming practices.

" I am pleased to see one of my dreams being realized , at the end of the three day training , they would not go away as they came , as the 200 beneficiaries would acquire better skills and knowledge on farming of Yam ,Guinea corn ground nuts and other crops that are widely cultivated in all parts of the Senatorial district ,this would boost food production and economic sustainability in Plateau South.

Senator Dadu'ut said the participants would be presented with Knapsack and agricultural kits as well as capital to enable them start their farm activities .

The participants expressed their happiness to the senator for facilitating such a programme and promised to make the best use of the knowledge , agricultural implements and cash acquired from the training.

https://leaders.ng/senator-daduut-empowers-over-200-youths-women-with-agricultural-implements-cash/

Senator Nora Ladi Dadu'ut (APC Plateau South ) has completed several blocks of classrooms she is constructing in some primary schools Qua'an Pan local government council of the state .



Our correspondent who visited the community observed that the project is 100 percent completed.

Senator Dadwho spoke to newsmen disclosed that other local governments under Plateau South Senatorial District would also benefit .


Professor Nora Ladi Dadu'ut stressed that she would ensure that every local government council in Plateau south is carried along.

"The essence of this is to create a platform where pupils can learn in a conducive environment and develop knowledge that will enhance their education pursuit.

“ She said that the new edifice will enhance the pupils to concentrate fully on their study .

Senator Dadu'ut said she is determined to better the lives of her constituents.


Senator Dadu’ut who has also commenced mass installation of solar street lights in communities in Plateau South Senatorial district as part of his campaign promises said the project would enhance security and tackle socio-economic challenges of the people considering the importance of light to human and societal development.


Joseph Lakai , a citizen of Plateau south who spoke to our correspondent applauded Senator Dadu'ut , commending her uncommon performance and gestures in Plateau south Senatorial District in a short time.

He urged parents and guardians to take advantage of this good initiative by the Senator to allow their children to enroll for primary education, saying education is the best legacy parents can provide their children.

https://leaders.ng/senator-nora-daduut-completes-blocks-of-classrooms-in-plateau-south/

The Couples that carried many Nigerians Handicap

By Ibrahim Lawal

The recommendations by the National Judicial Council (NJC) of appointments of new judges from across the state of the Federation were greeted with wide applause from across all strata of the society, particularly those who have immediate engagements bordering on dispensation of justice.

It is a notorious fact that shortage of judicial officers at all tiers in the judiciary has affected, negatively, the quest for effective, efficient and timeous administration of justice in the country. This deplorable situation is a cause of deep frustration to both legal practitioners and litigants. It is therefore, not surprising to read the news concerning the diligent and patriotic response from many State Governors, who acted with promptitude by swearing-in the new judges, consequent on the approval and recommendations by the NJC.

Oyo state has had her share of the debilitating impact occasioned by the dearth of judicial officers. It becomes very worrisome to note, with palpable anguish, certain preferences for inexplicable delay on the part of the Executive. This attitude, which almost rendered nugatory the process of the appointment of judges, has had a devastating effect on everyone who cares for justice and decency. Any reasonable and keen observer of events would have thought that a state which handled the issue of appointment most sloppily would have taken some redemptive measures to mitigate the hardship inflicted by crude partisanship.
The Oyo State judiciary just started a New Legal Year without the judges, a direct consequences of this commission by the Executive.

This is unacceptable to us as Ministers in the temple of justice. Litigants, who look up to the judiciary for succor, are the worst hit in this debacle.

I therefore call on the Attorney General of the state to immediately impress it on the Governor to put machinery in motion for the swearing in of the new judges without delay. The State should also commence a new process which culminates in the appointment of new judges. Oyo State should earn her reputation as the Pacesetter.

*Ibrahim Lawal is the Head of Chambers,Olujinmi &Akeredolu*

Senator Professor Nora Ladi Dadu'ut (APC Plateau South ) has called on Nigerians to always remain united, live peacefully with one another and shun all tendencies capable of plunging the nation into chaos .


In a message made available to newsmen in Jos on the 61st Independence day celebration of Nigeria ,Dadu'ut further called for oneness stressing that the country would surmount its present challenges, and emerge stronger.


"I used this occasion to call on Nigerians especially people of my senatorial zone to remain united in the face of daunting challenges facing the country. "


"As the nation celebrates its 61st Independence Anniversary, I want to remind Nigerians of the immense sacrifices of our forefathers, notably late Dr Nnamdi Azikwe, late Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa , Sir Ahmadu Bello, and Chief Obafemi Awolowo, for the independence of our great country from the yoke of colonialism.


She further said I Senator representing Plateau South in the National Assembly Prof Nora Ladi Dadu'ut is congratulating our indefatigable President His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari GCFR ,the President of the Senate Hon Ahmed Lawan, and all members of the the National Assembly, his excellency Rt Honourable Simon Bako Lalong, the Executive Governor of Plateau state and the good People of Plateau South Senatorial District on the occasion of our Independence celebration .

"I used this occasion to call on Nigerians especially people of my senatorial zone to remain united in the face of daunting challenges facing the country. "

I call for fervent prayers for the country to overcome the myriad of security challenges.

Let us continue to uphold the bond of citizenship that has kept us together as one indivisible people.



“As a nation we are moving,It may seem as though we are passing through insurmountable challenges, but I am very intimately aware of the can do Nigerian spirit which will help us surmount our present challenges.



“I call on all Nigerians to renew faith with Nigeria as we add another year to our age. We will get better, we will be greater, of that there can be no doubt.


I am always wiling to partner with the Simon Lalong led adminstration to make the state better .

As Senator representing Plateau South, i would always continue to put the interest of my constituents first at all times .

My attention has been drawn to a recent Channels TV interview conducted by Seun Okinbaloye in which two individuals participated - one Ademokue Lukman and also one Osilama Okuofu. The subject of their discussion was said to be an alleged crisis brewing in the PDP Edo State.

Although I am not in the country at the moment, a copy of this interview has been sent to me and I must say I was indeed very shocked to hear my name being mentioned as member or leader of a faction of the PDP in Edo State hence I make this brief response.

It is absolutely impossible to get me associated with factional politics at National level talk less at the State level. Having operated for so long in Party Leadership, I have always made positive contributions towards the peaceful resolution of disputes within the party It is on record that when I really disagreed with happenings within a National Political Party and which we find impossible to mutually resolve I move on with like minds to found another party which I have done successfully at least twice now.

That is how I was one of the two persons that created the Action Congress - AC in my Abuja home, the party that I brought down to Edo State in 2006 which provided Adams Oshiomhole the platform that made him Edo State Governor in 2007 and we defeated the PDP. I was leader of the AC Party in Edo State which eventually transformed to ACN - (Action Congress of Nigeria) and repeated the feat in 2011 by defeating PDP again.

It is a fact that I was in the core of creating the APC in 2013/14 as I hosted and chaired the merger talks, a committee of 89 people, for 3 months in my Abuja home and again successfully created the APC. I had good reasons to depart from the APC in December 2014 I then accepted an invitation from the highest level to return to the PDP in January 2015.

Most of the leaders of the APC in Edo State today are well known political friends of mine. I certainly do not have a close working relationship with that group in Edo State that failed to win the state over 12 years but which keeps insisting on keeping the party boxed into a handful of selected individuals.
Their numbers even became seriously depleted when Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu departed the Edo State PDP party to join the APC with a huge chunk of its members. I do however cherish the respect that many of them accord me on individual basis. If the late Chief Tony Anenih was alive we could have a meaningful discussion on this matter. Many of them are aware of his opinion of my standing in the party, which he freely expressed in his last days.

Back as a full fledged member of the PDP I could not bear it that the Edo State Government was not in our custody. It is true that I met with distinguished leaders and Statesmen of our Party, of Edo State, and we put together a working strategy that has restored the party to power in the State with HE Godwin Obaseki as the Governor. Yes, by the prevailing Party Constitution and arrangement, being a sitting Governor he assumed leadership of the party even before the elections.

HE Godwin Obaseki arrived with a formidable team including virtually the entire APC State Exco, all the members of the State house of Assembly, virtually all the State elected LGA Chairmen etc. PDP had none. There is no question that the entry of the sitting Governor and his team into the PDP guaranteed our victory. I and other distinguished State leaders of the party did not participate in some negotiations we are informed took place to get some people to withdraw court litigation and to accept the candidature of Godwin Obaseki. The political atmosphere is filled with stories of what transpired in those negotiations.

I was not in the country when the so called congresses were organized in Edo State that produced the current State Exco and I had no input whatsoever. I am, all the same, aware of major discrepancies in the exercise. It is however not a secret that the whole exercise was just an effort to put together a structure that would produce some delegates to endorse a particular aspirant for the Governorship contest. Winning the governorship itself did not seem to be a priority to them.

The PDP maintains a practice that ensures that whoever comes into the party at whatever time enjoys full benefits as every other member Of the party. In this regard the harmonization and blending of members is given high priority. I served as a member of the National Committee that handled this exercise successfully nationwide prior to the 2019 elections. One of those alluding to Sokoto and Benue obviously has no idea as to what took place there.

I have therefore supported full integration of all our members into a unified PDP in Edo State with everyone blended into one party. Former APC and former PDP should now be a thing of the past in the history of the evolution of the PDP party in the state. I am pretty sure Governor Godwin Obaseki is quite capable to handle this process.

—-High Chief Tom Ikimi CON

Senator Professor Nora Ladi Dadu'ut (APC Plateau South ) on Thursday began the installation of solar street lights in some communities in her constituency .

Our correspondent reports that Dadu'ut
, began the Installation of the street lights in Kwalla district of Quanpan Local Government Area of the state.

Dadu'ut said that the project would enhance security and tackle socio-economic challenges of the people considering the importance of light to human and societal development.




She noted that so many rural communities in Plateau south would benefit from this project .

“I have decided to install the street lights in order to reduce the security challenge of my constituents,” she said.


The Senator however enjoined the benefiting communities to safeguard them jealously in their interest and for the overall development of their respective areas.

She also urged communities that are yet to benefit from the project to be patient, while expressing her determination to extend the gesture to them.“The project will be in phases and will cut across other areas that have not benefitted .

Prof Dadu'ut assured the people of her constituency of quality representation that would improve their standard of living.

She solicited for continued support and prayers from all and sundry to enable her succeed in the task ahead.

"I would continue to put the interest of my constituents first and i urge us all to be our brothers keeper and stay peacefully with one another at all times ,she added

Bill seeking the establishment of a Federal Agricultural Research Center In Namu in Qua'an Pan Local government council of Plateau state , has been introduced in the Senate today Wednesday September 22nd, 2021 .

The bill which was read the first time today during plenary, is being sponsored by Senator Professor Nora Ladi Dadu'ut (APC Plateau South ) .


Our correspondent reports that if established the Research Center would bring about Educational Advancement , Social and Economic Development as well as boost economic activities in Namu community as well as the whole of Southern Plateau .

It could be recalled that Namu Community is known for the production of so many varieties of crops .

Also about six months ago fire had razed down heaps of yam tubers and other food items worth millions of naira at the Namu Central Yam Market of Qua’an Pan Local in which Prof Dadu'ut had on the floor of the Senate pleaded for compensation for affected farmers .

Plateau South Senatorial District covers six local governments namely, Langtang North, Langtang South, Mikang, Qua’anpan, Shendam, and Wase and is popularly agrarian in nature .

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is not planning to play fairly in the next Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for June 18, 2022, an opposition group has alleged

The group, which styled itself as PDP Consensus Initiative (PCI), in its second bi-monthly publication, tasks the leading opposition party to present a candidate that had earned the trust of the people.

In the statement, signed by a Co-Convener, Lanre Abiola, the group said:

“We stand by our first assessment that the PDP in Ekiti can only have a resounding victory in the 2022 governorship election if it presents a credible, respected and popular candidate.

“The APC is no longer planning to play fairly in future elections in Nigeria because of its dwindling fortunes among the electorate. We do not need to unnecessary alert you about it rigging war chest, but that can be matched in Ekiti by a strong PDP candidate who has earned the trust of the people. Trust Ekiti people to resist the plot if the PDP gives them a candidate they love & strategically mobilised through appealing electoral strategy.

“We wish to reiterate that Gov Fayemi’s unpopularity may not directly translate into APC’s misfortune. The quality of the candidates will count in strengthening the electability of the party. PDP in Ekiti must go for the best.

“Gambling is not an option for the PDP in Ekiti. It is either you want to remain in another political wilderness for four/eight more years, or you want to win. Victory in Ekiti is the most strategic for the PDP ahead of 2023. Aside from the bandwagon effect in Osun, PDP Governor in Ekiti will help fire the political imagination of Nigerians.

“Those who worked against the PDP in 2018 and made it impossible to produce a successor are still very much around. The PDP will need a solid team (Governorship and Deputy) who can effectively mobilise the people to police the polling units. Electronic Transmission of Results adopted by INEC is a significant boost for a popular candidate of the PDP and motivated people who are ready to protect their votes.

“We are also encouraged that common ground for the success of the PDP in Ekiti 2022 is gradually building. Before during and after the PDP 93rd NEC in Abuja, the situation has calmed down, and there could be a veritable opportunity for consensus building.

“It is time for consensus...think what the scandalous money usually wasted on primaries can do in the main election for logistics,” the statement concluded.

The group can be reached via feedback mail: @pdpconsensus@gmail.com

Senator Professor Nora Ladi Dadu'ut (APC Plateau South ) , has mourned the death of Hon Dan Dul one time Executive Chairman of Langtang North local government of Plateau state who passed away on Wednesday September 15th 2021 .


Dadu'ut in a statement in Jos , described the sudden death of Dul , as sad and heart-breaking.


She described the late APC chieftain as a committed progressive.




“This sad news is a rude shock, not just to me, but also to all progressives in Plateau south .


"Dan Dul's death is a great loss to the entire progressive family in Plateau south ", she further added .



"I Senator Dadu'ut on behalf of people of Plateau South , condole with the entire family of late Dan Dul ."



“While alive, Dan Dul devoted his life to serving God, humanity and Plateau APC at large.

Dadu'ut further prayed Almighty God to repose his soul, and grant his immediate and political family, the fortitude to bear the loss.

The Integrity Youth Alliance has condemned the smear campaign against the unprecedented performance of the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari
According to a press release on Monday, 13th September, 2021 in Abuja, the National Coordinator of the Alliance, Kelvin Adegbenga said that instead of saluting the efforts and performance of the NNPC Management team under Mele Kyari, some sponsored elements are busy dishing out unsubstantiated publication with no substances.
"One of the platforms used for this hatchet job is, unfortunately, the Premium Times, which used to be credible. But lately the paper is fast losing focus and credibility.
One solid evidence of this is the story on the sale of slop oil by the Port Harcourt Refinery.
The paper admitted its sloppiness by revealing that "it initially thought the company that won the bid was not registered with the CAC".
But when Premium Times realized its blunder, it created a phantom company with a similar name and said that was the ozone that was not registered"
Having failed in that concoction the paper then screamed that the companies that came "First and second belong to the same Directors"
How pathetic. How is owning more than one company in Nigeria a crime?
"For the fact that we have a former Chief of Staff, Late Abba Kyari; Super Cop DCP Abba Kyari and most outstanding NNPC GMD Mele Kolo Kyari having the same names, doesn’t mean they are the same person, the Group said.
Responding to the baseless allegation by Point Blank News, that the there is “orchestrated plot to loot $1.5 billion using the Turn Around Maintenance of the Port Harcourt Refinery, PHR, by the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Mele Kyari, Managing Director, Port Harcourt Refinery, Ahmed Dikko, and some members of the Buhari cabal”, the Alliance said that due diligence was carried out in the public and Italy’s Maire Tecnimont was awarded the $1.5bn Engineering, Procurement and Construction, EPC, contract after meeting all the requirements and approval by the NNPC Tenders Board, President Buhari in his Executive capacity as Minister of Petroleum and the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
"The question we want to ask Point Blank News is: Have they visited the Port Harcourt Refinery to see that Maire Tecnimont is not carrying out the Engineering, Procurement and Construction?
"With the caliber of organisation and agencies set up to monitor the rehabilitation which include Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), ministry of finance, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), the two labour unions in the oil and gas industry – Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).among others, there is no way 'a huge chunk of the $1.5billion meant for the TAM of the Port Harcourt Refinery' will go for the 2023 general elections, the statement said.
On the allegation that Tecnimont is a 'little know' Italian Company, the statement said, "Tecnimont is an international leader in the field of plant engineering, rooted in the pioneering experience of Italian industrial technology shaping the new frontiers of Engineering Innovation. Tecnimont embody the contractor spirit of the Group in Engineering, Procurement & Construction of large scale projects worldwide.
"Since 1927, as engineering center of Italy’s chemical and energy conglomerates, and then as independent brand since 1973, Tecnimont long experience in managing complexity is complemented with a flexible business model ready to quickly adapt to market evolvement.
"The Point Blank News team should have visited the Refinery to monitor the rehabilitation that engaged over 3,000 employees with only 70 expatriates engaged instead of publishing a baseless hearsay.
“The EPC contractors are already on site, mobilized fully and working with the NNPC project management group. They have commenced all the activities, the statement said.
“Those making desperate effort distract the NNPC Management team under Mele Kyari have failed as transparency and accountability remained the cardinal pillars of his management.
“Mele Kyari has walked the transparency and accountability talk by opening up the books of the Corporation the way no other management before his has done.
“The key accomplishments in this regard include: The publication of the 2018, 2019 and 2020 Audited Financial Statements of the Corporation and its 19 subsidiaries registered under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 1990 as amended alongside that of the National Petroleum Investment and Management Services (NAPIMS) to provide clarity on Joint Venture finances.
“It is not surprising that no other credible media organization published the empty allegations as the Point Blank News and Premium Times are known for publications of unconfirmed news, the statement concluded.


https://swiftreporters.com/mele-kyari-cant-be-distracted-alliance/

As political parties prepare for the governorship primaries in Ekiti State, ahead of the 2022 governorship election, a non-align group within the Peoples Democratic Party has called for unity and Consensus.

The group, which styled itself as PDP Consensus Initiative (PCI), has in a statement urged the leadership and members of the PDP in Ekiti to seek common ground.

According to a statement made available by one of its Conveners, Lanre Abiola, the group said:

“We are here to find common ground for success. Our first assessment of the situation in Ekiti is that the PDP can have a resounding victory in the 2022 governorship election if our party presents a credible and popular candidate.

2. The division and polarisation that exist among the leaders and chieftains must be quickly addressed to strengthen the party and put it in a good position to win in 2022.

3. It is not true that APC has become so unpopular that whoever the PDP presents can win in 2022. You must understand that Gov Fayemi’s unpopularity may not significantly affects the fortunes of the APC if it presents a better candidate than the PDP.

4. Party members, most especially the delegates and leaders, must understand that they can rise above momentary gains, unite, work together and present a winnable team. Gambling is not an option for the PDP in Ekiti State.

5. All party members and leaders need to remember that it was difficult for us to produce a successor in 2018; it would be much more difficult in 2022 if we do not present a credible, popular and respected team (Governorship and Deputy) who can turn the people into a movement.

EKiti people are eagerly awaiting the PDP to give them a good candidate, and they are ready to finish the business. We must therefore rise above petty politics and dramas.

no more gamble..it is time for consensus.”

The group said the public can send feedback via its email/ pdpconsensus@gmail.com

The Chairman Senate Committee on Local Content and lawmaker representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Senator Teslim Folarin is billed to deliver 2021 Lecture of Oyo State Branch of Alumni Association of the University of Ibadan.

According to programme of the event, the Oyo Central senator who is also an alumnus of the Premier University would be speaking on the topic "Governance and Security in Nigeria".

The lecture holds on Friday, 10th of September 2021 at University of Ibadan Alumni Association Auditorium (Dr. Michael Omolayole Alumni Centre by 4:00pm.

Senator Folarin is expected to be honoured with Special Award of Excellence in recognition of his political achievements and for being a worthy ambassador of the citadel of learning.

Acting Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Babatunde Ekanola is to be the chairman of the occasion. Ekanola will also be joined by top members of the university management.

Expected to be in attendance are the Worldwide Executives of the Alumni Association led by Prof. Elsie Olufunke Adewoye; policymakers, captains of industries, the academia, UI Alumni Association members and other stakeholders.

Senator Teslim Folarin holds a B.Sc (Hons) degree in Political Science from the University of Ibadan. He got an admission to the Premier University in 1984 and graduated in 1987 after which he proceeded to study abroad.

DESCRIBES ACTION AS ASSAULT ON RULE OF LAW, TO LAUNCH CAMPAIGN NEXT WEEK.

… UMEOJI SAYS INEC ACTION IRRELEVANT AND CONTEMPT OF VALID ORDER OF OWERRI HIGH COURT WHICH AFFIRMED HIS CANDIDACY AND ACTION CANNOT SURVIVE HIS ONGOING LEGAL ONSLAUGHT.

… JUDE OKEKE CONSIDERS CONTEMPT PROCEEDINGS AGAINST INEC

… WE ARE STILL APGA FLAG BEARERS AND WE FLY IT HIGH TO NOVEMBER 6

The attention of the Ag. National Chairman of APGA, High Chief Jude Okeke, has been drawn to a Press Release by the Independent National Electoral Commission titled “Candidates For Anambra Governorship Election” dated 19th August, 2021.
The Ag. National Chairman insists that by the provisions of both the Electoral Act and the INEC time table, INEC ought not to make any other publications of candidates until October which would be the final publication. This publication by INEC is unknown to law and should be discountenanced as we would not be party to aiding INEC in violating the laws of our land.
The Court of Appeal Kano Division did not make any finding that Victor Oye is Chairman or that Prof. Soludo is candidate of our Party. The Court only set aside the judgment of the Jigawa High Court for want of jurisdiction. In the absence of any direct order by the Appeal Court, the judgment that conclusively determines the question of who is Chairman and Candidate of APGA is the judgment B. C. Iheka of the Owerri High Court reaffirmed by Justice V. C. Isiguzo of the same High Court. Both the judgment and order from the Honorable justices of the Owerri High Court had been served on INEC before this contemptuous action of changing the name of our candidate.
APGA will consider an action in contempt against the Commission as it has not gone down well with Ndi Anambra to have a neutral electoral umpire succumb to the whims and caprices of a section of the political class.
Based on the foregoing, Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji is still the candidate of our Party and all preparations for the kickoff of his campaign as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State is in top gear. The launch of the campaign which will lead to Umeoji winning the November 6 governorship election and becoming the next governor of the state will hold next week.
The authentic Chairman of APGA, High Chief Jude Okeke will be presenting the flag of the party to Umeoji at the launch of the campaign that will be attended by party leaders, members and loyalists across the state and the country who have been yearning for the comforting touch of Hon. Umeoji as Governor of Anambra State.
We are confident that the Supreme Court will correct the wrong done by the appellate court; hence, we shall not be distracted from our plans to campaign in all parts of the state to make our programmes and plans for the state known to the people. We entertain no iota of doubt that our victory both at the apex court and at the polls is certain.