₦airaland Forum

Lovely, beautiful and fantastic

Lovely... No to godfatherism Edo no be Lagos... Better with PDP

TonyeBarcanista:
Lols I be PDP man na. I must always campaign for Obaseki... Non worry, we go give you read carpet in 2023 after PDP collect power...

Tnk yu

RingRoadMafia:
Oshiomohle paid Lagos-Ibadan writers association, na you go come tell us how we go run Edo state na? Abi?? You must be silly if you think Edo is south west where you people act like rats feeding from the crumbs of your lord from Bourdilon. We are deeply rooted cultural people. Even Oshiomohle knows that your plans will be resisted but he still wants to try. We dey here dey wait una. Let me not say much. But Edo is in the hands of the people and no amount of federal might will bend our resolve.

C'est Fini.

Tinubu is a terrorist

I’m Ready To Lay Down My Life Like Mandela, Says Mailafia After Release From DSS Custody.

Dr. Obadiah Mailafia, former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), says he is ready to lay down his life for his country like Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa.

Mandela, the anti-apartheid revolutionary leader, was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1962; he served 27 years in prison.

Mailafia was invited by the Department of State Services (DSS) over a claim he made that a governor from the north is the leader of Boko Haram — he made the claim while being interviewed on an Abuja-based radio station on Monday.

He reported to the Jos office of the DSS at about at about 12:48 pm, accompanied by his lawyers, Pius Akubo, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and Yakubu Bawa.

Hundreds of his supporters also stormed the office of the DSS at Kuba road, carrying placards and they didn’t leave till he was released at about 6:30 pm.

Addressing his supporters, Mailafia said he stood by what he said during the radio programme.

He maintained that he was treated professionally by the DSS, adding that a section of the interview was lifted, leaving out the context in which he made the statement.

“We had a lively and intense interview over a radio interview I granted. That interview which was meant for an FM radio station, some just picked the clip — a small section of the 55 minutes broadcast — and put it on social media and it went very very far all over the country, raising a lot of concerns,” he said.

“What I want to say is that, yes, all of those words were made by me. You know if the whole of the 55 minutes was played out, the context of what I said in a small clip that went viral would have become clearer.

“This is not the time to disown what I said. Yes, I was privy to some very sensitive information which all statesmen are entitled to have by virtue of our public roles.

“I know that I should have taken more care to corroborate some of the information I received, but perhaps some of it was uncorroborated. I was in no position to follow them to the camp to corroborate what was going on.

“But I am not a sensationalist, I am an economist and a central banker; by nature we are not given to sensation. Let me make it clear: I am a humanist; I am a man of peace. Even my name, Mailafia, means a man of peace.

“From the bottom of my heart, I love our country dearly and I abhor all the killings and violence which the innocent people of this country have been subjected to. I pray that Nigeria will never experience another civil war.

“The most elementary duty of government is to protect its citizens. When a government fails to protect its citizens, to protect little children, that is a serious matter. Any innocent boy or girl that is killed is my own child.

“I love Nigeria. Like Mandela, let me say if need be, I am prepared to give my life for Nigeria.”

Mailafia thanked officials of the security agency for their conduct, and prayed for peace in the country.

“One of the greatest compatriots of this country, General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, observes that no country can survive two civil wars. One civil war is bad enough. I also pray that the killings will stop in Zamfara, in Daura, in Katsina, in Birnin Gwari, in my beloved southern Kaduna, in the whole of the middle belt, in Borno, Adamawa and other places,” he said.

“Let us join hands together to build a new country. Let us work together to save our country and I pray that all of us will do our part to maintain the peace and make sure that our country makes progress.

“I want to thank the officials of the state department. They have done a tremendous job. They treated me professionally. I have not been rough handled and they have been very very fair and gracious to me.”

https://www.inform.ng/post/i-am-ready-to-die-for-nigeria-says-ex-cbn-deputy-governor

The International Youth Day is marked globally on the 12th of August. Mazi Dickson Iroegbu who was a strong supporter of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s 2019 presidential campaign is reacting to the former vice president’s message to the youths to celebrate the Day as regards political leadership. In this interview with Uzor Ngoladi, the fiery crusader for powershift to the south east and younger generation bares his mind on the theme of youth engagement for global action.


The world is celebrating International Youth Day 2020 with a very important theme. What does it entail for Nigerian youths in terms of socio-economic and political activities?

I believe we should go straight to the political perspective because it is very obvious that leaving leadership in the hands of elderly politicians is not the right thing to do. Global action should be against all forms of ills in the society including this terrible state leadership in Nigeria and Africa. Africa’s problem is about leadership. What are the young people doing about it particularly in Nigeria? We see young people not getting involved in politics. Why wouldn’t you be involved in what determines how you even exist? It is the politicians that determine how much a cup of garri will be sold in the market. It is the politicians that create the enabling environment for a young person to succeed with his dreams and vision or not. It is indeed very apt that the United Nations chose the theme for International Youth Day 2020 to be: Youth Engagement for Global Action. It calls to attention the need for young people to deliberately get involved in politics. It is an opportunity to assess our non-participation in politics and see how well it has been for us. It is time for young people to re-align and change priority to what can benefit us in the future. This focus on mundane things is not helping us. If you check, the people that have followership online are people that acquired ill gotten wealth and not those who can inspire the youths. That fraudulent means of survival is what young people easily follow. Remember that Hushpuppi had millions of followers, so if you don’t have money in Nigeria you are seen as a nobody. Young people need to change their mentality. They should get involved in politics and not this political jobbing where young people are used for thuggery to destabilize the political ecosystem. We need to have young people as governors, senators, ministers and a young person to lead Nigeria to the Promised Land.

Do you really think that leadership has anything to do with age?

No, leadership has nothing to do with age! Leadership is like a calling and you must deliberately make a choice to answer the call. This call requires sacrificial angles to achieve your aim. Do young people volunteer to serve? If leadership was about age, Donald Trump will not be doing well. Trump is not a young man. Macron of France has not done anything exceptional. However, there is a need for vibrancy and energy which young people bring to the table. Both the old and the young is needed in leadership positions. But in Nigeria we have seen the non-challant attitude of young people towards leadership. They hardly volunteer to serve. You must serve before you can lead. There must be a process, you don’t just jump from the skies and begin to ask for power like Sowore did in 2019. It is not a bad thing to aspire but start small. Do not forsake your days of little beginning. We start must from councilor, chairman, house of assembly etc. Don’t just jump to becoming the president of Nigeria when people in the compound you live cannot recognize you. Sowore disrupted the opportunity we had to rescue Nigeria from the maladministration of Buhari and APC. Young people must avoid becoming tools in the hands of these old men that has enjoyed the best of Nigeria. Atiku ran for the president of Nigeria at the age of 43 in 1992 with MKO Abiola in SDP. It has nothing to do with age but we must get involved. Power is not given. You must deliberately decide to change the status quo.


You read Atiku’s message to young people to mark the International Youth Day. What is your reaction?

First of all, I was very disappointed that Atiku is still talking about 40% inclusion that he wants to guarantee the youths in his government. In 2019 when he ran for presidency, what was the role of young people during his campaign? I was involved in his campaign like most young people in 2019. When he got the ticket, he abandoned the young people and structure that gave him the ticket of the party. Most of us were young people who contributed stipends to buy his form. He wept the day we presented the form to him. We gave him our structure in PDP but he abandoned it when he got the ticket. I don’t buy that his promise of 40% inclusion when he becomes president. That is cock and bull stories. If Atiku indeed cares for young people, he should let them lead. His son is of age. What is wrong with Atiku collapsing his own ambition and bringing up his son as vice president? Must he run in 2023? I thought he would have used this opportunity to tell young people that he is taking the back seat and using his platform to mentor young people to take over leadership from him. Unfortunately, he is still interested in contesting for presidency in 2023. This is pure selfishness. Young people should boldly tell him: “Thank you sir for offering us 40% of what belongs us.” Nigeria belongs to the young people. His generation has enjoyed the best of Nigeria. They had the opportunity but did not build on the privileges they enjoyed. Thank you very much Atiku but no thanks. I expect Atiku to collapse his ambition and build up young people starting from his home. Adamu Atiku Abubakar his son who is the Commissioner for Housing in Adamawa State, is eminently qualified to be vice president in Nigeria. Excuse me, a good father leaves an inheritance for his children and children’s children. So what inheritance is Atiku leaving for his children and children’s children when he is still aspiring to be president in 2023 when he will probably by 77 or 78 years old? Today should be a moment of sober reflection for our leaders to identify where they made mistakes and make amends. Buhari was 41 when he became the Head of State in 1983. Today, he is still in power. At 30, Buhari was already a minister of petroleum. What has the young people done to this crop of old politicians in Nigeria that they can’t deliberately leave the stage for young people to take over? Today is a day to call their attention to the need to leave behind something for their children and children’s children. Atiku’s message to young people on a day like this, is a disappointment as far as I am concerned. I expected him to say, “I will not run for presidency in 2023. I will support a young person to lead Nigeria.” Unfortunately, he did not do that. He missed an opportunity to get the attention of young people.

With the obsession for Big Brother Naija, football betting and other social activities, do you think young people are ready to take over the mantle of leadership?

I am a young person and you are a young person. That a few young people are pursuing those inglorious activities like Big Brother doesn’t mean we are not ready. It is because of the disillusionment in a society where young people are unemployed after graduation and there is no access to funds to start off as an entrepreneur. It is not enough to say that young people are not ready. Young people are very much ready for leadership. There are lots of credible young people that can get involved in politics. I have just mentioned Atiku’s son. Adamu Abubakar is very much ready if he gets the support from his father’s base. Let’s not trivialize this issue. We should not be distracted. Buhari refused to bring in his son even while he was sick. He could not leave the stage and take care of his health. He knows that he is not capable to run Nigeria. Young people do not have the resources so you can’t even blame them. And most of them don’t want godfathers that will take you to a shrine and ask you to bring your mother’s and father’s head. We need mentors in Nigeria. How many youths will Atiku say he has mentored as a political leader? How many young people has Buhari or Tinubu mentored?


So, there is a difference between godfatherism and mentorship?

Yes, there is a big difference. We need more mentors in politics not godfathers. A godfather wants to control you and destroy your vision. He wants you to be his stooge and his interest is clearly spelt out. He wants you to run the government on his behalf. A mentor’s duty is to inspire, motivate and support. He makes you believe in yourself when you don’t believe in yourself. A mentor is a father not a godfather. He guides you through politics because he wishes you well and wants you to succeed. The political environment in Nigeria is violent most of the time because of the interest of the godfather. Godfather grabs power through hook or crook. A mentor guides you through a process. There is a marked difference between the two. Young people should sit back and reflect on how well this people that have been in power since 1960 been able to groom young people in politics. There is no succession plan in Nigeria. There is no plan for dropping the baton. Every good father desires his son to do better than him. If you remember, Saraki’s dad who was a senate leader screened Audu Ogbe as minister in the late 70’s. That same man gave birth to a man who became senate president and also screened Audu Ogbe as minister again. Is that not a shame? Young people should take their destiny in their hands and realize that none of this people are ready to leave the stage for them till death. And we will not kill them but we must get involved and drag the political positions with them. That is why I am very particular about 2023. Not just that power must shift to the south east but power must also shift to the younger generation. If an Atiku Abubakar can bring his son as vice president to a Peter Obi, we will support such a ticket with everything we have. And not for him to come out again and want to contest. No old man should not run for office in 2023. Nobody above 60 years should run for presidency in 2023. This should be the vision of young people in politics. We must make sure we determine the candidates of the major political parties in 2023. Young people should participate directly in politics because the old men do not have plans for us. We are the ones that will build a Nigeria of our dreams!


https://www.inform.ng/post/iyd-i-am-highly-disappointed-in-atiku-dickson-iroegbu

tribalmall:
I just weak with this news each time all this foolish PDP intend selling Obaseki as a saint n yes you are wrong Obaseki never denied he gave the commissioner $2M he looted n laundered using the commissioner that is why Edo people are still paying a jailed criminal as commissioner till date. I will soon create a thread on that for people to know Obaseki is a big criminal.

Edo election is about godfatherism

Mo3891:
Osazee (Commissioner of tourism )and Obaseki flew $2m USD in a private jet to Paris, Osazee was arrested by Interpol and Obaseki denied him.. what sort of criminal is Obaseki?


mention any meaningful project Obaseki completed in four years ? After looting Edo dry


.

Fake news

The agenda of Oshiomole and Ize-Iyamu s to dethrone Oba of Benin, just like Ganduje did to Kano Emirate Emir

Oshiomole wants to arrogate the power to appoint and fire governors as he pleases just like Tinubu of Lagos. #EdoIsNotLagos #BetterWithPDP

If all Gov. Godwin Obaseki wanted was a second term in office, he would’ve easily agreed to share Edo state treasury with “Godfathers”, and they will support him; but he refused to share the treasury with Oshiomole and Tinubu, and chose to take side with the people of Edo state, to protect their treasury, continue his good works, and give back power to the people of Edo state.


#EdoIsNotLagos #BetterWithPDP

The concept of godfatherism in Nigerian politics is a huge concern to everyone interested in making Nigeria a better place. Godfatherism has eaten deep into the Nigerian political system and is a threat to the democratic system we have in the country. As a citizen, this should concern you. #EdoNoBeLagos

We’ve seen this play out in Kano and Lagos. We’ve seen vivid instances that prove how godfatherism doesn’t help our country. 

The power to vote in and vote out any candidate is expected to lie in the hands of the masses and not some godfathers. 

Now in Edo State, the ugly head of godfatherism has risen to obstruct democracy and democratic elections. In an abysmal display of betrayal, it is sad that the ex-Governor of Edo state who once had the support of Edo citizens to defeat godfatherism is now aspiring to be the new godfather in Edo State.

In a recent display of misjudgement, the ex-governor went on his knees to beg traditional rulers on behalf of his preferred candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu. A candidate who he has vilified in the past for not being qualified for this same position.

This is an insult to the intelligence of the people of Edo state. Moreover, do the people of Edo state not matter? Do their voices not count? Should efforts not be geared towards convincing people that their preferred candidate is credible and fit for the position? This is a betrayal of trust that Edo citizens will not stand for.   

In a sane political climate, all candidates are supposed to present a slate free of criminal accusations. We will leave it to the court of Law to determine innocence, but the people of Edo state will not entrust their funds to an accused person.  

We cannot allow the concept of godfatherism to stand in Edo State at all. What we ought to pursue is, democracy and rule of law. Let the governor preside over state matters without any undue influence or pressure

Governor Godwin Obaseki posits that the will of the people should be the supreme determinant in elections. Edo state is not about to become Lagos State where citizens cannot breathe, and policies cannot be implemented unless it is approved by the ‘Strongman’.

#BetterWithPDP

Anambra State government has suspended the Igweship certificates of twelve traditional rulers for a period of one year.

A circular from Mr Greg Obi, Commissioner for Local Government Chieftaincy matters said the twelve traditional rulers traveled outside the state without consultation or authorization from the state government.

The circular titled “Suspension of Twelve (12) Traditional Rulers in Anambra State,” and dated Tuesday August 11, 2020, listed the affected traditional rulers as follows -
1. Igwe Alex Edozieuno of Mkpunando
2. Igwe Mark Anthony Okonkwo of Alor
3. Igwe Chukuwma Bob Vincent Orji of Ezinifite
4. Igwe Engr G.B.C Mbakwe of Abacha
5. Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo of Nawfia
6. Igwe Nkeli Nelly of Igbariam
7. Igwe Anthony Onyekwere of Owelle
8. Igwe A. N Onwuneme of Ikenga
9. Igwe Simon Ikechukwu Chidubem of Umumbo
10. Igwe S. O Uche of Ezira
11. Igwe Dr Emeka Ilouno of Ifitedunu
12. Igwe Peter Ikegbunem Udoji of Eziagulu Otu.

The suspension took effect from Tuesday, August 11, 2020.

The circular warned the suspended traditional rulers not to parade themselves as traditional rulers and to desist from discharging functions as traditional rulers in their communities or anywhere within the state and beyond with immediate effect.

The circular also revoked their membership of Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council and cancelled any appointment they may be holding in government committees until the suspension is lifted.

The suspension may be lifted at the end of one year, renewed or upgraded in the intervening period depending on government’s review of their conduct.

The suspension is on the recommendation of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, following their meeting at the Professor Dora Akunyili Women Development Center, Awka on Tuesday, August 21st, 2020.

The Chairman of Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, and the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe had in a news interview condemned the actions of the suspended traditional rulers who had traveled to Abuja in cohort with an Anambra businessman in an attempt to have audience with President Muhammadu Buhari.

The manner the trip was arranged, the embarrassment of being turned back at Aso Rock Villa, and viral videos showing the suspended traditional rulers being induced with monetary gifts by representatives of the businessman to facilitate their trip to Abuja had raised a lot of dust with many blaming the traditional rulers for ridiculing revered Anambra traditional institutions.

In another video, the businessman was seen promising the traditional rulers the sum of sixteen million naira for their cooperation.

It would be recalled that the Traditional Ruler of Ukwulu, Igwe Peter Uyanwa is currently serving a one year suspension for misconduct.
https://www.inform.ng/post/breaking-anambra-state-govt-slams-12-months-suspension-on-12-traditional

First City Monument Bank, FCMB, has debunked reports that the sum of N573 million was mistakenly transferred into the account of Pastor Emmanuel Omale in error.
Pastor Omale is an associate of the suspended acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu.

The Managing Director of FCMB, Adam Nuru, was reported to have said the bank just discovered that N573 million was mistakenly posted into the church account of Pastor Omale while testifying before the Presidential Committee on Audit of Recovered Assets last Thursday.



The Presidential Committee on Audit of Recovered Assets (PCARA) had accused Magu of allegedly using Omale, founder of the Divine Hand of God Prophetic Ministry, to launder funds abroad.


The committee headed by retired Justice Ayo Salami said the former acting chairman purchased a property worth N573 million in Dubai using Omale’s name — an allegation the pastor denied.

However, FCMB, in a statement issued by its Group Head, Corporate Affairs, Diran Olojo, on Wednesday said the attention of the bank had been drawn to widely circulating stories incorrectly stating that its Managing Director, during a recent presidential hearing in Abuja, testified that the bank mistakenly transferred N573m to the account of a church and that the said error was not discovered for four years.

“We feel it is in the public interest to state emphatically that there was no transfer of N573m into this account, mistakenly or otherwise.

“To provide further clarity, during a maintenance upgrade of our systems in 2016, a defective file led to the aggregation of multiple unrelated entries into a single balance under the affected customer’s name in one of our reports,” it said.


According to the bank, this aggregation occurred only in the weekly automated report to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, saying that it had no effect on any customer’s account balance or statements and therefore was not immediately identified.

“Our Managing Director clarified to the Presidential panel that the system generated report was incorrect and that there was no mistaken transfer of N573 million. He also submitted comprehensive documentary evidence to this effect.

“We appreciate that comments may have been misconstrued and therefore believe it is important to emphatically clarify the position that there was no mistaken transfer whatsoever, as stated above.

“FCMB continues to fully cooperate with the panel, and has been entirely transparent in its reporting. We remain committed to ethical and professional conduct at all times,” the statement said.

https://www.inform.ng/post/we-didnt-transfer-n573m-to-the-account-of-pastor-omale-fcmb

She obviously doesn't see the guy in her league

The Nigerian woman who rejected her boyfriend’s proposal because he refused to kneel down to propose has reacted after the video went viral.


 

The woman identified herself as Lucia and she defended her decision.

 

She called out her boyfriend for allowing the video to be public, thereby causing people to insult her under his post.




She stated that every one has their preferences and kneeling to be proposed to is her preference.

She added that kneeling to propose is a sign of respect and may be the only time the man may get to show respect for his woman, since after marriage, she's expected to serve the man.

She further stated that as a woman she deserves and demands that respect.

 

She asked people to do what works for them and stated that she will do what works for her.

She said it would have been a different case if the proposal was private, but since he chose to make it public, he should have knelt down. She added that it was supposed to be a private moment between them and she didn't expect people to film it and post online,

She also pointed out that if her boyfriend comes to propose to her again, he must still kneel before she accepts him.

She began the video, saying: "Its concerning the video that went viral, Yes ooo, My Boyfriend must kneel down to propose to me. He can’t stand up and say, ‘will you marry me?’"

Watch the video

.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CDwQunFj5bf/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_mid=5C837E0A-5D3A-4DF7-9D2A-AE0EDBC583B9


https://www.inform.ng/post/why-my-bf-must-kneel-down-to-propose-lady-speaks-after-rejecting-bf-proposal

OYO State commissioner Prof. Raphael Afonja was sacked following the reconciliation of Governor Seyi Makinde and a politician from Ogbomoso, whose interest Afonja represented in the government, it was learnt.

The politician fell out with Makinde after a coalition across parties worked for the governor’s 2019 victory.



While rewarding those in the coalition, Makinde gave appointments to deserving individuals.


But Afonja was not the preferred candidate of the Ogbomoso-born politician. He allowed his appointment since they belong to the same power bloc.

After Afonja’s appointment, it was learnt the tenuous relationship between him and his perceived sponsor went sour.

He became loyal to Makinde, and his relationship with leaders in the bloc degenerated.

But the politician, having reconciled with Makinde, demanded that Afonja be replaced.


The governor, it was learnt, wanted to sack Afonja while he was in isolation for COVID-19 treatment, but people begged him that this might be misconstrued.

Afonja was sacked on Monday, hours after resuming work, having recovered from Coronavirus infection.

The Nation learnt ex-Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters Funmilayo Orisadeyi was swapped with his Special Duties counterpart, Bayo Lawal, because the governor expected better performance from Orisadeyi.

Lawal is one of the most trusted in Makinde’s government. He is a lawyer of about three decades’ practice and a man with rich political experience.

With the minor cabinet reshuffle, analysts believe the governor is beginning to take hold of his administration and gradually laying the foundation for his second term bid.

The House of Assembly has confirmed Dr. Abdullateef Oyeleke as commissioner for Environment and National Resources.

He replaces the late Kehinde Ayoola.


https://www.inform.ng/post/real-reason-makinde-sacked-prof-afonja

The Rechtbank Gelderland High Court in Arnhem, Holland has found former Nigeria coach, Johannes Bonfrere guilty of defamation in a case brought before it by, yet another former Nigeria coach, Clemens Westerhof.

Westerhof who guided Nigeria to her first World Cup appearance in 1994 after the latter told Sports Radio, Brila FM in an interview, that Nigeria lost the round of 16 match against Italy because Westerhof sold the match for $100,000.

Westerhof prayed the court to compel Bonfrere to prove his allegation against him or go to jail and pay a heavy fine as damages for defaming his good name. The case was first heard a fortnight ago.

Today, Justice Bonnekamp who presided over the case found Bonfrere guilty as charged and asked him to apologise to Westerhof in a paid advert to be published in a Nigerian national daily, stating that his statements on Westerhof were incorrect.


In a reaction to the judgment, Westerhof’s lawyer, Timon Boer said, “Westerhof won the case and the court has asked Bonfrere to place an advert in a national daily in Nigeria stating that his statements against Westerhof were incorrect. More damages to be paid by Bonfrere will be determined next week when the judge meets us and Bonfrere’s lawyers. That is the much I can react on behalf of Westerhof who is my client. Kind regards.”

On his part, an elated Westerhof said: “This is justice for truth. It’s justice to me because I needed to clear my name and the court has done so. I am the happiest man on earth today.”

https://www.inform.ng/post/court-finds-ex-eagles-coach-guilty-of-defamation

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), has cleared Ondo state deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi, to contest the October 10 governorship election on its platform.

Recall that ZLP had earlier elected Rotimi Benjamin, through the indirect mode of the party’s governorship primary election held in Akure on 11 July where he polled 65 votes ahead of his fellow aspirant, Olusegun Osho, who polled 20 votes.




Besides, ZLP was the first political party to elect its candidate for the October 10, 2020 governorship election in Ondo state.

But on Sunday evening, the party changed its gear and picked the deputy governor, Ajayi as its governorship candidate, asking Benjamin to step down.

Ajayi had defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in June and joined the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) where he contested the party’s governorship primary election but lost to Eyitayo Jegede.

The deputy governor had met with former Governor Olusegun Mimiko for talks on possible running on the platform of the ZLP.

Ajayi’s application was sent to the NEC of the party, which met at the weekend and approved it.

Joseph Akinlaja, Ondo ZLP chairman, confirmed the clearance of Ajayi while speaking with journalists in Akure, the state capital.

According to Akinlaja, Ajayi would formally join his new party, ZLP today (Monday).

https://www.inform.ng/post/zlp-nominates-ajayi-as-partys-candidate-drops-bamidele

You can’t impose your brand of politics on Edo people, Labour Party tells Tinubu
Bola Tinubu
The candidate of Labour Party in the September 19, 2020 gubernatorial election in Edo State, Isaiah Osifo, has advised former governor of Lagos State and national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to get the full account of the events leading to the failed attempt to take over the Edo State House of Assembly from all the parties to the issue before jumping to make comments on national television.

Speaking in Benin City, the Edo State capital, on Sunday in reaction to comments attributed to the APC leader on the failed invasion of the Assembly by members of APC, Osifo advised Tinubu to refrain from trying to “impose his retrogressive politics on Edo people” because he cannot succeed.

“In Lagos State, Asiwaju Tinubu has succeeded in putting the destinies of over twenty million Lagosians in his pocket, who must go and prostrate in his Bourdillon residence before they can seek elective positions, buy property and even start a business,” Osifo said.

“It is this retrogressive brand of politics that Tinubu wants to import to Edo State. But he fails to realise that Edo people have never been candidates for such mental dominance and subservience. He can check Nigeria’s historical records for this fact.

“Tinubu cannot do to our people in the 21st century, what our forebears vehemently rejected till this day. He cannot subordinate a free people like us, who would give anything for the triumph of social justice, to his whims. He should learn about Edo people from the rise and fall of Adams Oshiomhole, the sacked national chairman of the APC,” he said.

The Labour Party candidate said “Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has done in three years what Tinubu couldn’t do in eight years, and several years after, by his stooges occupying the seat of power in Lagos”.

“Whereas in Edo State, the illegal activities of area boys and land grabbers have been stamped out of our socio-economic space by Obaseki, but in Lagos, the reverse is the case.

“In Edo State the Geographic Information Service agency, set up by Governor Obaseki issues Certificate of Occupancy in a matter of weeks, and at affordable cost. But in Lagos, the issuance of C-of-Os is still largely influenced by Tinubu, several years after leaving office,” he said.

He alleged tgat it is this kind of culture that “Tinubu wants to foist on Edo people through his agents such as Adams Oshiomhole and the APC gubernatorial candidate”.

“But Edo people will not allow them,” Osifo said.


https://www.inform.ng/post/edo-2020-lp-governorship-candidate-warns-tinubu-hails-obaseki

Two brothers were crushed by a truck while travelling to pay their mother a visit in Ekiti State.

The brothers, Ojo Hezekiah Abidemi (aka Fresh Strawberry), 25, and Ojo Ayomide, 21, died at the scene of the accident in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

It was gathered that the deceased, who are both students of University of Nigeria affiliate to College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti, were on their way to visit their mother on Friday, August 7th, 2020 when the tragic incident happened.

"The brothers were on their way to visit their mum who’s based in Akure and stopped by a fuel station and according to eye witnesses as they were coming out of the fuel station, an oncoming truck rammed into them.

"The driver of the truck ran away while the victims were both rushed to a nearby hospital where they were declared dead," a source said.

Friends have taken to Facebook to mourn the brothers.





https://www.inform.ng/post/brothers-crushed-to-death-in-ekiti-while-on-visit-to-their-mother

The Rt. Revd Manasses Okere, Bishop of Anglican Diocese, Isiukwuato in Abia State, has described the COVID-19 outbreak as a blessing in disguise.

Okere said the outbreak created an opportunity for domestic churches to grow across the country.




He spoke at the 12th Synod of Anglican Diocese of Awka, NAN reports.

The cleric stated that the virus united families by making them spend long and quality time together.

Stressing that God was aware of COVID-19, Okere stated that the virus brought people closer to God.

According to the clergyman: “The pandemic is a blessing in disguise for the church in particular because it provided the environment for the domestic church, where families prayed together and thrive.

“God is aware COVID-19 will come the time it came, nothing happens to God by surprise.

“Though COVID-19 has wreaked havoc in our global society, it has brought good fortunes and re-united families by making them to sit together and pray.

“It also made people turn to God after knowing that science has failed.”



https://www.inform.ng/post/coronavirus-pandemic-is-a-blessing-to-the-church-bishop

The Action Democratic Party (ADP), has filed a fresh suit seeking to disqualify the All Progressives Congress (APC) from contesting the Edo State gubernatorial election slated for September 19, 2020, the suit was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The suit filed at the Court has the Action Democratic Party ( ADP) as Plaintiff, while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ize-Iyamu Osagie Andrew, Audu Abudu Ganiyu and the All Progressives Congress are the Defendants.

The ADP alleges that the Deputy Governorship candidate of the APC presented forged documents to the INEC.

Confirming this suit to journalists on Sunday morning, is the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Prince Adelaja Adeoye. He said, our party has filed a suit, seeking the disqualification of APC candidate Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, from participating in the forthcoming election, over certificate forgery. The fact of the matter is that, this is a serious matter, and ADP will ensure justice is served appropriately.

For us to have good governance and good leaders in any part of this country, those contesting elections, must present authentic qualifications, as required by the electoral umpire INEC, anything contrary must be challenged at the court, he added.

Recall that the PDP candidate, Mr. Godwin Obaseki was disqualified by his former party, All Progressive Congress (APC), over disparity in his names on his NYSC certificate, an error which was later being corrected by NYSC.

According to the court documents sighted by journalists, the Deputy Governorship candidate of the APC who goes by the name AUDU ABUDU GANIYU presented to the INEC a Voters Card which bears the name AUDU ABDUL GANIYU.

Similarly, he also presented a WASSCE/GCE certificate bearing the name AUDU AHUDU GANEYU to the INEC.

Again, the Deputy Governorship candidate presented to the INEC an APC Membership card bearing the name AUDU GANI.

The ADP based on the suit has asked the Court to interpret the certificates and declare that the Deputy Governorship candidate of the APC has presented forged certificates to INEC, which violates Section 182(1)(j) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 ( As Amended).

The Plaintiff also seeks an Order disqualifying Ize-Iyamu Osagie Andrew, Audu Abudu Ganiyu and the APC from contesting the September 19 gubernatorial poll as well as an order compelling the INEC to remove Ize-Iyamu Osagie Andrew, Audu Abudu Ganiyu and APC from its list of candidates eligible to contest the forthcoming Edo State Governorship Election.

It would be important to remember that this case is similar to that which led to the disqualification of the Bayelsa Governor-elect (David Lyon) and Deputy-Governor elect (Degi-Eremienyo) by the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court ruled that the APC had no candidates because the Deputy Governorship candidate of the APC had presented forged certificates to the INEC.



https://www.inform.ng/post/edo-adp-drags-running-mate-to-ize-iyamu-to-court-for-certificate-forgery

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Thursday, raised an alarm over the heavy presence of policemen and security operatives around the Edo State House of Assembly.

PDP alleged that the federal government mobilized security operatives to take over the state House of Assembly.

In a tweet on it’s verified Twitter handle, the party claimed that the federal government’s decision was due to the popularity of the state Governor, Godwin Obaseki.

PDP, however, described the action as unacceptable.

“Breaking News! Irked by the growing popularity of @GovernorObaseki of Edo state and overwhelming acceptance by his people, the @OfficialAPCNg led Federal Government has mobilized @PoliceNG and other security agents to take over the state house of assembly. This is totally unacceptable,” PDP tweeted.

the premises of Edo State House of Assembly was on Thursday morning besieged by security officers from the Nigeria Police force.

Rumour had it that some elected House members who are on the side of the All Progressive Congress, APC, loyal to the former party chairman, Adams Oshiomhole had perfected plans for sitting at the Assembly complex, which is currently under renovation.


https://www.inform.ng/post/edo-pdp-reveals-reason-for-police-invasion-of-assembly-complex

Police operatives have taken over Edo House of Assembly complex in Benin City. Dozens of the security officials stormed the complex while patrol vehicles were stationed around the area



This comes a day after members of the House impeached the Deputy Speaker of the House, Yekini Idiaye. His impeachment came days after he declared his support for the APC governorship candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

According to reports, the move was to forestall an alleged planned attack on the facility.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Ayoola Ajala, led the operation, which is ongoing.

https://www.inform.ng/post/police-seals-edo-house-of-assembly-complex

A Senior Special Assistant, SSA to Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state has resigned and refused to decamp to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Isikhuemhen Agatha Ono, an SSA to Obaseki, resigned from her position due to her ‘loyalty’ to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

 

It will be recalled that Obaseki decamped to the PDP after falling out with his predecessor and Ex-national chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole.

Ono joins a growing list of government officials who have resigned due to the Governor’s move to PDP.

https://www.inform.ng/post/obaseki-loses-another-aide-to-ize-iyamu

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has called on Ohanaeze Ndigbo to assist it in working towards the deproscribing of IPOB.

As a consolidation of the peace accord recently established between IPOB and Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the leadership of IPOB today (4/8/2020) visited Ohanaeze Ndigbo National Executive Committee, NEC, at their monthly meeting.

This was made known  by Chief Emeka Atamah, the Special Adviser on Media & Publicity to Ohanaeze President General, Chief Nnia Nwodo.

Led by one of its principal officers, Mazi Benjamin Madubugwu, IPOB said that they came in continuation of the rapport reached with Ohanaeze at the Anambra State reconciliation meeting.

Mazi Madubugwu said that there is an Igbo proverb which says that no matter how much a warrior is derided, he is always sought after when there is an outbreak of war.

The IPOB leader said that Chief Nwodo remains the undisputed leader of Ndigbo and expressed happiness with his fatherly disposition and fight for the Igbo in a country, he said Ndigbo were highly marginalised notwithstanding their contribution to the building of the Nigerian nation.

Mazi Madubugwu said that IPOB was not a terrorist organization, adding that it was just being given a bad name to hang it.

The IPOB leader said that most of the actions of their master, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, had been coloured by the information given to him which he said, were sometimes distorted.

He assured that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was always available for discussions with Chief Nwodo on matters concerning the Igbo.

Also speaking, another leader of IPOB, Barrister Ejimakor, said that Chief Nwodo has the clout and charisma to help IPOB out of its present predicament, adding that he was happy that the gap hitherto existing between IPOB and Ohanaeze Ndigbo had been bridged for a united voice for Ndigbo in Nigeria.

Responding, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, welcomed the IPOB leaders, reassuring them that he was always ready to accept his children back into the fold no matter their earlier recalcitrance.

Chief Nwodo recalled all efforts he had made to establish an amicable and complimentary relationship with IPOB since assuming office but were frustrated by the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The President General stated that Ohanaeze Ndigbo had no quarrel with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and that he believed that whatever evil machinations of detractors has come to nought with the recent reapproachment between the two groups.

Chief Nwodo prayed that this latest development should be the opening of the door for mutual cooperation between IPOB and Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and urged IPOB to also share views with Mr Tony Nnadi whom he said was working towards the same objective as IPOB. The President General called on Mazi Kanu to change his tactics of abuse and belligerence as a step towards building bridges for Ndigbo in the country.

Chief Nwodo reiterated that both IPOB and Ohanaeze Ndigbo share in the same cause of fighting to emancipate Ndigbo and give them a lease of life and sense of fairness in the country but differ in the methodology or approach towards the realization of the objective.

He stated that Ohanaeze Ndigbo still believes in dialogue and the restructuring of the country for an inclusive participation in the Nigeria project.


https://www.inform.ng/post/ipob-sues-for-peace-appeals-to-ohanaeze-for-deproscription

Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Petroleum Products Marketing Company, has fixed the ex-depot price of premium motor spirit, known as petrol, at N138.62 per litre.

PPMC disclosed this in a memo signed by its Manager, Sales, Mohammed Bello, in Abuja on Tuesday.




The ex-depot price is the price at which depot owners sell the commodity to retail outlets.

It said that the new price would come into effect from August 5.

The PPMC also put the ex-coastal price of the commodity, which is the price at which the product is sold to depot owners, at N113.70 per litre.

The ex-depot price for automotive gasoline oil, also known as diesel, was fixed at N160 per litre and N165 per litre, for depots in Lagos and Oghara respectively.

It further fixed the ex-depot price for kerosene at N160 per litre.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Petroleum Products Pricing for Regulatory Agency was yet to release the monthly pricing modulation for petroleum products for August.

The pricing modulation determines the pump price that the products will be sold to motorists.

https://www.inform.ng/post/ppmc-announces-new-price-for-petrol-diesel-and-kerosene

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming election in Ondo state, Eyitayo Jegede, has finally met with his former principal, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, in his Ondo city home on Monday.

It was learned the visit was not unconnected with Jegede’s aspiration to win the October 10 governorship election in the state. Jegede was in Mimiko’s residence with two of his top supporters to seek the former boss’ support in the forthcoming election.




The meeting is coming months after his supporters mounted pressure on him to visit the former governor. Mr. Jegede has refused to seek Mimiko’s blessing despite numerous appeals from his supporters and eminent Nigerians before and after the primaries.

It was learned that the latest move by the PDP candidate is coming rather too late after Mimiko’s Zenith Labour Party had picked the Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi as his candidate and created a third force wave.

Confirming the visit, the media aide of Mimiko, John-Paul Akinduro, said the PDP candidate visited Mimiko to inform of his aspiration to run for governor.

He said, “I was not at the meeting but it is true that Mr Jegede visited my boss on Monday evening. “

It was not clear if Mimiko and Jegede were able to resolve their differences or will still work together for the October election.

Recall that Mimiko, who is from the Central Senatorial District, like Mr. Jegede, ‘single-handedly’ made him the party’s candidate despite all odds.

The choice of Jegede by the Former Governor sparked protests leading to the defection of some party faithful.

https://www.inform.ng/post/ondo-poll-mimiko-confirms-meeting-with-jegede

The Archbishop of Kampala, Cyprian Kizito Lwanga has triggered a controversy after he suggested to the government of Uganda to start deducting tithe from salaries of workers.
According to him, if persuasion fails, force must be applied. “Since you don’t want to pay your tithes voluntarily, it may soon be deducted from your salaries at the source”.

Lwanga said, the reluctance of Christians to pay their tithes lately is posing a huge problem for the churches as they cannot undertake certain necessary projects.




The Catholic Archbishop made the unusual request to the Ugandan government during a mass.

“Whenever we ask for tithe, everyone gives only what they have at that time. But the Bible says a tenth of whatever you earn belongs to the church.

“Give me your support as I front this proposal because it is good for us. Aren’t you tired of putting money in the baskets all the time?” Lwanga asked his congregants.

The Clergyman said that in Germany, the government deducts 8-9 per cent church tax (Kirchensteuer) from annual earnings of workers who are registered as Catholics, Protestants or Jews, and he thinks the same must be done in Uganda.

“I was told Germans made agreements with their government to deduct monthly tithe from their salaries and forward it to the church and this money they use to build and renovate their churches,” he said.


https://www.inform.ng/post/tithe-archbishop-asks-government-to-deduct-10-from-workers-salary-and-remit-to-church

Immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, monday gave an insight into why he lost his seat as the party’s chief superintendent.




Fielding questions when he featured on the Morning Show, the flagship breakfast programme of ARISE NEWS Channel, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, Oshiomhole said he stepped on toes of powerful forces in the party, who, in a reprisal, engineered his ouster.

He, however, expressed no regrets over actions he took as APC national chairman, adding that if given a second chance, he would fight the same forces that removed him from office.

Oshiomhole was removed on June 16 after a Court of Appeal judgment ratified the verdict of an Abuja High Court that affirmed his suspension by his ward in Edo State.

His suspension had spawned a bitter leadership contest in APC that saw the emergence of three interim national chairmen within 48 hours.

However, President Muhammadu Buhari, in conjunction with other party leaders, moved in to arrest the party’s descent into the precipice by summoning a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party where the decision to dissolve the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, headed by Oshiomhole before his suspension, was reached.

Oshiomhole also listed the alleged sins of his successor as Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, to include his alleged failure to stick with the Edo Development Master Plan, the arrest of and jailing of youth leaders and awarding of contracts to non-Edo indigenes for the smallest jobs, among others.

But Obaseki’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, dismissed the allegations against his principal and accused the former APC chairman of being a victim of his indiscretion and unholy machinations.

In addition, Oshiomhole said it was President Muhammadu Buhari who invited him to lead the party and seize it from the cabal, which tended to take major decisions, and return it to party members.

On his relationship with top APC chiefs, the former party chairman said he rescued the party from some them and he had no regrets dismantling the political structures of those who felt they were bigger than the APC.

He added that he couldn’t condone the actions of an unnamed APC chieftain (then governor) because the chieftain conducted party primaries against the rules of the party even when it was clear that only the national body could do that.

He also mentioned the case of a former Minister of Communications, Mr. Adebayo Shittu, who he accused of disrespecting Nigerians by insisting that the National Youth Service Corps ( NYSC) scheme was optional and, therefore, he could choose whether to serve or not.

The media had exposed Shittu for dodging the NYSC, a compulsory national service for university and polytechnic graduates not above 30 years as at the time of graduation.

The exposé, coming shortly after that of a former Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, had triggered a national clamour for Shittu’s sacking.

Oshiomhole said he was invited to cleanse the APC by the president, who he said supported him until his decision to sack the NWC of the party, which he said led to his (Oshiomhole’s) removal.

He said: “I have no regrets whatsoever on the decision to sack the NWC, which of course put an end to my chairmanship. No regrets. The average Nigerian wants strong leadership; they want things to be done differently.

“You don’t want a situation where a few people control our political destiny. In trying to democratise and return the party to the party members, you have powerful forces, few in number, but have access to resources. Who will resist that?

“Whether anybody appreciates it or not, between President Muhammadu Buhari and myself, we agreed that we must return APC to APC members and that’s why we introduced direct primaries; we produced a membership register.”

Oshiomhole stated that the president backed the decision to change the pattern of conducting party primaries to direct primaries, noting that the decision, which set him against many state governors, was not unilateral.

According to him, “And of course, there were those opposed to direct primaries, but as a compromise, this is something I couldn’t really speak to, because at the end of the day, some governors said they wanted indirect and some of us, the president inclusive, said we wanted direct.

“That’s why we approved direct primaries for the presidency because indirect primaries, you can’t bribe everybody; but with the use of delegates, you can.

“So, if we were going to return, assuming I was going to return to APC tomorrow as chairman, I will sustain some of the radical measures which some people were not happy about.

“I do not want a tenure that is not eventful. I want to drive changes and the slogan of my party is change. If we thought things were perfect, why did we talk about change?

“We must continue to change the way we do things and continue to improve. Just try and do things better. I do not regret the fact, along with my colleagues in the NWC, to disqualify a serving minister who publicly said arrogantly that he didn’t do NYSC and that being a minister is a greater service than NYSC.

“You know that NYSC is obligatory and to default on it, you cannot hold public office. I am also happy that a governor said to me he is not going to do primaries somewhere in the South-west.

“That he’s going to do his own primaries even when the constitution of APC is so clear that only the NWC can conduct primaries. He went and did his own primaries, we did our own and I insisted that it’s only the one we did in line with the constitution of the APC that will be upheld regardless of the powers behind the other guy.”

The former party chair noted that he stepped on powerful toes, which led to his sack, adding that he will fight the same forces if he had the chance to return.

Oshiomhole said: “Of course, I am aware that when you step on powerful toes, they will fight back, but I had no intention that I was going to be a life chairman. No.

“The person who invited me to bid for that office is the president and I thank him for the support he gave me and his standing fast. I am now in history as the only chairman whom eight ward members out of 24 allegedly suspended and that was the basis for removing someone who was elected in a convention of 7,000 people.

“I decided I wasn’t contesting it because of my understanding of loyalty, particularly when you hold the office of trust, whatever has happened belongs to the past and I can’t do things differently.

“I have seen some analysts say, comrade ought to know that so so people are powerful, or some governors are powerful, how can I do that? Are the laws made for the powerless?

“In any case, from the age of 18, I had been fighting power. If power is abused, I have asked God to give me the power to confront and defeat power. Why do I want to survive for survival’s sake?

“I put my job on the line even as a daily paid worker, to fight what I considered to be unjust. But let me assure you that I do not regret anything that we have done because you cannot change Nigeria without offending some powers.”

On the problem between him and Obaseki, Oshiomhole listed the governor’s failure to stick with the Edo development master plan, arrest of and jailing of youth leaders and awarding of contracts to non-Edo indigenes for the smallest jobs as part of the reasons for the fallout.

He also said Obaseki’s alleged propensity for violence and his non-possession of requisite academic qualifications made him move against the governor’s re-election bid.

He is Victim of His Indiscretion, Unholy Machinations, Gov Fires Back

But Obaseki dismissed Oshiomhole’s allegations, saying “no amount of lies can controvert the fact that Oshiomhole’s political misfortune is self-inflicted.”

A statement issued yesterday by his media aide urged Oshiomhole to be courageous enough to tell Nigerians the truth about the circumstances that led to his removal, adding that bandying lies on national television will not save his drowning political image.

Osagie, who was responding to claims made by Oshiomhole on ARISE News Channel, noted that “contrary to the narrative being advanced by the sacked national chairman that he was a victim of power play, Nigerians who have followed the events that led to Oshiomhole’s ouster closely can attest to the fact that he was a victim of his own indiscretion and unholy machinations.

“In fact, in Edo State, Oshiomhole was the powerful force that millions of Edo people fought against so that the governor could breathe and deliver good governance to them.

“Nigerians know that Oshiomhole was sacked for his gross abuse of power and not the narrative he has been bandying on television. His obsession with power and absolute control of the same drove the APC to a near catastrophic situation.

“He was elected to build on the achievements of his predecessor, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, but he frittered away the enormous goodwill he inherited and embarked on personal battles that cost the APC such states as Zamfara, Sokoto, Oyo and created factions within the National Working Committee of the APC. So it was only natural that the consequences of the strife, crisis and divisions that he caused would come calling someday.

“In Edo State, Oshiomhole turned against Governor Obaseki when the governor failed to yield to his subservience and his grand plot to rule by proxy. He literally invaded the Edo APC and set up parallel structures to hijack it. His predecessor, Chief Odigie-Oyegun, allowed the state’s structure of the APC to carry out its activities without any interference. To Oshiomhole’s immoderation, Edo State is today a PDP state and we are free from his inanities.

“The former national chairman of the APC mortgaged the internal cohesion of the party, which ought to have been his primary task, for personal interest and set the APC on a roller coaster to disaster, until the president intervened.”

The statement accused Oshiomhole of revisionism by “playing the victim in an event he was the sole protagonist.”

https://www.inform.ng/post/oshiomole-reveals-reason-for-his-removal-as-apc-national-chairman