₦airaland Forum

The Peoples Democratic Party National Campaign Council for the Edo Governorship Election states that the brazen admission by the Buhari Presidency that the sacked national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole and the Chief of Staff to Mr. President, Prof, Ibrahim Gambari, met at the Presidential villa, during which, as shown in the trending leaked video, they discussed the arrests of certain individuals ahead of the September 19 election has confirmed our nation’s worst fears.

It indeed speaks volumes that the Buhari Presidency is trying to rationalize the plot by the godfather of the APC candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Adams Oshiomhole, who was captured on the trending video, plotting to use compromised security operatives to clampdown on certain unnamed Nigerians to achieve political suppression and rig the Edo governorship election.

Of course, the Presidency and the APC cannot post a denial because they have been caught and exposed by the Nigerian people, who generally detest their lies, propaganda, underhand methods, resort to violence and rigging of election.

By describing the discussion by Oshiomhole and Prof. Gambari, in which Oshiomhole was heard finalizing a plot to clampdown political rivals, as “an innocent conversation”, the Buhari Presidency has further exposed its complicity.

This convoluted admission by the Presidency speaks more of the conversation that must have held behind closed doors with President Muhammadu Buhari.

Nigerians were further alarmed by the admission that Oshiomhole, the face of the APC campaign, was at the Presidential Villa for discussions on “emerging incidents of violence in the run up to the election” as well as the “use of Law enforcement”, in an election in which he and the APC have displayed a desperation to grab power at all costs.

The question is: when did Oshiomhole become the National Security Adviser (NSA). When did Oshiomhole become a service chief? Is Oshiomhole holding any statutory position in the government or even in the APC, as a party, to warrant a security meeting with the President, if the meeting was not for ulterior partisan purposes on the Edo election?

This development also points to the obvious fact that the security architecture of our nation has been abandoned by statutory officials and now vested in political hooligans as well as characters like Oshiomhole for suppression of innocent Nigerians and rigging of elections.

If the meeting was indeed focused on genuinely curbing violence, as being claimed by the Presidency, why were leaders of other political parties and other stakeholders in the Edo governorship election not invited? Why was this meeting centered on the arrest and clampdown of political rivals?

Our National Campaign on Edo State Governorship Election is worried by the discussion between Oshiomhole and Prof. Gambari because of the history of electoral violence that has characterized elections under this administration.

Already, our National Campaign has been made aware of plots by Oshiomhole to design fake military, police and other security agencies' uniforms for APC thugs with the view of using them to unleash violence and clampdown on traditional, faith-based and community leaders in Edo state on trumped-up charges.

While our National Campaign understands the pedigree of Prof. Gambari, we want to however caution him not to allow his record of service to be tainted with the violence being perpetrated by the APC in Edo as well as Oshiomhole’s repeated calls for clampdown on the Edo people, ahead of the election. The world is watching!

Furthermore, it is ludicrous for the Presidency to conjure “facts” on parties leveling accusations of violence against one another, while pretending towards the attack on the PDP leaders at the Oba’s Palace in Benin, which has been in the public domain.

Till date, the Presidency has said nothing over the meeting held between the APC candidate, Ize-Iyamu and some thugs, where he was seen on a viral video, giving instructions to them to break electoral laws and use violence to rig elections for him.

As at the moment, nobody has been arrested or questioned by the security agencies and nothing has been heard from the Presidency on that callous invitation to public violence.

Recently, the campaign train of our candidate, Governor Godwin Obaseki had suffered several attacks from APC thugs. In these attacks, Governor Obaseki was firmly defended by the people of Edo state, who had vowed, in their majority, to re-elect him because of his performance and personal integrity.

Despite these attacks and the outcry by the people of Edo state against Oshiomhole and the APC, there has been no investigation or arrest of culprits, neither did the Presidency condemned such nefarious acts.

How can a Presidency, under whose watch a police helicopter was deployed to fire tear gas canisters at the electorate, as witnessed in the Kogi election, pretend to be supporting the will of the people?

How will a government who watched the members of its party burn an innocent PDP woman leader, Mrs. Salome Abuh to death, in Kogi State, without any forms of reprimand, claim to detest electoral violence and expect the public trust?

How will Nigerians believe such gibberish when it is on record that in spite of the manifest electoral violence, vandalism and horrible manipulation by the APC, the Buhari Presidency had always come out to congratulate power grabbers, such as it did in Kogi, Kano, Ekiti, Ondo, Imo, elections among others.

However, in this Edo election, the PDP wants to assure the APC and their leaders that the people of Edo will never allow the Kogi, Kano, Ekiti or Osun scenario to play out in their state.

Let it be known, and clearly too, that the PDP is standing shoulder to shoulder with the people of Edo state to resist Oshiomhole's fake Police and other fake security operatives they are planning to import into Edo for the September 19 election.

Nothing, and indeed nothing, will by any means whatsoever be allowed to bend the will of the people in this Edo governorship election.


Kola Ologbondiyan
Secretary, Publicity Sub Committee
National Campaign Council on Edo Governorship Election

Watch Video


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lwxnVwjUbw

https://www.inform.ng/post/villa-leaked-video-presidencys-admission-confirms-edo-clampdown-plots-pdp

GOVERNORSHIP candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 19, 2020 election in Edo State, Governor Godwin Obaseki has assured the family members of late Mrs Clara Oshiomhole in Ewohimi, Esan South East Local Government Area of the State, that the development their son-In-law, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole denied them when he governed the State for eight years would be given to them.

Obaseki who disclosed this Tuesday while addressing a campaign rally in the locality promised to address the power problem which he claimed was peculiar to most parts of the State just as he disclosed that his government has procured 50 megawatts of electricity from Ossiomo power project to the State.

He said, “What your in-law could not do, your son and brother will do it for you. I know that the one that worries you most is electricity.

“We have discovered that everywhere we go in each Ward is electricity.


“I want to assure you that If you vote for me, I will work for you”.

He also gave the assurance that more roads in the local government area would be constructed by his administration.

Addressing members of Ewohimi Traditional rulers Council of Chiefs led by His Royal Highness, Peter Ojeifoh Usifoh, the Duke of Ewohimi earlier, Governor Obaseki promised to prioritize road construction, water and electricity projects as well as power and education in the next administration.

The Governor who promised to activate the Ugboha water scheme to meet the needs of residents in the Local Government, also dismissed claims that the project had been abandoned by his government, adding that the source of power was critical to its sustenance.

“We have not abandoned the water scheme in Ugboha…We will not abandon it. We do not want patchwork.

“The problem of electricity in Edo is not because we do not have power. It is the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), They are not serious. That is why we can’t pump water”.

He described Ewohimi as his home and intimated the traditional ruler of his mission to govern the State the second term, urged him to prevail on his subject to give peace a chance.

“I have to endure humiliation as a sitting Governor to promote peace. Peace is in my DNA despite the provocation”, he said.

On his part, the His Royal Highness, Peter Ojeifoh Usifoh, the Duke of Ewohimi, prayed for Governor Godwin Obaseki with his deputy, Mr. Philip Shaibu and members of their entourage.

Usifoh who spoke through the President of Ewohimi Community Development Association, Mr. Innocent Uwaegbea, promised to support the re-election of the Governor with a charge to fulfil his campaign promises.

Speaking at Idumijie primary school, Eguare quarters in Ewohimi primary School in Ward 1, the Chairman of Edo PDP Campaign Council, Chief Dan Orbih, challenged the former national Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to disclose his mission to the Presidential Villa on Monday within the next 24 hours if he was not afraid of defeat ahead of the poll.

Orbih declared that Edo Governorship election will be a test case for President Muhammadu Buhari even as he charged him to allow votes count in Edo State.

“The truth must be told, this State is not the property of Oshiomhole, You (Ewohimi) ought not to be craving for development by now because this is where Oshiomhole late wife comes from. If He (Oshiomhole) had done what he was supposed to do when he was a Governor, Obaseki would have turned his attention to other things in the area” he said.



https://www.inform.ng/post/edo-poll-oshiomole-in-laws-pledge-support-for-obaseki-shaibu

I'll say Obaseki is working

The presidential candidate Victor Font wants to appoint Xavi as Barca's new manager if he wins the election.

Even if Koeman succeeds next season, he will not be the team's head coach in 2021/22, he notes.

 "Even if Koeman had a great season with Barca, I wouldn't change my mind. If I become president, Koeman will not be the manager in 2021/22," presidential candidate Victor Font has told El Larguero. 

Just to remind, part of Victor Font's presidential program is to make Xavi Hernandez the new Barcelona manager.

Recently, it has also been noted that Font would like to see Garcia Pimienta (the Barcelona B manager) as an interim coach until Xavi took over in 2021.

Meanwhile, Ronald Koeman is expected to be announced as the new Barca manager in the coming hours


https://www.inform.ng/post/barcelonas-presidential-aspirant-vows-to-fire-koeman-as-clubs-manager

The hope of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to make an impact in the gubernatorial election in Edo State has suffered a major setback, following the recent defection of over 5, 000 of its members to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who reaffirmed their unflinching support for the reelection bid of Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Leading the 5,000 APC members to declare their support for the PDP in Ward 6, Ubiaja, in Esan South-East Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. John Bobby Palmer, said the decision was to secure the reelection of Governor Obaseki and ensure the consolidation of his administration’s achievements.

Speaking at the governor’s reelection rally in Ubiaja, the APC leader commended Obaseki for prioritising the welfare and wellbeing of Edo people against the interest of a few selfish politicians.

Palmer said: “Obaseki has done well in his first term and because we love good things, we have no choice but to join the party which stands for development.”

Chairman, Edo PDP Campaign Council, Chief Dan Orbih, noted that: “Obaseki, in the last three years and eight months, has performed better and surpassed the achievements of Adams Oshiomhole in eight years. If Obaseki is returned to power, Esan people will occupy their place in Edo politics.

“Under the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EDOBEST) programme, over 40,000 pupils now have access to the home-schooling platform for zero data e-learning for free, amid the coronavirus pandemic.”

On his part, Governor Obaseki said his administration will continue to pursue reforms and programmes to better the lives of Edo people, adding: “We don’t discriminate against anyone as Edo people are all equal.

"Discrimination is not a good political strategy. For me, all citizens are equal before the eyes of this administration.

"The contract to re-construct Ubiaja-Ugboha Road has been awarded and work will commence this dry season. I have instructed that the design of Ubiaja-Udo Road be ready as work will commence soon.”

“These last four years, we have succeeded in having two plants in Edo and generating about 1,000 megawatts of electricity but the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) has continued to frustrate all our efforts to ensure we enjoy electricity in the state,” he added.


https://www.inform.ng/post/apc-loses-5000-members-to-governor-obaseki

The Presidency has released the details of the meeting between President Muhammadu Buhari and his predecessor, former President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

In a statement on Tuesday by the Presidential Spokesman, Femi Adesina said former President and ECOWAS special envoy, Jonathan briefed the President on Mali crisis.


Adesina added that Jonathan told President Buhari that the country’s main opposition group, M5, demanded the resignation of President Ibrahim Keita. He said ECOWAS also rejected the demands of the opposition group.

The statement read, “President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday received his immediate predecessor in office, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, at State House, Abuja.




“Dr Jonathan, who is ECOWAS Special Envoy to the Republic of Mali, briefed on the political situation in the West African country, as corollary to efforts by West African leaders to restore stability to the country.

“President Buhari and four other ECOWAS leaders had visited Bamako, Mali, last month, followed by a virtual extraordinary summit of the sub-regional body.

“Dr Jonathan, who was in Mali from Monday to Thursday, last week, recounted his meetings with the stakeholders, including political and religious leaders, Ambassadors of US, France, Russia, Germany, European Union, and other important personalities key to peace and cohesion in the country.

“The main opposition group, M5, he said, continued to insist on the resignation of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, a position not acceptable to ECOWAS, which insisted only on democratic process in change of power within its jurisdiction.”


https://www.inform.ng/post/jonathan-visited-buhari-to-intimate-him-on-the-political-crises-in-mali-presidency

Eyitayo Jegede, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for the October 10, 2020 governorship election in Ondo State, has replaced his deputy governorship candidate and picked a serving legislator. 

Jegede, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, announced Ikengboju Gboluga as his new running mate on Monday.

The announcement was made in order to meet up with INEC’s deadline for the substitution of the names of candidates and their deputies for the election. 

Gboluga is a serving member of the House of Representatives at the National Assembly.

The name of Gboluga has been forwarded to the Independent National Electoral Commission.

He replaces Mr Olumide Ogunje whose name was earlier submitted to INEC.

https://www.inform.ng/post/ondo-poll-jegede-drops-running-mate-picks-replacement

Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State has said the refusal of his administration to give what he tagged as “brown envelope” was responsible for the lingering violence in Southern Kaduna.

El-Rufai explained that his predecessors paid some leaders who allegedly organised killings in the state


He said the peace money was to stop such acts but he’s administration on assumption of power stopped it.


Featuring on Channels Television, the governor vowed that he “will not appease criminals” in a bid to continue the practice.

He vowed to prosecute those linked to the killings in Southern Kaduna.

The governor lamented that some of the leaders in Southern Kaduna are aggrieved that he stopped the alleged payment.

According to El-Rufai: “Most of the people saying that have no means of livelihood, they were living off the government. The governments before us were paying them money every month, they called it peace money. We stopped it. This is why they say I am taking sides.


“And for a governor like me who does not appease them because they are used to being appeased, they cause troubles, they organise these killings and then, their leaders are invited by the governor, they wine and dine and they are given brown envelopes. That’s what they have been doing for 20 years.

“And we came into office and we said no more, nobody who does not encourage peaceful co-existence will have access to the governor or the government house. I have no time for them.

“I have no time for nonsense. I will not appease criminals. I will not appease idle people who have nothing to do but to raise a spectre of genocide. They do that to get money into their bank accounts and get donations from abroad instead of standing up.”

Recall that the governor has recently accused some clerics of instigating violence in the state.

El-Rufai had alleged that the clerics use their platforms to preach disunity rather than peace which would benefit the state.

The governor had also disclosed that the lingering violence in Southern Kaduna would end when the people in the region become willing to embrace peace

https://www.inform.ng/post/southern-kaduna-elites-hate-me-kill-their-people-because-i-refused-them-envelope-elrufai

The Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt on Friday granted the seven pro-Obaseki members of the Edo State House of Assembly an order of substituted service on the 17 All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers in a legal battle for the control of the assembly.

The seven plaintiffs, in the suit with reference number: FHC/PH/CS/100/2020, are seeking an order to restrain the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN); the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu; and the APC legislators from taking over the Assembly complex and its legislative activities.



Justice I. M. Sani granted the substituted service of the originating summons and accompanying processes, with all other processes in the suit on the 4th defendant and the 18th defendant (the Deputy Speaker, Emmanuel Agbaje) through Agbaje, by pasting them on the wall of Apartment 12, Edo House of Assembly Legislative Quarters, Ihama Road, GRA, Benin City, being Agbaje’s official residence.


Alternatively, the court ordered that the service could be on an adult at the national headquarters of APC, No. 40, Blantyre Street, Wuse 2, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Justice Sani also ordered that the plaintiffs/applicants should publish all the relevant processes filed in the suit in two national newspapers within 72 hours.

The suit followed the August 6 inauguration of the 14 APC members who were initially denied participation in the affairs of the House by the minority members and the executive arm.

But before the APC legislators could access the building, the state government ordered the roof of the complex removed to allow for repairs.


However, counsel to the APC legislators, Dr. Ehiogie West-Idahosa, petitioned the Attorney General of the Federation and Justice Minister, Abubakar Malami (SAN), asking him to use his office as the nation’s chief law officer to get police protection for his clients.

Malami acted accordingly and asked the Police Inspector General to protect the 17 men.

The APC lawmakers proceeded to elect Mr. Victor Edoror as Speaker.

Edoror said yesterday that he remained the speaker.

“The act has been completed. Which court order are Okiye and his sponsor, Obaseki, talking about? They should stop deluding themselves,” he said in response to the PDP legislators’ suit.

He added: “During our sitting on August 12, we adjourned till August 18, and by God’s grace, we will continue to sit in Benin with adequate security being provided by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP (Mohammed Adamu), as directed by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF)/Minister of Justice (Abubakar Malami, SAN), pending when the security chiefs will chase away Obaseki’s thugs who have taken over the House of Assembly complex.”


https://www.inform.ng/post/federal-high-court-in-portharcourt-grants-pro-obaseki-lawmakers-leave-to-serve-apc-legislators

Satisfied with the death sentence passed on Yahaya Aminu Sharif who was convicted of blasphemy by an upper Shari’a Court, the council of Imams in Kano, yesterday, challenged the state Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to sign the execution warrant of the convict to serve as a deterrent.

Sharif, a 22-year-old Muslim and Kano native was last Monday found guilty of blasphemy against the prophet of Islam, a capital offence under Shari’a jurisprudence and was sentenced to death by hanging.

 

Although the convict has 30 days to appeal the judgment, chairman of the council, Sheikh Muhammad Nasir Adam, said the government should be courageous enough to adhere to the court judgment regardless of political sentiments. 




Adam, who spoke with journalists in Kano, applauded the dexterity of the court in arriving at the judgment, saying it was in line with the tenets of Islam.




The Islamic scholar explained that Islam is a religion of peace and tranquility, but noted that it specified ways and manners of life.

He cautioned those kicking against the judgment to refrain from any act capable of generating religious intolerance in the country.

“Let me commend the judge for taking the hard but right decision on the judgment because Islam frowns at passing derogatory comment on our prophet. We also want to believe with full confidence that the Kano State government will sign, without hesitation, the execution of the convict. We have firm conviction that the government will sign it so as to serve as an example,” he said. 

Also, Chief Imam of Shiekh Mohammad Ja’far Adam Central Mosque, Sabuwar Gandu quarters, Shiekh Abdullahi Gargamawa, urged Ganduje to endorse the execution of Sharif without further delay.

Gargamawa, who lent his voice in favour of the court judgment during yesterday’s Juma’at sermon, said the government should muster courage and respect the sanctity of Shari’a laws.

The chief Imam, who cited relevant verses of the quran, argued that the penalty held against Sharif was an affirmation of Islamic laws.

In his reaction, the state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Adeolu Samuel Adeyemo, said blasphemy in Christianity is an unforgivable sin no responsible faithful should attempt and encouraged residents irrespective of religious affiliation not to violate the rules and tenets of the Holy Scriptures.

Although the CAN chairman said the recent Shari’a court judgment was strictly an Islamic affair, he posited that religious tolerance should be upheld for a harmonious atmosphere to reign in the society.

“For us in CAN, the judgment of the Shari’a court is according to Islamic law and so we don’t have objection to it because it is according to the position of Islam.

“So, our interference is not relevant. Now, if you want to know the position of Christianity about blasphemy, I will say there is what you can blaspheme about and what you cannot. And the Lord Jesus said blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is a grievous sin that has no forgiveness. That is the position of Christianity,” he said.

Also reacting, the Civil Society Forum in Kano challenged those opposing the judgment of the Shari’a court to explore the appropriate legal means rather than toeing the path of lamentations and threats.

Legal adviser of the forum, Mustapha Idris, said the Nigerian constitution was clear about every court ruling and judgment, adding that the Shari’a court judgment could be challenged at a higher court.


https://www.inform.ng/post/blasphemy-imam-council-civil-society-hail-death-penalty-on-singer-sharif-can-expresses-indifference

Seven members of the same family have reportedly died of food poisoning after eating corn meal at Auki village of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State.


Two housewives and five children of thesame family have died according to reports while the husband on hearing the news, developed a mental disorder.

According to an eye witness, the family members died on Tuesday night after consuming a meal prepared with corn (Tuwon Masala) by one of the housewives.

They were said to have developed stomach pains after consuming the food.

Three persons died instantly and four others were pronounced dead at Bungudu General Hospital, Zamfara state.


The doctor on duty confirmed that the deceased died of food poisoning.

It was gathered that the husband who was not home when his family ate the meal has developed a mental disorder and can neither speak nor eat.

https://www.inform.ng/post/man-runs-mad-after-his-wives-and-5-children-died-after-eating-tuwo

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the renewed clampdown on the media and gagging of free speech in our country by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government.

This was contained in a statement signed by Kola Ologbondiyan, the National Publicity Secretary of the opposition party.

The party insists that, without prejudice to the allegations or claims the Federal Government has against Nigeria Info, a broadcast station, on issues of content, the Federal Government cannot, on its own, impose sanctions against a media house or individuals for expressing their right to free speech.

The PDP holds that if any anybody, be him the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a state governor, a Senator of the Federal Republic, a Member of the House of Representatives, a public entity, or even the most ordinary Nigerian, have been libeled or infringed upon by any other Nigerian, the process for redress is clearly stated in the 1999 Constitution
(as amended), and should be followed.

As a party, the PDP stands against draconian methods or underhand measures which this administration has set out to gag the media and erode the rights of Nigerians as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Our party holds that due process must be followed for redress in instances where violations are alleged and not by extra judicial sanctions and clampdown on the media, as being witnessed under the APC administration.

The PDP, standing in solidarity with Nigerians, therefore condemns any attempt to gag the media and asks the APC federal government to rescind its draconian actions and reverse to due process, as provided by the 1999 Constitution, in handling issues relating to the freedom of the media.

https://www.inform.ng/post/pdp-kicks-as-nbc-fines-radio-station

The Edo State Governor may be impeached by the factional members of the State House of Assembly if he does some things that the lawmakers see as constitutional violations.

The state has been facing serious crisis with the Edo Assembly being the hotbed even as the governorship election is few weeks away. The threat to impeach Obaseki was issued by the All Progressives Congress, APC, faction of the Edo Assembly led by Victor Edoror as their Speaker. According to Edoror who is the factional Speaker, he stated that the Governor should not violate the constitution by doing what is considered illegal or acts seen as abuse of power. Edoror stated that if Obaseki violates the constitution or fails to carry out the resolutions made by them, then they would simply impeach him.

The Edoror-led APC faction went ahead to condemn some actions taken by the Obaseki's administration. It listed some of those actions to include the destruction of the Edo State House of Assembly Complex named after late Leader, Anthony Enahoro. The group stated that it was not safe for them to sit in the Complex and make their deliberations. That is why they have to sit somewhere else to provide the Edo people with quality legislation for better governance.


The Edoror led faction also listed some other things Obaseki's administration did that it condemned in its entirety. The faction condemned the removal of some Local Government Chairmen representing Etsako East, Esan West and Etsako West. The APC faction described it as an infringement on the right of the affected people and an abuse of office. Edoror also set up committees to investigate the matter and report back to the House. The faction adjourned to August 18, 2020 to continue its deliberation.

Can the APC-led faction actually impeach Obaseki as they threatened?

The situation of things in the Edo Assembly has brought serious confusion making things to appear as if they have fallen apart. Currently, Edo has two factional Speakers.

The first Speaker, Frank Okiye who is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Okiye and his faction are recognized by Obaseki. Okiye condemned the threat to impeach Obaseki by Edoror and APC faction. Okiye added that they do not have the power to do so and their threats and resolutions should be ignored by Edo people.


On the other hand, Edoror led faction claimed to be in charge as they have the majority in the House. Out of 24 members of the Edo Assembly, the APC faction led by Edoror has 17 members. That leaves the PDP with just seven members. If majority is anything to go by, then the APC has the majority. But Obaseki and the PDP faulted the manner the 17 APC members were inaugurated and the manner they have carried on after that. The APC faction went on to say that they have impeached the Speaker, Okiye and elected Edoror as their ''Speaker.'' They sit in an unknown location to deliberate and now they are threatening the Governor with impeachment if he fails to carryout out their resolutions.



Well, Obaseki described Edoror and members of his faction as non legislators of the Edo Assembly. Obaseki's media aide, Crusoe Osagie, stated that the faction are simply APC supporters who sit in the living room of the APC governorship candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu whose decisions have no effect on Governor Obaseki or Edo State in any way.


By that, it means that Obaseki and his government do not in any way recognize the APC led faction. Also, it means that the Governor will not carryout out the resolutions of the Edoror-led group. That will leave the APC faction with the choice to make good its threat to impeach the Governor. Can they really impeach Obaseki? Even if they do so, will it have any effect?

https://www.inform.ng/post/edo-lawmakers-loyal-to-oshiomole-issues-impeachment-threat-on-gov-obaseki-the-governor-responds

The Chapter Chairmen of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has called on the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to maintain their position as it concerns the ward and chapter executive of the PDP in Cross River State.



The Chairmen made the call in a Communique issued after a meeting held in Calabar.


Hon. Raymond Asuquo signed on behalf of Chapter Chairmen in Southern Senatorial District, while Chief Godwin Igwe and Obule David Oko signed on behalf of Chairmen in the Central and Northern Senatorial Districts respectively.

The Chairmen implore all stakeholders of the party in the state to close ranks and work together to resolve the lingering issues currently disrupting the peaceful conduct of the state congress of the party.

They however, pledged their loyalty to Gov. Ben Ayade of the state, who they described as the leader of the party and members of the National Assembly who are also critical stakeholders of the party in the state.

"We want to notify Gov. Ben Ayade that we are committed members of the party who supported him immensely from the inception of his administration and it would be unfair for the governor to see us as not being loyal to him as a leader of the party as the test of loyalty is embedded strongly in our support during the second elections of his Excellency.


"Finally, we appeal to the NWC of our party that the unity, peace and continuity of the party is paramount and must be maintained.

"We plead with the party to maintain status quo as it concerns ward and chapter executive members as communicated to our former Chairman, Edim Inok in a letter dated April 26 2020.

"As a party that promotes and protect members rights, we strongly admonish the NWC to eschew arbitrary disqualification of Aspirants to the state and other congresses unconstitutionally.

"The letter was captioned 'Approval of new ward and local government area executive committee members in Cross River as signed by the National Organising Secretary Col. Austin Akobundu (Rtd), published by the National Working Committee and duly acknowledged by INEC," the communique stated.

The Chairmen stated in the communique that they were duly inaugurated through a notary public on April 30th and 5th May respectively.

They maintained that the NWC confirmed their authenticity as duly elected members of the party at local government and ward level in Cross River State and they will protect their mandate legally.


https://www.inform.ng/post/criver-state-pdp-chairmen-issue-strong-warning-to-party-nwc

Blunt, vocal and determined, award winning director Dickson Iroegbu has become a leading voice in the call for power shift to south east Nigeria. In this interview with Uzor Ngoladi, he further bares his mind on the impending doom that will befall Nigeria as an entity if the clarion call is not heeded in 2023. Excerpts:

Many pressure groups are agitating for a president of south east extraction come 2023. Don’t you think is premature?

We want power to move around the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. It is the turn of the south east to lead Nigeria. The truth of the matter is that our case is like a pregnancy. When it is due for the child to be born, the child should come out naturally. If there is anything abnormal that will make the child not to come out when it is due, the mother of the child will definitely be seen as abnormal. Nigeria as a country is abnormal today because of the level of injustices that has been meted out to the south eastern part of the country. 2023 is actually the only available opportunity for Nigeria to redeem her image as it affects the south eastern part of Nigeria. After the civil war, we said ‘no victor, no vanquished’. How has that been applied as it affects the south easterners? You will agree with me that the south easterners have not been reconciled to mainstream Nigerian political system. 2023 provides us opportunity to do that. If we miss it, then people who are holding extreme position about Nigeria will be justified. If we are denied our rightful position to preside over Nigeria in 2023, I am sorry to say that Nigeria may no longer exist. That’s about it. You can’t keep pushing people to the extreme and expect them not to react. Dr Nwodo just granted an interview about this same matter. He clearly stated that the elites of eastern part of Nigeria will have sympathy towards Nnamdi Kanu’s struggle if we are denied presidency. Nnamdi Kanu has continued to say that there is no place for us in Nigeria. But we keep telling him to give us a chance in Nigeria. 2023 is the deciding factor. Every southern will reconsider the relationship that brought us together as a country if we don’t take a shot at the presidency. Nigeria’s amalgamation happened without consultation with the Nigerian people. There is urgent need to reintegrate the south easterners into the mainstream political structure of Nigeria in 2023. If this is not done, Nigeria will come to an end. There are prominent south easterners who are being singled out to preside over this nation. We have Peter Obi on our minds because everybody knows that we require a prudent leadership to save Nigeria. Without prudent management of the resources of Nigeria, we are in a mess as a country. Nigeria needs Peter Obi right now because Buhari’s government has battered Nigeria. There is no direction. The economy is comatose. The nepotism style of governance has divided the country. The government agencies are fighting each other. We need Peter Obi who has the experience and knows what to do on arrival. Power must shift to the eastern part of Nigeria and Peter Obi is equal to the task in 2023.

Governor El Rufai has added his voice to this agitation. Do you think he is being sincere or just playing to the gallery?

El Rufai wants power to shift to the south but he did not narrow it down to the south east. He is just re-echoing what they have in their constitution in APC. For them, power should rotate between north and south. We have gone beyond that north and south approach to governance. We have six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. It was discussed during the 1995 Abacha constitutional conference. El Rufai should first of all realize that Nigeria has come of age. Those who were born in 1999 during the birth of this democracy are now adults. The information we have is that El Rufai is part of the northern voices that has continued to fan the embers of division, conflicts and violence. Look at the level of violence in his state. Look at southern Kaduna. I expect El Rufai to be specific and make it clear that power must shift to south eastern Nigeria. He should call a spade, a spade and declare that an Igbo must become president. If an Igbo man says it, it is misunderstood. There is this palpable fear when an igbo man is mentioned. He should stop playing selfish politics. If you look at it clearly, he is positioning himself to become vice president. The rumour is rife that he will be running on a joint ticket with Rotimi Amaechi. El Rufai should be truthful to himself and put Nigeria’s interest first.

Bola Tinubu is also rumoured to be nursing presidential ambition?

All Nigerians are constitutionally qualified to contest for presidency. It is the right of every Nigerian to aspire for leadership but Nigeria is a peculiar nation. We must be deliberate about how we play politics. If the likes of Bola Tinubu who everyone agrees succeeded in building a political structure in south west with which he often negotiates with powers that be, for the interest of Nigeria he should shelve his selfish ambition. The south west has had eight years of presidency. The south west is about to finish eight years of vice presidency. What does Tinubu want? What is this greed for power? Lagos is already in his pocket. Beyond the zoning formula, Tinubu is not a character that I will personally want to have as a president of Nigeria. Tinubu is a greedy man and a kleptomaniac. I sincerely think that his ambition exposes his greed for power and wealth which he already has. Tinubu is a tribalist and will be worse than Buhari as a president. By now, Tinubu is supposed to start shopping for an Igbo president in APC where he is the national leader. Ogbonnaya Onu is a member of APC. Will you say he is not qualified to lead this country? We have enough Igbos in APC that can lead Nigeria. Tinubu should not allow ambition to becloud him from good reasoning. He should learn from MKO Abiola’s experience.

How would you react to the crisis in Edo State?

Tinubu is the national leader of APC. Of course, he is directly involved in what is happening in Edo state. It is all about 2023. How can you disqualify a sitting governor that has served for four years based on allegations of certificate forgery? They just want to grab Edo state by all means. Edo is very important to them but unfortunately Edo State is not Lagos. My only advice to Edo people is that Nigerians are with them. Let the elections not be violent. Choose your leaders by yourselves not by godfathers. Godfatherism was abolished by Adams Oshiomole, Godwin Obaseki is continuing in the vision to kill godfatherism. It does not matter whether the godfather is Adams Oshiomole or Bola Tinubu. Godfatherism should be totally eradicated in Nigeria because it has not paid us. The violence we experience during elections in Nigeria is caused by godfathers. That is the truth.


https://www.inform.ng/post/nigeria-might-experience-implosion-if-igbo-is-denied-presidency-mazi-dickson

Taraba State Governor Darius Ishaku has sacked Alhaji Hassan Mijinyawa, as his Chief Press Secretary.

Mijinyawa was removed on Saturday and replaced with his deputy, Iliya Beckyu.



His removal was said to be a fallout of intrigues that played out at his daughter’s wedding in Jalingo, the State capital, following which he was alleged of abuse of protocol.


Rumbling about his sack said the sacked CPS ran afoul of Gov. Ishaku following his alleged refusal to allow the Fatiha, which took place at his residence to commence as scheduled despite the presence of the Deputy Governor, Alh. Hassan Manu, who represented the governor and other dignitaries including officiating clerics.

Instead, Mijinyawa delayed the programme till the arrival of Minister of Power, Alhaji Saleh Maman, who came in with his entourage 30 minutes behind schedule.

Mijinyawa’s action was said to have infuriated the governor and cost him his job.

https://www.inform.ng/post/governor-ishaku-sacks-aide-over-daughters-wedding

…says Lawmakers held Commission hostage

Okodili Ndidi, Abuja
The Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Prof. Kemebradikumo Daniel Pondei, weekend, listed some of the contracts the Commission was allegedly coerced to pay by the National Assembly before its 2019 annual budget could be harmonized.

He alleged further that some Lawmakers, especially members of adhoc Committees held the Commission hostage over the years with the annual budget approval.




According to him, most of the contracts they were arm-twisted to pay, “were never done or sometimes, never completed.”

Pondei in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Edgar Ebigoni, listed the contracts and benefitting firms to include; Kith Global Ventures Ltd; Remedial Works at New Ogorode Roads Lot 3, at the cost of N493,684,169.00 and paid on the 17/03/2020, 301 Constr. Ltd; Remedial Works at Nja Road to Akoku Uno Lot 1, at the cost of N350,027,919.80 and paid on the 17/03/2020. Cracked Stone Constr. Ltd; Remedial Works at Ajaolubeti Road Environs Lot 2 at the cost of N394,010,952.10 and paid on the 17/03/2020. Collincrystal Energy Ltd; Emergency at Benin Township Road Lot 7, at the cost of N 431,053.035.20 and paid on the 17/03/2020. Collincrystal Energy Ltd; Emergency at Benin Township Road Lot 3, at the cost of N361,357,276.20 and paid on the 17/03/2020 and Grapik Ltd; Emergency at Umudee Internal Road, at the cost of N207,673,107.70 and paid the 17/03/2020.

Others were, Southland Constr. Ltd; Remedial Works at Umuduru Chukwu Umuorlu Road, at the cost of N518,409,089.30 and paid on paid on the17/03/2020. Southland Constr. Ltd; Remedial Works at Umuduru, at the cost of N519,949,949.10 and paid on the 17/03/2020.

Grandfox Global Services Ltd; Emergency at Ope Road Okigwe LGA, at the cost of N580,438,578.00 and paid on the 17/03/2020. Collincrystal Energy Ltd; Emergency at Benin Town Road Lot 6, at the cost of N348,853,184.60 and paid on the 7/03/2020 and Crism Constr. Building Ltd; Emergency at Eziama Osuama International Roads Isiala Mbano LGA, at the cost of N561,592,377.80 and paid on the17/03/2020.

Also paid were, Argento Ltd; Emergency at Benin Township Road Lot 4, at the cost of N382,805,411.60 and paid on the 18/03/2020. Two Rocks Cont. Ltd; Remedial Works at New Ogorode Road Lot 4, N500,875,848.00 and paid on the 18/03/2020. Elkan Zibson Ltd; Emergency Repairs of failed and unmotorable sections of Ezumoha Internal Roads Isiala Mbano LGA, at the cost of N531,150,414.29 and paid on the 19/03/2020. Cracked Stone Constr. Ltd; Remedial works on Failed and Unmotorable sections of Benin Township Road Lot 8, at the cost of N417,806,787.01 and paid on the 19/03/2020. PDH Global Logistics Ltd; Emergency Repairs of Failed and Unmotorable sections of Umuezuo Umuagbavu Road Remedy Failed and unmotorable sections of Chikwe Orlu Street Environment, at the cost of N543,247,587.35 and paid on the 20/03/2020. Aritel Oil and Gas; Remedy Failed and Motorable sections of Chikwe Orlu Street Environment, at the cost of N550,100,132.34 and paid on the 24/03/202.

Dis Concept and Solutions Ltd; Urgently Remedy Failed and Un motorable sections of Jessy and Jenny Road off peter Odily Road PHC, at the cost of N476,794,367.22 and paid on the 26/03/2020. Ogugo Concept and Solutions Ltd; Emergency Repairs of Failed and Unmotorable sections of Environs Yenagoa LGA, at the cost of N300,029,695.14 and paid on the 26/03/2020. Webster Global ventures Ltd; Instruction of emergency Repairs of failed and unmotorable sections Benin Township Road Lot 2 Oredo LGA, at the cost of N357,242,054.35 and paid on the 26/03/2020. Webster Global ventures Ltd; Remedial Works of Failed and unmotorable sections of Akuku Illah Road Oshimili North LGA, at the cost of N 463,489,890.13 and paid on the 26/03/2020 and Webster Global ventures Ltd; Remedial Works of failed and Unmotorable sections of New Ogorode Road Lot2 Sapele LGA, at the cost of N 466,416,380.71 and paid on the 26/03/2020.

He alleged “this blackmail scheme explains why the 2019 Budget of the NDDC was passed by the NASS Committee in March, 2020”, adding that, “we are talking about a budget that was billed to expire in May, 2020. This implication is that the management of the NDDC had only five weeks, to implement the budget of one fiscal year, and present a performance report on the same budget.

“This scheme has continued to play out, because as at this Month of August 2020, the budget of the NDDC for the 2020 fiscal year has not been passed by the Joint National Assembly Committee on NDDC. Sadly, nobody seems to care to ask questions because people are falling for the well-scripted smokescreen playing out in the two Chambers of the National Assembly.”

According to the statement, “this document, is among the many others tendered before the NASS Committee, which never saw the light of the day, and which the NDDC Committee were never allowed to speak on, when they eventually appeared before the Committee, during the public hearing. It was based on this evidential claim that the IMC of NDDC staged a walk-out, on the first day they were to testify before the Committee.

“The details of this list can be verified from the Central Bank of Nigeria, through a Freedom Of Information (FOI) request.

“Indeed, the same allegation informed the reason all well-meaning Nigerians urged the Committee Chairman, Hon. Tunji-Ojo to recuse himself from the Chairmanship of that hearing. This is in keeping with the Nemo judex in causa sua, which is a Latin phrase that upholds the principle of natural justice that no one can judge a case in which they have an interest”.

It continued that, “it is very unfortunate that against all objective appeals and moral persuasions, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, alongside some other accused members of the House Committee on NDDC, proceeded to hold a public hearing, which was initially slated for two days, being the 15th and 16th of July 2020, but which effectively ran till 20th of the month, only for him to decide, at his own pace and time, to recuse himself from the hearing, on the last day, an action which cast a dark shade on the entire public.

“This is because, the same reason for which he recused himself on the last day was enough for him to steer clear from the matter, ab initio. The foregoing points to a clear fact that the Committee set out to do a bidding, that was never in the interest of the public. They obviously needed a public hearing to tell the public what they wanted the public to hear, rather than the facts of the matter.

“The Spokesperson the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, on a National Television Programme, recently, admitted publicly, that Contractors often approached Chairmen of the House Committees and the members, to use their office to compel MDAs to pay them. This definitely should be the new height of the abuse of the oath of office they swore, not to allow their personal interest interfere with the discharge of their official duties.

“Recall that since these allegations were first made by the Acting Executive Director, Projects, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh on National Television, Hon. Olubumni Tunji-Ojo has not deemed it fit to discountenance the allegations by way of a law suit”.

The statement also gave a detailed breakdown of the contracts which the National Assembly allegedly compelled the NDDC Interim Management Committee to pay before the 2019 budget is harmonized.


https://www.inform.ng/post/nddc-lists-projects-that-were-given-under-duress

The former National Auditor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Fatai Adeyanju, is dead.

He died in the early hours of Saturday at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, at the age of 59 years.

The remains of the politician would be buried according to Islamic injunctions at his Asero residence in Abeokuta.

The late Adeyanju, a chartered accountant and a one-time governorship aspirant in Kogi State has been described as a peaceful man.

In a statement issued by the state’s Publicity Secretary of PDP, Sunkanmi Oyejide, the sudden departure of Adeyanju is a great loss to members of the immediate and political families of the deceased.

Oyejide described the deceased as “a gentleman and loyal party man who was committed to the unity and progress of PDP.”

“The late Alhaji Fatai Adeyanju was a complete gentleman and dutiful party leader who was ready to sacrifice anything for the growth of the party. Among other party and political offices, Adeyanju, a Chartered Accountant, served our party as National Auditor to the best of his abilities”.

“He was a peacemaker and a friend of all. This is a great loss to the PDP family. It is so sad that we have lost him. He was always responsive and desirous that things should be done justly and properly.

“Politicians should learn to be simple and not to take the quest for offices as a do-or-die affair.

Adeyanju became the National Auditor of our great party when he least expected it and he stayed faithful to the party till the end.

He will be sorely missed.

“We pray the Almighty Allah to grant members of his immediate family and the Ogun State PDP in general, the courage to bear the irreplaceable loss, and also grant the departed Aljanah Firdaus,” he said.

https://www.inform.ng/post/ex-pdp-chief-adeyanju-is-dead

Former Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko and his enstranged deputy who was impeached before the end of the expiration of his tenure, Mr Alli Olanusi may have reunited over the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

It was gathered at the weekend that Olanusi has concluded arrangements to dump the Unity Forum of the All Progressives Congress (APC) which he leads and resolved to work for the deputy governor, Mr Agboola Ajayi who is likely going to contest under the platform of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) led by Mimiko.

Both Mimiko and Olanusi had since the impeachment of the later been at loggerhead but it was gathered that the two political gladiators met recently and discussed issues relating to the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

Olanusi was impeached and replaced by Alhaji Azees Olubiyo following his (Olanusi) defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC while serving in the PDP administration of Mimiko.

Since his defection to the APC, Olanusi has continued to challenge the leadership of the party and he sponsored opposition against Akeredolu during his election in 2016, just as he repeated similar thing in the recently conducted governorship primary election of the party.

Olanusi who is the leader of the unity forum, a faction within the APC in the state, supported Chief Olusola One during the primary.

However, the eventual emergence of Akeredolu and the resolve of Oke and other governorship aspirants of the party to support Akeredolu may have led to the sudden shift of loyalty to Mimiko and his party, ZLP.

It was gathered that Olanusi’s decision was prompted on his personal hatred for Akeredolu who is the flag bearer of the APC and his resolve to ensure that he leaves office.

Also, it was gathered that the former deputy governor has abandoned the Unity forum and it appears the faction has collapsed.

While Oke and his supporters have decided to support Governor Akeredolu, Olanusi has pitched his tent with Akeredolu’s deputy.

It was gathered that Olanusi and his supporters will soon declare formally their support for Ajayi and announce their defection to the ZLP.


https://www.inform.ng/post/ondo-poll-mimiko-deputy-reunite-for-agboola

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has postponed the State Congress in Cross River State by one week.

The NWC, after due consultations and in exercise of its powers under the PDP constitution, postponed the Cross River State Congress from the earlier scheduled date of Saturday, August 8, 2020 to Saturday, August 15, 2020.

The postponement is sequel to demands of exigencies of party administration.

All critical stakeholders, elders, leaders as well as teeming members and supporters of our great party, particularly in Cross River State, are to be guided accordingly.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary

https://www.inform.ng/post/pdp-nwc-postpones-cross-river-state-congress

August 8, 2020

Press Conference


....Charges IGP To Disregard AGF

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says the directive by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, to the Inspector General of Police to provide security for certain individuals parading themselves as members-elect of the Edo state House of Assembly, is a thoughtless unconstitutionality, and to that effect, null and void.

The party said nothing in sections 90, 91, 101 and 104 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) cited by the Attorney General, empowers him to go to the streets of any part of our nation to assemble some clowns and declare them members-elect of any House of Assembly, without any electoral mandate.

Perhaps, the Attorney General should be made aware that the said individuals have been absent for 180 days during which they abandoned their mandate and for which their seats were declared vacant in line with the rules of the legislature and the laws of the federation.

It is trite in law that with their seats declared vacant by the House, they have consequently lost their memberships and respective mandates.

Furthermore, the Attorney General ought to have availed himself of the facts that the Edo State House of Assembly, as constitutionally constituted, had written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) asking it to conduct fresh elections into the vacant seats in line with the provisions of our constitution and the Electoral Act.

If the AGF had bothered to get his facts correctly before issuing the unconstitutional warrant for the gestapo operation to the IGP, he would have known that the matter of the declaration of the seats of the errant individuals and the request for the conduct of fresh elections to fill the vacant seats are pending in competent Court in Edo State at the instance of his “clients” and therefore it is sub-justice for him to speak on it or cause an action to be taken.

Yet, Malami is painfully our nation’s federal law officer.

However, we may have to remind the AGF, to go back to the Constitution and recheck if any sections warrant him to take any action whatsoever which compromise, derogate or infringe the powers donated to any Court in Nigeria apart from the powers of nolle pro seque of his office.

Our party holds that there is no part of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which enabled him to do so.

The PDP wants to make it abundantly clear to Malami and his All Progressives Congress (APC) that he does not possess the powers of a competent court and as such, cannot, by any stroke of imagination, make any judicial declaration whatsoever on a matter that is before a court of competent jurisdiction.

Furthermore, our party insists that there is no provision in section 90, 91, 101 and 104 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) or any other provision of the constitution for that matter, empowers him to do so.

What Nigerians expected of the AGF was for him to advise his “clients” to wait for the ruling of the court and, perhaps, prepare for their bye-elections, if they still wish to be in the Edo State House of Assembly.

The PDP, and indeed, all well-meaning Nigerians, particularly the people of Edo state, completely reject this thoughtless and partisan directive of the AGF which is directly responsible for Thursday’s attempt to topple democratic order and the Edo state House of Assembly.

It is rather unfortunate for the AGF to ask the IGP to provide security for impostors.

That directive, in itself, is reckless.

Nigerians can now see those who provided the arsenal for the failed coup against democratic order in Edo state as well as those engineering a breakdown of law and order in the state.

The PDP urges Nigerians to hold the Attorney General, Malami, responsible should there be any violence before, during and after the Edo state governorship election arising from the contents of his ill-advised letter.

Our party therefore charges the Inspector General of Police to disregard this misguided partisan directive by the Attorney General as well as ensure that the Police is not entangled in such a partisan agenda against the people of Edo state.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary

https://www.inform.ng/post/malamis-security-directive-on-edo-house-of-assembly-a-nullity-pdp

One of the protesters arrested in Abuja on Wednesday during the #RevolutionNow protest said the security operatives wanted them to make a false statement that they were paid for joining the protest.

The female protester, who pleaded not to be mentioned, told SaharaReporters on Thursday that the officers who arrested her asked her to mention the name of their sponsors and how much they were paid.





She said the officer brought out a recorder and asked her to speak up with a promise that she would regain her freedom.

She said, "When they brought us to the Eagle Square after they arrested us from Unity Fountain, two of the officers in black suit called me aside and asked to know our sponsors. They demanded that I should give them a name and how much they paid us.

"They said since I am a fine girl, I should not panic. They promised to release me and give me my mobile phones and that I would become their friend if I could mention the name of the mobilisers.

"I told them that we were not paid a kobo and that we joined the protest because nothing is working in the country. I said we were tired of the corruption in the country. "

No fewer than 40 protesters were arrested and brutalised by a combined team of security operatives at the Unity Fountain and Berger roundabouts during the peaceful protest.


https://www.inform.ng/post/revolutionnow-police-asked-me-to-indict-sowore

Four persons, including a pregnant woman, have been killed in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital.

The incident happened when the gunmen attacked a new generation church, Lion of Judah Fire Deliverance Ministry, off Bakery Road.




While two were killed in the church building, including the pregnant woman, two persons – a couple- were killed in their house.

Details shortly…

https://www.inform.ng/post/gunmen-kill-pregnant-woman-married-couple-in-bayelsa-church

Re: Open letter to Dr Olusegun Mimiko

Dear Egbon Richard Akinnola,

I just read your open letter to Dr Mimiko wherein you freely expressed your slanted opinion of who you think he was and what you wish for him. As someone I have always admired from afar, I must confess, I was let down by your assumptions, inferences and juxtapositions. Did I overrate you? Maybe�

Please permit me to walk you through my thoughts...

It's fine that you are supporting Eyitayo Jegede but I was wondering how that has beclouded your sense of judgement of what Mimiko truly stands for. The man who brought same Eyitayo to limelight against all odds, but that will amount to nothing if we must follow your line of thought here.

I'm an incurable optimist in Nigeria's future but with supposed intellectuals like you, who pride instant gratification over purposeful leadership, mediocrity over brilliance, I doubt if there is any hope.

It's insulting for anyone to equate Mimiko with some powermongers. It's like putting Chimamanda and Hushpuppi in the same sentence. How can you define a man's political achievements by the number of elections he won or lost, how? Chief Obafemi Awolowo is being celebrated all over the world today not because of the number of elections he won or lost but the footprints he left on the sands of time.

If Tinubu is your benchmark for political accomplishments, then congratulations o�

_Ti a ba nsun kun, a maa ri ran_. It baffles me how you suddenly became unaware of Mimiko's stellar performance as Governor of Ondo state. His pro-people and pro-poor policies, projects and programmes are what the international community now call 'enduring legacies' The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Washington DC and the Chatham House London, are well referenced here.

Mimiko is the second Nigerian to have been awarded the United Nations Habitat Scroll of honour for his drive to reduce urban poverty and *make Ondo the best run state in the country*


Need I say more? Mimiko is not your run off the mill politician. He served the people of Ondo state sacrificially, left government with almost nothing and sits back in Ondo city mentoring young and aspiring leaders. He didn't acquire wealth for himself in over 30yrs he spent in the public service. Not even a house in Akure or overseas, not a single foreign account, no retinue of security details. He drives himself around town without police escort and you said this man hasn't done well? Ha, broda Richard, _wo shika!_ - you are wicked.


I challenge you to mention any of your role models who can visit markets and other public places 3yrs after leaving office without heavy security around them. I guess, there is none.

Did Mimiko make anyone?

Yes, Mimiko inspires and mentors sensible people in my generation not by the amount of money he puts in our bank accounts but what he represents - *We are his protégés but I can make available to you a list of those he made financially and later deserted him - those are the vultures.* Mimiko remains our icon and hero anytime anyday. We are grateful to him for laying the foundation for a new Ondo state and benchmarking developments for the continent of Africa. The mother and child hospitals in Kenya are a testament to this.

He has raised the bar so high in governance, making it impossible for anyone to undo his legacies without incurring the wrath of the masses. This is Mimiko - the politician - we want to celebrate.

Is anyone listening?

John Paul Akinduro writes from Lemikan ward Odode-Idanre


https://www.inform.ng/post/ondo-mimiko-is-politically-superior-to-tinubu-supporter-writes-jegede-fan

Prince Uche Secondus,
National Chairman,
PDP.
HQs Office, Abuja.

Dear Sir,

DANGEROUS TREND OF EVENTS USING YOUR NAME IN NIGER PDP

Our Previous Correspondence refer:

You will recall that all preparation for the State congresses have been completed and sale of Forms from Ward to the State levels closed; as a matter of fact, Congress into the Ward Executive positions have been concluded when COVID-19 pandemic surfaced bringing an abrupt stoppage to the LGA and State Congresses.

More than four months after all the processes have been concluded and dates for the congresses fixed, just Seven days away, some persons are brandishing newly obtained Forms to contest Party offices during the congress. We are not aware the Party reopened the sale of Forms; and whatever Forms that are been brandished by some persons, in our humble view appears to be criminally and illegally obtained, as we are of the firm believe that the PDP National Secretariat has not conceded to the sales of new Forms. As a matter of fact, its alleged that you as the National Chairman released the Forms to them. While the assertions may be mere name dropping to authenticate the planned mischief by a handful, we view same as a calculated attempt to foist a minority view over the majority which your office must not overlook or sleep over to the deteriment of the Party on its way up again. We are aware that the NWC/NEC has not authorised re-sale of Forms or sanctioned adjustment on the timetable released.

The National Chairman sir, kindly note that failure to take desicive action is a pathway to crisis and a sure way to disintegrate the Party in Niger State.

2) Another dangerous trend is that a few members like, Hon. Sani Idris (your aid), Hon. Mukhtar Ahmed, Hon Baba Shehu Agaie and a few co-travellers against the wish of the majority Stakeholders are beating their chests and brandishing your name as having given them the go ahead to make the State congresses in Niger inconclusive, to allow for the congress materials to be ferried to Abuja so as to declare Hon Muktar Ahmed the winner in your office. This in our view, is at best a sad commentary and at worst Criminal.

3) As though that is not enough, Major Stakeholders from Niger State wrote to you on the 7th of May, 2020, communicating the unanimous decision of all Stakeholders on the formation of the Caretaker Committee, you neither acknowledged nor acted upon the letter. In the same vein, another letter dated 7th July 2020. Seeking audience with you, weeks after, you neither acknowledged nor gave such audience, refusal to acknowledge nor act upon the two communications give credence to speculations that you are planning a hatchet job on PDP Niger State Chapter

4) Mr. Chairman Sir, the PDP is on it's way back to the path of success. Its on record that those who did not labour for the Party are among the biggest beneficiaries of the PDP; and the advantages gained from the Party are used against her fortunes continuously. They are sabotaging all efforts to revamp PDP in the State, and the National office is hereby called upon to wake up and do the needful.

5) We are not asking for any special or undue privilege, we are only saying the laws and rules are clear, they should be followed and your name that is being dropped all over the place in support of such mischief should be checkmated not to be used to sabotage the PDP in Niger State.

6) From 2016, We have worked tirelessly to rebuild the Party culminating in the formation of a Legal Team that saved the party litigation cost, Media Team that saved cost and taken back the Party to the people that have won her several seats at Local Government Elections that is usually a walkover for the Party in power.

7) Lastly the PDP is now the Party of choice of Nigerlites but some agents are bent on holding it down for selfish interests in pursuit of personal goals and agenda using your name. Rather than fold our arms, we'll vehemently resist any manipulative and destructive tendencies aimed at the Party.

We thank you while calling on you and your team to do the needful to save the soul of PDP in Niger State.
God bless PDP, God bless Nigeria

Signed:

1) H.E. Senator Zaynab A. Kure CON
Former first lady, former Senator, Leader Niger South Senatorial District.

2) H.E. Dr. Shem Zagbayi Nuhu OFR
Former Deputy Governor, Leader Niger East Senatorial District

3) Alhaji Abubakar A. Tanko
Former Minister/ BOT member, Leader Niger North Senatorial District

For and on behalf all stakeholders of Niger State People's Democratic Party.

https://www.inform.ng/post/wake-up-mr-chairman-niger-state-pdp-stakeholders-write-secondus

The ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has said it was now ready to receive back into its fold prominent politicians who left the party for one reason or another.

The ruling party invited the politicians such as former vice president Atiku Abubakar, Governor Aminu Tambuwal, former senate president Bukola Saraki and Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state who joined the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and other parties ahead of the 2019 election.




This was after Senator Barnabas Gemade of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, again decamped to the APC at the weekend.

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, had earlier returned to the ruling party.

APC, in a statement by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary Yekini Nabena, said it was ready to welcome members who wished to return to its fold.

“We assure all true progressives who left the party over whatever grievance to return and join ongoing efforts to reposition the APC and further achieve our pro-people plans for the country,” the party said.


https://www.inform.ng/post/apc-invites-atiku-saraki-tambuwal-to-return-to-party

A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal on Sunday said the actions and utterances of Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna state has further worsened the crisis in Southern Kaduna, adding that the governor is not sympathetic to the issues in the area.

Speaking in an interview with Daily Independent, Lawal who condemned the marginalization of Christians in Kaduna and other parts of the North gave credit to a former governor of the state, Ahmed Makarfi whom according to him handled the crisis well during his tenure because he saw the issue from an ethnic and not religious point of view.

“Initially, I think from 1980, most of the problems of Southern Kaduna are ethnic. When Ahmed Makarfi became governor, he understood that most of the issues were ethnic than religious and he was able to address it. Roads were being constructed equally in all parts of the state; traditional institutions were strengthened in all parts of the state. Everybody was getting his fair share of the resources that the state has and the matter didn’t get out of hand”.

“The problem I see in Kaduna is that the state government led by Governor Nasir El-Rufai is not sensitive to the issues. Their utterances simply indicate that they are not sympathetic to the issues. Like I saw a write-up by Shehu Sani today, he said when it happened in Zamfara, government calls it banditry and they sympathized with the affected communities but when it happens in Southern Kaduna, government starts to explain what is happening, rather than calling a spade exactly what it is and sympathising with the people”

“So, it depends on how the government handles the issue at all levels; from the federal to the state to local government and ward levels. I remember when the banditry started in Sokoto and they overran a village, the state governor with all his cabinets went there to sympathise with the victims. They went with blankets, food items and other basic things. In some states, they don’t do that; rather than do that, they will even insult the communities that are the victims.

“That is what is happening. Incompetent governors and rulers in the North are responsible. The North is full of incompetent rulers. All they want is to ride in convoys and people are hailing and waving at them. When they come home, people sit on the mats while they are the only ones sitting on a chair because they are governors.

” They see themselves as Deputy Jesus. They are not interested in serving the people, all they care about is ruling”.
Babachir who also faulted exclusion of Christians from key political positions in Kaduna state despite their population said the issue may boomerang as future generations may not accept it.

“Why should Kaduna end up with Muslim governor and Muslim deputy governor? The Speaker is Muslim as well as the Deputy Speaker. Two cabinet ministers are also Muslims. There are about six or seven local governments in Kaduna that are predominantly Christians”.

“Nigeria must look at these issues because the day it will explode, it will surprise everybody. While elders like us are willing to tolerate these things because of peace and harmony, our children may not be able to do so because they can’t accept to be northerners only during election periods and suffer neglect when positions are shared”.

https://www.inform.ng/post/insecurity-babachir-lawal-blasts-elrufai-northern-leaders

The lawmaker representing Akoko-Edo II constituency, Hon Emmanuel Agbaje has pledged his support for the election of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the September 19th governorship election citing his inability to meet his political obligations to his constituents under the present administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki.

He is the second lawmaker out of the ten that have been sitting since the controversial inauguration of the house in July last year to publicly declare their support for Ize-Iyamu.




Addressing his supporters in Igarra over the weekend, Agbaje said the current system as being operated is strangulating them as lawmakers.

He said: “The only time I can remember that I was a true house of assembly member was the first one year and five months and that was when Comrade Adams Oshiomhole was governor.

“In that one year and five months Adams Oshiomhole approved our constituency projects: I cited one in Ward One, I cited a second one in ward 8 Enwan Mixed Grammar school, I cited one in Ososo Secondary school, they are all there uncompleted.

“Oshiomhole mobilised the contractors with 50 per cent of the value of the contracts and that is where the job has stopped till today.

“Since then, for the past four years we have been begging for those jobs to be completed even when we have not got new ones, is that fair?

“Today, I am pained because I have wasted years in the house of assembly without being able to deliver on my campaign promises to my constituents, without being able to meet the slightest of the projections we promised our people because we have a system that doesn’t care about anybody.

“Here we have an opportunity and this opportunity is very simple, it is either we want to continue like this but me I don’t want to end my eight years like this.

“The opportunity is that we get a change, a new system that will now bring out better governance that will benefit all of us so the choice is for our people and I know that we are not foolish.

“They say they did roads in Akoko-Edo, the World Bank did roads for us. We are happy even though the standard of those roads are nothing to write home about because they are almost all being washed away.

“I want to appeal to all of us, I will not stick my neck into projecting this same system that has tied everybody’s hand.”


https://www.inform.ng/post/edo-another-pro-obaseki-lawmaker-switches-loyalty-to-ize-iyamu

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a commercial driver, Habeeb Quadri, for allegedly assaulting a passenger, Emmanuel James, in the Surulere area of the state, resulting in his death.




Quadri was arrested by the Bode Thomas Police Division on Thursday with eyewitnesses claiming that the driver hit James in the chest over an issue bordering on money during which the deceased slumped. The scuffle occurred at the Bode Thomas Junction.

Our correspondent was told that the incident caused confusion at the junction as other passengers and passersby tried to revive James to no avail.

They reportedly thereafter prevented Quadri from escaping from the scene.

A police source narrated that the deceased’s son reported the matter at the station, after James was rushed to the hospital but confirmed dead by a doctor.

The source said, “It is a murder case and we are investigating it. On July 20, about 9am, the passenger’s son, who identified himself as Emmanuel Kayode, came to the station.

“He and his father lived on Olatunde Onimole Street, Aguda in the Surulere area. He reported that his father was assaulted by a commercial driver named Habeeb Quadri at the Bode Thomas Junction. The man was thereafter rushed to the hospital after he collapsed immediately.

“The son stated further that the hospital rejected him and based on the man’s critical condition, he was taken back home for treatment. Along the line, he gave up the ghost. We have taken the statement of the complainant. The scene of the incident was also visited. The suspect has been arrested.”

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bala Elkana, confirmed Quadri’s arrest, adding that the matter had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba, for further investigation.

He said, “The case is presently with the SCIID. Investigation is ongoing and the suspect will soon be charged.”


https://www.inform.ng/post/driver-arrested-for-beating-passenger-to-death