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Nairaland / General / Dependant Ban: Nigerian Students Dump UK, Visa Issuance Down By 76% by treasure2: 12:57pm On Jan 02
Dependant ban: Nigerian students dump UK, visa issuance down by 76%

WALE ELEGBEDE

A steep decline in the figure of study visas issued by the United Kingdom to Nigerians and other international students for the January 2024 intake has raised concerns about how British universities would grapple with declining admissions and revenues from foreign students, following the implementation of the dependant visa ban policy.

The latest data from Enroly Data Insights representing a cross-section of UK universities and based on 58,000 students, highlighted a substantial downturn in key metrics including deposit payments, and confirmation of acceptance for studies, among others for the January 2024 enrolment.

In contrast to January 2023 figures, deposit payments, a critical indicator, have plummeted ahead of the January 2024 enrolment by 52 per cent, Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) issuance by 64 per cent, and visa issuance has seen even more drastic decline by 71 per cent.

https://www.thestar.ng/dependant-ban-nigerian-students-dump-uk-visa-issuance-down-by-76/

Nairaland / General / UK Govt Plans Longer Working Hours For Nigerian Students, Others by treasure2: 11:03am On Jan 27, 2023
UK govt plans longer working hours for Nigerian students, others

Wale Elegbede

United Kingdom Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, is considering plans to allow students from Nigeria and other countries who come to British universities from overseas to do more paid work around their studies, with more hours and a wider range of jobs on offer.

The Times reported that the government is hoping to use British and overseas students to deal with shortages in areas such as hospitality and retail.

Currently, Nigerian students and other overseas students in the UK numbering 680,000 are limited to 20 hours of paid work a week during term time, a limit designed to prevent student visas from being used as backdoor routes to jobs in this country.

But discussions have begun within the government about either raising this cap to 30 hours or removing it entirely.

However, the idea, which is primarily aimed at tackling a surge in job vacancies of over 1.3 million empty posts at present, may run into opposition from Home Secretary Suella Braverman.

https://www.thestar.ng/uk-govt-plans-longer-working-hours-for-nigerian-students-others/

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Politics / Obaseki: I And Oshiomhole Are No Longer Friends by treasure2: 9:32am On Dec 28, 2022
Obaseki: I and Oshiomhole are no longer friends

Wale Elegbede

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that he has parted ways with his predecessor in office, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, stating that the former governor gave a false impression of his personality to him.

Speaking exclusively with THISDAY newspaper on Wednesday, the Edo governor, who is in his sixth year in office, also said he has not had the opportunity to speak with his Rivers State counterpart, Nyesom Wike, since their public spat in March 2022, over the affairs of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State.

This is as he said that the PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar remains the best among the men seeking to Nigeria’s presidency in next year’s election that have the capacity to transform the country.

The Star reports that Oshiomhole and Obaseki, who were once political allies and friends before 2016, became implacable foes after Obaseki assumed office on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The drift between both men degenerated to the extent that Oshiomhole, as a sitting national chairman of APC, was suspended by his local ward in Edo State, while the governor also got disqualified from the APC governorship primary for his second term bid.

But speaking on his current relationship with his predecessor, Obaseki said he is not at war with Oshiomhole, but he can’t relate with people that have dual characters.

https://www.thestar.ng/obaseki-i-and-oshiomhole-are-no-longer-friends/

Nairaland / General / Nollywood Loses Another Popular Actor by treasure2: 1:47pm On Dec 27, 2022
Nollywood loses another popular actor

By Wale Elegbede

Popular Yoruba actor,Kamal Adebayo a.k.a Sir Kay-Kamoru, is dead.
Adebayo, who is noted for playing the “Bad Boy” role in home videos, was said to have died on Tuesday.
The late thespian is the father of popular comedian and social mediad skit maker, Adebayo Ismaili, also known as ”Isbae U”.
Announcing the demise of the actor, the Chairman of the Lagos Parks and Garages, Alhaji Musiliu Akinsaya, MC Oluomo, prayed that God grants the actor who was his ally eternal peace.

https://www.thestar.ng/nollywood-loses-another-popular-actor/

Travel / Re: Uk Student Visa/tier 4 Pbs - Your Questions Answered Part 7 by treasure2: 1:56pm On Apr 20, 2022
So, what else would you have added if you are now an expert ...lol? You succinctly captured it. Weldone.
efosakelly:

Edwosa, Let me give you an idea of what BRP is so that you can Move on. I am not an expert sha.
So when your visa is approved, you Qualify for a residence permit to stay in the UK during the duration of your course and a little extra, But this permit is not given to you until you arrive in the UK... But you will be given a Visa, that i also hear them call a vignette, to enter the UK, this visa will be valid for a short period. that is the one that will be on your passport. so when you arrive, you can now enroll and Pick up your BRP , Hope it is not the Biometric that is confusing you, It is just a residence permit that has been prepared by the biometric information you summited at the VAC. Biometric information means (Finger print and face capture.)
If i do mistake, make una correct me, those of una wey don collect VISA and enter UK.
Politics / Tinubu V Osinbajo: 3 S’west Govs In Dilemma As Yoruba Elders Mull Intervention by treasure2: 8:24am On Apr 12, 2022
Tinubu V Osinbajo: 3 S’West Govs In Dilemma As Yoruba Elders Mull Intervention

April 12, 2022 Author Wale Elegbede and Anayo Ezegwu

Yesterday’s formal declaration by Vice- President Yemi Osinbajo to succeed his principal, President Muhammadu Buhari, has put three state governors in the South-West in a tight spot, New Telegraph has learnt.

According to reliable sources within the party in the zone, the VP’s decision to throw his hat into the presidential ring, has unsettled the three governors who would have to decide who to pitch their tents with.

Prof. Osinbajo’s declaration came exactly three months after his former principal, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, informed President Buhari of his interest to succeed him.

In a short broadcast shared via his Twitter handle after months of intense speculations, Osinbajo said he wants to build on Buhari’s legacies. The VP served in the cabinet of Tinubu in Lagos State between 1999 and 2007.

The governors identified among the APC five in the zone are: Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, and Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State.

According to the sources, two of the South-West governors will not make or show public support for either of the two aspirants until after the primaries, going by political and personal relationships.

He said: “Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State already has a major decision on his hands with this declaration. First, Osinbajo is from his state and the VP was highly influential in his emergence in the heated battle for the APC ticket in 2019. That deserves a payback at any point.

https://www.newtelegraphng.com/tinubu-v-osinbajo-3-swest-govs-in-dilemma-as-yoruba-elders-mull-intervention/

Travel / Re: Uk Student Visa/tier 4 Pbs - Your Questions Answered Part 7 by treasure2: 4:30pm On Mar 17, 2022
Ignore the 5500, you are to pay 2000 deposit for Northumbria University

segunibk:
Please anyone here studying in Northumbria university here I need help, I got an offer whc state I sud pay 2000 deposit but reading there terms and conditions na 5500 dey there whc1 am to follow

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Politics / APC Convention: Fresh Crisis Brews As Power Blocs Plot To Sack Buni Exco by treasure2: 8:08am On Mar 01, 2022
APC Convention: Fresh Crisis Brews As Power Blocs Plot To Sack Buni Exco


March 1, 2022 Wale Elegbede


A fresh plot to disband the Governor Mai Mala Buniled Caretaker/ Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) before the party’s national convention is in the offing, New Telegraph can report.

It was learnt that the plot to remove the Buni-led committee from the affairs of the ruling party was orchestrated by two former governors and some other key players in the presidency.

Some sitting governors and senators are also said to be surreptitiously involved in the plot, which may see the emergence of a new committee to preside on the March 26 National Convention which is expected to produce the substantive executive of the party.

This is as the party, in a statement yesterday by its Assistant Director of Publicity, Edegbe Odemwingie, announced that the earlier released list of sub-committees for the March 26 convention should be disregarded as an updated approved one would be released in due course.

There has been growing anxiety in the ruling party over the repeated extension of the tenure of the CECPC; the postponement of the party’s scheduled February 26 National Convention and lately, the intrigues and politics of the party’s presidential ticket.

A top source within the party told New Telegraph that the move to remove the Buni-led CECPC already has the blessing of President Muhammadu Buhari and the dissolution of the interim committee may be announced this week.

“The shenanigan the committee has been exposed and the feedback of interest ahead of the 2023 elections has gotten to Mr. President, and we expect the announcement this week, latest.

"However, it is not clear whether the date for the National Convention would be tampered with again since it has already been communicated to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). But the push and cry to have another committee, which would be fair to all interests, appears to have yielded results,” he said.

While alleging plans by the CECPC leadership to foist consensus arrangement on the party ahead of the convention, the source said some members of the committee and their collaborators are also trying to work towards an answer for the APC presidential candidate in 2023.

Buni, Yobe governor and a former National Secretary of the party took over the helm of affairs of the APC after the dissolution of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) in June 2020.
Since then, the APC has not had a substantive NWC.

In a correspondence dated February 21, 2022 and addressed to INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, and jointly signed by the CECPC Chairman, Mai Mala Buni, and Secretary, Senator John Akpanudoedehe, the committee said its zonal congresses would be conducted on March 26. Akpanudoedehe told journalists later that the zonal congresses would now hold in between the National Convention.

https://www.newtelegraphng.com/apc-convention-fresh-crisis-brews-as-power-blocs-plot-to-sack-buni-exco/

Nairaland / General / Breaking: UK Empties Travel Red List, Removes Nigeria, 10 Others From Wednesday by treasure2: 3:43pm On Dec 14, 2021
Breaking: UK empties travel Red List, removes Nigeria, 10 others from Wednesday

All 11 countries on England’s coronavirus travel red list will be removed from 4am on Wednesday, the government has announced.
Nations including Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe were added to the list last month after the Omicron variant was detected there.

The announcement on the red list was made by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps this afternoon on his verified Twtter page.
But it has since emerged the variant is already being transmitted widely within the UK.
The UK Health Security Agency modelled that more than 200,000 people may have been infected with the variant in the UK yesterday alone.
ll 11 countries on England’s coronavirus travel red list will be removed from 4am on Wednesday, the government has announced.
Nations including Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe were added to the list last month after the Omicron variant was detected there.
But it has since emerged the variant is already being transmitted widely within the UK.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10308451/International-travel-red-list-scrapped-TODAY.html
Nairaland / General / Pastor Taiwo Odukoya: My Wife Got Best Treatment, Prayers by treasure2: 9:13am On Nov 15, 2021
Pastor Taiwo Odukoya: My Wife Got Best Treatment, Prayers

Wale Elegbede

The senior pastor of Fountain of Life Church, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, has recounted the battle his late wife, Nomthi, fought for two years with cancer before succumbing to death last Tuesday

Odukoya, who appeared for the first time in public after the sad death of his second wife, told the congregation in his church that the late mother of two got the best of treatment from the best health facilities in the world.

Pastor Odukoya’s wife, Nomthi, died on Tuesday after a two-year battle with cancer.

On Friday, the church announced that the funeral events would be held on the 29th and 30th of November, 2021.

Expressing thanksgiving to God through worship, Pastor Odukoya said despite being upset by the occurrence of certain events, he has the peace of God over the departure of his wife.

He said: “Last year’s Mother’s Day, she was receiving treatment in the UK, she preached from a very difficult position.

"She started receiving treatment January last year. Was it an attack? Everything that the Lord didn’t put on you is an attack of the devil. Yes, it was an attack.

“But did the devil win? No, he didn’t. I don’t understand the mystery myself. Did the devil win when Judas betrayed and sold Jesus? So, the devil cannot win over us, it is the counsel of God that will come to pass.

“She fulfilled her time. We walked the journey all through together, even when she was abroad. You know we are five hours ahead of them, we call and chat together.





https://www.newtelegraphng.com/pastor-taiwo-odukoya-my-wife-got-best-treatment-prayers/

Politics / Mimiko: The Man That Switches Parties At Will by treasure2: 3:54pm On Nov 03, 2021
Mimiko: The man that switches parties at will

If there is a medal for any Nigerian politician with a penchant for criss-crossing political parties the most, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko will be the ultimate winner in flying colours.

Between 1999 and today, the former governor of Ondo State has changed political parties like a bride changes clothes to delight her newly betrothed.

For a count, he has moved in and out of seven political parties at different times within a period of 21 years.

Popularly called ‘Iroko’ because of his political sophistication, grassroots popularity and charisma, Mimiko, a medical doctor, came into the limelight in 1999 when he was appointed Commissioner for Health in the Chief Adebayo Adefarati-led Alliance for Democracy (AD) government.

However, his first public appointment was in 1992 when he was appointed Commissioner for Health and Social Services in Ondo State. But the appointment lasted less than one year as the administration’s life was cut short by a military coup that terminated the Third Republic.

His journey of defection started on November 7, 2002, when he resigned from the Adefarati-led government to push for his gubernatorial ambition. But when it was evident that he had no space in the Alliance for Democracy’s roll call of governorship hopeful, he moved to the then ruling party at the centre, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Swiftly, he joined ranks with the late Dr. Olusegun Agagu, the Ondo State governorship candidate of PDP, to unseat his former boss and party, the AD, from the Alagbaka Government House. Upon the ascension of power by PDP in the state, he was offered the position of Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

https://www.thestar.ng/mimiko-the-man-that-switches-parties-at-will/

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Politics / EXCLUSIVE: APC Concedes 2023 Presidential Ticket To South by treasure2: 1:21pm On Oct 26, 2021
EXCLUSIVE: APC concedes 2023 presidential ticket to South

Niyi Salau


Major stakeholders in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have thrown their weight behind power shift to the South after the expiration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure in 2023.

The quest for power shift has been a major contention between the North and the South in the recent time.

Although the decision to concede the presidential ticket of the APC to the South has not been officially announced for strategic reason, The Star has exclusively gathered that consensus has been finally reached among the key stakeholders, especially governors, that special consideration should be given to aspiring candidates from the South in order to ensure equity and fair play.

However, while APC has ultimately laid the matter to rest for now, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is still dilly-dallying on the final decision to either respect or jettison the zoning arrangement contained in its constitution.

https://www.thestar.ng/exclusive-apc-concedes-2023-presidential-ticket-to-south/

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Politics / Bode George And I Undergo Surgeries In Germany Within 24 Hours – Roli by treasure2: 12:10pm On Oct 08, 2021
Bode George and I undergo surgeries in Germany within 24 hours – Roli

Ademola Bankole

Former Director-General of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mrs. Roli Bode-George, has narrated how she and her husband, Chief Olabode George, underwent surgeries within 24 hours in Germany.

She said the leg surgery her husband, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), underwent, was done for six hours.

Speaking in Lagos, George said the pain her husband suffered before the surgery was severe and he had to resort to a walking stick.

She said: “My husband was having pains and, anytime he wakes up in the morning, he will scream of the pain and everyone will have to wake up. It was that bad. It was as if the enemy was after him. Moreso, some people will say this person has died and that other person has passed on, but God sustained him.

“It looked almost impossible when we got to where we were going abroad, but God came through for us.”

According to her, she was the one billed for operation, but her husband’s state of health warranted emergency surgery, hence, the 24-hour difference in both of them going under knives.

“We went and, on the day we were supposed to do the operation, for some reasons, they said we won’t be able to do it. That was the first obstacle. But I kept praying to God and telling him that he has promised to save us.

“Two of us had operations, I had surgery on a Thursday, which was what we normally wanted to do before. There was nothing wrong with my husband when we got there. When this problem started, it now became two people looking for surgery. When I did mine on Thursday, they said they can’t do his until one week after, but I trusted God. Supernaturally, they did his on Friday and everything went well. By the second day, he was up on his feet as if nothing happened after the six hours operation.

“You can notice he doesn’t walk with his walking stick anymore. I don’t normally come for political meeting, but I came to share my testimony and return the glory to God,” she said.

The Star Nigeria Newspaper reports that Bode George recently declined interest in vying for the PDP National Chairman seat at the forthcoming convention of the party.

https://www.thestar.ng/bode-george-and-i-undergo-surgeries-in-germany-within-24-hours-roli/

Politics / Tinubu’s London House: The New Mecca For Politicians (Pictures) by treasure2: 12:45pm On Sep 06, 2021
New Mecca: 23 politicians visit Tinubu's London home in 30 days

WALE ELEGBEDE reports on the recent visits by a section of Nigeria’s political leaders to the London, United Kingdom’s home of former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, which has turned the residence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader to a Mecca of some sort

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, is a private citizen as he is not presently holding any public office. But his Duchess Mews, Portland Place, Central London home is fast turning to a destination choice for a section of politicians in Africa’s most populous nation. Of course, the reason for this is not farfetched.

The former Lagos State governor, who is one of Nigeria’s greatest political figures of the Fourth Republic, is currently staying in the UK over the past few months and like an elephant, there couldn’t have been a hiding place for him from his associates and non-associates alike.

Although Tinubu had on several occasions received and entertained visitors in his UK home, his current vacation, and stay in the house has been a subject of debate back home as issues have been raised over his health status.

Fondly called the Jagaban, the APC stalwart is one of the most talked-about Nigerians alive. Even before tones of voice about his yet-to- be-announced 2023 presidential aspiration started renting the air, his acute strategic sense in politics and governance is one of the many standouts for him.

Since 2007 that he ended his second term as Lagos governor, Tinubu has not held an official position in government, but his influence national politics has grown. His style has always been to encourage the younger generation in politics and the likes Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, among others, owe their political success to him.

https://www.newtelegraphng.com/tinubus-london-house-the-new-mecca-for-politicians/

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Politics / NSITF:Buhari Sacks Tinubu Ally, Kemi Nelson, Three Others Over N181m Illegal Pay by treasure2: 1:46am On Jun 01, 2021
**President orders minister to drag ex-APC women leader, others to EFCC, if…

President Muhammadu Buhari has sacked the embattled Managing Director of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF, Mr Bayo Somefun, three executive directors and other management staff. This is just as he approved the appointment of Dr Michael Akabogu as the new Managing Director of the Fund.

In a statement issued on Monday morning by the Deputy Director/Head, Press and Public Relations of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Charles Akpan, the President also ordered that Somefun and his sacked Executive Directors are to refund to the treasury of the Fund a total of N181, 056 million being alleged illegal over payments in salaries and allowances.

An ally of the former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and a former Zonal Women Leader in the South-West, Chief Kemi Nelson, is one of the Fund’s executive director’s relieved of their positions and asked to make refunds to the NSITF coffers.

The illegal allowances were for overseas travels, leave allowances for self and spouses in overseas, house allowance, DSTV and club registration and extraneous allowances not approved by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).

The 65-year-old Nelson was inaugurated as ED Operations of the Fund in 2019.

She was born in Lagos and attended School of Nursing in the University College Hospital Ibadan where she qualified as a registered Nurse and Midwife.

She got an MBA in Financial Management and a Diploma in Law from the Lagos State University Ojo.

She was the senatorial candidate for the Lagos West Senatorial district in 1992 and was defeated at the polls by Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In 1999, she joined Alliance for Democracy (AD) and from 1999 to 2003, she served as the Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation during the tenure of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and has served as the Women Leader of Lagos State Chapter of The All Progressives Congress (APC) and was later made the South West Women Leader of APC.


https://ireportcorruption.com/2021/06/01/nsitf-buhari-sacks-tinubu-ally-kemi-nelson-three-others-over-n181m-illegal-payments/

Politics / 2023: Disquiet In PDP Over Atiku’s Continuous Stay In Dubai by treasure2: 8:25am On May 20, 2021
2023: Disquiet In PDP Over Atiku’s Continuous Stay In Dubai

... leaders, associates irked by ex-VP’s ‘abandonment ’ of party to govs

He has lost touch with those who crowned him for the 2019 poll –Aduwo

Wale Elegbede

An intractable vexation is building up in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against former Vice-President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, over his continuous domicile in Dubai, the United Arab Emirate (UAE) with less than two years to the 2023 general election.

Abubakar was the presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2019 general election. He, however, lost to the incumbent and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), President Muhammadu Buhari.

The former VP jetted out of Nigeria to Dubai in 2019, few weeks after he lost the election to Buhari.

Although his legal team proceeded to court to challenge the outcome of the election, the Supreme Court, however, affirmed Buhari’s victory at the February 23, 2019 poll.

After about eight months in the UAE, the Wazirin Adamawa returned to Nigeria in September for his son’s wedding. He went back to the Arabian country and returned again in November 2019. He has since domiciled in the UAE since late 2019



Raising concerns on the continuous stay of the former presidential candidate in Dubai, a former National Working Committee (NWC) member of the party, who also served as Secretary in the Atiku 2019 campaign, told New Telegraph in confidence that Abubakar is not only damaging his political pedigree by choosing to stay in the Arab country for over two years, but also limiting the chances of the party ahead of the 2023 race.

He lamented that the strategy to stay abroad and be commenting on national issues through social media was demeaning to the PDP’s flagbearer’s supporters, adding that most of them are already looking elsewhere to channel their strength.

“You can’t leave your followers, supporters and the party in the cold to fight for themselves all alone and you, the captain, chose to stay in Dubai, it is not done.

"Our party has no president since 2015, and as the presidential candidate in the last election, you are supposed to take the gauntlet and lead us especially at a time like this.

“Take a look at our party, it is rudderless. We have lost a governor in the South East to the APC and some others are still threatening to leave.

"Look at the way the country is, what difference would press statements and social media postings do in all of these? We seriously need to evaluate the sense of patriotism of Turakin Adamawa,” he said.
https://www.newtelegraphng.com/2023-disquiet-in-pdp-over-atikus-continuous-stay-in-dubai/

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Politics / How 30 Ex-governors Allegedly Embezzled N975 Billion In 22 Yrs by treasure2: 4:10pm On May 05, 2021
…former North-Central govs top list of alleged financial crimes


As the nation clocks her 22nd year of interrupted democratic experiment on May 29, a staggering N975 billion is alleged to have been embezzled and laundered by 30 former state governors between 1999 and 2019.

Out of the 30 former state chief executives tried by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), only seven have been convicted so far, one has also been acquitted, while others have their cases ongoing or stalled due to legal processes.

A further breakdown of the governors accused of financial crimes based on regions in the country, indicates, according to Dataphyte Research, that former governors from the country’s North Central allegedly stole more state resources than their other colleagues in other regions.

Out of the 30 governors investigated by the EFCC in the period under review, four governed in the South-West, seven in the North-Central, five in the South-South, six in the South-East, three in the North-West and five in the North-East of the country.

The recent arrest of the immediate past governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha, on the 14th of April by the EFCC, made him the latest bride on the list of former governors to be cross-examined by the anti-graft agency.

Okorocha, who is currently a sitting senator in the National Assembly, was, however, released 48-hours later by the EFCC

Meanwhile, among the governors investigated by the EFCC, only Rochas Okorocha and Abdulaziz Yari (who had his first term under ANPP) belonged to the All Progressive Congress (APC). The remaining 28 former governors were all from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) while the alleged embezzled state funds by all of them approximated to a trillion naira.

The estimated sums allegedly embezzled by the past governors amounted to a total of N355.80 billion in the North-east, N316.35 billion in the Northwest, N161.160 billion in the South-South, N62.67 billion in South-East, N56.16 billion in North-central, and N23.30 billion in South-West – the region with the least quoted amount of looted funds.


https://ireportcorruption.com/2021/05/05/how-30-ex-governors-allegedly-embezzled-n975-billion-in-22-yrs/

Politics / Defection: 2 PDP Govs Ignore Pleas, Set To Join APC by treasure2: 10:12am On Apr 28, 2021
Defection: 2 PDP Govs Ignore Pleas, Set To Join APC

Wale Elegbede




Despite several entreaties and bargains to ensure their membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), two state governors elected on the opposition party’s platform are bent on quitting the party for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next four weeks, New Telegraph can report.

It was learnt that the two governors, who had been approached and appeased by the leadership of the party through the National Working Committee (NWC) and their colleague governors, have started fresh talks with the APC leadership to perfect their movements.

It was also gathered that the two governors – one, a second term governor from the South-South, and the other, a first term governor from the North, are working to effect their defections on or before May 29, which is their sixth and second anniversary in office respectively.

Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State defected from the party to the APC last November. PDP, however, added Edo State to its kitty following the defection of Godwin Obaseki.

Currently, the APC has 19 states, while PDP controls 16 states. But in a bid to halt the exodus from the party, the PDP launched several efforts to prevent their members, especially the remaining 16 governors, from leaving the party under any guises



The party’s National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, led other members of the National Working Committee ((NWC) of the party to some of the concerned governors. Recently, PDP governors, led by their Chairman and Governor of Sokoto State, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, were in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, to persuade Governor of Zamfara State, Mr. Bello Matawalle, not to defect to the APC.

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike had, after the defection of Umahi, disclosed that another governor,, elected on the platform of the party is set to leave for the APC, adding that, “I can tell you there is one PDP governor that will leave. He is not leaving because of anything, but he will come up with an excuse.”

Our correspondent gathered that the South-South governor had already briefed some of his aides on the defection and they have declared it as ‘total explosion’ for the party in the state as members of the legislature in the state are expected to follow suit.

A member of the party, who disclosed the plans under the condition of anonymity, said the defection of the South-South governor was long overdue because he had been pondering over it, but some leaders in the party had been prevailing on him to hold on.

“The governor has weighed his options and he is set to move with his cabinet and members of the legislature, including those in Abuja. He is totally fed up with the way things are run in the party and he has his eyes on federal positions after his tenure. For him, the idea is, the earlier the better.

He hasn’t enjoyed the inclusiveness he wanted in the ranks of the PDP and he feels he deserves more.” Speaking on the imminent move of the northern governor, the source said: “The pressure and fear of a second term victory are at the heart of his exit from the PDP. He needs more than the PDP to secure a second term in his state and that is where APC comes in handy. But it’s possible that he may return to the PDP after the 2023 election.”

Aside from the second term calculations, it was also learnt that the governor is being projected to checkmate a power game in his state.

But speaking with New Telegraph, National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, said the party is not aware of any defection move of any of its governors, adding that the party’s leadership met and secured the promise of some rumoured governors that they won’t leave the party.

Asked about the outcome of the meeting of the NWC members with Governor Matawalle over his purported exit from the party, he said: “They met with the Zamfara Governor and he assured that he won’t go anywhere.”

On whether the party is aware of the pending exit of two governors from the PDP, he said, “We are not aware until they decide. We don’t believe that any governor that is worth the membership of the PDP will leave the party.”

Last week, the APC Progressives Governors’ Forum, sent a high-powered delegation to Governor Matawalle to commiserate with him and the people of the state over the recent fire outbreak in Tudun Wada Gusau Market.

The delegation, led by the Forum Chairman and Governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu, comprised the Governor of Yobe State and the Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, Mai-Mala Buni, and Governor Muhammad Badaru-Abubakar of Jigawa State. The forum donated the sum of N50 million to the state government.


https://www.newtelegraphng.com/defection-2-pdp-govs-ignore-pleas-set-to-join-apc/

Religion / Kukah: The Cleric That Provokes Buhari’s Presidency by treasure2: 8:23am On Apr 12, 2021
Kukah: The Cleric That Provokes Buhari’s Presidency

Bishop Matthew Kukah has a penchant for speaking truth to power. His recent Easter message on the state of the nation has, however, incurred the wrath of the current administration who accused him of playing politics with his interventions. WALE ELEGBEDE reports



The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah is not a run-of-the- mill cleric.


The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah is not a run-ofthe- mill cleric.

Unlike some clerics who take pleasure in kissing powers that be for morsels of bread, he usually intervenes and makes his voice counts as a deliberate conscience of the nation.

He is one cleric that can be classified as a man of many parts as he has proved himself to be a social crusader and erudite scholar.

To his credit are several published works, comprising of books, projects, and articles.

At the national level, he has asserted himself as both a committed and uncompromising citizen, hence, the critical assignments and committees he has been part of in the past in the country.

Kukah’s contributions to the work of these committees caused many to express the fear that the nation would lose his services when he was elevated to the position of a bishop in 2011.

General Muhammadu Buhari (now president) captured the sentiment in his congratulatory message to the cleric at that time. He expressed the fear that the cleric would no longer be available for public engagements. But Kukah allayed his fears, saying: “No need to fear, General.

Of late, the role played by the National Peace Committee on 2015 elections convened by the Kukah Centre for Faith and Leadership Research, and which he was a member, has been a reference point in the narrative of Nigeria’s democratic history.

Despite being part of those who midwives a seamless transition in 2015, the outspoken cleric refused to be cowed as he continues to speak truth to power, a development that continues to angst the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.



https://www.newtelegraphng.com/kukah-the-cleric-that-provokes-buharis-presidency/

Nairaland / General / Afenifere, YCE Caution Igboho Over Attacks On Ooni, Others by treasure2: 9:59am On Feb 04, 2021
Afenifere, YCE Caution Igboho Over Attacks On Ooni, Others

Wale Elegbede

Prominent Yoruba socio-cultural organizations, Afenifere and Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), have berated acclaimed rights activist, Mr. Sunday Adeyemo, well known as Sunday Igboho, for attacking the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, monarchs and some prominent leaders of the South-West.

Igboho, who spoke yesterday at a virtual ‘Townhall With Yoruba In Diaspora’ monitored by New Telegraph, alleged that some Yoruba leaders are sabotaging his efforts to secure the region from the hands of Fulani herdsmen.

The controversial activist said the Yoruba people are disappointed in the first-class monarch, because, according to him, he failed to convey the pains and displeasure of the Yoruba people to President Muhammadu Buhari when he (Ooni) visited him in Aso Rock recently over the herdsmen crisis in the region.

He said: “Yoruba leaders should be able to tell truths to President Buhari on security in Yoruba land. When Ooni met with Buhari over the herdsmen is sue, Ooni should have told Buhari the truth but he did not. When Ooni returned, he started tackling me to leave the remaining task to the government to finish. You can imagine that kind of talk? “Alaafin of Oyo has asked me to meet him over the matter.

Alaafin should have been the one invited to meet Buhari, but since Ooni was invited, he should be bold to tell the President the whole truth and make the demands of the Yoruba people known to the President. “Ooni disappointed himself.

Some politicians are behind Ooni’s latest move. He invited me to his palace, but I refused to go. I would have gone if he had represented us well, but he did not. I won’t honour any monarch who does not cooperate with me.”

Also in his speech at the teleconference which had over 1,000 participants from Nigeria and the Diaspora, the Yoruba activist said Oba Ogunwusi, former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde; and Oluwo of Iwo, Abdulrasheed Akambi, are slaves of the Fulani.

But cautioning Igboho while speaking with New Telegraph, Afenifere said the traditional institution in Yoruba land should and must be accorded due respect. According to the organisation’s spokesman, Mr. Yinka Odumakin,

“We must learn to handle our traditional rulers with respect because they embodied our traditional culture.

"Even when you have issues with them, there is a way of relating that. Traditional institutions should be regarded and accorded due respect. We are Yoruba and our culture doesn’t allow engagement in a personal fight with our Obas. If there are things that are not right, there are ways we point it out to them.”

Similarly, Secretary- General of YCE, Dr. Kunle Olajide, said he was unhappy with the remarks made by Igboho against the monarch and some other prominent leaders of the region, stating that all stakeholders should be discreet in handling security situation in South-West.

He said: “I read comments made by Igboho against some of our leaders in the South-West and I am really unhappy. Yes, I admire his boldness in standing up for the people, but we mustn’t wash our dirty linens in public.”

https://www.newtelegraphng.com/afenifere-yce-caution-igboho-over-attacks-on-ooni-others/

Religion / Kukah: A Cleric Without Borders by treasure2: 3:34pm On Jan 04, 2021
Kukah: A Cleric Without Borders

Bishop Matthew Kukah has endlessly spoken truth to power unlike some clerics who choose to ferment prejudice. However, his recent intervention on the state of the nation, which according to him, was spurred by love for Nigeria has pitted him against the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government. FELIX NWANERI reports

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah is a man of many parts. He is not just an average cleric; he is an erudite scholar and social crusader. He has to his credit several published works, comprising of books and articles.

He is also the media’s delight. Perhaps, his uncompromising stand on national issues, explains the critical assignments he has been part of in the past. Among such national assignments include serving as Secretary to the National Human Rights Violations Investigation Commission, popularly referred to as Oputa Panel; National Political Reforms Conference; Ogoni/Shell Mediation Initiative and the Electoral Reform Committee.

Kukah’s contributions to the work of these committees caused many to express the fear that the nation would lose his services, when he was elevated to the position of a bishop in 2011. General Muhammadu Buhari (now president) captured the sentiment in his congratulatory message to the cleric at that time. He expressed the fear that the cleric would no longer be available for public engagements. But Kukah allayed his fears, saying: “No need to fear, General.

https://www.newtelegraphng.com/kukah-a-cleric-without-borders/

Nairaland / General / Pains, Frustration Of Obtaining Nigerian Passport Abroad by treasure2: 4:18pm On Dec 31, 2020
Pains, frustration of obtaining Nigerian passport abroad

Nigeria’s Foreign Missions ought to be a bastion and second home to citizens in the Diaspora, but the reverse is the case. From the United States to Germany, Canada, United Kingdom and Malaysia, it is tales of woes, disappointment, corruption, ill-treatment and poor services rendered to Nigerians by foreign missions. In this report, WALE ELEGBEDE looks at the anguish and frustrations which the country’s Diaspora citizens, whose yearly remittances average $24 billion experience to renew necessary documents in foreign lands

Alongside her five kids, she left her residence city, Munich, and headed to Berlin, the city that houses the Nigerian Embassy in Germany, with the intent of renewing her passports and validating other papers that will legalise her stay in the Western European country.

Ostensibly confident that her earlier scheduled online appointment with the Nigerian Embassy was sufficient for her to procure her passports and head back to her base, she undertook a four-hour journey with her kids via by rail for a fee of about 29 euros per seat.

On arrival in Berlin in the afternoon, she took her kids and headed straight to her country’s embassy located at Neue Jakobstrasse 4, 10179, presented her appointment letter but was allegedly told that she would not be attended to. Looking distraught in a viral video done to announce her predicament, the mother of five, who had to sleep outside the embassy premises alongside her kids, said she was helpless and feeble, as she had to spread cloths on the ground in front of the embassy’s building as she awaits Nigeria’s mission for her passports’ renewal.

“I don’t know what to do next,” was all she could mutter as she helplessly watches one of her kids cry profusely. A few months ago, a viral video made the rounds on social media where some Nigerians were seen in front of their country’s embassy in Bern, furious and claiming that the embassy called Switzerland police on its citizens seeking to renew their passports.

https://www.newtelegraphng.com/foreign-missions-underfunding-corruption-battered-nigerias-image/

Politics / Gbadamosi: What Next After Two Defeats? by treasure2: 9:02am On Dec 09, 2020
Gbadamosi: What Next After Two Defeats?

WALE ELEGBEDE writes on the aftermath of the Lagos East senatorial by-election and what it portends for the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Babatunde Gbadamosi

With the outcome of last weekend’s Lagos East senatorial byelection, Babatunde Gbadamosi, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), must be suddenly somber over the result and possibly asking why and where he got it wrong again.

The name, Babatunde Gbadamosi, is not totally strange in Lagos State, especially among social media users. As at the last count, he has over 50,000 followers on his @BOGbadamosi Twitter handle.

But his name gained traction again just after the demise of the lawmaker representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Senator Bayo Osinowo, on June 15.

Gbadamosi became one of the politicians’ to be prepped up within his party, the PDP, to replace the late Osinowo, when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the notice for a by-election to fill the Lagos East vacant seat.


After the usual political horsetrading, Gbadamosi emerged candidate of the party and contested the election last Saturday against the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Tokunbo Abiru, but lost scandalously as he polled 11,257 votes against the APC candidate’s 89,204 votes.

The defeat, notwithstanding, the nature of the election, turned out to be the second time Gbadamosi would be floored by the APC in an election within 21 months.
https://www.newtelegraphng.com/gbadamosi-what-next-after-two-defeats/

Politics / 2023:Former Commissioner’s Appointment Terminated After Declaring Guber Ambition by treasure2: 11:33am On Sep 30, 2020
Lagos 2023: Former Commissioner’s Appointment Terminated After Declaring Guber Ambition

Wale Elegbede

The appointment of Hon Abdulhakeem Abdullateef as Special Adviser to the Speaker on the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has been terminated just hours after he declared his ambition to succeed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in 2023.

Abdullateef, a former Commissioner for Home Affairs during the administration of former governor Akinwunmi Ambode, on Tuesday launched his Iyepe Political Movement meant to be the platform on which his governorship will run.

Speaking during his official declaration at Ostra Hall, Central Business District (CBD), Alausa, Ikeja, Abdullateef, who was also former Amir Hajj of Lagos, said that his intention to contest was also a response to call by Lagosians who had been following his trajectory in public offices and found him worthy of leading the state to prosperous and enviable heights.

However, in a letter terminating his appointment and signed by the Chief of Staff to the Speaker, Hon. Dayo Saka Fafunmi, dated Tuesday, September 29, the Speaker said the termination was necessary to prevent a ‘conflict of interest’.

The letter reads: “Sequel to the recent development and your expression of interest to contest election as the Governor of Lagos State, I am directed to inform you that your appointment as the Special Adviser to the Rt. Hon. Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Islamic Religion is hereby terminated.

“This has become necessary to prevent conflict of interests between your assigned obligations and your ambition."

Politics / Lagos By-election: PDP In Dilemma As APC Settles For Bank MD by treasure2: 7:56am On Aug 26, 2020
Lagos By-Election: PDP In Dilemma As APC Settles For Bank MD

Wale Elegbede

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State is currently in a quandary over the selection of its candidate ahead of the October 31 Lagos East senatorial district election in the state.



This is as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) appears to have settled for the outgoing Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Bank, Tokunbo Abiru, as its candidate for the vacant senatorial seat.

The position became vacant following the death of Senator Bayo Osinowo aka Pepperito who died on June 15.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently announced the schedule for by-elections affecting 12 constituencies across eight states in both federal and state legislative houses, including Lagos East and Kosofe state constituency II.The vacancies across the federation were as a result of litigation and death of members.

Ahead of the by-election, it was gathered that no fewer than six members of the PDP have signified interest to represent the party and they have all obtained the party’s nomination form.

Among those already signified interest for the party’s senatorial ticket is the governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) in 2019 election, Mr. Babatunde Gbadamosi; the party’s candidate for the district in 2019 and daughter of the late Ayangburen of Ikorodu – Oba S.A.A Oyefusi, Princess Abiodun Oyefusi.

Others include the immediate past Vice President, Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Yeye Adenike Shobajo; a trade unionist, Babatunde Olanrewaju; a legal practitioner, Aare Oladotun Hassan and Princess Saidat Fawora.

New Telegraph learnt that delegates and leadership of the party are currently divided on who will become the flag bearer of the party following the decision of some blocs within the party to support Gbadamosi who recently returned to the party ahead of Oyefusi who represented the party in the 2019 polls.

https://www.newtelegraphng.com/lagos-by-election-pdp-in-dilemma-as-apc-settles-for-bank-md/

Nairaland / General / Joel Popoola:British Genius Of Nigerian Descent Behind Digital Democracy Project by treasure2: 9:41pm On Jan 27, 2020
Meet Joel Popoola: British genius of Nigerian descent behind digital democracy project


A British citizen of Nigerian descent Joel Popoola, the founder of a digital democracy project, Rate Your Leader, has said the app will soon be launched across all the states in Nigeria.

Legit.ng notes that Popoola said it is important for politicians to use the app to build relationships of trust with the electorate. He said: "Rate Your Leader is a cutting edge bridge between the elected representatives and their electors. The app will help politicians to listen, connect and engage with the voters within their constituencies, providing them with the tools to improve their voter reach, target and broadcast to voters at the touch of a button, encourage people to register to vote, and engage directly with voters without fear of abuse."

According to Popoola, the app will help leaders to know what matters most to the people whose interests they are serving. He said it will be extremely difficult for politicians and electorate to register multiple accounts on Rate Your Leader

Popoola grew up in Gbongan, Osun state where he had his primary and secondary education.

Read more: https://www.legit.ng/1296723-joel-popoola-british-genius-nigerian-descent-digital-democracy-project.html

Politics / Read The Full Interview Of Ambassador Babagana Kingibe Here, Very Explosive by treasure2: 9:01am On Jun 17, 2019
It’s regrettable Nigeria never had Abiola as president--Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe

By Wale Elegbede


https://www.newtelegraphng.com/2019/06/its-regrettable-nigeria-never-had-abiola-as-president/

Politics / Meet Nigerian Politicians Who Have Been In Power For 20 Years (1999 Till Date) by treasure2: 1:20pm On May 06, 2019
20yrs in power and still counting

....Nigeria’s Fourth Republic and long-term political office holders


Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, which clocks 20 years on May 29, has witnessed politicians, who have been in power uninterruptedly for two decades, FELIX NWANERI, TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE and WALE ELEGBEDE report

Nigeria’s Fourth Republic became possible, following the death of then military dictator, General Sani Abacha in 1998, as his successor, General Abdusalami Abubakar initiated the transition, which heralded the country’s return to democratic rule in 1999.

Abubakar, not only lifted the ban on political activities, but freed political prisoners. This led to formation and registration of three political parties – Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Peoples Party (APP) and Alliance for Democracy (AD)).

Consequently, elections were held across the country for elective positions at the state and federal levels culminating in the April 1999 presidential poll that saw the emergence of a former military ruler, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as president and was sworn-in on May 29, 1999.

But 20 years after, it is still unfilled dreams, leaving many to wonder if Nigeria’s Fourth Republic was not one mismanaged even as there is the belief that a majority of those, who have been at the helm of affairs in the last two decades have over stayed their welcome.

David Mark

The former Senate president is among the top beneficiaries of the present political dispensation, having been within the corridors of power since 1999.
For Mark, who had earlier served as military administrator of Niger State (1984-1986) and minister of Communication, he has been in the Senate since 1999, which makes him Nigeria’s longest serving senator.
He was first elected as senator for Benue South Senatorial District in 1999 and was president of the Senate from 2007 to 2015
The Benue State born politician was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army in 1970 upon his graduation from the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) and retired as a Brigadier General.
Mark aspired for the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party for the 2019 general elections, but was among those defeated by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. His record as the nation’s longest serving senator would be equaled by the time the 9th National Assembly is inaugurated in June as he did not contest the poll to return to the Red Chamber after losing the PDP presidential ticket.

Ike Ekweremadu

The Senate deputy president will step into the shoes of his former principal (Mark) as he won election into the apex legislative chamber for the fifth time in the recent general elections.
The Enugu State born lawyer turned politician, who has the record of being the number two man in the Senate for 12 unbroken years (2007-2015), has been in the upper legislative chamber since 2003.
Before then, he had served as chairman of Aninri Local Government Area (1997-1998); Chief of Staff, Enugu State (1999-2001) and Secretary to the Enugu State Government (2001-2003) after which he was elected as senator representing Enugu West Senatorial District.

Ifeanyi Okowa


https://www.newtelegraphng.com/2019/05/20yrs-in-power-and-still-counting/

Politics / Campaign Debts: Candidates Go Into Hiding by treasure2: 10:44am On Apr 21, 2019
Campaign debts: Candidates go into hiding

Wale Elegbede

Less than six weeks after the conclusion of the 2019 general elections, bank accounts of some candidates who contested in the polls are in the red, with creditors and vendors breathing down their necks, demanding repayment.
Sunday Telegraph learnt that paucity of funds is major headache of most of the defeated candidates and sides in the election, especially those from the fringe parties who participated in the exercise for the very first time.

https://www.newtelegraphng.com/2019/04/campaign-debts-candidates-go-into-hiding/
Politics / Wike: A Cat With Nine Lives by treasure2: 8:32am On Apr 09, 2019
Wike: A cat with nine lives

Governor Nyesom Wike is a fighter; he has come a long way in the art of political warfare. Last week, the Rivers State governor, again, came out unscratched from what is perhaps his biggest political battle. In this report, WALE ELEGBEDE writes on the hurdle the man popularly called ‘Mr Projects’ had to scale to secure a second term in office

Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, cuts a different picture to different people. For some, he is a desperate politician with lousy character, while to others, he is a man that abhors injustice, especially against the masses and would go to any length to repel anything of such.
Regardless of the acuity, however, his bravery and daring spirit is one trait that can’t be easily untwined from him.

From when he berthed in the murky waters of politics, he has developed a knack for taking on political battles and winning most of them. He loves the game of politics and the game loves him. Whenever he suffered any political setback, those close to him say that he recoils, goes back to his chess board to plot again and come back in full fledge.

On the face value, Wike is a tough man and he is not a jelly, lily-livered man. But, those who know him say he is so gentle and unassuming that he could easily be classified as a man, who cannot hurt a fly. But, they are also quick to add that anyone, who looks for his trouble will get it in dose because he doesn’t suffer fools gladly.

Speaking in an interview with a national newspaper on the perception about him by a section of the media, Wike said: “For me, I’m not bothered about what the media writes about me. My own concern is, how do my people feel? Are they happy? Yes! Are they not happy? No! So, that is what bothers me. Rivers people elected me. Therefore, I owe them that responsibility to defend their interest.

https://www.newtelegraphng.com/2019/04/with-nine-lives/

Politics / Agbaje Only Uses PDP To Make Money, Worse Than Obanikoro- Bode George by treasure2: 10:44am On Mar 25, 2019
Agbaje only uses PDP to make money, worse than Obanikoro- Bode George

Chief Olabode George was a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In this interview with WALE ELEGBEDE, he speaks on the victory of the party at Osun State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, the chances of the PDP at the Presidential Tribunal and the botched bid by the party to take over Lagos State at the March 9 governorship election


Don’t you feel disappointed about the outcome of the Lagos governorship election when even your candidate had to call to congratulate his opponent before the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) even announced the winner?



Let me tell you something, this is also part of what I was referring to when I said political experiences cannot be bought from the shelf. When you get somebody who is yet to learn the rudiments of an organization, that is what you get. In any organization, there are certain written laws and there are customs, which are not written. You may read the written law, but for the customs, you have to grow to know that this is a taboo here. We have done a post-mortem analysis; maybe I was also guilty. When Jimi Agbaje came into the party, we were looking for quality and he was contesting mainly at that time with Musliu Obanikoro.



We have seen Obanikoro and the people said they can’t have any of him again. This one too came and in my 21 years of party politics in PDP, I have never seen such absolute nonsense and I blame the national for it. We have resolved in the South- West that never again will anyone foist candidate on any state from the national.



You don’t jump over the managers of the party and go over to the lower level and start picking because you are vice chairman, deputy chairman or national chairman. You build your house from the foundation up. It is a sign of weak management and you are creating a dangerous precedence that will collapse your system. If the man refused to work with the state chairman and state exco and he thinks he can run elections by himself, and he can go and do all he likes, what do you expect




Did he contact anyone of us throughout the campaign? I don’t want to say much on this issue. But that behaviour is against party discipline, it is against the practice and culture of the party and we would never again accept that from anybody as long as I am in this party. I didn’t make the rules and regulations of the party, but all of us must follow and obey the rules so that we can emerge as the ruling party in Lagos State. He didn’t even have the courtesy to talk anybody or leader in the party. Do you think anybody in his own madness would try that with Bola Tinubu? He disregarded the party; he disregarded the managers of the party and headed on his own.



But he said he incurred the wrath of the party leaders because he stopped the Lagos PDP tradition of sharing campaign monies to the elders?



That is absolutely insane, quote me. Which PDP leaders sharing money? Was he here? When he contested in 2015, we ran the elections where we won eight House of Assembly seats, six Federal House of Representatives seats and the margin of defeat at the governorship was nothing embarrassing. Sharing which money? So, it is an idea that he personified the party? I have been leader of this party from day zero, if he has the nerves let him point the names of those who have shared the monies. It is not only an insult; he must be a special candidate in the hospital. The normal practice which Abuja does is that x is going for your election, that election was not his election, it was Atiku’s.


https://www.newtelegraphng.com/2019/03/lagos-guber-why-jimi-agbaje-was-beaten-black-and-blue-by-apc-bode-george/

Politics / 80 Women Battle 987 Men For 29 Guber Seats by treasure2: 8:22am On Mar 07, 2019
80 women battle 987 men for 29 guber seats
….Gen. Useni, Oyo PPN candidate lead the oldest pack at 75
…Akwa Ibom deputy governor, the oldest running mate at 76

By Wale Elegbede

A fierce contest is expected to take place on Saturday as 80 female candidates square up against 987 male for 29 governorship seats in the states.
Similarly, that day, elections into the Federal Council Territory (FCT) area councils for chairmen and councillors will also be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Just as it was penultimate week in the Presidential and National Assembly elections, the governorship race is largely going to be a straight fight between the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and those of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In the 2015 general elections, about 368 candidates vied for the governorship seats in 29 states, 58 of them were APC and PDP candidates.
Governorship elections won’t be taking place in seven states. The states are: Kogi, Anambra, Bayelsa, Osun, Ondo, Edo and Ekiti.
Out of the 1,067 candidates vying for the governorship seats in 29 states on Saturday, 28 of them are APC and 29 are PDP candidates.
The APC is not presenting governorship candidate in Rivers State due to a court ruling on its governorship primaries.
According to New Telegraph findings, only 80 of the 1,067 governorship candidates are female, representing 7.5 per cent of the governorship hopeful.
All of the 29 states have female as their gubernatorial candidates except three states. The states with no female governorship candidates are: Borno, Kastina and Plateau states.
The Change Advocacy Party (CAP) recorded the highest number of female gubernatorial flag bearers by a political party. It has seven women as candidates.

Courtesy: https://www.newtelegraphng.com/2019/03/80-women-battle-987-men-for-29-guber-seats/

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